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She's a Mad Hatter

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Maddie:
I'm not a psycho.
I have a rhyme and reason for what I do.
Maybe it's against the law.I don't care.
Besides, I'm the judge and executioner here in Wonderland, Texas.
That is, until my brother's best friend takes up for me. Loves me.
Now I'm not sure I can continue my mission.

Drew:
I'm a detective of the Wonderland Police Department.
The Mad hatter is on the loose.
My attention isn't on the case.
No, it's on my best friend's little sister.
She's trouble.
Trouble, I want to get lost in.
But can I keep her safe and love her at the same time?

216 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2022

45 people are currently reading
702 people want to read

About the author

S.J. Ransom

22 books307 followers

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5 stars
110 (34%)
4 stars
84 (26%)
3 stars
53 (16%)
2 stars
32 (10%)
1 star
36 (11%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,685 reviews2,449 followers
October 31, 2022
3.5⭐️

I loved this book so much!!! Maddie omg my heart broke for Maddie so much but she was a badass on her own even if a few times I wish she offer her father and brother right away but she didn’t she waited for that right moment.

Maddie had something bad happen to her and instead of getting justice her father and brother hid the proof because it would make there life’s harder in the work force since her brother and dad are police.. so she takes matters into her own hands as she SHOULD!!!

She also has a crush on her brothers best friend Drew.. poor Drew I wanted to shake him so much like how could you be so blind!!! The girl he has been also pinning for was being abused for so long and you didn’t see the signs or brushed off how the brother and father always talked down to her so he lost some major points for letting them trash talk her.

Now he’s in charge of the mad hatter case and those scenes and bodies were goryyy… the closer he got to the case the more clues but my girl sure knew how to make sure he never found out lol.

And when he did… those mixed feelings came out since he is a cop.. was glad he has her back at the end.


Low angst, om drama, no cheating, Secondary charts, Drama, sexy times, no virgins

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶🌶

Slowinsta
Age gap
18/29
Abuse
Daddy kink
Violence
Suicidal thoughts
Gore
Verbal abuse
Murder
Rape
Hea
Epilogue
Profile Image for ThatBookishWriter.
389 reviews18 followers
January 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and finished it pretty quickly. I was hooked right away. Love the Alice in Wonderland vibes. Fun AIW references. Not a retelling in any means.

Dark romance with trigger warnings so make sure to check up on it before reading.

Maddy such an interesting character. She seems like a sweet girl but underneath she is a badass b@tch who delivers crazy and cruel revenge.

Drew her brother's best friend who cares about her but is also after the "madd hatter". He would do anything to protect her. The heat and spicy between the two of them was
Profile Image for Crazy4bookscruz.
646 reviews42 followers
October 22, 2022
Y’all when you ask for Dark Romance SJ will never fail you! I was jumping out of my skin waiting for this book and I finished within 7 hours!
⚠️ Always check the trigger warnings ⚠️
Maddie was a fantastic character with alot of depth and tragedy surrounding her. She was broken and hurt but NEVER weak. She took justice into her own hands and became what no one ever could believe what sweet girl like her could do.
Drew was absolutely without a doubt fucking perfect! He takes care of what’s his and will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. He’s the one safe haven and you couldn’t want him more than you already do.

This was fantastically written book! It had depth, despair, love, spice, a tragic plot that did not take away from the romance that bloomed. I absolutely love a book that can make me feel all the emotions as I’m reading.

Don’t miss out on this fabulous read and dark content that’ll warm your blackened heart 🖤😉

**ARC Review**
Profile Image for nika.
474 reviews371 followers
November 2, 2022
DNF 35%

“She’s a senior this year, and I think about our age difference. At eleven years older than her, I shouldn’t be turned on when I see her, but hell, I’m a guy and she’s got the prettiest ass I’ve ever seen.”


“When you turn eighteen, I can legally touch you in a more intimate way and not have to worry about the legalities.”


disgusting & sickening (with terrible writing)…every single person in this book needs to be jailed immediately
Profile Image for Jacqulin Gipson.
494 reviews11 followers
November 1, 2022
I have loved every one of SJ's books so far and this one is no different. She takes you on an emotional ride with the fmc and her heartbreaking tragic past. Along the way you get a first hand glimpse of what someone does when they think they have nothing to lose but still doesn't want to give up on the world or life. The MMC was a delicious alpha over protective snack I'd like to sink my teeth into. His care and concern for Maddie was evident in every move and thought. I can't wait to see where SJ Ransom takes us next in Wonderland, if the end of the book is any indication she isn't done with this city or it's citizens yet. This is a standalone and does have its own conclusion. I loved every minute of the read!

As always check the authors website for CW/TW information.
Profile Image for Nathi.
122 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2023
HOLD ON TO YOUR SEAT GET COMFORTABLE BECAUSE THIS IS ADDICTIVE ONCE IT STARTS





Spoilers


A long time ago when I began to know the story it did not attract my attention. That was definitely a mistake

I became too empathic with this story, every time I was reading more and more details about Maddie's life I couldn't feel good, I was really worried It hurt, it felt personal and I was furious and had tears of pure anger wanting to come out. SPOILER, YES, I CRIED WITH ANGRY

Definitely what the mad hatter did I thanked him, I applauded him and I don't regret thinking about it that way, I'm sorry, She did what she had to do if she hadn't maybe her life would have been Hell for the rest of her days until one of them all killed her.

Drew...This man did what he had to do, I LOVED his character and his love for her, I loved that he understood and protected her, I just loved every time he talked about her, masterful.

But who stole my heart was Knave and Maddie
And I'm so happy to know that Knave is going to have his story, that makes me so emotional and delighted.
What he wanted to do for her, ufff, man, I LOVE YOU, he was always there for her, always.

Maddie, little angel You did what you had to do, you loved those you should have and you destroyed the chains of the past so tragic and painful You came out triumphing and shining as you deserved. I love you so much little girl, you will always be one of my protected characters.

💜💜
TANKIU S.J for the wonderful story, you brought tears to my eyes, you brought out my emotions from the depths, thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda.
70 reviews4 followers
October 24, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Dark level: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Story: 📓📓📓📓📓

This book is amazing. It's very dark. definitely read your trigger warnings before diving into this beauty.

'Brothers best friend falls in love with sister' story with a twist. The emotions that ran through me at parts of this book were very strong.

The red herring that was provided in certain aspects was on point and totally had no idea til the very end.

Also Alice in Wonderland is one of my absolute favorite stories ever. This book reminded me of the joy I had whilst reading Sick Fux by Tillie Cole.

Upon reading the very end, I'm now excited for other books to come in this world. Whilst this is a stand-alone book, there will be more to come and that makes me super excited.

All in all, I highly recommend this book. Sorry if review sounds off, my 8 year old has been talking to me while getting ready for school while I write this. 🤣
Profile Image for Plus Size Bibliophile.
1,205 reviews59 followers
January 24, 2023
I'm not sure what I was expecting with this story, but it exceeded all expectations.
It's dark, sad, frustrating, and sexy. Our girl Maddie is a female serial killer out for revenge. All her kills are gruesome and committed with passion. Per the blurb we all knew she was a killer. However, the why is devastating.

Trigger Warnings: Rape, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Mention of Suicide.

Our girl is both a predator and a prey wrapped in a sassy ball that you just want to put in your pocket and protect.

Our boy Drew wears rose colored glasses, he's a freaking boy scout who sees everything in black and white. As the detective in The Mad Hatter serial murder case and the love interest of Maddie, things get complicated. There were times I wanted to shake him.

Overall, this was a very good story. However due to Maddie's triggers the spice scenes are not as plentiful as I would hope, however when we got them, they were exciting, spicy, and written with care in regard to Maddie's emotional state making them very relatable.

There is mention of the Powers and Timberland Wolves Psychos in Love series) and some great Easter eggs for a spinoff!!
Profile Image for Liz Sutcliffe .
8 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2022
It was an emotional ride from start to end, with plenty of gore and spice throughout. It kept me on the edge the whole time, wanting to know what would happen next so definitely be prepared to devour it in one day.

It is a tale of revenge: Maddie is out to get back at those who have hurt her in a very permanent way. The more gruesome, the better.
It is also a tale of survival: Maddie falls in love with her brother's best friend who helps her heal and find herself again after all her trauma.

After the dark themes in the book, the HEA is a perfect way to conclude.

Check trigger warnings before diving in ⚠️
Profile Image for Mandi Miller.
254 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2022
Well Wonderland is not really wonderful at all! Maddie has been abused, betrayed, and disregarded by almost everyone in town and what’s done to her is horrible. Then there’s her BFF, Knave, who might not be as broken as Maddie but supports her fully no matter what. There’s also Drew, her brother’s best friend who she’s always had a crush on. Well, Drew’s in love with Maddie but he’s very straight and narrow so where does that leave The Mad Hatter? What about her abuse? You definitely don’t want to miss this introduction into this world!
Profile Image for Kiana McGowan.
236 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2022
First and foremost read triggers on this book. It’s not as triggering in my opinion as the Psychos series but it is no walk in the park. Maddie doesn’t have an easy life and everyone around her doesn’t realize it. Finally she has had enough it’s time for her to enact her revenge. In the process someone she has a crush on/ feelings for finds out her secret about her home life. There is death/revenge and love in this story. I had so many emotions in such a short time can’t wait for the second book.
Profile Image for Liza.
1,516 reviews19 followers
July 19, 2023
Whoa baby! I went into this book knowing it was going to be dark and twisted , but damn! It blew my mind! Maddie is a high school student about to turn 18 who has been through some pretty bad stuff in her life. Can you really blame her for going a little Kill Bill and turning into a serial killer to get her revenge? The more you read, the more you understand her motives and really love this Mad Little Hatter. Then there’s Drew, a cop who has been infatuated with Maddie for years and has been waiting for her to be legal for his chance. They’re simply on fire together. Tigger warnings are a must! This is no fun romp through Wonderland! My geeky heart loved all the references and I can’t wait for Knave’s story!
Profile Image for Jess McDaniel.
1,073 reviews68 followers
October 31, 2022
In true S.J. fashion, heed the warnings when coming into She's a Mad Hatter. It was dark and absolutely everything I love in an S.J. book.

I was pulled in from page one and ate it up. I loved Maddie! This book is revenge fueled and I am here for it. Her and Drew were 🔥🔥

She's a Mad Hatter has various characters/places revolve around names from Alice in Wonderland. I can't wait for more in this world!
Profile Image for Britney rogers.
868 reviews12 followers
October 23, 2022
This!👏👏👏I love this book! Alice in wonderland vibes! Maddie and drew are 😘😘😘 %1000 recommend
Profile Image for monica.
68 reviews99 followers
November 2, 2022
3 stars bc it was serial killer gf x detective bf 🤞🏼

but this felt too much like the mindfuck series for me to fully enjoy it idk…
Profile Image for Julia.
21 reviews22 followers
October 22, 2022
“Payback is a bitch, and she’s come to collect.”

I was hooked from the first page! I got sucked right in and didn’t put it down until I finished. Dark, twisted, and a romantic happily ever after all in one. Heed the trigger warnings (SA, DV, unaliving,etc). Alice in Wonderland vibes/illusions but not an actual retelling. Another awesome book by S. J. Ransom!
Profile Image for Shedevilreads Bookstagram.
2,161 reviews108 followers
October 24, 2022
She's a Mad Hatter by S.J. Ransom is a dark suspense romance.

This is the third book of S.J.'s that I have read, and it won't be my last. I was pulled in from the first chapter and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed getting Maddie, Drew, and Knave's points of view throughout the book.

I can't wait for the next book in the Wonderland, TX universe Knavelton to be announced so we can get Knave's story.

I would recommend this book if you like dark romances or romantic suspense.
520 reviews10 followers
November 2, 2022
Mad Hatter by S J Ransom is a wild and crazy ride. Maddie has a plan.  After years of abuse by her brother and father and no one believing her, she's reached her limit.   When Maddie is beaten and raped by her friends, her police chief dad and detective brother destroy the evidence and sweep it under the rug. She vows to seek justice by killing all of them.  As Drew wrestles with his attraction to Maddie, whose 18th birthday is in 2 days, he discovers some things. As truths begin coming to light, nothing will ever be the same. 

     Ransom never disappoints with dark and exciting stories and out-of-control chaotic characters. Readers can't help but fall in love with Maddie despite being brutal and unhinged; she's been through things one couldn't imagine.  How could she not be broken? Readers are reminded in this story that monsters are real and the worst hide behind human facades. Drew and Knave(Maddie's best friend) are everything one could hope for in heros. This story twists and turns as much as the characters. It is dark and brutal but tempered with love and loyalty. 

    Mad Hatter is for adults due to extreme violence, graphic $ex, and adult tips and situations. I rate Mad Hatter 5 out of 5 stars.  If fast-paced, fast-burn dark romance stories filled with secrets, betrayal, vigilante justice, and morally gray heroes entice you, then Mad Hatter is a must-read for you; enjoy!
Profile Image for Rachael Fader.
162 reviews5 followers
November 5, 2022
First… CHECK YOUR TRIGGER WARNINGS!!! This is a Serial Killer, Age Gap, Abuse, SA, Daddy kink,etc book and if it’s not for you, move along please.

Maddie has been continuously knocked down, physically and emotionally, by friends and especially her family (dad and older brother). But because her dad is the Chief of Police and her brother a detective, everything that has happened to her has literally been swept under the rug. This is a story of what happens when you push someone far enough to wanna take revenge, but still cares enough about a few individuals to try holding the crazy in.

Drew is her brothers best friend, who also happens to be a Police Detective. He’s the hot Alpha protective type…. And Maddie is his.

There’s tons of Alice in Wonderland references and I love that Maddie takes back control of her life while still showing her vulnerability. I have loved everything SJ Ransom has put out and knows how to write extremely dark romance. 🖤
Profile Image for Christy Davisson.
778 reviews18 followers
October 29, 2022
Just WOW this take on the Mad Hatter was absolutely brilliant! It's gripping from start to finish and a Must Read!

I loved every second of this crazy wild story. I swear this author has fast become my one click when I need a dark and tabooish read. This book has it all and just keeps giving you twist after twist as it progresses.

I loved the characters of Maddie, Knave, and Drew. These characters bring the intensity of this story to life in their own unique ways. Maddie is a victim in a lot of ways but it helps build her into a stronger and more determined person now. Knave is the best friend you want to have. He's the one who stands by you through not only the good but the very bad life can bring. I loved his character so much. Now Drew is the man you want to have for the long haul. He's absolutely perfect with his gentle but kinky dominant side he lets loose on occasion.

This book is a Definite Must Read for any dark romance lover or someone who wants a suspenseful and gripping story from start to finish. Just do yourself the favor and ONE CLICK It right away! It has suspense, spice, heartbreak, revenge, and HEA that will satisfy your soul! I had the extreme pleasure of reading this early and it was hands down on of my new favorites from this author! So if you like dark and suspenseful with a side of depravity this is your book!
Profile Image for Nikki.
650 reviews17 followers
November 8, 2022
This is the first book in the Wonderland, Tx series and the first book I’ve read by this author. First and foremost please check the trigger warnings. This book is dark and absolutely amazing. I was completely hooked from the very beginning. Character development was great. Maddie has a dark, trauma filled past but is ready to seek her revenge. I absolutely adored Drew, he’s so protective over her and you can feel his love. I’m waiting and hoping we learn more about Knave throughout the series. The spice was the perfect amount added to this story. But be prepared for an emotional read filled with twists and turns.
Profile Image for Kristen's Fantasy Nook.
221 reviews36 followers
October 31, 2022
S.J. Ransom can definitely write dark! I applaud the writer for never shying away from the darkest of themes.

I loved that the book is focused on a central idea, is fast paced, and not overlong. There are lots of Alice in Wonderland references, the town is called Wonderland after all, but is not a retelling (just fyi) it is very much its own story.

"She's a Mad Hatter" is a great character study. It made me think a bit. What can happen when someone is pushed too far? What is that one person capable of if they are left with no other option but to fight back on their own terms? Because if they don't they could lose themselves completely. And to find their own sense of justice and peace they adopt a persona of a violent Vigilante.

I enjoyed the character arcs, in particular I found Maddie to be an original character. I wasn't fully sold on the romance. But, the focus of the story is where it should be. Maddie had quite the journey to go on and lots of trauma. Drew is a great romantic parnter to her and they balance eachother. I really liked the character Knave, he is a true friend, and am excited by the possibility of seeing more of his story in the future.

Watch out for triggers, including: descriptive depictions of violence and gore, including those of assault and unaliving, rape, domestic violence, and mention of thoughts of suicide
158 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2022
I’ll be honest, when I read the blurb, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it, but I loved it. S.J. Is just one of the those authors I love everything and this blew me away. The chemistry and the backstory of the female main character, Maddie *chefs kiss* This book takes you through some sh!t and will have you questioning your sanity. I love the dynamic and Drew and Maddie together. Can’t love this book more. I will warn you though, the concepts are dark and can come across graphic, if you have any triggers or possible triggers, this is your heads up. Not for the under 18 crowd for sure.
Profile Image for Wormy Book Lover.
101 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2022
Amazing story

This story reeled me in from the first page. I was so enthralled that I finished this book in less than a day - so, so, so, good!! The characters are really good and relatable, literally I was crying over some of the internal dialog & situations that occur. Maddie & Drew are fantastic together and I am so glad I got to read their story.
Profile Image for phys_reads.
152 reviews14 followers
October 28, 2022
I literally read this book in one sitting...I could not put it down! It's dark and depraved, which I love.
Maddie is a serial killer who is out for revenge for the ones who have wronged her. She has had a hard life due to people she was supposed to be able to trust. Drew is her brothers best friend and the only one who has treated Maddie nicely. She wants him but doesn't know how he would react.
Drew is drawn to Maddie but won't allow himself to have her until she is of legal age, but once she is he will make her his.
I loved the characters and suspense. The fmc was a bad ass and the chemistry between the two is explosive! You won't be dissapointed in this book so check it out!
Profile Image for Stacey Woods.
1,092 reviews30 followers
November 1, 2022
Another brilliant addition to SJs works. The world building was just beautiful. It did make me want to cry though in certain parts. This is a story of someone pushed over the edge. Maddie just snapped and couldn't take it anymore. My heart was aching for her.
Profile Image for Chris Mor.
Author 5 books52 followers
October 31, 2022
Be Ready To Root For The Bad Guy

Buckle up for a mad ride. Maddie might seem to be off the deep end, but the more you learn why, the more you want to root for her. I couldn’t devour it fast enough, and can’t wait for the next story
Profile Image for Azyamarie.
159 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2022
I absolutely loved this book!!! I couldn’t put it down!! When I say this is a dark romance fantasy that is exactly what your going to get with S.J. Ransom, she can definitely write dark! I give her props for the not shying away from this dark theme. Even though this isn’t an Alice in Wonderland retelling there is a lot of references to it! It was breathing taking to read something so different and completely out there that no one has ever thought about before! I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Rosa Dunahue.
1,352 reviews26 followers
October 27, 2022
She’s a Mad Hatter is really dark twists retelling of Alice of Wonderland. Maddie has been through hell and back without any help from anyone but her best friend. Then she goes for revenge as the Mad Hatter. But her only saving grace comes from Drew. Drew trying to find the mad hatter while falling for Maddie. Maddie deserves the best after everything she goes through. But her journey to happiness will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book has many triggers so check them out. S.J. Ransom gives us some strong & dark characters. Plus keep eye on some incredible Easter egg.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews

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