Escaping The Maelstroms

by Hanna Grace

For Briar, chaos isn’t just a consequence. It’s a constant.
What was meant to be a carefree summer has shattered her world beyond recognition. After months of mistakes, heartbreak, and broken promises, her plans are coming apart at the seams. She’s desperate to find the life she always wanted and has to claw her way out of the depths of addiction before she can make it a reality.
But no matter where she runs, she can’t outrun Rowan. But no matter where she runs, she can't outrun Rowan. He’s everything she always thought she wanted, but now he’s got a hold on her heart that she can’t escape.
In her darkest moments, she’s haunted by the relationship she left behind and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. As she struggles to rebuild herself from the wreckage, she is finally forced to choose: cling to the ghosts of her past, or fight for the future slipping through her fingers.

336 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2025

Reviews

[Tilde Straka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Hannah for sending this as an arc to me!

This book went by so fast!
I loved following Briars recovery (but I did want to scream at her from time to time).
I’m so happy for her and I hope she gets better🫶🏻

And I have absolutely adored Rowan for the longest time, and them he starts acting like that?! Wthhh

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Reader!

This book was super easy to pick up and fly through! It handles some difficult topics in a delicate and considerate way that I think a lot of readers can relate to, and I really enjoyed the mindset shift our FMC, Briar, goes through throughout the book. It was written subtly but it’s clear as day by the end how far she had come, and I am excited to see where she goes next!

There’s still so much to explore with Briar’s character and story, so I am hoping a third book comes out to see how she continues to grow!

[Sierra James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an arc. This is one of the realest books I’ve ever read! Briars sobriety issues are something a lot of people struggle with and live through. The love she has for Rowan and everything they go through is crazy. This book will have you smiling and crying and just all in your feels. One of the best books I’ve read in a while. Briar finally comes to realize she doesn’t need the approval of others and is starting to do what’s best for her and that makes me so happy. Her character is very relatable to anyone who’s been in a kind of controlling relationship. I can’t wait to see what happens in the future with her story !

[Becky Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the arc. This is a well written book. It takes you on a journey with addiction and then rehab. It shows you friends and family that stand with them when other things happen. From beginning to end a book I didn't want to put down. I really enjoyed this book.

[Ariana Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started the ebook on release day, finished it two days later! I have to say, I really connected with the main character. Her journey felt so real and relatable, and I loved watching her arc unfold. What I appreciated most was how the story tackled realistic challenges—especially the kind of relationships that, at first, feel like they’re everything, but slowly start to show cracks. It really captured how hard it can be to pull away, even when you know it’s what’s best for your mental health, and how confronting the real person behind the illusion can be both painful and necessary. Overall, it’s an honest, heartfelt read that doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of growth and self-discovery. Highly recommend to any reader.

[Rebecca Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was such a great book. I loved all the characters and the story line was so good

[Lamya k · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

[em · Rating 4 out of 5]

(arc read)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

"we tuck that part of ourselves away on the highest shelf and hope nobody notices the cracks still there in the image staring back."

ive always been team briar, whether it be for her sobriety, love life, or overall success, but this book really tested how far my loyalties lie. seeing her go through so much and still have moments of hope and fear was so relatable! I flew through this book and while the ending had me SHOOK (among other things), i really loved this story 💓💓

pub date is october 2, 2025!

[Sophia B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching and hopeful in equal measure. Escaping The Maelstroms takes the chaos from book one and turns it into a story of reckoning and rebuilding. The characters are still flawed, still raw, but watching them claw their way toward healing makes this sequel powerful and unforgettable. It’s a story about falling apart, putting yourself back together, and realizing that even broken pieces can shine.

[Themis · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was just very confusing to be honest. I don’t know if I should read the first book before getting into the second but I was so confused especially after the middle and the end just made no sense to me. I didn’t know how we went from one point to the other and I lost it. I didn’t really get the plot. Loved the writing tho it was amazing

[lianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

[beta read]

[Serena Vojan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If book one was about spiraling, book two is about clawing your way out. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also about hope—and I loved every second.

[Tiffiany Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure how much more the characters could take, but this book showed that healing isn’t linear and sometimes finding yourself is the hardest fight.