Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Abduction of Adrienne Berg

Rate this book
"It's a wild ride. Choices and decisions. Some are good and some not so good. Cheri Krueger has woven an intricate plot and invites us along to follow this cast of characters-all seeking a better life but going about it all wrong." –Karen Brees, author of Crosswind Restless housewife Adrienne meets charismatic pilot Gabriel and feels an instant primal attraction. When Gabriel abducts her and steals millions from her embezzling husband, she should be afraid, but street-survivor Adrienne thrills to the rush. Feeling betrayed by her husband's secrets, she turns from hostage to accomplice. Gabriel's firm commitment to another woman is simply one more obstacle for Adrienne to overcome. In a chaotic hunt from the suburbs of San Francisco across the hostile badlands of Mexico, their pursuers find more questions than answers, people die, and the lines between the good guys and the bad guys blur. Adrienne is determined to reach the paradise Gabriel has promised, and she'll do whatever it takes to get her happy ending.

249 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2023

3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read

About the author

Cheri Krueger

5 books29 followers
When not writing, Cheri Krueger can be found reading, traveling, or indulging her Scrabble obsession. Married with two grown sons and a grandson, Cheri lives in the beautiful San Joaquin Valley where she enjoys local music, craft beer, and playing with puppies.

Some of her favorite authors: Stephen King, Anne Tyler, Margaret Atwood, Alice Hoffman, Liane Moriarty, Kristin Hannah, Jane Smiley, Maeve Binchy, Jodi Picoult.

Visit OhCheri.com for news and links to my socials. Happy reading!

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
21 (61%)
4 stars
9 (26%)
3 stars
4 (11%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,342 reviews169 followers
October 5, 2023
Have you every wanted to run away? Change your life? Escape from the chains that bind you? Walk away and start over? How far would you go to get your happy ending?

Adrienne and Gabriel met at the gala and it was an instant attraction. The problem, he is taken. I loved when they first met and made up stories about others at the party. My friends and I used to do the same thing when we were…out. It was fun, imaging the possibilities.

Adrienne’s husband, Dustin, and his friend, Jarrett, stole millions of dollars. Gabriel finds out about it and decides to take the money for himself. Himself and his pregnant girlfriend, Cindy. He wants the money to give his family a life. And, he takes Adrienne along for the ride. At first, she is an unwilling participant, but it doesn’t long for her to see an opportunity to recreate herself.

Driving through Mexico, on the deserted roads, Adrenne finds herself in dangerous and unanticipated situations. She finds a strength she never knew she possessed. She may never be able to let down all the defenses she built up and I wonder…

“I was never a kid. I had to fend for myself…”

It’s interesting when an author adds a bit extra into a character, like Cindy being pregnant and Adrienne having a life or death health condition.

I can only imagine the tension in the household. Two women who want the same man. One man with a single goal, to give his family the best life possible. Can the women become friends? Can they all have what they desire? That is what kept me reading. Of course, I wondered if the American authorities would care enough to follow them to Mexico, if the Mecali’s would care enough to come after them, if they could avoid Dustin and Jarrett, who want the money that Gabriel took from them.

Then, we have a surprise guest, a retired secret agent.

I loved the premise, ditch your old life and create a new one. Just…think…of all the possibilities. Shed your old life, create a new one. Take a bad situation and make it work for you. From ennui, to despair, to…happiness (?). All things are possible.

Even though I never felt any mind blowing moments, I enjoyed the ride.

Profile Image for Shofie.
78 reviews3 followers
August 19, 2023
It didn’t take long for me to get into this story. It jumps right in the action in the very beginning. I immediately liked the female main character, Adrienne. She’s so feisty and I loved how she knew what she wanted and did whatever she needed to stay in control of all the crazy stuff happening to, and around her. The story is told from Adrienne‘s POV as well as two characters, named Dustin and Jarrett. Dustin and Jarrett were entertaining. I was always interested to see what they would get themselves into next. I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing was really good. It was different than what I typically read, but it kept me hooked the entire time. Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC!
2,279 reviews28 followers
June 27, 2023
I just finished this amazing story and I love Andy, Trevor, Gabriel and Cindi. The way this story starts is a bit dark, but sets up the adventure of a lifetime! These characters are so unique and strong, that I just found another Favorite book!! I watched the all of the MCs grow, and pull me into this world, that took me away until the end. There is some steam, new friendships and an HEA that Blew Me Away!!! I Highly Recommend!!! No Spoilers!
I received an ARC and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review because I Choose to and think that this is a Great Story!!!
Profile Image for Carol Ann.
Author 6 books4 followers
June 15, 2023
I was lucky enough to read an ARC copy of this great book by Cheri Krueger. I want to start by saying that this genre is not my usual choice, but the story was well written and kept me hooked, I read it in three days.
The main character Adrienne is a feisty, unflinching woman, and deals with whatever life seems to throw at her. I would love to know more of her backstory.
This thriller was at times hilarious, some of the characters playing off of each other in the perfect double act.
The descriptions of the settings for the novel were very well written. I have never been to those parts of the world, but they were easy to visualise as Cheri's literary talents really painted a picture that shone out of the pages.
Great book, would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,056 reviews
July 17, 2023
Definitely 4.5 Not sure what I was expecting but not the usual thriller story and so happy with it. Adrienne (FMC) is so kick butt and handles anything the situation throws at her that I would love more info about her! I actually laughed out loud during a part (you’ll know); also, can I have a sexy pilot in my life?? Sign me up please

Want to thank the author for the ARC and note this review has been left voluntarily and all thoughts/opinions above are my own!
Profile Image for Lilah.
76 reviews
October 3, 2023
This was a great story. Believable and entertaining.

I appreciated the descriptive language from the author. Different scenes were easy to imagine because of her descriptions of scenery and location landscapes.

The character development was fantastic. To read and see how they all come together and fit together was flawless. Even with different emotions and raw feelings; they make it work and have the HEA.

The adventure of the story makes the reader want to sit and read more and more. The twists and turns take you on journeys of "what's going to come of this?"

I enjoyed the different POVs. It kept both sides of the story and both sets of people involved feont and center in my mind. So I knew what all parties were doing as the plot unfolded.

I'm glad to say everyone has a HEA. Nice that it all wrapped up nicely and we weren't left with a "fill in the blank" ending.

This was a solid read. I really enjoyed it. I can see this as a great movie too. Enough action and romance but not too over the top either.
Profile Image for Alexandria Williams.
602 reviews63 followers
July 27, 2023
So many twists and turns and I’m here for it! I really enjoyed this book and it’s different from what I’ve been reading lately.

Adrienne had a very hard life but being taken ends up being the ultimate thing.

Gabriel has other plans in mind. When he not only gets the money but Adrienne as well.

I don’t want to give too much away but if you’re fans of dark romance and thriller. This is for you!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Taryn.
383 reviews13 followers
November 3, 2023
"The Abduction of Adrienne Berg" by Cheri Krueger was quite the intriguing read, earning a solid four stars from me.

Adrienne, our leading lady, is a character who defies expectations. Living in the lap of luxury with a seemingly humdrum businessman for a husband, her secret desire for excitement soon gets fulfilled in the most unexpected way. I couldn't help but be drawn to her enigmatic nature. While I longed to uncover more of her backstory, I also appreciated the author's skill in keeping her past shrouded in mystery. Adrienne's ability to adapt and survive in the most challenging situations is nothing short of fascinating, leaving me on the edge of my seat, wondering just how far she would go.

The story weaves an unusual, somewhat twisted romance that kept me guessing until the very end. The characters all have their own complicated histories, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. I found myself both captivated and perplexed by the intricacies of their relationships.

While I admit that some aspects of the story might be a tad unrealistic, there was something about the narrative that made it work. It's one of those tales where you're willing to suspend disbelief because you're so engrossed in the characters and their journey.

My only wish was for a bit more insight into Adrienne's past, but at the same time, the mystery surrounding her added a layer of intrigue that kept me hooked. She truly is a loose cannon and a femme fatale, making her a character you can't help but be fascinated by.

In the end, "The Abduction of Adrienne Berg" may not be your typical read, but it's precisely that uniqueness that makes it worth picking up. I found myself engrossed in the story, and I'm definitely curious to explore more of Cheri Krueger's work in the future.
Profile Image for Ashley.
830 reviews46 followers
October 6, 2023
Be forewarned there are a lot of names and name changes to watch out for.

Adrienne's husband and his friend embezzled money from their boss. They stupidly talk about it in front of a pilot that takes them somewhere. Our story starts when Gabriel, the pilot, shows up to steal the money and Adrienne asks to go with him because she is bored with her life. Their journey is our story and while these two don't end up together they do each get their own happily ever after in a way.

While I enjoyed the book it was hard to keep track of the characters with all the names and nicknames. Gabriel and Adrienne go through at least three names each and Adrienne has nicknames as well. It's just hard to keep track of, at least it was for me. Besides that the plot is really good. Loved the characters well enough but I don't feel like any of them really had any development. Don't get me wrong it's a good story but I don't know that it is one that I personally would read again.
Profile Image for Beth Agejew.
101 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2023
A good story with plenty of twists and turns. Reminds me a bit of Dave Barry or Carl Hiassen in spots.
Profile Image for Sarah Bunn.
1 review
October 8, 2023
The Abduction of Adrienne Berg takes you on the adventure you didn’t realize you’d been craving. From her boring, house-wife life to two-weeks, alone, with her captor, Adrienne decides this excitement is what she has been missing.
One to keep secrets, Adrienne allows her desire to be as far away from her current life as possible and daringly accepts the responsibility for her role in changing her circumstances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
160 reviews
August 7, 2023
Adrienne is a bit of a mystery. She's a quiet woman, married to a seemingly boring businessman and she lives a safe & comfortable life living in luxury. However, Adrienne is bored and wants excitement in her life....and she's about to get it.

At one of her husband's socials, she meets an intriguing, sexy man who is there one minute and gone the next. She doesn't expect to really see him again until he shows up at her house and takes her hostage. It's interesting what Adrienne does to survive.

I don't usually read these types of abduction books but I was hooked on this one. It has a kind of twisted romance where you're not quite sure where things will go and how they will end. Most of the main characters have complicated histories. But Adrienne hints at having a past where she can easily adapt to any given situation and will do whatever it takes to survive, but you don't know how far she will go. I would love to know more about her back story, however I think the mystery of her past plus the fact that the author gives you little information in general about Adrienne works really well in the book, especially as she could be a loose canon and femme fatale.

Great story, it's a tad bit unrealistic but it's one of those stories where you don't mind so much. I'm definitely interested in reading more from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Karen Brees.
Author 16 books49 followers
July 3, 2023
Judge Not

Can a woman come to love a man who would deliberately hurt her? Many women do.

Until you’ve walked a mile or a lifetime in somebody’s else’s shoes, it’s best not to judge. On the surface, Adrienne Berg has everything she could possibly want. When she meets Gabriel, however, her life changes forever. The first meeting awakens desire, but the second brings terror.

The kidnapping is violent and the taped message of Adrienne’s screams are genuine. That should be enough to get her husband desperately searching for her. It should be, but he’s got other priorities, such as getting safely away with his partner in crime and living the good life on the three million they’ve stolen from his boss. Problem is, they’re lousy criminals.

Left to her own devices, Adrienne makes a decision, and blame it on Stockholm Syndrome, lust, or a shot at one last chance for happiness, but there’s no going back.

Gabriel has his own problems, and while everyone is searching for that magical place where milk and honey flow and all is peaceful and good, the cops aren’t on board. It’s a wild ride. Choices and decisions. Some are good and some not so good. Cheri Krueger has woven an intricate plot and invites us along to follow this cast of characters – all seeking a better life but going about it all wrong.
Profile Image for Bill Schweitzer.
Author 8 books24 followers
October 9, 2023
Why do good girls go for bad boys?
Adrienne was bored. Bored with her quiet, easy life, but most of all, bored with Dustin, her tedious, sexless husband. Oh sure, he’d given her a good life, the kind she’d always dreamed of. He offered her an escape from the poor, desperate life she’d grown up with. But that security came at the price of an increasingly stifling existence.
So, when Gabriel, Dustin’s sexy Mexican chauffer and pilot abducted her, she was terrified and angry, as well as confused over why Dustin had hidden away the three million dollars Gabriel took with them. It was hard to stay angry, he was SO sexy and the escape to a remote Mexican paradise he hinted at was as tantalizing as his rugged body and glowing, amber eyes.
Of course, that escape was not without just a FEW problems. Like the guys Dustin stole the three million from, Dustin himself and his less than cerebral co-conspirator, the cops, both American and Mexican, and a few other problems, but to give away too much would be telling.
Krueger’s writing is inspired, and deliciously engaging, with sensual prose that will thrill and delight. If you’re a fan of sexy romance, mystery and adventure, don’t miss The Abduction of Adrienne Berg, by Sheri Krueger
Profile Image for Marisa Dondlinger.
Author 5 books23 followers
October 16, 2023
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up The Abduction of Adreinne Berg, but I was delightfully surprised, finding the novel both humorous and gripping. The plot is simple enough—Gabriel kidnaps Adrienne because he has stolen three million from Adrienne’s husband and is taking her as collateral—but things get complicated because Gabriel is too sweet to cut it as a kidnapper and Adreinne doesn’t mind being kidnapped. The hijinks they encounter on their path to freedom are both fun and unpredictable.

Krueger creates a cast of characters and an atmospheric setting in a small town in Mexico that feels both vibrant and relatable. Adreinne is the type of protagonist everyone roots for. She is smart and sassy, yet loyal. Readers will love Gabriel because he is earnest in always trying to do right and always falling short. The secondary characters—from the police detective searching for Gabriel to the candy shop owner in Mexico willing to keep their secrets to Adrienne’s bumbling husband—are each given careful attention to ensure they are authentic and entertaining. By the end, the reader will be craving their own Mexican getaway. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Cam Torrens.
Author 5 books127 followers
August 16, 2023
Author Cheri Krueger puts a whole new twist on the ‘housewife-ready-for-a-change’ trope in The Abduction of Adrienne Berg. This 5-star ride will rock you on your heels!

At an evening fundraiser, Adrienne can’t ignore the instant primal magnetism after meeting Gabriel, a pilot with her husband’s business. The unexpected twist is that the attraction persists, even after Gabriel kidnaps her as part of a multimillion-dollar heist involving her deceitful husband. As secrets unravel and loyalties shift, Adrienne transforms from hostage to partner-in-crime, navigating a treacherous escape across Mexico's rugged terrain.

Here's Cheri Krueger’s genius: she creates a fallible character who makes choices the reader probably wouldn’t. But that same reader wants to glow with the same passion as Adrienne. They want to meld into her new idyllic Mexican village (Krueger brings San Sebastián del Oeste to life!) By the last forty pages, they’re holding their breath--rooting for Adrienne to seize the happiness she might not deserve, but definitely earns. What a tale!
Profile Image for Gail Olmsted.
Author 10 books266 followers
June 22, 2023
The Abduction of Adrienne Berg by new-to-me author Cheri Krueger is a delightful blend of mystery, unrequited love and suspense. Adrienne, the main character and 'abductee' is a well-written, deeply flawed and truly complex woman searching for her elusive 'happy ever after'. After her bumbling buffoon of a husband and his partner extort $3 million, Adrienne's ho-hum life becomes a chaotic, roller-coaster ride. Sexy pilot Gabriel takes possession of both the money and Adrienne too, and although he is committed to another woman, Adrienne will stop at nothing in her efforts to win him over. Interesting characters, a twisty, turny storyline and a very satisfying conclusion make this a 'highly recommend' read for me.
Profile Image for Yvonne deSousa.
Author 4 books181 followers
June 22, 2023
Adrienne has worked hard to rise above her hard scrabble younger years, only to find herself bored and discontent. Gabriel wants to do the right thing so badly, he’s willing to commit major felonies and turn violent if necessary. When he shows up in her garden, Adrienne believes he is there to seduce her. But Gabriel has much darker intentions in mind. From there, the story takes an unlikely turn as things do not go as Gabriel planned and in Adrienne he has met his match. What follows is an adventure that takes the reader to some of the loveliest of little Mexican towns and a relationship dynamic that seems doomed to fail and the reader can’t wait to see how!! A riveting, fun thrill ride with characters you don’t want to care about but you can’t wait to see how they fare. A great read.
Profile Image for Kris10.
232 reviews49 followers
October 5, 2023
This was an explosively intense and suspenseful book. It had me from the very beginning and didn't let me go until the very end. I couldn't put it down until I had finished it...I devoured it in one sitting!! Between the carnal attraction of the main characters to the suspense of the plot coming to fruition to the beautiful settings, it's a guaranteed best seller!! If you love mystery, thrills and a bit of romance, then this book is definitely for you!!
Profile Image for Cherie Haas.
1 review5 followers
May 2, 2024
If you're looking for a fast-paced, can't-put-it-down novel, look no further! Adrienne Berg, the main character, is fascinating, edgy, bold - and she's surrounded by others who are equally enthralling, all set in a world of outlaws that most of us can only imagine.

The story is captivating to the point that I skipped the gym to finish reading it!
Profile Image for Donna.
493 reviews7 followers
May 20, 2025
I received this book in return for an honest review.

This was a good book well written hence why I gave it four stars. I will admit I did find it hard to read it just didn’t flow for me. In particular I cannot fault it except for The fact it didn’t grip me. Personally, I struggled to bond with the characters.
Profile Image for Vickiec192.
261 reviews19 followers
July 2, 2023
"I want the money we stole, it's rightfully ours"

This book has absolutely everything!

The plot follows the abduction of Adrienne (no spoilers there!) from her home. The kidnapper wants the $3 mil cash that, unbeknownst to Adrienne, her husband has in his room, and demands that he wait 2 weeks before reporting the money missing after which, his wife will be returned, unharmed.

What follows is utter carnage! The source of the money, the person responsible for taking Adrienne and the people sent to find her, all have connections to each other. When the police become involved, the problems of everyone multiply tenfold, including the poor officer assigned to the case! It is so much fun, the writing is fantastic, a really clever mix of suspense and humour. I devoured this in a day, I absolutely loved this.

If you are a fan of thrillers, humour and so many twists and turns you don't know which way is up, I can highly recommend this book!
7 reviews26 followers
October 20, 2023
Awesome well written mystery book. I would highly recommend this book if you like edge of your seat mystery books.
Profile Image for Erica Hoffman.
5 reviews3 followers
April 28, 2025
This was a good book, with lots of twists and turns. Slow start, but it picked up at the end!
Profile Image for Jessica Maffetore.
Author 1 book31 followers
December 14, 2025
The Abduction of Adrienne Berg had me hooked by the second line. From there, I couldn't stop reading and had to follow Adrienne’s story to the end…

Adrienne’s life seemingly turns into the plot of a movie when a strange, handsome man appears at her door, threatens her, takes her hostage at knife point and steals millions of dollars her husband has embezzled from his boss. The strangest plot point in Adrienne’s mind? After the initial fear has passed, she finds herself happy to go along for the ride. Anything beats the boring life she was living with her lying husband back at home. She’s thrilled to help her captor, the very sexy and otherwise admirable Gabriel, smuggle the money out of the country and down to an idyllic little village in Mexico where they can live happily ever after. One problem? Gabriel needs the money to support his pregnant girlfriend, a concept Adrienne doesn’t even want to think about.

When we are first introduced to Adrienne, she appears to be an ordinary housewife, living in a stagnant, unhappy marriage. But, as she refuses to compromise on what she wants, we learn more about who she is, where she came from, and what has brought her to this moment–willing to defend herself from bandits on the side of a Mexican highway, or run from the law, or become someone else, whenever necessary for survival.

The vivid cast of characters, from the embezzling husband stumbling after his abducted wife, to the jealous girlfriend trying to make life in a Mexican village feel like home, to the honorable–or mostly honorable–Gabriel doing everything he can to give his baby a better childhood than his own, to the charming and sly British neighbor who quickly puts the moves on Adrienne, make this story come to life.

A really intense, high-speed read with an unpredictable ending that leaves you guessing right until the last page!
Profile Image for Mc Chanster.
538 reviews
October 6, 2023
Damn! That was a great ride! Full of action, drama and twists and turns, I read this book in two sittings (and only because I had to go to sleep).

Adrienne Berg has what many consider a blessed life – wealthy husband, fancy dinners, beautiful house, sometimes being a trophy wife has its’ perks. She combats her boredom the best she can, but the Gabriel Navarro shows up and turns her entire world upside-down. Terrified and hurt, Adrienne has to come to terms with the fact that her husband has stolen a lot of money from his boss, and this is the consequence of it. Yet even though she is taken against her will, she finds her perspectives changing, and maybe stepping away from all she knows is the best choice for her.

Yeah, I really enjoyed this novel. I think the author did a great job creating a sense of intrigue and mystery, and it was easy to fall into the plot – hence the staying up too late trying to finish it. I loved Adrienne and her no-bullshit attitude, and it was difficult not to swoon over Gabriel. The tension between them was definitely noticeable and honestly, I did not expect the ending, but I was still happy with how it wrapped up. A thrilling and exceptional read!

Thank you Voracious Readers and Cheri Krueger for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a response. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.