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Honor Bound #5
Prison Break Hostage
She’s dedicated to helping others…
Now she’s the one in need of rescue.
As a witness to a prison bus crash, Dr. Ashley McTavish is only concerned with saving lives. But when she’s taken hostage, her own life is threatened. Ashley is undeniably attracted to her sole protector, a convict called Lucky. But when Lucky’s true identity as undercover agent Slade Palmer is revealed, he and Ashley must flee for their lives. Can they protect one another as feelings grow and danger looms?
Now she’s the one in need of rescue.
As a witness to a prison bus crash, Dr. Ashley McTavish is only concerned with saving lives. But when she’s taken hostage, her own life is threatened. Ashley is undeniably attracted to her sole protector, a convict called Lucky. But when Lucky’s true identity as undercover agent Slade Palmer is revealed, he and Ashley must flee for their lives. Can they protect one another as feelings grow and danger looms?
- GenresRomantic Suspense
283 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
6 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Anna J. Stewart
185 books748 followersAnna J Stewart is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty sweet to spicy romances. She primarily writes for Harlequin's Heartwarming (sweet romance) and Romantic Suspense (spicy romance). In addition to being a Holt Medallion winner (Bride on the Run), she’s finaled in the Daphne duMaurier Award for Excellence, the National Readers’ Choice and had one of her books optioned as a TV movie. No matter the story, Anna’s books are always about family—the ones we’re born to and the ones we create. Anna lives in Northern California where she loves going to the movies, attending fan conventions, and heading to Disneyland, her favorite place on earth. When she’s not writing, she is usually cooking, baking, binge-watching her newest TV addiction, or re-watching her all-time favorite shows, Supernatural and all things Star Trek and Star Wars She also spends a frustrating amount of time wrangling two monstrous cats named Rosie and Sherlock. You can read more about Anna, her books, and her workshops for authors at www.AuthorAnnaStewart.com.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 27, 2021
I love this series and this book delivers on every level! A bus load of criminals crashes just as Dr. Ashley McTavish is driving by. She is duty bound to stop and see how she can help! She never dreams that she will be taken hostage! What happens next is a nightmare for her as she is drawn into the criminals' escape. However, one criminal, Lucky, seems different than the rest. He is kind to her and shelters her from the rough treatment of the others. She finds herself drawn to him. Little does she know that Lucky is actually Slade, an undercover FBI agent who has an assignment infiltrating this gang for personal and professional reasons. I loved the tension and yet, sweetness, between the two! There is a lot of action, betrayal, second guessing and surprises in this book. Ashley is my kind of strong woman!!!
January 8, 2022
High octane suspense! With the fifth book in her Honor Bound series Anna J. Stewart delights with a fast paced, edge of your seats ride in PRISON BREAK HOSTAGE. I was hooked from the first scene and the danger and tension did not stop throughout the whole book. Great characters, intense situations and just the right amount of angst versus romance. Loved every minute!
Ashley easily wraps herself around a reader's heart because she thinks nothing of putting herself into danger in order to help another human being. She was tough, smart and very empathetic.
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys an action packed mystery with danger, excitement and romance all wrapped into one highly enjoyable package.
Ashley easily wraps herself around a reader's heart because she thinks nothing of putting herself into danger in order to help another human being. She was tough, smart and very empathetic.
I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys an action packed mystery with danger, excitement and romance all wrapped into one highly enjoyable package.
December 30, 2021
Dr Ashley McTavish was returning home from helping another Dr with his small practice while he was on vacation with his wife. As Ashley is driving home she tries to call her sister in law Greta but has t leave a message. While leaving that message a prison bus overturns and skids out of control.
Being a Dr , Ashley is bound by law and her moral ethics to offer assistance. From this point on the book gets so good you just can't put it down. Read it in one day. Loved the book. Loved Ashley's attitude and Sawyer too.
Check it out. Awesome book
Being a Dr , Ashley is bound by law and her moral ethics to offer assistance. From this point on the book gets so good you just can't put it down. Read it in one day. Loved the book. Loved Ashley's attitude and Sawyer too.
Check it out. Awesome book
December 20, 2021
Prison Break Hostage had me on the edge of my seat, not wanting to put it down until I got to the end. I loved Ashley and Lucky/Sawyer/Slade's story from start to finish--they are wonderful characters, and their chemistry together is top notch!
Honestly, if I *had* to find something to complain about it is a tad bit insta-love-ish, but IMO when there's actual life-and-death situations going on that tends to make it feel more believable. It is also a teensy bit scary when heroine believes she's falling in love with a criminal--of course we know she isn't, but *she* doesn't until the very end. Still, I truly couldn't put this one down. And that epilogue! OMG, so good!
This one worked OK as a standalone--there's clearly other couples from the series in the story, but you don't *have* to know their background to enjoy this book. You'd better believe I'm adding the first 4 books to my TBR, though!
This was by far the best HQN romantic suspense I've read yet! (Out of 4/month Oct. '21, Nov. '21, Dec. '21, Jan. '22 releases. I'm sure I've read a few from before that but don't remember details without investigating.)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Honestly, if I *had* to find something to complain about it is a tad bit insta-love-ish, but IMO when there's actual life-and-death situations going on that tends to make it feel more believable. It is also a teensy bit scary when heroine believes she's falling in love with a criminal--of course we know she isn't, but *she* doesn't until the very end. Still, I truly couldn't put this one down. And that epilogue! OMG, so good!
This one worked OK as a standalone--there's clearly other couples from the series in the story, but you don't *have* to know their background to enjoy this book. You'd better believe I'm adding the first 4 books to my TBR, though!
This was by far the best HQN romantic suspense I've read yet! (Out of 4/month Oct. '21, Nov. '21, Dec. '21, Jan. '22 releases. I'm sure I've read a few from before that but don't remember details without investigating.)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 7, 2022
Anna J Stewart’s Prison Break Hostage is a nail-biting romantic thriller readers will have trouble putting down.
When Dr. Ashley McTavish is witness to a prison bus crash, adrenalin immediately kicks in. With saving lives uppermost on her mind, Ashley immediately jumps into the fray and begins to do her utmost to tend to the injured and to prevent the loss of life. Having thrown herself headlong into danger, her personal safety is the very last thing on her mind – until she is taken hostage. With nowhere to turn and nobody she can trust, it is not looking good for Ashley. Will her selfless act of kindness end up costing her everything?
A convict called Slade is the only person willing to protect Ashley from certain danger. However, Slade is no ordinary convict, but a man with a powerful secret he daren’t reveal to anyone: he’s an undercover agent called Slade Palmer and if just one person discovers the truth about his identity, then not only will his mission be compromised, but his life will end within seconds. Slade knows that he must keep to the shadows and not arouse anyone’s suspicion. But when Ashley’s life is put in peril, he finds himself determined to do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Attraction flares between the two of them from the very second they clap eyes on one another. However, when Slade’s identity is revealed, he finds himself cornered and needing a way out of the tight spot he has found himself in. Slade and Ashley need to flee from this terrifying situation. But can they battle their feelings for one another and keep each other safe with ruthless criminals on their trail? Or will it be game over for Slade and Ashley?
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading Anna J Stewart’s Prison Break Hostage. An exciting, unpredictable and chilling page-turner that will get the heart racing, Prison Break Hostage blends passion, intrigue and jeopardy in a nail-biting romantic suspense novel that I read in a single sitting.
Ashley and Slade are two brilliant characters with amazing chemistry and their pulse-pounding love story will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Fast-paced, dramatic and electrifying, Anna J Stewart’s Prison Break Hostage will satisfy romantic suspense fans everywhere.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When Dr. Ashley McTavish is witness to a prison bus crash, adrenalin immediately kicks in. With saving lives uppermost on her mind, Ashley immediately jumps into the fray and begins to do her utmost to tend to the injured and to prevent the loss of life. Having thrown herself headlong into danger, her personal safety is the very last thing on her mind – until she is taken hostage. With nowhere to turn and nobody she can trust, it is not looking good for Ashley. Will her selfless act of kindness end up costing her everything?
A convict called Slade is the only person willing to protect Ashley from certain danger. However, Slade is no ordinary convict, but a man with a powerful secret he daren’t reveal to anyone: he’s an undercover agent called Slade Palmer and if just one person discovers the truth about his identity, then not only will his mission be compromised, but his life will end within seconds. Slade knows that he must keep to the shadows and not arouse anyone’s suspicion. But when Ashley’s life is put in peril, he finds himself determined to do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Attraction flares between the two of them from the very second they clap eyes on one another. However, when Slade’s identity is revealed, he finds himself cornered and needing a way out of the tight spot he has found himself in. Slade and Ashley need to flee from this terrifying situation. But can they battle their feelings for one another and keep each other safe with ruthless criminals on their trail? Or will it be game over for Slade and Ashley?
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading Anna J Stewart’s Prison Break Hostage. An exciting, unpredictable and chilling page-turner that will get the heart racing, Prison Break Hostage blends passion, intrigue and jeopardy in a nail-biting romantic suspense novel that I read in a single sitting.
Ashley and Slade are two brilliant characters with amazing chemistry and their pulse-pounding love story will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Fast-paced, dramatic and electrifying, Anna J Stewart’s Prison Break Hostage will satisfy romantic suspense fans everywhere.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 16, 2021
In this fifth book of the series we meet Ashley McTavish, and “Lucky”/Sawyer/Slade Palmer.
Ashley is an ER physician on her way back home from work when she witnesses a prison bus crash. Her oath as a doctor kicks in and though it puts her in danger, she immediately goes to help the injured. She never expected to encounter some very evil criminals nor being attracted to one of them.
When Ashley is taken hostage in order to save the life of one of the inmates, Lucky makes it his job to keep her safe.
Ashley can’t believe she has developed feelings for this man, but neither does she know Lucky is really undercover FBI agent, Slade Palmer.
Together they will have to run for their lives. Will they survive the danger? If they do, will they go their separate ways and their time together be just a memory?
As much as I enjoyed the plot and the complex main characters, I have to confess that having read only book 1 in the series, it took me a while to figure out who the secondary characters were. These had had their own stories and now were instrumental in this latest story.
In the end, what truly mattered that I enjoyed the book from beginning to end.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Ashley is an ER physician on her way back home from work when she witnesses a prison bus crash. Her oath as a doctor kicks in and though it puts her in danger, she immediately goes to help the injured. She never expected to encounter some very evil criminals nor being attracted to one of them.
When Ashley is taken hostage in order to save the life of one of the inmates, Lucky makes it his job to keep her safe.
Ashley can’t believe she has developed feelings for this man, but neither does she know Lucky is really undercover FBI agent, Slade Palmer.
Together they will have to run for their lives. Will they survive the danger? If they do, will they go their separate ways and their time together be just a memory?
As much as I enjoyed the plot and the complex main characters, I have to confess that having read only book 1 in the series, it took me a while to figure out who the secondary characters were. These had had their own stories and now were instrumental in this latest story.
In the end, what truly mattered that I enjoyed the book from beginning to end.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
January 1, 2022
This story had all of the typical romance elements, but it was not a typical story. The heroine, Dr. Ashley McTavish, was sharp witted and sarcastic and I cheered enthusiastically for her. Her bravery in the eye of such danger was inspiring, and kept the bad guys intrigued. Without her protector I doubt she would have been able to keep a sense of humor.
The prison escapees gave me chills. Some were quirky, some were just evil. All were lethal. One man wanted to rape her, one wanted to sell her to the highest bidder, and a woman who helped in the escape effort wanted her dead, still Ashley remained strong. Her protector, “Lucky” Sawyer Paxton, was hunky and smart except when it came to Ashley. His feelings for her began to show. When the other escapees figured out Lucky had been playing them he and Ashley had to run for their lives.
This story kept me up late reading every night. It moved along at a perfect pace and had a surprise twist at the end. Way to go Anna J. Stewart, you’ve written another page-turner!
I read an advanced reader copy that came to me at no charge in exchange for a review. This hasn't tainted my review in any way.
O O
o
\_/
The prison escapees gave me chills. Some were quirky, some were just evil. All were lethal. One man wanted to rape her, one wanted to sell her to the highest bidder, and a woman who helped in the escape effort wanted her dead, still Ashley remained strong. Her protector, “Lucky” Sawyer Paxton, was hunky and smart except when it came to Ashley. His feelings for her began to show. When the other escapees figured out Lucky had been playing them he and Ashley had to run for their lives.
This story kept me up late reading every night. It moved along at a perfect pace and had a surprise twist at the end. Way to go Anna J. Stewart, you’ve written another page-turner!
I read an advanced reader copy that came to me at no charge in exchange for a review. This hasn't tainted my review in any way.
O O
o
\_/
January 25, 2022
This book started fast and continued that way to the end!
Dr. Ashley McTavish is looking forward to getting back to her usual job in the ER after filling in for another doctor in a very small town in Northern California. Her drive is interrupted by road construction. As she's all alone on a country road, when a bus heads past her and careens out of control. Her physician instincts click into place and she is out the door of her vehicle almost before the bus stops.
She should have kept driving.
Prison inmates being transferred to another facility are not the people she wants to meet on the side of the road...and the story just keeps getting more interesting! There are people who are not who they seem to be and she is asked to leave the scene. She doesn't.
She should have left.
What a fabulous tale. There are bad guys who are really bad and good guys who pretend to be bad. Following Ashley and Lucky/Sawyer/Slade as they try to outwit the bad guys and save themselves is awesome.
Great book. Although it is in a series, this is a total standalone.
Dr. Ashley McTavish is looking forward to getting back to her usual job in the ER after filling in for another doctor in a very small town in Northern California. Her drive is interrupted by road construction. As she's all alone on a country road, when a bus heads past her and careens out of control. Her physician instincts click into place and she is out the door of her vehicle almost before the bus stops.
She should have kept driving.
Prison inmates being transferred to another facility are not the people she wants to meet on the side of the road...and the story just keeps getting more interesting! There are people who are not who they seem to be and she is asked to leave the scene. She doesn't.
She should have left.
What a fabulous tale. There are bad guys who are really bad and good guys who pretend to be bad. Following Ashley and Lucky/Sawyer/Slade as they try to outwit the bad guys and save themselves is awesome.
Great book. Although it is in a series, this is a total standalone.
February 22, 2022
I'll admit the title makes me cringe a little. But it also got me to pick the book up and read the back, and the premise sounded interesting. So, I guess it worked. I checked on GR and saw that I'd read a couple of other books by this author and enjoyed them quite a bit, so I gave this one a try. What I didn't realize is that it's #5 in a series - and I have read the first one. I only know that because some names rang a bell and I checked, on GR again, and saw that I'd rated #1 as 4 stars. But this can be read as a stand alone just fine.
I actually prefer stand alone books for Romantic Suspense. In series the authors spend too many pages bringing back all the previous characters and recapping their stories and it really slows down the book. That occurred just a bit in the middle and again toward the end, but it wasn't bad, just a few pages each time. The MCs were great, I loved that the heroine wasn't a superwoman but she was smart and helped to save herself, and the hero wasn't all alpha-do-everything-my-way. All in all, an entertaining book, well done if you like romantic suspense with the emphasis on the suspense, like me.
I actually prefer stand alone books for Romantic Suspense. In series the authors spend too many pages bringing back all the previous characters and recapping their stories and it really slows down the book. That occurred just a bit in the middle and again toward the end, but it wasn't bad, just a few pages each time. The MCs were great, I loved that the heroine wasn't a superwoman but she was smart and helped to save herself, and the hero wasn't all alpha-do-everything-my-way. All in all, an entertaining book, well done if you like romantic suspense with the emphasis on the suspense, like me.
January 7, 2022
Dr. Ashley McTavish – who knew she could be a truly dedicated doctor…and a spectacular pain in the behind (when it comes to her own safety)? Lucky/Slade Palmer will take that question and argue both sides in Prison Break Hostage.
I won’t retell the story but I will say that I loved it. Kept me on the edge of my seat – and reading long past the point when I should have quit for the night. Ms. Stewart does an amazing job of weaving intrigue and mayhem and danger into a story – a story that is also about two people who want to help others and end up helping each other and themselves. The author makes it believable and carried me away.
Ashley is such a strong character – loved her! And Slade bridges a “major bad guy” persona and loving protector like no other. I was cheering for these two right from the start! Totally loved this book.
I won’t retell the story but I will say that I loved it. Kept me on the edge of my seat – and reading long past the point when I should have quit for the night. Ms. Stewart does an amazing job of weaving intrigue and mayhem and danger into a story – a story that is also about two people who want to help others and end up helping each other and themselves. The author makes it believable and carried me away.
Ashley is such a strong character – loved her! And Slade bridges a “major bad guy” persona and loving protector like no other. I was cheering for these two right from the start! Totally loved this book.
March 1, 2022
I’ve been reading a lot of romantic suspense lately, so when this book came up for a chance to review, I was all for it, and the author didn’t disappoint. You don’t need to read the other books in the Honor Bound series because Prison Break Hostage is a standalone.
First, I enjoyed the two main characters. They are opposites and balance each other. Ashley is very caring, extremely independent, and very impulsive. She marries and divorces on the quick, she jumps out of her car to help a busload of dangerous convicts on the quick, she even blazes into the bus without taking her safety into account on the quick, and of course she falls in love on the quick for who she assumes to be a dangerous criminal.
Read more here: https://t.co/EmUZ8QCodR
First, I enjoyed the two main characters. They are opposites and balance each other. Ashley is very caring, extremely independent, and very impulsive. She marries and divorces on the quick, she jumps out of her car to help a busload of dangerous convicts on the quick, she even blazes into the bus without taking her safety into account on the quick, and of course she falls in love on the quick for who she assumes to be a dangerous criminal.
Read more here: https://t.co/EmUZ8QCodR
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July 19, 2022Drama. Intrigue. Suspense. An undercover FBI agent. A busload of prisoners who escape and kidnap Dr. Ashley McTavish. This story kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages late into the night. A real thrill ride filled with two strong characters who find themselves attracted to each other but know they are wrong for each other. I loved they way the relationship developed and the way they became each other’s protectors when the situation called for it. A strong woman paired with a strong man who each needs to learn that strength doesn’t have to fly solo.
December 16, 2021
This book has me from the get go! I finished it 3 days while working 8 hours each day! I can not stress enough how good this book was. I think I say it every time... but Anna J. Stewart has one again knocked the ball out of the park!
I loved getting to know Ashley better! I love that she isn't afraid to jump in and get her hands dirty, and isn't afraid to take a risk. I wish I was more like Ashley!
I loved getting to know Ashley better! I love that she isn't afraid to jump in and get her hands dirty, and isn't afraid to take a risk. I wish I was more like Ashley!
December 17, 2021
Every time a new book comes out in the series, it becomes my favourite one. Ash and Lucky's story is no exception. Undercover federal agent trying to protect the good Samaritan doctor from the despotic Russian mobster. Running for their lives as betrayal comes calling. A whole team of cops and FBI agents trying to get them rescued and of course the budding romance between the two characters. Just too good
January 31, 2024
This suspense romance book was a hit in so many ways. There was action, drama, intrigue, suspense, a sizzling romance, a surprising twist, a great cast of characters, a well-developed plot, steady pacing, tight dialogue, and so much more. The author immediately grabbed the attention from the first page and held on with a good grip. This is one of those books that when you’re done reading, you’ll say…that was a great story. I highly recommend book five in the Honor Bound Series.
December 16, 2021
This is one of those books that grab you immediately and keeps you turning the pages. Dr Ashley McTavish stops to help with a car crash to help the injured to find our its a prison transport and is taken hostage. Shes attracted to One of the prisioners called Lucky and they go on a roller coaster ride of danger and emotion. Awesome read. I highly recommend it.
January 25, 2022
Prison Break Hostage is another great romantic suspense by Anna J. Stewart. This action-packed story had me hooked from the beginning, and the unpredictable characters kept me flipping pages to see what would happen next.
I loved Ashley and Slade together and hope to get updates on them in the next Honor Bound book. I love this series!
I loved Ashley and Slade together and hope to get updates on them in the next Honor Bound book. I love this series!
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January 1, 2022Categories
Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Miniseries
Honor Bound (Book #5)
Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Suspense
Miniseries
Honor Bound (Book #5)
January 25, 2022
This story had me stuck to my chair. I could not put it down until I knew Ashley was safe. Even knowing who Lucky was didn't make it any easier when they had to run.
January 28, 2022
Quick read, and because it does happen so fast the true love is a bit harder to believe but I still really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and full of suspense. I’d recommend this book.
September 15, 2022
Great read!
November 25, 2022
I hope its only in romance novels that a woman taken hostage is attracted to one of her abductors.
March 11, 2023
It was a fast-paced storyline that kept you turning the pages until you finished. Loved it! Thanks, Anna!
April 23, 2023
I loved this! The excited hostage situation, danger, smoldering attraction of Ashly and Lucky… so good. I’m becoming a big fan of Anna J Stewart. 😁😁
February 9, 2022
Ms. Stewart has done it again. I love this series..The book exceeded everything and gave everything I was hoping for. Excitement, suspense, and oh so much more. The latest book in The Honor Bound series we have Dr. Ashley McTavish. She runs to a bus crash to see what she can do. What she doesn’t expect is to be told to leave. She’s a doctor, and has taken a oath. She will do whatever she needs to do to save who ever needs help. When they won’t let her go she’s not sure of what do,and one man they call “Lucky” does something she doesn’t expect from a criminal.. She feels like he’s different then the others, but doesn’t know why. He’s a bad man, and that’s all she needs to know for now.
The series is amazing and I highly recommend all the books. What I love about Ashley is she’s a strong women, and won’t let anything faze her. I loved immediately in Guarding His Midnight Witness which features her brother Jack.
The series is amazing and I highly recommend all the books. What I love about Ashley is she’s a strong women, and won’t let anything faze her. I loved immediately in Guarding His Midnight Witness which features her brother Jack.
January 25, 2022
In her latest Honor Bound story, Anna J. Stewart brings back Dr. Ashley McTavish and introduces us to “Lucky” (Slade Palmer), who happens to be an undercover cop deep in the prison system. Ashley meets Lucky when she stops to assist at a bus accident and is then taken hostage. Lucky becomes her only hope for survival, though she believes him to be a convict, not an undercover cop. Will Ashley learn to trust a “convict” to keep her alive? Will they survive?
A great addition to this series.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
A great addition to this series.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews