You Make Me Sick: A Dark Why Choose Standalone

by Juliet Coven

Misery is a six-letter word—a constant reminder of the hell I faced for years. With every odd against me, and the three bullies who haunt the halls of Mystic High constantly tormenting me, it’s hard to make flowers grow on barren, dry soil.
Lifeless and hollow.
Until I receive my saving grace in the form of my only friend, she drags me out of the depression that threatens to pull me under. Together, we create an unbreakable legacy that skyrockets me into fame and fortune.
With my demons long-abandoned, and my future brighter than it’s ever been, I'm wholly unprepared for the security I've come to cherish to shatter beneath my hands.
I'm even more unprepared for the three ghosts of my past who show up on my doorstep, ready to mend what was broken long ago.

This is a dark, why choose romance with heavy themes and a HEA. Trigger warnings are listed in the beginning of the book, and it is encouraged to read them beforehand.

Genres: Why Choose, Dark, Dark Romance

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2026

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Reviews

[Emsi Gleds · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow wow wow what a ride of emotions this book was .. thoroughly enjoyed this 👌🏻

[Katarina Väisänen · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Make Me Sick was exactly the kind of dark why-choose standalone I crave as a fantasy and romance reader. The premise alone – a woman who overcame hell, only to have her tormentors return wanting to mend things – promised a deeply emotional and complex ride, and it absolutely delivered. Remember to read those trigger warnings first.

Misery's journey from a hollow girl tormented by three bullies at Mystic High to a successful woman with fame and fortune is truly the heart of this story. Her friendship, which acted as her saving grace, was a beautiful element, showcasing her capacity for connection even after enduring so much. The security she built for herself felt earned, making the arrival of the three MMCs, the very ghosts of her past, a monumental disruption.

The MMCs' return is the catalyst for the entire story, and their dynamic with Misery is incredibly charged. They want to mend what was broken, but the weight of their past actions is heavy, creating a powerful push and pull. The why-choose aspect here is less about her choosing between men and more about her choosing to confront her past and allow those who broke her to attempt to heal her. Their obsession and devotion, however twisted by their history, is undeniably present.

The book doesn't shy away from its pitch black themes, exploring the long shadow of past trauma and the difficult path to a future, but the promise of a HEA helps guide you through the darkness.

My only reason for a four-star rating is that, for a storyline so centered on deep-seated trauma and bullying, I sometimes found myself wanting a bit more insight into the MMCs' individual journeys and realizations that led them to truly believe they could mend what they broke. While their current devotion is clear, a deeper exploration of their redemption arc, beyond just showing up, would have elevated the emotional impact even further for me.

Nevertheless, You Make Me Sick is a captivating and intense read. It's not an easy journey, but it's a rewarding one for those who appreciate dark romance that tackles difficult subjects with a strong FMC at its core. Highly recommend if you're prepared for the intensity and craving a unique why-choose story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ll ever understand what kind of person gets a thrill from tormenting someone weaker than themselves, but this book made me feeling that rage in full force. The opening chapters had me so wound up I genuinely wanted to lash out at the nearest person at the utter injustice of it all. It’s that visceral. What made it even more infuriating was the complete failure of the adults around Rosalie. Teachers, social workers, medical professionals. Every single one of them saw the signs and chose to look away, sending her right back into her own personal nightmare. And the fact that her three tormentors—Roman, Kairo, and Maddox—were fully aware of what she was dealing with at home? That made their actions even more unforgivable. For the majority of the book, I found them utterly irredeemable. It took nearly two-thirds of the story before I felt anything for them beyond pure resentment and disgust, especially since their initial motivation for targeting Rosalie is never meaningfully explored. And no, I absolutely do not buy their later claim that it was some twisted expression of their attraction. The true heart of this story is Rosalie. Her strength is staggering. To endure everything she did, and still come out with kindness, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others was remarkable. I deeply appreciated that the author didn’t gloss over her trauma. There’s no neat erasure of pain here; instead, we see the long-term impact and the necessity of healing, of therapy, of learning to live with what she’s been through. And then there’s Charlie. An absolute bright spot in an otherwise heavy narrative. Charlie isn’t just a friend; she’s a protector, a shield, and ultimately a catalyst for change in Rosalie’s life. Watching Rosalie begin to bloom once she’s free from her toxic environment was one of the most rewarding parts of the book. Fast forward eight years, and Rosalie is a pop star. Successful, yes, but still grounded in her desire to give back and uplift others. However, the story takes a shaky turn when her security team is replaced… by her former bullies. This was the hardest part for me to believe. Surely there were other qualified bodyguards in the country? And more importantly, it felt wildly out of character for Rosalie to allow them back into her life in such a close, personal capacity. At first, they didn’t seem much changed, just bullies with a different edge. That said, as the story unfolds, the men are forced to confront the damage they caused. Their path to redemption is messy, uncomfortable, and far from gentle, but then again, Rosalie has never been someone who breaks easily. Just as things begin to feel like they might settle into something hopeful, the author pulls the rug out from under both Rosalie and the reader, plunging us right back into despair. You can’t help but wonder: will this girl ever catch a break? This is not an easy read. It’s heavy, raw, and at times deeply upsetting. Definitely one to approach with awareness of potential triggers. But at its core, it’s a story about survival, resilience, and ultimately, finding light after unimaginable darkness.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: 4/5 • Spice: 3.5/5 ➡️➡️➡️ Reminding myself this is ✨ f i c t i o n ✨ because it no world would EYE ever forgive the ones who tortured me for years that easily. I don’t give a flying front door how hot they are.


Rosalie has been bullied, beaten, tortured, and ridiculed for years. She wears the wrong size clothes that are best to shit. She’s from the trailer park. Her father is ABUSIVE and an addict. Her life is downright awful. The only thing that gets her by is writing songs.


Charlie is the new girl at school. She takes to Rosalie. They become quick friends. Finally Rosalie has a friend. Charlie is a good one. Her and her family take Rosie in when her father tries to kill her. They help her apply for college. They give her strength she never knew she had.


Maddox, Roman, and Kairo - the three bullies think they’ve pushed too far and Rosie has died. They have no idea she’s still alive until they come across her social media page of her singing at a bar a year later. Having to get back to base where they’re enlisted they only pop into the bar she’s playing at and then leave.


Eight years later Rosalie is a huge star. She has millions of fans. And she’s completely turned her life around. With Charlie by her side as manager. Her PR manager reaches out to a company to hire as security. The ones he finds? The company owned by Maddox, Roman and Kairo. They remember exactly who she is and jump on the next flight.


At first, Rosalie is a HELL NO to them. But she needs security. She needs it now. She concedes. The three guys all pine after now. She’s beautiful. She’s successful. She’s come up on top. It takes (not as long as you’d expect) a little bit before her walls crumble. They all fall for each other rather quickly.


The bad guy is still out there. The bad guy being her father who just wants her for money. She’s a cash cow. When her father takes her all hell breaks loose. I feel so awful for those girls had to endure. Luna?! For EIGHT YEARS. Jesus. Those guys of hers? Absolutely come to her rescue and vengence is served.



Again, this is fiction. I don’t think in a million years would this have all fallen into place like that. However, I do like Rosie and her three guys. They’re all sexually charged and fulfill her dreams even she didn’t know she had. This is a standalone and we do get a HEA.


Enemies to lovers -high school setting - college setting - in the future - work romance (security) - abusive bio family - found family - second chance - bullied - suicide ideation.


✨ Read the T R I G G E R warnings. Take them seriously ✨

[PS · Rating 5 out of 5]

💥ARC review💥

this was SO good. as someone who was extremely bullied in school and grew up in a bad household with an addict mother, this book healed a little bit of my soul. I have been in that dark place that poor Rosalie is in at the beginning of the book.
Rosalie getting out of her situation and finding success with the help of one friend was so beautiful to read. and showing Rosalie going to therapy and clearly still struggling with her past is SO RELATABLE. her entire life isn't just fixed as soon as she leaves home or even when the guys show back up.
I wasn't sure how I was going to start liking the boys after Part 1 of the book but Juliet never disappoints and they quickly proved themselves after coming back into Rosalie's life.
the sex trafficking portion is also done very tastefully. Juilet did a great job of showcasing the horrors the women go through but not putting the extremely horrific details in there.

there are HEAVY topics in this, but Juliet wrote about it all perfectly.

[Jennifer Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me in my feelings! These boys made me hate them, wanting them to get what they deserved as the bullies who caused Rosalie so much pain. I felt for her in so many ways. Then these boys turned to men & made you question everything because was it bullying or obsession? Rosalie lived a life where she knew nothing but sadness & hatred towards her whether it be at school or home. Music is was her love & her lyrics are what she got lost in. Fast forward to her being a famous pop star thanks to the help of her best friend & her family. When theres a threat towards her & she in need of protection; wouldn't you know the boys who bullied her in high school are the men asked to do the job. I had so many feelings about this but they prove themselves. It's a why choose & I can say I wouldn't choose just one! The twists & turns of this book kept me hooked! I loved how Rosalie overcome her abusive childhood & became a strong survivor. This was a great read & I definitely recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This dark why-choose took me on one helluva ride. It wasn't just dark it was pitch black at times, making it a much heavier, emotionally raw read. It was fast-paced, and I was immediately obsessed with these characters.

Roman, Kairo, and Maddox do Rosalie so dirty in the past, but when they come back to make amends, wow, do they give good grovel. I'm not gonna lie they do atrocious things to her and were irredeemable for so much of the book. Rosalie is the real MVP of the story. Her resilience and retaking of her power were the highest points in the plot.

Juliet Coven I commend you for turning you personal past trauma/pain and turning into fuel to banish you bullies and making you stronger by taking your power back in a way that helps your readers deal with their own traumas. I feel the heavy topics were handled with care.

Tropes:
Why-choose
MMMF
Pop star
Bodyguards
Masked men
Revenge
Mental health rep
Bully
Hurt/Comfort
Explicit
Multiple POV

Check TW

[Lammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all …. heed the trigger warnings. This book is dark 🫣. The beginning chapters when Rosalie is being bullied by Kairo, Roman, and Maddox are intense. I wanted these boys 💀. I wanted her dad 💀.

I could not imagine how she would redeem these boys. And this is exactly how you know the writer has written a good book. Because she did. I was invested in wanting them dead, then invested in wanting them redeemed.

The book came less dark in the middle, it allowed Rosalie to get to know the men her bullies grew into. Then to forgive and fall in love with them 🖤

Then the author drops us back into the darkness with Part IV. Lobs us right back into a big pool of despair (nope … not giving anything away 😈). Again I wanted people dead. And wishes came true.

If you’re looking for a really good dark bully book THIS IS IT.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a powerful deep dive into everything that shaped Rosalie—her trauma, her resilience, and the strength she grows into. I loved how the author structured the story in parts, letting us truly understand who Rosalie is and how far she’s come. Her emotions feel painfully real, and her growth is both heartbreaking and inspiring.

Roman, Kairo, and Maddox played a huge role in Rosalie’s trauma, and the second chance they get is something they refuse to waste. The author does an incredible job showing their guilt, their pasts, and the depth of their feelings for her in a way that feels authentic and earned. Their emotional journey is just as compelling as Rosalie’s.

And Charlie—absolute ride‑or‑die perfection. Every scene with her adds heart, humor, and fierce loyalty.

A gripping, emotional story about healing, redemption, and the people who choose to stand by you no matter what.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Make Me Sick By Juliet Coven Review 📚

“ To all my bullies fuck you . How does it feel knowing your hate fueled word corn “ Juliet Coven

What a roller coaster ride this book was . You literally feel all the emotions in one book .

The FMC has a tragic history, but she doesn’t let it stop her . From the ashes she shall rise , is the definition of Rosalie. The amount of strength someone has to have to endure all that she went through is insane. I feel for Rose so much , I just want to pull her in and hug her .

The MMCs Roman , Maddox and Kairo frustrated me to no end in the beginning. My poor kindle went flying so many times ( no kindle was harmed ) but the amount of growth they went through is astounding. I ended up adoring each one , but Roman was by far my favourite.

I definitely recommend this book , but check your triggers . I can’t wait to read more by Juliet .

5 ⭐️
3.5🌶️

[Sharon McMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow – the emotions that the beginning of this book that I felt was staggering and I truly wanted to sob and give Rosalie a big hug as it was a lot but it was raw and gritty. To go through everything that she did at home, at school and be as strong as she was is amazing and very well written. And thank god for Charlie as this girl in my opinion absolutely saved Rosalie because there is only so much torment and abuse a person can take before they break and I feel that Rosalie was 100% at that point in her life. I loved how the author addressed Rosalie going to therapy and not just overcoming her trauma 1 chapter later but over time. She also gave us a really well-done time jump and reintroduction to her 3 high school bullies Maddox, Roman and Kairo but I don’t feel they groveled enough. But this book gave you all the trauma, twists/turns, and even spice and was an amazing read! Highly recommend

[T. Shadow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistically, this has been the first book I've read structured with a concise beginning, middle and end to the relationship, which made a nice change from the constant flashbacks and naïve FMC's.

The beginning will remind you of your own high school bullies, it'll make you hate the MMC's, want to tear their hearts out, and cry alongside the FMC.

The middle will mend the cracks in your heart, it'll show you that forgiveness is real, and that there is space for redemption. The MMC's character development is prevalent in part two and I personally really enjoyed it.

The ending is.. rough. Think dark, think that's horrible and disgusting. Think "thank f**k it's over" by the end, but it ties the story together.

All in all, a very good read and I read it in an entire day without putting it down. It drew me in right until the very end.

[frenchy_reads_all · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalie had a terrible home life. Like seriously awful. And she had bullies at school that made her school life just as bad. So her HS years were atrocious, no where to escape, no safe place. It was so depressing to read, especially knowing that these types of things happen in year life.

But Rosa with the help of her best friend Charlie, persevered and came out on top. Not only that, she impressively SUCCEEDED!! She moved on and left that life behind her. Or so she thought.

Three of the bullies from HS, Roman, Kairo & Maddox show back up as bodyguards. To protect Rosalie against a ghost from her past!! And to make amends for all of their past mistakes! Add in a little primal chasing, so attitude adjustments and some crazy groveling, you got one hell if a story! It was fast paced, super spicy and a completely enthralling tale! Five stars!! Highly recommend!!

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet Coven is a first time author for me and this story filled me with a ton of emotions! Rose’s history is heartbreaking: she suffers too long, her villains don’t suffer enough, and I felt every injury as she fought for freedom. Her talent, her bf, and her sheer strength to overcome made me love her character!
Roman, Maddox, and Kairo were so selfish, so vindictive, and pure evil that it made seeing them as humans very difficult. Juliet’s unique ability to bring out their emotions, their pasts, and their feelings for Rose real! I devoured their story: I love RH and this rockstar/bodyguards, stalker, kinky, with primal energy is intense and an adrenaline junkies dream come true!!!!
4.5🌟5🌶️ for an amazing book!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

This book is really good. The book touches on some dark themes.
Rosalie had a terrible upbringing with not only her home life but also in school. The way Juliet wrote about it, I felt as if I was watching it.
The book shows the power of a friend and how much they impact your life. Charlie and Rosaile may only be best friends but are sister at heart with her protectiveness.
The guys definitely needed to grovel after everything they done to her. I wish it touched the book touched on the why they done what they done, but nonetheless the guys proved themselves to Rosalie.
Juliet definitely touches on some dark subjects and writes them as if you are a fly on the wall. Without too much detail but enough to understand the horrors.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check the triggers going in friends you are in for a wild ride with an especially heavy beginning for anyone who had a rough youth. So I will say it again, please check those triggers!

This is a bully romance and I am always amazed at how the authors take me from absolutely loathing the men to making me want them around. Juliet Coven is no different, the character development and backstory are there and I switch was made again!

I really enjoyed the entire story and the characters. I wish I could have seen more of the in between Parts since there are some major time skips in there and I wanted more! Will definitely be reading more from Juliet!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a raw exploration of trauma and the sheer willpower it takes to not only move forward, but to persevere. It starts in a bleak, brutal place where Maddox, Roman, and Kairo’s treatment of Rosalie is so intense I genuinely didn’t think they could be redeemed.

But as the story evolves, Juliet Coven pulls off the impossible. The mid-book shift allows Rosalie to see the men beneath the monsters. Watching that raw hatred transform into forgiveness and love was a perfectly earned redemption arc.

*Please read the trigger and content warnings.*.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jessica Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be honest triggers normally don’t get me but the bullying scenes were the hardest to get through as could feel the raw emotion behind them. I am so happy that Rosalie had her best friend Charlie by her every step of the way and there when she needed her the most. As Rose says she is a real “ride or die”. And what are the odds that when she needs security the most it’s the now men who were her main bullies in high school. While protecting her from the threat out there each of them work on apologizing in their own ways to her for how they treated her. And what comes from it is beautiful and raw. It isn’t perfect but what they all need.

[A.B. Shepherd]

DNF: 37%

So these sick morose were not only her bullies in high school, back then they gloried in the visible bruises she wore from her dad's beatings and taunted her relentlessly about them, one of them actually shoved her down a flight of concrete stairs which could have killed her and didn't care. They threatened her with further abuse every time they got in trouble for abusing her.

Then 9 years later, still with ill - but now sexualized intentions - they have somehow manipulated the situation so they are her only available security team. And her bff/manager who was there for everything allows this.

Seriously, these guys are irredeemable.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for You Make Me Sick by ( new for me ) author Juliet Coven

This is an intense story readers should review content warnings. I found everything in line with the story it’s dark and expect some plot twists.

Rose our MFC has been thru so much physically - emotionally she doesn’t know her strength with what she has overcome.

Kairo , Roman and Maddox need to make things right her bullies from high school.

It was good to see how far all the characters grew separately and together.

Good read !

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pauliina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay let's start with the statement that if you want to read one rh/ why choose/ bully book this year you're spot on with with picking this one.
Story driven, clear structure, amazing backstories, emotional rollercoaster aaand hot af!
I wish I could just read this over and over again for the first time.
It's dark, it has really heavy subjects but it's also weirdly comforting for someone like me who was bullied over ten years...

Thank you so much Juliet and booksprout for giving me the opportunity to read review this amazing book!.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of the series. And a FANrastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.

'This is a pitch black, why choose romance with heavy themes and a HEA.' Please check your triggers.

The characters were very complex and compelling and dark and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M3Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢, 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢’𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚖𝚢 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜.

I devoured this book while simultaneously never wanting it to end. I love a good bully romance, and this one being why choose just made it even better. Kairo, Maddox and Roman make it hard to even like them at first. Making Rosalie's time at school nearly as bad as her home life. Fast forward to everyone being adults and building different lives. The three bullies-turned-bodyguards will have you on fire while soaking wet 😏

I also loved the friendship between Rosalie and Charlie. Found family is so important to me and I love seeing it in books.

This book does have heavy themes so be mindful of your triggers and read Juliet's note in the beginning.

[Taehu · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 31% Are you guys serious?? What is this rating. I’m shocked about how it has over four stars. The bullying is too much, even though they knew that she was also getting abused at home, they did not care. Not one bit. Quite the opposite actually they liked that, one of them likes dead things so that’s very much telling of their character..
I can’t imagine her ever forgiving them like EVER. Even if they yearn and ask for forgiveness, N. O, she finally has her life together and is successful and now three broke, unsuccessful bullies want her

[Brenda Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, Juliet delivered another good book. 😏 It started pretty sad for Rosalie. My heart broke for her with the constant bullying and abuse at home. Oh my heart hurt for her. 🥺 And those filthy, obsessive, possessive bullies, my oh my. 🥵🫠 They kept her on her toes. I didn’t expect what happened close to the end, but she was lucky she got out alive. And now I can’t wait for Luna’s story!!!!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hit me so hard. What Rosalie went through her whole childhood and teenage years. It was so hard to read that part of her life. And the things Roman,Kairo and Maddox put her through they definitely had a long road ahead of them to make it up to her. But as the story goes they did redeem themselves and did everything that was necessary to protect and love Rosalie. Their story was not all sunshine and roses but in their way they found love and happiness.

[Debleena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yup the author made me sick, three abusive murderous bullies with entitlement and arrogance and one broken fmc who doesn't make these shits even feel an ounce of what she went through, she was driven to the point of self harm and suicide and she allows these disgusting men back into her life and control her. Disgusting.Their logic made no sense and it angered it so much that Rosalie accepted these shits as her bodyguards without much fight. An utter garbage of story.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark reverse harem story is intense. It's raw and gritty as Rosalie's high school bullies come back as bodyguards. The story captivates from the beginning to the end. The men work through the trauma they inflicted upon her in their youth as they redeem themselves. Rosalie's tragic past shows her resilience years later along the with emotional growth her guys display.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lisa moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm big a choosing my books based on the cover art. This one caught my eye since I love a Masked Romance but was a bit disappointed at the amount of "Mask" usages so to speak. Other than that the book was great. The story kept me engaged and rooting for the Masked men lol. Definity worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Priscilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a dark bully story and it is even better when it is a reverse harem. With this one though, I couldn't get into it. The three bullies, Maddox, Roman, and Kairo were horrible bullies and their remorse didn't feel like it was enough. Rosalie was ok. Overall, the book was ok.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.