The Escape begins with a bang and never lets up. That becomes its biggest strength and greatest weakness. US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn find themselves unlikely partners on a prisoner transport mission. They’ve met before (assuming it’s setting up a backstory that’ll get expanded on in future books) but weren’t expecting to work together here. It’s all supposed to be routine, but when their transport plane crashes in the middle of the forest their prisoner sees his chance to escape.

Damon Barrick didn’t plan on escaping, but you’d be crazy not to take the opportunity, right? Especially when the crash puts you down right the middle of the remote, rural area you grew up in and have ties to. And so the chase is on.

Lisa Harris writes a barnburner of a story, wasting no time moving from point to point, penning an intricately plotted cat-and-mouse game where the Marshals seem to always be one step behind. The pace is unrelenting, as Madison and Jonas have to navigate an unfamiliar land and unfamiliar people. The advantage is fully on Damon as he pieces together a getaway.

The Escape is like a Fast and Furious movie. It’s not always realistic, but is always entertaining. The story breaks down if you take too long to look at it, which is why Harris keeps her characters running. Questions of “But how did he…?” get cursory answers because the real answer is “Because that was the most entertaining way of doing it.” I mean, think about it. The three main characters not only survive a plane crash that killed three other people, but do so with the physical ability to run all over the woods and mastermind a getaway/chase down a killer.

There is a bit of a backstory with Madison’s character in that her husband was murdered and she thinks the killer has been sending her messages. This is all said in a by-the-way tone which, well, doesn’t really fit My Husband’s Killer Knows Where I Live and Is Toying With Me. It’s obvious that this’ll play a big part in book two and Harris only wanted a bit of foreshadowing done here, but it’s kind of a big thing that get little play or development in book one.

The Escape is an action-thriller. It does that job superbly. It’s over-the-top, fast-paced, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The problem with a book like this is that it doesn’t stay with me. There’s not enough to these characters to get attached to. I read this book about two weeks prior to penning this review and the only character whose name I could remember was Damon, the villain, because he had the most fleshed-out and interesting characterization. It’s a well-written story with two-dimensional characters. A fun read, but not so compelling that I absolutely need to continue the story.

I have to say, this is probably my favorite Lisa Harris book. She always brings the tension and suspense, but The Escape really pushed to a higher level.

I loved Madison and Jonas. The relationship that developed slowly and with a gentleness as you learn each character’s backstory and the things they’re trying to overcome was on point. The suspense ramped up the story, pushing the envelope and showing just how intense these moments can be and how dedicated the men and women of the US Marshals are.

The spiritual factor was there, not a forceful presence, but the softer, subtler relationship showed through actions and occasional prayer.

I particularly loved the opening chapters, the chase scene in the forest, in particular, but the entire novel is incredible. And the ending! Gah! Got me right in the feels.

I requested a copy of this book from RevellReads. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

US Marshals Madison and Jonas are transporting two prisoners by plane to a secure location in Denver, but when the plane experiences engine trouble and they are forced to crash land somewhere in between. Upon regaining consciousness, they find that one of the prisoners is dead, but the other has escaped. 

A heart pounding, action packed adventure of survival, and trying to catch a cunning con artist murderer. This is a intense read, filled with suspense, mystery, and great tension. 

Madison and Jonas are acquaintances, and this is their first time working together. Jonas knows that Madison is the perfect partner for this mission, as he trained her years ago and knows that she has sharp instincts, and is great at thinking on her feet. They make a great team, bouncing ideas off of each other, and listening to each other's input. I liked how Jonas stresses safety, how they grow to trust and depend on each other, as well as talk about their share values and beliefs. 

Overall, this was a book that I didn't want to put down! Great characters, and high intensity action. I'm also very happy that this series will continue to follow Madison and Jonas, as they are a great team and have great chemistry. I will be counting the days until book 2 is available! 


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Escape was exciting and thrilling.
It captured your intrigue and was a well written piece of work by the author. It has a good start to the series and i really enjoy the authors work.
I really appreciated the adventure, suspense, drama with a little romance stirred in and it was captivating to read.

I received a complimentary copy of The Escape from  NetGalley.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.  

I enjoyed this book, which I thought would be a self-contained novel.  I saw no indication that this book would have a sequel.  (I don't usually like to read books from a series.)  It was action packed and fast paced--very well written.  I enjoyed it so much that I didn't realize it was nearing the end (I listened to it), when it eventually ended.  I have to say that I was a bit disappointed that it looks like there will be a sequel instead of wrapping up the loose ends in this book.  (I will not know the name of the sequel or remember to look for it, so this one will forever be incomplete in my head.  I know the book may have been exceedingly long if it had continued, but I was hoping for a resolution that was instantly satisfying at the conclusion of this novel.)  Really, it deserves 5 stars, but like I said, I will likely never know the actual ending.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

Madison became a US Marshal after the murder of her husband. It has been five years and his killer is still at large. Each year on the anniversary of his death, someone leaves a black rose on his grave. This time, it is left on her bed inside her home. Is this a message from his killer?
She gets an assignment to transport two prisoners. Also, assigned to this task is Jonas. The plane transporting them unexpectedly crashed, in a wilderness, killing both pilots and one of the prisoners. Unfortunately, the one surviving prisoner escaped. Madison and Jonas are on his trail, determined to find him before he kills again.
So many times, they feel they are close to his capture when he makes yet another escape.
This story is action packed and well written. I gave four stars due to the cliffhanger at the end. I, personally, like stories to have an ending and not have to wait months for the next book.
I was given a complimentary copy by the publisher, Revell and Netgalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

This book explodes with intrigue and adventure which made this reader very content. You may think it is the typical person on the loose, chase scenes , detours and romance. Oh you would be correct except it’s not your typical easy to catch person on the run. The author gives a real story behind why this person is so desperate to stay hidden. I like that we get a look into the fugitive’s back story and his need to never be seen again. 

The story is riveting as a plane  crashes with fugitives, pilots and two U. S. Marshall’s on board. Madison and Jonas have a cat and mouse game ahead of them when one fugitive survives the crash. 

My adrenaline was pumping throughout the story with close calls, danger and near death attacks. Madison is very well equipped for the job and I thought her teaming up with Jonas was a perfect match. I’m glad the focus was more on the escape and not so much on trying to develop a romance between the two. Maybe the author does have more in store for these two in another story but we will have to wait and see. As readers we already know that they get their man, but the brilliance of the story is how hard they have to work to achieve this. The fugitive is smart, cunning and always a step ahead. Get ready for a fast pace read as you are witness to a chase through a forest where hiding places abound. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. The review is my own opinion.

This book has it all—-  endearing characters, high-octane action and a vivid Pacific Northwest setting! All I could think while reading this book was, “When is this coming to Netflix”?!  

Jonas & Madison are both complicated and real. Something about their dynamic reminded me very much of “The X-Files” Mulder & Scully. The fugitive they’re chasing is brilliant. It all made for a very compelling read.  

Seriously, when is this coming to Netflix???

Every year since her husband Luke's death, Madison  has received a black rose - this year it was on her bed!
Jonas, a fellow police officer is assigned to work with Madison on transporting two highly dangerous  federal prisoners by air. Jonas knew Madison from working with her four years ago, a year after her husband died. The two men were convicted of murder and robbery and were shacked by their ankles and wrists.
They get on the plane, fly for a short while, and have turbulence issues - then the passengers are told to prepare for a crash landing.....

Lisa Harris consistently delivers adrenaline-filled, fast-paced suspense and this book that kicks off her newest series is quite enjoyable. The intensity and speed of the fugitive chase reminded me of the movie The Fugitive. From terrible plane crash to combat in the middle of the forest to tracking down the fugitive's contacts, there is never a dull moment in the plot. Madison and Jonas are great characters in their dedication and determination as US Marshals. They both have deep wounds that still need healing and this first book lays down the groundwork for their friendship and partnership, as well as the underlying current of attraction. I expect the subtle threats against Madison in regards to her deceased husband to continue throughout the series and am anxious to find out why he was killed and who the murderer is. I'm not a huge fan of books that build upon the same set of main characters in the series but I'm totally hooked and will be reading the rest of the series.

If you enjoy heart-pounding suspense and action, you will love this book. I received a copy of the book from Revell/Baker Publishing Group via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive review.  All comments and opinions are solely my own.

From start to finish this was a riveting can’t put it down novel. Madison and Jonas, two US Marshals, are tasked with transporting two prisoners to Denver. On board the flight trouble begins and the flight crashes. Three are dead and one prisoner escapes. The two Marshals are taken on a week long harrowing journey to capture the missing prisoner. Easier said than done. He is always one step ahead of them. Smart, silver tongued gets him advantages that no one would predict. Full of danger, and traveling in unknown territory in mostly forest laden land, Madison and Jonas have to keep their wits about them. 
This kept me “on my toes” reading and I loved it. Lisa Harris writes like no author I’ve ever read. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
My thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ebook. My review was not required but I willingly wrote what I thought about this novel.

THE ESCAPE was sent to me by Net Galley, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review.
Revell Publishing published THE ESCAPE, a Christian Romantic Suspense book, written by the very talented author, Lisa Harris. She did a really good job. This was the first book in the US Marshalls Series. I purchased the audiobook, whose narrator is Hannah Cabell.
In THE ESCAPE, two US marshalls, Madison James and Jonas Quinn, were charged with delivering two extreme criminals to their trials in Denver, CO. On the way there, their plane crashes. One of their prisoners died and the other, Damon Barrick went on the run. In the process of apprehending Barrick, he killed several more people. It seems, however that someone else may have also been after Madison. Was Damon Barrick the one who made an attempt on Madison’s life, or was it someone else? Was there any romance in this novel. You’ll need to read or listen to this book in order to find out!
I really like Christian romantic suspense novels, so I do recommend this novel.

The Escape by Lisa Harris – Interesting Story and Likeable Characters

I love reading books filled with mystery, suspense, and intrigue and that’s why I was excited to read The Escape by Lisa Harris, an author whose work is new to me.  This is the first book in the US Marshalls series.  

Could it really be five years since Madison James’ husband Luke had been murdered?  Her life had been changed forever, but she had thrown herself into her career as a US Marshall.  Though it was an important anniversary, she had a job to do, transporting two prisoners from Seattle to Denver.  She would be joined by US Marshall Jonas Quinn, with whom she had trained a few years ago.  Jonas had just moved back to Seattle, though he was planning for a couple days off, duty called.  Any hope for a smooth prisoner transport was quickly abandoned as their private plane crash-landed in the forests over Idaho.  Just because their plane crashed didn’t mean their job was over.  

I really enjoyed reading The Escape.  From the get-go, I found this book very engaging.  The characters were likable, and the storyline was interesting.  I liked the rapport between Madison and Jonas and that they had mutual respect for one another.  There was a little bit of romantic attraction and it was expressed appropriately for a Christian book.  I liked how the characters were revealed over time as they got to know one another.  I’ve never read anything about the US Marshalls and learned a little bit about this law enforcement agency.  The author was good at describing the scenic settings.  

I very much liked this book, yet there were times that the story seemed to drag.  The number of times the escaped prisoner got away and posed a threat to the general public seemed a bit much.  I wondered in real life that if a US Marshall had been foiled by the bad guy too many times, would they be fired?  

Something else that didn’t seem realistic was the plane crash where both Madison and Jonas sustained injuries.  But those injuries didn’t seem to stop them in their quest to get the prisoner.  The story wasn’t wrapped up entirely at the end, but it appears that there will be a book two where their story will carry on.  

I love finding a new author whose work I like and look forward to reading more books by Lisa Harris.  What I liked best about her writing is how she develops relationships.  

If you like suspense, mystery, intrigue, romance, or books on law enforcement, I recommend The Escape by Lisa Harris.  

I would like to thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Escape by Lisa Harris.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Two U.S. Marshalls are in a plane crash in the mountains of Idaho while escorting two prisoners! One prisoner dies in the crash and the other escapes! Marshall Madison James has never been convinced that her late husband's murder was random! Especially when a black rose appears every year on the anniversary of his death. But Madison must put this out of her mind and concentrate on finding Damon Barrick. The Escape will keep you reading as Madison and her partner, Jonas Quinn attempt to track the dangerous escapee who seems to always be one step ahead of them! This book has plenty of action and excitement! Lisa Harris just seems to write more intriguing books every time! I recommend The Escape to anyone who enjoys suspense! I received a complimentary e-book from the author and NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

This is the first book in the author's US Marshals series. US Marshal Madison James is still recovering from her husband's death five years later. Although his murder has never been solved, a black rose appears every year on his gravestone. This year is different: she finds one on her pillow and begins to wonder if the killer's agenda is unfinished. Simultaneously, Maddie's former Marshal instructor Jonas Quinn arrives in Seattle and they are tapped to escort two high risk prisoners by plane. When the plane crashes, one prisoner dies - but the other escapes. Maddie and Jonas are now in the pursuit of their lives.

With plenty of plot twists the ending is a clear set up for the next book, which I am eager to read. :)

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Harris has outdone herself!
US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn have stolen my heart. 
Madison and Jonas are paired together for a routine prison transport, but that't the last "routine" thing they experience. When the plane goes down, they're lucky to be alive, but one of the prisoners has escaped, and it's a race to beat the clock to find him. This story takes you all over the country tracking a con man who leaves destruction in his wake. You can't help but keep the pages turning as you become more engrossed in the story and invested in the characters.
While my heart hates a cliff-hanger, I love love love series that continue forward with the same characters. I am anxiously anticipating the release of The Chase so we can watch them hunt another killer and see if Madison and James will ever be more than friends!
Can we also talk about this cover?! It's stunning. Bravo, Revell, for upping the game on covers lately.

Familiar territory in the book was a wonderful escape into happier times and places.  The story and plotting were well crafted.  The action and suspense never let me which I enjoyed immensely.  Author was new to me but I will keep a look out for more in the future.

In The Escape, Lisa Harris delivers a fast-paced, intriguing storyline that gives readers an insider's view of the role US Marshals play in capturing a fugitive.

It’s clear that Madison James and Jonas Quinn are excellent in their roles in the Marshals office as they attempt to get into the mind of a criminal and anticipate his next move. There are plenty of obstacles thrown in along the way to keep the tension tight and the pages turning.

I didn’t realize this was the first book in the series, but when I got to the end, my first thought was that there’d better be another book. Harris excels at writing romantic suspense where the suspense is high and the romance has a slow build. It works well in The Escape and I am already anticipating book two next summer.



Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The Escape by Lisa Harris is a cat and mouse chase. 

More suspense than romance. I suspect the romance may grow over the series.  There is also the unresolved aspect of who killed Madison’s husband. 
I liked the book more than I expected from the book description.  They were not in the woods the entire time. I enjoyed the character insight into the fugitive and how he was able to convince people to help him. Heck at one point I even wondered if he was set up. 

Plenty of action and thought provoking as you think through what would you do in his shoes to stay one step ahead of them. 

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are thrust into a high-profile case when they are called on to transport two prisoners across the country on a private plane. But when the plane experiences engine trouble en route from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado, the pilots crash-land the aircraft deep in the heart of the sprawling Salmon-Challis National Forest. 

When Madison and Jonas regain consciousness, they find both pilots and one prisoner dead--and one fugitive on the run. They'll have to negotiate the rugged and remote backcountry through Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado while tracking a murderer who is desperate to disappear--and will do anything to stop them.

This is an action packed book starting with a plane crash.  The pilots are dead, one of the prisoners is dead, one prisoner escapes.  Two US Marshals, Madison James and Jonas Quinn survive the plane crash and are on the hunt for the prisoner.  Madison has been a widow for five years and Jonas has recently broke up with his fiancee.  Neither one of them are looking for a relationship.  But the tension between them is something they can't ignore.  There is another story going on at the same time.  Who killed Madison's husband.  Some one leaves a black rose on his grave every anniversary of his death.  This year they got into Madison's house and left a black rose on her bed.  

This book is action packed as Madison and Jonas track down the escaped prisoner.  I recommend this book to all mystery lovers.  I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way.