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Heroes for Hire #3
Running Blind
The mission trip to Mexico was supposed to be an adventure. But the thrill turns sour when Jenna Dougherty and her roommate Magdalena are kidnapped. A head injury leaves Jenna temporarily blind, with no hope of escaping or helping her friend…until Nick Jansen arrives. The ex-marine brings Jenna safely home to doctors who restore her sight-but she opens her eyes too late to save her friend. Nick helped her before-can he help her find Magdalena's killer? Or will chasing this trail have Jenna running blindly again into danger?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
103 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 16, 2019
Shirlee McCoy writes the BEST suspense novels! With a great spiritual theme included. I discovered her earlier this year and I'm on a mission to read all her books. Highly recommended.
September 15, 2023
I had never read anything by this author and the missions aspect with a suspense twist intrigued me. I think maybe I needed to read the previous books to fully grasp the backstory of Nikolai, but this could still be read as a stand-alone.
I wish the story had started at least a day or two earlier so I could have seen Jenna and her friend actually doing the missions work. The whole book was pretty intense. It would have really added another dimension to have a semblance of calm before the storm!
One small pet peeve…it’s mentioned that Jenna is a physical therapist, and yet we see nothing really about that otherwise, which was a little weird. My mom is a PT and it kind of comes out in every day life…like noticing weird things about people (the way they walk) or helping someone who’s injured. Few people would probably notice that but I did 😜 Jenna IS a terrible patient and my mom has always said she is, too, so that was realistic 😂
The romance was ok. It’s clean, but there were a few awkward spots for me—especially from the leading girls perspective.
I DID appreciate all the faith content! I highlighted several things. The characters were likeable. This wasn’t my favorite book, but it kept my attention.
Content: kidnapping, attempted murder
Trigger warning: cancer is part of the backstory for those who struggle with that.
I wish the story had started at least a day or two earlier so I could have seen Jenna and her friend actually doing the missions work. The whole book was pretty intense. It would have really added another dimension to have a semblance of calm before the storm!
One small pet peeve…it’s mentioned that Jenna is a physical therapist, and yet we see nothing really about that otherwise, which was a little weird. My mom is a PT and it kind of comes out in every day life…like noticing weird things about people (the way they walk) or helping someone who’s injured. Few people would probably notice that but I did 😜 Jenna IS a terrible patient and my mom has always said she is, too, so that was realistic 😂
The romance was ok. It’s clean, but there were a few awkward spots for me—especially from the leading girls perspective.
I DID appreciate all the faith content! I highlighted several things. The characters were likeable. This wasn’t my favorite book, but it kept my attention.
Content: kidnapping, attempted murder
Trigger warning: cancer is part of the backstory for those who struggle with that.
July 28, 2019
To be honest, I didn’t expect to like this book. It wasn’t because of the author, but because of the Love Inspired books that I’ve read, I haven’t *truly* enjoyed that many.
Shirlee McCoy drastically surprised me.
The main “issue” I have with mass market books is that the romance often feels predictable, rushed, or awkward. That wasn’t the case here. Running Blind introduced two characters both struggling with something, whose progression over a short time span seemed reasonable and entirely lovable.
I loved Nikolai and Jenna. Their chemistry was hilarious, sweet, and sincere. In and of themselves, both main characters were great leads. Strong, independent, but searching for something. The kind you root for and champion with as they realize their own faults and move forward.
The plot itself was played out nicely over the course of the book, and I even wished at one point while I was reading that it was longer so that I could spend more time in their world.
All in all, McCoy crafted a tale I would—and most likely will—read again. After I finish the rest of her books, of course.
Shirlee McCoy drastically surprised me.
The main “issue” I have with mass market books is that the romance often feels predictable, rushed, or awkward. That wasn’t the case here. Running Blind introduced two characters both struggling with something, whose progression over a short time span seemed reasonable and entirely lovable.
I loved Nikolai and Jenna. Their chemistry was hilarious, sweet, and sincere. In and of themselves, both main characters were great leads. Strong, independent, but searching for something. The kind you root for and champion with as they realize their own faults and move forward.
The plot itself was played out nicely over the course of the book, and I even wished at one point while I was reading that it was longer so that I could spend more time in their world.
All in all, McCoy crafted a tale I would—and most likely will—read again. After I finish the rest of her books, of course.
July 28, 2021
Being a Christian doesn't save us from going through trials, as Jenna well knows. She is finally in remission from a two year battle with leukemia and determined to live life to the fullest. Who would think a medical mission trip would nearly cost her her life? Both Jenna and Nikolai were mentioned in the previous Hero's for Hire books, this is their story. Both of them have painful pasts. Can they overcome previous hurts and allow true healing to happen?
I enjoy books that allow both the hero and the heroine to be strong and independent. Jenna is no fading flower, even after suffering from leukemia. Nikolai is man enough to value her independence even when he would like nothing more than to protect her.
Beautiful story! Highly recommend!
I enjoy books that allow both the hero and the heroine to be strong and independent. Jenna is no fading flower, even after suffering from leukemia. Nikolai is man enough to value her independence even when he would like nothing more than to protect her.
Beautiful story! Highly recommend!
February 15, 2019
Actual rating is 3.5, but I bumped it cause Nikolai…
Thoughts and Plot
Jenna Dougherty woke up in complete darkness, bound and gagged after a Mission Trip to Mexico with her best friend goes horribly wrong. Upon her rescuer arriving she realizes that the head injury she suffered during the attack has left her temporarily blind. She can’t search for her friend. She has to rely on her rescuer…
Nikolai was just doing a job for a friend. It was supposed to be simple. Find his sister and make sure she was alright. Only he finds her severely beaten, tied and gagged in the basement of a Mexican drug cartel’s hide out. Getting people out is what he does best, but the danger just keeps coming and Nikolai is less and less willing to let Jenna out of his sight, and it’s no longer just because she’s his friend’s kid sister….
Okay, first off. The characters make the story. Jenna and Nikolai are the ENTIRE reason I kept reading and liked this book so much. The action was there, but it wasn’t as exciting when I could tell who the bad guy was and how everything did and was going to go down before it even happened. It was like I had already read the book, minus the main characters…like the old joke about a dog running away in Saskatchewan…100% not a surprise.
Also, Jenna is really naïve and overly trusting of people whose first impressions give her the creeps. Like, come on Jenna! But I guess that was part of her charm. And Nikolai…just yes. I want a Nikolai for myself.
In Conclusion
All in all, it was a good book. I really enjoyed the main characters. Everything else was completely predictable. But even that could not ruin this ridiculously lovely romance.
Would I recommend it to others? If I thought it was in their wheel house, oh yes.
Thoughts and Plot
Jenna Dougherty woke up in complete darkness, bound and gagged after a Mission Trip to Mexico with her best friend goes horribly wrong. Upon her rescuer arriving she realizes that the head injury she suffered during the attack has left her temporarily blind. She can’t search for her friend. She has to rely on her rescuer…
Nikolai was just doing a job for a friend. It was supposed to be simple. Find his sister and make sure she was alright. Only he finds her severely beaten, tied and gagged in the basement of a Mexican drug cartel’s hide out. Getting people out is what he does best, but the danger just keeps coming and Nikolai is less and less willing to let Jenna out of his sight, and it’s no longer just because she’s his friend’s kid sister….
Okay, first off. The characters make the story. Jenna and Nikolai are the ENTIRE reason I kept reading and liked this book so much. The action was there, but it wasn’t as exciting when I could tell who the bad guy was and how everything did and was going to go down before it even happened. It was like I had already read the book, minus the main characters…like the old joke about a dog running away in Saskatchewan…100% not a surprise.
Also, Jenna is really naïve and overly trusting of people whose first impressions give her the creeps. Like, come on Jenna! But I guess that was part of her charm. And Nikolai…just yes. I want a Nikolai for myself.
In Conclusion
All in all, it was a good book. I really enjoyed the main characters. Everything else was completely predictable. But even that could not ruin this ridiculously lovely romance.
Would I recommend it to others? If I thought it was in their wheel house, oh yes.
April 1, 2020
My least favorite of the series so far. It felt stiff and stilted. The conversations didn't seem to flow. It was as if every conversation were an awkward interrogation or like they were reading from the script. I really like the character Nikolai but I wish she had delved even deeper into this character. We hear mention of him in both books, how his sister is looking for him. All of a sudden he shows up, no real explanation. No commentary on how or where he was located. What his life was like. I wanted more. The story line was obvious which is fine if the characters are more developed. The only reason this got 3 stars from me is bc I really did like the 2 main characters it just had the potential of being so much better. Almost feels like we were let down by the author.
March 7, 2019
Well strap your seatbelt on and hang on. Jenna is kidnapped in Mexico and due to a blow to her head is blind. Will someone be able to save her? And what happened to her best friend who was captured too? Will she recover her sight? Nikolai has been hired by Jenna's brother to check on Jenna in Mexico when they lost contact with her while on a missions trip. Will he be able to save her? Why does someone want her dead?
January 18, 2019
For a short book I thought the story was very good. It was interesting and suspenseful. I enjoyed it because of the intrique; it was not immediately apparent who was perpetrating the attempts on Jenna's (protagonist) life or why. I also enjoyed how the author addressed Jenna's relationship fears. Good, light Christian intrigue/romance read.
September 17, 2024
Running Blind is part of a series but I had no issues reading it as a stand alone book.
Shirlee McCoy is always good for a fast read, her books are light hearted with plenty of action and clean romance. I like that I can figure out what is going to happen to the main characters but still have the mystery aspect.
Shirlee McCoy is always good for a fast read, her books are light hearted with plenty of action and clean romance. I like that I can figure out what is going to happen to the main characters but still have the mystery aspect.
February 14, 2018
And on the next page...
This story keeps the reader interested and ready to read the next page. The strength of the main characters allows this story to move forward with respect for their faith and their humanity.
This story keeps the reader interested and ready to read the next page. The strength of the main characters allows this story to move forward with respect for their faith and their humanity.
September 3, 2020
I have this book in a paperback book and I have read it and all the books before it I really enjoyed them so fare I’m on book # 4 if it is as good as the others I will be very pleased thank you Shirlee McCoy and god bless you Ms. Karen
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September 20, 2021Jenna & Nicolai's story. Nicolai was mentioned in book 1 of the series and Jenna was part of book 2. Jenna has gone through a lot even before almost getting killed while on a mission trip to Mexico. Thank goodness Nicolai was on hand to rescue her and protect her.
July 31, 2017
I like the concept of Jenna's kidnapping and Nikolai's rescue, but I thought it would have been more interesting if Jenna's blindness had lasted a bit longer in the plot.
January 22, 2018
WOW....a real page turner. Lots of drama and suspense with some romance thrown in for good measure. Loved this book!
December 16, 2018
Running Blind review
Running Blind is the third fast paced romantic suspense book in the Heroes for Hire series written by author Shirlee McCoy.
Running Blind is the third fast paced romantic suspense book in the Heroes for Hire series written by author Shirlee McCoy.
June 1, 2019
Set aside a few hours so you can read this from start to finish without interruption. It's another great mix of suspense and romance.
September 13, 2020
Loved the book so much I am truly hooked on heroes for hire great books so a great big ty to Shirlee McCoy for her writing skills
April 6, 2021
Nothing original. Got bored.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2022
This was such a good book. I loved the chemistry between Nikolai and Jenna.
May 19, 2023
This was my first book by this author but definitely not my last. Very enjoyable read - highly recommend. I look forward to reading more of her books and the rest of this series.
October 11, 2023
this was an interesting story line, but they gave it away to early in the telling.
January 13, 2025
Good read.
April 28, 2025
God is in Control.
Loved it!! Seeing God work in every circumstance increases our faith! He has promised to always be with us, those who love Him will be protected by Him!!
Loved it!! Seeing God work in every circumstance increases our faith! He has promised to always be with us, those who love Him will be protected by Him!!
May 1, 2025
The suspense in this one is good. Murder and trying to solve the case as well.
July 15, 2025
I really liked Nikolai's character, but I wish the author included how he was reunited with his sister. The last time we heard anything about her search for him in previous books, they'd found his address but he was actively avoiding contact. Now suddenly he's working for his brother in law. The reveal at the end was predictable and needed a bit more. Also, please stop switching POV without any indication, especially form.one sentence to the next!!!
September 7, 2011
Running Blind by Shirlee McCoy ISBN:978-0-373-44416-8 Third book in Heroes for Hire.
Out of all the books so far this was the most intense. Jenna Dougherty,her brother Kane's story was in Running Scared, has survived her battle with leukemia. It has been two years and so she has traveled with her friend to Mexico on a medical mission to help others. Men break into their motel room and take Magdalena and when Jenna tries to fight them, they take her as well. She is held captive in a dark place when someone comes to rescue her. She refuses to leave until they find her friend in the darkness, only it's not dark...she's blind and Magdalena is not there.
Nikolai Jansen, Morgan Alexandria's lost brother from Running for Cover has been found. He is out of the marines and now works for Kane Dougherty. Kane asked him to check on his sister in Mexico. Nikolai finds her in a compound of the Mexican Panthers, a dangerous group. Nik is able to get her out and heads towards the border. They are chased and shot at even at the border, but they make it to safely with the help of the border patrol agents.
Jenna tries to leave the hospital even before her sight is completely recovered, she wants to find her friend. Then the news comes that not only is Magdalena murdered but they finds drugs in her suitcase. Jenna knows her friend would never do that, she was a Godly woman and a stickler for all rules.
Nikolai agrees to help Jenna prove that her friend was not a drug smuggler. While in Houston there are more attempts to kill Jenna as well, and she is suspected of being a smuggler as well, why else is she a target?
Jenna is finding herself attracted to Nikolai but reminds herself of her last love, when she needed Ryan the most during her illness he wasn't there. She won't depend on another man, although Nikolai is not giving her a choice.
Out of all the books so far this was the most intense. Jenna Dougherty,her brother Kane's story was in Running Scared, has survived her battle with leukemia. It has been two years and so she has traveled with her friend to Mexico on a medical mission to help others. Men break into their motel room and take Magdalena and when Jenna tries to fight them, they take her as well. She is held captive in a dark place when someone comes to rescue her. She refuses to leave until they find her friend in the darkness, only it's not dark...she's blind and Magdalena is not there.
Nikolai Jansen, Morgan Alexandria's lost brother from Running for Cover has been found. He is out of the marines and now works for Kane Dougherty. Kane asked him to check on his sister in Mexico. Nikolai finds her in a compound of the Mexican Panthers, a dangerous group. Nik is able to get her out and heads towards the border. They are chased and shot at even at the border, but they make it to safely with the help of the border patrol agents.
Jenna tries to leave the hospital even before her sight is completely recovered, she wants to find her friend. Then the news comes that not only is Magdalena murdered but they finds drugs in her suitcase. Jenna knows her friend would never do that, she was a Godly woman and a stickler for all rules.
Nikolai agrees to help Jenna prove that her friend was not a drug smuggler. While in Houston there are more attempts to kill Jenna as well, and she is suspected of being a smuggler as well, why else is she a target?
Jenna is finding herself attracted to Nikolai but reminds herself of her last love, when she needed Ryan the most during her illness he wasn't there. She won't depend on another man, although Nikolai is not giving her a choice.
March 7, 2015
Heroes for Hire
Book 3
Place: Mexico - Houston, TX. - Washington
Hero: Nikolai Jansen (natural brother of Morgan Alexandria-Sharo, from book 1, "Running for Cover"). He's ex-military, retired after being injured in the line of duty. Now, he works for Kane Dougherty as a Private Investigator. His latest case was a favor to find his sister, who's disappeared while on a mission trip in Mexico.
Heroine: Jenna Dougherty (sister of Kane Dougherty - from Book 2 "Running Scared"). She's survived cancer two years ago and is now trying to take back her Independence. But a kidnapping in Mexico causes her family to worry about her all over again. After suffering a brief blindness due to a head injury, Jenna's trying to recover while running away from some unknown person who wants to kill her while she's attending her friend's funeral (the one who didn't survive the kidnapping) in Houston. But Nikolai Jansen is by her side and won't leave her alone. He aims to protect her, but can he protect her heart from falling in love with him?
The suspense: I think it's one of those stories that keeps a person going until the end. You think you know, but are you sure? I can't say since I took a peak (and always regret doing so!) There's plenty of action in this book, and Nikolai gets plenty of opportunities to save Jenna.
The Romance: It was sweet. I thought the chemistry these two had was very, very good. I enjoyed watching their attraction slowly build up, and of course the ending was pretty sweet too!
A lovely story!
Book 3
Place: Mexico - Houston, TX. - Washington
Hero: Nikolai Jansen (natural brother of Morgan Alexandria-Sharo, from book 1, "Running for Cover"). He's ex-military, retired after being injured in the line of duty. Now, he works for Kane Dougherty as a Private Investigator. His latest case was a favor to find his sister, who's disappeared while on a mission trip in Mexico.
Heroine: Jenna Dougherty (sister of Kane Dougherty - from Book 2 "Running Scared"). She's survived cancer two years ago and is now trying to take back her Independence. But a kidnapping in Mexico causes her family to worry about her all over again. After suffering a brief blindness due to a head injury, Jenna's trying to recover while running away from some unknown person who wants to kill her while she's attending her friend's funeral (the one who didn't survive the kidnapping) in Houston. But Nikolai Jansen is by her side and won't leave her alone. He aims to protect her, but can he protect her heart from falling in love with him?
The suspense: I think it's one of those stories that keeps a person going until the end. You think you know, but are you sure? I can't say since I took a peak (and always regret doing so!) There's plenty of action in this book, and Nikolai gets plenty of opportunities to save Jenna.
The Romance: It was sweet. I thought the chemistry these two had was very, very good. I enjoyed watching their attraction slowly build up, and of course the ending was pretty sweet too!
A lovely story!
November 25, 2014
Jenna has had to face some hard times in her life, but yet she still tries to stay strong and trust in God's power. She battled leukemia and won that fight. Once she got her life back in order she went to Mexico with her friend Magdalena.They both worked in the medical field and this would be Jenna's first time accompanying her to Mexico. Jenna was having a great time till a few armed men broke into their hotel room and kidnapped them both.
When Jenna woke she was being dragged out of a hostage situation by Nick Jansen. He was hired by her brother to find her and bring her back to safety. Once safely back in the States she discovers that her friend has been executed by the Mexican Panthers.
The police seems to be taking there time finding her killer, but Jenna is adamant to find Magdalena's killer. She hires Nick to find her killer and prove her innocence. Nick then becomes a constant in her life and her happens to save her life more than once.
This is an action packed story and a great read.
When Jenna woke she was being dragged out of a hostage situation by Nick Jansen. He was hired by her brother to find her and bring her back to safety. Once safely back in the States she discovers that her friend has been executed by the Mexican Panthers.
The police seems to be taking there time finding her killer, but Jenna is adamant to find Magdalena's killer. She hires Nick to find her killer and prove her innocence. Nick then becomes a constant in her life and her happens to save her life more than once.
This is an action packed story and a great read.
May 1, 2013
No offense to anyone who might not agree with me. I am left with questions after I read this book. Yes, I was captivated by the sypnosis when I first saw it. But my demands aren't met by the first chapter. I was expecting a start with Jenna and Magadalena maneuvering their way in Mexico. I think it should start with the two of them having expectations for the trip then bam they were suddenly kidnapped. Second, I was expecting a good action scene when they discovered about John. But that didn't happen so I was sad.
But nonetheless, I like the story, in fact I think Jenna and Nick's personalities are well designed. Despite my rantings earlier, I have nothing against Shirlee McCoy since I haven't read her other stories. I was just saddened by the events that should have appeared but was left out.
But nonetheless, I like the story, in fact I think Jenna and Nick's personalities are well designed. Despite my rantings earlier, I have nothing against Shirlee McCoy since I haven't read her other stories. I was just saddened by the events that should have appeared but was left out.
October 29, 2011
Uninspired book from the Love Inspired series.
A young woman is kidnapped along with her BFF, a doctor, in Mexico. She is rescued by an agent sent by her brother but her friend is later found dead.
Convinced that her friend is not the drug-trafficing baddie everyone now believes (including her widower and the DEA), she sets out to find the truth with the help of her rescuer.
Naturally she falls for the rescuer, survives at least 5 attempts at silencing her, helps to unmask the real culprit, yada yada yada.
I finished this 7 hours ago and already have forgotten the heroine's name. Can you tell it wasn't very compelling?
A young woman is kidnapped along with her BFF, a doctor, in Mexico. She is rescued by an agent sent by her brother but her friend is later found dead.
Convinced that her friend is not the drug-trafficing baddie everyone now believes (including her widower and the DEA), she sets out to find the truth with the help of her rescuer.
Naturally she falls for the rescuer, survives at least 5 attempts at silencing her, helps to unmask the real culprit, yada yada yada.
I finished this 7 hours ago and already have forgotten the heroine's name. Can you tell it wasn't very compelling?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews