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Manhunt

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Sometimes you have to forget it all to remember what really matters.

Michael Brennan's life and career come to an abrupt halt when he receives a phone call telling him the love of his life, Nikki Wright, is in the hospital after another attack by her ex-boyfriend Sebastian Cross. Rushing back to Hershey, PA, Michael turns up at Nikki's hospital bedside covered in Sebastian's blood and tells her they have to leave immediately.

Though her injuries have induced amnesia, Nikki inherently feels she can trust this man with her life. Soon, they find themselves on the run from both their own troubled pasts and authorities hunting for Sebastian's killer. With each new day and each touch drawing her further into Michael's embrace, Nikki remembers more about this fugitive she once loved, and who still loves her enough to risk everything to protect her and keep her safe. But can she love a man who just might be a murderer?

190 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

6 people are currently reading
847 people want to read

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Lillie Spencer

1 book41 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Aestas Book Blog.
1,059 reviews75k followers
June 12, 2012
2.5 stars

“I will always protect and defend you, Nikki. Always.”

The premise of this book intrigued me and I was asked by the author to provide an honest review.

Nikki is brought into the hospital after being badly beaten by her current abusive boyfriend. Her ex-boyfriend, Michael, who is still and always has been madly in love with her rushes to see her but arrives covered in blood. He asks her to leave with him in a hurry and although Nikki is suffering from amnesia and doesn’t remember Michael, she instinctively trusts him and they end up on the run from authorities once her ex is found dead. The first half of the book is them on the run, the second half is the court case after they turn themselves in.

Maybe its that romantic suspense just isn’t my fav genre, but overall this book didn’t really do it for me. I was actually totally sucked in by the first chapter but after that, the book went through several slow spots for me.

I didn’t dislike it, but I wasn’t captivated by it either. I found the writing a little stilted and the ending was predictable and there were a few inconsistencies with the story line. But overall, it wasn't bad, I just don't think it just wasn't for me. I can see how a different reader would like it.

I felt like most, if not all, of the issues that happened in the book could have been easily avoided by a little more communication between Nikki and Michael. I found myself often frustrated with both of their actions and wishing they were more open with each other.

I really did like one of the side characters, Christian, though. He is totally my kind of badboy book hero. His devotion to his friends and to his wife was really swoony. I’d really be interested in reading his book!
Profile Image for Kelly.
712 reviews60 followers
July 30, 2012
First, I had to read this because of the subject matter. Got to tell you about my family first. My hubby was in an accident some time ago. He still doesn't remember the accident or 5 miles before it. I love how the brain protects the body from pain physical and stressful. I am a labor and delivery nurse and have been to court for domestic violence issues. My brother was a great domestic violence deputy until his son was killed by a gang from one punch that broke open an artery.And just got a call from my daughter recently to tell me that her husband had been physically and verbally abusing her. We suspected by had no evidence So this story had so much for me to see and feel. Warning - Be prepared to read about domestic violence and all the dirt that goes with that!

I loved how her characters lived. All led or saw tortured lives. Some coped well others different. Ms. Spencer wrote their lives and all their coping mechanisms good and bad.

I loved Michael and Nikki's story. He would do anything for her and did. Well just about everyone did do everything for her. You know that something bad happened with a jerk of a guy who was there when Michael wasn't. You don''t know the whole story at first. The story slowly evolves as Michael kidnaps Nikki from the hospital and they go off somewhere she doesn't even know. To make matters worse, Nikki doesn't know who she is or who this guy is that just kidnapped her, whom she has known all her life.

Nothing ever goes well for them on this journey. They are running from the FBI because of this kidnapping and something else. Because Nikki slowly remembers things but not the violence that caused her to forget everything.

When the law catches up to them, Michael is ready to go to jail to protect her from her memories. I loved how Ms. Spencer portrayed the system as not all bad. Too many stories out there of how the system fails everyone.

What got me the most is that I didn't see the ending coming. I didn't realize the full extent of Michael's love for Nikki until then. I cried! I loved it!
Profile Image for Lori.
641 reviews59 followers
June 14, 2012
I love a good romantic suspense novel... and this was definitely a good romantic suspense novel. A lot of times I get so lost in a book that I finish it before I realized what really happened, especially when there is a lot of drama and running going on... but with Manhunt, I found myself having to step back a few times and think about what was happening... I didn't get lost in the story, the story grabbed so much of my attention that I found myself constantly questioning what just happened and how in the world are they going to fix it... there is no doubt that Lillie did an amazing job of keeping me on my toes with the constant twists and turns... I bet I had 3 different theories in my mind before the truth came crashing down and to say I was stunned is a bit of an understatement.

Awesome Job Lillie!!!

Full Review to come..
http://lorisbookblog.blogspot.com/201...
2 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2012
Manhunt by Lillie Spencer is incredibly exciting filled with suspense and romance! I was immediately drawn to the main characters, Michael and Nikki, and their love for each other. The story was filled with intensity exposing their complicated past of abuse, love, friendship, and worthiness. Nikki was abused due to a unfavorable relationship with her past relationship with murdered victim, Sebastian. She suffered Amnesia and Michael brings her memory back during an escape to reality. The love scenes are incredibly passionate and very well written. The plot was suspenseful and it was hard for me to stop reading this book. "What happens next?" is the question that comes to mind in each chapter. It has an unexpected ending. If you are Romance readers, this is a book for you. Manhunt creates vivid scenes and I loved it! 5 stars!
1 review1 follower
May 23, 2012
Lillie takes us on an exciting adventure where we get to learn about our hero and heroine in bits and pieces along the way. Romance, suspense, drama, and a good old who-dunnit all wrapped into a nice package. A definite must read.
1 review9 followers
April 27, 2012
I read a pre-release copy of this book and it's smashing! Lillie has a way of making it so that the story plays like a movie rather than reading text. LOVE it.
Profile Image for Barb Lie.
2,085 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2012
Manhunt by Lillie Spencer is her first novel, which is romance suspense. It is a story of Nikki, who wakes up in the hospital badly beaten by her abusive boyfriend, and has no memory of how she got there. The story also belongs to Michael, her ex-boyfriend, but who is still very much in love with Nikki. and is still her best friend, as he rushes to her aid. It is Michael, who left his job as a doctor in the hospital, when he gets the call about Nikki, to rush to her aid. But Michael makes detour to find Sebastian, the one who beat up Nikki.

The next time we see Michael he rushes into Nikki’s room, having been told she has amnesia and doesn’t know anyone. Michael lifts her off the bed, disconnects the cords, and though Nikki fights him not knowing who he is, he calms her and tells her to trust him. For whatever reason, that even Nikki doesn’t know, she allows him to take her away.

From that point on, they are on the run. Sebastian is found dead. There is a manhunt on for Michael, who is suspected of killing Sebastian, and kidnapping Nikki. Though the intense manhunt is on, we are treated to a very nice romance between formers lover Nikki and Michael. It is Michael who refuses to tell Nikki anything of the past, as he wants her to gradually remember on her own.

Lillie Spencer does a good job showing how much Michael loves and has always loved Nikki. How Michael broke Nikki’s heart, when he went away to school to become a doctor. Unfortunately for Nikki, she became involved with childhood friend Sebastian, who was a mean and jealous abuser. But the first half of the book, is both of them on the run from the law, and Nikki slowly beginning to remember things from her childhood, and remembering how she felt about Michael. Their romance was nice to see, and the love they felt for one another was beautifully done, even though the memories bring back for both of them the past relationship with Sebastian, their own flawed family, the friendship between Michael, Nikki, Jeremy, Christian and Sophia. All these returning memories opens the door for Michael and Nikki to love each other passionately. Their love scenes were well written by Spencer, showing the passion, love, and pure sexual intensity.

The second half of the book was when they decided to return home and give themselves up. Michael is arrested for murder, and a trial will decide their fate.

Lillie Spencer has created an excellent romance filled with suspense, intense moments, a exciting ending, and some wonderful characters. Michael and Nikki belonged together. Christian was an awesome friend to both, as was his wife Sophia ( I loved Christian the best). Jeremy was also a good adopted brother, and friend. It is this family spirit, and the love of all to stand together that makes this a good story. I thought some scenes in the first half could have been cut, moving it along a bit better, but overall this was an excellent first novel for Lillie Spencer.

Barb
The Reading Cafe
Profile Image for Emily Elizabeth.
483 reviews785 followers
June 15, 2012
As seen on Ed and Em's Reviews!

3.5/5 Stars

Manhunt is Lille Spencer's debut novel and for a debut, it's pretty dang good, if I do say so myself.

The author approached me to do a review and I was immediately intrigued. When I went to check it out on its Goodreads page, I didn't like the cover, but the synopsis? Dang, it sounded like it would be a lot of fun to read. And it really was. When a book can suck me in just from the blurb alone, it usually is a book that I won't soon forget. While the wasn't the "best book ever," if Ms. Spencer keeps writing up her writing, I'm sure she could prove herself as a best-selling romance author.

Ms. Spencer adds just the right amount of crime, suspense and mystery to make this is a thrilling read. This is a great novel to hold your interest, but be forewarned, the basis of this book is definitely erotic romance. Ms. Spencer writes in stride though. It's by no means a "porn-without-a-plot" or a PWP. The story would've been just as wonderful without the sexual content - that was just for fun. Insert winky face here.

I loved the characters. They all had a special place in my heart and I was so happy to see them get their happily ever afters. While Michael Brennan and Nikki Wright were great, my favorite character would have to be their best friend, Christian. He was a great character and everything you'd want in a friend: loyal, supportive and genuine. All of the minor characters were supportive of Michael and Nikki. The best friends, the parents and even Michael's brother. It was nice that there were so many people in these two characters lives to help them through this difficult period of their lives. I don't believe they would've made it without these people they consider family.

The major twist was pretty predictable and the timeline was sketchy, but those were really my only issues with the book. It was a fast read, one that kept me up all night and I'm not complaining! I really enjoyed the story that Ms. Spencer wove together. The ending is sticky and sweet. I love the fast-forward of epilogues, so that was a total bonus. I really enjoyed the insight.

I'm very happy to have been given the chance to read this book. I recommend to fan of romantic suspense. It's a fun, on-edge read that will capture your interest from the very being and keep you in its grasp until the very end.
Profile Image for Laura Chapman.
Author 26 books134 followers
September 11, 2012
What if you woke up in a hospital bed wondering how you got there or why a strange man wants you to leave with him?

In Lillie Spencer's debut romantic suspense, Manhunt, Nikki Wright finds herself in that situation when Michael Brennan shows up at her bedside determined to get her out of the hospital as soon as possible. Unknown to her, Michael is her childhood friend turned boyfriend turned ex, but she inexplicably trusts him enough to go on the run with him.

Nikki soon learns she was hospitalized after being abused by Sebastian, another ex-boyfriend, who was found dead in her home. All signs point to Michael as the murderer, but still Nikki finds herself drawn to him, wanting to believe his intentions were good.

She slowly relearns her life and the circumstances that led to her present while they try to evade the police. At the same time, Michael and Nikki rekindle their romantic feelings toward each other while wondering if happily ever after is even in the cards for them.

One fact is for sure, nothing is what it seems by first appearances.

Manhunt starts fast and keeps moving at top speed until slowing toward the end, which was a good thing. I found myself so captivated in the story, I could not put it down and finished it in one sitting.

Though the main characters have a lot of history, the amnesia element ensured that those aspects were not revealed too quickly, which added to the suspense.

The characters were easy and enjoyable to follow. Michael was definitely crushable, and Nikki's plight had me captivated from the beginning. Their best friends and family members added to the intrigue, and I especially liked their friend Christian.

My only complaint as far as characters went was that there were a few good ones who we did not meet until late in the book. I would have preferred to see them introduced a little sooner so we could have bonded better, but it did not ruin the read by any means.

A solid read and an even more excellent debut, Manhunt is a great find for readers who enjoy their romance laced with mystery and intrigue.

As a side note, our heroine Lillie and I both share a love for baking, which means you can look for a Manhunt-inspired Reading in the Kitchen post soon.

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Originally posted at www.change-the-word.blogspot.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Megan.
354 reviews47 followers
June 6, 2012
Michael and Nikki have been best friends since childhood and became each other’s first love. After some tragic events Michael walks away from her and she finds comfort in Sebastian whose eventual jealous causes him to abuse Nikki.

The book begins with Michael getting off work and finding out that Nikki has been abused by Sebastian and he goes tearing off to seek retribution. The next time we see him he is coming into the hospital and takes Nikki from her bed (she is awake and agrees to go) and goes on a road trip with her. Hence the title Manhunt. The first chapter really grabbed my attention as we follow Michael but it was only a few pages. After that it seemed the next 50 pages or so were kind of slow. I felt there were a lot of things mentioned that were unnecessary. For example, I did not feel like I had to go with the characters into a store and be there when they walked up and down the aisles shopping, not talking, and getting the details of all that they bought.

The rest of the first half of the book is a little slow to me as well. Nikki has amnesia and she and Michael talk a lot about the past or dreams that she has. I did like how when she had some dreams or flashbacks that they were written as if they were happening so we got to experience them first hand with Nikki instead of learning about them later.

I liked the characters overall. I did feel that Michael was almost too good to be true except for his temper. His dedication to Nikki seemed to know no bounds while she was a little stand offish at first. Of course that could come from the whole amnesia thing. Although once they overcame that and her memory started to come back I think that they were much better suited.

Overall I think it was a nice story. I did find myself more curious about the secondary characters as the story went on. I will be looking to see if Christian and Sophia have a story because he seemed like a very intriguing character and I would really enjoy reading about him more.
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,476 reviews178 followers
December 2, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Would you put the future of your career – and quite possibly your life – on the line for someone you love? Michael Brennan would, but only for his childhood friend and ex-girlfriend, Nikki Wright. He’d even go so far as to kidnap her from the hospital and take her on the run in order to keep her safe. But the trouble is… she doesn’t know who he is.

Michael Brennan is an intense and driven man. But on the inside, he’s loving, caring, and would do anything for Nikki, no matter what the cost. His devotion to her is pure and I really enjoyed the idea that he did all of this for her, without the promise of anything in the end. No one knows if she’ll ever get any or all of her memory back, so he does this all out of the love he has for her. Sure, he hopes she’ll remember him and all the good times they’d had, but there isn’t any certainty that she will.

Nikki Wright is by far the most interesting character in this novel, simply because she has no idea who she is – or was. In getting her memory back, piece by piece, she rediscovers who she was and readjusts her ideas of who she wants to be. I really enjoyed the fact that she was so realistic in her response to Michael as well. She went from complacent, to angry, to understanding as her comprehension of the situation became clearer. Too often the heroine in this sort of predicament is either completely for or against her kidnapper, but Nikki had a nice run of emotions, making her more authentic to me.

I’m a bit conflicted about this book. While I really liked the characters and enjoyed watching Michael help Nikki regain her memories, the whole reason they took flight doesn’t make a whole lot of sense – at least to me – in the grand scheme of things. The re-ignition of their love story, however, fully makes up for any oddness I felt. Manhunt is a sweet and exciting story of two lovers rediscovering their pasts and working towards a better future for them both.
Profile Image for Toni.
Author 4 books22 followers
March 21, 2013
I absolutely loved this story!

What would you do if you couldn't remember anyone around you? The only thing you're sure of is that you're hurt, you're in a hospital, and your heart is telling you to follow and listen to the guy that is telling you that you need to go with him right now?

Well, Nikki listened to her gut and went with that guy, who is Michael her unknowing protector and best friend from the time she was just a little girl. But the more she starts to remember, the more she realizes that maybe she shouldn't be trusting Michael the way she has been.

I hated Nikki at the beginning of this story. I hate hearing about abuse and even more so I hate hearing about girls who go BACK willingly into an abusive relationship... and that is exactly what Nikki did. I mean, she did smart up and get a restraining order after she was mentally and physically abused one too many times but it was still hard to like her because of how long it took her to smarten up.

Christian, Jeremy, and Sophie were great supporting characters. They allowed us to see into the relationship Michael and Nikki had in the past and in the present.

Michael is definitely in the ranks of the top ten book boyfriends! He is protective, possessive, loving, and selfless.

"It beats for you. Everything I have ever done, i have done for you. I have made mistakes. Many terrible, terrible mistakes. But I can't live without you for one more day. I'm sorry I can't answer your questions, but please, trust in me. Trust in my love for you."

When Michael says this to Nikki in the beginning of the novel you start to wonder what he's keeping from her (and she starts to wonder that as well) but in the end you'll understand what he's done and why he's done it.
Profile Image for Janna Bartolina .
41 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2012
I am a big fan of suspense books, throw in a love story with some very well written steamy scenes and a hunky hero, I am in-love!
Manhunt captivated my attention from the first paragraph, and held it until the very end. I loved how the author explained the story in beautifully written bits and pieces through flashbacks. Each flashback, the author brought you back making you feel as if you were in the moment. Her writing is uniquely descriptive which I really enjoyed. You never really know the tragic back-story between Michael and Nikki until later on, which keeps you on your toes.

The lengths that Michael goes through and the self-sacrifices he makes were courageous and noble, making him a character impossible not to fall in love with. All he wanted was to make sure that Nikki is safe. Nikki was a strong character, despite what she had been through. She was able to trust her instincts with Michael not knowing anything about her past. My heart truly felt sorry for all the she endured.

I really liked the side characters, Christian and Sophie. They were such an important part of the story, proving the strengths of friendships. I would definitely read more about these characters in another book.

This is such a great intense story, not to mention the suspense and twist and turns you experience along the way
Profile Image for Nathan Wilson.
Author 5 books24 followers
July 21, 2012
Without giving too much away, the plot revolves around Michael and Nikki, the latter of whom suffers from amnesia after a brutal attack by her ex-boyfriend.
Manhunt truly is a harrowing journey about two close friends trying to salvage the pieces of their lives into a semblance of normalcy.
It's enchanting to watch Nikki's relationship unfold with Michael as she regains bits of her memory. Having dealt with the subject of amnesia in my own novel, it's fascinating to see another author's perspective on it. It felt like I was gaining a better depth of understanding along with Nikki, and it proved to be a very enticing narrative device.
I also enjoyed the tone of the novel as Nikki and Michael shared their thoughts with the reader. It felt very raw and believable, especially when exploring Nikki's inner struggles.
Often times I find myself so inspired by Lillie's descriptive writing that I feel the need to write in my own novel, which is probably the best compliment I can bestow an author. I honestly had no idea how Manhunt would end as I flipped from one page to the next.
I look forward to reading more of Lillie's work!
Profile Image for CaroleAnn.
2 reviews
June 13, 2012
Manhunt is yet another great story I have read.I loved Christan and his nicknames. But there is also his wife Sophie. I love her, I'm not sure why but I just do. I think Micheal-even though the Romeo of Manhunt-is a bit of a jerk. I like him and all but he is secretive at times and does not answer questions when Niki-the victim and heroine-asks. I love Niki. She is a lot like me. A chocolate-loveing fun girl. Then there is Wes. When I first read about his character I couldn't help but think about the TV shows Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Lol. Finaly there Is Sebastion. The abusive ex of Nikis. Hated him. Loved Jeremy btw. Over all I loved this book and hope there is a sequel or prequel or something. 5 stars all the way!!
Profile Image for M.A Grace.
Author 5 books70 followers
July 6, 2012
Writing a Romance Suspense Drama is hard. You have to make sure you have enough action to keep things going, enough steam to heat up the romance, and enough twist and turns to make sure the web is constantly being woven. Then on top of that you have to add details to make the people feel real. To make the situations feel like you yourself would do the same thing.

Lillie does a marvelous job at making all of the above come true. There are some 'slower' parts like the description of grocery shopping but they need to be there. It needs to be there to help add the tension and awkwardness between the two and their shopping choices give you insight into the people they are. Every detail is important.

A page turner that you don't want to miss!
Profile Image for Pamela .
1,438 reviews77 followers
September 8, 2012
Started off great, but took a quick nose dive and never made it back up for air. A story that's been done many times over, with an ending that was predictable right from the start.

I can't remember thinking this about any other novel; however, this one just oozed of sticky sweetness, goody-goody hugs and kisses; overkill of lovey-dovey feelings not just between Nikki and Michael, but also between their best friends. Too much for this reader.
Profile Image for pianogirl05.
81 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2013
From the very first page the author pulled me in and wouldn't let go. Michael is a truly amazing character. He is one of those people you want to have on your side because he will always stick by you. The suspense in this book definitely keeps you turning the page. The author does a brilliant job in describing things whether it be the action, sex scenes, or drama in a tasteful, but alluring manner. This has definitely earned a place on my favorites shelf so I can read it again in the future.
Profile Image for Angel **Book Junkie** .
1,871 reviews9 followers
June 19, 2013
4.5 stars
OMG!

I felt like getting up and doing this at the end of this book. I love love love Michael and he was the knight in shining armor but, besides that I think the friendships built in this book were what made me love the book. I loved the idea of the book and everything about it.
Profile Image for Bklover08-Valerie.
99 reviews3 followers
June 6, 2012
I liked the way the story pulled me in and lead right off into an adventure of the weird kind! Getting to know Michael and Nikki while trying to figure out how the bits of the story would come together made it a page turner for me. I enjoyed the supporting characters and how they played into the story as well. I am looking forward to more from Ms Spencer!
Profile Image for Keri Huffam.
6 reviews
November 24, 2012
I won this book ( So thank you again to the author) This book was very interesting and definitely a page turner. I am not sure if it was just me but I did catch on rather quickly to what the ending was going to be but I still enjoyed reading it anyway..... I liked the way the author wrote and really felt like I knew the characters. Good job!!!
Profile Image for Loveeac.
302 reviews
June 4, 2012


Great story, wonderful characters. Loved the pacing and the fact that not everything was clear as glass, so to speak. Every girl should be so lucky as to have their own Michael and Christian
Profile Image for Lady E.
479 reviews
September 21, 2012
Unexpected surprise, the book synopsis doesn't give an accurate view of how good this book actually is. What would you sacrifice for love?
Profile Image for Jayme.
29 reviews14 followers
Want to read
October 12, 2012
Sounds amazing, cant wait to read it
Profile Image for Lindsay.
2,234 reviews512 followers
kindle-i-own-to-read
February 13, 2013
Amazon freebie 2/13/13
Profile Image for Dena.
1,232 reviews13 followers
March 12, 2013
Overall it was a good reading book. I knew the ending before it happened, but overall good reading. The characters were detailed and the overall sotry was layed out well.
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