The first book in a series that has a lot of potential. Not so crazy about the cliffhanger ending but it's a good way to keep interest in a new series.

I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have heard wonderful things about Lisa Renee Jones's books. I even have a few of her books I won from a giveaway that my mom dove into head first and has been unable to put down. This is my first book I have actually written by the esteemed author, so I was pretty excited about it. What sort of writing flare did Lisa Renee have that resonated with so many readers?

The story opens a bit confusingly as Amy is presented with directions to run. Run from what? We are not told yet. We only know that her instructions are to go to the airport and get on a pain and forget all about her previous new beginning. Heartbroken but ever cooperative, Amy does exactly as stated. It is a midst her emotional turmoil that she meets the devastatingly handsome Liam Stone. From the moment Amy locks eyes with him she comes undone. She has trouble functioning rationally and her desperation to no longer be alone sends her straight into his open arms.

Liam has his own secrets. He keeps to himself after loosing his mentor and his mother to cancer. He desperately tries to break down the walls that Amy has erected around herself but she seems steadfast in keeping him at arms length. What had started out as a tryst to sooth his longing for her, turns into a whirlwind romance. Liam, the notorious bachelor, now can't get enough of Amy. He wants to protect her from whatever she is running from and he wants to take care of her as it seems no one has ever done before.

Can Amy and Liam's secrets be their undoing or do they seem to have more in common then is realized?

Honestly, when I started this story, before Amy met Liam, I was a little weary. It sounded like a murder mystery type book and I have dragged myself away from that genre and don't have any desire to return to it. What can I say? Romance of every type has thoroughly incapacitated my reading tastes. But then she met Liam and they started their hot and seductive dance and I couldn't contain the smile that creeped into my features. Liam seemed a bit Christian Grey-like. He was a troubled but privileged man searching for a woman who would let him be in control completely. From the first moment he met Amy he told her he wanted nothing but a one night stand and yet he became intoxicated by her and couldn't get enough. Sometimes this can read a little unrealistic. Sure, people set out for a tryst and end up with a relationship but what are the odds of a billionaire celebrity going from having any woman he wants to being a monogamist? I don't see that often, but some how, by some miracle, Lisa Renee made it work. It was believable. The characters, most importantly, were VERY likable and I could find myself sympathizing with Amy.

Overall, this was a grand book. Warning though, it DOES end in a cliffhanger. I hate not knowing this and then getting completely consumed by a world I can't continue on in. Good news is though the sequel, Infinite Possibilities, is set to be released November 11th, 2013. Can't wait!

Escaping Reality was a low-key version of 50 Shades of Grey that brings its readers into Amy's world of secrets, lies, and an unforgettable love.

If you have problems with huge cliff hangers then step away now. If not, then grab yourself a copy of Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones. Mystery, suspense, desires as only LRJ can do left me sitting at the end of my seat.

Liam is hot but it’s Amy, and her secrets, that kept me from putting this book down. She’s been living her life on the run, and just when she thinks things will be okay, the past comes back to haunt her. Struggling to deal with starting over yet again, she meets Liam, a brilliant billionaire who doesn’t take no for an answer. They start a passionate love affair, but her past is always lurking. What are his secrets? Will her past get them both killed? Ack!

And just when it gets really good…CLIFF HANGER! I need the next book now!

Stars: 4
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this story but hated that the ending left me hanging. Of course I will now need to go on to book two. It is like watching the last episode of Blacklist. What just happened?
Many thanks to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Right, this book is definitely intense. I enjoyed it but the plot is way more intense than I expected. For some reasons I expected the book to be more about sex and BDSM than about Amy’s secret and past.
The characters are good. I was sometimes really frustrated with Amy because in my opinion she makes a lot of really bad choices but in the end, I guess she doesn’t have much choice. Liam I feel does not get enough spotlight for me to really appreciate him but he is a very typical millionaire. And I like that he likes to protect Amy.
The cliffhanger ending totally messed with my head but thankfully I had the next installment on hand and I could start it straight away.

*ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley

Omg! What a ride. The suspense just keeps building with no end in sight. I cannot figure out who or whom are the culprits in this book. I’m seriously teetering on the edge of my seat to find out what happens next. I have to get the next installment! Book provided by NetGalley.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book (given by Netgalley)...

This book was filled with so much mystery and passionate moments. I could tell right from the beginning this book was going to have a MAJOR cliffhanger and I wasn’t disappointed. There is so much going on with Amy (aka Laura) that we given the bare minimum information but enough to know something traffic happened in the past and has returned in Amy’s present. I have to say I was skeptical of Liam in the beginning but he won me over, but after that ending I have even more questions.

Amy is on the run from her past that we only get little glimpses from; right from the beginning she is told to run but after that everything goes a little crazy. Who is Meg, Luke and Mr Williams? Who/where is Amy’s handler? Liam, good or bad? There is so much we don’t know but I can’t wait to find out more!

Enjoyed, but had no strong feelings. Not going to post on social media since it didn't rise to a 4 tar recipe for me.

I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve ever read any book by Lisa Renee Jones and I honestly don’t know what I’ve been doing with my life. Seriously this book was fantastic. So fantastic in fact that immediately after finishing this book I bought the second one and started reading. I was captivated. Amazing writing, fantastic characters, and a unique storyline that was just beyond great. I greatly enjoyed this book.

Lara aka Amy has been on the run since she was young and her family was torn away from her. She’s done everything she could to stay under the radar. She doesn’t make friends and she keeps her head down. Then she gets another note that says she needs to run. At the airport, with a new name and identity, she runs into Liam Stone. Liam Stone is a reclusive billionaire architect. From their first meeting, Liam wants to know everything about Lara and quickly inserts himself into her life.

Escaping Reality first off is the perfect title for this story. It’s basically Lara’s reality. She’s constantly escaping the reality she makes and creates a new one ever since she lost everything. She has one mystery person helping her, but she doesn’t know who or where they are. All she knows is that when they tell her to leave-she does. I liked Lara’s character. After changing names time and time again she struggles with who she is and who used to be before everything happened. Everyone that meets her can’t know her name is Lara and she tries to define herself time and time again. I really enjoyed reading about Lara’s life. I think that the story was written in such a way that even if you aren’t going through the same thing which hopefully you aren’t- you can relate to Lara’s struggle to remain herself in a world that is harsh and unforgiving.

I had missed feelings about Liam pretty much through the entirety of this story. He seemed waaay too interested in Lara and her life. At times I was buying what he was selling and other times I doubted him. At the end of the books, some things seem clear, but I still am left riddled with questions about who he is.

I very much enjoyed this story and this series. Yes, I read them straight through because they were awesome. I hope you get a chance to read this series because it was amazing.

Rating: 4-4.5 stars

There was a plain white envelope with her name on it . taped to the mirror. It hadn’t been there at the ladies room at Manhattan’s Museum of Art when she got there. Amy’s real name had been Lara but it had been changed This was an charity event . It had been years since Amy had a flashback and she tried to fight it. But Amy is already there. The scent of smoke burns her nose. The sounds of blistering screams shreds Amy’s nerves. All the pain and heartache, the loss of all she had and will never have again threatens to overwhelm Amy. Amy shooves the wrenching memories away. She can’t let this happen in a public place. Not when Amy is certain danger is knocking at her door. Amy hears voices and grabs the envelope and quickly goes into a bathroom stall. The envelope said “ I found you and so can they. Go directly to JFK Airport and do not linger. Locker 111 will have everything you need,” Amy heart thunders as she takes in the signature - a triangle with something written inside. The same symbol on the arm of the stranger who saved Amy’s life and helped her start a new life and who made sure Amy understand that seeing the symbol means Amy was in danger and she had to run. Once again Amy will lose everything. After six years Amy dared to believe she was safe. Deep down Amy knew that wasn’t true. She had ;left her job two months ago as a research assistant at the central library to work at the museum. Chloe- the only person Amy has allowed to be a friend- asked Amy where she had been. Then Amy remembers everyone near her could also be in danger. She slips out a door and gets a cab and goes to JFK Airport She finds the locker and it has a carry on roller suitcase and a small brown leather tote bag with a large yellow envelope sticking out of it. Then she finds the note there was money in the bank account and more will be put into the account as she needs it until she was fully settled. There was a new social security license, a new license, and passport. There was a complete history to remember and a resume and job history that will check out if looked into. Then the note told her to throw away her cell phone. The new one was registered under her new name and address. There was a plane ticket and the keys to an apartment . Toss all identification and don’t use her bank account or credit cards. Stay away from museums and her first name wouldn’t change and her last name would now be Reynolds. She was going to Denver. She thought she would get as much of ehr money as she could tomorrow out of her account so she has some of her own money. Then she saw him, he was in a seat facing her. He -Liam-was one hundred percent focused on her. Lara/Amy house burnt to the ground and killed her whole family, the fire was not an accident and her father was the target. But whoever killed her father wanted her dead too. Amy had met Liam at the airport. Liam is a billionaire but he is also an architect. Liam is a man who is used to getting what he wants and he wants Amy. Amy knows this is just what she is suppose to avoid. But the more time Amy spends with Liam the more she wants to stay with Liam.
I couldn’t get into this book. Amy isn't supposed to get close to anyone especially someone that was scopping her out at the airport and wouldn’t take his eyes off her. Why run if she is willing to get so caught up with a stranger? SHe has managed to stay alive by doing what the guardians she has. Just makes no sense to me why not tell Chloe who she really is she let her become a friend. She had given up her whole life twice now all a sudden some strange guy and she is willing to let go of the way she has survived since the fire. Just made no sense to me so no longer enjoyed the book. I am sure others will enjoy this just wasn’t for me.

Anything by Jones is a guaranteed great read. This one was no exception!
Her worlds are amazing, her characters always well developed and just darn good writing.
Oh, and super hot. If you are looking for a steamy read, pick this up!

A fine romance. Nothing in particular that stood out to me though.

Wow! I’m still trying to reel in my mind!! Amy, Amy, Amy, who are you Amy? I love how Lisa keeps us pulled into the story by leaving these mysterious questions hanging.

The writing was good and I really enjoyed the angst in this book too. I’m looking forward to the second book in the series!

This is the first book in the series The Secret Life of Amy Bensen by Lisa Renee Jones. Let me just tell you, hold onto your seat with this one. Once you get to the end you will not like the author very much because of the cliffhanger until she gives you the next book!

Amy is on the run and in hiding because she is being hunted down by someone from her past. Amy is living someone else's life and she is beginning to question things. The only thing that is from her past is her handler. This is who she begins to question. Amy is not sure things are adding up with him. Amy is not sure how close he is watching her anymore and wonders if he even cares what happens to her anymore.

When Amy is told that her identity has been compromised and she is going to have to move, again, she is not happy about it. Amy does what she is told though. When Amy gets settled down in Denver, she never intended on meeting someone. Liam steals Amy's heart pretty much immediately and that is strange for Amy since she has built some serious walls around herself.

Liam and Amy begin to get closer and Amy becomes to rely on Liam and feels safe when she is with him. What Amy doesn't realize though is that Liam is not telling her the whole truth. Will these two be able to overcome this little hiccup or will it make Amy put her walls up even taller?

This was a good read with a twist at the end that I did not see coming. I am anxious for the next book in this series to see what is going to happen with Amy and Liam!

**FULL REVIEW**

“She’s worried about being hunted but I am the one being hunted. I thought I wasn’t anymore. I thought I was safe, but I am never safe, and neither is anyone around me. I’ve lived that first-hand. I felt that heartache of loss, and while being alone sucks, losing someone you care about it far worse.”

Amy Bensen is always running. Constantly looking over her shoulder, having developed a six-sense for danger. Living in New York City has helped ease some of that irking suspicion that she is still being hunted. For a split second she even thought that she could have a normal life…until he finds her. Again.

Run.

“I had a family that was more than a typed piece of paper in a file. Now I have nothing but a fake name and a fake life.”

Name. Address. Job. Everything is once again unsafe for Amy. Has it ever really been though? Someone will stop at nothing to get to her, and after losing everyone she has ever cared about; all Amy has left to live for is herself. Basic survival. Starting over once again, traveling across the country with a completely new identity, job, address, life. It wouldn’t be so bad if she could just get on the flight…and that guy would stop staring.

“There is a reason I stay away from men like Liam, men with experience and confidence. Men who make a girl who already can’t remember her name forget her name. They do see too much. And they make everyone else see too little.”

Handsome, enigmatic, powerful, Liam Stone is a strong businessman used to getting what he wants. When he sees the timid blonde across the waiting area of the airport, he just has to know what her story is…and who put that look of pure terror in her eyes. Determined to get to know the story behind the mysterious beauty, Liam makes sure that she gets on the plane; more importantly, right next to him. Somehow, there is a connection. One Liam is going to build on; for some reason, he has a strong urge to protect her. But from what?

“You do know I couldn’t let you run, don’t you?” “I wasn’t—““You were.” “If you think that, then why’d you come after me?” “Because you didn’t want to run. You just thought you had to.” “That’s a little arrogant.” “It’s honest. I like honesty.”

Here is where things get a little dicey. Jones pulls you in, keeps you glued to the pages, turning faster than you can read in anticipation of what will happen next. Is Liam an ally or enemy? Can Amy trust him to keep her safe? I can’t even begin to explain the mind-fuck this book gave me…I was so confused and yet wanted more and more. Not to mention, I have a new found interest in Pi. What do you think?

“I didn’t even get to examine the many attributes of Pi.” His lips curve. “Baby, you can examine it, lick it, do whatever you want to do to it and me, after I feed you. I promised. I meant it.”

DAMMMNNN!!! So, you have your suspense which Jones is famous for…but you also have that steam factor that only she can bring out in her Alpha males. I can honestly say, this book is just as hot as it is mysterious. I cannot wait to see how it ends in Infinite Possibilities.

“I do not know how this man is both the refuge I run to and the reality I am running from, but in this moment that is exactly what he is to me.”

Will Amy find the truth, or will she be buried in the lies? *evil grin*

**5 Warped Stars**

This book had it all! Passion? Yup. Mystery? Yup. Hot alpha male? Heck yes. Mind fucking cliffhanger? YESSSS!!

I liked the suspense and mistery in this book.
Was so exciting.
Amy is run, running of everything that she knew because somebody Kill her family, burn her house, and "her guardian angel" wrote a letter and says her that who wanted kill her found her and come to catching.
She run, left everything behind and in the airport know to Liam.
He is a sexy, millionare that like be in control that everything.
Amy fell in love of him but she don't know if the feelings have one opportunity because her situation.
And need the next book now.

Why have I not read all of LRJ? Seriously!! She gives good romantic suspense - or however you want to classify her - and believe me when I tell you, I will be procuring the rest of the Amy Benson series. SOON! *wink*

The title is ironic for Amy since she's not always certain what her reality is...who she is. But I suppose that *is* her reality. She's a strong, capable young woman who's been running and hiding most of her life. She has someone helping her but she doesn't know or doesn't remember who. This latest run, that we witness, brings her into contact with someone she doesn't want to leave. It also has her asking questions and looking for answers.

Liam seems a good guy - genuine and compassionate. But I can't help but wonder about him and his motives. I want to believe in him though.

I have so many questions - even now as I write this review several days after finishing, I'm wondering did this scene have more significance that I originally though. Is this character someone Amy should consider dangerous? Who is Amy really? And is she going to figure out what's been going on in her life? Who's been pulling her strings?

Escaping Reality was riveting. I couldn't read fast enough. LRJ kept me guessing all the while developing these characters that I'm completely invested in. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

Amy Bensen is on a plane to Denver to start a new life when she meets Liam Stone. From the moment she first lays eyes on him, there is something about him that she is instantly drawn to. Knowing she is on the run, will she be able to trust Liam in order to share a life with him, or will she always be on the run from a past she is uncertain about.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Amy Bensen has only been Amy Bensen for a few hours. She received a notice from her handler that it was time to move on, since he had found her. Now she is on the way to a new city to start a new life and she has no idea how that is going to work. Having to look over her shoulder all of the time and always be on alert for someone lurking around a corner is no way to live. But this is the only way she has to survive now. Meeting Liam on the plane to Denver has her thinking about this man in a way she has never thought about anyone. Can he be someone she will be able to trust or is he a part of the people who are after her.

Amy is hiding a lot about her past. Some things she remembers and other details are foggy in her brain. Sexy billionaire Liam Stone, makes somethings disappear from Amy's mind, but only briefly. Their instant connection scares her.

This book reminded me a little of Fifty Shades of Grey. With the intensity of Liam Stone and his controlling personality, and of course the sex. Overall the book was interesting and I'm curious to see how it will all end for Liam and Amy. If she will find out what happened in her past and if she can start to live normal life again. Will she be able to do that with Liam, or will he be the person who keeps her from finding the truth?

The other books from the series are Infinite Possibilities, Forsaken, and Unbroken.

Found this book to hard to get into. Thanks for letting me try thow.