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Runner #1

Runner

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Alex Banez is a runner for a Los Angeles film set. When he has a chance encounter with executive producer Atwell Richards, he finds himself falling fast and hard. Atwell is rich, powerful, gorgeous, and everything Alex never thought he would have. But Atwell also has a dark side and an inflexible need for control that threatens to suffocate everyone around him.

Alex has to figure out if he can love Atwell without losing himself.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2017

2 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

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Karma Kingsley

23 books231 followers

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5 stars
8 (25%)
4 stars
12 (38%)
3 stars
7 (22%)
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1 (3%)
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3 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Dee.
2,010 reviews105 followers
August 5, 2017
This is the second book I’ve read by karma, and while it’s equally well written, for various reasons, I didn’t enjoy it half as much as Finding Lizzie.

It had nothing to do with gender, I read a wide variety of gay fiction, but some of the other tags listed on the publisher's site - tags that made me select this story fell short of my expectations. I understand that is on me, so I am going to leave it at that, rather than what I initially felt like doing – having a major rant.

The positive, the story is told in third person and dual point-of-view, my favourite style of narration. For people who struggle with names all starting with the same letter, they might struggle to keep it straight in their head who is who, as did the author at one stage

People who love aggressive and controlling partners will love Atwell. While these two professed their love for each other, very early in the story, I can’t say I bought into it.

Reveiw copy generously provided by the publisher - NineStar Press - content may vary slightly upon publication.

Notes: -
Alex (23) - Runner
Atwell (37) - Executive producer
Alexandra - Alex's sister
Alessandro - Alex's brother
Allissai - Atwell's business partner
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
2,851 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2017
4.5 stars
Alex and Atwell

By the cover or the title you couldn't guess how mind blowing sensual and erotic this read now and then is and how varied the storyline. Gosshhh I loved this story...

Alex, twenty three years old, is working as the head runner on a film set....
He is witty, straightforward and hardworking. When a new runner snatch some fruit from a plate he claps him on the fingers and start a bit fuming...
Then he finds out this is the big boss himself....who is instant charmed by Alex

“God help me if you get any cuter,”

Atwell, thirty seven, is head over heels and overrules Alex and takes him out on a date..
Alex is not impressed by money, big houses and cars.
They are amazing together. Both have issues. Atwell wants totally control and Alex really tries but can't seem to give in. You could think ahhhh such a story like....you know...but stop! No! This is so different, totally different.
When bit by bit their background reveals it's hard not to feel for both men.

I just don't want to spoil the story but believe me it surprised me.
My feelings and expectations were like a graph with ups and downs....
It goes from lovely and hot to dark....and messy.
Some parts are smoldering, lip licking and seducing...and some....devastating.

It was written in an attentive flowing way. It makes you long to know more...
Overall a very entertaining, sometimes steamy and heartbreaking read. Well put down personalities. There is a lot going on, some decisions were plausible and some gave me a question mark. The dynamic changed a lot in high and low.
Alex and Atwell were both emotional, cocky, stubborn and flawed people, even sometimes hard to understand. But that was a good thing, it wasn't predictable. As the story my feelings were all over the floor.

Surprisingly varied read I absolutely want to recommend!!

Kindly received an ARC from NineStar Press
Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,382 reviews156 followers
August 22, 2017

This turned out to be a bit different than what I was expecting. The blurb pretty much tells you the gist of this story. Alex is low man on the totem pole paying his dues as a runner on the movie sets, hoping to one day direct his own movies. Atwell is a successful director already and takes an immediate shine to Alex. It takes some convincing for Alex to give in and go on a date with Atwell, and Atwell makes it clear he has “quirks” that Alex must agree to if they can have a relationship.

Atwell’s “quirks” are that he is a controlling alpha in all aspects of his life, but most importantly, in the bedroom. Alex decides he will be able to adhere to Atwell’s requirements, and the two carry on. Before very long, instalove takes over, and the rest is history.

If you like arrogant rich guys falling in love with submissive not so rich guys, then you will probably really enjoy this. Unfortunately, I had some trouble connecting with these two as a couple. The names kept throwing me off, as literally every name starts with an “A,” from Alex and all his siblings, to Atwell, and a few others here and there. And Atwell felt like much too formal of a name.

But, the story is kind of sweet and heartbreaking at times with Alex getting a break and finding love and Atwell meeting his match. I think this is an interesting story in that it is a bit different and doesn’t follow all of the usual cliche’s. While I was not wowed by it and had my own issues, I thought it was an enjoyable afternoon read.

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Profile Image for Natosha Wilson.
1,274 reviews15 followers
July 27, 2017
I liked this book and I can definitely see why this book was named "Runner" but I do not believe that it was for the obvious reasons. My take is that the name came from somewhere else.

Alex has had an extremely rough life. He has turned his life around and is now working in the industry that he wants a career in. But when he meets the new director and he mistakes him for someone else, the sparks between them immediately fly.

The thhing is Atwell is different from anyone he has ever known and the things Atwell wants is not something that Alex has ever done before. But it is not only that but it also how intense Atwell is.

When things finally start to come together someone from Alex's troubled past comes back into the picture and Atwell may not be able to handle it.

Can these two work together to get Alessandro's trouble under control and help him help him self? Or will it tear them apart in the end?

This was a good book but I do hope that there will be another book in the future because the ending in my opinion just did not match up to the rest of the book. I felt like it was missing something and I am hoping that it is because there will be another book in the future.

Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Profile Image for Rian Durant.
Author 8 books67 followers
August 26, 2017
2.5 stars
There's a very good story at the heart of Runner but the execution didn't really live up to my expectations. The fact is that when you get past 50%, it becomes intriguing and it kind of makes you want to turn the next page and see what awaits behind the corner.
However, there were a bit too many things that irritated me in the book and I couldn't get past them. From the improbable situation in which the MCs meet, through the things that were thrown in only for the sake of adding drama but not quite made clear (e.g. Atwell's "abusive" family) to the way MC's names were repeated 1000+ times for each one of them. It's not the easiest thing to avoid names in M/M and F/F and keep the clarity but it's not impossible. (This was an ARC, though, and I hope that would be toned down in the final version). I didn't quite get the author's whim to name everyone with "A", although I must confess she did a good job with characterization so I never confused them despite the close looking names.

Talking about the MCs, I liked Alex a lot. He was so... human. With all the tough times he went through, and the strength to continue, with his heart which is still good and leads him to commit stupid mistakes, and his emotions. I didn't care about Atwell, though. The self-professed, self-confident control craving alpha who all of a sudden walks around wringing his hands and is being led by the nose (and not only by his love interest). I know it's a thing in romance but this here was too instant. Also despite us being constantly told Atwell has those very kinky tastes, we never saw that on page. I didn't pick the book because of the BDSM part but I never saw anything of the kind and if someone does pick it for the BDSM, they will be sourly disappointed.

Alex and Atwell confessed to being unable to breathe without one another too early so I was glad there were some storms along the way, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to go past the 50% and would have missed the fun. There'd obviously be a second book judging by the ending and despite everything I'd love to understand what happens next.

*I was given an ARC of the book in exchange for a honest review*
Profile Image for tammy rufo.
654 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2017
Omg I loved Atwell!!! He wasn't as over the top controlling that I was hoping he would be. Alex was youthful aka childish as I thought he would be. He really needs Atwell to guide him. I'm hoping as the series progresses Alex matures more, but as long as he has Atwell to lead him I think he'll be fine. This was a HFN, but I'm crossing my fingers for a HEA.
Profile Image for Casey Peel.
266 reviews8 followers
June 26, 2019
I stopped reading this book less than 10% of the way into it. I felt like I was being bludgeoned to death with gay romance tropes (and if that's your thing, more power to you -- I'm not kink shaming), unbelievable characters, and unrealistic interactions.
Profile Image for ItsAboutTheBook.
1,447 reviews30 followers
October 11, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book

Alex Banez has worked hard to get where he is. Alex has plans to rise through the movie studio ranks and eventually become a director. He doesn’t expect to fall for Atwell Richards. Alex has plans to get where he’s going on his own merit. An affair with the producer of the movie he’s working on is the last thing he wants people to think of when his name comes up. So of course he ends up in a relationship with Atwell. Despite Alex and Atwell having wonderful chemistry, things are never really smooth sailing for them. Atwell is demanding. No really. It’s intense. It’s beyond a D/s type relationship and into obsessive control. When Alex’s past shows up at his house Atwell does everything he can to shield Alex from the problems. Unfortunately for Atwell he can’t shield Alex from himself.

I found this book fascinating, but not particularly romantic nor sexy. Some things about Atwell and Alex we know right from the start while others slowly roll out with just a hint of foreshadowing. We always know there is another shoe that’s going to drop to mess things up for these guys. What I found really fascinating was the way Alex and Atwell’s behavior degenerated with every new revelation. Atwell begins to dominate every aspect of Alex’s life while Alex turns to some of his less than legal past behaviors. Both men do it out of an obsessive love for another.

This book ended with an HFN. The emergency situation is dealt with. Alex and Atwell are stable, but Atwell holds all the power. In some ways it really is power over life and death over something Alex cares deeply about. This relationship is not healthy. This is more like “Sleeping With The Enemy” with less domestic violence. It is engaging to read, but in no way does this book feel romantic to me. I’m really hoping for a sequel to see where this goes. Not only because I’d like to see some parity in the relationship, but the reader knows next to nothing about Atwell and Alex knows even less. Readers know Atwell is a mess and has a bad relationship with his family. Beyond that, who knows?

Despite Atwell’s obsessive control issues I’d recommend this book to people who don’t need romance as part of a relationship. I’d say this book was fascinating and riveting, but not comfortable nor happy. At times it was a little disturbing, but the characters disturbed themselves. Provided there is a sequel I really want to see how this evolves and where Alex and Atwell can go from here.
Profile Image for Josie.
1,409 reviews13 followers
October 8, 2017
3.5

“Runner” is a book that revolves around the complexities of love—from familial love that can be heartwarming, overbearing or potentially toxic to the flash burn, quickly devouring kind that happened between Atwell and Alex. While the book is well written and there is plenty of tenderness and affection, little during the course of Alex and Atwell’s journey is an easy ride. The pacing and intensity of their relationship and the upheavals that shape it are such that there is no time for Atwell or Alex to adjust to their unfamiliar and powerful feelings or build a foundation of trust before being confronted with the darker, more difficult aspects of each other’s lives/personalities. These men are so out of their depths in terms of their feelings and the complexities of the power dynamics inherent in several aspects of their relationship that the dog pile of upsetting information and events that occur with only an occasional emotionally calming breather, makes many of their interactions chaotic, frustrating and painful. At times, I was as torn as the MCs—Is Atwell too obsessive? Is Alex’s love for his brother Alessandro and Atwell bad for his well-being? And is there a better marker for an engaging read than being as unsettled and unsure as the characters you’re reading about?

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author.
450 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2017
Our main characters Alex (a movie runner) and Atwell (Executive Producer) both of ends of the spectrum in Hollywood. They met over a fruit plate and a misunderstanding. Before the day is over Atwell is bulling his way into Alex’s life and he wants to stay there.
This is the story of two damaged people who both have enough issues to open a magazine shop. How they get to a happy for now with a solid prospect for the future is a trail strewn with boulders of trouble and more misinformation than usual. Not to mention more family inference than either could wish for. But family is family and Alex can’t live without his self-destructive brother even at the risk to his own safety.
Well written, moves along at a fast pace and is filled with plenty of sex with a bit of kink thrown in to keep it interesting. There is some mention of abusive childhoods and manipulative families and some drug influence.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
October 9, 2017
What a great read! The story is sizzling hot, a little twisted,with a terrific plot and a happy ending. What is not to love?

The story is raw, painful, beautiful, romantic, over the top and sweet all at the same time. The story line pulled me in and i read it in one sitting, going to bed much later than i should! Two survivors find each other and discover that their broken pieces may just fit together. They are in uncharted waters and it is rough going, but they find that their passion and need for each other helps them find a way to work through things together.


i found the story engaging from the first chapter and looked forward to Alex and Atwell finding their happy place.

I voluntarily reviewed a Advanced Readers Copy of this book
2,321 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2017
Love this story! Great storyline that pulled me in right from the beginning and kept me hooked all the way to the very end. Atwell, an over the top controlling alpha, and Alex, a good hearted soul, are wonderful characters with incredible chemistry. They meet on a movie set where Atwell is the executive producer and Alex is the head runner. Their connection is instant but when Alex's past rears its ugly head, can their relationship survive? Can't wait to read more from this series
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Cheryl Joy Szalkowski.
185 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2017
The book was more interesting then the title and everything let on. I would recommend the book. I really liked how the books started out. It was a fast and fun read. It the type of book is a repeat read the books I really like an this is one of them.
Profile Image for Blackmermaid.
457 reviews
July 17, 2018
I enjoyed this story by this new to me author. I definitely had a different idea of what "runner" would be, but it was a pleasant surprise when I read what it was. I'm hoping for a sequel soon as I want more of an ending! I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for JoAnna G.
677 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2017
This is my first time reading this author and this book took me on a journey I was expecting. First the title. I was thinking altogether different. This book hits upon a lot of things. Its complex full of love, hope faith and growth. It is written well and the flow and pace were good and who doesn’t love to read about movie making. There are some trigger warnings for this book. It is raw and gritty and feels real, with real issues. The writer did a beautiful job in pulling me and making me feel it all.

Alex is living his life on a movie set as a runner. He meets Atwell, the older executive producer and puts him in his place, by mistake. Atwell simply loves it. Someone who didn’t back down or cower because of who he was. Strong, stubborn character. From that point, Atwell wants him, though Alex is afraid of what people think. That he is sleeping his way to the job. At the same time, Alex doesn’t get why Atwell wants him.

Alex and Atwell both have some history they need to overcome. They can be sweet, hot, sexy, passionate and at times kinky. Atwell needs to be in charge and Alex can’t stop caring for his brother, even when his family tells him to stop it will only bring him down. Alex simply can't give Atwell the control he desires because Alex is strong and determined to be his own person.

To Alex family is everything and you don’t turn your back on them, even when you should.

The characters were likable and I think I liked Alex’s sister the most. She was a spitfire and looking out for his best interest. Even when he can’t see it or want too. I liked Alissa as well and she was there for Atwell. Alessandro created so much conflict that it brought something else to the story.

The only thing I would say I would want is more to the ending.

This was such an emotional story and I am looking forward to the next book in this series. I will be right there reading it.
Profile Image for Bretton Coppedge.
343 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2017
This is the story of two damaged men that piece each other together. There's no suggestion of the darkness in their lives when Alex and Atwell first meet in their work at a movie studio, where Alex is the top nobody runner and Atwell is the boss of it all. It almost starts off as a typical billionaire romance, with Atwell sweeping Alex off his feet by taking him to an expensive dinner in an expensive car. But then the story gains more depth, when you realize that Alex truly wants nothing from Atwell other than his love. At this point I was thinking that because of Atwell's controlling ways that this would be an mm version of 50 Shades of Grey but then it gained more depth again. Both Alex and Atwell are incredibly fucked-up men and their puzzle pieces don't really fit but they can't stop coming back to each other. Of course that's probably because of the hot sex that they keep having.

I liked the side characters because they added even more depth. Alex's sister kept him grounded and so did Alissa for Atwell. Alessandro, Alex's brother, provided a large part of the conflict beyond the inherent difficulties of their relationship. I think that without this added depth, this story would have struggled under the weight of Alex and Atwell issues but because they were able to work together to solve outside problems, it helped them realize and fill in the missing pieces in their relationship.

I liked this book and its a fun read. If you like high steam and don't mind angst then I highly suggest picking this one up.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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