Easier to Run

by Silver Rain

Easier to Run is a full-length standalone novel. Reunited “friends-to-lovers” Contemporary New Adult Romance “He took my world by storm with four simple words ‘I’m your new neighbor.’ I was only five at the time, but I couldn’t look away from the older boy staring at me through the hole in our back yard fence. In my mind, he was mine from that moment, but I knew that could never happen. When I was fifteen, I learned that things that should never happen can sweep in and rip your entire life to shreds. I lost everything. I lost him….” Six years after tragedy changed Cassie’s life forever, she continues to yearn for that one thing that will make her feel whole–the boy she was taken away from. The boy who had stood by her side and defended her at every turn. The boy whose shoulder she cried on when her parents died, after her sister committed suicide, during her testimony against her brother-in-law. With her past a heavy burden that sits on her chest, threatening to suffocate her every night, she somehow finds the strength to go back and face it. To finally go back and find the man who might make her heart beat again and ease the dead pain she feels inside. But six years can change people, and their relationship can never be the same.

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance

202 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

About the author

Silver Rain loves meeting new book boyfriends of every flavor, so when a dream imprinted a heartbreaking and beautiful love story in her head, she decided to pick up her pen and release some of the steamy characters who begged her to run away with them.

I’ll meet you in the pages of a book! <3

Reviews

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you ☆





Easier to Run was as beautiful, as it was heartbreaking.

Cassie, the book’s female protagonist, has a hard and traumatic life.

Being the sole living member of her family and having survived a dismembering ordeal, Cassie returns to her hometown where everything makes sense… where the one person that captured her heart and makes her whole, is there…

Will she be able to battle her demons and move forward to a possible future with Ben?
Will Ben be able to console her jaded and broken heart?
And with outside forces looking to put a damper upon everything, how will everything turn out?
Few thing’s are for certain: no more running. No more hiding. Cassie’s past has finally caught up with her and it’s time to fight for herself, those she loves, and her own HEA.



So, my thoughts: Easier to Run was a very poignant read, infused with heavy themes and issues of human nature.

Author Silver Rain really took me aback by this novel as I was not expecting anything this deep of caliber to be drawn out and executed.

I was definitely impressed by the integrity, the universal themes she weaves into this while leaving an integral and everlasting impact she leaves upon you as the reader. As well as was most undoubtedly, taken aback by the deep-seated emotional counterpart of this story along with the journey of Cassie and her quest for love, redemption, self-worth, and a new start.

A fabulous book debut by the lovely, Silver Rain!!

[Olga therebelreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ~ 4 stars

Easier to Run is a powerful tale of love, trust, pain and caring. It is a romantic, contemporary storyline that focuses on Cassie, a girl who has “PTSD, severe depression, social anxiety and a stutter.” She has been sexually abused and she has lost her parents and her only sister. She’s been living with her grandparents, but their inability and unwillingness to embrace her problems and emotionally support her make Cassie leave their house at the age of twenty-one. Having little money to spend but feeling the need to finally live her life on her own terms, she drives back to her hometown hoping to meet her old friend and only love, Ben.

Ben was her best friend since she was five and he was ten. He never looked down on her for her stuttering and always admired her for her high intelligence. Ben never criticized her and shared a special friendship with her. He always stood up for her till she had to leave town and go to her grandparents’ after the loss of her parents in a car accident.




Now that she’s back to her hometown after six years of absence, she meets Ben who is extremely happy for her return. Ben is handsome, hard working, independent and a caring soul. He shows his interest and love to Cassie and supports her in any way he can, both financially and emotionally. They finally admit their love and they surrender to the attraction and the slow-burning sexual tension between them.





There is a variety of secondary characters, Liz (Ben’s ex), his family, Brantley (Ben’s roommate and Liz’s step-brother) and others who add drama to their lives. Cassie is defined and ruled by her past and the loss of her parents and sister. I could not help but care for Cassie and hoping that she would see that in order to move on with Ben, it would be imperative that she learned letting go of the past. Trusting in Ben is absolute key!

I like Ben because he does not try to change her but to send her love. He focuses on the good within her, the worthiness that she has! Cassie soon realizes that she deserves to have her heart’s desires and she needs to accept that she’s worth it to receive them.




My only complaint is that I needed more drama concerning Mitchel (the man who raped her) and her grandparents. These characters have played a major role in her life and we never actually meet them but only hear about them.

If you’re looking for a good romance, I surely recommend that you buy it. Easier to Run is a superb read. Great for anyone loving an angst read, a romance novel full of passion, heartbreak, laughter and tears. The whole plot is intriguing, dealing with some heavier issues carefully but without beating about the bush.

Copy received by author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.

[Silver Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUT NOW! Available on Kindle Unlimited!

Praise for the book:

“What a touching story of friends to lovers. […] They encounter some bumps in the road, but help each other and stay strong together.” ~ Debbie

“I would give 100 stars if i could. Holy hell what a ride! […] This is real love, real friendship. This book was a page turner for me. I kept stopping everything I was doing just to read one more page. I just found my new favorite author.” ~ Jewels

“Deeply emotional story about two people overcoming many obstacles, both mentally and physically, and banding together to come out stronger in the end.” ~ Auzibay

“10+++ stars for this debut! WONDERFUL read!! […] Cassie & Ben’s story sucked me in from page one, and I didn’t want to put it down. There is a lot going on in the plot, but it never feels cluttered and the pacing is SPOT ON. I love every bit of this story, and how the characters come together and STAY together to work out issues.”~ Carrie Marie



“I recommend this novel if you’re looking for something worth reading. Please keep in mind that there are a few hard topics discussed regarding sexual assault and mental issues. Regardless, this story is truly worth reading so pick up your copy today. Check it out!” ~ MG Reviews

“If you are looking for a sweet romance with a little drama then this book is for you!” ~ Danielle hayhow



“Fabulous romance. Love this author and blown away by her debut!” ~Amazon Customer

“Easier to Run is a powerful tale of love, trust, pain and caring. It is a romantic, contemporary storyline […] If you’re looking for a good romance, I surely recommend that you buy it. Easier to Run is a superb read. Great for anyone loving an angst read, a romance novel full of passion, heartbreak, laughter and tears. The whole plot is intriguing, dealing with some heavier issues carefully but without beating about the bush.” ~ Vicky

“From page one I was so immersed in Cassie’s pain and I felt all of her emotions right along with her. I was so excited for her when she found Ben […] He’s one of the best book boyfriends I’ve found in a while – when he loves, he loves unconditionally and without hesitation. We all could use a man like Ben in our lives!!!” ~ Catherine

[Books Movies Fandoms · Rating 4 out of 5]

My star rating for EASIER TO RUN is: 4 out of 5 stars. :)

My ‘Blogging Reader’s Review’after reading
an ARC Copy of ‘EASIER TO RUN’
(via:BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com):

This is my full review after reading “Easier To Run” by author Silver Rain. This is the first novel I’ve had the opportunity to read and review thanks to receiving an early copy gifted by the author. This is the debut novel for this author and it falls into the New Adult and Contemporary Romance genres. This story not only offers a romance but it gives an HEA and some dark suspense intertwined. Readers will get the two main character’s P.O.V’s(Point of views) – Cassie Bryant and Ben Murray.
Cassie Bryant grew up in the same house most of her adolescent years with her older outgoing sister Rachel and her parents. Cassie has been usually pretty shy because of a stutter she has had since she could talk. So avoiding people had become a natural habit for her. As a young child a new large family moves in next door to her family home and quickly the youngest child, a boy who is her older sister’s age, introduces himself to her as Ben Murray. As their families become acquainted and friendships are formed. Despite Cassie and Ben’s five year age difference, they develop a genuine bond and friendship. He tries to get her to come out of her shell. He’s caring, patient and sincerely friendly with her regardless of her shyness because of her stuttering. His efforts to get her to look passed her communication hurdle is something Cassie just wasn’t used to from people outside of her family.
Ben Murray met the two blonde neighbors girls and instantly became curious with why the youngest one was so quiet. She was different and he could tell she was shy. Even as young children he felt the need to try to get her to open up and trust him. As the years continue on through their childhood and well into Ben’s teenage years, he develops a close and protective friendship with Cassie and becomes a study partner with Rachel. Cassie and Ben develop an unlikely friendship and their families just accepted it. She grew comfortable with him because he was so caring, protective and patient with her when most people never gave her the time of day.
When tragedy hits Cassie and Rachel, things are never the same for either of them. As if things couldn’t get worse, someone takes advantage of their tragedy, causing Cassie to fall deeper into a silent downward spiral. Tragedy hits Cassie once again forcing her to leave the home, the life and her best friend Ben behind when she moves away. Will she ever be able to pull herself out of this downward spiral that is sending her into a self-destructive path?
After six years of living inside a shell of herself, with people who don’t understand her and trying to get passed a few bad choices, she decides to try and find herself again. That road she goes on to find herself seems to lead her back to where she last remembered safety and happiness: back to Ben. This novel is an amazing blend of happiness, heartache, tragedy and love. I enjoyed watching Cassie grow up, imperfections and all. There are moments in her life that could’ve broken her down, and in some ways it did but she was not completely destroyed to where she had no chance of overcoming it. She’s a strong female character in so many ways because of how much she is forced to overcome. Ben is such a handsome, caring and amazing male lead character as well. I recommend this novel if you’re looking for something worth reading. Please keep in mind that there are a few hard topics discussed regarding sexual assault and mental issues. Regardless, this story is truly worth reading so pick up your copy today. Check it out!


My star rating for EASIER TO RUN is: 4 out of 5 stars.

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[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a touching story of friends to lovers. Cassie met Ben when she was just five years old. He was the new ten year old neighbor and she was instantly drawn to him. As the years passed, she was always with him. Their families celebrated together and watched out for each other. When Cassie was fifteen, Ben was there when the police showed up to deliver the news that her parents had been in a serious accident. When she went to live with her sister and her husband, Ben was there through that too. And until the horrible events that caused her grandparents to take her away, she could always count on him. Six years have passed. Cassie finally leaves in search of herself and ends up back where she grew up and finds herself going straight to Ben. He welcomes her with open arms.

Cassie is such a strong female lead. She's been through so much for a girl her age. Ben is amazing. He's one of the sweetest and most gentlest of men lead characters and he's absolutely perfect for Cassie. Now that she's twenty-one, their age difference doesn't matter anymore. But both have some demons and baggage they have to deal with. They encounter some bumps in the road, but help each other and stay strong together.

You'll love Ben's roommate Brantley. He's hilarious and also a big teddy bear. Ben's parents are also wonderful. This story is told from Cassie's and Ben's POVs. It has a feel good ending and is a standalone. I believe this story is this author's first, and I hope to read more by her in the future.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

10+++ stars for this debut! WONDERFUL read! Cassie has a traumatic past & the one thing that ever made it better was Ben. She's been separated from him for six years, and during that time they've both missed each other terribly, but didn't realize how much or what that meant, exactly, until she finds her way back to him.

I love when authors feature heroes or heroines with pronounced stutters, and showcase their strengths. Not being able to get words out is a painful thing, and when an author writes it right, I can feel myself in that character ... And this author gets it right.

Cassie & Ben's story sucked me in from page one, and I didn't want to put it down. There is a lot going on in the plot, but it never feels cluttered and the pacing is SPOT ON. I love every bit of this story, and how the characters come together and STAY together to work out issues.

HIGHLY recommend this story & look forward to more from this author! : )

[M.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is 4 of 5. :)

This novel is an amazing blend friendship, heartache, love and growing beyond tragedy. I enjoyed watching Cassie grow up, imperfections and all. There are moments in her life that could’ve broken her down, and in some ways it did but she was not completely destroyed to where she had no chance of overcoming it. She’s a wonderful strong female character and Ben is such a handsome, caring and amazing male character, too. I recommend this novel if you’re looking for something to read next. It's worth checking out! Reader warning: Recommended for mature readers due to the mature topics discussed in the story.

Read my full blogging review at:
BooksMoviesFandoms.wordpress.com

[Julie Gustafson-Monk · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book!!!! Have you ever had that one person whom you loved most of your childhood? This story is about bouncing back from a horrible experiences as a child and adult. Her one love she knew she can trust. the one love that would keep her grounded and help her through the tough times. This is real love, real friendship. This book was a page turner for me. I kept stopping everything I was doing just to read one more page. I just found my new favorite author.

[Sammy ⭐️]

DNF @ 40%

I just can't connect at all :(

[Fel]

Attention Romance Bloggers, sign ups are now open for the EASIER TO RUN Blitz.

Sign up for the Release Blitz or to receive a review copy! 

[Lynne Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Just give me a minute to restart my heart! I have a collection on my kindle of 'unread books', this was one of them. After just finishing it, I am now left wondering why it took me so long to read it!!
Silver grabbed me in the first paragraph and didn't let go until the end. It was heartbreaking yet breathtaking at the same time.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Debut!

Deeply emotional story about two people overcoming many obstacles, both mentally and physically, and banding together to come out stronger in the end.

A wonderful debut novel - I very much look forward to more stories from this author.

[Raelene Barns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING ... Loved it from start to finish .... so well written and so emotional
My heart broke for Cassie such a sad life, ... Ben was just gorgeous loved that he was just a regular hard working guy ... great story ... Good job Ms Rain Good job

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are some books you know goin in they touch on some sad depressing topics but you know that person will get better so as a reader you dont feel constantly depressed reading it.

And then there are books like this one where just when you think you see the light for that character/s it just gets worse and more depressing and painful.

Close to top of my list of no read books are ones that have abuse/ assault. Tho I will read books that have little bit of them if it’s not the focus but the character moving past it. Read book recently, forget the name of it but main character was raped repeatedly by her ex and some other crapy stuff happened to her. But rather then have constant bombs of more shit, you saw her learn to trust men again, to work hard at not being afraid or live in the past. Books with those levels of abuse/ assault I can read because they dont push me past my point of rage or make me feel like I need therapy after reading them. This book was not even close to those levels. =(

[for lovers · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf

[ysar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cassie's been gone and alone for years. After the deaths of her parents and sister, she was taken in by her grandparents, but there was no love to be had in her new home. But memories of her best friend, the only person who never judged or let her down, are drawing her back. Back to the place where everything fell apart, where one boy had the power to hold her together.

Judging Covers: I really don't think the cover fits with the story at all. It makes it look like erotica, or at least something a lot heavier on passion than healing. And this book is more about reconnecting and getting over the past than steaming things up. That's not to say there aren't some hot moments, but if I were to pick this book bases solely on what I see on the cover, I'd probably be pretty disappointed to find out it's a completely different kind of story. The woman whose shirt is falling off her shoulders and boobs are popping out the top is absolutely not Cassie, and… Well, it's just a really bad stock photo choice for this one.

The Verdict: If I'd known what I was getting into, I probably would have passed this one right by. But by the time I figured out that not only was Cassie dealing with the absence of her family but also with the repercussions of sexual abuse as a teenager, I was already too invested to bail. So there's your warning, I guess. Cassie was repeatedly abused by a trusted adult, and while the depictions aren't graphic, it's still very disturbing.

It seems that Cassie has lost pretty much everything, so it's a wonder she turned out like she did. When her parents were killed in an auto accident, she went to live with her sister and brother-in-law. When her sister died, and the monster who'd abused her was put away, she was sent to live with her grandparents, and while that may have been the best thing on paper, it certainly wasn't the best thing in real life. They were cold and judgemental, essentially blaming her for the abuse she'd suffered, and it felt like her going back to find Ben was a last ditch attempt at finding good in the world.

Ben was her best friend, despite being several years older than her, and his family had always treated Cassie like she was their own. Cassie, of course, had a big crush on him once upon a time, but she was way too young for him and way too young to act on it, and they were pulled apart before anything could come of their feelings. Cassie's stutter has always left her feeling like she was on the outside, but Ben never let her get away with silence and sign language, and it seems he's the only person who ever truly “got” her.

Their reconnection is bittersweet and painful, despite his welcoming her back with open arms. Cassie's a survivor, though she seems to feel she's weak, and Ben is patient, sweet, and gentle with her. Now that she's older, their age difference isn't such an obstacle, and it's clear his feelings for her aren't exactly platonic either. What follows is deepening friendship, revisiting a tragic past, and ultimately healing with each other. There was no magic cure for her speech problems or big dramatic moment when the past came back to haunt them, but in that way, their story felt more real. Instead of focusing on the past, it was all about their finding each other again and moving forward, and while Cassie's issues certainly slowed that process down in several places, it was a triumphant moment when it all finally came together for them.

Easier to Run would not have been my normal choice of reads if the synopsis had disclosed the abuse and mental issues that were to be addressed in the story, but it was still a solid read, and it seemed to handle those subjects responsibly. If you're into the kind of book where the heroine has been all but destroyed and the hero loves her through it, try this one. It's not my usual fare, but I think it's probably perfect for those of you who love the savior & redemption bit.

***FicCentral received this book from *the author* for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary e-copy of Easier to Run in exchange for an honest review.

Every so often I read a debut novel where I think 'how is it possible that this is the first book by this author' and Easier to Run is absolutely one of those books.

Silver Rain did an amazing job writing Cassie and Ben's story. From page one I was so immersed in Cassie's pain and I felt all of her emotions right along with her. I was so excited for her when she found Ben - I already knew how much of an impact he had on her life so I was very hopeful that he'd once again be able to be there for her and he didn't disappoint. I loved how he really never faltered, even when he had his own drama going on. He's one of the best book boyfriends I've found in a while - when he loves, he loves unconditionally and without hesitation. We all could use a man like Ben in our lives!!!

Ben's parents - they did an amazing job raising such a wonderful guy and I love that they too loved unconditionally even though it had been so long since they'd seen Cassie.

Ben's roommate - Bentley - he was a hoot. I literally laughed out loud at so many of the lewd and crude things that he said throughout the book, and he too proved to be a great friend to those he cares about!!

If today had been a day where I didn't have to go anywhere, Easier to Run would have been one of those books that makes you want to just sit and read, all in one sitting!!!! Amazing job Silver Rain, I cannot wait to see what you put together next for us!!

[TereseDK · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very depressing book... Disappointingly short epilogue. Storyline had potential but ended up being very boring. The heroine is so sad and depressed, which I totally get due to her tragic past. But.... especially in light of the heavy subject matter, it would really have helped with some humour, bit of comic relief, or at the very least some light moments. There was zero humour in this book and I just ended up being really depressed.. I suspect the roommate Brantley was supposed to provide some light moments and funny banter, however, that just didn't work. The side characters were all very one dimensional and I fail to see what they really brought to the story. Of course, Liz brought the cliche "crazy ex" drama, but her characterisation was so shallow. She actually had some deep rooted issues, but this was practically ignored (aside from a few comments and advice from the heroine)

Another issue I had was the couple. I didn't feel the chemistry between the two at all. In fact, their connection to me was rooted in a deep felt friendship since early childhood, so when they crossed the line and became lovers, I just felt really uncomfortable, almost icky... I can't explain why, but I just could not see why they loved each other, other than because they were close as kids...

I recommend reading this on a beautiful summer day.. I made the mistake of reading this in my dark living room with the rain pouring down outside my windows, and now I feel like killing myself....

[Yve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fantastic debut novel by Silver Rain about coping with trauma and learning to live again had me intrigued from the moment I read the blurb. Add to that the fact that it was highly recommended by Aesta's Book Blog and I couldn't wait to get started on it. And while I feel the book needed better editing, the mistakes I found didn't detract from the storyline.

I loved Cassie & Ben's friends to lovers storyline, hated Liz and her meddling, and cracked up with Brantley and his crass remarks. My one complaint is that I feel that Cassie had no closure where her grandparents (and their terrible treatment of her) were concerned; you should always be able to count on your family and the fact that she couldn't do that with her last surviving relatives and wasn't able to confront them about it didn't sit well with me.

[Rhonda McGuire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easier to Run was such a powerful story of dealing with depression and PTSD. For someone to encounter such horrible life altering events at such a young age is deeply saddening. Cassie must learn to face herself as well as the outside world without falling apart. Fortunately she has Ben, her childhood friend who was always there for her and the only one she can fully trust, right along side her to face it all and prove how strong she really is.
I enjoy reading all types of stories where the heroes/ heroines are rock stars or rich and famous...this however was a nice change. Just your normal everyday people. Very beautifully written. A few editing errors but not enough to take away from the value of the story. I look forward to reading another Silver Rain story!

[Surbhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book by this author and I am impressed!!

It was an important issue addressed and the plot line was kept interesting. I loved Ben and Cassie's friendship. The childhood memories and till date. I loved how he supported her!! It was really good to see.

And it was very very sad to see how things were snatched from her at early age. People need to learn to respect n support every child regardless of them stuttering or anything. Mistakes r made but family should support. So it was a good read.

[P · Rating 4 out of 5]

It kept my attention!

This is a book that will hold your attention. It's a good book that deals with some subject matters that may be upsetting, but it does so in an appropriate manner (if there is such a thing). Ben and Cassie are meant to be together, no doubt. The ending was a little bit off to me in that it ended quickly and threw me out of the story lol. I liked the story as a whole.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok

This story was just ok for me. It is heart wrenching at times, just knowing what these characters went through. I just needed it to dig deeper. It was missing something for me to really connect. I can't put my finger on it.
Overall I liked it

[★ Belle The Bibliophile ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Once upon a time, I was a shy, lonely kid playing in her back yard. And then a boy came along who taught me that happy endings are bullshit.

The only things that matter are the happy in-betweens."

[Casey · Rating 2 out of 5]

read fully to 40% then skim read the rest!

unfortunately this book wasn't for me, I didn't feel the connection between the two main characters and some of the words used....throbbing member...yuck!

I'm sad this didn't work for me tbh

[Mayra M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this authors work and her writing style - will be reading more of her work.

[seton]

Genre: debut NA Romance

DNF @ 25%
Too dull, slogging, and depressing. Backblurb pretty much says it all, except for the fact that the H used to date the h's sister.

[Lynn]

DNF 30%
I tried but got really tired of Cassie and her I'm fine crap. Ben is one hell of a man for putting up with it, very frustrating...

[Tammy Reeping · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

Loved this book I read it again.
Two people grow up together and forever feel a connection that brings them back together to help each other thru hard times. True love