Setting: New York City, present day

Sensuality rating: 8

High-powered attorney Victoria Kensington knows how to protect herself. In fact, she's spent her whole life protecting her vulnerable sister, Audrey, from their stern father's disapproval. But when Audrey, who's supposed to be painting in Venice, collapses at Victoria's feet in Central Park dressed only in a hospital gown, Victoria doesn't know what to think. And when Audrey disappears without a trace, Victoria will do anything to find out what has happened to her sister, even if it means allowing FBI associate Zachary Hamilton, the only man she's ever loved, back into her life--and her heart. Even if it means finding out her father knows a whole lot more than he's letting on, Victoria will let nothing stop her from saving Audrey. But when Victoria has several close calls, Zach insists on sticking close to her, really close. Will Victoria find a second chance at having the kind of family she always wanted and maybe even a second chance at love? Andrea Kane creates a knockout of a suspenseful romance, one that will keep readers guessing until the very end.--Alison Trinkle


From Publishers Weekly
Following a string of historical romances, Kane (The Theft; The Gold Coin) plunges into the popular world of contemporary romantic suspense. Kane's strong suit is her ability to create memorable characters; consequently, the plot is driven not only by events, but also by the wants, fears and histories of heroine Victoria Kensington, a 28-year-old Manhattan attorney, and hero Zachary Hamilton, a brilliant 30-something intelligence expert. Victoria's fear of dependence, rooted in her relationship with her Machiavellian father, caused Victoria and Zach's initial breakup four years earlier and hinders their getting back together after an incident in Central Park involving Victoria's unstable sister, Audrey, apparently running from unknown pursuers in a hospital gown. Audrey's flight and disappearance somehow involves the secretive Hope Institute, and not only forces Victoria to face her relationship with Zach, but also to deal with her father, who may be involved in drug smuggling with the Institute. What sets this book apart from other romantic thrillers is Kane's deft skill in defining the actions of her lead characters: her love scenes, for example, are exceptional, neither euphemistic nor clinical. Though slow to start, her latest marks a decisive transition for Kane from genre fiction into the mainstream. (Nov.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Kane, known for her historical romances, makes an impressive foray into modern romantic suspense. While out for an early morning run in Central Park, attorney Victoria Kensington sees her sister, Audrey, who is supposed to be in Florence, Italy, on the ground in a hospital gown. By the time she gets back with help, her sister has disappeared. When she contacts her domineering father, he denies that Audrey is in New York. Victoria eventually discovers that her sister is staying in a very exclusive and very private hospital. When she tries to visit, she's turned away, an attempt that does not go unnoticed by the FBI, which believes that the hospital is linked to a massive drug ring. Victoria's former, and never forgotten, boyfriend, Zach Hamilton, is on the case, and the two join forces to find out what's really going on; amidst all the suspense, Zach and Victoria rekindle their romance. Kane's fast-paced thriller features dynamic characters and sensuous love scenes. Patty Engelmann
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Review
Iris Johansen A knockout!


Book Description
Bestselling author Andrea Kane delivers a pulsating blend of corruption, seduction, and bone-chilling suspense in one of the most sensational blockbuster thrillers of the year. From its opening scene to its shattering climax, the dark undercurrents of murder and love entwine in her most powerful and edgy novel yet. Manhattan attorney Victoria Kensington is deeply alarmed when she runs into her sister, Audrey, in Central Park -- clad in a hospital gown and fleeing from unknown pursuers. As Audrey collapses at her feet, warning about danger, Victoria rushes for help. When she returns, Audrey has vanished from sight. Despite threats against her life, Victoria vows to discover her sister's whereabouts. She works alone until the only man she ever loved, Zachary Hamilton, suddenly appears in New York. Assigned to investigate a worldwide drug syndicate, he suspects it may tie in to Audrey's disappearance. Together, Victoria and Zach race against the clock to crack the deadly drug ring and ?nd Audrey. While they work, they ?nd the white-hot electricity between them recharging to a fever pitch. Pursuing the shocking truth that might tear Victoria's family irrevocably apart, she and Zach begin to unravel a complex web of deceit -- which echoes terrifyingly back to Victoria's own life.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Manhattan attorney Victoria Kensington is deeply alarmed when she runs into her sister, Audrey, in Central Park—clad in a hospital gown and fleeing from unknown pursuers. As Audrey collapses at her feet, warning about danger, Victoria rushes for help. When she returns, Audrey has vanished from sight.

Despite threats against her life, Victoria vows to discover her sister's whereabouts. She works alone until the only man she ever loved, Zachary Hamilton, suddenly appears in New York. Assigned to investigate a worldwide drug syndicate, he suspects it may tie in to Audrey's disappearance. Together, Victoria and Zach race against the clock to crack the deadly drug ring and find Audrey. While they work, they find the white-hot electricity between them recharging to a fever pitch. Pursuing the shocking truth that might tear Victoria's family irrevocably apart, she and Zach begin to unravel a complex web of deceit—wihch echoes terrifyingly back to Victoria's own life.

FROM THE CRITICS

Jill M. Smith - Romantic Times

Historical favorite Andrea Kane chooses to explore a whole new genre as she deftly tackles the world of romantic suspense. Run For Your Life packs action, drama, romance and suspense into a rousing read.

Publishers Weekly

Following a string of historical romances, Kane (The Theft; The Gold Coin) plunges into the popular world of contemporary romantic suspense. Kane's strong suit is her ability to create memorable characters; consequently, the plot is driven not only by events, but also by the wants, fears and histories of heroine Victoria Kensington, a 28-year-old Manhattan attorney, and hero Zachary Hamilton, a brilliant 30-something intelligence expert. Victoria's fear of dependence, rooted in her relationship with her Machiavellian father, caused Victoria and Zach's initial breakup four years earlier and hinders their getting back together after an incident in Central Park involving Victoria's unstable sister, Audrey, apparently running from unknown pursuers in a hospital gown. Audrey's flight and disappearance somehow involves the secretive Hope Institute, and not only forces Victoria to face her relationship with Zach, but also to deal with her father, who may be involved in drug smuggling with the Institute. What sets this book apart from other romantic thrillers is Kane's deft skill in defining the actions of her lead characters: her love scenes, for example, are exceptional, neither euphemistic nor clinical. Though slow to start, her latest marks a decisive transition for Kane from genre fiction into the mainstream. (Nov.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Internet Book Watch - Internet Book Watch

Though sometimes it takes extreme discipline, attorney Victoria Kensington loves jogging the same path every day in Central Park. However, her idyllic runs turn frightening when her fearful sibling Audrey collapses at her feet. Before Audrey faints, she warns Victoria about danger and provides her with the numbers 5550400. Realizing she needs help fast, Victoria runs off to find assistance, but by the time she returns with a police officer, Audrey is gone. A distressed Victoria turns to her father, powerful lawyer Walter, and asks whether Audrey has left her home in Florence, Italy. Walter insists her sister remains overseas, but Victoria concludes her father is lying to her. She begins to trace Audrey's whereabouts, which leads Victoria to the upscale Hope Institute. The FBI and her former lover Zach Hamilton are conducting surveillance on the place. As Zach and Victoria work together to save her sister from a group that includes her father, they realize that their feelings for each other are still alive and growing stronger. Run For Your Life is an exhilarating thriller that will provide talented author Andrea Kane a cross-genre audience. The taut story line is filled with action and a sense of foreboding as the intrepid Victoria refuses to stop her desperate search in spite of overwhelming odds. The obstinate Victoria will hook readers with her efforts even as they understand what drives her due to the secondary characters providing a glimpse into her personality. Even though he is a bit too perfect, Zach remains a marvelous, intelligent hero. With this novel, thriller fans will now realize what romantic suspense readers have known for years: that the mark of Kane on a novel meansentertaining, exciting literature.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

A real page-turner! Andrea Kane's Run for Your Life is....... keep-you-up-all-night romantic suspense. — Karen Robards