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Escaping Hell!
When your life feels like a nightmare and the only thing that lets you escape that, is work.
The one that is supposed to love you and make you feel safe, is actually the one creating that nightmare for you.
Can life change for the better or is his hold on you too strong?.
Will that one important encounter be just what you needed to break free, can that one person be the one you actually deserve?
Meeting her changes my life. What I see is hurt and pain. Can I handle that? Will she let me in? Will she give me a chance?
There is something about her that is pulling me to her. Can she be the one that makes my life complete and less dark?
The one that is supposed to love you and make you feel safe, is actually the one creating that nightmare for you.
Can life change for the better or is his hold on you too strong?.
Will that one important encounter be just what you needed to break free, can that one person be the one you actually deserve?
Meeting her changes my life. What I see is hurt and pain. Can I handle that? Will she let me in? Will she give me a chance?
There is something about her that is pulling me to her. Can she be the one that makes my life complete and less dark?
138 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2025
4 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Chantal H.
4 books62 followersMy name is Chantal.
And I am a writer and also booklover from Holland.
My stories are not the usual love stories.
They are dark and contain some heavy topics.
And I am a writer and also booklover from Holland.
My stories are not the usual love stories.
They are dark and contain some heavy topics.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 9, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive the wonderful ARC for Escaping Hell.E.H. is not your usual dark romance story,you will find youself getting tangled between pages,feelings and tears.
To begin with,personally I am not a fan of this genre mainly because I have read countless bad-REALLY bad-of those,yet the moment I read the summary of this one I was more than intrigued...
We follow the story of Iris who is being mentally and physically abused by her boyfriend in a daily basis,without her seeing a way out.Things WILL get messy and Iris may or, may not figure things out.
Chantal,wrote the absolute heart wrenching story about hate, love and hope,without losing a bit.A big advantage of the reading experience is that we see the story from Iris POV,leading to an emotional roller coster in the whole story.
As a reader I liked this desicion a lot,not only because it makes the story more overwhelming,but mostly because you can really understand everything behing her decisions ,her whys and her fears.
The writing of this book was really good-plus she is a shortie!👑.The only thing I will say as my ick is that I felt the words being repetitive and limited.Having,such a wondeful story I would love to have more words that show us every emotion characters feel.
NOW THE ENDING.-Don't worry I won't spoil anything! BUT THIS ENDING WAS FIREE.Firstly,
Did I see it coming?NO
Did she wrote one of the best endings of the genre?YES.
I was completely stunned and on the edge of my seat for the whole scene😮💨.-Thank you Chantal
4
To begin with,personally I am not a fan of this genre mainly because I have read countless bad-REALLY bad-of those,yet the moment I read the summary of this one I was more than intrigued...
We follow the story of Iris who is being mentally and physically abused by her boyfriend in a daily basis,without her seeing a way out.Things WILL get messy and Iris may or, may not figure things out.
Chantal,wrote the absolute heart wrenching story about hate, love and hope,without losing a bit.A big advantage of the reading experience is that we see the story from Iris POV,leading to an emotional roller coster in the whole story.
As a reader I liked this desicion a lot,not only because it makes the story more overwhelming,but mostly because you can really understand everything behing her decisions ,her whys and her fears.
The writing of this book was really good-plus she is a shortie!👑.The only thing I will say as my ick is that I felt the words being repetitive and limited.Having,such a wondeful story I would love to have more words that show us every emotion characters feel.
NOW THE ENDING.-Don't worry I won't spoil anything! BUT THIS ENDING WAS FIREE.Firstly,
Did I see it coming?NO
Did she wrote one of the best endings of the genre?YES.
I was completely stunned and on the edge of my seat for the whole scene😮💨.-Thank you Chantal
4
September 9, 2025
This was a hard read—but an important one. And God, did I love it.
Iris…
This woman.
She is the kind of character that crawls under your skin and stays there.
Her fear, her self-sacrifice, her desperate strength—it’s all so heartbreakingly real.
She didn’t deserve any of what happened to her. She deserved safety. Peace. A quiet kind of happiness. And a soft place to land.
But life isn’t always fair. And this story doesn’t pretend it is.
Nick, on the other hand, is a balm.
He’s kind without being naive.
Protective without being possessive.
He sees Iris for who she is—without demanding pieces of her in return.
His patience, his gentleness, his unwavering presence… that’s the kind of love that doesn’t fix you—it lets you heal.
And Max?
Let’s just say… he got what he deserved.
Though I wouldn’t have minded the sandpaper treatment either.
This story wrecked me because it’s not just fiction—it’s the truth for far too many women.
It shines a brutal, necessary light on abuse, fear, and the invisible calculations so many survivors make just to stay safe.
To stay alive.
It’s uncomfortable. It’s raw. It’s painfully honest.
But it’s also full of grace, hope, and the kind of quiet resilience that speaks volumes.
Please check the trigger warnings before diving in—this book doesn’t flinch away from hard truths.
But if you’re ready, if you can…
This story will sit with you long after the last page.
Not as a wound, but as a reminder:
We survive.
We heal.
And one day, we choose softness again
.
I would definitely recommend this book—it’s not an easy read, but it’s a necessary one.
Heartbreaking, honest, and unforgettable.
Iris…
This woman.
She is the kind of character that crawls under your skin and stays there.
Her fear, her self-sacrifice, her desperate strength—it’s all so heartbreakingly real.
She didn’t deserve any of what happened to her. She deserved safety. Peace. A quiet kind of happiness. And a soft place to land.
But life isn’t always fair. And this story doesn’t pretend it is.
Nick, on the other hand, is a balm.
He’s kind without being naive.
Protective without being possessive.
He sees Iris for who she is—without demanding pieces of her in return.
His patience, his gentleness, his unwavering presence… that’s the kind of love that doesn’t fix you—it lets you heal.
And Max?
Let’s just say… he got what he deserved.
Though I wouldn’t have minded the sandpaper treatment either.
This story wrecked me because it’s not just fiction—it’s the truth for far too many women.
It shines a brutal, necessary light on abuse, fear, and the invisible calculations so many survivors make just to stay safe.
To stay alive.
It’s uncomfortable. It’s raw. It’s painfully honest.
But it’s also full of grace, hope, and the kind of quiet resilience that speaks volumes.
Please check the trigger warnings before diving in—this book doesn’t flinch away from hard truths.
But if you’re ready, if you can…
This story will sit with you long after the last page.
Not as a wound, but as a reminder:
We survive.
We heal.
And one day, we choose softness again
.
I would definitely recommend this book—it’s not an easy read, but it’s a necessary one.
Heartbreaking, honest, and unforgettable.
April 16, 2025
Escaping Hell....Chantal H's debut novel, was heartbreaking but heartwarming all at the same time!!
The way she describes every little detail, from the characters to the story is perfection. It felt like you were actually a part of it, making you feel every emotion the MCs go through.
It's gut wrenching, it's heartbreaking, it's emotional, it's inspirational!!
I count myself lucky to never have been in a situation like our MC, but let me tell you, if I was, this book would pull me out of there so fast!!
I am in awe of how amazing Chantal's debut was, and I am soo damn proud of her!!
The way she describes every little detail, from the characters to the story is perfection. It felt like you were actually a part of it, making you feel every emotion the MCs go through.
It's gut wrenching, it's heartbreaking, it's emotional, it's inspirational!!
I count myself lucky to never have been in a situation like our MC, but let me tell you, if I was, this book would pull me out of there so fast!!
I am in awe of how amazing Chantal's debut was, and I am soo damn proud of her!!
April 30, 2025
Wonderful debut! We all need a Nick in our lives! ♥️
April 6, 2025
Read trigger warnings!
This book got me! I had soo many emotions. Sadness, rage, fear, and happiness.i even had tears.
I devoured this book in one sitting! I couldn’t put it down!
Iris is a kick ass woman! I was routing for her the whole time! Nick…what can I say a part from I love him.
It’s definitely worth the read!
Chantal this book is amazing! You’re amazing! Thank you 🖤🖤🖤
This subject is very close to my heart #survivor
“You are my friend and I love you. That won't change and deep down you know that.”
Meeting the right person at the right time can make all the difference.
This book got me! I had soo many emotions. Sadness, rage, fear, and happiness.i even had tears.
I devoured this book in one sitting! I couldn’t put it down!
Iris is a kick ass woman! I was routing for her the whole time! Nick…what can I say a part from I love him.
It’s definitely worth the read!
Chantal this book is amazing! You’re amazing! Thank you 🖤🖤🖤
This subject is very close to my heart #survivor
“You are my friend and I love you. That won't change and deep down you know that.”
Meeting the right person at the right time can make all the difference.
April 27, 2025
4.5⭐️
This book was dark and heavy! The story has a lot of dv and it does not soften it up any at all! So please be mindful of your mental health. But this ended up being an emotional read. It had highs and lows in the story. Iris goes through a lot. Nick stays right by her side the whole time. This story does end in an HEA. It was a fantastic read and I recommend just be mindful of your mental health!
This book was dark and heavy! The story has a lot of dv and it does not soften it up any at all! So please be mindful of your mental health. But this ended up being an emotional read. It had highs and lows in the story. Iris goes through a lot. Nick stays right by her side the whole time. This story does end in an HEA. It was a fantastic read and I recommend just be mindful of your mental health!
April 18, 2025
Thank you Chantal H
Beta Read Review - Escaping Hell - Chantal Debut Novel
⚠️ Check Trigger Warnings ⚠️
" To all the women and men out there feeling trapped in a life you never wanted.
You deserve better! You are worth it!
You can do it! You are worth every bit of good and positive love you are given !
Accepting all of that will be the hardest thing you have ever done. But it will be the first step towards a better life."
This was a beautiful, heartbreak, story yet it is one story that gives a voice to victims . It was raw and emotional. A story that is more than just about finding your voice, but about the healing. Picking up the pieces of your broken soul and allowing that one person to show you your worth while.
You're worthy of love.
Iris and Nick Story was amazing I cried so much while reading this book. But I don't want to spoil it for anyone that will pick up this story to read and maybe find their own voice amongst the wreckage of their own broken soul. To fight for themselves .To never lose hope 💞
I will definitely recommend reading it!
-----------------------------------
" I used to be happy, spontaneous and do things that were not planned. Just living my life and having fun."
" I can't lose you before I even have a chance . I won't lose you. I refuse too. You hear me."
---------------------------------
TROPES
🖤 Mental Abuse
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Trauma
🖤 Dark Elements
🖤 Immediate Attraction
🖤 Trust Issues
🖤 Physical Abuse
--------------------------------
Title: Escaping Hell
Author: Chantal H
Genre: Dark Romance / Debut Novel
My Star Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
⚠️ Check Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Beta Read Review - Escaping Hell - Chantal Debut Novel
⚠️ Check Trigger Warnings ⚠️
" To all the women and men out there feeling trapped in a life you never wanted.
You deserve better! You are worth it!
You can do it! You are worth every bit of good and positive love you are given !
Accepting all of that will be the hardest thing you have ever done. But it will be the first step towards a better life."
This was a beautiful, heartbreak, story yet it is one story that gives a voice to victims . It was raw and emotional. A story that is more than just about finding your voice, but about the healing. Picking up the pieces of your broken soul and allowing that one person to show you your worth while.
You're worthy of love.
Iris and Nick Story was amazing I cried so much while reading this book. But I don't want to spoil it for anyone that will pick up this story to read and maybe find their own voice amongst the wreckage of their own broken soul. To fight for themselves .To never lose hope 💞
I will definitely recommend reading it!
-----------------------------------
" I used to be happy, spontaneous and do things that were not planned. Just living my life and having fun."
" I can't lose you before I even have a chance . I won't lose you. I refuse too. You hear me."
---------------------------------
TROPES
🖤 Mental Abuse
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Trauma
🖤 Dark Elements
🖤 Immediate Attraction
🖤 Trust Issues
🖤 Physical Abuse
--------------------------------
Title: Escaping Hell
Author: Chantal H
Genre: Dark Romance / Debut Novel
My Star Rating: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
⚠️ Check Trigger Warnings ⚠️
May 2, 2025
Escaping Hell was such an emotional story that had trauma and struggles, but also had healing and love 🖤 The plot kept me hooked the whole story and it was written well, in a way that showcased the emotions each character was feeling very clearly.
Iris is such a strong woman for all she has endured, and continues to endure throughout the story. Her pov highlighted such heartbreaking thoughts and emotions that were tied to the abuse she has experienced, and it really made you feel for her 💔 When she meets Nick, she feels an instant connection towards him and can’t fight it. She tries to distance herself, but not only can he not stay away, but she doesn’t want to keep him away. Watching the two of them grow their connection was emotional and brought so much happiness at the end 🖤
Nick was persistent in staying in Iris’ life because he was instantly drawn to her, but he can also see that she is going through something really bad at home and has a strong need to protect her. He wants to help her, and he won’t take no for an answer! He doesn’t push her or pressure her to talk or let him in, but he shows that he’s there for her and that she can rely on him anytime she needs ❤️ Nick becomes Iris’ safe place and it was lovely to see her being treated right and cared for 🖤
This story will make you feel all the emotions, and break your heart, but the healing that happens is so beautiful to see, and super heartwarming ❤️ This was well written and had a great plot that pulls you in and hooks you until the very end!
Iris is such a strong woman for all she has endured, and continues to endure throughout the story. Her pov highlighted such heartbreaking thoughts and emotions that were tied to the abuse she has experienced, and it really made you feel for her 💔 When she meets Nick, she feels an instant connection towards him and can’t fight it. She tries to distance herself, but not only can he not stay away, but she doesn’t want to keep him away. Watching the two of them grow their connection was emotional and brought so much happiness at the end 🖤
Nick was persistent in staying in Iris’ life because he was instantly drawn to her, but he can also see that she is going through something really bad at home and has a strong need to protect her. He wants to help her, and he won’t take no for an answer! He doesn’t push her or pressure her to talk or let him in, but he shows that he’s there for her and that she can rely on him anytime she needs ❤️ Nick becomes Iris’ safe place and it was lovely to see her being treated right and cared for 🖤
This story will make you feel all the emotions, and break your heart, but the healing that happens is so beautiful to see, and super heartwarming ❤️ This was well written and had a great plot that pulls you in and hooks you until the very end!
April 15, 2025
Absolutely LOVED this book!! It is such a powerful story about surviving DV and not giving up and finding love again. There is some parts towards the end that I did not expect like the sandpaper lol or the change in Iris but over all i enjoyed it. I related to this story in a way growing up with a drunk father who was abusive and wouldn't remember the things he did when he woke up sober the next day and always blamed me for the reason he was how he was. Thank you Chantal for writing this story about something so many men and woman go through and showing them that they are more than what their abuser thinks of them and that they can break free.
April 21, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’75
⚠️First and foremost, please read the TW/CW for this book—your mental health will always matter more than any book.⚠️
Now, a huge congratulations to Chantal on this outstanding debut.
Escaping Hell may be a short story, but it’s no less powerful or heartbreaking because of its length. Iris is living a nightmare she doesn’t believe she can ever escape—until she meets Nick. A coworker who sees the silent pain in her eyes and the trauma written across her body, and who becomes determined to help her.
Chantal doesn’t hold back. She breaks our hearts with every page, showing us the raw, painful reality Iris endures, and how, with the support of the ones who genuinely cares for her, she begins to take those first steps forward. Her journey is not without scars, and some will stay with her forever—but she survives.
‼️ PLEASE—if you’re in a situation involving domestic violence, know that help is out there. You are not alone. ‼️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️’75
⚠️First and foremost, please read the TW/CW for this book—your mental health will always matter more than any book.⚠️
Now, a huge congratulations to Chantal on this outstanding debut.
Escaping Hell may be a short story, but it’s no less powerful or heartbreaking because of its length. Iris is living a nightmare she doesn’t believe she can ever escape—until she meets Nick. A coworker who sees the silent pain in her eyes and the trauma written across her body, and who becomes determined to help her.
Chantal doesn’t hold back. She breaks our hearts with every page, showing us the raw, painful reality Iris endures, and how, with the support of the ones who genuinely cares for her, she begins to take those first steps forward. Her journey is not without scars, and some will stay with her forever—but she survives.
‼️ PLEASE—if you’re in a situation involving domestic violence, know that help is out there. You are not alone. ‼️
April 18, 2025
This has to be one of the most relatable non-fiction book I’ve read.. ever. It brought flashbacks and old feelings that had pushed into a very dark corner of my memories. Though it was painful to read, it was also healing and encouraging. Tears had been shed that needed to be released.
I wholeheartedly cheered when Iris got her redemption! I was all “fuck yeah, motherf…” and then I heard my neighbor’s dog. That was my que to be quiet at 3am. Part of me wished she did use the sandpaper but.. she needed to get it done.
Chantal’s debut novel was everything and more. I encourage women, who’ve been in abusive and toxic relationships, to read this book. I encourage everyone to read it—to learn of the signs and reach out to these women. They’re silently screaming for help.
I wholeheartedly cheered when Iris got her redemption! I was all “fuck yeah, motherf…” and then I heard my neighbor’s dog. That was my que to be quiet at 3am. Part of me wished she did use the sandpaper but.. she needed to get it done.
Chantal’s debut novel was everything and more. I encourage women, who’ve been in abusive and toxic relationships, to read this book. I encourage everyone to read it—to learn of the signs and reach out to these women. They’re silently screaming for help.
April 7, 2025
Rating 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 27th Escaping Hell goes live! Please check your triggers, this is a deep emotional read, that revolves around iris who is being physically and emotionally abu$ed by her boyfriend. With no way out she confides in Nick. It had me crying my eyes out, raging, and in fear for Iris. As a fellow #Survivor it’s not always easy to get out, not always easy to talk, or trust for that matter but if just one person is there for you, to hear you, to help you without judgement you can get out alive.
April 27th Escaping Hell goes live! Please check your triggers, this is a deep emotional read, that revolves around iris who is being physically and emotionally abu$ed by her boyfriend. With no way out she confides in Nick. It had me crying my eyes out, raging, and in fear for Iris. As a fellow #Survivor it’s not always easy to get out, not always easy to talk, or trust for that matter but if just one person is there for you, to hear you, to help you without judgement you can get out alive.
April 21, 2025
Escaping Hell is an emotionally charged journey that delves into the profound impact of an abusive relationship on an individual’s mental, emotional, physical, and even sense of self. It explores how such relationships can lead to the loss of friends and other significant relationships, causing a profound sense of identity crisis. Amidst this darkness, the book offers a glimmer of hope, reminding us that there is a path to finding happiness and fulfillment in a healthy and supportive relationship.
May 2, 2025
Escaping Hell is a heart gripping story with intense emotions of self sacrifice, hate, love, fear, hope and survival. There is a brutal reality to the story that hits hard both in the highest of highs and lowest lows relating to life and relationships. Raw emotions felt for Iris trying to navigate her life and even more as she finds herself, her voice and her reason to live. Loving the layers of Nick unconditionally giving, patient and loving. Iris allowing the help needed to piece herself back together and Nick providing the caring guidance and the positive push needed is powerful. This is a heart hurting and healing story that will sit with me for a while in the best of ways.
May 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Omg this book!!! 😱😱
This book hooked me from the beginning, I couldn't put it down!
This book is portrayed extremely well! I love the storyline and how the characters are portrayed especially Max.
Max makes me so angry! The way he thinks he owns things and controls them!
Iris is a kind, loving woman who deserves the best!
Bo is the friend we all need in our lives.
The ending!!! 🥹🥹
This book gave me all emotions!
It's definitely a MUST read!
Please read the TW's!!!
Omg this book!!! 😱😱
This book hooked me from the beginning, I couldn't put it down!
This book is portrayed extremely well! I love the storyline and how the characters are portrayed especially Max.
Max makes me so angry! The way he thinks he owns things and controls them!
Iris is a kind, loving woman who deserves the best!
Bo is the friend we all need in our lives.
The ending!!! 🥹🥹
This book gave me all emotions!
It's definitely a MUST read!
Please read the TW's!!!
April 8, 2025
Wow. This book really hit me in the feels. Iris had to deal with so much and then Nick came along and showed her things could be different. This book was a message of perseverance, learning to stand up for yourself, escaping an abusive situation and ultimately finding hope again. No deserves to be treated the way Iris was. I absolutely loved it. What a phenomenal debut!
May 15, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
MCs: 𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘴 ♡ 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘬
𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩.
iris is in a toxic relationship... so toxic its all the kinds of ab.use... & that changed her from how she used to be. she works as a security officer where she meets 𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗸. he sees her 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 past her walls. all he wants to do is protect her & show her how she deserves to be loved. the struggle is... will she let him before its too late?
this debut broke my heart into so many pieces. its especially close to my heart coz her sense of self here... is 𝙤𝙣👏🏽𝙛𝙘𝙠𝙣👏🏽𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩👏🏽 reality is...not every1 gets a nick but theres 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 a way out. i loved that this book shone light on not only her hell but also how difficult the road to healing still is. & that self worth & strength a person gains after pulling thru. such a page turner & a total eye opener!! a dark & wonderful reflective piece♥️
2ⁿᵈ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ | ᴅᴠ | ʟᴏss ᴏғ ʙᴀʙʏ | ᴘʜʏsɪᴄᴀʟ/ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ᴀʙ∙ᴜsᴇ | süıᴄıᴅᴀʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs | ɪɴsᴛᴀ-ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ | sᴜʀᴠıv0ʀ
‼️ 𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨. ✔️🆃🆆/🅲🆆
MCs: 𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘴 ♡ 𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘬
𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙩.
iris is in a toxic relationship... so toxic its all the kinds of ab.use... & that changed her from how she used to be. she works as a security officer where she meets 𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗸. he sees her 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 past her walls. all he wants to do is protect her & show her how she deserves to be loved. the struggle is... will she let him before its too late?
this debut broke my heart into so many pieces. its especially close to my heart coz her sense of self here... is 𝙤𝙣👏🏽𝙛𝙘𝙠𝙣👏🏽𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩👏🏽 reality is...not every1 gets a nick but theres 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 a way out. i loved that this book shone light on not only her hell but also how difficult the road to healing still is. & that self worth & strength a person gains after pulling thru. such a page turner & a total eye opener!! a dark & wonderful reflective piece♥️
2ⁿᵈ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ | ᴅᴠ | ʟᴏss ᴏғ ʙᴀʙʏ | ᴘʜʏsɪᴄᴀʟ/ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ᴀʙ∙ᴜsᴇ | süıᴄıᴅᴀʟ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs | ɪɴsᴛᴀ-ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ | sᴜʀᴠıv0ʀ
‼️ 𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨. ✔️🆃🆆/🅲🆆
April 14, 2025
My heart broke reading this. Poor Iris and the things she endured. This is a very emotional and having someone help put you back together is everything. Before you read please check your tigger warnings.
April 28, 2025
This is Chantal’s debut book and I am so excited to see her continue to grow as an author. This book is very dark and has some deep topics, so please check all triggers and warnings.
This book was not easy to read, it dives deep into a very traumatizing DV relationship between Iris and Max. My heart broke for Iris and I just wanted her to see her worth, that she deserved so much more. It’s an emotional read that will pull at every heart string you have. She was lucky enough to find Nick and let him in, even just a little. I was so proud of her for getting her revenge, she needed it, deserved it.
This book was not easy to read, it dives deep into a very traumatizing DV relationship between Iris and Max. My heart broke for Iris and I just wanted her to see her worth, that she deserved so much more. It’s an emotional read that will pull at every heart string you have. She was lucky enough to find Nick and let him in, even just a little. I was so proud of her for getting her revenge, she needed it, deserved it.
April 29, 2025
thank you for allowing me to ARC this! it was such a good little story! i had trouble with the writing some and i felt like it was a little choppy, moving from one event to another without explanation. all in all it was a really good story though. i felt all the emotions for iris and just wanted to hug her neck! this was such a good example of taking a chance or a leap and trusting someone to help. nick was such an amazing mmc. i do recommend checking the triggers because they are there and will rip you heart out! i recommend and give this 🌟🌟🌟.5
April 9, 2025
I read this book in one sitting. It was dark and a beautiful story. Please check TW.
The plot had me hooked right away.
The plot had me hooked right away.
April 30, 2025
This story is one that some women can relate to, the raw emotions of love, lose, trying to heal from an abuser. I cried while reading this, real raw emotion. This was such a good read and reading how escaping hell fro. an abuser was so hard, yet the people around helped make it happen.
April 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️ - Advanced reader copy REVIEW
.
The fact that author lived through this… it’s so heartbreaking. It’s quick read but not as easy. The book is full of sensitive topics so please do read triggers.
Iris, omg 😭. She’s been through hell. Literal hell. So proud of her for fighting through it and getting her happy ever after. Right when I thought she got help and things were going to get better, it got fucked up again. My heart breaks for her.
Nick, ilysm. The nickname he has for her is adorableeee. Even after what she lost, he didn’t care and only wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, no matter what. Their little ending was so sweet and they deserved it more than anything 🥹.
Max, …
.
The fact that author lived through this… it’s so heartbreaking. It’s quick read but not as easy. The book is full of sensitive topics so please do read triggers.
Iris, omg 😭. She’s been through hell. Literal hell. So proud of her for fighting through it and getting her happy ever after. Right when I thought she got help and things were going to get better, it got fucked up again. My heart breaks for her.
Nick, ilysm. The nickname he has for her is adorableeee. Even after what she lost, he didn’t care and only wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, no matter what. Their little ending was so sweet and they deserved it more than anything 🥹.
Max, …
April 24, 2025
What a great read for a first time author !!!
This book had me in tears honestly. This book is NOT for the weak. But it’s an excellent read and example of domestic violence/abuse & what could happen if you don’t get out. This book hits home for me and it was actually very cathartic. I would love to see where Nick & Iris story goes !!! Or even a spinoff of the MC that Nick is apart of !!! As always read THE TRIGGERS/WARNINGS. I don’t recommend this book if you are easily triggered with abuse.
This book had me in tears honestly. This book is NOT for the weak. But it’s an excellent read and example of domestic violence/abuse & what could happen if you don’t get out. This book hits home for me and it was actually very cathartic. I would love to see where Nick & Iris story goes !!! Or even a spinoff of the MC that Nick is apart of !!! As always read THE TRIGGERS/WARNINGS. I don’t recommend this book if you are easily triggered with abuse.
April 28, 2025
ARC/ Beta Review: Escaping Hell by Chantal H
Rating 5⭐️ and no spice
Ahh i am so proud of you for this boo. It was amazing and I couldn’t put it down. It is the first book in a long time to hit home with me for personal reasons which made me love it even more. Nick is the sweetest guy in the world and he deserves so much love. Iris has been through so much that she deserves happiness and to literally escape hell. Amazing job Chantal and I can’t wait to see what you do next.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS
Rating 5⭐️ and no spice
Ahh i am so proud of you for this boo. It was amazing and I couldn’t put it down. It is the first book in a long time to hit home with me for personal reasons which made me love it even more. Nick is the sweetest guy in the world and he deserves so much love. Iris has been through so much that she deserves happiness and to literally escape hell. Amazing job Chantal and I can’t wait to see what you do next.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRIGGERS
July 21, 2025
✨🖤Escaping Hell!🖤✨
Author: Chantal H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The heartbreak and emotions you feel throughout this book is intense. There are so many emotions that you go through. I really love that the FMC and MMC work through their issues, and come out on the other side better.
If you are looking for a book to rip your heart out, and sew it back together, this would be the book.
Author: Chantal H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The heartbreak and emotions you feel throughout this book is intense. There are so many emotions that you go through. I really love that the FMC and MMC work through their issues, and come out on the other side better.
If you are looking for a book to rip your heart out, and sew it back together, this would be the book.
April 25, 2025
The plot of this story was great but the writing wasn’t it for me. It needed more, so much more. It was so rushed, i understand it’s a short novella type read but there needed to be more.
The rape scene really bothered me because you’re telling me these men who belong to this big bad motorcycle club couldn’t stop one man from doing that to her??? Because he had a gun? Idk, i didn’t like that…but I do understand why it was written the way it was.
I cried when he beat her so badly she lost the baby and her fucking uterus. Max definitely got what he deserved in the end. I’m glad she called Nick when she finally left.
I didn’t expect the ending.
With some tweaking this could be a 5 star read for sure because this story is such a powerful one, one that touches every woman who has ever been in the same position that Iris was in.
The rape scene really bothered me because you’re telling me these men who belong to this big bad motorcycle club couldn’t stop one man from doing that to her??? Because he had a gun? Idk, i didn’t like that…but I do understand why it was written the way it was.
I cried when he beat her so badly she lost the baby and her fucking uterus. Max definitely got what he deserved in the end. I’m glad she called Nick when she finally left.
I didn’t expect the ending.
With some tweaking this could be a 5 star read for sure because this story is such a powerful one, one that touches every woman who has ever been in the same position that Iris was in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2025
⭐ 3.5/5
🌶️ 1/5
“I never knew a kiss could feel so God damn amazing. It felt like heaven and hell all in one.”
Dark Romance ∙ Love at First Sight ∙ Trauma & Healing ∙ MC Club ∙ 18+ / Trigger Warnings
(maybe tiny spoiler inside)
This might be the hardest review I’ve written. I went into this book knowing almost nothing, and by the end, I was surprised and a little confused - that it wrapped up so quickly. I feel like I’m seeing this story from a few different angles, so I’ll break it down.
The dark romance:
At its heart, this is a dark love story, full of heavy themes and tough moments. Definitely no rainbows and unicorns. It’s about two beautiful souls, Iris and Nick, falling in love at first sight and finding their happy ending - after a painful, raw, and emotional journey.
The book is short, so there’s no space for big world-building, but that actually works here because it keeps the focus fully on Iris and Nick.
And Nick… well, I’d wish every woman had a Nick in her corner for life - loving, patient, understanding, and a beautiful human with a big heart. In a way, they healed each other. And the ending? Wonderful!
And Max… but honestly, in my book, he doesn’t deserve a second of attention anymore.
The pacing:
I’ve seen and experienced some of the real-life situations mentioned here, and that made me think: Iris gets her healing and understanding fast. In real life, it usually takes so much longer - and so much strength to get into another boat and heal enough to feel even a spark. I know - it’s a book, I get it, but… it felt like everything happened too quickly in every direction.
And one thing I couldn’t get past: two big guys from the MC club couldn’t stop Max? No fight, no talk, no pushback? That’s their protection? Their ability to stand up and defend? That really threw me off.
The technical side:
I read the ebook version, and I have to mention this: it was hard to read. At the start of chapters, it wasn’t always clear whose POV I was in. There were missing commas, missing periods, and some incomplete sentences. It made it harder to stay inside the story while trying to navigate the technical stuff. And for such a short book, some details were repeated too many times.
Don’t get me wrong - I really loved the main characters, and the story itself is powerful at its core. But there were just too many things pulling me out of it along the way.
And seriously - don’t go into this without reading the trigger warnings!
🌶️ 1/5
“I never knew a kiss could feel so God damn amazing. It felt like heaven and hell all in one.”
Dark Romance ∙ Love at First Sight ∙ Trauma & Healing ∙ MC Club ∙ 18+ / Trigger Warnings
(maybe tiny spoiler inside)
This might be the hardest review I’ve written. I went into this book knowing almost nothing, and by the end, I was surprised and a little confused - that it wrapped up so quickly. I feel like I’m seeing this story from a few different angles, so I’ll break it down.
The dark romance:
At its heart, this is a dark love story, full of heavy themes and tough moments. Definitely no rainbows and unicorns. It’s about two beautiful souls, Iris and Nick, falling in love at first sight and finding their happy ending - after a painful, raw, and emotional journey.
The book is short, so there’s no space for big world-building, but that actually works here because it keeps the focus fully on Iris and Nick.
And Nick… well, I’d wish every woman had a Nick in her corner for life - loving, patient, understanding, and a beautiful human with a big heart. In a way, they healed each other. And the ending? Wonderful!
And Max… but honestly, in my book, he doesn’t deserve a second of attention anymore.
The pacing:
I’ve seen and experienced some of the real-life situations mentioned here, and that made me think: Iris gets her healing and understanding fast. In real life, it usually takes so much longer - and so much strength to get into another boat and heal enough to feel even a spark. I know - it’s a book, I get it, but… it felt like everything happened too quickly in every direction.
And one thing I couldn’t get past: two big guys from the MC club couldn’t stop Max? No fight, no talk, no pushback? That’s their protection? Their ability to stand up and defend? That really threw me off.
The technical side:
I read the ebook version, and I have to mention this: it was hard to read. At the start of chapters, it wasn’t always clear whose POV I was in. There were missing commas, missing periods, and some incomplete sentences. It made it harder to stay inside the story while trying to navigate the technical stuff. And for such a short book, some details were repeated too many times.
Don’t get me wrong - I really loved the main characters, and the story itself is powerful at its core. But there were just too many things pulling me out of it along the way.
And seriously - don’t go into this without reading the trigger warnings!
July 15, 2025
🌑 5/5 Stars | 🌶 1/5 Spice
💔 Dark Romance | Abuse Recovery | Soul-Saving Love
Escaping Hell is a raw and heartbreaking journey through the eyes of Iris—a woman trapped in a relationship with Max, a man who doesn’t just hurt her, but strips away every piece of who she used to be. Chantal H doesn’t hold back in portraying the emotional and psychological abuse Iris endures, and it’s gut-wrenching to witness how deep the damage runs.
But in the wreckage, there’s Nick. Gentle, patient, and exactly what Iris needs but never thought she deserved. Watching Nick love her—slowly, fiercely, right—feels like finally taking a breath after drowning. Their connection isn’t built on lust, but healing, trust, and emotional intimacy. The spice is minimal, but it’s not needed—this story burns in all the right places.
This book is for anyone who’s ever loved someone toxic, lost themselves in the process, and fought like hell to get back. It’s about survival. Redemption. And the kind of love that stays.
“That's where you are wrong. To me you are worth it. Don't you understand you got under my skin in a very good way.”
💔 Dark Romance | Abuse Recovery | Soul-Saving Love
Escaping Hell is a raw and heartbreaking journey through the eyes of Iris—a woman trapped in a relationship with Max, a man who doesn’t just hurt her, but strips away every piece of who she used to be. Chantal H doesn’t hold back in portraying the emotional and psychological abuse Iris endures, and it’s gut-wrenching to witness how deep the damage runs.
But in the wreckage, there’s Nick. Gentle, patient, and exactly what Iris needs but never thought she deserved. Watching Nick love her—slowly, fiercely, right—feels like finally taking a breath after drowning. Their connection isn’t built on lust, but healing, trust, and emotional intimacy. The spice is minimal, but it’s not needed—this story burns in all the right places.
This book is for anyone who’s ever loved someone toxic, lost themselves in the process, and fought like hell to get back. It’s about survival. Redemption. And the kind of love that stays.
“That's where you are wrong. To me you are worth it. Don't you understand you got under my skin in a very good way.”
April 7, 2025
What an amazing debt book by Chantel. She has hit it out of the park with this. She takes on a domestic violence plot and she did it justice. Every word she wrote it's the fucken truth. Cause men like that (pussies) that treat a woman that way should get exactly what Max got. The writing was brilliant and the struggles were real. This hit home for me in so many ways and I felt those words on the pages as they were my own. I was airis once and if someone had to write my story, I would want my girl Chantel here to write it. There is truth behind every word written.
There is a scream from Iris in the book and I felt it to my bones and I cried with her. I sat in that bed where she was and no woman should ever be put in that position by any man ever. I'm honored to have been able to read this book and be a part of this authors journey as she writes and I get to read every book cause I'm not going anywhere except waiting for her next release. Recommend to everyone and everyone.
If your a survivor of domestic violence please ask for help. There is always a fkn way out always. You can and will survive that mothr fucker and there is always someone there to help, I promise... Save yourself, live your life and be happy and tell who ever the abuser is no more. You are loved and Chantel gave all of that in her book😉
There is a scream from Iris in the book and I felt it to my bones and I cried with her. I sat in that bed where she was and no woman should ever be put in that position by any man ever. I'm honored to have been able to read this book and be a part of this authors journey as she writes and I get to read every book cause I'm not going anywhere except waiting for her next release. Recommend to everyone and everyone.
If your a survivor of domestic violence please ask for help. There is always a fkn way out always. You can and will survive that mothr fucker and there is always someone there to help, I promise... Save yourself, live your life and be happy and tell who ever the abuser is no more. You are loved and Chantel gave all of that in her book😉
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