She's leaving her family, her job, and her life behind, all to get away from her past. With no plan, she packed her suitcase and took off for a town where she thought she'd be safe. She should have known she wouldn't be safe anywhere...
Gage Greystone is running from his family name.
His family has owned the town for generations, but he doesn't plan to take it over from his father. He has a dream to save others; from the treacherous hiking trails or from themselves. Maybe that's why he's so attracted to the newest resident of Escape, Mia. She seems to be silently begging to be rescued. From what, he doesn't know, but he'll do anything to rescue her.
But this rescue may be impossible for the decorated emergency serviceman...
Sara holds a PhD with specialty in marine biology and biostatistics as well as double masters degrees. While the pursuit of her education has slowed the book writing process she still enjoys spending her time writing and plotting new ideas. While writing is a great hobby that turned into a passion to share with others, she has decided to take a much needed break
Before Rescue Me, I had read one of this author's books "The Rebellion Project" which was a finding yourself and experiencing life to the full and a fun YA Read. I wasn't sure what to expect with Rescue Me. I thought it would be another YA type romance read but turned out to have a suspense feel to the novel as the main character is running from her ex-boyfriend. He has made her life hell and won't let her move on; he has the whole if I can't have her anyone else can philosophy going on and it has been taken to the whole new level with Mia having to be on the run and hide in her self-made witness protection program. Reading Rescue Me with the running away theme made me remember the movie "Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks where the main character set up a new life in the middle of nowhere. Not wanting to start any romantic entanglements or get close to anyone Mia tries to keep her distance but she's chosen a small town and she's the shiny new toy. Especially for Gage Greystone when most people date him for his money and family name, will Mia finally give into Gage after weeks of his persevering ? What will happen though when Mia finally opens her heart to Gage, and her past comes hurtling towards her at full speed and this time her ex-has taken the "If I can't have you, no-one can" to a dangerous level. Rescue Me was a tad slow in places but if you want a clean NA Romantic Suspense then check out Book#1 Rescue Me by Sara Schoen. The other thing that was noted at the end of the book is that Sara has brought together past characters into the story from her other books like The Rebellion Project.
***I read an advanced pre-edited copy of Rescue Me...in exchange for my honest opinion of the story***
I LOVED this short novella from Sara Schoen!!! This story is about a young girl running from her troubled past. Her demons eventually catch up to her, but she is able to survive and overcome them because of the new relationships that she has formed in her new life. This is a cautionary tale about the dangers of domestic violence. A perfect read for older teens and young adults!!!
This book is well written and tells a good story. It is a great introduction to the Escape From Reality Series!!! I can't wait to read more from Sara and more from this series!!!
3.5 stars Ok I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested and I really wanted to know what was going to happen. There was just enough backstory to let you know where Mia and Gage both where coming from. The side characters added just enough to add that extra flare. Now I know this was a novella but I really would have loved to have seen the growth of Gage and Mia's relationship instead it kinda felt rushed to me. But I still enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book. I wish it would have been a lot longer book, I can't even imagine what Sara could have done with it then, it would have been absolutely amazing but it is still good and I would definitely recommend it.
Reading Rescue Me got me even more excited about the Escape From Reality Series than I already was. Sara Schoen has teamed up with 20 authors to create a cool town with all kinds of interesting characters. My favorite was Gage, who is both realistically flawed and still Mia’s “rescuer”. I loved Mia’s interactions with her mother and how deeply developed her character is – torn between wanting a new life after domestic violence and wanting to stay connected to her past and family. This book is also a realistic picture of what people who have survived domestic violence deal with when trying to move on with their lives. The relationship between Mia and Gage evolved in a way that makes sense – with her being afraid to open up to him at first but ultimately working. I thought Kayla, Gage’s sister, was a great addition to this story too and hope she stays in the series. Her flair for the dramatic made me laugh. I found myself laughing more than once in this fun, yet serious, contemporary story of new beginnings and hope. Great job, Sara! I’m excited to see where Taylor Henderson takes Becca’s character in book two of the series and hopes she keeps Gage and Mia’s story going….
Mia Daniels found herself in a relationship that wasn't good for her, and even after it was long over, she finds herself on the run. Leaving her family, friends, and job isn't easy, but necessary. Packing one suitcase, and no real plan, she lands in a small town that's barely on a map, thinking she would be safe there. Gage Greystone's family has owned the town for generations, so he's under pressure to follow in the family's footsteps. And now that he's made it known that he won't be, they let him know how much of a disappointment he really is. So he desperately wants to get out from under his family's name, which doesn't leave a lot of room for forging a relationship, until he meets the mysterious new resident, Mia, who doesn't give a crap about his last name. Will she let him in, so he can keep her safe when her past comes knocking? This is the first time that I've read anything by Sara Schoen, and her talented writing style made me a new fan. Rescue Me is a short story, but it packs quite the punch, without coming off as too much packed in. I loved Mia and Gage, but let me tell you, the colorful secondaries of that town had me laughing until my stomach hurt, as they were hilarious. Between the angst, romance, and humor, there came a twist that had my heart racing. With all of that being said, I'm super excited to read more by this author, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
I really enjoyed meeting Mia and Gage in Escape, Colorado. I found a new favorite small town. I can't wait to read more in the Escape From Reality Series that this book goes with and go back to Escape again to catch up with everyone. When Mia ran to Escape, Gage tried to help her and protect her as they slowly fell in love. Mia held back understandably because of prior domestic abuse that had happened to her and is hiding from Wes. Does he find her or did she find the right place to finally Escape him forever? I was given an ARC of this book to read and review, if I chose to do so. I was not compensated in any way for this review. It is my own thoughts and opinions on this book.
Loved it!! This is my first time reading one of Sara Schoen books. I completely in love with her writing. This a short, easy, and quick read. This story is about a young girl Mia, who is running from her troubled past. Gage is sexy as hell, also is a EMT. Gage is always there when Mia needs him. I couldn't stop reading until the end and then i wanted more. I really hope we get to see more of Gage and Mia. I can't wait to read your next book. Keep up the awesome work! This is definitely a MUST READ.
3.5 stars (review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
Every day, every minute, people are starting their lives over. Some choose to build a new life in a town close to home while others move out of state or even out of their country. Any move, no matter the distance, can be nerve-racking; however, relocating because you’re hiding from an abusive ex takes the stress of the situation to a whole other level. Abuse, in any form, can reek havoc on your mental state. I am not surprised Mia was skittish with dating again. She’s literally running from the past, trying to stay one step ahead of Wes.
While embarking on a new life in Escape, Colorado, Mia let her guard down and formed relationships. In this small picturesque town, she found support, acceptance, friendship….. a home. The quaint town had accepted this “outsider” as one their own. I know a lot about little towns so I can relate to a small community banding together. They do help each other out and secrets are few and far between.
Sara painted small town living to a tee. She also created a hidden treasure many vacationers would love to unwind at for days, week, or longer: breathtaking mountain view, tranquil lake, numerous hiking trails, caves to explore, etc. It’s a nature lovers dream destination.
It was Mia’s dream come true, too, until her past caught up with her. After three months on the run, Wes did find her. For me, I thought their confrontation would’ve been more nail biting. Everything was leading up to their monumental moment so this was Mia’s time to shine. Now was the time for Mia to take the bull by the horns and make her stand. Unfortunately, she didn’t and I felt disappointed by her lack of action. I wanted her to take the power away from him. In the end, it all worked out but not in the way I was foresaw. But hey, she still got her happily ever after and that’s what matters at the end of the day.
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was an okay read. There were some good plot twists, a good little suspense addition, and a sweet romance.
The characters were fun and the banter back and forth was fun. However, I feel like their character development was slightly lacking. I think a little more detail and descriptions for each character could have really ramped up their own individuality.
Descriptions and details were okay. The cave descriptions were neat, and provided a pretty picture. I would have appreciated a little more details about the scenery and the characters. I don’t feel like we had much detail or descriptions regarding the actual characters.
I think this story has the promise to be a great read. It was lacking some oomph, some excitement, a little more emotion to drag me in. It wasn’t a bad read by any means and I liked what I read. However, I wasn’t fully invested, I didn’t fall in love with the story or the characters. I felt that something major was missing from the story.
So, could I recommend this story to you? Sure, of course, again, I did enjoy reading it. However, I couldn’t recommend the story with the promise it will grab you from page one and have the story left with you after the last page.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibraian – I Dig Good Books This was an okay read. There were some good plot twists, a good little suspense addition, and a sweet romance. The characters were fun and the banter back and forth was fun. However, I feel like their character development was slightly lacking. I think a little more detail and descriptions for each character could have really ramped up their own individuality. Descriptions and details were okay. The cave descriptions were neat, and provided a pretty picture. I would have appreciated a little more details about the scenery and the characters. I don’t feel like we had much detail or descriptions regarding the actual characters. I think this story has the promise to be a great read. It was lacking some oomph, some excitement, a little more emotion to drag me in. It wasn’t a bad read by any means and I liked what I read. However, I wasn’t fully invested, I didn’t fall in love with the story or the characters. I felt that something major was missing from the story. So, could I recommend this story to you? Sure, of course, again, I did enjoy reading it. However, I couldn’t recommend the story with the promise it will grab you from page one and have the story left with you after the last page.
*A Copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Rescue Me by Sara Schoen 4 stars Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books Rescue Me is the first book in the Escape from Reality series and I really liked this story – the synopsis intrigued me so I was really looking forward to starting it and I wasn’t disappointed. I thought that the story was really well written and flowed nicely and although it was on the shorter side it still had a full bodied story to it. There was only one small part where I would have liked a little expansion but by mentioning it would be a big spoiler – but even so I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the characters. Mia was a great character and I did feel sorry for her. She was desperate to get away from her past and was slowly starting to rebuild her self-confidence. Gage was a great alpha male. He wasn't going to let Mia shy away from relationships because of her past and he was a true gentleman. I enjoyed reading about their relationship and would happily have read a longer story about them – they had great chemistry and it was a really nice story line! I’ll definitely be looking forward to more stories in the series! This is also the first book that I have read by this author so will be looking to read more from her in the future.
I received an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.
I am so excited to see the start of the Escape From Reality Series come to life. I think this is going to be a great series.
I think the story in this book was very good and something that should have more attention brought to it for sure. The story was very good and had elements of romance and suspense. I wish that there were more details, though. I understand not wanting to show something graphic but as the reader I was left wanting more. More about Mia. More about what happened with Wes. More about Gage. I also would have loved to see Mia and Gage's relationship develop more. It was rushed for me. And in places, I felt more like I was being told the story instead of brought into it. I had a hard time picturing it just by the words on the page.
This was a solid three star read for me. I think there were great elements. The side characters really added to and rounded out the story. The subject matter is very important. However, I was left wanting more of several elements.
4 Stars for me. This was my first time reading Sara Schoen's work and I am a fan. This is definitely romantic suspense since Mia was on the run from an abusive ex that has tracked her down all over the U.S. She finally settles in the small town of Escape, CO and hopes to live a quiet life. Gage is a paramedic with a huge weight on him. His family has run the town since it was founded and his father thinks that Gage is a failure because he want's nothing to do with it. I enjoyed the interactions between Mia and Gage, how Gage had to get through the walls that Mia had built to protect not only herself, but those around her. It had a real feel to it, in that it wasn't an insta-love or that he easily broke down those walls. I would definitely recommend this story if you like romantic suspense, hot paramedics, snarky women, and good writing.
3.5 stars Ok I really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested and I really wanted to know what was going to happen. There was just enough backstory to let you know where Mia and Gage both where coming from. The side characters added just enough to add that extra flare. Now I know this was a novella but I really would have loved to have seen the growth of Gage and Mia's relationship instead it kinda felt rushed to me. But I still enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book. I wish it would have been a lot longer book, I can't even imagine what Sara could have done with it then, it would have been absolutely amazing but it is still good and I would definitely recommend it. -Tina
After reading several of the other books in the Escape from Reality Series, I was eager to go back to Book 1 and see where it all began. Chapter 1 pulled me completely into the story as my curiosity raged over Mia's past. I had so many questions and I really wanted her to find the freedom she was seeking. Meeting Gage was also interesting, as he came with a bundle of his own secrets as well. I really enjoyed how quickly this book piqued my interest and sucked me in. The ending really racheted up the suspense factor as I read faster and faster to get to the outcome. This was a fantastic story and a stellar start to a great series.
Loved it! I've reviewed this book for United Indie Book Blog. This is my first time reading one of Sara Schoen books. I completely in love with her writing. This a short, easy, and quick read. This story is about a young girl Mia,who is running from her troubled past.Gage is sexy as hell, also is a EMT. Gage is always there when Mia needs him. I couldn't stop reading until the end and then i wanted more. I really hope we get to see more of Gage and Mia. I can't wait to read your next book. Keep up the awesome work! This is definitely a MUST READ.
Can't wait to read the next book in the Escape from Reality Series. Sara Schoen made a small town in Colorado called Escape come alive with vivid descriptions of the town and people, all of which were fascinating. The protagonist Mia was literally trying to escape from an abusive past by moving to this tiny town away from Wes. She finds friends, a relationship, and a fulfilling job. But then, comes troubles. See what happens next. Then you'll be hooked on the series, too.
Rescue Me is a great beginning to a new series. It's a quick read that's perfect for anyone interested in romance! It even has some suspense woven in that keeps you on your toes! Schoen does a good job of making readers fall in love with her characters and at invoking emotion. This novel lays the groundwork for the Escape from Reality series and got me excited for all that's to come!
An amazing story based on a true story. Mia escapes to Escape, Colorado in hopes of finally moving on from her past. When she meets Gage her idea of keeping her head down, and staying to herself goes out the window. When her past catches up to her, and is finally conquered she can finally find her happy ever after.
A FANTASTIC introduction to the Escape from Reality Series!!! Mia and Gage have a chemistry that grips you and won't let go literally from their first meeting! There were some uber cute, some sad and some heart-stopping moments. This book is a must-read!
I really liked this book! I felt everything Mia felt as she feared for her life. I was rooting for her and Gage from the beginning. I would love to find a quiet little town like Escape!!
Taylor H - I enjoyed it! Paced well for a novella, time cues really help. I loved seeing Mia and Gage's relationship develop. It felt natural and to know it's based off a true story is even better.
E.S (beta) - OMG...It is so good. I think a lot of people don't realize that domestic violence happens A LOT in young relationships. As someone who's been in this position, it felt real. Mia's actions are normal...it took a lot for her to let Gage in..but when she did, she felt safe and latched on to that safe feeling. You nailed Mia perfectly. Gage is struggling with his parents and that resonates really well I fell. I think you did a great job with this story ❤
I really enjoyed this book. This is the first book I read by this author but it was a huge success. It carried all the right feels and I couldn't put it down. I wanted more. The characters grew on me. I hope we get to read more about Gage and Mia because they were so perfect for each other. Well done. Fantastic story.