When Kendall is taken by Aunt Wanda she knows nothing will ever be okay again. Aunt Wanda is an evil woman that cares about nobody but herself. The only thing keeping Kendall alive is Aunt Wanda's hatred toward her mother. Once their life of crime goes from bad to even worse, Kendall realizes if things don't change, she will go down alongside her Aunt Wanda. Mason, the one constant in her life of misery, believes that they can make a change, maybe even be happy if they just run. They've been friends for a lifetime, he loves her and she knows it. But she doesn't know how to return those feelings.
Hate can turn you into a monster.
Hate can hurt the people you should care about.
They want to have a chance, but just aren't sure if people like them deserve one.
Love gets in the way. Promises get broken. Nothing is never the same again.
Holly Hood is a prolific romance author who specializes in crafting stories filled with dysfunctional characters, layered drama, and small-town secrets. From paranormal romance to dark mystery suspense, her work fearlessly explores love triangles, supernatural connections, and the complex dynamics of family drama. Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and now residing in Sylvania, Holly began writing as a child to navigate a difficult home life. What started as an emotional outlet through diaries, journals, and play scripts evolved into a passion for storytelling that allows readers to experience raw emotions that might make them "want to punch someone in the face or cry." With nearly 30 published books to her name, Holly has captivated readers with popular titles including The Ink series, Run, Anonymous, Perfectly Hopeless, Sad Pancakes, Castles, Neighbor, and Even Wilder. Her writing stands out for its unexpected twists, touches of humor and sarcasm, and refreshingly non-traditional endings—she's not afraid to kill a character when the story demands it. When not writing, Holly embraces her creative spirit through various art forms including drawing, clay work, crochet, painting, and 3D printing. She also enjoys cooking, baking, reality television, and music. Holly's newest project, The Serpent Series, launches with "When Serpent Sleeps," available on Amazon. Connect with her on TikTok @readhollyhood or Facebook @authorhollyhood to follow her writing journey.
I was given this book to read in turn for an honest review!!!
Kendall and Mason live a life on the run. Kendall with her evil aunt and Mason with his wicked mother. The only constant thing in their lives is each other. Both want to live a different life, both deserve better. Can they get away? Will they pay for their part in the crimes? Will life give them both the happiness they deserve or will one crazy decision rip them apart?
This is the first of Holly Hood’s books I have had the pleasure of reading and boy does Holly know how to write a captivating and heart wrenching story: I didn’t want to put this book down! The loneliness and sadness Kendall felt was heart wrenching, she had seen and done things no girl should have to witness or go through. The feelings they had for each other came across strong, I was begging for them to see it in each other and follow their hearts. This story gives hope to those out there who feel they can’t get away from the dark, lonely, endless life they are living, that they can change and find a better path in life. Keep the tissues handy whilst reading; you are going to need them. I look forward to reading more of Holly Hood’s books.
If you love dark, contemporary, romances with suspense that pulls at your emotions you will absolutely love this book!
I don't remember how this book got onto my Kindle but I am sure glad it did! I have over one hundred books on my Kindle that I have not read yet and picked this one because it looked like an easy read by an author I had never heard of. Well, I got the first part absolutely wrong! This is not a simple read! It is heart wrencthing, bold, sexy with strong female and male characters that draw you into their crazy and sad lives. I was impressed by the writing style and I couldn't put it down waiting for the other shoe to drop! This book is absolutely worth the time to read. My only warning is that at some point in the story I sobbed and my heart was shattered and not put back together again :( I will absolutely look for more books written by Holly Hood!
Holly, you ripped my heart to pieces!!! But OMG!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! I loved it!!! I loved everything about this book, I loved the characters....I loved to hate Wanda and Peyton! There were times throughout the story I wanted to scream and just shake Kendall and Mason and make them run away...and at times knock some sense into Kendall and make her see that Mason was screwing up one too may times...but then I pulled for them throughout the entire book! I loved them! I love this book! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
Wow, I am still trying to grasp all that happened in this story. It was a roller coaster of emotions. Kendall has gone through so much but her journey is just really beginning. It was a crazy wild ride reading about Kendall and Mason. To see what life gave them and how would they ever get out. Beautifully written, incredible characters, and twists, turns, and surprises keep you glued to this story. I could not put it down.
I didn't know what this story was about when I started reading it. I have to say that I truly enjoyed this story. The way it is written, it's like the words make you feel as you are in the story with the characters and all the emotions they go thru, you do as well. You will get drawn into the story. Kendall & Mason's story will be one that will reach your heart.
All I know is hate. I've seen to much, know to much.
Kendall was taken from her mother at a young age. All Kendall knows is what Aunt Wanda has told her and shown her. If only her life could have been better, anything is better than what life she has now. Wanda hates Kendall so much she lives off the hatred and uses that towards Kendall. All Kendall knows how to do is survive but stay alive in the process.
Mason has had a hard life with his mother. He has no one else and has no choice but be with her wherever she is/goes. He wants a new life. He doesn't want the life he is living. He meets Kendall and grows up with her, has the same life as Kendall.
I can make us have a better life, better then what it is now
Kendall & Mason's story will take you on one hell of a journey. You will feel every emotions, every word will reach out to you. You won't regret reading this story, I believe it will be one that will stick with you. Great job to the author.
Book: Run Author: Holly Hood Publication Date: 4/3/2015 Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts My Rating: 5 Stars
REVIEW
New to me author.
Where to begin wow is what I will say. This book took me on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster. We have Kendall who is taken at a very young age by her crazy Aunt Wanda. Wanda has let Kendall believe all her life that her mother Joy Ann is a horrible person. Kendall has lived on the run her entire life as Wanda is one heck of a bad person. Kendall is now 20 but still stays captive by her Aunt.
They have very few friends but one constant is Mason whose mother is just as bad as Aunt Wanda. Mason loves Kendall although their lives are so screwed up. Finally life takes a turn and this young couple make their move to a better life.
Let me say. This story flows so smoothly, the author is very detailed with each character I didn't fear getting lost a long the way. This is truly a heart wrenching story of a girl so lost and her one constant although just as screwed up as she is he does what he can to get their lives better. Its' about love and sacrifice. I found myself wanting to rip the head off the aunt and then I found myself crying truly a wonderful story.
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review. Holly Hood
I received a complimentary e-copy of Run in exchange for an honest review.
Kendall has lived a difficult life - she's been with her evil Aunt Wanda for years. They've been moving from town to town, leaving behind a crime scene just about everywhere they've been. One bright spot in Kendall's life is Mason, who is the son of one of Wanda's friends. It's been awhile since Kendall has seen Mason, but circumstances bring Wanda and her friend back together and Kendall and Mason are reunited and their relationship picks up right where they last left off. Kendall and Mason each dream of a life together away from their law-breaking guardians.
Run was a difficult story to wrap my story around, only because it's got so much darkness and it's heartbreaking to think about anyone having to grow up in such as an environment as Kendall does with Wanda. I love that she had Mason to lean on and I couldn't help but keep hope that they would break free of their horrific life situation.
There were a few twists at the end that surprised me, but overall the book was very well written, and the story flower very well despite the heaviness that was going on in so much of it.
This is the second book I've ready by Holly Hood and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more!
Ok, so I've read a few books by Holly, and I havr to say that I think this one is my favorite. Absolutely. When Kendall was still young, her Aunt Wanda came to her and took her from her horrible home. Neglected by her mother, she jumped at the chance to get away. What she didn't know was what life was waiting for her with her aunt. Aunt Wanda, what a trip. She is now raising Kendall and teaching her about the world. But Wanda's views of the world are extremely skewed. Her idea of raising Kendall is showing her gow to rob, cheat and con everyone and anyone she comes across. Kendall knows this isn't the life she wants, but how could she do anything else when this is all she knows? Her one "life line"? Mason. Having both come from the same place, and both being raised by similar women, Kendall and Mason have a close bond. But will their bond be strong enough to survive everything they come across? And can Kendall trust Mason, or will she keep her walls firmly placed? Such a great story and I am absolutely in love with Mason! The story has it all - fear, love, attraction, angst and hope. Amazing job!
I feel extremely lucky to have read this book. The intensity blew me away. The cruelty of people never ceases to amaze me and the way the author portrayed family in this book was unexpected. The unfairness Mason and Kendall have experienced in life is just unfathomable. Yet they feel safe and happy when they are together. They find a love between them which is amazing considering they have not received it in their short lives. There was a specific part that I found myself crying like a baby. This kind of love given by one so damaged captivated my heart and tore it in to shreds. The darkness overwhelmed me at times yet I found it hard to put the book down. The need to understand and to know where things were going was to strong of a pull. The pace was steady, the characters all had something to offer or teach. I can honestly say this book was one of the best I have read in so far this year. This author just can't seem to miss with each book she spews forth. She has the amazing ability to create soul changing issues that not only will have following her books but thinking twice about the issues and our own lives. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Wow!!!! This book seriously blew my mind. I was honored to have received an ARC of this book but with life I could never get to finish it. For that I am greatly sorry but I assumed better late than never. I started out being indifferent to Kendall. Her aunt I hated from the start. However, later on throughout the book I started to love Kendall and see she wasn't a bad person. When Mason came into play the whole book changed for me. I love a little romance. Though I did want to smack him at times. I could tell he truly loved Kendall. These 2 were made for each other. The only thing I didn't like was they never got to actually be with one another. This does not mean I didn't love this book. This book had me sobbing like a baby. If a book can make me do that than I know it got me. I become emotionally involved with these characters and started to feel their pain. When this happens I know the book got me hooked. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an all around great book to read. It doesn't hurt that this author flipping rocks. Love me some Holly Hood books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is probably one of my favorites by Holly! This is a must read ladies! Watch out cause this book just might rip your heart to shreds. Kendall is a girl that is unwanted or loved by her own. The only person she has to take care of her is her aunt, but sometimes it's better to live with the one who doesn't love you rather than the one who is supposed to. Kendall has grown up with no real place to call home, except for her best friend Mason. He is her safe haven, the one person that can bring light into her darkness. These two are cut from the same cloth, and the journey that they take you on is gut wrenching to say the least. I really want to write more. But I can't, I know if I keep writing this review I will give away to much of the story. But, if you love a good story that has pain, heart ache, and deception this is for you!!!!! Enjoy ladies!
Holly- Thank you for such an intriguing story that left me wanting more, and one I couldn't put down!
WOW, just WOW! This book had me gripped from the first page. Kendall is a young woman who was taken from her mother at the age of seven and made to live the life of a criminal by her aunt Wanada. Mason was a young man who was made to live the life of a criminal by his mother, Payton. These two young adults have been friends for a very long time and meet up every now and then, whenever Wanda and Payton decide to work together. Kendall and Mason don't get to experience much good in their lives. They even have trouble knowing if they love each other, since they can't remember ever having experienced love before. I don't know what to say about this book. It made me feel every emotion and left my crying my eyes out. I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down. So if you like to read a book that is gripping, is unpredictable,has you feeling the whole gamut of emotions and has you crying then make sure you pick up your copy.
OMG...where to start. Oh, I know...GET THIS BOOK. Was given the book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. II couldn't put it down. Ms. Hood had me hooked from the 1st chapter. A gamut of emotions will come pouring out of you I'm sure. I felt as though I was living the life of Kendall and Mason right along with them. I hurt for them, I cried with them ( real crocodile tears, get the Kleenex tears) I can't recommend the book enough. Spoiler alert: STOP HERE IF YOU DONT WANT TO KNOW HOW IT ENDS. I so wanted them to get their happily ever after. And I was totally blown out of the water at how things ended for them, but the ending really worked. Happiness isn't always the way we think it should be. Bravo Ms. Hood. Excellent writing, please keep them coming. You have escalated to the top of my my read authors.
Holly Hood is an amazing writer. She has the ability to bring her characters to life where her reads can feel everything that they are feeling.
For me, I had a hard time getting into Run. It touches a little to close to home for me and just couldn't get my mind in the book and experience what the characters were experiencing.
For some, Run can be an eye opener to a world some do not exist. Run has the capability to bring to life the outside world where evil resides but it is also about acceptance. Accepting the life you've been chosen to live and live it the best you can given the circumstances you find yourself facing or make the appropriate changes so that you live the life you chose to live. Its about growth, moving forward and making decisions for yourself.
4 stars I was given an ARC for my honest opinion. I went into this book with out the slightest idea of what it was about and this was my first time reading Holly Hood. Kendall and Mason are hauled around on a crime spree by Kendall's Aunt Wanda, a despicable woman and Mason's mother just as bad as Aunt Wanda. It is all they have known since they were young children. The book takes place from June 7th - July 28th. Kendall (20) and Mason (23) spend a good portion of that time together. Crimes happen and lives change. I did like the story and very much liked Kendall and Mason, I felt so bad for them. I don't quite understand why Mason did what he did, but I didn't like it! Kleenex needed! The writing was very good by this author. This is a standalone
I got this copy in a drawing for an honest review.
This is NOT our typical girl meets guy kind of love story. This is NOT a billionaire alpha man story. This is a story about the hardships of a young girl kidnapped by her aunt and then forced all over the country committing petty crimes and living like gypsies. But in the thick of it all Kendall is in love with her aunts bff's son. They've known each other for years and forced to endure a life on the run and fall in love despite the hell they live through. Mason is selfless when it comes to protecting Kendall. This is not a touchy feely book. It's raw and gritty. A decent book for a change of pace. I enjoyed it and will probably read more from this author.
Received from the author for a honest review. 3 1/2 stars ...If your looking of a sweet pretty romance story, this isn't it. Run is a raw messy story of a young girl and boy living the life no children should live but not knowing any different. It has drugs, robberies and murders. All and the hands of the adults who are suppose to raise them. I liked the story but felt it wasn't alway easy to follow. I do have to say that I shed a few tears.
First, I have to say that Holly is one of my favorite authors. From the first page of this book I was hooked!!! Kendall and Mason are truly believable characters. These two endured so much throughout their unstable journey,but love was evident no matter the circumstance. I smiled reading some chapters, cried on others, stunned and amazed on a few and then my stomach plummeted!!!! It's an emotional read and it's written perfectly. I really loved this one,Holly!
I have read the majority of Holly's books and this one is my favorite! I can't tell you the emotional roller coaster I felt while reading Run. It has been a while since a book has just grabbed me, then ripped my heart, and then turned around to make me feel whole again. I want to start reading it all over again. Seriously, get this book. You won't be disappointed.
Well, this book was awesome. The adventure in this book was awesome what a story. I felt so many emotions while reading this book. Especially in the end. It didn't end the way I expected but it was still good. I could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting. I hope there's a part two. I really enjoyed the story and highly recommend reading.
WOW! I'm speechless! Totally did not see that coming! Holly is an amazing writer! I've read a few of her books now and every time I'm completely engrossed in her writing. She continually keeps you on the edge of your seat, and you never know what is going to happen next! I look forward to reading more of her books!! Don't stop writing Holly!!!
enjoy the story f Kendall and Mason. Most of it broke my heart but it is what needed to happen for these two. It was beautifully written and fast paced which i liked. I dont know who I thought was crazier her aunt or his mother but boy oh boy they were dozies...worth reading and great job by holly
This book started out a bit strange for me but it all came together by the end!..Even thoughhe went through and did some crazy things, I loved Mason. He was all about being there for Kendall!
the character development was extraordinary. I can't express in words how much I enjoyed this story. my favorite so far from holly hood. I highly recommend it if you're in the market for a page turner with lots of twists and turns. you will love some characters and absolutely abhor others. it's well worth the read.