A story about a novelist who is having a little venture so she can focus on writing her thriller novel in a resort. Little did she know, while she is gathering some inspiration for her book, a sweet handsome trouble formed as a charming stranger, get into her heart. But, her paranoia and strange events keeping her from fully trust him. As these things bothered her so much, this paranoia hasn’t merely ungrounded. There is always something behind it, and shocking revelations have yet to be revealed.

My thought on this is this was an okay read. Nothing really surprised me and gripped me. What was so unfortunate is i feel detached from the characters and that makes the whole experience was like just reading words after words. The reveals wasn’t very shocking as what had been described, but that is very subjective. What’s good about this book is that the chapter is short, so it’s okay for you if you’re just want to read without fully committing.

If you still want to read the story, I think it’s better to enjoy it without knowing the blurb or find out the whole review about it. Because some reviews kinda give it away, and definitely will ruin the experience.

Happy reading!

Thank you to NetGalley and Greyt Companion Press for the e-ARC. Reviews are all mine.

40/100 or 2.0 stars

I was excited to start this, and the beginning was a good way to hook readers into the story. I had a feeling as I was reading before the first plot twist, and I did not like it. I was correct. I really hate it when author's use mental illness as plot devices. It is not something I care for or think makes for a good story. The writing itself is strong enough that would try another book by Ruff, but this wasn't it. I am trying to not DNF books that I am given as ARCs, which is the only reason I kept going. The only reason for the two stars instead of one was because the writing was good. I don't want to give spoilers which is why it is vague as to what is being used as a plot device...but it has been done before and is nothing new.

Wow this was an amazing read. Loved it from the first page.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this

This was the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it. Fast paced and character driven, I enjoyed this twisty tale.

Extraordinary! That’s the one word I would use to describe this book. If you like a good twisted suspenseful mystery than this book is for you. I literally could not put this one down. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out along comes another little twist.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jenifer and it sure will not be my last. The Rite Aid was amazing. The characters were extraordinary. And I love when a book keeps me thinking.

This book releases on June 6, 2025

The review below is on Goodreads and will be on Amazon once the release day happens on the 6th.

While it was a little difficult to follow and get into in the beginning, the author did a good job at catching the reader's attention fairly soon into the book. It was very fast paced and well written with short chapters to help with attention spans. I did predict one of the twists right before it happened after having the clues to do so but I love how this book included a disorder that I have yet to read in another book. I would definitely recommend this book to others who are a fan of Freida McFadden and love fast-paced thrillers.

4.5★
This was so good! From the very first page, When She Escaped completely pulled me in and did not let go. It’s one of those thrillers that grabs you by the throat and keeps you guessing the entire time. The pacing is intense—in the best way—and every chapter ends with you needing to know what happens next.

Jenifer Ruff does a fantastic job building tension. The stakes feel real, the characters are layered enough to keep you invested, and the sense of urgency never lets up. It’s dark, gripping, and emotionally charged, but never overwhelming. The twists were well done, and while I saw a couple coming, there were still moments that took me by surprise.

Thanks you Netgalley for the amazing ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. I did guess the middway twist before it happened, but there were enough questions that needed answers to get me to continue reading and I am so happy for Emma getting the ending she deserved. Sometimes we need to find inner power to continue.

I couldn't put this book down. I loved the plot and the twists that accompanied it. I devoured it and found myself wanting more. I will be recommending this to all my fellow readers and book club friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and Greyt Companion Press for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

For a book that’s labeled a thriller, there was surprisingly little suspense. The character development felt shallow, and I never really connected with or cared deeply about any of them.

In the end, it was an okay read, but nothing more. If you’re looking for a gripping thriller, I wouldn't bother with this one.

When She Escaped by Jenifer Ruff is a fast-paced, emotional thriller that explores what happens after a young woman s rescued—not just the escape itself.

Emma Wilson was missing for months, not years. As she tries to readjust, secrets begin to surface, and it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems.

This book kept me hooked. Emma’s emotional journey felt realistic and raw. The suspense and pacing made it hard to put down.

Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers that focus on survival, identity, and the secrets people hide.

Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Themes: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotional: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Enjoyment: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review: When She Escaped by Jenifer Ruff

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

Release Date: June 6, 2025

When She Escaped is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story unfolds at the luxurious Raven’s Hollow Lodge, where bestselling author Zipporah Bazile plans to write her next novel—but instead finds herself living through a nightmare of her own.

From the very first chapters, the suspense builds steadily, and just when I thought I knew what was coming, the twist completely caught me off guard. I was genuinely mind blown—it’s the kind of reveal that stays with you long after you finish the book. I even found myself telling my husband updates as I read, because I just had to share it with someone! 😂

Jenifer Ruff’s writing is sharp, immersive, and full of vivid detail. The pacing is fast and intense, with just the right amount of mystery and psychological depth. This is exactly the kind of thriller I love: dark, unpredictable, and impossible to put down.

If you enjoy authors like Freida McFadden, you’ll definitely want to add this to your reading list. I’m already looking forward to reading more from Jenifer Ruff!

Thank you NetGalley and Greyt Companion Press for the e-arc!

2.75/5 stars to be exact.
When I first started the book, I was quite hooked. I was also excited by how easy and quick of a read it was (under 300 pages). There are 3 parts to the book and I immediately knew there was going to be some crazy twist. The book started off slow for me and it didn't pick up until 50% in. I would say that this book is very unique and I've never read one like this. At some parts, I was very invested and was gripping onto my kindle because of the suspense. However, after the twist was revealed, the book slowed down for me and the ending was predictable. It's a short fun read if you want something quick and suspenseful.

OOO ok this book had me on the edge of my seat I wanted to know every clue and every detail and then it still wasnt enough information. I finished this in one sitting and I just couldn't put it down. I love when books like this happen to fall in my lap because its nice just being swept into a world and not knowing who to trust and just escapism at its finest.

What a great book! Thank you for the opportunity to read in advance. I thought the story was well written, the twists were fascinating and it really pulled me in.

This story definitely pulled me in with its tense and unsettling premise. The buildup was strong, and I found myself wanting to know how it would all unfold. There were some genuinely gripping moments, and the pacing made it an easy book to fly through. However, a few plot points felt a little too convenient, and some of the character development could’ve gone deeper. I was left with a few unanswered questions by the end, but overall, it was an engaging read with enough suspense to keep me turning the pages. A solid 3.5 stars.

This book was pretty good, I would definitely recommend

~This was given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Very good loved it very engaging story kept me going Intrated the whole time love the setting and plot

This was short but so good! I great psychological thriller with twists I didn't see coming. Being at the lodge and the atmosphere I almosted jumped a few times. You just hope that Zipporah makes it to the end of the book. I finished reading in one day. it is that thrilling.

4.25⭐️
got the dark of this and let me tell u, absolutely love it, a page turner fast paced mystery. great story telling, and really liked the writing style.
if you’re in doubt abt reading this book or not read it. absolutely worth it.