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She Can Run
Elizabeth was a young widow with two small children when she met Congressman Richard Baker. Handsome and wealthy, with a sparkling public image, Richard seemed like the perfect man to provide the security that Beth and her kids were craving. But when she uncovers a dangerous secret about her new husband, Beth realizes he will go to any lengths—even murder—to keep it. After barely escaping with her life, she and her children flee. They eventually make their way to a secluded estate in the Pennsylvania countryside, where Beth dares to hope she has found a safe place at last…
Forced into retirement by an unexpected injury, Philadelphia homicide detective Jack O’Malley is mourning the loss of his career when his uncle abruptly dies, leaving Jack to dispose of his crumbling country house. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle engaged a caretaker just before his death, a mysterious woman with two children and a beautiful face that haunts his dreams. Determined to know her, Jack begins an investigation into Beth’s past. When he uncovers the shocking truth, and a local woman is viciously murdered, Jack puts his own life on the line to keep Beth and her children safe.
She Can Run is a sexy, satisfying debut from award-winning author Melinda Leigh, packed with enough suspense and romance to get even the tamest heart racing!
Forced into retirement by an unexpected injury, Philadelphia homicide detective Jack O’Malley is mourning the loss of his career when his uncle abruptly dies, leaving Jack to dispose of his crumbling country house. Unbeknownst to him, his uncle engaged a caretaker just before his death, a mysterious woman with two children and a beautiful face that haunts his dreams. Determined to know her, Jack begins an investigation into Beth’s past. When he uncovers the shocking truth, and a local woman is viciously murdered, Jack puts his own life on the line to keep Beth and her children safe.
She Can Run is a sexy, satisfying debut from award-winning author Melinda Leigh, packed with enough suspense and romance to get even the tamest heart racing!
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2011
6878 people are currently reading
4923 people want to read
About the author
Melinda Leigh
48 books21.8k followers#1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 15 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
WEBSITE: https://www.melindaleigh.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/melindaleighauthorpage/
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/MelindaLeigh1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,009 reviews
November 2, 2012
I'm not going to lie - I wanted to like this book. Marketed as a suspense thriller type, I thought it would be a good read with steamy scenes, a chase, some bad guys - you get the picture. And in the beginning, this book had promise. Beth is on the run from a husband who's not yet an ex (but really should be) and ends up in Jack's new place. Jack just happens to be an ex-cop with a busted knee.
The problems come pretty soon after the introduction. The main reason? I found the pacing to be slow and the build-up of mystery to be lackluster. About halfway through, I found my mind starting to wander from the story, mostly because I was pretty sure I had figured everything out.
And I had. The key points that I realized back then were all revealed in the last quarter of the book. Add to all this an odd supernatural-type of effect and I felt like the book was trying too hard.
I'm giving it 2 stars because the idea was there; it just needs to be more focused, possibly edited down to the important aspects of the plot. Also because I borrowed this book from the Kindle library and didn't pay for it.
The problems come pretty soon after the introduction. The main reason? I found the pacing to be slow and the build-up of mystery to be lackluster. About halfway through, I found my mind starting to wander from the story, mostly because I was pretty sure I had figured everything out.
And I had. The key points that I realized back then were all revealed in the last quarter of the book. Add to all this an odd supernatural-type of effect and I felt like the book was trying too hard.
I'm giving it 2 stars because the idea was there; it just needs to be more focused, possibly edited down to the important aspects of the plot. Also because I borrowed this book from the Kindle library and didn't pay for it.
April 15, 2020
Sooooo, this is another case of DNF @ 39% bc I know it's never going to surpass 3 stars for me. So why waste time on just so-so?
It started out fine with Beth's near-death experience with Richard, but then it just takes too long to get anywhere. Or maybe this is my no-patience day.
Didn't sleep well last night, so that could affect my rating and patience as well...
It started out fine with Beth's near-death experience with Richard, but then it just takes too long to get anywhere. Or maybe this is my no-patience day.
Didn't sleep well last night, so that could affect my rating and patience as well...
February 12, 2017
Just some thoughts...
I have read Melinda Leigh before and was looking forward to starting this series.
Initially I liked the story and characters but was quickly irritated by the immediate attraction that developed between Elizabeth and Jack. They are both older characters and I was hoping for a more mature romance. My complaint is not only how quickly the attraction developed between the H/h, but that it didn't seem realistic to the characters. She's on the run from an abusive husband. She's described as pale, underweight and jumpy. I can see where he becomes suspicious of her immediately based on cop's gut instinct and protective of her and her family at the same time. This worked for me. What didn't work was the set-up of thong panties and his juvenile reaction to them.
And in regards to her side, I'm not sure that an abused woman on the run would be thinking of him sexually so quickly. It just didn't fit. And for me personally the thong panties just seemed all wrong. You're on the run with children, one being a pre-teen son and you even share the bed with your daughter. I just don't see hanging thong underwear in the bathroom as standard operating procedure. Nope. I would have thought some boy cut briefs that could be thrown in the washer/dryer would be more the mom thing. (Sorry, this just hit me as "off" and came up more than once.)
It was also excessive when every male has to notice this pale, underweight and jumpy female sexually. Now I get the one guy like to target the weak...
OK - enough about that rant...
The book moved a little slow, but I did like the plot and the characters. There are two suspense plot lines - one is the abduction and killing of women and the other is the secret that has forced Elizabeth on the run. Both were developed well and wove together well within the story. The primary and secondary characters were nicely developed and I like Ms. Leigh's writing voice. And I really liked Jack's dog who was woven into the story really well! She did have a slight paranormal aspect to one character that was built up and then kind of fell a little flat. And there was one scene that had me thinking along the lines of TV audience saying "don't go out there", but I was able to deal with it.
I did enjoy the read and I intend to continue reading this series.
3.5 Stars
I have read Melinda Leigh before and was looking forward to starting this series.
Initially I liked the story and characters but was quickly irritated by the immediate attraction that developed between Elizabeth and Jack. They are both older characters and I was hoping for a more mature romance. My complaint is not only how quickly the attraction developed between the H/h, but that it didn't seem realistic to the characters. She's on the run from an abusive husband. She's described as pale, underweight and jumpy. I can see where he becomes suspicious of her immediately based on cop's gut instinct and protective of her and her family at the same time. This worked for me. What didn't work was the set-up of thong panties and his juvenile reaction to them.
And in regards to her side, I'm not sure that an abused woman on the run would be thinking of him sexually so quickly. It just didn't fit. And for me personally the thong panties just seemed all wrong. You're on the run with children, one being a pre-teen son and you even share the bed with your daughter. I just don't see hanging thong underwear in the bathroom as standard operating procedure. Nope. I would have thought some boy cut briefs that could be thrown in the washer/dryer would be more the mom thing. (Sorry, this just hit me as "off" and came up more than once.)
It was also excessive when every male has to notice this pale, underweight and jumpy female sexually. Now I get the one guy like to target the weak...
OK - enough about that rant...
The book moved a little slow, but I did like the plot and the characters. There are two suspense plot lines - one is the abduction and killing of women and the other is the secret that has forced Elizabeth on the run. Both were developed well and wove together well within the story. The primary and secondary characters were nicely developed and I like Ms. Leigh's writing voice. And I really liked Jack's dog who was woven into the story really well! She did have a slight paranormal aspect to one character that was built up and then kind of fell a little flat. And there was one scene that had me thinking along the lines of TV audience saying "don't go out there", but I was able to deal with it.
I did enjoy the read and I intend to continue reading this series.
3.5 Stars
August 24, 2012
This is a middle-age soccer mom romance fantasy masquerading as a thriller.
Which is fine if you're into that sort of thing. The reason I couldn't put it down was because I wanted to see how many cliches could possibly be shoved into a single 300 page book.
The prose is light and readable, so I might pick up another one of her stories one of these days, but since she has already used every single cliche known to man, it may be difficult for her to find source material.
Characters are mostly two-dimensional. Her ex-husband bad guy was actually offensive he was so unbelievable, but she redeemed herself with her politics. A little bit.
Finally, I enjoy a good sex scene as much as the next person with a pulse, but I had to skim this 16-pager... it was so cliche I couldn't stand it.
I realize this is exactly some people's cup of tea, given the overall 4-star rating, but Charlaine Harris is highbrow lit compared to this.
Which is fine if you're into that sort of thing. The reason I couldn't put it down was because I wanted to see how many cliches could possibly be shoved into a single 300 page book.
The prose is light and readable, so I might pick up another one of her stories one of these days, but since she has already used every single cliche known to man, it may be difficult for her to find source material.
Characters are mostly two-dimensional. Her ex-husband bad guy was actually offensive he was so unbelievable, but she redeemed herself with her politics. A little bit.
Finally, I enjoy a good sex scene as much as the next person with a pulse, but I had to skim this 16-pager... it was so cliche I couldn't stand it.
I realize this is exactly some people's cup of tea, given the overall 4-star rating, but Charlaine Harris is highbrow lit compared to this.
February 7, 2017
Having already read some ML stories I expected so much more from this but it just didn't deliver. It was well written and I still enjoyed the story but it lacked the drive, the oomph making it run of the mill type of read.....Hoping the next one delivers more.
July 26, 2018
2.5 stars
July 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this one :)
November 11, 2018
If I'd read this book before I read all of Melinda Leigh's Morgan Dane books, I probably would've enjoyed it much more. As it was, however, I enjoyed this the least out of all the books I've read by this author to date. I went into this one knowing that it wasn't up to par with the series, knowing that it was one of, if not the first thing, the author has ever published. However, I still couldn't help but feel disappointed by it.
There are some things that I absolutely adore about the Morgan Dane series. First, the H isn't a manho and there is absolutely no mention of OW from his past. The series also features a strong h who I really admire. She isn't a slave to her libido and and she doesn't notice how studly the H is during really inopportune times. The intimate scenes are all fade to black, which I also really appreciate. There isn't any OTT drama and the characters also take necessary precautions. In other words, they don't act like they have no brains.
Unfortunately, none of these aforementioned elements were present in the book She Can Run. The H is nearing 50 and has never had a serious relationship. The way he mentions offhandedly the he hasn't gotten laid in a couple of months made it seem like that wasn't normal for him. He also mentions that he's been sexually active since he was at least 17, so that means he's been sleeping around for three decades. No thanks.
The h seriously made me mad. She's on the run for her life, her husband has tried to and is still trying to kill her, and she can't help but notice how hot the H is. Maybe the thought slipped through one time. Fine. She's only human. But to notice it every time he's around? When someone is trying to kill her? No. Just no. Have some control, woman. You're not just a sack of hormones.
Then there's the OTT drama. There are three separate characters who are out to get the h. It's a wonder she hasn't had a nervous breakdown by now. That, by the way, is the only thing I liked about her. Back to the baddies: they're all trying to torture and kill her, kidnap, rape and kill her, or simply have their skeevy way with her. I would not want to live in this town. It seems like it's full of creepers. And knowing that the h is in danger, the H leaves her alone constantly. Sure, he has a top-of-the-line security system installed, but still. Then, surprise surprise: she gets attacked. This happens more than once.
Ugh. I'm sorry. I just couldn't with this book. I tried to like it, but I'm not sure if I can continue on with this kind of story. I do think that every installment of the Scarlet Falls series was better than this book. I might just stick with Morgan Dane and Lance. I adore those two. I guess it's hard to live up to the best.
There are some things that I absolutely adore about the Morgan Dane series. First, the H isn't a manho and there is absolutely no mention of OW from his past. The series also features a strong h who I really admire. She isn't a slave to her libido and and she doesn't notice how studly the H is during really inopportune times. The intimate scenes are all fade to black, which I also really appreciate. There isn't any OTT drama and the characters also take necessary precautions. In other words, they don't act like they have no brains.
Unfortunately, none of these aforementioned elements were present in the book She Can Run. The H is nearing 50 and has never had a serious relationship. The way he mentions offhandedly the he hasn't gotten laid in a couple of months made it seem like that wasn't normal for him. He also mentions that he's been sexually active since he was at least 17, so that means he's been sleeping around for three decades. No thanks.
The h seriously made me mad. She's on the run for her life, her husband has tried to and is still trying to kill her, and she can't help but notice how hot the H is. Maybe the thought slipped through one time. Fine. She's only human. But to notice it every time he's around? When someone is trying to kill her? No. Just no. Have some control, woman. You're not just a sack of hormones.
Then there's the OTT drama. There are three separate characters who are out to get the h. It's a wonder she hasn't had a nervous breakdown by now. That, by the way, is the only thing I liked about her. Back to the baddies: they're all trying to torture and kill her, kidnap, rape and kill her, or simply have their skeevy way with her. I would not want to live in this town. It seems like it's full of creepers. And knowing that the h is in danger, the H leaves her alone constantly. Sure, he has a top-of-the-line security system installed, but still. Then, surprise surprise: she gets attacked. This happens more than once.
Ugh. I'm sorry. I just couldn't with this book. I tried to like it, but I'm not sure if I can continue on with this kind of story. I do think that every installment of the Scarlet Falls series was better than this book. I might just stick with Morgan Dane and Lance. I adore those two. I guess it's hard to live up to the best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2019
Wow, what a well done Romantic Suspense novel. Twist, turns, intrigue...had me glued to the pages (or tablet in my case). Every character, not our hero, had suspicion woven into their story.
Beth Baker lost her 1st husband, a firefighter, not to the job but a car accident. A widow with two kids. No family. Senator Richard Baker saw as the perfect 'wife' a widow of a hero. Mother of 2. Alone. Only she wasn't as submissive to his demands as he thought and when she walks in and discovers just one of his dirty secrets, she must fight for her life and her children's and flee. Running for her safety.
Somehow she finds her way to PA. Only to discover the secluded job she found may no longer be available as Danny, an elderly man, passed away. Luckily, former Philly cop, and nephew, Jack O’Malley. He notices immediately the fear, the jumpiness, the secrets. He intends to find out what the story is, when he does, he will be willing to do anything to keep her, her son, and her daughter save.
Throw in a PA serial killer, a dirty corrupt politician and his more vile father, a hit man, and a slew of pervy towns fold, you will be on your seat trying to figure out who is the biggest threat to Beth and her kids.
Beth Baker lost her 1st husband, a firefighter, not to the job but a car accident. A widow with two kids. No family. Senator Richard Baker saw as the perfect 'wife' a widow of a hero. Mother of 2. Alone. Only she wasn't as submissive to his demands as he thought and when she walks in and discovers just one of his dirty secrets, she must fight for her life and her children's and flee. Running for her safety.
Somehow she finds her way to PA. Only to discover the secluded job she found may no longer be available as Danny, an elderly man, passed away. Luckily, former Philly cop, and nephew, Jack O’Malley. He notices immediately the fear, the jumpiness, the secrets. He intends to find out what the story is, when he does, he will be willing to do anything to keep her, her son, and her daughter save.
Throw in a PA serial killer, a dirty corrupt politician and his more vile father, a hit man, and a slew of pervy towns fold, you will be on your seat trying to figure out who is the biggest threat to Beth and her kids.
May 16, 2019
WOW such a good read full of twists and turns from the very first chapter I like the fact that it had someone that see visions in the story to it gave it that something extra very hard to put down.
January 4, 2012
Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...
She walks in on her husband then gasps. Next thing she knows, she's
running for her life. This is a story that starts out with a bang and
doesn't let up. Its quick pace brings a reader along on a suspenseful ride.
Will Beth Baker and her kids outrun the senator? He has all the power and
money, and he must stop Beth permanently or risk his secret getting out.
Beth shows up at the home of a nice old man who hired her to be his estate
keeper. She doesn't expect to find him dead. Jack O'Malley, a cop retired
due to an injury, greets her in his uncle's place. He inherited the estate
and wants Beth to stay on. They grow close, but she doesn't tell him her
real name and the fact that she's running.
Beth is tough. She shows her courageous nature often and is easy to like and admire. Jack is charming. He doesn¹t push Beth because he sees her acting brave in the face of an intolerable situation. Tender, sensuous emotions develop between them.
To add to the tension, there¹s a serial killer on the loose, and his next
target is Beth.
This story is written well. The subplot fits in nicely with the main one to
keep things rolling. The romance is endearing. She Can Run is a
page-turner as attempts are made on Beth's life. A dash of the paranormal is thrown in with the introduction of Beth's psychic uncle when he receives his visions. The bad guys are despicable, but how many exactly are there? A surprise awaits readers at the end.
Readers of romantic suspense would most certainly enjoy this exciting story.
She walks in on her husband then gasps. Next thing she knows, she's
running for her life. This is a story that starts out with a bang and
doesn't let up. Its quick pace brings a reader along on a suspenseful ride.
Will Beth Baker and her kids outrun the senator? He has all the power and
money, and he must stop Beth permanently or risk his secret getting out.
Beth shows up at the home of a nice old man who hired her to be his estate
keeper. She doesn't expect to find him dead. Jack O'Malley, a cop retired
due to an injury, greets her in his uncle's place. He inherited the estate
and wants Beth to stay on. They grow close, but she doesn't tell him her
real name and the fact that she's running.
Beth is tough. She shows her courageous nature often and is easy to like and admire. Jack is charming. He doesn¹t push Beth because he sees her acting brave in the face of an intolerable situation. Tender, sensuous emotions develop between them.
To add to the tension, there¹s a serial killer on the loose, and his next
target is Beth.
This story is written well. The subplot fits in nicely with the main one to
keep things rolling. The romance is endearing. She Can Run is a
page-turner as attempts are made on Beth's life. A dash of the paranormal is thrown in with the introduction of Beth's psychic uncle when he receives his visions. The bad guys are despicable, but how many exactly are there? A surprise awaits readers at the end.
Readers of romantic suspense would most certainly enjoy this exciting story.
Read
October 29, 2017Leaving this at 10% because of trigger. Not a big fan of psychopath who kidnaps random women for torture and killing....
November 15, 2011
A beautiful woman in an abusive marriage to a powerful politician has found out his dark secret that would destroy his career ... so she escapes from him with her two children, knowing he will hunt her down and attempt to kill her. She needs a safe place to hide, enter a retired sexy police detective whose Pennsylvania countryside home becomes her safe haven. Mix in a serial killer who hunts down women and sadistically murders them, and now has the politician's wife in his sights. In She Can Run, a thrilling combination of murder, intrigue and passion will have the reader sitting on the edge of their seat.
Beth Baker is in an abusive marriage, and her husband Richard is a powerful Congressman from Pennsylvania. She accidentally discovers a dark secret about her husband that would ruin his promising political career, and he won't allow that, so she escapes from the Main Line mansion in Philadelphia with her two children from a previous marriage, to her Uncle James' tavern in Virginia. Her uncle helps her hide for ten months, and provides her with a new identity, Beth Markham, but her husband's men are closing in on her hiding spot, so she once again has to flee for a new safe haven. Her uncle helped her secure a caretaker's position with an old acquaintance, who has a country estate in the middle of Pennsylvania, but once she gets there she finds out that her new boss, Danny O'Malley has passed away and his nephew, retired police detective Jack O'Malley has inherited the estate. Always prepared to run on a moments notice, Beth doesn't know what to do now, but Jack is willing to allow her and the children to stay. Jack is suspicious that Beth is running from someone or something, and he is determined to find out what it is ... but along the way he discovers that he is starting to have feelings for the beautiful woman. At the same time, there is a serial killer on the loose, and the sadistic killer now has Beth in his sights. Can Jack protect the woman he desires and her children, and keep them safe? Will Beth's estranged husband find her and silence her for good? Will the serial killer get his next prey? Find out what happens next in She Can Run.
She Can Run is a fast-paced, riveting romantic thriller that is filled with so many suspenseful twists and turns, it will keep the reader sitting on the edge of their seats. This debut novel by author Melinda Leigh is very well written, and the storyline has an intriguing multi-layer of suspense and romance that kept me turning the pages. I really enjoyed the multiple storylines, there was plenty of intrigue and action, while the romance portion added a nice balancing act. The characters were very well developed, I loved how the author intertwined their relationships within the storyline, especially the relationship between Beth and Jack.
If you are a fan of romantic suspense thrillers, this novel is right up your alley, the riveting intrigue of the storyline will not disappoint you.
RATING: 5 STARS *****
Disclaimer: As a book reviewer for The Romance Reviews, I have been given an ARC edition of this novel, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
This book review is originally written for The Romance Reviews (TRR). http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Beth Baker is in an abusive marriage, and her husband Richard is a powerful Congressman from Pennsylvania. She accidentally discovers a dark secret about her husband that would ruin his promising political career, and he won't allow that, so she escapes from the Main Line mansion in Philadelphia with her two children from a previous marriage, to her Uncle James' tavern in Virginia. Her uncle helps her hide for ten months, and provides her with a new identity, Beth Markham, but her husband's men are closing in on her hiding spot, so she once again has to flee for a new safe haven. Her uncle helped her secure a caretaker's position with an old acquaintance, who has a country estate in the middle of Pennsylvania, but once she gets there she finds out that her new boss, Danny O'Malley has passed away and his nephew, retired police detective Jack O'Malley has inherited the estate. Always prepared to run on a moments notice, Beth doesn't know what to do now, but Jack is willing to allow her and the children to stay. Jack is suspicious that Beth is running from someone or something, and he is determined to find out what it is ... but along the way he discovers that he is starting to have feelings for the beautiful woman. At the same time, there is a serial killer on the loose, and the sadistic killer now has Beth in his sights. Can Jack protect the woman he desires and her children, and keep them safe? Will Beth's estranged husband find her and silence her for good? Will the serial killer get his next prey? Find out what happens next in She Can Run.
She Can Run is a fast-paced, riveting romantic thriller that is filled with so many suspenseful twists and turns, it will keep the reader sitting on the edge of their seats. This debut novel by author Melinda Leigh is very well written, and the storyline has an intriguing multi-layer of suspense and romance that kept me turning the pages. I really enjoyed the multiple storylines, there was plenty of intrigue and action, while the romance portion added a nice balancing act. The characters were very well developed, I loved how the author intertwined their relationships within the storyline, especially the relationship between Beth and Jack.
If you are a fan of romantic suspense thrillers, this novel is right up your alley, the riveting intrigue of the storyline will not disappoint you.
RATING: 5 STARS *****
Disclaimer: As a book reviewer for The Romance Reviews, I have been given an ARC edition of this novel, at no cost to me, for my honest review.
This book review is originally written for The Romance Reviews (TRR). http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
March 2, 2017
The book was good and I have to say that Henry is my favorite character in this book. That is how to write a really good part for a dog. I just don't care for writers who think that animals deserve to be the focus of the book.
Beth is on the run and she, and her kids are hiding from a very powerful man. Beth's husband, Richard, is a US Congressman, his father is a former Senator and the family is filthy rich. Oh, and, he tried to kill her. Beth takes a job with a elderly man as caretaker for his horses and property. When she arrives, she finds he has died. His nephew, Jack, is a cop who is now the heir. Jack realizes that Beth is hiding something and that she and the kids are scared to death.
Jack is coping with the sudden death of his Uncle Danny and his career ending accident when Beth and her kids land on his doorstep. He decides to let her stay and tries to make her feel safe, without even knowing what she is afraid of.
There is also a serial killer on the loose and he has targeted Beth. I had the baddie from the beginning. I think I'm just getting better at spotting them. 3 1/2-Stars
Beth is on the run and she, and her kids are hiding from a very powerful man. Beth's husband, Richard, is a US Congressman, his father is a former Senator and the family is filthy rich. Oh, and, he tried to kill her. Beth takes a job with a elderly man as caretaker for his horses and property. When she arrives, she finds he has died. His nephew, Jack, is a cop who is now the heir. Jack realizes that Beth is hiding something and that she and the kids are scared to death.
Jack is coping with the sudden death of his Uncle Danny and his career ending accident when Beth and her kids land on his doorstep. He decides to let her stay and tries to make her feel safe, without even knowing what she is afraid of.
There is also a serial killer on the loose and he has targeted Beth. I had the baddie from the beginning. I think I'm just getting better at spotting them. 3 1/2-Stars
April 12, 2012
Romantic suspense debut by Melinda Leigh that hits the ground running. A not-so-nice politician with a big secret, a wife who knows the secret and is running for her life, and a cop on medical leave who never expected a case of this magnitude to fall in his lap. And then there's the Riverside Murderer who is on the loose in the countryside of Pennsylvania adding another level to the suspense. Of course, it wouldn't be "romantic" suspense without a HEA for a couple who really needed it. This book handles that point just fine as well. In the end, all the elements come together for an extremely well-plotted thriller. I am eager to see what this new-to-me author hands us next.
December 1, 2014
Maybe up to 3 stars...
I don't think that this can be classified as a mystery... The second the "bad guy" was introduced I knew he was going to be the suspect. This was an okay read for me, it felt like something I have read several times before. The heroine had every possible bad situation happen to her, it was pretty spectacularly unbelievable. There was also the strange supernatural aspect of the uncle's "premonitions" that had me quirking an eyebrow...
Probably wont be continuing this series...
I don't think that this can be classified as a mystery... The second the "bad guy" was introduced I knew he was going to be the suspect. This was an okay read for me, it felt like something I have read several times before. The heroine had every possible bad situation happen to her, it was pretty spectacularly unbelievable. There was also the strange supernatural aspect of the uncle's "premonitions" that had me quirking an eyebrow...
Probably wont be continuing this series...
May 8, 2012
I'm giving this 2 stars because it intrigued me enough to finish it but I just found this to be mostly silly and unbelievable. Everything bad that can happen to someone has happened to the main character. The poor woman has suffered, so much so that it just got to be ridiculous. Favorite character was Henry :-) Would not recommend to anyone...maybe entertaining enough for a long airplane ride.
December 9, 2011
This was one creepy book and I mean that in a good way! If you enjoy Karen Rose or Allison Brennan, lots of villain POV then this might be for you. Great Alpha hero and a heroine on the run with her kids. I had the bad guy nailed about mid-way but it didn't take away from the excitement or creepiness.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
February 28, 2023
I really felt for Beth and her kids right away. Wasn't sure about the new job, with the sudden change, would it be safe for all for them. Turns out it was the perfect place for them. While a bit rocky at the start, due to the "boss" not being there, the change in ownership was a good thing. Jack knew right away something was up and let Beth and the kids have a safe place to be. It didn't hurt that he was attracted to her, but he knew enough to keep that tapped down as Beth was very skittish.
Things got very crazy towards the end when all the drama went down. The killer in town acting out, the past coming for Beth. So many bad people doing bad things and sadly Beth was caught in the middle of it all. things were touch and go for a while, but in the end it all worked out. Beth and her kids are safe and she has something new started with Jack!
Things got very crazy towards the end when all the drama went down. The killer in town acting out, the past coming for Beth. So many bad people doing bad things and sadly Beth was caught in the middle of it all. things were touch and go for a while, but in the end it all worked out. Beth and her kids are safe and she has something new started with Jack!
January 27, 2019
This was enjoyable to listen to. It's a romance mystery suspense thriller, but I'd say it's more heavy on the romance, so would probably be enjoyed more by romance fans with an appreciation of suspense thrillers, rather than the other way round.
I borrowed this is audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
I borrowed this is audiobook format through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
August 25, 2024
I felt the author had a hard time tying the two storylines together. Plus, there were too many J names: James, Jeff, Jack - so confusing! Not a bad read, but nothing I was too excited about.
December 16, 2011
There are so many highly enjoyable elements within the pages of She Can Run. I enjoyed the characters the most. Jack may not be active within a police department any longer, but all of his skills are still present and honed. He knows that the new caretaker of his uncle’s estate is hiding something. He knows that he can’t push to find out this something, pushing will just scare Beth more and send her running. I also enjoyed Henry the police dog reject. He adds some unexpected humor to a very suspenseful book.
And yes, she can run, but the run has become very taxing on Beth. Beth has landed a job as caretaker of an elderly man’s estate. He has agreed that she and her two children can live there as part of the agreement to her employment. It seems perfect. She can hide at a secluded estate with her children. She’s forced to face an unexpected problem, a cop who knows something’s not quite right while she has nowhere else to go.
WOW! Beth’s life is one disastrous wreck after another. The pages just keep turning and turning while you sit there thinking this woman has got to catch a break soon. From the very first pages Beth’s life is in danger. The hits keep on coming! Luckily between Jack, Henry, and a very mysteriously cool Uncle James she just may make it out of this mess that too quickly became her life.
I did feel like the ending wrapped up a bit quickly and a little too neatly. Over all it is a great book. There is a great mix of suspense, mystery, humor, sexual tension, romance, and the characters are all very realistic. I was surprised at how well all of the characters fleshed out, even the ones that barely had a role. This is only the third romantic suspense that I have read. I enjoyed the author’s writing. I can easily see myself reading more books by Leigh and I will definitely mix more romantic suspense onto my to be
And yes, she can run, but the run has become very taxing on Beth. Beth has landed a job as caretaker of an elderly man’s estate. He has agreed that she and her two children can live there as part of the agreement to her employment. It seems perfect. She can hide at a secluded estate with her children. She’s forced to face an unexpected problem, a cop who knows something’s not quite right while she has nowhere else to go.
WOW! Beth’s life is one disastrous wreck after another. The pages just keep turning and turning while you sit there thinking this woman has got to catch a break soon. From the very first pages Beth’s life is in danger. The hits keep on coming! Luckily between Jack, Henry, and a very mysteriously cool Uncle James she just may make it out of this mess that too quickly became her life.
I did feel like the ending wrapped up a bit quickly and a little too neatly. Over all it is a great book. There is a great mix of suspense, mystery, humor, sexual tension, romance, and the characters are all very realistic. I was surprised at how well all of the characters fleshed out, even the ones that barely had a role. This is only the third romantic suspense that I have read. I enjoyed the author’s writing. I can easily see myself reading more books by Leigh and I will definitely mix more romantic suspense onto my to be
December 20, 2011
A politician's wife uncovers a dangerous secret, and to save her life and the lives of her children, she runs.
But can she run fast enough and far enough? She knows that her husband's paid killers are close on her heels, so when she tries to disappear into a mountain village in Pennsylvania by taking a job as a caretaker on an estate there, she hopes she may have found respite.
But Elizabeth Baker (now Beth Markham) may have entered a whole new danger zone. For lurking nearby, an elusive serial killer is targeting young women, including a local woman, and Beth is now in his cross hairs.
Even though her new boss is a retired cop, she isn't sure she can trust him. Or feel truly safe. Then when she begins to feel a very compelling attraction for him, which seems reciprocated, she may have upped the danger for both of them.
Almost immediately, I was thrust into "She Can Run" and could feel the intensity of the emotions that drove her. Every move seemed heightened by the fear that stalked her; but with the sexual tension between her and her boss Jack O'Malley, a new level of intrigue grabbed me.
What will Beth have to risk in order to save herself and her children? How will Jack be able to help her? And who is the haunting serial killer, and is he someone they all know and seemingly trust?
Five stars.
But can she run fast enough and far enough? She knows that her husband's paid killers are close on her heels, so when she tries to disappear into a mountain village in Pennsylvania by taking a job as a caretaker on an estate there, she hopes she may have found respite.
But Elizabeth Baker (now Beth Markham) may have entered a whole new danger zone. For lurking nearby, an elusive serial killer is targeting young women, including a local woman, and Beth is now in his cross hairs.
Even though her new boss is a retired cop, she isn't sure she can trust him. Or feel truly safe. Then when she begins to feel a very compelling attraction for him, which seems reciprocated, she may have upped the danger for both of them.
Almost immediately, I was thrust into "She Can Run" and could feel the intensity of the emotions that drove her. Every move seemed heightened by the fear that stalked her; but with the sexual tension between her and her boss Jack O'Malley, a new level of intrigue grabbed me.
What will Beth have to risk in order to save herself and her children? How will Jack be able to help her? And who is the haunting serial killer, and is he someone they all know and seemingly trust?
Five stars.
May 27, 2013
The premise of this book sounded intriguing but turned out to be cliche in the end as the female lead, Beth, is on the run from her husband who is trying to kill her as she finds out a secret about him that could end his political career. She and her two kids end up with an ex-cop, Jack, who happens to have a police dog that didn't quite live up to his training but later he becomes super dog and protector of Beth and the kids.
Throw in a serial killer plot twist, a cousin of Jack's who is a doctor, a few red herrings to throw off the reader, and a psychic medallion that tells when Beth is in danger and you have everything but the kitchen sink plot twists all in one overly long book. Also included: the plucky female getting attacked multiple times all while looking great in a pair of jeans and every man who meets her loves her breasts and is captivated by her body, a barn full of horses used to move plot devices along and the limping injured ex-cop who moves well enough to help out on cases and to save Beth time and time again.
I was wishing Jack's uncle Danny had lived because he seemed like the most interesting character of all of them.
Throw in a serial killer plot twist, a cousin of Jack's who is a doctor, a few red herrings to throw off the reader, and a psychic medallion that tells when Beth is in danger and you have everything but the kitchen sink plot twists all in one overly long book. Also included: the plucky female getting attacked multiple times all while looking great in a pair of jeans and every man who meets her loves her breasts and is captivated by her body, a barn full of horses used to move plot devices along and the limping injured ex-cop who moves well enough to help out on cases and to save Beth time and time again.
I was wishing Jack's uncle Danny had lived because he seemed like the most interesting character of all of them.
December 14, 2011
Great suspense novel that has dual story lines that end up interconnecting. Beth and her two children have been on the run from her abusive husband, a Congressman who has a secret he wants to kill Beth for knowing, for ten months. Beth's Uncle, unknowingly to her, sets her up with a job with an old Nam buddy of his. But before Beth gets there he dies. His nephew (a cop who is on medical leave) has inherited the place and decides to keep Beth on for the job his Uncle had hired her for as he can tell there is something bad Beth and the kids are running from that has traumatized them.
The other story line is Riverside Killer who abducts, rapes and murders women who all bear similar appearances. And the Killer now how his sites set on Beth.
This was the first book I had read by this author and being a lover of romantic suspense I was very pleased at how well written this book was.
The other story line is Riverside Killer who abducts, rapes and murders women who all bear similar appearances. And the Killer now how his sites set on Beth.
This was the first book I had read by this author and being a lover of romantic suspense I was very pleased at how well written this book was.
March 19, 2018
4 stars - Romantic Suspense
August 8, 2015
Beth is on the run from a no good husband. Her children in tow. There wasn’t anything to do to get away and to safely but run. She had spent 10 months on the road. Staying with an uncle until she made her way to Pennsylvania -to an estate in the middle of no where- to be a caretaker for an old man. But when she arrives at the estate Danny -the old man she had interviewed with- had passed away. Danny’s nephew Jack O’Malley was now the one in charge of the estate. Beth agreed to give a few weeks as a trial period to see how things went with them.
Her kids and herself are scared to death her husband would find them. He had plenty of resources and money to find them. Beth’s emotions are rattled as it is. The kids’ father -birth father- had passed away when Katie, age 7, was only a baby when he had died. Her son Ben, was a few years older than Katie. Jack, an ex cop -who was out due to an injury- was skeptical of Beth. Not really about her but that she was so skittish. Her kids even coward anytime he was around. He had to figure out what was going on with them. It pulled at his heart every time Beth or Katie would let the fear show on their faces just for him being near them. Beth was able to control it better though, more practice you might say.
There is an electricity between Beth and Jack. He can feel it. The way his body reacts to her. Beth’s body is doing the same even if she can’t let it go that far. Richard was to blame for that. She needed to clear her head and get Jack out of her mind and try to keep it so Jack didn’t learn of her real identity. Dirty politicians were like that. They could always find you when they wanted to. As part of Beth’s job as caretaker the barn and the horses were part of her job. The horses really loved the attention and it was good for Beth and the kids.
When the guy delivering the hay to the barn Beth had a bad feeling. He was creepy to say the least. Not even trying to hide the fact that he wanted her. Such a pig. (As most men are.) ut Martin -the delivery man- tried to get her to flirt back. He was a gorilla -as she described him- and had no clue. Really. Pushy isn’t what a girl wants. (She should have beat him with a shovel.) As Beth tried to get out of his way Jack was there to keep her steady. Beth wanted to puke and Jack was curious. (You could tell he wasn’t happy.) But when Jack questions her she brushes it off. Her overreaction. But Jack stays close just in case. There was something between Martin and Beth. It was really bothering him. If he had to his cousin would be more than happy to help him teach the ass a lesson. As time passes Jack calls his ex partner for help and goes to visit at the police station. There had to be a way to help Beth, even if he didn’t know what she was hiding or running from.
Thing is… Beth has no idea she is being stalked from the trees. The Riverside killer, a nasty ass man who had been kidnapping and killing petite woman, with brunette hair. There was no rhyme or reason for his victims -except that he only killed hookers and the homeless- until his last victim. Now his sights were set on Beth. The killer was using ACE -A drug used for dogs, cats and horses- so they were tracking down vets and anyone who had access to ACE. The way he was watching Beth was off. She was close to his home. Was he ready for that?
As time passes the family grows to love Jack’s place. There are still many things bothering him that he can’t piece together but that all comes to a head -so to speak- when he is in his uncles study and finds a letter that was left for him -in the cigar box- that explains that Beth’s job was a way to get her there and into a safe place. Danny didn’t have details but he was doing a favor for someone that had given him the last 40 or so years of his life. He asked Jack -in the letter- to keep them safe. Okay, so now he knew they were running from trouble. The same day Jack gets a shock. Beth has a bad fall from 10 foot or so up in the air as she climbed up the rickety wooden ladder leading to the hay loft. She refuses an ambulance but she does let Jack take her to the ER. While there, Dr. Quinn Wilson -Jacks’ cousin- sees her. She is hurt and will take a couple of weeks to get herself back together but nothing is broken.
As Beth gets help -while in the waiting room- Jack is able to get Ben to tell him some of what they were running from. Ben tells Jack about their stepfather beating their mom. And how she took them out of the house and just ran one night.
This puts Jack on red alert. He won’t let anything happen to them. They are his now and he will do anything he needs to help them. In the mean time. the Senator -the ass who Beth knocked out to get away from- and his father have tracked her down. Beth’s ill fated moment of stress caused that. She tried to call James -even though he told her to never try it was too dangerous- so they know where she is in Pennsylvania. Crazy lady. A couple days after her fall Beth and the kids go with Jack to Quinn and Shawn -also a cousin, Quinns brother to be exact- cookout. The kids are able to play with Jacks’ nieces and nephew. Be kids for once. They all enjoy the time out and it is nice even though Beth knows they will have to leave soon. They can’’t get too comfy.
As Beth heals Jack tries more to figure out what her story is. He gets his cousin Shawn to help him out. Shawn knows people that can do that kind of thing. Then one day as Jack and Shawn look around the house -since Jack’s therapy appointment was cancelled and no one knows it- Beth sneaks out the house to do a little shooting practice. When they hear the shots -Jack being Jack- wants to call the police chief but Shawn tells him to chill. They are in the middle of no where. Shawn grabs his gun from his truck and they circle the house, spotting Beth. Jack decides to not let on that he saw her.
Time passes and things start to get testy. More so than normal. Beth is out with the kids and on the way home they are ‘attacked’. Someone comes up behind them and runs into the truck. Trying to run them off the road, over the narrow road. Thankfully Beth is able to keep it on the road and the care lets up and moves on. When they got to the wider part of the road Beth pulls off and checks on Katie and Ben. A passing car -an elderly lady- pulled over behind them and came to check on them. She had called the police. A report was made and they were taken home. Jack meanwhile was at the sight of a missing woman until the cop that took the kids and Beth home came to tell him what happened.
This is when things went up a notch. Beth knew Richard’s people had found them. They had to leave. Jack caught her trying to leave. She finally told him about her past. Jack had just -as in a half hour ago- found out exactly who she was and what she was running from. Jack called his ex partner, Will for help with her husband. The asshole of them all was going to be a pain in the ass. Just as they start to think they can move on Richard agrees to an amicable ‘divorce’ but as soon as she is home alone with the kids… Richard shows up and beats the hell out of her. Thanks to Henry -the wonder dog- Beth is able to get to her gun and shoots the bastard. Ben calls Jack, Jack and the police chief Mike show up just as the shot rings out.
Beth is taken to the hospital as was Richard. He was moved to another hospital after he was stabilized. Beth and Jack talk to Mike, telling him what happened and she knows if it hadn’t been for Henry, she would have died. Now they think Richard could be the Riverside Killer -because he tried to shoot beth up with something- but no one was really that sure. Of course he was not the Riverside killer. That would be too easy. Well the Congressman -Richard; Beth's now ex husband- is dead.. but not by what Beth did to him. The Riverside killer takes him out while he is in his hospital bed. And of course ACE was the culprit. Ha. Karma is a bitch. The serial killer still has his eyes on Beth.. like Jack would let him get close to her.
Now they have to see what will happen. Will Richard’s family try to take the kids? Will she go to jail? this all hitting her only days after he was attacked by Richard and almost dying. When Mike -the police chief- shows up at the house Jack knows something is wrong. But what now? he was there to tell them Richard was dead. Now the cop is asking if Beth or Jack killed the bastard. Beth wasn’t in shape to do it but Jack was. The congressman’s father is on a rampage. James -Beth’s ‘uncle’- sees it on the news and is intrigued. He is in Philly waiting for the congressman to get to his house so he can chat with him… guess that isn’t needed now. The news and the Baker’s are trying to cover her as a ‘mental patient’ and that she is dangerous. It’s all bullshit. Of course. But James has things on Richard… pictures, his old home movies of his gay sex with his assistant where he rode him like a pony. How to get it to Stafford -Richard’s father- so he will back off of Beth.
When Jack goes to take the kids to his cousin Quinn's for a sleepover - so they are not around for a press conference scheduled for the morning- Beth is left alone. Someone comes over to look at the horses and comes up to ‘talk to Jack’ about Lucy. Her cut maybe infected. When Beth goes to look at it he attacks her. Kidnaps her and takes her to his house. (I did a happy dance.. I thought it was him but I wasn’t sure!!!!)
It looks as if all is lost but thanks to her (Beth’s) uncle Jack and his weird dreams he knows she is in trouble And needs help pronto. He calls Danny’s home and winds up talking to Jack. James tells him that she is in trouble and when Jack can’t find Beth, Mrs. Garrison told he she was seen heading to the barn with someone. When Jack searches and can’t find her something snaps in him. He puts a few things together and his rage peels him away and headed to the house where he hopes to find Beth.. Alive.
Now, that is all ya get, go read. I promise it;s all kinds of good! it has a little bit of everything in it.
Her kids and herself are scared to death her husband would find them. He had plenty of resources and money to find them. Beth’s emotions are rattled as it is. The kids’ father -birth father- had passed away when Katie, age 7, was only a baby when he had died. Her son Ben, was a few years older than Katie. Jack, an ex cop -who was out due to an injury- was skeptical of Beth. Not really about her but that she was so skittish. Her kids even coward anytime he was around. He had to figure out what was going on with them. It pulled at his heart every time Beth or Katie would let the fear show on their faces just for him being near them. Beth was able to control it better though, more practice you might say.
There is an electricity between Beth and Jack. He can feel it. The way his body reacts to her. Beth’s body is doing the same even if she can’t let it go that far. Richard was to blame for that. She needed to clear her head and get Jack out of her mind and try to keep it so Jack didn’t learn of her real identity. Dirty politicians were like that. They could always find you when they wanted to. As part of Beth’s job as caretaker the barn and the horses were part of her job. The horses really loved the attention and it was good for Beth and the kids.
When the guy delivering the hay to the barn Beth had a bad feeling. He was creepy to say the least. Not even trying to hide the fact that he wanted her. Such a pig. (As most men are.) ut Martin -the delivery man- tried to get her to flirt back. He was a gorilla -as she described him- and had no clue. Really. Pushy isn’t what a girl wants. (She should have beat him with a shovel.) As Beth tried to get out of his way Jack was there to keep her steady. Beth wanted to puke and Jack was curious. (You could tell he wasn’t happy.) But when Jack questions her she brushes it off. Her overreaction. But Jack stays close just in case. There was something between Martin and Beth. It was really bothering him. If he had to his cousin would be more than happy to help him teach the ass a lesson. As time passes Jack calls his ex partner for help and goes to visit at the police station. There had to be a way to help Beth, even if he didn’t know what she was hiding or running from.
Thing is… Beth has no idea she is being stalked from the trees. The Riverside killer, a nasty ass man who had been kidnapping and killing petite woman, with brunette hair. There was no rhyme or reason for his victims -except that he only killed hookers and the homeless- until his last victim. Now his sights were set on Beth. The killer was using ACE -A drug used for dogs, cats and horses- so they were tracking down vets and anyone who had access to ACE. The way he was watching Beth was off. She was close to his home. Was he ready for that?
As time passes the family grows to love Jack’s place. There are still many things bothering him that he can’t piece together but that all comes to a head -so to speak- when he is in his uncles study and finds a letter that was left for him -in the cigar box- that explains that Beth’s job was a way to get her there and into a safe place. Danny didn’t have details but he was doing a favor for someone that had given him the last 40 or so years of his life. He asked Jack -in the letter- to keep them safe. Okay, so now he knew they were running from trouble. The same day Jack gets a shock. Beth has a bad fall from 10 foot or so up in the air as she climbed up the rickety wooden ladder leading to the hay loft. She refuses an ambulance but she does let Jack take her to the ER. While there, Dr. Quinn Wilson -Jacks’ cousin- sees her. She is hurt and will take a couple of weeks to get herself back together but nothing is broken.
As Beth gets help -while in the waiting room- Jack is able to get Ben to tell him some of what they were running from. Ben tells Jack about their stepfather beating their mom. And how she took them out of the house and just ran one night.
This puts Jack on red alert. He won’t let anything happen to them. They are his now and he will do anything he needs to help them. In the mean time. the Senator -the ass who Beth knocked out to get away from- and his father have tracked her down. Beth’s ill fated moment of stress caused that. She tried to call James -even though he told her to never try it was too dangerous- so they know where she is in Pennsylvania. Crazy lady. A couple days after her fall Beth and the kids go with Jack to Quinn and Shawn -also a cousin, Quinns brother to be exact- cookout. The kids are able to play with Jacks’ nieces and nephew. Be kids for once. They all enjoy the time out and it is nice even though Beth knows they will have to leave soon. They can’’t get too comfy.
As Beth heals Jack tries more to figure out what her story is. He gets his cousin Shawn to help him out. Shawn knows people that can do that kind of thing. Then one day as Jack and Shawn look around the house -since Jack’s therapy appointment was cancelled and no one knows it- Beth sneaks out the house to do a little shooting practice. When they hear the shots -Jack being Jack- wants to call the police chief but Shawn tells him to chill. They are in the middle of no where. Shawn grabs his gun from his truck and they circle the house, spotting Beth. Jack decides to not let on that he saw her.
Time passes and things start to get testy. More so than normal. Beth is out with the kids and on the way home they are ‘attacked’. Someone comes up behind them and runs into the truck. Trying to run them off the road, over the narrow road. Thankfully Beth is able to keep it on the road and the care lets up and moves on. When they got to the wider part of the road Beth pulls off and checks on Katie and Ben. A passing car -an elderly lady- pulled over behind them and came to check on them. She had called the police. A report was made and they were taken home. Jack meanwhile was at the sight of a missing woman until the cop that took the kids and Beth home came to tell him what happened.
This is when things went up a notch. Beth knew Richard’s people had found them. They had to leave. Jack caught her trying to leave. She finally told him about her past. Jack had just -as in a half hour ago- found out exactly who she was and what she was running from. Jack called his ex partner, Will for help with her husband. The asshole of them all was going to be a pain in the ass. Just as they start to think they can move on Richard agrees to an amicable ‘divorce’ but as soon as she is home alone with the kids… Richard shows up and beats the hell out of her. Thanks to Henry -the wonder dog- Beth is able to get to her gun and shoots the bastard. Ben calls Jack, Jack and the police chief Mike show up just as the shot rings out.
Beth is taken to the hospital as was Richard. He was moved to another hospital after he was stabilized. Beth and Jack talk to Mike, telling him what happened and she knows if it hadn’t been for Henry, she would have died. Now they think Richard could be the Riverside Killer -because he tried to shoot beth up with something- but no one was really that sure. Of course he was not the Riverside killer. That would be too easy. Well the Congressman -Richard; Beth's now ex husband- is dead.. but not by what Beth did to him. The Riverside killer takes him out while he is in his hospital bed. And of course ACE was the culprit. Ha. Karma is a bitch. The serial killer still has his eyes on Beth.. like Jack would let him get close to her.
Now they have to see what will happen. Will Richard’s family try to take the kids? Will she go to jail? this all hitting her only days after he was attacked by Richard and almost dying. When Mike -the police chief- shows up at the house Jack knows something is wrong. But what now? he was there to tell them Richard was dead. Now the cop is asking if Beth or Jack killed the bastard. Beth wasn’t in shape to do it but Jack was. The congressman’s father is on a rampage. James -Beth’s ‘uncle’- sees it on the news and is intrigued. He is in Philly waiting for the congressman to get to his house so he can chat with him… guess that isn’t needed now. The news and the Baker’s are trying to cover her as a ‘mental patient’ and that she is dangerous. It’s all bullshit. Of course. But James has things on Richard… pictures, his old home movies of his gay sex with his assistant where he rode him like a pony. How to get it to Stafford -Richard’s father- so he will back off of Beth.
When Jack goes to take the kids to his cousin Quinn's for a sleepover - so they are not around for a press conference scheduled for the morning- Beth is left alone. Someone comes over to look at the horses and comes up to ‘talk to Jack’ about Lucy. Her cut maybe infected. When Beth goes to look at it he attacks her. Kidnaps her and takes her to his house. (I did a happy dance.. I thought it was him but I wasn’t sure!!!!)
It looks as if all is lost but thanks to her (Beth’s) uncle Jack and his weird dreams he knows she is in trouble And needs help pronto. He calls Danny’s home and winds up talking to Jack. James tells him that she is in trouble and when Jack can’t find Beth, Mrs. Garrison told he she was seen heading to the barn with someone. When Jack searches and can’t find her something snaps in him. He puts a few things together and his rage peels him away and headed to the house where he hopes to find Beth.. Alive.
Now, that is all ya get, go read. I promise it;s all kinds of good! it has a little bit of everything in it.
November 28, 2011
My Review:
I was asked to read an ARC of this novel by Melinda Leigh, an author that I had never read before. I like romantic suspense and the plot sounded good, so I said, Yes. Oh my goodness, I had no idea what a treat I was in for. I loved this book. The plot is FANTASTIC. The action is non-stop. I was riveted to the book from the moment I started it until I sadly reached the final page. It was one of those books that I did not want to end because it was so good.
I absolutely fell in love with these characters, Beth and her kids Katie & Ben, who are so obviously scarred and scared from the abuse they have suffered. It is painful to watch how they all react to human touch and how they have so obviously been traumatized.
Then there is Jack....ooh, I adored Jack. Jack is a police detective who has been forced into retirement after a car accident left him with a bum (and painful) knee. He is a protector at heart, and although he has been thrown into this situation with Beth and her kids out of the blue, he can see that something has hurt them and doesn't have the heart to turn them out. Watching him slowly and steadily win over this family is a gorgeous thing to read. Between him and his dog, Henry (the failed police dog,) they are exactly what this family needs and they quickly discover that they need the family too.
There is also a great cast of supporting characters whom I loved, especially the depth that they added to the story:
*Quinn & Sean- Jack's cousins
*James- Beth's uncle
*Mrs. Harris- Jack's housekeeper
The suspense story line has a lot going on with it. There is Beth's abusive and murderous Senator husband who is after them, but there is also a serial killer that has Beth in his sights. Both of these stories climax within about 3 pages of each other in the book and I thought that was a bit over the top, but that was my only complaint about this book. I didn't mind that the book had both story lines in it. I just wish the climax of the end of both story lines had completely intersected or that the finale for both of them had been a little more spaced out.
Regardless, it was still an amazing book. I will definitely be looking up more by this author!
I was asked to read an ARC of this novel by Melinda Leigh, an author that I had never read before. I like romantic suspense and the plot sounded good, so I said, Yes. Oh my goodness, I had no idea what a treat I was in for. I loved this book. The plot is FANTASTIC. The action is non-stop. I was riveted to the book from the moment I started it until I sadly reached the final page. It was one of those books that I did not want to end because it was so good.
I absolutely fell in love with these characters, Beth and her kids Katie & Ben, who are so obviously scarred and scared from the abuse they have suffered. It is painful to watch how they all react to human touch and how they have so obviously been traumatized.
Then there is Jack....ooh, I adored Jack. Jack is a police detective who has been forced into retirement after a car accident left him with a bum (and painful) knee. He is a protector at heart, and although he has been thrown into this situation with Beth and her kids out of the blue, he can see that something has hurt them and doesn't have the heart to turn them out. Watching him slowly and steadily win over this family is a gorgeous thing to read. Between him and his dog, Henry (the failed police dog,) they are exactly what this family needs and they quickly discover that they need the family too.
There is also a great cast of supporting characters whom I loved, especially the depth that they added to the story:
*Quinn & Sean- Jack's cousins
*James- Beth's uncle
*Mrs. Harris- Jack's housekeeper
The suspense story line has a lot going on with it. There is Beth's abusive and murderous Senator husband who is after them, but there is also a serial killer that has Beth in his sights. Both of these stories climax within about 3 pages of each other in the book and I thought that was a bit over the top, but that was my only complaint about this book. I didn't mind that the book had both story lines in it. I just wish the climax of the end of both story lines had completely intersected or that the finale for both of them had been a little more spaced out.
Regardless, it was still an amazing book. I will definitely be looking up more by this author!
November 12, 2011
"She Can Run", by Melinda Leigh, is an entertaining, involving romantic suspense read. I enjoyed the "noir-ish" flavor and the humor "with bite". I loved the hero, Jack O'Malley, a policeman forced into early retirement when a drunk driver causes him a serious injury. Jack is somewhat adrift, not sure of which direction to take, when his beloved uncle dies and leaves him his home and horse farm. Jack had spent many happy summers on the farm in his youth, but he had planned to spend his life in the big city, retiring from the police force at a ripe old age. When all that changes, Jack must change as well. He discovers that his uncle had hired a caretaker, a young woman with two children and a lot of secrets. Jack is drawn to the lovely Beth and her children, and he his grateful for her expertise in caring for the horses. However, his inbred cop's instinct tells him that Beth is on the run, and he determines to find out what has sent her and the children into hiding. Beth is attracted to Jack, but the last thing she needs is to become involved with someone with law enforcement connections who could trace her real identity. Beth is terrified that the powerful politician husband whom she fears will find her and her kids, and since she knows his scandalous secrets, he sees her as a threat to be eliminated. At the same time that Beth and Jack are getting used to each other and settling into a friendly working routine, one of Jack's unfinished investigations comes home to haunt him. A serial killer whose victims were among the unsolved cases on which Jack worked is now claiming victims in the area of the horse farm. Jack is only too eager to help local law enforcement find the killer--a killer whose victims are petite and dark-haired, just like Beth. I read this book all in one sitting, reading on through the night. It's perfect for late-night, page-turning, involved reading.
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
Review Copy Gratis Amazon Vine
January 2, 2013
When Elisabeth discovers her husbands secrets and he attacks her, she barely escapes with her life. Taking her two young children, she goes on the run desperate to hide from her husband and the past that she knows will eventually catch up to her. Beth manages to find a job as a caretaker on a remote estate for an elderly man, upon her arrival she discovers that the elderly man has passed away and her fate lies in the hands of his nephew Jack, an injured police detective and his retired dog, Henry. Jack and Beth share an intense attraction but his instincts are screaming that she is hiding things from him and she is unwilling to let anyone close to her. In addition to Beth's storyline there is a serial killer on he loose and Beth fits his victim profile, she really can't catch a break.
I really enjoyed this one, lots of action and I devoured it in one sitting. I liked Jack, he's an older experienced male that will appeal to a lot of readers, he has a strong moral code and is very protective. The kids were an interesting aition to the story but Henry was one of the highlights. A former police dog who has a mischievous streak, you couldn't ask for a better protector. Beth's Uncle James has a large part to play in everything he is a former military man who has psychic visions. This felt slightly out of place from the rest of the story to me but it didn't detract from the plot. I will be reading more from Melinda in the future.
I really enjoyed this one, lots of action and I devoured it in one sitting. I liked Jack, he's an older experienced male that will appeal to a lot of readers, he has a strong moral code and is very protective. The kids were an interesting aition to the story but Henry was one of the highlights. A former police dog who has a mischievous streak, you couldn't ask for a better protector. Beth's Uncle James has a large part to play in everything he is a former military man who has psychic visions. This felt slightly out of place from the rest of the story to me but it didn't detract from the plot. I will be reading more from Melinda in the future.
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