Runaway

Escape #2

by Casey Cox

Ever since my whole world collapsed, I've been running… Until I meet him.

He's Cali-cute, all tanned skin and sun-kissed lashes with gorgeous glittery eyes. He's also not afraid to serve me back my own sassiness with an added helping of nerdy smarts.

But as it turns out, I'm not the only one running. Conrad has got secrets, too. Big ones. Ones I'm determined to discover.

We've both been running away from our pasts, but can we find a way to create a future together?

RUNAWAY is part of the ESCAPE series. You can read the books in whatever order your heart desires!

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Fiction

Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2021

About the author

Casey writes MM romance with plenty of 💕, 🔥, 🤣, and of course 🍆 + 🍑.

Click the "+ Follow" button so you never miss a new release!

Reviews

[Florence . · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars



Casey Cox is really starting to feel like that one ex who you thought was so good for you but was actually not good for you and who you broke up with but that you keep taking back. I have only enjoyed one Casey Cox book so far (on the 6 I have read), but I keep being excited for his books and picking them up because i’m always hopeful that that one book will be perfect and that I will absolutely love it. It doesn’t help that the blurb for his books always sounds so damn good, they just keep pulling me in.

Brief summary: Jedfire is 24 years old and is set to inherit the family cowbell business at 25, he doesn’t want it so he’s lashing out and partying it up as a rebellion. He goes on vacation at an LQBTQIA+ resort and meets Conrad, who’s 22 or 23. They fall in love during their five days vacation.

I guess I should start this review with the things I enjoyed…. Well it was pretty sweet at times, and it was quite funny. I still adore Casey Cox writing, everything about it just flows so well. Oh and I really love the resort vibes, it keeps remind me how much I wish I could go on a vacation.

Now on to my nigggles with the book.

First, i’m 24 years and the way Casey Cox keeps writing people my age in the books in this series just doesn’t feel like anyone my age. They either act like they’re in their mid thirties or fifteen years old.

Second, my main problem with this book was Jedfire. This guy was an unlikable character that never got any better and that did really bad (and illegal) things but he was presented as someone we should love and cheer for. But I didn’t want to cheer for him to get his happy ever after, I wanted him to pay for the crimes he commited and for the people he hurt. The guy spent the entire book lashing out, partying all over the world, doing stupid things because he didn’t want to inherit the family business instead of telling his family he didn’t want it and finding adult ways to deal with the situation. I just wanted him to grow up. Also his actions (which were crimes, by the way, like serious crimes) were framed in a way that we were supposed to believe that he’s a good guy but I never saw him as a good guy, he wasn’t nice at all and did horrible things. He truly didn’t deserve to be redeemed as easily as he was, his actions were horrible.

Also, Jedfire kept saying he was a nice guy for not pushing Conrad to have sex with him, and it got on my nerves so much because Jedfire basically made it clear that he was only being nice to Conrad so he would have sex with him. I just really didn’t like that part.

Third, one second Jedfire was a party guy who loved sex and who got married while drunk for fun and then he meets Conrad and now he’s such a nice guy who just wants cuddles, it sounded like the guy had a personality transplant. I just didn’t feel like the character progression made sense with his character.

Fourth, I spent the first 50% of the book wishing something would happen and then when something happened, it was the most over the top and fabricated storyline ever. Also it came out of nowhere and made no sense at all. This book turns into a literal soap opera after 50%. I swear less drama happens in a month’s worth of Days of our Lives episodes than in the last 50% of this book.

Fifth, this book is marketed as light and fluffy but there is a lot of dark themes that are hidden under rose coloured glasses. This book tries to make darker themes seem fun and light but it just doesn’t work. If you are going to include themes as heavy as the ones in this book, you can’t try to keep your book light and fluffy, it just doesn’t work.

The lesson in all of this is that will I pick up the next book in this series because it’s enemy to lovers and I can’t resist that trope? Yes. So have I learnt anything from my experience with this book? The answer is no.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.

[♡ cal ♡]

DNF

I don’t feel grounded reading this. I can’t seem to retain anything. I was like in this fever dream while reading this. Funny because I reached 50% and I immediately quizzed myself by asking ‘3 things that happened in this story’ and mind went blank. It was a weird moment for me.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goshhhhh... I could NOT put this book down. I honestly thought I wouldn’t like it as much because Jedfire was irritating me at the beginning of the book. But by the end I’m just... 😭😭😭

Jedfire is almost 25 and he’s avoiding his real life responsibilities. He has meaningless sex all the time, marries people in Vegas (twice!) without remembering let alone even knowing their name, and he even said something that bothered the shit out of me:

I’d fucked a supermodel, a Golden Globe winning actor, and a world-famous kite surfer...all on the same night.

I fucking hate characters like that... but how did the fucker grow on me? It was all about how he treated Conrad toward the end.

Okay... I can’t really say much without giving away huge spoilers, but damn. This story was not really a light and fluffy read. It had some “heavy” stuff, more along the lines of what Conrad was dealing with and what was briefly mentioned about Jedfire’s parents and how they died. Damnnnn.

As soon as I read the first chapter from Conrad’s perspective and he said a certain phrase, I automatically knew what his secret was. Of course we don’t find out for sure until 51% in. Maybe I’ve just read way too many books and can anticipate a plot twist or something, but I totally saw it coming.

...and then I also guessed at the outcome of said secret. It’s all in the way these characters phrase stuff.

I still really freaking enjoyed the plot even if the entire thing was a huge one in a million thing and unbelievable. I found myself with tears, dammit. Tears! So many times! Ugh.

And honestly? If Leo doesn’t get his own goddamn book I am going to riot! I have said this since reading him in the prequel - the dude deserves a happily ever after especially after this book.

Anyway, I am pretty surprised at how much I enjoyed this. I even liked it slightly more than the previous book. If Jedfire wasn’t such a fuckboy type and acting like a manchild about his responsibilities at the beginning, I would’ve definitely given this a higher rating. But as it is, I’m still giving this a 4.25⭐️ Something about it just really got to me.

I received a copy of this from GRR.

POV: Dual 1st person

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for how fun it was.
Okay, so if I was going on plausibility, it would be 4 stars or less because really, it hit outlandish.
However I'm reviewing on my enjoyment of it. Once I suspended my disbelief I had so much fun with this.
Jedfire is the type of guy that you want to hang out with. Even though he's loaded, he's humble. He's giant but sweet.
Conrad was just lovely. His story was sad but it all worked out well (too well maybe) in the end.
So 5 stars for all the feelings and laughter

[Athira]

Dnf at 74%
Wtf was this???? So OTT and not the low angst light and fluffy stuff that's promised. Infact it is so far from it!!!
Also I thought Conrad is the guy he woke married to (from the blurb) but it's just a random guy?!😑
Also Jedfire's secret was just so unbelievable that I just can't. I give up🤦‍♀️

[Kendra T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been enjoying Casey's books so I was excited for this one. It started out really rough, though. I absolutely hated Jedfire in the beginning. He was so over the top and annoying and rude. I couldn't really see how I would come to like him, but fortunately after he toned down a bit, I got to see the vulnerable part of him. Once I got over finding Jed annoying, I started to find him slightly funny and endearing. Conrad was so lovely. He was a total sweetheart, and I could see how Jed fell for him as well. My heart broke for him, and I was rooting for an HEA so much by the time we got to the end. I have also loved Leo in every book in this series, so I really hope we get a book for him someday.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not agree with the other readers who left negative reviews as I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's characters as with all Casey Cox books!

In fact I love a good cry and this book did that!
It was sweet and poignant and had me laughing at Jed's awkward but funny antics and crying at their predicament but had me smiling again when Jed's brother Cooper stepped in and had everyone far and wide helping so yes five star reading at it's best!

Now for Emery's story!

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

This is an insta-love, fake spouse romance with low angst and lots of silly shenanigans. Jedfire is the epitome of a disaffected wealthy boy, but with the redeeming qualities of humility and altruism. When he learns of Conrad’s illness, he pulls our every stop, knowing that a rare disease requires incredible resources. Being the subject of Jedfire’s intense focus helps Conrad in unexpected ways, but, most importantly, Conrad’s prognosis is much improved. A happy ending develops, though there are some bits that didn’t necessarily add up, for me.

I liked Conrad a lot, and admired his stalwart sprit and commitment to his father. Jedfire was a decent character, yet his outlandish activity was so out of the realm of reality, I had a hard time connecting, unfortunately. It seemed like he was the kind of guy who faces zero consequences, no matter how much law breaking and poor decision making he does, and I found this harder to set aside, even if it comes from a place of grief.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[Sarah C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prologue of this book hooked me immediately. There was something about Jed that made me want to continue. I should probably mention that I have a weakness for irreverant party boys and plots that feel like fever dreams - both of which this book provides in spades.

The aforementioned Jed is the party boy. He's a wealthy globetrotter who has to hit the ATM every night at 11:59PM, no matter where he is. No matter what timezone. Always 11:59PM. He mentions this window several times without any explanation which gives a great sense of mystery to the book, something that niggles under the surface of your skin and keeps you reading because you want to know what is so special about 11:59PM. Jed is a man who is always on the move. He's high energy and he's spontaneous and he lives life like it is one big party.

He's also incredibly entitled and frankly, a bit of a fuckboy.

After a wild night in Vegas, he meets Conrad at a resort in Florida. From the start, you know that Conrad has a tragic backstory, but you don't know what it is. Conrad is Jed's opposite. He's a lot softer and less wild, but he has a snarky side that hooks its claws into Jed and intrigues him.

Jed wants Conrad from the jump, but Conrad doesn't fall immediately into his bed, which is where Jed is a fuckboy comes in. He starts pursuing Conrad and playing the romantic in hopes of seducing him. But this is a romance book so we know how that goes.

That said, don't expect this book to be predictable. There are parts of it that play right out of a soap opera - which is great because I enjoy watching the occasional soap opera and love the fever dream style plots, but if you're looking for something grounded and down to earth? I suggest you look elsewhere.

This book definitely has an insta-love connection in it as well as a married in Vegas plot that starts the book before Conrad and Jed even meet. Therefore its definitely not an accidentally married plot for THEM, which I thought it was when I read the blurb.

But if you just want a fever dream with a mystery and surprisingly dark themes but a guaranteed HEA, read it. It was amusing.

**ARC PROVIDED BY GAY ROMANCE REVIEWS AND THIS IS MY HONEST REVIEW.**

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runaway took me a couple of chapters to get into but I enjoyed the story and the highs and lows that the MC's go through, individually and together.
Jedfire has been living a wild life for a few years now and has arrived at Elysian, a resort in Florida, after leaving Las Vegas and finding himself married to someone, after a night he doesn't remember. Conrad is at Elysian after travelling the world for several months, crossing items off of his bucket list and was lucky enough to win a stay at the exclusive resort.
The two meet on their first night and it seems that they are drawn to each other from the start. Conrad is sweet but with quite a sad story, definitely going against the "light" description of the book. He can't help but smile around Jed when the other man is random and quirky to the extreme with his fashion choices and outgoing nature. They're both very giving, proven by Conrad's decision to step in and help Jed when his Grandpa is giving him a hard time and Jed's actions when he makes a discovery the year before, though his does come with legal repercussions. Jed has been running from a lot, including his upcoming duty to run the family cowbell business but Conrad helps him to see what he can give back and that it's a lot more to Jed than just duty.
I really enjoyed how the relationship built up during their stay at the resort and even though it was only five days, it felt longer and natural in the way that their feelings developed for each other. I love the extra characters that we get to meet in this series. Grandma, especially, is a whole other level that you cannot help but laugh with and Cooper, Jed's twin brother, shows how important family really is to them all.
I loved the story overall. There's a whole ride of emotions that the characters experience and it's not all sweet and light but it's also a lot of fun to read with occasional moments of disbelief. I am most looking forward to Leo getting his story in the future as he is definitely deserving of a HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Runaway was a really easy read. I liked it, but I didn’t love it and I feel like it had a lot of potential to be more. Even though it deals with some heavy topics, the story itself wasn’t heavy. It was an enjoyable, light read that was a good reprieve from my usual dark romance picks.

I really enjoyed Jedfire’s character. He’s totally unexpected and unique that I found myself wanting to know more about him. I loved how unafraid he was to be himself, even when he was surrounded by strangers but felt like a lot of his outlandish behaviors were trying to hide his indecision about his future at his family’s company.

Conrad truly was one of the sweetest characters I’ve read. Even though he’s fighting through many things internally, he doesn’t want any of that to affect the people around him and he’s determined to live his life on his terms.

I am not a fan of insta-love stories in general. Yes, their relationship grew over the short period of time they were together, but it’s a little too out there for me to accept that they knew they were meant to be together so quickly. They barely knew anything about each other and even mentioned that on their last day at the resort, but that didn’t bother them? Maybe I just want a little more substance to my relationships before the love.

Overall, I think this is a good read for anyone looking for a lighthearted, fun story. Jed, Conrad and their families handle some difficult topics throughout the story, but it’s still written in a way that keeps things light.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this is the second full length novel in the Escape series, and while I liked it, I thought it could have been better. Anyway, it's reasonably well written with good character development. I ended up really liking Jedfire, "Jed," despite his ridiculous name and his outrageous personality. He'd obviously gone off the rails after his parents were killed, which is why he came across as such an obnoxious playboy at the beginning of the book, and while some of that behavior is due to him being naturally outgoing and fun-loving, he really is honestly insecure and totally adorable in so many ways including the fact that he's so bad at lying. I loved how Conrad challenged him and made him unable to use his normal routines with men he found attractive from the very first meeting, and while Jed might have started out just wanting to convince Conrad to sleep with him, it quickly became clear that a real relationship was brewing between them as they spent more actual time together where Conrad kept seeing past Jed's mask. Do I wish that Conrad's health issues, a really heavy topic for a supposedly light and fluffy book, had been handled better? Yes. That wasn't the time for an identical twin problem. Do I think that the ATM glitch that Jed took advantage of, an actual crime no matter what he did with the money, should have had some sort of consequence? Yes. I don't care if it was based on real events. It makes zero sense for a bank to do nothing about all that theft. All things considered though, I still liked the story.

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a free arc copy from the author for review.

I just don't know what to rate this one so I'll go straight down the middle. This was my least favorite of the series.

The first half was draggy and I felt like I was waiting for something to happen. For whatever reason I didn't feel connected to either character. I didn't hate them but I was just indifferent to them both up til Conrad shared his secret. Then I felt bad for him of course. Like who wouldn't but there wasn't anything that drew me to either of them. For the majority of the book I didn't feel the romance between them. Even during the HEA I didn't really feel any chemisty. As for the plot, like I said the first part was uneventful and also weird and confusing. U don't find out what is going on til the near end. So I think I found myself asking what is happening the majority of the time. There are lots of little things that just don't add up or make sense throughout the story. I'm really trying not to spoiler so I won't mention them but ya just totally unrealistic. I'm giving it a neutral rating only because I liked the plot twist of Conrad's secret and his happy ending and I like how it ended overall. The Grandma was a hoot and I loved how everyone stepped up to help. Would I read it again? No. Would I recommend it? No. This was kind of a let down for me compared to the other books that are usually a fun time at a naked gay resort. I do need Leo's story though please.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this from GRR and this is my honest review.

This is another new author to me, and I understand it's part of a series. I read it as a standalone though, and I enjoyed it just fine.

What I liked: I liked that Jed wasn't your classically handsome, rich overbearing alpha male. That's actually a pet peeve of mine, and I liked that while Jed was big (tall, of course, what else would I mean), he was described in such a way that I didn't see him as classically handsome. At the start he came across to me as as some sort of playboy and waster and I wasn't sure I was really going to like him. Once the story got going and seeing his interactions with Conrad it was clear there was more to him and I liked that vulnerable side to him.

Conrad, I knew there was some sort of story there too, and I really wasn't sure where it was going. I don't mind some angst, for me it makes the ending more satisfactory but I really wasn't a fan of how we got the reveal. No spoilers, but really?

I've said before I'm not a fan of insta-love and it's another pet peeve of mine. This was almost that, it was fast enough that I had another 'really?' moment, and I just felt that Conrad's story was wrapped up far too neatly and quickly. Don't get me wrong, I was happy things turned out for him, but it was all just so ... fast. So this is a generous 4 stars, it's probably about 3.75.

[Heather (AllTheJuicyBits) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series, Getaway. I thought Runaway was going to be just as fluffy and easy to read, but it was a lot more angsty than I anticipated. Runaway is the story of Jedfire, the irresponsible playboy heir to a vast cowbell empire in California (yes, you read that right), and Conrad, a sweetheart of a guy who has spent the last 6 months traveling the world in an attempt to check things off his bucket list.
The two couldn't be more opposite. Jed starts out being hard to like, but once we learn a little bit more about him and why he acts the way he does, it's much easier to relate to him. Conrad is lovely right from the start. He's a young man who knows he has a difficult road ahead of him, and he decides to give in to his attraction to Jed, since he knows he may not have other chances to enjoy a fling like this one.
I think my favourite character in this book is Jed's grandmother. She's absolutely hilarious, and other than the fact that she has had entirely too much plastic surgery, I kind of want to be just like her when I'm old! She lives her life to the fullest, and doesn't care what people think.
I really wasn't sure exactly how we were going to make it through to the happy ending in this book, but it was definitely worth waiting for. I did enjoy the story, but I do hope that the next book is a bit lighter, since this one gave me a little more anxiety than I was anticipating!!

[Alison Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaway was a little bit darker than the first book in this series, Getaway, but really was just as sweet of a story. Both Conrad and Jedfire (I mean, how can you not love that name!) have secrets that they are dealing with when they meet at the Elysian resort but are dealing with them in very different ways. Conrad has such strength and grace you can't help but hope for the one in a million odds he needs. I love, love, love Jed! He sounds like the most outrageous, hilarious, and fun human. I love Jed's journey throughout the book, especially as he finds a balance between wild adventures and being there for his family without feeling suffocated. There are still so many characters from this series I hope get their HEA in future books. I would love to see Hawk, Emry, Leo, and Cooper all find their happiness and hope there are more stories to come for these characters. This book really is much more of a standalone than other "standalone series." Though there are crossover characters, each book takes place during a different time period with no seemingly interconnected events so you can start from any book in the series. I have loved the first two books of this series and can't wait for the third (and hopefully more!). Perfect summertime read that just leaves you feeling happy! I received an ARC for an honest and fair review.

[LucyLui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title - Runaway (An Escape Novel)
Author - Casey Cox
Genre - MM Romance
Published - May 2021
Pages - 270 Pages

Summary - Jedfire Burns has been making mistake after mistake in his life after the death of his parents. Married in Vegas done that twice, partying with supermodels, boring. Sleeping his way through men after men never settling down that's his motto. Until he meets Conrad, the minuet he lays eyes on him he knows there's something different about him. Spending the week with Conrad makes Jedfire want to be a different man. Both men secrets, secrets that could tear there new relationship apart or could bring them closer together. Can these two men find a future in each other?

What I thought about this book - I love this series. This book is no exception. Jedfire and Conrad are amazing characters. The character development and chemistry between the two is fantastic, the plot is so well written. The side characters are amazing also. I don't have a single bad thing to say about this book I enjoyed it that much. I cannot wait to read the next in the series and I have just discovered there is a prequel to the first book which I've just got my hands on and I cannot wait to read. Overall an amazing book by a wonderful author.

Would I Recommend - Yes

Would I Read Again/Continue The Series - Yes/Yes

Rating - 5*

Reviewed by LucyLui

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runaway by Casey Cox is a whirlwind of an emotional roller coaster ride! Casey Cox brings us another installment in his Escape Series with the story of Conrad and Jed. These two men are both looking at huge life-changing events in their near future. They meet at an exclusive resort in Florida where Jed is running from yet another bad decision and Conrad is at the end of a Bucket List world tour. There is instant attraction when their eyes first meet. We are brought along on the journey of their fast-five day romance. The author seems to fit 5 years of emotions and feelings into the short 5 day period. You will laugh, you will cry and you will fall in love with Jed and Conrad just as they fall in love with each other. You will see how families, both blood and chosen will do anything for those they love and how strangers can surprise you in the best ways! I would put this book in the “mid-angst” category, but in the end Jed and Conrad get their HEA which is what we all want out of life.. Another great read by Casey Cox and I hope we get to see Jed’s Twin Cooper’s story in the future.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an outstanding read I couldn’t put this book down. It was quite an emotional read for me but I had so much fun reading it you’ve got a very unlikely couple called Jedfire and Conrad.
Jed had been I want to say acting like a spoiled brat he comes from money and he’s able to go and visit anywhere and drink as much as he wants and get married in Vegas to a stranger and he’ll just calls up the family lawyer to sort out the problems. When you find out why he’s doing what he’s doing you kind of understand but meeting Conrad I would say saved him.
Conrad has been travelling the world for the last six months and he is due to go home very soon but first he won a competition for a getaway to an all exclusive male resort. He’s got a lot on his plate and meeting Jed Really saved his life.
This is just such a brilliant read I am enjoying this series so much it just opens your mind to everything else that goes on in this world. There is something very special about Jed and Con. It’s like they are the perfect pair for each other they’re just amazing.
I cannot wait for the next book.
I got a ARC and now I choose to leave my honest review

[ReadingAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runaway is a sweet MM romance story with a lot of funny moments.
Jed is fiercely independent. Commitment is not for him. Waking up married is something he hasn’t done already. Twice. He lives his life to the fullest and does not leave anything out. When he travels to the Elysium Resort in Florida after waking up married again, he meets Conrad. Conrad is returning from a 6-month world trip and lands at the resort. They meet and Jed falls into instant lust with him.

I liked the book. It is sweet and fluffy but deals at the same time with serious topics.
The characters were adorable and likable. The writing was amazing, as I expected from Casey Cox.
Runaway is part of the Escape Series, but you do not need to read the other books as well. But I would recommend it because you will miss out on amazing books.

Definitely a recommendation from my side.

*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fun easy-to-read story.
Jedfire is such a great character (in every sense of the word), he is genuinely lovable but lost and Conrad is gorgeous and so strong dealing with everything going on in his life (it’s major so there is some angst, but, there are hints before we find out). Together they are adorable and you can just feel their chemistry leaping off the pages. The other characters, especially Jedfire’s grandmother, round out the book and add so much to the fun.
This delightful book held me captive and made me laugh, feel sad, and then so happy (even though I wondered if things could be fixed that easily in real life I don’t care, because this is fiction and because I love a happy ending, plus I so wanted Jed and Conrad to have theirs). I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more by this author.
I was given an ARC of this book to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huh. I think I am in shock or something.



This was more dramatic and emotional than the first book, that is for sure. It was also more unbelievable and comical. It was still sweet and fluffy though, so the trend in the series continues. Both main characters are unbelievably sweet and the insta-love is running strong. They both have very distinct personalities that are absolutely adorable, so it was a hoot to read about them. I did like it, I just found it to be seriously over the top. Starting from the life or death drama, their professions and the traveling, ending with the over the top family and money drama. It was cute in a way, but definitely very wild and unbelievable. The author's imagination really went wild in this one.

**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**

[Countrygirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

First thing I'd like to say is that when writing a book such as these, I used the need to bring in politics, although it was a quick mention..Unless of course you're putting out a politic book..The past or present leader was put in negatively, but opinions on that subject should remain away from the stories..I've been seeing a lot of that lately in many authors..We hear it daily in real life, the likes and hates of whomever it is, but I'd like not to also read it as reading is my relaxing time away from all the chaos..Just my opinion..Now for the story itself, i did like Conrads character but fidnt really latch onto Jedfire..The name alone was bad enough but he eas made to look like a cross network Jed Clampett and Jethro Bodine..A bit of a doofus (a word i also use) and a bit too silly..But in all, I liked the read, it just wasnt my favorite..The 1st of series i loved..Now on to #3 and hoping for less silliness to enjoy it..

[E.Muddle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed this book, I didn’t love it. I liked the characters for the most part, and also thought they were really sweet together. Jedfire was a little push and pull. I got frustrated so many times with him and, in the end, I just would have liked to have seen a bit more to his redemption to make me really sympathise with him. Conrad is an absolute sweetheart and I did adore how cute Jed was with him! I think the biggest issue for me though was probably the instalove aspect. I don’t normally have a problem with this trope, but there has to be substance to it. I think a little more work could have been done on the connection and getting to know you part of Jed and Conrad’s relationship (even after they fell for each other). That, for me, would have bumped the romance up so that I was truly invested in their HEA. But overall, a solid and enjoyable read.

[K-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jedfire and Conrad will steal your heart on this vacation romance! Jed and Conrad meet at the Elysian resort and this is where our story begins! I do not want to give too much away as they both have secrets that you need to read about along with them! I will say that it is told from Both POV which in this case is lovely because they are very different men going through very different times in their lives You can get all the feels as they connect with one another. This is definitely for those who love Opposite Attract Romances where characters really grow into themselves once they spend time together! Jedfire and Conrad as sweet together! Jedfire is a very lighthearted party boy at the beginning so I love the man he becomes with Conrad!! I received an ARC of this book so I recommend for those who enjoy Insta love romances with Some surprise twists and turns throughout the story !

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is the first “woke up married” book I’ve read where a character gets drunk and marries one man but then turns around and pretends a fake relationship with a completely different man. I have to admit, I felt a little like it was a bait and switch in the beginning of the book and I wasn’t too impressed at first with Jedfire. I was just at the point where I was questioning if I was going to continue reading or DNF the book when Jed met Conrad and then I couldn’t put the book down. Jed definitely redeemed himself by the end of the book and I couldn’t wait for them to find their happily ever after. I had to suspend a little disbelief at the way that everything with their main conflict just came together by the end of the book but I was happy to do it because the payoff of the happy ending was perfect. 4.5 stars

[Mary Vitrano · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Jed and Conrad met at an all male resort, and they're  both going through a difficult time in their life, but are coping very well.
Their story is funny, and totally worth reading.
I loved Conrad's Enrico Fermi mention, and his choice of words: "callipygian" is as a new word to me as to Jedfire.
I also adored the little hints about the previouses books, f. i., when they're hiking; and Leo's character.
There's something I wanna introduce into my life and I'm sure, once you read the book, you'd do same: the "Three Yes in a Row" rule.
This is the first serie I read from Casey Cox, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of his work.

[Sarah Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we think we have everything figured out with a Casey Cox book he throws us a curve ball. Runaway is the one title that we did not expect. I mean we really want dislike Jedfire, like he is spoiled child who is choosing not to grow up. But we see there is something different about him. I still love the answer of how he gets all of the money to support everything. But then he see’s Conner. There is something different there. Jed wants to be different for Conner. When they do come together it is hot. This book is so full of laughs and at one point made me cry. Yeah, that doesn’t happen often. But I can’t give that one away. We have one more title left in this series. I would love to see Leo get a HEA. He is the one consistent through this series. There is a story there.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the feels!!!

This grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. I have to say that if it wasn’t for what Jed did for Mitchell I wouldn’t have liked him at first. But that kept me from disliking him. As I got to know him, especially with Conrad, I could see just how amazing he was. Now I figured out Conrad’s secret almost from the start just was worried about the fallout and how it would be solved. Totally had the wrong thing in mind with Jed’s though. Which is good because it would have meant a change of character if it had been what I thought. I enjoyed how this played out. Think it touched more than just the mc’s too. Now we just need for Cooper, Miguel, and most especially Leo to get their stories.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowbells and surfboards

Jedfire has been running from his responsibilities for years. We find out later why and it's so sad. Conrad is on the last stop of his trip around the world before heading home to spend time with his dad. Ugh, another heartbreaking reason why. They meet at a resort in Florida when the bubbly and carefree Jed tries to woo Conrad into his bed for the night. But Conrad just wants to be friends so they spend the next couple of days getting to know each other. When Jed's family crashes his vacation the plot really takes off. Jed's grandma is hilarious and his twin brother Cooper has a heart of gold. A great addition to the series filled with humor, heart, and heat.