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The Outsider #5
Runaway
Description from Amazon:
"Where’s my wife..."
Andy Friessen has been looking for Laura for six months. After she walked out with her son, no goodbye, with no money and leaving everything he bought her, behind.
But he knew she’d come crawling back, she needed him. After all he married her to protect her. And any woman would give their right arm to be his wife.
And then for six months his conscience poked at what an ass he’d been:
Until he’s served…for divorce.
Even though Andy is the first man she’s every truly loved, and the first to break her heart, Laura plans to never see him again. After all to him she was nothing but a nuisance, someone he could order around, just another woman to warm his bed at night.
But Laura is hurt and she’s thought nothing through including the fact she’s keeping the biggest surprise from him yet.
She’s pregnant.
And when Andy finds out … all hell will break loose.
"Where’s my wife..."
Andy Friessen has been looking for Laura for six months. After she walked out with her son, no goodbye, with no money and leaving everything he bought her, behind.
But he knew she’d come crawling back, she needed him. After all he married her to protect her. And any woman would give their right arm to be his wife.
And then for six months his conscience poked at what an ass he’d been:
Until he’s served…for divorce.
Even though Andy is the first man she’s every truly loved, and the first to break her heart, Laura plans to never see him again. After all to him she was nothing but a nuisance, someone he could order around, just another woman to warm his bed at night.
But Laura is hurt and she’s thought nothing through including the fact she’s keeping the biggest surprise from him yet.
She’s pregnant.
And when Andy finds out … all hell will break loose.
268 pages, ebook
First published May 29, 2013
About the author
Lorhainne Eckhart
274 books908 followers"Lorhainne Eckhart is one of my go to authors when I want a guaranteed good book. So many twists and turns, but also so much love and such a strong sense of family."
(Lora W. Reviewer)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m2c0At
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3k6nP6z
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LEckhart
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New York Times & USA Today bestseller Lorhainne Eckhart writes Raw Relatable Real Romance is best known for her big family romances series, where “Morals and family are running themes. Danger, romance, and a drive to do what is right will see you glued to the page.” As one fan calls her, she is the “Queen of the family saga.” (aherman) writing “the ups and downs of what goes on within a family but also with some suspense, angst and of course a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.” Follow Lorhainne on Bookbub to receive alerts on New Releases and Sales and join her mailing list at LorhainneEckhart.com for her Monday Blog, books news, giveaways and FREE reads. With over 120 books, audiobooks, and multiple series published and available at all retailers now translated into six languages. She is a multiple recipient of the Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, and lives in the Pacific Northwest on an island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3m2c0At
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3k6nP6z
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LEckhart
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lorhainneec...
New York Times & USA Today bestseller Lorhainne Eckhart writes Raw Relatable Real Romance is best known for her big family romances series, where “Morals and family are running themes. Danger, romance, and a drive to do what is right will see you glued to the page.” As one fan calls her, she is the “Queen of the family saga.” (aherman) writing “the ups and downs of what goes on within a family but also with some suspense, angst and of course a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.” Follow Lorhainne on Bookbub to receive alerts on New Releases and Sales and join her mailing list at LorhainneEckhart.com for her Monday Blog, books news, giveaways and FREE reads. With over 120 books, audiobooks, and multiple series published and available at all retailers now translated into six languages. She is a multiple recipient of the Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance, and lives in the Pacific Northwest on an island, is the mother of three, her oldest has autism and she is an advocate for never giving up on your dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 19, 2013
Laura was married to Andy, a very wealthy man. She took Gabriel her five year old son and left. Her heart couldn’t take being in love with Andy, and having Andy treat her like she was nothing. The day she left, she found out she was pregnant. Once she was gone, Andy looked back, and realized he had made mistakes. He wanted to see his wife, he wanted to talk to her, and wanted another chance. For months no one would tell him where she was.
When he finally found Laura he was shocked to find out she was pregnant. Laura had complications with the pregnancy, and was put on bed rest. Andy treated Laura like she was a piece of porcelain. Sometimes actions speaks louder than words. Laura was still weary, not knowing what to believe, but wanting to give Andy another chance. Andy moved Laura, and Gabriel into his mansion that he shared with his mother, and some staff.
I know I’ve heard some pretty bad tales of mother in laws, but I have to say this is the worst one I’ve ever come across. Caroline can’t stand Laura, and makes sure Laura knows it. I don’t want to spoil the book, so you will just have to read to see just how bad Caroline is. After Laura over heard some conversations, she took her son, and left in the middle of night. Andy was worried sick when he couldn’t find his wife. When he found her again, he promised Laura that he would protect her. This really was a sweet romance. The two had problems, and they worked through them. They had to learn to trust each other once again. I could feel the love burning between Andy, and Laura. The couple felt like real people, but I hope no one in real life has had to deal with a mother in law as bad as Caroline.
Sample from chapter 7Just watching the scene had something disturbing squeezing deep inside her. It wasn’t sudden; it had crept up throughout the day and through each second Andy had spent with Gabriel tonight. He could be the perfect father, the perfect man and role model for her son. She cleared her throat but nearly choked when she whispered, “goodnight, Gabriel. Have a good sleep.” This was all so confusing. What did Andy want? Why hadn’t he left, and why was he taking such an interest in Gabriel? Her throat felt all scratchy and tight, but that was only because she wanted to tuck her face in the pillow and cry those thousand tears she’d cried almost every night for Andy. All she’d ever wanted was to be loved. What he’d done today was horrible, cruel, and she wanted to scream and yell “Why?” He had stayed, caring for her tonight and today at the hospital in a way that made her feel important, special, but she also knew she wasn’t any of that to him, not in the way she wanted to be. It was the babies. She was just the vessel, a warm cocoon for a rich man’s babies, and that was something she could not allow herself to forget. He was powerful, he was rich, and his family was dangerous. “Are you all right?” He brushed his fingers across her brow. “Yeah, fine,” she blurted as she pulled back, her skin burning from the spark of his touch. “You look worried about something, upset.” He was watching her, studying her as if he knew what she was thinking, and she couldn’t have that. “No, I’m just…She couldn’t think of what to say when her brain suddenly blanked out. That always happened when Andy stood so close to her and watched her with compelling blue eyes that could set her soul on fire, so she shut her mouth, and shook her head.
When he finally found Laura he was shocked to find out she was pregnant. Laura had complications with the pregnancy, and was put on bed rest. Andy treated Laura like she was a piece of porcelain. Sometimes actions speaks louder than words. Laura was still weary, not knowing what to believe, but wanting to give Andy another chance. Andy moved Laura, and Gabriel into his mansion that he shared with his mother, and some staff.
I know I’ve heard some pretty bad tales of mother in laws, but I have to say this is the worst one I’ve ever come across. Caroline can’t stand Laura, and makes sure Laura knows it. I don’t want to spoil the book, so you will just have to read to see just how bad Caroline is. After Laura over heard some conversations, she took her son, and left in the middle of night. Andy was worried sick when he couldn’t find his wife. When he found her again, he promised Laura that he would protect her. This really was a sweet romance. The two had problems, and they worked through them. They had to learn to trust each other once again. I could feel the love burning between Andy, and Laura. The couple felt like real people, but I hope no one in real life has had to deal with a mother in law as bad as Caroline.
Sample from chapter 7Just watching the scene had something disturbing squeezing deep inside her. It wasn’t sudden; it had crept up throughout the day and through each second Andy had spent with Gabriel tonight. He could be the perfect father, the perfect man and role model for her son. She cleared her throat but nearly choked when she whispered, “goodnight, Gabriel. Have a good sleep.” This was all so confusing. What did Andy want? Why hadn’t he left, and why was he taking such an interest in Gabriel? Her throat felt all scratchy and tight, but that was only because she wanted to tuck her face in the pillow and cry those thousand tears she’d cried almost every night for Andy. All she’d ever wanted was to be loved. What he’d done today was horrible, cruel, and she wanted to scream and yell “Why?” He had stayed, caring for her tonight and today at the hospital in a way that made her feel important, special, but she also knew she wasn’t any of that to him, not in the way she wanted to be. It was the babies. She was just the vessel, a warm cocoon for a rich man’s babies, and that was something she could not allow herself to forget. He was powerful, he was rich, and his family was dangerous. “Are you all right?” He brushed his fingers across her brow. “Yeah, fine,” she blurted as she pulled back, her skin burning from the spark of his touch. “You look worried about something, upset.” He was watching her, studying her as if he knew what she was thinking, and she couldn’t have that. “No, I’m just…She couldn’t think of what to say when her brain suddenly blanked out. That always happened when Andy stood so close to her and watched her with compelling blue eyes that could set her soul on fire, so she shut her mouth, and shook her head.
January 20, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters and an interesting story line. The author does a great job developing the story and moving it fluidly with her descriptive writing. She brings a troubled marriage with issues to work through and adds in twists and delivers an intense story. I enjoyed and would recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
October 10, 2023
2.5 stars... Maybe.
Laura is so stupid it annoyed the crap of of me. She does things that put herself, her young son and unborn twins in serious danger without thinking. Like come on. Even with pregnancy hormones, how about call for help instead of literally putting yourself and your babies in physical danger. She has good friends that would have been there in a heartbeat. She jumps to stupid conclusions, is a doormat except when she's being an hysterical idiot. Also gave in immediately with Andy when he didn't even really apologize.
Andy was meh, I guess. Not horrible. But definitely not good. Didn't really elaborate on his past bad behavior except he'd treated her like a servant, like garbage and like a convenient sex toy, basically. In present time, he's still oblivious to his family's evil until forced to, also putting his wife and children in danger. He also expects her to trust him right away despite admitting he treated her badly before. They never elaborate on how exactly.
The ring thing was annoying. He won't wear a ring? Fine. Neither will she. It was that easy. Or it could have been.
Not exactly angsty if that's what you're looking for. No details to make you gnash over the past and feel the injustice done to the heroine. Just saying he treated her like garbage and am inconvenience doesn't really cut it.
The worst part though and reason why this isn't even 3 stars- the ending. Stupidly abrupt- no real resolution for things. There's no real justice even when someone dies because of his mother's actions. She just gets away with it all. It was all just disappointing.
Also, the son Gabriel is supposed to be 5 years old but she writes him a maybe 2 to 3 years old toddler. Barely strings a sentence together the whole book. All he did was squeal and yell. Ughhh.
Disappointed is the main feeling. This had potential in the plot, in the characters development, in the angst quotient, and in the possibilities of a satisfying outcome. None of it came to fruition. Lazy writing.
Laura is so stupid it annoyed the crap of of me. She does things that put herself, her young son and unborn twins in serious danger without thinking. Like come on. Even with pregnancy hormones, how about call for help instead of literally putting yourself and your babies in physical danger. She has good friends that would have been there in a heartbeat. She jumps to stupid conclusions, is a doormat except when she's being an hysterical idiot. Also gave in immediately with Andy when he didn't even really apologize.
Andy was meh, I guess. Not horrible. But definitely not good. Didn't really elaborate on his past bad behavior except he'd treated her like a servant, like garbage and like a convenient sex toy, basically. In present time, he's still oblivious to his family's evil until forced to, also putting his wife and children in danger. He also expects her to trust him right away despite admitting he treated her badly before. They never elaborate on how exactly.
The ring thing was annoying. He won't wear a ring? Fine. Neither will she. It was that easy. Or it could have been.
Not exactly angsty if that's what you're looking for. No details to make you gnash over the past and feel the injustice done to the heroine. Just saying he treated her like garbage and am inconvenience doesn't really cut it.
The worst part though and reason why this isn't even 3 stars- the ending. Stupidly abrupt- no real resolution for things. There's no real justice even when someone dies because of his mother's actions. She just gets away with it all. It was all just disappointing.
Also, the son Gabriel is supposed to be 5 years old but she writes him a maybe 2 to 3 years old toddler. Barely strings a sentence together the whole book. All he did was squeal and yell. Ughhh.
Disappointed is the main feeling. This had potential in the plot, in the characters development, in the angst quotient, and in the possibilities of a satisfying outcome. None of it came to fruition. Lazy writing.
November 2, 2018
Finding your place
Money doesn't buy love. It will not happen. Andy is coming to understand this. He hasn't seen or heard from Laura in six months or so, it was like she just disappeared. That is until he got a phone call, and his life was about to change forever.
While men keep their thought and feelings inside, often it works against them and causes more damage to their relationship. Jed and Dianna have been taking care of Laura, which Andy did not know. When he found out, at first he was full of rage which can be expected. But afterwards he began too cool down and between him and Laura began to get things figured out. After a few days he took them back t o his home, much to the disapproval of his mother Caroline, but Andy didn't care what she thought, yet another problem.
Laura doesn't want to be there, Andy tries to patronize her, until he finds Laura who again tells him about his Queen Imperious mother.
So much changes in Andy's life, he is trying real hard to take care of his new family and deal with his family. It gets very ugly, ugly he has not seen before. Laura explains everything she heard and it's not nice.
With babies on the way, Andy does things his way. But, will his way be enough and will it be in time?
Money doesn't buy love. It will not happen. Andy is coming to understand this. He hasn't seen or heard from Laura in six months or so, it was like she just disappeared. That is until he got a phone call, and his life was about to change forever.
While men keep their thought and feelings inside, often it works against them and causes more damage to their relationship. Jed and Dianna have been taking care of Laura, which Andy did not know. When he found out, at first he was full of rage which can be expected. But afterwards he began too cool down and between him and Laura began to get things figured out. After a few days he took them back t o his home, much to the disapproval of his mother Caroline, but Andy didn't care what she thought, yet another problem.
Laura doesn't want to be there, Andy tries to patronize her, until he finds Laura who again tells him about his Queen Imperious mother.
So much changes in Andy's life, he is trying real hard to take care of his new family and deal with his family. It gets very ugly, ugly he has not seen before. Laura explains everything she heard and it's not nice.
With babies on the way, Andy does things his way. But, will his way be enough and will it be in time?
March 30, 2020
After reading Awakening in which we get to meet Andy Friessen and Laura, I wanted to know more of what was in store for them.
This story takes us to six months after Laura and her son Gabriel left Andy and the mansion his mother rules. Laura had been treated badly by Andy and his mother Caroline. Laura left knowing she deserved better that either of them.
Meanwhile, Andy has been desperate to find her, while she has been hiding and crying for him all along.
When he finds her shortly after he was served divorce, he is shocked to see that she’s pregnant.
Their relationship and marriage is troubled , add to that Caroline, an evil , and despicable woman who is all about appearances, and you know that you are in for a rollercoaster story.
Will Andy grow up and stand up to his mother? Can Andy and Laura find happiness ? Will Caroline always be someone to fear?
Another well written story by this author with an engaging plot. One in which the characters are perfect in their imperfections.
This story takes us to six months after Laura and her son Gabriel left Andy and the mansion his mother rules. Laura had been treated badly by Andy and his mother Caroline. Laura left knowing she deserved better that either of them.
Meanwhile, Andy has been desperate to find her, while she has been hiding and crying for him all along.
When he finds her shortly after he was served divorce, he is shocked to see that she’s pregnant.
Their relationship and marriage is troubled , add to that Caroline, an evil , and despicable woman who is all about appearances, and you know that you are in for a rollercoaster story.
Will Andy grow up and stand up to his mother? Can Andy and Laura find happiness ? Will Caroline always be someone to fear?
Another well written story by this author with an engaging plot. One in which the characters are perfect in their imperfections.
June 20, 2013
This is the first book I have read from this author and I will be reading more from her. I love second chance romances and this is one fit the bill. There were parts of the story that i had to suspend my disbelief, which I am more then willing to do. I enjoyed the characters but I found it hard to love them. Andy come a long way in redeeming himself, though wearing a wedding ring would have helped. I would have really loved some closure with his mother, I felt like that thread was just left open ended (But I haven't read the rest of the series so maybe it gets resolved later) As to why Laura doesn't trust him who can blame her. I wouldn't have trusted him either. Did I like the book. Yes I read it in one sitting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2021
I absolutely loved this book about Andy and Laura Friessen. This is one of my favourite series and I could not put this book down. Full of suspense and drama it had be on the edge of my seat. The love between our main characters was palpable but neither were willing to admit how they felt. Once again Ms Eckhart has given us a very well written and intense story that had me gasping on several occasions. I truly love her books and I know that with every book I read in this series I fall more in love with these complex and strong characters. Most definitely recommend this 5 star series.
I received an ebook copy an am voluntarily leaving an honest review
I received an ebook copy an am voluntarily leaving an honest review
May 17, 2017
I really liked this book. The romance was real, sex was hot, villans were despicable and the mystery was good. Love the characters and love meeting new members of the family in the different books in this series. Strong alpha males mainly but also some strong women too. Really good family saga by Ms. Eckhart.
December 7, 2019
Loved the Story
I loved this story about Andy and Laura’s troubled marriage and the plot by his evil mother to ruin Laura, get rid of her by any means necessary & end their marriage. My only regret was that the author never explained what happened between Andy & Diana, his cousin’s wife, when they were teens that still had them connected somehow.
I loved this story about Andy and Laura’s troubled marriage and the plot by his evil mother to ruin Laura, get rid of her by any means necessary & end their marriage. My only regret was that the author never explained what happened between Andy & Diana, his cousin’s wife, when they were teens that still had them connected somehow.
July 25, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this great romance from Ms Eckhart
The characters were so great and the chemistry between the two main characters was scorching hot.
There are many twists and turns
The story is well written and very enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The characters were so great and the chemistry between the two main characters was scorching hot.
There are many twists and turns
The story is well written and very enjoyable.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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April 14, 2020Great
My second read and it's better than the first time, if that is possible! Since I've read the following books it puts the story in better perceptive.
My second read and it's better than the first time, if that is possible! Since I've read the following books it puts the story in better perceptive.
January 17, 2016
Villains are two dimensional and irredeemably evil. Just as I suspected at the end of the previous book, Adam taking his new bride home to live in his parents house was a complete disaster, and so avoidable. Then the author had Adam revert to being a total jerk again, undoing all the character growth in the previous book. Really? These books are way too soap opera for my tastes.
Why do I keep reading them, you ask? Because I liked the premise of the first book, and they were all very cheap so I bought them all at once. Good thing they were cheap as none of them is longer than novella length and the writing is substandard.
Why do I keep reading them, you ask? Because I liked the premise of the first book, and they were all very cheap so I bought them all at once. Good thing they were cheap as none of them is longer than novella length and the writing is substandard.
October 7, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book. I am trying to finish this series, however, I have to block a day or two of my schedule as I can't put Lorhainne Eckhart's books down until I finish it.
I absolutely adore her skill of bringing the reader right into the story and into the characters lives. Her characters are intense yet believable. You can't go wrong with any of Lorhainne's books and series. Try to read them in sequence. I know you will love this book as well as the series.
I absolutely adore her skill of bringing the reader right into the story and into the characters lives. Her characters are intense yet believable. You can't go wrong with any of Lorhainne's books and series. Try to read them in sequence. I know you will love this book as well as the series.
June 3, 2021
Laura loves Andy with all her heart but runs away again with young Gabriel. When Andy finally finds her, she is very pregnant. What the? She had hidden her pregnancy from him after finding out the day she took Gabriel and ran. She just couldn't handle how Andy treated her anymore. Like a servant, and with no love. Andy is furious when he finds out. Caroline is still lurking in the background causing trouble. Jed and Diana are also pregnant again. Such an emotional story.
February 16, 2014
2.7 stars. You should really read the other books first. I'm surprised that I didn't love this book... The characters had a lot of history but I haven't read any of the other books so it just felt like I was out of the loop. The author includes enough information in this book to get the gist of what was going on but not the rich history the characters obviously have together.
June 24, 2016
This book was just bad. This are to many question left, I didn't even really know how they felt about each other, and they both relay on other people way to much. This is just not my kind of book. You may like this book you never know until you read it.
June 28, 2016
Loved this story. This whole series is awesome. Laura does what ever she can to protect her son and her unborn children from a woman who is out to destroy her. This book in the series so far has had the most suspense and loved it all. A great series, thank you Lorhainne Eckhart.
September 13, 2013
I loved it.. sweet..I havnt read the other books in the series but I enjoyed it and easy to pick up..could stand on its own..but would read the rest of the series..amazing story and well written..
March 11, 2014
No time for review...got to read the next one!!!
Read this series!!
Read this series!!
January 18, 2016
Just found a new favorite author. Looking forward to reading more from her
May 17, 2016
Another great book in this series. This one is about Andy and Laura. The best part is Andy finally got knocked off his high horse.
June 23, 2016
Fantastic
This story had it all. The emotion rollercoaster ride of them all. Love the way the story ended though. Cannot wait to read more.
This story had it all. The emotion rollercoaster ride of them all. Love the way the story ended though. Cannot wait to read more.
January 16, 2017
Love this author.
Talk about dysfunctional Family's this one takes the cake. Let's you know there is always someone worse off. Know the feeling just not to this level.
Talk about dysfunctional Family's this one takes the cake. Let's you know there is always someone worse off. Know the feeling just not to this level.
March 30, 2017
I don't read a book series out of sequence (Runaway is already book #5) but still I downloaded this since it's free and I am so into second-chance-romance.
Runaway is okay, at least during the first half of the story. I started to dislike Andy after knowing he is in love with another woman (Diana). As for Laura, Andy's wife, I can't believe she had sex with him right after seeing him the first time in six months. It is as if they never had any problem at all! *sigh* This just didn't work for me.
Runaway is okay, at least during the first half of the story. I started to dislike Andy after knowing he is in love with another woman (Diana). As for Laura, Andy's wife, I can't believe she had sex with him right after seeing him the first time in six months. It is as if they never had any problem at all! *sigh* This just didn't work for me.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews