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Coffee Shop #3
Runaway
Stella Marie:
I didn’t ask for my life to be uprooted, but won’t sit by while my creepy ex-boss destroys everything—himself included.
Except . . . there’s only one person that can help me disappear for a while, and I’m pretty sure he groans every time he sees me calling.
Being Mark Bailey’s accountant isn’t easy.
When Mark helps me escape into his mountain world for a while, the very last thing I expect is to fall hard. Now ghosts from my past are following and I’m not sure there’s a happy-ever-after waiting at the end of this nightmare.
Mark:
My accountant is the most frustrating woman on the planet.
She infuriates me every time we speak, but I will never, ever fire her because she is the only thing standing between me and utter bankruptcy
Now I’m not so sure I know her after all. The woman that arrives on my doorstep in the middle of the night is surprisingly bright, beautiful, and frightened.
Being the good guy in the past hasn’t gotten me anywhere, but this time, I have a good feeling about Stella Marie. Which is why I’m happy to step up when that psycho ex-boss of hers tracks her to my doorstep.
No one is getting near Stella Marie while I’m here.
RUNAWAY is the third book in the Coffee Shop Series. It can be read as a standalone, but maximum enjoyment comes from starting at the beginning. This is a sweet-but-spicy romance with no sex-scenes and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
I didn’t ask for my life to be uprooted, but won’t sit by while my creepy ex-boss destroys everything—himself included.
Except . . . there’s only one person that can help me disappear for a while, and I’m pretty sure he groans every time he sees me calling.
Being Mark Bailey’s accountant isn’t easy.
When Mark helps me escape into his mountain world for a while, the very last thing I expect is to fall hard. Now ghosts from my past are following and I’m not sure there’s a happy-ever-after waiting at the end of this nightmare.
Mark:
My accountant is the most frustrating woman on the planet.
She infuriates me every time we speak, but I will never, ever fire her because she is the only thing standing between me and utter bankruptcy
Now I’m not so sure I know her after all. The woman that arrives on my doorstep in the middle of the night is surprisingly bright, beautiful, and frightened.
Being the good guy in the past hasn’t gotten me anywhere, but this time, I have a good feeling about Stella Marie. Which is why I’m happy to step up when that psycho ex-boss of hers tracks her to my doorstep.
No one is getting near Stella Marie while I’m here.
RUNAWAY is the third book in the Coffee Shop Series. It can be read as a standalone, but maximum enjoyment comes from starting at the beginning. This is a sweet-but-spicy romance with no sex-scenes and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
268 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2021
97 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Katie Cross
120 books779 followersMy world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my precious kids, my Vizsla’s who act like children, and the mountains.
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.
I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.
I write because I never stopped.
Author of The Network Series, The Dragonmaster Trilogy, and The Coffee Shop Series.
Email me at kcrosswriting@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 3, 2021
Mark may be my new favorite character of this series! I adore him! This story had me entranced from the minute I started reading it. I may or may not have hid from my kids so that I could finish it uninterrupted because the ending was so intense and amazing! Adventura is somewhere that I want to visit. I can't wait for the next book!
September 30, 2022
I’m gonna need Katie Cross to explain right now what the benefit was in making Mark be in love with Lizbeth (His twins wife?!?!). WHAT the hell was this plot point?? Why?? I wanted to enjoy Stella & Mark and I felt like so much energy was focused on Marks forbidden crush. It totally put me off.
Then for mark to get over Lizbeth he dates all these random women on some dating app. This book has sooooo many random subplots or plot points that are introduced then completely brushed over. I don’t understand why.
How am I expected to swoon over Mark & Stella when Mark keeps referencing how he looooved his twin brothers wife?? Their whole “love” just seemed like they were both in a desperate or traumatic situation.
No, this was not for me.
Then for mark to get over Lizbeth he dates all these random women on some dating app. This book has sooooo many random subplots or plot points that are introduced then completely brushed over. I don’t understand why.
How am I expected to swoon over Mark & Stella when Mark keeps referencing how he looooved his twin brothers wife?? Their whole “love” just seemed like they were both in a desperate or traumatic situation.
No, this was not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2021
This was so good but I'm not surprised. I'm loving the coffee shop series and can't wait for book 4.
June 6, 2021
Katie continues her streak of telling good stories as well as creating the right matches for unique individuals. Runaway is the third book in her Coffeeshop Girl series. In this installment, Mark, the twin of JJ from book two, is trying to find love via a dating app. When his accountant Stella Marie, unexpectedly shows up at his door needing help, he begins to realize why his relationship attempts never work.
All kinds of sparks fly in this book. Dangerous sparks. Frustration sparks. Love sparks. Spend some fun time with this clean romance to see which ones ignite and change Stella and Mark's lives forever.
All kinds of sparks fly in this book. Dangerous sparks. Frustration sparks. Love sparks. Spend some fun time with this clean romance to see which ones ignite and change Stella and Mark's lives forever.
May 3, 2021
Mark finds his other half
Stella Marie needs to disappear, & Mark's the only one she knows who can help her do that.
The story is a mix of fun and suspense. Mark is a great guy but he can also be overwhelming. He & Stella are a perfect complement to each other, however, as he expands her thinking, & she keeps him grounded.
The creepy former boss adds a little excitement & suspense, but never takes over the story or pushes the romance to the background.
Refreshingly, Stella isn't a TSTL heroine - she doesn't decide to go jogging or get upset with Mark & go outside by herself. The story stays believable.
Honestly, after meeting Mark in JJ & Lizbeth's book, I couldn't imagine what kind of woman could put up with him until Marie came into the story & there were hints of what that might look like. This book successfully connects their paths, & gives them a very satisfying happily-ever-after
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Language: a handful of mild swears
Stella Marie needs to disappear, & Mark's the only one she knows who can help her do that.
The story is a mix of fun and suspense. Mark is a great guy but he can also be overwhelming. He & Stella are a perfect complement to each other, however, as he expands her thinking, & she keeps him grounded.
The creepy former boss adds a little excitement & suspense, but never takes over the story or pushes the romance to the background.
Refreshingly, Stella isn't a TSTL heroine - she doesn't decide to go jogging or get upset with Mark & go outside by herself. The story stays believable.
Honestly, after meeting Mark in JJ & Lizbeth's book, I couldn't imagine what kind of woman could put up with him until Marie came into the story & there were hints of what that might look like. This book successfully connects their paths, & gives them a very satisfying happily-ever-after
*Romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
*Language: a handful of mild swears
May 7, 2021
(ugh, I just hit the wrong key and lost my whole review! Hopefully I can recapture my thoughts again!)
I continue to be amazed at Katie's writing; it's so real and so personal and this latest installment in the Coffeeshop Series doesn't disappoint. While the book is a standalone, it lets you visit with characters from the previous books in the series which is fun, but it's not necessary.
Mark and Stella are both imperfect people who compliment each other very well. I enjoyed the romance storyline of this book much more than the thriller/suspense portion, but fortunately that portion was relatively minor. The banter between Mark & Stella is fun and witty.
As always when I finish one of Katie's books, I feel like I'm saying goodbye to friends, but fortunately the next book in this series, Fighter, is scheduled to be published within a month! Can't wait !
I continue to be amazed at Katie's writing; it's so real and so personal and this latest installment in the Coffeeshop Series doesn't disappoint. While the book is a standalone, it lets you visit with characters from the previous books in the series which is fun, but it's not necessary.
Mark and Stella are both imperfect people who compliment each other very well. I enjoyed the romance storyline of this book much more than the thriller/suspense portion, but fortunately that portion was relatively minor. The banter between Mark & Stella is fun and witty.
As always when I finish one of Katie's books, I feel like I'm saying goodbye to friends, but fortunately the next book in this series, Fighter, is scheduled to be published within a month! Can't wait !
April 30, 2021
Runaway is another amazing book by Katie Cross! From the first page you’re hooked wondering what will happen between Stella and Mark and how they will navigate through this new relationship after meeting in person for the first time—when they’ve really only talked on the phone. You’ll fall in love with both of them as they’re both going through their own trials—Stella on the run and Mark trying to date—and how they’re there for each other as friends while trying to downplay their true feelings. What will happen to Stella as she’s on the run and who is she running from? And what will happen with Marks dating life? This is a book you don’t want to miss! As always, I can’t wait for the next one to come out!
June 17, 2021
The Coffee Shop series has my heart & soul with each passing book.
Katie's writing is amazing, it's light but at the same time very hard hitting. I love how she brings two people together who couldn't be anymore imperfect & right for each other.
Mark & Stella are such personalities that will stay with you forever like the rest of the Coffee Shop characters.
They are fierce, fearless and fascinating who save each other.
Who went from living AROUND each other to living WITH each other.
I loved the conflict of the story & how genuine it was.
Runaway not only contains romance but also has a slight thriller aspect to it which makes it edge-of-the-seat good which is why I finished it in one sitting.
Katie's writing is amazing, it's light but at the same time very hard hitting. I love how she brings two people together who couldn't be anymore imperfect & right for each other.
Mark & Stella are such personalities that will stay with you forever like the rest of the Coffee Shop characters.
They are fierce, fearless and fascinating who save each other.
Who went from living AROUND each other to living WITH each other.
I loved the conflict of the story & how genuine it was.
Runaway not only contains romance but also has a slight thriller aspect to it which makes it edge-of-the-seat good which is why I finished it in one sitting.
May 14, 2021
This one fell a little flat for me.
I absolutely wanted to love this story. I loved getting to know Mark in book two of this series. However, it fell really flat for me. There were what felt like some really unnecessary plot points, especially because once Mark and Stella Marie got together, what should have been a big glaring issue for them was just left out of the rest of the story. Also, I don’t think the conflict in the story was played up enough throughout the storyline. So it escalated quickly and the resolution was like a quickly deflating balloon. I’ll keep reading the series because I care about the rest of the supporting characters.
I absolutely wanted to love this story. I loved getting to know Mark in book two of this series. However, it fell really flat for me. There were what felt like some really unnecessary plot points, especially because once Mark and Stella Marie got together, what should have been a big glaring issue for them was just left out of the rest of the story. Also, I don’t think the conflict in the story was played up enough throughout the storyline. So it escalated quickly and the resolution was like a quickly deflating balloon. I’ll keep reading the series because I care about the rest of the supporting characters.
June 5, 2021
The Coffee Shop Series is just what I’ve needed! Although we know from the beginning that Mark and Stella will end up together, you don’t know when or how. As the tension builds between the two of them, the anticipation builds. I loved how Stella grows in this book and her back story with her Grandma, who raised her after her parents death when she was just a little girl. The bit of suspense with Stella’s former supervisor, Joshua, added just the right amount of mystery to the romance.
Mav is still one of my favorite recurring characters in this series!
Can’t wait to dive into the next book with hunky Benjamin!
Mav is still one of my favorite recurring characters in this series!
Can’t wait to dive into the next book with hunky Benjamin!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2021
Sweet Story with Some Suspense!
When Stella Marie, Mark’s accountant, shows up at Camp Adventura seeking a place to hide, he unhesitatingly welcomes her in. Although her pragmatic responses to his wild ideas may frustrate him at times, Stella Marie is the perfect balance to Mark’s excitable nature. This balance creates a great dynamic for a romance to kindle!
Lurking behind this budding romance is the person from whom Stella Marie is seeking to hide. This suspense builds throughout and kept me turning the pages until the very end!
When Stella Marie, Mark’s accountant, shows up at Camp Adventura seeking a place to hide, he unhesitatingly welcomes her in. Although her pragmatic responses to his wild ideas may frustrate him at times, Stella Marie is the perfect balance to Mark’s excitable nature. This balance creates a great dynamic for a romance to kindle!
Lurking behind this budding romance is the person from whom Stella Marie is seeking to hide. This suspense builds throughout and kept me turning the pages until the very end!
September 2, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. Mark is a mountain man who is an energetic adorable bear of a man. He is full of love and ideas (not always good ones) and I am so happy that Katie Cross didn’t write him in a cliche way!
Stella Marie is his accountant and tries desperately to keep him in reality. She becomes a whistleblower blower and flees to the mountains for protection.
Gah, I love this series. I love how the other characters are brought in, in a realistic way without taking anything from the story.
Read these stories. You won’t be disappointed.
Stella Marie is his accountant and tries desperately to keep him in reality. She becomes a whistleblower blower and flees to the mountains for protection.
Gah, I love this series. I love how the other characters are brought in, in a realistic way without taking anything from the story.
Read these stories. You won’t be disappointed.
Read
May 4, 2021Tantalizingly intense...in the delicious way!
Katie has done it again, I totally fell in love with the characters and their world in Runaway book 3 of Coffee Shop Girl Series.
I fully felt their feels, their joys, their fears and hope.
Beautiful romance set amid a wild ruggard romantic landscape where the gorgeous characters need to save each other or lose everything on their own...
Looking forward to the next installment!!💙
Katie has done it again, I totally fell in love with the characters and their world in Runaway book 3 of Coffee Shop Girl Series.
I fully felt their feels, their joys, their fears and hope.
Beautiful romance set amid a wild ruggard romantic landscape where the gorgeous characters need to save each other or lose everything on their own...
Looking forward to the next installment!!💙
May 5, 2021
I love how Katie's characters are strong women who can handle their stuff. But I think what I loved most about Runaway is that it shows even if we are strong and can handle life we still need help at times and there is no shame in that!
Plus I absolutely loved Mark, and Stella was so perfect for him! The whole book made my heart so happy to read. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Plus I absolutely loved Mark, and Stella was so perfect for him! The whole book made my heart so happy to read. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
June 8, 2022
This has been my favorite Coffee Shop story so far! Adventura would be a great place to spend time, but right now it's a sinking ship. Mark has a lot of crazy ideas and Stella Marie usually shuts him down and tells him no. When she lands at Adventura looking for a place to hide will she be able to tell him no about matters of the heart? They are both haunted by things and have to learn to navigate their demons and bring them out in the open. You save me, I save you.
May 1, 2021
Stella is running away from a dangerous situation and the only place that seems safe for her is Adventura and Mark. Mark is struggling with his bussiness. Can they save each other and find love and happiness together? A really great story about family, friendship, facing your fear and opneing your heart to love and life.
May 3, 2021
Another Winning Novel
I just gotta say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love Katie Cross' writing. She puts so many emotions into a story. I loved every second of this book as Mark and Stella made their way to eachother. This book definitely grabbed me from the beginning and would not let go until I finished the novel. What an adventure it was!
I just gotta say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love Katie Cross' writing. She puts so many emotions into a story. I loved every second of this book as Mark and Stella made their way to eachother. This book definitely grabbed me from the beginning and would not let go until I finished the novel. What an adventure it was!
May 5, 2021
Great book! Stella and Mark have your attention from the start. She is on the run, but from what! He is a struggling entrepreneur. You can't help but fall in love with these two. Watching them come together as friends and grow into more was fun. The added mystery helped to keep me involved. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!
May 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great romantic suspense. Throughout the book there's the looming threat of both man and beast, and it creates great tension and suspense. I liked how accepting Stella and Mark were of each other. They are nearly polar opposites, but it works for them.
Content: there's some kissing and a little bit of language that comes from the hero character.
Content: there's some kissing and a little bit of language that comes from the hero character.
May 13, 2021
Book 3 in this series does not disappoint
I loved this book. Katie Cross writes such delicious male heroes and feisty, self-reliant heroines. Her characters are flawed, but isn't everyone? Through the power of love, her main characters come together while battling their own demons and personal difficult circumstances.
I loved this book. Katie Cross writes such delicious male heroes and feisty, self-reliant heroines. Her characters are flawed, but isn't everyone? Through the power of love, her main characters come together while battling their own demons and personal difficult circumstances.
May 25, 2021
Loved this book series so very much! I relate to Meg so much and even though she isn’t in this book a whole lot, I loved her character and her compassion in this book.
Stella Marie was a fantastic and strong character. The addition of surprise characters was great for creating additional drama. So excited for The Fighter.
Stella Marie was a fantastic and strong character. The addition of surprise characters was great for creating additional drama. So excited for The Fighter.
June 2, 2021
Another really good book by Katie Cross that I literally stopped everything today to devour! Loved Mark from her last book. (I too fell for his character last book Katie!) I want more on these two (Mark and Stella).
Definitely one to read! Unlikely friendship, trouble from the past, business issues, love and a mountain lion. Can’t not read this one and say it wasn’t good!! ❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️
Definitely one to read! Unlikely friendship, trouble from the past, business issues, love and a mountain lion. Can’t not read this one and say it wasn’t good!! ❤️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️
May 4, 2022
Stella Marie and Mark. A mountain man. A beautiful woman. A voice from the past. Scared. A lifeline for both. Financial problems. Cabins to rent. A rock star. A kiss. A mountain lion. A fighter. A new tenant. A threatening man. Disappears again. Taken. A mountain lion reappears. A scream. Wow. What an absolutely awesome story. This series is just amazing and I cannot wait to read the next one.
April 30, 2021
A MUST READ!!! I could not put this book down. Runaway was a page turner and impossible to stop reading. Mark and Stella are magnetic and everything about their relationship is unpredictable and intriguing. Katie Cross has done it again!
May 5, 2021
I am just loving this series so much. I love getting to know the characters and seeing their romantic exploits. Mark and Stella are just an absolute delight. I loved getting to know him in Lovesick and then following his journey in Runaway was so fun! Can't wait for #4!
May 7, 2021
Katie Cross has woven an adorable story of a couple who saves each other. Mark is super passionate, inventive, and like a puppy. And Stella Marie is his opposite in calm, cool, and collected way. They knock heads in the best way. Great book if you want an ending with all the warm fuzzies.
May 7, 2021
This book was so good. Definitely a fan of Katie Cross. This book left me wanting more of the story and I really enjoy how she subtly introduces new characters so that we get an attachment to them before their book come out. Highly, highly recommend this entire series.
June 1, 2021
Sweet romance with a dash of suspense
I got pulled into this series and I’m so happy this newest book was just released!! Sweet romance is right up my alley. This one had some suspense/thriller added and I definitely enjoyed that.
I got pulled into this series and I’m so happy this newest book was just released!! Sweet romance is right up my alley. This one had some suspense/thriller added and I definitely enjoyed that.
July 13, 2021
Great book
Another great book by Katie Cross! The characters were great, the plot was original and the setting fantastic. This author lets her characters open up and show us their true selves, weaknesses, strengths, fears, hopes and joys. On to the next one!
Another great book by Katie Cross! The characters were great, the plot was original and the setting fantastic. This author lets her characters open up and show us their true selves, weaknesses, strengths, fears, hopes and joys. On to the next one!
July 21, 2021
Drama and a love story
Mark, JJ's twin brother, is enamored with the amazing Stella Marie... his longtime accountant who shows up unexpectedly needing a place to hide out.
Drama and romance abound in the 3rd installment in this clean romance series.
Mark, JJ's twin brother, is enamored with the amazing Stella Marie... his longtime accountant who shows up unexpectedly needing a place to hide out.
Drama and romance abound in the 3rd installment in this clean romance series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews