Running StrongAn LCR Elite NovelWhen passion meets destiny, the consequences can be fatalHaving seen the worst of humanity, Raphael Sanchez has always wanted to make a difference in the world. Years ago, Last Chance Rescue saved him from certain death, and from that moment, his primary goal was to become an LCR operative. Now an Elite operative, Raphael lives his dream daily, rescuing victims … daily, rescuing victims from horrific circumstances.
Giselle Reddington barely remembers the life she once lived and desperately wants to forget the life she chose. She lives for only one goal, has only one focus. Last Chance Rescue is her last hope, her only hope. Though terrified of the secrets that will be revealed, she has no choice but to ask for their help.
Raphael and Giselle were once in love, but fate ripped them apart. Now they must reunite for a mission neither of them imagined. To Raphael, this is the most important rescue mission of his life. For Giselle, there is no life if the mission fails.
The forces of evil can carry deadly consequences, and innocence can be lost beneath the heavy load. But Last Chance Rescue was created for times such as these, and there’s no one better to rescue the innocent and wreak havoc on the wicked.
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I absolutely loved this book. I always k how when I pick up a Christy Reece book that I’m in for a great read. I am sad to see the series end but loved the way it finished. Giselle and Raphael are an amazing couple and I really enjoyed reading their story and seeing them as adults. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
A beginning that seems to describe an “end, and an ending that delivers a wonderful beginning……
Raphael Sanchez met Giselle Reddington during the most traumatic point in her life – during a LCR mission that took down an evil criminal, her father. They fell in love but circumstances unknown to Raphael caused Giselle to flee from the safe haven of his arms. Now, seven years later, Noah McCall’s family is kidnapped and Stanford Reddington seems to be behind it despite languishing in prison. What is going on?
The Last Chance Rescue series concludes with the a true roller coaster ride of a story, starting off with a slow hold-your-breath build-up to an almost dizzying drop into edge-of-your-seat twists and turns. The suspense, the mystery, the evil, the love – it almost becomes too much for the reader. But thanks to the mad writing skills of Ms. Reece, she takes us to the scary edge of overload without sending us over! This is no ordinary second chance at love story with some suspense flung in – no, this is a masterly written novel that brilliantly includes characters and plots from the prior LCR books to finish the series in a spectacular, perfect way. Raphael and Giselle, first introduced way back in Sweet Revenge, are no average couple. Forged from circumstances beyond their control and surrounded in their youth by evil, these two instead developed into strong, moral individuals bent on doing what is right, no matter the personal circumstances. No spoilers here, but you are rooting from the beginning for these two to find their way back to each other.
I also loved how many of the LCR crew appeared in this book and were an important part of Raphael and Giselle’s journey back to love. The plot flowed effortlessly despite all the characters – it truly fit that so many were involved in this mission. Having read Ms. Reece’s other series, Grey Justice, I noticed that her series-concluding books are as powerful in plot and voice as her other books in the series. Instead of the series winding down, it finishes as strong as the other books – arguably stronger even! A wonderful book that I am loathe to describe as the “end” of LCR – I like to think the missions continue and justice will always prevail. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Reece has in store for readers next!
If you are here expecting me to tell you the summary of Running Strong, that’s not going to happen. The synopsis on the back cover will do that for you. But I am here to tell you this: if you like a story where the women are warriors and the men are heroes, this book is for you. If you like a story that you can’t put down, that is full of suspense, that’s a real page turner; read this book. If you like a story of love, heartbreak and second chances; read this book. If you don’t mind shedding some tears along the way; read this book. If you like a story where justice wins, where the bad guys are punished, where pure evil is conquered; read this book. You won’t be sorry and you won’t have missed out. Another perfect book from Christy Reece. And if you haven’t yet read the previous books about LCR, you’re going to be busy for while
I really enjoyed Running Strong! It was great to catch up with everyone and see who’s had kids, who’s expecting etc. We got to see everyone in this book. I was surprised Noah held back on his matchmaking a little in this one.
I loved Giselle and Raphael together. Giselle, is an amazing young woman, I liked how she saw how much her mother tried to protect them from their father. I liked Raphael and Giselle’s relationship, she had just as much strength as he did.
Raphael is such a good man, I was so happy to see him grow up and be a part of LCR Elite. I also appreciated his desire to look out for Giselle even when his was so angry and hurt by her.
I can’t wait to see what Christy Reece comes up with next!
You can never go wrong with a Christy Reece story,romance,action and intrigue as well as family and fun.In this one Raphael Sanchez is all grown up and so is Giselle Reddington but when Giselle has to go into WITSEC rather than telling Raphael she just leaves,leaving a note, because she knows Raphael wants to be a part of LCR and help others so she feels this is the best thing to do. A second chance to be together is waiting thanks to evil,crazy villains and so many unexpected twists and turns you will be on the edge of your seat till the very end. Their story is tragic,heartbreaking and sweet.As with all Christy Reece.s books it’s a must read.
Christy never fails to deliver a 5 star read. The characters of this book who were introduced in a previous book, when they were younger, are adults now. There is some animosity between them because of their past. Christy takes the readers through a gauntlet of emotions while they figure out how to find their happiness again. You will not be disappointed with this book.
HOLY MOLY!!!!!!!
What a wild ride. I was literally on the edge of my seat gripping my kindle and at times had to put it down. And think noooooo.
The past and the present come together to make for an absolutely combustible collision.
Raphael & Giselle’s story was pure masterful genius. This book had everything AND all of our favorite characters from the LCR series. And some characters we wished long dead. The storyline was layered and absolutely brilliant pulling together so many stories and characters. I was riveted…and stressed, lol.
Christy Reece delivered a powerful, gripping awesome finale to a series that has been my favorite for so many years. Her writing was flawless and the emotion in the book along with the action was perfection. While I’m sad to see this series come to an end. I will read and follow this author always!
“I can’t resist you, Giselle. No matter how hard I’ve tried, I never forgot you. Never stopped wanting you.”
Warning: Prepare for the feels!! Oh, my poor heart!! It was breaking, it was laughing, it was crying both sad and happy tears!
Raphael Sanchez had one dream – to to be an agent for LCR. It’s all he’s ever wanted since the elite group saved him. Having Giselle by his side would have made everything complete. Until she up and left with nothing but a venom-filled note. That was seven years ago and his heart had never recovered. In a cruel twist of fate, the two have been thrown together to take down a poisonous web of evil, the connections more far reaching than anyone can imagine. Secrets and deception are around every corner, around every turn. The failure of this mission could mean more than losing the woman he loves for a second time. It could very well mean he loses everything.
Giselle Reddington had no choice. She had to make him hate her and she’s regretted it ever since. After seven years, and living a life that didn’t include Raphael, she needs him. She’s in trouble, and targeted for death. But, will he help her? Can he forgive her for what she did to him and give her a chance to explain? As they work together on this mission, one secret could mean the difference between a second chance with the man she’s always loved, and losing him all over again.
This was a great addition to this series – probably my favorite one! And who would have known what you have for breakfast could change your life – or save it? If you haven’t read this series, I highly suggest you get to it!! Why are you still reading this? GO!!
I really just don’t know what to say besides OUTSTANDING BOOK! I have read all of Christy’s books and I have to say this one is the best! It has you from the beginning and just never lets you go! I really felt like I was in the book with the characters and the real world just faded away. The saying “They save the best for last” is true!
LCR does it again, as does Christy Reece. The quality of the story and the complexity of the plot make this book one of the best so far. All of LCR’s operatives have history unlike most and that is what contributes to the depth of the plot. I am looking forward to whatever comes next…
I received a free complimentary book and voluntarily reviewed it.
Running Strong is the fifth exciting romantic suspense thriller in author Christy Reece’s LCR Elite series. The LCR group, Last Chance Rescue, is a specialized private group that rescues people who are in extremely difficult situations.
This book includes many characters from Ms. Reece’s other LCR books. Fortunately, this author does a fantastic job of explaining who every returning character is in order to help the reader understand this story.
The main characters in this book, Raphael Sanchez and Giselle Reddington, appeared in two other LCR books, Last Chance and Sweet Revenge. Since the pasts of both of these characters are very important to this story, Ms. Reece thoroughly explains everything we need to know. Therefore, readers can enjoy this novel even if they have not read the other books.
In the first chapter, Giselle breaks up with Raphael, even though they are obviously madly in love with each other. She has her reasons, but Raphael has no knowledge of them. Therefore, he is bitterly angry at her even years later. However, since the breakup, Raphael has achieved his dream of becoming a member of the LCR Elite group.
When Giselle and her family become the targets of someone who wants to kill her, she comes to LCR for help. She is very aware that Raphael works there, but she knows that she needs their experience to save her and to find her young son.
Noah McCall, his wife, Samara, and their two children are also a big part of this story. Noah created LCR and is its leader. Many readers fell in love with this couple when they had their own story in one of the older LCR books. It is wonderful to see that Noah and his family have a longer storyline and play an important role in this story.
I love Christy Reece’s characters. She creates characters that are realistic and three-dimensional. Raphael had an extremely difficult life and his own set of problems. Since then he has become a rough and tough operative for LCR. Yet, he is kind, gentle and respectful to Giselle, even though he is still bitter about her actions.
On the other hand, Giselle had an easy life until she discovered who her father was. However, since she left Raphael, she has had an extremely difficult time. However, her experiences have made her a tough woman who can take care of herself.
The villains in Running Strong have no redeeming qualities whatsoever. They are mean, selfish and have no regard for human life. Killing is just another way for them to get their own way. However, like most villains, they are people we love to hate!
Ms. Reece is a fantastic storyteller. In fact, this book has so many twists, turns and obstacles that the reader barely gets a chance to breathe before she creates another difficult hurdle for this couple to tackle. Even though we find out early in the story who most of the villains are, their despicable plots are unexpected and lethal enough to enthrall the reader.
This novel is a page-turner which makes it very difficult to put down. I highly recommend this book, and every other book, in Christy Reece’s LCR and LCR Elite series.
Christy Reece writes the most awesome/awful corrupt villains out in the book world. She tops herself with every book she puts out. I have been waiting on Raphael’s story for a while. Christy gave him time to grow up from when he was first introduced in the series. Raphael was once a victim that was saved by LCR (Run to Me) and years later is living his dream of being an LCR Elite operative. The final to this first-rate series offers so much. There are multiple, surprising twists to the story, it gave me Raphael’s story and his HEA, it brought back ALL the LCR operatives from the LCR and LCR Elite series, it has the strong hero and the equally strong heroine, and it combined action, suspense, and romance all woven in the storyline seamlessly. Wonderful read from page one to the end.
You’re going to love what Christy Reece has written for grown-up Raphael Sanchez and Giselle Reddington! Last time we saw these two, they were mere teenagers crushing on each other as her ruthless father, Stanford Reddington, held Jamie Kendrick hostage in Sweet Revenge. A lot has changed in seven years and now, in Running Strong, readers are in for a journey fraught with action and suspense with Raphael and Giselle smack dab in the middle of it all. And finally the long-awaited romance between the star-crossed young lovers is the icing on the cake – and oh what a sweet treat it is!
As a reader, I have two primary requests:
1) I want an emotional experience, and
2) I want to be entertained
and Christy Reece fulfills both.
Awaiting readers is a masterfully designed storyline infused with unexpected surprises and unforgettable characters, along with reunions among those beloved characters from the LCR/Elite series. Even the host of secondary characters add their own special blend of spice (and everything nice) to the story through their individuality. And, of course, you can always count on a devious, evil and vile villain or two that are Reece’s trademark. A solid feature throughout both series is this author’s ability to bring these characters to life on the pages. She has that rare talent to “show, not just tell” their stories. Just a note to clarify — each of the books can be read as standalones — but you’ll never be able to stop with just one!
Romantic suspense reigns supreme as this series of books comes to a close — one of my all-time favorites in this genre. (I can’t think about it without tears!) But hope springs eternal because there’s a new series in the works, and it sounds really intriguing with a character that has already caught my eye with only three little words — but I’m not going to tell you what they are! You will, however, get a quick glimpse of the new leader of the pack as he makes a small appearance when Noah needs a helping hand.
You won’t want to miss Running Strong! It’s the perfect answer to a romantic-suspense lover’s dream!
Christy Reece is a master storyteller and there is a reason why she is a NYT best selling author. This latest book is no exception and proves her talent once again with its twists and turns
I won’t go into details as Christy always has a twist that you never see coming, but I loved Raphael and Giselle’s story and the journey of their young love to who they are now. I was also wonderful to see so many of the former LCR characters for this last book in the series.
It was a perfect wrap up and ending and I’m already excited about the new series (which we get a hint of in this book).