Favorite Malady

by Julia Sykes

I've been watching her. Wanting her. Stalking her.

I'm obsessed with the shy, innocent barista who works at my favorite coffee shop.

She doesn't know that I bought the house across the street from her apartment so that I can watch over her.

I secretly collect her paintings and hang them in my bedroom.

And I won't hesitate to break into her home to find out what kind of books she likes to read.

I'll do whatever it takes to win her heart.

As a doctor, I know my own psychopath.

I don't feel empathy. I barely feel anything at all.

But my obsession with her makes me feel almost human for the first time in my life.

I can't resist this...compulsion.

I can't resist her.

Favorite Malady is a standalone edition of Dane and Abigail's dark romance as told in Compulsion, Redemption, and Absolution. This alternate version of their twisted love story includes a new scene in the bonus epilogue.

Genres: Dark

595 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2026

About the author

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

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

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

Reviews

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compulsion (4 Stars)
Abby Foster works in a coffee shop where Dr. Dane Graham watches her. She doesn’t know he isn’t just a kind man that she thinks of often. No, he is far more sinister and when he gets what he wants will he ever let her go? However, Abby is hiding something too that just might make them perfect for each other. This is book one of this dark romance trilogy so it does end on quite the cliffhanger. I really enjoyed the beginning of Dane & Abby’s twisted tale and even though I did predict the ending I want to see what happens next between these two flawed characters. Check any TW’s as this does delve into some tough topics. Told in first person and dual POV.

-Redemption (4 Stars)
Diving right back in where book one’s cliffhanger left us we follow Abby after she has discovered Dane’s secret. Will she ever be able to forgive the Doctor who was capturing her heart? This shows through flashbacks a little more behind who Dane is and how he thinks. Get ready for more of this dark and twisted captive tale and yes, there are TWs so be prepared. Ending on another huge cliffhanger that will leave you needing the conclusion of their damaged love story. Told in first person and dual POV.

-Absolution (4 Stars)
After the ending of Redemption we start immediately after book 2 with Dane and Abby in quite the predicament In York. Will they be able to be free and find a way to be together in their twisted romance? The perfect ending for this unique couple. Please still check and TWs as this series is not for the faint of heart. Told in first person and dual POV.

[Twinkle.butt.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listen. If you’re walking into Favorite Malady thinking this is a cute little cinnamon roll romance… turn around. This is dark romance with teeth. And it bites.

Julia Sykes said “let’s unpack trauma, obsession, and morally gray desire” and then proceeded to emotionally body-slam me in the best way.

The Vibes?
Heavy. Intense. Slightly unhinged. Absolutely addictive.

Dane and Abigail?
Messy. Layered. Complicated. Exactly how I like my fictional couples. Their dynamic is a slow unraveling of power, vulnerability, and that razor-thin line between control and connection. You don’t just watch their relationship evolve you feel it, sometimes uncomfortably so.

Sykes’ writing pulls you straight into the shadows. It’s evocative, urgent, and doesn’t soften the edges. The emotional tension? Thick enough to cut with a knife. The psychological depth? Chef’s kiss for dark romance readers who crave substance with their spice.

And let’s talk about the themes because this book does not tiptoe around them. Trauma, consent complexities, obsession it’s all front and center. The trigger warnings are there for a reason, and I love an author who respects readers enough to give that heads-up.

Now, is it sunshine and rainbows pacing-wise? Not exactly. Some moments stretch, especially before major plot turns. But honestly? The slow simmer makes the explosive moments hit harder.

If you like your romance dark, emotionally charged, morally complicated, and a little bit dangerous, Favorite Malady delivers. It’s not a comfort read it’s a confront-your-feelings read.

And I ate it up. Thank you for this gifted book!

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Malady by Julia Sykes is a dark stalker romance, which I absolutely LOVED! The smut in this one is a five star rating. The story between Abigail and Dane is also sweet in a twisted way. As a twisted minded person this was a perfect story for me, I really liked Dane as a new book boyfriend and could absolutely see how well he protected Abby. Dane is a doctor from England who happens to practice in the US, but he has a deadly secret, he is a person who cares nothing about others. Literally nothing. And Abby is our FMC who is a coffee server at a local coffee shop near Dane. One night they run into each other at a club and Abby shares some of her darkness with Dane. Dane, who doesn't like anyone, likes Abby unbeknownst to him why this is the case, except that Abby seems too like Dane and sees his darkness also. He really likes Abby, as much as he is possible to, and wants nothing to do except protect her and take care of her. He is sweet in a totally possessive psycho way that fits perfect to his character and to this story. I love this story and especially when Abby can't stand to be near Dane but wants nothing more than to do so.
The writing is so engaging that you can not put the book down until you find out what is going to happen with Dane and Abby in this one folks. I love how Dane and Abigail fit eachother perfectly in their own depraved ways. I also liked finding out about Dane's backstory more, and I love Dane's personality. This book reminds me of another series that I love about a serial killer who is also a psychopath, it's that good with the writing and story.

This book will be going on my shelf soon so I may read it over and over again!

I also can not wait to read more by the author and soon, I can imagine all her books are just as perfect as this particular one! She is one of my new favorite authors and I can't wait to add more of her books to my TBR and my bookshelf collection:)

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

POV: he’s not a red flag… he’s the entire psychological evaluation

FYI! this is not your cute little romance. So read the trigger warnings!

We’re following a literal psychopath doctor who becomes obsessed with a shy barista…
like watching her, buying a house near her, collecting pieces of her life…and somehow....
This turns into one of the most intense, psychologically messy romances I’ve read.

The vibes are ... Heavy. Dark. Slightly unhinged. Completely addictive.

Dane and Abigail are NOT a simple couple ....they’re layered, complicated, and constantly dancing on that line between control and connection.

And the way their relationship unfolds....It’s not just something you read… you feel it and tbh sometimes it’s uncomfortable. But that’s what makes it so good.

The writing pulls you straight into that dark, obsessive headspace where the tension is thick, the emotions are raw, and nothing is softened.

And this book does NOT shy away from the hard stuff ....trauma, obsession, complicated consent ....yea it’s all right there.
So again ... definitely check trigger warnings.

I will say pacing wise ..it’s more of a slow simmer.

If you like your romance dark, emotional, morally complicated, and just a little dangerous…
this one is for you.

Confession: I had to sit with my feelings after this one- but in a good way IYKYK.

Thanks to Julia Sykes for the gifted book.

[Amanda Price (LifeWithAmandaP) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

What to Expect:
💀DARK ROMANCE
💜St@lk3r Romance
💀Trilogy Omnibus
💜He Falls First
💀Forced Proximity
💜MORALLY BLACK!!!
💀Touch Her & 💀
💜Completely UNHINGED

I was recently gifted this one, but let me tell you… when I dove into Favorite Malady by Julia Sykes… WOWWWW… this one was DARKKK; definitely a phenomenal, twisted stalker romance that hooked me FASTTT!!! When Dane, a charming but psycho (literally!!!) doc, crosses paths with Abigail, the quiet, sweet barista and artist hiding her own darkness from the world. He becomes OBSESSEDDDD!!!! and the stalking begins, leading him to be fully convinced that she fully belongs to him. But Abby isn’t the helpless victim he is expecting, and what starts as predator and prey quickly turns into the dangerous game of obsession, power, and sharing their darkness with one another. The twists, tension, and chaotic chemistry pulled me in completely. FM is a complete, 3 book series, combined into one book and mannnn did it take me for a ride.

A HUGE thank you to Julia Sykes for gifting this one to me. It was one I’m not sure I’d have ever crossed paths with, but man on man, I am 100% sold, and absolutely will be reading more.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite Malady is a revised edition of Dane and Abigail’s dark romance as told in Compulsion, Redemption, and Absolution. This is dark, a twisted stalker who is a psychopath with no empathy, lots of spice, a few emotional parts with a HEA.

TW: Stalking, Non-con, Dub-con, Consensual, Non-Consent (CNC), Drugging, Kidnapping, References to childhood sexual abuse, References to sexual assault, Murder, Knife play, Breath play, Primal play, BDSM, Dom/Sub.


I would like to Thank Julia Sykes for my free ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.


Daniel "Dane" Graham meets Abigail "Abby" Foster in a bar shortly after he moves to Charleston, South Carolina, and decides she will be his.

Abby comes from money but decided to quit college and support herself. She is an artist and a Barista. Abby hides her darkness and is ashamed that violence excites her.

Dane left England and his title behind to become a Plastic Surgeon in the United States. He has always hid his darkness but knows Abby is doing the same thing.

He stalks her, breaks into her apartment, starts interacting with her over social media until she finally agrees to go out with him.

Abby believes she has found her white knight until she finds out just how far he went to have her. Will Dane be able to let her go or can be prove just how much he loves her?

[Elle ✨ | Queen of Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, intense, and completely addictive.

Favorite Malady by Julia Sykes is a gripping dark romance that explores obsession, vulnerability, and the complexity of human emotion.

Dane is a fascinating character, a doctor who understands his own psychological limitations and struggles with a lack of empathy. Watching him experience unfamiliar emotions for the first time through Abigail is both compelling and unsettling in the best way.

Abigail, a quiet and talented artist, brings a softness to the story that contrasts beautifully with Dane’s intensity. Their connection is layered, emotional, and filled with tension that keeps the pages turning.

The story leans into darker themes, including stalking and possessive behavior, so readers should check content warnings beforehand. However, for fans of dark romance, this book delivers a unique and captivating take on obsession and devotion.

Julia Sykes creates a story that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging, with characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy darker, more complex romances.

[Clare Johnstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Favourite Malady' by Julia Sykes
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all, I loved the Favorite Malady Trilogy, so having the Trilogy compressed into one book was such a treat for the eyes!
Dane and Abigails' story is just so intense, and this book brought all the important points of their tumultious relationship together, and I was gripped again.
If you love reading about a stalker with psychopathic tendencies who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, then Dane is your MMC. With powers of manipulation, primal instinct, and slightly unhinged sexual fantasies, Abigail is out of her depth and about to find out that she is the prey. Although Abigail does have some hidden dark desires that Dane has discovered, she had no idea who this man really was that day he walked into her coffee shop. Those emerald green eyes 💚🥵 This is dark and twisted with lots of spicy scenes and emotional trauma backstory for the MFC.
Please check your triggers ✖️

[TheEuropeanBooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read the ARC of Perfect Malady, for my honest opinion. Thank you to the author!

I’m not a single-minded fool like the idiot who invaded her personal space. I’m a careful monster, the perfect predator.

Abigail and Dane cross paths in a bar one night, sparking a charged and “unforgettable conversation”. While Abigail doesn’t remember the encounter later, Dane certainly does. Once he sets his sights on something—or someone—he doesn’t let go. identifying himself as a psychopath, he begins stalking Abigail, convinced that understanding her is the first step to claiming her.

But Abigail isn’t the unsuspecting victim he believes her to be. Beneath her composed exterior lies a darkness that mirrors his own. What begins as a calculated pursuit quickly evolves into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, where predator and prey blur into something far more complicated.

Their shared appetite for consensual non-consent and D/s dynamics makes them an explosive match—but if it were that simple, there wouldn’t be a story. Twists, revelations, and shifting power plays keep the tension razor-sharp, constantly redefining who truly holds control.

“Favorite Malady” is intensely written and completely absorbing. Despite its length, the pacing never falters. Each chapter pulls you deeper, packed with action, suspense, and psychological tension that makes it impossible to put down.

This is a dark, twisted stalker romance that doesn’t shy away from its intensity. Be sure to check the trigger warnings beforehand—but for lovers of dark romance, it’s a deliciously wicked gem.

[Printessan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail carries a dark side that she fears no one would be able to love if the truth ever came out. When Dane meets her, he quickly becomes obsessed and begins stalking her.
Abigail works as a barista and is also an artist, while Dane is a doctor who describes himself as a psychopath without empathy. His obsession leads him to start following her life in different ways, even breaking into her apartment and interacting with her online.

This is a dark romance filled with stalking, obsession, and plenty of spice. The story follows their complicated relationship and how their darker sides are drawn to each other.

Thank you so much Julia for letting me be a part of your team. ❤️🌺

[Rose Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run don’t walk and get Julia Sykes book, Favorite Malady was a great Dark Romance read. You have Dane a charming man who has a darkness, Abby who works as a barista and paints while at home at night. When Dane sees her at a bar getting approached by a man whom you can tell she doesn’t want to interact with Dane comes over to intercept and starts buying her a few drinks, when her friend comes and takes her away, Dane becomes obsessed with her finding out where she works and lives and starts to stalk her. In this twist and turn read it will pull you in and be hard to put the book down. I highly recommend this read and all her other books.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally charged, gripping tale of a stalker's obsession with a young woman...Abby is young woman at odds with her family's expectations, thus decides to strike out on her own to work as barista during the day while she spends her evenings painting, either darkly sensuous scenes which she hides from view, or her livelihood landscape scenes sold at a local market. Dane is Englishman who escaped his family's rigorous plans for him as Earl by becoming plastic surgeon in the U.S....but he's got psychotic tendencies, and he has zeroed his attention on Abby, even going so far as to purchase house across from her apartment so he can watch her paint in the evenings....but what happens if his prey resists???? What happens when Abigail finds how Dane stalked her...but will she ever understand what drove Dane to become a monster??? After arrested for killing man who lured Abilgail to private meeting, allegedly to showcase her art in England, Dane refused help from estranged family, but you will need to read this thriller to see what happens...I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy.

[Cyndy Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Malody:

If you love dark romance and stories that deal with the deep jagged edges of humanity, you must read this book by Julia Sykes. It it a twisted roller coaster of pain, redemption and fiery passion. Sensuality takes on a life of its own within the lives of Dane and Abigail. Dark pain and turbulent toxicity remind us that family isn't always a safe place. Chosen family can run deeper. Following their complex story filled with spicy encounters and obsession, we get to see deep character development and rich world building. I won't lie, my heart ached, I cried at times, and felt a deep connection to the characters and story. I felt a whole spectrum of emotions contained in this book. Dane and Abigail were ment for each other. Because of the lives they experienced, they were crafted from their own traumas to fit a perfect mess twisted into this love. Perfectly crafted, just like all I've read by Julia Sykes. A Psychopath and an Artist, create a fiery, passionate, dark romance with a depth that will captivate you.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

please read triggers for over 18s not younger brilliant storyline mmc fmc hooked upon abigail and dane reveals so much upon each other and how much they have been through

[Ashley]

review coming soon

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane brings possession onto another level!

A true psychopath obsessing over his prey.
But once he discovers Abigail has darkness too, and it’s just like his, he becomes unstoppable.

A story with depth, trauma and consent.
Not for everyone — always check trigger warnings— but for sure dark romance lovers will have a feast.

If you like morally grey characters, with stalking behaviour and touch her and die nature, Dane will be your next book boyfriend! 🖤

[Dawn Smit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read ALL the trigger warnings and still I walked straight into this with my eyes wide open and it was terrifyingly good, I had my hands over my eyes at times but struggled to read that way 🫣

The charming gorgeous British, rich, aristocratic, psychopath stalker Doctor Dane us our MMC and he and his skills with ropes and toys put Fifty shades of Grey to shame 🖤 he hides his darkness well until he meets...

Abigail the beautiful, sweet Southern belle, artist hiding from her past and darkness as a barista at his new favourite coffee shop 🖤

Their darkness pulls them together and at about 40% the love story felt complete, so you know that it's about to get messy and oh boy did it get messy, you are now on an emotional rollercoaster heading straight for a brick wall but hang in there because the ending is worth it 🖤

This book is DARK romance in all the best ways but PLEASE read the trigger warnings, it is dark and twisted and emotional and worth every minute 🖤

Thank you Julia Sykes for giving me the chance to ARC read this great book 💕

[Sammy K · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those of you with triggers - it says non-con and there is mention and flashbacks of multiple kinds of grape.

Dane (MMC) hides his darkness and comes off like your typical charming stalker. Even drops the “who hurt you?“ at 17% so you think he’s got a redeemable side. Abigail (FMC) has been through h*ll. She has serious trauma and cannot catch a break.

Everything seemed hunky-dory early on so I knew things were about to get messy. And it did.

My heart breaks for Abigail. I thought she was too forgiving, but perhaps that’s her strength. She does get some closure from her abusers, too.

I wanted to give 4 stars bc overall - I liked the book. I read/understood that non con is in the triggers (I don’t have an issue with them) but I struggled b/c the non con was the MMC. There is an HEA but it wasn’t something I could get behind. Dane says he is a psychopath and, if that is the case, his remorse didn’t ring true.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby works at the cafe by day and creates art in her spare time, whilst hiding dark urges that bubble deep inside her.
Dane is a plastic surgeon who has an obsession, a compulsion, a deep rooted desire to have Abby, and he makes his life work around hers slowly bringing her in, and out of her shell, but as they dive deeper into their desires, Abby soon learns there's a dark secret of Danes that changes everything!
well written the trilogy of previous books has been edited into one epic book you wont be able to put down!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy "FAVORITE MALADY" which is an intense, intriguing, dark twisted stalker romance you can't put down.
Abigail wirks as a barista & she's also an artist with a difficult past making it hard for her to have any kind of intimate relations.
Dane is a Doctor who's a bit of a psychopath & likes Abigail that works at his favorite coffee shop.
Dane buys Abigails paintings & the house across the street from hers wanting to earn her trust.
Dane doesn't feel much of anything like enmpathy for others but its Abigail who makes him feel human making him not able to resist her.
Will Dane be able to get Abigail to trust him to hopefully get a HEA its one dark twisted romance that keeps you turning the pages to see what happens.

[Emma]

4.5

[Madison Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was an ARC reader for the original "Favorite Malady Trilogy". I loved every second of each book, Dane and Abigail's story lives rent free in my mind forever! Now being able to read this ARC where it's the trilogy all in one book, but with beautiful edits and minor changes with the same story, I love it even more and I didn't even think that could be possible! I will always HIGHLY recommend this book to all of my BDSM and Dark Romance reading bookworms! Especially if you're a fan of Fifty Shades of Grey, Haunting Adeline, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, and/or The Ritual. If you are like me and read the original 3 books in the trilogy, you should still read this with it all together! Very wonderfully "re-"written, and such a beautifully tragic story to read (I promise it does have a HEA)! ❤️‍🔥 I am very grateful and blessed to have been a part of this journey🖤

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 FAVORITE MALADY STARS!! Wow, wow and more wows....beautiful and deliciously dark. Dane and Abigail take us on a crazy ride with lots of (omg moments) their story, but I loved every word of it. I could not get enough of this book, it is definitely an original story, which makes it even better. I can't wait to read more from this author.