“You’ve haunted me, and I can’t be haunted anymore. I need to be clean.”
Killers. Psychopaths. Pure evil.
The media has many names for them. I used to call them my best friends.
Tate Riley and Silas Watts had been my protectors for as long as I could remember. Then, we grew up, and something shifted—so slowly at first that I didn’t realize it was happening until it was too late.
They tricked me. They used me.
They ruined me.
So, I left, and I didn’t look back. But not long after, tragedy struck. I found myself in their crosshairs again, and this time, they were hellbent on revenge.
Somehow, I managed to escape with my life that night. The world believes I’m their accomplice when, in reality, I’m their final girl.
Known as the (mostly benevolent) Queen of Angst, Elle Mitchell writes new adult contemporary romance ranging from shades of grey to morally pitch black with a hint of taboo. A mix of plot and spice, her books follow flawed, relatable characters as they rage against the machine or struggle against the darker parts of humanity and themselves. They’re messy—like real life—and emotional.
She can’t promise that all her books will depict what a healthy relationship should look like at every turn. She rejects purity themes. The best she can do is promise an eventual HEA when it’s all said and done.
When she isn’t reading or writing, it’s unlikely you’ll find her anywhere. She’s probably at home with her family, minding her own business.
Hoooooolyyyyyy shiiiit, this one was INTENSE! And I like intense, I like f*cked up, I like raw & dirty, emotional dark romances. And. This. Checks. All. The. Boxes!! 👏🏻
These characters are complex and unique in their own individual ways, their emotional depths is so well written. They have such an intense chemistry that is both questionable & makes sense, given their individually screwed up upbringing. Their story quickly sucked me in and punched me in the gut, I couldn’t put this one down! It was dark, vicious, so cruel & sad, and yet also managed to have moments sprinkled with light throughout all of the “bad”, which honestly had me questioning my sanity multiple times. One minute I’m deeply disturbed and lightweight freaked out, the next I’m hopeful and simultaneously very turned on as the story unfolds. Or rather, snowballs. It’s a rollercoaster on so many levels, but isn’t that what we love about books so much?! All the feels. Make me feel sorry, gross me out a little, make me laugh at inappropriate times, have me crying, rip my heart out, and put me back together… and even though I KNOW I shouldn’t be rooting for unalivers or anything, I find myself doing it anyways. You get all of that and more here. Anyways, like I said, all the feels.
For comparison, think a Billy (Silas), Stu (Tate), and Sydney (Noah) throuple romance and the bad guys get their version of a HEA. Because Elle is kind enough to give us some light at the end of so much darkness, bless her heart. It’s definitely a stabby, stabby, run & hide, final girl vibes, and a little bit of masked men, smutty fun. Lots and lots of panty melting spice 🫠 You can’t help but root for them, after all they’ve gone through. The trauma/bullying is deeeep and this story is NOT for the faint of heart, by any means. Luckily for me, my soul runs blackest black and I prefer my dark romances heavy on the trigger warnings. But for your own mental safety, check the TW before diving in.
Side note: I’m obsessed with the PNW vibes she puts in all of her books. The movie reel that played in my mind throughout its entirety was just so simply beautiful. The setting just feels perfect.
Bottom line, I’m obsessed and I thoroughly enjoyed this crazy ride! Thanks for letting me beta read your baby, Elle! It’s been an honor 🖤
This book was way darker and more taboo than I expected, but… weirdly, I was kind of into it? Not in a this is romantic way, but more like I can’t look away from this messy, violent car crash of a love story kind of way.
You definitely have to check your morals at the door to get through this one. The characters are twisted, toxic, and do terrible things to each other (and everyone else) physically, emotionally, all of it. But something about the chaos still managed to hold my attention. I wouldn’t say I liked anyone in this story, but I was invested enough to keep reading.
The writing and pacing were solid, even if the emotional connection between the trio didn’t totally land for me. There’s a ton of trauma, manipulation, and unresolved rage baked into the relationships, so calling it “romance” feels like a stretch, but, it was compelling.
Overall it was a pretty brutal ride that wasn’t necessarily enjoyable but was definitely something.
this consumed me body and soul. the first half of this was dark romance masterpiece. the slasher vibes. their special games. the childhood friends to enemies to lovers angst. the spice???
the ending didn’t completely satisfy me but this is still getting 5 stars from me because noahsilastate are family. fucked up. manipulative. toxic. but family 🖤 i miss them already
So I read this in one sitting (and stayed up until 3am to finish it 🫣) and god I wish I could read this for the first time again. You know when a book sticks with you and you think about it for days after finishing? That’s the effect Runaways had on me. Elle has truly done it again.
The angst, the tension, ALL THE FEELS. I love a book that can make me feel a hundred different emotions and this definitely delivered. I laughed and cried and raged - and I expected nothing less after having previously devoured the Gods of Tomorrow duet 💀
Elle has become an auto-read author. I am not worthy. 🙇🏻♀️
To no one’s surprise Elle Mitchell has once again written a book that I am not only OBSESSED with, but also CONSUMED as if it was oxygen and I was taking my last breath.
Following Noah, Tate and Silas after the “exposure” experienced in the beginning of the book, and how that in turn affects them and their character development, was a wild ride and gripping beyond belief. While the character’s coping mechanisms may be seen as “unconventional”, you can’t help but root for them (some of these characters had it coming…just saying). Everything that unfolds due to the events the characters experience and in turn the emotions that develop and fester over time, evolves into this intense and gripping story of revenge and betrayal, but also internal and external healing.
The tension between Noah, Tate and Silas is so prominent, you could cut it with a knife. Whether it be the sexual tension or the tension due to feelings of betrayal and abandonment, I couldn’t do anything but grip my kindle like my life depended on it and quickly turn the page. The developments in their relationship with one another had me emotional, gasping and blushing like no tomorrow.
Elle has beautifully mastered writing a gripping fictional story with intense romantic relationships and carefully written emotional/sensitive scenes. She never fails to shed light to real experiences that people face within a book that is also highly entertaining and enthralling.
For anyone who has read any of Elle’s previous works, Runaways is as if Carved in Scars had a love child with the Gods of Tomorrow Duet (it’s a beautiful love child that must be read ASAP).
This book was a little bit disappointing for me. The blurb was very promising, a pitch black horror why choose, yes please! The plot was oké and entertaining enough. It is definitely dark, but not so much horror in my opinion. There is a lot of unaliving, bullying, trauma and lots of misery before reaching something of a HEA. The writing is good and the pacing on point.
It’s just that I didn’t like any of the characters and I completely missed the romance part here. I didn’t feel any real emotional connection between the MC’s and they treated each other horrible throughout the whole book. There is toxic and there is toxic, but this was on a whole other level. Maybe there should have been more flashbacks to the past where their friendship started. If there was more of a build foundation I would have believed it more. But the flashbacks were sparse and not enough for some decent groundwork. The spice was not that good either. Even there I didn’t feel anything between the MC’s. No romance, no emotion not even hate or other strong feelings, a missed opportunity. Some scenes were hot and in original places, but after a few of those it got a little boring.
I truly loved the Gods of Tomorrow series, but this is not my favorite Elle Mitchell’s.
Whew that was a ride, this story takes you on a total roller coaster of a dark ride. I absolutely loved it. It had me on the edge of my seat. I sat down picked it up and did not get up for 3 hours until I finished it. I was absolutely not prepared whatsoever, which honestly made the book so much better. I think going in blind for this one made it absolutely superb. 10/10 would definitely recommend. The characters had so much personality and I loved it. The boys were absolutely hilarious. Silas is a king just saying, even when he is a bad boy sometimes. Tate was a mind fu*k, he even had me confused lol. Poor Noah, that girl needs so much therapy.
"Besides, she told me there were worse things than death. And every killer needs a final girl. Noah is my final girl."
Did I finish the book, or did it slowly unravel my sanity one chapter at a time? I'm gonna go with the latter cause HOLY BAD WORD BATMAN.
A darrrrrrrrrrk and gory why choose romance spun from a deadly web of deception, manipulation, seduction and torment that easily blurs the lines between love and obsession. Noah, Silas, and Tate have a relationship many don’t understand — but to her, her boyfriends being boyfriends just make sense. That is until a friend betrayal and big move turns dark and deadly and their trio ceases to exist. Once reunited in a gruesome manner and the past begins to resurface, it threatens to tear them apart for good. They must confront the darkness within and decide if their bond is worth the ultimate sacrifice, or if they can stay Runaways together, forever.
For the love of all that is holy check trigger warnings. Your mental health is of the upmost importance and this one is completely unhinged but in the best way possible. Elle just does things different and it works and you love it then you question everything and sympathizing with characters you absolutely should not be. 10/10 as per usual. Runaways will release on June 2.
If you're like me and you love the 1st Scream movie, liked both Billy and Stu and figured: I'll have them both, thanks. Then add plot, character development, mental health struggles and some proper 🌶️: This book is for you 😁
In this book you'll find: 🩸MMF 🩸Why choose 🩸Serial K!llers 🩸Final girl 🩸Best friend’s brother 🩸Childhood friends to enemies to lovers 🩸Bully ⚠️Check the TWs, if that's something you need to do!
My first Elle Mitchell read (despite me having her physicals on my shelf forever🙈)
First things first, this book covers extremely heavy topics, and attention to the content warnings is strongly advised.
This book had me hooked. From its completely original storyline to the character dynamic and the deep emotional content. Elle's ability to portray such accurate mental health issues with accuracy and rawness was exceptional.
Noah, Silas, and Tate have such a complex relationship, with Silas being a constant buffer between Noah and Tate. They hurt each other ALOT, but that's the nature of their relationship, and I was rooting for their HEA after several gut-wrenching moments. Noah's ability to rebuild herself after each devastion is admirable, but when does it all become too much? How many knocks can someone handle?
Silas wants his happiness. He wants to be selfish, but to me, he is anything but selfish. He prioritised Noah and Tate at every turn, which really tugged at my heart. He was split in 2 most of the time.
Tate, ohh Tate, my heart broke for him. He's so hurt, so broken 🥺 every time, and opportunity presented itself for him to be happy - he refused it. He channelled all his pain, hurt, and anger on Noah, and she still loved him 🥺
Truly well written, captivating, and original, I haven't read anything like it.
-mmf whychoose -dark bully romance -childhood friends to enemies to lovers -best friends brother -serial unalivers -revenge plot
ohhh this was a classiccc dark ass elle masterpiece!! the story is so unique & creepppyyyy but also intriguing because they're ALLLLL complete psychooosss & we're soooo here for it!!
I was accepted to read an ARC copy of this book and it took my Arc cherry 🍒 AND WHAT A BOOK TO LOSE IT TO! Elle Mitchell’s writing just keeps me going. She makes even the hardest characters vulnerable and I thinks that what really held my attention for this book. If someone else had written it, I don’t think it would hold the same emotion that Elle drenches her books in.
Where to even start…
Noah, Tate & Silas - what a roller coaster
This is a DARK ride, check your trigger warnings and leave your predictions at the door because once you enter the adrenaline will spike and you will not breathe until the ride is over… 🎡 😏
These are not characters you should root for, but it’s worth it because they’ll tug at your heart strings.
Noah has to move away from her friends, and she loses her best friend to a betrayal and her boyfriends in the process Awful things happen and the boys are back for revenge, on her. The twists and turns of this story, the gory unhinged unalivings , the 🌶️ scenes 🥵
It’s a smutty, death induced nightmare and just when you think, okay yay peace to be had, two masked men will show up to uproot you and prove otherwise
This is a why choose, best friends brother, boyfriends boyfriend with all the things plus more you won’t even guess There’s love, hate, murder, mental health , masked men, lots of blood, so much revenge
I am giving this book 4.5/4.75 out of 5 because I LOVED it so so much and I think it’s worth the dive into depravity
Runaways by Elle Mitchell is a page turning, action packed why choose dark romance that I devoured. The characters are complex and the plot is engaging. Elle Mitchell’s writing makes this story a 4.5⭐️read. It’s emotional, it’s dark, at times it seems hopeless but the dynamic with the main characters pulls you in and makes you want to see what happens next. Definitely check the triggers and make sure you are a true dark romance girlie. It was a privilege to be an ARC reader for this new book. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed her writing, I think of someone else wrote this book it wouldn’t have been the same. I’m happy she wrote this book and the characters made me open my mind. We can put books and characters in little boxes of what we think they should be but I am really glad I read something I’ve never read before. Thank you Elle!
The tension between Noah, Tate and Silas was palpable you could taste it 🥵 whatever they were going through both sexual tension and their feelings, the character development was wild everything that happens to the characters help turn their emotions into raw anger of revenge and betrayal Noah Tate and Silas relationship had me giddy like an excited teenager devouring the pages. I was gasping, fanning myself, sweating. If you have no triggers I Definitely recommend this dark read especially if you enjoy the 🩸, spic and just being mind blown 🤯
Tropes: Why choose MFM Serial Killers Lovers to enemies and to lovers Bully Girl next door Best friends brother Smutty Trauma bonded
“I guess I like the ones where the bad guys get away, too.”
As always Elle Mitchell delivered. This book gave me Carved in Scars meets Gods of Tomorrow vibes. The pain and suffering that the characters Elle writes about go through always feels so real and authentic. She also has a way of making you fall for some of the most deranged, psychotic, and toxic men you’ve ever read about. This book was the first book I’ve read that I can say truly surprised me every step of the way. Just when you thought you knew what was gonna happen these unhinged characters would surprise you (In the best way). The book was dark from beginning to end so make sure to read the content warnings and then buckle up for a wild ride.
Holy shit. I don’t even know where to start with this one. Runaways is a dark, unhinged, MFM serial killer romance with some seriously questionable moments… and I loved every second. I’m so obsessed with everything Elle Mitchell writes—it’s like her words scratch this twisted little itch in my brain I didn’t know I had.
This story is straight-up insane in the best way. So much her darkness, so much trauma. And Noah? I felt for her. She was strong through the worst of it—and she did it mostly alone.
5 stars—Definitely add this book your TBR (check tw’s!)
P.S. I kinda like when the bad guys win sometimes too 😉 P.P.S. Loved the nod to GOT 🎸🎶🖤
Okay, so I like dark books, intensity, and morally gray MMCs, but this book was too much for me. I did not find any redeeming aspects of the toxicity, grooming, murder, demeaning behavior, etc, especially that of MMC Tate. And don't get me started on the other MMC, Silas, who was so wishy washy that while he allegedly loved the MFC, he was okay with Tate potentially murdering her. Even the character who helped the MFC start a new life got screwed over - robbed, knocked unconscious, tied up, boyfriend murdered in front of her.... Yeah, this one wasn't for me.
OH MY GOD this book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. i was absolutely obsessed. why choose horror? count me in. anything elle writes i love and runaways was no different.
Holy hell what can I say except that was one wild ass ride that I would go on again and again! Elle has of course just made me fall in love with even more unhinged men and not regret it for a single second! What do you do when your best friend rejects you the day you are moving and one of the guys you thought loved you rejects that because of his twin sister that hated you for it? You leave. You move on and reinvent yourself and your life. But do those men let you? Tate takes revenge to the next level in redemption for his twin sister than was once your best friend. Silas, the other man you loved, is still with Tate and on board to serve this revenge to the new people you call “friends” when you moved on. Tate is the completely unhinged, deranged, psycho while Silas, also unhinged, is more of that golden retriever we love but also wants to protect you still. These boys you loved have come to serve revenge but that also includes you, their final girl. Noah manages to again pickup and reinvent her life this time under a new identity to escape what Tate and Silas had planned. Only 2 years later, they find you. Once again under their spell you fall and find yourself playing their game, Obey. Murder, mayhem and many orgasms later, you realize that you can’t ever part from them but Tate still plans on killing you or framing you. Can they live a life happily ever after? Can Silas convince Tate the love they all share is enough to stop his revenge plans for Noah? What will come of their final girl? I still cannot believe the twists and turns this book had and the way it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I read it! And that ending!!!! It honestly did surprise me I must say! Completely unhinged and deranged and you still fall for the bad boys! I couldn’t put this book down and it is a top read for me this year already I can tell you that! I loved it from beginning to end.
Runaways is a dark why choose horror romance that was a beautifully unhinged rollercoaster of emotions that I absolutely devoured. This was my first book by this author, but will not be my last because this was 𝒔𝒐 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆. Noah, Silas, and Tate were all such unhinged and complex characters and their chemistry was explosive. The spice was downright drool worthy 🤤 Their story was raw, toxic, unhinged, and insanely intense in all the best ways. I will absolutely be adding this author’s other books to my tbr!
🖤MMF 😈childhood friends to enemies to lovers 🔪bully 🖤best friend's brother 😈serial killers 🔪final girl 🖤degradation 😈dub-con 🔪hurt/comfort 🖤morally pitch black characters 😈slasher movie vibes
Runaways by Elle Mitchell is a compelling read that blends emotional depth with a gripping narrative. The story pulls you in from the very first chapter, following characters who feel real, flawed, and deeply human. Mitchell’s writing style is vivid and evocative, bringing both the physical journey and emotional stakes to life.
What really stands out is the way the novel tackles themes of identity, freedom, and the bonds that tie us together — whether we want them to or not. The pacing is solid, with just enough twists to keep you turning pages without feeling overdone.
The reason for the missing fifth star? A few plot points felt slightly rushed, especially toward the climax, and I would’ve loved a bit more depth or backstory for some supporting characters. Still, it doesn’t take away from the overall impact of the story.
If you’re looking for a book that combines heart, suspense, and social relevance, Runaways is definitely worth the read.
Every single time I swear Elle out does herself book after book. I was obsessed with Gods of Tomorrow and I knew when she posted about Runaways I needed it immediately and from the start I was hooked! What started off as a group of friends growing up together and getting into trouble turned into something bigger than any of them would’ve thought. As Noah grew up, her relationships with Tate and Silas begin to change and evolve that is until an unfortunate incident happened and she found herself on the run. I went through so many emotions while reading cause there were times where I would feel bad for them especially Noah cause in the end they just wanted to be loved and live freely .. but I swear Tate drove me crazy with his push and pull and then there’s Silas who could change his attitude so quickly when upset. Of course though, I definitely felt those ✨flutters✨ during the special moments. I loved them separately with each other, but my favorite moments were when they were all together. 😌 I can’t wait to see what Elle comes up with next!
“When you don't know better, toxic can feel like passion. At least it's loud. At least it's better than nothing.”
This Story is VERY dark. Check the trigger warning shopping list before you dive in! I don’t trigger so I just got right in there for the ride and what a freaking ride it was! I absolutely loved this book and I could not put it down. The chapter names were great, at the same time they had me utterly terrified wondering what I was going to read next! This is a serial killer why choose following Noah who is coping with a lot of trauma, and the extremely unhinged MMCS Tate and Silas. The spice in this was top tier, the plot was great and the story just flowed with absolute perfection! I experienced all of the emotions while reading this. I always know its a good book if it makes me feel so strongly I’m shrieking, crying, laughing all in one sitting.
Elle knows how to create such riveting stories, I swear each book I read I love more than the last! As always it’s such a pleasure and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!
“Everything that comes out of your mouth sounds like a threat.” “Yeah, well who would not want to be loved like a threat”
⭐️ 4/5
Check your Trigger Warnings with this book. There is no moral comfort here. Every character is drowning in grief and rage and obsession and it becomes a game of who can hurt and still call it love. Tate is morally black and terrifying and yet you feel for him. Silas has softness that hides sharp teeth. Noah keeps trying to convince herself she can walk away from two boys who have her heart in a chokehold. There are moments that feel feral. Moments where loyalty tastes like blood. If you need characters who make good choices this is not the book for you. If you like watching people fall apart and rebuild themselves out of ash and questionable decisions you will be glued to this.
By the end I felt wrung out and weirdly hopeful. The ride is violent and chaotic and messy but there is something beautiful in how these broken people find their happiness. There are no saints here. Only survivors. And I loved that the story never tried to pretend otherwise.
I went into this book blind and it did NOT disappoint.
This book was intense and it had me crying in certain parts — especially when she opens up to Tate after SO LONG.
Noah has always felt like she was invisible .. like no one noticed her and she was ugly. You can tell her has a crush on her best friend’s brother but he seems to be pushing her off in a sense. He acts like he doesn’t take her serious which ACTS is the key word. You find out it’s a completely different thing behind closed doors — including Silas.
However her best friend finds out the day Noah’s moving out of the apartment building and the way she talks to her .. hitting vulnerable parts of Noah was so sad 🥲 even throws a phone at her face and punches her. She looks for Tate to explain but he acts like she means nothing 😭😭😭
Noah leaves without looking back and time passes their paths cross again.
So many things happen and their paths cross more than once until they finally get it together. The journey getting there is rough. Regardless, 10/10 recommend. I read this in one sitting and couldn’t put it down
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Okay, WOW. This book is pure chaos, in the best, stabby, smutty kind of way. If you're into dark romance with masked men, chase scenes, and panty-melting spice, buckle up! The emotional depth hits just as hard as the violence. There's trauma, bullying, and pain so deep it leaves a mark. This isn’t a story for the faint of heart, but if, like me, your soul veers into the darker shades of the spectrum, you’ll be right at home! Trigger warnings are a must-read before diving in. Protect your peace, but if you're ready for it? It's one hell of a ride! Final thoughts? I’m obsessed, highly recommend if you have no triggers and enjoy stories with blood, spice, and a healthy dose of what the actual fuck!?
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
TROPES: MMF Why choose Serial Killers Best friend’s brother Lovers to enemies to lovers Girl next door Bully
So right off the bat, I need to say this is by far Elle’s darkest book she’s written- and I fucking loved it (but I am acknowledging that is not everyone’s cup of tea- SO if you are not in for morally black UNHINGED characters and situations, mayyybbeee this isn’t for you).
Um so, as we know, Elle does in fact love to emotionally torture us, and this book was NO different. By page 100, I had already cried four separate times. By the end of the book, I could’ve probably filled a bath tub full of my tears (would anyone be interested in buying my bottled tears??)
I was gripped the entire time I was reading this- I genuinely wasn’t sure if we would get a happy ending, and if we did I had NO idea how we would get there. But honestly? I LOVE the ending of the book so much. It is my DREAM to do what they did, not gonna lie to yall on that one. And if you don’t know what I’m talking about? Well then you just need to read the book on June 2nd!