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Escaping the Darkness

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We came so close to escape.
Or so it seemed.


As soon as we turned around outside, we discovered how wrong we were.

Sam isn't letting us go anywhere.

I'm not the giving-up type. Despite the torture, I've found comfort and physical release in Drake. Thank goodness he's here to help me keep my sanity. I will find a way to free us and everyone here in the dollhouse.Every time we get close to escape, Sam is there to stretch us beyond our hardest limits. The great hunt begins, and it's hunt or be hunted.


Every time we get close to escape, Sam relishes in torturing us, punishing us, and forcing us to delve deeper and deeper into ourselves.

But then Sam makes a mistake. He tries to make me do the one thing I'd rather die than do.

Now I'm truly determined.
Now I'm on a mission.
Now I'm pissed.
Trigger ALL of them. Seriously. It's bad, and each book gets worse in this series.

SPOILER Detailed

Kidnapping🥳

St@lking🎉

Bränding😱

Törtüre😆

Unaliving😄

Flashbacks of abüse and grape 🎊

Traumance 👀

gøre 👏🏻

vōyeūr 🙌🏻

cāptivē 🤩

plëasure and pãìn 🥹

secret identity 🚩

SA 📚

rëvënge 👑

Flashbacks and memories of SA of a minor🔥

Serial Unaliving💥

Onscreen mürdër🌝

Extreme shäming💅🏻

stãlkįng💕

Grape by object 🍆

brândïng ⭐️

450 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2023

36 people are currently reading
259 people want to read

About the author

Georgia Wells

14 books29 followers

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5 stars
164 (53%)
4 stars
103 (33%)
3 stars
35 (11%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Emms-hiatus(ish).
1,183 reviews64 followers
July 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐️

I knew it!!!!!

The traumance be tramancing 🤷‍♀️
Profile Image for •mikaela• :).
235 reviews11 followers
September 12, 2025
What the actual fuck. This is pitch black horror trapped in a house with some crazy 'landlord' you never get to see at its finest. 👀
Profile Image for Shedevilreads Bookstagram.
2,147 reviews107 followers
September 27, 2023
Escaping The Darkness by Cora Masters and Georgia Wells is a dark horror romance. This is the second book in The Playhouse Horrors series.

I am loving the world that Cora and Georgia created in this series. I would highly suggest taking the warnings to heart. This series is definitely not for everyone.

I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't help but binge the book. This is definitely one of those books where I don't want to give any spoilers away. So, I will just say I loved it, and the ending left me begging for more. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be announced.

I would highly recommend this book if you're looking for a dark romance, horror romance, slow burn romance, or romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Phyllica W.
608 reviews30 followers
September 28, 2023
AAHHH!!!
The chokehold this series has on me is unreal.
Book one left me absolutely speechless, but this book left me feral for more.
If you enjoy the Saw movies or any other house of horrors story line, you will absolutely love this series. It does involve a romantic aspect, but I wouldn't necessarily call it dark romance, I would say it's more erotic horror, but both books so far contain very graphic and detailed scenes that step out of the realm of romance and dabble in the world of horror. My favorite genre is horror, so these books smack a huge wicked grin on my face and unleash sinister chuckles.
If you have a stomach for the dark and live in the shadows, I highly recommend this series!
No.. these books are not for everyone, so please tread lightly.
Profile Image for Emily.
574 reviews8 followers
May 11, 2024
‘This book is dedicated to all the people we'd like to disembowel but can't because of that pesky morality thing.
Feel free to send it to someone you'd like to disembowel.’

Even darker than the first book and that plot twist was definitely unexpected.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
80 reviews
January 20, 2025
* THIS BOOK IS DARK *
Read in one day. I very much enjoyed this book. I had my suspicions in the first one about certain things , and when they were confirmed, I just wish I had someone I could shake their shoulders and yell , “ I KNEW IT!”
Profile Image for Bri Solomon.
269 reviews6 followers
July 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I couldn’t put this down. It’s like watching saw or final destination it’s so fucked but you can’t look away
Profile Image for Melodylovesbooks .
212 reviews87 followers
October 30, 2023
Let me start off by saying, this book is DARK so check the TW! There are pretty much all of them in this one! If you enjoy horror movies like Saw you probably will devour this book! I enjoyed reading about the different characters and how they endured the mind games they were put through.

Also make sure you read the first book before this one!
Profile Image for Robin Ginther-Venneri.
1,010 reviews80 followers
October 14, 2023
As Always,
Check Your Triggers😊

Escaping the Darkness, written by Cora Masters and Georgia Wells, is intense and dark. This is the second book in The Playhouse Horrors series, and it takes horror to new heights by intertwining torture and sex into macabre elements.

The authors have created a freakishly crazy and gory book. Their world grabbed me from the first chapter, and I became completely obsessed. This book is a true binge-worthy stay-up all-night experience.

There is an expertly crafted plot full of suspense, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists, which fans of the genre will love; it sucked me in with all the twisty turns and OMG moments. I highly recommend this book, series, and authors.

I am completely invested in this series and can not wait until March for the next book. Escaping the Darkness is a freaky deaky read that ends with a cliffhanger: Masters and Wells, you are killing me! 😁
Quotes
“The mask had been twisted in her struggles and death throes, but it still gazed out at me. Was this Sam’s way of saying I was a dead woman? A walking zombie who didn’t realize she’d already killed herself? When I left, I could still hear blood dripping from the table.”

"I truly hope you enjoyed your little jaunt outside the other day. I must say, I’ve never seen such atrocious conduct in my dolls."
"I am not one for religion, but there is one line I’ve always enjoyed. ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’ is how it goes, I believe. I’m paraphrasing, of course, but you get the idea." "Holy shit," Payton muttered under his breath.

“You will push all three of these buttons in sequence, each one sending some sort of agony to your friend. Bloody, painful, and exquisite."

“You see, I understand now. You are all revolting because I was not firm enough with you. I need to take a stronger hand in your development.”

“Remember, this is your fault. Never forget that," Sam said.”

“It was a serial killer’s wet dream. Bong. "Good morning, my dolls. I hope you had a good night’s rest. Today we introduce a lovely new variable to our little game."

Wow, just freaking wow!
5 Star Rating
5 Skull Dread Rating



Forced Proximity
Friends to Lovers
Slow Burn
Mention of Drug Use
Mention of SA
Graphic Violence
This book is horror romance and is intended for audiences 18+. Make sure to read the trigger warnings prior to starting.
🩷 Mental Health Representation
🖤 Horror and Gore
🩷 Kidnapping
🖤 Slight Saw vibes with a human dollhouse
🩷 Forced Proximity
🖤 Torture
🩷 Trauma
🖤 A side of romance
2 🌶 Spice
Embracing the Night: A Thrilling Horror Romance (The Playhouse Horrors Book 3)
Book 3 of 3: The Playhouse Horrors
Available March 20, 2024
Profile Image for PlotTwist&Tea.
173 reviews24 followers
August 24, 2025
If Saw and The Bachelor had a baby and raised it in a dungeon with only BDSM audiobooks for bedtime stories, it would grow up to be Escaping the Darkness. This book is the second installment in The Playhouse of Horrors and baby, the horror does not tap out.

Dahlia and her fellow “housemates” are trapped in what can only be described as IKEA hell—except instead of frustrating furniture, there are electrified cuffs, simulated forests, and murder-themed dinner parties. The psychopathic puppet master (Sam) is back, sassier, deadlier, and with enough psychological warfare to give your trauma trauma. And yes, the characters are still being forced into “games,” but don’t let the word game fool you—Monopoly this is not.

The authors must’ve made a pact with Satan or trauma-bonded with their editors because the writing is tight, the pacing never lets you breathe, and the emotional abuse comes gift-wrapped in dread. Just when you think you’ve adjusted to the madness? Boom. Another death, another disturbing twist, another “is this arousal or horror?” moment.

There’s a spicy undercurrent of pain/pleasure in the mix, but if you’re looking for a cuddly romance arc, this ain’t your circus. This is a dark romance in the way that a locked basement is “dark.” You’re not coming out the same.


⚠️ Triggers

All of them. (Direct quote from the authors.)
But specifically:

• Torture (graphic)
• Non-consensual violence
• Psychological manipulation
• Starvation
• Death (on-page and referenced)
• Gore
• Sexual trauma themes
• Forced sadomasochism
• Identity trauma

Not for the faint-hearted or romance tourists. This is a dark horror romance, emphasis on DARK.


🔍 Quick Breakdown
• Impact: Disturbing
• Research: In-depth (therapy bills may apply)
• Structure: Cohesive, with rising dread
• Characters: Multilayered, tragically human
• Plot: Addictive and cruel
• Setting: Gritty, artificial, and claustrophobic
• Writing Style: Easy to read but emotionally savage
• Content Warnings: Abuse, torture, murder, gore, starvation, manipulation, death.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,526 reviews78 followers
October 25, 2023
Holy mother of God, what in the ever-loving fuck is going on here? What ever the hell it is, I am completely and utterly obsessed with it and crave more!!

What a perverse and deliciously warped mind fuck that was and it’s not over yet! When the authors say that this book is even darker than the first book, they were not kidding. This was a gory, violent, bloody, twisted and depraved horror story that just might make you gag and will push you to your absolute limited of what you will read. And I loved every gruesomely bloodthirsty moment of it.

The story starts off right were Trapped in the Shadows left us. The dolls trapped in the dollhouse are now going to be put through a new set of horrifying and traumatic games that will either kill them or get them killed. We already know that not everyone of the dolls will make it out alive! But even if we have our favorites, in this terrifying place, that doesn’t matter.

I had no idea the level that Sam would go to in order to mess with his dolls. The perverse games he plays with them are a total mind fuck that had me on the edge of my seat, gripping my kindle tightly and occasionally had my jaw dropping to the floor with utter shock and awe.

There are some twists and turns this story takes that actually had me saying WTF and needing to put the book down for a minute just to absorb what was just revealed. I had no idea that was coming but it does explain a few things.

This is not a dark romance, this is erotic horror at its finest. It has many graphic, grisly, and descriptively detailed scenes that left me breathless. I have now been left on bated breath with that ending. I can’t wait to see how this story concludes in the final book.

If you can withstand being pushed to the utter brink of mind fuckery and live in the shadows with us black hearted horror lovers, then I highly recommend you read this series.
Profile Image for Melissa (honeybee.reads).
1,394 reviews42 followers
March 23, 2025
Escaping The Darkness is book 2 in the Playhouse Of Horrors series, this absolutely needs to be read in order. Well I didn't think things could get more dark and twisted than in book 1, well ladies and gents Masters & Wells definitely pushed the pedal to the max on this one. I wouldn't fully call this a dark romance, it dabbles much more on the horror side with some romance attached to it.

As much as it was gory, depraved, unhinged, twisted, horrific my messed up brain really enjoyed it. Please read the trigger warnings, this series is not for everyone. It has Saw & Squid Game vibes all over, if you're a fan, this series is definitely for you!

This book was heavy on the plot and it's what truly kept me entirely hooked from start to finish. I wanted to just read a bit, but ended up finishing it in one sitting. The vivacity of the setting and the detailed scenes had me imagining everything so easily in my mind. It is also insanely graphic, never letting up on any details during the kills. Once again, THEY DESERVE WHAT THEY GOT!

I did love how we got to see a lot more of Drake & Delilah's relationship, how they're both each other's support system through this traumatic experience. I did have a part of the twist figured out, but truly it didn't hinder my enjoyment at all. Also, it does end on a major cliffhanger again, I might be jumping straight into the third book.

Overall, this was a great follow up to Trapped In The Shadows. I am loving this world, the whole system & reasoning behind it all. I can't wait to see what more horrific and depraved things will happen in the third installment.

✨️Thank you to @coramasters & @georgiawells for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Courtney 🖤.
74 reviews9 followers
July 3, 2024
Please do not read a single one of these reviews until you have read the first book. Unless you like spoilers, which if you do, strap in babe.

The review for those who don't want spoilers- This book was darker than the first, but even better. I didn't want to put it down. There were many moments of "ewe, wtf, gross, wait that's kinda hot" and then we get our hearts broken a little and then a lot, and then we are confused, and filled with dread, and then more confused, and then excited and repeat until the end.
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Ok so it picks up right after the major cliff catapulting our psycho authors left us on at the end of book 1. If book 2 had not have been out I would have been PISSED (and utterly devastated.)

I was so fucking hopeful for the dolls, but knew they were not making it out yet, it wasn't time and it would have been to soon lets be real. The creativity was cool though, I mean at this point in my reading journey, nothing surprises me when it comes to holding people captive, but I can appreciate creativity. I also liked that there was constantly more and more being revealed.

When we found out they were going to be hunting people, it spoke to the dark and depraved part of my soul. Knowing that (up to this point) we hadn't killed anyone completely innocent (although I am still curious about Kirt) so we were hunting some sick people.

I had suspicions about who Sam was, and all I am going to say is I had suspicions, but the way everything came out to us as the reader before it came out to Dahlia, AHHHHHHHH SO GOOD. AND THEN THE TWIST!!!

Profile Image for caroline 🔖.
80 reviews
June 30, 2025
tw: (guys it’s worse than the first book!!) kidnapping, stalking, hostages, torture, murder, serial murder, gore, branding, acid, electrocution, flashbacks of abuse and rape (adult and child), pedophilia, rape with an object, gore, amputation, guns, knives, decapitation, dismemberment, stabbing, starvation, poison/gas, sexual assault, voyeurism, exhibitionism, masturbation, captivity, pleasure and pain, secret identity, revenge, mental health, emesis, cannibalism, cult themes, prostitution,

okay so this book was not as good as the first one tbh.. like it was still a great book and i recommend but it wasn’t as gripping as the first. it still remains the most fucked up shit i’ve ever read by a long shot!

i don’t love payton he’s a bit of a bitch but we’re still going strong w drake and dahlia. i can’t believe how many people they killed off in the dollhouse especially those who literally didn’t deserve anything.

SPOILER:
we learn a lot about drake, specifically that he is one of the creators of the dollhouse (HUH?????) and he’s loaded like he’s gotta be rich as hell fr to build that whole thing. so he and dahlia escape the fucking place but the other people in charge sent serial killer looking clips to the FBI, CIA, police, etc. so they’re now enemy #1 to the state…. long story short they’re fleeing the country!!


downloading the next book now and i cannot wait!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alison is probably reading smut.
473 reviews58 followers
November 2, 2023
FIVE STARS. Just as good as the first book in this series! I devoured this in 1 day and it was unputdownable. Definitely way darker, twisted and spicier than the last. How is that even possible? THOSE PLOT TWISTS?? I NEVER saw them coming, by a long shot! I am hooked and would recommend this series to anyone who would listen. CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS, definitely a very dark book, I don't think it could necessarily be considered a dark romance but theres definitely a bit in there. I really don't want to wait until March 2024 for this next one to come out. I need to find out how this series ends. Back to the book.. the characters are lovable and hatable at the same the time. There's so much involved in the plot but book 2 does a great job of referring back to book 1 on things that I had honestly forgotten since the few months I finished the last book. Totally deep dark and depraved and I am LIVING FOR IT.
Profile Image for Taylor.
389 reviews128 followers
April 29, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

The way I just have so much fun reading this series. 😅 I’m not sure what that says about me, but this world is SO CRAZY. This is book 2 in a series, so make sure you start with Trapped in the Shadows. This series follows a group of people who were taken and thrown into a playhouse of horrors. They have a device strapped to the arm that tells them what to do and if they refuse, there are punishments. They are also forced to punish those who have personally hurt them in the past. They are watched by someone named “Sam” who is giving all the orders.

This book picks right up where the first left off and I was on a nonstop rollercoaster ride. There is a twist in this book that I just KNEW was gonna be the case and honestly it was the best direction to take the story. Can’t wait to dive into book 3!
Profile Image for Kayla Miller.
169 reviews7 followers
October 1, 2023
Escaping the Darkness by Cora Master and Georgia Wells is the TRUE playhouse of horrors leaving you reeling for more. True horror and darkness that only these two capture perfectly with a saw vibe. This is a dark/erotic/horror romance and is sinister perfection with all the triggers. This truly feeds my twisted soul and had me begging for more while flipping page after page devouring it in one sitting. This is not for everyone or the faint of heart but if this is the type of novel you like then pick up book 1 and then this one. You won’t regret it, it’s going to keep you on your toes and feeding all your dark twisted needs. Cora has easily managed to make it on my auto read and review list of authors!
Profile Image for CassieSmuttyReads  .
161 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2023
Escaping the Darkness, written by Cora Masters and Georgia Wells

“It was a serial killer’s wet dream. Bong. "Good morning, my dolls. I hope you had a good night’s rest. Today we introduce a lovely new variable to our little game."

"I truly hope you enjoyed your little jaunt outside the other day. I must say, I’ve never seen such atrocious conduct in my dolls."

⚠️ Check Trigger Warnings ⚠️

This series was amazing!! When I saying wanted it dark that is exactly what Cora Masters & Georgia Wells gave to me in this book. With the romance and the plot twists in this one was freaking amazing. And makes me excited for the 3rd book, so I highly recommend this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joni (livebythemoon7).
546 reviews10 followers
October 18, 2023
Check the content warnings before reading.

If you are into dark horror romance, go get this book right now! Make sure you read Trapped in the Shadows first because it is chronological and necessary to read book 1 first!

This book is a plot heavy horror romance.

This book was just as good as Trapped in the Shadows. I may have even liked it more. In Escaping the Darkness, we receive a whole other level of twisted and horrific, and I am here for it. It is insanely graphic and demented at parts. This series is fast becoming one of my favorites. The detail used is perfect! That twist got me good, and I can not wait for book 3!

My heat hating is based on the amount of occurrence, length of scenes, and how filthy/unconventional the scenes are. This gets a solid 4/5🌶.
Profile Image for Crystalclearwpg.
355 reviews8 followers
August 24, 2024
If you like movies like the Saw you will probably enjoy this book. I like my stuff dark sometimes but this one bordered on alittle too dark for my liking. Do check the TW before reading this because there is no limit with this series.
This duo writing team do have a way showing the broken minds with some people who have been traumatized and the depths of the hurt they went through in creating how the mind can survive or break. We do see character building in an unhealthy way but a build either way which pulls you in. You want to see how Dalia and Drake are going to survive this terror house.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jamie.
74 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2023
Beware of Cliff Hangers.

I was so excited for this book to release! It kept me on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE TIME! With out a doubt the suspense in this book is like crack! Its a book where you will no and can not be able to predict what will happen or can even happen.

Its insane. The spice level is probably about a two. But you will get so hooked and wonder how in the world you got brain washed into reading this book... AND ENJOYING IT! For sure check triggers, because they are their and they are STONG AND HEAVY!
Profile Image for Sydnie Nova.
964 reviews25 followers
December 21, 2023
I really enjoyed the world and the nightmare of the dollhouse that this author duo has created for their readers. I was immediately hooked in by the twisted and diabolical nature of the first book and eagerly awaited the second--which, to be clear--DID NOT DISAPPOINT. I do have to say, however, I was NOT shocked IN THE SLIGHTEST by the "twist" regarding "SAM". I don't know if it's because I read so much or because it was formulaic--I just had that called from the first book and every single interaction, so it in NO WAY suprised me, but regardless, I was still COMPLETELY entertained.
392 reviews9 followers
May 26, 2024
Lots of GOL (Gag Out Loud) Moments!!

This is the second book in the series and it's definitely darker than the first.
Even though this had pure pitch black moments, I loved it. It's a great traumance/erotic horror read.
That plot twist!! I'm hanging to read book three. I can't wait.
This story and series will not be for everyone. Be honest with yourself when you read the author's content warnings, they are there for a reason!!

You might need to read something light and fluffy for a while after this. Just a suggestion.
53 reviews
July 2, 2024
This is the second part of the Play House of horrors. I am fairly invested at this point at ensuring that Dahlia gets somewhat of a happy ending. I did figure out the twist very quickly into this book unfortunately but it didn't stop me from wanting to read it. Very gory not an average dark romance novel. Very well thought out good visceral clear description of the gore which for a horror/body Gore reader was very nice. Not sure how much I'm looking forward to the last book as it doesn't feel like it's going to be in the dollhouse but I will most certainly read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Erin Parker.
60 reviews
December 10, 2024
I want to thank Cora Masters and Georgia Wells for the ARC received for a honest review .

Escaping The Darkness is the second book in the Playhouse of Horrors Series . It opens up where Trapped in The Shadows ended . Following a new set of horrors and trauma . As the authors said ,this book is darker than the last one . I even had moments where I had to take breaks from it .
The romance is twisted in all best ways . The plot twists kept on coming .
Overall well written and entertaining . This one requires a palate cleansing read afterwards.
Profile Image for Rachael.
183 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2023
Georgia Wells and Cora Masters does it again.... but darker

The playhouse was just getting started in Trapped. "Sam" changes the game for ALL of his dolls during Escaping.

Due to what the dolls did at the end of Trapped, Sam has to change the game and how to handle his dolls along the way. We find out more details about the playhouse and what happens around the grounds. Along with hidden secrets from some dolls and how this changes the game for Dahila and her other housemates.

The cliffhanger in Trapped does not compare to what we get here!!!
I mean COME ON.... That's one way to keep up on our toes for the next book for sure
Profile Image for SJ.
686 reviews11 followers
June 20, 2025
Book one in this series had me running toward this book and I was once again sucked into this "Playhouse of Horrors."

Watch your triggers because this book is just as intense as the first. I have never read anything like this series and I'm hooked. This was another wild ride.

The twists and cliffhangers in this book have me running again to the last book in this series. I need to know what happens to the characters.
Book three here I come!
Profile Image for Lauren Squindo.
249 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2023
Oh my goodness. This series will be the death of me, it is so good yet so disturbing! I need the next book soon 😫 I literally gasped when I realized who sam was and I can’t wait to see what happens next! I also can’t wait to see if bri and Payton are alive! I 100% love drake and dahlia together and can’t wait to see what happens with them 😍
Profile Image for Nicole Deanne Veracruz.
2,384 reviews15 followers
January 6, 2024
OMFG I didn't think it could get any more twisted. Boy was I wrong. I don't want to write any spoilers. But Daya and Drake are really in for it now. I am anxiously awaiting the next book. That Cliffhanger had me gasping for air.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sam.
13 reviews
September 30, 2023
5/5*

No spoilers. Thank you for the ARC read!!

Again, a well-written fantastic book. Filled with horror and character development.

Super dark, and I just loved it. I flew through this and couldn't put it down. If you like horror romance, then this one is for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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