Walking Away

by Lesa Renae

Her husband was handsome, charming, wealthy—every woman’s dream. Until the night he vowed to bury her where no one would find her.

Now she’s fled into the Blue Ridge Mountains, desperate for a fresh start in a place so small and quiet she hopes her past can’t follow. She keeps to herself, trying to build a life that feels safe again.

But Sheriff Burke Scott sees what she tries to hide—the way she jumps at headlights sweeping across her window, the way she checks over her shoulder, and the way his K-9, Rosie, stiffens at shadows no one else notices. Burke doesn’t know her full story, but instinct tells him she’s running from something dark… and that it isn’t over.

When a blacked-out luxury SUV appears on her dead-end road and a private jet touches down at the mountain strip, she knows the nightmare she escaped has found her. And this time, he didn’t come to talk.

Now the only one standing between her and the man hunting her is the small-town sheriff who’s beginning to mean more to her than she intended. As danger closes in, she must decide whether to keep running—or trust someone with the truth before it’s too late.

Walking Away is a gripping romantic thriller for fans of Colleen Hoover and Lisa Gardner—where small-town secrets, mountain shadows, and slow-burning attraction collide with a past that refuses to stay buried.

Genres: Thriller

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2025

About the author

Lesa Renae is the author of The Vanishing Series, romantic suspense novels set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Her books blend small-town mystery, crime investigations, psychological tension, and slow-burn romance in stories where secrets refuse to stay buried.

Set in the mountain town of Sylva, the Vanishing Series follows investigators, law enforcement officers, and attorneys as they uncover dangerous secrets hidden in a quiet Appalachian community. Each novel combines suspense, emotional stakes, and the kind of love that grows strongest in the face of danger.

Lesa is the author of Walking Away, Slipping Away, and the upcoming Fading Away, part of The Vanishing Series.

A longtime sales executive and Vice President of Sales, Lesa balances a fast-paced professional career with building layered fictional worlds filled with strength, vulnerability, and hard-won love. What began as a creative outlet when her daughter married and the house grew quiet has grown into a suspense-driven series that continues to expand.

Lesa lives in Calhoun, Georgia with her husband and their German Shepherd, Ruger. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, piano, mountain drives, and crafting stories that remind women it’s never too late to begin again.

Start the series with Walking Away — Book One of The Vanishing Series.

Reviews

[Marta · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️’s rounded down.

Walking Away is the debut book by author Lesa Renae.

I didn’t want to walk away from this book because I can’t imagine the effort and work and the excitement to have one’s first book published. What an accomplishment. It’s not something I would be able to do, so I feel badly that my rating isn’t higher. I see potential though, for better things to come.

In a brief nutshell, this book is about an abused wife who escapes her husband and with the help of her best friend, changes her name, moves to a new town, meets a new man (who happens to be the sheriff), and starts a new life. But the abusive husband left behind isn’t happy that she has left him and sets out to find her.

The story itself was okay. Where I really struggled was with the timeline and the flow of the book. I had a lot of ‘how did we get from here to now here and oh wait did we just go back a day or two?’ moments. It was really frustrating for me. I finally stopped scrolling back to see if I had missed something because that never seemed to be the case.

It was like certain pieces were missing that would have been helpful, for this reader at least. I don’t like having to think so much about things like that, it takes me out of the story and becomes distracting when I am constantly trying to figure out how the timing works out and jumps around so much.

I noticed a few things that I think editors should have maybe picked up on that would have made the book flow quite a bit better.

Something just didn’t click for me and I wish I could explain it better.

I didn’t care for how the book ended. But I typically don’t like when a book ends like that. Just a personal preference with that.

I have seen several 5⭐️ reviews for this book, so please read others or the check the book out for yourself. Sometimes I am too nitpicky and/or get thrown off by things that doesn’t seem to phase others. It could be a case of that.

Thank you to BookSirens for the free e-arc of this book. It is much appreciated. All thoughts are my own.

Rating and review posted: 12/2/25
Publishing date: 12/12/25 (forgot to post that🤦🏼‍♀️)

Small addition: I really appreciate that this author provides various resources for those who might be in an abusive situation or knows of someone who is.

[Kelsey H · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF around 50%

FMC – Caitlin/Darcy: 3 🌟
MMC – Sheriff Burke: 3 🌟
SPICE: 🫑

LIKES:
• The suspenseful premise – a woman running from an abusive, entitled husband who is trying to track her down. The initial tension and betrayal set up the story well

• The small-town vibe – wholesome, safe, and scenic; it gives a nice contrast to the danger the FMC faces

• Sheriff Burke – a strong, thoughtful, and protective character who provides a safe space for the FMC. He’s everything her husband wasn’t

• Short chapters – made for a quick, easy-to-read pace despite the other issues


DISLIKES:

• Chemistry between the leads is lacking; romance develops too quickly, and their moments together feel rushed

• POV issues – inconsistent head-hopping between characters mid-chapter

• Slightly repetitive writing – certain lines or phrases were overused


FINAL THOUGHTS:
Interesting premise with potential, but the execution falls short. It would be more compelling with a tighter POV control and more chemistry between the leads

Thank you to BookSirens for the opportunity to read this ARC 💕

[Alex Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the hardest thing to do in a relationship is to leave. Caitlin/Darcy took a lot of abuse from her husband of six years before she left, but jumping at every sound, and looking over your shoulder at every turn is no way to live. When Sheriff Burke Scott sees her cracks and his retired K-9 Rosie bristles at unseen dangers Caitlin just may have found the right man to save her from Jason.

Lesa is a new author on my TBR and I enjoyed every word of this one and I look forward to reading book 2 in the series Slipping Away very soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stellar Curie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Walking Away" is a suspenseful, romantic thriller that masterfully weaves together elements of danger, secrecy, and blossoming love. The protagonist's desperate escape from a terrifying past and her attempt to start anew in the serene Blue Ridge Mountains create a tense atmosphere, heightened by the ominous presence of her ex-husband. Sheriff Burke Scott's protective instincts and growing feelings for her add depth to the story, making their relationship a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. With its intricate plot, relatable characters, and the looming threat of her past catching up, this book is sure to captivate readers who enjoy a mix of romance and suspense

[Kair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking Away by Lesa Renae is a fast paced thriller that will keep you in suspense the entire time. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. It is the story of Caitlin West, who escapes her abusive husband, assumes a fake name (Darcy Nolan) and moves to a small town in North Carolina. As soon as Caitlin/Darcy arrives in town Sheriff Burke Scott notices her and quickly realizes that she is running from something. The book is well written, which helps the reader quickly become engaged with the characters and story. The book has many twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing. This book is the first in a series of thrillers, I can't wait to read future books in this series. If you like romantic suspense novels, then I highly recommend this book.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and found myself hooked right away. Darcy has escaped her past with the help from her best friend Izzy. She ends up in a small North Carolina town and finally begins to feel like she may be safe. The author did a wonderful job of describing the town and townspeople. I could imagine it clearly which added to my enjoyment of the story. Darcy's struggle with trusting Sheriff Burke Scott felt very real to her past trauma. The tension when her past catches up to her had me staying up to finish the book. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Baking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking Away is the first book in The Vanishing series. It is about Caitlin/Darcy, who leaves her abusive husband, Jason. She begins a new life in a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She meets the sheriff, Burke Scott, and they fall in love. Her husband, Jason, finds her and wreaks havoc on her life and that of her best friend, Izzy.

I enjoyed the characters in the book and the small-town family feel. Lesa is very descriptive and detailed in her writing. She paints a picture with her words. I loved the book and look forward to reading Sara's story in the next book, Slipping Away.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5⭐️. It was entertaining, but just a bit much.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caitlin knew her days were numbered, unless she could get away. Then and only then she may be safe. Disappearing and becoming someone else isn't easy, but if it keeps you alive it's worth it. Knowing the perfect place, somewhere shed always wanted to go. Now it was going to become her safe haven. Burke was used to strangers in their small-town, but there was something not quite right about the young woman. Being the sheriff in Sylva he knew everybody, especially as he'd grown up here then taken over from his dad. He'd learned to trust his instincts and something was off. She was too nervous, too skittish, looking over her shoulder just to quick. He knew the signs but still he was drawn to her. Can he get her to trust him. Will Caitlin find safety in the small-town. Or will her past find her. This is a story that you definitely wont want to put down. The chemistry between the main characters is compelling. The book covers some difficult issues so please make sure to read the trigger warnings. The small-town community is very close knit and welcoming. With the added bonus of the friendly German Shepherd Rosie. I can't wait for the next installment of this series

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good first instalment to a series. I look forward to reading more books later. I liked the main characters and the relationships that develop. I think there is a good blend of romance and thrill. I am sure others are gonig to enjoy this book. I have not read this author before but I will definitely be looking into more books as they come out.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking Away is Book 1 in The Vanishing Series by Lesa Renae. I found this thriller to be excellent. Caitlin is abused and finally plans her escape. Jason is rich and he must be in control, he thinks he owns wife … violence. Caitlin runs to Blue Ridge Mountains and only the Sheriff Burke Scott stands between husband and wife. I thought that the author showed the violence of abuse and how hopeless victims can feel. Lesa Renae told where to get help if you find yourself in danger which is excellent. The story is hard to read in places, but, the story is so realistic. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Megan Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was grateful to receive an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a great cozy read from debut author Lesa Renae! I loved how the author blended suspense and romance, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series! A few repetitive moments but wondering if that was the kindle copy. The beginning was a bit slow but once I got into it, I really fell in love with the characters. Be sure to read trigger warnings if that is a concern for you! I love the chapter titles and short chapters as you slowly feel the suspense and danger building and getting closer! I hope the second book is published soon!

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅ 💫Book Sirens Book Tour💫
@lesarenae
@booksirens

My thoughts:
Walking Away definitely had a lot going on. The story is tension filled with on the edge moments.
Caitlin is:
A woman trying to get away from an unhealthy marriage.
A woman trying to to build a safe life free from fear.
A woman trying to find refuge in a small mountain town.
A woman that needs to decide to keep running or learn to trust others.
A German shepherd named Rosie helps Caitlin. And, of course, a sheriff that may or may not be what Caitlin needs.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger and constantly looking over her shoulder but the real deal might be waiting for her closer to home. I felt on edge while reading this so if you want a relaxing read this isn't it. However if you want tension building and second guessing every move than this is the book. I love how alert it makes you feel and I honestly didn't want to put it down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandy Goguen-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger and constantly looking over her shoulder but the real deal might be waiting for her closer to home. I felt on edge while reading this so if you want a relaxing read this isn't it. However, if you want tension building and second guessing every move than this is the book. I didn't want to put it down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Walking Away! Easy to read & hard to put down! I can’t wait for the next book in this series comes out!

[Erica Shugart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and Romantic

Mystery meets Romantic. Love how it keeps you guessing what will happen next. And the ending has you ready to read the next book.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was written for Reedsy Discovery

Hiding from her abusive husband under a false identity, Caitlin knows her safety and anonymity won't last long

Escaping a physically abusive marriage, Caitlin disappears without a trace with the help of her best friend. Her husband, Jason, is wealthy, influential, and well-connected, so attempts by the police to hold him accountable have failed to yield any results. Adopting a new identity, Caitlin creates a new life for herself in a new state, but she knows that it won't be long before her ex discovers where she is hiding and comes after her.

Walking Away by Lesa Renae is a blend of romantic suspense and domestic thriller. At the risk of revealing a minor spoiler, one of my favorite aspects of the book is that at first, the story is told in a dual timeline, portraying Caitlin prior to her escape and after she has settled under her new identity in alternating chapters. I found this to be unique, and it was an engaging way to explain the history behind her disappearance while building up the setting and introducing pivotal characters.

Told in third person from multiple points of view, the reader experiences the story from the perspective of Caitlin, her friends, and even Jason and his associates. Unfortunately, I felt that the frequent shifts in perspective limited my ability to connect with the main characters on an emotional level. Furthermore, sub-sections were titled with character names, presumably to identify that a section was meant to be told from a certain character's point of view, but then multiple people's perspectives would appear in those sections, rendering the titling pointless. Readers can discern who is the focus of each chapter or section based on context clues, so I found this to be both distracting and frustrating.

Overall, I enjoyed the plot and writing style. The ending sets up the plot of the next book in the Vanishing series, and I look forward to continuing the series to find out how the next "vanishing" is resolved and follow the lives of the characters I met in Walking Away. This book would make a great beach read and would be enjoyed by adult audiences who enjoy redemptive domestic thrillers with a romantic subplot.

[Rainey Days Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walking Away is the first book by Lesa Renae that I have read. If I am being completely honest I have mixed opinions about the book. Overall it is well written and left me wanting to turn the pages to reach the end. Likewise, the descriptions of the characters and the surrounding were brought to life and I could easily picture them in my mind.

However, there were aspects to the book that I personally did not like. The first chapters referred to 2 names - were these 2 different characters? It became clear further into the book but I would have preferred a looking back section. Given the trauma the main female character suffered I felt there was a lack of depth in the emotional aspects of her character. In my opinion these were really minor flaws when compared to the writing style the author uses. Chapters are written in the third person omniscient; altering from one person’s perspective/thoughts for a couple of paragraphs then changing back to another and hinting at future events which for me was off putting and didn’t flow. Lastly, I didn’t feel there was a conclusive ending to Caitlin’s story. Perhaps I expected more or is this covered in a future book? If this is the case perhaps it should have been mentioned in the blurb.

I appreciate that we all have differences in what we look for in a book, the writing style and character development. For me the aforementioned spoilt what could have been an excellent novel. I much prefer first person or standard third person writing.

[Sylvie Ashbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking Away is the kind of romantic suspense that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. The story beautifully blends tension, emotion, and a slow-building romance against the quiet yet haunting backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The heroine’s journey is especially compelling. You can feel her fear, her determination to start over, and the constant weight of a past she desperately wants to escape. The way the author portrays trauma and survival feels authentic and heartfelt, making it easy to root for her as she tries to rebuild a life that feels safe again.

Sheriff Burke Scott is a standout character. His quiet instincts, steady presence, and protective nature add depth to the story, and the connection that slowly forms between him and the heroine feels genuine rather than rushed. And Rosie, the K-9, is such a wonderful addition, she adds both warmth and a subtle sense of unease when danger is near.

What I loved most was the atmosphere. The small-town setting, the looming mountains, and the sense that something dangerous is always just around the corner create a gripping tension throughout the novel. When the past finally catches up with the heroine, the stakes feel very real and the suspense ramps up in a way that keeps you turning pages.

For readers who enjoy emotional romantic suspense with strong characters, steady tension, and a touch of heart, Walking Away is definitely worth picking up.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great mystery, thriller! Stayed up all night to finish this great read! Caitlin/Darcy was a strong woman who put up with a lot of abuse; mentally, physically and emotionally from her husband Jason West after catching him with infidelity after 6 years of marriage. Jason was a true Narcissist with ocd issues in controlling Caitlin who threatened her with fatal outcomes should she runaway or escape from him.

Burke Scott, Sheriff in this sweet lil town in the N C mountains saw immediately Darcy’s skittish looks along with his strong sense of premonition could see her fear of being found by someone who she was trying to escape or run from. There was a lot of rollercoaster, rocky rides from here on in for their story. Really liked Izzy’s character; best and loyal friend to Caitlin along with deputy’s Scout Wilson and Sarah Parker. Hoping to get next book in this series as well, especially after reading a highlight for that book, Slipping Away.

I received an early, free copy and am giving my honest, free and voluntary review.

[Shraddha Sondhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Advanced copy received from Book Sprouts.

I loved this. I did not want to put it down once I started reading it, and I did not want it to end either. It is so perfectly woven around the protagonist that I found myself invested in everything happening to her immediately from page 1 and I genuinely wanted a happily ever after for her.

The descriptions of the camp grounds (spoiler alert, lots of travel in this one), the gorgeous scenery, the small town where she ends up were vivid and sounded almost idyllic. The only thing that took some getting used to was the jumping back and forth between many different POVs.

Be warned this is a slowburn though so you really have to wait for the love arc to kick off.

TW: It deals with some heavy issues like assault and abuse so best to avoid reading it if those are things that make you feel uncomfortable.

[Elliot James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking Away by Lesa Renae is a gripping romantic thriller that completely pulled me in. The tension is immediate and unrelenting, and the emotional depth makes every scene feel real. The heroine’s fear and resilience are portrayed with authenticity, making her journey both heartbreaking and inspiring. Sheriff Burke Scott is steady, compassionate, and quietly heroic, creating a slow burn romance that feels natural and earned. The mountain setting adds atmosphere and isolation, heightening the suspense. Every twist kept me turning pages. This story balances danger, love, and hope beautifully. An intense, satisfying read I highly recommend to thriller fans.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Caitlin needed to escape and with the help of her friend, managed to pull it off. However when there is wealth involved and unscrupulous investigators who us evil at their disposal, Caitlin is traced and threatened. Fortunately she fell under the very alert gaze and protection of the sheriff, Burke.
Despite looking over my shoulder waiting for the hammer to fall, I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I received a copy from BookSirens and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Rebecca Morel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a terrible book, but a storyline I feel like I've read many times before. A woman with an abusive husband flees and finds herself in a new town. He does everything in his power to hunt her down, but she has new friends on her side. I feel for the lengths he went to to find her, the story fizzled and there were no repercussions for his actions. And the ending was awful.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Tesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Fast paced with action and suspense and that intensity danger brings.

Caitlin is running and when Sherrif Burke notices she is new to town, he recognises that haunted look and knows someone is after her.

Burke and Caitlin have a tentative connection initially. She is scared to let him closer in case him knowing behind trouble but that attraction soon burns.

Very well done. A new to me author. Great work Lesa!

[LaRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! I have found the last book for my favorites of 2025! This book drew me in right away and never let go! The intensity was awesome! The secrets, the romance! I was on the edge of my seat! I cannot wait until the next book in the series!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in three days. Great Mystery. Loved the small town characters. Looking forward to finding out what happened to Sara!

[Kelly Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

great first book from promising author

[Floraljoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing:
The premise of this book sounded good but it was so clumsily written, I just couldn't finish. It was stilted and the story didn't seem able to find its rhythm. Part of that was because it needs further editing and the timeline for example needs to be tightened (it goes from being morning to lunchtime then back to early morning again). I was curious to find out what was going to happen and to see if Darcy and Burke could make a go of it, but not enough to persist through the blunders.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.