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Runaway Brides #3
Bride on the Run
Valerie Dimitri is on the run from her former fiancé who’d only wanted to marry her for her family’s questionable criminal ties. She also has the perfect cover with an assumed name and a thriving call-in advice show, “Sex Talk with Serena”, until one messy call blows up in her face. When she counselled “Anna J” to break up her with her boyfriend, she had no idea that she was telling a local celebrity to dump the hometown hero ballplayer, Boone Sullivan.
Boone has discovered Valerie’s real identity and he’s determined to expose her secrets… and maybe more. What he didn’t expect was to be blindsided by a crazy attraction to the buttoned-up lady with the sultry voice and a hidden past. He had carefully plotted his revenge, but soon all he can think about is how much he’d like to take Valerie as very own his stand-in bride…
The Runaway Bride series
Book 1: How to Lose a Groom in 10 days
Book 2: The Wedding Audition
Book 3: There Goes the Bride
Book 4: Bride on the Run
Boone has discovered Valerie’s real identity and he’s determined to expose her secrets… and maybe more. What he didn’t expect was to be blindsided by a crazy attraction to the buttoned-up lady with the sultry voice and a hidden past. He had carefully plotted his revenge, but soon all he can think about is how much he’d like to take Valerie as very own his stand-in bride…
The Runaway Bride series
Book 1: How to Lose a Groom in 10 days
Book 2: The Wedding Audition
Book 3: There Goes the Bride
Book 4: Bride on the Run
139 pages, ebook
First published June 16, 2015
27 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Mann
603 books1,249 followersUSA Today bestseller Catherine Mann has written women's fiction, romance, and romantic suspense for Lake Union, Harlequin, HQN, Berkley, Tule, and Sourcebooks, with titles released in more than 30 countries. Catherine’s novels have won numerous awards, including a RITA Award, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Bookseller’s Best Award.
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
A South Carolinian at heart, after years of moving around the country Catherine has settled back in her home state with her Harley-riding husband. Empty nesters, they have a blended family of nine children, nine grandchildren, two dogs, and three feral cats, who all provide endless inspiration for new novels. For more information, visit: http://catherinemann.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
June 16, 2017
**** 4 STARS ****
This was short and sweet. It didn't blow my mind away, but it was definitely a story that made me feel happy.
Valerie comes from a dangerous family. She didn't realize that her ex-fiance was also involved until the day of the wedding. So she did what any rational woman would do... run away on a Harley.
For a year she was hiding. During this time she anonymously did a sex advice podcast show so that women wouldn't make the same mistakes she made. One day her advise made a celebrity couple break up their engagement.
Boone was the unlucky all star baseball player that lost a fiance. He couldn't believe it was due to a stupid podcast show. He wanted revenge by revealing that Valerie was a sham.
The chemistry between them was great. I loved Valerie's character. She was strong, intelligent, and brave. Thanks Catherine Mann!
This was short and sweet. It didn't blow my mind away, but it was definitely a story that made me feel happy.
Valerie comes from a dangerous family. She didn't realize that her ex-fiance was also involved until the day of the wedding. So she did what any rational woman would do... run away on a Harley.
For a year she was hiding. During this time she anonymously did a sex advice podcast show so that women wouldn't make the same mistakes she made. One day her advise made a celebrity couple break up their engagement.
Boone was the unlucky all star baseball player that lost a fiance. He couldn't believe it was due to a stupid podcast show. He wanted revenge by revealing that Valerie was a sham.
The chemistry between them was great. I loved Valerie's character. She was strong, intelligent, and brave. Thanks Catherine Mann!
June 16, 2015
Karia’s Review
The premise was funny…radio talk show host meets disgruntled, jilted fall out guy…who happens to be a famous ball players, beloved by all!
Valerie was a bit rushed in life. Trying to escape her grandfather’s reach, Valerie attaches herself to a “regular” drycleaner. Sadly, as she walked down the aisle, her gut screamed, her doubts rages, and her father’s “go-kit” was the last straw. Now a year later, a successful radio counsellor, Valerie is trying to re-build her life. Unfortunately, one caller took her advice and walked out on the famous, wealthy and incredible sexy Boone. Using his extensive resources, Boone easily finds Serena only to unwittingly discover she is Valerie hiding from her mafia family. I really enjoyed their connection. Right away, Valerie trusted him and I loved that leap of faith. Their connection was real, but the smexy took some time in coming as these two built on their growing trust. I loved how Boone wanted to take care of her, yet still let her be her. As a bonus, her dad was great and Boone getting possessive was yummy. If you are looking for a funny, fast, flirty summer read…this is it! Enjoy!
The premise was funny…radio talk show host meets disgruntled, jilted fall out guy…who happens to be a famous ball players, beloved by all!
Valerie was a bit rushed in life. Trying to escape her grandfather’s reach, Valerie attaches herself to a “regular” drycleaner. Sadly, as she walked down the aisle, her gut screamed, her doubts rages, and her father’s “go-kit” was the last straw. Now a year later, a successful radio counsellor, Valerie is trying to re-build her life. Unfortunately, one caller took her advice and walked out on the famous, wealthy and incredible sexy Boone. Using his extensive resources, Boone easily finds Serena only to unwittingly discover she is Valerie hiding from her mafia family. I really enjoyed their connection. Right away, Valerie trusted him and I loved that leap of faith. Their connection was real, but the smexy took some time in coming as these two built on their growing trust. I loved how Boone wanted to take care of her, yet still let her be her. As a bonus, her dad was great and Boone getting possessive was yummy. If you are looking for a funny, fast, flirty summer read…this is it! Enjoy!
October 8, 2019
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by NetGalley
This was a quick read at only 139 pages but had a lot packed in. The prologue set the stage for what was the meat of the story and the epilogue gave me the happily ever after I was hoping for. This was an enjoyable beach read with baseball, America's pastime, front and center.
Valerie who came from a mob family and had run away from her wedding to someone marrying her for the wrong reasons became Serena who has a radio show, Sex Talk with Serena, that she shared with two friends. When she ran from her wedding she definitely made a statement - how and why! Enter Boone whom didn't like the advice she gave his former fiancee and came looking for her via a private detective for a public apology. Things take a wrong turn and good guy Boone steps up the plate. As they get to know each other better they are surprised at their chemistry which is off the charts. Considering Valerie's profession she's very naive when it comes to sex. Watching her and Boone get closer even as he learns more about her was heartwarming but also playful, surreal and fun. He's a millionaire baseball player with roots in a big mansion and she has hidden out the last year of her life. They both come from single parent households where their parents made sacrifices for them but there the similarities end. There are family, friends, fans, paparazzi, secrets, travel, games, events, romance and love along with heartache and sadness. Valerie's dad played a nice role even if he was behind the scenes for most of the story but I never doubted his love for his daughter. There was nice closure and a happily ever after that tied up the loose ends except for how someone who was hiding under an assumed name for a year can go so public with her romance and real name and there be no repercussions?
I've only read one of Catherine Mann's books in the Elite Force series and read a few of Joanne Rock's Harlequin romances a long time ago. I will be looking at the books they've written and add some to my always growing TBR pile. I look forward to reading the first three books in the Runaway Brides series: How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days , The Wedding Audition and There Goes the Bride .
Book provided by NetGalley
This was a quick read at only 139 pages but had a lot packed in. The prologue set the stage for what was the meat of the story and the epilogue gave me the happily ever after I was hoping for. This was an enjoyable beach read with baseball, America's pastime, front and center.
Valerie who came from a mob family and had run away from her wedding to someone marrying her for the wrong reasons became Serena who has a radio show, Sex Talk with Serena, that she shared with two friends. When she ran from her wedding she definitely made a statement - how and why! Enter Boone whom didn't like the advice she gave his former fiancee and came looking for her via a private detective for a public apology. Things take a wrong turn and good guy Boone steps up the plate. As they get to know each other better they are surprised at their chemistry which is off the charts. Considering Valerie's profession she's very naive when it comes to sex. Watching her and Boone get closer even as he learns more about her was heartwarming but also playful, surreal and fun. He's a millionaire baseball player with roots in a big mansion and she has hidden out the last year of her life. They both come from single parent households where their parents made sacrifices for them but there the similarities end. There are family, friends, fans, paparazzi, secrets, travel, games, events, romance and love along with heartache and sadness. Valerie's dad played a nice role even if he was behind the scenes for most of the story but I never doubted his love for his daughter. There was nice closure and a happily ever after that tied up the loose ends except for how someone who was hiding under an assumed name for a year can go so public with her romance and real name and there be no repercussions?
I've only read one of Catherine Mann's books in the Elite Force series and read a few of Joanne Rock's Harlequin romances a long time ago. I will be looking at the books they've written and add some to my always growing TBR pile. I look forward to reading the first three books in the Runaway Brides series: How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days , The Wedding Audition and There Goes the Bride .
Read
April 21, 2020Another fun book
This was a fun interesting read. It does a good job of ending the series yet leaves you wishing there were more. The story is well written and pulls you in from the first word. Highly recommended.
This was a fun interesting read. It does a good job of ending the series yet leaves you wishing there were more. The story is well written and pulls you in from the first word. Highly recommended.
October 15, 2015
Valerie escapes her wedding to Erik when she finally realizes he is more interested in her mobster grandfather than her. She leaves the church on her dad's bike, where he's provided her a go bag to start life over with a new identity complete with all the proper credentials. Apparently this is not unusual for the Dimitri family! Starting a sex help radio show using the name Serena allows Valerie to use her real life degree in counseling anonymously, but her sheltered upbringing means her life experience to draw on is a little limited.
When "Serena's" advice to a nervous bride causes her to break off her engagement to hot shot ballplayer Boone Sullivan, on her reality TV show, no less, Boone is determined to track down Serena and make her admit her advice was wrong.
He hires a private detective to help and unwittingly brings Valerie's mobster family into the picture while Boone is trying to coerce "Serena" into helping him right things with his ex-fiancée. Then, because Boone is basically a nice guy, he feels responsible for the danger he's brought to Valerie and insists on helping protect her.
It's a fun, entertaining book with some wonderful fireworks between Boone and Valerie, the kind of book you'd expect from Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock.
I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
When "Serena's" advice to a nervous bride causes her to break off her engagement to hot shot ballplayer Boone Sullivan, on her reality TV show, no less, Boone is determined to track down Serena and make her admit her advice was wrong.
He hires a private detective to help and unwittingly brings Valerie's mobster family into the picture while Boone is trying to coerce "Serena" into helping him right things with his ex-fiancée. Then, because Boone is basically a nice guy, he feels responsible for the danger he's brought to Valerie and insists on helping protect her.
It's a fun, entertaining book with some wonderful fireworks between Boone and Valerie, the kind of book you'd expect from Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock.
I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2015
Bride on the run by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock
Serena Allen runs a radio program, Sex Talk. Boone Sullivan has an issue with Serena since she convinced his former fiancé to dump him on a live show. He is intent on making her apologize in a public venue. But Serena is in hiding from mobster family and public exposure is definitely not on her list of things to do.
This is the fourth in the Bride series by coauthors Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock. It's slightly longer than novella length.
I really enjoyed this particular story. It's the second I've read in the series. Serena and Boone share passion and an instant connection. It's easy to like both of these hard working individuals
but he doesn't want family and commitment until 40. That makes for a stumbling block in their relationship.
Serena and her father's relationship is sweet and heartening.
Characters from the prior Bride series books makes appearances in this story.
I received a copy of this book from NetGallery.
Serena Allen runs a radio program, Sex Talk. Boone Sullivan has an issue with Serena since she convinced his former fiancé to dump him on a live show. He is intent on making her apologize in a public venue. But Serena is in hiding from mobster family and public exposure is definitely not on her list of things to do.
This is the fourth in the Bride series by coauthors Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock. It's slightly longer than novella length.
I really enjoyed this particular story. It's the second I've read in the series. Serena and Boone share passion and an instant connection. It's easy to like both of these hard working individuals
but he doesn't want family and commitment until 40. That makes for a stumbling block in their relationship.
Serena and her father's relationship is sweet and heartening.
Characters from the prior Bride series books makes appearances in this story.
I received a copy of this book from NetGallery.
August 1, 2015
Like so many contemporary romances, the beginning and the end of this novella are predictable: boy meets girl, and eventually they get together. However, it’s what happens in the middle here that is absolutely fantastic. This unique twist on a well-known fairy tale had me in stitches while at the same time my heart was on my sleeve.
The characters in this story were charmingly delightful. Their personalities were the type that really drew me in. The realistic yet simultaneously out of this world situations that they found themselves in really brought the characters to life. I fell in love with them as they fell in love with each other.
This fast paced novella kept me on my toes throughout. Mann & Rock have created a fantastic romance that brings Prince Charming to life in the real world.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in this story were charmingly delightful. Their personalities were the type that really drew me in. The realistic yet simultaneously out of this world situations that they found themselves in really brought the characters to life. I fell in love with them as they fell in love with each other.
This fast paced novella kept me on my toes throughout. Mann & Rock have created a fantastic romance that brings Prince Charming to life in the real world.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2015
Well....that was fun!
August 15, 2019
#4 - Valerie Dimitri is on the run from her former fiancé Erik who’d only wanted to marry her for her family’s questionable criminal ties; he’s already laundering money through his cleaner’s chain. She also has the perfect cover with an assumed name and a thriving call-in advice show, (“Sex Talk with Serena”), until one messy call blows up in her face. When she counselled “Anna J” to break up her with her boyfriend, she had no idea that she was telling a local celebrity to dump the hometown hero (ballplayer) Boone Sullivan. Boone has discovered Valerie’s real identity and he’s determined to expose her secrets… and maybe more and wants her to accompany him to a charity event and admit she’s a hack and made a mistake. What he didn’t expect was to be blindsided by a crazy attraction to the buttoned-up lady with the sultry voice and a hidden past. He had carefully plotted his revenge, but soon all he can think about is how much he’d like to take Valerie as very own his stand-in bride…
June 4, 2019
I’m so happy that we get to see Boone’s happy ever after. I felt so sorry for him in his former fiancé’s book. This wasn’t at all how I expected to see it all turn out, though. I really enjoyed most of this book. The chemistry between Boone and Valerie makes for compelling reading. I would have liked it better if Boone wasn’t the only one that had to change to make their relationship work. He has a very vulnerable “ahah!” moment just before the end that I would have liked to see explored with Valerie. Maybe it’s just because I share similar emotional baggage, but I was very sensitive to that moment and it having been glossed over.
June 9, 2015
“Bride on the Run,” Book 4 in the Runaway Brides series by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock, starts will a wedding and a go-kit nearly two years later comes full circle. Oh the picture that first scene paints, Valerie rushing from the alter as fast as her high heels allow, wedding dress flying behind her only to straddle her dad’s Harley and rumble away!
She hides for a year under an assumed name with credentials and ID her father stashed in the go-kit he stashed on his bike. Dodging a mobster grandfather is first nature for the law-abiding Dimitris. She becomes Serena, host of Sex Talk. A pod cast that takes off.
But, her advice to one skittish bride over the phone has the jilted groom hot on her heels, seeking a public apology for causing his fiance to bolt and cause public embarrament. After all his ex-honey made the call from the salon where she was readying for their wedding, and of course everyone in the salon happened to be tuned into the broadcast, which then went viral. His runaway bride was part of a reality TV family, and of course the cameras were rolling for the call. She jumped out a window, hair half colored in her dress and ran away to another state.
So, hotshot baseball player Boone Sullivan has an investigator hunt her down, then shows up to drag her back and make her say she was wrong on camera at a charity event he has to attend.
But, while at her door to confront her, Valerie gets a call from a creeper that concerns him. But, that’s not all, before he can leave, the neighbor’s tipped the media that the baseball hottie is at her house. They show up flashing cameras and they end up together on the web together. Three strikes for Valerie — she’s being dogged by Boone, a stalker and her family — no, that’s a lightning strike of eletricity sizzling between her and Boone. But, the pervert caller and threat of granddad rouse all of Boone’s protective insticts. So, he insists he’ll put security on her when she returns with him, solving his image issue and as long as they’re together in public, her granddad and skuzzy ex. (He was just using her to solidify her connection to her family’s business) can’t risk going after her.
This pair lights the house on fire the flame kindled is so fierce. Doesn’t take them long to hook up. Neither plans to get attached.
Valerie decides Boone is the guy Erik the ex wasn’t. He realizes right off she’s special, not like his usual flings. But, he’s got a plan; don’t fall in love or marry until is 40 and out of baseball so he can devote proper time and be financially stable for family life. They quickly become attached, setting the sheets on fire. She even fits with the other wives and girlfriends — if you don’t count her entire family except her dad.
She’s always wanted a family and home, but when you’re life is just one turn away from being dragged back by family, that’s never been an option. He doesn’t want one for years yet.
So, what’s to be done? She perceives her presence as a threat to him, and embarrasment. Erik tried to drag her back and, growling like a mama bear whose cub is in danger, launches himself at Erik, decking the no account crook, without a thought other than protecting her. Didn’t even matter if he could have broken or seriously injured his hand, right before a game. His only thought was protecting her.
So she put it out there. And after the stalker is caught, she indicates plans to leave his protection; after all, she’s spent her whole life mastering the art of fleeing from criminal kin. Unless his plans are more permanent.
He does’t initially get why commitment is such a big deal for her. But, when he finally gets it... what it’s like to grow up a Dimitri, a law-abiding Dimitri whose don of a grandfather won’t let his kin live free of his lifestyle... Wow! You feel it. And her sorrow that he tosses aside her love for his vision of the future. Beautifully written! Really tugged the heartstrings.
The go-kit is more than an always ready pack in case she has to exit her current life to flee gramps, who she loves, but whose world she won’t be part of.
Boone finally gets it’s significance, and from it finally gets why commitment is so important to her. Her need to extract herself before the hurt twists any deeper when he won’t divert from his plan regarding love and commitment to her says he didn’t care enough. But to him, it’s just one more person leaving him.
Her wish “that he’d realize she was a better woman than the Dimitri legacy suggested” comes true when he figures out he doesn’t want lose her, even if they’ve only known each other for a very short time.
His credo must be go big or go home, especially when it comes to committing himself.
“Boon had just put his heart on the line in the most pubic way possible, even after his heart, his pride, and his image had taken a beating just two months ago.”
I really enjoyed Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock’s “Bride on the Run,” so glad to be approved for an ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
This book releases June 16, and is available for pr-order from Kindle or wherever Tule Publishing books ae sold.
She hides for a year under an assumed name with credentials and ID her father stashed in the go-kit he stashed on his bike. Dodging a mobster grandfather is first nature for the law-abiding Dimitris. She becomes Serena, host of Sex Talk. A pod cast that takes off.
But, her advice to one skittish bride over the phone has the jilted groom hot on her heels, seeking a public apology for causing his fiance to bolt and cause public embarrament. After all his ex-honey made the call from the salon where she was readying for their wedding, and of course everyone in the salon happened to be tuned into the broadcast, which then went viral. His runaway bride was part of a reality TV family, and of course the cameras were rolling for the call. She jumped out a window, hair half colored in her dress and ran away to another state.
So, hotshot baseball player Boone Sullivan has an investigator hunt her down, then shows up to drag her back and make her say she was wrong on camera at a charity event he has to attend.
But, while at her door to confront her, Valerie gets a call from a creeper that concerns him. But, that’s not all, before he can leave, the neighbor’s tipped the media that the baseball hottie is at her house. They show up flashing cameras and they end up together on the web together. Three strikes for Valerie — she’s being dogged by Boone, a stalker and her family — no, that’s a lightning strike of eletricity sizzling between her and Boone. But, the pervert caller and threat of granddad rouse all of Boone’s protective insticts. So, he insists he’ll put security on her when she returns with him, solving his image issue and as long as they’re together in public, her granddad and skuzzy ex. (He was just using her to solidify her connection to her family’s business) can’t risk going after her.
This pair lights the house on fire the flame kindled is so fierce. Doesn’t take them long to hook up. Neither plans to get attached.
Valerie decides Boone is the guy Erik the ex wasn’t. He realizes right off she’s special, not like his usual flings. But, he’s got a plan; don’t fall in love or marry until is 40 and out of baseball so he can devote proper time and be financially stable for family life. They quickly become attached, setting the sheets on fire. She even fits with the other wives and girlfriends — if you don’t count her entire family except her dad.
She’s always wanted a family and home, but when you’re life is just one turn away from being dragged back by family, that’s never been an option. He doesn’t want one for years yet.
So, what’s to be done? She perceives her presence as a threat to him, and embarrasment. Erik tried to drag her back and, growling like a mama bear whose cub is in danger, launches himself at Erik, decking the no account crook, without a thought other than protecting her. Didn’t even matter if he could have broken or seriously injured his hand, right before a game. His only thought was protecting her.
So she put it out there. And after the stalker is caught, she indicates plans to leave his protection; after all, she’s spent her whole life mastering the art of fleeing from criminal kin. Unless his plans are more permanent.
He does’t initially get why commitment is such a big deal for her. But, when he finally gets it... what it’s like to grow up a Dimitri, a law-abiding Dimitri whose don of a grandfather won’t let his kin live free of his lifestyle... Wow! You feel it. And her sorrow that he tosses aside her love for his vision of the future. Beautifully written! Really tugged the heartstrings.
The go-kit is more than an always ready pack in case she has to exit her current life to flee gramps, who she loves, but whose world she won’t be part of.
Boone finally gets it’s significance, and from it finally gets why commitment is so important to her. Her need to extract herself before the hurt twists any deeper when he won’t divert from his plan regarding love and commitment to her says he didn’t care enough. But to him, it’s just one more person leaving him.
Her wish “that he’d realize she was a better woman than the Dimitri legacy suggested” comes true when he figures out he doesn’t want lose her, even if they’ve only known each other for a very short time.
His credo must be go big or go home, especially when it comes to committing himself.
“Boon had just put his heart on the line in the most pubic way possible, even after his heart, his pride, and his image had taken a beating just two months ago.”
I really enjoyed Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock’s “Bride on the Run,” so glad to be approved for an ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
This book releases June 16, and is available for pr-order from Kindle or wherever Tule Publishing books ae sold.
June 17, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Having enjoyed the first three book in this series so far I was happy to get accepted to review the fourth book as well. This book is exactly what I've come to expect from this series, funny and light with some hot scenes thrown in and a sweet romance. I am a bit sad that this is the last book in this series as I really enjoyed this series. What I liked most about this book is that both main characters are character we already heard of in the second book and we see or hear about most of the main characters from the previous books and they make a cameo appearance.
This book follows Boone who's marriage is ruined thanks to advice Sex talk with Serena gave to his ex fiancé. He is determined to find her and make her publicly announce her advice was a mistake. Then he finds Serena, who is actually Valerie and who's trying to lead a life while hiding from her her mob family. There is some danger involved and Boone is doing his best to protect Valerie, which was fun to see. And then they slowly fall in love and get closer. There was one misunderstanding towards the end, but luckily it was quickly solved. I didn't like how Boone was focussed on having Valerie admit her mistake, but it was solved nicely and it did bring them together. There is also some focus on baseball and we see the main characters of the first book during a few scenes, which was fun as it connects the books.
I like Valerie, she was a down to earth women. She loves her dad, both they don't see each other a lot for safety purposed. They both try to stay far away from the mob side of their family, building their own life away from the rest of their family and trying to avoid any ties with them. I really liked how they dealt with this. Boone is a very successful baseball layer and he didn't plan to fall in love, but soon he can't deny how he feels. I liked how protective he was of Valerie and how he adjust his opinions of her once he get's to know her. It was fun to see their romance and while they start of in an unconventional way, it worked. The ending and epilogue was lovely and it made me happy how this series ends.
To conclude: This was another great book in this series. I am sad this series is over now, but I really enjoyed it. These books are short, but they are a lot of fun and long enough to grow fond of the characters. i really liked Valerie and Boone and their romance was well done, they had a few small misunderstandings, but they were solved pretty quick, so I didn't mind them too much. The ending was done well and I liked seeing the main characters of earlier books make an appearance. All in all this was a great and fun series and I hope these authors decide to write more books together eventually as I will certainly read it if they do!
Having enjoyed the first three book in this series so far I was happy to get accepted to review the fourth book as well. This book is exactly what I've come to expect from this series, funny and light with some hot scenes thrown in and a sweet romance. I am a bit sad that this is the last book in this series as I really enjoyed this series. What I liked most about this book is that both main characters are character we already heard of in the second book and we see or hear about most of the main characters from the previous books and they make a cameo appearance.
This book follows Boone who's marriage is ruined thanks to advice Sex talk with Serena gave to his ex fiancé. He is determined to find her and make her publicly announce her advice was a mistake. Then he finds Serena, who is actually Valerie and who's trying to lead a life while hiding from her her mob family. There is some danger involved and Boone is doing his best to protect Valerie, which was fun to see. And then they slowly fall in love and get closer. There was one misunderstanding towards the end, but luckily it was quickly solved. I didn't like how Boone was focussed on having Valerie admit her mistake, but it was solved nicely and it did bring them together. There is also some focus on baseball and we see the main characters of the first book during a few scenes, which was fun as it connects the books.
I like Valerie, she was a down to earth women. She loves her dad, both they don't see each other a lot for safety purposed. They both try to stay far away from the mob side of their family, building their own life away from the rest of their family and trying to avoid any ties with them. I really liked how they dealt with this. Boone is a very successful baseball layer and he didn't plan to fall in love, but soon he can't deny how he feels. I liked how protective he was of Valerie and how he adjust his opinions of her once he get's to know her. It was fun to see their romance and while they start of in an unconventional way, it worked. The ending and epilogue was lovely and it made me happy how this series ends.
To conclude: This was another great book in this series. I am sad this series is over now, but I really enjoyed it. These books are short, but they are a lot of fun and long enough to grow fond of the characters. i really liked Valerie and Boone and their romance was well done, they had a few small misunderstandings, but they were solved pretty quick, so I didn't mind them too much. The ending was done well and I liked seeing the main characters of earlier books make an appearance. All in all this was a great and fun series and I hope these authors decide to write more books together eventually as I will certainly read it if they do!
October 5, 2015
I received a complimentary book from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was a little unsure about reading this book because the cover makes the story look like a very light romance involving biker people. These two ideas are not my favorite subjects for a book. However, having read books by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock before, I knew that they did not usually write those kinds of books. I am so happy that I finally took the time to read the book because I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Valerie Dimitri is a woman who is trying to live her life separately from all of her questionable relatives, except her father. Unfortunately, she is walking down the aisle at her own wedding before she realizes that her fiancé is just as bad as her relatives. She runs away on her father’s motorcycle and changes her name.
She is now the owner of a lucrative call-in-for-advice sex phone show. Unfortunately she gave bad advice to Boone Sullivan, a popular baseball player, whose fiancée left him. He finds Valerie and wants her to publicly tell everyone that she was wrong. This sets up many problems that lead Valerie and Boone to run away with each other.
I found this book very difficult to put down until I finished the entire story. The main characters, Valerie and Boone, are extremely likeable people. He is the ideal boyfriend. He is handsome, gentle, caring and anything else a woman might want. Valerie is attractive, independent and caring. Boone finds Valerie so attractive that he becomes side-tracked his original reason for finding her.
This is the fourth book in this series by these authors, but truthfully I had no idea when I was reading this book. The other couples in the book did not need any other introduction. And the breakup of Boone and his ex-girlfriend was so very well explained that I thought I knew everything. However, I loved the book so much that I went to buy the other books in the series, and I realized that every couple, including Boone and his ex-friend had their own books.
It takes fantastic writers to let us read the fourth book in a series and never once realize that characters were in other books. And, these too authors are fantastic. The characters in this book are likeable people we can relate to even though their circumstances are quite different. These characters are so well-defined that I feel as though I know them. The plot is exciting and also well-developed with several unexpected twists and turns. By the end of the book, I knew that I wanted to read all of the other books in the series!
I especially enjoyed reading about the behind-the-scenes life of a major league baseball player and their wives/girlfriends.
I was a little unsure about reading this book because the cover makes the story look like a very light romance involving biker people. These two ideas are not my favorite subjects for a book. However, having read books by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock before, I knew that they did not usually write those kinds of books. I am so happy that I finally took the time to read the book because I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Valerie Dimitri is a woman who is trying to live her life separately from all of her questionable relatives, except her father. Unfortunately, she is walking down the aisle at her own wedding before she realizes that her fiancé is just as bad as her relatives. She runs away on her father’s motorcycle and changes her name.
She is now the owner of a lucrative call-in-for-advice sex phone show. Unfortunately she gave bad advice to Boone Sullivan, a popular baseball player, whose fiancée left him. He finds Valerie and wants her to publicly tell everyone that she was wrong. This sets up many problems that lead Valerie and Boone to run away with each other.
I found this book very difficult to put down until I finished the entire story. The main characters, Valerie and Boone, are extremely likeable people. He is the ideal boyfriend. He is handsome, gentle, caring and anything else a woman might want. Valerie is attractive, independent and caring. Boone finds Valerie so attractive that he becomes side-tracked his original reason for finding her.
This is the fourth book in this series by these authors, but truthfully I had no idea when I was reading this book. The other couples in the book did not need any other introduction. And the breakup of Boone and his ex-girlfriend was so very well explained that I thought I knew everything. However, I loved the book so much that I went to buy the other books in the series, and I realized that every couple, including Boone and his ex-friend had their own books.
It takes fantastic writers to let us read the fourth book in a series and never once realize that characters were in other books. And, these too authors are fantastic. The characters in this book are likeable people we can relate to even though their circumstances are quite different. These characters are so well-defined that I feel as though I know them. The plot is exciting and also well-developed with several unexpected twists and turns. By the end of the book, I knew that I wanted to read all of the other books in the series!
I especially enjoyed reading about the behind-the-scenes life of a major league baseball player and their wives/girlfriends.
June 16, 2015
Bride on the Run by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock
Valerie Dimitri is on the run from her former fiancé who’d only wanted to marry her for her family’s questionable criminal ties. She also has the perfect cover with an assumed name and a thriving call-in advice show, “Sex Talk with Serena”, until one messy call blows up in her face. When she counselled “Anna J” to break up her with her boyfriend, she had no idea that she was telling a local celebrity to dump the hometown hero ballplayer, Boone Sullivan.
Boone has discovered Valerie’s real identity and he’s determined to expose her secrets… and maybe more. What he didn’t expect was to be blindsided by a crazy attraction to the buttoned-up lady with the sultry voice and a hidden past. He had carefully plotted his revenge, but soon all he can think about is how much he’d like to take Valerie as very own his stand-in bride…
The Runaway Brides, Book 4
how did Valerie Dimitri and Boone Sullivan meet?
why is Valerie on the run from her former fiancé ?
Boone Sullivan is hometown hero what?
will Valerie and Boone be more than friends?
who is your favorite character in this story?
And why?
how many books in the The Runaway Brides series?
do you like the covers for The Runaway Bride by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock?
Boone has discovered Valerie’s real identity and he’s determined to expose her what?
The Runaway Bride by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock is a 4 stars book.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
more books by Catherine Mann
The Runaway Brides series
How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock
The Runaway Brides
The Wedding Audition
The Runaway Brides series
There Goes the Bride
The Runaway Brides series
BRIDE ON THE RUN
Sheltered by the Millionaire
(Texas Cattleman's Club : After the Storm)
Escaping with the Billionaire
Rescue Me
(Second Chance Ranch, book 2)
Billionaire's Jet Set Babies / The Nanny Bombshell
Grayson's Surrender / Taking Cover
(Wingman Warriors
Pursued by the Rich Rancher
(Diamonds in the Rough, book 2)
more books by Joanne Rock.
The Right Moves
(Wrong Bed)
How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock
Heartache, TN
1. Promises Under the Peach Tree
2. Nights Under the Tennessee Stars
3. Dances Under the Harvest Moon
RELEASE DATE:
Jun 16, 2015
Valerie Dimitri is on the run from her former fiancé who’d only wanted to marry her for her family’s questionable criminal ties. She also has the perfect cover with an assumed name and a thriving call-in advice show, “Sex Talk with Serena”, until one messy call blows up in her face. When she counselled “Anna J” to break up her with her boyfriend, she had no idea that she was telling a local celebrity to dump the hometown hero ballplayer, Boone Sullivan.
Boone has discovered Valerie’s real identity and he’s determined to expose her secrets… and maybe more. What he didn’t expect was to be blindsided by a crazy attraction to the buttoned-up lady with the sultry voice and a hidden past. He had carefully plotted his revenge, but soon all he can think about is how much he’d like to take Valerie as very own his stand-in bride…
The Runaway Brides, Book 4
how did Valerie Dimitri and Boone Sullivan meet?
why is Valerie on the run from her former fiancé ?
Boone Sullivan is hometown hero what?
will Valerie and Boone be more than friends?
who is your favorite character in this story?
And why?
how many books in the The Runaway Brides series?
do you like the covers for The Runaway Bride by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock?
Boone has discovered Valerie’s real identity and he’s determined to expose her what?
The Runaway Bride by Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock is a 4 stars book.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
more books by Catherine Mann
The Runaway Brides series
How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock
The Runaway Brides
The Wedding Audition
The Runaway Brides series
There Goes the Bride
The Runaway Brides series
BRIDE ON THE RUN
Sheltered by the Millionaire
(Texas Cattleman's Club : After the Storm)
Escaping with the Billionaire
Rescue Me
(Second Chance Ranch, book 2)
Billionaire's Jet Set Babies / The Nanny Bombshell
Grayson's Surrender / Taking Cover
(Wingman Warriors
Pursued by the Rich Rancher
(Diamonds in the Rough, book 2)
more books by Joanne Rock.
The Right Moves
(Wrong Bed)
How to Lose a Groom in 10 Days Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock
Heartache, TN
1. Promises Under the Peach Tree
2. Nights Under the Tennessee Stars
3. Dances Under the Harvest Moon
RELEASE DATE:
Jun 16, 2015
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Sometimes you know it’s not right, but you continue on the path because you just aren’t sure if that “feeling” is nerves or some kind of cosmic shout out to pay attention, girl. For Valerie it was something as simple as a pinky ring. Sunlight shining on a pretentious pinky ring. Enough to halt a walk down the aisle, enough to hug her dad tight and whisper a quick fear, enough to hear his love and support say run, baby girl, run. And she did, as fast as her high heels would carry her, as far as her dad’s Harley could take her – straight into a new life and eventually into the arms of a man she could trust with everything.
Bride on the Run is the perfect storm of stories. You have a mafia family connection that you’ve tried to outrun your entire life. You have a new identity that places you in the public eye through the radio, but you stay hidden from sight behind an assumed name. You dish out advice on sex and relationships, at times based on not only your profession but your personal life experiences. You have the misfortune to tell another bride who is questioning her own upcoming wedding – to run too. Then the jilted almost groom, a very famous, in the public eye almost groom tracks you down, demanding an apology and more – and you discover that because of this famous, annoyed, handsome ballplayer you have been ousted and the need to run once again is very real.
Valerie and Boone’s story is funny, charming, full of danger, suspense and second guesses. The action is fast paced and engaging. The story never slows down, not rushed, but in constant movement, with another surprise around every corner. It was the perfect touch to see Annamae and Wynn again. They belonged in Valerie and Boone’s story too and they fit in just right.
I loved Bride on the Run from the first scene to the extremely satisfying ending. I can highly recommend this novel to anyone who appreciates a very good love story. This is one story that I will revisit again. Pick this one up, sit back and enjoy the ride.
*I received an e-ARC of Bride on the Run from the publisher and NetGalley in exchangefor an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Sometimes you know it’s not right, but you continue on the path because you just aren’t sure if that “feeling” is nerves or some kind of cosmic shout out to pay attention, girl. For Valerie it was something as simple as a pinky ring. Sunlight shining on a pretentious pinky ring. Enough to halt a walk down the aisle, enough to hug her dad tight and whisper a quick fear, enough to hear his love and support say run, baby girl, run. And she did, as fast as her high heels would carry her, as far as her dad’s Harley could take her – straight into a new life and eventually into the arms of a man she could trust with everything.
Bride on the Run is the perfect storm of stories. You have a mafia family connection that you’ve tried to outrun your entire life. You have a new identity that places you in the public eye through the radio, but you stay hidden from sight behind an assumed name. You dish out advice on sex and relationships, at times based on not only your profession but your personal life experiences. You have the misfortune to tell another bride who is questioning her own upcoming wedding – to run too. Then the jilted almost groom, a very famous, in the public eye almost groom tracks you down, demanding an apology and more – and you discover that because of this famous, annoyed, handsome ballplayer you have been ousted and the need to run once again is very real.
Valerie and Boone’s story is funny, charming, full of danger, suspense and second guesses. The action is fast paced and engaging. The story never slows down, not rushed, but in constant movement, with another surprise around every corner. It was the perfect touch to see Annamae and Wynn again. They belonged in Valerie and Boone’s story too and they fit in just right.
I loved Bride on the Run from the first scene to the extremely satisfying ending. I can highly recommend this novel to anyone who appreciates a very good love story. This is one story that I will revisit again. Pick this one up, sit back and enjoy the ride.
*I received an e-ARC of Bride on the Run from the publisher and NetGalley in exchangefor an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
June 18, 2015
3.5 stars. This fourth book in the Runaway Brides series neatly brings everything full circle, linking up characters from previous books – but in a way that still leaves it accessible as a standalone. It’s every bit as fun and easy to read as the rest of the series.
Despite Boone’s original – and rather ridiculous – plan to track Valerie down and force her to retract her advice to his former fiancée, this is a cute tale. Boone is sweet, despite his success, and very protective of Valerie. I do feel like their relationship jumped into serious a little quickly, though, and Boone’s expectations of a relationship were pretty poor. On the whole, he’s a nice guy, doing nice things, but there’s not really a lot to him.
Valerie had more substance. Not just because of her upbringing and her worries about being tracked down, there just seemed to be more depth to her. She has worries and hopes and fears and expectations, and I loved her relationship with her dad.
However, while the romance was sweet I do feel like the other side of the plot – Valerie’s crime connections – was pretty weak. The way those issues are resolved made the whole thing into a total non-event. I would also have liked to have known a bit more about what happened to the radio show. I get that once Valerie runs she drops everything to start afresh, but since she didn’t actually cut all ties to her radio friends it might have been nice to have had a little more on that.
Overall this is an enjoyable tale and a good addition to the series. Although, if I’m honest it didn’t grab and hold my attention as well as the others, and my thoughts did drift occasionally – which is pretty rare for me. I also found it less memorable than the others, which surprises me because I was really looking forward to this one. If you want something fun and easy, this will certainly do the trick, especially if you’ve read the rest of the series – on the romance side, anyway. If you’re reading this for the criminal ties and suspense aspect, though, you will be disappointed.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Despite Boone’s original – and rather ridiculous – plan to track Valerie down and force her to retract her advice to his former fiancée, this is a cute tale. Boone is sweet, despite his success, and very protective of Valerie. I do feel like their relationship jumped into serious a little quickly, though, and Boone’s expectations of a relationship were pretty poor. On the whole, he’s a nice guy, doing nice things, but there’s not really a lot to him.
Valerie had more substance. Not just because of her upbringing and her worries about being tracked down, there just seemed to be more depth to her. She has worries and hopes and fears and expectations, and I loved her relationship with her dad.
However, while the romance was sweet I do feel like the other side of the plot – Valerie’s crime connections – was pretty weak. The way those issues are resolved made the whole thing into a total non-event. I would also have liked to have known a bit more about what happened to the radio show. I get that once Valerie runs she drops everything to start afresh, but since she didn’t actually cut all ties to her radio friends it might have been nice to have had a little more on that.
Overall this is an enjoyable tale and a good addition to the series. Although, if I’m honest it didn’t grab and hold my attention as well as the others, and my thoughts did drift occasionally – which is pretty rare for me. I also found it less memorable than the others, which surprises me because I was really looking forward to this one. If you want something fun and easy, this will certainly do the trick, especially if you’ve read the rest of the series – on the romance side, anyway. If you’re reading this for the criminal ties and suspense aspect, though, you will be disappointed.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
June 18, 2015
Check out the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Bride on the Run is the fourth release in the Runaway Brides series from Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock and brings all four stories full circle with this one about baseball player Boone Sullivan and bride on the run Valerie Dimitri. Boone was originally introduced in the prequel, which is now listed as book one, as the then-fiancé of Annamae Jessup and Valerie was introduced in book two but as Serena Allen, a radio personality who advises Annamae to end her engagement to Boone if she feels she isn’t ready to marry him and has lingering doubts. I’ve always wanted Boone to have his own story told, especially since he’s always seemed like a nice guy who certainly didn’t deserve to be so publicly dumped by Annamae, but I was surprised when I found out he was being partnered with Valerie/Serena. Of course, theirs is an interesting tale, because of what happened with Annamae so seeing these two fall in love seemed improbable but love has been known to defy logic and common sense countless times before.
I didn’t feel the same kind of spark between Boone and Valerie as much as I did with the other lead characters in the first three books. There wasn’t this connection I felt to either of them until I reached the last quarter of the book. Still, the idea of the All-American baseball star falling in love with a woman who had ties to the mob was something that kept my interest going until I finished reading the book. It was nice to have majority of the other lead characters from the first three books included in this story, albeit in mostly minor roles. All in all, this quick read is something you’ll want to check out if you’re a fan of the Runaway Brides series. Bride on the Run gets 3.5 stars, rounded off to four stars for Goodreads. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Bride on the Run is the fourth release in the Runaway Brides series from Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock and brings all four stories full circle with this one about baseball player Boone Sullivan and bride on the run Valerie Dimitri. Boone was originally introduced in the prequel, which is now listed as book one, as the then-fiancé of Annamae Jessup and Valerie was introduced in book two but as Serena Allen, a radio personality who advises Annamae to end her engagement to Boone if she feels she isn’t ready to marry him and has lingering doubts. I’ve always wanted Boone to have his own story told, especially since he’s always seemed like a nice guy who certainly didn’t deserve to be so publicly dumped by Annamae, but I was surprised when I found out he was being partnered with Valerie/Serena. Of course, theirs is an interesting tale, because of what happened with Annamae so seeing these two fall in love seemed improbable but love has been known to defy logic and common sense countless times before.
I didn’t feel the same kind of spark between Boone and Valerie as much as I did with the other lead characters in the first three books. There wasn’t this connection I felt to either of them until I reached the last quarter of the book. Still, the idea of the All-American baseball star falling in love with a woman who had ties to the mob was something that kept my interest going until I finished reading the book. It was nice to have majority of the other lead characters from the first three books included in this story, albeit in mostly minor roles. All in all, this quick read is something you’ll want to check out if you’re a fan of the Runaway Brides series. Bride on the Run gets 3.5 stars, rounded off to four stars for Goodreads. ♥
June 8, 2015
I was gifted a copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion and a review.
I Have read many Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock books in the past and always found both authors to be great writers, there books are great to follow and a nice steady pace.
Valerie Dimitri is on the run from her former fiancé who had only wanted to marry her because of her family’s questionable criminal ties.
Valerie/Serena is lucky she has the perfect cover with an assumed name and a flourishing call in advice show, “Sex Talk with Serena”, that is until one phone call blows up in her face. When she counselled “Anna J” to break up her with her boyfriend, she had no idea at all that she was telling this local celebrity to break up with the home town hero ballplayer, Boone Sullivan.
It has taken Boone a long time to discovered Valerie’s real identity and now he has he is determined to expose her and any secrets she may have ....
What he didn’t expect was to be caught unaware by a sizzling attraction to this buttoned up woman with the sultry sexy voice and a secret past. Boone had been carefully planning his revenge, But soon Boone's protective instincts kick in, when he realizes, that whilst he was seeking Valerie out, he might have put her in danger. And but now all he can think about is how much he wants to take Valerie as his own stand-in bride…
A very enjoyable book I found Valerie very likeable and spunky she has had to be what with her family background.
Boone o yum he is sexy as sin ballplayer, i loved how he whisk's Valerie away, to keep her safe.
This will make anyone a great summer read
4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
I Have read many Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock books in the past and always found both authors to be great writers, there books are great to follow and a nice steady pace.
Valerie Dimitri is on the run from her former fiancé who had only wanted to marry her because of her family’s questionable criminal ties.
Valerie/Serena is lucky she has the perfect cover with an assumed name and a flourishing call in advice show, “Sex Talk with Serena”, that is until one phone call blows up in her face. When she counselled “Anna J” to break up her with her boyfriend, she had no idea at all that she was telling this local celebrity to break up with the home town hero ballplayer, Boone Sullivan.
It has taken Boone a long time to discovered Valerie’s real identity and now he has he is determined to expose her and any secrets she may have ....
What he didn’t expect was to be caught unaware by a sizzling attraction to this buttoned up woman with the sultry sexy voice and a secret past. Boone had been carefully planning his revenge, But soon Boone's protective instincts kick in, when he realizes, that whilst he was seeking Valerie out, he might have put her in danger. And but now all he can think about is how much he wants to take Valerie as his own stand-in bride…
A very enjoyable book I found Valerie very likeable and spunky she has had to be what with her family background.
Boone o yum he is sexy as sin ballplayer, i loved how he whisk's Valerie away, to keep her safe.
This will make anyone a great summer read
4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
June 20, 2015
While I enjoyed this book I can’t truthfully say that Bride on the Run is my favorite in the Runaway Bride Series. (That would be There Goes the Bride) However, I was thrilled to see that Boone received his own story. I had felt bad for him when Annamae broke her engagement to him in The Wedding Auction. He really was not a full-fledged character in that book so I was glad to see him fleshed out in this one. The author’s di a great job expanding his character so that the reader could understand his calm, detached controlled approached to life. I liked Valerie and her self-reliance, so that she could land on her feet when life went downhill for her. Really these characters were not so much opposites as they were of on opposite’s sides of one issue, the radio talk show.
My biggest problem was with the contrived plot about her having to attend the Gala with Boone. I can’t see a famous baseball player needing to resort to that kind of blackmail. I got that he is not wanting a real date that might begin to cling but surely he would know someone who would willingly be his public date only. I just never could get my head around that to find it plausible so that is why it lost .25 of a point. I think just needing to confront Serena /Valerie would have been enough of a plot device. However, remember this is one reader’s opinion only.
Overall a neat little romance with some intrigue and danger. All of that ties up nicely at the end with Boone getting the girl this time.
3.75
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
My biggest problem was with the contrived plot about her having to attend the Gala with Boone. I can’t see a famous baseball player needing to resort to that kind of blackmail. I got that he is not wanting a real date that might begin to cling but surely he would know someone who would willingly be his public date only. I just never could get my head around that to find it plausible so that is why it lost .25 of a point. I think just needing to confront Serena /Valerie would have been enough of a plot device. However, remember this is one reader’s opinion only.
Overall a neat little romance with some intrigue and danger. All of that ties up nicely at the end with Boone getting the girl this time.
3.75
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
June 16, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've wanted Boone's book since How To Lose A Groom In 10 Days. When I saw that Annamae broke up with him in Book 2, I was even more excited for his book. Turns out, it was worth the wait. I like this hero a lot, so his story being how it is was really a good thing, as far as I can see it.
It may sound weird that he was now with the radio talk show persona who encouraged Annamae to call off the wedding. However, Valeria and Boone was written for each other. I like Valerie. There was a mix of toughness and vulnerability in her. Oh, and I can just imagine Don Johnson as her father. Can you?
I like how this story panned out. In the beginning, it sounded too complicated, with a stalker, a crime family, and a jolted ex fiance. However, the resolution to the issues will surprise you. If it was any other book, I would wish for a different approach to the conflicts. However, since the books in this series focus more in the romance side than other factors, it was just a good way to end a book.
I find that this series has had its ups and downs for me. The first introductory novella was good, but Annamae's book was better. The third story was the one I liked the least. Boone's story ranks the same as his ex fiance, Annamae. All in all this is an entertaining series with all books being light, fun, and easy reads.
I've wanted Boone's book since How To Lose A Groom In 10 Days. When I saw that Annamae broke up with him in Book 2, I was even more excited for his book. Turns out, it was worth the wait. I like this hero a lot, so his story being how it is was really a good thing, as far as I can see it.
It may sound weird that he was now with the radio talk show persona who encouraged Annamae to call off the wedding. However, Valeria and Boone was written for each other. I like Valerie. There was a mix of toughness and vulnerability in her. Oh, and I can just imagine Don Johnson as her father. Can you?
I like how this story panned out. In the beginning, it sounded too complicated, with a stalker, a crime family, and a jolted ex fiance. However, the resolution to the issues will surprise you. If it was any other book, I would wish for a different approach to the conflicts. However, since the books in this series focus more in the romance side than other factors, it was just a good way to end a book.
I find that this series has had its ups and downs for me. The first introductory novella was good, but Annamae's book was better. The third story was the one I liked the least. Boone's story ranks the same as his ex fiance, Annamae. All in all this is an entertaining series with all books being light, fun, and easy reads.
July 4, 2015
All-start baseball player Boone Sullivan was publicly jilted by his reality star fiancee after she called into a radio talk show the day before the wedding. Boone has a plan to track down the talk show host and have her admit to the media that she made a mistake with her advice. When he shows up at her door, the last thing he expected was the attraction he felt.
Valerie Dimitri ran from her wedding a year ago when she realized her fiance was only interested in the mob ties she and her father spent their lives distancing themselves from. While hiding from her family and jilted groom, she reinvented herself as a successful talk show host, using her degree to counsel callers in sex and relationships. The last thing she expected was the sexy baseball player at her front door. When Boone's appearance draws blows her cover, she accepts his offer of protection, especially when her father agrees she would be safer in the public eye with Boone's security.
Thrown together, they find they not only have chemistry, but like each other, too. The question becomes whether these two people with different plans can find a future together.
This was a fun, quick read. It was easy to get involved in, and I found it immensely enjoyable. The characters were well-developed and I could see them fitting together. While I enjoyed the other stories, but I think this was my favorite.
*I received an advanced copy from the Publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Valerie Dimitri ran from her wedding a year ago when she realized her fiance was only interested in the mob ties she and her father spent their lives distancing themselves from. While hiding from her family and jilted groom, she reinvented herself as a successful talk show host, using her degree to counsel callers in sex and relationships. The last thing she expected was the sexy baseball player at her front door. When Boone's appearance draws blows her cover, she accepts his offer of protection, especially when her father agrees she would be safer in the public eye with Boone's security.
Thrown together, they find they not only have chemistry, but like each other, too. The question becomes whether these two people with different plans can find a future together.
This was a fun, quick read. It was easy to get involved in, and I found it immensely enjoyable. The characters were well-developed and I could see them fitting together. While I enjoyed the other stories, but I think this was my favorite.
*I received an advanced copy from the Publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
June 25, 2015
Sadly Bride On The Run is the last book in the Runaway Brides series but hopefully Joanna Rock and Catherine Mann will collaborate on more of the same in the not too distant future. This book, like the others in the series, has been light, flirty and fun from the get go. I can imagine these two authors sitting at a table reading chapters to each other and laughing.
Despite the light humoured tone to the book there are some serious undertones as well. For Valerie it's the constant fear that her criminal relatives and the fiancé she left at the altar will catch up with her. For Boone it's his commitment to be the best he can be as a baseball player, which leaves very little room in his life for anything else. His work ethic is legendary among his team mates but he knows very little about true love until he meets Valerie and discovers just how important she is to his sanity.
All the books in this series are well written. They interlink beautifully and are an excellent example of what two talented authors can do together when they are in tune with each other's thinking and writing style. This one is just as good as the others and I'm happy to recommend it with or without the rest of the series, though as a reader you'll be missing out just a little if you overlook the rest of the series.
Despite the light humoured tone to the book there are some serious undertones as well. For Valerie it's the constant fear that her criminal relatives and the fiancé she left at the altar will catch up with her. For Boone it's his commitment to be the best he can be as a baseball player, which leaves very little room in his life for anything else. His work ethic is legendary among his team mates but he knows very little about true love until he meets Valerie and discovers just how important she is to his sanity.
All the books in this series are well written. They interlink beautifully and are an excellent example of what two talented authors can do together when they are in tune with each other's thinking and writing style. This one is just as good as the others and I'm happy to recommend it with or without the rest of the series, though as a reader you'll be missing out just a little if you overlook the rest of the series.
June 30, 2015
Bride on The Run is fast paced, entertaining and emotional! With a little bit of suspense and a lot of feeling, it was an easy book to fall into.
I liked Valerie as much as I love the picture of her in a wedding dress on a Harley. Catherine and Joanne make her an easy heroine to root for, and hope for. Boone is stuck in the past, and has not let go of the fact that his fiancee dumped him - something he blames on Valerie, whether she deserves that or not. He was really fixated on this and it took a bit for him to move past this, which was quite annoying at times. But the attraction between Boone and Valerie is inescapable, and when trouble follows her, he is determined to keep her with him and keep her safe. It doesn't take long for them to see more in each other, but with her past and his future do they have a chance?
There is a serious side to Bride on The Run, but overall it was a fun read that made my heart beat a little bit faster. I loved the secondary characters, especially Valerie's father who plays a significant secondary character even if we don't see a lot of him. Their relationship really helped shape the book.
I'd recommend Bride on The Run to any romance reader looking for a smoothly written, entrancing read.
I liked Valerie as much as I love the picture of her in a wedding dress on a Harley. Catherine and Joanne make her an easy heroine to root for, and hope for. Boone is stuck in the past, and has not let go of the fact that his fiancee dumped him - something he blames on Valerie, whether she deserves that or not. He was really fixated on this and it took a bit for him to move past this, which was quite annoying at times. But the attraction between Boone and Valerie is inescapable, and when trouble follows her, he is determined to keep her with him and keep her safe. It doesn't take long for them to see more in each other, but with her past and his future do they have a chance?
There is a serious side to Bride on The Run, but overall it was a fun read that made my heart beat a little bit faster. I loved the secondary characters, especially Valerie's father who plays a significant secondary character even if we don't see a lot of him. Their relationship really helped shape the book.
I'd recommend Bride on The Run to any romance reader looking for a smoothly written, entrancing read.
August 13, 2016
A year ago, Valerie Dimitri raced off on her father's Harley from her own wedding when it became evident that the groom in question was marrying her for her family's criminal connections. But then Serena Allen was born, a sex talk radio host - created and honed by Valerie and her buddies during laundry time - who somehow had the nerve to advise a reality tv star to leave her fiancé a day before their wedding. Said fiancé shows up furious and indignant on her doorstep, demanding a retraction of her advice, only to find out who Serena really is - a woman in hiding, sans British accent.
But Boone Sullivan happens to be a famous sportsman in his own right, and his penchant for attracting media attention is exactly the thing Valerie doesn't need. Boone inadvertently provides a life outside the claustrophobic four walls of her apartment and apart from her growing attraction to him, Valerie is ever conscious of the shadow she lives in - and how that could endanger him anytime.
Bride on the Run is a light-hearted, enjoyable read and I loved the angst-free, witty interactions between Boone and Val - sufficiently to be able to ignore the guaranteed happy but slightly cheesy ending.
*ARC by Netgalley
But Boone Sullivan happens to be a famous sportsman in his own right, and his penchant for attracting media attention is exactly the thing Valerie doesn't need. Boone inadvertently provides a life outside the claustrophobic four walls of her apartment and apart from her growing attraction to him, Valerie is ever conscious of the shadow she lives in - and how that could endanger him anytime.
Bride on the Run is a light-hearted, enjoyable read and I loved the angst-free, witty interactions between Boone and Val - sufficiently to be able to ignore the guaranteed happy but slightly cheesy ending.
*ARC by Netgalley
August 2, 2015
Valerie Dimitri knows what she wants and that's love and commitment. She won't marry to be a pawn to a man's ambitions. Which is why she is on the run. Her intended wanted ties to her family's criminal enterprise. She has been in hiding for a year and has a new identity as well as a successful business. Sex Talk With Serena is very popular. Boone Sullivan has a bone to pick with her. Her advice resulted in a very public breakup with his bride right before their wedding. Now that the sexy ballplayer has found her, sparks fly and her world turns upside down. What a romance! I love this story. Boone is floored when he falls for Serena. He wants her as his lover, but he feels that his career is more important. These characters are so charming that I was drawn into their story from the first page. Their chemistry is off the charts. I'm a great baseball fan so I enjoyed the baseball background. The dialogue is entertaining and the couple's battle of wills is both amusing and passionate. Catherine Mann and Joanne Rock did a wonderful job with this quick and entertaining read. This is a great addition to the Runaway Brides series.
June 16, 2015
Valerie Dimitri's wedding day didn't turn out as she had planned. At the last minute she realized her fiancé was just like her grandfather. Erik only wanted to marry her to get close with her family who are involved in organized crime. So she ran. She hopped on her daddy's motorcycle and got out of town as fast as she could. She changed her name and became a well known sex talk radio show host Serena Allen.
A year later.
Popular baseball player, Boone Sullivan was all set to get married until his fiancé called Sex Talk with Serena and decided she was making a big mistake. So she called off their engagement the day before their wedding.
Boone is out to find Serena/Valerie. He wants her to make a public apology for the embarrassment she caused him by broadcasting his breakup during the radio show. After he gets to know Valerie better, Boone realizes maybe he wasn't meant to marry Annamae after all. Maybe he was meant to be with Valerie instead.
Can a mafia princess and a pro ball player make a relationship work? This steamy love story is definitely worth reading.
A year later.
Popular baseball player, Boone Sullivan was all set to get married until his fiancé called Sex Talk with Serena and decided she was making a big mistake. So she called off their engagement the day before their wedding.
Boone is out to find Serena/Valerie. He wants her to make a public apology for the embarrassment she caused him by broadcasting his breakup during the radio show. After he gets to know Valerie better, Boone realizes maybe he wasn't meant to marry Annamae after all. Maybe he was meant to be with Valerie instead.
Can a mafia princess and a pro ball player make a relationship work? This steamy love story is definitely worth reading.
June 16, 2015
This story seemed to start out a bit slower for me than some of the previous books. Then Valerie's Dad told her to jump on his Harley and run from her wedding. That woke me up. Her family, except Dad, is a crime gang. She ran! Flash forward and she is in the doghouse with Boone for telling his fiancee to run from their wedding. She goes by Serena now and has a Master's Degree in Psyche and Sex. Boone is upset that she is exposed and hires a bodyguard to keep her safe and takes her to a hotel with his bodyguard. Boone is a baseball star and wants her to apologize for telling his fiancee to run. She won't and explains why. He keeps her safe and realizes he wasn't ready to marry. He wants to find love when he gets to 40. She wants a family now. They go apart and meet at the hotel with her Dad and her ex coming to attack. She learns that she is as safe as she will be. I liked this book and had to walk away some. This story line really tugged at my heartstrings. I hope you choose this story. Don't let it get away! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
July 16, 2015
Val is on the so called run, she is running from a past and feels like it will never stop. She is excited that is been a year and she can now look forward in hopes that past stays in the past, but she is still not ready to relax or trust anyone. She enjoys her call in talk show and she feels like its the best advice and the best job she has ever really had, only problem is she never expected one of her callers boyfriends to track her down, will she be able to still stay hidden and protect who she really is. Boone knows one thing and one thing only he loves football, and he loves his ex-fiance he also is hell bent on finding the nitwit talk show host Serena to make sure she comes forward publicly and apologizes for causing such havoc in his personal life.
I really liked this book it was a fun a simple read with a few twist and turns. Over all the storyline was well written and keeps you turning the page. I enjoyed this book in one sitting and I would recommend this book as well as others in the series. You really can not go wrong.
I really liked this book it was a fun a simple read with a few twist and turns. Over all the storyline was well written and keeps you turning the page. I enjoyed this book in one sitting and I would recommend this book as well as others in the series. You really can not go wrong.
June 10, 2015
Boone and Valerie sure meet in an unconventional way, but the connection between them sizzling with electricity. Boone's protective instincts kick in, when he realizes, that his seeking Valerie out, might have put her in danger. It is adorable to see Boone whisk Valerie away, to keep her safe.
Soon they are traveling and representing together with Boone's team, and fragile trust, understanding, and genuine like towards each other is formed. They have fun together, first time in a long time, both of them take the time to enjoy life, not just their careers.
The fear of the Valerie's mafia connected family and ex keep them close to each other, and the sparks take off on a fire. And yes, they are hot together!
This is a joyous novella, despite the scare of the crime family, it's perfect for the summer time beach reading, with so many swoon worthy scenes sure to make you smile
~ Four Spoons
Soon they are traveling and representing together with Boone's team, and fragile trust, understanding, and genuine like towards each other is formed. They have fun together, first time in a long time, both of them take the time to enjoy life, not just their careers.
The fear of the Valerie's mafia connected family and ex keep them close to each other, and the sparks take off on a fire. And yes, they are hot together!
This is a joyous novella, despite the scare of the crime family, it's perfect for the summer time beach reading, with so many swoon worthy scenes sure to make you smile
~ Four Spoons
August 15, 2015
I was given a copy of Bride on the Run from NetGalley for an honest review and this is the review.
I absolutely adored this book. Even though this book was about Valerie leaving her groom at the alter I loved the fact the male hero was Boone from a previous book who was dumped by having his girlfriend because of some advice Serina/Valerie had given her. It was so awesome so read Boone's side of the breakup because a lot of time the men get forgotten and it was refreshing to see Boone's side of the story.
I pairing of Boone and Valerie was great. They fit each other so well. You could fell the chemistry between them as you were reading their story. I liked how they had so much in common yet they had such different views on life and relationships.
This book was an excellent addition to the series and was well written with a great story and excellent characters. I am giving Bride on the Run five out of five stars.
I absolutely adored this book. Even though this book was about Valerie leaving her groom at the alter I loved the fact the male hero was Boone from a previous book who was dumped by having his girlfriend because of some advice Serina/Valerie had given her. It was so awesome so read Boone's side of the breakup because a lot of time the men get forgotten and it was refreshing to see Boone's side of the story.
I pairing of Boone and Valerie was great. They fit each other so well. You could fell the chemistry between them as you were reading their story. I liked how they had so much in common yet they had such different views on life and relationships.
This book was an excellent addition to the series and was well written with a great story and excellent characters. I am giving Bride on the Run five out of five stars.
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