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Masks & Mayhem: The Hannover Heathens Book 1

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I’m not a good girl, not really.

I mean, I get good grades, and I’ve never been arrested, but it’s not for lack of a little law-breaking. I don’t have the time or luxury of a moral compass--not when I have someone counting on me.

So, I’ve been keeping my head down, getting everything ready for us to flee this place as soon as I turn eighteen. But the past has a way of catching up to us. And mine drags me kicking and screaming into the dark world of the Hannover Heathens, the gang that rules this city and everyone in it. While they debate whether to use me or kill me, I’m assigned some semi-psychotic, heavily tattooed babysitters to watch my every move.

They think they’ve got my secrets all figured out, that I’m just some innocent, naïve girl who stumbled into the underbelly of this city.

But I’m familiar with their dark world, and it’s not a scary place for the reasons they think.

It’s scary because this kind of darkness fits me all-too-well. But if it’s one thing I’m counting on, it's being the kind of girl they underestimate.

So, go ahead, boys--wear your masks.

You haven’t realized just yet, but I’m wearing one too.



**Warning: This is a SLOW-BURN RH/#whychooseromance, meaning the FMC will date more than one guy and won't have to choose between them. This series contains potentially triggering content, including but not limited to: sexual scenes, dark themes, love of the 'f' word & other foul language, gang violence, torture, and abuse. Even though this is a high school setting, this is recommended for readers 18+ and is considered NA romance. This will end in a cliffhanger, BUT this is only book one and there will be a HEA (eventually).

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2021

122 people are currently reading
1024 people want to read

About the author

Lauren Ellis

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Irene Kiew.
628 reviews66 followers
March 7, 2022
I'm feeling a bit like what the f did I just read.

The prologue starts out with POV from someone called Dante, but then we have chapters full of Mari (FMC)'s POV, and she meets the "Hannover Heathens" -- Silas Caldwell and his posse. There's no mention of Dante. Silas's father Raymond is the head of The Collective, which is sort of like the mafia and runs the town. The boys, the Heathens, reluctantly dance to his tune, because his punishments are swift, merciless, and dementedly evil; he keeps them in line by threatening to torture those they hold dear.

A whole bunch of chapters where it looks like the Hannover Heathens are going to be Mari's harem, but then Dante suddenly pops in randomly when I'd nearly forgotten about him. He's also fascinated with Mari. So is he going to form part of the harem with the Hannover Heathens? He definitely knows about them, but they don't know about him. He appears twice, slipping in and out without a trace, almost like a ghost. He wants to take Mari away but warns her that if he does, he won't give her back. His constant vanishing act and the fact that we never get any POV from him again after the prologue made it very strange. I was really confused as to who were supposed to be the love interests.

As in so many RH, it's odd how all the guys are just drawn to Mari even though they know nothing about her. On the surface of it, there's nothing mysterious or unusual about her, since she claims to have hidden her tracks well. Dante knows about her because he has dug up stuff about her background, but the Heathens don't know anything. Later, one of them figures out a connection but I couldn't see how he managed to do it, particularly as Mari hadn't let slip any confidential information from the past nor anything like that. It's not like she'd said something to jolt his memory or uttered a phrase that he'd heard before. Bizarrely he just suddenly connects the dots and remembers her from somewhere.

So, basically things just happen in this book and they all seem very random. Considering the dangerous life that Mari has supposedly led, I found it hard to believe that she doesn't have the street smarts to carry a weapon with her at all times, and know how to how it. I mean, she's like:
I have no idea how to properly use a knife, but could it be that hard? I've been stabbed before. Granted, it was with a very sharp pencil, but I'm sure the idea's the same. Pointy end goes into the bad guy -- so, I think I can manage it.
Is this meant to be cute? That she doesn't even know the rudiments of self-defense?

Not only does Mari not carry a weapon and not know how to use one, she's not even fit or athletic. Now, neither am I, but I don't constantly live in danger. I'm a bit incredulous that someone who has been constantly looking over her shoulder and living on the run wouldn't have made sure she was in top condition so that she could defend herself or move quickly if she needed to. I'm not sure that I really bought her claim of being "one of the monsters" and dark and dangerous, since she can neither fight nor run!

Mari is practically kidnapped by the Hannover Heathens, who force her to come with them by threatening her 10-year-old sister. Despite this, she finds herself being attracted to them, feeling "in tune" with them, having empathy for them, and reading all kinds of emotions in their eyes, the quirk of their mouths, the clench of their fists, etc. I really thought she had zero sense of self-preservation, giving further lie to her her claims of being dark and dangerous. She had no real reason to trust them, and the situation she was thrust into with them was bizarre. But she doesn't even really try to fight them -- oh wait, she doesn't know how to fight. ::smirks:: And she's very indecisive for someone who's supposedly such a badass.

So. This is a book that keeps telling you, "We're dark, we're dark," but doesn't really show you any of that darkness. It's a book that wants to show you tortured souls, people who have gone through a lot of pain and faced tough decisions and experienced loss. But the tough guys go around wearing fluffy bunny heads and clown faces and painted on skeleton masks... yeah, I think I've already used 'bizarrre' twice in this review, but it's the best word I can think of.
Profile Image for Kay Haus.
107 reviews4 followers
December 21, 2021
Debut Novel from Lauren Ellis and all I have to say is Brava!! 👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼 I enjoyed book one of the Hannover Heathens series so fricken much, I might have a new obsession. If you’re looking for a book that utilizes words like “twat waffle” or “douche canoe” and has pop culture references then look no further! You’ve come to the right place for all the colorful shenanigans. I laughed out loud (lol-ed if you will) too many times to count & highlighted so many good parts my kindle now looks like it mated with skittles. Mari’s sarcasm game is on point and she is definitely going to the top of my favorite heroine lists!
POV is heavy on Mari but it does have a sprinkle of some of the guys POVs.
It is a very slow burn with some nice steam but the story line has you covered; I have so many theories and yet so many more questions that I need answered. It ends with what I like I refer to as a “call to action cliff hanger” so I’ll be waiting on the edge of my seat for book 2!
This author & this series needs to be on everyone’s must read/watch list for 2022; their visual writing is next level. “It pierces the desk with a thud, the cold edges of the blade whispering against the seam of my hand.” Like, come on! 🤤

Random: The pharmacy is my favorite scene. Dante; we need to stop meeting like this. 🥰
Profile Image for Zainab M..
188 reviews24 followers
December 22, 2021
Masks & Mayhem by @authorlaurenellis has been one of my most anticipated romances of 2021. I literally pre-ordered it on 23rd March before Lau came to me for my editing service! AND MAN, WHAT A FUN RIDE IT HAS BEEN.

Pros:
> BRITISH cuss words. Literally. I laughed everytime one of the guys were called twatwaffle and more.

> The care, devotion, and puppy dog faces of the guys. They just can't help themselves around our girl.

> MARI'S THE BEST BADASS BITCH EVER WRITTEN. There, I said it.

> The intense standoff scenes and the equally hilarious confrontations that will leave you swooning off your pussies.

> Mari's bond with Seb. And Kane. And Dex. And Aiden. And of course, all hail DANTE! The cartel boss. Who has his target fixed on his "butterfly."

Cons:
> Slow-burn. I had to yell at Lau to give me at least a kiss scene within 25% of the book.

> BLOODY TWATTY CLIFFY.

> BOOK 2, where are you?

If you've made it until the end, congratulations. I feel like I have blabbered enough, so I am gonna wish her a happy release day and show myself out.

But, M&M is a dark romance series. Reverse harem (ooolalala). Mari is forced to co-habitat with a bunch of hooligans aka the Heathens, who slowly fall head over heels in love for her. And then, secrets are dropped like bombs. One by one. Wreaking havoc. Causing mayhem. And above all, forcing Mari to choose between being honest or just roll with the lies!

PS: I 100% guarantee you're gonna scream like a banshee at the end. My inbox is open for post-reading therapy.
Profile Image for Siri.
1,219 reviews69 followers
December 23, 2021
3,5 ish stars actually

Great debut book by this author, Lauren Ellis. The book was intriguing and i was left wanting to know what would happen. The heroine Mari or Mariposa is having a dark past which we see unravel slowly, i am curious to what she has done ( the big thing she is talking about which started everything).

I am here for Dante, hell yeah that guy has my heart already. He is the definition of tall dark and handsome ( well i assume he is tall, i forgot if that was mentioned) I wonder if Nico and Gio is gonna make their appearance soon.
The six heathens is Silas, Alec, Kane, Dex, Seb and Aiden out of all of em Alec, Kane, Dex and Seb is potentials who gonna join Mari´s harem. It was great to read some snippets/short chapters of the guys PoV.
This is just the beginning, i am looking forward to read the next book. The cliffhanger was not that bad, it was more of a big reveal at the end
Profile Image for WhyChooseReality.
247 reviews24 followers
January 4, 2022
2,5 stars.
There was too much inner monologue for me. She had entire conversations with herself inside her head, joking around. The book only has 224 pages and a lot of that is inner monologue.
Another thing was that she seemed to forget her sister sometimes. Kane wanted to be nice and pick up her sister so they could spend the day together. They pick her up and arrive at the mansion, her sister goes to make cookies with Hattie and our FMC goes and plays videogames with the guys. After that they go to a club and her sister stays at the mansion. She seemed to keep on forgetting that her sister is in danger as well.
Plus the ages just don't make sense. Our FMC is 18 years old and her sister is 10 years old and she just leaves her alone when she goes to school. And also the other interactions her sister came across as older probably more around 14 or something.
Profile Image for Layla -  Talk To Me About Books .
248 reviews7 followers
December 20, 2021
What is with these baby authors blowing me away with their debut novels?!?
Honestly I don't know how they come out and straight away write a book that I just *have* to read!

When the female lead has secrets upon secrets in a world where secrets mean life or death, you know it's going to be epic.
Mari is amazing, she is fiercely protective of her little sister and will do anything in her power to protect her.
The Heathens, they might wear the masks but they're certainly not the only ones!

I'm enjoying getting to know each character bit by bit, however I have no idea who is going to make the final cut of being in the harem - however there is definitely chemistry brewing!

I need book 2 though, that ending had me wanting to shout down the pages.
I need to know what happens next. Does Dante make another appearance? Does he keep his promise? Does Mari reveal all her secrets? Do I want her too? So many questions, now I just need the answers!
Profile Image for Melissa .
492 reviews29 followers
January 13, 2022
This book was a wild ride! Really impressive debut novel from Lauren Ellis. Masks and Mayhem is a slow-burn RH with enemies to lovers and forced proximity themes.

The action and suspense begins practically at page one and never really slows down. The characters are unique and complex and I look forward to connecting with them more deeply in future books. The FMC Mari is that exact blend of sassy and quirky that makes her engaging and likable. Her inner ramblings had me laughing out loud at times which is tough to achieve! The male love interests all have me intrigued and I was happy to see some of them starting to connect with Mari in this book. It’s a slow-burn, so not much heat in this book but lots of crackling chemistry.

Overall, I really enjoyed this RH read and look forward to the next book! It does end on a cliffhanger but it’s fairy mild. Amazing debut!
Profile Image for Book Life With Jen.
1,255 reviews21 followers
December 30, 2021
Lauren Ellis has freaking blown me away with her debut novel Masks & Mayhem! What a fantastic fabulous killer read!!! Middle of the night mayhem, ruthless gangs wrecking havoc and chaos, abductions and blackmail galore, hot sexy alpha men with secret agendas and a hilariously sassy and fiercely protective heroine all rolled into one? Why yes please!

Mari, a young woman running from the past and hiding her true identity, is desperately trying to do whatever she has to in order to protect her younger sister Ella—a girl she’s given up everything to save and protect. Until one night changes everything and fate lands her directly in the path of the Hannover Heathens, a gang that rules the city and seeks dominance over everyone in it—including Mari. Now that she’s on the Collectives radar, she finds herself abducted and forced to follow along or suffer the consequences. However it’s not all bad as shes soon surrounded by more hot sexy captors then she can handle—including one with ties to her past. And while they know they should keep their distance from her, her captors (Kane, Seb, Dex and Alec) just can’t seem to help themselves and find themselves drawn to Mari and instead of ruling her they want to protect and save her instead…

And just when you think things are starting to look up, secrets are revealed and new players are introduced to the game putting everyone at risk. However lucky (perhaps unlucky…we don’t really know but man can a girl hope!) for Mari she’s also captured the eyes of one man that may just be able to save her from even the highest ranks of the Collective and other outside forces all wanting to own her. Even with just a tiny glimpse into his dark mind, and a few chance encounters with Mari, it’s enough to know he’s a force to be reckoned with. But is his power enough to save Mari and Ella? And what about the other men in her life? Is there a happy ending in store for them all or when secrets are finally revealed will it only lead to more pain and destruction?

Overall if you love domineering dark RHs and fierce heroines that don’t have to choose then this is a definite must read! Ellis has truly outdone herself in creating solid characters, a phenomenal storyline and a plot that flows beautifully throughout the story. And let me just say I absolutely ADORED everything about Mari! Her love and fierce devotion to her sister, her sassy spunky devil may care attitude and her rambling and oftentimes hilarious chaotic inner monologue are all on point and left me laughing throughout most of the book. I love how Ellis masterfully created each of the characters, giving them such depth and dimension you can’t help but connect with each of them and hope and pray they all “make the cut”.

And yes, while this is definitely a slow burn holy hell is it delicious! So much sexual tension radiates between these pages, with so many delicious options of hot sexy males for Mari to choose from you just KNOW it’s going to be utterly explosive when the time comes! So much unfiltered passion and all around possessiveness and dominance runs through this story you don’t even realize how slow a burn it truly is thanks to all the steam. And that ending?!?! I need book 2 asap!
Profile Image for ✨✨ Claire✨✨.
1,133 reviews60 followers
December 31, 2021
Mayhem and masks


The action kicks off pretty much straight away in this!!

Our FML, Mari is finishing her slow shift at the clothing store when upon going to leave, outside there's a line of dark shadows all wearing masks facing the exit. Knowing there's no way out, she does the only thing left - hides.

But she then sees something she shouldn't.

These are the renowned Hannover Heathens and they came to settle some business with her bosses boyfriend.  Letting her guard down while she watches, she's snatched from behind and captured.

The initial preconceptions of the Heathens we are led to believe both by rumour and by the reputation they allow to be spread are totally wrong, as Mari learns.

Sure, each one has their own quirks but Mari doesn't feel as in danger from them....as much as The Collective instead.

The Collective seems to be the ones holding their strings, and even tho they've tried to escape, they're trapped.

We discover Maris dark secret, and why The Collective are keen to keep hold of her.

I like the way the individuals are gradually lowering their walls and accepting Mari into the Heathens.

We don't know what the Collectives big plans are tho......but we know the Heathens are worried....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Meg Elle.
487 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2022
This was fantastic dark romance reverse harem that was so well-balanced with humor. Dark romance/dark humor is there a category for that? Should be. I was really blown away by this story & that this is author Laura Ellis debut.

She not only write a great story but great characters. Let's start with the FMC, she is one of my favorite fmc's ever. She is hilarious, I love her personality & sense of humor. She is so likeable & I do find myself picky when it comes to liking fmc's for some reason. She stands out as witty, snarky, clever & so funny, in a really likable, relatable, grounded way. She's very well-balanced. I'm was really blown away by how she is written & how her personality comes across it's so enjoyable to read I just love her.

There are so many scenes but my one of my favs is the parking lot scene with the keys. Also the commentary on working customer service & that's just the beginning.

Then we have the guy's, the author does a great job of creating a great character for each of the guys. Some of the guys get a little more screen time this book but they're each developing. They are unique & individual. I think you've successfully written a character if there's three guys that are book boyfriend material by the end of book 1. It is multiple POV so that really helps give more insight into the guys.

I find this book very satisfying character-wise there are a couple of things between characters that you know you're going to get this book but we do. I don't want to give too much away but very satisfying.

Then it's great story really where the fmcs is sucked into this world that's kind of part of the world or adjacent to the world she's on the run from wit her foster sister. She's making the best of it with these guys while realizing that they are trapped as well due to circumstances andbwho they were born to. It's not instalove its a realistic burn. Its not enemies to lover's in my opinion
It could be called it initially because shes forced into this workd but I think she comes around to seeing how things are quickly. The author did a good job with the pacing of the storytelling

With an ending that will have you super excited for thr next book as i am. Highly recommend this book again one of my all-time favorite fmc's and definitely book boyfriend worthy MCs.
Profile Image for Ashley's Reads.
292 reviews13 followers
December 28, 2021
What an great start for this debut author! This book kept me entertained and intrigued to see what was gonna happen next. I think the book flowed perfectly. There was great twists and turns.

I'm liking our fmc Mari. I think she is going to be a strong bada**. There is a lot of different guys involved in this group and it wasn't made clear yet who might be in her harem. I'm curious to find out more about each individual guy though and to see how the relationships grow. It was mentioned in the blurb that this was a slow-burn and she was definitely not kidding. Nothing steamy happens till like 80% in the book. While it's not my normal liking for books, I did not find this story lacking because of it. The focus of this book was introducing all the important players and starting the build for the rest of the series.

I am excited to find out what is going to happen next and I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Jordan Bailey.
926 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2022
I have no idea what I just read

I genuinely have no idea what I just read. There are books that drone on and on about background story, this book isn’t that one. This books puts in so much inner monologue and mundane information and details that you will want to just skip and look for the dialogue but that hardly ever happens. The book is almost entirely in Mari’s head but she’s keeping secrets from us as well. None of it makes sense. Who is the harem even going to be? Why are the Heathens the henchmen of The Collective? I get they’re the kids but why do you want a bunch of teenagers doing your dirty work? Why doesn’t someone just take Raymond out? Why did they tell us in explicit detail about the dudes but never how she knew them enough to give us the details? What even did I just read? And even worse, why did I like the characters? I may read the second or I may cut my loses.
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 2 books35 followers
December 23, 2021
Masks and Mayhem is the first book in The Hannover Heathens series and is an amazing start to the series.

I absolutely loved Mari, she is hilarious. She's trying to keep her sister safe, but she's hiding some prettybig secrets that could put her and those around her in danger.

And then there are the guys. First we've got the Hannover Heathens, the children of those who run the criminal empire. They pull her into their world when she gets caught up in their business.
And then there's Dante. He has been hired to find Mari, but instead has decided he wants to keep her.

I absolutely loved this book! It's fast paced and there's plenty of action and twists from the very beginning that had me hooked.

I lived the chemistry between Mari and the guys. Although it's slow burn, the tension is intense and there are some pretty steamy scenes.

I can't wait to find out what Mari does next.
Profile Image for Erin.
364 reviews283 followers
December 23, 2021
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Let me start by saying that I am absolutely OBSESSED with the FMC in this book. She’s curvy, independent, and sassy as all hell. She kept me so entertained and the book was full of clever one liners that had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. I also just loved her undying devotion to her sister – the glimpses we got of their bond were so so cute.

This was a slow burn reverse harem romance, and I enjoyed seeing the relationships that Mari was developing with each of the guys. Kane was probably my favorite Heathen – I’m a total sucker for gang members with golden retriever energy, what can I say?

I will say that I felt that she trusted and got comfortable with them a little bit more quickly than I was expecting. I’m curious to learn more about both The Collective and it’s leader as I would like a clearer picture of what they do and why they’re so terrifying. We did get a brief glimpse at it, but I definitely look forward to book two, where I hope to get a clearer picture.

There were glimpses of another character, Dante, that I have SO many questions about. He only made two appearances but he was easily the most interesting potential love interest to me. The book did end in a cliffhanger and I’m absolutely intrigued and curious about the direction of the series. Overall, this was great for a debut novel.
Profile Image for Jess McDaniel.
1,074 reviews68 followers
December 20, 2021
I wasn't sure what I was walking into with this one, but having Mayhem in the title and Heathens in the series title, I KNEW it was right up my alley.

Masks & Mayhem starts out wild, and doesn't end. I feel like everytime in turned the page, something else was thrown at us. I absolutely love the concept of this book and love the characters. Mari is just amazing. I love her thoughts and she's definitely hilarious, which I really welcome in dark books.

The guys 👀👀👀 they are 🔥🔥🔥 I can't wait to learn more about them and see what other ends they will go to to protect Mari. I was expecting them to be ruthless on all fronts, and they are, but when Mari is involved, they tend to be a bit softer.

I love a good slow burn. The angst and tension alone is 🥵🥵 Now just because this is a slow burn, doesn't mean it doesn't have some steamy bits. (Also, I can't wait for some of them to get their hands on her 👀)

Ok, now that I feel like I've rambled on forever, I was not expecting that ending. I NEED to know what's going go happen!!

Amazing debut, Lauren!! I can't wait to see what else comes from your brain. Definitely a stalk- er... I mean fan, for life 🤣
846 reviews14 followers
December 23, 2021
THIS BOOK!!!!

Okay first of all how we left things????? @authorlaurenellis how dare you!

This book had me all over the place. I still after completing book one am not sure who I like and dont like lmfao

I know for sure I hate Raymond.....so theres that lmfao

I know I like Mari but her secret of how she is to blame for everything might change my mind MEHHHHHH im not sure

The core group of guys I think I like them but theyre so hot and cold Im not sure. I think theyre sexy as fuck and If they showed up at my work in them masks Id be like "TAKE ME DADDY"

Dante...I swear to God I am a SLUT (lets just get that out of the way)

I pretty much have decided that even though Im unsure on feelings that I want the harem to be all the guys we met in this book plus Dante and his bros too (SLUT I TOLD YOU)

This baby was a tad slow for me at first only because I was confused and totally possible that was a ME thing. Then she picks up about 20% in and I couldnt stop I HAD to know what was going to happen.

CONGRATS ON YOUR DEBUT BOOK BABE YOU KILLED IT!!!!!

storyline 🐙🐙🐙🐙🐙
Spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶
493 reviews9 followers
December 30, 2021
Lauren has written an absolutely amazing debut novel that has pulled me into the darkness and won't let me go. If abductions, havoc, blackmail, fierce FMCs and hot psychos are your thing read it now.

Mari is strong, fierce, loyal and devoted to her sister Ella. She has sacrificed everything to protect her and has run from her past to do just that. Until one night changes everything and the Hannover Heathens seek to dominate her, with no choice but to follow along or face the consequences, she does what must be done.

Her captors Kane, Seb, Dex and Alec are intrinsically drawn to Mari, they know they should keep their distance but they just can't. This is a slow burn but boy does it make you burn and i can't wait to see their relationships develop.

This is a brilliantly written dark world with characters so well crafted you feel like you know them personally. I love how Lauren has balanced the darkness in all of the characters with moments of LOL humour. There are so many players in this game, with layers of secrets surrounding them all that I can't wait for book Two.

Profile Image for Samantha Hickey.
1,979 reviews48 followers
December 19, 2021
You guys aren't ready for this AMAZINGNESS!!! As soon as I saw Lauren posting about her new Dark RH book, I knew I was gonna love it!

Mari is awesome! She is curvy, smart mouthed and doesn't take any crap. She also has a lot of secrets, and she hasn't had an easy time in life. Then one night she catches the eyes of the masked Heathens, Kane, Seb, Dex, Silas, Aiden and his sister Addison and Alec. Then further into the book she meets the mysterious Dante, who is 🔥🔥🔥🔥.

The Collective has taken Mari from her life and she isn't quite sure why. The Collective is pretty damn evil, and the leader Raymond is a psychopath.

I love how much Mari loves Ella and will do anything to protect her. All the guys are pretty dang hot and Kane is my favorite!! There are so many secrets and things getting kept from Mari I can't wait for the next book to get some answers. I loved this book, you will lose yourself in this world that Lauren has written.
Profile Image for Kyla .
320 reviews7 followers
December 23, 2021
What a fantastic start to a new series! I’m totally hooked and was from the very beginning. I couldn’t put it down. Masks is a captive romance, and while I’ve read a lot of those this had a different spin on it that I LOVED. I won’t give it away but really, it’s awesome. Mari is the FMC and she’s fantastic. She’s a bad***. While she may be young, she’s faced a lot in her life already. She’s strong, she’s sassy AF– her smart mouth comments are great, and she’s fiercely protective. She’s full of secrets that she’s been keeping for a long time. She is kidnapped and forced to be baby sat by the kids of “The Collective” - the criminal enterprise. She’s forced to trust in others when she’s depended on herself her whole life. The guys are HOT! This is a slow-burn so while there aren’t any super spicy scenes yet the sexual tension between them is definitely there – I’m looking forward to more! There’s many twists and turns, this book is dark so make sure to read the warnings. I really loved it, there’s angst, secrecy, action, intrigue and plenty of delicious sexual tension. If you’re looking for a dark RH with mayhem and madness this is the book for you! Lauren really knocked it out of the park with this one!!🖤
Profile Image for WordsAreMagical.
266 reviews12 followers
April 18, 2022
Man, this was too good! I stayed up way past the acceptable time to read this book because it gripped my attention. There is so much at play, the characters are interesting and even though they are on the bad side of the things but their evil has a line? I like that we are introduced to bunch of characters and I am not really sure who is or will be part of the harem but I know who I want to be part of it lol. Boys made me swoon and choke with the things they said to Mari. I cannot stop smiling even now that I am recalling those dialogues. I am not going to say much about the characters or what the story is about because I think it is an awesome wild ride that you need to get on and get your fill and have the best time ever reading this book. This book made me super happy because its been a long time since I read something that brought tingles to my brain so yes I am so excited for the next one!
295 reviews55 followers
December 22, 2021
4.5⭐rounding up because I flove anti-heroes and the FMC was awesome

*WIP Review*

Dark contemporary RH with E2L but in a mild internal angst, almost like reluctant enemies way, suspense and secrets, crime syndicate. POV primarily by the FMC but there are a few short chapters from the guys' POVs as well.

The FMC isn't your typical badass heroine, and I kind of love her all the more for it. She's got skills beyond her sass, just not so much on physical combat, and shouldn't be underestimated. I love how her sass is balanced with playfulness and compassion.

The characters have that whole "her darkness matches theirs" thing going on, and I am here for it. I feel like I read a lot in this genre and this felt really fresh.

This is book 1 in a series that does end on a cliffhanger but it's totally manageable IMO. Like screaming 😱😱 and ready for the next book. But totally manageable 😅
Profile Image for Elia Pinto.
89 reviews8 followers
December 22, 2021
🖤🖤🖤🖤
⚡️1/2 #netherregionstinglescale

Let me start off by saying that I kept forgetting that I was reading a first time author! This book impressed me in so many ways!

This first book in the series focuses on world building and character development, and it was necessary. The story is complex, without being difficult to follow. There are a lot of characters involved, but I never forgot about any of them , or confused about who is who.

This is a SLOWBURN! So there weren’t very many #netherregiontingles in this book, which is why it only got 1 1/2 ⚡️BUT let me say that the few scenes that were there and the suggestion of where they’re going are pretty hawt and kinky!!

There will definitely be triggering material in this one, so make sure you read the warning!! This book ends on a cliffhanger.

I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Brittany Caraballo.
119 reviews
December 22, 2021
“She’s the little butterfly who flapped her wings and caused hurricanes worlds away.”
Now THAT’S the way to start a series! Mari is strong yet vulnerable, and has the most normal flaws. She’s clearly brilliant, and her dialogue will make you feel like you’re reading words from your own inner monologue. Who likes to work retail? 😂 loved the Star Wars, Harry Potter and various nerd-loving references woven into the story, again adding to real-feeling of the characters (especially Mari).
My only real reason for knocking it down to 4🌟 is the prologue and the incredible slow pace of the book in terms of plot points, conflict, etc. it felt very “slice of life” for a bit there.
Overall, DEFINITELY looking for book 2 and way more amazing work from Lauren Ellis. Congratulations on your debut and what a hell of a way to start! ❤️🔥
Profile Image for Read By Cassie.
448 reviews11 followers
December 20, 2021
Masks & Mayhem was an amazing debut novel by Lauren Ellis. Throughout the first book, you get a good insight into a lot of the different characters but there is still so much more to learn and I am excited. The book itself is definitely a slow-burn as Lauren said it would be. However. unlike a lot of slow-burn books I have read, there weren't really any parts of it that were boring to me or felt like it was dragging on. The first book actually takes place within like three days so it doesn't drag on. There are still so many unanswered questions that I cannot wait to figure out. I also cannot wait to figure out what guys she actually ends up with (though I have some ideas of who I think it will be). Amazing job Lauren!
Profile Image for Saucy Sierra.
532 reviews86 followers
December 20, 2021
Another great book with the young adult secret society. The Collective is the organization that runs a criminal empire that most people underground know about. The young generation has called itself The Hannover Heathens. Mask wearing vigilantes who create chaos which earns their reputation.

But behind the masks and attitude are a group of misfits trying to survive under the thumb of the Collective and their cruelty. Mari has been through the criminal life and is turning herself around to protect her young sister. But a coincidental run in the the Heathens brings her into the spotlight. Unwelcome allies in this group might be the only thing that can save her and her sister. Before outside forces cause more mayhem, she will have to fully join forces with her Heathens.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews87 followers
December 22, 2021
Ma’am!!!!
This author right here said hold my MFKN drink why I bust out the most amazing debut novel!! The writing, the storyline the freaking characters are spot on and you would this she has been writing for years!! Our FMC is everything I need she is a complete bada$$ with a soft side that she doesn’t often show and who can dish it out as much as she can take it. Now who doesn’t love a good alpha that is cray cray to the max!!! Well the multiple that and you have our guys they are phenomenal and crazy AF. The tension and chemistry Mari has with all these guys *fans self*. Prepare yourself and strap in for one wild and crazy ride . This author has a fan for life and with an ending like that you better believe I will impatiently be waiting for the next book!!
Profile Image for bookedbysmut Nikki.
846 reviews18 followers
January 1, 2022
what. a. debut.

Lauren Ellis has delivered a story that I cannot wait to continue! I’ve been so ready for this book for months and I really enjoyed the whole thing, but these characters… swoon!

“…the entire way I try to remind myself that these guys aren’t mine—that this family isn’t mine. But my heart refuses to listen.”
— Masks & Mayhem: The Hannover Heathens Book 1 by Lauren Ellis

I don’t know how I’ll pick a favorite guy. I know, I know, it’s why choose, but we all pick a favorite. They’re all my favorites at the moment and I’m so intrigued by all them and Dante.
So, here I sit, currently upset that I don’t have more to read from this world, lol, and I’ll be back to bugging the author for a book!
Profile Image for Jessica Walker.
48 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2021
Mari is working at her horrible retail job when she witnesses something she shouldn’t have while she is closing one night. She is then taken by some of the members of the Hannover Heathens, the gang that rules the city, so that they can watch over her every move. She has a few secrets of her own that could mean bad news for her.

This book is a slow burn RH with a whole lot of tension and a few spicy scenes sprinkled in.
Masks & Mayhem is book 1 in the Hannover Heathens series and the debut novel from Lauren Ellis.

Congratulations Lauren!! It was so good!!!! I can’t wait for the next one! There are so many questions I need answered!
1,234 reviews4 followers
January 20, 2022
3.5 stars

This book really could have been AMAZING. It was just too short with too little plot, character or relationship development. Things moved at warp speed and left me, in several places, wondering if I missed an interaction (“how in the world did they get HERE?!?”). This book only covers a few days, but feelings developed far too quickly to feel organic. And Dante was just one big question mark-and not in a good plot development way. More like in a way in which he just randomly shows up and messes with the flow of the book. That being said, I think there are great bones here and I likely will continue the series.
114 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2022
Frustrating

This book would of had 5* but the thing I found really frustrating was the fact that she had tried a escape attempt and you would of thought they would have been more observant, but no, when a stranger talks to her in bathrooms on a number of occasions, keeping her longer than needed to do your business ... In fact a full on conversation... Nothing is said when she gets back to the group! Like is everything ok or what took so long ?!?

Bar that I loved it, especially how she grew attracted but didn't understand why.
I loved how she did not just fall into bed with them all and that they created a meaningful understanding of each other.
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