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Escaping Reality
Nobody wants to live without their best friend, but when Holly is murdered, Chlo has no choice.
Chlo is the only person who has the answers - too bad she can’t remember when she wakes up two weeks later.
Chlo is sent to a rehabilitation centre where she has to learn to grieve, along the way of trying to access her memories she has to deal with her feelings for Corey, her best friend’s brother.
For Holly was always a reason to stay away, now it’s their reason to try.
(Trigger warnings now added into the book. Please check before reading)
Chlo is the only person who has the answers - too bad she can’t remember when she wakes up two weeks later.
Chlo is sent to a rehabilitation centre where she has to learn to grieve, along the way of trying to access her memories she has to deal with her feelings for Corey, her best friend’s brother.
For Holly was always a reason to stay away, now it’s their reason to try.
(Trigger warnings now added into the book. Please check before reading)
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2022
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Jayne Grubey
4 books33 followersSamantha Jayne Grubey is an author of new adult romance.
When she's not writing or reading, she will be playing sims or doing some diamond art and if she isn't doing any of that she could be pole dancing or most likely working.
Follow her on social media, learn all about the books at: https://www.samanthajaynegrubey.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaJayn...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamanthaJayne_x
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthajayne...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthajay...
When she's not writing or reading, she will be playing sims or doing some diamond art and if she isn't doing any of that she could be pole dancing or most likely working.
Follow her on social media, learn all about the books at: https://www.samanthajaynegrubey.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaJayn...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamanthaJayne_x
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthajayne...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samanthajay...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 21, 2025
Thank you to Beth at wings and words and Samantha for letting me arc read this book.
This book is emotional and well written and had me hooked from the very first page, it follows best friends chlo and holly who are best friends from school and college and after celebrating birthdays Holly is murdered and chlo admitted into the rainbow centre which is a mental health unit for teens it’s to help chlo try and remember and get her life back, if you get chance give this ago I loved it. It had me crying one minute and laughing the next.
This book is emotional and well written and had me hooked from the very first page, it follows best friends chlo and holly who are best friends from school and college and after celebrating birthdays Holly is murdered and chlo admitted into the rainbow centre which is a mental health unit for teens it’s to help chlo try and remember and get her life back, if you get chance give this ago I loved it. It had me crying one minute and laughing the next.
September 16, 2025
Escaping Reality
I was lucky enough to read this as part of a campaign from Wings & Words, so thank you, Samantha and Beth, for the opportunity.
Escaping Reality is an emotional read that follows Chlo, a young girl who is trying to navigate life without her chosen sister, best friend, and partner in crime, Holly. After witnessing Holly's murder, it is up to Chlo to help put the pieces together, but after waking up from a coma, Chlo escapes her reality by fabricating her own. With the help of the rehabilitation centre and Corey, Holly's brother, and the boy Chlo loves, can they help Chlo face reality and survive?
Escaping Reality is a deep dive into grief, mental health and love, not just between partners but family. This book has a great plot and characters, which give us emotions, but also banter, which helps lighten the mood at times. The story is written well, and the tough topics (there are a fair few) are written respectfully. I did really enjoy this book, and I'm glad that I read it!
It lost stars for me as I felt that there was repetition, as well as some areas being rushed or left short in order to move the story on. In addition to this I found some rough areas of grammar. Furthermore, there were no trigger/content warnings in the book, even though there were a handful of triggers, including but not limited to: death, domestic violence, mental health, addiction, PTSD and self-harm. I am aware that the author is editing the book to include the triggers, so don't let it deter you!!
I would still recommend Escaping Reality; it was a thoughtful, emotional read that made me want to express my love to those close. The above observations do not deter from the plot and the story is magical in its own way and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to read it, and I would happily read a second instalment if one comes about.
I was lucky enough to read this as part of a campaign from Wings & Words, so thank you, Samantha and Beth, for the opportunity.
Escaping Reality is an emotional read that follows Chlo, a young girl who is trying to navigate life without her chosen sister, best friend, and partner in crime, Holly. After witnessing Holly's murder, it is up to Chlo to help put the pieces together, but after waking up from a coma, Chlo escapes her reality by fabricating her own. With the help of the rehabilitation centre and Corey, Holly's brother, and the boy Chlo loves, can they help Chlo face reality and survive?
Escaping Reality is a deep dive into grief, mental health and love, not just between partners but family. This book has a great plot and characters, which give us emotions, but also banter, which helps lighten the mood at times. The story is written well, and the tough topics (there are a fair few) are written respectfully. I did really enjoy this book, and I'm glad that I read it!
It lost stars for me as I felt that there was repetition, as well as some areas being rushed or left short in order to move the story on. In addition to this I found some rough areas of grammar. Furthermore, there were no trigger/content warnings in the book, even though there were a handful of triggers, including but not limited to: death, domestic violence, mental health, addiction, PTSD and self-harm. I am aware that the author is editing the book to include the triggers, so don't let it deter you!!
I would still recommend Escaping Reality; it was a thoughtful, emotional read that made me want to express my love to those close. The above observations do not deter from the plot and the story is magical in its own way and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to read it, and I would happily read a second instalment if one comes about.
September 16, 2025
I was lucky enough to be able to read this book as part of a campaign from the Wings and Words community. Thank you, Samantha and Beth, for giving me the chance to read this book.
Escaping reality is an emotional rollercoaster. This book follows a young girl called Chloe who has recently lost her best friend. This book follows Chloe's journey on how she deals with the loss of her best friend. This book has amazing characters that I feel like were really relatable. This made the characters come to life!. This book is very fast-paced but doesn't feel rushed. Throughout this book ,there were a few tough topics. However, I feel like Samantha executed this beautifully and respectfully!
Furthermore, the reason why this book is a 4 stars for me is because there was no trigger warnings/content warnings at the start of this book. However i am fully aware that the author is editing this and adding a trigger warning/Content warnings !
This book made me feel all the feels and there was so much character growth! and it was lovely and so heartwarming to see chloe's delevopment but also holly's family and chloe's family.
I really loved this book so much ! it was so magical and so emontial! I am so grateful that i had the oppurnity to read this book, i would reccomend this book !
Escaping reality is an emotional rollercoaster. This book follows a young girl called Chloe who has recently lost her best friend. This book follows Chloe's journey on how she deals with the loss of her best friend. This book has amazing characters that I feel like were really relatable. This made the characters come to life!. This book is very fast-paced but doesn't feel rushed. Throughout this book ,there were a few tough topics. However, I feel like Samantha executed this beautifully and respectfully!
Furthermore, the reason why this book is a 4 stars for me is because there was no trigger warnings/content warnings at the start of this book. However i am fully aware that the author is editing this and adding a trigger warning/Content warnings !
This book made me feel all the feels and there was so much character growth! and it was lovely and so heartwarming to see chloe's delevopment but also holly's family and chloe's family.
I really loved this book so much ! it was so magical and so emontial! I am so grateful that i had the oppurnity to read this book, i would reccomend this book !
September 13, 2025
I was lucky enough to get to read this as part of a campaign relaunch. thankyou to beth and the wings and words community.
I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. it explored many subjects including grief, ptsd, self harm and mental health issues
I enjoyed seeing the relationships form between the fmc and the characters in the institution.
I also enjoyed the mystery aspect and trying to figure out who the murderer was
all in all this was an amazing read and id love to see another book maybe going into details of each of the boys lives and the circumstances that led them to be at the rainbow centre
amazing book that I would recommend to everyone, in fact ive already recommended it to my daughter in law
I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. it explored many subjects including grief, ptsd, self harm and mental health issues
I enjoyed seeing the relationships form between the fmc and the characters in the institution.
I also enjoyed the mystery aspect and trying to figure out who the murderer was
all in all this was an amazing read and id love to see another book maybe going into details of each of the boys lives and the circumstances that led them to be at the rainbow centre
amazing book that I would recommend to everyone, in fact ive already recommended it to my daughter in law
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2025
A Raw and Heartbreaking Journey
I went into this ARC completely blind, and I was not at all prepared for the emotional storm that awaited me. Escaping Reality is a profoundly moving story that dives deep into heartbreak, trauma, and the painful realities of its protagonist’s life.
The author’s writing is a standout—raw, honest, and deeply empathetic toward Chlo her struggles. I especially loved the multiple POVs and the use of flashbacks, which added layers of understanding and made the emotional connections hit even harder. I found myself utterly consumed by this book and read it in a single sitting—it wrecked me, but in the best possible way.
This is not a light or happy read. It’s a heavy, realistic portrayal of loss and survival. Trigger warnings are essential to note: murder, self-harm, grief, PTSD, stalker, drugs, memory loss, and toxic relationships. While not always graphically detailed, these themes are interwoven throughout the narrative and can be very affecting.
If you’re ready for a story that will break your heart and make you feel every ounce of its pain, I highly recommend this book. Chlo her journey to piece together her memory and come to terms with the devastating loss of her best friend is raw, unflinching, and unforgettable.
I went into this ARC completely blind, and I was not at all prepared for the emotional storm that awaited me. Escaping Reality is a profoundly moving story that dives deep into heartbreak, trauma, and the painful realities of its protagonist’s life.
The author’s writing is a standout—raw, honest, and deeply empathetic toward Chlo her struggles. I especially loved the multiple POVs and the use of flashbacks, which added layers of understanding and made the emotional connections hit even harder. I found myself utterly consumed by this book and read it in a single sitting—it wrecked me, but in the best possible way.
This is not a light or happy read. It’s a heavy, realistic portrayal of loss and survival. Trigger warnings are essential to note: murder, self-harm, grief, PTSD, stalker, drugs, memory loss, and toxic relationships. While not always graphically detailed, these themes are interwoven throughout the narrative and can be very affecting.
If you’re ready for a story that will break your heart and make you feel every ounce of its pain, I highly recommend this book. Chlo her journey to piece together her memory and come to terms with the devastating loss of her best friend is raw, unflinching, and unforgettable.
September 15, 2025
3.5☆ There aren't any trigger warnings listed, but there are several which readers who should be aware of: grief, domestic violence, abuse, drug use, mental health, self-harm, death, open door sex, and PTSD.
This was a beautiful dive into grief and recovery after a traumatic event. The characters covered the spectrum of experiences and how they dealt with their trauma. Though this was a heavy topic, there was some comic relief at times. A personal connection was made with many of the characters, and any one of them could have their own stories.
I enjoyed the plot, though there were a couple of sections where I felt the conversations or actions were rushed or left incomplete in an effort to move forward. There were also a couple of rough spots with the grammar, which I'm sure will be smoothed out during the final edit and no means does it ruin the meat of this story. This reads as an older YA with some more descriptive scenes that push it into a college read. The characters are also in the 17/18 - 20 y.o. with the exception of the parents and professionals.
This was a beautiful dive into grief and recovery after a traumatic event. The characters covered the spectrum of experiences and how they dealt with their trauma. Though this was a heavy topic, there was some comic relief at times. A personal connection was made with many of the characters, and any one of them could have their own stories.
I enjoyed the plot, though there were a couple of sections where I felt the conversations or actions were rushed or left incomplete in an effort to move forward. There were also a couple of rough spots with the grammar, which I'm sure will be smoothed out during the final edit and no means does it ruin the meat of this story. This reads as an older YA with some more descriptive scenes that push it into a college read. The characters are also in the 17/18 - 20 y.o. with the exception of the parents and professionals.
September 12, 2025
If I could give this book 100 stars I would! As I started reading this I knew I needed to take my time reading it, the storyline is one that is close to my heart.
I could really relate to the story, best friends from birth, mental health and also ways to deal with it (also ways to not deal with it) it’s a slow burning romance but the romance is not the main focus of the story.
Please be aware that there are some hard hitting triggers in this story:
-Self Harm
-Drug use
-Suicide References
-Domestic Violence
-Grief
-Mental Health Crisis
If you think you can handle these triggers then please please please give this incredible book a read!!
I could really relate to the story, best friends from birth, mental health and also ways to deal with it (also ways to not deal with it) it’s a slow burning romance but the romance is not the main focus of the story.
Please be aware that there are some hard hitting triggers in this story:
-Self Harm
-Drug use
-Suicide References
-Domestic Violence
-Grief
-Mental Health Crisis
If you think you can handle these triggers then please please please give this incredible book a read!!
September 22, 2025
i got this book as an ARC from wings & words ARC community. i enjoyed this book. it was a heartwarming story of friendship and grief and rebuilding. having had a frienship that started with our parents being best friends and then my mums best friend having another child when i was 2 (creating a new bestie for me) i can relate to the closeness between chlo and holly. 🩷❤️ the cover is stunning by the way gave an extra star for that alone
September 18, 2025
This was an emotional and beautifully written story that swept me away from the very first page. The author has an incredible talent for creating characters who feel real, flawed, and vulnerable, yet full of heart. Their struggles and triumphs pulled at my emotions and kept me turning the pages, eager to see how their journey would unfold. The romance is tender and deeply heartfelt, balanced perfectly with themes of healing, resilience, and rediscovering hope. Every chapter carried weight and meaning, and I found myself completely invested in the outcome. Escaping reality isn’t just a love story. It’s a story of courage, growth, and second chances. A truly moving and unforgettable read.
September 27, 2025
I struggled with this book to begin with but I really started to fall in love with the characters and the story. The main character development was great and I went from disliking her to loving her and her progress. Would definitely love to see a second book to this to see how the rest of the characters progress. Overall was a great read and even had me crying on the last page.
September 22, 2025
Thank you to Beth at Wings & Words and Samantha for giving me to opportunity to read the arc!
I’m getting emotional again just beginning this review… Escaping Reality blends grief and the after effects of dealing with trauma, alongside a slow burn romance which certainly warms your heart.
This book has reminded me that everyone is fighting their own battles, and as triggering as some of the themes may be for some readers, many may also relate and find resilience in the growth of the characters.
There aren’t trigger warnings to alert you to the content at the start of the book, so to help you out, here they are:
- mental health
- PTSD
- self harm
- domestic violence
- addiction (drugs)
- murder
- grief
I’m getting emotional again just beginning this review… Escaping Reality blends grief and the after effects of dealing with trauma, alongside a slow burn romance which certainly warms your heart.
This book has reminded me that everyone is fighting their own battles, and as triggering as some of the themes may be for some readers, many may also relate and find resilience in the growth of the characters.
There aren’t trigger warnings to alert you to the content at the start of the book, so to help you out, here they are:
- mental health
- PTSD
- self harm
- domestic violence
- addiction (drugs)
- murder
- grief
September 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this from start to finish, I loved the relationship chlo had with the characters, and I loved that she got to have a happy ending, even if it was without the one person she would have wanted to be there forever
September 12, 2025
This was an arc read for me and I have to say it really left me suprised despite giving the start of the story several tries. And then I was hooked. A great read!
September 2, 2025
thanks to Beth from wings and words & Samantha for the opportunity to read this.
while I enjoyed the story it hit very close to home for me which I wasn't expecting it came as a surprise (this is not 1 of the reasons for my rating)
there was pros and cons to this read.
while the writing was easy to follow, some of it did not make sense along side words missing in sentences and grammar.
while the characters were relatable and you connected with them, the Pacing in some of the book was abit slow and at some points i struggled to stay engaged but I did as I wanted to finish the read and find out the conclusions.
also one major issue that did reflect my rating was the fact there is no trigger warnings for the book - before it triggers are usually for dark romances but this book is based around someone's loss & mental health.
I think it would be good to give people a heads up warning with regards to PTSD, self harm, overall mental health, loss, domestic violence, murder,
this isnt intended as spoilers just warnings.
while I enjoyed the story it hit very close to home for me which I wasn't expecting it came as a surprise (this is not 1 of the reasons for my rating)
there was pros and cons to this read.
while the writing was easy to follow, some of it did not make sense along side words missing in sentences and grammar.
while the characters were relatable and you connected with them, the Pacing in some of the book was abit slow and at some points i struggled to stay engaged but I did as I wanted to finish the read and find out the conclusions.
also one major issue that did reflect my rating was the fact there is no trigger warnings for the book - before it triggers are usually for dark romances but this book is based around someone's loss & mental health.
I think it would be good to give people a heads up warning with regards to PTSD, self harm, overall mental health, loss, domestic violence, murder,
this isnt intended as spoilers just warnings.
September 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. A story of friendship, of love and of grief. I cried a couple times ngl.
I love that Chlo found a small family in the form of the boys… I really loved their friendships and their dynamic. I enjoyed that it was fast paced and loved Chlo’s fiesty, no hold barred attitude. She is definitely a character not to be messed with.
My only feedback would be that I wish it had the content warning at the beginning of the book, as there is some content that other readers may find triggering, and there was a few grammatical errors, with some of the sentences repeated.
Other than that I really did enjoy this read and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to do so. You could literally taste Chlo’s grief at times and from someone who has experienced some of the kind of pain that she did, I was able to relate and empathise with her.
Would definitely recommend this xx
I love that Chlo found a small family in the form of the boys… I really loved their friendships and their dynamic. I enjoyed that it was fast paced and loved Chlo’s fiesty, no hold barred attitude. She is definitely a character not to be messed with.
My only feedback would be that I wish it had the content warning at the beginning of the book, as there is some content that other readers may find triggering, and there was a few grammatical errors, with some of the sentences repeated.
Other than that I really did enjoy this read and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to do so. You could literally taste Chlo’s grief at times and from someone who has experienced some of the kind of pain that she did, I was able to relate and empathise with her.
Would definitely recommend this xx
September 5, 2025
This book jumps right in at the deep end.
Holly’s POV really pulled hard on my heartstrings after the prologue especially the memories with Chlo but what she endured & went through as the POV’s went on broke my heart.
I really felt for Chlo throughout it all, especially as life had changed so dramatically & she was so far behind, & in denial.
The story takes you through each stage of grief - what it truly feels like.
‘Grief doesn’t just disappear. You just learn to live with it’
Chlo’s journey is healing, not only for her as a character in the book but for someone who has been through similar, to know what they feel is normal.
This is the first book I genuinely shed a tear too. It was heartbreaking but comforting & healing all at the same time. It’s was absolutely beautiful.
Holly’s POV really pulled hard on my heartstrings after the prologue especially the memories with Chlo but what she endured & went through as the POV’s went on broke my heart.
I really felt for Chlo throughout it all, especially as life had changed so dramatically & she was so far behind, & in denial.
The story takes you through each stage of grief - what it truly feels like.
‘Grief doesn’t just disappear. You just learn to live with it’
Chlo’s journey is healing, not only for her as a character in the book but for someone who has been through similar, to know what they feel is normal.
This is the first book I genuinely shed a tear too. It was heartbreaking but comforting & healing all at the same time. It’s was absolutely beautiful.
September 6, 2025
this book was so devastatingly beautiful. it had me tearing up constantly. the way the author captured the characters healing process.
everything about this book was beautifully written from beginning to end. she wrote overcoming grief and trauma so well it had me in my feels thinking "I'd be feeling exactly the same way if this were me"
this is a must read. it'll have you feeling the feels. crying and wanting a happy ending, which thankfully we get. I was so happy to see that stolen moments became so much more.
everything about this book was beautifully written from beginning to end. she wrote overcoming grief and trauma so well it had me in my feels thinking "I'd be feeling exactly the same way if this were me"
this is a must read. it'll have you feeling the feels. crying and wanting a happy ending, which thankfully we get. I was so happy to see that stolen moments became so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2025
Escaping reality was a great read, it really hit home with some of the things that happened in the book and was very relatable. Although it was a slow burn romance it has a great storyline and really bought to light the grief and the life you experience during a loss very significant to you.
Going into this book I didn’t know what to expect but I think that the way it played out had you wanting to know what happened/ who did it. Seeing it from both Holly’s and Chlo’s povs really showed you don’t always know what someone is going through behind closed doors
Going into this book I didn’t know what to expect but I think that the way it played out had you wanting to know what happened/ who did it. Seeing it from both Holly’s and Chlo’s povs really showed you don’t always know what someone is going through behind closed doors
January 21, 2022
The book is a good, and enjoyable romance read. The story has a good story line, and well written read. The characters are good, relatable, and they have good chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2025
Chlo and holly are best friends they have been since birth as they was born on the same day . Holly has a brother called Corey who’s is in love with Chlo and Chlo has a brother called Tom who dated holly . On holly and Chlo birthday the girls go to a club and later on something bad happens to holly this is a slow burn read but it gives you past and present so keeps you wanting to be nosey wanting to know more about what’s happened and it’s a little emotional so please read triggers before you read I loved the friendship and the love between them all
September 4, 2025
wowwww is all i can say
I'll admit I was very hesitant first going into this book i dont usually read these type of books
but I can tell you. I definitely do not regret reading this book
as someone who lost their best friend in a very similar way this book portrays grief perfectly you could feel ever emotion chlo when through every happy moment every low moment all of it you could really feel it
ill admit I spent most of the book in tears but that definitely a sighn you have done your job right
this book is amazing and I will definitely be reading more of tour work
I'll admit I was very hesitant first going into this book i dont usually read these type of books
but I can tell you. I definitely do not regret reading this book
as someone who lost their best friend in a very similar way this book portrays grief perfectly you could feel ever emotion chlo when through every happy moment every low moment all of it you could really feel it
ill admit I spent most of the book in tears but that definitely a sighn you have done your job right
this book is amazing and I will definitely be reading more of tour work
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
❗️Arc Review❗️
This a good read that explored all emotions.
However reason for 3⭐️ is i feel like the book needs trigger warnings as there is some hard hitting subjects in here you arent quite expecting. Although not a problem for me, for others it definately could be.
It is written very well with a good plot.
This a good read that explored all emotions.
However reason for 3⭐️ is i feel like the book needs trigger warnings as there is some hard hitting subjects in here you arent quite expecting. Although not a problem for me, for others it definately could be.
It is written very well with a good plot.
September 9, 2025
wow loved this book gripping emotional and felt for chlo what she went through but glad she made new friends and she got to say goodbye to holly
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
It starts with lifelong friends Holly & Chlo, who have been to school together, college together & when they are in their late teens, their lives are ripped apart with Holly's murder.
You follow Chlo's battling with amnesia & PTSD as she tries to remember the actions of the fateful night. She's administered into the Rainbow Centre which is a mental institute for teens, to try & enable her to get her memory & life back. In the centre she meets Jasper, Austin, Jason & who help give the plot line that bit light relief & banter this kind of story needs.
The book covers many bonds that can both bring people together & repeal them - friendships, families, relationships both beautiful & toxic. The main love story is between Chlo & Holly's brother Corey & for me it was quite sad how they kept putting obstacles in their way just to try & please others! This story is slow paced, but it is dealing with a multiple of serious mental health issues (drug abuse, self harm, grief, DA), so it is understandable as the author obviously wanted to give these subjects justice within the pages.
Escaping Reality is not only a love story, but one that highlights how life isn't easy, people can be fighting inner demons, trying to hold on until they can find the correct tools to help them win those battles, one day at a time. So, if this book appeals to you, please make sure you read the triggers + grab a box of tissues.
You follow Chlo's battling with amnesia & PTSD as she tries to remember the actions of the fateful night. She's administered into the Rainbow Centre which is a mental institute for teens, to try & enable her to get her memory & life back. In the centre she meets Jasper, Austin, Jason & who help give the plot line that bit light relief & banter this kind of story needs.
The book covers many bonds that can both bring people together & repeal them - friendships, families, relationships both beautiful & toxic. The main love story is between Chlo & Holly's brother Corey & for me it was quite sad how they kept putting obstacles in their way just to try & please others! This story is slow paced, but it is dealing with a multiple of serious mental health issues (drug abuse, self harm, grief, DA), so it is understandable as the author obviously wanted to give these subjects justice within the pages.
Escaping Reality is not only a love story, but one that highlights how life isn't easy, people can be fighting inner demons, trying to hold on until they can find the correct tools to help them win those battles, one day at a time. So, if this book appeals to you, please make sure you read the triggers + grab a box of tissues.
September 29, 2025
Such a heartbreakingly beautiful story of friendship & grief x
I loved how the author showed that everyone grieves in their own way & deal with their grief differently - especially when that person has a front row seat to their best friends murder x
Chlo shows us how even when we dont think we need help its alright to know deep down that we actually do need help & sometimes a long the way we find out purpose & ourselves outside of what we always believed x Along the way we met Chlo's family (Mum, Dad & Brother - as well as her best friend's (Holly) Mum, Dad & Brother, who just happens to be the love of Chlo's life) x We are also introduced to Jasper, Jason, Austin & Kane who are all at the rehabilitation centre where Chlo is sent after the accident that resulted in Holly's murder x
I wish we got more of the boys & their backstories, as well as if they ever left the center x I also kind of thought there was more to Jasper & Chlo's relationship x
Overall such a powerful story of grief which I would recommend to anyone wishing ro understand the grieving process & how trauma can be different for everyone xxxxx
I loved how the author showed that everyone grieves in their own way & deal with their grief differently - especially when that person has a front row seat to their best friends murder x
Chlo shows us how even when we dont think we need help its alright to know deep down that we actually do need help & sometimes a long the way we find out purpose & ourselves outside of what we always believed x Along the way we met Chlo's family (Mum, Dad & Brother - as well as her best friend's (Holly) Mum, Dad & Brother, who just happens to be the love of Chlo's life) x We are also introduced to Jasper, Jason, Austin & Kane who are all at the rehabilitation centre where Chlo is sent after the accident that resulted in Holly's murder x
I wish we got more of the boys & their backstories, as well as if they ever left the center x I also kind of thought there was more to Jasper & Chlo's relationship x
Overall such a powerful story of grief which I would recommend to anyone wishing ro understand the grieving process & how trauma can be different for everyone xxxxx
September 13, 2025
Escaping Reality is such an emotional and powerful read. It dives deep into mental health struggles like PTSD, traumatic amnesia, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and domestic violence, so it’s definitely not a light story but it’s written in a way that keeps you completely hooked.
The book follows Chlo, who witnesses the murder of her best friend Holly but can’t process or even fully remember it. Her journey through the Rainbow Centre, a mental health facility, feels raw and real, and I loved seeing how she gradually starts to rebuild herself. The mystery of uncovering who the murderer was kept me turning the pages, and I really enjoyed watching her relationship grow with Holly’s brother. The friendships she forms at the centre, and the way she also helps others, were some of my favorite parts.
My only criticism is that the book doesn’t include any trigger warnings, and given the heavy topics it covers, I think that’s something that really should be flagged for readers.
Overall, though, it’s a gripping and heartfelt story that balances mystery, trauma, and hope beautifully.
The book follows Chlo, who witnesses the murder of her best friend Holly but can’t process or even fully remember it. Her journey through the Rainbow Centre, a mental health facility, feels raw and real, and I loved seeing how she gradually starts to rebuild herself. The mystery of uncovering who the murderer was kept me turning the pages, and I really enjoyed watching her relationship grow with Holly’s brother. The friendships she forms at the centre, and the way she also helps others, were some of my favorite parts.
My only criticism is that the book doesn’t include any trigger warnings, and given the heavy topics it covers, I think that’s something that really should be flagged for readers.
Overall, though, it’s a gripping and heartfelt story that balances mystery, trauma, and hope beautifully.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2023
Escaping Reality" by Samantha Jayne Grubey was a decent read that had its pros and cons. On the positive side, the writing style was engaging and easy to follow, which made it a quick and enjoyable read. The characters were likeable and relatable, and the plot was interesting enough to keep me engaged throughout the book. However, there were some downsides to the book as well. For one, the pacing was a bit slow in parts, which made it feel like the story was dragging on at times. Additionally, while the characters were likeable, they lacked a certain depth and complexity that could have made them more memorable. I did like the book, but I was not bowled over.
September 29, 2025
This book was not the easiest too read and I had too take breaks so please read the trigger warnings, I love how it was about dealing with grief and mental health because a lot of people can relate to a lot of the characters feelings and how they manage emotions. I found this a emotional but brilliant read and I loved reading this even though I had break, I love that the author resonated and respected the struggles of mental health and grief and was written fantastically. I give this book five stars and would highly recommend it to everyone because it was a beautiful story.
February 10, 2022
OK, I was expecting more of a ya/college light on the drama/emotion, heavy on the forbidden sex book. This was so much more.
Very heavy on the emotion, it needs trigger warnings for; mental health, domestic violence, murder, ptsd.
I don't want to spoil anything so will be vague. This is Chlo's recovery after her best friend was murdered. It takes time and is messy as it happens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Very heavy on the emotion, it needs trigger warnings for; mental health, domestic violence, murder, ptsd.
I don't want to spoil anything so will be vague. This is Chlo's recovery after her best friend was murdered. It takes time and is messy as it happens.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2025
Escaping reality is such an emotional read. If you need a good cry, this is definitely your book.
this book follows two best friends, chlo and Holly. When one is murder their best friend had to learn and deal with their death. it was emotional and sad and had a great story that it's ok not to be ok.
I absolutely loved the story and how it played out. I really connect with the characters in this book.
4.5 stars
this book follows two best friends, chlo and Holly. When one is murder their best friend had to learn and deal with their death. it was emotional and sad and had a great story that it's ok not to be ok.
I absolutely loved the story and how it played out. I really connect with the characters in this book.
4.5 stars
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