On the Run

Emergency Responders #3

by Valerie Hansen

Is she running from danger-- or into it?

When a desperate criminal pulls a gun on her in the ER, nurse Janie Kirkpatrick is in deep trouble -- until undercover cop Brad Benton saves her life. Now Janie's a witness with a lethal enemy and on the run with a stranger. She has no choice but to trust Brad. But can he take down the criminals before a murderer parts them forever?

Mills & Boon Love Inspired Suspense -- Courage. Danger. Faith.

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Audiobook, Love Inspired Suspense, Mystery, Contemporary

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Valerie Hansen is the pen name of Valerie Whisenand.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Although I have been a published author since the mid 1980s, I have been writing women's Christian fiction almost exclusively since 1999.

There is a longer, more detailed bio on my website so there's no need for me to repeat all that here. Right now, I write for all three Love Inspired lines, Romance, Suspense and Historical. I'm delighted to have been included that broadly and besides, it keeps me so busy that I stay out of trouble. Well, mostly.

You'll find me on the LI Historical blog as well as other LI features. If I try to do much more I won't have time to write my books!

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a romance suspense, and this is the third book in the Emergency Responders series. I have not read the first two books in this series before picking up this book. You are put right in to the action, and the action never stops in this book. This is a short fact pace book, but I almost feel there is to much action in this book. There is so much going on in this book. You really do not get to learn about the characters in this book. The plot/storyline drives this story not the characters. The book keep me reading and I like it ok. I just wanted the characters to be more developed, and I wanted to feel more for the characters. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Kristina Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Characters: Both Brad and Janie were interesting characters who contributed to the plot. Janie's backstory gave her depth and allowed me to understand her actions.

Language: Clean.

Moral: I'm not sure there was a moral, but Brad and Janie were both Christians and prayed several times throughout the story.

Plot: Wow! This book contained tons of action! Poor Brad and Janie never got a break. This plot definitely kept my interest. I did think a couple of parts tended toward being a little hokey.

Romance: Clean. Just a few kisses. Also, Brad and Janie fell in love really quickly. But due to the book only covering a few days, I could deal with it. :)

Writing: This is the first book I've read by Valerie Hansen (I believe), and I enjoyed her writing style. I'd like to read more by her in the future!

Overall: On the Run was an exciting read, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy Christian fiction and romantic suspense.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect blend of intense suspense and vivid action scenes sprinkled with humour in unexpected places. I'd be shrieking "Behinnndddd yyooouuuuu!!!! Noooooo!!!!" one second and snort-laughing the next. That's largely thanks to Janie and her well-timed sarcastic wit and ingenuous self defense methods. That girl can think on her feet.

And the romance -- toe-curls are not optional, they're a given. This is a case where insta-love works brilliantly. These two have no history before they lay eyes on each other in the ER but sometimes heart meets heart and that's all that's needed to start an enduring love story. Scrumptiously delightful with optimum swoonworthy scenes in strategic places. Divine!

I was thrilled to discover this LIS selection on audible. So thrilled that I preordered it and then got the charge of my bibliophile life when it was delivered two days early! Squeal!!! I started listening right away. (Yes, I'm book nerdy like that.) Romy Nordlinger's narration is spot on, bringing Hansen's story to life -- kept me in riveted compulsive listening mode for most of the day. And then it was over. :-( But it sure was a literary blast while it lasted!

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Pretty good suspense. Started out great and kept it up. Will read this author again.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tanta adrenalina visto che le scene in cui i due protagonisti si trovano in pericolo si susseguono senza respiro, sembra tutto un pochino esagerato...

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced, quick read that takes off and true to the title, follows Janie and Brad as they are on the run, trying to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. Brad Benton is deep undercover, hoping to crack open a drug ring, but when things go too far he steps in to save the life of Janie an ER nurse who finds herself in the crossfire.

Janie has a history of not being able to trust the men in her life, so she is more than a little hesitant to put her life in the hands of a man she just met and believed to be one of the gangsters. I really admired how she was able to overcome her past, her high regard for human life, as well as her strong faith throughout the story.

Brad is cool, calm, good at thinking on his feet, he is committed to his mission, and is a fantastic driver! I loved his great relationship with his boss and the trust between them.

This is an engaging read, with likable characters and great plot. I especially liked Janie's dog Pixie, who was absolutely adorable! A quick read, highly entertaining!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Anna Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ pg 57. Which for a 'Love, Inspired' suspense is pretty amazing.

Here's the deal: The suspense arm of LI publishing is their weakest. The storylines are absurd at best, laughably horrible more typically. And I told myself I wasn't going to buy them, but then somehow (big box at a yard sale) I ended up with almost FOUR HUNDRED of these things (for pennies).

I have *NO*patience with these books when I pick them up, though. I've read fifty or more and found THREE worth finishing (let alone keeping), it's that bad. You've got to REALLY impress me.

This did *NOT*. First, every. single. event has to be planned just perfectly by the author for anything in this book to even be plausible. The timing is ridiculous.

But the author lost me when she had the undercover cop LEAVE A BACKPACK FULL OF DRUGS IN HER CAR WITH THE WINDOW BUSTED OUT and go into the hospital to question a comatose dude in ICU... with bad guys on their way to get them.

N.O.B.O.D.Y. is stupid enough to leave the drugs in the car like that, for the love of all that's holy. NOBODY. I... can't even.

So no. I'm not reading this book.
It's in the DNF pile, and I get to move on to another in this series,
because sadly I have *TWO* of these to deal with.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the Run by Valerie Hansen is true to its name. It is full of action from the first scene in the ER to the end. Jamie is an ER nurse and Brad is working undercover to identify a the lead drug dealer.

He makes the decision to protect her which puts him in a tough position. The majority of the book they are On The Run from the criminals out to silence them.


I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

[Abigail Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outlandishly dramatic!

Okay, if you like a crazy slightly repetitive predictable romantic suspense this is the book for you... Me? I found it to be hilarious even when it shouldn't be since it was soooo melodramatic.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janie Kilpatrick is on duty in the ER. A man with a gunshot wound has been brought in by three men, one of them with a gun. The loudspeakers in the ER are announcing "CODE SILVER." Janie sure knows what that means since she is with the gunshot wound patient and the man with the gun. It turns out the patient is the son of the man with the gun. This is not looking good. Janie has faced hardship and abuse from her three brothers. She escaped that life, took self-defense classes and became a nurse. She needs to get herself out of this dangerous situation. One of the men steps up to help her. There's a struggle. The gun goes off. Now there are two gunshot victims. But Janie can escape. Following the shooting Janie is sent home to recuperate from the frightening situation. While there she receives a call from the stranger who helped her in the ER. He tells her she is in danger and to leave town. Why should she trust this guy?

Brad Benton has gone undercover to infiltrate the drug gang responsible for killing the son of his boss, Chief Winterhaven. During a drug deal gone bad the dealers he is with are against taking the one who is shot to the hospital. Brad insists but tells the leader, Speevey and his other son to wait outside while he drops off Tim Speevey. But Speevey doesn't listen, insisting he and his other son had to go in with him and the situation went south quickly. The ER nurse was almost shot and now both Skeevey's sons were dead or critically wounded. Brad knew he had to stick to his role. He had to ferret out the supposed legitimate business men running this drug ring. When he decided to do what he could for Janie that game plan failed. Now they were on the run. The bad guys kept finding them and both he and Janie were lucky to still be alive. Time for a new game plan. This time it had to be successful. His life and the life of the woman he was falling for depends on success.

On the Run by Valerie Hansen is the third book in her Emergency Responders series. This was a thrilling read. There's lots of suspense and bullets flying. I liked how Ms. Hansen kept me guessing until the end. The plot of the story had plenty of action but also had me questioning some of the scenes. The two main characters Janie and Brad were so protective of each other. I loved that about them. They are so good for each other. Janie had major trust issues due to her abusive brothers and she needed to be sure Brad's tough exterior encased a softer interior, a good heart. Brad learned from Janie that it was OK to let go and love. They make such a sweet couple, along with Janie's little dog Pixie. I have enjoyed all the stories in this series so far.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quite a ride and I was all for it till the very end. I loved getting to konw briefly the characters and while I found the tiny bit of romance that was brewing I'm glad it wasn't taken too far I mean their life is in danger this is no time for that. I loved how they were perfect where one lacked or needed help they were right by each others side. Janie had a tough past and is perfect for going with the flow and just being there but there is one thing that she really held firm was her dog and you can see that love she had for her dog, what I loved was that her dog also helped with his part in protecting and alerting when things were seeming to go south. I loved that there was so much going on that I just couldn't stop reading not wanting to miss a thing. Overall great book I really enjoyed it.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on the Love Inspired Suspense, On the Run. This is the third book in the Emergency Responders Series. I really enjoy Valerie's books, I'm always excited when I get one in the mail. This story is well written, action packed, and full of drama. Faith is a very important part of each of her books. I know you are going to love it.

ER Nurse Janie Kirkpatrick is working when four armed men come into her room, one with a gunshot wound. The man is bleeding out. As the oldest man threatens her with a gun one of the other men move up to help her. He cuts the clothes off and puts in the IV when she is shaking to bad to insert it. The older man assaults her and her past kicks in. She had been badly abused by her cruel brothers and had learned self defense. She fights her attacker with everything she has. The gun goes off and the other thug is shot. The man that has been helping her drags the "boss" out of the room.

Undercover cop Bradley Benton is trying to find who killed his boss's son. During the fray he realizes he knows the nurse. He had been called out when her brothers were abusing her years ago. He does all that he can to keep them apart. The "boss" later tells him is going after the nurse who killed his two sons. Brad must save her at all cost. Can he save her and not reveal who he really is to the "boss"?

A horrific journey full of twists and turns. God has a plan for these two, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a plan for peace and not for destruction. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life even in this time of chaos. God is so good!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"On the Run" is a romantic suspense novel. I liked that Janie saved Brad's life as often as he saved hers. She's brave and was willing to run into danger if it meant saving someone she cared about. Janie could be irrational, though, when it came to her dog. Brad didn't seem to mind this, so they'll probably get along fine even when not in the middle of danger. However, the story was just to...odd to seem realistic. I can somewhat understand Janie insisting on finding her lost dog even though they know the bad guys (who are trying to kill them) are nearby. But when they arrived, she stormed up the bad guys demanding to know where her dog was. Really? And even though it was obvious to anyone at that point that Brad wasn't loyal to the drug people, he still tried to go back undercover with the same group of people that he'd just betrayed. Why, when at the end, capturing the bad guys was as simple as throwing a party and looking for familiar thug faces? And, at one point, Janie refused to consider getting on a plane (especially during a storm) even though not doing so would mean death, yet she promptly fell asleep after the plane took off. Finally, though Janie and Brad quickly came to admire each other, getting married after three or four days of knowing each other under extreme circumstances just didn't work for me. Both Janie and Brad prayed to God for help. There was no sex or bad language.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[TLynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Run is the third book in the Emergency Responders series. It was a new-to-me author and I don’t feel like I missed anything by starting in the middle of the series. The book was well written, perfectly paced, and had a developed plot. It caught my attention from the first page with an intense scene in the ER. There was lots of action, mystery, twists and turns, and a very unexpected ending. I loved the characters and instantly connected with them. They were genuine, compassionate, and heart-rending.
Brad Benton is an undercover cop trying to discover the top leaders of a drug ring. He risks his cover when he protects the ER nurse, Janie Kirkpatrick. He hoped to maintain his cover but realizes it’s too late when he gets ambushed while doing a drop-off. Now he is on the run with Janie and both their lives are at stake. Janie Kirkpatrick was terrified when she was held at gunpoint in the ER. She was not sure why Brad helped her and later doubted his warning when he contacts her to warn her to leave town. Once she discovers her life really is in danger, she knows she must help Brad in his mission. Can they identify the top leaders before they are murdered?
Wow, this was an intense and action-filled story. I loved all the twists and was extremely surprised with the ending, which I never would have seen coming. This was definitely a book I could not put down until I finished it.
I received an ARC and am willingly leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jo-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me from page one - it's fast paced, exciting with strong characters, and a well thought out plot.

Janie Kilpatrick was working as a nurse in the ER department when a seriously injured man was brought in by three men, one of them with a gun. She needed to get herself out of this dangerous situation. Surprisingly, one of the men stepped up to help with the victim. There was a struggle and the gun went off, leaving two gunshot victims. After Janie was sent home to recuperate, she received a call from the man who helped her in the ER. He told her she was in danger and to leave town. Should she believe him? Trust him?

Brad Benton had gone undercover to infiltrate a drug gang. During a drug deal gone wrong, the dealers he was with were against taking the one who was shot, to the hospital. Brad insisted, saying he would just drop the man off. But the leader wanted to go in too. Things quickly went from bad to worse when another man was shot and Janie, an RN, was nearly shot. Brad knew he had to stick to his role. When he decided to do what he could for Janie, that plan failed. Now they were running from the bad guys who kept finding them. Brad and Janie were lucky to still be alive. He had to come up with a new plan that had to work. His life and the life of the woman he was falling for depended on it.

A great suspenseful book full of action, intrigue and great characters. I loved all the twists and especially loved the ending. Kept me turning the pages and glued to the book.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is published as one of the Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense reads and it certainly lives up to that genre!

Janie Kilpatrick is working as a nurse in the ER department when a seriously injured man is brought in after being shot. What makes this different to normal is that someone accompanying him pulls out a gun on her. Fortunately another man with them manages to rescue her from the situation, but not before someone else is shot and killed. The uninjured men run off but one later rings Janie to tell her to get herself away as the gunmen are out to kill her as she's seen and will be able to identify them. The caller, Brad, claims to be wanting to help her but just who should she trust? Can she get away to safety?

This is a real page turner adventure, so action packed that you don't really have time to get to know the characters as Brad and Janie endeavour to keep safe and leave the criminals well behind them. However, there are plenty of twists, some scary vehicle chases, a dangerous flight and stays in everything from a seedy motel to a millionaire's mansion. It is a story packed with danger, daring, romance and faith, a great read to totally distract you from what is going on in the real world at the moment - and there's even a canine hero involved, too!

Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.

[Deb Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great suspense novel in Valerie Hansen's 'Emergency Responders' category. Being an Emergency Responder can be extremely challenging, even more so this last year (2020). In this novel, Janie is an ER nurse who is attempting to treat a patient when a desperate criminal pulls a gun on her! That is a danger most of us will never encounter, thank God! But our Emergency Responders, in various jobs, can all be confronted with this - or worse - at any time. It makes you appreciate them even more for their dedication to serving people regardless of the personal cost. This year has shined the spotlight on all emergency responders across the globe. I hope you appreciate all they do and keep them in your prayers. They need our prayers. And we need those who will run to trouble in order to serve and protect.

Highly recommend!

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who are Brad and Janie? What situation do they find themselves in? What is a code silver? Where does Janie work? I did not like Speevey. Pixie was very brave!!! I like that little one. What things happen that drive them out of town? Who is behind what is going on? What does Janie do to protect Brad and then herself? Who are Rick, Armbruster, and Nancy? Why do I get a funny feeling when they fly out of town? What happens to Brad on the flight? Oh, some of my funny feelings were correct!! Other thoughts and feelings were not. You do get a great HEA at the end! Enjoy the read! I did.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK from Harlequin through Netgalley AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janie has vowed she will never trust a man after escaping the house she shared with her alcoholic father and abusive brothers while growing up. She reminds herself of this frequently, even as she flees from the hospital where she works in the ER. In fact, from the moment she meets Brad, it seems they are constantly on the run from one bad situation to another. No matter where they go, some really bad dudes keep showing up. From car chases to attacks in the woods to attempts to trap them in a remote country store, Janie and Brad are unable to give the criminals the slip. The excitement and suspense mount rapidly. Interestingly, their prayers are so true to life. Get in a jam and shoot up a hasty prayer. However, they had faith God was listening. I enjoyed the story.

[Kathyk21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the Run by Valerie Hansen begins with a masterful chase that builds the tension of the story and the relationship between Jamie and Brad, an ER nurse and a drug criminal. Hansen throws one roadblock after the other in front of Jamie and Brad. They are not safe together and they will not survive apart. As the story unfolds, obvious killers attack and trusted allies prove to be enemies. Hansen offers comic relief with a barb. On the run is not just the title, it is a description of how readers will enjoy the story.

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

“On the Run,” by Valerie Hansen is aptly named! It took off from the beginning and kept me running to keep up with the subjects! This book is full of action and suspense with all sorts of bad guys! Janie Kirkpatrick was an ER nurse that had to use all her wits and martial art skills to get away from a patient’s dad and his cohorts. She has to depend on undercover cop, Brad Benton to rescue her, and keep her safe. However, several times it is a case of who is rescuing who! There are some laugh out loud moments amid the life or death situations.

[Rob Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Run by Valerie Hansen is a good read about a nurse named Janie Kirkpatrick who through her horrible childhood became a strong resilient woman. She is content with doing her job until she is a victim of circumstances. Her life is disrupted and her vow to distrust all men is in question when she is forced to trust an undercover man called Brad to save her life. This novel keeps you wondering what will happen next. A fun to read novel.

[Isis Ray-sisco · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was an enjoyable read. I felt the ending was a bit abruptly without a lot of detail. The situation came to a head, the big reveal happens, and then everything works out. It doesn’t piece it all together well. It felt like details on how it came together ( other than confessions) were left out. The epilogue was also rushed. So the ending was a bit of a let down for me. So I give it a 3.75. I wish Goodreads had more star review choices.

[Susan Clair Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the Run

What a great story and storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. First time I've read this author but she's going on my favorites list. A cop is undercover, he takes a man to the ER that's been shot. The nurse on duty gets caught in the mess the father and brother make and is now being hunted. She's on the run with the cop but things work out in the end.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Emergency Responders

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Emergency Responders

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good action packed book!

[Valita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous! Loved both the main characters!! Need more like them!

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book I had no idea who the villain was

[Lisa Milloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun suspense with a twist

A fun read and full of suspense with a surprise twist. I think most who would read such books will enjoy it.