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Running From H.E.L.L
THIS IS BOOK 2 OF THE THEY ARE H.E.L.L SERIES. Please read We Are H.E.L.L first, as this book is a continuation.
Prom night was meant to be the best night of Elsie and Lu's senior year of high school. Instead, it turned out to be the worst after a series of unlucky events.
Now, wanted for murder and escaping police custody, Elsie and Lu are on the run from both the law and the retaliation of the mafia after killing one of their own.
Plagued with awful memories, regrets, and worry about being caught and having to go to prison for the rest of their lives, both girls have to rely on each other to get through each day.
It seems as though Elsie's wish definitely did come true, when she wished she didn't have a boring life. Now she has to keep running, so she doesn't end up in hell.
Prom night was meant to be the best night of Elsie and Lu's senior year of high school. Instead, it turned out to be the worst after a series of unlucky events.
Now, wanted for murder and escaping police custody, Elsie and Lu are on the run from both the law and the retaliation of the mafia after killing one of their own.
Plagued with awful memories, regrets, and worry about being caught and having to go to prison for the rest of their lives, both girls have to rely on each other to get through each day.
It seems as though Elsie's wish definitely did come true, when she wished she didn't have a boring life. Now she has to keep running, so she doesn't end up in hell.
554 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Rowe
3 books14 followersJ C Rowe is the author of the H.E.L.L series. Currently, 2 of 3 books has been released!
Covers drawn by Nicole Alderson and Holland Power.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 11, 2023
Trigger warnings; substance abuse, violence, abuse, trauma.
‘Running from H.E.L.L’ is book two in Elsie and Lu’s series and in all fairness I wasn’t sure where their story was going to go after book one. (I’ll try to avoid spoilers but you should definitely read ‘We are H.E.L.L’ prior to diving into part two)
For me book one was about their sapphic Bonnie and Clyde rebellion but also had a really gorgeous thread of these two young women, both made older than their years by traumatic experiences, finding one another. The second book feels deeper, not just because they are now facing the consequences of their actions but also processing it in individual ways. Elsie and Lu are still extremely young and yes the plotline is outlandish but the writing has enough heart and hope to keep the reader caring about these characters. Rowe has created a vivid array of characters and minus the private jets, criminal connections and running from the law, they still maintain a storyline that pulls you in and makes you root for these young women to find happiness.
I love it when you find these indie writers who have such a fresh perspective and approach to storylines and I am especially excited for Rowe and what they bring to LGBTQ+ fiction. I am really excited to see how book three will pan out and what their futures entail; it has been so hard not to write this review and not give away any spoilers but I really urge you to experience this action packed, twisty but heartfelt saga.
‘Running from H.E.L.L’ is book two in Elsie and Lu’s series and in all fairness I wasn’t sure where their story was going to go after book one. (I’ll try to avoid spoilers but you should definitely read ‘We are H.E.L.L’ prior to diving into part two)
For me book one was about their sapphic Bonnie and Clyde rebellion but also had a really gorgeous thread of these two young women, both made older than their years by traumatic experiences, finding one another. The second book feels deeper, not just because they are now facing the consequences of their actions but also processing it in individual ways. Elsie and Lu are still extremely young and yes the plotline is outlandish but the writing has enough heart and hope to keep the reader caring about these characters. Rowe has created a vivid array of characters and minus the private jets, criminal connections and running from the law, they still maintain a storyline that pulls you in and makes you root for these young women to find happiness.
I love it when you find these indie writers who have such a fresh perspective and approach to storylines and I am especially excited for Rowe and what they bring to LGBTQ+ fiction. I am really excited to see how book three will pan out and what their futures entail; it has been so hard not to write this review and not give away any spoilers but I really urge you to experience this action packed, twisty but heartfelt saga.
January 15, 2023
Running From H.E.L.L by J C Rowe Author is the second in the series of a YA coming of age dramatic crime romance.
This book picks up where the first book We Are H.E.L.L finished. The author take us on the run with Lu and Elise.
Elise is dealing with everything that happened to her in the first book and is struggling to cope! Lu seems to be the only one who can help her but even she is t enough at times! You feel poor Elsie’s pain and the hopelessness of the situation she now finds herself in! But she’s also so in love with Lu and in so deep that as long as they’re together she believes they can survive!
Lu is trying to be strong for Elsie and she is mostly managing it! Everything has got out of hand and she has to keep them safe above all cost! Elsie is her one true love and there is literally nothing she will not do to keep her safe! As long as she keeps her famous temper in check they should be ok!
This fast paced, action packed dramatic crime romance literally has it all! There’s mob bosses at war, dramatic fight scenes, deaths (not of MCs) near misses, enough spicy scenes to turn up the heat and a whole lot of crime and teen angst to keep your heart pounding and your head racing! I really enjoyed finding out what happened next to Lu, Elise and the gang! I can’t wait to read what’s instore for them next!
Authors trigger warnings!
Trigger warnings include: Child abuse, murder, mentions of rape, violence, drugs, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, food disorders.
This book picks up where the first book We Are H.E.L.L finished. The author take us on the run with Lu and Elise.
Elise is dealing with everything that happened to her in the first book and is struggling to cope! Lu seems to be the only one who can help her but even she is t enough at times! You feel poor Elsie’s pain and the hopelessness of the situation she now finds herself in! But she’s also so in love with Lu and in so deep that as long as they’re together she believes they can survive!
Lu is trying to be strong for Elsie and she is mostly managing it! Everything has got out of hand and she has to keep them safe above all cost! Elsie is her one true love and there is literally nothing she will not do to keep her safe! As long as she keeps her famous temper in check they should be ok!
This fast paced, action packed dramatic crime romance literally has it all! There’s mob bosses at war, dramatic fight scenes, deaths (not of MCs) near misses, enough spicy scenes to turn up the heat and a whole lot of crime and teen angst to keep your heart pounding and your head racing! I really enjoyed finding out what happened next to Lu, Elise and the gang! I can’t wait to read what’s instore for them next!
Authors trigger warnings!
Trigger warnings include: Child abuse, murder, mentions of rape, violence, drugs, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, food disorders.
May 17, 2023
Be careful what you wish for!
Elise and Lu are on the run after one night of terrible events. Finding themselves wanted for murder and an array of crimes, Elsie and Lu's life is changed forever.
Never a dull moment in this story. Elsie really got more than she bargained for when she wished her life wasn't boring but the drama surrounding her and Lu on this part of their adventure was beyond her imagination. Wounded and wanted, they were lucky to have Lu's family and their connections to help them, but soon found themselves facing consequences.
There was only so far they could run before things caught up with them. Once they did, my heart broke for both of them. Elsie was really vulnerable and as always Lu was dedicated to protecting her, even when it wasn't easy to do so. The whole time I was on the edge of my seat wondering what the future had in store for them, especially when they were caught and being sentenced.
Can't imagine what now awaits them as they have a truly unique experience as they face up to their crimes. Don't expect they're in for an easy ride but intrigued by what else could possibly happen to them!
Elise and Lu are on the run after one night of terrible events. Finding themselves wanted for murder and an array of crimes, Elsie and Lu's life is changed forever.
Never a dull moment in this story. Elsie really got more than she bargained for when she wished her life wasn't boring but the drama surrounding her and Lu on this part of their adventure was beyond her imagination. Wounded and wanted, they were lucky to have Lu's family and their connections to help them, but soon found themselves facing consequences.
There was only so far they could run before things caught up with them. Once they did, my heart broke for both of them. Elsie was really vulnerable and as always Lu was dedicated to protecting her, even when it wasn't easy to do so. The whole time I was on the edge of my seat wondering what the future had in store for them, especially when they were caught and being sentenced.
Can't imagine what now awaits them as they have a truly unique experience as they face up to their crimes. Don't expect they're in for an easy ride but intrigued by what else could possibly happen to them!
February 1, 2023
I was given this book complimentary from BookSirens in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
The book picks up exactly where book #1 finished and to proceed it is really necessary that you have read the initial volume otherwise you will not be up to speed on a lot of the storylines. It is almost impossible to review the plot without spoilers so I wont bot I will say this is not you usual FF story - make up, breakup then get back together aging that we all know and love. In a typical FF novel you pretty muck know the storyline (I am not saying that is a bad thing, we all love our comfort foods) but in this book I was constantly wondering, where is the author taking us next? I have just finished this and I have no idea what the story for #3 will be, This thriller storyline and the author's skill at getting you to feel the emotions the characters are feeling make for an exciting read.
Once again I am pleased that the author has given us a full sized novel not the novelettes that a lot of modern authors try to pass off as novels then pad it with pages of previews of other novels
The characters are still a bit wooden and cartoonish but I fell that will correct itself with time, practice and good reviewers. The author's ability to keep you an the edge of your seat and feel what her characters are feeling is something I hope she never loses.
A Sapphic thriller with twists and turns and a fast pace what more could you want - highly recommended to every reader. Does any other reader think this would make a great movie?
The book picks up exactly where book #1 finished and to proceed it is really necessary that you have read the initial volume otherwise you will not be up to speed on a lot of the storylines. It is almost impossible to review the plot without spoilers so I wont bot I will say this is not you usual FF story - make up, breakup then get back together aging that we all know and love. In a typical FF novel you pretty muck know the storyline (I am not saying that is a bad thing, we all love our comfort foods) but in this book I was constantly wondering, where is the author taking us next? I have just finished this and I have no idea what the story for #3 will be, This thriller storyline and the author's skill at getting you to feel the emotions the characters are feeling make for an exciting read.
Once again I am pleased that the author has given us a full sized novel not the novelettes that a lot of modern authors try to pass off as novels then pad it with pages of previews of other novels
The characters are still a bit wooden and cartoonish but I fell that will correct itself with time, practice and good reviewers. The author's ability to keep you an the edge of your seat and feel what her characters are feeling is something I hope she never loses.
A Sapphic thriller with twists and turns and a fast pace what more could you want - highly recommended to every reader. Does any other reader think this would make a great movie?
January 8, 2023
The adventures of H.E.L.L. continue, as Elsie and Lu deal with rollercoaster of emotional and legal fallout from the events first book. I can’t say too much more without giving away spoilers, but it’s one hell of a ride (pun intended).
I’m still rooting for these troubled teens to make it as a couple. They may be reckless, but their love for each other is unconditional, they fearlessly protect each other, and they need each other so much.
My only real criticisms are a couple of nitpicky things.
I wish the story had either stuck with the dual POV of the girls, or that Olivia’s POV had a more distinctive voice. She sounded similar to Elsie and Lu, which threw me.
The way the news reported the crimes didn’t match up to what I see on US News, where “the suspects were accused of . . .” is standard, even when there’s no question of guilt.
However both of these were minor concerns, and I still really enjoyed the book. I'm looking forward to the third book!
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I’m still rooting for these troubled teens to make it as a couple. They may be reckless, but their love for each other is unconditional, they fearlessly protect each other, and they need each other so much.
My only real criticisms are a couple of nitpicky things.
I wish the story had either stuck with the dual POV of the girls, or that Olivia’s POV had a more distinctive voice. She sounded similar to Elsie and Lu, which threw me.
The way the news reported the crimes didn’t match up to what I see on US News, where “the suspects were accused of . . .” is standard, even when there’s no question of guilt.
However both of these were minor concerns, and I still really enjoyed the book. I'm looking forward to the third book!
I received an advanced copy from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 31, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🚓🛩️💰👊🏻🚨
Thelma and Louise but younger and gayer. Bonnie and Clyde but lesbians. These are just two examples of how to describe this book.
Running from H.E.L.L picks up from the last page of We Are H.E.L.L, allowing us to see what happens with Elsie and Lu.
The book covers a wide range of emotions from both girls, especially with dealing with the aftermath of book one. There are lessons learned, and lots of growing within the girls, and it's nice to see in a book like this.
JC Rowe has poured her heart and soul into this book once again, and it shows in the characters' thoughts and emotions.
Can't wait for book three.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🚓🛩️💰👊🏻🚨
Thelma and Louise but younger and gayer. Bonnie and Clyde but lesbians. These are just two examples of how to describe this book.
Running from H.E.L.L picks up from the last page of We Are H.E.L.L, allowing us to see what happens with Elsie and Lu.
The book covers a wide range of emotions from both girls, especially with dealing with the aftermath of book one. There are lessons learned, and lots of growing within the girls, and it's nice to see in a book like this.
JC Rowe has poured her heart and soul into this book once again, and it shows in the characters' thoughts and emotions.
Can't wait for book three.
February 16, 2023
Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for. Elsie wished for a less boring life and definitely got that and more. Elsie and Lu are back for book 2 in Rowe's three-part series and the swirling tornado that is their lives isn't stopping anytime soon.
I loved the ups and downs and it kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The spicy scenes were hot, hot, hot. I prefer fast-paced books otherwise I get bored but you won't find that an issue with this book. I cannot wait for the third installment!
*Note
Be sure to check out the author's trigger warnings at the start of the book. They can be found on the "look inside" preview on Amazon.
I loved the ups and downs and it kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The spicy scenes were hot, hot, hot. I prefer fast-paced books otherwise I get bored but you won't find that an issue with this book. I cannot wait for the third installment!
*Note
Be sure to check out the author's trigger warnings at the start of the book. They can be found on the "look inside" preview on Amazon.
January 29, 2023
Well, book two is now officially out.
This book is about facing consequences of your actions, trying to overcome traumatic memories and trying to figure out how to live through them.
Like We Are H.E.L.L this book is based on my life. Expect to find feelings, unhealthy coping mechanisms, bad behaviour and some hard scenes to read.
Like book one, there are trigger warnings in the front of the book.
I hope you follow Elsie and Lu's story and enjoy it. Much love to you all. <3
November 27, 2023
Running From H.E.L.L is book 2 in this YA series from J.C. Rowe, and we pick up where we left off in, We Are H.E.L.L. Elise and Lu are on the run after a night of terrible things happening. They find that they are wanted for murder, not to mention a bunch of other crimes. This book is definitely a wild ride, and it's one that will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting to find out what happens next. I'm loving this series so far, and cheering for Elise and Lu, because their love for one another is unconditional, and they will stop at nothing to protect the other.
March 9, 2023
This 2nd book is Amazing!!!
Once again it was filled with something happening on every page wether its love or war or a simple conversation everything makes you want to keep reading on and on.
I couldn't put it down!!!
Bring on the finale!!
Once again it was filled with something happening on every page wether its love or war or a simple conversation everything makes you want to keep reading on and on.
I couldn't put it down!!!
Bring on the finale!!
March 21, 2023
Absolutely loved the sequel to We Are HELL!! So many twists and turns that you can help but keep reading! I can’t even imagine what’s going to happen in book 3 with these two characters. Well done! It’s a must read x
July 20, 2023
i can’t even write a review for this book because you wouldn’t believe me if told you want happened in it anyway
October 28, 2025
J.C. Rowe delivers again! The suspense, the emotion, and the bond between the girls are unforgettable. Couldn’t put it down!
August 20, 2023
Trigger warnings for Running From H.E.L.L include: child abuse, murder, rape, violence, drugs, alcoholism, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, explicit sexual content and food & eating disorders.
☆
☆
I finished this one and I'm immediately eagerly awaiting the final book. I really enjoyed reading this and the characters are written in such a way that you can't help but feel for them and love them.
~
It took me a while to read, but that's mostly due to my inability to concentrate on reading, and I've been listening to audiobooks more than reading things recently.
~
It was slower paced through some of it than the first book, but that actually kept my focus a little better. I can't wait to see how Lu and Elsie deal with the situation they find themselves in at the end of the book.
•
Thank you to BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
☆
☆
I finished this one and I'm immediately eagerly awaiting the final book. I really enjoyed reading this and the characters are written in such a way that you can't help but feel for them and love them.
~
It took me a while to read, but that's mostly due to my inability to concentrate on reading, and I've been listening to audiobooks more than reading things recently.
~
It was slower paced through some of it than the first book, but that actually kept my focus a little better. I can't wait to see how Lu and Elsie deal with the situation they find themselves in at the end of the book.
•
Thank you to BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2023
Lucita and Elsie continue their run from the authorities, while on the run many things comes to light and it gets more and more dangerous.
I loved the way there is no rest throughout, it's action after action.
The entire story keeps you on your toes because anything can happen anytime.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the way there is no rest throughout, it's action after action.
The entire story keeps you on your toes because anything can happen anytime.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews