Annie lives in a small town where everyone knows everything about each other. She is usually the subject of the town's whispers due to an incident with her mother and feels trapped with her abusive stepfather. She dreams of getting out one day, but has to make sure she has enough money to take her brother Jackson with her. That's a hard thing to do when Dean, her stepdad, wants all of the money she makes.

Michael is tired of living a bad life. He was dealt a short hand in life and got sucked into the world of thieving and crime. Acting on impulse, Michael steals a bag of money hoping to get out. However, he's shot in the process and is forced to stop in a small town along the way. Here, he meets Annie.

Not one to turn a blind eye to those in need, Annie helps Michael, even though she doesn't know a thing about him. The two connect in ways that they never have with anyone else. While one is trying to run away from his past, the other is trying to run away from her present. When the past and present collides, drama is bound to unfold and they'll have to rely on each other to make it through.

THE RUNAWAY is a young adult romance that will take ahold of your heart. It's a story about two teens who want a better life for themselves, which is endearing and makes you love both Annie and Michael. Both characters are so sweet and have huge hearts even though other people don't take notice of it. I love the connection Michael and Annie form and the way everything plays out was written beautifully. It had me gripping onto each page, hoping things would work out for the two.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this book to fans of romance, coming of age, discovering yourself, and drama. THE RUNAWAY is the first installment of the Barrett Boys series and I look forward to reading the others. This Barrett boy stole my heart and I'm sure the others will to!