See Her Run

The Smithfield Series #1

by A.K. Leigh

See Her Run blends elements of romance, suspense, and psychological thriller in an exploration of life after severe trauma.

Diana King arrives in Smithfield, North Carolina as part of her witness protection relocation. After six months of running from her crime boss ex-husband, she is looking forward to starting over in the quaint country town.

Jonathan Smith has no time for love. Not after the devastating relationships he has experienced. He prefers to focus on his Mixed Martial Arts business, his family farm, and the management of the town he owns.

That is, until he meets the mysterious newcomer. Something stirs in him; something familiar that remains elusive. This only serves to increase his curiosity – and attraction.

Though he is unaware of the important connection he has to her past, Diana realises immediately. Prevented from divulging the information, she struggles between the growing feelings she has for Jonathan and the freedom she fought so hard to obtain.

But, when secrets are exposed, and the past comes looking, will Diana and Jonathan’s new-found love survive? Or will they pay for it with their lives?

In the end . . . you can run from everything except your past.

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Contemporary

314 pages, ebook

First published February 26, 2015

About the author

A.K. Leigh (aka Alicia Leigh and Leigh Hatchmann), is an Australian romance author, Amazon #1 bestselling non-fiction author, and professional writing coach.

She is an unrepentant dreamer and romantic. To add some spice to that sugary mix, she is also a trauma survivor, hyperlexic, and identical triplet.

As part of her PhD research, A.K. has identified the romance subgenre coined Post-Trauma Romance. This is an exciting development for romance writers and academics. She is also the leading Post-Trauma Romance expert, researcher, and author.

A.K.'s master's degree thesis on the structure of romance novels led to her latest non-fiction book, THE ROMANCE NOVEL FORMULA, releasing 7th December 2021.

Her romance fiction transports you into a world of cozy mystery, heart-pumping suspense, dark crime, magical supernatural, and dizzying time travel – all wrapped around a sweet (and sometimes sexy) romance. Her non-fiction titles help you improve your writing craft.

Find her books and follow her on Amazon at: www.amazon.com/author/akleigh.

Join her exclusive "LOVELEIGHS" CLUB at: www.fallinlovewithleigh.com/loveleighs.

Website - www.fallinlovewithleigh.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/AuthorAKLeigh
Instagram - www.instagram.com/akleighauthor
Amazon Author Page - www.amazon.com/author/akleigh
YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/channel/UCskieRmAicWg...
Blog - www.fallinlovewithleigh.com/blog

Reviews

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher via NetGalley.

PLOT | STORY
See Her Run is a lovely romance novel that’ll quench your thirst for a subtle and clean romance book without any trace of meaningless lust. I loved the way the story progressed and it’s steady pace, not too fast and not too slow. I throughly enjoyed the little bits of suspense that the author gracefully maintained throughout the book, it kept me turning page after page, and really made it hard for me to put it down even for the night.
The overall story is dramatically unique but the way it’s written and the pace with which small-small things happen really made it very enjoyable. As a sucker for romance novels, i had a great time reading this one.
The plot is simple while maintaining tidbits of suspense here and there. You’ll be asking a lot of whys in this book but thankfully the author has explained each and everything and that too at the right time, keeping the reader interest all the time.

CHARACTERS
I loved all the characters, specially the leads Diana and Jonathan. Being an abused wife, the characteristics of Diana are well thought of. Her expressions and reactions show her vulnerability in a heart chilling way but at the same time she is also shown as determined and strong willed, trying to get over her past.
Jonathan is a perfect guy that every girl dreams of. He is gentle, honest, polite and really patient. He treats everyone with love and is a real stud. I even liked the antagonist’s character, Russ, because it is creatively crafted. It really makes the reader hate Russ inspite of having a dozen of chapters from his POV (which is generally doesn’t happen.) I love to be able to hate the villain but at the same time I love understanding his mentality. In this book, the author fulfilled both the things beautifully.

ROMANCE
This book’s main theme being romance, it had loads of it. This is one of those rare books which does not have senseless sex. The love between Diana and Jonathan is pure and true. It develops ever so subtly and blossoms beautifully into a matured relationship. Jonathan is a perfect gentleman and treats Diana (in her bad physical state) respectfully and that is the best part in the book.

WRITING
Initially I had a bit of a problem getting in sync with the writing but that obstacle was easily overcome after a few pages. And once I got comfortable with the writing I actually started to enjoy it a lot. The lil’ expressions that the author used or the monosyllables that spoke tons… I loved it all.

BEGINNING
Begininning was quite full of suspense the first scene being Diana relocating to yet another place for safety. It instantly roused my curiosity as to what happened to her, why is she running, whom is she running from, why is she so scared, etc…
In the beginning I had a bit of a problem in getting into the story because of author’s writing style (which is quite different from what I’m generally used to) but after a few pages I started liking it and by the 1st quarter of the book, I was in love with it.

ENDING
The ending was really intense but, like most romance novels, quite predictable. I’m not complaining as romance novels rarely have unique endings. Though despite of the predictability what really interested me was it’s intensity. It made me quite anxious towards the end when the protagonist, Russ, gets to know Diana’s whereabouts.

BLURB
It’s totally appropriate. It explains the gist of the book perfectly without giving away anything major.

COVER ART
I love it as it has a special meaning. The two roses are the ones which have a special place in the story of Diana and Jon’s romance. Even the name of the book is really meaningful and suits the book perfectly. After reading the book you’ll understand the significance of both, the cover and the title.

You can read the original review at The Reading Bud

[вιвℓισρнιℓια {кιηgѕℓєу & ѕøяєη ƒσяєνєя} · Rating 5 out of 5]

.....

Everything a thriller romance should be, and more.

A huge thanks to you for writing and sharing this book, AK Leigh, I definitely fell in love with Jon and Diana, very much so.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m rather surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Whilst I enjoy a romantic undertone to the books I read, I generally find myself annoyed when the romance takes the front seat. For some reason, though, I wasn’t as bothered when it happened with this one as I had thought I would be.

That being said, the romance still annoyed me in some ways.

I think the biggest flaw for me, was the fact that he never recognised who she was. Going into witness protection and having your look changed would make it difficult for those from your past life to recognise you – but not to the extent of this book. Moreover things that were said would easily ring alarm bells, and in my mind it really shouldn’t have been that hard to work out what was going on. Due to that, the way in which the romance and story played out seemed rather impossible to be. I spent a lot of my time questioning when people were going to realise what was staring them in the face (hell, there were enough references to noticing what is in front of you for someone to start knocking their neurons together).

Still, despite how much it annoyed me, such a thing worked well for the story. Details slowly came to light as we worked our way through the book, information being drip fed to us. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable story. As I’ve already said, more romance than anything else, but still exceptionally enjoyable.

Well, except for the ending, that is.

For me the ending seemed rather anticlimactic. Events seemed to be rushed in the hope of getting everything sorted out – everything playing out in one single chapter. For me it was all a bit too quick, with the way certain things were resolved being disappointing. As a whole I really enjoyed the book, I simply would have liked more from the ending.

Overall, a great read.

Finally, I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the chance to advance read this book.

[Crina | booktwist_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review on my blog - http://readingadd.blogspot.ro/2015/06...

[LizBookAddict · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 STAR

I cannot believe I wasted my time with this! After initially being drawn to the cover as well as the premise, I settled in for what seemed like a great Romantic Suspense...

This was neither! The characters fell hopelessly flat as well as the plot. I seriously cannot believe I actually finished the thing, but as a reviewer dedicated to providing my honest opinion, I cringed my way through it hoping all hope that somewhere I would see light... Unfortunately not!

The author had a great thing going by providing a premise that has been done countless times and perhaps could have used this to her advantage and given the reader a fresh spin on things. But it was sooo poorly done, the H/h had no depth to them, not even a smidgen of humor and considering the Heroine of the story has gone through many horrific experiences, one would have expected the character to be more deeper and more complex. The author just did not provide that.

Even the romance factor fell way by the waste side, I felt most of the way that 50% of the romance could have been explained in one page.

Maybe I was not the target audience for this but I feel if an expectation is set by a premise, an author should be able to deliver. I saw glimpses of talent in the writing and the telling of the villain but the execution of the story in it's entirety was poorly done...

I sincerely hope that the author notes this and improves for future works as talent is shown but the end result completely misses the mark....

ARC kindly provided by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Mignon Mykel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 stars
Received arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; full review can be found at original posting:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...

I enjoy reading books and finding little hints as to how the title came to be -- just one line that says, this is the title.

SEE HER RUN is a little more different than that.

The long and short of it? Diana King is running from her ex-husband; she's in witness protection and with the help of her handler, trying to stay as many steps ahead of the man as possible.

The catch?

Her ex-husband was a bastard and cut her so badly, she needs crutches to walk -- running is not something she's actually able to do.

Diana is a strong heroine -- in more ways than one. She uprooted her life in order to try and keep her life, as dramatic as that sounds. She ends up at a home in North Carolina, where she meets Jon.

Slowly, a relationship of sorts unfolds between Diana and Jon -- but there's a few little other catches when it comes to their friendship/relationship... such as they know each other, but Jon has no idea.

I typically have a difficult time keeping track of all the minor players in stories, and this one kind of fell along those lines. But of the other minor players? The one who stands out most?

Claire.

She's a two-faced *****.

Had to say it.

Moving on...

What I love about Diana and Jon's relationship is that she slowly allows herself to be her. She stops recoiling and unleashes the fury that builds inside. When she and Jon's relationship starts to progress, from studying to more, he all but hits the brakes.

While the book is a typical-length, the story line is a quick one.... but that's easy to forget while reading. Altogether, a fabulous read for those who enjoy romantic suspense!

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Copy received via netgalley in exchange for an honest review

argh - ok, I have tried, really tried to finish this book, but I have come back to it a few times, and gone off and read something else, tried to come back to it again and again but I cant.

For me, the characters just fell a bit too flat. I could not connect to them at all. The hero came across like a naive petulant teenager at times.

Too many vague and mysterious references, that I assume were meant to be intriguing, but for me, were just distracting and kept you guessing far too much, wondering just what the hell had gone on and what the history and connection was.

Too many POV - from both main characters, the heroine's ex, the hero's ex (who was all Cruella de Ville like in her villainy) Snippets from the "bald man" hit man, with even him making vague and mysterious referenced to a sister that went nowhere (up to the point I read).

And would a Witness Protection Scheme place one of their witnesses, in the home town of another witness, then act all surprised they end up bumping into each other? Felt too false and very forced a situation.

Now, others may well love it, and I could see why, but after trying to force myself many times to finish this, and even when reading it, my mind wandering, I just cannot do it.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I related well to the characters. The plot was easy to follow and original. I want more from this Author. Worth the read. :)

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the characters, love the plot, live this Author! Love, love, love! ❤️

[Kaitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read some really good mystery/thrillers lately, I didn’t feel like this one held up. It was an interesting story, not like any I had read, though I felt it left me wanting more and I wasn’t excited to pick it up each night. But that could have something to do with the fact that it was a disturbing subject matter that hurt my heart to read.

The book focuses on Diana King, who we know right off the bat is part of the witness protection program after being badly hurt by her husband, Russ. Her handler, Chris, is also a recurring character and tasked with keeping her safe. The book wastes no time jumping into the meat of the book, when Diana meets Jon Smith. Local heart-throb and benefactor to the little North Carolina town of Smithfield, which we come to find out was named after his family.

Both Diana and Jon have secrets of their own that they struggle with keeping as they move closer to each other. In typical mystery form, little hints are revealed throughout, and the reader has to hold on to the very end to put it all together. That is all well and fine, but I get a bit frustrated with books that refer to something throughout the book as if the reader should know what is going on. It makes me think I’ve missed something! But luckily, in the end, it’s all put together.

While I didn’t know specifics, I did feel the book was predictable. No spoilers, but if you’re running/hiding from someone, it’s not too hard to see where it is going. Thus building tension throughout the whole book. But the author did a really good job of balancing the mystery part with a bit of romance, which is a bit of a different spin from some other books in this genre.

It was a quick read with never a dull moment, I think I just have too much to compare lately and this one just didn’t hold up, but still a good read. This is the first book for Ms. Leigh and I wouldn’t let it sway me from reading future books.

Thanks to NetGalley and Momentum Books for allowing me to preview!

http://mydogearedpurpose.com/2015/03/...

[Books and Spoons · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of promise and potential. The plot was interesting, abused woman, escaping her crime lord, abusive husband, in witness protection. She falls in love while recovering and rebuilding her life, with a man who seems to be perfect in all the ways that count.
I felt the first half of the story took too long to build up the stage, and then the ending was a rushed. There were so many secrets, mysteries, and questions left unanswered. It took too long to reveal what had really happened in the past, and what was the connection Jon and Diana had had before. To add to the confusion of riddles, there were too many points of view in the story, his, hers, her ex, his ex, the villain, the hit-man...
The ex-husband was cruel, callous, brutal, and inhuman in his actions. Just sickening to read what he had done to Diana. Was it necessary for Jon and Diana to have connection from before? Some of the many mistakes that were made by the witness protection program made the story unbelievable.
Jon's ex was mean and spiteful, after all her actions, it was hard to believe she was still part of the tight group of friends.
The romance was careful to build up, understandably, since all the drama Diana had experienced in her life, but why does it then suddenly move forward in leaps and bounds?
I have lived in the Asheville, NC area myself for years while going to school, and I wished for some known landmarks, something I could connect with. At least there was one of the many waterfalls they have in North Carolina.
So the story left me a bit baffled, but for a debut novel, it was a good effort, and the second half of the book, when some of the mysteries are finally revealed, the story starts to make sense, and I was able to finish it
~ Two Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

booksandspoons.weebly.com/book-blog

[Melissa Heerboth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through Net Galley for an honest review. I want to thank the publisher for letting me review this book.

It’s a cute sweet book with suspense in it. It’s one of those books you can read and smile along with it but, it’s not overly cheesy. And, there’s some suspense in it too!

Diana is in witness protection because of her beyond abusive cruel ex-husband who basically left her for dead. Diana is hiding in small NC town. Turns out the woman she is renting from and living with has a foster son (Diana’s age) who she knows is from her past. Jonathan never recognizes her. You watch them eventually fall in love. He wants to protect her but, he’s not sure from what or who. He knows that movements, fighting, loud noises scare her. While she’s getting ready for her trial (to put her ex-husband away), she’s constantly looking over her shoulder just knowing her ex-husband Russell is out there and knows he’ll do anything to have her killed. I’m not going into Jonathan’s story because I want you to read it. He has a very significant part in her past life and you don’t know the extent of it until close to the end.

It’ll make you smile at times and at the end. It’ll also you make you want Diana’s ex-husband to pay for what he has done to her.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book via NetGalley, to read and provide an honest review.
Diana is starting a new life, but there is a dark shadow hanging over her from her old life. Whilst she tries to fit into a new community, someone is looking for her, and she must be careful what she reveals about her past. She finds herself falling for a man she recognises from her old life, and they face a struggle to be together and to stay safe.
This was an interesting story which gradually unfolded, with twists in the plot along the way. The main characters were credible, and I wanted them to have a happy ending (although I won't reveal here whether they had one or not!). The book was well written, and I didn't spot any grammatical or spelling errors which would have spoiled my enjoyment. The storyline did make me think what it must be like to not be able to tell people the truth about yourself for fear of your own safety.
I would recommend this book to others, and would definitely read other work by the same author.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review
Diana is in a witness protection program because of her ex-husband. Diana's ordeal started 7 years earlier. She had a scar the entire length of her left cheek. Chris was a cop that worked with the witness protection program for 15 years. Chris was driving Diana to a safe house. He was staying 30 minutes east from her. Diana was staying at Pam's apartment. Before going into the apartment, Diana noticed a garden that signified freedom to her. Pam's foster son was Jonathan Smith. Jonathan was also a witness but he was unprotected. Diana recognized him. He was the man that helped her escape her abusive marriage. Richard Ruso was Diana's ex-husband who needed people to see the power he wielded. When things start happening, she might have been found...
This story was very well written. It kept you enthralled. I stayed up all night to finish it. I just couldn't put it down! I absolutely loved it. I recommend it to anyone that likes a good mystery.

[Jemma Flint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for my review copy of this book.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I read most of it in one sitting because I could not put it down. I wanted to know what happened to the characters and the suspense was killing me.

See her run is about Diana who moves to a small town and falls in love but she has a past and it's in the way of anything happening with Jon.

I really liked how Leigh kept you guessing about the plot, even until some of the final moments. Some details weren't given straight away but were hinted at and you would have to wait to find out the answers. Ultimately this is what kept me reading. However, it did confuse me at points because you had to remember who a character was without really knowing much about them, because it was going to be revealed later.

It felt a bit rushed towards the end, all the action seemed to end up in the last 10% of the book but I liked how we got closure with most of the characters at the end.

I would definitely recommend this book.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley Diana is running from her husband Russ he is a mean man that almost destroyed her. She & Chris her handler move to a new town so that her husband can't find as she is going to put him in jail for a very long time as she has information on all his dirty deals and other criminal activities. She meets Jon but he doesn't remember her in a way he saved her from her old life. She tries to keep her distance but the people make her feel welcome except for one person, Claire she is Jon old girlfriend who wants him back. Diana hates lying to everyone but she knows that Russ will stop at nothing he wants her dead. There are some intense moments as their past collide and Jon remember her. Can she be safe with him or will Russ find her and hurt the people she cares about. A great story

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling page-turner of a suspense, with a large dose of romance thrown in, this was an enjoyable light(ish) read.

The story of an abused woman of a powerful felon and her escape into the witness protection program is drip-fed to the reader alongside the happenings in her 'new life' leading up to the trial. As her ex closes in, Diana's past directly affects, and alters, her future.

Both the suspense and romance angles of the story could have been a novel in their own right, so it was a great pleasure to have both intertwined in a single plot. Fun, flirty and suspenseful - a hugely enjoyable read.

*I received a free, advance copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Tania Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

See Her Run by A.K. Leigh.

I’m not one to normally read Romantic Suspense books because I find them too stressful, but this one had me intrigued.

The story of Diana and Jon, two people with horrible pasts of abuse. Diana, under witness protection, tries to start a new life riddled with lies. Jon, trying to allow himself to fall in love and trust people again.

A.K. Leigh’s writing draws you in. The emotion brilliant. The pain very real. I was hooked.

While I found some parts of the novel to be a little bit slow, just knowing that the baddy was coming after them and the showdown was going to be huge, kept me turning the pages.

A.K. Leigh’s debut novel is fantastic. Well done. If you like romantic suspense, this one will have you hooked.

[Dee-Cee It's all about the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

* First off I'd like to say thank you to Netgalley and momentum books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review*

I really enjoyed this book, essentially it's a romance story but there is suspense through out it too and it keeps you turning pages. The characters are realistic and I loved how Diana and Jonathans relationship progressed through out the book. The characters are described well and the story is well written, its a wee bit predictable but that didn't spoil anything for me.

A.K. Leigh has done a wonderful job in writing this book, it flows well and is enthralling. I kept wanting to read more and more even though it was well past bedtime, I just couldn't put it down and had to find out what happened next.
A very enjoyable read x

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a pretty good book with a really good story but I did have a bit of a problem with the writing style. For me it seemed like the author was working a little to hard to keep you guessing about what was going on that you really were not guessing at all. For me it would have been better it if the previous relationship between the charters was addressed in a different manner. As for the suspense aspect of the book I loved that and that was written very well. I would give this book four stars and suggest it to others to read.

[Illustrious Illusions · Rating 4 out of 5]

See Her Run is a a sweet romance with a bit of suspense.

We know who the "bad guy" is. Just not exactly what might happen or when. I give Diana credit and kind of liked her and how she fought to get where she is and continues to fight to keep going. Jon is a great small town character and while a little sweet for my normal tastes, he really grew on me.

The downfall of the story is some of it felt forced in the suspense. It was a sweet romance for sure. The suspense just wasn't as strong for me to classify it as such.

[Shelley Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It hooked me from page one and kept me intrigued until the last word. I loved the way the puzzle unfolded bit by bit, revealing Diana and Jon's backstory, urging me to keep reading to find out how their lives intersected and ending in a satisfying conclusion. AK Leigh has delivered an insightful and uplifting story that goes from strength to strength even as Dina finds her own hidden strengths to overcome a tragic past.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book, it was easy to read and flowed well. it was pretty predictable but i didnt mind that as it was a good storyline. i thought the characters were strong and you were routing for Diana and Jon to get together. it was obvious what was going to happen towards the end but getting to the end was enjoyable and kept you turning the pages. will certainly be looking out for more books by this author.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.

Initially I found it incredibly difficult to get into this book. I found the characters a little annoying and unrelatable. The thing that kept me reading though was definitely my desire to find out what happened to Diana and what led her to the point where she needed to run for her life.

The book really picked up past the half way mark and I found that I coudnt put it down.

[Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much potential. I can overlook cheesy dialogue, too-convenient-to-believe events, or even the bit about not recognizing someone in a disguise (Clark Kent, anyone?). But then after awhile, the good parts start to become overshadowed by the bad parts. This book is good but could be so much better with a good editor.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a smooth read with a great mix of romance and suspense. You will really be rooting for the main characters, and disliking the ex's of both of them. Great read, highly recommend.
I would like to thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book free for an honest review.

[Theweebarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to get round to reading this book and wish I had read it sooner. I really enjoyed it. It had suspense and romance all at the right balance. It was so well written that i could imagine the characters and the situations as I read it. Look forward to more from A K Leigh

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an Oyster Shell – A story that will leave you on the edge of your seat and cheering for Jonathon and Diana.

The Pearls – I loved the book form the very beginning. You can tell something is wrong but you don’t know what it is. Curiosity keeps you turning the pages. At first, you want more information but your curiosity is satisfied soon enough as the mystery unravels page after page.

The small town setting encased a lot of great characters. Small towns could be a good place to hide sometimes, but not always. People getting interested in where a stranger comes from could jeopardize the anonymity that is trying to be achieved.

Diana had a lot of baggage. Jonathon was a loving gentle hero that helped her bring her walls down. Even in the midst of danger and chaos, they come together in a romance that will leave you wanting more.
Full Review: Writing Pearls

[Anne Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Am I the only one who notices the plot holes, the lack of credibility, the unfinished research, etc? I'm beginning to believe i. I read reviews giving 4 or stars to this book, and I don't get it.
It starts with a story that could be good. Diana, in the witness protection program lives now in a new town. But is that the real protection witnesses get?it makes you feel like telling them "don't bother, stay where you are", because it is a big nothing. To hide someone disabled, with fresh scars, in a big village seems risky. To have a cop -and only one?- looking for her is not a lot, especially when the whole precincts of Florida know who the cop is and where to find him. I know, the author made the policeman speak of minders, but they never appeared, not even when badly needed.
Another point which made me scratch my head... She went to court and has given her account. So why is her ex still after her? what will it change? and they want to get pictures of her and her scars now? don't they know that all evidence has to be shared before the trial?
Then, I have a lot more questions. When Diana met Russ, she was holding her parents'farm's books and doing the accounting. A guy appears and speaks with her parents, they die in a car accident the next day, and the same man tells her the farm is bankrupt. She accepts it, like that? He had some fake books to show her, with whose writing? She must have been months before finishing high school, but she drops it, because of this man, she did not know a week before?
The police know he murdered her parents... was he charged for that? That is a big question. Russ is on trial, but what for? domestic violence would not have stirred witness protection, and Chris, the cop here to protect Diana knows about the murders, the little mob empire controlled by Russ. If he was charged with one tenth of the crimes he committed, how can he be walking freely, and not be in jail? on bail, maybe, but without an electronic bracelet?
How come Cindy did not finish high school? how did Jon's ancestors get such an amount of money?
All those unanswered questions prevented me from enjoying this romantical suspense, and it is a shame, ecause it could have made a good novel which more work from the author.

[MeaganC. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I RECEIVED THIS NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

See Her Run is best classified as a novel of romantic intrigue. You have the protagonist who is on the run from an abusive mafioso of an ex-husband. While she's in hiding she finds herself falling in love with a local good boy farmer. The premise of the book sounded very Nora Roberts to me, so I figured it would be a solid read. Unfortunately, I can only give this book a 2.5 star rating.

The author does do some thing well which really made the book more palatable. The unfolding of the story was very interesting and provided for some nice background without giving too much away. I really don't think I would have like the book as much if all had been revealed to me in the beginning. Unfortunately this book suffers from some stark impossibilities and unnecessary character traits. For example, Russ, Jon, and Brad are all MMA trained. Why then do we only see abusive Russ use his fighting skills. I understand the need for Diana to show strength in the final showdown (very reminiscent of J. Lo in the film Enough) but if you've built in the trait of a trained fighter, then the reader should see their skills when it's most needed. It seemed like a very unusual connection for both men in Diana's life to have and then not to build on that for the readers.

Another stark improbability was the fact that the witness protection program would have two protected witnesses in the same town who are both involved in the same case! As a person who is a true crime aficionado, this huge no-no killed the book for me. Why have Jon be involved in the case at all? The book would've probably read better if not for all the ties and connections to the past that the two of them had. It really made no sense that of all the men in all the towns, this would be the guy who she fell in love with from afar, who also saved her from dying, and now she falls in love with him when she has a new alias. Whomp Whomp. Amateur mistake. Not every detail has to be connected for the story to work!