Absolution

Favorite Malady Trilogy #3

by Julia Sykes

I might be a monster, but I’m her monster.

When a ghost from our past returns to threaten Abigail, I will do anything to protect her.

She says she doesn’t want me to kill for her again, but I don’t think I’m capable of mercy. Especially not when her safety is on the line.

Even though I’m a psychopath, I’m not delusional. After all of my crimes, I’ll never be worthy of her.

But I’ve been honest with her from the I’m too selfish to let her go.

I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my little dove caged forever.

And I’ll eliminate anyone who tries to take her from me.

I don’t need absolution. I just need her.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2025

About the author

Julia Sykes is a USA Today bestselling author of edgy, emotional romance. When she's not writing, she's usually reading.

Other than reading, her obsessions include iced coffee, unicorns, charcuterie, aged Manchego cheese (or any cheese, really), and fancy dresses.

An American expat, Julia now lives in her adopted, beloved home of York, England. Most days, you can find her wandering the cobbled streets and daydreaming about her next novel.

Reviews

[Lana *Best left alone with books and snacks* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did I need book three? Maybe not. The amount of shit that keeps happening to Abigail is bonkers and Dain should change his business cards from doctor to full-time bodyguard. I snicker every time I remember her saying "I can handle myself" in book one. Yeah, right.
That said, the erotic scenes in this one are keep getting hotter and hotter.



That alone awards it a top spot in my spank bank this year. I said what I said.

Thank you Hambright PR and Julia Sykes for the copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Over and out

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect ending to the trilogy. There were so many twists and turns during this book it left my head spinning. From the very beginning to the end, I was left constantly wondering what would happen next.

Dane-although they describe him as a full on psychopath, he seemed more like a person that could have turned out differently if raised in a different environment. His character growth really pulls and the nature vs nurture concept. I enjoyed seeming him come full circle and embrace his feelings no matter how strong they may be at times

Abigail-I struggled with her constantly resisting Dane at times but this book really helped me see her strength. She isn’t a victim anymore she gained her power back and built a life a peace and happiness with Dane.

And…. side note… I learned a few spicy things from this book I had to googled 🤣

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic conclusion with some I expressed twists!! overall the series is pretty good !

[Heather Newsome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blown away. I wasn’t sure how this third book would play into the end of this series. But of course Julia Sykes did NOT DISAPPOINT. I have loved this series and this couple since the first book. This book has the perfect about of spice throughout. The plot never fails. Sad to see this story end but it’s pure perfection.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

***SPOILERS!!!***

Okay, so this was a pretty good conclusion for Dane and Abby. We see Abby go to bat for Dane, and Dane(even though I think it was completely out of nowhere, and I still don't understand quite why)try to leave Abby "for her own good". While I can appreciate that and the fact that he was willing to try something he wouldn't have even considered an option at the start of this trilogy, I just didn't understand it. And seriously, why do all the men in here besides Dane, Abby's friend Franklin, and Dane's brother James all suck in some way? And why does every guy in here, with the exception of those 3 and her dad, try to force Abby to have sex with him? It honestly got tiring after a while. And then when we see how awful her uncle is...wow. I mean I did suspect, but still. He met a fitting end though, and not even at Dane's hands, but Abby's, which I found satisfying. Throughout this trilogy, I've noticed some typos and wrong words that threw me out of the story, but since I did read them all in the span of a day...I'd have to say that overall, I enjoyed myself. Watching Dane grow from someone only out for himself and who thought himself incapable of love to a man who can say that he loves Abby? That was worth the journey all by itself, even if the second book does show him in a somewhat messed-up light because he honestly doesn't understand how badly he went wrong. Abby learning to love herself and embrace all the parts of her was great, too. I just honestly wish so much of this trilogy wasn't taken up by random men trying to rape Abby, because that got to be a bit much after a while. I felt awful for Dane's past, too. In the end, this was a dark, very very steamy series with two characters who are actually quite perfect for each other, though it took some growth on both parts, and some major screwups on Dane's for them to get their happy ending.

[Savanna Marliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review!!

Julia Sykes did not disappoint with Dane and Abigail! So happy to have a HEA in the trilogy that was phenomenal.

So much happened but it tied up so well and explained why Abigail is how she is.

Loved the spicy scenes

[Becks O · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read the first 2 books and then waited for this one to come out, This book was ok. It wasn't bad and there were lots of things happening and that come to light that help you understand why the characters are the way they are. Did I need the information in the book, Yes. Could it have been integrated into the previous 2 books with a few extra chapters and an epilogue, also Yes.
If you have read the first 2 deffo read this but it's not my favourite of the trilogy.

[Cassie Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc review- 4.25 ⭐️’s- loved Dane and Abigail’s story! The spice was top notch! This couple are each others ride or ☠️! There is nothing they won’t do for each other! I’m so sad to see this series come to an end! I enjoyed them all!

[Jade Blackwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m reviewing the trilogy as a whole rather than writing three separate reviews.

The series starts off decently, and the end of book one really pulls you into the next. But from there, it gradually goes downhill.

For me, the biggest issue is Dane as a villain. He doesn’t come across as menacing or complex, just desperate. I also didn’t buy into the supposed romance. The affection felt hollow, never genuine enough to draw me in. With a morally grey MMC, you usually find yourself at least a little charmed by their villainy, but I never forgave Dane for the masked attack. What bothered me most was how quickly Abigail accepted him afterward. She thinks she resisted, but where was the fight?

Abigail herself was difficult to connect with. She wasn’t unlikeable, but she lacked substance so much so that I found her boring.

I do appreciate the themes the author was trying to tackle: trauma, both emotional and physical, and how it shapes identity and self-worth. Unfortunately, the execution left plot holes, and I often felt like it didn’t fully connect.

And then there’s the twist at the end. I absolutely did not buy Abigail killing someone! It felt thrown in for shock value rather than purpose. I just don’t buy that she’s capable of murder, enraged or not.

On top of that, it seemed like every male character had sinister motives, which only pushed Abigail back toward her captor again and again. I know it’s fiction, but really!? Not everyone you come across is a predator, let’s be a tad realistic here!

That said, it wasn’t terrible. I kept reading because I needed to know how the story wrapped up, and I can’t stand an unresolved cliffhanger. Overall, I’d give the trilogy 3 stars, though the final book was, honestly, a generous 2.

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As if Compulsion and Redemption weren’t dark and edgy enough, Absolution ramps up with everything. And I mean everything. It immediately picks up from the cliffhanger, and it’s go time. I loved seeing how both characters developed in this one, after going through so much trauma. The spice factor between Dane and Abigail is very steamy. But I do love the way the Author incorporated parts of Abigail’s intimacy into her underlying story. I liked the open communication between her and Dane, too. But the rest of the story is incredibly packed and comes together well as a trilogy without missing a beat. And I loved the epilogue!

Thank you to Author Julia Sykes and Hambright PR for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the ending of Redemption we start immediately after book 2 with Dane and Abby in quite the predicament In York. Will they be able to be free and find a way to be together in their twisted romance? The perfect ending for this unique couple. Please still check and TWs as this series is not for the faint of heart. Told in first person and dual POV.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good ending to Dane and Abby's story. Dane may have started out as Abby's stalker but now they have formed a loving and equal relationship. Dane has always been willing to do anything to keep Abby, and now she is just as determined to keep him. They bonded over their difficult childhoods, stood up to their families, and built a fulfilling life together.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolution contains triggering situations such as stalking, kidnapping, drugging, dubious consent, CNC (consensual non-consent), explicit scenes, knife play, references to childhood sexual abuse, graphic violence, torture and murder.

Absolution also explores themes of BDSM.
This is a dark stalker romance book and is the final book in the Malady Trilogy. Please read Compulsion and Redemption, before this one as it picks up from the ending of Redemption.

I rated this book 4* I have loved reading Dane and Abby's story the book progressed quickly with their relationship blossoming further than before... Abby has definitely become more confident with Dane, making decisions more and still being defiant. However this book definitely felt a bit more rushed in places and Abby sometimes made me question her choices, it just felt like a rushed decision sometimes on her part, like her forgiving Dane all the time when she knows she shouldn't.

Dane has definitely progressed a lot as a character, he's starting to see Abby as a person and not just his property, he is also her biggest supporter when it comes to Abby's dreams and he will make them happen no matter what. He definitely makes some quick decisions but he is still very cold and calculating when he needs to be, but he is also Prince Charming in his own way.
Abby has become so much more confident now that she's taken care of her nightmare problem and toxic family. She fully wants Dane and only Dane. She'll do whatever she needs to, to keep him by her side 👀 without giving too much away.

I'd highly recommend this book to those not put off by the triggers.

[Melissa Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, you have to read the first 2 books in this trilogy Compulsion and Redemption, to understand how we got to the beginning of this book.

I absolutely 💯 love Abby's character progression through this series. There is a lot to unpack in a very short time frame with this book. Abby faces demons from her past, fights off a man who wants to hurt her, and fights for Dane when he tries to leave her.

Dane goes from obsessed with Abby to absolutely possessive (in a good way)! If I had a man that would literally kill for me, bring it!

I really wanted to give this book 5 stars like the others, however, I can't. This book just seemed really rushed to finish the story. There was a whole lot that happened back to back to back and then it just ended. I feel as if I was left wanting more. I wanted There to be another epilog a couple years later and Abby is pregnant and Dane doesn't know how to act because he can't just be absolutely rough during their "games". I just really needed a little more. After the awesome build up in the first 2 books, this one just felt too fast. Love Julia and anything she writes. 🫶

[BookSpice_and_EverythingNice | Malika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much anticipated conclusion!

After everything they've ben through and all they've overcome Dane and Abigail are so close to their HEA. But, nothing worth having comes easy and they both have skeletons in their closets that have to be delt with.

Book two really focused on Dane's backstory and trauma and this book deals mostly with Abigails. Homegirl has some demons to deal with let me tell you! This book deals with some dark themes so please check your TW if you have any.

I enjoyed this more than book 2 but not as much as book one. I think knife this story had been 1 or 2 books instead of 3 the whole thing would've felt stronger. But I ADORE sexy and dangerous Dane and appreciate that Abigail didn't annoy me anywhere near as much as she did in book 2 (but she still annoyed me at times).

This book had some GREAT spice. The scenes were detailed and each was different. Dane's dominate nature and Abigail's brat nature were fun to read and the dirty talk for top tier.

These two worked HARD for the HEA, so strap in.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite malady

I'd been so looking forward to the last book in this trilogy but it's left me feeling a bit meh. I still love Dane and Abigail however this instalment just didn't flow well. There were too many jumps in time and not enough detail. I don't feel the retribution scenes were well thought out and problems were wrapped up far too easily. Such a shame because this had lots of potential

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolution by Julia Sykes
Published by Julia Sykes Books. Huge thanks to HambrightPR for my gifted ARC.

Let me start by saying this: if your favorite flavor of love is morally gray dipped in jet black, Absolution will ruin you in the most satisfying way. This isn’t a love story—it’s an unapologetic descent into obsession, possession, and control, wrapped up in emotional devastation and a dash of blood. Romantic? Questionable. Addictive? Absolutely.

Absolution is the final book in the Favorite Malady Trilogy, and if you thought Julia Sykes was going to ease us gently into a sweet goodbye? Yeah, think again. This book doesn’t tie things up in a pretty bow. It ties them with zip ties, duct tape, and maybe a blood-stained ribbon. Because that’s the kind of love Dane and Abigail have—it’s not soft, it’s not gentle, and it definitely doesn’t come with a return policy. It’s all in or get buried trying.

The story picks up right where Redemption left us: Dane’s in handcuffs, Abigail is reeling, and the ghosts of their past are ready to party. And by “party,” I mean stalk, gaslight, manipulate, and trigger enough trauma to keep your therapist employed for the rest of your life. Abigail is no longer the scared, trembling girl from book one. She’s a woman now—a woman who walks beside a literal psychopath not because she’s trapped, but because she chooses to.

Dane, on the other hand, remains an absolutely unrepentant monster, but what makes Absolution work is how self-aware he is about it. He knows what he is. He’s not trying to be a better man—he just wants to be her man. And in his twisted, dark-as-midnight way, he succeeds. The scariest part? You kind of get it. You start to root for him, even as you flinch at every violent outburst. Julia Sykes has you questioning your own sanity, and you’ll thank her for it.

Abigail’s growth arc is phenomenal. She doesn’t just survive Dane—she evolves beside him. She matches his darkness with her own light, until they both exist in this weird, co-dependent limbo where love is a weapon and devotion looks a hell of a lot like madness. And honestly? It works. Not in real life—don’t do this at home, kids—but in fiction, in this exquisitely twisted world Julia Sykes has built, it’s perfect.

There’s a particular quote that gutted me and stitched me back up with barbed wire:

“Maybe it’s obsession to the point of madness, but I choose to call this love.”
Yeah. That’s Absolution in a sentence. Love as illness. Love as cure. Love as the thing you choose, even when it makes zero sense to anyone else. It’s romantic only if your idea of romance involves stalking, murder, and BDSM-flavored therapy. And somehow, Julia makes it sing.

Let’s talk spice: it’s hot, it’s intense, and it’s very much part of the psychological power dynamic. This isn’t fluff. It’s control, it’s surrender, it’s two people finding peace in the chaos of each other. The BDSM elements are strong and unapologetic—don’t go into this expecting softness. Expect a lot of kneeling, choking, and emotional wreckage. And yet, it never feels gratuitous. It feels earned. Because by now, you know these characters, and this is how they connect, how they communicate, how they survive.

The pacing is brisk, the tension is constant, and the emotional stakes are sky-high. There were moments I wanted to shake Dane. Moments I wanted to scream at Abigail. But mostly, I just wanted to keep reading. This book does not let go. It grips you, drags you through the dirt, and then whispers, “You liked that, didn’t you?”

If I had one critique, it’s that some of the trauma resolution—especially on Abigail’s end—felt rushed. There’s a lot of weight behind her past, and while we do see her face it, I wanted a bit more breathing room. But I also get it. This isn’t a therapy session. This is a finale. And the focus was always going to be on Dane and Abigail as a unit, not as individual healing projects.

Bottom line? Absolution is toxic, chaotic, violent, and—somehow—deeply romantic in its own feral way. If that makes you uncomfortable, good. It’s supposed to. Julia Sykes doesn’t write for the faint of heart. She writes for the reader who wants to dive headfirst into the moral gray and stay there. And in that regard, this finale absolutely delivers.

Five stars? No. This book is more like four black holes sucking me in against my will. So:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) — not perfect, but damn close for a dark romance finale.

Quote:

“If this is madness, then I don’t want sanity.”

[Brittney · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🕊️ Absolution (Favorite Malady Trilogy #3) by Julia Sykes 🕊️🖤

The final descent into obsession, love, and redemption. Absolution closes out Julia Sykes’ haunting Favorite Malady Trilogy with a dark, raw, and emotional conclusion that finally gives Dane and Abigail the ending they’ve bled for.

💉 Dane Graham has accepted that he is a monster, a psychopath, a man beyond redemption. But when a ghost from their past threatens Abigail, he’ll burn the world to keep her safe.
☕ Abigail Foster has spent years trapped between love and fear, light and shadow. But this time, she’s not the fragile barista Dane once watched from afar. She’s a woman ready to fight for herself, and for the man she’s learned to love despite everything.

Their story is about survival, devotion, and the twisted, beautiful bond that refuses to die.

🔥 What You’ll Find Inside:
🖤 Dark, obsessive love
💋 Psychologically intense romance
⛓️ Possessive antihero / protective monster
🏰 Gothic atmosphere + captive-turned-equal dynamic
💀 Revenge, violence, and emotional reckoning
💞 Love as both poison and cure
⚡️ Satisfying ending after a brutal journey

Julia Sykes doesn’t soften the edges, she leans into them. Absolution delivers the payoff fans have waited for: Dane’s transformation from unfeeling predator to a man capable of love, and Abby’s evolution into a survivor who takes back her power. Their ending isn’t clean or easy, it’s bloody, cathartic, and deeply earned.

Dane’s darkness doesn’t disappear, it’s reshaped by his love for Abby. And Abby’s strength isn’t in escaping him, it’s in choosing him, fully aware of the danger he represents.

Dark, intense, and heartbreakingly human.
A gritty, emotional finale that proves even monsters can find their version of love.

#Absolution #JuliaSykes #FavoriteMaladyTrilogy #DarkRomance #PsychologicalRomance #ObsessiveLove #MorallyGreyHero #StalkerRomance #TwistedLove #DarkReads #BDSMBooks #Bookstagram #DarkBookTok #SpicyBooks #AntiheroRomance #HPRMaladyTrilogy #HambrightPR

[Brittanica Bold · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a twisted and dark romance full of passion, obsession, and sex!!

I was recently gifted an eARC of the Favorite Malady Trilogy by Julia Sykes from Hambright, and I devoured all three books quickly!

The first book in the series, Compulsion, really lays the groundwork for who our FMC and MMC are, how they’ve “met”, and how they become linked to one another. Throughout the book, you are questioning your mind and if Dane is really as “bad” as he seems, or if he is just the right amount of obsessed and possessed that you want more, and if Abigail is tough enough to endure him!

The second book in the series tips everything on its face! Dane is definitely morally grey, Abigail is definitely tough but conflicted, and there are more enemies to fear than just Dane’s possessive flaws!! Through this book in the series, we see how Dane’s obsession came to be, as well as what he is willing to do to keep Abby safe!

The third and final book in the series come with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears! There is some heinous backstory we are filled in on, family tensions come to a head, and our couple finally meet their end. Is it an HEA or a Romeo and Juliet style demise? You’ll have to read to find out!

What all three books had in common was an intense and dark chemistry between our MCs that definitely kept me coming back for more. From their conversations in the present to their real first meeting, this couple oozed sex appeal and definitely lived up to the BDSM label for this series! I loved watching Abigail come into her own and live through all her darknesses to be a stronger person, and I loved Dane crumbling for the one person who could get him to feel.

Thank you to Hambright and Julia Sykes for the opportunity to read this trilogy. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

Series average rating: 4 stars

[Hayley Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolution

Arc review
5 ⭐
4🌶️

Thankyou for allowing me to be an arc reader for the final book in the trilogy I have been fortunate enough to arc read all 3 books of this series.

Firstly please check your trigger warnings as covers some topics that might effect your mental health.

You need to read the first two books compulsion and redemption to understand how it all began.

I absolutely love abigail her growth has come along way since book 1

Dane will do anything to keep her safe - no spoilers here I'm afraid need to read it to find how obsessive dane gets.
Dane and abigail overcome alot more trauma in this book than the previous 2 books they keep each others Strength strong.
They do get their happily ever after they just have to go on a rollercoaster of emotions and twists and turns.


"I love you, Abigail.” My breath catches, and my heart squeezes to the point of pain. “You don’t have to say that,” I protest, even as longing tugs at my chest. His hands frame my face, so that I’m trapped in his reverent hold. “I love you.” “Dane…” His fiery eyes flash. “I mean it. I’ve never meant anything more in my life. I didn’t think I was capable of feeling this way, but I do love you. I was a coward not to say it before. Maybe it’s obsession to the point of madness, but I choose to call this love.” My heart swells, my love every bit as obsessive as his. “If this is madness, then I don’t want sanity,” I declare in a feverish whisper. “I love you too, Dane.”

If you enjoy dark romance read this trilogy you won't be disappointed. It's emotional, gripping and spicy.

[Libby DeLira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolution is an engaging dark romance with a well-written plot full of shocking twists and turns. Before diving in, I strongly recommend readers check the trigger warnings, as this book explores a wide range of dark and intense themes. For those who, like me, view trigger warnings more like a checklist, you can expect CNC (consensual non-consent), heavy stalking, drugging, kidnapping, DC (dubious consent), knife play, violence, murder, torture, references to childhood sexual abuse, BDSM, and more.

It’s important to note that this book picks up immediately where Redemption ends, so reading Compulsion and Redemption beforehand is a must. I wasn’t aware of this going in, and had to catch up quickly to follow along.

The main characters, Abigail and Dane, continue their turbulent and addictive journey. Abigail has grown into a stronger, more confident version of herself, still retaining her defiant streak but becoming increasingly assertive with Dane. Dane, who initially came across as selfish and only driven by his own desires, undergoes a gradual transformation. Over the course of the story, he begins to recognize and accept his love for Abigail. Instead of viewing her as something to possess, he starts seeing her as a partner. His support of her goals and his determination to stand by her mark some of the most meaningful growth in his character.

Together, Abigail and Dane face heartache, trauma, and redemption as they navigate the aftermath of the earlier books. Their journey is both dark and passionate, laced with moments of pain, intensity, and undeniable chemistry.

Overall, I rate Absolution 4 out of 5 stars, and a solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ on the steam factor.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel pretty conflicted about my rating and review here but I'll be as concise and thorough as possible.

This entire trilogy would have best been served by 1. not being 3 books but instead being edited down to maybe a duology at most, 2. not trying to shove all of Abigail's trauma healing into the last book, and 3. being marketed more as just dark erotica rather than romance.

For the most part, Absolution was okay for a finale but it also felt so disjointed. Once again, it feels like a complete tonal shift from book 1 and book 2. All of a sudden, so much actual plot is shoved in that it left me feeling bored. We went through Compulsion with no more plot apart from Dane stalking Abigail. Redemption gave us some half-done non-apology from Dane for the stalking and a peppering of some side plot. But with Absolution, the relationship is established, so we end up with more side plot than previously. The problem really comes from the fact that books 1 and 2 were really heavy on kinky smut and not much else so the connection to the characters was minimal at best (at least for me.)

This was sitting at a solid 3 star book right up until Chapter 17. It came so far out of left field and added nothing to the story or the relationship beyond unnecessary drama.

If you think of this trilogy as erotica and you aren't looking for anything cohesive with tone or plot, then this will work for you. I know I'm one of the few odd ones out who did not enjoy it.

[Simoné Wolmarans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am emotionally concussed.

I am unwell. Deeply, harrowingly unwell.

This book is a guided tour through catastrophically bad choices in men and in life, and somehow I followed along willingly, nodding like this was all perfectly reasonable. Spoiler Alert: It’s absolutely NOT! The emotional endurance required to finish this trilogy should count as cardio.

Once again, I’m gobsmacked by the author’s storytelling. The ability to provoke this level of frustration, horror, empathy, and understanding is genuinely impressive. I was furious. I was hooked. I could not look away.

Abby (FMC) tested every last nerve I possess. Her tendency to accept things at face value, her choices, and her alarming lack of common sense had me internally screaming. And yet, despite all of that, I couldn’t help but feel deep compassion for her. When you consider what she’s endured, her responses, unfortunately, make a devastating kind of sense.

This trilogy was a shocking reminder that the mind is both powerful and dangerous. The psychological manipulation, the conditioning, the way trauma shapes perception and choice… it’s unsettling and completely riveting. PLEASE READ YOUR TRIGGERS BEFORE DIVING INTO THIS.

Final thoughts: I’m glad I went on this journey. I’m glad I finished it. And I am profoundly glad it’s over.

[Crystal Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy is dark, twisted, full of obsession and intense passion. I couldn’t put it down!!

We start off with Compulsion (Book 1) where we meet Dane and Abigail. We discover how the two meet and Dane becomes completely obsessed and decides he must have her no matter what. But these two share a bond that is dark and dangerous, but beautiful and twisted at the same time.

Then Redemption (Book 2) Abigail knows that Dane is also her online friend she shares all her dark sexual desires with. Everything is flipped upside down. She doesn’t feel like she can trust him and her love for him is based on a lie. But Dane is not going to let her go. Abigail is conflicted, her heart and body want him, but her head is telling her to run. We also learn more about Dane and his past and where his obsession began.

And then we end with Absolution (Book 3) where we come to an end. Abigail has found her strength is this book and found her peace and happiness with Dane. This book as dark, but a bit different when we learn some darkness that Abigail forgot from her childhood. And of course, Dane is there to stand by her and protect her from anything and everything evil. His obsession never ends.

This book is spicy, it’s dark, full of possessiveness and obsession. It will leave you wanting more and have you flipping those pages to get to the next chapter.

[paintedlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane is a psychopathic sadist who revels in depravity, subjugation, and humiliation. Abigail revels in her intoxicating fear along with her thrilling anticipation of all Dane can devise for her ultimate pleasure. Abigail is both his pet and his queen. Dane cherishes her, owns her and adores her. He will do anything to protect her and keep her forever. Will he easily break her? How long can she withhold her desire for Dane’s brand of “ecstasy”?

in order to safeguard Abigail, Dane has confessed to a brutal murder in Great Britain. Even though his parents, The Earl and Countess of Ripley, hate and have disowned him, they refuse to allow this abomination to tarnish their family name. Dane forcefully rebuffs all their help. Abigail devises a plan with James, Dane’s brother, to secure his release. Dane and Abigail quickly return to America, where they are soon entwined in a series of difficult situations.

This is a dark and extremely sensual story that deeply grabs hold of your mind, your heart, and your soul. There is no way for me to adequately express my eagerness to just read MORE and MORE and MORE. This is a truly excellent book! Thank you, Julia Sykes!

[Im Arcana · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% Love this book. By Book 3 in the Favorite Malady Trilogy you have Dane and Abigail as a united front. This book picks up right after book two ends where Dane was arrested for murder. And standing by him is Abigail, who once was trying to find ways to escape him, is now standing by him. She has now become as captivated and just as obsessed as her stalker was with her.

I liked the fact that instead of running away, she accepted who he was and what brought him to that point in his life. We learn more about the past traumas that the both of them has experienced with toxic parents and upbringing.

This time around they are a team and nothing an tear them apart, and Dane will do anything to protect her, yet respect that she needs to save herself also. Please read your trigger warnings and content, she this is one spicy book. Julia did a great job in expressing the want, the desire and the obsession that went into their relationship. There was a great chemistry between Dane and Abigail that breathed life into this story.

I received this book as an advance reader, and I am so happy I was able to participate in not only books 1 and 2, but also the end of this story. I'm sad to see it end.

100%%%% recommend

[Dominique · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost, thank you, Hambright PR, for an ARC of this book.

Did we need a third book? Not really, but I had fun nevertheless. I will say, the way Abigail and Dane can never catch a break is crazy. They can't seem to go through one day without something life-altering happening to them. From the evil twin to the unhinged families, they truly can't catch a break.

I will say that Stockholm syndrome really grabbed hold of Abigail. The way she seems to reason everything he's done thus far to her, and it has reached a point of excess. Dane putting a tracker in her and her not losing her shit over that is absolutely wild. He didn't ask for consent, and just installing a tracker on her phone would have been plenty.

Also, the delusions of both Abigail's parents are truly unhinged. What do you mean, they truly believe they deserve to be a part of her life after all they've put her through? And the uncle? Sickening. I just hate reading about things that happen to children. Even though there wasn't an in-depth description of what happened, it's still sickening to read for me personally.

I will say this was a harder read than I anticipated, but overall, the book was well written. Thank you again for the ARC!

[Ashley Ann Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The epic conclusion to Dane and Abigail’s story! I eventually decided on a 5 star rating because Julia Sykes is one of my favorite authors and I know how much this book series meant to her.

That said, it took me way too long to finish this one. It’s probably because of my own personal life, but I digress. The first half went really quickly for me with the fall out from Dane’s actions in Book 2. The second half was a little slower for me.

The BDSM is heavy in this installment and it’s been a REALLY long time for me since I have read stories with it. So that was hard to get through. (This is probably just me, I know it’s a popular topic.) As others have said, read the TW and put your mental health first.

Overall, I was satisfied with the way Ms Sykes wrapped up the series. I definitely wasn’t NOT expecting that twist with her uncle, mother and grandfather. That was an interesting turn of events! I think the best part though was at the end when Dane finally realized he loved Abigail.

Once again, bravo Julia! Looking forward to your future stories!

NOTE: I was given an ARC from the publisher, all opinions are my own!

[Sarah_A6210 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kind of what I expected. I really struggled with the sudden change in behavior and idea of the characters in the 2nd book. I read this more in hopes that it might redeem them.

It did not.

I thought the first book was great with the idea of the MMC being a sociopath trying to blend into normal society and his obsession becoming the thing that broke his cover.

I felt like the 2nd book went off peast with the plot and feel of the character and this just nose dived into the beyond. It felt like a collection of post it ideas for a plot were stuck together.

The book felt completely pointless. There was nothing drastic enough that couldn't have been resolved in the other 2 books. The 'drama' in these books felt like it was added because there had to be a reason for a 3rd book other than just, let's throw a pointless 3rd book in.

The whole plot with his family was pointless and cringe. To be honest most of this book felt pointless and cringe.

Shame because the first book was good, this series just wasn't for me.

I was very grateful to receive this book as an Arc but as always my thoughts and opinions are my own

[Nanasbookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Absolution by Julia Sykes is the third book in the Favorite Malady series, and for me, it was the perfect conclusion to this wonderfully dark trilogy.

In this installment, Dane and Abigail finally face their fears and seek revenge against those who wronged them in the past. Along the way, their bond deepens as they explore more of their dark fantasies together. Abigail’s growth throughout the story was especially powerful—she became more confident, learned to trust Dane completely, and accepted him with all his flaws. I loved seeing her no longer resist him, but instead embrace both their darkness and their love.

Of course, their journey wasn’t filled with sunshine and rainbows—unexpected challenges still came their way—but together, they found a way through. One of my favorite moments was when Abigail fought for Dane, proving just how far she had come.

If you enjoy dark romance, this trilogy is a must-read. Absolution is a gripping, emotional, and satisfying finale.