What do you think?
Rate this book
Whiskey River #2
Whiskey River Runaway
When widower Truett Mahan finds a trespasser hiding in one of his building renovation projects, he thinks he has a runaway teen on his hands. He's right about the runaway, but Hope Larson is all woman, and in desperate need of help. True never turns away a person in trouble, but helping Hope wakes up feelings and dreams he thought buried with his wife years ago.
Hope was forced to run to protect the people she loves, paring her life down to what fits in her backpack. True tempts her to stop running and set down some roots in Whiskey River, a town she's come to love.
Can this strong, honorable man help her retake her life, or will the danger she'd left behind strike out at them both?
Hope was forced to run to protect the people she loves, paring her life down to what fits in her backpack. True tempts her to stop running and set down some roots in Whiskey River, a town she's come to love.
Can this strong, honorable man help her retake her life, or will the danger she'd left behind strike out at them both?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2017
466 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Justine Davis
252 books217 followersAuthor biographies are supposed to give you all those statistics, books written, awards won, etc. and I will, I promise...but first let me tell you about this ornery little tomboy (back then, the boys had all the fun...) who was always the one to make up the stories the neighborhood kids would "play". For those who came of age in the computer game era, this is something that was done usually in the backyard, by any number of summer-bored children, with props where appropriate. (Did you know a 55 gallon drum tied to a picnic bench makes a very cool horse?) It wasn't until much later that this tomboy realized two things: A) not everyone made up stories in their heads all the time, and B) in real life, the boys that had already had all the fun now seemed to always be winning.
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
But I digress. I was born on a farm down in Iowa....well, not quite, but close; Boone, Iowa is in the middle of farm country, but I arrived at a hospital. In a snow storm. Make that a blizzard. My sister tells me she knew my destiny when I was very young, because when I first saw the Disney classic Old Yeller, I was apparently so upset that I promptly went home and rewrote the story. In my version, the dog lived, of course. Should have been a clue.
Possibly in response to that blizzard I was born in, I've been a West Coaster since before I was a year old, and intend to stay that way. I have a history of staying. I started my first full time job right out of school (well, there was a very brief sojourn at a place where they made, among other things, burial vaults, but I prefer not to recall that one...) and stayed for twenty-one years. I've been married to the same wonderful guy for going on two decades now. We lived in our last house for seventeen years. (I won't even mention how many dumpsters we filled moving after that long....)
Readers seem as fascinated by my first career as they are with my writing. My time in law enforcement was many things, exciting, nerve wracking, and irritating, but most importantly never, ever boring. It was fascinating enough that I didn't think about writing seriously for several years. I kept a journal, and wrote long letters, collected quotes, mentally rewrote movies, and still made up those stories in my head, but never dreamed of actually writing for publication. I was having too much fun helping to catch bad guys, and being continually amazed at the situations people get themselves into. And eventually I walked away with a wealth of background and story ideas, and knowing some truly great people who work very hard to keep all of us safe. I'm proud to have been one of them, and I'm very aware that I have had the great good fortune of having had two jobs in my life that I love. Many people don't get even one.
But now that I'm in the delicious position of being able to make a living telling those stories in my head, I promise my readers two things: A) I'm staying--I'll keep writing as long as you keep reading, and B) in my stories, the girl--tomboy or not--always wins!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
And now, the official stats:
Justine Dare Davis sold her first book in 1989, and followed that up with the sale of nineteen novels in less than two years. Her first four books were published in 1991, and she saw all reach the finals for either the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award or the Romance Writers of America prestigious RITA Award. She has since won the RITA award four times, along with several Reviewer's Choice awards and three Career Achievement awards from Romantic Times. At the 1998 national conference, Justine was inducted into the RWA Hall of Fame, making her one of a very select group of just eight writers. She also had four titles on the Romantic Times "Top 200 of All Time" list. Her sales now total more than 45, and her books have appeared regularly on best seller lists, including the USA Today list. She has been featured in several local newspapers and nationwide by Associated Press, has appeared on CN
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 1, 2017
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
I'm so glad to be reading Justine Davis again. I'm happy that I found a new series of hers to enjoy. You meet True in Whiskey River Rescue and want to know more about him. He's one of those charcters that stand out and call to you. I love when that happens.
Whiskey River Runaway is the second book in the Whiskey River series and I have to say after reading it I want more!
I really love True. There is just something about him that calls to me. He's such a great guy, one you want to know. He's had a tough few years and you just want him happy again.
Now Hope I wasn't sure about at first but I quickly found that I liked her. I didn't blame her for what she did and how she handled it. She made the best choices for herself and those around her. It took guts for everything she did.
Whiskey River Runaway is a very touching story that pulls at the heart strings. You get to visit with the characters from Whiskey River Rescue which is the prior books. You also meet more characters and get to wonder about them. I can't wait to see who's next.
As much as I enjoyed this story I did have one little issue. I felt what Hope was dealing with at times overshadowed the romance. I wanted them to talk about more then what she was going through. Even with that I enjoyed the story.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
I'm so glad to be reading Justine Davis again. I'm happy that I found a new series of hers to enjoy. You meet True in Whiskey River Rescue and want to know more about him. He's one of those charcters that stand out and call to you. I love when that happens.
Whiskey River Runaway is the second book in the Whiskey River series and I have to say after reading it I want more!
I really love True. There is just something about him that calls to me. He's such a great guy, one you want to know. He's had a tough few years and you just want him happy again.
Now Hope I wasn't sure about at first but I quickly found that I liked her. I didn't blame her for what she did and how she handled it. She made the best choices for herself and those around her. It took guts for everything she did.
Whiskey River Runaway is a very touching story that pulls at the heart strings. You get to visit with the characters from Whiskey River Rescue which is the prior books. You also meet more characters and get to wonder about them. I can't wait to see who's next.
As much as I enjoyed this story I did have one little issue. I felt what Hope was dealing with at times overshadowed the romance. I wanted them to talk about more then what she was going through. Even with that I enjoyed the story.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
ARC received for a honest review
Want to read
October 21, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/21/2021)! 🎁
September 29, 2017
This book started off well with the hero, Truett Mahan, finding Hope Larson hiding out in a house he’s going to be repairing. He realizes right away that she’s running from something and is afraid so he offers her a meal, a place to stay, and a job. There is some suspense as you wait to find out what she’s running from.
Truett is just about too good to be true. He is the nicest guy and admired by everyone. His beloved wife died of cancer and everyone hopes that he’ll find someone special again . The town is ready to welcome Hope.
We’re supposed to believe that Hope has been on the run for four years and has never stayed long in any one place. But it’s not clear at all what she’s been living on. She hasn’t, apparently, had a job and all we read about is one guy who gave her $100. If the author is going to set up such a situation, she could at least provide some background.
Then, after setting up the suspense and tension about Hope’s past, it all gets wrapped up quickly and easily. I just felt that there should have been more of a payoff for that build-up.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2021
Tru and Hope bring the "damsel in distress" theme alive. He was the hero personified and she really was a damsel in big trouble. I loved this couple and I really love Whiskey River. I want to live in a town this precious. This is absolutely a heartwarming series. It's like a wonderful Hallmark movie with some steam.
October 21, 2021
FREE today (October 21, 2021) on Amazon.
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
3.5 stars
Another enjoyable story by Justine Davis. I particularly liked the first half of the story, when the main characters are getting to know each other and we have a lot of mystery and gray areas. We have the hero’s point of view, then the heroine’s, and the slow and gradual disclosure was very nice to read.
I always love a tortured hero, and widower True Mahan is a fine example of the emotionally scarred type, in which Justine Davis excels.
But as I was reading I was feeling that True was too perfect and there were too many people praising him at every opportunity – until all this telling became a bit contrived.
As for the heroine, Hope, I never warmed up to her. I think I prefer Davis’ older heroines (and heroes), like the couple in her little-known gem “Second-Chance Hero”.
I enjoyed seeing again Declan, Kelsey and Lisa and meeting characters such as Jamie/Zee, Jack Ducane and Diego Culhane – I hope they all have their own stories.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
3.5 stars
Another enjoyable story by Justine Davis. I particularly liked the first half of the story, when the main characters are getting to know each other and we have a lot of mystery and gray areas. We have the hero’s point of view, then the heroine’s, and the slow and gradual disclosure was very nice to read.
I always love a tortured hero, and widower True Mahan is a fine example of the emotionally scarred type, in which Justine Davis excels.
But as I was reading I was feeling that True was too perfect and there were too many people praising him at every opportunity – until all this telling became a bit contrived.
As for the heroine, Hope, I never warmed up to her. I think I prefer Davis’ older heroines (and heroes), like the couple in her little-known gem “Second-Chance Hero”.
I enjoyed seeing again Declan, Kelsey and Lisa and meeting characters such as Jamie/Zee, Jack Ducane and Diego Culhane – I hope they all have their own stories.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
November 6, 2021
My first book by Ms Davis was a good book. The only thing that would have made it better was the gang trying to get to Hope. With all of the hype of a deadly cartel after her at least try to stop her. Hope never said they tried. She ran because of what she knew the gang would try to use as leverage.
October 1, 2017
Whiskey River Runaway is the second book in the Whisky River series, and, because I absolutely loved the first book in the series, Whiskey River Rescue, I couldn't wait to read this one. It's an excellent addition to the series, and I liked it only marginally less than the first book, so it gets a 4.5 star rating from this reviewer.
We first meet the hero, Truett Mahan, when he's checking up on a vacant house that's in need of repair and he soon discovers what he believes to be a kid who'd broken in by breaking a window. He believes that kid to be a 15-year-old runaway, only later, after bringing her home, feeding her and offering her a shower and some clean clothing does he realize that what he believed about the kid being a runaway is the only part of what he guessed to be true. Hope Larson isn't a kid, she's a 23-year-old woman who's been on the run for years, and she's not talking about it. When he sees her all cleaned up, he's shocked at the attraction he feels for her. He hasn't taken an interest in any woman since the death of his beloved wife, who died after a long battle with cancer 6 years earlier.
True is a fixer by nature--since he wasn't able to fix his wife, ever since her death he's felt compelled to fix everything for everyone in town, whether it's a broken fence, an electrical problem, he's on it and it's something that turned into a full-time job, a job he loves. Everyone in the town of Whiskey River adores and trusts him, and slowly but surely, as he tries to fix Hope, the town begins to trust her too.
As I said when I reviewed the first book in this series, and I'll say it again about this one, Justine Davis has a special and unique gift when it comes to creating and writing about the physically and/or emotional wounded, the hopeless ones, those whose spirits are broken. We already know that True was broken when he lost his wife, and he and the reader slowly learn why and what sent Hope on the run, and because True matches his name, we watch him as he tries to get Hope to open up about why she's running and who she's running from, let him fix her problem, and put a stop to her running. In the process, we get to revisit characters we met in the first novel, who are more than willing to help, especially after they see that True is interested in more than just helping Hope. If this book doesn't make you want to pack your bags and move to Whiskey River too, or find someplace just like it, I'll be shocked.
I won't give away Hope's secrets in this review, but there's one reason that I didn't give this wonderful novel a full 5 stars, and it's that when we finally do learn Hope's secrets and she finally decides to meet them head on, I expected a confrontation between the forces of good and the evildoers-- more danger, more suspense, action and drama, but that confrontation doesn't happen on the page, we only read that it did happen and that the danger to Hope is over.
From an author who has never disappointed me yet, never missed dotting an "i" or crossing a "t", it left me surprised at the rather quick and abrupt resolution and HEA ending, when I so wanted to watch Hope stand up for herself and claim a victory over the danger as well as her fears. The fact that the ending didn't happen the way I had anticipated it would isn't a huge point, but I did find it both puzzling and surprising coming from this author. Do not under any circumstances let my slight dissatisfaction with the way the ending happened dissuade you from reading this otherwise top-notch and grippingly addictive romance novel. Ms. Davis does hint at who the next novel in the series will feature, and personally, I can't wait to read it.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
We first meet the hero, Truett Mahan, when he's checking up on a vacant house that's in need of repair and he soon discovers what he believes to be a kid who'd broken in by breaking a window. He believes that kid to be a 15-year-old runaway, only later, after bringing her home, feeding her and offering her a shower and some clean clothing does he realize that what he believed about the kid being a runaway is the only part of what he guessed to be true. Hope Larson isn't a kid, she's a 23-year-old woman who's been on the run for years, and she's not talking about it. When he sees her all cleaned up, he's shocked at the attraction he feels for her. He hasn't taken an interest in any woman since the death of his beloved wife, who died after a long battle with cancer 6 years earlier.
True is a fixer by nature--since he wasn't able to fix his wife, ever since her death he's felt compelled to fix everything for everyone in town, whether it's a broken fence, an electrical problem, he's on it and it's something that turned into a full-time job, a job he loves. Everyone in the town of Whiskey River adores and trusts him, and slowly but surely, as he tries to fix Hope, the town begins to trust her too.
As I said when I reviewed the first book in this series, and I'll say it again about this one, Justine Davis has a special and unique gift when it comes to creating and writing about the physically and/or emotional wounded, the hopeless ones, those whose spirits are broken. We already know that True was broken when he lost his wife, and he and the reader slowly learn why and what sent Hope on the run, and because True matches his name, we watch him as he tries to get Hope to open up about why she's running and who she's running from, let him fix her problem, and put a stop to her running. In the process, we get to revisit characters we met in the first novel, who are more than willing to help, especially after they see that True is interested in more than just helping Hope. If this book doesn't make you want to pack your bags and move to Whiskey River too, or find someplace just like it, I'll be shocked.
I won't give away Hope's secrets in this review, but there's one reason that I didn't give this wonderful novel a full 5 stars, and it's that when we finally do learn Hope's secrets and she finally decides to meet them head on, I expected a confrontation between the forces of good and the evildoers-- more danger, more suspense, action and drama, but that confrontation doesn't happen on the page, we only read that it did happen and that the danger to Hope is over.
From an author who has never disappointed me yet, never missed dotting an "i" or crossing a "t", it left me surprised at the rather quick and abrupt resolution and HEA ending, when I so wanted to watch Hope stand up for herself and claim a victory over the danger as well as her fears. The fact that the ending didn't happen the way I had anticipated it would isn't a huge point, but I did find it both puzzling and surprising coming from this author. Do not under any circumstances let my slight dissatisfaction with the way the ending happened dissuade you from reading this otherwise top-notch and grippingly addictive romance novel. Ms. Davis does hint at who the next novel in the series will feature, and personally, I can't wait to read it.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 2, 2019
This is the first book I've read by Justine Davis, and although it is the second book in a series, it is not necessary to read the first book in order to completely enjoy this one. The characters from the first book do appear in this book, but everything is handled in such a way that I never felt like I was missing anything by not having read that story first. With that being said, I will add that I enjoyed this book so much--and what I learned about the characters from the first book--that I plan to buy and read the first book (and then probably this one again!). I love a down-on-her-luck but strong heroine, and although she doesn't think she's very strong, Hope is just that. And True is patient, kind, and all kinds of hot. Both characters are very well developed, and the connection with them and between them is intense. The author also creates a strong connection with the secondary characters, to the point that its easy for the reader to become immersed in their world. That was one of my absolute favorite things about this story, and it's what makes me want to go back and read the first story and will have me eager to read the next in the series. My only complaint with this one is that I became frustrated with Hope's back-and-forth thoughts; one minute she was thinking of staying, and then the next, she's convinced she must go. Although this wishy-washiness is understandable to a point, it happened enough times that it started to make things feel a bit disjointed to me. I'm not sure how some of that kind of stuff got past an editor; tightening those pieces up and another good proofread for grammar would make this a 5-star book. Nonetheless, I definitely recommend this one because my small issues may be mine alone, and they certainly are not dominant enough to seriously affect the enjoyment of this wonderful story.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2025
The first book in this series earned five shining stars from me, but Book 2 failed to make the grade, mainly because True Mahan (our hero) is too good to be true! Everyone in Whiskey River likes True, because he's "good, solid, caring, hard-working, respected, responsible, even noble." Not to mention how hot and gorgeous he is! This guy is practically a saint. He quit college to raise his little sister after their parents died in an accident. He took care of his wife while she was dying of cancer. So naturally, when True finds a bleeding young woman hiding in a ramshackle old house, he takes her to his home for food, shelter, and care.
Hope Larson doesn't have much hope. She's been on the run for four years, ever since she witnessed the murder of her best friend by Cagan--the kingpin of a drug ring in Los Angeles. How has Hope managed to survive for four years? We don't know, but now she's safe with True--unless she decides to run again. True wants Hope to stay, because this same guy who's been grieving over the death of his wife for nearly six years is suddenly swamped with insta-love for Hope. Within a week, he takes her to his bed for the first of several steamy, explicit lovemaking sessions.
Hope falls in love as well, because how could she possibly resist this perfect hero? But she needs to keep running, afraid to stay with True in Whiskey River and afraid to return to Los Angeles to testify against Cagan. Her quandary (and the steamy scenes) consume 85% of the story. How does it end? I'm not saying. Kudos for limited profanity (no f-bombs), immersive settings, and those beautiful rescue horses. Whiskey River Runaway earns three stars from me.
Hope Larson doesn't have much hope. She's been on the run for four years, ever since she witnessed the murder of her best friend by Cagan--the kingpin of a drug ring in Los Angeles. How has Hope managed to survive for four years? We don't know, but now she's safe with True--unless she decides to run again. True wants Hope to stay, because this same guy who's been grieving over the death of his wife for nearly six years is suddenly swamped with insta-love for Hope. Within a week, he takes her to his bed for the first of several steamy, explicit lovemaking sessions.
Hope falls in love as well, because how could she possibly resist this perfect hero? But she needs to keep running, afraid to stay with True in Whiskey River and afraid to return to Los Angeles to testify against Cagan. Her quandary (and the steamy scenes) consume 85% of the story. How does it end? I'm not saying. Kudos for limited profanity (no f-bombs), immersive settings, and those beautiful rescue horses. Whiskey River Runaway earns three stars from me.
October 1, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
A woman on the run, a man and a town willing to help her stay and made a stand, plan for a future… if she is willing to take the risk of trusting once again.
While Whiskey River Runaway is fast paced, it never felt rushed to me. Real life often does not take the meandering road but gets straight to the point. Hope has left behind everyone she loves in the belief that she can only keep them safe by remaining on the run. It’s not a pretty life, the fear and loneliness often get to her, yet she feels she has no other choice. Allowing herself to trust in True, in the kind people of this small town is a huge risk but this is a man, if her life were different, she could have seen herself settling happily down with for life. Now she has to make a decision. Trust the man, the love or keep running forever now also leaving her heart behind as well.
I enjoyed my time in Whiskey River once again. Hope and True make a compelling couple. As always the secondary characters bring a book to life and I have hopes of seeing them again, perhaps in their own stories. I’d happily recommend this story and the series to any Romance reader who enjoys realistic couples, issues to be dealt with and lively secondary characters.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
A woman on the run, a man and a town willing to help her stay and made a stand, plan for a future… if she is willing to take the risk of trusting once again.
While Whiskey River Runaway is fast paced, it never felt rushed to me. Real life often does not take the meandering road but gets straight to the point. Hope has left behind everyone she loves in the belief that she can only keep them safe by remaining on the run. It’s not a pretty life, the fear and loneliness often get to her, yet she feels she has no other choice. Allowing herself to trust in True, in the kind people of this small town is a huge risk but this is a man, if her life were different, she could have seen herself settling happily down with for life. Now she has to make a decision. Trust the man, the love or keep running forever now also leaving her heart behind as well.
I enjoyed my time in Whiskey River once again. Hope and True make a compelling couple. As always the secondary characters bring a book to life and I have hopes of seeing them again, perhaps in their own stories. I’d happily recommend this story and the series to any Romance reader who enjoys realistic couples, issues to be dealt with and lively secondary characters.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
April 8, 2022
Explicit sex, but good story
Hope's mysterious reason for running drew me in, True's reputation, as well as his pun for a name, almost made me quit reading. I know noone's as perfect as this guy, and I've known some pretty great people, my husband being as honest snd loyal as they come. But this character is just too unbelievable! The mystery of Jamie & Zee (does every name have to be shortened?) was aggravating since I won't be reading about it. I did wait for something sinister to happen, after learning Hope's secret. But I was surprised..kind of anticlimax, & not the ending I suspected. Each of the last 3 chapters made me feel that the book had ended, so I was very disappointed in how the author dragged everything out. And last, the romance was totally ruined by pornography. Once the author started it, she didn't slow it down for remainder of book. Is there a quota of pornographic scenes now by the publisher that the author has to fill? The end, the end, not quite the end.
Hope's mysterious reason for running drew me in, True's reputation, as well as his pun for a name, almost made me quit reading. I know noone's as perfect as this guy, and I've known some pretty great people, my husband being as honest snd loyal as they come. But this character is just too unbelievable! The mystery of Jamie & Zee (does every name have to be shortened?) was aggravating since I won't be reading about it. I did wait for something sinister to happen, after learning Hope's secret. But I was surprised..kind of anticlimax, & not the ending I suspected. Each of the last 3 chapters made me feel that the book had ended, so I was very disappointed in how the author dragged everything out. And last, the romance was totally ruined by pornography. Once the author started it, she didn't slow it down for remainder of book. Is there a quota of pornographic scenes now by the publisher that the author has to fill? The end, the end, not quite the end.
November 4, 2017
There was so much to like about this book. I have been a fan of Justine Davis for years, but it has been a while since I read her. I know this is book two in the series, but I didn't feel lost and I definitely want to pick up the first story. I loved the main characters True and Hope, and I liked the other characters as well in their close-knit community.
True, a widower, finds Hope in his friend's cabin and thinks she is a kid. He takes her back to his place to give her a helping hand. Your heart breaks as you find out Hope's story since she has been on the run for years trying to protect those she loves. True helps her find her self-worth and he and his friends help Hope learn there are people out there that she can trust. I rooted for this couple to find their HEA and I think Ms Davis would make a fortune if she could bottle and mass produce wonderful heroes like True in the real world.
True, a widower, finds Hope in his friend's cabin and thinks she is a kid. He takes her back to his place to give her a helping hand. Your heart breaks as you find out Hope's story since she has been on the run for years trying to protect those she loves. True helps her find her self-worth and he and his friends help Hope learn there are people out there that she can trust. I rooted for this couple to find their HEA and I think Ms Davis would make a fortune if she could bottle and mass produce wonderful heroes like True in the real world.
May 10, 2024
Firstly the title and cover of the book spoke to me immediately. I am always over the moon when I find a new author - this story was just up my alley! Related completely to the brotherly/sister relationship between True and Zee. I fell in love with True, who wouldn't - we need more of him in this world! Enjoyed the historic facts shared about Whiskey River, which added a layer of charm to the story. Hope's destiny was meant to stumble upon Whiskey River, where she found genuine folk and everyone in the little town embraced her unconditionally. I had a strong feeling that Hope's initial encounter with Shadow was going to open doors for her, she had a natural knack with Shadow. Hope bloomed where she was planted and now there was no turning back, especially with her rock, True. I thought the last chapter just encapsulated the end to the story in such a magical way, with the important characters attached to Hope's story of courage An incredible story, I loved the plot!
September 27, 2017
I LOVED this story. It's emotional, heartwarming, and hopeful. Tru and Hope are two characters that live up to their name. This is a wonderfully written story that you don't want to miss.
Tru has loved and lost. Now he lives his life to help others trying to make up for not being able to help his wife. When he finds Hope injured and bloody he knows she has troubles and he can't help himself, he has to help her. Hope has witnessed something that changed her life. Now to protect those she loves she has to keep moving. Staying in Whiskey River isn't an option no matter how much she falls for the town and Tru. Can these two come together and find a way to heal each other?
A recommended read!
Tru has loved and lost. Now he lives his life to help others trying to make up for not being able to help his wife. When he finds Hope injured and bloody he knows she has troubles and he can't help himself, he has to help her. Hope has witnessed something that changed her life. Now to protect those she loves she has to keep moving. Staying in Whiskey River isn't an option no matter how much she falls for the town and Tru. Can these two come together and find a way to heal each other?
A recommended read!
November 29, 2017
Whiskey River Runaway has been a pleasure to read. The second book in Justine Davis’ Whiskey River series, this is a second chance at love story for hero True Mahan, who lost his wife to cancer.
True is one of those men who are almost too good to be true - a fixer in every sense of the word and humble as well. Hope is feisty and determined, lo6al and caring but it takes a lot to earn her trust. They’re both well developed, believable characters. I liked the way they interacted with each other.
For the most part, this story moved a long at a clipping pace and was an enjoyable read. I felt it dragged a little at the end - the last chapter and the epilogue seemed to last forever, but still a good read.
True is one of those men who are almost too good to be true - a fixer in every sense of the word and humble as well. Hope is feisty and determined, lo6al and caring but it takes a lot to earn her trust. They’re both well developed, believable characters. I liked the way they interacted with each other.
For the most part, this story moved a long at a clipping pace and was an enjoyable read. I felt it dragged a little at the end - the last chapter and the epilogue seemed to last forever, but still a good read.
October 23, 2021
free ebook
she ran away after seeing a gang murder in ca. she ended up in a vacant house in tx.
he was taking care of the house, saw it was broken into and found her hiding in the closet. she was bleeding from running away from someone she hitched a ride with
he took her home and cleaned her up and gave her a job with his sister
he was very well liked in the small town
she wanted to stay but was afraid the gang would come after her grandparents in ca and him there if they found her
she saved a small boy when he got hit by a car, it made the papers with her name and she was terrified. he had found out why she was running and with his connections and her cooperation she testified and got them put away so everyone would be safe
they were in love and going to get married
she ran away after seeing a gang murder in ca. she ended up in a vacant house in tx.
he was taking care of the house, saw it was broken into and found her hiding in the closet. she was bleeding from running away from someone she hitched a ride with
he took her home and cleaned her up and gave her a job with his sister
he was very well liked in the small town
she wanted to stay but was afraid the gang would come after her grandparents in ca and him there if they found her
she saved a small boy when he got hit by a car, it made the papers with her name and she was terrified. he had found out why she was running and with his connections and her cooperation she testified and got them put away so everyone would be safe
they were in love and going to get married
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2021
Hope is on the run from her past, and when she lands in Whiskey River and meets True, it’s not easy to trust. True likes to fix things. But how can he when Hope won’t tell him why she’s running? Despite both of their best intentions, they are drawn to each other, even if it does seem doomed.
I picked this up when it was free, and I’m glad I did. It’s a charming small town romance (with steam, so if you like them clean, this isn’t your book). I liked the characters. Not just True and Hope, but also the supporting characters. This is book two, but I didn’t feel like I was getting lost because I hadn’t read book one (which I assume was about Deck and Kelsey). There was a good solid plot to hold my interest, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I picked this up when it was free, and I’m glad I did. It’s a charming small town romance (with steam, so if you like them clean, this isn’t your book). I liked the characters. Not just True and Hope, but also the supporting characters. This is book two, but I didn’t feel like I was getting lost because I hadn’t read book one (which I assume was about Deck and Kelsey). There was a good solid plot to hold my interest, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
October 4, 2017
Whiskey River Runaway by Justine Davis has all the elements of her first books I remember reading. Mystery, danger, and lonely, wounded souls in need of healing. Those same characters having integrity, deserving and worthy of love. It is all here in this well-crafted story.
Truett and Hope’s story is an emotional well-written read of loss, desperation, helping, healing, hope and finding love. I liked the characters, enjoyed their story all the while rooting for them both to stick together and face what was causing Hope to run.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
Truett and Hope’s story is an emotional well-written read of loss, desperation, helping, healing, hope and finding love. I liked the characters, enjoyed their story all the while rooting for them both to stick together and face what was causing Hope to run.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
August 4, 2020
Whiskey River series is my introduction to Justine Davis. I am now on my third book in the series. I loved both of the first two books but there were some editing problems or I may have given them five stars. A mistake once in a while is expected but when there are many of them it takes away from being lost in the story. But Mrs. Davis’ writing is excellent and the storyline wants me to keep reading. I careD very much about the main characters and the sub characters. I will definitely read other books by her.
July 21, 2023
A sweet story, nice characters and nice to see characters from the previous book reappear, as well as hints for the next book.
It did feel a little repetitive on the theme of Hope being afraid to face her past but longing to stay in Whiskey River with True.
One thing that didn't make a lot of sense was when Hope says she stocked up on contraceptive pills before she left LA. When she didn't know how long she'd be on the run for....and when we meet her she's been on the run for 4 years, so she started out carting round 4 years worth of the pill at least, hmmm seems a bit implausible.
It did feel a little repetitive on the theme of Hope being afraid to face her past but longing to stay in Whiskey River with True.
One thing that didn't make a lot of sense was when Hope says she stocked up on contraceptive pills before she left LA. When she didn't know how long she'd be on the run for....and when we meet her she's been on the run for 4 years, so she started out carting round 4 years worth of the pill at least, hmmm seems a bit implausible.
October 1, 2017
Whiskey River Runaway (Whiskey River Series Book 2) by Justine Davis
This is widower Truitt “True” Mahan and Hope Larson’s story.
The story grabbed me right from the start. I enjoyed this emotional, steamy, and heartfelt romance.
I loved how True and Hope meet. Will Hope be able to trust True? Can True love again?
FYI, contains mature and graphic content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is widower Truitt “True” Mahan and Hope Larson’s story.
The story grabbed me right from the start. I enjoyed this emotional, steamy, and heartfelt romance.
I loved how True and Hope meet. Will Hope be able to trust True? Can True love again?
FYI, contains mature and graphic content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
December 14, 2017
A story that has all the elements for a read that will stay with you long after it ends: romance, tension, suspense, characters with personality to jumps off the page, and best of all a HEA when it seems impossible for it to happen. True and Hope's story will leave you believing that good will always overcome evil, especially when it is hard faught.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
May 18, 2019
Heartwarming
This is a fairly new author to me, and I will definitely read more of her stories. I have enjoyed this series and the characters. Ms. Davis makes the reader feel right along with those characters. This is a story about trust, small town values, friendships, believing in oneself, and more. There were several errors that better proofreading should have caught, but the storyline was still good.
This is a fairly new author to me, and I will definitely read more of her stories. I have enjoyed this series and the characters. Ms. Davis makes the reader feel right along with those characters. This is a story about trust, small town values, friendships, believing in oneself, and more. There were several errors that better proofreading should have caught, but the storyline was still good.
May 12, 2020
Beautiful story.
This story has such an amazing set of characters. Hope, lost and running away from a witnessed tragedy to protect her loved ones. Truett (True), has experienced his own tragedy and come through with scars. He does however have the biggest heart and the town of Whiskey River respect and adore him.
This story allows their worlds to collide and all the change and personal growth that comes along with it is truly heartwarming.
This story has such an amazing set of characters. Hope, lost and running away from a witnessed tragedy to protect her loved ones. Truett (True), has experienced his own tragedy and come through with scars. He does however have the biggest heart and the town of Whiskey River respect and adore him.
This story allows their worlds to collide and all the change and personal growth that comes along with it is truly heartwarming.
July 22, 2020
The second book in the Whiskey River series a well written story with a very good storyline. I was not putting this book down until I had finished reading. Widower Truett Mahan and runaway Hope Larson's story there is suspense, drama, a community behind her, and a second chance at romance. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2021
The author writes big.
The characters in this story were interesting, everyone of them. The storyline got more involved but not only kept my interest, it did this without presenting so much detail that the story got too jumbled and overwhelming. It was a fun, attention holding read.
The characters in this story were interesting, everyone of them. The storyline got more involved but not only kept my interest, it did this without presenting so much detail that the story got too jumbled and overwhelming. It was a fun, attention holding read.
October 4, 2017
Whiskey River Runaway is the second book in the Whiskey River series, but can be read as a standalone. It has a strong character development and it is easy to become connected with the characters and their world. Looking forward to more in this series.
October 19, 2018
Whiskey River Runaway (Whiskey River series Book 2)
True finds Hope camping out in an old house that he is securing. He sees that she is injured. He takes her home to help her out and a wonderful story develops from there!
True finds Hope camping out in an old house that he is securing. He sees that she is injured. He takes her home to help her out and a wonderful story develops from there!
October 29, 2018
A book that’s a whole story - Movie worthy!
Love reading books that are whole stories. That have more books coming with the other characters in book. These books also don’t spend a third of the books repeating things from the previous ones. Love them.
Love reading books that are whole stories. That have more books coming with the other characters in book. These books also don’t spend a third of the books repeating things from the previous ones. Love them.
November 4, 2021
Whiskey River Runaway
This book had so many layers of good! Healing, trust, faith, love and Hope! True was a real gentleman that thought of everything and in every way helped Hope! He was a true hero and the supporting cast was amazing. People you fall in love with!
This book had so many layers of good! Healing, trust, faith, love and Hope! True was a real gentleman that thought of everything and in every way helped Hope! He was a true hero and the supporting cast was amazing. People you fall in love with!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews