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Heroes for Hire #1
Running for Cover
Morgan Alexandria moved to Virginia to escape her past…but her past isn't ready to let her go. Thanks to her ex-husband's shady dealings, someone's after her, and if it weren't for Jackson Sharo, she might already be dead. Can Morgan trust Jackson? Maybe not. The former big-city cop is practically a stranger. But trying to handle everything on her own just leads to new disasters. And without Jackson's help, she could find herself running right into a trap….
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
143 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 21, 2022
In 2013 I read UNDERCOVER BODYGUARD, the sixth book in this series, and in 2014 I read NAVY SEAL RESCUER. I must have liked them, since I added the series to my list of series in progress, and hunted down and collected copies of the first five books, plus books eight and nine. So after finally getting around to starting at the beginning with book one, I looked up the two I’d read, only to discover that not only did I not write any type of review on either book, but I didn’t even add them to my Goodreads shelf. Maybe I wasn’t really using Goodreads a lot yet, even though I’ve been a member since 2008.
That being said, I loved this first book. Page one throws us right into the action, as Morgan wakes up on her kitchen floor, in serious pain and lying in her own blood, while two men are tearing apart her gallery downstairs. Meanwhile, Jackson is in town for a wedding, looking for a last minute wedding gift, which brings him knocking on the gallery door and right into the action, and subsequently appointing himself Morgan’s personal bodyguard, against her wishes.
Morgan’s backstory was heartbreaking, abandoned by her mother as a child, never feeling like she really belonged with her adoptive family. Divorced from a cheating husband, who then murdered his business partner and went to prison. Now there are men after her, demanding a disk that belonged to her ex, of which she knows absolutely nothing. Jackson has his own baggage, blaming himself for his sister’s death two years ago, believing that he should have been able to save her from her abusive husband.
Jackson was such a great character. A private investigator, and former police officer. He sticks to Morgan like glue, even buying a last minute plane ticket and flying across the country with her, without a suitcase or anything, determined to protect her and keep her safe. When she gripes at him and tells him she doesn’t need him, she can take care of herself, he just smiles and follows along behind her.
Fast paced, with plenty of suspense, some edge of your seat moments, and of course the requisite happy ending. I would have liked to immediately start the second book, but alas, I still have boxes of books in my garage that haven’t been unpacked since I moved, and no idea which box it is in, so it’ll have to wait a bit. But I’m eager to continue the series.
That being said, I loved this first book. Page one throws us right into the action, as Morgan wakes up on her kitchen floor, in serious pain and lying in her own blood, while two men are tearing apart her gallery downstairs. Meanwhile, Jackson is in town for a wedding, looking for a last minute wedding gift, which brings him knocking on the gallery door and right into the action, and subsequently appointing himself Morgan’s personal bodyguard, against her wishes.
Morgan’s backstory was heartbreaking, abandoned by her mother as a child, never feeling like she really belonged with her adoptive family. Divorced from a cheating husband, who then murdered his business partner and went to prison. Now there are men after her, demanding a disk that belonged to her ex, of which she knows absolutely nothing. Jackson has his own baggage, blaming himself for his sister’s death two years ago, believing that he should have been able to save her from her abusive husband.
Jackson was such a great character. A private investigator, and former police officer. He sticks to Morgan like glue, even buying a last minute plane ticket and flying across the country with her, without a suitcase or anything, determined to protect her and keep her safe. When she gripes at him and tells him she doesn’t need him, she can take care of herself, he just smiles and follows along behind her.
Fast paced, with plenty of suspense, some edge of your seat moments, and of course the requisite happy ending. I would have liked to immediately start the second book, but alas, I still have boxes of books in my garage that haven’t been unpacked since I moved, and no idea which box it is in, so it’ll have to wait a bit. But I’m eager to continue the series.
July 28, 2019
Hooking a reader from page one isn’t easy. Yet, McCoy has managed to do that with me more on more than one occasion.
Morgan is one of my favorite sorts of characters. Complex and not easily trusting, it gives an interesting dynamic to find how our hero earns that trust.
More than a complicated heroine or a dashing, protective hero, however, this book’s spiritual element really made me savor the story. There was a beautiful mix of forgiveness and faults, of letting go through the power of Christ and clinging to the love and peace God offers.
McCoy can write suspense, humor, interesting characters, and intertwine it all with foundations of faith. A book I would happily re-read and one I would recommend if you’re in the mood for a little predictability and a lot of fun.
Morgan is one of my favorite sorts of characters. Complex and not easily trusting, it gives an interesting dynamic to find how our hero earns that trust.
More than a complicated heroine or a dashing, protective hero, however, this book’s spiritual element really made me savor the story. There was a beautiful mix of forgiveness and faults, of letting go through the power of Christ and clinging to the love and peace God offers.
McCoy can write suspense, humor, interesting characters, and intertwine it all with foundations of faith. A book I would happily re-read and one I would recommend if you’re in the mood for a little predictability and a lot of fun.
April 3, 2018
Actual rating 2.5.
Thoughts and Plot
Morgan Alexandria is going to die. She wakes up on the floor of her kitchen, with two thugs rummaging through her apartment. She tries to make an escape, running down the stairs to her gallery but gets caught...and then an innocent bystander walks in...
Jackson Sharo just wanted to buy a wedding gift, but the gallery owner seemed desperate to get rid of him. Something doesn't seem quite right, so he decides to check it out, and gets caught up in murderous mystery.
That's how the synopsis should have read.
Morgan moved away to Virginia to escape her old life and the shadows that surrounded her ex-husband who is now in jail. But the past won't stay in the past and her ex-husbands shady dealings come back to haunt her in the form of a mysterious disc that people are willing to kill for. If Jackson hadn't stepped in, she might be dead. Now if she could only get him to leave, for his own safety.
Jackson, however, has other ideas. He promised their mutual friends he'd look out for Morgan so they could go enjoy their honeymoon without a worry, and that's exactly what he's going to do, even if Morgan doesn't like it. Nevermind that she's denying the mutual attraction between them.
Things that annoyed me, the Instalove and near instalove shared by the two characters. The man's ability to ignore all the "I said no and leave me alone" conversations he had with Morgan. I understand she's in danger, but near stocking is not nearly as good and persuading her she actually needs help. And who goes to church when thy know people are after her and probably stalking her family.
Also, what a jerk husband and friend. (You will have to figure out yourself what I mean by that.
This was an alright Let Inspired Mystery Romance. Shirlee McCoy continues to deliver a readable romance with touch of Christian values that aren't completely rammed down your throat, but there to highlight some of the good qualities. Her writing usually lands her solidly between 2-3 star ratings with me and I know if I pick up on of her books, chances are high I'll want to finish it.
In Conclusion
A solid showing by Shirlee McCoy, with some nice suspense built in. Not the greatest, but a decent enough fluff read
Thoughts and Plot
Morgan Alexandria is going to die. She wakes up on the floor of her kitchen, with two thugs rummaging through her apartment. She tries to make an escape, running down the stairs to her gallery but gets caught...and then an innocent bystander walks in...
Jackson Sharo just wanted to buy a wedding gift, but the gallery owner seemed desperate to get rid of him. Something doesn't seem quite right, so he decides to check it out, and gets caught up in murderous mystery.
That's how the synopsis should have read.
Morgan moved away to Virginia to escape her old life and the shadows that surrounded her ex-husband who is now in jail. But the past won't stay in the past and her ex-husbands shady dealings come back to haunt her in the form of a mysterious disc that people are willing to kill for. If Jackson hadn't stepped in, she might be dead. Now if she could only get him to leave, for his own safety.
Jackson, however, has other ideas. He promised their mutual friends he'd look out for Morgan so they could go enjoy their honeymoon without a worry, and that's exactly what he's going to do, even if Morgan doesn't like it. Nevermind that she's denying the mutual attraction between them.
Things that annoyed me, the Instalove and near instalove shared by the two characters. The man's ability to ignore all the "I said no and leave me alone" conversations he had with Morgan. I understand she's in danger, but near stocking is not nearly as good and persuading her she actually needs help. And who goes to church when thy know people are after her and probably stalking her family.
Also, what a jerk husband and friend. (You will have to figure out yourself what I mean by that.
This was an alright Let Inspired Mystery Romance. Shirlee McCoy continues to deliver a readable romance with touch of Christian values that aren't completely rammed down your throat, but there to highlight some of the good qualities. Her writing usually lands her solidly between 2-3 star ratings with me and I know if I pick up on of her books, chances are high I'll want to finish it.
In Conclusion
A solid showing by Shirlee McCoy, with some nice suspense built in. Not the greatest, but a decent enough fluff read
August 26, 2017
I very much enjoyed this story. It moved at a quick and steady pace. It was the perfect length - not too long and not too short. It is a clean read with good morals and a Christian theme throughout without being too preachy. This was my first time reading this author's work and I would definitely read more by her. There was a good element of suspense and action but nothing that kept me up at night. Very good piece of writing.
March 27, 2020
I'm not really a huge fan of Christian Romance. However on occasion I will try one. I enjoyed this book. I think the 2 main characters had a good chemistry between them. The ending did feel a little rushed like now that the romance is out of the way here's the bad guy. Over all I enjoyed it for a quick, easy read
July 26, 2021
Shirlee McCoy dared to write about sensitive subjects - abandonment, adoption, acceptance...along with a very creative family unit. My family is pretty blended, pureed even, but to struggle as Morgan had for so long, she just wanted to belong.
This is story will definitely tug at your heart. Very well written, as always with Shirlee's books!
Highly recommend!
This is story will definitely tug at your heart. Very well written, as always with Shirlee's books!
Highly recommend!
August 22, 2023
Classic Shirlee McCoy
Classic Shirlee McCoy … action and suspense from beginning to end with characters that you genuinely like and whose romance you enjoy watching develop. The bonus is the credit Ms.McCoy gives to God for her happily-ever-after
ending. Thank you, Ms. McCoy, for a very entertaining afternoon.
Classic Shirlee McCoy … action and suspense from beginning to end with characters that you genuinely like and whose romance you enjoy watching develop. The bonus is the credit Ms.McCoy gives to God for her happily-ever-after
ending. Thank you, Ms. McCoy, for a very entertaining afternoon.
April 29, 2018
Meh. Not sure this book gets a full three stars but I checked out the version with Heroes for Hire 1&2, so since I’m going to follow through and read #2, this one must have been interesting enough to round it up to three. Hopefully it gets better from here.
March 5, 2019
I loved this book. It had just enough intrigue to keep me reading it. I am now reading Book #2 and plan to read all of the books in this series. I love Shirlee McCoy and am so glad I found her. I love the Christian theme!
February 1, 2023
This is really 3.5 stars, but giving the benefit to the author. I just didn't connect with this one like I usually do in the Love Inspired books. There were some really good suspenseful moments, but the character writing and development just didn't do anything for me.
June 9, 2017
Good story; fast read.
July 20, 2017
Good Read
Lots of action,mystery and suspense even some laughter.But still a sit on the edge of your seat thriller.I'll be looking for more of this series.
Lots of action,mystery and suspense even some laughter.But still a sit on the edge of your seat thriller.I'll be looking for more of this series.
January 18, 2018
Loved the storyline. Great characters. Also a great start to this series. Ready to start book #2.
February 13, 2018
Fantastic book
Thank you Ms. McCoy for writing such a great book. Lot's of twists and turns, and a sweet romance. Great characters.
Will recommend it to anyone.
Thank you Ms. McCoy for writing such a great book. Lot's of twists and turns, and a sweet romance. Great characters.
Will recommend it to anyone.
Read
May 10, 2019Who on earth is knocked unconscious by bad guys, wakes up and has instalust?
And the dialogue? Don't get me started.
just no
And the dialogue? Don't get me started.
just no
December 13, 2018
Running for Cover review
Running for Cover is the first romantic suspense book in the Heroes for Hire series written by author Shirlee McCoy.
Running for Cover is the first romantic suspense book in the Heroes for Hire series written by author Shirlee McCoy.
July 21, 2019
Great read
One of Shirleys good ones, keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can not wait to read another of her books.
One of Shirleys good ones, keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can not wait to read another of her books.
November 20, 2019
This book has it all.
I loved the combination of suspense, action, and romance. It was well written and definitely held my interest. Highly recommend.
I loved the combination of suspense, action, and romance. It was well written and definitely held my interest. Highly recommend.
November 21, 2019
I wish this book had a sequel l, grab your attention within the first page.
January 23, 2020
I think I may have read this book a long time ago because parts of the story definitely felt familiar. It was still good the second time around. I enjoy reading this author's books.
August 18, 2020
Shirley keep you guessing the whole way through
September 13, 2020
I have the book and read it so glad I did the book is s great story and I can’t wait to read the next one loved every thing about it so ty Shirlee McCoy for a fine book
September 20, 2020
B-. fiction, adventure, mystery, romance, Christian, from stash, keep
Read
September 18, 2021Excellent! Looking forward to the rest of the series.
December 21, 2021
Great read. Love Christian fiction. Found this on my Nook. Need to read more of her.
March 13, 2022
This is the first book in the, Heroes for Hire series. It was pretty good book.
March 8, 2024
Running for Cover
Good read with plenty of action, suspense, and romance. I always enjoy reading Shirley McCioy’s books. Glad there are more in the series.
Good read with plenty of action, suspense, and romance. I always enjoy reading Shirley McCioy’s books. Glad there are more in the series.
August 13, 2024
Wonderful mystery
January 12, 2025
Enjoyable read and the secmystery about the siblings from Latvia is intriguing.
June 15, 2025
I felt the story wasn't finished. What about Morgan's siblings?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews