She Can Run by Melinda Leigh
Romantic Suspense
Paperback
November 22, 2011
Montlake Romance

Reviewed by Tori

Elizabeth Baker should have had a fairytale marriage, but once she said, "I do," to the handsome congressman, everything changed. When she sees something she shouldn’t, her husband attempts to silence her permanently. She escapes and along with her 2 children goes into hiding. 10 months later, she arrives for her job as an estate caretaker only to find her boss has passed away and his nephew inherited the estate.

Jack O’Malley, former police detective, is grieving for his uncle and recovering from a job related injury. When Beth appears, claiming she works there, he is unprepared for the instant attraction that sparks between them. Jack realizes Beth’s terrified and hiding something and he begins to try and unravel the many lies Beth has spun about her previous life. When a serial killer appears in their town, Jack knows he will do anything to protect Beth and her kids-even risking his own life.

She Can Run is a classic romantic suspense. An engaging plot with personable dynamic characters will have you settling down for the long haul. There are actually two plots running simultaneously through here, intertwining and adding to the suspense of the storyline. Though I guessed early on who both villains were, I found the events leading up to the ending to be an enjoyable adventure filled with plenty of action and intrigue as we watch the pieces fall into place.

Beth and her children have been through hell for the past 10 months. Her husband is a well liked congressman from a powerful family. He has maligned her, saying she is insane and unstable, in order to cut off from any help. Her uncle James believes her though and sends her to Danny O’Malley for help. Danny dies before he can help her but his nephew jumps into help with both feet first. Beth doesn’t trust him automatically-in fact it takes a majority of the book before Beth herself tells him their story. We watch as Beth suffers "accidents" and Jack uses all his police skills to figure out what is happening. Plenty of misdirection keeps you on your toes as we watch Beth fight not only her husband but a serial killer bent on claiming her as his last victim.

The characters are enthusiastic; adding depth and humor to the story. Jack’s cousins play some wonderful parts in the story as they help Jack uncover Beth’s mystery. Her kid’s are major players and their incorporation feels natural. Beth and her children feel and act like victims of domestic violence. Both Beth and her kids are noticeably scared and cautious around Jack and men in general. The flinching and tension is a physical presence through out the storyline. The best character in the book for me is retired police dog- Henry. Henry is only 4 years old but failed in his training as a police dog. His antics through out the story brought out smiles and laughs as he takes it upon himself to become this family’s protector. It’s hilarious because he’s Jack’s dog but Jack is the only one he really won’t listen too.

The romance is very slow building and the sexual tension between Beth and Jack simmers through out the book. Beth experienced rejection and cruelty at her husband’s hands so intimacy is difficult for her now. Jack takes it slow and waits for her to finally trust him which adds a sense of realism to their romance. You don’t get a lot of sex scenes which is expected but what you get is well done.

The only problem I had with this story is the flashes of immaturity between Jack and his cousins. Though in their late 30s and early 40’s, some of their dialogue is quite juvenile. As the wife of a 45 year old man, I can assure you most older men do not refer to their erections as chubbies, semis, or boners. I know because I asked my husband and he just looked at me strange. It was jarring and didn’t mix well with their overall personalities.

The ending is climatic although predictable. You know how it will all play out but it was interesting and somewhat suspenseful to watch it happen. An enjoy romantic suspense with more emphasis on the suspense then the romantic.

Rating: C+

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