Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds by Nadine Macaluso, narrated by the author herself, is a deeply insightful and empowering audiobook that addresses the complex and often painful topic of trauma bonds. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional expertise, Macaluso provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking to understand, break free from, and heal from toxic relationships.

The audiobook is structured around the concept of trauma bonds, which are intense emotional attachments formed with abusive or manipulative partners. Macaluso’s narration adds a personal and authentic touch, making the content feel both relatable and impactful. Her calm and reassuring voice guides listeners through the intricacies of identifying and escaping these harmful bonds, offering practical advice and emotional support along the way.

This audiobook excels in its blend of personal anecdotes and clinical insights. Macaluso shares her own journey of overcoming a traumatic relationship, which adds a layer of credibility and empathy to her guidance. This personal touch makes the advice more tangible and inspiring, as listeners can see the possibility of transformation and healing through her story.

The book is divided into clear, manageable sections that cover the mental health aspects of dealing with narcissistic partners, the traits that make individuals susceptible to trauma bonds, and the steps necessary to safely leave such relationships. Macaluso also provides strategies for healing and rebuilding one’s life post-trauma, emphasizing the importance of self-love, awareness, and resilience.

Macaluso’s expertise as a psychotherapist specializing in narcissistic abuse and complex PTSD shines through in her detailed explanations and practical exercises. She offers a variety of tools and techniques to help listeners navigate their emotions, set boundaries, and reclaim their sense of self. The audiobook’s interactive elements, such as reflective questions and guided exercises, make it a valuable resource for anyone on a healing journey.

Run Like Hell is not just a guide to escaping toxic relationships; it’s a beacon of hope for those who feel trapped and powerless.

I found this book by following the author on social media, where I heard about her studies, her life, and her time married to the ‘Wolf of Wall Street.’
This was definitely a heavier read, based on the content. You will hear/read about narcissistic abuse, trauma bonds, complex PTSD, and more. I enjoyed hearing about her story, as well as the stories of women that she has worked with.

Some things I enjoyed:
The author reads the book. Hearing her own story and stories of women she has worked with through her own voice really gives a great perspective on what she and these women have gone through. I will add that this is not a “perfect” audiobook; there are moments where she repeats herself or goes back over her words.
The book shares specific stories and examples.
The book gives advice for those in similar situations.
What I did not enjoy:
I don’t love that she shares the names of the people that she worked with. While it is only first names, it was just something I wish she had chosen not to do.
There were LOTS of acronyms. I definitely had to go back and figure out a lot of them throughout the book.

Thank you to Greenleaf Audiobooks, Greenleaf Book Group Press, Dr. Nadie Macaluso, and NetGalley for an audio ARC of this book.

Wow - I'm surprised at how invested I became in this listen. I've been more interested in learning about various traumas and how it affects the brain lately so the description drew me in. Self-help is definitely not my typical genre and especially one with so much educational information in it. I never watched The Wolf of Wall Street, but of course I've heard of it. I didn't realize Nadine's relationship with him and I really loved that she read for her own audiobook. She makes it clear at the beginning that she is not a professional narrator, but it means a lot to have her reading her own story.

Thank you to Netgalley, Nadine Macaluso and Greenleaf Audiobooks for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Really liked this book, I learned a lot reading it. I think it's a very good book to understand how humans and traumas works. I also think there is a lot of good information to prevent a situation. The book is well written the only think I didn't like is how the audio book is made but she even said at the beginning that she was not a professional narrator so it's ok.

It's interesting to listen to the book especially when you have been through a relationship that is toxic. I wish that there as a book back in the day that put it into layman's terms, which is exactly what Nadine did.

Thank you #NetGalley for the advance listen

Run Like Hell drew me in immediately peaked my interest with the tagline “A Therapist's Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds” and my interest peaked when I realized the authors live was also portrayed in the movie The Wolf of Wall Street.

The book is well organized by three sections (dangerously in love, trauma bond free, and the wisdom of the wound) and Nadine did a great job of using real life examples from clients / women she’s met, in addition to her own history, to articulate what abusive relationships with pathological people are, what they look like/feel, how and why they start, etc. As someone that was in a domestic violence relationship, her words and the stories really resonated with me, and were helpful to hear.

I’ve read a lot about trauma, sociopaths, narcissists, the dark triad, abusive relationships and I’ve also been through a few therapists, so from this perspective, I didn’t love all of the terms Nadine used. But of course consequently, some of the terms she used and way she spoke and explained trauma bonds, and domestic violence was absolutely fantastic and made me feel so grateful for how she explained and articulated my own experience.

I think the book could be helpful for so many people (women especially) - both those still in their trauma bond / abusive relationship, and those that have already left. And it’s written in an easy to understand way that I think even those new to counselling/ therapy could understand and appreciate.

Overall, I would say it’s an inspirational book and has a positive message filled with hope for a better life and future.

The audiobook itself was read by the author and I thought she did a good job, but just want to warn other audiobook readers that its not as polished and “perfect” as some audiobooks, but it felt authentic and I love that she read it.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to Greenleaf Audiobooks, Greenleaf Book Group Press, Nadine Macaluso and NetGalley for the audio arc to listen. All thoughts are mine.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of Run Like Hell by Nadine Macaluso in exchange for an honest review. This is not a book you can just speed read through. If you are reading this for personal reasons, you want to take your time and go at your own pace. I've already recommended this book to a friend in an abusive relationship and hopefully it'll help. This is a tough subject to talk about and unfortunately there are not enough resources or laws to help and protect those in abusive relationships.

Drawing on her painful experiences from an abusive marriage to a narcissistic partner, “Run Like Hell” author Nadine Macaluso transforms her past into a powerful message for victims of abuse. As a psychotherapist specializing in breaking trauma bonds, she offers hope and practical advice. This insightful book is crucial for understanding and healing from trauma-bonded relationships, challenging victim-blaming, and combining research with real-life examples. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking empowerment and clarity.

A huge thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this advance audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Nadine Macaluso’s self-help book, Run Like Hell, addresses the unique challenges faced by women trapped in romantic trauma bond relationships. The book is thoughtfully organized, delineating the various stages of abusive relationships while illustrating how pathological partners employ expert manipulation tactics. In the second half, Macaluso offers practical advice and strategies for escaping such relationships, healing from the trauma, and avoiding similar situations in the future. Additional resources, including worksheets and tests, are available on her website to provide further support. Narrated by the author herself, the book's well-structured narrative is easy to follow and engaging. Run Like Hell is a must-read or listen for every woman.

I really enjoyed this book. I've read a lot of psychology books on different stuff and this is the first one that offers some healing and recovery techniques. She breaks everything down into categories, including the different cycles a person goes through. I appreciate this author so much for taking the time to write this book. It's written so well and would help anyone. Even if not going through this, it's still good to be educated. This should be a mandatory read for all high school and college kids.

Even better, I love that the author took the time to narrate the audiobook. It's wonderful! I couldn't get enough and it never got boring at all. Very concise with many examples and explanations.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher

This is a very important and accessible introduction to some of the obvious and more subtle dangers of abusive relationships. The author is clearly knowledgeable about complex psychological processes, but she keeps the language and concepts easy to understand and offers non-judgemental and realistic advise for safely navigating the way out.

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC of the audiobook of this book.

Firstly this book is written by the ex-wife of the man who was the wolf of Wall Street (most people know about him from the film with Leonardo DiCaprio) & who is a trained therapist of toxic & Narcissistic relationships

I was. Surprised when I heard her say this but also happy to know that we were going to hear her story from her since she also Narrates the Audiobook (yes there are inconsistencies with her narrating - but also remember she is not a trained Voice actor or narrator but she wanted to add more volume and importance to her book by doing it herself).

What we learn in this book is about trauma bonding but we are first given 3 examples of ladies who are going through this exact thing so you can see through their stories more of events that have happened (then she explains, guides and this way shows u the meaning more clearly then just explaining the different stages and types of trauma bonding and Narcissists/ toxic people). She gives all this to you in an easily digestible way that's not too heavy or overbearing but a comforting way (this had me feel at ease and enjoy the book - because I was in an abusive relationship where I suffered emotional and mental abuse, but over time I have born educating myself to help free me from the bonds that tied me).

We also hear her talk about her own story and how she went from victim to survivor and thriving in who she is now, I found to be a very powerful story to be told.

I found this book good and helpful and I will be buying a physical copy of this book

This assists in the healing from someone you thought you had a great relationship that opens the curtains in order to see who you are bonded too and the person using you. Truly I had no idea how trauma bonded I was by all the people around me. I thought I was “healing” from one narcissist. However, my life was constantly navigating trauma bond ninjas. This book has all the tools to navigate the love bombers and green monsters. Very well written. Truly, this is ocular proof that trauma bonds can be broken. The author herself, is living testimony to her own successful healing journey. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher.