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Runaway
At seventeen years old, Courtney Apuzzo is fed up. With a dead mom and an alcoholic father that beats her every chance he gets, Courtney decides that enough is enough. Packing up only what she needs, Courtney leaves home without telling a soul and heads off to find her new life.
Life on her own is not exactly as she thought it would be. With nowhere to stay, Courtney finds herself sleeping on an old stoop in an abandoned apartment alleyway. A chance meeting with a new group of friends seems like a great beginning to her second chance at a real life. But everything is not as it seems.
Tricked into a life she never wanted and fears, Courtney needs to run away, again. She needs to find a way out of this new and dangerous life. With the help from a man she barely knows, will Courtney find her way out? Or will she find herself on the run from a dangerous past, and a hopeless future? Faced with a choice that will change her life forever.
Life on her own is not exactly as she thought it would be. With nowhere to stay, Courtney finds herself sleeping on an old stoop in an abandoned apartment alleyway. A chance meeting with a new group of friends seems like a great beginning to her second chance at a real life. But everything is not as it seems.
Tricked into a life she never wanted and fears, Courtney needs to run away, again. She needs to find a way out of this new and dangerous life. With the help from a man she barely knows, will Courtney find her way out? Or will she find herself on the run from a dangerous past, and a hopeless future? Faced with a choice that will change her life forever.
- GenresYoung Adult
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First published March 31, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 16, 2014
I am so grateful to be one of the lucky people to get to read this book first! I want to start out by saying that I LOVED LOVED LOVED it!
Courtney Apuzzo is a 17 year old girl with a heart of gold who has been beaten by her father since her mother's death. She finally gets fed up and runs away. She soon realizes that life can be very harsh and she is pulled into a very dangerous situation in order to survive.
This book is very intense! I could feel the emotion pouring out of the pages as I read it. Aubrey does a great job in pulling the reader in so it feels like we are in the story. I have never been so wrapped up in a book that made me cry this much in my entire life! One of my favorite things about Courtney was that no matter what happened to her, she never truly became jaded.
Runaway has so many different elements to it. I mentioned the intensity before but I feel I must say it again, it was heart dropping INTENSE! Be prepared! It also had action, heartbreaking sadness, humor, chaos, romance, and a twist that you won't see coming! The writing was very realistic and believable in what happens to runaway girls in this day and age.
I want to recommend this book to everyone no matter what genre you read. It will be worth it, but keep your Kleenex nearby because you will need it! Lastly, Aubrey ended the book very well, yet left it open enough that I'm hoping for a sequel.
Courtney Apuzzo is a 17 year old girl with a heart of gold who has been beaten by her father since her mother's death. She finally gets fed up and runs away. She soon realizes that life can be very harsh and she is pulled into a very dangerous situation in order to survive.
This book is very intense! I could feel the emotion pouring out of the pages as I read it. Aubrey does a great job in pulling the reader in so it feels like we are in the story. I have never been so wrapped up in a book that made me cry this much in my entire life! One of my favorite things about Courtney was that no matter what happened to her, she never truly became jaded.
Runaway has so many different elements to it. I mentioned the intensity before but I feel I must say it again, it was heart dropping INTENSE! Be prepared! It also had action, heartbreaking sadness, humor, chaos, romance, and a twist that you won't see coming! The writing was very realistic and believable in what happens to runaway girls in this day and age.
I want to recommend this book to everyone no matter what genre you read. It will be worth it, but keep your Kleenex nearby because you will need it! Lastly, Aubrey ended the book very well, yet left it open enough that I'm hoping for a sequel.
April 10, 2014
Offered the chance to read this book for a review (thanks Crazy Cajun Book Addicts) & I knew nothing of the author or what the story was about.
***Spoilers****
At first, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to read it. The story starts off the bat with Courtneys abuse. It ripped my heart in two. As the story progresses I had high hopes for her future, she's so naive but smart at the same time I hoped she'd have a better life.
Twist and turn she gets sucked down the wrong path but holds on. When she should be jaded and seasoned, she falls in love...with the bad dudes son. Another reason she's in this pit of despair is her new loves Dads business.
I got sucked in, a few parts my heart raced. The lovey dovey scenes were believable. I can remember cuddling with my dh like that.
She tells the story without being vulgar and gives hope.
In her situation she's not typical of what happens to girls in her situation, she doesn't do the drugs, she doesn't turn tricks and she's not jaded. It's a thought you don't get the happily ever after but she never gave up. Then she fell in love with the bad guys son...sounds cliche.
But somehow it worked out to make an enjoyable story without forcing the HEA. Granted the ended appeared out of nowhere. (ok, maybe I was too into it). But there was lots of story going on then it kind of stopped. Preparing for the next one maybe? :)
Few minor spelling errors, wrong words and grammar.
But for a shorter story just to read, it rocked out pretty good! Id read more sometime.
***Spoilers****
At first, I wasn't sure I was going to be able to read it. The story starts off the bat with Courtneys abuse. It ripped my heart in two. As the story progresses I had high hopes for her future, she's so naive but smart at the same time I hoped she'd have a better life.
Twist and turn she gets sucked down the wrong path but holds on. When she should be jaded and seasoned, she falls in love...with the bad dudes son. Another reason she's in this pit of despair is her new loves Dads business.
I got sucked in, a few parts my heart raced. The lovey dovey scenes were believable. I can remember cuddling with my dh like that.
She tells the story without being vulgar and gives hope.
In her situation she's not typical of what happens to girls in her situation, she doesn't do the drugs, she doesn't turn tricks and she's not jaded. It's a thought you don't get the happily ever after but she never gave up. Then she fell in love with the bad guys son...sounds cliche.
But somehow it worked out to make an enjoyable story without forcing the HEA. Granted the ended appeared out of nowhere. (ok, maybe I was too into it). But there was lots of story going on then it kind of stopped. Preparing for the next one maybe? :)
Few minor spelling errors, wrong words and grammar.
But for a shorter story just to read, it rocked out pretty good! Id read more sometime.
September 8, 2014
This was an excellent book. I started it yesterday, and when my book buddy Philomena rang me today I was telling her how I stayed up to beyond 3am reading this, saying to myself, "just one more chapter" which turned into several. Having had to go out today, I was able to finish reading this later tonight.
I don't want to give too much away, but this is a young girl whose Mother was abused who took her onw life, now the Father beats her up instead! She's used like some unpaid help and skivvy. Even the other kids at college look down on her.
One day, after an another horrific beating she decided to runaway.
The running away is none too easy though and she was brought back by the Police, but she did escape again but wiser in what and how to do it.
She makes a reliable source who helps her, he is always there lurking at the end of the telephone if she ever needs him and boy, are there several times when he has to rescue her.
The young children and what they were enticed into was heart rending, this is a story where the author Aubrey Kendall writes with such expertise. I was so routing for this girl for everything to be alright.
Really was a good read, and the author did it brilliantly.
I was given a copy of this book by Mark My Words Book Publicity Via Net galley.
I don't want to give too much away, but this is a young girl whose Mother was abused who took her onw life, now the Father beats her up instead! She's used like some unpaid help and skivvy. Even the other kids at college look down on her.
One day, after an another horrific beating she decided to runaway.
The running away is none too easy though and she was brought back by the Police, but she did escape again but wiser in what and how to do it.
She makes a reliable source who helps her, he is always there lurking at the end of the telephone if she ever needs him and boy, are there several times when he has to rescue her.
The young children and what they were enticed into was heart rending, this is a story where the author Aubrey Kendall writes with such expertise. I was so routing for this girl for everything to be alright.
Really was a good read, and the author did it brilliantly.
I was given a copy of this book by Mark My Words Book Publicity Via Net galley.
March 25, 2014
***I was gifted a copy of Runaway in return for an honest review.***
This book is one that will tear at your heart strings (and it maybe because one of the characters shares my name) or it could be what these young girls go through. First off let me start with Courtney. Courtney comes from a home that isn’t that great, and so she decides of course to run away. Courtney meets this guy who obviously really likes her and wants to help her, but he lives in the same area. So he helps her run to another part of town where she then becomes a homeless girl. She meets a few girls they all start to hang out and then she moves in with them. When she finds out what they do to have a roof over their heads she’s ready to walk, but she can’t leave Kylee. She sees Kylee like the sister she never had. Then something tragic happens and Courtney realizes she has been stuck in another situation she was trying to avoid. In this story you find out if running away from one situation is really the answer. I give this book 5 stars and I think you should pick it up and read it! It is definitely a good book!
This book is one that will tear at your heart strings (and it maybe because one of the characters shares my name) or it could be what these young girls go through. First off let me start with Courtney. Courtney comes from a home that isn’t that great, and so she decides of course to run away. Courtney meets this guy who obviously really likes her and wants to help her, but he lives in the same area. So he helps her run to another part of town where she then becomes a homeless girl. She meets a few girls they all start to hang out and then she moves in with them. When she finds out what they do to have a roof over their heads she’s ready to walk, but she can’t leave Kylee. She sees Kylee like the sister she never had. Then something tragic happens and Courtney realizes she has been stuck in another situation she was trying to avoid. In this story you find out if running away from one situation is really the answer. I give this book 5 stars and I think you should pick it up and read it! It is definitely a good book!
March 16, 2014
I am so glad that I got to read this story before it's release. Courtney is a young girl, that hasn't had the easiest or greatest life. Her mother is gone and her father beats her. After a horrible beating, she decides to runaway from him. It can get any worse. Right?
This is Courtney's story about getting away from the abusive father and living on the streets. And things do get worse, but she always seems to try to make the best of everything. She did get away from her dad, so that's good. She meets new "friends" and gets a place to stay, but there is a catch. She has to work for her place to stay. She has to do whatever they tell her to do basically. It's not the life that she wants, but it's her life now. This story is all about the things that she goes through, the things she has to do and the things that she has seen. It's a great story about life for a teen on the streets of a city that's over ran by drugs.
Courtney wants out of this life, she doesn't like it, never has. Will she make it out without getting killed? You need to read it to find out. You won't be disappointed with purchasing this book.
This is Courtney's story about getting away from the abusive father and living on the streets. And things do get worse, but she always seems to try to make the best of everything. She did get away from her dad, so that's good. She meets new "friends" and gets a place to stay, but there is a catch. She has to work for her place to stay. She has to do whatever they tell her to do basically. It's not the life that she wants, but it's her life now. This story is all about the things that she goes through, the things she has to do and the things that she has seen. It's a great story about life for a teen on the streets of a city that's over ran by drugs.
Courtney wants out of this life, she doesn't like it, never has. Will she make it out without getting killed? You need to read it to find out. You won't be disappointed with purchasing this book.
March 13, 2014
I was one of the lucky ones to get an advanced copy for an honest review. First I need to say how incredibly proud I am of SM Knowles as Aubrey Kendall for writing this intense novel. It's intense! VERY intense!
We have Courtney who hasn't had a good childhood. After years of abuse she decides to run! I mean can it get any worse than what she was dealing with at home?! She runs! Court meets lots of "friends" & lots of not so nice folks! Just when it looks like she's taking 1 step forward, something happens & she's pushed 5 steps back.
So much happens in this book! Court finds herself in an unbelievable situation! She can't believe this is her life! She finally sees a glimmer of hope! A better life! Can she get out? Can she have the good life she's dreamed of? This is a sit on the edge of your seat book!
We have Courtney who hasn't had a good childhood. After years of abuse she decides to run! I mean can it get any worse than what she was dealing with at home?! She runs! Court meets lots of "friends" & lots of not so nice folks! Just when it looks like she's taking 1 step forward, something happens & she's pushed 5 steps back.
So much happens in this book! Court finds herself in an unbelievable situation! She can't believe this is her life! She finally sees a glimmer of hope! A better life! Can she get out? Can she have the good life she's dreamed of? This is a sit on the edge of your seat book!
March 14, 2014
I was one of the lucky ones that got to read this book first and I am so glad I did because now I can brag to all those unlucky people who haven't read it yet!!! ;)
Courtney grew up with an abusive father and after the last bad beating, she makes the decision to runaway. This is her story of her life on the streets, the friends that she gained and the choices that she makes. Is Courtney destined to stay in this life she thought was going to be better than what she had? Will she make it on the streets?
I LOVED this book! SM Knowles had my heart dropping and eyes watering so many times during Court's story! You grow to love the each of the characters in this book, you just want to reach in and take care of them all.
I cannot brag on this book enough! All I can say is read it, read it, read it!!!!!!
Courtney grew up with an abusive father and after the last bad beating, she makes the decision to runaway. This is her story of her life on the streets, the friends that she gained and the choices that she makes. Is Courtney destined to stay in this life she thought was going to be better than what she had? Will she make it on the streets?
I LOVED this book! SM Knowles had my heart dropping and eyes watering so many times during Court's story! You grow to love the each of the characters in this book, you just want to reach in and take care of them all.
I cannot brag on this book enough! All I can say is read it, read it, read it!!!!!!
March 16, 2014
This was not my typical choice of genre but was pleasantly surprised on how intrigued i was from the very beginning. Aubrey Kendal tells the story of a motherless teen that is abused daily by her father. She gets out and gets a new beginning only to find that the world may not be any safer than it was with her father. This story is about finding yourself and growing as a person no matter what obstacles life throws at you. She isn't perfect nor does she clain to be. There IS a light at the tunnel if she can survive lobg enough to make it through!!!!! Excellent book
March 20, 2014
Courtney is a very courageous young girl that goes through a lot of stuff.....this was a very intense book. The book is very realistic and downright spellbinding! There is action, humor, and romance in this book, I am sure you will love it. For me, it hit a little close to home, not the drugs but the home life.
May 8, 2017
Courtney Appuzo is 17 and has had enough of being abused by her father. She knows she needs to escape but when she tries she is brought back to him. She still won't give up the chance at freedom and knows this time she will go where he can't get to her.
When Courtney meets a group of girls she hopes her luck has changed but soon she finds herself living in a nightmare where it doesn't look like she will ever have the chance to escape. When certain events happen that make Courtney realize how much trouble she is really in will she risk it all for a small chance at happiness?
This book deals with a lot of difficult topics and life for a teenager on the streets who is trapped where she can't leave. There were parts that were believable and other parts that was difficult to imagine but at the same time I could see it happening in a big city.
I liked Courtney but at times I was super mad at her and the choices that she made. Her reason for staying in town was super frustrating as I know that her mother would not have wanted that for her. She could have escaped right at the beginning with Tony but she wanted to be close to her mother yet at the same time never visited her grave.
Courtney was definitely in over her head and although I really liked her friendship with Kylee and Kara, I was sad that they brought her into their hell. Yet the friendships were solid and they each helped the others out when necessary and were there for each other.
I was super curious about Braxton and how his role in being Uncle B's (Bruce) son was going to play out. I was shocked at how little say he had in everything and how could be taken out by anyone by not following the rules.
I am super curious to see how everything will play out in the next book with a change in power.
Reviewed for KFA
When Courtney meets a group of girls she hopes her luck has changed but soon she finds herself living in a nightmare where it doesn't look like she will ever have the chance to escape. When certain events happen that make Courtney realize how much trouble she is really in will she risk it all for a small chance at happiness?
This book deals with a lot of difficult topics and life for a teenager on the streets who is trapped where she can't leave. There were parts that were believable and other parts that was difficult to imagine but at the same time I could see it happening in a big city.
I liked Courtney but at times I was super mad at her and the choices that she made. Her reason for staying in town was super frustrating as I know that her mother would not have wanted that for her. She could have escaped right at the beginning with Tony but she wanted to be close to her mother yet at the same time never visited her grave.
Courtney was definitely in over her head and although I really liked her friendship with Kylee and Kara, I was sad that they brought her into their hell. Yet the friendships were solid and they each helped the others out when necessary and were there for each other.
I was super curious about Braxton and how his role in being Uncle B's (Bruce) son was going to play out. I was shocked at how little say he had in everything and how could be taken out by anyone by not following the rules.
I am super curious to see how everything will play out in the next book with a change in power.
Reviewed for KFA
July 13, 2018
Runaway is a YA novel. A unparagoned tale as I never read any books similar to this. This novel has many different elements to it. Extremely zealous! Gives a glimpse of the harsh reality of living on the streets. Drug Cartels, Homeless, Abusive Relationships, Kidnapping, Murder, are all aspects of this novel. This is Courtney's journey. Friendships & Romance begin. At, times difficult to read. However, this author was able to articulate the facts of being a teen runaway.
April 7, 2014
Anyone who follows my reviews knows I don't give 5 stars lightly…I am really on the fence but am giving it a 5 because it was definitely more than a 4. Honestly, I loved it but, for me, it was missing that extra oomph to make it an easy 5 star. Let me explain why…
Courtney is a teen who has lead a difficult life filled with physical abuse of her mother, her mother's suicide, and then her own physical abuse at the hands of her alcoholic father. You don't really get a lot of detail into her life before she runs away aside from the regular beatings she takes from her father. Rather reclusive she seems to really have only one friend who knows about her father's treatment of her. Courtney comes across as very reclusive with no emotional ties who believes running away is her only out.
Rather naively, and not very prepared, she sets out on her own and luckily befriends Tony who tries to help her but quickly realizes that she is stubborn and strong-willed. Returned home by the police Tony is the one she calls to help her leave again, refusing his offer of staying with him she turns to the streets. Determined to make something of her life it seems every good thing that happens has a bad ending. She finally finds herself cornered into becoming a drug mule for the local drug lord. Her journey into the depths of the drug world is one of anger, fear, loss, self discovery, strength, and friendship…falling in love with Braxton and trying to find a way to escape the world she was forced into is the biggest challenge. I have to say I absolutely loved how Courtney stayed true to herself throughout all she was faced with…never succumbing to the influences of the streets and the position she was in. I loved the sub characters as well and wanted to know more of their stories…what got them where they were.
This story was definitely not as dark as it could have been but clearly describes some of the horrors that await life on the streets. It is emotionally heart wrenching and the end will leave you happy but questioning and anticipating what lies ahead for Courtney and those she has come to care about so fiercely…I will definitely have my one-clicker ready for the continuation of her story.
Having personally had experience in my life of those I love being abused, alcoholism, and drugs…trust me it’s a long story…is more than likely why the extra oomph just wasn't there for me to give this a 5 star rating. I know the darker side of this tale from real life experience. However, I would definitely feel comfortable recommending this book to young adults (13+) for a clean version of life on the streets… an honest and accurate description of the possibilities of life as a runaway that touch on but do not go into detail of the darker side of life on the streets. So…if you are looking for a clean, honest, and accurate emotional read go and one-click this baby!
Courtney is a teen who has lead a difficult life filled with physical abuse of her mother, her mother's suicide, and then her own physical abuse at the hands of her alcoholic father. You don't really get a lot of detail into her life before she runs away aside from the regular beatings she takes from her father. Rather reclusive she seems to really have only one friend who knows about her father's treatment of her. Courtney comes across as very reclusive with no emotional ties who believes running away is her only out.
Rather naively, and not very prepared, she sets out on her own and luckily befriends Tony who tries to help her but quickly realizes that she is stubborn and strong-willed. Returned home by the police Tony is the one she calls to help her leave again, refusing his offer of staying with him she turns to the streets. Determined to make something of her life it seems every good thing that happens has a bad ending. She finally finds herself cornered into becoming a drug mule for the local drug lord. Her journey into the depths of the drug world is one of anger, fear, loss, self discovery, strength, and friendship…falling in love with Braxton and trying to find a way to escape the world she was forced into is the biggest challenge. I have to say I absolutely loved how Courtney stayed true to herself throughout all she was faced with…never succumbing to the influences of the streets and the position she was in. I loved the sub characters as well and wanted to know more of their stories…what got them where they were.
This story was definitely not as dark as it could have been but clearly describes some of the horrors that await life on the streets. It is emotionally heart wrenching and the end will leave you happy but questioning and anticipating what lies ahead for Courtney and those she has come to care about so fiercely…I will definitely have my one-clicker ready for the continuation of her story.
Having personally had experience in my life of those I love being abused, alcoholism, and drugs…trust me it’s a long story…is more than likely why the extra oomph just wasn't there for me to give this a 5 star rating. I know the darker side of this tale from real life experience. However, I would definitely feel comfortable recommending this book to young adults (13+) for a clean version of life on the streets… an honest and accurate description of the possibilities of life as a runaway that touch on but do not go into detail of the darker side of life on the streets. So…if you are looking for a clean, honest, and accurate emotional read go and one-click this baby!
April 10, 2014
As I begin reading Runaway. I had a very hard time. And at times I became very emotional. Reading about the physical and emotional abuse of a 17 year old child from her alcoholic father after her mother's death. But I found as I turn the pages, I could not put it down because I wanted to know the outcome.
SM Knowles brought Courtney to life in her book and as the mother of a 17 year old daughter, I became attached to the character. Courtney's longing for a better life caused to flee her abusive home and then end up on the streets in some pretty tough situations. But she met some people that became her friends along the way that helped her.
Throughout Courtney's journey, she learned what it was like to live like others on the street. Sleep wherever she could lay her head and going hungry but she still let herself try to help others in the same situation. As a scared yet determined 17 year old girl she met several people along the way that she befriended, some young girls just like her, in order to have a safe place to lay her head and sleep she found herself mixed up in some things she never expected, doing things she promised her mother and herself she would never do. A life of drugs, alcohol and men.
SM introduced several characters in the story to us in Courtney's journey for freedom and happiness that touch our heart, but also the loss of those characters that caused us to feel the ache the Courtney felt as well. Her story takes many twists and turns. From finding jobs. To kidnapping. To murder . Courtney's life on the street was anything but boring.
Courtney meets a young man named Braxton, her first day on the street then later through the story she realizes, she could have a happily ever after with him, but the happily ever after came with a price..........
You will have to pick up the book and find out what that price is. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Runaway is not normally my genre of choice, but I could not put it down it was a terrific story.
SM Knowles brought Courtney to life in her book and as the mother of a 17 year old daughter, I became attached to the character. Courtney's longing for a better life caused to flee her abusive home and then end up on the streets in some pretty tough situations. But she met some people that became her friends along the way that helped her.
Throughout Courtney's journey, she learned what it was like to live like others on the street. Sleep wherever she could lay her head and going hungry but she still let herself try to help others in the same situation. As a scared yet determined 17 year old girl she met several people along the way that she befriended, some young girls just like her, in order to have a safe place to lay her head and sleep she found herself mixed up in some things she never expected, doing things she promised her mother and herself she would never do. A life of drugs, alcohol and men.
SM introduced several characters in the story to us in Courtney's journey for freedom and happiness that touch our heart, but also the loss of those characters that caused us to feel the ache the Courtney felt as well. Her story takes many twists and turns. From finding jobs. To kidnapping. To murder . Courtney's life on the street was anything but boring.
Courtney meets a young man named Braxton, her first day on the street then later through the story she realizes, she could have a happily ever after with him, but the happily ever after came with a price..........
You will have to pick up the book and find out what that price is. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Runaway is not normally my genre of choice, but I could not put it down it was a terrific story.
April 22, 2014
***ARC REVIEW FOR ABIBLIOPHOBIA ANONYMOUS BOOK REVIEWS BLOG***
It can always get worse...
Courtney's home life is hell. With an abusive drunk as a dad, who likes to put his hands on her. She can't escape. Even school isn't an outlet with the bullies. What can she do?
Leave. Running away is her only option to get away from the hell she lives in. Courtney doesn't know what kind of life she is in for when she does.
"Sex, drugs and alcohol. That's all we are?"- Courtney
Living on the streets, dumpster and abandon apartments, she's now a street kid. When she gets roped into dropping drugs on unsuspecting people, that's when it all goes down hill. Yes, she will have a safe place to lay her head at night and stay with her street friends, but everything isn't what it seems...
"Maybe this can be forever."- Courtney
Once you enter the life Courtney has, there is no escaping. She's seen it with her own eye's.
"We won't lose each other. You are everything I ever wanted."- Braxton
Meeting Braxton, the Kingpin's son will change everything. Can they escape this life, or will they always be running?
Runaway is truly a story of 'Is the grass really greener on the other side'. Courtney just wants to get away from the abuse she suffers, but in turn she puts herself in major danger. Living on the streets, almost getting rapped, killed verses being a punching bag. Those two options don't outweigh each other, they both suck. I wanted to help Courtney, to shake her to tell her to wake up and grow up. Everyone is out for thier self, she needs to run and never look back. I felt for her. The charater's surronding her made her stronger and gave her the sence of family, but still danger was always learking. The talking to herself during the book got a little annoying to me, but I was able to get over it and countine and I'm glad I did. I had to see what happen to her and how or if she survied this life she put herself in.
It can always get worse...
Courtney's home life is hell. With an abusive drunk as a dad, who likes to put his hands on her. She can't escape. Even school isn't an outlet with the bullies. What can she do?
Leave. Running away is her only option to get away from the hell she lives in. Courtney doesn't know what kind of life she is in for when she does.
"Sex, drugs and alcohol. That's all we are?"- Courtney
Living on the streets, dumpster and abandon apartments, she's now a street kid. When she gets roped into dropping drugs on unsuspecting people, that's when it all goes down hill. Yes, she will have a safe place to lay her head at night and stay with her street friends, but everything isn't what it seems...
"Maybe this can be forever."- Courtney
Once you enter the life Courtney has, there is no escaping. She's seen it with her own eye's.
"We won't lose each other. You are everything I ever wanted."- Braxton
Meeting Braxton, the Kingpin's son will change everything. Can they escape this life, or will they always be running?
Runaway is truly a story of 'Is the grass really greener on the other side'. Courtney just wants to get away from the abuse she suffers, but in turn she puts herself in major danger. Living on the streets, almost getting rapped, killed verses being a punching bag. Those two options don't outweigh each other, they both suck. I wanted to help Courtney, to shake her to tell her to wake up and grow up. Everyone is out for thier self, she needs to run and never look back. I felt for her. The charater's surronding her made her stronger and gave her the sence of family, but still danger was always learking. The talking to herself during the book got a little annoying to me, but I was able to get over it and countine and I'm glad I did. I had to see what happen to her and how or if she survied this life she put herself in.
July 25, 2016
*** This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review. ***
This was my first encounter with S.M. Knowles, so I had no idea what to expect and was a bit worried I might not like the novel. I was wrong.
Runaway is an emotional, raw and honest story about a young girl who is desperately trying to escape a life of abuse and suffering. After loosing her mother to suicide and being left with an alcoholic father who beats her any chance he gets, Courtney runs away in pursuit of a better life. Unfortunately, life on the streets doesn't have much more to offer her. Although she is trying to make an honest living, she gets sucked into a life of crime, drugs and servitude. Getting out of the gang alive is not an option, yet staying in it seems worse than death. Just when Courtney starts to believe that everything is hopeless, she falls for the handsome son of the drug lord himself. Braxton loves Courtney with all his heart and would do anything to give her the life she wants and deserves, but not even he can leave the dangerous kingdom his father has created. As the couple fights to survive, they will learn that freedom comes with a hefty price.
I am so glad that I decided to read this novel. The topic is gruesome, but very real. Life on the streets is dangerous and rough, especially for children and teenagers trying to get by. Desperate, young, naive and gullible, they become easy pray to criminals and often have no say or choice in the matter. Feared, avoided and heavily judged by the rest of the society, they often have no chance for a better life. The way Knowles spoke up about it and even chose to offer encouragement and advice, offering help-line numbers for anyone who might be in need, really warmed my heart. As a professional in that field and as a human being, I thank her.
This was my first encounter with S.M. Knowles, so I had no idea what to expect and was a bit worried I might not like the novel. I was wrong.
Runaway is an emotional, raw and honest story about a young girl who is desperately trying to escape a life of abuse and suffering. After loosing her mother to suicide and being left with an alcoholic father who beats her any chance he gets, Courtney runs away in pursuit of a better life. Unfortunately, life on the streets doesn't have much more to offer her. Although she is trying to make an honest living, she gets sucked into a life of crime, drugs and servitude. Getting out of the gang alive is not an option, yet staying in it seems worse than death. Just when Courtney starts to believe that everything is hopeless, she falls for the handsome son of the drug lord himself. Braxton loves Courtney with all his heart and would do anything to give her the life she wants and deserves, but not even he can leave the dangerous kingdom his father has created. As the couple fights to survive, they will learn that freedom comes with a hefty price.
I am so glad that I decided to read this novel. The topic is gruesome, but very real. Life on the streets is dangerous and rough, especially for children and teenagers trying to get by. Desperate, young, naive and gullible, they become easy pray to criminals and often have no say or choice in the matter. Feared, avoided and heavily judged by the rest of the society, they often have no chance for a better life. The way Knowles spoke up about it and even chose to offer encouragement and advice, offering help-line numbers for anyone who might be in need, really warmed my heart. As a professional in that field and as a human being, I thank her.
June 3, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. I met the author recently at a signing in Arizona and she had read the first chapter of this book after hearing it I knew that I must read it. The flow of the book was seamless and hard to put down. The author was able to fully describe the story in so much detail that you were able to fully feel all of the emotions of the characters and couldn't help but feel such empathy for them. Life sucked from the beginning for seventeen year old Courtney Apuzzo. Her father was a abusive drunk that drove her mother to suicide and left poor Courtney alone to deal with the daily beatings for no apparent reason. No child should ever have to deal with that. Running away was her only option but with that there is uncertainty on what will happen to you from the world and if you are ever found and sent back to the abuse of the father that is supposed to love you and take care of you unconditionally. But never feel safe in that decision cause it can get worse. When Courtney falls into a group run by Mr. B. her life takes on a dangerous and sometimes terrifying turn. Now not only must you run away from your own family member now you are trying to run away from strangers where their only goal is to make money and have total control over a individual and will use any means to achieve that. I highly recommend this book can't wait to read more from this author in the future. The only bad thing was the ending was alittle rushed and left a opening although it didn't take away from such a amazing storyline.
April 15, 2014
This book was a fast paced, emotional drama filled story. Right off the bat we learn that Courtney’s mother has committed suicide and her abusive father has now taken to beating and berating her since her mother is no longer around. Determined to not end up like her mother and deciding she has had enough pain at her fathers hands, she leaves home only to find herself in situations not really any better than where she started.
Runaway was a different story than I usually read but I still very much enjoyed it and was able to read it in a day. The main focus on this story is the life on the streets that Courtney has found for herself and the romance is more of a subplot. Reading this story was very much like watching a movie play out in my head. There were tons of twist and turns and lots of action. I was constantly wondering what could possibly happen next and more often than not surprised at where the story took me.
I think the authors did a good job at putting a story out that is different than most of the NA books that I have read. Courtney was a character I really liked but found her to be guarded and not willing to open up a lot (for good reasons though.) It took awhile into the book for me to figure out who the love interest would be but once the plot opened up I was very happy with him and the role he played.
Other than a few minor mistakes I thought it was well written and I was very happy I had the chance to read it.
~miranda
Runaway was a different story than I usually read but I still very much enjoyed it and was able to read it in a day. The main focus on this story is the life on the streets that Courtney has found for herself and the romance is more of a subplot. Reading this story was very much like watching a movie play out in my head. There were tons of twist and turns and lots of action. I was constantly wondering what could possibly happen next and more often than not surprised at where the story took me.
I think the authors did a good job at putting a story out that is different than most of the NA books that I have read. Courtney was a character I really liked but found her to be guarded and not willing to open up a lot (for good reasons though.) It took awhile into the book for me to figure out who the love interest would be but once the plot opened up I was very happy with him and the role he played.
Other than a few minor mistakes I thought it was well written and I was very happy I had the chance to read it.
~miranda
September 4, 2014
This is a heart wrenching, reasonably true to life and utterly mind blowing story. Courtneys life is diabolical and to survive she has to run away but oh my goodness if it isn't out of the frying pan and into the fire for the poor girl.
One thing that really got me about this book was the fact that you really sense Courtneys innocence and utter despair at her life and how it has shaped up. I feel for her totally and sense that this story is sadly, whether totally or just in part, a reality for some kids out there.
This book deals with abuse and also the aftermath and real reality for those young girls especially who run away to get away so to speak.
I also loved the guessing as to who may or may not be the love interest in this book and also it was more of a tale of her life rather than a soppy romance. The love theme is truly incidental to the main issues that we are reading about. I will say n more as you have to read this book for yourself to find out how happy an ending Courtney actually gets and with whom!
I wouldn't say this was a book I enjoyed (the subject matter is truly horrific) but it brought out so many different feelings and emotions in me as I was reading it and I seriously couldn't put it down!
I do hope the there is a sequel to this book because although the ending left me with hope and a bit of closure it just can't end there!!!!!
One thing that really got me about this book was the fact that you really sense Courtneys innocence and utter despair at her life and how it has shaped up. I feel for her totally and sense that this story is sadly, whether totally or just in part, a reality for some kids out there.
This book deals with abuse and also the aftermath and real reality for those young girls especially who run away to get away so to speak.
I also loved the guessing as to who may or may not be the love interest in this book and also it was more of a tale of her life rather than a soppy romance. The love theme is truly incidental to the main issues that we are reading about. I will say n more as you have to read this book for yourself to find out how happy an ending Courtney actually gets and with whom!
I wouldn't say this was a book I enjoyed (the subject matter is truly horrific) but it brought out so many different feelings and emotions in me as I was reading it and I seriously couldn't put it down!
I do hope the there is a sequel to this book because although the ending left me with hope and a bit of closure it just can't end there!!!!!
May 30, 2014
The book starts out right away with a jolt of emotions. This is where we first learn how Courtney lives her everyday life in hell. She resides with an alcoholic father who can't keep his fists off of her since her mother's death.
After taking so much pain in her young life, she finally gets the courage to pack a bag and go out on her own. Will things be easier for her, or just as hard?
Honestly there should be a warning on the front that cautions you to hold on to your seat because you are boarding an emotional ride, that will include highs and lows. I think every possible emotion you can feel is packed into this book.
While reading, I found myself having a love-hate for Courtney. There were times when I was proud of her choices and really felt deep for her. At other times I felt myself wanting to choke her for choices she was making and I really wanted to scream "what are you thinking." I really think that is what kept me intrigued and drawn into the book.
The writing style was amazing. It had a smooth flow that worked well. I felt with each scene I could imagine in my head and visualize right along with the chapters while I was reading.
I personally would like to have book two now! I can't wait to continue reading Courtney's amazing journey and to see where life takes her.
After taking so much pain in her young life, she finally gets the courage to pack a bag and go out on her own. Will things be easier for her, or just as hard?
Honestly there should be a warning on the front that cautions you to hold on to your seat because you are boarding an emotional ride, that will include highs and lows. I think every possible emotion you can feel is packed into this book.
While reading, I found myself having a love-hate for Courtney. There were times when I was proud of her choices and really felt deep for her. At other times I felt myself wanting to choke her for choices she was making and I really wanted to scream "what are you thinking." I really think that is what kept me intrigued and drawn into the book.
The writing style was amazing. It had a smooth flow that worked well. I felt with each scene I could imagine in my head and visualize right along with the chapters while I was reading.
I personally would like to have book two now! I can't wait to continue reading Courtney's amazing journey and to see where life takes her.
July 9, 2016
Book: Runaway
Author: Aubrey Kendall , S.M. Knowles
Publication Date: 4/2/2014
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 4 Stars
REVIEW
New to me author.
Warning: This book deals with abuse, drugs, and many other things.
Wow where to start with this book. It is a fantastic story although an emotional roller coaster. Courtney is now 17 years and is tired of being a punching bag to her drunken father. Running away is her only option.
While on the run, she meets some kids who are roughly her age and runaways. They are all thrust into a life of drugs and crime. Courtney has to learn whom she can trust and finds everything so hard but that which does not kill you makes you stronger or at least she is praying.
Courtney meets Braxton who wants her but he is also offering her freedom but will that truly happen? Well grab the book and find out.
The book does have grammar issues IE: missing words. However, the story line is strong.
I was gifted this book for an honest review.
Runaway
Author: Aubrey Kendall , S.M. Knowles
Publication Date: 4/2/2014
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 4 Stars
REVIEW
New to me author.
Warning: This book deals with abuse, drugs, and many other things.
Wow where to start with this book. It is a fantastic story although an emotional roller coaster. Courtney is now 17 years and is tired of being a punching bag to her drunken father. Running away is her only option.
While on the run, she meets some kids who are roughly her age and runaways. They are all thrust into a life of drugs and crime. Courtney has to learn whom she can trust and finds everything so hard but that which does not kill you makes you stronger or at least she is praying.
Courtney meets Braxton who wants her but he is also offering her freedom but will that truly happen? Well grab the book and find out.
The book does have grammar issues IE: missing words. However, the story line is strong.
I was gifted this book for an honest review.
Runaway
April 18, 2014
Runaway is the most intense rollercoaster of a book I have read in a long time. I really wanted to step into the book and help the poor child as she struggled to survive with any hope that the future might get better. In places I had to put the book down because it was so heartbreaking that I couldn’t stop crying. But even though she stepped out of the frying pan into one fire after another, Courtney still has a spark of hope. The author adds a page at the end that is as heart wrenching as the rest of the book. Please read it.
There are a few errors in spelling and punctuation, and normally I would deduct half a star, but since I would like to give this book 6 stars, I won’t. They don’t detract from the story except for a hard-core stickler like me. I highly recommend this book for everyone age 16+.
There are a few errors in spelling and punctuation, and normally I would deduct half a star, but since I would like to give this book 6 stars, I won’t. They don’t detract from the story except for a hard-core stickler like me. I highly recommend this book for everyone age 16+.
April 13, 2014
Runaway really hit close to home for me. I just recently helped a friend escape an abusive relationship. While this story is a work of fiction, it does give a factual view of what happens to a lot of runaways. Courtney felt like running away was her only option. What she finds out living her life on the streets is a lot different than the abuse she suffers at home.
This story will tear at your heartstrings at what these children are forced to do and endure in order to just survive. This story has a little bit of happily ever after, and I cannot wait to read the next installment. Runaway will make you want to stop turning a blind eye to the struggle that street kids have and pray that one day, there will be an opportunity for all of these young children to live a normal, safe life. I give this book 5 stars for its no holds barred look on the life of a runaway.
This story will tear at your heartstrings at what these children are forced to do and endure in order to just survive. This story has a little bit of happily ever after, and I cannot wait to read the next installment. Runaway will make you want to stop turning a blind eye to the struggle that street kids have and pray that one day, there will be an opportunity for all of these young children to live a normal, safe life. I give this book 5 stars for its no holds barred look on the life of a runaway.
December 16, 2015
I really wanted to like this story but I just couldn't get past the fact that the main character talks to herself....out loud....very frequently. The plot had so much potential but I didn't feel like the synopsis matched the story. The life she was "tricked" into was anything but trickery. She knew what she was getting herself into and walked right into it. Some of the relationships with her new friends didn't make sense and I felt like the progression went from hate to love in .01 seconds. I really liked Courtney's spunk, other than the fact that she literally had conversations with herself for everyone to hear, and I was really rooting for her towards the middle/end. I loved Tony, and I think he may have been one of my favorites...unfortunately. I would definitely give the author another try though.
April 14, 2014
I really wanted to give this 5 starts but I just couldn't. The story was very good. The characters were fairly well developed. Courtney runs away from home to escape and abusive father. Captured on her first attempt she uses Tony, a young man who offered her help, to make her second and final escape from her father. She is a typical 17 year old, very immature and naïve. I did not like the way the author had her use Tony over and over again. Courtney makes several valiant attempts to make a positive change in her life but ends up making mistake after mistake until she gets caught up in a dangerous world she cant seem to escape. The love story between Courtney and Braxton is very sweet and leaves the story open for additional books.
April 24, 2014
This is not my typical genre but it is by S.M. Knowles and I love her work so I thought Id give this a shot. I started reading htis last night and stayed awake a majority of the night reading Runaway just to finish it. I liked it a lot! From losing her mother, getting beat by her father and living on the streets. You would think things couldnt get worse. But things do get worse. She makes some new "friends" and gets a place to stay. However she has to work for that place to stay by doing whatever they tell her to do. This is not the life that she wants but for now she makes lemonade with the lemons life gave her. Courtney's journey is heartbreaking and amazing. It shows just how strong a human being can be when forced to make certain decisions.
December 29, 2014
*I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review*
I thought this book was a very good read! I was hooked in from the beginning and not only that but I also loved the cover of the book. I really liked the main character, Courtney and her courage to still keep going. After all, she has been through from her abusive father and being kidnapped. I was so anxious to see what would happen to her that this book was a page turner for me. I really liked the plots and twists the book had. I was feeling for Courtney and I was afraid something bad had happened to her as if she were a real live person. I would really recommend this to anyone. Readers will open up into Courtney's life's and her miseries to get away into a good,safe place.
May 21, 2014
I highly recommend a box of tissues with this book, its a highly emotional read.
Courtney lives in fear of being beaten by her alcoholic father, after particular bad one where she is left unconscious all night she decides there is only one course of action - running away.
Will life on the street be easier than the abuse from her father and will she be able the escape the drug cartel she find herself up to her neck into survive. Are friends and love in this runaway's future.
This is a gripping read from beginning to end and I was unable to but it down until the conclusion of the boo. I look forward to reading more from these authors
Courtney lives in fear of being beaten by her alcoholic father, after particular bad one where she is left unconscious all night she decides there is only one course of action - running away.
Will life on the street be easier than the abuse from her father and will she be able the escape the drug cartel she find herself up to her neck into survive. Are friends and love in this runaway's future.
This is a gripping read from beginning to end and I was unable to but it down until the conclusion of the boo. I look forward to reading more from these authors
April 16, 2014
A story that should be shared.
The harsh gritty reality of what happens to kids that force them to resort to being a runaway made this heartbreaking to read at times. Being a YA novel, the details and descriptions of certain scenes were not as graphically horrifying to read as it could have been. Yet, had an equivalent emotional response.
Reading about the life of what a runaway could go through was in some ways eye opening for me.
I found it hard to read at times in regards to the hopeless situation the main character was in, but was glad to see what became of her and how she forged forward despite it all in the end.
The harsh gritty reality of what happens to kids that force them to resort to being a runaway made this heartbreaking to read at times. Being a YA novel, the details and descriptions of certain scenes were not as graphically horrifying to read as it could have been. Yet, had an equivalent emotional response.
Reading about the life of what a runaway could go through was in some ways eye opening for me.
I found it hard to read at times in regards to the hopeless situation the main character was in, but was glad to see what became of her and how she forged forward despite it all in the end.
November 12, 2014
I received this novel from NetGalley.
This novel is an odd one for me, it is moving, horrifying and hits too close to hime, but at the same time it takes the reader to a different place, to somewhere that feels unreal, but is a harsh reminder that this actually happens within the world.
This novel is well written, cleverly thoughtout, has deep, courageous characters and their relationshipd are real, not forced. The language flows and works well with the setting.
The protagonist's tale is horrible, but it is even more horrible to know it really does happen within the world we live in.
All in all a great, moving read, definitely not for the faint hearted.
This novel is an odd one for me, it is moving, horrifying and hits too close to hime, but at the same time it takes the reader to a different place, to somewhere that feels unreal, but is a harsh reminder that this actually happens within the world.
This novel is well written, cleverly thoughtout, has deep, courageous characters and their relationshipd are real, not forced. The language flows and works well with the setting.
The protagonist's tale is horrible, but it is even more horrible to know it really does happen within the world we live in.
All in all a great, moving read, definitely not for the faint hearted.
July 23, 2015
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The story itself was not bad. However, they author's style of writing just didn't agree with me. The story is written in present tense, third person. It was unique, but just not for me. I feel like this book tried to be deep and not cliche. But, in my opinion, it failed at that. It follows the sam outline I see in so many stories: main character has a bad life, main character does something drastic, main character gets into trouble and faces moral trials, main character is all of a sudden gets out of trouble because of circumstance. It's not a bad read but not great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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