Run Rabbit Run: A Review

Warning: The themes of this review contain adult content that is not suitable for those under 18 years of age. Use caution when reading this review and this book.

Book: Run Rabbit Run
Author: Juniper Hartmann
Genre: Dark Romance/Erotica
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Release Date: TBD
E-Book/ARC
Third Person POV
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Disclosure: I would like to clarify that this review is based on an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) provided by author Juniper Hartmann. This is not a paid review, and all opinions expressed here are my honest and unsolicited thoughts on the book. If you have any queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out via the Contact tab

Many of us have had varied introductions into the world of BDSM.
Some may have first encountered it through Steven Shainberg's 2002 film Secretary, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader. Others might have been introduced to it by reading/watching  50 Shades of Grey. Despite its taboo nature and the fine line it walks between perceptions of torture, sadism, and non-consensual acts, the BDSM community is fundamentally about safe and consensual practices. 

When I first came across a blurb of Juniper Hartmann's novel, Run Rabbit Run, I was instantly intrigued. While she made it a point to express the immense list of trigger warnings within the book itself, she also made it a point to inform interested readers and just the general public about the significance of consent, safety, and even the importance of aftercare, when participating in BDSM.

Run Rabbit Run follows, Barbra "Bunny" Townsend, an ambitious archeology student, that had her world shattered when she fell prey to the wealthy and enigmatic Demetrius Ivanov. Known as a sociopath with a penchant for control, Demetrius' twisted and dark desires led him to abduct Bunny, plunging her into a nightmarish ordeal she never saw coming.

Hartmann's vivid descriptions and raw emotions draw you into Bunny's harrowing experience, making you feel every ounce of fear, desperation, and helplessness that she endures. Told through the third-person point-of-view, you are not just a passive observer but an active participant in Bunny's nightmarish ordeal. Hartmann's storytelling creates a sense of unease and tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat, unable to look away from the dark and twisted world she has crafted. As you delve deeper into the story, you can't help but feel a sense of dread and anticipation for what lies ahead, fully immersed in the chilling atmosphere that permeates every page.

Even amidst the darkest moments of Bunny's degradation at the hands of Demetrius, a peculiar sense of possessiveness and care emerges from him. Following each intense act of intimacy between them, Demetrius goes out of his way to ensure that he bathes Bunny, provide her with soothing creams, and offer small gestures of kindness like coffee or allowing her full access to the spacious basement where she's confined.

Despite the brutal circumstances Bunny is subjected to, she finds herself torn, grappling with conflicting emotions and perhaps even showing signs of developing Stockholm Syndrome - where feelings of trust or affection form towards her captor.

As you read and hope along with Bunny that she is saved, Hartmann gives the "dark romance" trope a run for its money when it comes to Demetrius. At the end of reading RRR, you are provided with a twist that not even director M. Night Shyamalan could think about coming up with. 

Run Rabbit Run is not for the faint of heart, but if you enjoy reading dark, twisted, and sadistic stories, then this is completely for you. 

As Juniper Hartmann states at the very beginning of the book:

"[...]Please remember that [Run Rabbit Run] is intended only to be a fantasy. At no point should you romanticize, idealize, or otherwise intend to seek out a relationship imitating the elements found in this book. It has become apparent[...]that the dark romance
genre is missing a crucial component: educational content related to the BDSM community and lifestyle.[...]
It is important to know that you do not have to engage with your desires outside of your fantasies. For some, their imagination and favorite toy are enough. Sometimes the thought of something is better than the act."

I had initially given this book 4 stars. However, as I delved deeper, during the process of writing this review, I found myself repeatedly drawn back to the pages, immersing myself in Juniper Hartmann's dark and gritty world. Despite the quick pace at which it reads, "Run Rabbit Run" has etched a stone house in my mind, refusing to vacate.