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Escaping Liam
When Gabriella Porter runs away from an abusive marriage, her husband Liam hires a ruthless mercenary to find her.
Hale Sloan, a strikingly handsome man with a dangerous past is coming for Gabriella, and when he finds her, life will never be the same for either of them.
Will Hale use his deadly skills to protect the one he's supposed to capture?
Hale Sloan, a strikingly handsome man with a dangerous past is coming for Gabriella, and when he finds her, life will never be the same for either of them.
Will Hale use his deadly skills to protect the one he's supposed to capture?
- GenresAbuseRomanceDark Romance
Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2021
102 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Swan
14 books292 followersAlso writes under Scarlett Swan.
H.L. Swan is the 2020 People’s Choice Awards winner and Amazon bestselling author of New Adult romance books.
She resides in sunny Georgia with her handsome husband and huggable pup, Maverick. In her free time she loves to travel to state parks.
Stay connected with her on socials!
Instagram: @h.l.swan
Tiktok: @hlswan
https://linktr.ee/Hlswan
H.L. Swan is the 2020 People’s Choice Awards winner and Amazon bestselling author of New Adult romance books.
She resides in sunny Georgia with her handsome husband and huggable pup, Maverick. In her free time she loves to travel to state parks.
Stay connected with her on socials!
Instagram: @h.l.swan
Tiktok: @hlswan
https://linktr.ee/Hlswan
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 3, 2023
Loveeed it
"Because you’re the one who I want to grow old with, right here by the ocean that never sleeps.”
This was freaking amazing, honestly it had me hooked from the beginning. Hale Sloan can come find me any day lol he has that protective streak in him that had me swooning and a lip ring. Enough about him, the whole book was fantastic and I loved it.
"Because you’re the one who I want to grow old with, right here by the ocean that never sleeps.”
This was freaking amazing, honestly it had me hooked from the beginning. Hale Sloan can come find me any day lol he has that protective streak in him that had me swooning and a lip ring. Enough about him, the whole book was fantastic and I loved it.
November 10, 2022
Gabriella is married to small dick Liam, a controlling, abusive, rich man with the police in his back pocket. After years of abuse, Gabriella executes her plan to leave him. When Liam returns from his business trip and notices his Gabby gone, he hires Hale Sloan, a mercenary, to hunt her down and bring her back- all for 5 million dollars, at first. Eventually Liam increases the bounty to 10 million.
This book was 1/2 run away from small dick Liam and hide from whoever he hires, and 1/2 finding out how to live again, with the man that was initially supposed to complete the job.
We’re taken to a beautiful coastal city, a magnificent beach home, and a artistic little country in the middle of the ocean. The scenery was a beautiful background to the healing that Gabs had to go through.
But Liam has healing he has to do too, if he’ll ever open up to his Gabs.
Two broken characters, that should be enemies, help each other grow, love, and live. I enjoyed this very much, lost some sleep because I read it all in one sitting.
4.5 Stars
This book was 1/2 run away from small dick Liam and hide from whoever he hires, and 1/2 finding out how to live again, with the man that was initially supposed to complete the job.
We’re taken to a beautiful coastal city, a magnificent beach home, and a artistic little country in the middle of the ocean. The scenery was a beautiful background to the healing that Gabs had to go through.
But Liam has healing he has to do too, if he’ll ever open up to his Gabs.
Two broken characters, that should be enemies, help each other grow, love, and live. I enjoyed this very much, lost some sleep because I read it all in one sitting.
4.5 Stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2022
Simply an amazing book!! Definitely recommend this book !!
March 22, 2022
This was such a good book! I love everything H.L.Swan writes but this was top tier! I connected with the characters so quickly and I fell in Love with Hale! Kudos to H.L.Swan for creating beautiful worlds that we can escape into!
March 22, 2022
Thank you, H.L. Swan for writing another incredible story! 🖤
Gabriella's life has been nothing but pure agony since she married her husband Liam Prater. He broke her until there wasn't much left to be broken. In an attempt at a normal life without pain and suffering, she escapes. Liam being a possessive monster wasn't going to let his wife leave him, he went and hired a ruthless mercenary to bring his wife back to him. That's where the handsome fearless Hale Solan comes in, he will stop at nothing to hunt his prey. This man stole my heart from the first chapter! Hale has a strong personality, yet is so gentle to the woman in his life. Something he never expected to happen. I loved seeing Gabriella grow as an individual and living the life she always wanted.
Although there are topics that may be triggering to some people, this book is truly amazing and shines a light on the realness of physical and mental abuse and how it can affect someone.
I truly recommend you read this book! 🖤
Gabriella's life has been nothing but pure agony since she married her husband Liam Prater. He broke her until there wasn't much left to be broken. In an attempt at a normal life without pain and suffering, she escapes. Liam being a possessive monster wasn't going to let his wife leave him, he went and hired a ruthless mercenary to bring his wife back to him. That's where the handsome fearless Hale Solan comes in, he will stop at nothing to hunt his prey. This man stole my heart from the first chapter! Hale has a strong personality, yet is so gentle to the woman in his life. Something he never expected to happen. I loved seeing Gabriella grow as an individual and living the life she always wanted.
Although there are topics that may be triggering to some people, this book is truly amazing and shines a light on the realness of physical and mental abuse and how it can affect someone.
I truly recommend you read this book! 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this book for the most part! Hale and Gabriella's relationship is so sweet and I loved seeing her blossom when she finally got away from her husband. They take a trip together where she can really start healing and those were absolutely beautiful scenes. The ending/conflict was definitely way too dramatic and Wattpad-esque for me and just ridiculous but other than that, a great read!
March 22, 2022
another amazing book by H.L SWAN, I was lucky enough to get to ARC read and devour this book.
and already I know this is going be be one of my fav books. hale reminds me very much of Aiden in the aspect that he thinks he's "bad" and beyond redemption but is fiercely loyal, protective and gives his heart and soul in the way every woman secretly wishes for. this book has many twists and turns ( especially in the last few chapters) that pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat.
would 100% reccomend everyone reads this, you won't be disappointed.
and already I know this is going be be one of my fav books. hale reminds me very much of Aiden in the aspect that he thinks he's "bad" and beyond redemption but is fiercely loyal, protective and gives his heart and soul in the way every woman secretly wishes for. this book has many twists and turns ( especially in the last few chapters) that pull you in and keep you on the edge of your seat.
would 100% reccomend everyone reads this, you won't be disappointed.
February 10, 2023
'Girl on the run' stories are usually a safe bet for me. The usually are entertaining and have romance. The heroines in these stories are also usually clever and strong. However...This story was fine, but without Hale just being his millionaire, pilot, Curacao safe house having self... Gabs would definitely not had made it. She didn't really have much of a plan for her escape and if it wasn't for Hale just falling for her within hours of meeting her, she would have been back with her husband. Hale's character was just too everything. There wasn't much of a struggle in this story.
Also... how did her out-of-work-chef friend and new cop husband afford a house on the beach in Miami??? Asking for a friend...
Also... how did her out-of-work-chef friend and new cop husband afford a house on the beach in Miami??? Asking for a friend...
March 29, 2022
Gabriella Prater is on the run, she has had ENOUGH. Her husband Liam abused her physically, and mentally making her believe she isn’t worth anything. She just wants to escape to try to start her life over.
Her husband Liam is a very powerful man and wants her back, no matter the cost. He hires Hale Sloan to find her because he is the best of the best. In no time he finds her. Only problem? Everything changes as soon as he finds her.
Will Hale bring her back to this terrible man or will he show her what it is to love and be loved in return?
I absolutely loved this story! With a rough and tough man like Hale, that becomes so loving and possessive that would do anything to protect “Gabs” from harm. The spice level is a 4/5. I highly recommend this book, especially to all women that have been abused to see that happy endings CAN happen and that you are not everything your abuser claims.
Warnings- this book contains some triggers- an abusive relationship, attempt at suicide
Her husband Liam is a very powerful man and wants her back, no matter the cost. He hires Hale Sloan to find her because he is the best of the best. In no time he finds her. Only problem? Everything changes as soon as he finds her.
Will Hale bring her back to this terrible man or will he show her what it is to love and be loved in return?
I absolutely loved this story! With a rough and tough man like Hale, that becomes so loving and possessive that would do anything to protect “Gabs” from harm. The spice level is a 4/5. I highly recommend this book, especially to all women that have been abused to see that happy endings CAN happen and that you are not everything your abuser claims.
Warnings- this book contains some triggers- an abusive relationship, attempt at suicide
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2022
ARC Review
I’m addicted to H.L. Swan’s work ever since I read Aiden on Wattpad. This queen got me out of my book slump and back into reading all those years ago so I have her to thank for that and for my love of smut 😉.
Escaping Liam is no different. I absolutely loved Hale and Gabriella’s story and how they crane together not under the best circumstances. Have I also mentioned I love the cameos that she puts in her books? Honestly I’m obsessed with all the different chapters she writes.
When Gabriella decides to leave her abusive husband and start a new life she never dreamed he would hire someone to come for her. Enter Hale, he’s basically a bounty hunter for the elite criminals hired by people willing to pay in the millions for their capture and return.
When Hale goes to get Gabriella, he doesn’t realize how difficult this job is going to be for him.
Definitely worth the read. I absolutely loved this one!
5/5⭐️
2/5🥵
I’m addicted to H.L. Swan’s work ever since I read Aiden on Wattpad. This queen got me out of my book slump and back into reading all those years ago so I have her to thank for that and for my love of smut 😉.
Escaping Liam is no different. I absolutely loved Hale and Gabriella’s story and how they crane together not under the best circumstances. Have I also mentioned I love the cameos that she puts in her books? Honestly I’m obsessed with all the different chapters she writes.
When Gabriella decides to leave her abusive husband and start a new life she never dreamed he would hire someone to come for her. Enter Hale, he’s basically a bounty hunter for the elite criminals hired by people willing to pay in the millions for their capture and return.
When Hale goes to get Gabriella, he doesn’t realize how difficult this job is going to be for him.
Definitely worth the read. I absolutely loved this one!
5/5⭐️
2/5🥵
March 24, 2022
In true HL fashion I was completely captivated from start to finish in the book. I originally started reading it on Kindle Villa when she started writing it, but when I found out she was publishing I got even more excited. I will always read an HL Swan book no matter what.
This book gave me major After vibes keeping its After Fanfic vibes.
I absolutely enjoyed Hale, the dark mysterious man who reminds me of a bounty hunter going softer for the girl who just wanted to get away from her abuser. This book had some sensitive subjects for some. This book takes you on a path of healing and hope for a second chance at love.
This book gave me major After vibes keeping its After Fanfic vibes.
I absolutely enjoyed Hale, the dark mysterious man who reminds me of a bounty hunter going softer for the girl who just wanted to get away from her abuser. This book had some sensitive subjects for some. This book takes you on a path of healing and hope for a second chance at love.
August 12, 2024
3.5 Stars
Was this a great book that I will rave about forever? No.
Was this a good book that I will recommend? Maybe.
This book was highly predictable - a woman was running away from her abusive husband, and then he hires an assassin to come after her and bring her back home. We all know how this story is going to end.
HOWEVER - it is a nice short book that has some decent spice, and a decent plot to it. If you are looking for something short, easy, and fun to read, this would definitely be the book for you.
Was this a great book that I will rave about forever? No.
Was this a good book that I will recommend? Maybe.
This book was highly predictable - a woman was running away from her abusive husband, and then he hires an assassin to come after her and bring her back home. We all know how this story is going to end.
HOWEVER - it is a nice short book that has some decent spice, and a decent plot to it. If you are looking for something short, easy, and fun to read, this would definitely be the book for you.
March 22, 2022
What a book!!!
Gabriella is getting away from her abusive husband. She has her escape planned out, and is able to get away with some help from a couple really nice flight attendants and makes it to her best friends Mason and Ava.
Hales job is to find people. He is hired by Liam Prater to find his wife "that stole from him and then left him."
Hale tracks Gabriella down, but the situation isnt how Liam told him. Hale and Gabriella have an instant attraction and Hale decides he wants to help her.
Can Hale keep Gabriella safe and have her for himself?
Oh my God, I LOVE this book!!!! Hale is freaking dreamy and I love how he always lifts Gabriella up. Gabriella grows so strong and more confident and i love her character.
This is an AMAZING book, HL Swan is now in my top favorite authors!
Gabriella is getting away from her abusive husband. She has her escape planned out, and is able to get away with some help from a couple really nice flight attendants and makes it to her best friends Mason and Ava.
Hales job is to find people. He is hired by Liam Prater to find his wife "that stole from him and then left him."
Hale tracks Gabriella down, but the situation isnt how Liam told him. Hale and Gabriella have an instant attraction and Hale decides he wants to help her.
Can Hale keep Gabriella safe and have her for himself?
Oh my God, I LOVE this book!!!! Hale is freaking dreamy and I love how he always lifts Gabriella up. Gabriella grows so strong and more confident and i love her character.
This is an AMAZING book, HL Swan is now in my top favorite authors!
April 5, 2022
“You… you’re here to take me away.”
“Tonight, I’m here to devour you.”
I’ll read everything and anything written by @hl and when she told me she wrote an after fan fiction story I was in Heaven! I love that even though there are similarities to After, it was its own story. Gabriella is in an abusive marriage and goes on the run and Hale, the British, tall, tattooed mercenary is out on the hunt. I loved the adventure, the emotion and intensity of the story. It’s spicy and again I loved all the references to After. Gabriella is a beautiful character too. She has been through so much and all she wants is to feel loved and safe. Does she find it? You’ve got to read to find out! 🖤💜
April 3, 2022
Another masterpiece!!
Another amazing book from H.L. Swan! Loved it so much! Definitely a must read! The way that H.L. wrote this was in such a beautiful way. You could feel the strong connections between the characters. It held your attention from the very first page! And the plot was captivating! Couldn't read it fast enough! I had know how it all ended. But omg that epilogue... Was so adorable! So happy it all turned out that way!
Another amazing book from H.L. Swan! Loved it so much! Definitely a must read! The way that H.L. wrote this was in such a beautiful way. You could feel the strong connections between the characters. It held your attention from the very first page! And the plot was captivating! Couldn't read it fast enough! I had know how it all ended. But omg that epilogue... Was so adorable! So happy it all turned out that way!
April 8, 2022
I loved it!! Hale was something else!! Gabriella had so much strength during this book! The epilogue was amazing and I cried!! I seriously loved it! Her writing just keeps getting better and better! Y’all go get this book and see for yourself how much you’ll love it!
March 22, 2022
LOVED this story! I was drawn in from the very first chapter & couldn’t read fast enough. Gabriella & Hale’s story is a bit unconventional & crazy, but their connection is intense & beautiful. Hale had me swooning with his tattoos, lip ring, and British accent 🔥There were a few parts that are a little difficult to read (TW- domestic abuse/assault), but it makes you root for these two even more. This is a standalone HEA. Although, I’d love to hear more for this couple! 😉
February 5, 2023
Awww
This book was the sweetest. Sadly not all parts were great. But you had to read the ugly to appreciate the beauty. Gabs became who she was always ment to be. Hale is everything a woman deserves. Must read!
This book was the sweetest. Sadly not all parts were great. But you had to read the ugly to appreciate the beauty. Gabs became who she was always ment to be. Hale is everything a woman deserves. Must read!
March 20, 2022
Another gem from H.L!
All the feels with this one
I felt the pain, the love, everything
Thank you for the ARC copy!
All the feels with this one
I felt the pain, the love, everything
Thank you for the ARC copy!
March 23, 2022
OMG, Gabs and Hale! 😍 Who doesn’t love a story with a man with tattoos, a lip ring, and tough facade who falls in love with a broken girl who tears down his walls and they fix each other’s broken hearts. So many twists and turns but what a happy ending! 😊
HL continues to write stories that suck me in and I can’t put the book down! 💙🖤
⚠️TW: domestic violence/assault
HL continues to write stories that suck me in and I can’t put the book down! 💙🖤
⚠️TW: domestic violence/assault
August 26, 2024
If you’re after a quick thrill and an expected storyline, then this is for you.
Not the best written book, quite jumpy and a lot of “intense” sexual scenes.
A good read either way
Not the best written book, quite jumpy and a lot of “intense” sexual scenes.
A good read either way
September 20, 2023
Oh Hale. Just another book boyfriend added to the pile 😂❤️❤️ loved this one!
August 6, 2024
THIS IS AN AFTER FANFIC R U KIDDING ME )$.&.&.&.$?.!!
anyways it was alright ,, it felt rushed and kinda all over the place but for some reason i couldnt put it down sigh…
anyways it was alright ,, it felt rushed and kinda all over the place but for some reason i couldnt put it down sigh…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2022
H.L Swan did it again! Another 5 star book! Gabriella is a 25 year old whose only mistake in life was trusting and marrying the wrong man! When Gabriella finally decided to leave Liam after years of abuse,Liam hires the best of the best to hunt her down. But soon after finding her, the mercenary realizes he has other plans for Gabs. Gabriella’s story is well written and H.L really knows how to write a man you can really hate but also a broken hero you can truly root for! H.L. always has a playlist to go with her books and the Escaping Liam playlist was perfection!
September 27, 2022
I freaking loved this book!!❤️❤️❤️ Hale and Gabriella are literally couple goals!! ❤️🥰 Hale literally was amazing to gabs and I’m so glad he protected her no matter what would happen!!! ❤️❤️❤️ And Gabriella had and showed so much strength in this book!!! Like this book was truly amazing to read and I literally cried!! If you haven’t read it definitely do so!! 🥰🥰🥰 I literally hope we get another book of Hale and Gabs,the baby and of her family and friends ❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2025
DNF
I got this book for free.
The blurb sounded promising, but the book was way too fast for this heavy-themed plot. The start of the book was full of grammatical errors that almost made me DNF, but I somehow continued.
Heroine escaped an abusive marriage and was on the run, but the second she saw her hitman, they fell for each other. Overall, it was just so far-fetched that I DNFed somewhere in the middle.
I got this book for free.
The blurb sounded promising, but the book was way too fast for this heavy-themed plot. The start of the book was full of grammatical errors that almost made me DNF, but I somehow continued.
Heroine escaped an abusive marriage and was on the run, but the second she saw her hitman, they fell for each other. Overall, it was just so far-fetched that I DNFed somewhere in the middle.
June 27, 2022
It's a Really Great book. Gabriella is trying to be her own hero and save herself. With a little help from Hale, he shows her she can live her life freely. And while she is gaining confidence and strength, she is also changing his life for the better. I didn't want to give any spoilers in my review. But I do recommend this book just like all the other books from this Author.
March 1, 2023
"Why are you being so nice to me?"
In love with Gabs and Hale forever. No question about it.
I love a man with walls made of armor and steel and a woman who breaks right through it.
He didn't just save her, she saved him.
Such a gorgeous story and I'm so happy I read it!! Absolutely loved it.
In love with Gabs and Hale forever. No question about it.
I love a man with walls made of armor and steel and a woman who breaks right through it.
He didn't just save her, she saved him.
Such a gorgeous story and I'm so happy I read it!! Absolutely loved it.
December 26, 2023
Was in a reading slump and this was the perfect read to get me back into it before the new year! The writing style was not as smooth as I’m used to, but smooth enough to keep me interested. My heart hurts for Gabriella, and the ending was hard to get through but I’m happy to see she made it out better than ever. Hale and Gabs forever 🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2024
An okay read
I’m not sure what to say about this book. Something was missing. I never felt a real connection between any of the characters. The whole relationship was too rushed in the beginning but overall it was a good story. I read Aiden and Emilia and really like those which is why I tried this one but I was kind of disappointed.
I’m not sure what to say about this book. Something was missing. I never felt a real connection between any of the characters. The whole relationship was too rushed in the beginning but overall it was a good story. I read Aiden and Emilia and really like those which is why I tried this one but I was kind of disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews