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Where Madness Hunts: A dark fantasy romance
When a string of murders forces two academic rivals to work together, their hunt for the killer drags them into the Seven Circles of Faerie—where surviving each other may be harder than surviving the monsters.
Jo is desperate to clear her best friend’s name when a series of brutal murders leaves her friend behind iron bars and a god, a vampire, and the Wilde King of Faerie as the suspects. The only way to prove her innocence is to find the real killer.
But she can’t do it alone.
To uncover the truth, Jo must partner with the one person she swore she’d never rely on Evander.
Her former tormentor.
The infuriatingly brilliant rich boy who sabotaged her, stole her dream PhD position, and never once apologised.
When Evander’s mother turns up dead, he has his own reason to hunt the he wants blood.
Their uneasy alliance drags them into a world ruled by Dionysus, through political betrayals and into the Seven Circles of Faerie—where each circle exposes a different sin, strips away their defences, and forces them to confront the ugliest parts of themselves.
Jo needs the killer alive.
Evander wants them dead.
And as old resentments ignite into something far more dangerous, Jo must decide whether she can trust the boy who once made it his mission to ruin her, or if falling for him will destroy everything she’s trying to save.
Because in the Seven Circles, nothing stays buried.
Not sins.
Not secrets.
And not the feelings they’ve spent years pretending weren’t there.
Follow Deborah J. Martins on TikTok and Instagram at @DeborahJMartins
Sign up to the newsletter at deborahjmartins.com
This is a dark book, please read the trigger warnings before proceeding.
Jo is desperate to clear her best friend’s name when a series of brutal murders leaves her friend behind iron bars and a god, a vampire, and the Wilde King of Faerie as the suspects. The only way to prove her innocence is to find the real killer.
But she can’t do it alone.
To uncover the truth, Jo must partner with the one person she swore she’d never rely on Evander.
Her former tormentor.
The infuriatingly brilliant rich boy who sabotaged her, stole her dream PhD position, and never once apologised.
When Evander’s mother turns up dead, he has his own reason to hunt the he wants blood.
Their uneasy alliance drags them into a world ruled by Dionysus, through political betrayals and into the Seven Circles of Faerie—where each circle exposes a different sin, strips away their defences, and forces them to confront the ugliest parts of themselves.
Jo needs the killer alive.
Evander wants them dead.
And as old resentments ignite into something far more dangerous, Jo must decide whether she can trust the boy who once made it his mission to ruin her, or if falling for him will destroy everything she’s trying to save.
Because in the Seven Circles, nothing stays buried.
Not sins.
Not secrets.
And not the feelings they’ve spent years pretending weren’t there.
Follow Deborah J. Martins on TikTok and Instagram at @DeborahJMartins
Sign up to the newsletter at deborahjmartins.com
This is a dark book, please read the trigger warnings before proceeding.
- GenresAmazon
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 3, 2026
With a mix of magical creatures, a fantasy world and an enemies to lovers theme, the author knows how to catch and hold your attention!
I loved this book from the very start and didn’t want it to be over! I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read a fantasy romance!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book from the very start and didn’t want it to be over! I highly recommend it to anyone who likes to read a fantasy romance!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
Where Madness Hunts is a haunting, intense dark fantasy romance that pulls you into a world of shadows, danger, and emotional complexity. Twisted, atmospheric, and deeply immersive, this story delivers a powerful blend of darkness, magic, and forbidden desire.
The world-building is rich and unsettling, layered with eerie tension and beautifully dark imagery. Every scene feels heavy with atmosphere, creating a sense of constant unease that perfectly matches the story’s themes.
The romance is slow-burning, emotionally charged, and filled with longing, restraint, and vulnerability. The connection between the characters unfolds gradually, making their bond feel raw, complicated, and deeply compelling. I especially loved the morally grey elements and psychological tension that kept me constantly on edge.
While a few moments felt slightly drawn out, the emotional depth, dark tone, and immersive storytelling made this a gripping and addictive read.
✨ Final thoughts: Dark, haunting, and emotionally intense — Where Madness Hunts is a strong four-star read for fans of gothic fantasy, twisted romance, and shadow-soaked storytelling.
The world-building is rich and unsettling, layered with eerie tension and beautifully dark imagery. Every scene feels heavy with atmosphere, creating a sense of constant unease that perfectly matches the story’s themes.
The romance is slow-burning, emotionally charged, and filled with longing, restraint, and vulnerability. The connection between the characters unfolds gradually, making their bond feel raw, complicated, and deeply compelling. I especially loved the morally grey elements and psychological tension that kept me constantly on edge.
While a few moments felt slightly drawn out, the emotional depth, dark tone, and immersive storytelling made this a gripping and addictive read.
✨ Final thoughts: Dark, haunting, and emotionally intense — Where Madness Hunts is a strong four-star read for fans of gothic fantasy, twisted romance, and shadow-soaked storytelling.
May 3, 2026
loved it !! what a great story..! love Jo and Evander... this is their story... full of drama and mystery... they've known each other forever... he's loved her at first sight.. and she's hated him because he was so mean to her... now, grown.. he's obsessed with her more than ever.. he watches, he follows her and he's been waiting !!! and she needs his help... her friend has been accused of three murders and she's innocent... to find the killer they must work together and face their fears... going into Wisteria, the Fae realm and come out alive or die trying..! this was so eye-opening and heartbreaking ... so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This is about Jo and Evander. We are given a bully to lovers storyline that reminds me of a darker Dramione fanfiction at times. They faced everything in their past, the good and the bad, to catch a killer. Evander has loved Jo forever, but he showed it differently, Jo has always tried to be responsible, feeling like she owes something. I like that the more they get to know each other, the more they let go of the past, and can’t help but fall for one another. I love that we get a glimpse of their future and see that they went for everything they were afraid of, reaching their unspoken dreams.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 2, 2026
Wow!! Another amazing read by this author. She is quickly becoming a favorite. Like her other books, she builds a very tense and intricate world. Very eerie and creepy in this one. The romance between Evander and Jo is extremely slow burn!!!!! I was screaming at them to admit their feelings as the tension was burning the pages. Add in the murder aspect and combined with Faerie legends, it made for perfect story. Everything about this book is perfect!!! The world of Wisteria is so creepy and full of secrets. I felt so unsettled, which means the author did her job. Im not sure which aspect I loved more--romance or plot. Both are amazing!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Listen. If you give me witches, vampires, unresolved trauma, and a murder mystery that hits a little too close to home? I’m seated. Popcorn ready. Emotional support beverage in hand.
Where Madness Hunts delivers fantasy drama with a side of romantic tension that absolutely refuses to behave. We follow Jo and Evander as they navigate the magical chaos of Wisteria a place where secrets fester, magic hums under the surface, and apparently no one can just have a normal Tuesday.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Where Madness Hunts delivers fantasy drama with a side of romantic tension that absolutely refuses to behave. We follow Jo and Evander as they navigate the magical chaos of Wisteria a place where secrets fester, magic hums under the surface, and apparently no one can just have a normal Tuesday.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2026
Where Madness Hunts delivers fantasy drama with a side of romantic tension that absolutely refuses to behave. We follow Jo and Evander as they navigate the magical chaos of Wisteria, a place where secrets fester, magic hums under the surface,. The writing is captivating, pulling the reader into a world brimming with both danger and undeniable allure. The characters are well-developed, their complexities making the story even more engaging. The plot twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat, wanting more..
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2026
Such a great read. Pulls you in right from the beginning. Lives the darkness and intrigue this brings. The twists and turns had me totally engrossed in this one. Loved the characters, the plot. The world building was excellent. I loved being pulled into this world for awhile.
April 7, 2026
Delightfully different
Not what I expected. Found myself rooting for the supposed villain. Different to any other worldly stories I have read.
Not what I expected. Found myself rooting for the supposed villain. Different to any other worldly stories I have read.
May 6, 2026
This is a really well written romantasy. The storytelling is unique, the characters were interesting. I love the enemies to lovers vibes. Great story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews