What do you think?
Rate this book
Make It Hurt
Not yet published
Expected 9 Mar 26"I told you I'd put you back in your f*cking place. When I'm done with you, I promise there won't be an ounce of fight left in your body. I can't wait to see what it looks like."
I messed up. I should have hit him with my car that night.
For two years, my stepbrother and his friends have made my life hell. The innocent, naïve girl I was when I first arrived in Aurora Cove is nothing but a distant memory. I’ve done what I had to do to survive, and it changed me.
Unfortunately, some things never change.
West Pine University was supposed to be different. Instead, I ended up right back where I never wanted to be again—at Elias’s feet, begging him to save me.
But Elias’s help comes with conditions. I’ll be indebted to all of them—Dax, Nolan, and Elias—without limits. And if I don’t do what they want, they can take it back at any time.
Dax wants to make me weak for him. Elias won’t stop until he breaks me. And Nolan…I don’t think he wants anything. I don’t think there’s anything left behind his dark eyes.
Still, I need them. If anyone finds out what I did, my life is over. And someone knows. I’m being followed, watched. They’re the only ones who can keep me safe.
But their brand of salvation is going to ruin me, too.
I messed up. I should have hit him with my car that night.
For two years, my stepbrother and his friends have made my life hell. The innocent, naïve girl I was when I first arrived in Aurora Cove is nothing but a distant memory. I’ve done what I had to do to survive, and it changed me.
Unfortunately, some things never change.
West Pine University was supposed to be different. Instead, I ended up right back where I never wanted to be again—at Elias’s feet, begging him to save me.
But Elias’s help comes with conditions. I’ll be indebted to all of them—Dax, Nolan, and Elias—without limits. And if I don’t do what they want, they can take it back at any time.
Dax wants to make me weak for him. Elias won’t stop until he breaks me. And Nolan…I don’t think he wants anything. I don’t think there’s anything left behind his dark eyes.
Still, I need them. If anyone finds out what I did, my life is over. And someone knows. I’m being followed, watched. They’re the only ones who can keep me safe.
But their brand of salvation is going to ruin me, too.
- GenresWhy ChooseDark Romance
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 9, 2026
180 people want to read
About the author
Elle Mitchell
12 books565 followersKnown as the (mostly benevolent) Queen of Angst, Elle Mitchell writes new adult contemporary romance ranging from shades of grey to morally pitch black with a hint of taboo. A mix of plot and spice, her books follow flawed, relatable characters as they rage against the machine or struggle against the darker parts of humanity and themselves. They’re messy—like real life—and emotional.
She can’t promise that all her books will depict what a healthy relationship should look like at every turn. She rejects purity themes. The best she can do is promise an eventual HEA when it’s all said and done.
When she isn’t reading or writing, it’s unlikely you’ll find her anywhere. She’s probably at home with her family, minding her own business.
Find her on IG and TT: @ellemitchellbooks
She can’t promise that all her books will depict what a healthy relationship should look like at every turn. She rejects purity themes. The best she can do is promise an eventual HEA when it’s all said and done.
When she isn’t reading or writing, it’s unlikely you’ll find her anywhere. She’s probably at home with her family, minding her own business.
Find her on IG and TT: @ellemitchellbooks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 9, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ The vibe of this first book is the perfect opening to a new series! I am so excited for where this series is going to go! Check your triggers as always - content warnings 💯
Make It Hurt has everything I love in a dark romance. The dynamics between Saige and Elias immediately drew me in but I was completely blindsided by how much I love Dax and Nolan!!! I would go to war for these two! I have a feeling that these two boys are going to ruin me and I am here for it!
I am very simple. In a series like this - I want toxic. I want my heart broken by boyfriends who have boyfriends and spice that makes me sweat. I fear this series will check all these boxes! I can’t wait !! 😜
Make It Hurt has everything I love in a dark romance. The dynamics between Saige and Elias immediately drew me in but I was completely blindsided by how much I love Dax and Nolan!!! I would go to war for these two! I have a feeling that these two boys are going to ruin me and I am here for it!
I am very simple. In a series like this - I want toxic. I want my heart broken by boyfriends who have boyfriends and spice that makes me sweat. I fear this series will check all these boxes! I can’t wait !! 😜
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book….
This book emotionally destroyed me, stitched me back together, and then shoved me off a cliff at the very end.
Literally.
And yes—I’m still thinking about it.
Make It Hurt does exactly what the title promises!
This is a morally black, why-choose, bully-to-lovers dark romance that is unapologetically brutal, heavy, and intense.
From the first page, the story pulls you into a world filled with power plays, cruelty, obsession, and trauma that never once pretends to be soft or safe.
This is not a “mean but misunderstood” bully romance—this is dark, deliberate, and meant to hurt.
The plot is relentless.
Every chapter felt like emotional whiplash in the best and worst way possible. The tension is constant, the atmosphere is suffocating, and the stakes only get higher as the story unfolds. Reading this genuinely felt like taking repeated arrows to the heart—painful, devastating, but somehow addictive and impossible to stop.
The characters are deeply flawed, morally corrupt, and often infuriating—and that’s exactly why they work.
The FMC’s pain and vulnerability feel raw and visceral, and while what she endures is hard to read at times, it’s written in a way that feels intentional rather than gratuitous.
The MMCs are walking red flags, emotionally violent, manipulative, and cruel… and yet terrifyingly compelling. You don’t excuse their actions, but you understand the darkness driving them, which makes everything hit even harder.
The themes in this book are not for the faint of heart. Trauma, control, degradation, obsession, and unhealthy coping mechanisms are woven into every page. I cannot stress this enough: read the trigger warnings and take them seriously. This book is meant to be uncomfortable. It’s meant to challenge you. And if you’re the right reader, it will completely consume you.
Now. That ending.
Elle Mitchell… are you trying to bully me?
Because it’s working.
Ending this book on that cliffhanger should be illegal. I genuinely felt like my soul was ripped out of my body. I hate cliffhangers with a passion, and yet here I am—furious, devastated, and already desperate for the next book.
If you hate cliffhangers, please emotionally prepare yourself, because this one will leave you reeling.
Final thoughts:
I hated this book.
I loved this book.
I am emotionally unwell because of this book.
5 stars. 10/10. Absolutely recommend—if you can handle it.
Elle Mitchell, respectfully… fuck you. I love you, but I hate you too.
And yes, I will be reading whatever you write next🖤
This book emotionally destroyed me, stitched me back together, and then shoved me off a cliff at the very end.
Literally.
And yes—I’m still thinking about it.
Make It Hurt does exactly what the title promises!
This is a morally black, why-choose, bully-to-lovers dark romance that is unapologetically brutal, heavy, and intense.
From the first page, the story pulls you into a world filled with power plays, cruelty, obsession, and trauma that never once pretends to be soft or safe.
This is not a “mean but misunderstood” bully romance—this is dark, deliberate, and meant to hurt.
The plot is relentless.
Every chapter felt like emotional whiplash in the best and worst way possible. The tension is constant, the atmosphere is suffocating, and the stakes only get higher as the story unfolds. Reading this genuinely felt like taking repeated arrows to the heart—painful, devastating, but somehow addictive and impossible to stop.
The characters are deeply flawed, morally corrupt, and often infuriating—and that’s exactly why they work.
The FMC’s pain and vulnerability feel raw and visceral, and while what she endures is hard to read at times, it’s written in a way that feels intentional rather than gratuitous.
The MMCs are walking red flags, emotionally violent, manipulative, and cruel… and yet terrifyingly compelling. You don’t excuse their actions, but you understand the darkness driving them, which makes everything hit even harder.
The themes in this book are not for the faint of heart. Trauma, control, degradation, obsession, and unhealthy coping mechanisms are woven into every page. I cannot stress this enough: read the trigger warnings and take them seriously. This book is meant to be uncomfortable. It’s meant to challenge you. And if you’re the right reader, it will completely consume you.
Now. That ending.
Elle Mitchell… are you trying to bully me?
Because it’s working.
Ending this book on that cliffhanger should be illegal. I genuinely felt like my soul was ripped out of my body. I hate cliffhangers with a passion, and yet here I am—furious, devastated, and already desperate for the next book.
If you hate cliffhangers, please emotionally prepare yourself, because this one will leave you reeling.
Final thoughts:
I hated this book.
I loved this book.
I am emotionally unwell because of this book.
5 stars. 10/10. Absolutely recommend—if you can handle it.
Elle Mitchell, respectfully… fuck you. I love you, but I hate you too.
And yes, I will be reading whatever you write next🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
5/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all, a huge thank you to Elle for the opportunity! 🖤
🎸Pretty Poisoned was the very first book that made me fall in love with rockstar romance, so going into this story already felt special.
One thing I absolutely love about Elle’s writing is how incredibly addictive it is.😩
Sometimes it’s the characters, sometimes it’s the plot—but even when I’m reading three other books at the same time, my mind keeps wandering back to this story.
And Make It Hurt was no exception. 🫠
🖤This book is a dark, intense, and beautifully written story—the kind that completely pulls you in and makes it almost impossible to stop once you’ve started.
Dax quickly became a favorite of mine again. 🤭🖤 I have such a soft spot for these love-bombing characters—they pull you into their emotional black hole so effortlessly that I completely understood why Saige was drawn to him the way she was. (That being said… Luca is still my ultimate favorite from Pretty Poisoned, not gonna lie 🤪.)
The story throws you straight into the middle of things, introducing the main characters early on.
Elias irritated me almost immediately—and that feeling honestly never changed by the end. 😅
At first, Saige’s passivity and how quickly she seemed to accept certain situations really frustrated me.
But as the story progressed, it slowly started to make sense. With years passing and emotional weight piling up, you begin to understand why she eventually stopped fighting.
And that’s when we’re strapped into the emotional rollercoaster—and there’s no getting off after that. 🎢
🖤💙Dax and Nolan quickly became characters I grew attached to, and when I finally saw a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel together with Saige, Elias was the one element that kept disrupting everything.🙄
Something is always happening, you never quite know whether you should be scared, relieved, hopeful, or bracing yourself for impact.
And the ending… I knew there would be a brutal cliffhanger—but this brutal? Yeah. 😩💔
I genuinely loved the characters, each of them broken in their own way. Everyone is battling their personal demons while still trying to hold each other together. In that sense, I could even understand Elias—but toward the end, it felt like he crossed a line.🔪
⚠️ Tropes included:
🔪❤️🩹Taboo (step-brother)
🔪❤️🩹Why Choose
🔪❤️🩹Hockey
🔪❤️🩹Stalker
🔪❤️🩹Mental Health
All I can say to close this out is that I am desperately waiting for book two. Like… emotionally unwell levels of waiting. 😭🔥
5/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
First of all, a huge thank you to Elle for the opportunity! 🖤
🎸Pretty Poisoned was the very first book that made me fall in love with rockstar romance, so going into this story already felt special.
One thing I absolutely love about Elle’s writing is how incredibly addictive it is.😩
Sometimes it’s the characters, sometimes it’s the plot—but even when I’m reading three other books at the same time, my mind keeps wandering back to this story.
And Make It Hurt was no exception. 🫠
🖤This book is a dark, intense, and beautifully written story—the kind that completely pulls you in and makes it almost impossible to stop once you’ve started.
Dax quickly became a favorite of mine again. 🤭🖤 I have such a soft spot for these love-bombing characters—they pull you into their emotional black hole so effortlessly that I completely understood why Saige was drawn to him the way she was. (That being said… Luca is still my ultimate favorite from Pretty Poisoned, not gonna lie 🤪.)
The story throws you straight into the middle of things, introducing the main characters early on.
Elias irritated me almost immediately—and that feeling honestly never changed by the end. 😅
At first, Saige’s passivity and how quickly she seemed to accept certain situations really frustrated me.
But as the story progressed, it slowly started to make sense. With years passing and emotional weight piling up, you begin to understand why she eventually stopped fighting.
And that’s when we’re strapped into the emotional rollercoaster—and there’s no getting off after that. 🎢
🖤💙Dax and Nolan quickly became characters I grew attached to, and when I finally saw a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel together with Saige, Elias was the one element that kept disrupting everything.🙄
Something is always happening, you never quite know whether you should be scared, relieved, hopeful, or bracing yourself for impact.
And the ending… I knew there would be a brutal cliffhanger—but this brutal? Yeah. 😩💔
I genuinely loved the characters, each of them broken in their own way. Everyone is battling their personal demons while still trying to hold each other together. In that sense, I could even understand Elias—but toward the end, it felt like he crossed a line.🔪
⚠️ Tropes included:
🔪❤️🩹Taboo (step-brother)
🔪❤️🩹Why Choose
🔪❤️🩹Hockey
🔪❤️🩹Stalker
🔪❤️🩹Mental Health
All I can say to close this out is that I am desperately waiting for book two. Like… emotionally unwell levels of waiting. 😭🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
OK, like any responsible dark romance reader, we must start with the warning: CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS before you start any dark romance book. This is no exception. Things get heavy in this one.
Much like the FMC Saige, the whole time I kept telling myself "I shouldn't be into this. A rational, sane, normal person would not be into this. but I am SO INTO THIS."
I felt immediately connected to all of the main characters. If you don't see a bit of yourself in each one, you are not looking close enough, because Elle made them all incredibly nuanced. The story has deeply layered psychology and suspense, the spice is great, the plot is PLOTTING, the dialog is really snappy (which is important for me as a reader with aphantasia), and there are no dull moments- there are just wild swings from one emotion to the next, but all of them are intense.
I knew this was a duet and that most likely there would be a cliffhanger, but when I tell you “I was not ready” I mean, I. WAS. NOT. READY. This book had me completely enthralled from the very first line *chef's kiss* and then I just fell harder every line after that. I am a slow reader, but I devoured this in a weekend because I just refused to put it down. I have been chasing the high from Harley Laroux’s “The Losers” duet since 2023- it has consistently been my favorite dark romance, but this book didn’t just meet that standard- it surpassed it. I feel like I am in a little bit of shock from this emotional rollercoaster, but in the best way. I was wide-eyed speed-reading the entire last chapter and when I got to the end I silently screamed and squeezed my kindle so hard I thought it might crack the screen. I will drop everything the nanosecond Book 2 drops and I apologize to all my friends now because I will be talking about this duet for a long time.
Can I give it 100 stars? 100 hypothetical stars. it deserves every single one.
Much like the FMC Saige, the whole time I kept telling myself "I shouldn't be into this. A rational, sane, normal person would not be into this. but I am SO INTO THIS."
I felt immediately connected to all of the main characters. If you don't see a bit of yourself in each one, you are not looking close enough, because Elle made them all incredibly nuanced. The story has deeply layered psychology and suspense, the spice is great, the plot is PLOTTING, the dialog is really snappy (which is important for me as a reader with aphantasia), and there are no dull moments- there are just wild swings from one emotion to the next, but all of them are intense.
I knew this was a duet and that most likely there would be a cliffhanger, but when I tell you “I was not ready” I mean, I. WAS. NOT. READY. This book had me completely enthralled from the very first line *chef's kiss* and then I just fell harder every line after that. I am a slow reader, but I devoured this in a weekend because I just refused to put it down. I have been chasing the high from Harley Laroux’s “The Losers” duet since 2023- it has consistently been my favorite dark romance, but this book didn’t just meet that standard- it surpassed it. I feel like I am in a little bit of shock from this emotional rollercoaster, but in the best way. I was wide-eyed speed-reading the entire last chapter and when I got to the end I silently screamed and squeezed my kindle so hard I thought it might crack the screen. I will drop everything the nanosecond Book 2 drops and I apologize to all my friends now because I will be talking about this duet for a long time.
Can I give it 100 stars? 100 hypothetical stars. it deserves every single one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Aaahhhh Elle sometimes I dont know if I want to kiss you or smack you! Leaving me like this on a cliffhanger! Another 5🌟 read from Elle Mitchell.
COMING MARCH 9TH 2026!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, brutal, and completely addictive. Read the trigger warnings—then buckle up.
This book is not here to be gentle, and that’s exactly why it works so well.
The bullying is relentless, the power imbalance is sharp, and the emotional damage runs deep. Every interaction crackles with tension, and the line between hate and obsession is constantly blurred in the most deliciously uncomfortable way.
What really elevates this book to five stars is the character work. Saige, is put through absolute hell, yet she’s never weak—just human, raw, and stubbornly resilient. Watching her survive and adapt even when her head is yelling at her not to is so incredibly satisfying. With not 1 but 3 MMCs you get cruel, broken, and morally questionable in all the ways a true bully romance should be. Dax, Nolan, and Elias give you everything you need chaos, softness and pure darkness.
Yes, there are a lot of trigger warnings, and they are there for a reason. This story dives headfirst into dark themes and doesn’t soften the edges. But if you’re a reader who actively seeks intense emotional angst, toxic dynamics, and a romance that has to claw its way out of the darkness, this delivers in every possible way.
This is the kind of book that makes you uncomfortable, furious, and completely unable to stop reading. It’s messy, painful, and unforgettable—exactly what a top-tier bully romance should be. And hold on tight because book 2 is in the works!
Highly recommended for dark romance readers who know their limits and love to push them.
COMING MARCH 9TH 2026!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark, brutal, and completely addictive. Read the trigger warnings—then buckle up.
This book is not here to be gentle, and that’s exactly why it works so well.
The bullying is relentless, the power imbalance is sharp, and the emotional damage runs deep. Every interaction crackles with tension, and the line between hate and obsession is constantly blurred in the most deliciously uncomfortable way.
What really elevates this book to five stars is the character work. Saige, is put through absolute hell, yet she’s never weak—just human, raw, and stubbornly resilient. Watching her survive and adapt even when her head is yelling at her not to is so incredibly satisfying. With not 1 but 3 MMCs you get cruel, broken, and morally questionable in all the ways a true bully romance should be. Dax, Nolan, and Elias give you everything you need chaos, softness and pure darkness.
Yes, there are a lot of trigger warnings, and they are there for a reason. This story dives headfirst into dark themes and doesn’t soften the edges. But if you’re a reader who actively seeks intense emotional angst, toxic dynamics, and a romance that has to claw its way out of the darkness, this delivers in every possible way.
This is the kind of book that makes you uncomfortable, furious, and completely unable to stop reading. It’s messy, painful, and unforgettable—exactly what a top-tier bully romance should be. And hold on tight because book 2 is in the works!
Highly recommended for dark romance readers who know their limits and love to push them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
MISS MA’AM, HOW EXACTLY AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR BOOK TWO?!?? HOW???????? YOU LEFT MY JAW HANGING WIDE OPEN.
No, really, like mouth wide open, continuously pressing my screen for just one more page….
On a serious note, Elle, what do you put in these books? What is it??? Because I literally cannot think of anything else other than your current book from the very first page, to days after I’ve finished. Of course, this one was no different, as expected.
Absolutely devoured this overnight. Thank goodness I was snowed in today, and had absolutely nothing to do because I was rocking three hours of sleep because I could simply not put it down. It’s EVERYTHING I need in a bully romance (I don’t know what this says about me🫢*insert toxic by Britney Spears 🎶 *).
I felt such a connection to all of these characters, as I do with most of Elle’s books. Nolan, sweet Nolan, I could see him so vividly, and the way he adored Saige from the get go absolutely melted me. & Dax + Elias, of course, helllllo🥵I was actually rooting for them to possibly confess some feelings for each-other? I felt the love between them, for sure. But their love for Saige was everything.
Goodreads really needs an infinite ♾️ stars section so I can add this book into it (even if I did want to throw my kindle through my window after realizing it was over🙃)
Elle sure did make it hurt, in the very best way 🖤
PS- Lemme just get a ✨glimpse ✨ into book 2 👀
Joking…..
….sort of.
No, really, like mouth wide open, continuously pressing my screen for just one more page….
On a serious note, Elle, what do you put in these books? What is it??? Because I literally cannot think of anything else other than your current book from the very first page, to days after I’ve finished. Of course, this one was no different, as expected.
Absolutely devoured this overnight. Thank goodness I was snowed in today, and had absolutely nothing to do because I was rocking three hours of sleep because I could simply not put it down. It’s EVERYTHING I need in a bully romance (I don’t know what this says about me🫢*insert toxic by Britney Spears 🎶 *).
I felt such a connection to all of these characters, as I do with most of Elle’s books. Nolan, sweet Nolan, I could see him so vividly, and the way he adored Saige from the get go absolutely melted me. & Dax + Elias, of course, helllllo🥵I was actually rooting for them to possibly confess some feelings for each-other? I felt the love between them, for sure. But their love for Saige was everything.
Goodreads really needs an infinite ♾️ stars section so I can add this book into it (even if I did want to throw my kindle through my window after realizing it was over🙃)
Elle sure did make it hurt, in the very best way 🖤
PS- Lemme just get a ✨glimpse ✨ into book 2 👀
Joking…..
….sort of.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The title is on par for what you are about to experience. It’s morally dark gray, it’s unhinged, enemies to lovers, b u l l y, to slight mystery, to obsession/possession, to making you question yourself and feelings.
Was I also kicking my feet, biting my lip and staying up way too late because I couldn’t put it down, absolutely.
We are starting strong right from the start and continuing throughout the entire read. The tension is almost suffocating yet why am I ‘eeee’ing’ . I shouldn’t, it’s messed up but I loved every deranged second of it.
Our FMC breaks my heart.. Shes vulnerable, sad and basically a lost soul. Her emotions are raw and they pull you in.
Now our MMCs.. I know alright, i did love them. In their own twisted way.. are they intense, manipulative, controlling, walking red flags.. one hundred and ten percent, their actions are not excused… however! You get these tiny moments and idk I feel like I see something that makes me melt a little. Oops
I have questions, I am ready for more!
Ps.. Nolan is my baby
Elle does not write for the faint of heart. She has me loving these men even when I shouldn’t but should. I fear I love the emotional damage Elle puts me through.. I wish I could fully put it into words how her writing just does something for me and I’m pulled into another universe.
Check your triggers but it��s a 10/10 for meee
- step brother
- bully
- stalker
- college
- why choose
Was I also kicking my feet, biting my lip and staying up way too late because I couldn’t put it down, absolutely.
We are starting strong right from the start and continuing throughout the entire read. The tension is almost suffocating yet why am I ‘eeee’ing’ . I shouldn’t, it’s messed up but I loved every deranged second of it.
Our FMC breaks my heart.. Shes vulnerable, sad and basically a lost soul. Her emotions are raw and they pull you in.
Now our MMCs.. I know alright, i did love them. In their own twisted way.. are they intense, manipulative, controlling, walking red flags.. one hundred and ten percent, their actions are not excused… however! You get these tiny moments and idk I feel like I see something that makes me melt a little. Oops
I have questions, I am ready for more!
Ps.. Nolan is my baby
Elle does not write for the faint of heart. She has me loving these men even when I shouldn’t but should. I fear I love the emotional damage Elle puts me through.. I wish I could fully put it into words how her writing just does something for me and I’m pulled into another universe.
Check your triggers but it��s a 10/10 for meee
- step brother
- bully
- stalker
- college
- why choose
Review of advance copy received from Autor
"Seal it with a kiss."
I'm a guy who can't show affection; I'm not good with words or expressing myself, I have an aversion to physical touch, and secrets I can't talk about—the kind I medicate and do my best to stuff into a corner, but I still have to be prepared for them to pop back up at anytime and send me into a spiral. And she's a girl who can't even take a compliment. What a match.
I GOT AN ARC AAAAAAA!!!
Let me just start by saying: Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, spectacular.
I literally inhaled this book in one single night. Did I sleep? No. Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. Make It Hurt is everything I could ever want in a bullying why choose romance.
Also, can we talk about a literal miracle? I actually liked all the MMCs. Shocking, I know.
Elias: He might be a little unhinged (maybe more than a little), but he is completely, undeniably obsessed with Saige and I ATE. IT. UP.
Dax: I was honestly on the fence with him. I can’t lie, he made me feel a tiny bit of rage sometimes.
Nolan: The only one who never made me angry once. He is an absolute sweetheart and must be protected at all costs.
The chemistry? Unmatched. And that cliffhanger?! It should be illegal because I needed the next book the second I finished the last page.
I'm a guy who can't show affection; I'm not good with words or expressing myself, I have an aversion to physical touch, and secrets I can't talk about—the kind I medicate and do my best to stuff into a corner, but I still have to be prepared for them to pop back up at anytime and send me into a spiral. And she's a girl who can't even take a compliment. What a match.
I GOT AN ARC AAAAAAA!!!
Let me just start by saying: Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, spectacular.
I literally inhaled this book in one single night. Did I sleep? No. Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. Make It Hurt is everything I could ever want in a bullying why choose romance.
Also, can we talk about a literal miracle? I actually liked all the MMCs. Shocking, I know.
Elias: He might be a little unhinged (maybe more than a little), but he is completely, undeniably obsessed with Saige and I ATE. IT. UP.
Dax: I was honestly on the fence with him. I can’t lie, he made me feel a tiny bit of rage sometimes.
Nolan: The only one who never made me angry once. He is an absolute sweetheart and must be protected at all costs.
The chemistry? Unmatched. And that cliffhanger?! It should be illegal because I needed the next book the second I finished the last page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️ 5🌶️
Holy, why-choose goodness. This is my very first Elle novel and let me tell you that I am now a very, very big fan and will be reading her entire back log now. The writing was so good and immidiately sucks you Into the world. I ate this book up in a way that I haven’t in a long time. Saige is this beautifully broken girl who has had one terrible thing after another happen to her. Her Stepbrother, Elias and his best friend’s, Dax and Nolan have spent the last two years making Saige’s life complete hell. Right down to paying friends to hurt her and sleep with her boyfriend. Elias feels like she ruined his life, but he is just laying his hurt on anyone except the person responsible.
Once Saige starts college things quickly start to devolve after a really terrible night and it leaves her depending on Elias, Dax, and Nolan who are all messed up in their own ways.
The mystery aspect of this book is so dang good. I thought I had it figured out, and I did, sort of; but with a caveat… the book ends on a MASSIVE cliffhanger. Now I have to be mopey for the next few months while I wait for the second half to come out. If you love a dark why-choose, MMFM, stalking, and a mystery this book is for you.
Holy, why-choose goodness. This is my very first Elle novel and let me tell you that I am now a very, very big fan and will be reading her entire back log now. The writing was so good and immidiately sucks you Into the world. I ate this book up in a way that I haven’t in a long time. Saige is this beautifully broken girl who has had one terrible thing after another happen to her. Her Stepbrother, Elias and his best friend’s, Dax and Nolan have spent the last two years making Saige’s life complete hell. Right down to paying friends to hurt her and sleep with her boyfriend. Elias feels like she ruined his life, but he is just laying his hurt on anyone except the person responsible.
Once Saige starts college things quickly start to devolve after a really terrible night and it leaves her depending on Elias, Dax, and Nolan who are all messed up in their own ways.
The mystery aspect of this book is so dang good. I thought I had it figured out, and I did, sort of; but with a caveat… the book ends on a MASSIVE cliffhanger. Now I have to be mopey for the next few months while I wait for the second half to come out. If you love a dark why-choose, MMFM, stalking, and a mystery this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my god, the cliffhanger!
This book, this is what a bully romance should be, like seriously WTF.
Saige moves to a new area with her Mum to live with her new step-dad and step-brother Elias. Elias along with his friends Dax and Nolan make it their mission to make her life miserable. Fast forward two years and Saige is going to the same college as her bullies. When an unexpected incident means Saige needs their help it comes with massive strings attached, be under their control, do whatever they want or face the consequences. Deciding Elias is the lessor of two evils Saige agrees, but when she gains a stalker keeping her safe becomes more important than tormenting her.
The characters were brilliant, I loved Saige and Elias was horrendous, I’m hoping he can maybe redeem himself in the next book but who knows, at this point it might be too late. Dax is the eternal charmer but needs a bit of a talking to! Nolan (so far) can do no wrong really.
I read this in almost one go really, at no point did I want to skim through bits, it kept my attention the entire time. I have no idea how long we will have to wait to read book 2 but I just finished it and I don’t know how I’ll cope till I know what happens!
5/5⭐️
5/5🌶️
This book, this is what a bully romance should be, like seriously WTF.
Saige moves to a new area with her Mum to live with her new step-dad and step-brother Elias. Elias along with his friends Dax and Nolan make it their mission to make her life miserable. Fast forward two years and Saige is going to the same college as her bullies. When an unexpected incident means Saige needs their help it comes with massive strings attached, be under their control, do whatever they want or face the consequences. Deciding Elias is the lessor of two evils Saige agrees, but when she gains a stalker keeping her safe becomes more important than tormenting her.
The characters were brilliant, I loved Saige and Elias was horrendous, I’m hoping he can maybe redeem himself in the next book but who knows, at this point it might be too late. Dax is the eternal charmer but needs a bit of a talking to! Nolan (so far) can do no wrong really.
I read this in almost one go really, at no point did I want to skim through bits, it kept my attention the entire time. I have no idea how long we will have to wait to read book 2 but I just finished it and I don’t know how I’ll cope till I know what happens!
5/5⭐️
5/5🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
🤔why choose MMFM
💇♂️step brother
😈college bully
🏒 hockey
🩸bully
💀pushing abusive men off cliffs
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
HOLY SH$T !!!!!
Elle Mitchell, this is the first book I have ever read of hers
When I finished it I immediately went to purchase more.
It is 6:30 a.m. . I can't even put into words what I just read.
OMG!! I am still reeling in everything and trying to comprehend it all.
I fricken absolutely 💯 loved and devoured this book.
Elias- mad at the world ex hockey player
Saige - being bullied
Dax- all around rich party friend
Nolan-- well ....... mmhm...
The dynamics, the plot twists, the characters, THE SPICE and everything in between were so perfectly written.
Best of all though those twists will have you dumbfounded. Just when you think you have it all figured out NOPE.
This is my kind of read.
This book needs to be a movie or TV series
No kidding people. I have read some books in my life. I have rated 5 STARS BUT NEVER have I ever rated it or wanted to rate it 20stars and higher. The spice was off the charts phenomenally written. Damn!!!!!
WOW!!
I can't wait to read more. soon...
💇♂️step brother
😈college bully
🏒 hockey
🩸bully
💀pushing abusive men off cliffs
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
HOLY SH$T !!!!!
Elle Mitchell, this is the first book I have ever read of hers
When I finished it I immediately went to purchase more.
It is 6:30 a.m. . I can't even put into words what I just read.
OMG!! I am still reeling in everything and trying to comprehend it all.
I fricken absolutely 💯 loved and devoured this book.
Elias- mad at the world ex hockey player
Saige - being bullied
Dax- all around rich party friend
Nolan-- well ....... mmhm...
The dynamics, the plot twists, the characters, THE SPICE and everything in between were so perfectly written.
Best of all though those twists will have you dumbfounded. Just when you think you have it all figured out NOPE.
This is my kind of read.
This book needs to be a movie or TV series
No kidding people. I have read some books in my life. I have rated 5 STARS BUT NEVER have I ever rated it or wanted to rate it 20stars and higher. The spice was off the charts phenomenally written. Damn!!!!!
WOW!!
I can't wait to read more. soon...
February 2, 2026
Elle Mitchell will always be an auto buy author for me so I knew I was in for the best time with this book... and I absolutely loved it!
Elle writes the most amazing characters, so well rounded, complex and dark but gives us a sliver of light to show their humanity in the right situation & with the right people.
Bully romance, step siblings and setting up a why choose. Saige is a good girl but when she gets into some trouble, it's down to her step brother Elias & his friends Dax & Nolan to help her out. Not out of the goodness of their hearts but so they can hold it over her, control her and threaten her if she doesn't abode by their every demand.
Elias is toxic, dark, cruel and unhinged. Dax is emotionally manipulative, has a saviour complex but the drags people when he's done & Nolan is quiet and introverted. I had stockholm by the end of the book because I was fully under their spell!
Saige needs to survive their control & cruelty without falling for the enemies & letting herself get hurt again bit things are never as they seem. The cliffhanger in thid was diabolical and I need book 2 immediately!
Check triggers as it's dark ❤️
Elle writes the most amazing characters, so well rounded, complex and dark but gives us a sliver of light to show their humanity in the right situation & with the right people.
Bully romance, step siblings and setting up a why choose. Saige is a good girl but when she gets into some trouble, it's down to her step brother Elias & his friends Dax & Nolan to help her out. Not out of the goodness of their hearts but so they can hold it over her, control her and threaten her if she doesn't abode by their every demand.
Elias is toxic, dark, cruel and unhinged. Dax is emotionally manipulative, has a saviour complex but the drags people when he's done & Nolan is quiet and introverted. I had stockholm by the end of the book because I was fully under their spell!
Saige needs to survive their control & cruelty without falling for the enemies & letting herself get hurt again bit things are never as they seem. The cliffhanger in thid was diabolical and I need book 2 immediately!
Check triggers as it's dark ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Goodbye reading slump I finished this in a day.
This book!! i was hooked from start to finish even after that ending!! Elle loves to leave us on a cliffy🤣
Was it tough to read at times? Yes! But it was soooo good. There’s not really much I can say without spoilers. CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!! this gets dark.
I hate Elias so much lol, he makes Saige’ life hell but I’m patiently waiting for him to make up for all the bad things eventually. But that’s how I know I’m gonna love the book when one of the characters brings out so much hate in me.
Saige is such a strong woman considering what’s she’s been through, her stepbrother Elias and his friends Dax and Nolan made her life hell throughout high school. Now in university she finds herself in trouble and turning to them to save her, but their help comes with a price.
I loved Dax and Nolan they make it easy to forget they played a part in Saige’ torture at the hands of her new stepbrother.
This is a dark bully why choose romance full of morally grey MMCs with an obsession that quickly gets out of hand…. and they might not be the worst thing Saige has to worry about.
This book!! i was hooked from start to finish even after that ending!! Elle loves to leave us on a cliffy🤣
Was it tough to read at times? Yes! But it was soooo good. There’s not really much I can say without spoilers. CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS!! this gets dark.
I hate Elias so much lol, he makes Saige’ life hell but I’m patiently waiting for him to make up for all the bad things eventually. But that’s how I know I’m gonna love the book when one of the characters brings out so much hate in me.
Saige is such a strong woman considering what’s she’s been through, her stepbrother Elias and his friends Dax and Nolan made her life hell throughout high school. Now in university she finds herself in trouble and turning to them to save her, but their help comes with a price.
I loved Dax and Nolan they make it easy to forget they played a part in Saige’ torture at the hands of her new stepbrother.
This is a dark bully why choose romance full of morally grey MMCs with an obsession that quickly gets out of hand…. and they might not be the worst thing Saige has to worry about.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hell Elle!
You wicked enchantress... the way you craft your characters. The emotional whiplash. The conflicting thoughts and feelings shaped by trauma. The reader is treated to an emotional roller-coaster
You think you're beginning to understand why certain people behave the way they are and things seem to make sense. Until a massive quake (or orgasm) hits and shakes all the pieces out of place once more.
Saige has so much fight in her, despite all the shyte that knocks her head on she continues to crawl through the pieces of shattered glass. She's endured all forms of abuse, a broken marionette at the mercy of her step brother and his blind followers.
If you like a dark romance with strong elements of bullying and degradation - you will eat this up. It had me questioning my own morals at times. Like the deranged being I am, I couldn't put it down.
Then Elle, the cheeky minx has to go and throw a gosh damn cliffy in there. A clever take on one of the events that takes place in the story.
You wicked enchantress... the way you craft your characters. The emotional whiplash. The conflicting thoughts and feelings shaped by trauma. The reader is treated to an emotional roller-coaster
You think you're beginning to understand why certain people behave the way they are and things seem to make sense. Until a massive quake (or orgasm) hits and shakes all the pieces out of place once more.
Saige has so much fight in her, despite all the shyte that knocks her head on she continues to crawl through the pieces of shattered glass. She's endured all forms of abuse, a broken marionette at the mercy of her step brother and his blind followers.
If you like a dark romance with strong elements of bullying and degradation - you will eat this up. It had me questioning my own morals at times. Like the deranged being I am, I couldn't put it down.
Then Elle, the cheeky minx has to go and throw a gosh damn cliffy in there. A clever take on one of the events that takes place in the story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
it’s a crime i can’t give this book more than 5 stars. idk if i’ve ever been this obsessed with a story line and that says A LOT. (i read so much bully/dark romance it’s not even funny). From beginning to end i was hooked, there’s just something about elle’s writing that im obsessed with. Dax?? yeah you better redeem yourself in book 2. I loved you until the end. that hurt me personally 😭 Nolan has MY HEART FOREVER and i love love loved when he finally opened up to saige. if i had to choose ONE character for saige to end up with it’d be nolan (please don’t make me choose i believe in redemption arcs). And lastly Elias… i can’t wait for your comeback. bc truly wtf were you thinking throughout this entire book🙂 unfortunately i love red flags and i unfortunately love elias. Saige is such a beautiful fmc and im praying my girl makes it out alive in book 2 and puts all theses boys in place 😅
Thank you so much elle for giving me the chance to arc read for you🖤 and lastly I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!! is it april yet?
Thank you so much elle for giving me the chance to arc read for you🖤 and lastly I CANT WAIT FOR BOOK 2!!! is it april yet?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*yells in Niklaus character*
ELLE!!!
😭😭😭😭😭
why must you torture us with such a cliffhanger. after everything you put us through in this book....you really hit us hard with the ending.
omg this book was everything you'd expect from Elle.
it was trauma packed, intense, unhinged, and HOT.
omg was this hot.
Nolan and Dax were just 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Elias was the unhinged step brother that took things too far....to keep things in his control.
Dax and Nolan aren't innocent either though, but they're just simply the sweetest...in their own twisted ways.
Nolan is the one who really stole my heart though 🥺🥹
Saige, oh Saige. I love her too. I felt so bad for all the hell she goes through, but oh boy does she get lucky with Dax & Nolan. 🥵🥵
but damn the suspense and mystery of the strange events happening around the house...and that cliffhanger ..I honestly have no idea who or what to expect going into book 2.
I just absolutely loved this book, not surprised though because if Elle writes it, I know I'll love it.
thank you Elle for the arc...
and trauma bond.
ELLE!!!
😭😭😭😭😭
why must you torture us with such a cliffhanger. after everything you put us through in this book....you really hit us hard with the ending.
omg this book was everything you'd expect from Elle.
it was trauma packed, intense, unhinged, and HOT.
omg was this hot.
Nolan and Dax were just 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Elias was the unhinged step brother that took things too far....to keep things in his control.
Dax and Nolan aren't innocent either though, but they're just simply the sweetest...in their own twisted ways.
Nolan is the one who really stole my heart though 🥺🥹
Saige, oh Saige. I love her too. I felt so bad for all the hell she goes through, but oh boy does she get lucky with Dax & Nolan. 🥵🥵
but damn the suspense and mystery of the strange events happening around the house...and that cliffhanger ..I honestly have no idea who or what to expect going into book 2.
I just absolutely loved this book, not surprised though because if Elle writes it, I know I'll love it.
thank you Elle for the arc...
and trauma bond.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s been several hours since I finished this book, and I’m STILL trying to pick my jaw up from the ground!
This book was absolutely AMAZING!!!
Be warned…this is a dark bułły romance book!!! And it has all the elements in it to make you happy, sad, angry and on the edge of your seat with twists and turns!!
The FMC Saige is about to meet the boy who wants revenge on the mother and daughter who drove his mom away!
Elias wants nothing more than for his stepsister to stay away from him. Bułłying her with his best friends throughout highschool, he’s finally able to rid of her when he leaves for University. But all good things must come to an end, when Saige shows up to go to the same University as him, Dax and Nolan. After an unexpected event happens, the three men help Saige to hide her mess, only to rope her in to do whatever they please. And I mean whatever they please lol.
But someone lurks in the woods, sending Saige messages that have the men wanting to protect her at all cost. But what will that cost be?
There is a cliffy so he prepared!!
This book is definitely one of my top favs and I highly recommend you add it to your tbr!!!
Rating: 5⭐️
Spicy: 4🌶️
This book was absolutely AMAZING!!!
Be warned…this is a dark bułły romance book!!! And it has all the elements in it to make you happy, sad, angry and on the edge of your seat with twists and turns!!
The FMC Saige is about to meet the boy who wants revenge on the mother and daughter who drove his mom away!
Elias wants nothing more than for his stepsister to stay away from him. Bułłying her with his best friends throughout highschool, he’s finally able to rid of her when he leaves for University. But all good things must come to an end, when Saige shows up to go to the same University as him, Dax and Nolan. After an unexpected event happens, the three men help Saige to hide her mess, only to rope her in to do whatever they please. And I mean whatever they please lol.
But someone lurks in the woods, sending Saige messages that have the men wanting to protect her at all cost. But what will that cost be?
There is a cliffy so he prepared!!
This book is definitely one of my top favs and I highly recommend you add it to your tbr!!!
Rating: 5⭐️
Spicy: 4🌶️
February 4, 2026
Elle Mitchell proves once again why she owns angsty, twisted why choose romance. Make It Hurt, book one in the West Pine Bullies duology, throws you straight into a brutal world of revenge, obsession, and moral darkness that doesn’t hold back.
Saige is broken, but strong, and I loved how real her pain felt. The MMCs? Walking red flags. I ate it up.
Elias is pure sadistic chaos, Dax brings the cruel edge with just enough softness to mess with your head, and Nolan completely stole my heart in the middle of all the destruction. The MMFM dynamics are intense, possessive, tension-filled, and seriously spicy.
Once this story hooks you, there’s no putting it down.
And that ending?! The cliffhanger emotionally wrecked me and now I need book two immediately.
If you love dark romance that hurts your feelings, pushes your limits, and leaves you trauma-bonded to fictional men, check the trigger warnings and move this straight to the top of your TBR. Elle absolutely delivers, Easily one of my top reads of the year. 🖤
Saige is broken, but strong, and I loved how real her pain felt. The MMCs? Walking red flags. I ate it up.
Elias is pure sadistic chaos, Dax brings the cruel edge with just enough softness to mess with your head, and Nolan completely stole my heart in the middle of all the destruction. The MMFM dynamics are intense, possessive, tension-filled, and seriously spicy.
Once this story hooks you, there’s no putting it down.
And that ending?! The cliffhanger emotionally wrecked me and now I need book two immediately.
If you love dark romance that hurts your feelings, pushes your limits, and leaves you trauma-bonded to fictional men, check the trigger warnings and move this straight to the top of your TBR. Elle absolutely delivers, Easily one of my top reads of the year. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
if Elle writes it I'm reading it. point. blank. period.
what's world wind of events! while I love a good bully romance, they also terrify me cause I'm just like , ' oh God, how mean are they going to be?' but I was hooked from the first page. the story just grips you and you better hang on tight.
it's the way you can see our main girl Saige fall into the "Stockholm/trauma bond" pattern with the people she is indebted to. one moment you're on her side knowing that the feeling are mutual and everything is hunky dory, then here comes dear ol step-brother planting that seed of doubt. using good ol psychology on us and her and you're just like ahh wtf
you read this and you can't help but see yourself in not only Saige but all the characters.
ahhh the whole story is just wicked insane. the characters are so diabolically delicious in their own way, and I'm deff partial to my baby Nolan.
the manipulation and mind games and let's not forget the epic cliffhanger we are left on. I seriously cannot wait for book 2 and what other secrets will be unearthed.
what's world wind of events! while I love a good bully romance, they also terrify me cause I'm just like , ' oh God, how mean are they going to be?' but I was hooked from the first page. the story just grips you and you better hang on tight.
it's the way you can see our main girl Saige fall into the "Stockholm/trauma bond" pattern with the people she is indebted to. one moment you're on her side knowing that the feeling are mutual and everything is hunky dory, then here comes dear ol step-brother planting that seed of doubt. using good ol psychology on us and her and you're just like ahh wtf
you read this and you can't help but see yourself in not only Saige but all the characters.
ahhh the whole story is just wicked insane. the characters are so diabolically delicious in their own way, and I'm deff partial to my baby Nolan.
the manipulation and mind games and let's not forget the epic cliffhanger we are left on. I seriously cannot wait for book 2 and what other secrets will be unearthed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ARC REVIEW
Like the true feral reading gremlin I am, I ignored my to-do list and everyone in my vicinity. no cap.
This was tense, messy, and uncomfortable in the way dark romance is supposed to be. 👏🏽
Saige broke my heart. She’s raw, vulnerable, and painfully human. Watching her survive, adapt, and claw her way through everything thrown at her hit hard. She’s not weak. She’s resilient in a way that hurts to witness and impossible not to root for.
And the MMCs… listen. Red flags? Absolutely. Manipulative, controlling, morally questionable? Without a doubt. But those tiny moments of softness and humanity had me melting against my better judgment. Nolan! (my shayla!) especially has me in a chokehold and I’m not fighting it. There’s something about the silent, closed-off type that always pulls me in.
Elle fed me so good I ATE this up! but I am not okay after that ending. make it hurt? definitely did - Five f*cking stars.
Like the true feral reading gremlin I am, I ignored my to-do list and everyone in my vicinity. no cap.
This was tense, messy, and uncomfortable in the way dark romance is supposed to be. 👏🏽
Saige broke my heart. She’s raw, vulnerable, and painfully human. Watching her survive, adapt, and claw her way through everything thrown at her hit hard. She’s not weak. She’s resilient in a way that hurts to witness and impossible not to root for.
And the MMCs… listen. Red flags? Absolutely. Manipulative, controlling, morally questionable? Without a doubt. But those tiny moments of softness and humanity had me melting against my better judgment. Nolan! (my shayla!) especially has me in a chokehold and I’m not fighting it. There’s something about the silent, closed-off type that always pulls me in.
Elle fed me so good I ATE this up! but I am not okay after that ending. make it hurt? definitely did - Five f*cking stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book. Make It Hurt had me hooked from start to finish and kept my attention the entire way through — I never felt bored or disconnected from the story.
The FMC was a standout for me. She’s badass, strong-willed, and unapologetically herself, which made her such a joy to read about. I loved watching her navigate everything thrown at her, and she quickly became one of my favorite FMCs I’ve read recently.
I’ve genuinely loved every book by Elle Mitchell that I’ve read so far, so I went into this one already excited — and it completely lived up to my expectations. The writing, the tension, and the characters all worked perfectly together.
This book is super dark, a why choose romance, and the cliffhanger ending has me on the edge of my seat desperately waiting for book two. An easy five-star read for me.
The FMC was a standout for me. She’s badass, strong-willed, and unapologetically herself, which made her such a joy to read about. I loved watching her navigate everything thrown at her, and she quickly became one of my favorite FMCs I’ve read recently.
I’ve genuinely loved every book by Elle Mitchell that I’ve read so far, so I went into this one already excited — and it completely lived up to my expectations. The writing, the tension, and the characters all worked perfectly together.
This book is super dark, a why choose romance, and the cliffhanger ending has me on the edge of my seat desperately waiting for book two. An easy five-star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this from Elle Mitchell and I’m so happy I did!! I’ve loved Elle Mitchell since Pretty Poisoned and this has cemented my love for Elle!!
CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS
Going in, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel. I was a bit worried that it would gel with my morals as there is a very fine line with dark romances and whether or not I can read it. I am so happy that I kept reading because I loved it.
It had so much depth and whilst there were moments that I was like oh yeah this is a dark romance, it didn’t cross the line too much. Every character had depth and vulnerability and I found myself loving it so much.
This book wrecked me and then left me begging for more… which is very fitting…
I was shocked at the end and now I’m desperate for the next book!!!!!
CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS
Going in, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel. I was a bit worried that it would gel with my morals as there is a very fine line with dark romances and whether or not I can read it. I am so happy that I kept reading because I loved it.
It had so much depth and whilst there were moments that I was like oh yeah this is a dark romance, it didn’t cross the line too much. Every character had depth and vulnerability and I found myself loving it so much.
This book wrecked me and then left me begging for more… which is very fitting…
I was shocked at the end and now I’m desperate for the next book!!!!!
February 8, 2026
🖤 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐭 🖤
“ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ɢᴇᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴅᴇsᴇʀᴠᴇ.”
“𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚌𝚔 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎, 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚐𝚘.”
ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ:
🏒 ᴡʜʏ ᴄʜᴏᴏsᴇ (ᴍᴍғᴍ)
🩸 ᴛᴀʙᴏᴏ (sᴛᴇᴘ-ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ)
🏒 ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ ʙᴜʟʟʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🩸 sᴛᴀʟᴋᴇʀ
🏒 ʜᴏᴄᴋᴇʏ
🩸 ᴘᴜsʜɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴜsɪᴠᴇ ᴍᴇɴ ᴏғғ ᴄʟɪғғs
5✨✨✨✨✨
ARC Review
If there’s one thing about Elle, she’s going to make you work for an ending. i was on the edge of my seat the entire time wondering what the heck was going to happen next. As always the plot twists hit at the very end. And you get left on an epic cliffhanger. Make it Hurt takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and has you on edge of what’s going to happen next until the very last second. If Elle writes it, i’ll read it. Check your triggers before reading!
.
“ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ɢᴇᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴅᴇsᴇʀᴠᴇ.”
“𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚌𝚔 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚎, 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚐𝚘.”
ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ:
🏒 ᴡʜʏ ᴄʜᴏᴏsᴇ (ᴍᴍғᴍ)
🩸 ᴛᴀʙᴏᴏ (sᴛᴇᴘ-ʙʀᴏᴛʜᴇʀ)
🏒 ᴄᴏʟʟᴇɢᴇ ʙᴜʟʟʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🩸 sᴛᴀʟᴋᴇʀ
🏒 ʜᴏᴄᴋᴇʏ
🩸 ᴘᴜsʜɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴜsɪᴠᴇ ᴍᴇɴ ᴏғғ ᴄʟɪғғs
5✨✨✨✨✨
ARC Review
If there’s one thing about Elle, she’s going to make you work for an ending. i was on the edge of my seat the entire time wondering what the heck was going to happen next. As always the plot twists hit at the very end. And you get left on an epic cliffhanger. Make it Hurt takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and has you on edge of what’s going to happen next until the very last second. If Elle writes it, i’ll read it. Check your triggers before reading!
.
February 1, 2026
ARC REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
What did I just read and why did I love it so much! This was my first book from this author and I’m hooked! This featured some of my favorite tropes like step siblings, bully romance and why choose and honestly all of it was done so well! There was a strong plot, a ton of spice and just enough insanity they had me questioning my morals. Try as I did to not fall for the villains but here am I. It had angst, drama, tension, spice - all the things that make for an amazing story! BUT! Holy Cliffhanger was not expecting that. I could tell around 85% this was going to happen and let me just say I’m not OK!
Elle Mitchell please put your writing hat back on because I’m really going to need this next book ASAP!!!
What did I just read and why did I love it so much! This was my first book from this author and I’m hooked! This featured some of my favorite tropes like step siblings, bully romance and why choose and honestly all of it was done so well! There was a strong plot, a ton of spice and just enough insanity they had me questioning my morals. Try as I did to not fall for the villains but here am I. It had angst, drama, tension, spice - all the things that make for an amazing story! BUT! Holy Cliffhanger was not expecting that. I could tell around 85% this was going to happen and let me just say I’m not OK!
Elle Mitchell please put your writing hat back on because I’m really going to need this next book ASAP!!!
February 1, 2026
Not me in a trauma bond with Elle Mitchell. She broke my heart and made me like it and I will never stop coming back for more.
She warned me in the title what her plans were, but I was still surprised with how badly this book hurt.
These men. I’m not sure there’s any good qualities in any of them, but I would do unspeakable things to and for them. Elias, Dax and Nolan are all awful and I love them.
I understand why Saige would let the men who broke her try to make her pieces comfortable now that they fit in the palms of their hands.
This was an emotional roller coaster. That was on fire. Going over the edge of a cliff. I will just be sitting here having an existential crisis until Make It Stop comes out if anyone is looking for me.
Thank you Elle for the ARC - I think.
She warned me in the title what her plans were, but I was still surprised with how badly this book hurt.
These men. I’m not sure there’s any good qualities in any of them, but I would do unspeakable things to and for them. Elias, Dax and Nolan are all awful and I love them.
I understand why Saige would let the men who broke her try to make her pieces comfortable now that they fit in the palms of their hands.
This was an emotional roller coaster. That was on fire. Going over the edge of a cliff. I will just be sitting here having an existential crisis until Make It Stop comes out if anyone is looking for me.
Thank you Elle for the ARC - I think.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Make It Hurt is exactly what I’ve come to expect from Elle Mitchell—and that’s pain in the best way. She once again proves she’s a queen of the why choose trope, delivering multiple love interests that feel distinct, intentional, and dangerously addictive. The angst hits, the tension stays high, and the emotional damage is absolutely on brand.
And because it’s Elle Mitchell, yes—there’s a cliffhanger that leaves you staring at the page like, excuse me??? She never goes easy on her readers, and honestly, that’s why I keep coming back.
If you love why choose dark romance with angst, tension, and an author who always delivers and leaves you desperate for more, Make It Hurt belongs on your shelf. I’m already counting down for what comes next. 😩📚
And because it’s Elle Mitchell, yes—there’s a cliffhanger that leaves you staring at the page like, excuse me??? She never goes easy on her readers, and honestly, that’s why I keep coming back.
If you love why choose dark romance with angst, tension, and an author who always delivers and leaves you desperate for more, Make It Hurt belongs on your shelf. I’m already counting down for what comes next. 😩📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don't know how to be okay right now, I really need book 2 (like ASAP)!
Well in usual Elle fashion, I'm ruined! I swear no author writes broken characters like Elle does, I always end up crying! I devoured this book so quickly, been a while since any book has held my attention so well.
This is a...
• Why choose (with MM)
• High school into College bully romance (and I mean bully, not the usual fluffy stuff they pass off as bully)
• Step brother and his friends
• Unhinged or Broken MCs
• Stalking and Masks
Three different types of MMCs, one OTT possessive, one very broken and the other casual non-comittal player!
I honestly cant believe the cliff hanger we have been left on, but was totally worth it for how good this book is. Cannot wait to get my hands on the next one....
Well in usual Elle fashion, I'm ruined! I swear no author writes broken characters like Elle does, I always end up crying! I devoured this book so quickly, been a while since any book has held my attention so well.
This is a...
• Why choose (with MM)
• High school into College bully romance (and I mean bully, not the usual fluffy stuff they pass off as bully)
• Step brother and his friends
• Unhinged or Broken MCs
• Stalking and Masks
Three different types of MMCs, one OTT possessive, one very broken and the other casual non-comittal player!
I honestly cant believe the cliff hanger we have been left on, but was totally worth it for how good this book is. Cannot wait to get my hands on the next one....
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just dont think Elias could make up for the damage hes done. He ruined and bullied Saige since he met her. Started in high school and continued through college and got worse when she needed help from him to keep something quiet of what she did. She moved in with Elias and his 2 roommates and he made her do everything there and continued to bully her. She had to be kept safe from someone who was stalking her. He realized quick that it wasn't helping his obsession with her and when he decided he wanted to change and get her love-she fell in love with his roommates.
Ends on a cliffhanger. I need the second book ASAP! This book was so gooood and so spicy!!
Why choose
Enemies
Step brother
Ends on a cliffhanger. I need the second book ASAP! This book was so gooood and so spicy!!
Why choose
Enemies
Step brother
February 7, 2026
What can I say, I love it when they are mean… but only because they are obsessed with her and then turn it around. Make It Hurt delivered!
MMFM with four broken characters each with their own trauma and past. The MMCs are all friends from childhood, two are in a relationship. The FMC, Saige is thrust unknowingly into the orbit of her now stepbrother at 16 who resolves to make her life miserable- and succeeds. Fast forward, they are both at the same university and one mistake binds them all… but, is everything as it seems? Is everything a lie? The plot twists and cliffhanger are epic and I cannot wait for book two!
MMCs: Nolan, Dax, and Stepbro Elias.
FMC: Saige
Setting College/University
MMFM
MM Love
Bully
Stalking
Revenge
Lies & Secrets
Hockey
And more….
MMFM with four broken characters each with their own trauma and past. The MMCs are all friends from childhood, two are in a relationship. The FMC, Saige is thrust unknowingly into the orbit of her now stepbrother at 16 who resolves to make her life miserable- and succeeds. Fast forward, they are both at the same university and one mistake binds them all… but, is everything as it seems? Is everything a lie? The plot twists and cliffhanger are epic and I cannot wait for book two!
MMCs: Nolan, Dax, and Stepbro Elias.
FMC: Saige
Setting College/University
MMFM
MM Love
Bully
Stalking
Revenge
Lies & Secrets
Hockey
And more….
February 10, 2026
Elle you’ve done it again! 😱
Pretty poisoned was the first book that blew me away and drew me into dark romance and now you’ve done it again!
Straight off the bat I was enthralled by the dynamics of sage and Elias’s relationship, what I was not expecting was to also be obsessed with dax and Nolan and enjoy them also enjoying each other 🙈
This was brutal…. The toxicity, the love, the bending of a moral compass, the forbidden romance made everything hurt in the right way!
Not sure if I love or hate Elle for the cliffhanger ending.. it’s ruined me and I need book 2 now!
As always for a dark romance make sure to check the triggers prior to reading as there are many 😜
I urge all dark romance fans to get their hand on this, being released March 9th!!
Pretty poisoned was the first book that blew me away and drew me into dark romance and now you’ve done it again!
Straight off the bat I was enthralled by the dynamics of sage and Elias’s relationship, what I was not expecting was to also be obsessed with dax and Nolan and enjoy them also enjoying each other 🙈
This was brutal…. The toxicity, the love, the bending of a moral compass, the forbidden romance made everything hurt in the right way!
Not sure if I love or hate Elle for the cliffhanger ending.. it’s ruined me and I need book 2 now!
As always for a dark romance make sure to check the triggers prior to reading as there are many 😜
I urge all dark romance fans to get their hand on this, being released March 9th!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews