Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Running from the Past

Rate this book
Running From the Past Katie Reus Miami socialite Emma Garcia has been running from who she is her entire life. When she witnesses a horrific crime, she goes on the run. In desperation, she answers an ad for a chef on a remote horse farm in the middle of nowhere, Florida. It seems like the perfect plan until she figures out what to do with her secrets. The only thing she doesn't count on is being attracted to the rugged cowboy who owns the place. Whenever he comes around the only thing she can focus on is his seductive voice and sinful body. Retired Marine Caleb Ryder hires Emma even though he knows she's lying about her identity. He desperately needs the help, but he also doesn't have the heart to turn away a woman so obviously in need. After being burned by a woman once, he doesn't let that deter his mission to claim Emma's body and heart.

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2008

43 people are currently reading
607 people want to read

About the author

Katie Reus

162 books3,240 followers
Katie Reus® is the USA Today bestselling author of the Endgame trilogy, the MacArthur Family series and the Deadly Ops series. She fell in love with romance at a young age thanks to books she pilfered from her mom's stash. Years later she loves reading romance almost as much as she loves writing it. However, she didn't always know she wanted to be a writer. After changing majors many times, she finally graduated with a degree in psychology. Not long after that she discovered a new love. Writing. She now spends her days writing paranormal romance and sexy romantic suspense.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

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

Community Reviews

5 stars
184 (31%)
4 stars
203 (35%)
3 stars
155 (26%)
2 stars
28 (4%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for ❤️ Dorsey aka Wrath Lover Reviews ❤️.
1,044 reviews321 followers
October 24, 2016
4 Alpha Cowboy Stars!!

Emma Garcia has been trapped in a forced relationship with powerful crime lord Ricardo, when she witnesses a murder she goes on the run, hiding from the powerful man who'd been blackmailing her for years. She changes her appearance and lands on a rural ranch taking on a position as a cook till she can earn enough money to move on.

Former Marine Caleb Ryder couldn't think straight the minute he laid eyes on Emma, she was his "fantasy" woman come alive” but he could tell right off that Emma was not being completely honest, he knew she was running scared, and hiding something so he decides to give her the position and do what he can to protect her.

Running From Her Past photo PicsArt_1476687866505_zpsi5g30rpp.jpg

I don’t want to say to much because this is a short book only 200 pages or so but I will say the sexual tension between Caleb and Emma was off the charts I loved how possessive and protective Caleb was of Emma. All-in-all fun, enjoyable read with a hot alpha cowboy!!

Profile Image for Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves.
1,451 reviews18 followers
July 25, 2017
A fast paced smut-suspense, done to fluffiness and served with cheese.

The H is very likable – a hot alpha cowboy with a tough gruff exterior hiding a sweet sensitive side.
The h is that cute sexy perky kinds - but with secrets.
The chemistry is instant and incendiary.

She needs protecting (from a villainous ex) and our H volunteers for the job – all protective and possessive instincts on full alert. It helps he’s an ex-marine with FBI/CIA connections.
Wow, our hs are not so fluff brained after all. They always run in the right direction and into the right guy!
Profile Image for Trish R..
1,772 reviews58 followers
February 23, 2017
A good read..

Alrighty then, I bought this book December 4, 2014 and just read it last night and today. I have no idea why it took me so long, unless it just got lost in the 100+ books-to-read on my kindle.

Anyway, it was pretty good. It had a lot of suspense and murder in it and it was without all kinds of angst. I’ve gotten to where I’m on the look-out for this kind of book because it offers a reader a little more than just a plain old love story so full of angst and misunderstandings you find yourself skipping pages to find anything of interest. This is the 5th or 6th book I’ve read by this author and they all offered just what I was looking for.

There was some terrific sexual tension and some great sex in this book, and both Caleb and Emma were very likable. Ricardo was just a weirdo killer and Caleb gave him all that he deserved.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,128 reviews53 followers
October 2, 2017
A short and steamy romantic thriller!

Emma Garcia gripped the steering wheel of the stolen pick-up truck she wished she wasn’t driving. In the entirety of her twenty-six years, she hadn’t taken as much as a piece of gum without paying for it, until today…

Running from the Past by Katie Reus is a short and ultra steamy romantic thriller. It’s a stand alone read from Katie and not part of a series. Emma is running for her life from Ricardo, a crime lord. She needs to hide where he and his minions can’t find her. Current ranch-owner and former marine Caleb needs a cook. Emma applies for the job and Caleb hires her. What neither of them counted on was the strong attraction between them.

The story is told from the third person point-of-view, alternating between Emma’s and Caleb’s. That brilliant writing tactic by the author ratcheted up the sexy-meter for me because their thoughts were so heated, i.e, think foreplay on steroids…. Ooh la la!

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Running from the Past:

Despite his soft speech, he stared at her as he’d like to eat her whole. Damn her traitorous body if that thought wasn’t such a bad one…. This could not be happening. She was on the run from a maniac and her hormones were going haywire. Clearly, she had issues.
---
Caleb shifted uncomfortably as he closed the door behind him. For a moment, he’d thought she’d been naked under the sheet. But, it had been a nude-colored type of top. Didn’t seem to matter, the sight had kicked his fantasies into overdrive. She tried to hide herself, but the nightlight next to her bed cast a soft amber glow around her shining right through the thin sheet, illuminating her small pert breasts perfectly even through the top…. He couldn’t live under the same roof as her and not go insane. He would make an announcement tomorrow. She was off-limits.
---
When she entered the dining room, she tried to ignore Caleb’s gaze on her. He wasn’t outwardly leering, but she could feel the intensity coming from his direction as if he was sending heat-seeking missiles her way. She knew he wanted her. She might not have much experience with men, but she knew when one was interested and Caleb Ryder was.
---
He needed to taste her like he needed his next breath.

Sophie Eastlake is the talented narrator for Running from the Past. She capably voices many of Katie’s books and never fails to do an excellent job capturing the characters and producing a polished and professional finished product. Both her male and female voices sound genuine and she voices them with the proper emotions and nuances. The pacing is right on. Sophie’s performance - without a doubt -enhanced my enjoyment of this read.

Simply put, Katie Reus is one of my favorite authors. If she writes it, I want to read it. Running from the Past is a quick fast-paced read, but not short-shrifted in any way as each page packs a solid punch. The characters are fully fleshed, the sexual tension and chemistry between Emma and Caleb is sizzling and the story is jam-packed with seriously dangerous suspense. Highly recommended…

My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
Profile Image for Brande Waldron.
60 reviews21 followers
February 28, 2010
Running from the Past by Katie Reus is hot, hot, hot with a cherry on top! This is my third of Katie's delicious little reads and once again I couldn't be happier that I picked it up and immediately I was sucked into the world of Emma who has just driven up to Caleb's ranch looking for a job. A stunning Miami socialite and daughter to an arms dealer, where else would she be right! That is if she is on the run, who would possibly look for her there!

Caleb is blown away by her beauty and agrees to give her a chance against his better judgement but can't help the way she stirs his blood from the get go. What I loved about this was that there was a lot of sexual tension before the act. And that is always a winner in my book, the buildup, and just the right about, not going too far and dragging it out!

What Caleb comes to find out is that Emma's in some serious and deadly danger, and those who are after her are coming to the Ranch. This includes her ex-boyfriend who realizes that she not only holds a secret that could destroy him, but that she watched him murder two girls. And he will do just about anything, including killing her to ensure that no one ever finds out. Caleb was your studly all American man, ex military and alpha to the bone, don't you just love those guys! And Emma, that girl was courageous without being too tough to believe, cheeky, brazen and just plain loveable! Congrats to Katie for really pulling out the all the stops and making this fast fun read such a entertaining and suspenseful winner!
Profile Image for JoRead.
365 reviews38 followers
November 10, 2016
Reviewing the audio format narrated by Sophie Eastlake.

Emma witnessed a murder and runs away. Caleb may not know who she is but something in his gut tells him he can trust the beauty and decides to give her a job as a cook in his ranch. As much as they try to keep hidden how attracted they are to each other they give in and you can imagine what happens next.

I've always liked Sophie Eastlake narrating style and this was no exception. There was a particular character, Robert, who was Caleb’s friend and supposedly from the south and I thought Sophie nailed that accent to a T.

This is quick, fast-paced story with a good dose of spice, suspense, and great characters. Although I'm not much of a fan of stories where the main couple rush into a relationship this author made it work for Caleb and Emma. I think it was because Caleb was not the usual possessive alpha male but instead showed signs of hesitancy and uncertainty when it came to Emma. I thought that was sweet and cute. Romance aside, the story was gripping and gratifying. I only wish it would have been longer with a more climactic ending.

*** I received this book from the author at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***
Profile Image for Tracy T..
1,023 reviews24 followers
January 12, 2017
This was a very good short fast paced story. Great narration by Sophie Eastlake (audible review)

I really enjoyed it. There was murder, action and romance all rolled into 3 hours.

The story line and plot was good. I really enjoyed Emma and Caleb, they had good chemistry albeit quickly. There was a lot of dialogue throughout the story too.

As for the narration, it was excellent, I really enjoy Sophie Eastlake, She does such a good job on the mens voices and. She has a very nice reading voice and reads with emotion. A pleasure to listen to her.
Profile Image for Susan.
2 reviews
March 25, 2012
Loved the story of this book... But the book is only 93 pages..
3,531 reviews40 followers
October 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this audiobook. Ms Reus never ceases to amaze me with her storytelling.
Though it’s a short audiobook, it’s fast paced , has an intense plot that is filled with action, suspense, a hunky former Marine, a feisty female, bad guys and of course, romance.
Emma Garcia is running for her life after witnessing a murder. She ends up in a ranch owned by Caleb Ryder, a former Marine . He hires her as a cook, even though he knows she is lying about her identity.
The chemistry between them is instant but Emma knows she will have to leave her heart behind . She can’t stay and put those she has come to care for, in danger. But , the danger catches up. Will they be able to survive it ? Will Emma and Caleb trust each other and declare their love?
Another winner for this talented author.
It bears mentioning that the narrator does a very good job in differentiating the various voiced.
I was gifted this audiobook. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
September 30, 2020
Arriving in a cloud of dust, Emma Garcia is just what rancher Caleb Ryder needs, a housekeeper and cook. Caleb’s certain Emma’s too delicate, classy and haughty for the job and an off-limits employee for what he truly wants. Emma needs a place to hide, who knew a delectable cowboy could be a refuge? She’ll say what she has to for the job.

Emma’s frantic responses to Caleb’s questions and the fear in her eyes ignite both the alarms in Caleb’s head and ignite his protective instincts. Coupling that with his military past, Caleb’s willing to let Emma have her mystery… for now… unless trouble’s close on her heels. As much as Emma wants to tell Caleb everything, fear won’t let her.
Rating: 4.25stars
2,129 reviews46 followers
December 22, 2016
A beautiful woman running for her life, a protective former marine willing to risk everything to keep her safe and a forever love. These are the ingredients that make Running From The Past by Katie Reus a riveting romantic and suspenseful story. Emma is caught in a web of violence when she sees her fake fiancée kill two women. Luckily she escapes and hides as a cook on a remote horse ranch. Her attraction to Caleb, the owner, leads to more complications. Will he understand why she lied to him? I liked the characters, the setting, the suspense and the passion. If you're a fan of romantic suspense, you'll love Running From The Past. I enjoyed this as an Audio Book narrated by Sophie Eastlake.
Profile Image for Dana Marie.
248 reviews12 followers
January 24, 2023
I listened to this after an Audible Customer Service rep put it on my Wishlist. The book had no depth and was so very predictable. However, if you're looking for an easy sexy romance read- this is it.
Profile Image for TJ.
1,754 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2023
Great.

Loved Emma’s story with Caleb and wish it had been longer. Was frustrated a little when Emma wouldn’t tell Caleb what was going on.

I never did like Ricardo from the first time we heard about him.
Profile Image for April Symes.
5,013 reviews448 followers
October 13, 2014
****A gifted copy was provided by the author for an honest review****


Running from the Past is a juicy, delicious read by Katie Reus. I read this book in about an hour and was so sad when the book ended that I have read this story several times over because it is sooo good.

The book starts out with Emma Garcia on the run from her abusive boyfriend after she sees someone so horrific. She is trying to get away when he calls her and lets her know he knows she isn’t where she is supposed to be. That is it for Emma- her defining moment. She is to go somewhere he wouldn’t think of looking. Emma decides to travel to the Lake City FL and be the housekeeper/cook on a horse farm.

There she meets the owner, Caleb Ryan, who is very handsome. At first he didn’t want to hire her but after taking on look at her pale face and body language, he ends up giving her a trial period. During that period, Emma is able to provide to Caleb that she can cook and the chemistry between them is thru the roof. They literally sizzle when their eyes meet and the air heats up. The sexual tension is extremely high and is building; actions start taking place between Caleb and Emma and other characters in the book.

The past starts to intrude on the present and Emma realizes you can never run from your past, you can only take a stand and pray that the one you need stands tall with you. In Running from Your Past, Emma’s ex-boyfriend is not far beyond and he comes to take Emma back to where he says she has to go. Will Caleb prove to Emma that he loves her enough to fight for her, will Emma take a stand? All this questions and more are answered.

This book is filled with chemistry thru the roof. The best kind! There is an alpha male who takes care of what is his and there is some sexy cowboys and wonderful secondary characters. This book has everything from alpha males to baddies to great writing. Highly recommend this book!! I hope that the author goes back and writes more in this world.

My rating: 5 stars *****
Profile Image for Joyfully Reviewed.
510 reviews251 followers
May 23, 2015
Miami socialite Emma Garcia is used to running to sales not from gun wielding psychos. But when she witnesses her fiancé murder two women she has no choice. Luckily, she finds a job as a horse farm chef in the middle of nowhere. However, she never expected to find herself attracted to her hot boss.

Caleb Ryder is a wealthy ex-Marine. He owns a horse farm and is in desperate need of a chef for his employees. Caleb has a feeling the young lady applying for the job is lying about who she really is but he hires her anyway. Emma proves to be an exceptional chef. He cannot resist her food or her body.

Someone get me a fan! Katie Reus sets the pages on fire with Emma and Caleb in Running from the Past. These two are on fire with sexual chemistry. Caleb is the perfect Alpha male to protect Emma’s body and heart. He is one of those sexy types that turn you on when he goes above and beyond for his woman. Emma is a strong woman. She learns just how strong she can be when she is able to be free in this new life with Caleb. Loads of suspenseful moments and blistering scenes make Running from the Past a Joyfully Recommended Read! I could not put this down once I started!

Reviewed by Miranda for Joyfully Reviewed
Review Link: http://bit.ly/1NHHuCD
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 37 books92 followers
November 6, 2016
Audible Book: Running from the Past
Author: Katie Reus
Narrated By: Sophie Eastlake
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW

Story
"No looking back "

What did you love best about Running from the Past?
Emma is a strong woman who has no one left in her life but she doesn't let that stop her from trying to find that life she knows she deserves and doing the right thing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Running from the Past?
When the ex shows up at Caleb' and thinks he taking back what was never really his. And the part where it comes to light what he really was and why he had Emma as his arm candy.

Have you listened to any of Sophie Eastlake’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
Yes I have I enjoy her narrations very much. She is always well spoken and handles both male and female parts perfectly.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I actually found myself laughing quite a bit I mean hello having a cow run into your vehicle haha that is funny.

Any additional comments?
Fantastic romance story !
Katie Reus
Profile Image for Heather.
81 reviews28 followers
November 16, 2016
Running from the Past is a stand-alone romantic suspense book written by Katie Reus. Emma Garcia has been living a lie her entire life. When he father, an arms’ dealer, dies – she is blackmailed into being the “arm candy” and “girlfriend” of his right hand man. (He threatens to harm her mother, if she refuses). Shortly after her mother dies, she sees something she shouldn’t and goes on the run. She starts heading north from Miami in a stolen truck – trying to decide what she should do about what she has seen. Emma gets as far as Caleb Ryder’s ranch. She doesn’t have much cash and needs a place to lay low. She convinces him to hire her as a cook-housekeeper, even though he has reservations and know she’s hiding things. The two of them feel an instant attraction but both resist acting on it (at least for a day or two). Caleb finally realizes who Emma is, just as she is running away again. He contacts friends from his former military days to try and keep Emma protected, as her past is rapidly catching up with her.

The story was fast paced and a quick and easy read. The characters were well written. The suspense was on course, even if it was a bit predictable at times. Both Emma and Caleb were likeable.
Profile Image for Alex (HEABookNerd).
2,425 reviews
June 5, 2024
A quick and easy read with some suspense and romance weaved together well. I liked Emma a lot; she’s sweet, determined, and kind hearted. Caleb was a bit overly possessive considering their short time together but overall a good hero.

Emma was a really great heroine who might not be worldly but is still strong of heart and conviction. She’s been trapped all her life but she knows when she has to stand up for herself. She’s innocent but I liked that she could hold her own and was smart about her escape. Caleb is your typical stoic cowboy who plays things close to the chest. He knows he needs to stay away from his new cook but he just can’t. He’s protective, confident, and surprisingly gentle when it comes to Emma.

There was some very strong insta-love with Emma and Caleb. I don’t mind a short window to fall in love but this time it didn’t work as well for me. Emma I can understand falling quickly because her emotions are already going strong, but I expected a bit more work from Caleb.
Profile Image for Kelly at.
1,145 reviews13 followers
October 9, 2014
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 3 3/4
REVIEW:
This was a very very quick read. So I would give too much away.
But Emma is running from her life. I life that has been less than perfect. Finding herself on a ranch was the last thing she had ever seen herself doing. But it might just be the best place to be.
Caleb is not looking for anything other than a cook. But what he finds is a woman who could change everything in his life. Whether that is for the good or bad, I guess you will have to read to find out.
I really enjoyed this re-release of Katie Reus’ Running from the Past. If you like romance suspense I would give this quick read a go.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Katie Reus in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,156 reviews23 followers
December 11, 2015
Discovering Happiness!!!

Emma Garcia has been in a relationship she never wanted when she witnessed a crime she had to go into hiding and away from the man who'd been blackmailing her for years into being with him, Ricardo. She changed her appearance and reached a ranch in Lake City, Florida answering an ad for the position of a cook.

Former marine Caleb Ryder couldn't think straight when he first saw Emma, she was his "fantasy" woman come alive....He didn't believe she was a cook but still he gave her the job.

The sexual tension between Caleb and Emma was off the charts, the way Emma got to Caleb and made him opened up was done perfectly and vice versa....Love how possessive and protective of Emma, Caleb was.....they complemented each other.

After all the heartache they both faced in the past, they finally found happiness.
Profile Image for Patti.
1,498 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2014
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

First off I have to say that I love Katie Reus. That will not sway my review in any way. This is the kind of book that once you start, you finish in one sitting. Yes, it is that good and just the right length to accomplish. Katie has a knack of pulling you in with a suspense, then adding that tug of war romance, and killing it with a happy ending. In Running From the Past, she manages to get it all in in 108 pages! Really, who doesn’t love an ex-Marine that works on a ranch and has the bod to prove it! And he falls in love with the ‘perfect’ girl who secretly needs his help from an evil ex that is after her for witnessing a gruesome act. The perfect plot, with just enough romance/sex and violence.
Profile Image for Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill.
Author 2 books48 followers
October 9, 2014
Okay so I don't like cowboys and I don't like futuristic stories and Katie Rues has me reading both now. She's got me thinking outside the box again for the second time in two days (I read Heated Mating yesterday).

Emma has to get out of Miami because her boyfriend is a criminal and is chasing her down. She ends up on this horse ranch with Caleb Ryder who turns out to be an ex-Marine which pays off at the end of the book.

I don't want to say too much because of spoilers but this was an awesome book. It was filled with action and adventure and a heck of a love story despite the fact that Caleb is a cowboy and Emma is a city girl. It really worked and I truly enjoyed it. It was also a fast read and I had it read in just a matter of hours.
Profile Image for Barbara.
424 reviews29 followers
October 19, 2014
Sexy, funny, suspenseful romantic read. After witnessing her violent boyfriend standing over two beaten and broken females, Emma packs and plots her escape. Leaving Miami and needing time to think, she drives north and stumbles onto a small town horse farm with a job opening for a cook.

Ranch owner and former Marine Caleb Ryder is captivated immediately by Emma and senses she's running from, and hiding something. But desperately in need of a cook for the ranch's men, he hires her. As they spend more time together Caleb is determined to learn Emma's secrets. After learning why she's on the run, and realizing she's in danger, Caleb is even more determined to keep her close and safe.

Great suspense. Emma and Caleb scorch the pages with the smexy! Recommended read.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
December 23, 2014
Great Book!!
This is a great book by Katie Reus. Emma Garcia has been running from herself her whole life, when she witnesses a horrific crime, she goes on the run. She takes a job on a horse farm in the middle of nowhere as a chef. She does not planning on falling for Caleb,the sexy cowboy who owns the farm. Caleb knows that Emma is running from something when he interviews her for the job, but he hires her anyway because he needs the help. He is determined to find out the truth and help Emma with her problems. This book is a great short story and is full of romance, mystery and adventure.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Profile Image for Joy Zaharia.
73 reviews9 followers
October 8, 2014
I was asked for an honest review of this story. I've loved other stories by Katie Reus...and this story certainly didn't change my mind. I loved the story line and the characters. I only wish the story had been longer as I read it in no time at all and would have loved to stay with the characters longer!!! When Emma Garcia runs from witnessing a horrific crime, she unknowingly run right into the arms of Caleb Ryder who vows to protect her no matter what...even before he knows what really happened. When Emma runs, she doesn't know who can help her or who to trust...but Caleb has all the connections she'll need.
1,377 reviews
October 6, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. Emma Garcia is running for her life. Emma has spent the last eight years as the girlfriend of a mob guy in Miami because he threatened her mother. Now, she has escaped. She finds a job as a cook/housekeeper on Caleb Ryder's ranch. Caleb is an alpha man who senses Emma needs protection. He feels protective of her as well as attracted. A goo story and good romance.
Profile Image for Merle.
2,390 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2014
This one could have been better. I like Reus' rom-sus. In this case, the story was too brief, and could have used some more detail. The runaway, the rancher, the danger - all of these are tried and true elements of a good romantic suspense story. Ms. Reus does this well. I enjoyed this one and wish there had been a little more detail on the setup and the suspense climax. This could have gone another thirty pages without a problem. I'm just a little disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.