Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Parris:

I spent a lifetime in Umberland one weekend. That's what it's like in small towns, and also why I don't come back too often. I never felt I fit in, until I left. Life as an international photographer suits me a lot better than life in this sleepy little town. But I promised to stay a few weeks to appease my mom. Things take a turn for the worse when I accidentally hit an off-leash dog, but when we get to the vet, I find out this dog's owner is a hot mechanic. While I'm stuck here, I figure I'll get to know him -- wink wink -- to stave off the inevitable boredom.

Once he forgives me, things with Caleb move fast. He's tougher to let go of than I dreamed anyone or anything could be. But I'm here for a good time, not a long time. And it's time for me to fly.

How come it doesn't feel so good to run off and escape my hometown? Why do I miss him so much? And how is Umberland feeling less like a jail, and more like... my home?

Caleb:

Umberland is my life. I'm a good son. I take care of my mom--she and her therapy dog need me. So when some playboy hotshot hits Mom's dog with his car, I'm ready to blow. But then he turns out to be really kind, and... really s*xy. He makes me feel things I haven't felt in, maybe, ever. We get close. And I start to dream of more.

But like I said, I'm a good son. I'm the only one who can take care of mom, so I won't get involved with a player. But she likes Parris. And when she starts to push me out of the nest, it hurts to realize that I might be the one holding myself back.

Running Off is the fifth book in the Rainier Family series and can be read on its own. 55k words of heart-warming, star-crossed, meant-to-be love, growing up and out, busybody Rainiers, and a whole big, bustling, small-town family waiting for its HEA.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 8, 2019

77 people are currently reading
139 people want to read

About the author

Ashton Cade

23 books102 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
74 (35%)
4 stars
90 (43%)
3 stars
37 (17%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews133 followers
Want to read
April 1, 2025
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/5/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Lucrecia.
413 reviews16 followers
March 28, 2019
Running Off

Good story. Solid. I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to though. Probably all that back and forth.
It's a sweet, loving story and lots of ppl will appreciate it more than I did, for sure. Gotta love that we're all different people ^^

Keep reading 📖
Profile Image for Kelly.
442 reviews21 followers
March 14, 2019
Arc copy courtesy of LesCourt

All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion. 


Parris and Caleb have intense chemistry. Honestly, I could have done with another 30k words of Caleb turning the table on power bottom Parris, especially since Calab originally came across as the submissive partner.


I'm biased toward photographers, and I can say with certainty if you liked Lucy Lennox's Taming Teddy, you'll enjoy this book too. 


I like that Parris isn't immediately into changing his ways, he tries to run, and even in town, he does miss traveling. It's nice to see a compromise. 


Neither character has to give up who they are when they find their hea. 


I enjoyed this one, and would probably recommend it to a friend.
503 reviews
March 20, 2019
3.5 Stars

This was fine. It was pretty basic, standard "monogamy isn't for me, even the word home gives me hives" and "dedicated son/caregiver can't take something he wants because he has obligations" start a relationship with a preconceived termination. There is nothing wrong with that. And this was par for the course, as far as those kinds of tropes go. I wasn't in love with it - and though some of the end parts of the plot irritated me, I didn't hate it either. I am lukewarm about this book. It falls more on the positive side for me, I think. Because they really did give both sides a go, and found both pretty unworkable. They were forced to find the middle ground through trial and error, even if the middle ground was terribly, terribly obvious from the get.

**WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD**

I will say that my biggest gripe is the speed at which the boys fall in love and deem the other necessary. It takes all of 2 weeks and a handful of dates before Parris is already to the stage where he can no longer imagine his life being happy without Caleb in it. I mean, okay. Fine. That's just a smidge fast is all. I was okay with Caleb's misunderstanding what was happening with the phone call - because it wasn't so much a misunderstanding as a moment where Parris needed to explain. But what I AM NOT okay with him blaming Parris for "not talking to him" after the fact when it was Caleb who refused to let the man speak. He turned him away, and refused to listen. Caleb can't turn back around and blame Parris for that.

Wasn't too fond of the whole "I'm going to push you away so you leave me for your own good, even though it's what neither of us really want but I don't know that because I refuse to actually talk to you about what you want and listen to what you say and hear your feelings". I am not a fan of this. It would have been better if the cracks started to show, and Caleb had actually been right. That Parris needed BOTH travelling and Caleb in his life. But we got a half-hearted commitment to that instead, where Parris is so hell bent on proving he can settle down and ignoring the fact he's growing bored that it doesn't really get communicated effectively.

And like I have already said, the resolution to the issue that they are eventually handed on a silver platter by Caleb's mom and Adele was so blatantly obvious I'm baffled how neither of them came up with it on their own.

As far as characters go, I wasn't in love with either of them. And Caleb especially towards the end grated. But I also didn't hate them. Lukewarm, slightly positive reaction from me gets this one 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,531 reviews46 followers
March 13, 2019
This has been a great series from Ashton Cade. This book from the Rainier Family focuses on Parris, a photographer who has been travelling the world, and Caleb, a mechanic who also cares for his ill mother and has no plans to leave Umberland in the near future.
Ashton draws you into the story right from the start. Even if you haven't read the previous four books, you're still able to follow and understand the story as it's a standalone just with characters from other books popping up.
Parris is confident, independent and with no plans to stay any longer than necessary in Umberland but several meet ups with Caleb has the possibility of something different being thought about. Caleb can only see one future which is caring for his mum and working at his garage. The two together are entertaining, hot and engaging to read. There's a lot of thinking that each man does about their own future and what could be as they live such different lives and reading them make such considerations, especially Parris, is entertaining to read. Their attraction jumps off of the page and they build the relationship, supporting each other when needed.
There are several hot moments, sweet moments, and funny moments to give us a wide variety to have you needing to know what is coming next. I love the family feel that you get with the Rainier's and how they include everyone. There's a lot of character's to love but in this one, Caleb's mum shines for me as a woman of strength and determined parenting, regardless of her sons age.
Another must read in this series, definitely recommended.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for K.R. Phoenix.
664 reviews29 followers
March 18, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 stars
🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 3.5

Learn to be in the moment. This was an angsty romance!

This is the first book of Ashton’s I’ve read and it is so easy to read, with great character development and so much angst and a little frustration! This story was a hookup turned angst-filled, real-life challenged relationship. I like that Caleb made Parris see things differently and want to change his ‘man-whoring’ ways. I loved Caleb’s kindness, care and of course his love and care for is mum. Caleb is somewhat ‘stuck’ in Umberland and he’s fine with that until he meets and falls for Parris.

The back and forth of their relationship and how Caleb insisted Parris would be ‘settling’ if he stayed in Umberland or they’d only ever have a long distance relationship was so frustrating. Why couldn’t Parris keep traveling as a photographer and have a home base with Caleb in Umberland? From the story his assignments only seemed to go for a week or two, then he could go ‘home’ before the next assignment. Argh, the frustration!

Once they were each ready to believe the other and take a chance, they thankfully quit the angst and frustration and accepted that they loved each other and the story ends with a wonderful happily ever after! An enjoyable read from Umberland with a unique family!

Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
Profile Image for Megan.
1,469 reviews29 followers
March 16, 2019
The prodigal son meets the stalwart son; both needing what the other man offers yet so afraid of what they might lose that they almost give up the best possible future for both of them. Parris actually rubbed me the wrong way right from the start. He's so up his own...well, so self-involved that he's choosing to be blind to everything good about his hometown and refuses to take responsibility for just about everything negative in his life. By the end of the story I did like how he softened and learned to love himself and appreciate his home, but I don't think enough attention and page time was given to his "ah ha!" moment. We spent so long reading about how much he dislikes everything about Umberland that his turnaround isn't truly believable.

It's no wonder Caleb keeps pushing him away despite how much his heart wants to grab on and never let go. Caleb was a bit too much of a martyr for me, though I did prefer him over Parris. He was so faithful, so loving, so giving and to watch Parris do things he did and then turn around as if his negative actions should be overlooked was disappointing. Caleb's emotional distance after a while was warranted and I did believe and like his personal turnaround which led to a really wonderful reconciliation. The epilogue was sweet and perfect for the couple and very necessary for the story to end on a great note.
Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
March 8, 2019

Learning to find, share and enjoy that perfect moment. A moment in time while they dance or a picnic overlooking the city these guys have a journey to finding their perfect moments. I really liked both MC's and i enjoyed how each man grew as their relationship developed. The writing flowed beautifully, and the timing and story-line was engaging and kept me reading way to late.

Parris and Caleb are so special together, their hearts have a similar rhythm. Neither man was perfect, in fact they both had real flaws, but they learned to trust and love each other. Their chemistry was intense and their connection was fun to watch. i so loved the many special moments in this story, but i especially enjoyed the epilogue!!

This is the fifth book in The Rainier Family series and can be read as a stand-alone. I really enjoyed seeing MC's from the previous books in this one, but their relationships are explained, so it would not be confusing. However, i do recommend each of the previous books, i am a fan of this series.

i loved the advise that Parris's dad gave him:
'You need to plan your life... where do you see yourself? Don't rush into it. Think about it. Decide what you want outta life and go for it. The rest will fall into place.'
3,736 reviews43 followers
March 11, 2019
Look Homeward, Parris! There's no place like 🏡home, especially if Caleb awaits you there💕
March 10, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍👍👬💕🔥
4.5🌟 stars
I enjoyed it! This MM hookup turned angstful romance addressed realistic issues like long term elder care and conflicting career paths that make it a very good example of the stranger hook-up to romance trope. Mechanic Caleb is a very sympathetic, stand-up, small-town fellow who's suborned his own wants and dreams for his family responsibilities. World-traveling photographer Parris has gone the opposite route, turning his back on life in a large, supportive family to shake the dust of Umberland off his boots and eschew a committed relationship to anything but his career. It's a wonder they ever get together, but I guess chemistry trumps logic when it comes to romance! I thought the story well-written, with just enough conflict and angst to bring out the romantic drama and make the final solution all the sweeter. There's🔥 heat but it's not overdone.

This is the first novel I've read in the Rainier Family series and I hope it won't be the last😊

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
1,017 reviews
March 9, 2019
I absolutely loved this latest book in the Rainier Family series!!! Parris is back in town after being gone for a couple of years. He is a photographer that has been all over the world taking some amazing photos. He meets Caleb when he first arrives in town. The attraction is there but Caleb is hesitant....he doesn't want to get attached and get hurt when Parris leaves for another trip. They can't deny that feeling for one another are there....can Parris show Caleb that he is there for the long haul and he wants to stay with him. Can Caleb let his walls down and trust Parris not to break his heart? This was such a great story.....I laughed, cried, and swooned. I adored Caleb's mom Melanie....she is amazing!! Definitely recommend this book to all....I loved this book and the whole series. I can't wait to see what this author comes out with next and you best believe I will be there to read it. Well done!!!
Profile Image for AL♡.
636 reviews
March 12, 2019
I'm really enjoying this series and Running Off did not disappoint.
In this 5th book of the Rainier Family series, we meet Parris who has returned to Umberland for his cousin's wedding after spending years away from his small town home. Umberland has always been too small for Parris so his job as a National Geographic photographer is perfect for him. He's not tied down to anyone or anywhere. He goes where his job takes him.
His accidental meeting with Caleb makes Parris question what he really wants out of life.
Parris is afraid of being tied down, but he is also afraid of losing Caleb.
Caleb is afraid of losing Parris, but he is also afraid of tying Parris down.
I enjoyed the struggle that both men faced coming to terms with their relationship and what they think the other person wants.
I definitely recommend this series and can't wait to see what the author comes out with next.
Profile Image for Sheridan.
582 reviews15 followers
March 14, 2019
Yes another Rainer boy finds his HEA but damn this one took a lot of convincing, running and taking risks!
I just wanted to grab both Parris and Caleb and smack their heads together!!!! Gosh they frustrated me!
Parris was the love em and leave em kinda guy, so when someone finally gets his attention and he wants to settle, Caleb can’t risk it all because he is stuck in their little town!
I swear if one more time either one of them left I was going to throw my iPad through the window!!!

But thank goodness they got their act together! The tension and the chemistry was smoking hot! It was angsty and real and I was stuck on every word waiting for them to finally let go, take the risk and fall!
❤️
1,384 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2019
letting go

I liked this story. Parris and Caleb are interesting characters that both need to change their view on life and on each other's lives.

Caleb puts his mom's well being before his own happiness. He has dreams, but puts them on hold so he can be home and take care of her. Parris uses travel as a means to not face his family or his life. He needs too take time to make connections and once he does, his life will never be the same.

I liked the guys, but I wanted to slap some sense into both of them. They are both stubborn and think they know better. You read some of their interactions and want to tell them that they are being morons. Luckily these two learn to open themselves up and actually listen to each other.
Profile Image for Ali.
2,100 reviews17 followers
March 14, 2019
This was a good story, though Parris and Caleb are crap at communicating. Then once Parris is open Caleb clams up even more.

I loved that Parris was able to see that he wasn’t necessarily happy about his life and how everything worked out, it was great that it was his love for Caleb that made him see it even if Caleb took some convincing it was real. Caleb is Stubborn with a capital S, to the point that even his mom gets upset with him feeling he needs to hold himself back. It was great to see them find the perfect compromise together and for Parris to find a reason to share the perfect shot with someone else.

I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.
985 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2019
I loved Caleb and Parris and watching them struggle to find a way to be together. True love is a negotiation and always involves give and take. With this duo, it seemed like when one of them was certain, the other fought their feeling or wavered, and then the roles swapped and reversed. I thought the feelings were very realistic and heartfelt. Caleb was my favorite character and I totally understood why he would try to protect his heart after Parris left him and how hard it was to trust him after he came back. I loved both their mothers. They knew their boys were meant to be together.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for Dee Winston.
551 reviews
March 8, 2019
I cant get enough of this family and town. Coming from a small town I can understand how Parris and Caleb felt. Wanting to get away but also being kept by family obligations. But when you find the right person you will find a way to make both work. I liked this book but got tired of the back and forth between these two men. I didnt like Caleb playing the martyr and making decisions for both of them. When you care for someone there will be ups and downs but after time you will find the right balance.
Profile Image for Tanya.
854 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2019
Unlike the previous books, this Rainier hasn't really been around..he has been talked about though. So imagine my surprise when we get to meet our Photographer Parris Rainier.

Parris running from his family is almost like Sawyer and his hiding with the horses. It just takes one moment and one person to change that all around. Caleb makes Umberland not seem like the confining small town that Parris felt he ran away from.
316 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2019
Parris and Caleb are complete opposites, Parris reluctantly goes back to his home town for a wedding, his plan is to leave again as soon as possible, until he meets Caleb. Caleb is used to playing things safe, but somehow Parris gets under his skin and the attraction is mutual. They just need to get on the same page. As with the rest of this series, this was a sweet story and we meet some familiar faces along the way.
3,010 reviews46 followers
March 15, 2019
This is a great addition to a series I really enjoy. Watching Parris an Caleb grow and evolve was great. Each had a definite idea about how their life should be. That changes the closer they get to each other. When they compromise and figure out what works best for them you see their love grow.
I really enjoyed their story.


































































Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
March 16, 2019
I love all the stories of the Rainier family, but I think that this one affected me the most of all of them. Caleb and Parris' struggle to try to be true to each other as well as being true to themselves and to do what they can to make sure that everything works well is something that I think most of us have felt at one point in time or another, and it resonates so much with me. There were times when I cried. There were times when I was mad at one or the other, but overall, I loved the story.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
March 8, 2019
Running Off by Ashton Cade is the fifth book in The Rainier Family series. It is a funny and sweet story, I loved reading about the evolution of their relationship and feelings. Parris and Caleb are great characters that are loveable and relateable. Great addition to the series.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
2,321 reviews8 followers
March 15, 2019
An accidental meeting leads to so much more for two stubborn, flawed men. I really like these characters, Parris and Caleb are wonderful and absolutely perfect together. They both grow so much as their relationship blossoms and deepens and it was great to be along for the ride. Another great addition for this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
258 reviews
March 15, 2019
I have really enjoyed this series, and I especially enjoyed this one. Parris and Caleb just spoke to me with all their imperfections and just wanting to be loved whether they know it or not. Fun to catch up with past characters. Thanks for the arc. Looking forward to more of the series.
5,704 reviews39 followers
March 9, 2019
very good story.. good characters.. writing.. and interesting plot. i enjoyed this
Profile Image for Claudia.
1,069 reviews7 followers
December 8, 2019
3.5

Oh boy, this was going strong until got just a smidge too repetitive. Once? Fine. Twice? Uh, okay I guess. But three times? Stop it.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,941 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2021
Good

The author knows how to write stubborn characters.This was a good storyline. I think the females of the family should be in the stories more ..
Profile Image for Celine.
803 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2019
Great story

I quite enjoyed Caleb and Parris' story.

I loved Parris. He didn't make excuses for who he is, and he just started to grow as the book goes along. It was really interesting to follow his journey, especially when he realises who he wants to be, with or without someone in his life.

I liked Caleb, but he enjoyed annoying me. I really wanted to shake him at times and make him realise what a great chance he had and not to through it away.

It broke my heart a little at times, but it was lovely all the same.

Really enjoyed it
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.