Running Scared

LCR Elite #3

by Christy Reece

To Have A Future, They Must Face The Past Together


Riley Ingram escaped hell, taking secrets with her that could get her killed. As an Elite operative for Last Chance Rescue, Riley’s single-minded focus is on saving others from a similar fate. A survivor of unspeakable horror, she hides behind a cool mask of indifference, vowing to never let her guard down again.

A family tragedy brought Justin Kelly to LCR. Saving lives and protecting others is a way of life for him. The phenomenal connection he shares with his intensely private LCR partner surprises everyone but Justin. He knows that beneath Riley’s icy façade is a warm, caring woman with tremendous depth.

When the past comes calling, colliding with the present, the LCR duo have no choice but to face it together. Relying on each other’s strength and courage, they’ll work to destroy one of the most horrific monsters LCR has ever faced.

But some secrets can’t stay hidden. And sometimes plans fall apart. It’ll take every bit of their grit and fortitude for Riley and Justin to stay alive to have the future together they’re just now realizing they want more than anything.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Abuse, Contemporary Romance

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2016

About the author

Award winning and NYT Bestselling Author Christy Reece lives in Alabama with her husband and a menagerie of pets.

Reviews

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - Romantic Suspense

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very potent, non-stop action and passion-filled romantic suspense addition to the LCR Elite series! Although this book easily could be read as a standalone, I can’t imagine not diving into the full realm of jaw-dropping and heart-stopping enticements offered in each and every installment in this series.

Running Scared provides an intense storyline including plenty of those romantic “feel goods” that romance readers expect. Justin Kelly and Riley Ingram are operatives with the Elite division of Last Chance Rescue. They’ve been partners for a few years now and, unbeknownst to the other, deeper feelings for one another are surfacing. The story also includes a great look at their personal encounters with survival, courage and love. As a romantic suspense, it is filled with non-stop action and lots of twists involved in a human trafficking plot that will keep you guessing. Also, the beloved cast of characters we’ve met in previous books add their own special brands to the story as well. It’s always an added plus when the whole gang gets together to crack a case wide open and celebrate a happily-ever-after!

Building the connection between two individuals is the key to a strong and believable relationship. For romance, it’s even more important in my opinion that the best ones are given time to nurture. And I especially don’t want to just read the words that say, “I love you” -- I want to feel every breathtaking and heart pounding feeling right along with Justin and Riley. And that’s what this author does – she nurtures and builds the chemistry and life story of their love story step by step.

Readers can always count on a great blend of romance and suspense from Christy Reece’s stories. I highly recommend any book written by this author.

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better LCR books. As with most of the agents, Riley had a horrific past to overcome, a past that led her to want to rescue others in a similar predicament. I liked that Riley and Justin had worked and known each other previously to their romantic entanglements. This helped to keep their romance from seeming so rushed.

When Riley decided to finally confront her past, an Op was put into place to capture her former tormentors and stop their human slavery ring. Best of all, I liked that when Riley was inevetiably captured; as a seasoned LCR agent she was able to save herself and not have to wait for Justin the come to her aid.

This is a enjoyable RS read for anyone; and fans and of the series already will love it.


Thank you to Lorrie for the loan...

[Hope Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy Reece is an auto buy for me, since her very first LCR book I have been hooked. Running Scared is no different. I have always said that Christy has the best villains, but holy crap, this book messed with my head. I loved getting to know Riley and Justin not only as partners within the LCR but also trying to find their way to partners in life. This book was also greatness because we got to catch up with some of the past LCR crew. Noah (one of my all time favs) was pretty front and center within Riley's story, it was awesome for me, as a reader, to see a softer more fatherly side of the tough leader. I highly recommend this book and the whole series.

[Alima Livzletlivz · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Riley Ingram, the girl who had never belonged to anyone, had finally found her way home” - where Justin Kelly is waiting and she has finally stopped “Running Scared”!

No matter how far you run, the past has a nasty knack of playing catch up. No matter you’ve created an identity to start fresh, unless the past is erased, there cannot be hope of a future. Riley Ingram may have been “Running Scared” from the demons of her torturous past, but she has become a warrior at heart saving lives and becoming a daughter for Noah McCall. Paired with Justine Kelly and running ops with him for the past three years has given her purpose to love, hope to survive and a LCR family that covers her six no matter what. And working three years with Justin only seems to stoke the embers of desire and passion that refuses to diffuse between them.

The past has come calling for Riley Ingram aka Jessica Larsen and the time has come for Jessica Larsen to pen the final chapter of her past and getting the answers she deserves of her identity and her roots. And we get a torturously amazing story of evil and danger, tenacity and courage, passion and love, support and family.

I shall forever remember the morning after Riley and Justin spent a night together. The emotional conversation between Noah and Justin will be one of my favorite scenes. The confessional night between Riley and Justin will forever be one of the most heart wrenching and tearful dialogues I’ve read. And Riley and Justin will be one of my top favorites of Christy’s character in par with McKenna and Lucas (Last Chance).

Christy Reece created another elite pair in Riley and Justin. Her attention to detail is amazing, her play of emotions and tenderness is a bullet to your heart, and her placement of supporting characters in the story only proves her prowess as a brilliant romantic suspense writer. A review definitely doesn’t do justice to her novels. Her books have to be read to endure the evil, live in the emotions, savor the passion and root for her flawed characters with her flawless writing!

The wheels have been set in motion for Aidan and Anna, and I cannot wait to see how Christy Reece choreographs their story of a lifetime!


Received an ARC from the author for an honest review.

[SOMDReigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running Scared, the third book in Christy Reece LCR Elite series, spotlights operatives Riley Ingram and Justin Kelly. Justin first came on the scene in book 2 of the series (Run to Me) and made an impression on me as he was on his own, undercover, trying to find and save his kidnapped sister. He later joined LCR as an operative a few books later. Riley’s character was introduced later in the series and has been somewhat of a mystery character though you knew a good backstory was there. She rarely interacted with others, was closed-off and withdrawn. The two are partners who work great together on ops but ignore each other otherwise. They both trust and respect each other and find themselves fighting their attraction for each other. Riley has reached a point in her life where she is ready to face her past and stop hiding. Many characters return from previous books to help Riley & Justin take down the evil people of her past.
Running Scared is a heart wrenching story that gives you action, family betrayal, courage, determination, passion, support, trust, and love. Christy Reece writes bad-assed heroes and heroines that you root for and fall in love with, along with pure evil villains that have you looking over your shoulder. As always, Reece delivers an emotional, intense, action-filled, romantic suspense story that ends with the Happily Ever After. I truly enjoyed reading Riley and Justin’s love story and having Riley take down the evilness of her past and finally feel that she belongs and has a family in LCR.

[Diane Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Ingram escaped from the worst hell imaginable 8 years ago. She has rebuilt her life and is a top operative for LCR elite. Her past does come back sometimes to haunt her in nightmares. Justin Kelly is Riley's partner. They have a connection that doesn't require words when they are on a mission. They can communicate with just a look and instinctively know what the other is going to do. As Riley heals and opens up more to people she and Justin grow close personally. Unfortunately for Riley the past has come to find her and she is going to have to confront it. LCR goes into action to help Riley avenge her past and rescue other potential innocent victims. Is Riley strong enough to face her past and come out the other side? This book is well written, It does cover a tough subject. I liked the way the characters interacted with each other. There was suspense, romance and several really sick individuals who you couldn't help hoping would get what they deserved. If you are looking for a good suspense novel with romance thrown in this book is for you. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.


Sent from my iPad

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy Reece's newest release, Running Scared, proves once again that she is a master of romantic suspense! Kidnapping, human-trafficking, and sadism are not easy to read, but she adds in strong characters who move from being victims to survivors to being heroes/heroines to others affected by the same.
I fell in love with Riley and Justin, LCR Elite partners who each have their demons, Riley's worse than Justin's. They share unwavering trust in each other, but now it's time for Riley to stop Running Scared and accept the unconditional love of family and Justin, the man who can give her heart a safe haven forever!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy Reece is an auto-buy author for me I really enjoyed Running Scared, Justin and Riley are so good together. Riley is amazing, she has overcome so much to become an LCR operative. As usual Ms. Reece gives us an uber creepy villain that I was so happy to see get what they deserved.

[John W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

RUNNING SCARED is an adventure of suspense and romance dealing with trust, betrayal, and manipulation. Christy Reece takes readers behind the scenes giving them an inside look at what makes the key Last Chance Rescue operatives tick. Riley Ingram and Justin Kelly, LCR elite partners for the past three years, are Reece’s main characters where their past and present lives collide. She provides her readers with additional details as the story progresses, exploring the character growth and the development of a budding romance. Both Riley and Justin seem to be in denial of their mutual interest.

The fast moving storyline’s pace adds twists and turns keeping readers on edge as events unfold. The author adds several support characters and subplots. She creates an additional dimension for each of the female operative’s past, providing an understanding of the struggles each LCR female operative needs to overcome. Her storylines create a focus on the personal side of each woman as they deal social issues such as human trafficking and child abuse.

Christy Reece delivers a fast moving thriller with action on every page of her latest LCR Elite. RUNNING SCARED is an intriguing suspense story showing personal stories of the key characters. The author helps readers embrace each character as a real person, keeping the momentum of the storyline building to an explosive end. Reece’s RUNNING SCARED is a compelling read and earns a five-star ranking.

[Sparkymom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I would love it!

To the best of my knowledge, I've read everything out there by this author including the books under her Ella Grace pseudonym. She continues to be one of my favorites. What makes things even better is that she is from my home state ( Roll Tide! ) I have been ready to get Riley's story for a while. Her character had overcome so much, and this book makes that even more clear. Some of the things in this book seem so unbelievable that we'd like to think they couldn't be real, but as I was reading about this couple selling their child, my husband shared an article in the news of a real life couple doing the same thing. I like how the author made Riley such a survivor and such a strong woman. Her partner, Justin, was absolutely the perfect man for her because he knew when she needed gentle and when she needed the cool methodical focus of work. He kept her grounded. I adored the story and the climax toward the end. I can't wait to find out what happens in the future between Aiden and Anna. It should be interesting.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never disappointed in a Christy Reece book. Her heroes and heroines stories are always so intense, full of past tragedies that should break them but they all refuse to be victims anymore and come out the other side tougher and devoted to bringing those down who cause harm to others.

After some of the horrible things Ms Reese has put her character though I should not be shocked at what a character has gone through in their past but Riley Ingram rivals the worst..

Riley and Justin Kelly have been partners for a while. They work well together as team but have never cross the line romantically. Everything in both their lives changes when Riley's past come back.

Full of suspense, along with all the past characters makes for another great story. Also love how we also get to see the setup for future couples/books

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Survivor...

There is no better word to describe Riley, well other than bad ass.

This story is tough...
Human trafficking is one heck of a nasty subject, when you add kids aka young adults as the victims...tougher still.

I loved Riley's resilience and even better Justin's patience. And the ability to see through all the walls she has built.

There connection and love story, I really enjoyed. Her story and vindication better, and the LCR catch up and the family that they truly are...awesomeness.

AND of course Christy Reece sucks you in with the promise of the next book...Anna and Aidan...crossing fingers :)

The characters and action that surround these stories are always an edge of your seat page turner. Another fun, great installment. Romantic Suspense at its best!!!!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Christ Reece has written a 'winner'.

I've been waiting (somewhat patiently) for Justin's book since he was introduced in book two of the original LCR series. His and Riley's book did not disappoint. Both of them were strong, courageous, kickass and so very right for each other. Riley had been through hell and back and was a survivor. She showed such a strength of character that I could only hope I would have in similar circumstances.

I'm also glad that we got a bit of a sneak peak into who the next couple will be. I can't wait for that one.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy has been an auto buy author for me, since her very first book. I stumbled upon it, and the rest is history. I have been looking forward to Justin and Riley's story for a long time.

This was one of those stories that, once you started reading you won't put the book down. Riley's story is heart wrenching and Justin is, well... Justin.
Running Scared is another great addition to her long list of great books.

[KK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited a long, long time for Justin to get his story, and it's finally here! Pick this up today - whether you're a Reece fan from way back like me, or new to the ride. You won't be disappointed.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I absolutely love Christy Reece’s books, especially the series about the Last Chance Rescue (LCR) Team. Since writing those first books, she has created an offshoot from LCR called LCR Elite. Basically, this is the same idea, except these members are the top-of-the-line agents who go above and beyond LCR. Since most of the members from the original series are part of this group, it is actually a continuation of the original series with more difficult problems to solve. In spite of this, each book can be read as a stand-alone. However, since so many of the earlier characters appear in each book, you will, definitely, enjoy it more if you read each LCR book in the order they are written.

This book draws me in from the very first chapter; I had trouble putting the book down. The suspense and action are non-stop throughout this book. Also, the relationship between the hero, Justin Kelly, and the heroine, Riley Ingram, is so beautiful that I fell in love with both characters.

When this story begins, Riley and Justin have been partners for a while. We also learn that Justin is in love with Riley. Unfortunately, Riley has had an, exceptionally, difficult life. For three years, she was trapped in an unbelievable nightmare. When she was able to escape, she was alone and needed help. Noah, leader of LCR, found her and trained her to become a member of his group.

Sadly, Riley is still not in a place where she can accept Justin's love. However, this doesn’t stop Justin. His love is beautiful and unselfish. He knows that Riley has had a traumatic experience. So, besides always having her back, he works very hard to help her adjust to life. Because of the unselfish way that Justin loves and cares about Riley, I fell in love with Justin. In fact, he has just become one of my favorite heroes!

I highly recommend this book. Ms. Reece has written many books in this LCR series. But, instead of becoming stale, Running Scared is as suspenseful, interesting and creative as the first books in this series.

And, if you haven’t read the rest of her LCR books, I know that, after reading Running Scared, you will want to read the other books in this series.

[Dísir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy Reece has consistently mentioned the unusual, unspeaking partnership between Riley and Justin in her previous LCR books and to get their story finally breaks this mystery in a way that is both expected and unexpected.

If all the LCR operatives that Reece writes about have shady, difficult pasts, Riley's one is particularly traumatic and seeing how far she has come is nothing short of an amazing journey. Having Justin as her support and reading about the eventual change in their relationship is gratifying, though not as dramatically so or unpredictably or as tension-filled as I'd expected. Instead, their connection is written almost as preternaturally natural and one that doesn't require words when communicating.

The pacing of the story itself was steady; I knew from the start that Riley needed to confront her past and it was what she did, in an admirable manner at least. Her mistake of running scared at the end irked me a little because I did think that Justin had proven himself way more deserving of such treatment.

'Running Scared' deals with sexual assault and human trafficking, brutal topics with which I normally struggle a lot - and rightfully so. Yet it suddenly struck me mid-way through that there are very little shades of grey in the LCR books; good and evil are delineated as clearly as night and day. While the multiple POVS - sometimes within a scene - could get distracting at times, but many of the LCR characters do show the common thread of having overcome a multitude of hugely mitigating circumstances while the bad guys were written with demeanours so evil that they slipped into stereotypes which (incidentally and unwittingly, I'm certain) sometimes got funny. For obvious reasons, I'm adamant that 'Running Scared' should not be an easy read because of the issues that Reece has raised in it. Yet my slight disappointment is merely targeted inwards because I found that it did get a little too 'easy' at times - when the good guys get their good ending and the bad guys are killed off.

[Dianne Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running scared, physically or emotionally?

Riley and Justin work as an operative team of an agency that not only saves people who have been abused and misused but also works to shut down pathways that makes it easy for evil to flourish. There are many teams at LCR that can work as a whole or split to work as a team. The interesting part is as you delve deeper into each character you find that each has been abused and has risen above that to help others. This book delves deeper into the team of Riley and Justin, introduced in earlier books. It has all the elements of bad finally rises to overcome evil but also shows how love can grow through time and rebirth and a renewal of self worth. This is a great book that reads well; well written, well believable and a feeling of good over evil. But of all, the belief that love conquers in a world of evil. Read it! See if you agree

[Kelly Mcclure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Justin and Riley's story and it did not disappoint!!! Justin has a family history of tragedy and Riley has a very personal experience of violence that has made them great as partners for LCR. Now they have moved to a more intimate relationship which is based on this great friendship and trust between them and they can't be stopped!!! This was another great story of taking a victim and making them a hero, which Christy does so very well!!! It is also awesome to continue to catch up with other characters we've met in earlier books and watch the growth of the friendships. I always know I am in for a late night when I start one of her stories because I won't put it down. Character development, plot line, suspense and plenty of love makes this another must read!!!!! I cannot wait to see what's next! Aidan and Anna, we're waiting for your story!

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened to pick up a Christy Reece Last Chance novel, Run To Me, a few years ago and was instantly hooked. I have read and watched for her books ever since!

Running Scared is the story of a woman’s strength and endurance against all odds, and the group of elite operatives who take her in and give her a reason to live.

Justin Kelly has been Riley’s partner since she became an operative. The two shared an instant connection that transcends words and is invaluable in the field. Both come with baggage, but as their relationship grows it helps to create an indestructible bond between them.

I loved the budding romance between these two almost as much as I enjoyed the comeuppance of the assholes who hurt Riley.

Another winner by Christy Reece!

I give Running Scared 5 lovely kisses
First posted on http://jacqbiggar.com

[Lee Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Christy Reece made me stay up very late and wake up very early because I HAD to know how this book would end. I unashamedly admit I am an addict of LCR stories. Riley's story was dark and painful to read at points but her recovery, strength and determination were awe inspiring. Justin is magnificent, as an operative, friend and lover.

While this can be read as a standalone I highly encourage you to read the previous LCR Elite books, at least, because you will get so much more satisfaction from the secondary characters by knowing what happened with them up to this point in the series. For maximum enjoyment you should delve into the LCR series, then read LCR Elite.

[Jo Ann Reinhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running Scared is the third book in Chrisy Reese's LCR Elite series and is Riley Ingram and Justin Kelly's story.
As usual Chrisy delivers a totally thrilling suspenseful ride into the darkest part of human nature, into the face of evil itself, all the while showing us the strength within a human soul to not only survive, but to come out at the other end of hell itself and flourish. A human psyche damaged and broken but able to learn to trust and even love.
I'm ready for the next story in this intriguing series!

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book, Love Riley and Justin together

[Michelle the Romance Witch · Rating 5 out of 5]

omfg loved this book. cried so much and so happy Riley and Justin found their HEA. can't wait for the next book.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think you should read this one without reading the first two. We see this couple interacting as a team in the previous books. In book one we see them being great partners who know how to read each other, but they never talk unless its about work. Then Riley almost dies and we see how they both feel about each other. In this book Justin is tired of not being close to her. For me this book loses a star because I didn't really feel the love like I did in the previous books. I actually really liked both characters but compared to the epic love described in the other books, this one didn't match up. The author wrote that these two have a freaky connection that helps them work together but didn't translate that into love as well. This book also didn't have the who is the bad guy mystery. We see two bad guys here, both who are so cocky they come off as stupid.
Also I love an author who can come up with characters with a great and traumatic back story. While I applaud her imagination it gets a little tiring to read that every woman has been brutally raped and tortured while every guy is a reformed manwhore. In the end I still really enjoyed seeing Riley battle her demons and find love. She was really a great character to see evolve.


SPOILERS:

Justin was in the military when he sister was kidnapped and rescued by LCR. Afterwards he joined the company but his sister couldn't get past what happened to her and killed herself.
Riley's mother was an evil cold woman who worked with a man who grooms kids to be trafficked. He and her raised Riley as Jessica. She had no friends and no life outside of them. They groomed her to be docile and submissive. On her 18th birthday they gave her to a sadists who raped and tortured her. She was his slave. He collared her, made her act like an animal. He punished her by putting her in a box, mental torture, and whips. Three years later he tells everyone that they will be married and have a child. That's when she escapes. Poor Riley didn't know much about the world except the evil in it. She also didn't know how to interact with people and had many phobias. Thank goodness for Noah and Samara for taking her in. Now that I know this I think Riley is a true female badass. Justin is right to love and respect her. She survived hell and had the strength to survive but also thrive as a hero to others. The man who pretended to be her father is being blackballed until he gets "Jessica" back. He contacts LCR to find his daughter and the operation to take him down goes well. But then Riley wants the sadist as well. She puts her and Justin at risk and they end up taken. She brakes out of that torture box, takes down a guard, saves Justin, and kills her torturer. Afterward she doesn't know who she is. She has killed, she wasn't a good team member, and she is supposed to have closure. She runs, leaves LCR and Justin but Anna helps get them back together. Justin helps her deal and realize she has always been a survivor but now she can be one who is in love =)

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Riley Ingram escaped the kind of torture from which most people never recover, but now she is an LCR agent and finds herself falling in love with her partner, Justin Kelly. Riley knows that there are many ghosts in her past that she must put to rest before she can find happiness. When William Larson, the man who sold Riley into slavery, comes looking for her, it gives her the opportunity she had been waiting for to not only put Larson out of business, but also find Dimitri, the man who had been her abuser for three long years.
This is another good LCR Elite story. It is mostly predicable, but the relationship between Riley and Justin provides enough interest to keep the story moving. Overall, a light, entertaining read.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I thoroughly enjoyed book 3 in this series, one little thing bothered me. At the end when the mission was wrapped up and Dimitri was destroyed, why did Riley leave ? It seemed so out of character for her to just ignore Justin and leave him with no explanation. They had already discussed a future, so why not stay and work it out. I am glad they did work it out in the end ;-D

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This woman simply DOES NOT write a bad book and you learn more about human trafficking with each story ... something the world should know more about :)

[Ryan Mackay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid. I do find it interesting how Reece is incapable of writing a woman (though to be fair the men typically undergo horrific shit too) without the MOST tragic backstory possible.