Me the whole read: Whoa...Whooaa...Whhhoooaaaa...and repeat.

Me at the end: Wait....Whhhhaaaaaaaatttttttttt?????????? Thud!

Edge-of-your-seater: Check: Page-turner: Check: Compulsive read: Check. Reflective wincing and ducking: Check. You get the picture -- this is one all encompassing suspense so clear your calendar and prepare to be dazzled...and a little breathless by the end. Speaking of which:

It's kind of a cliffy. Well, maybe more of a tease for the next book in the series because while the main suspense thread in The Escape comes to a hair-raising resolution, there's another mystery waiting in the wings that is just getting started. In fact, it looks like this is going to be the the kind of series that has an over-arcing suspense thread throughout along with a specific one for each book. Plus, the romantic relationship is a really slow burn...something else that likely won't achieve full resolution until the final novel.

This suspense is all about the chase and I love that it's Madison and Jonas doing the pursuing. They are definitely in charge, even though their wily escapee seems to always be a step ahead of them and I found the procedural process of tracking down a killer absolutely fascinating.

Seriously unputdownable.

I've come to expect thrilling romantic suspense when I begin a new Lisa Harris book and The Escape is certainly no exception! Shortly after this story begins, there is a plane crash that leaves two U.S. Marshalls struggling to stay alive while trying to find the escaped convict who has also apparently survived the crash. Over a period of one week, Madison James and Jonas Quinn maneuver dangerous terrain and travel across several states, as they feverishly work to prevent Damon Barrick from killing again. They also find that their reliance on each other has added a new element to their professional relationship. Are they experiencing something that might prove to be their biggest challenge yet?

Harris has an unique talent for creating scenarios that seem impossible but she always makes them work. She also creates realistic characters that we all can relate to. Both Madison and Jonas have suffered painful losses and neither of them are looking for another personal relationship, but yet, they still seem so perfect together! How can they not accept the happiness that could be waiting for them?

The Escape is the first book in Harris's new series and I'm so excited to see what is next in this US Marshalls series! If you love heart-pounding adventure and romantic suspense with a faith element woven throughout the story, you will want to read The Escape. I guarantee that you won't be able to put it down!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher but I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

great book ! cant wait until next one in the series.

Lisa Harris is an author whose name I'm familiar with, but whose work I had not yet read until now. This seemed like an opportune time, with the release of her new US Marshals series, and as far as I'm concerned, there is never a bad time to read a romantic suspense novel. Although it took me a week to read because of the holidays, "The Escape" is a very fast-paced novel, with no breaks in the action from start to finish. Several times I thought that the plot was about to be resolved, only to have another twist thrown in, and while this technique might become wearying in certain cases, Harris capably pulls it off without resorting to implausible scenarios. This story definitely engenders respect for the US Marshals Service and the extent of the work that they perform!

As one would expect, this story revolves around two US Marshals, Jonas Quinn and Madison James, and their pursuit of a fugitive who goes on the lam after their prisoner-transport plane crashes in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Damon Barrick, a felon convicted of murder, wastes no time in making his getaway and initiating a treacherous cat-and-mouse game across the West, somehow managing to stay one step ahead of the law. Although this story is fictional, it does make me wonder how often circumstances like these do play out behind the scenes, while we as ordinary citizens remain unaware or only see the end result, such as the trial or conviction. Jonas's thoughts early on in the narrative indicate this: "Truth was, there was never anything routine when dealing with felons. He of all people knew that." Consequently, as with other law enforcement and also military careers, trauma is part and parcel of the job. Jonas and Madison have different trauma backgrounds, and I think that this is part of what makes them a good team. The question is whether their shared experience during this case will be beneficial or detrimental to them as partners moving forward, which is something that readers must wait to find out because "The Escape" ends with a lead-in to the second book in the series.

Ordinarily, I am not a fan of open-ended conclusions, but I am willing to accept it with "The Escape" because the main plot is resolved (as far as I know!) and due to references within the narrative, this lingering part of the storyline will be ongoing and will eventually also be resolved. This does mean, however, that this series is clearly intended to be read chronologically and not as standalones. With a constant surge of adrenaline fueling the storyline, this is a very cinematic book, and honestly my only complaint is that I personally felt that the plot resolution scene itself was rather brief and anticlimactic. I do, however, wholeheartedly recommend "The Escape" to readers who enjoy thriller-dominant romantic suspense that will keep you engrossed from the first page to the last and have you clamoring for the sequel.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Lisa Harris is a queen of suspense! I loved the fast paced action in this novel that started on page one and did not let up during the entire story. The suspense caused me to read late into the night as I quickly flipped the pages to find out the ending, my heart pounding with the characters as they searched for the escaped prisoner. Madison is a great female lead, full of strength and intelligence. I liked her interactions with Jonas and appreciated how Jonas respected Madison's talents in the story. The overall story wraps up well, but there is some background to Madison that is left without a conclusion, so I cannot wait for book two to find out more! I really enjoyed this book and the start to a new great series. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Revell publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.