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Escaping Reality
Escaping Reality
Escaping Reality
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Escaping Reality

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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*The Secret Life of Amy Bensen is now a streaming series on Passionflix!*

The first book in the sexy, suspenseful Secret Life of Amy Bensen series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones.

His touch spirals through me, warm and sweet, wicked and hot. I shouldn’t trust him. I shouldn’t tell him my secrets. But how do I not when he is the reason I breathe? He is what I need.

At the young age of eighteen, tragedy and a dark secret force Lara to flee all she has known and loved to start a new life. Now years later, with a new identity as Amy, she’s finally dared to believe she is forgotten—even if she cannot forget. But just when she lets her guard down, the ghosts of her past are quick to punish her, forcing her back on the run.

On a plane, struggling to face the devastation of losing everything again and starting over, Amy meets Liam Stone, a darkly entrancing billionaire recluse, who is also a brilliant, and famous, prodigy architect. A man who knows what he wants and goes after it. And what he wants is Amy. Refusing to take “no” as an answer, he sweeps her into a passionate affair, pushing her to her erotic limits. He wants to possess her. He makes her want to be possessed. Liam demands everything from her, accepting nothing less. But what if she is too devastated by tragedy to know when he wants more than she should give?
LanguageEnglish
PublisherGallery Books
Release dateJun 17, 2014
ISBN9781476793771
Author

Lisa Renee Jones

Lisa Renee Jones is an author of paranormal and contemporary romance. She lives in Austin, Texas, where she spends her days writing the dreams playing in her head. Before becoming a writer, Lisa lived the life of a corporate executive, often taking the red-eye flight out of town and flying home just in time to make a Little League ball game. Her award-winning company LRJ Staffing Services had offices all over Texas and in Nashville, and was recognized by Entrepreneur magazine in 1998 as one of the top ten growing women-owned businesses. Over the next year, Lisa plans to move to New York just in time for a busy year of book releases.

Read more from Lisa Renee Jones

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Reviews for Escaping Reality

Rating: 4.189516225806451 out of 5 stars
4/5

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  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Ehhh. Cliffhanger ending. Who's the bad guy? Who is she? Still don't know.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Great story,,wonderful story line, characters you will fall in love with. If you have some great stories like this one, you can publish it on Novel Star, just submit your story to hardy@novelstar.top or joye@novelstar.top
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I like the suspense this in this book, can’t wait to read the next book

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.IntroductionEscaping Reality is a book that is part of a series that has been on my loose TBR for a long while, but when I saw the adaptation of it on Passionflix, I just had to pick it up. I will say that this book just instantly grabbed up my attention and my goodness I was so easily swept away by this story that just captivated me from the first page. There is something about Lisa Renee Jones and her capability of just pulling me so quickly into a story. I absolutely adored what was delivered in this one, and the intensity of the romance was brilliant. It's one of the aspects of this author's writing that I just love the most. I will say that, if you are looking for a sensual romantic suspense, then look no further than with Lisa Renee Jones.The Main ProtagonistsThe Hero: Liam Stone-Alpha-Dominant in the Bedroom-Billionaire-Architect-ProtectiveThe Heroine: Amy Bensen-On the Run-Family lost-Loves History-Lots of secrets, not easy to trustSummaryIt all begins with our heroine, Lara, who is now Amy Bensen. Her family was murdered, and she was instantly forced to having to go on the run. For six years she has been living in hiding, wanting to know the secrets of the past but not able to afraid it would put her at risk. She is now forced to go to a new city and new life in Denver. On the plane she meets up with Liam Stone, a sexy architect and they have an instant connection. But while there is a passion between them, she doesn't know who she can trust and if Liam could be her salvation or the greatest threat to her. But while Amy works through her trust issues with Liam, she wonders if she will ever have the peace she has been looking for...My OutlookI absolutely adored this book in every way! I was instantly drawn into it. Now the show literally adapts this book basically word for word. So, I was able to breeze through the first half, only reading the parts that we didn't get to see in the movie, like the thoughts of Amy and her impressions as she goes through the story. But if you love well done adaptations, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it on Passionflix, they literally stick to the plot dialogue and even the small details.The story itself is so captivating and I was easily drawn into this edgy romance that kept my attention all the way through. I was so drawn into the connection between Liam and Amy. And my goodness, Liam just had my heart. From the beginning he was all in for the heroine, and I loved how he knows she has secrets and is so patient and understanding. Just working on building that bridge of trust between them because she is not able to. He is the type of alpha male that I love to read the most. The way he is so intense, protective, willing to die for type of intensity. The way he is willing to get her what she needs, and its not about buying her love but its his love language. You can see that he wants to protect and provide for the heroine without asking anything in return. It takes a while for her to see that though. I did love the sensual moments that grow between them. It was so well done. There is something in how Lisa Renee Jones just writes such sensual suspense filled romances. And I definitely fell hard for this one here.Spoiler(view spoiler)Overall ViewI found Escaping Reality to be such a fascinating, addictive romance that delivered on all fronts! Its brilliantly written, secretly addictive, and sensually delivered that will only make you want more!Rating Evaluation:Plot: 5/5World Building:5/5Cover: 5/5Hero: 5/5Heroine: 4/5Steam: 4/5Heart & Feels:5/5Ending:4/5Overall View: 5/5
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    "At the young age of eighteen, tragedy and a dark secret force Lara to flee all she has known and loved to start a new life. Now years later, with a new identity as Amy, she’s finally dared to believe she is forgotten—even if she cannot forget. But just when she lets her guard down, the ghosts of her past are quick to punish her, forcing her back on the run.

    On a plane, struggling to face the devastation of losing everything again and starting over, Amy meets Liam Stone, a darkly entrancing billionaire recluse, who is also a brilliant, and famous, prodigy architect. A man who knows what he wants and goes after it. And what he wants is Amy. Refusing to take “no” as an answer, he sweeps her into a passionate affair, pushing her to her erotic limits. He wants to possess her. He makes her want to be possessed. Liam demands everything from her, accepting nothing less. But what if she is too devastated by tragedy to know when he wants more than she should give?"

    If you read this and aren't hooked in within the first few pages, leading up to Amy taking off for the airport, I don't think you are reading the right book. Who is chasing after Amy? Who told Amy to run? Why does she trust this person? With that, I went along for the ride, from the airplane to the sparse apartment to the questionable job.Of course, there happens to be a handsome, rich, and overbearing man involved. Liam Stone sounds like a man's man, of course he has some real issues with taking control, and not just in the bedroom. He "doesn't do" girlfriends, yet he immediately takes to Amy like someone takes to a hurt puppy. Feeds her, provides furniture, a phone, and even clothing once he deems hers as cheap. I shouldn't like this guy and I really appreciate that Amy doesn't at first either. She's headstrong and questions everything, which made her a really likable character for me. Of course, she ends up falling for Liam and I do too. He wants to take care of her and seems genuinely interested in her safety. The overall general confusion in Amy's head leads to some interesting revelations. The tragedy in her life plagues her daily, causing flashbacks and worrisome moments when she passes out. We find out her dad is an archaeologist, raising the entire family in a unique environment of traveling and uncovering rare items, but something happened with her family, between her mom and dad, that caused a whirlwind of events. Now Amy is on the run from whatever that is, but things are not as they seem.While I really liked the mystery and the character of Amy, I had some struggles with Liam and a lot of issues with some of the other minor characters. There wasn't enough detail for me to understand them or grow attached to them the way Amy did. Additionally, there is a major cliffhanger that will tear you to pieces if you don't read on to book two. I am not a fan of cliffhangers. Lisa Renee Jones did a fantastic job of creating an environment that perfectly showed how Amy treats life after the tragedy. She's exactly what I would expect out of a tragedy victim and treads carefully. I think the other characters, while underdeveloped, assisted in bringing the story to life. I enjoyed the overall plot and it was different than a lot of the books on the market right now.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
    2/5
    Ugh, I really liked the start of this book, the mystery and intrigue of Amy's past, she seems so sweet, albeit stupid. Enter Liam. I cannot stand Liam. His attitude disgusts me and their interaction on the plane felt so unrealistic and I hate arrogant pushy men. "Though I have nothing to go on, instinct tells me I can trust Liam, and it has never failed me." Reread that. Why on Earth would any rational person trust a random guy you just met and get in the car with him when you're already in danger and running from something. I'm seriously considering not finishing this book, ever.

    2 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I have not read any other books by Mrs. Jones, though my mother is in love with her Inside Out series. I can say that Escaping Reality is my new favorite book! I love the writing style and the details make everything click.
    Liam and Amy are a great couple and though he is a tad bit controlling it works for the story and it works for Amy.
    Amy is the perfect girl on the run, wanting to set down roots; but knowing that she really can't for the fear of her past catching up with her. And while I would have loved to know more about what happened when she was younger, i like the mystery that it lends to the story with us only getting bits and pieces.
    The characters of Meg and Jared just seem a little off for me, and i am almost wondering if them or maybe even Liam are part of Amy's past that she is running from. I can't wait for the next book so that I can know what is going on!

    2 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Escaping Reality is another great start to a series by Jones. I am an admitted fan of her books mind you, but this one had me hooked about 25% through. The ending was just a nail in that coffin of being on the edge of my seat until the next book is released.

    Jones pulls you in instantly letting you connect with a character and then takes you for a wild ride in this book. Not only is the male hero delicious (like always) but he's puzzling a bit as well. I find myself trying to unravel the mystery yet again with Jones writing.

    If you've enjoyed other books by Jones I highly recommend this one as well.

    Update: I reread this the other day and still holds up wonderfully. Really recommend it and can't wait to continue with the series.

    2 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.This book grabbed me from the beginning. Lisa Renee Jones has the erotic thriller down pat and this book is no exception. When the book begins Amy is faced with walking away from her life in NYC with only the clothes on her back to escape some unknown threat. It is revealed that Amy has been on her own and in hiding since she was 18 when her family was killed and her unknown "handler" helped her escape from the hospital and go on the run. At the airport she meets Liam, a gorgeous, reclusive billionaire architect with his own haunted past. The connection between Amy and Liam was immediate and intense.The book continued with the fast paced thrills and keeps you wondering who the good guys are and who are the bad guys and just what was the reason Amy's family was killed and she is on the run. And in the end you are STILL wondering these things. The only thing that kept this from a 5 star rating from me was the fact that this book does not END. It is just To Be Continued. Not only is there no resolution, the "ending" is and "OMG!!! I cannot believe it! What?!? And now I have to wait for the next book?!?!" ending. I love a good series but I do prefer each book to have some sort of resolution.Now I cannot wait until the next(and supposedly final) book is out! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!!!

    4 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for an honest review. "Escaping Reality" by Lisa Renee Jones" is an amazing steamy romantic suspense. FYI, this is definitely for mature audiences. Very steamy scenes but also very romantic and loving scenes too. Then you have suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. The author does such a wonderful job that the reader feels the emotions of the characters. This is the first book in a series of four. I can't wait to read the other books. Oh my goodness this is a book you will not be able to put down.

    2 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    4.5 "Raw and Honest Infinite Possibilities" Stars! Romantic suspense lovers, who also like a little extra heat in the passion department, will not want to miss Escaping Reality. This steamy little read had me constantly guessing throughout, and the story has just started. While we get a small glimpse at just what danger the heroine may be fleeing from in Escaping from Reality, the huge cliffhanger at the end, makes it clear that we have only scratched the surface, and moreover it is not just the heroine, but also the hero who is hiding secrets. I can't wait to learn more about "The Secret Life of Amy Bensen" and Liam Stone in Book 2, Infinite Possibilities!"Amy" has been running since she was eighteen. Most recently, she got complacent in her hiding while living in New York, and made the mistake of attracting the attention of her past ghosts by getting a publicly prominent job at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fleeing with just the clothes on her back, and the new identity her handler has concocted and communicated to her via the contents of a large yellow envelope, Amy boards a plane to Denver to assume her new life. It is on this flight that she meets Liam Stone. Amy knows better than to let anyone in to her life, for their own safety as well as hers, and yet she can't help but get caught up in the safety net of Liam's dominant aura. Although she knows she should say "no", Amy inexplicably finds herself lured into a passionate night which she originally intends to be a one night stand. Liam Stone is a brilliant architect who has made billions pursuing his passion. Notwithstanding his overwhelming success in the business arena, however, socially he is publicly known as a recluse. Amy catches Liam's eye, however, and he immediately notes her overwhelming need to control her fear. Enraptured both by what he sees, and what he perceives Amy is hiding and he is determined to unravel, Liam makes it his mission to conquer Amy. Part of that goal involves allowing her to "escape her reality" by submitting to him in intense erotic episodes that allow her to forget, at least momentarily, the dark secrets she is running from; and the other is to peel back the layers until he exposes the "raw and honest" truth. I loved both the mystery and mind engaging suspense of Escaping Reality. Frankly I have pondered Amy's potential plight both during the read, and over the couple of days since I finished the book, and I still haven't been able to definitively sleuth out her precise predicament, though I do have a number of theories. Additionally, as a fan of dominant heroes, Liam Stone is exactly the type of protective alpha hero that I love to encounter in my reads, and those reality escaping passionate encounters were definitely off the charts in the heat department! I can't wait to read Infinite Possibilities! My mind is already running through all of the probable circumstances that could possibly explain both that astounding cliffhanger and Amy's past! Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

    2 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    ***I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Nerd Alert Book Love blog***

    Amy Bensen must flee New York and start over again in Denver. With nothing but empty luggage and a new identity, Amy boards a plane to run from her past. Amy is a beautiful, intelligent girl forced to run for survival but she suffers from nightmares and flashbacks as well.

    "...How high you stand isn't as important as how magnificent you are..."

    At the airport and again on the plane Amy meets the sexy billionaire, Liam Stone. Liam's mysterious, dark, and dominating ways win Amy over and help fill a very lonely void in her life.

    "...Honest. That freedom is everything to me..."

    Can Amy finally start over and build a life for herself? Will she continue to have to look over her shoulder? Will she learn who her handler really is? Will she piece together the missing pieces of her past or will she be left with more questions? How will Liam fit into everything? Or will she be forced to run again?

    "...Run to me Amy, not away from me..."

    This is the first Lisa Renee Jones book I have personally read, and I have to say I am an instant fan. This story reminds me of a mysterious and suspenseful Pretty Woman! What girl does love Pretty woman? This story keeps you on the edge of your seat and questioning so many things. And the ending will completely blow you away. Have book 2 ready! I'm going to read it right now! I give Escaping Reality a Nerd Alert B or 4.5 stars.

    2 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    A girl running from something that neither she nor the reader know what it really is?Yeah. I'm all over that. I love a good mystery.Amy is a well built character. She has her motives and she lives by a conscience. Until she meets Liam and slowly goes downhill, straying from her good girl routine into something more wild. Human. But all the while keeping her loyalties in check.Liam.I could talk about this man for days.Hostile. Demanding. Possessive. Angry. Intimidating. Mysterious. Alluring. Sexy. Heartwarming. Protective. Bewitching.Devastating. In the worst and best way possible, Liam Stone is devastating.Besides the ahem, intense love scenes, this book has a damn good plot. A story that I hate to have to wait for the next one to come out! (WHY!?) But one that I will pick up immediately upon release.I have no idea what is happening with Jarred. Or Meg, but she's sketchy.Intriguing is how I'm going to recommend you this book. Be intrigued. Be mesmerized.

    2 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    4.5 cliffy loving stars!

    First of all, I am an admitted Lisa Renee Jones fangirl. I love her ability to write scorching hot romances with mystery weaved in. Not many writers can do that, and she just nails it, every time.

    So, on to Escaping Reality.

    First of all, it’s a cliffhanger. A HUGE cliffhanger. One that made me slam my kindle shut and growl.

    However, it’s worth it. It’s worth it because you know that the next book is going to be amazeballs and you will get your answers.

    And you need answers. Lots of them. Because this book? Is FULL of unanswered questions. It’s a heart racer, full stop.

    Let’s talk about the questions, shall we?

    We have Amy. Amy is running, and she has to keep running. She is being helped by a mystery “handler” that tells her when to run. Why? We see snippets of the reason, but the whole story is a mystery.

    “I’ve found you and so can they. Go to JFK Airport directly. Do not go home. Do not linger. Locker 111 will have everything you need.”

    Then there is Liam. Liam is hot, rich, alpha, controlling, and troubled. Sounds like my kind of man, right there! He is also hiding something. What is it? Another mystery.

    “He makes me feel I don’t have to hold the world up on my own.”

    Oh, and the neighbor across the hall, Jared. Why is he familiar? What is HE hiding? There is something there, for sure.

    So many questions!!

    Now, let’s talk about the man of the hour, Liam. I know he is what you all want to know about. Let me tell you, he’s hot. We are talking Christian/Gideon/Jesse hot. He is in control at all times and is alpha-protective to the max. He’s the guy that doesn’t “do” relationships that falls for the girl in need, and when he falls, he falls all the way.

    "I'm insane for you, Amy. 'Like' lasted all of ten minutes."

    “And yes, you’re right. I’m being barbaric. And intense. That’s who I am and I can’t be anyone but me. When I want something I go after it. And baby, I want you...”

    And the sex? Scorching (of course! Lisa Renee Jones knows how to write sex scenes like it’s nobody’s business!)

    “ His finger slides under my chin, tilts it up, forcing my eyes back to his. “Don’t hide what you feel. See, baby, that’s the thing about fucking properly, it’s raw and honest. There’s no time limit, or embarrassment, or nerves, which should exist. It’s just us fucking. Us feeling. Us being us together. We leave everything else at the door.” He smiles a sexy, easy smile and his hands slide up my back, his forehead resting against mine.”

    *swoon*

    Ok, so you have your hot guy, you have your mystery. It’s an awesome package. You will NOT however, get your answers. Not this time around. You will get your heart racing and you will be intrigued. It’s worth it, I promise. The wait will be worth it, I am sure of it. And in the meantime, you can make up your own answers in your head and then have them all blown out of the water!

    2 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Escaping Reality (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen) (Volume 1) 4.5 stars♥♥♥♥♥
    I want to start by saying, I did not in ANWAY expect to like this book. I read too many reviews that put me off. But, ooohhh my goodness look at that sexy man up there I so kindly posted for you! He is all I could see while reading this novel and I loved every minute of being in my head with him!

    Amy Benson is deeply troubled. Tragedy struck at the age of 18 when she was known as Lara. Her life is in danger, she is on the run, and given a whole new identification. The sucky part?!?! She doesn't understand any of it. She can't remember anything that happened and has no idea who or what wants her. The biggest question is, do they want her dead or a live????

    Fast forward six years Amy is living her life normal or at least as normal as someone can in her position. She works for a musuem amd is at an event when her life is about to once again be turned upside down
    She enters the bathroom and finds an envelope with her name on it. She is told shes been found and must flee to Denver!!!

    At the airport is when we meet the sexy and wonderful hunk of a man, Liam! They have this instant connection that is so electrifying that even I felt it in the pits of my stomach!

    This is a New Adult novel so of course we have some super intense love scenes! Most new adults I have read are more erotic so reading this book was a relief for me. The scenes were sensual and passionate and very tastefully developed. Another thing I like is the sex didnt take over the story in this novel. I have been having that problem with a lot of new adults lately. I hate how the sex takes over the story. Lisa Renee Jones has the perfect balance in this book.

    I usually despise heros like Liam, he is rich, powerful, and demamding. But in the case of Amy and her safety, I totally understand and am a little envious of the protection she has. I mean this man would do anything to make her safe, how is that not sexy?!?!

    Now Amy did piss me off a time or two. I wanted to slap her a few times. I got tired of her repeatedly going back and forth with trusting Liam, that is a biased opinion because I love the man! But really how many times she repeats herself gets annoying. I understand that Liam is put in danger because of your decisions I dont need to be reminded every 5 min.
    Otherwise this book was Perfect!


    Oh and if you read this novel I promise you will never look at the PI symbol the same (warning: will cause your stomach to do somersaults)

    2 people found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Beautiful :)

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    good book

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    **A copy of this book was provided through netgalley from the author for a honest review**

    First of all HOLY CLIFFHANGER!!!

    Who is Amy Benson? Well that question still goes unanswered for the most part.
    Amy is running, from whom or from what in her past we haven't figured out. She can trust no one. She can't let her defenses down. Then she meets Liam, the sexy stranger she locks eyes with in the airport terminal and then later sits next to. He's rich, powerful, and demanding, oh an hot as hell.

    Their relationship is purely sexual it seems from the beginning.

    "Do you know how much I like it when you say my name?" he asks, his voice a soft, seductive purr.

    Aside from the hot sexiness, Liam lets Amy know he wants to protect her from whatever it is she is running from, if she will just let him in. Just when she is about to do that something happens that has her questioning everything. Then BAM! met with a cliffhanger.

    I am so glad I was able to read and review this book. So far I like Amy's character and I like Liam for the most part. I admit I am interested in a view other characters mentioned as well and wonder what their place is in the grand scheme of things, if they have a place at all. Or are they just regular people, Uhm hello Jared, who of course also sounds hot as all get out! Worth the read, love the mystery behind things as well and I hope she doesn't leave us hanging too long.

    But just know that I have every intention of making you forget everything but what it feels like to have my tongue and cock buried inside you." **Fans face** Whew is it hot in here??


    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Fabulous book 1 of 2 of The Secret Life of Amy Bensen. This book has it all - mystery, romance, erotic love story, danger...OMG! Now I want to read book 2 and it won't be out for a while! Liam and Amy's meeting and evolving love affair is seductive and will pull at your emotions. There are under currents of danger that have you fearing for Amy's life all the time. A must read!

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I cannot recommend this book to too many people, or say too many great things about it. This book is in short, amazing. I never knew what was going to come next, and I could not get enough of the characters. Amy and Liam had chemistry burning off the pages, and the mystery hooked me in from the very beginning. Ms. Jones has been a long time favorite author of mine, and she definitely does not disappoint with her new series. I was thrilled to receive this copy from Net Galley, but the down side was I finished far too quickly, and I cannot wait for the second installment! Warning to readers: this does end on a semi-cliffhanger. Amy is aware who is after her, but not who is helping her. She must look over her should at every turn. Despite the danger, when she meets Liam she is inexplicably drawn to him and cannot seem to turn him away. One of the things that I love about this book is Liam and not for the obvious reasons. Liam is not your typical alpha male. To me, he was controlling but only in a helpful and loving way, not in a desperate need to dominate way. He did not try to strip Amy of her individuality, and only wanted to see her safe. Now, I like to think I'm good at guessing mysteries, but Escaping Reality has me completely stumped. I do not know, who Amy's handler is, or who is after her, or what roles all the characters play in her life at the moment, but I cannot wait to find out! I highly encourage everyone to go out and buy Escaping Reality, you will not regret it.*ARC received from Net Galley*

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    ARC generously provided by Julie Patra Publishing.Amy is a woman with a past. On the first page of the book, she gets a message that she needs to leave town ASAP from her mysterious handler. While on the run, she meets a rich and handsome stranger name Liam, and the story is off and running.This book was more fun to read than it has a right to be. It is a romance-thriller, and it kept my attention and interest better than most romance-thrillers I have read. When it comes to romances, I typically go for a standard regency romance. This book, however, kept me attention. I was really intrigued by the mysterious Amy Benson, and I kept turning the page, hoping to find out more about her. Yep, I must admit that I kind of need to know what happens next.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Just when she was getting comfortable with her new identity, Amy was once again being torn from the life she once knew. Amy was running from people she did not know, but her handler, another person she was unfamiliar with, assured her she had to leave the life she knew behind to save her own life. Amy was in the airport, again running from her past when she saw him. Liam, a man who had beautiful blue eyes, trusting eyes. But could she trust him? It was a chance she was willing to take.Lisa Renee Jones gave new meaning to the word cliffhanger; in a good way of course!! I enjoyed this book because I love the suspense. I found myself trying to guess the ending all through the book. We were given clues to the story and get a few answered questions, but know that we will get more information in book two. The love scenes were very sexy. Any woman would want to be in Amy’s shoes with a hot, rich sexy man like Liam. But, Amy does not know who to believe or who she can trust. That was when a neighbor comes into her new life wearing a Dallas Cowboys t-shirt. Texas, a place she once lived. Can this new stranger have anything to do with her past. Find out even more in her second book InfinitePossibilities. A great read!!Rating: 4.5Heat Rating: HotReviewed By: RaeCourtesy Of My Book Addiction And More

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Loved it!! Heck, I still have no clue who to trust! What a great read - bring on book 2!Amy Bensen is a woman on the run. Constantly having to move to keep out of sight from those who murdered her family, trusting strangers to know when it's time to run again, life is tough. Meeting irresistible Liam on her flight to her newest "home" is the last thing she needs but she can't fight it. Even constantly doubtful of her actions, she finds herself involved with Liam aka her possible "hero". But when her new job has her questioning things she is told to do, as well as the hunky neighbor (Jared) next door, she decides it's time for her to be proactive and try some investigating of her own situation. And boy does this one end with a huge cliffhanger!If you enjoy steamy, suspenseful/mystery romance, you have found your book! I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I loved it!!!It is very different by any other book I've read..Amy's story and Amy as a character herself are fascinating,intriguing and so very unique...It's full of questions and mysteries..When the reader gets too many questions and too few answers,it is sometimes a bad combination..But this book is challenging regarding its leading character,Amy, and us as readers..It was like watching a movie right in front of your eyes..It was animated and the writing was just amazing..It is one of the best books I've read..PSHowever,in the ending,be prepared for murdering tendencies..I sure had them...I hope things and peoples actions are explained in the next book......

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    3.5 stars.

    I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

    Hmm… I felt slightly disappointed after reading this, and that was knowing that it was going to be in two parts. I think it was the fact that we never actually learnt anything of importance about Amy. We see flashbacks of what made her run in the first place but it’s not enough to make us understand why and the bigger: what happened?

    I must say I was seduced by one Liam Stone almost from the first encounter. Girls, he is hot! He just had this way about him that was incredibly sexy, a lot of the time in the bedroom, but sometimes outside of it too. At this point I think I should warn you, it contains quite a lot of sex.

    Then there’s the mystery of Jared. Where does he fit into it all? He’s another hot one girls! We don’t see as much of him as we do Liam but there’s something about him too, that I like. Some mystery surrounding him, too.
    There’s a lot of mystery and intrigue in this story and it gets worse (can’t think of a better word choice) throughout when things don’t work out how you expect and you are constantly wondering how it’s all going to come together.

    The only real let down for me was not finding more out about Amy’s past but I’m sure it will be covered in the second, Infinite Possibilities, due out later this year.

    1 person found this helpful

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I received this book from net galley for a honest review and I was not disappointed in the mystery aspect of this book.From the very beginning it draws you in with Amy’s mysterious past. What is it she’s running from? Why did she leave her family? Who is her handler? Why is he helping her? What is going on? From here you just get thrown more and more into the quagmire and the spiral of intrigue. One you don’t want to leave.It gets really interesting when Liam and Colorado come into the picture. Liam is a mystery in and of himself as well and his air leads you wondering about him. He is a charming man one that could sell ice to Eskimos and instantly has you liking him but he is slick. As slick as an oil spill. He charms Amy that’s for sure but he also has her questioning things and making her want to learn more about the danger and who is after her. She starts to want to take control of her life and Liam is the catalyst for this so Yay Liam.Liam, thought turns out to be a quagmire for you are left wondering does he care for her and is protecting her? Is he part of her past? and What is he doing?A great mystery and heartbreaking romance, that also has you wondering if the romance is going to come to fruition or not, leaving you wanting answers and more.

    1 person found this helpful

Book preview

Escaping Reality - Lisa Renee Jones

ONE

Amy

MY NAME IS ALL THAT’S WRITTEN on the plain white envelope taped to the mirror. It wasn’t there when I entered the ladies’ room at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The laughter and pleasure of tonight’s charity event evaporate as fear and dread slam into me, adrenaline shooting through my body. No. No. No. This can’t be happening—but it is.

Suddenly the room begins to fade, and everything goes gray. It’s been years since I had a flashback, and I try to fight it, but I’m already right there in it. The scent of smoke burns my nose. The sound of blistering screams shreds my nerves. And all the pain and heartache, the loss of all I once had and will never have again, threatens to overwhelm me.

Fighting the meltdown, I swallow hard and shove away the gut-wrenching memories. I can’t let this happen. Not here, in a public place. Not when I’m certain that danger is knocking on my door.

On wobbly knees, clumsy in the four-inch black strappy heels that made me feel sexy only minutes ago, I step forward and press my palms to the counter. I can’t seem to make myself reach for the envelope, and my gaze goes to my image in the mirror—to the long, white-blond hair I’ve worn down tonight in honor of the heritage of my Swedish mother that I’m tired of denying. Gone, too, are the dark-rimmed glasses I’ve often used to hide the pale blue eyes my parents shared, making it too easy for me to see the empty shell of a person I’ve become. If this is what I am at twenty-four years old, what will I be like at thirty-four?

Voices sound outside the door, and I yank the envelope from the mirror and rush into a stall. Two women enter the bathroom, and I tune out their gossip about some man they’ve been admiring at the party. Leaning against the wall, I open the sealed envelope to remove a plain white notecard, and a small key drops to the floor. Cursing my shaking hands, I bend down and scoop it up. For a moment, I can’t seem to stand up. I force myself to my feet and blink away the burning sensation in my eyes to read the few short sentences typed on the card.

I’ve found you, and so can they. Go directly to JFK airport. Do not go home. Do not linger. Locker 111 will have everything you need.

My heart thunders in my chest as I take in the signature: a triangle with some writing inside. The same symbol that was tattood on the arm of the stranger who saved my life and helped me start a new one—and who’d made sure I understood that seeing that symbol means that I’m in danger and I have to run.

I squeeze my eyes shut, fighting a wave of emotion. Once again, my life is about to be turned upside down. Once again, I will lose everything—and while it’s so much less than before, it’s all I have. I crumple the note in my hand, desperate to make this all go away. After six years of hiding, I’d dared to believe I was safe—but that was a mistake. Deep down I’ve known that, ever since I left my job two months ago as a research assistant at the central library to work at the museum. Being here is treading water too close to the bridge.

Straightening, I listen as the women leave and the room goes silent. Anger erupts inside me at the idea that my life is about to be stolen from me again. Inhaling, I tear the note into tiny pieces, flush them down the toilet, and shove the envelope into the trash. I want to throw away the key, too, but some part of me won’t let that happen.

Unzipping my small black purse, I drop the key inside. I’m going to finish my party. And maybe I’m going to finish my life right here in New York City. The note didn’t say I’d been found; it only warned me that I could be found. I don’t want to run again. I need time to think, to process, and that is going to have to wait until after the party.

Decision made, I exit the stall, cutting my eyes away from the mirror. I don’t want to see myself right now, when I have no idea who I am or will be tomorrow. In the numb zone I’ve used as a survival tool before, almost as many times as I’ve tried to find the meaning of that symbol on the note, I follow the soft hum of orchestral music, entering a room with a high, oval ceiling decorated with magnificent murals. I tell myself to get lost in the crush of patrons in business attire and waiters offering champagne and finger foods, but I don’t. I simply stand there, mourning the new life I’ve just begun, and that I know is now gone. My zone has failed me.

Amy, where have you been?

Chloe Monroe, the only person I’ve let myself consider a friend in years, steps in front of me, a frown on her heart shaped face. From the dark brown curls bouncing around her shoulders to her outgoing personality and fun, flirty attitude, she is my polar opposite, and I love that about her. Now I will lose her. Now I will lose me, again.

Well, she prods when I don’t reply quickly enough, shoving her hands onto her hips, where have you been?

The ladies’ room. There was a line. I hate how easily the lie comes to me, how it defines me. A lie is all I am.

Chloe’s brow furrows. Hmmm. There wasn’t one when I was there. I guess I got lucky. She waves off the thought. Sabrina’s freaking out over some donation paperwork she can’t find and says she needs you. I thought you were doing research—when did you start handling donor paperwork?

Last week, when she got overwhelmed, I say, and perk up at the idea that my new boss needs me. I need to be needed, even if it’s just for tonight. Where is she?

By the front desk. She laces her arm through mine and pulls me forward. And I’m tagging along with you. I have a sixty-year-old admirer who’s bordering on stalker. I need to escape before he hunts me down.

Her light words go deep. I’m the one being hunted. I’d thought I was safe—but I’m not, and neither is anyone around me. I’ve lived that firsthand. I felt that heartache and loss and while being alone sucks, losing someone you care about is far worse.

I stop dead in my tracks and pull Chloe around to face me. Tell Sabrina I’m getting the forms and will be right there.

Oh. Okay. Sure. Chloe lets go of my arm, and for a moment I fight the urge to hug her. That would make her seem important to me, and someone could be watching. I turn away and rush for a doorway, feeling sick to my stomach that I’ll never see her again.

I finally exit at the side of the building into the muggy August evening and head for a line of cabs, consciously not rushing or looking around me. I’ve learned ways to avoid attention. Going to work for a place with a direct link to the world I’d left behind wasn’t one of them, and now I’m paying for that luxury.

JFK airport, I say as I slide into the back of a cab and rub the back of my neck at a familiar prickling sensation. A feeling I’d felt often my first year on my own, when I’d been certain danger waited for me around every corner. Hunted. I’m being hunted. All the denial I own won’t change my ­reality.

THE RIDE TO the airport is thirty minutes, and it takes me another fifteen to figure out what the location of locker 111 is once I’m inside the terminal. I pull it open and see a carry-on roller suitcase and a smaller brown leather tote bag with a large yellow envelope sticking up from inside it. Having no desire to be watched while I explore what’s been left for me, I gather up the bags and head for a ladies’ room.

Once again in a stall, I pull down the baby-changing table and check the contents of the envelope on top. There is a file folder, a bank card, a cell phone, a passport, a notecard, and another small, sealed envelope. I reach for the note first.

There is cash in the bank account, and the PIN is 1850. I’ll add more as you need it until you get fully settled. You’ll find a new Social Security card, driver’s license, and passport as well. You have a complete history to memorize, and a résumé and job history that will check out if looked into. Throw out your cell phone. The new one is registered under your new name and address. There’s a plane ticket and the keys to an apartment. Toss all identification and don’t use your bank account or credit cards. Be smart. Don’t link yourself to your past. Stay away from museums this time.

A new name. That’s what stands out to me. I’m getting another new name. No. No. No. My heart races at the idea. I don’t want another new name. Once again, I’m losing part of myself. After living a lie for years, I’m losing the only part of my fake identity I’d really accepted as me.

I grab the passport and flip it open, and my hand trembles at the sight of the current photo. How did this stranger I met only one time get a picture this recent? I’d once considered him my guardian angel, but I’m freaked out by this. Has he been watching me all this time? I shiver at the idea.

My only comfort is that my first name won’t change. I’m now Amy Bensen, rather than Amy Reynolds. I’m still Amy. It’s the one piece of good news in all of this and I cling to it, using it to stave off the meltdown I feel coming. I just have to hold it together until I get on the plane. Then I can sink into my seat and think myself into my numb zone, which I can’t seem to find right now.

Flipping open the folder, I find an airline ticket. I’m going to Denver, and I leave in an hour. I’ve never been anywhere but Texas and New York. All I know about Denver is it’s big, it’s cold, and it’s the next place I will pretend is home, when in reality I have no home. The thought makes my chest pinch, but the fear of what might await me if I don’t run pushes me past it.

I turn off my cell phone so it won’t ping and stuff it, with everything but my new ID and plane ticket, back into the envelope. I have my own money in the bank, and I’m not about to get rid of my identification and access to that resource. Besides, the idea of using a bank card that allows me to be tracked bothers me. I’ll be visiting the bank tomorrow and removing any cash I can get my hands on. When I’d been eighteen, naive and alone, I’d blindly trusted the stranger who’d rescued me. I might have to trust him now, too, but it won’t be blindly.

Making my way to check-in, I fumble through using the kiosk and then make a beeline to security. A few minutes later I’m on the other side of the metal detectors, and I stop at a store to buy random things I might need. All is going well until I arrive at my gate and hear my new name paged from the desk.

I’m so sorry, Ms. Bensen, the fortysomething gate agent begins. We had an administrative error, and seats were double-booked. We—

I have to be on this flight, I say in a whispered hiss, my heart in my throat. "I have to be on this flight."

I can get you a voucher and the first flight tomorrow.

No.Tonight. Give someone else a bigger voucher to get me a seat.

I—

Talk to a supervisor, I insist. Avoiding attention means I’m usually not a pushy person, but I have no death wish. I am alive, and plan to stay that way.

She purses her lips, but finally she turns away and makes a path toward a man in uniform. Their heads dip low and he glances at me before the woman returns. We have you on standby, and we’ll try to get you on.

How likely is it you’ll get me on?

We’re going to try.

Try how hard?

Her lips purse again. Very.

I let out a sigh of relief. Thank you. And I’m sorry. I have a . . . crisis of sorts. I really have to get to my destination. There is a thread of desperation to my voice that I can’t contain.

Her expression softens. I understand, and I am sorry this happened, she assures me. We are trying to make this right. And so you don’t panic, please know that we have to get everyone boarded before we make any passenger changes. You’ll likely be the last on the plane.

Thanks, I say, feeling awkward. I’ll just go wait. Flustered, I turn away from the counter and head to the window, where I set my bags on the floor beside me. Leaning back against the steel handrail on the glass, I position myself to see everyone around me to be sure I’m prepared for any problem before it’s upon me. And that’s when the room falls away, when my gaze collides with his.

He’s sitting in a seat facing me, one row between us, his features handsomely carved, his dark hair a thick, rumpled finger temptation. He’s dressed in faded jeans and a dark blue T-shirt, but he could just as easily be wearing a finely fitted suit and tie. He’s older than me, maybe thirty, but there’s a worldliness, a sense of control and confidence, about him that reaches beyond years. He is money, power, and sex, and while I cannot make out the color of his eyes, I don’t need to. All that matters is that he is one hundred percent focused on me, and me on him. A moment ago I was alone in a crowd, and suddenly, I’m with him. As if the space between us is nothing. I tell myself to look away, that everyone is a potential threat, but I just . . . can’t.

His eyes narrow the tiniest bit, and then his lips curve ever so slightly and I’m certain I see satisfaction slide over his face. He knows I can’t look away. I’ve become his newest conquest, of which I am certain he has many, and embarrassingly, I’ve done so without one single moan of pleasure in the process.

Inviting our first-class guests to board now, the gate agent says over the intercom.

I blink as he pushes himself to his feet and slides the strap of his duffel bag onto his shoulder. His eyes hold mine, a hint of something in them I can’t quite make out. Challenge? But what kind of challenge? He turns away, and just like that, I’m alone again.

TWO

EVERYONE HAS BOARDED THE PLANE BUT me. I’m alone in the gate area aside from a few airline personnel, and I feel vulnerable and exposed with no crowd to hide me. I’m already thinking through my options for the evening if I don’t make this flight, when my new name is called.

Your lucky day, Ms. Bensen, the agent says as I approach the counter. You’ve been bumped up to first class.

I blink in surprise, and not just at the oddity of being called Ms. Bensen. Are you sure? First class?

That’s right.

How much extra? I ask, unsure of how much money I have on the card I’ve been given, and unable to use my personal savings for fear of being tracked. I’m not even sure the little bit my extra holiday jobs allowed me would cover it.

No cost to you, she assures me, smiling and motioning to my ticket. I’ll just print out your new boarding pass.

Thank you, I say quickly.

As I rush down the Jetway to the plane, and despite my relief at scoring a seat, the reality of leaving New York punches me in the gut. Everything I’ve come to know as my world is here, and I haven’t felt this helpless since . . . a long time ago.

I can’t think about what happened then. I don’t think about it. That’s when the nightmares start, and so does the fear. This isn’t the time to let the terror control me. I have no idea what I’ll face in the next few days.

Welcome aboard, a flight attendant says cheerfully as I reach the plane, and somehow I muster a half-smile before making my way to Row 7, where there are only two seats.

My aisle seat is empty—even though they told me the flight was overbooked—and the one by the window is empty, too. The hope that I might be alone is dashed when I note a bag stored beneath the seat. I sigh. I just want to slip into my seat and shut my eyes before whoever it is returns, but that’s not an option. I have luggage to store and a file to study.

With a shrug, I let the oversized tote bag fall into my seat. When I try to stow my carry-on suitcase, I discover the bin above me is full. Apparently nothing is going to be easy tonight. Pushing myself to tiptoe, I try to adjust some bags to make room for mine, and it’s as much a struggle as breathing is right now.

Let me help you.

The deep, slightly husky male voice has me turning to my left, and I’m captured in a familiar stare. My heart sputters. It can’t be. But it is. I made a fool of myself by gaping at a gorgeous man, and now I’m going to pay in buckets of embarrassment. The man from the gate area towers over my five feet three inches by close to a foot, and standing so close that I no longer have to guess the color of his eyes. They are blue, a piercing aqua blue that’s almost green, and they are once again focused one hundred percent on me.

I . . . ah . . . Thank you.

My pleasure, he says with a quirk to his mouth that, along with the dark stubble shadowing his strong jaw and his barely-there goatee, makes me think pirate. The kind that steals a girl’s senses and ravishes her body, leaving her incapable of anything but a whimper as she watches him walk out the door.

Mr. Tall, Dark, and Potentially Dangerous reaches over me into the compartment, his T-shirt stretching over a perfectly sculpted broad chest. I don’t move—me, a person who believes wholeheartedly in personal space. I know I should, but I don’t seem to have control over my legs, let alone anything else, tonight.

He glances down at me as he shifts the luggage. Just this bag? he asks, and there is heat in his eyes. Or maybe amusement. And conquest, definitely conquest, which must get old for a man like him.

The thought is enough to make me step back, probably a bit too obviously. Yes. Thank you. He slides my small suitcase in, muscles flexing, tall torso stretching deliciously, and I don’t even try

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