Monday, February 1, 2016

If I Run

GIVEAWAY

BLACKSTOCK, TERRI
IF I RUN

Casey knows the truth. But it won't set her free.

Casey Cox's DNA is all over the crime scene. There's no use talking to police; they've failed her abysmally before. She has to flee before she's arrested...or worse. The truth doesn't matter anymore.

But what is the truth? That's the question haunting Dylan Roberts, the war-weary veteran hired to find Casey. PTSD has marked him damaged goods, but bringing Casey back can redeem him. Though the crime scene seems to tell the whole story, details of the murder aren't adding up. Casey Cox doesn't fit the profile of a killer. But are Dylan's skewed perceptions keeping him from being objective? If she isn't guilty, why did she run?

Unraveling her past and the evidence that condemns her will take more time than he has, but as Dylan's damaged soul intersects with hers, he is faced with two choices: the girl who occupies his every thought is a psychopathic killer...or a selfless hero. And the truth could be the most deadly weapon yet.

My Review:

So intense my heart was hammering all the way through the read. The present tense, first person point of view from both Casey and Dylan's perspectives made this an even edgier read. I usually don't like reading books in present tense (I see vs I saw) but boy, did it work in If I Run. Catapulted me right into the hero/heroine's frame of mind and I lived each excruciating second right along with them. And I do mean excruciating. The tension is unbelievable.

Riveting from the very fist sentence: "There's blood on the bottom of my shoes." And I was hooked -- totally engaged in Casey's story. I mean reading If I Run made me so tense I had to consciously unclench my jaw. A lot. I became so absorbed in Casey's plight that it ceased to be a story. It was like real life playing out right before my eyes only I was helpless to offer assistance.

I love Casey. And I love how we get to know her. We recognize her tenacity and strength of will, her intelligence and determination not to mention her vulnerability and deeply rooted sorrow from reading her scenes. But we also discover Casey through the eyes of Dylan as he masterfully works a case and develops a profile. Trouble is, the more he discovers about Casey, the more he realizes her personality doesn't jive with that of a ruthless killer.

Dylan is quite the complex character as well. A criminal investigator for the Army forced to leave his job because of PTSD issues. He's hired by his murdered friend's family to find Casey and bring her to justice. A faith-filled man, honest and compassionate, he struggles with the investigation as he learns more about Casey and her family.

A compelling subplot chock-full of it's own suspense and an uplifting faith thread make this book over-the-top stupendous.

If you liked the movie The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford, you will love this book. But beware...Casey's troubles aren't over yet. She is still very much on the run and Dylan is in pursuit...of real justice this time. I've looked high and low on the Internet for information on when the next book in this series comes out but to no avail. I will be shatteringly distraught if I have to wait a whole year for book two.

Honestly, I am not someone to pick favourites, but if I'm asked in December what my favourite books of 2016 are, If I Run would be on that list. At the very top. And yes, I can say that even though there are still 11 months worth of new releases to read. It's simply that good.

My thanks to the publisher and Litfuse Publicity Group for providing me with a copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/tblackstock

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  If I Run please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 7 2016 . Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

46 comments:

  1. I love Terri's books and have been waiting for this one to come out. Thank you for the opportunity.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. I think this is her best book ever. Good luck, Jo.

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  2. I have enjoyed the books I have read by Terri. This one sounds good too.
    Thanks, Kav!
    campbellamyd at gmail dot com

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  3. A really great storyline and I would love a chance to read it.

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  4. You've already hooked me with your review, Kav. Count me in! :)

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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    1. Honestly, you be hooked by the end of the first paragraph! Good luck, Cheryl.

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  5. I don't read a lot of suspense novels, but this sounds intriguing!

    Pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  6. Loved your intense review, Kav!! My heart started pounding when I read it...or is that the kidney stone medicine? LOL! No, an intriguing review to someone has never read a Terri Blackstock novel. My friend insists I must, so I'm rather drooling over this one right now! Thx so much for the giveaway opportunity!

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Oh, this would be a great one to start with, Diana. Get well soon!!!!! And good luck.

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  7. Terri is one of my favorite suspense authors. She always keeps me on the edge of my seat. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
    momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

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    1. I have only read three of her books so I need to get working on her backlist. Luckily my library has a lot of them. Good luck, Loraine.

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  8. This is definitely on my to-read list!
    Bschwe(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. And it definitely belongs there. Good luck, Bethany.

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  9. Nice review. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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  10. oooo now I'm even more excited to read it!

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    Replies
    1. It is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. Really good.

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  11. Wow, Kav, if you say IT'S THAT GOOD, it must be! You have me clenching my jaw after just reading your review. Good to know there is a faith thread included. Thanks! sheridastewart AT gmail DOT com

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    1. Yes, I didn't say enough about the faith thread -- I was getting too verbose, but it is excellent and moving and believable. Just perfect. Good luck, Sherida.

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  12. Hi Kav,you know I want to read this one after that teaser last week!
    Please enter me, thank you!
    tracey14567 AT gmail DOT com

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    1. LOL -- yes, I figured as much. Good luck, Tracey.

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  13. If I Run sounds fabulous! Thank you for sharing, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  14. Crossing fingers, toes & everything else to win this....I SO SO SO love Terri's writing & have read everything I can get a hold of! I can see her suspense hasn't changed but gotten even better from your review :-)

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Oh my goodness...yes...I predict you will love this. Good luck, Trixi.

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  15. This is on the top of my to read list, I love her books.

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  16. My heart is pounding just reading your review. It's on my list. Thanks for the review.
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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  17. I love Terri Blackstock! Suspense, romance and always a wonderful inspirational thread. Please add me!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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    1. This one has an amazing inspirational thread. It blends in to the very fibre of the story -- not preachy at all. Good luck, Merry.

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  18. I'm intrigued by The Fugitive comparison. Such a great movie, but very intense. I always need little breaks while reading a book like that. tlhcoupon(at)Hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I'm not sure you'll be able to tear yourself away, Terrill, but you can try. Good luck.

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  19. Oh wow Kav, this is a book I would LOVE to win!! Have been a fan of Terri's for years and LOVE her books and writing ministry. And as per usual, your review was brilliant, Kav. Thank you SO much for the chance to win a copy!

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    1. I seriously have to catch up on my reading. Good luck, Noela.

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    2. Thanks, and Kav... If you haven't already read Terri's Restoration series. One of the BEST series ever. I forgot my email... noela_63(at)live(dot)com(dot)au

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    3. Thanks, Noela...I will check. Thankfully my library has most of her books so I'm excited to start catching up.

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  20. I always enjoy Terri's books and look forward to this newest one!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  21. Love her books!!! Looking forward to this one! Thanks!!

    mo1202007ATyahooDOTcom

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