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Done.
*2nd Place in Coming of Age in the International Firebird Book Awards!*
When Casey Duncan goes on a search to find his biological father, he has no idea the family secrets he will uncover and the tragedy that started his young life. Struggling with addiction and the need for revenge against an attacker, Casey finds himself lost at every turn, wanting to let go and leave their small beach town behind.
With the help of his best friend, Smith, Casey challenges his existence, attempting to discover where he belongs and who he is outside of drugs. Only by facing his family's past can he understand the emptiness inside himself and find a way to hold on.
When Casey Duncan goes on a search to find his biological father, he has no idea the family secrets he will uncover and the tragedy that started his young life. Struggling with addiction and the need for revenge against an attacker, Casey finds himself lost at every turn, wanting to let go and leave their small beach town behind.
With the help of his best friend, Smith, Casey challenges his existence, attempting to discover where he belongs and who he is outside of drugs. Only by facing his family's past can he understand the emptiness inside himself and find a way to hold on.
305 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2025
About the author
Juliet Rose
21 books470 followersMulti award-winning, cross-genre author, journalist, and librarian!
Juliet Rose is driven to bring to life characters from many walks of life and the struggles faced in modern society. Her writing style is open and fluid, giving the characters the ability to shine as the truth of their own story. Her works are honest and sometimes brutally painful but in the end, her characters are given the voice which needs to be heard.
Juliet is a New York native living in the mountains of Georgia. She has lived all over the United States and Mexico and doesn’t plan to stop seeing the world beyond her front doorstep. She spends her time rescuing animals, painting, and writing.
Juliet Rose is driven to bring to life characters from many walks of life and the struggles faced in modern society. Her writing style is open and fluid, giving the characters the ability to shine as the truth of their own story. Her works are honest and sometimes brutally painful but in the end, her characters are given the voice which needs to be heard.
Juliet is a New York native living in the mountains of Georgia. She has lived all over the United States and Mexico and doesn’t plan to stop seeing the world beyond her front doorstep. She spends her time rescuing animals, painting, and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 7, 2026
I had the absolute pleasure of being a beta reader for Done. by Juliet Sexton.
Done. is a raw and gripping prequel that delves into the struggles of Casey, a character whose search for identity and escape from pain is heartbreaking. The novel paints a vivid portrait of addiction, self-destruction, and the quiet moments of hope that slip through the cracks.
Casey’s uncertainty about who he is and where he’s headed makes him an incredibly relatable character. His reliance on ketamine as a coping mechanism feels painfully real, and the novel doesn’t shy away from the dark spiral that follows. His decision to seek out his father is a pivotal moment, but instead of the resolution or understanding he hopes for, he is met with disappointment—an encounter that is as devastating for the reader as it is for him, leaving Casey even more lost.
The novel has intense, breath-stealing moments that build tension and immerse the reader in Casey’s chaotic world.
The dialogue generally flows well, but there are moments—particularly between Casey and his family members—where it feels a bit too formal for an emotionally charged conversation. A more natural, less structured approach could help bring out the warmth (or lack thereof) in their dynamic.
The writing is strong, though some scenes could benefit from additional sensory details. Descriptions of the beach, the café, or even Casey’s sketches would deepen the reader’s immersion and make the world feel more tangible. These small refinements could elevate the storytelling even further.
Overall, Done. is an emotionally powerful read that sets the stage for We Don’t Matter beautifully. It captures the weight of addiction, loss, and identity in a way that lingers long after the final page. It’s a compelling and heartbreaking prequel that leaves a lasting impact.
#BookReview #Bookstagram #BetaReader #IndieAuthor
Done. is a raw and gripping prequel that delves into the struggles of Casey, a character whose search for identity and escape from pain is heartbreaking. The novel paints a vivid portrait of addiction, self-destruction, and the quiet moments of hope that slip through the cracks.
Casey’s uncertainty about who he is and where he’s headed makes him an incredibly relatable character. His reliance on ketamine as a coping mechanism feels painfully real, and the novel doesn’t shy away from the dark spiral that follows. His decision to seek out his father is a pivotal moment, but instead of the resolution or understanding he hopes for, he is met with disappointment—an encounter that is as devastating for the reader as it is for him, leaving Casey even more lost.
The novel has intense, breath-stealing moments that build tension and immerse the reader in Casey’s chaotic world.
The dialogue generally flows well, but there are moments—particularly between Casey and his family members—where it feels a bit too formal for an emotionally charged conversation. A more natural, less structured approach could help bring out the warmth (or lack thereof) in their dynamic.
The writing is strong, though some scenes could benefit from additional sensory details. Descriptions of the beach, the café, or even Casey’s sketches would deepen the reader’s immersion and make the world feel more tangible. These small refinements could elevate the storytelling even further.
Overall, Done. is an emotionally powerful read that sets the stage for We Don’t Matter beautifully. It captures the weight of addiction, loss, and identity in a way that lingers long after the final page. It’s a compelling and heartbreaking prequel that leaves a lasting impact.
#BookReview #Bookstagram #BetaReader #IndieAuthor
May 30, 2025
Done. is the first of three novels that follow the life of addicts. It is raw, hard to read, and I couldn't put it down. As I've struggled with my own demons of addiction, this really broke my heart, and then put it back together. I am proud of say this is one that I will keep on my shelf forever and revisit from time to time. Juliet absolutely blew me away.
March 15, 2026
📝 Story Review: Juliet Rose has a way with words. Each story I’ve read of hers has been poignant and well written.
This book was raw and emotional, showcasing the seedy underbelly that pervasively takes over the world…. Addiction to a variety of drugs, along with alcohol use and prostitution.
This story follows Casey, a teenager entering ‘adulthood’ who got into drugs at an early age and has escalated since. His best friend is his dealer and he’s hidden this part of his life from his family. But as he tries to discover more about himself and the father he doesn’t really remember, he goes down a dark path.
This explored a variety of ways that drugs/ addiction can take over a life and damage relationships/friendships and of course even lead to death or near death experiences. The writing does not try to sugarcoat the truth of addiction and how brutal it can be. - In my own life, I have seen how addiction (whether drugs or alcohol) can adversely affect people I’ve cared about and how they can change and their lives can fall apart from the results. It’s something I take very seriously and am strongly against. If you’re struggling, whether with depression, anxiety, addiction, or something else… seek help! You don’t have to face it alone, but you do have to be willing to help yourself. I found that out the hard way. You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. But you can try your hardest to help them get to the point of wanting help.
This story is a hard one, a lot of sensitive topics are interwoven throughout, but it’s real and it will make you reevaluate things.
Genre: Literary Fiction
POV: Third Person; Single
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
Vibes: Real life tragedy and struggles; raw and emotional.
TW’s 👇
- Drug use (plentiful & often)
- Alcohol use
- Prostitution
- Mention of STD’s
- Mention of miscarriage due to domestic abuse
- Flash back of abuse to a toddler
- Flash back to Domestic abuse
- Overdose (requiring CPR)
- Drug dealers
- Suicide & thoughts of suicide
- Depression & Anxiety
- Addiction
This book was raw and emotional, showcasing the seedy underbelly that pervasively takes over the world…. Addiction to a variety of drugs, along with alcohol use and prostitution.
This story follows Casey, a teenager entering ‘adulthood’ who got into drugs at an early age and has escalated since. His best friend is his dealer and he’s hidden this part of his life from his family. But as he tries to discover more about himself and the father he doesn’t really remember, he goes down a dark path.
This explored a variety of ways that drugs/ addiction can take over a life and damage relationships/friendships and of course even lead to death or near death experiences. The writing does not try to sugarcoat the truth of addiction and how brutal it can be. - In my own life, I have seen how addiction (whether drugs or alcohol) can adversely affect people I’ve cared about and how they can change and their lives can fall apart from the results. It’s something I take very seriously and am strongly against. If you’re struggling, whether with depression, anxiety, addiction, or something else… seek help! You don’t have to face it alone, but you do have to be willing to help yourself. I found that out the hard way. You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped. But you can try your hardest to help them get to the point of wanting help.
This story is a hard one, a lot of sensitive topics are interwoven throughout, but it’s real and it will make you reevaluate things.
Genre: Literary Fiction
POV: Third Person; Single
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
Vibes: Real life tragedy and struggles; raw and emotional.
TW’s 👇
- Drug use (plentiful & often)
- Alcohol use
- Prostitution
- Mention of STD’s
- Mention of miscarriage due to domestic abuse
- Flash back of abuse to a toddler
- Flash back to Domestic abuse
- Overdose (requiring CPR)
- Drug dealers
- Suicide & thoughts of suicide
- Depression & Anxiety
- Addiction
March 14, 2025
*****Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite*****
Done by Juliet Rose follows Casey, a young man in the throes of substance abuse and a strained relationship with both his past and present living situation. As Casey tries to find peace in surfing and moments of escape through ketamine, the fallout of his drug use starts to occur, including a violent altercation with Tucker, a dangerous local linked to a whole host of illegal undertakings. Still, Casey is determined to confront his troubled past, especially regarding his biological father, Mark, and protect those he cares about, including his younger brother Aidan. Casey's journey is focused on trying to keep his family safe from the criminal influence of Tucker, who is exploiting local girls through manipulation and control. Casey, along with his friend Smith, devises a plan to stop Tucker's harmful activities while juggling his own internal conflicts, addiction, and uncertainty about his future.
Done is a unique and emotionally powerful story. Juliet Rose does an amazing job of managing plot threads around family secrets, identity, and the pursuit of closure. The writing is raw and authentic, with characters that feel deeply real and complex. Rose thoughtfully portrays Casey's trouble in uncovering the truth about an abusive father, fully capturing his confusion, anger, and eventual determination to seek answers. The pacing is deliberate, the dialogue is sharp, and, for all his flaws, I liked Smith. Rose leans into Casey's relationships, particularly his pure love for his brother Aiden, and we get a sense of comfort and unease in equal measure, often in the same moment. Sensitive subjects like abuse, exploitation, and trauma were sympathetically handled in a way that kept me invested throughout. Overall, this is a fantastic story that has a well-developed anti-hero and is a great addition to the canon of literary fiction. Very highly recommended.
Done by Juliet Rose follows Casey, a young man in the throes of substance abuse and a strained relationship with both his past and present living situation. As Casey tries to find peace in surfing and moments of escape through ketamine, the fallout of his drug use starts to occur, including a violent altercation with Tucker, a dangerous local linked to a whole host of illegal undertakings. Still, Casey is determined to confront his troubled past, especially regarding his biological father, Mark, and protect those he cares about, including his younger brother Aidan. Casey's journey is focused on trying to keep his family safe from the criminal influence of Tucker, who is exploiting local girls through manipulation and control. Casey, along with his friend Smith, devises a plan to stop Tucker's harmful activities while juggling his own internal conflicts, addiction, and uncertainty about his future.
Done is a unique and emotionally powerful story. Juliet Rose does an amazing job of managing plot threads around family secrets, identity, and the pursuit of closure. The writing is raw and authentic, with characters that feel deeply real and complex. Rose thoughtfully portrays Casey's trouble in uncovering the truth about an abusive father, fully capturing his confusion, anger, and eventual determination to seek answers. The pacing is deliberate, the dialogue is sharp, and, for all his flaws, I liked Smith. Rose leans into Casey's relationships, particularly his pure love for his brother Aiden, and we get a sense of comfort and unease in equal measure, often in the same moment. Sensitive subjects like abuse, exploitation, and trauma were sympathetically handled in a way that kept me invested throughout. Overall, this is a fantastic story that has a well-developed anti-hero and is a great addition to the canon of literary fiction. Very highly recommended.
November 29, 2025
Done. by Juliet Rose
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is one of the most heartfelt and beautiful written stories that I’ve had the pleasure of reading!
The story follows the main character Casey, as he tries to find his way into becoming an adult. He struggles with the feeling of belonging and addiction.
The emotions that come along addiction are so raw and touching.
The story is so well written and it’s 100% one of my top reads of 2025! (And I’ve read hundreds this year!)
I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone who wants to read a deep, dark, and emotionally charged story. Addiction is real and everyone needs to feel love from others and themselves!
I’ve read a few other excellent books from Juliet Rose and the rest of her books are definitely getting bumped up on my tbr list!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is one of the most heartfelt and beautiful written stories that I’ve had the pleasure of reading!
The story follows the main character Casey, as he tries to find his way into becoming an adult. He struggles with the feeling of belonging and addiction.
The emotions that come along addiction are so raw and touching.
The story is so well written and it’s 100% one of my top reads of 2025! (And I’ve read hundreds this year!)
I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone who wants to read a deep, dark, and emotionally charged story. Addiction is real and everyone needs to feel love from others and themselves!
I’ve read a few other excellent books from Juliet Rose and the rest of her books are definitely getting bumped up on my tbr list!!
January 9, 2026
😭😭😭
This book was hard to read, but in the way that really sticks with you. Casey is an addict, barely holding himself together, and watching him struggle through life is painful and raw. Knowing what eventually happens to him and his best friend Smith in the next book made this even more heartbreaking.
Getting their backstory added so much depth and made everything hurt more in the best way. Done. is emotional, heavy, and honest. Juliet Rose doesn’t shy away from the ugly parts of addiction, and that’s what makes this story so powerful.
This book was hard to read, but in the way that really sticks with you. Casey is an addict, barely holding himself together, and watching him struggle through life is painful and raw. Knowing what eventually happens to him and his best friend Smith in the next book made this even more heartbreaking.
Getting their backstory added so much depth and made everything hurt more in the best way. Done. is emotional, heavy, and honest. Juliet Rose doesn’t shy away from the ugly parts of addiction, and that’s what makes this story so powerful.
January 21, 2026
This is one of my top reads for 2025! The story is so relatable with easy to understand language. The main character Casey struggles with such relatable issues including addiction. As a therapist who counsels individuals impacted by addiction, I know this is such an accurate portrayal on how addiction can impact the entire family system. It’s easy to get emotionally involved and connected to the main character Casey as well as Natalie. The straightforward writing enhances the emotional depth of the work.
January 13, 2026
Done is a look into the life of a young ketamine addict named Casey. As with most of Juliet’s books, it was raw, emotional and real. How does a seemingly good kid spiral? And what would it take to get him back on track? Another great, heartfelt story from one of my favorites!
January 30, 2026
This book follows Casey as he battles addiction and his search for identity. The deep character growth of not only Casey but the others in his life draws you in. Filled with hurt, hard truths and quiet resilience this journey with Casey is such a powerful read.
May 30, 2025
Damn. Get the tissues.
January 22, 2026
Done and done! What a fantastic read!!
February 9, 2026
Great book. Sad and frustrating but great.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews