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Runaway #4
Forsaken Trail
Aria Saint-James has planned the perfect sweatpants, takeout and two weeks alone with her sister and nephew. Nowhere on that list is wearing a low-cut dress and uncomfortable heels to attend a wedding where she knows neither the bride nor the groom. Toss in her nemesis, Brody Carmichael, and her road trip to Arizona is officially a bust.
But at least there is champagne.
She blames the bubbly for falling into bed with Brody that night. Enemy or no, the billionaire is irresistible in a tux. But after their one-night tryst, Aria has no choice but to cut her vacation short, returning home to escape his devilish smile, vowing never to see Brody again.
Except Aria gets a surprise a few weeks later—she’s pregnant. When he learns that she’s carrying his child, Brody offers Aria the chance of a lifetime. The catch? She has to live under his roof until the baby is born.
Either they’ll kill each other in nine months. Or discover love buried beneath their hate.
But at least there is champagne.
She blames the bubbly for falling into bed with Brody that night. Enemy or no, the billionaire is irresistible in a tux. But after their one-night tryst, Aria has no choice but to cut her vacation short, returning home to escape his devilish smile, vowing never to see Brody again.
Except Aria gets a surprise a few weeks later—she’s pregnant. When he learns that she’s carrying his child, Brody offers Aria the chance of a lifetime. The catch? She has to live under his roof until the baby is born.
Either they’ll kill each other in nine months. Or discover love buried beneath their hate.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2020
1033 people are currently reading
7680 people want to read
About the author
Devney Perry
87 books29k followersDevney is a #1 Amazon, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of over forty romance novels. After working in the technology industry for a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to pursue her passion for writing. She was born and raised in Montana and now lives in Washington with her husband and two sons.”
Visit Devney's website to sign up for her newsletters and learn more about upcoming books.
www.devneyperry.com
Visit Devney's website to sign up for her newsletters and learn more about upcoming books.
www.devneyperry.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 984 reviews
December 18, 2020
'FORSAKEN TRAIL' is the fourth book in Devney Perry's 'Runaway' series. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.'
Brody was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, never wanting for anything. Whereas Aria barely had two pennies to rub together and lived like a homeless person in a junk yard. What could these two possibly have in common?
I went into this one not having read the others in this series and was worried I wouldn't be able to connect with the storyline and characters but I had nothing to worry about, one thing I do question though is why haven't I read the others in this series!! Come on guys next time kick my rock!! This pulled me in straight away, cementing yet again why she's one of my favourite authors!! After reading this and falling under her spell I went and one clicked the others in this series!!
This series centers around a group of six misfits (Katherine, Londyn, Gemma, Karson, Clara and Aria) who as teens lived in a junk yard, now much older each have been given the task of driving this Cadillac across country which started out on the East Coast.
Forsaken Trail is about thirty year old landscaper Aria, her road trip takes her from the coast of Oregon to the desert in Arizona where she's delivering the restored 1964 Cadillac DeVille convertible to her twin sisters doorstep for the next part of the journey which will take her twin to California a place Aria never wants to set foot in again. Aria's excited to be spending the next two weeks with her sister and her nephew August.
Clara, Aria's sister works for billionaire Broderick Carmichael at Carmichael Communications they have a strong friendship which doesn't impress Aria as she can't stand the entitled, arrogant man one bit.
So when Clara falls ill the last thing Aria wanted to be doing was going as Brody's fake date to his brothers wedding party he never wanted to attend, but its all about keeping up with appearances for the time being until the company was his.
One night of pretending
Then we'd go back to what we were good at.
Hating.
That evening turned into something neither of them expected, from flirting to the back and fro banter to drinking too much champagne its whilst being under the influence that all inhibitions flew out the door as one kiss led to more.
It was only one night, she won't see Brody again until she visits her sister, its whilst Aria is on her own turf that she learns she's pregnant. From this point onwards Brody was nothing like Aria had depicted him out to be, he just sent my heart all a flutter. They were just perfect for each other.
A beautiful captivating love story, perfection at its best, from sworn enemies to lovers, throw in a surprise pregnancy and it was the perfect read to curl up with in your favourite spot.
Highly recommend 👍👍👍👍👍
December 27, 2020
4 STARS
I feel like I have been waiting for this story for so long! I've been completely enraptured with the Runaway series since book one, and the Cadillac saga continues with Aria's road to a HEA.
Aria and Brody have been dancing around each other for years. They started off on the wrong foot and it's only continued from there. There's certainly no love lost between them but there's plenty of chemistry. They crashed into each other's orbit through Aria's twin sister, who works for Brody. But while her sister and Brody are close, Aria can't stand the man. She thinks he's too arrogant for his own good and quick to throw his money and status around.
From the very first time they appear on the pages together, you can cut the sexual tension between them with a knife, and it was utterly delicious. Aria doesn't mince words when it comes to Brody and is always quick to put him in his place. But then one night changes everything between them.
I love me a good surprise baby plot device, but it has to be done right. And it's definitely done right in Forsaken Trail. I absolutely HATE when the heroine keeps the baby from the hero for whatever reason. Aria is not about that life. She tells Brody as soon as she knows. And even though there's still plenty of unresolved issues between them, she doesn't want to keep Brody away. Though she has doubts given her sister's history with her baby daddy.
Brody is impossible not to love. The more you learn about his history, the more you love him. There's a soft mushy center to this successful man and I adored it. He mans up right away when it comes to Aria and doesn't play any games. Their road to a HEA was not a quick one but it was full of emotion and absolutely heart warming.
I did want a little bit more of the hate lust between them. It felt like they turned the corner really quick and a lot of their animosity was mentioned off the page and I would have loved more of that. But then again, I'm a sucker for that angsty enemies to lovers tension. This book is not quite that. It's more feel good then angsty, and I didn't mind that. It was satisfying from beginning to end and I adored Aria and Brody's story. Now I'm eagerly waiting on Clara's book next.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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One night of pretending. Then we’d go back to what we were good at. Hating.
I feel like I have been waiting for this story for so long! I've been completely enraptured with the Runaway series since book one, and the Cadillac saga continues with Aria's road to a HEA.
Aria and Brody have been dancing around each other for years. They started off on the wrong foot and it's only continued from there. There's certainly no love lost between them but there's plenty of chemistry. They crashed into each other's orbit through Aria's twin sister, who works for Brody. But while her sister and Brody are close, Aria can't stand the man. She thinks he's too arrogant for his own good and quick to throw his money and status around.
From the very first time they appear on the pages together, you can cut the sexual tension between them with a knife, and it was utterly delicious. Aria doesn't mince words when it comes to Brody and is always quick to put him in his place. But then one night changes everything between them.
I love me a good surprise baby plot device, but it has to be done right. And it's definitely done right in Forsaken Trail. I absolutely HATE when the heroine keeps the baby from the hero for whatever reason. Aria is not about that life. She tells Brody as soon as she knows. And even though there's still plenty of unresolved issues between them, she doesn't want to keep Brody away. Though she has doubts given her sister's history with her baby daddy.
Brody is impossible not to love. The more you learn about his history, the more you love him. There's a soft mushy center to this successful man and I adored it. He mans up right away when it comes to Aria and doesn't play any games. Their road to a HEA was not a quick one but it was full of emotion and absolutely heart warming.
I did want a little bit more of the hate lust between them. It felt like they turned the corner really quick and a lot of their animosity was mentioned off the page and I would have loved more of that. But then again, I'm a sucker for that angsty enemies to lovers tension. This book is not quite that. It's more feel good then angsty, and I didn't mind that. It was satisfying from beginning to end and I adored Aria and Brody's story. Now I'm eagerly waiting on Clara's book next.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
February 1, 2023
There is just something comforting and beautiful and homely about Devney Perry’s writing. I’ve gotten sucked in every time and I love that for me.
This is one of my favourites in the series! Which I didn’t think it would be since surprise pregnancies aren’t always my favourite thing to read about, but the author absolutely made it work in this one.
Our main characters sold me on this story. They were amazing! Separately, but even better together. Their chemistry, their energy was enticing throughout.
I couldn’t help but fall in love with Aria. She had such a great attitude despite having gone through a lot.
Our hero, Brody, was just fuckin’ swoony. Always there for our heroine even though he’s never had anyone show up for him. His family life growing up and in present time sucked.
And seeing them come together, figuring out this new dynamic was just great to read about. The more I read, the more comfortable they became around each other, the more I fell for them.
I can’t wait to see Clara take this Cadillac to Karson in the next book. I love that it has been a running theme in all these books and what it has represented for each of the characters: home.
4.5 ⭐️
This is one of my favourites in the series! Which I didn’t think it would be since surprise pregnancies aren’t always my favourite thing to read about, but the author absolutely made it work in this one.
Our main characters sold me on this story. They were amazing! Separately, but even better together. Their chemistry, their energy was enticing throughout.
I couldn’t help but fall in love with Aria. She had such a great attitude despite having gone through a lot.
Our hero, Brody, was just fuckin’ swoony. Always there for our heroine even though he’s never had anyone show up for him. His family life growing up and in present time sucked.
And seeing them come together, figuring out this new dynamic was just great to read about. The more I read, the more comfortable they became around each other, the more I fell for them.
I can’t wait to see Clara take this Cadillac to Karson in the next book. I love that it has been a running theme in all these books and what it has represented for each of the characters: home.
4.5 ⭐️
December 30, 2020
Spoilers ahead
The fact that this was a baby from a ONS read already gave it a star because that's my jam but this was honestly one of the better ones of this series. Shortest review I've probably ever written lol.
No cheating
Enemies to lovers
H didn't seem to be a manwhore
h had had I think 4 relationships.
h had been almost raped as a teen
No others in the time between them having sex and finding out she's pregnant(one of the most important aspects for me so yayyyyy)
The fact that this was a baby from a ONS read already gave it a star because that's my jam but this was honestly one of the better ones of this series. Shortest review I've probably ever written lol.
No cheating
Enemies to lovers
H didn't seem to be a manwhore
h had had I think 4 relationships.
h had been almost raped as a teen
No others in the time between them having sex and finding out she's pregnant(one of the most important aspects for me so yayyyyy)
February 28, 2021
2.5 stars
Unfortunately this one was a big miss for me. I loved all previous books, I was looking forward for Aria's adventure,because I loved her in Quarter Miles, but in her own book I wanted to bitch slap her big time.
Maybe another reason I didn't liked this book so much was the trope used .
About the characters, as I said I didn't like Aria not one bit, she is proud, stubborn, overdramatic and just plain cold. Whenever she spoke with Brody she considered him entitled and superficial when she was just mean and judgy. I mean, the guy is rich, does he need to be shamed and blamed about it? fuck that.She could at least be a bit grateful for how much the guy did for her sister and her nephew to help them. She always knew best whatever the subject/situation was and .
Brody was ok, in the beginning I saw him more of an alpha men but he proved to be very beta. He prefers to succumb to her whims than to have the same argument over and over.
The major conflict in this book was the fact that Brody bought presents, expensive presents, for Aria. I knowwwww, awful! what a jerk he is! oh my god, i wanna punch him in the dick for doing such a thing! ( hopefully you can feel my sarcasm). Aria is pissed of everytime that he buys presents.
What would any normal person do? say a thanks for the gesture, but decline your present is you dont want it ! what is Aria doing? having major fits, moving out of the house for 3 days , almost destroying the presents he bought for a special room.
The connection was also nonexistent between them.
I have to point out that I still love this author's writing style, I still love her other books, and I will keep reading any new release she has.
Hopefully Clara and Karson's book will be like the first 3 in the series.
Unfortunately this one was a big miss for me. I loved all previous books, I was looking forward for Aria's adventure,because I loved her in Quarter Miles, but in her own book I wanted to bitch slap her big time.
Maybe another reason I didn't liked this book so much was the trope used .
About the characters, as I said I didn't like Aria not one bit, she is proud, stubborn, overdramatic and just plain cold. Whenever she spoke with Brody she considered him entitled and superficial when she was just mean and judgy. I mean, the guy is rich, does he need to be shamed and blamed about it? fuck that.She could at least be a bit grateful for how much the guy did for her sister and her nephew to help them. She always knew best whatever the subject/situation was and .
Brody was ok, in the beginning I saw him more of an alpha men but he proved to be very beta. He prefers to succumb to her whims than to have the same argument over and over.
The major conflict in this book was the fact that Brody bought presents, expensive presents, for Aria. I knowwwww, awful! what a jerk he is! oh my god, i wanna punch him in the dick for doing such a thing! ( hopefully you can feel my sarcasm). Aria is pissed of everytime that he buys presents.
What would any normal person do? say a thanks for the gesture, but decline your present is you dont want it ! what is Aria doing? having major fits, moving out of the house for 3 days , almost destroying the presents he bought for a special room.
The connection was also nonexistent between them.
I have to point out that I still love this author's writing style, I still love her other books, and I will keep reading any new release she has.
Hopefully Clara and Karson's book will be like the first 3 in the series.
April 22, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a fun enemies to lovers romance that had a swoonier hero than I was anticipating.
Aria can’t stand her twin sister’s boss, Brody. When she goes to visit her sister, she ends up attending an event with him as her sister is ill, and it turns out all that hate was just a lot of tension and chemistry between them.
As much as I loathe secret babies, I actually like surprise babies when the author does them the right way and I thought this one was really well done in that aspect. The more I got to see of Brody the more I liked him. For such a short book, it took these two a little too long to get it together for my liking, but aside from that I really enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to getting to the final book in this series soon!
This was a fun enemies to lovers romance that had a swoonier hero than I was anticipating.
Aria can’t stand her twin sister’s boss, Brody. When she goes to visit her sister, she ends up attending an event with him as her sister is ill, and it turns out all that hate was just a lot of tension and chemistry between them.
As much as I loathe secret babies, I actually like surprise babies when the author does them the right way and I thought this one was really well done in that aspect. The more I got to see of Brody the more I liked him. For such a short book, it took these two a little too long to get it together for my liking, but aside from that I really enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to getting to the final book in this series soon!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Aiden Snow & Maxine Mitchell
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 6h 14m
March 5, 2021
SERIES: Runaway #4 ( it can be read as standalone)
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: accidental pregnancy, enemies to lovers
CLIFFHANGER: no
TRIGGER WARNINGS/CONTENT WARNING: sexual assault
HOTTIE METER: 4🌡
RATING: 5 ⭐
SONGS: Beyonce- Drunk in Love
Demi Lovato- Body say
Rihanna- Stay
favorite thing about the book: everything!! but if I have to pick one thing then heroine 100%
Runaway Road 3 ⭐
Wild Highway 4⭐
Quarter Miles 4 ⭐
Forsaken trail 5 ⭐
Dotted Lines 4⭐
GENRE: contemporary romance
TROPES: accidental pregnancy, enemies to lovers
CLIFFHANGER: no
TRIGGER WARNINGS/CONTENT WARNING: sexual assault
HOTTIE METER: 4🌡
RATING: 5 ⭐
SONGS: Beyonce- Drunk in Love
Demi Lovato- Body say
Rihanna- Stay
favorite thing about the book: everything!! but if I have to pick one thing then heroine 100%
Runaway Road 3 ⭐
Wild Highway 4⭐
Quarter Miles 4 ⭐
Forsaken trail 5 ⭐
Dotted Lines 4⭐
February 13, 2023
Hate to love romance with a billionaire? Yes, please. This also had the surprise pregnancy trope and I didn't hate it! I really loved the hero and how willing he was to be there for the heroine and how he would do anything for her. I do think that since these books are so short, the author skips some pretty important scenes for the development of the romance and instead just tells us what happened later on. There were a few scenes I would have loved to actually see play out. But overall, this was another solid romance in this series!
March 7, 2021
3.5⭐️
”Maybe it was time to switch directions. To forge a beaten path. And find out if there was a rainbow waiting at the end of my forsaken trail.”
“The struggle is what affirms you’re alive. Without it, the bright moments don’t shine.”
🔸Synopsis:
The Story:
Six teenage kids (Karson, Londyn, Gemma, Katherine, Aria & Clara) ran away from home and ended up at a junkyard living in cars (a Cadillac) and tents. Bonds formed, but ultimately they went different directions.
There will be five books in the series where each kid will get their well deserved HEA.
Here's a recap so far:
Book 1: Londyn took a road trip to return the restored Cadillac to Karson, but got sidetracked along the way and fell in love
Book 2: Gemma picked up where Londyn left off with the intent to get the Cadillac to Karson. But she took a detour and fell in love
Book 3: Suffering from a broken heart, Katherine took the Cadillac on a road trip to Oregon to see Aria. But the object of her broken heart tagged along and they ultimately fell in love. Katherine left the Cadillac with Aria.
So, now here's Aria with a Cadillac and a plan....she plans to take the car to her twin sister in Arizona and ultimately her twin can then take the car to the final destination in California.
Aria is really looking forward to spending a couple weeks with her sister and adorable nephew, but the entitled billionaire her twin works for is a source of annoyance for Aria. Unfortunately when her twin falls ill, Aria is the one who has to stand in as Brody's fake date to his brother & ex fiancé’s wedding. Sparks fly, tempers flare and chemistry can't be denied.
- "Clara thought we should attend a wedding together? That we could convince people we were a couple? Ludicrous. Aria and I would kill each other before the cocktail hour was over.”
🔸Overview:
- Trigger warning: attempted sexual assault of a minor (mostly off page)
- Setting: Welcome, Arizona
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: No. Characters from other stories do not appear in this one and the author sums up the previous books early in the first chapter to "catch you up"
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: class differential (H rich/h not so much), baby surprise, enemies to lovers
- Who is the Hero Brody (34). Billionaire. Has a controlling, manipulative grandmother and a brother who just married his ex fiancé. Nice family....not. When he turns 35 he will get control of the company and finally be free from his grandmothers machinations.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: arrogant, demanding prick, flashy, likes to flaunt his money, rude, pompous, spoiled, kind, loving, compassionate, infuriating, brilliant, has drive, quick wit, dry sense of humor, invigorating, charming
- Who is the Heroine Aria (30), head groundskeeper at the luxury hotel The Gallaway. She has a twin sister and nephew who she is very close to. When she was 10 her parents were killed by a drunk driver and she had a traumatic experience with the guardian uncle. Someday she wants to own her own greenhouse.
- The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: lonely, gorgeous, beautiful, obstinate, bold, kind, loving, tenacious mischievous, fearless, unpredictable, honest
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 32%
- First time they sleep together: 33% (although that was a ONS off page). The good sex scene happened at 74%
- First time they say I Love You 94%
- steamy? There are a couple steamy moments.
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Brody kept something from Aria and she found out at 90%
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? August is cute a brought a few smiles
- Did I swoon 🥰? Brody had a couple swoony moments
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? Three months later
- Recommend? Yes
”When I spoke, he listened. Intently. It had been unnerving at first. Now, I couldn’t seem to stop myself from talking because his attention was addictive.”
“Aria had a lasting effect. She walked into your life and you struggled to remember what it had been like before you’d seen that first smile.”
📚 The following are my thoughts about this book:
- Why exactly did Aria hate Brody? He treated her sister and nephew well, was a good friend to Clara and her sister was happy. What was her beef exactly?
- Brody tried (several times) to do nice things for Aria but she was really bitchy about every nice thing he tried to do for her. She didn't even know him or his reasons for wanting to do something nice for people. Her attitude about his money and the way he spent it made her appear self righteous and judgmental.
- “There’s a fine line between helping someone and making them feel like a charity.”
- “She’d called it charity. Why couldn’t she see it as generosity?”
- The combination of the 2 items above made Aria seem a little jealous and not someone who was warranted in feeling hate toward Brody. Therefore, I didn’t love her character.
- Brody, on the other hand, was perfect. He had a crappy family and was such a nice guy. I loved him.
- I liked the way Aria stood up to the nasty grandma. She didn’t cower and it highlighted her backbone.
- something was missing in the switch from enemies to attraction. The story felt a bit rushed and I thought character development was lacking
- despite the issues above, I am invested in these characters and I love seeing them get their HEA.
🔸Quotes
"I had no hopes that a car would lead me to the love of my life, but I did hope to find the piece of myself I’d been missing lately."
“You’re beautiful,” Brody admitted through clenched teeth. It sounded pained, like it was either admit that I looked good—because I looked good—or have a tooth pulled without anesthesia.”
“Rude can’t be helped.” Aria shrugged. “When we drew straws in the womb, Clara picked the ones for poise and grace. That left me with sass and sarcasm.”
“I didn’t set many goals. I didn’t think too far into the future. Because it was too easy for dreams to be stolen.”
“If you ask me if it’s yours, I will cut your balls off and string them on the Christmas tree.”
“Her smile was luminescent. A flutter rippled through my chest, odd and unfamiliar. Must be heartburn.”
“I’ll always take care of you. Let me. Please.”
”Maybe it was time to switch directions. To forge a beaten path. And find out if there was a rainbow waiting at the end of my forsaken trail.”
“The struggle is what affirms you’re alive. Without it, the bright moments don’t shine.”
🔸Synopsis:
The Story:
Six teenage kids (Karson, Londyn, Gemma, Katherine, Aria & Clara) ran away from home and ended up at a junkyard living in cars (a Cadillac) and tents. Bonds formed, but ultimately they went different directions.
There will be five books in the series where each kid will get their well deserved HEA.
Here's a recap so far:
Book 1: Londyn took a road trip to return the restored Cadillac to Karson, but got sidetracked along the way and fell in love
Book 2: Gemma picked up where Londyn left off with the intent to get the Cadillac to Karson. But she took a detour and fell in love
Book 3: Suffering from a broken heart, Katherine took the Cadillac on a road trip to Oregon to see Aria. But the object of her broken heart tagged along and they ultimately fell in love. Katherine left the Cadillac with Aria.
So, now here's Aria with a Cadillac and a plan....she plans to take the car to her twin sister in Arizona and ultimately her twin can then take the car to the final destination in California.
Aria is really looking forward to spending a couple weeks with her sister and adorable nephew, but the entitled billionaire her twin works for is a source of annoyance for Aria. Unfortunately when her twin falls ill, Aria is the one who has to stand in as Brody's fake date to his brother & ex fiancé’s wedding. Sparks fly, tempers flare and chemistry can't be denied.
- "Clara thought we should attend a wedding together? That we could convince people we were a couple? Ludicrous. Aria and I would kill each other before the cocktail hour was over.”
🔸Overview:
- Trigger warning: attempted sexual assault of a minor (mostly off page)
- Setting: Welcome, Arizona
- Do you need to read previous books in series?: No. Characters from other stories do not appear in this one and the author sums up the previous books early in the first chapter to "catch you up"
- POV: Dual POV
- Tropes: class differential (H rich/h not so much), baby surprise, enemies to lovers
- Who is the Hero Brody (34). Billionaire. Has a controlling, manipulative grandmother and a brother who just married his ex fiancé. Nice family....not. When he turns 35 he will get control of the company and finally be free from his grandmothers machinations.
* The following words/phrases were used to describe Hero: arrogant, demanding prick, flashy, likes to flaunt his money, rude, pompous, spoiled, kind, loving, compassionate, infuriating, brilliant, has drive, quick wit, dry sense of humor, invigorating, charming
- Who is the Heroine Aria (30), head groundskeeper at the luxury hotel The Gallaway. She has a twin sister and nephew who she is very close to. When she was 10 her parents were killed by a drunk driver and she had a traumatic experience with the guardian uncle. Someday she wants to own her own greenhouse.
- The following words/phrases were used to describe Heroine: lonely, gorgeous, beautiful, obstinate, bold, kind, loving, tenacious mischievous, fearless, unpredictable, honest
- h virgin? No
- First time they kiss: 32%
- First time they sleep together: 33% (although that was a ONS off page). The good sex scene happened at 74%
- First time they say I Love You 94%
- steamy? There are a couple steamy moments.
- OW/OM drama? No
- H/h cheat? No
- Time apart? No
- Did I skip pages? No
- Big secrets? Brody kept something from Aria and she found out at 90%
- Did I cry? No
- Did I laugh? August is cute a brought a few smiles
- Did I swoon 🥰? Brody had a couple swoony moments
- Cliffhanger? No
- HEA? Yes
- Epilogue? Three months later
- Recommend? Yes
”When I spoke, he listened. Intently. It had been unnerving at first. Now, I couldn’t seem to stop myself from talking because his attention was addictive.”
“Aria had a lasting effect. She walked into your life and you struggled to remember what it had been like before you’d seen that first smile.”
📚 The following are my thoughts about this book:
- Why exactly did Aria hate Brody? He treated her sister and nephew well, was a good friend to Clara and her sister was happy. What was her beef exactly?
- Brody tried (several times) to do nice things for Aria but she was really bitchy about every nice thing he tried to do for her. She didn't even know him or his reasons for wanting to do something nice for people. Her attitude about his money and the way he spent it made her appear self righteous and judgmental.
- “There’s a fine line between helping someone and making them feel like a charity.”
- “She’d called it charity. Why couldn’t she see it as generosity?”
- The combination of the 2 items above made Aria seem a little jealous and not someone who was warranted in feeling hate toward Brody. Therefore, I didn’t love her character.
- Brody, on the other hand, was perfect. He had a crappy family and was such a nice guy. I loved him.
- I liked the way Aria stood up to the nasty grandma. She didn’t cower and it highlighted her backbone.
- something was missing in the switch from enemies to attraction. The story felt a bit rushed and I thought character development was lacking
- despite the issues above, I am invested in these characters and I love seeing them get their HEA.
🔸Quotes
"I had no hopes that a car would lead me to the love of my life, but I did hope to find the piece of myself I’d been missing lately."
“You’re beautiful,” Brody admitted through clenched teeth. It sounded pained, like it was either admit that I looked good—because I looked good—or have a tooth pulled without anesthesia.”
“Rude can’t be helped.” Aria shrugged. “When we drew straws in the womb, Clara picked the ones for poise and grace. That left me with sass and sarcasm.”
“I didn’t set many goals. I didn’t think too far into the future. Because it was too easy for dreams to be stolen.”
“If you ask me if it’s yours, I will cut your balls off and string them on the Christmas tree.”
“Her smile was luminescent. A flutter rippled through my chest, odd and unfamiliar. Must be heartburn.”
“I’ll always take care of you. Let me. Please.”
December 29, 2020
4.5 'The exception to his rules' Stars!
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
Devney Perry’s Runaway series is almost finished, now with her second last installment called Forsaken Trail. Let me tell you, I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous books so I am not surprised that I also loved this one. I love how Devney writes, the worlds she creates and the amazing characters she gives us. And I love me a good surprise pregnancy romance! The tension between Aria and Brody was so palpable in Quarter Miles that it got me devouring their hate-to-love story in just a matter of hours.
So, Forsaken Trail is the fourth installment in Devney’s Runaway series and it focuses on the love story between Aria Saint-James, another one of the runaway kids who shared a junkyard as a home and now a flower expert, and Brody Carmichael, her sister’s suited boss and Aria’s nemesis. Aria has planned a getaway to Arizona to spend time with her family. What she does not expect is to find Brody there and she definitely wasn’t expecting to be his date at a wedding. That turns into an unforgettable night and an unexpected pregnancy. How will Aria and Brody become parents together if they hate each other? Or is it really hate?
One night of pretending.
Then we'd go back to what we were good at.
Hating.
I love a book that gives me everything that I enjoy in romance and that has me completely immersed for just a few hours. Devney’s novels do that for me: they are not extremely long, they have a wonderful list of characters and the couples share a whole lot of tension and emotions. That’s why I love her Runaway series so much and it has become one of my favorites written by her. I love this group of people who did not have it easy but have fought to have a good life. I love them getting their dreams come true and their much deserved happy endings.
“Think of me as the safety net.”
“I've never had a safety net.”
“You do now.”
Aria and Clara did not have an easy upbringing but their lives are so different now. They deserve all those good things happening. But let’s focus on Aria for now since Clara is getting her own story in early 2021. Aria and Brody were such a gripping couple and they stole my heart as soon as I read their first interaction. Their back and forth was so entertaining and it was so clear their chemistry was so much more than anybody expected. They burned the pages and when feelings got in the mix it got even better. I love couples falling in love while they are also becoming parents. So freaking sweet!
They were my life. Both of them.
Aria was my heart.
Therefore, I am rating Forsaken Trail with 4.5 STARS because, as the other installments, it was the perfect addition to the series and with a romance troupe I reaaaaaaally love. Reading Aria and Brody’s journey was extremely sweet and their connection was impossible to miss. So. Much. Tension! I cannot wait to read Clara and Karson’s story next, even though it will be the last in the Runaway series. If you love Devney’s books, be sure not to miss this hate-to-love / surprise pregnancy romance!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided via Valentine PR in exchange for an honest review.
Devney Perry’s Runaway series is almost finished, now with her second last installment called Forsaken Trail. Let me tell you, I have thoroughly enjoyed the previous books so I am not surprised that I also loved this one. I love how Devney writes, the worlds she creates and the amazing characters she gives us. And I love me a good surprise pregnancy romance! The tension between Aria and Brody was so palpable in Quarter Miles that it got me devouring their hate-to-love story in just a matter of hours.
So, Forsaken Trail is the fourth installment in Devney’s Runaway series and it focuses on the love story between Aria Saint-James, another one of the runaway kids who shared a junkyard as a home and now a flower expert, and Brody Carmichael, her sister’s suited boss and Aria’s nemesis. Aria has planned a getaway to Arizona to spend time with her family. What she does not expect is to find Brody there and she definitely wasn’t expecting to be his date at a wedding. That turns into an unforgettable night and an unexpected pregnancy. How will Aria and Brody become parents together if they hate each other? Or is it really hate?
One night of pretending.
Then we'd go back to what we were good at.
Hating.
I love a book that gives me everything that I enjoy in romance and that has me completely immersed for just a few hours. Devney’s novels do that for me: they are not extremely long, they have a wonderful list of characters and the couples share a whole lot of tension and emotions. That’s why I love her Runaway series so much and it has become one of my favorites written by her. I love this group of people who did not have it easy but have fought to have a good life. I love them getting their dreams come true and their much deserved happy endings.
“Think of me as the safety net.”
“I've never had a safety net.”
“You do now.”
Aria and Clara did not have an easy upbringing but their lives are so different now. They deserve all those good things happening. But let’s focus on Aria for now since Clara is getting her own story in early 2021. Aria and Brody were such a gripping couple and they stole my heart as soon as I read their first interaction. Their back and forth was so entertaining and it was so clear their chemistry was so much more than anybody expected. They burned the pages and when feelings got in the mix it got even better. I love couples falling in love while they are also becoming parents. So freaking sweet!
They were my life. Both of them.
Aria was my heart.
Therefore, I am rating Forsaken Trail with 4.5 STARS because, as the other installments, it was the perfect addition to the series and with a romance troupe I reaaaaaaally love. Reading Aria and Brody’s journey was extremely sweet and their connection was impossible to miss. So. Much. Tension! I cannot wait to read Clara and Karson’s story next, even though it will be the last in the Runaway series. If you love Devney’s books, be sure not to miss this hate-to-love / surprise pregnancy romance!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
March 11, 2021
I guess Forsaken Trail is OK. I adore Miss Perry works. Sadly not all of her books work for me. Forsaken Trail is one of them. This is NA romance book.
And as expected the story is short. Thr twist and plot is minimum of drama. Nothing much on the character development. I especially having really hard time understanding Brody. Until the very end he is remains aloof and detached to the story.
The writing is good. At least I enjoy that.
3 stars
And as expected the story is short. Thr twist and plot is minimum of drama. Nothing much on the character development. I especially having really hard time understanding Brody. Until the very end he is remains aloof and detached to the story.
The writing is good. At least I enjoy that.
3 stars
September 4, 2022
"Maybe it was time to switch directions. To forge a beaten path. And find out if there was a rainbow waiting at the end of my forsaken trail."
I am liking this series so far. Devney Perry's writing is undoubtedly the best. This is Aria's story with her sister Clara's very generous boss whom she hates because she thinks that Brody does everything to flaunt his money. But when these two somehow end up attending a wedding in his family together, they can't resist the temptation and have a one night stand. Next thing Aria finds out that she's pregnant with Brody 's baby and he wants her to move to Arizona to be closer to him and her sister. That being said, Clara & Brody went through many ups and downs but most of their arguments were caused by one common thing- Brody's knack of buying expensive things for Aria without consulting her. Knowing her background, I could understand why she would get angry but on the other hand, Brody only had best intentions in his mind. He did whatever he thought would help Aria because knowing how he was raised, that was the only way he knew how to show his love. So I couldn't get mad at him either. At times the arguments were too repetitive for me and Brody's habit of keeping secrets from Aria annoyed me so initially I was going to give this book a 4 star rating but the cute epilogue changed my mind. I can't get enough of the characters and I read this book I one sitting!
“I won’t let you fall.” “You say that and it’s sweet. But you don’t get it.” “Get what?” “I need to do this on my own.” “Understandable. Think of me as the safety net.” “I’ve never had a safety net.” “You do now.”
I am liking this series so far. Devney Perry's writing is undoubtedly the best. This is Aria's story with her sister Clara's very generous boss whom she hates because she thinks that Brody does everything to flaunt his money. But when these two somehow end up attending a wedding in his family together, they can't resist the temptation and have a one night stand. Next thing Aria finds out that she's pregnant with Brody 's baby and he wants her to move to Arizona to be closer to him and her sister. That being said, Clara & Brody went through many ups and downs but most of their arguments were caused by one common thing- Brody's knack of buying expensive things for Aria without consulting her. Knowing her background, I could understand why she would get angry but on the other hand, Brody only had best intentions in his mind. He did whatever he thought would help Aria because knowing how he was raised, that was the only way he knew how to show his love. So I couldn't get mad at him either. At times the arguments were too repetitive for me and Brody's habit of keeping secrets from Aria annoyed me so initially I was going to give this book a 4 star rating but the cute epilogue changed my mind. I can't get enough of the characters and I read this book I one sitting!
“I won’t let you fall.” “You say that and it’s sweet. But you don’t get it.” “Get what?” “I need to do this on my own.” “Understandable. Think of me as the safety net.” “I’ve never had a safety net.” “You do now.”
March 7, 2021
4 Stars ⭐️
December 30, 2020
I ended up reading this even though the rest of the series disappointed me. This wasn’t any different. I’m still going to read the next book because of Karson and I wouldn’t be surprised if that book also disappoints me but I’ve been intrigued by Karson since the first book and I’m going to read it whether it will be good or not.
January 2, 2021
Review to come
July 9, 2022
I have a new (tied) favorite from the series! I was kinda prepared to not like Aria, because I have a hard time with FMC who are hardened and fiercely independent to a fault. But Aria definitely had personality and flexibility, and more importantly was such a loving and likable woman. Her family is everything to her, and after what she went through, I loved seeing her HEA!
Brody, I was also not expecting to love, he’s just as stubborn and stuck in his ways. It was fun to see these two go from enemies who hated each other (he’s her sister’s boss and she thinks he’s entitled and throws money around with no care) to liking each other (he thinks she’s a brat who likes bossing him around) and eventually loving each other.
She helps him stand up to his awful family, and he gives her a home and a flower shop, and family that she’s always wanted. These two are perfect for each other. And I loved the epilogue so much!!!
Brody, I was also not expecting to love, he’s just as stubborn and stuck in his ways. It was fun to see these two go from enemies who hated each other (he’s her sister’s boss and she thinks he’s entitled and throws money around with no care) to liking each other (he thinks she’s a brat who likes bossing him around) and eventually loving each other.
She helps him stand up to his awful family, and he gives her a home and a flower shop, and family that she’s always wanted. These two are perfect for each other. And I loved the epilogue so much!!!
February 1, 2022
Very sweet, small town romance. Fake dating turns to passionate one night stand to surprise baby. This series is just a comforting reading experience. Love each one.
December 30, 2020
I think I might have a thing for surprise pregnancy tropes.
There's something about the emotional punch of it all and, y'know, seeing an alpha hero brought to his knees by the prospect of an adorable little baby.
And y'all? I really really liked this one.
Brody and Aria's chemistry leapt off the pages at me. I was charmed by the way their "enemies" sparked and sizzled into lovers. Their banter was flirty and fun, and I completely bought into the more emotional side of it as well. I lost time in this book - it captivated me and gave me the exact sort of escape I was looking for and I could not get enough of it!
No, seriously -- I felt like I could have read this way beyond where the story ended for me. Things wrapped up pretty neatly - and quickly - in the end and I wasn't quite ready to let them go. I actually might have liked to dive a little deeper into the story, peel back a few more layers with these two. But overall I was completely smitten with them and loved this story.
It's short and sweet (with a good dose of sexy laced into it) and I loved every minute! ~ Shelly, 4 stars
****
Oh my goodness, I didn’t realize how much I needed a good ole enemies-to-lovers romance. But, man, did Forsaken Trail fit the bill! From the very first pages, I was sucked into the love/hate relationship between Aria and Brody.
Fiercely independent Aria, who took no shit from anyone, was at a bit of a crossroad. She loved her sister and nephew, but she also loved her job and her life she built in Portland. But something was missing—something like love and family. Something like she could potentially find with Brody if they could just stop snarking at each other every time they crossed paths.
And Brody. Man, where to I start with my adoration for this man. A man who fiercely protected his chosen “family” and tolerated his blood relatives only because it was what his grandfather would want him to do. But there was just something about Aria that got under his skin. And annoying itch that he couldn’t scratch.
An annoying itch that turned into a fiery brand of lust—because angry sex is hot and fun. I loved watching Brody and Aria compromise for the greater good of their relationship. That they accepted each other, regardless of their pasts. That they loved just as hard as they fought. And in the end, that battle was worth every second, because it meant they’d found a way to work through their differences and show that real love does win.
And now it’s Clara’s turn to drive the Cadillac to California. And I can’t wait to see how her road trip unfolds. ~ Missy, 4 stars
There's something about the emotional punch of it all and, y'know, seeing an alpha hero brought to his knees by the prospect of an adorable little baby.
And y'all? I really really liked this one.
Brody and Aria's chemistry leapt off the pages at me. I was charmed by the way their "enemies" sparked and sizzled into lovers. Their banter was flirty and fun, and I completely bought into the more emotional side of it as well. I lost time in this book - it captivated me and gave me the exact sort of escape I was looking for and I could not get enough of it!
No, seriously -- I felt like I could have read this way beyond where the story ended for me. Things wrapped up pretty neatly - and quickly - in the end and I wasn't quite ready to let them go. I actually might have liked to dive a little deeper into the story, peel back a few more layers with these two. But overall I was completely smitten with them and loved this story.
It's short and sweet (with a good dose of sexy laced into it) and I loved every minute! ~ Shelly, 4 stars
****
Oh my goodness, I didn’t realize how much I needed a good ole enemies-to-lovers romance. But, man, did Forsaken Trail fit the bill! From the very first pages, I was sucked into the love/hate relationship between Aria and Brody.
Fiercely independent Aria, who took no shit from anyone, was at a bit of a crossroad. She loved her sister and nephew, but she also loved her job and her life she built in Portland. But something was missing—something like love and family. Something like she could potentially find with Brody if they could just stop snarking at each other every time they crossed paths.
And Brody. Man, where to I start with my adoration for this man. A man who fiercely protected his chosen “family” and tolerated his blood relatives only because it was what his grandfather would want him to do. But there was just something about Aria that got under his skin. And annoying itch that he couldn’t scratch.
An annoying itch that turned into a fiery brand of lust—because angry sex is hot and fun. I loved watching Brody and Aria compromise for the greater good of their relationship. That they accepted each other, regardless of their pasts. That they loved just as hard as they fought. And in the end, that battle was worth every second, because it meant they’d found a way to work through their differences and show that real love does win.
And now it’s Clara’s turn to drive the Cadillac to California. And I can’t wait to see how her road trip unfolds. ~ Missy, 4 stars
December 21, 2020
LOVE THIS! Aria and Brody’s love story is super delightful. Aria and Brody were nemesis turned housemate within a couple of months thanks to a surprised wedding date and a one-night stand that followed. Aria did not expect to be anywhere near Brody when she visited her sister in Arizona. Brody was summoned to his ex-fiancé’s wedding and he desperately need a gorgeous woman in his arm. Since Aria’s sister Clara was sick, she got the job If Aria and Brody didn’t kill each other before they left the drive-way, it would be too soon. I love Aria’s personality, fierce, sassy, independent, hardworking. Brody is well… Super HOT, successful, protective and all ALPHA. He is super sweet too. What really seal the deal for me with his character was Brody’s action when he found out about the pregnancy. Trust me – This man is all SWOONS. Aria has known Brody for along time since her twin sister Clara is his assistant. Aria is not impressed with this big bad wolf occupying all her sister’s time. Aria and Brody are like oil and water and both stubborn as a bull. I love their banters. The sexual tension between them is quite obvious to everyone except for these two Awesome chemistry and great story line. I love enemies-to-lovers romance – just enough angst and mostly passionate and adorable. This story is fast-paced, cute, steamy, and heartwarming. Actually, this whole series is quite fantastic. Can’t wait for Clara’s journey in Dotted Lines.
December 14, 2020
5 stars!
OMG, what a gorgeous read! An enemies-to-lovers story with a surprise baby element, it’s romance trope crack, and a beautiful story with a fun, functional and chemistry-filled love story that had me captivated from start to finish. I loved it so much!
This is the fourth book in the Runaway series, and Aria is the fourth of six former teen runaways to take a road trip in an old Cadillac, passing it from one to the next, as the car makes its way from Boston to California. We met Aria in the last book, when the car was passed on to her, and she’s making the trip from her home in Oregon to her twin sister in Arizona, to pass the car on to the next part of its journey.
Aria and her sister, Clara, are as close as they can possibly be. She’s thrilled to be visiting her sister and nephew, and can’t wait to spend two weeks with them. Of course that means she also has to deal with Clara’s boss, billionaire Broderick Carmichael – a man that she hates with a passion.
Clara lives in a house on Brody’s property, and as his personal assistant, they are a big part of each other’s lives. She’s even going as his platonic date to an awkward family wedding. But when Clara falls ill, Aria steps in to help, and she and Brody are forced into close proximity as they fake a relationship at an exclusive, formal family event. The evening brings some revelations as Aria and Brody proceed to get drunk together - they laugh and banter, and learn that the other isn’t as bad as they once thought, and they end up caving to the mad attraction they’ve always had to each other for one glorious night. Things don’t go so well after that, and they go their separate ways until a few weeks later when Aria learns that she’s pregnant from their night together.
I love books with pregnancy and babies in them, watching how people respond to such a massive change in their life circumstances, and that is where this book shined. Brody immediately steps up, there for Aria in every way that he can be, offering her the chance to change her life, asking only to be a part of it – including moving her into his home for the next 12 months.
It’s a delicious set-up that is everything I was hoping it would be as Aria and Brody bicker, banter and tease, and have these increasing moments of connection that had me bouncing around in excited anticipation just watching them grow closer. And the chemistry just sizzles! Brody and Aria have always been attracted to each other, and now that they’ve broken the seal (so to speak) it’s harder than ever to hold back, and the sexual tension is fantastic!
It’s hot and sweet, with some gorgeously tender moments and a touch of drama. Their situation isn’t perfect, and they both have compromises to make, and it’s functional and realistic as they work through it all and figure out what their future will look like.
I love these characters. Aria is smart, sensible, funny and feisty. She’s come such a long way from her difficult childhood, and she’s become this powerhouse of confidence who still has some vulnerable moments, and I just loved her. And Brody completely stole my heart. Though his childhood was completely different from Aria’s, he has suffered as well and it’s left his mark. He is a smart and sophisticated businessman but he’s clueless when it comes to love and relationship and he has so much to learn, but he opens himself up beautifully, and I loved how fully he embraced it all.
They are just beautiful together, and I loved watching them fall so completely. There’s a sweet and satisfying ending, which left me with a big grin on my face, and the series is set up for the final book which will be Clara’s, as she makes the final journey to California to face the past (and the boy/man) that she left behind.
I loved this one so much – 5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
OMG, what a gorgeous read! An enemies-to-lovers story with a surprise baby element, it’s romance trope crack, and a beautiful story with a fun, functional and chemistry-filled love story that had me captivated from start to finish. I loved it so much!
This is the fourth book in the Runaway series, and Aria is the fourth of six former teen runaways to take a road trip in an old Cadillac, passing it from one to the next, as the car makes its way from Boston to California. We met Aria in the last book, when the car was passed on to her, and she’s making the trip from her home in Oregon to her twin sister in Arizona, to pass the car on to the next part of its journey.
Aria and her sister, Clara, are as close as they can possibly be. She’s thrilled to be visiting her sister and nephew, and can’t wait to spend two weeks with them. Of course that means she also has to deal with Clara’s boss, billionaire Broderick Carmichael – a man that she hates with a passion.
Clara lives in a house on Brody’s property, and as his personal assistant, they are a big part of each other’s lives. She’s even going as his platonic date to an awkward family wedding. But when Clara falls ill, Aria steps in to help, and she and Brody are forced into close proximity as they fake a relationship at an exclusive, formal family event. The evening brings some revelations as Aria and Brody proceed to get drunk together - they laugh and banter, and learn that the other isn’t as bad as they once thought, and they end up caving to the mad attraction they’ve always had to each other for one glorious night. Things don’t go so well after that, and they go their separate ways until a few weeks later when Aria learns that she’s pregnant from their night together.
I love books with pregnancy and babies in them, watching how people respond to such a massive change in their life circumstances, and that is where this book shined. Brody immediately steps up, there for Aria in every way that he can be, offering her the chance to change her life, asking only to be a part of it – including moving her into his home for the next 12 months.
She shouldn’t worry. She shouldn’t have fears. Aria deserved an easy life. I’d make sure of it, if she’d just let me.
It’s a delicious set-up that is everything I was hoping it would be as Aria and Brody bicker, banter and tease, and have these increasing moments of connection that had me bouncing around in excited anticipation just watching them grow closer. And the chemistry just sizzles! Brody and Aria have always been attracted to each other, and now that they’ve broken the seal (so to speak) it’s harder than ever to hold back, and the sexual tension is fantastic!
“I told myself I wasn’t going to make this a habit. That I couldn’t let you kiss me again.” Her hand snaked up my stomach, her palm rising to where my heart was beating out of my chest. “But what if we did?”
A pained grown escaped my throat. “I want you. I fucking crave you, Aria.”
She flipped open a button on my shirt. “Then you’d better kiss me again.”
It’s hot and sweet, with some gorgeously tender moments and a touch of drama. Their situation isn’t perfect, and they both have compromises to make, and it’s functional and realistic as they work through it all and figure out what their future will look like.
I know that for the rest of my life, I’d hold on to her. Above all else, Aria was the endgame.
I love these characters. Aria is smart, sensible, funny and feisty. She’s come such a long way from her difficult childhood, and she’s become this powerhouse of confidence who still has some vulnerable moments, and I just loved her. And Brody completely stole my heart. Though his childhood was completely different from Aria’s, he has suffered as well and it’s left his mark. He is a smart and sophisticated businessman but he’s clueless when it comes to love and relationship and he has so much to learn, but he opens himself up beautifully, and I loved how fully he embraced it all.
“I won’t let you fall.”
“You say that and it’s sweet. But you don’t get it.”
“Get what?”
“I need to do this on my own.”
“Understandable. Think of me as a safety net.”
“I’ve never had a safety net.”
“You do now.”
They are just beautiful together, and I loved watching them fall so completely. There’s a sweet and satisfying ending, which left me with a big grin on my face, and the series is set up for the final book which will be Clara’s, as she makes the final journey to California to face the past (and the boy/man) that she left behind.
I loved this one so much – 5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2020
Aria is the next person to get the Cadilac and she's taking it to her sister to Arizona. She knew that her boss, Brody, wouldn't be there, so when she sees him there, she doesn't get too happy about it, since their relationship isn't the best. However, she ends up finding herself going in a wedding with him and after that she falls into bed with him. Things get complicated when they get a surprise out of this...
This book was seriously PERFECT! It's definitely my favorite book in the series! I didn't expect it, but I should since this book combined many of my favorite tropes together. Fake dating, enemies to lovers, surprise pregnancy.
I loved the relationship between Brody and Aria. I loved their chemistry between them it was palpable, even if they couldn't see it at first. I liked how everything happened fast and we went into the pregnancy part that was the catalyst to bring them together and closer than ever. Of course not everything would be easy for them, but it was the right amound of angst. Definitely recommend this one, even if you haven't read the previous books in the series.
This book was seriously PERFECT! It's definitely my favorite book in the series! I didn't expect it, but I should since this book combined many of my favorite tropes together. Fake dating, enemies to lovers, surprise pregnancy.
I loved the relationship between Brody and Aria. I loved their chemistry between them it was palpable, even if they couldn't see it at first. I liked how everything happened fast and we went into the pregnancy part that was the catalyst to bring them together and closer than ever. Of course not everything would be easy for them, but it was the right amound of angst. Definitely recommend this one, even if you haven't read the previous books in the series.
December 21, 2020
There are no words to express how wonderful this book was. From the first page it consumed me. Even as Brody and Aria bickered and glared at one another, I could feel the lightning current that sizzled between them. The build up to their eventual truce was excruciating and this author knew just how to amp up the heated suspense until that final moment.
Brody and Aria both took me by surprise. Their back stories were nothing that I was expecting. Just as I settled in to comfortably finish their story, I was whipped into an emotional frenzy, a talent this author excels at.
This is definitely my favorite book of the series thus far, although I might have said the same about the previous books. The fact that this couple had such a feisty relationship and were able to take it all the way to the end while remaining true to their personalities made this all the more enjoyable for me. I love a sharp humor when engaging with a close friend or loved one and I found that with Brody and Aria.
This was a fast read with lots of steam, wonderful characters all around, and the most perfect of epilogues!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Brody and Aria both took me by surprise. Their back stories were nothing that I was expecting. Just as I settled in to comfortably finish their story, I was whipped into an emotional frenzy, a talent this author excels at.
This is definitely my favorite book of the series thus far, although I might have said the same about the previous books. The fact that this couple had such a feisty relationship and were able to take it all the way to the end while remaining true to their personalities made this all the more enjoyable for me. I love a sharp humor when engaging with a close friend or loved one and I found that with Brody and Aria.
This was a fast read with lots of steam, wonderful characters all around, and the most perfect of epilogues!
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
December 30, 2020
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I had a blast with the previous books in the Runaway series and have been looking forward to reading Forsaken Trail. Perry did not disappoint. She delivered a well-written enemies-to-lovers tale, which left me smiling from ear to ear at its conclusion.
In Forsaken Trail, the road trip with a certain Cadillac continues and job of taking it to its next destination belongs to Aria. The reader met Aria in the previous installment when she received the car which she will take to Arizona to hand over to her twin sister, Clara, who will be next in line to deliver it to its rightful owner. However, making this visit meant that Aria would have to deal with Broderick Carmichael, her sister’s boss. She detested his cavalier attitude towards money and disliked him from the first time she met him.
Brody and Clara are very close, and she was his only friend. He had plans to attend his brother’s wedding, and Clara would have been his date to this awkward event. However, when Clara fell ill, Aria stepped in as his back-up date. The moments spent together at the wedding led to some interesting revelations. They would learn first impressions are not necessarily accurate. The chemistry between them burned so bright they ended up giving into their attraction, which led to a one-night stand. They returned to their normal after that sizzling night of passion. Several weeks later Aria discovers she’s pregnant, a discovery which would change her life forever.
I had a wonderful time getting to know the characters. I admired Aria’s determined and resilient spirit. She had a tough childhood, however she rose above it to become a confident, intelligent, stubborn and sassy individual. Brody’s upbringing was the completed opposite of Aria. However, despite living a life of privilege, he had his share of emotional scars. He didn’t have suitable role models for love or relationships.
Even though they were from different worlds, they worked well together. They had their share of both good and bad moments as they attempted to maneuver the complexities of the situation they found themselves in. Aria is one who desires control of her life and hates it when Brody does things, even if it’s coming from a good place, without consulting her.
The dual POVs helped the reader to gain a better understanding of the characters’ thoughts and feelings and the reason for their actions. Aria’s need for control and Brody’s desire to show his affection through extravagance led to several angsty moments between them, but eventually they found a balance. They had their share of passionate and tender moments which warmed my heart and led to a wonderful ending.
Forsaken Trail was an excellent addition to the Runaway series, and it left me looking forward to the next book. Fans of the author and the series will enjoy this latest installment. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
In Forsaken Trail, the road trip with a certain Cadillac continues and job of taking it to its next destination belongs to Aria. The reader met Aria in the previous installment when she received the car which she will take to Arizona to hand over to her twin sister, Clara, who will be next in line to deliver it to its rightful owner. However, making this visit meant that Aria would have to deal with Broderick Carmichael, her sister’s boss. She detested his cavalier attitude towards money and disliked him from the first time she met him.
Brody and Clara are very close, and she was his only friend. He had plans to attend his brother’s wedding, and Clara would have been his date to this awkward event. However, when Clara fell ill, Aria stepped in as his back-up date. The moments spent together at the wedding led to some interesting revelations. They would learn first impressions are not necessarily accurate. The chemistry between them burned so bright they ended up giving into their attraction, which led to a one-night stand. They returned to their normal after that sizzling night of passion. Several weeks later Aria discovers she’s pregnant, a discovery which would change her life forever.
I had a wonderful time getting to know the characters. I admired Aria’s determined and resilient spirit. She had a tough childhood, however she rose above it to become a confident, intelligent, stubborn and sassy individual. Brody’s upbringing was the completed opposite of Aria. However, despite living a life of privilege, he had his share of emotional scars. He didn’t have suitable role models for love or relationships.
Even though they were from different worlds, they worked well together. They had their share of both good and bad moments as they attempted to maneuver the complexities of the situation they found themselves in. Aria is one who desires control of her life and hates it when Brody does things, even if it’s coming from a good place, without consulting her.
The dual POVs helped the reader to gain a better understanding of the characters’ thoughts and feelings and the reason for their actions. Aria’s need for control and Brody’s desire to show his affection through extravagance led to several angsty moments between them, but eventually they found a balance. They had their share of passionate and tender moments which warmed my heart and led to a wonderful ending.
Forsaken Trail was an excellent addition to the Runaway series, and it left me looking forward to the next book. Fans of the author and the series will enjoy this latest installment. This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
December 18, 2020
The book is penultimate story in the Journey Home in Red Cadillac chronicles. It's Aria St James’s turn now to let the car show its magic and take her home, to her heart, her destiny and her HEA.
"Our lives had been harder than they should have been, harder than my parents had planned. We’d walked a rocky, rough road. Maybe it was time to switch directions. To forge a beaten path. And find out if there was a rainbow waiting at the end of my forsaken trail."
But there's a teenie bit problem.
Her ride is supposed to take her to see her sister Cara and her son, August in Arizona. But there also resides her nemesis, Mr Devil himself
"Brody Carmichael was enemy number one.
First impression? Mega Douche!!"
Aria HATES him!! And guess what?...the feeling is mutual🤷♀️
But you know what they say about opposites attracting and how!!
Brody and Aria are from the most extreme set of circumstances but their souls are barren just the same.
Aaahh devney once again spins magic in her words that makes us fall in love with this Temecula Kid, The junkyard dweller who has now landed in the millionaires mansion. It's sensitive and sweet story that keeps us believing in love, time and time again.
I'm desperate to see this road trip,this circle to come close at the end and with everyone getting to their destinations in life and love.
4 stars for Welcome Floral
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"Our lives had been harder than they should have been, harder than my parents had planned. We’d walked a rocky, rough road. Maybe it was time to switch directions. To forge a beaten path. And find out if there was a rainbow waiting at the end of my forsaken trail."
But there's a teenie bit problem.
Her ride is supposed to take her to see her sister Cara and her son, August in Arizona. But there also resides her nemesis, Mr Devil himself
"Brody Carmichael was enemy number one.
First impression? Mega Douche!!"
Aria HATES him!! And guess what?...the feeling is mutual🤷♀️
But you know what they say about opposites attracting and how!!
Brody and Aria are from the most extreme set of circumstances but their souls are barren just the same.
Aaahh devney once again spins magic in her words that makes us fall in love with this Temecula Kid, The junkyard dweller who has now landed in the millionaires mansion. It's sensitive and sweet story that keeps us believing in love, time and time again.
I'm desperate to see this road trip,this circle to come close at the end and with everyone getting to their destinations in life and love.
4 stars for Welcome Floral
Follow me on:
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January 30, 2023
4.5 Stars
I really loved this book in the Runaway road series!
While this has a trope I usually hate(surprise baby), I really enjoyed the romance!! I loved Aria and how headstrong she is and Brody… oh Brody. I loved him.
He’s also rich af which is one of my fav type of heroes.
I really loved this book in the Runaway road series!
While this has a trope I usually hate(surprise baby), I really enjoyed the romance!! I loved Aria and how headstrong she is and Brody… oh Brody. I loved him.
He’s also rich af which is one of my fav type of heroes.
December 22, 2020
4.5 Stars
“What are you doing?” I asked as he inched closer…” I’m going to kiss you.”
Oh gosh, we LOVED Forsaken Trail! Aria and Brody’s (oh Brody! Talk about major swoon material!) story is our favourite so far! We loved everything about this book – the enemies to lovers, the surprise pregnancy, and the gorgeous romantically clueless alpha hero. The execution, the banter, the bickering, and the way these total opposites worked on their differences held us spellbound.
‘One sentence. One answer. And the world fell away from my feet.’
Devney Perry has delivered a varied and engaging series from the start, and we can’t begin to tell you how excited we are for the Dotted Lines, the concluding book in the Runaway Series! We know it’s going to bring all the emotions as it sows the last thread in this wonderful creative tapestry.
Devney Perry teased us about the disdain Aria Saint-James held for her sisters’ boss in Quarter Miles and we couldn’t wait to see how Brody and Aria’s story panned out. We do love a good enemy to lovers’ romance and this one, packed full of searing chemistry, romance, a swoony hero who completely stole our hearts, and the passion lurking beneath the snarky banter captivated us.
Aria lived her most impressionable young years in the junkyard with her twin sister Clara following the tragic death of their parents. Protected by fellow teen runaways Londyn, Gemma, Katherine and the only boy, Karson, we witness each woman carving out her own path and in the process finding love, all thanks to a red Cadillac and road trips that take them to various destinations in the US. The end game is for Aria’s twin sister Clara returning the car to its rightful owner in Dotted Lines.
This was Aria’s story, and it was beautiful. Devney Perry illustrates time and again the human frailties through warmth, love, humour, emotion, and angst and especially so in Forsaken Trail. Although each woman’s story is tragic, Devney Perry doesn’t linger or drag us into despair, instead, she focuses on the strength and resilience it takes for these women (and their love interests) to blossom and heal.
‘Aria had a lasting effect. She walked into your life and you struggled to remember what it had been like before you’d seen that first smile.’
Aria’s life is turned on its head when a trip to see her sister and nephew in Welcome Arizona results in a one night stand with her nemesis and sisters boss the broody, ostentatious and extremely good looking Broderick (Brody) Carmichael. Come on, how was she going to resist this guy? Whilst his demeanour screamed grumpy and standoffish, Brody was a man with a beautiful heart, a sad past which left his with a desire to be loved. He was quite the man who radiated sex appeal in spades!
Aria and Brody couldn’t be more different, yet they gelled so beautifully and bickered belligerently as they navigated the minefield of a pregnancy resulting from their night of passion. Aria who, despite a job she loved, a sister and nephew who meant the world to her and friends she could depend upon, cut a picture of loneliness and we desperately wanted her to find love.
‘She didn’t want anything from me. She didn’t care about my money. She didn’t care about my business. She was simply honest. Sometimes, brutally so.’
Devney Perry captured every moment of their relationship so beautifully with the dual POV working perfectly to help us understand the conflicting emotions between the characters. Sometimes it seemed for every step forward, they took two back, and we were there with them every step of the way. Through wonderful storytelling, we were visually afforded the luxury of experiencing the characters and their story through their eyes.
“Never in my life have I met a person so inflexible as your sister.” Clara scoffed. “Then you need to look in the mirror.”
Now with the Cadillac on the road once again, we wait with bated breath as Clara faces her demons and we find out all about the elusive Karson in Dotted Lines. We can’t wait!
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December 30, 2020
4 Stars
I am so in love with this series...and add in the fact of a surprise pregnancy? I couldn't be more excited about snatching this book up!
But...this wasn't my favorite of the series...UGH...I so wanted it to be. 🥺. Don't get me wrong. I liked the book, I really did but I felt it was too fast and didn't really develope the characters. I just wanted more.
I can't wait till the next and last book of this series! It's going to be THE ONE!
I am so in love with this series...and add in the fact of a surprise pregnancy? I couldn't be more excited about snatching this book up!
But...this wasn't my favorite of the series...UGH...I so wanted it to be. 🥺. Don't get me wrong. I liked the book, I really did but I felt it was too fast and didn't really develope the characters. I just wanted more.
I can't wait till the next and last book of this series! It's going to be THE ONE!
June 22, 2024
4✨ okay this one was definitely my second favourite after runaway road. i was beyond dead at how automatically amazing brody and aria were at fake dating and affection and just being so perfect together. omg gobble gobble. they “hate” each other but they’re very good at “being together” and bantering and the camaraderie was great. i love how much he cared for clara and gus and i wish we’d gotten to see a bit more of that. and the way he cared and worried and was concerned for aria and the baby. the way he just immediately went to her without thought, only action. damn new disheveled, just to make it so clear that he wants to make it work. i loved him. i think brody as a father to be was written so incredibly well. the miscommunication that was more so “i’m just not gonna say this” was getting annoying but i digress. aria was a good character and i totally understand her characteristics and personality traits given her past and upbringing but it did get annoying at times too cause like girl just let the man love and care for you dammit, you’re literally half of him. overall though i really enjoyed this! a lot more than the second and third.
“I won’t let you fall.”
“You say that and it’s sweet. But you don’t get it.”
“Get what?”
“I need to do this on my own.”
“Understandable. Think of me as a safety net.”
“I’ve never had a safety net.”
“You do now.”
“I know that for the rest of my life, I’d hold on to her. Above all else, Aria was the endgame.”
• hate to love
• one night stand
• accidental pregnancy
• forced proximity
• roommates
• billionaire romance
• small town
“I won’t let you fall.”
“You say that and it’s sweet. But you don’t get it.”
“Get what?”
“I need to do this on my own.”
“Understandable. Think of me as a safety net.”
“I’ve never had a safety net.”
“You do now.”
“I know that for the rest of my life, I’d hold on to her. Above all else, Aria was the endgame.”
• hate to love
• one night stand
• accidental pregnancy
• forced proximity
• roommates
• billionaire romance
• small town
December 15, 2020
„I’m tired of feeling lonely.”
Did I mention that I am completely crazy about this series? Yes? Well, so I'll say it again. Runaway series is my addiction. And the Forsaken Trail might be my favorite book now, it was so incredibly good. I was super excited for Aria's story and Devney did a stellar job with delivering it. This surprise pregnancy romance was captivating, emotional and impossible to put down!
Aria is a real spitfire- direct, honest and feisty. She's also stubborn and in constant need to be in control, but given her background it's perfectly understandable. I loved her sass and her good heart. Because under her tough armor that's exactly what she is- kind-hearted, caring and loving.
Brody stole my heart. At first he seems a bit pompous and arrogant, but if you look deeper you'll see how wonderful he really is. He's thoughtful, caring and attentive. For a person who has been deprived of tenderness all his life, he was doing great, though his ways of showing his feelings could be extravagant. Watching him slowly become the person he wanted to be was simply amazing.
Aria and Brody are the perfect example of enemies to lovers. Their mutual animosity was apparent, but also streaked with undeniable chemistry. The tension between them was intense and just waiting for an outlet, and when it came they were so hot together, so passionate! I swear the sparks were flying everywhere. This couple is truly combustible, in and out of the bedroom, because in order to adapt to the new situation, they needed to learn how to compromise. And as they both have very controlling and stubborn personalities, it wasn't easy to achieve.
This book is simply phenomenal. Filled with all the feels, steam and so many beautiful moments. Devney Perry sure knows how to create wonderful characters and connect them in the most magical ways. Forsaken Trail was a touching journey I loved with all my heart. Now I cannot wait for the final book, where the history will come full circle and we will finally meet the famous Karson!
Did I mention that I am completely crazy about this series? Yes? Well, so I'll say it again. Runaway series is my addiction. And the Forsaken Trail might be my favorite book now, it was so incredibly good. I was super excited for Aria's story and Devney did a stellar job with delivering it. This surprise pregnancy romance was captivating, emotional and impossible to put down!
Aria is a real spitfire- direct, honest and feisty. She's also stubborn and in constant need to be in control, but given her background it's perfectly understandable. I loved her sass and her good heart. Because under her tough armor that's exactly what she is- kind-hearted, caring and loving.
Brody stole my heart. At first he seems a bit pompous and arrogant, but if you look deeper you'll see how wonderful he really is. He's thoughtful, caring and attentive. For a person who has been deprived of tenderness all his life, he was doing great, though his ways of showing his feelings could be extravagant. Watching him slowly become the person he wanted to be was simply amazing.
Aria and Brody are the perfect example of enemies to lovers. Their mutual animosity was apparent, but also streaked with undeniable chemistry. The tension between them was intense and just waiting for an outlet, and when it came they were so hot together, so passionate! I swear the sparks were flying everywhere. This couple is truly combustible, in and out of the bedroom, because in order to adapt to the new situation, they needed to learn how to compromise. And as they both have very controlling and stubborn personalities, it wasn't easy to achieve.
This book is simply phenomenal. Filled with all the feels, steam and so many beautiful moments. Devney Perry sure knows how to create wonderful characters and connect them in the most magical ways. Forsaken Trail was a touching journey I loved with all my heart. Now I cannot wait for the final book, where the history will come full circle and we will finally meet the famous Karson!
December 25, 2022
3.5 stars!
tropes: enemies to lovers, slight age gap, forced proximity, & accidental pregnancy
tropes: enemies to lovers, slight age gap, forced proximity, & accidental pregnancy
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