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The Runaway #1
The Runaway & The Russian
When her best friend goes missing after being targeted by child groomers, Tess Robertson feels she has no choice but to run away.
Fearing for her life, Tess leaves the children’s home where she’s resided for the past eighteen months, and boards a train bound for the capital.
While wandering the streets of London, Tess realises she’s being followed, causing her to run once again, straight into the path of a bullet meant for arms dealer, Kolya Barinov.
While Tess recovers, Kolya vows to keep her to give her a good life in return for saving his.
But is this simply swapping one danger for another? Or could the path to true happiness begin with blood and bullets?
Fearing for her life, Tess leaves the children’s home where she’s resided for the past eighteen months, and boards a train bound for the capital.
While wandering the streets of London, Tess realises she’s being followed, causing her to run once again, straight into the path of a bullet meant for arms dealer, Kolya Barinov.
While Tess recovers, Kolya vows to keep her to give her a good life in return for saving his.
But is this simply swapping one danger for another? Or could the path to true happiness begin with blood and bullets?
- GenresRomance
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2017
78 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Helen Bright
13 books92 followersHelen Bright was born and raised in Yorkshire, UK, and often bases her novels in and around the county.
Whether she's writing paranormal or contemporary romance, her novels often have darker elements hidden inside a deep and meaningful love story.
Whether she's writing paranormal or contemporary romance, her novels often have darker elements hidden inside a deep and meaningful love story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 14, 2017
I'm on holiday at the moment and reading time is short and sporadic and I'm struggling to find a book to read (I know it's crazy, my kindle is full of books) I need something easy I can pick up and put down whenever so in desperation I put Mafia romance into my kindle search and this came up. I noticed it was book 1 but that didn't really concern me I was just looking for a quick holiday read I didn't honestly expect to like it anywhere near as much as I did.
Tess is sixteen years old and while her whole life has been hard the last couple of years have been horrendous. She finds herself homeless on the streets of London and pure chance and courage place her in the path of Kolya Barinov.
After taking a bullet while saving his life Tess is whisked away to a private hospital and despite our first impressions Kolya has an excellent security team that will now protect her with their lives.
Even with this security can Tess escape her past?
But there's a fierce attraction between Tess and the much older Kolya (I do love a good age gap romance) which they both battle.
I loved this book I liked both Tess and Kolya and I adored all the secondary characters.
This is the first book I've read from this author but while I wait for the next one in this series I'm going to check out her vampire ones.
I have to say this book isn't perfect it's totally unrealistic in places and silly in others and in all honesty it's a 3* read but I enjoyed it and that's what counts so I'm bumping it up to 4*.
August 18, 2019
I really enjoyed this story. It’s about a girl whose had a hard life. Her mom was a drug addict that had died and that sent her to a foster home. Just when she thought her life is good, the foster mom has a heart attack. She survived but can’t look after her anymore. Then a series of events ends up with Tess running for her life. I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll stop there. Definitely a great book and recommend it to anyone wanting a good story.
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November 12, 2025Too unrealistic.
March 1, 2018
Outstanding!!!! What an amazing adventure Helen Bright sends you on. This book captivated me, enthralled me. I was taken on a journey of a young girl who had unimaginable hurdles to cross. The book was extremely well written. The storyline superb. I finished this book in two days. Can't wait for the second instalment. I would happily recommend this book to anyone
April 12, 2019
I’m going to be honest; I wasn’t sure I would like this book. The blurb didn’t grab me. But three things changed my mind – I loved another series written by the author and I loved her writing (the story and writing are separate things), but then a Facebook friend recommended this book. I am so glad I listened to her.
So where do I start? Tessa, the main character and the runaway, captured my heart on the first page. If I was younger, I would have wanted to be her friend and as I got to “know” her more, I felt for her. I wanted her to be happy, but I didn’t know how that was going to happen. So, of course, I had to keep reading to find out more.
And then there’s Koyla. It took me a while to warm to him. He was a complicated man and a bit of a mystery, but I wanted to know so much more about him. How to judge a person? By the way they treat their family and friends or the way they treat others who less fortunate, or all of those things? Does the end justify the means?
I love a book that makes me think, a book that isn’t predictable. The Runaway & the Russian does both those things. My biggest dilemma now is finding the time to read the next book in the series as well as waiting for the third book to be released.
Bring it on!
So where do I start? Tessa, the main character and the runaway, captured my heart on the first page. If I was younger, I would have wanted to be her friend and as I got to “know” her more, I felt for her. I wanted her to be happy, but I didn’t know how that was going to happen. So, of course, I had to keep reading to find out more.
And then there’s Koyla. It took me a while to warm to him. He was a complicated man and a bit of a mystery, but I wanted to know so much more about him. How to judge a person? By the way they treat their family and friends or the way they treat others who less fortunate, or all of those things? Does the end justify the means?
I love a book that makes me think, a book that isn’t predictable. The Runaway & the Russian does both those things. My biggest dilemma now is finding the time to read the next book in the series as well as waiting for the third book to be released.
Bring it on!
September 20, 2017
I love the first book in The Runaway Trilogy. It's very well written and has been well thought out.
Tess runs away to London to escape the clutches of groomers, and straight into the path of a bullet meant for Kolya Barinov.
The people around Kolya are great, so many characters, so many different backgrounds and so much strength and humour.
The attraction between Tess and Kolya builds and you can feel it as you read. It's lovely.
The scene has now been set for what is to come and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next two books.
Tess runs away to London to escape the clutches of groomers, and straight into the path of a bullet meant for Kolya Barinov.
The people around Kolya are great, so many characters, so many different backgrounds and so much strength and humour.
The attraction between Tess and Kolya builds and you can feel it as you read. It's lovely.
The scene has now been set for what is to come and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next two books.
September 22, 2017
This is the first book of Helen's that I have read.....
I was not disappointed.....I was hooked from the first page to the last.... cursing real life for making me put it down?!
This book takes u on twists and turns that have you on the edge of the seat!
I fell in love with all the characters and just wanted to jump into this book and be part of this world.
I cannot wait for book two.....
I was not disappointed.....I was hooked from the first page to the last.... cursing real life for making me put it down?!
This book takes u on twists and turns that have you on the edge of the seat!
I fell in love with all the characters and just wanted to jump into this book and be part of this world.
I cannot wait for book two.....
December 27, 2018
This is my first book I have read by Helen Bright and it won't be the last! If this is anything to go by.
I have had it on my kindle for so long! and now I wish I had read it sooner it was brillant I loved it I was captured by the story as soon as I started reading and it made me feel so many emotions along the way.
This was beautifully well written and I can't wait to read book 2
I highly recommend this book.
I have had it on my kindle for so long! and now I wish I had read it sooner it was brillant I loved it I was captured by the story as soon as I started reading and it made me feel so many emotions along the way.
This was beautifully well written and I can't wait to read book 2
I highly recommend this book.
May 20, 2018
Wow! I really liked this book! I wasn’t quite sure how it would all play out when I began reading and it was a bit slow in the very beginning. But it turned out to be a fantastic read and one that I couldn’t put down. Tess is amazing. She is willing to do so much for others. Even though her life has really sucked, she’s pushed against what is expected of her to stay a good person. Kolya is a pretty awesome guy. Their relationship is a bit odd because of the age difference. But Tess’s life experiences puts her soul about on par with Kolya and the other guys. Which I would love to learn more about. The guys are super cool. All around really good read!
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August 20, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/20/2021)! 🎁
September 19, 2017
Patiently Waiting on the next book....
October 21, 2017
This is the first book in the Runaway Trilogy. I really enjoyed it!
Tess Robertson is a likeable character. She is a relatively normal teen who has had her fair share of angst in her past, though she has a sensible head on her shoulders. Now eighteen, she has been living in a children's home for the past eighteen months after her foster parent suffered from a heart attack. When her fifteen-year-old friend Sarah goes missing, Tess sets off to find her. Fate puts her in the path of a bullet meant for an arms dealer.
Kolya Barinov is a fascinating character. He is a Russian arms dealer and businessman. He is not a man you want to cross. When a young woman throws herself in front of the bullet meant for him, he's taken with her bravery and finds himself drawn to her even though she's young enough to be his daughter.
This is not an easy review to write as it is extremely difficult not to give away spoilers. However, I will do my best not to.
This story is not a comfortable read, as there is some violence and deals with human trafficking. However, it is also, first and foremost, a romance novel.
I started reading the book and didn't put it down until I'd finished it. The story is told through the eyes of both Tess and Kolya, which gives the reader a chance to see their thoughts and feelings, and is written in British English. I found myself caught up in the tale and absolutely enthralled with the way the author wove the story together. The author portrays the way that sexual predators lure their victims into relationships with chilling reality. It is scarily easy, unfortunately. Living in South Yorkshire, where a huge paedophile/grooming ring was exposed recently, this tale takes on more significance in my eyes. However, although the author uses men of a certain religion in this tale, sexual predators come in many guises and many denominations, and they have my utter contempt. Kolya Barinov may be an arms dealer, a businessman, and be as scary as hell when crossed, but he at least has a conscience, unlike the men and women who prey on vulnerable children.
I loved the romance side of the story and enjoyed watching Kolya and Tess's relationship bloom. Some readers may be put off by the main protagonists age difference, but it didn't bother me in the least. The story kept me hooked and took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. When I reached the end, I was a little disappointed as I wanted to continue reading! I am now looking forward to reading the second book in the trilogy as soon as I can.
Helen Bright has written a wonderful contemporary romance filled with danger and suspense. I love her fast paced writing style, which kept me turning the pages. The story flow is wonderful too and I could picture each scene in my minds eye with ease. I haven't read any other books by this author, yet, but I would definitely do so in the future.
Although there are no explicit scenes of a sexual nature, I do not recommend this book to young readers, or those of a nervous disposition, or those who may be affected by a triggering event due to extreme violence and/or abuse. I do, however, highly recommend this book if you love gritty contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. - Lynn Worton
Tess Robertson is a likeable character. She is a relatively normal teen who has had her fair share of angst in her past, though she has a sensible head on her shoulders. Now eighteen, she has been living in a children's home for the past eighteen months after her foster parent suffered from a heart attack. When her fifteen-year-old friend Sarah goes missing, Tess sets off to find her. Fate puts her in the path of a bullet meant for an arms dealer.
Kolya Barinov is a fascinating character. He is a Russian arms dealer and businessman. He is not a man you want to cross. When a young woman throws herself in front of the bullet meant for him, he's taken with her bravery and finds himself drawn to her even though she's young enough to be his daughter.
This is not an easy review to write as it is extremely difficult not to give away spoilers. However, I will do my best not to.
This story is not a comfortable read, as there is some violence and deals with human trafficking. However, it is also, first and foremost, a romance novel.
I started reading the book and didn't put it down until I'd finished it. The story is told through the eyes of both Tess and Kolya, which gives the reader a chance to see their thoughts and feelings, and is written in British English. I found myself caught up in the tale and absolutely enthralled with the way the author wove the story together. The author portrays the way that sexual predators lure their victims into relationships with chilling reality. It is scarily easy, unfortunately. Living in South Yorkshire, where a huge paedophile/grooming ring was exposed recently, this tale takes on more significance in my eyes. However, although the author uses men of a certain religion in this tale, sexual predators come in many guises and many denominations, and they have my utter contempt. Kolya Barinov may be an arms dealer, a businessman, and be as scary as hell when crossed, but he at least has a conscience, unlike the men and women who prey on vulnerable children.
I loved the romance side of the story and enjoyed watching Kolya and Tess's relationship bloom. Some readers may be put off by the main protagonists age difference, but it didn't bother me in the least. The story kept me hooked and took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. When I reached the end, I was a little disappointed as I wanted to continue reading! I am now looking forward to reading the second book in the trilogy as soon as I can.
Helen Bright has written a wonderful contemporary romance filled with danger and suspense. I love her fast paced writing style, which kept me turning the pages. The story flow is wonderful too and I could picture each scene in my minds eye with ease. I haven't read any other books by this author, yet, but I would definitely do so in the future.
Although there are no explicit scenes of a sexual nature, I do not recommend this book to young readers, or those of a nervous disposition, or those who may be affected by a triggering event due to extreme violence and/or abuse. I do, however, highly recommend this book if you love gritty contemporary romance or romantic suspense genres. - Lynn Worton
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October 23, 2017I was lucky enough to read this as an arc, I ended up actually reading this book 3 times!
I enjoyed it every time. It’s definitely safe to say that this is one book I will read & read time & time again!!
Tess is only 16 years old, she lives in a childrens home, she’s had a really tough time & things don’t look like they’ll be getting better anytime soon. Tess is forced to run when her friend gets mixed up with some really bad people.
Tess ends up in London and unexpectedly throws herself in front of stranger when she sees a man aim a gun and pull the trigger.Why does she do this? Because it’s Tess & she puts other first, it’s an instinct not a well thought out decision.
The man she saved is none other than Kolya Barinov. Kolya is a very wealthy business man. Kolya takes Tess to a private hospital to get her the treatment she needs. In order to attempt to repay Tess’ act of courage Kolya ensures Tess that she now has the full protection of both him & his entire security team for as long as she wants it.
The questions remain can Tess escape her past? Will Kolya & his team’s protection be enough?
I know that this book is #1 in the series & I have to say that I will be reading every single book. I can’t wait to get my hands on book #2.
Helen has written a story that contains a very real & sensitive subject. I think that Helen has handled this matter with the tact that it deserves whilst still delivering the message that these things are still happening!
The plot is well thought out & clear. The events that take place are realistic & believable. Helen’s writing style is great as usual, it draws you into the story & holds you right in the heart of it until the very end. She has taken some real and unpleasant events and has written them into a tale that is enjoyable & enlightening to read. Helen has written characters that will work their way into your heart & hold onto it for a long time to come.
The characters are fitting to the plot. The characters are real & they interact extremely well. Tess & Koyla are from completely different walks of life. Under normal circumstances they’re paths would probably never cross. But due to the circumstances in which they did meet, Koyla becomes extremely protective of Tess.
As the two spend more time together their friendship grows, and an attraction becomes apparent. This attraction is realistic as neither one fully understands the feelings that they have towards the other.
Upon starting to read this book I was quickly & easily pulled into Tess’ world & found that I was alongside her every step of the way. I was fully immersed in the story from the get go. It also didn’t take me long to become well & truly invested in both the story & the characters.
I am intrigued to see where Helen is planning on taking this with book #2. I can’t wait to see how Tess & Koyla change and continue to grow, what life has in store for them both in the future
I enjoyed it every time. It’s definitely safe to say that this is one book I will read & read time & time again!!
Tess is only 16 years old, she lives in a childrens home, she’s had a really tough time & things don’t look like they’ll be getting better anytime soon. Tess is forced to run when her friend gets mixed up with some really bad people.
Tess ends up in London and unexpectedly throws herself in front of stranger when she sees a man aim a gun and pull the trigger.Why does she do this? Because it’s Tess & she puts other first, it’s an instinct not a well thought out decision.
The man she saved is none other than Kolya Barinov. Kolya is a very wealthy business man. Kolya takes Tess to a private hospital to get her the treatment she needs. In order to attempt to repay Tess’ act of courage Kolya ensures Tess that she now has the full protection of both him & his entire security team for as long as she wants it.
The questions remain can Tess escape her past? Will Kolya & his team’s protection be enough?
I know that this book is #1 in the series & I have to say that I will be reading every single book. I can’t wait to get my hands on book #2.
Helen has written a story that contains a very real & sensitive subject. I think that Helen has handled this matter with the tact that it deserves whilst still delivering the message that these things are still happening!
The plot is well thought out & clear. The events that take place are realistic & believable. Helen’s writing style is great as usual, it draws you into the story & holds you right in the heart of it until the very end. She has taken some real and unpleasant events and has written them into a tale that is enjoyable & enlightening to read. Helen has written characters that will work their way into your heart & hold onto it for a long time to come.
The characters are fitting to the plot. The characters are real & they interact extremely well. Tess & Koyla are from completely different walks of life. Under normal circumstances they’re paths would probably never cross. But due to the circumstances in which they did meet, Koyla becomes extremely protective of Tess.
As the two spend more time together their friendship grows, and an attraction becomes apparent. This attraction is realistic as neither one fully understands the feelings that they have towards the other.
Upon starting to read this book I was quickly & easily pulled into Tess’ world & found that I was alongside her every step of the way. I was fully immersed in the story from the get go. It also didn’t take me long to become well & truly invested in both the story & the characters.
I am intrigued to see where Helen is planning on taking this with book #2. I can’t wait to see how Tess & Koyla change and continue to grow, what life has in store for them both in the future
October 7, 2017
Five stars just aren't enough for this brilliant story. Tess is on the run from child traffickers and almost dies trying to save a stranger from being shot. The repercussions are immense, leading to a beautiful love story that also deals with the horrors of child grooming and trafficking. Ms Bright has a wonderful writing style and clearly knows he stuff. Fantastic story- I can't wait for the next one!
September 27, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolutely amazing read loved the characters and storyline, I’m looking forward to the next instalment ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
An absolutely amazing read loved the characters and storyline, I’m looking forward to the next instalment ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
September 15, 2023
First book by this author and I throughly enjoyed it!
December 19, 2025
Started off really well but it started to drag and the plot was silly in places.
I enjoyed the beginning but I do prefer escapism and this book is a bit too close to real life in Britain. Tess and her friend/ foster sister are put in a home as their foster parent had a heart attack and they’re sent to live in a children’s home. Tess is 17 but Sarah is only 15 when she disappears after she got involved with some really bad men. This part was really good as Tess goes on the run to London and is living on the streets with the evil men pursuing her. Then it gets silly, as Tess saves the life of Russian businessman Kolya, by JUMPING IN FRONT OF HIM! 😂 ( It never explains why someone was shooting at him!) Yeah of course she did. Tess is badly injured and Kolya vows to look after her. At first he’s really sweet with her and can’t take his eyes off her, but as the book goes on he fights his feelings as he’s TWENTY THREE YEARS OLDER THAN HER, and his grown up son is three years older than she is. I do understand that but he blows hot and cold with her and I was getting whiplash from him. He holds her hand, tells her he’ll help her get dressed, then treats her like she’s a child.
After the exciting beginning, NOTHING HAPPENS! There’s a lot of thinking and retelling of things later, but not much else, and it’s boring. It drags on and on. Then the plot gets stupid again. It’s really doubtful the police or social workers would force a nearly 18 year old back into a children’s home! As long as she was deemed to be safe and not homeless they wouldn’t make her go back for a few months!!! So the stupid plot to stop her being forced back is a moot point.
I didn’t really know Kolya or Tess so I wasn’t really invested in either of them. To be honest I didn’t care about either of them. I’m sorry as I had high hopes for this book after a good start but it dragged on and on. I won’t be reading the next one.
I enjoyed the beginning but I do prefer escapism and this book is a bit too close to real life in Britain. Tess and her friend/ foster sister are put in a home as their foster parent had a heart attack and they’re sent to live in a children’s home. Tess is 17 but Sarah is only 15 when she disappears after she got involved with some really bad men. This part was really good as Tess goes on the run to London and is living on the streets with the evil men pursuing her. Then it gets silly, as Tess saves the life of Russian businessman Kolya, by JUMPING IN FRONT OF HIM! 😂 ( It never explains why someone was shooting at him!) Yeah of course she did. Tess is badly injured and Kolya vows to look after her. At first he’s really sweet with her and can’t take his eyes off her, but as the book goes on he fights his feelings as he’s TWENTY THREE YEARS OLDER THAN HER, and his grown up son is three years older than she is. I do understand that but he blows hot and cold with her and I was getting whiplash from him. He holds her hand, tells her he’ll help her get dressed, then treats her like she’s a child.
After the exciting beginning, NOTHING HAPPENS! There’s a lot of thinking and retelling of things later, but not much else, and it’s boring. It drags on and on. Then the plot gets stupid again. It’s really doubtful the police or social workers would force a nearly 18 year old back into a children’s home! As long as she was deemed to be safe and not homeless they wouldn’t make her go back for a few months!!! So the stupid plot to stop her being forced back is a moot point.
I didn’t really know Kolya or Tess so I wasn’t really invested in either of them. To be honest I didn’t care about either of them. I’m sorry as I had high hopes for this book after a good start but it dragged on and on. I won’t be reading the next one.
April 27, 2018
An innocent young women meets a man from the other side. I loved that we got such a contrast between the characters. They were both diverse but while you read, you can see how perfect they are for each other. It deals with some touchy subjects. Human trafficking is in the forefront of the story, and I will say that I enjoyed that darkish element, along with how Kolya wasn’t scared to get his hands dirty. It helped propel the story into a different feel. Even with that, the romance was always there. It was beautiful and intense. It wasn’t dirty in anyway, just, a love bloomed from friendship. There is a age difference, but I loved it. The more taboo the better. Even with that, the author did it respectfully. If you want something different, yet beautiful, read Tess and Koyla’s story. It’s not a dirty read, nor erotic, it was just an intense read that will leave readers with a smile, but also wondering what’s to come. It could be a standalone, but I feel like we are just getting started. 4 stars #2OCCJD
October 29, 2021
This was my first book by author Helen Bright, but it won't be my last! I enjoyed her style of writing, her characters, her plot and most of all the fact that she didn't throw in a lot of slang that the American reader wouldn't understand.
The plot is fast moving, unique and leaves the reader alternating between wanting more and never wanting it to end. The reader zooms through the pages alternating between wanting to know what happens and not wanting to get to the last word. The characters are haunting and the author gives the reader reasons to feel sorry for them, instead of the reader struggling to want to relate.
Tess is trying to help a friend when she saves the life of Kolya Barinov, who is now ready to defend her for life. Is this the best thing for her, or is she trading one danger for another?!? The reader is on the edge of their seat trying to figure out what happens next.
Don't hesitate to add this one to your TBR and be prepare to one-click the next two as well - you won't want to miss what happens next! Go...Read this one!
The plot is fast moving, unique and leaves the reader alternating between wanting more and never wanting it to end. The reader zooms through the pages alternating between wanting to know what happens and not wanting to get to the last word. The characters are haunting and the author gives the reader reasons to feel sorry for them, instead of the reader struggling to want to relate.
Tess is trying to help a friend when she saves the life of Kolya Barinov, who is now ready to defend her for life. Is this the best thing for her, or is she trading one danger for another?!? The reader is on the edge of their seat trying to figure out what happens next.
Don't hesitate to add this one to your TBR and be prepare to one-click the next two as well - you won't want to miss what happens next! Go...Read this one!
Read
August 14, 2019Tess has had a hard life up until now. She was raised by a drug addicted mother, until she died. From there she was sent to a foster home. She spent a bit of time with someone who really loved her, and then circumstances took her away from there. Now she is in a home for wards of the state.
Her life is in danger. She runs away from the only home that she has. She must now learn how to take care of herself. She ends up saving a man from a bullet meant to take his life. She is now under his protection.
Kolya feels a connection to Tess. However, because of the age difference between the two, he tries to keep his feelings to himself, but as time goes by, his feelings for her become stronger. He is concerned about keeping her safe, and keeping certain pieces of information from her. However, when the time comes to let her in on the truth, will it be too late?
Her life is in danger. She runs away from the only home that she has. She must now learn how to take care of herself. She ends up saving a man from a bullet meant to take his life. She is now under his protection.
Kolya feels a connection to Tess. However, because of the age difference between the two, he tries to keep his feelings to himself, but as time goes by, his feelings for her become stronger. He is concerned about keeping her safe, and keeping certain pieces of information from her. However, when the time comes to let her in on the truth, will it be too late?
August 15, 2023
I waited years to read this book. I won't start a series until it's finished and the 4th book finally came out 6 years after this one. The blurb for this was so good. I couldn't wait.
Then I got a few pages in and realized this book is all tell. All talk and info dumping. It has no heart or soul. I felt no emotional connection to any of the characters. This book is barely a book at 180 pages and I couldn't wait to get to the end and be done. The age gap and Tess' naivete were also hard to take. She's 17 to his 40 something. 2 year younger than Kolya's own son but she seems like she is much, much younger in how she acts and thinks.
I forced myself to finish this because I've waited so long and to see what the big cliffhanger could have possibly been. And, a day later, I don't even remember the cliffhanger now.
Then I got a few pages in and realized this book is all tell. All talk and info dumping. It has no heart or soul. I felt no emotional connection to any of the characters. This book is barely a book at 180 pages and I couldn't wait to get to the end and be done. The age gap and Tess' naivete were also hard to take. She's 17 to his 40 something. 2 year younger than Kolya's own son but she seems like she is much, much younger in how she acts and thinks.
I forced myself to finish this because I've waited so long and to see what the big cliffhanger could have possibly been. And, a day later, I don't even remember the cliffhanger now.
May 18, 2018
Riveting, Intriguing, and Action Packed!
I loved this book! What happens when a hot Russian gets saved by a mere teenager? A LOT! This book was fast paced and kept me wanting to turn the pages to find out what would happen next. Tess is a tough young woman who finds herself in a dangerous situation that she must escape from. Kolya is a businessman with an interesting past who finds himself suddenly at the mercy of Tess. Bullets fly, people die. Chemistry and attraction is somewhat dubious, but undeniable. How will things turn out between these two completely different creatures from completely different worlds? You'll have to read it to find out, you won't be disappointed!
I loved this book! What happens when a hot Russian gets saved by a mere teenager? A LOT! This book was fast paced and kept me wanting to turn the pages to find out what would happen next. Tess is a tough young woman who finds herself in a dangerous situation that she must escape from. Kolya is a businessman with an interesting past who finds himself suddenly at the mercy of Tess. Bullets fly, people die. Chemistry and attraction is somewhat dubious, but undeniable. How will things turn out between these two completely different creatures from completely different worlds? You'll have to read it to find out, you won't be disappointed!
March 14, 2020
This is one that could have turned into a complete mess real quick because it touches on very real very sensitive world issues. Often times when authors attempt romance novels like this those issues end up swept under the rug in favor of rushing a bedroom scene or the romance in general. They lose track of their own story and leave the issues trivialized.
This one is a fantastic exception!
It is disturbing right off due to the issues. The reader is immediately fully engaged emotionally. A state of being that doesn't let go even at the end because this is the first book of the series. I'm going to go see if/when the next book is available!
This one is a fantastic exception!
It is disturbing right off due to the issues. The reader is immediately fully engaged emotionally. A state of being that doesn't let go even at the end because this is the first book of the series. I'm going to go see if/when the next book is available!
April 6, 2020
This book was amazingly great! Tess has been living in a children's home for the past eighteen months, since her foster parent suffered from a heart attack. She's now eighteen, and when her friend, Sarah, goes missing she takes off to find her. While on the run, she puts herself in the path of a bullet meant for Kolya Barinov. Kolya, a wealthy businessman, takes her to a private hospital for care. He promises to protect her. Kolya is very drawn to Tess even though she is so much younger than himself. I loved watching their relationship evolve and how respectful Kolya is with Tess. This is a beautiful, yet intense, story that I highly recommend.
March 7, 2018
This is a beautifully written book, which also deals with some very current and hard-hitting themes. After Tess runs away from the children's home in fear of her life, she doesn't expect to take a bullet for someone, a bullet meant for her.
Kolya is overwhelmed by Tess's actions and takes her into his protection. The story of their relationship unfolds and he becomes captivated by her innocence, beauty and personality. It's one of those stories you don't want to end and I cannot wait for the next in this series. A huge well done to Helen for her wonderful storytelling.
Kolya is overwhelmed by Tess's actions and takes her into his protection. The story of their relationship unfolds and he becomes captivated by her innocence, beauty and personality. It's one of those stories you don't want to end and I cannot wait for the next in this series. A huge well done to Helen for her wonderful storytelling.
July 12, 2019
Good!
This was book 1 of The Runaway Trilogy, and it was a good introduction to the series. It was definitely a heart touching story that many young people could probably relate to. Tess is a loveable character, what she's been through in her young life, and what she faces now, is heart touching. Kolya is also a loveable character. He's kind, handsome, and attentive to Tess. I look forward to seeing what happens next, because there was so much left untold in book 1. Tess and Kolya are going to have an epic story to tell if book 1 is anything to go by.
This was book 1 of The Runaway Trilogy, and it was a good introduction to the series. It was definitely a heart touching story that many young people could probably relate to. Tess is a loveable character, what she's been through in her young life, and what she faces now, is heart touching. Kolya is also a loveable character. He's kind, handsome, and attentive to Tess. I look forward to seeing what happens next, because there was so much left untold in book 1. Tess and Kolya are going to have an epic story to tell if book 1 is anything to go by.
February 16, 2020
WOW!! This book grabbed me right from the beginning and never let me go! If I could give more than 5 stars, I definitely would. I mean, about 4 pages in I’m reading with tears in my eyes.... I knew then I was a goner lol. This is my first time reading Helen Bright and I just LOVE her work👌. I can’t wait to read more about Tess and Kolya! Thrilling and full of action, this book was hitting all the emotions. So detailed and beautifully written makes this book a must read! Lovely, I recommend it!~Angie❤️
May 5, 2024
This was such an enjoyable read.
Tess is a 17 year old young lady who has seen and experienced more in those 17 years than most will ever do, recovering from the tragic death of her Mother and struggling to find some semblance of belonging with no real family left and now she finds herself targeted and on the run from some local men who have been grooming her young friends, one of who has mysteriously disappeared. When suddenly Kolya literally stumbles in to her life after she saves his. Suddenly she is surrounded by wealth and in the possession of a beautiful but morally grey man.
Tess is a 17 year old young lady who has seen and experienced more in those 17 years than most will ever do, recovering from the tragic death of her Mother and struggling to find some semblance of belonging with no real family left and now she finds herself targeted and on the run from some local men who have been grooming her young friends, one of who has mysteriously disappeared. When suddenly Kolya literally stumbles in to her life after she saves his. Suddenly she is surrounded by wealth and in the possession of a beautiful but morally grey man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2018
This is the first time in reading this author with the title being one to catch the eye. Once you see what it is about you dive in getting caught up in this right away. The basis of this picks at your senses with feeling for the victims so you realize the why;s right away. It is also one that keeps the adrenaline going with what keeps happening. A chance encounter turns into much more with emotions growing from that. Tess and Kolya keep you caught up in this following their every move.
February 24, 2023
Firstly, i have to say how captivating the model is on the cover of the book. She portrays innocence with a hidden feisty nature. The way she looks at the reader draws them in. This is the first book in the runaway series. I enjoyed the tension between Tess and Kolya, you could feel this was much more than saving someone's life. A great mafia read. Looking forward to seeing what happens next. Is Tess safe?
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