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RUN CINDY RUN: Romantic Thriller
Framed. Betrayed. Hunted. She trusted him once. Can she survive him twice? One woman. One mission. Zero room for mistakes.
Hunted for secrets she doesn't have, Run, Cindy, Run! is a gripping romantic techno-thriller packed with CIA betrayals, cyber warfare, and heart-pounding suspense that won't let you go from cover to cover. Tom Clancy meets Sandra Brown.
After her parents are jailed for treason, Cindy Lestrade disappears into the Arizona desert with a new identity. When U.S. missile systems go down, world powers hunt the one person who can unlock the code-Cindy. But she doesn't have the key. Cindy's only hope is Grant Collier-the CIA agent who told her he loved her, then betrayed her. Now he's back to save her... or is he really there to finish his mission?
Author bio
Lana McAra, an award-winning, international best-selling author and ghostwriter of 48 titles with a million books sold. She has been teaching how to write fiction for 20 years. She is the founding president of Vendela Publishing. Lana has won the national Christy Award, The Literary Titan Silver Book Award, The Book Excellence Award, and a 5-Star rating at Reader’s Favorite for her historical novel Reaping the Whirlwind by Rosey Dow. She won the Global Book Award for The Englewood Medium, and her mystery series, Colorado, sold more than 250,000 copies. She is the president of her local chapter of Sisters in Crime, and host of The Fiction Writers Podcast.
Past
The Englewood Shaken But Not Stirred
Sisters in Crime
Writers Alliance of Gainesville
Florida Writers Association
Thank you.
Hunted for secrets she doesn't have, Run, Cindy, Run! is a gripping romantic techno-thriller packed with CIA betrayals, cyber warfare, and heart-pounding suspense that won't let you go from cover to cover. Tom Clancy meets Sandra Brown.
After her parents are jailed for treason, Cindy Lestrade disappears into the Arizona desert with a new identity. When U.S. missile systems go down, world powers hunt the one person who can unlock the code-Cindy. But she doesn't have the key. Cindy's only hope is Grant Collier-the CIA agent who told her he loved her, then betrayed her. Now he's back to save her... or is he really there to finish his mission?
Author bio
Lana McAra, an award-winning, international best-selling author and ghostwriter of 48 titles with a million books sold. She has been teaching how to write fiction for 20 years. She is the founding president of Vendela Publishing. Lana has won the national Christy Award, The Literary Titan Silver Book Award, The Book Excellence Award, and a 5-Star rating at Reader’s Favorite for her historical novel Reaping the Whirlwind by Rosey Dow. She won the Global Book Award for The Englewood Medium, and her mystery series, Colorado, sold more than 250,000 copies. She is the president of her local chapter of Sisters in Crime, and host of The Fiction Writers Podcast.
Past
The Englewood Shaken But Not Stirred
Sisters in Crime
Writers Alliance of Gainesville
Florida Writers Association
Thank you.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 27, 2025
A Heart-Pounding Espionage Thriller That Delivers!
If you're looking for an action-packed thriller that will keep you flipping pages late into the night, Run, Cindy, Run! by Lana McAra delivers the goods. This espionage thriller has everything: high-stakes danger, romantic tension, and enough twists to keep you guessing.
What It's About (Minor Spoilers)
Cindy Lestrade's ordinary life shatters when FBI agents come searching for something hidden in her childhood doll. Suddenly on the run, she finds herself caught in a dangerous conspiracy with no idea who to trust. Enter Grant Collier, a CIA analyst who becomes both her protector and a potential threat. As they navigate betrayal and life-threatening situations together, they must decide if they can trust each other—and if their growing connection can survive the chaos.
What Worked
Lana knows how to write action. The pacing is relentless—high-speed chases, narrow escapes, and moments that genuinely made my heart race. One particularly chilling moment: "You killed them," she gasped. That line perfectly captures the gravity and moral complexity woven throughout the story.
The romance doesn't feel forced either. Watching Cindy and Grant's relationship develop amidst the danger adds emotional depth without slowing down the action. Their dynamic explores trust and vulnerability in a world where betrayal lurks around every corner.
Themes That Resonate
Beyond the thrills, this novel explores survival, resilience, and how love can flourish even in the darkest circumstances. Cindy's strength and determination shine as she faces overwhelming odds, making her a protagonist worth rooting for.
Bottom Line
Run, Cindy, Run! is perfect for fans of espionage thrillers who want fast-paced action with heart. Lana balances suspense and emotion beautifully, creating a narrative that's both thrilling and thought-provoking. Recommended for readers who enjoy authors like Sandra Brown or Nora Roberts' romantic suspense novels.
Content Note: Violence and intense situations throughout.
If you're looking for an action-packed thriller that will keep you flipping pages late into the night, Run, Cindy, Run! by Lana McAra delivers the goods. This espionage thriller has everything: high-stakes danger, romantic tension, and enough twists to keep you guessing.
What It's About (Minor Spoilers)
Cindy Lestrade's ordinary life shatters when FBI agents come searching for something hidden in her childhood doll. Suddenly on the run, she finds herself caught in a dangerous conspiracy with no idea who to trust. Enter Grant Collier, a CIA analyst who becomes both her protector and a potential threat. As they navigate betrayal and life-threatening situations together, they must decide if they can trust each other—and if their growing connection can survive the chaos.
What Worked
Lana knows how to write action. The pacing is relentless—high-speed chases, narrow escapes, and moments that genuinely made my heart race. One particularly chilling moment: "You killed them," she gasped. That line perfectly captures the gravity and moral complexity woven throughout the story.
The romance doesn't feel forced either. Watching Cindy and Grant's relationship develop amidst the danger adds emotional depth without slowing down the action. Their dynamic explores trust and vulnerability in a world where betrayal lurks around every corner.
Themes That Resonate
Beyond the thrills, this novel explores survival, resilience, and how love can flourish even in the darkest circumstances. Cindy's strength and determination shine as she faces overwhelming odds, making her a protagonist worth rooting for.
Bottom Line
Run, Cindy, Run! is perfect for fans of espionage thrillers who want fast-paced action with heart. Lana balances suspense and emotion beautifully, creating a narrative that's both thrilling and thought-provoking. Recommended for readers who enjoy authors like Sandra Brown or Nora Roberts' romantic suspense novels.
Content Note: Violence and intense situations throughout.
November 17, 2025
Run Cindy Run hooked me from the very first line. Lana McAra delivers a tight, breath catching romantic thriller that blends emotional stakes with nonstop danger. What stood out most to me was how personal Cindy’s journey feels, he’s not just running for her life; she’s running from betrayal, from heartbreak, and toward the truth she absolutely deserves.
The tension is relentless in the best possible way. Every time I thought Cindy might catch a break, another twist landed, sharper, darker, and more surprising than the last. Her past with the man she once trusted gives the story an extra punch; the mix of fear, longing, and disbelief makes their dynamic feel incredibly real.
Cindy herself is what makes this book shine. She’s resourceful and brave, but McAra keeps her human, she doubts, she aches, she fights back even when she’s terrified. Watching her push through every obstacle is as inspiring as it is heart-pounding.
The romance thread is handled with subtlety, never overshadowing the suspense but giving the story emotional depth. By the end, I felt like I’d run right alongside Cindy, exhausted, exhilarated, and completely satisfied.
If you enjoy thrillers where the stakes are personal, the heroine is unforgettable, and every chapter leaves you craving the next, Run Cindy Run is absolutely worth your time.
The tension is relentless in the best possible way. Every time I thought Cindy might catch a break, another twist landed, sharper, darker, and more surprising than the last. Her past with the man she once trusted gives the story an extra punch; the mix of fear, longing, and disbelief makes their dynamic feel incredibly real.
Cindy herself is what makes this book shine. She’s resourceful and brave, but McAra keeps her human, she doubts, she aches, she fights back even when she’s terrified. Watching her push through every obstacle is as inspiring as it is heart-pounding.
The romance thread is handled with subtlety, never overshadowing the suspense but giving the story emotional depth. By the end, I felt like I’d run right alongside Cindy, exhausted, exhilarated, and completely satisfied.
If you enjoy thrillers where the stakes are personal, the heroine is unforgettable, and every chapter leaves you craving the next, Run Cindy Run is absolutely worth your time.
October 29, 2025
I got an advance reader copy of this book. What a ride!
Cindy doesn't know what she knows. One day she's just living her life. When her father, a spy and traitor, is killed without revealing a sensitive computer code, suddenly everyone from the CIA, the FBI, Mossad, the Russians, and the Chinese turn their attention to Cindy. Her witness protection cover is blown. Everyone she meets is a potential spy or killer for hire. Even the man she once loved played her. This nerve-jangling, fast-paced thriller, Run, Cindy, Run will leave you breathless! This would be a terrific read while on a treadmill at the gym to improve your speed! Many plot twists along the way to keep you guessing. How will Cindy get out of this? Is there anyone she can trust? How can she figure out the secret code?
I could see this as a summer blockbuster movie with a pounding soundtrack!
Cindy doesn't know what she knows. One day she's just living her life. When her father, a spy and traitor, is killed without revealing a sensitive computer code, suddenly everyone from the CIA, the FBI, Mossad, the Russians, and the Chinese turn their attention to Cindy. Her witness protection cover is blown. Everyone she meets is a potential spy or killer for hire. Even the man she once loved played her. This nerve-jangling, fast-paced thriller, Run, Cindy, Run will leave you breathless! This would be a terrific read while on a treadmill at the gym to improve your speed! Many plot twists along the way to keep you guessing. How will Cindy get out of this? Is there anyone she can trust? How can she figure out the secret code?
I could see this as a summer blockbuster movie with a pounding soundtrack!
November 11, 2025
In Run, Cindy, Run, Lana McAra weaves a compelling narrative that balances the adrenaline of pursuit with the subtle introspection of her characters. McAra’s prose is evocative, propelling the reader forward even as she pauses to consider deeper emotional currents: fear, hope, and the longing for freedom.
What stands out is McAra’s ability to render vivid scenes of motion and intensity as well as quieter, intimate scenes of self-reflection. You feel like you are in the room with the characters, experiencing their adrenaline, fear, uncertainty, and loss. This book offers a satisfying blend of suspense, character depth, and redemption.
Run, Cindy, Run is an engaging read—an energetic chase story that also invites us to consider what we’re fleeing from, and ultimately, what we’re running toward.
What stands out is McAra’s ability to render vivid scenes of motion and intensity as well as quieter, intimate scenes of self-reflection. You feel like you are in the room with the characters, experiencing their adrenaline, fear, uncertainty, and loss. This book offers a satisfying blend of suspense, character depth, and redemption.
Run, Cindy, Run is an engaging read—an energetic chase story that also invites us to consider what we’re fleeing from, and ultimately, what we’re running toward.
November 13, 2025
I received an Advance Reader Copy.
If you’re a fan of the television series 24, you’re going to love this book. The pacing, the chase scenes, and the constant sense of danger reminded me so much of the show, but with characters I was even more invested in.
I went in expecting a spy thriller, and it delivered on every level. What surprised me was how much I cared about Cindy and Grant’s relationship. Their story kept me hooked from the start.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the multi-POV structure. Getting to see the story from different angles made it even more exciting. Even when I wasn’t reading, I caught myself thinking about what might happen next.
I can’t recommend this book enough!
If you’re a fan of the television series 24, you’re going to love this book. The pacing, the chase scenes, and the constant sense of danger reminded me so much of the show, but with characters I was even more invested in.
I went in expecting a spy thriller, and it delivered on every level. What surprised me was how much I cared about Cindy and Grant’s relationship. Their story kept me hooked from the start.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the multi-POV structure. Getting to see the story from different angles made it even more exciting. Even when I wasn’t reading, I caught myself thinking about what might happen next.
I can’t recommend this book enough!
November 13, 2025
When I received a copy of "Run, Cindy, Run," I had no intention of reading it at that moment. I simply opened it to glance at the first few lines. Big mistake, I was hooked! Before I knew it, I spent an entire afternoon lost in suspense. The plot weaves through so many unexpected twists and turns that I found myself constantly second-guessing what would happen next. By the time I reached the end, I was experiencing a whirlwind of emotions—relief, happiness, and a touch of sadness that the adventure was over. I’m hoping a sequel is in the works!
November 11, 2025
Run, Cindy, Run! by Lana McAra is the sort of novel that will leave a reader breathless. Each chapter skips along at a breakneck pace with twists and turns abounding. From the very first page, readers are drawn into Cindy Lestrade and Grant Collier's stories and pulled along on a journey that spans across state lines and through many harrowing moments. I'd highly recommend this book to readers who like romantic suspense stories or novels that feature hacking and technology-related plots.
November 11, 2025
I had never read a technology thriller before this novel, and it was a fun introduction to the genre. The fast-paced story pulled me right in and kept me turning the pages, and the detailed, insightful writing got me to care about the protagonist, Cindy Lestrade, and identify with her uncertainty about whom she could trust amid life-or-death stakes. This novel kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page and got me hoping for a sequel.
November 11, 2025
This book is a compelling story filled with suspense, action, and intrigue. I loved how the author intertwined the different law enforcement agencies, sometimes working together, sometimes working against each other. She also does a good job of keeping the reader questioning the characters as to who’s a good guy and who is a bad guy. As thrilling at times as John Grisham, yet as suspenseful and humorous as Clive Cussler. This story gets a rating of 5 stars from me.
October 31, 2025
What a thrilling and exciting ride! Ms. McAra’s writing is taut and smart, as is her plot, which moves along at a wonderfully brisk pace. The two main characters are as likeable as they are believable, and in addition to the gripping espionage/terrorism story there is a sweet subplot of interrupted love. A really fun read. I was lucky to receive a review copy.
November 14, 2025
This is an addictively, enticing book written in a James Cain style; a wild and crazy fast adventure. Reading it I felt like I was caught on the cow catcher of a freight train pulling a 1,000,000 tons of coal going down a fast, precipitous and spellbinding ride, not knowing where the crash would be! The story is well written, spellbinding and adventurous. Enjoy the ride.
November 15, 2025
Run, Cindy, Run! grabbed my attention right from the start and I couldn’t put it down. The action and twists kept me guessing the whole way through. Cindy is such a strong and relatable character, and I really enjoyed following her journey. If you like stories with suspense, secrets, and a dash of romance, you’ll love this one!
December 12, 2025
I loved how the summary throws you right into Cindy’s world—framed, betrayed, and constantly on the run. The mix of CIA corruption, cyber warfare, and a second-chance romance had me hooked instantly. It really feels like a perfect blend of Tom Clancy–style tension with Sandra Brown–level chemistry.
November 15, 2025
Lana McAra’s “Run Cindy Run is as fast-paced as you could want. Leaves you wondering what’s around the next bend and doesn’t stop delivering until the last chapter. If you like an edge-of-the-seat thriller, this one’s for you.
November 12, 2025
A fast-paced thriller that keeps the adrenaline pumping while weaving in just the right touch of romance.
November 13, 2025
What a great book! It is action-packed, full of surprises, danger, mystery, and a romance tucked in for good measure. I couldn’t put it down.
November 14, 2025
"Run, Cindy, Run!" is the first book I've read by Lana McAra, and now I’m eager to read her other works. This book is an entertaining read, and I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews