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Runout: A Search and Rescue Romance

Not yet published
Expected 23 Jun 26
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She's raising her niece while her sister is in recovery. He's unexpectedly the perfect instant dad. But when her sister comes back, a secret none of them saw coming threatens everything.

Rick Bryant is all winter with everyone else. Monosyllables, permanent scowl, the kind of man who builds cabinets with the patience of a saint and doesn't have time for your jokes or your excuses.

But with me, on the best days, I get to see a different side of him. A plate he fills before I ask. A jacket held without comment. A voice that drops half a register when it's just us. Warmer. Softer. Almost something. And every time I think he's about to cross that line, he pulls back. He puts the wall up so fast I wonder if I imagined the crack in it.

Then my sister checks into a treatment facility and leaves me with her five-year-old daughter, and Rick just — shows up. He starts by fixing my sink, then he's offering to take Charlie to school and buying us groceries.

Whatever warmth Rick was saving for me, he's giving it to Charlie now too. Everything feels right for the first time in years. Charlie is happy, I have help. Rick is close. I can almost stop bracing for the next thing to go wrong.

Then Maren comes home. And when she walks into the kitchen, Rick's face does something I've never seen. He knows her. And from the way my sister won't look at me, she knows him too.

Nothing this good was ever going to last.

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 23, 2026

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Audrey Buchanan

5 books2 followers

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5 stars
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8 (40%)
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Emma Lyons.
90 reviews4 followers
June 13, 2026
I’m crying, clapping, screaming, and literally having every human emotion thanks to Audrey! 🥹🫶🏻

These books start, and they just don’t stop! I was so excited to finally delve into the relationship of Alicia and Rick, and I was not disappointed! The push and pull from Rick sets up an emotionally intense plot line. A common theme in this book is figuring out what built up the walls around your heart, and how to finally break them down. Filled with suspense and danger (emotionally and physically), you won’t want to put this book down!
Profile Image for Jo Cooper.
330 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 4, 2026
RUNOUT by AUDREY BUCHANAN ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Runout is the third (#3) book in the CRYSTAL LAKE SEARCH AND RESCUE series.

When Alicia’s sister books herself into a treatment centre, Alicia is unexpectedly left struggling with the care of her 5 year old niece. When things look like they’re about to overwhelm her, help comes from a most unexpected source.

Rick Bryant, her colleague on the SAR team, the grumpy, closed off, growly man who has zero time or patience for anyone….except her.

When Alicia starts to crumble under the pressure of caring for her niece, Rick just turns up one day and starts to help, fixing her sink, taking her niece to school, cooking meals, letting her breathe.

As the pair spend time together they both gradually start to relax and slowly a tentative relationship develops, Rick is great with Charlie (Alicia’s niece) and Alicia begins to hope for a happier future.

However, when Alicia’s sister (Maren) arrives home, everything is turned on it’s head. Tension rises, secrets are revealed and Rick won’t look Alicia in the eye…..

——————————

Runout is the third book in the series and the third book by Audrey Buchanan I have been fortunate to read.

**Please note: there are several possibly triggering and upsetting subjects covered in this book. Whilst they are covered in an extremely sensitive manner, it is important that you are kind to yourself and take the time to check before reading this book.**


Now…. Oh my goodness! This book 😍😍, it gripped me from the very first page!

The chemistry between the MCs is OFF THE CHARTS!

I absolutely loved the character of Rick, which I did not think I would as I actively disliked him in previous books. He’s so giving, so caring, despite his own issues ( wish I could say more but I’m not giving spoilers!!) Rick is willing to put himself in uncomfortable situations to help Alicia and it says a lot about his character. We learn why he behaves as he does.

Both Alicia and Rick have their own separate issues, running through their lives which makes them reluctant to trust, to open their hearts, but it also makes them relatable, true.

Alicia’s thoughts and actions when she discovers the truth, especially as they relate to her past really had me sitting back and pondering how I would react in the same circumstance.

As with Audrey’s previous books, there is a couple of tense situations towards the end of the book. This really had my pulse pounding and had my heart in my throat. Audrey’s descriptions, her attention to detail is superb, to the point that you can picture the scenes in your mind and almost believe you are a bystander, witnessing the action in real time. Her descriptions of the area and the work of the SAR team are excellent.

There are quite explicit, open door spicy scenes but these show the progression of their relationship.

I read an ebook version of this book, with around 350 pages (on my Kindle), and great editing. Whilst there is currently a temp cover, I know that this one will be in line with previous books in the series and will be great. It is due for release on June 23rd.

With thanks to Audrey Buchanan and Cracked Pepper Books for an early copy of this delightful book. All comments are my own honest, unbiased opinion.

🦖 Small Town Romance
🦖 Spicy 🔥🔥🔥
🦖 SAR Team
🦖 Dual POV
🦖 Close Proximity
🦖 Closed Off, Growly MMC
🦖 Medic MFC
70 reviews
June 14, 2026
🖍️🖍️🖍️🖍️🖍️ and 🌶️🌶️🌶️: keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!

I’m just going to say I’m pretty sure someone had to pick my jaw up from the floor 😱. The wow factor in Runout is REAL! You know when you watch a movie and you have to look through your fingers because your so absorbed but not sure you want to know the answer? 💯 worth the heart palpitations!

Rick and Alicia, what can I say? They both have some major red flags 🚩 they need to work through. Rick’s character growth felt very genuine and human, mistakes are made and that’s normal. Alicia’s character development was more of a volcano 🌋 ready to explode with her relationship with her sister.

Charlie was a sweetheart 🥰 and gave a nice uplifting and lighthearted aspect to the story. I thought it was a good balance. Kids charm (unintentional bluntness) at its finest!

I loved the intricacy and reality of the search and rescue missions. I could seriously read this type of thing all day.

My emotions were heightened to the max: shock, love, annoyance, comfort. Pretty sure I’m in one piece again 😂. If you want intensity, suspense and healing from trauma, this one is for you. By far my favorite full series I’ve read this year!

Tropes:
💪🏻 Alpha MMC
🤫 Family Secrets
👨 Instant Dad Material
🪖 Post Military Trauma
😉 The Kitchen Table Will Never Be The Same
💙 “Mine” energy

⚠️: please read these before you read the book. Multiple heavy topics are discussed and your health matters!

I am voluntarily leaving this review and all thoughts are my own!

Thanks for the advanced copy @crackedpepperbooks and @audreybuchananauthor. I have loved every book in the Crystal Lake Search and Rescue Series 💙
Profile Image for reading.raelyn.
67 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 7, 2026
Crystal Lake Search & Rescue #3

This third installment of this series follows our MMC, Rick, and our FMC, Alicia. These two work together as part of the SAR volunteer team. They’ve been skirting around each other for awhile, but have yet to act on their feelings. That is, until Alicia’s sister enters an inpatient program and she finds herself raising her niece. Rick unexpectedly becomes insta-dad and these two finally decide to take that next step. When Alicia’s sister returns, secrets are revealed that none of them saw coming, and it threatens everything.

Okay, these two… just WOW! The tension as they circled each other was something else. Then you add to that, Rick is hot and cold, and it’s the perfect combination of frustration, grumpiness, irritability, and of course, PINING.

I loved seeing Rick step up without hesitation to help Alicia and her niece. He was so sweet as a make-shift girl dad. All the things he normally would hate, he let her get away with. You couldn’t help but love him for that.

And poor Alicia, basically having to live in her younger sister’s shadow and being dubbed the automatic care-taker and fault-bearer by her parents. It’s like she couldn’t catch a break. The mental tug of war she was going through loving her sister and wanting to be supportive but never feeling like she could share her thoughts freely.

I enjoyed the pacing of this story, and how it ultimately came together. It was nice to see this couple put themselves on the line and get what they both deserved.
Profile Image for Joanna.
494 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 19, 2026
3.75 rounded to 4 stars for me.

Rick Bryant sees Alicia srtuggling with work and taking care of her sister's child Charlie.He step up just to help,but the attraction between them denied for a long time it's just not going away.

Will Alicia and Rick risk their hearts?

Oh,I waited for Alicia and Rick story,and the chemistry between them in this book was out of charts.Both the Rick helping out and their relationship was just so good,I didn't want it to end.This book had the chance to be my favorite in the series,but then Rick past come back and that was the part I didn't enjoy.Without spoiling this part I will just say it was a put off for me and that's why I didn't give 5 stars.That being said the story and the friendships from the previous books had me so engaged,once I started I could not put the book down.Author really get the complex characters and their dynamics,and her spicy scenes while erotic and hot they are also sweet and tender,and you root for Rick and Alicia get their happy ending.My third book by this author and it was a great read.

If you looking for a romance that is not easy but so rewarding in the end I would recommend this one.

Thank you Creacked Pepper books for arc,my review is honest and my own.
11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 7, 2026
Another amazing book from Audrey that I’m lucky enough to receive an ARC of. Such a well written book but having read others in this series I wouldn’t expect anything else.

I love how Rick is just a giant rock for his friends, not only in previous books but you really get to see that in depth in this book, he shows up and keeps showing up even if he is having his own issues. As for Alicia I found her so relatable and felt for her with all the pressure she had on her from her family and I’m glad she was able to resolve some of the issues she had with her sister in the end. Also Rick standing up to her mother for her..yes Rick!

I saw the plot twist coming from the start and wished I’d be wrong. I hated it and honestly felt so gutted for Alicia knowing how it would affect her. I’m so glad it turned out the way it did because I couldn’t see a way they could have their HEA if it didn’t.


This book is really well written with a good storyline and I really debated if I should give it 4 or 5 stars but with that plot twist I had to give it 4. I know it worked out fine in the end but those few chapters had me so mad that Audrey would do that to my girl Alicia😅
1,411 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 14, 2026
Crystal Lake Search & Rescue: Rick and Alicia

I'm so glad I signed up for the advance copy - a great continuation to the series.

The tension, the back-and-forth, the long, long, long period where they were dodging feelings….
The wishy-washy grumpy MMC traumatised by his past…
The constant pressure on the MFC by her parents to be Maren’s caretaker…

Secrets and lies, and oh my lord, they were hurtful.
Rick, when he finally got into gear was such a sweetheart. He steps up without being asked, and takes on so much. And when a secret is revealed that may destroy everything, I wasn’t sure how everything was going to play out.
Poor Alicia copped so much in her life, and then she ended up feeling like a villain because of her selfish parents and sister. I don’t want to victim blame, but I had little sympathy for Maren. Not sure if it’s how she was written, or I was just overly sympathetic to Alicia, but Maren was just a hard character to get behind.

This was easily the angstiest of the series. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to hug the MMC and MFC or rage at them. So many ups and downs, but it was such a good read.
3 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
June 4, 2026
After reading the first two books in the series, I happily signed up for an ARC, and I’m so glad I did. There is something really special about this series, and somehow it keeps getting better with each book.

I read romance novels to escape, to get that HEA, and to step outside my own life for a little while. But sometimes the romances in those books can feel so far removed from reality. I mean, how many charming fae princes or professional hockey players do most of us actually know?

In Runout, the characters feel real. They are authentic on the page, and the romance is just as epic and satisfying as anything you would find in a more heightened romantasy world, but in a way that felt deeply relatable. That is something I have not experienced with many books.

There are twists and turns, and I wasn’t entirely sure where things would land, which made the story even more compelling. I loved the unexpectedness of it, and I loved watching this series continue to grow into something truly special.
Profile Image for Jenny Lynn Curry.
173 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 14, 2026
Oh my gosh!!!

I love Rick in summer!! (Iykyk)

I received this series as an advanced reader copy and I am so stinking grateful for this final book because it was the perfect ending!!! I mean, don’t get me wrong, keep writing more and I will keep devouring every word!!

This book was Rick and Alicia’s story. I knew in my heart they would end up with their own story after reading book one, but I didn’t realize how many twists and turns it was going to bring with it.

From SAR team acquaintances, to step-in co parent, to falling hard, to drunken one night stands, turned possible baby daddy, to 3-way skin on skin rescues, this book just keeps you guessing while also making your heart yearn for Rick to get his happy ever after.

I will say…I might even rate this the best book out of the series!! Oh wait…I did!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
27 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 14, 2026
Thank you for this ARC copy! I’ve had the privilege to read all 3 books in this series and they are so good! That being said SAR books are never books that I knew I would enjoy, but each in the series has been great. I really enjoyed this one with Alicia and Rick. I was on the edge of my seat and it kept me guessing. This was my favorite in the series. It can also be read as a stand alone in my opinion.

I will warn you this book does have the Lord’s name in vain a couple of times which I do not like as it does not add anything to the book and is unnecessary. It also has some spice that you can easily skip if you choose.
Profile Image for Su2108.
118 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 11, 2026
Review of advanced reader copy received from author

Aaaand Audrey Buchanan does it again!

Having read Breaking the Fall and Safer Ground, I just knew that Rick and Alicia's story was going to be another enjoyable read and it was perfect.

There's tension, will-he-won't-he moments, emotion, excitement, depth ... and the romance ... phew🔥

Loved it! And can't wait to read more of Audrey's work in the future
149 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 19, 2026
RunOut was exactly what I needed, delivering the perfect blend of tension and heart. Audrey keeps leveling up this series, revealing new layers of the SAR team with every book. Alicia & Rick both have trauma and issues that make things difficult and I couldnt help but be furious with Rick, even if I understood why he was the way he was. Charlie brings so much depth and urgency to the story. All the turmoil kept me on my toes! The the whole thing feels gripping and incredibly real.
98 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
HEA ✅️

I wish I coukd express all the things I wanted to about this story but that would be filled with spoilers.

I'll say this. This is book 3 and it is just as great as the others. I almost sat it down and walked away, not going to lie. As good as it was watching Alicia and Rick find their way......
I sat the book down, but I picked it back up. I trusted Audrey and she came through as always. I am glad these two got the ending they deserved.
Profile Image for joshreadsalot🫧.
50 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 3, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I was really looking forward to this but the entanglement of all the characters was just not for me. The relationships were messy and while some people enjoy this a lot, I don’t like it so much with my main couple 🫶 i really like reading more about Rick though and the PSTD of his past. I loved how he stepped up for Charlie and Alicia 💕
I loved being back in this world!!
Profile Image for Sam.
266 reviews19 followers
June 18, 2026
Third book in this series and I’m still hooked. Full of action and emotion the perfect combination. My heart ached for both Alicia and Rick. It ached for Maren and it ached for little Charlie. I loved the love that Alicia and Rick found despite how complicated it was. It was deep, it was real, and it definitely had some heat. Overall 4.5 stars. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Lacey.
229 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 31, 2026
This one was my favorite in the series! I went through all the emotions with this one. Each character had their own turmoil to work through. I can't wait for more from this author! Fingers crossed for another series!
25 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 6, 2026
These books get better and better as the series goes on. I loved Alicia and Rick, and I loved how ready they were to show up for each other even when they couldn’t show up for themselves. Well written, fast paced, so looking forward to more in the series.
Profile Image for Monica Minniti.
216 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 10, 2026
Book 3. Meet Rick and Alicia. These 2 have their own separate issues, running through their lives which makes them reluctant to trust, to open their hearts, but it also makes them relatable. Another great story. Spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Jessica Good.
75 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 14, 2026
Best in the series! I could not put it down. Loved the characters, the storyline, all of it! 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Kylee Ryan.
121 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 22, 2026
This series has my HEART. Didn’t know I needed the Rick and Alicia romance till this book. The yearning 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews