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A Colorado cowgirl on the run from a killer has lost her memory--and gained a protector--in this contemporary Western romantic thriller.

When Skye Colton is kidnapped, her disappearance rocks the small community of Roaring Springs, Colorado. Regaining consciousness in a broken-down shed, she has no memory of who she is or how she got there. But she knows she has to escape at any cost.

Finding a half-dead woman stranded in his barn, rancher Leo Slattery feels his blood run cold. Though she can't remember her own name, she insists someone is trying to kill her. With his strong protective streak, Leo brings her into the fold and helps her heal. As they begin to solve the mystery of Jane Doe's identity, a would-be killer works to eliminate her--forever.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2019

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About the author

Anna J. Stewart

146 books738 followers
Anna J Stewart is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty sweet to spicy romances. Primarily writing for Harlequin’s Heartwarming (sweet romance) and Romantic Suspense (spicy) lines, she also writes romantic thrillers for Arc Manor’s Caezik Romance. In addition to being a Holt Medallion winner (Bride on the Run), she’s finaled in the Daphne duMaurier Award for Excellence, the National Readers’ Choice and had one of her books optioned as a TV movie. No matter the story, Anna’s books are always about family—the ones we’re born to and the ones we create. Anna lives in Northern California where she loves going to the movies, attending fan conventions, and heading to Disneyland, her favorite place on earth. When she’s not writing, she is usually cooking, baking, binge-watching her newest TV addiction, or re-watching her all-time favorite shows, Supernatural and all things Star Trek. She also spends a frustrating amount of time wrangling two monstrous cats named Rosie and Sherlock. You can read more about Anna, her books, and her workshops for authors at www.AuthorAnnaStewart.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,334 reviews546 followers
September 23, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

COLTON ON THE RUN (Coltons of Roaring Springs Book 9) by Anna J. Stewart is a new Harlequin Romantic Suspense that I could not stop reading. Ms. Stuart had me completely engrossed in Skye Colton’s story and the strong rancher who will do anything to protect her.

Skye Colton is missing.

She wakes with no memory of who she is. She needs to escape. She is bound in an old shed and just knows she needs to run before someone comes back.

Leo Slattery has returned to Roaring Springs, to run the ranch his grandparents left him. As he and his dog, Ollie head into the barn to begin their day, they find a half-dead woman hiding in a pile of hay. The woman has no memory, but she knows she is in danger and she is terrified of the police. Her injuries and fear bring out Leo’s protective streak and he promises he will keep her safe.

As Leo keeps her secret and “Jane” begins to heal, the two forge a bond while working side by side on the ranch. “Jane” wants more from Leo than he is willing to give until they can find out who she really is and where she belongs, but she refuses to go to the police out of an unknown fear and not wanting her time with Leo to end.

But someone is looking for her and will not stop until she is silenced. She witnessed something that a killer does not want her to remember.

This book is an absolutely perfect escape read. It is fast paced, easy-to-read and contains all the elements I am looking for in a romantic suspense. Leo is the hero we all want; strong, protective and loving. Skye/“Jane” may need Leo’s help, but she is no pushover and blossoms on the ranch. There is one explicit sex scene, but it is not gratuitous. As the romance builds, the suspense continues to build the more “Jane” remembers. All of the secondary characters were fully fleshed and realistic which is unusual for a story of this length. Also, this book can easily be read as a standalone.

I loved and recommend this addition to the series!
Profile Image for Gale.
1,846 reviews21 followers
June 26, 2019
Word of warning up front: I couldn’t put this story down, once I started it. Lots of suspense, intrigue, and hold-your-breath moments where I never knew what would happen next. Just plan your reading time because you’ll want to keep reading until the end.

No spoilers and I won’t retell the story as the author does a much better job but I can tell you what I loved, enjoyed, and melted with in this story. Leo Slattery is back “home” at his grandparents’ ranch after working in Alaska. I loved his character – he is strong, has a strong love for his now gone family, and at heart, is lonely. One night he finds “Jane Doe” in his barn and his life takes some amazing turns.

“Jane Doe” is actually Skye Colton. When she meets Leo, she has been kidnapped, badly beaten and has amnesia. She is scared, hurting, but finds help and safety with Leo. Such a simple explanation for the story but it truly has so much heart and love as Leo helps “Jane” recover physically as well as mentally. It is all about the slow and steady buildup of their relationship for me and how protective and loving Leo is to “Jane”. He has deep hurts in his past and he needs to heal as well and he is so very good to, and with, Jane.

The real test for these two is when Jane’s memory starts to return. They both need to learn to trust, and be open, before they can get to an HEA. Truly great read and a wonderful story. Remember, it will keep you guessing thru the entire story while keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for JoAnne.
1,494 reviews90 followers
June 14, 2019
Totally recommend this book; I found it one of those stories that you find hard to put down till you finish it. Full of suspense and romance with some super great characters and lots of action. Fast paced and easy to read will keep those pages turning as you become totally immersed in the story. My new book boyfriend is Leo, he is all a girl could wish for and so much more. Also loved the way Colton found her true self.
1,353 reviews40 followers
June 27, 2019
She came to alone in a decrepit shed, bound and gagged. What had happened? Where was she, and who was she? Then she ran from that place as fast as she could. Leo Slattery has taken over his late grandfather's farm after spending years working in Alaska. He might not have had the time to look at everything on the ranch, but a frightened woman hadn't been part of the deal! His demeanour inspires trust, and his "Jane Doe" confesses that she can't remember anything. He tells her she should see a doctor, then go to the police, but judging by her terrified reaction to his suggestions, he reluctantly agrees to wait until she's ready.

Amnesia is my catnip, it's often hit-and-miss, and COLTON ON THE RUN is most definitely a hit! The very cinematic beginning captured my imagination right away: I felt our heroine's fear and terror as well as her frustration at her inability to recall anything.The reader doesn't know either and finds out as the story unfolds, which I liked a lot. I wondered if it made a difference to those who had read all the previous installments, with what they knew of Skye Colton. I enjoyed discovering who she was as Leo did, she grew a lot because of her ordeal, and I love how resourceful and clever she was; check out that ending!

The plot is meticulously structured, the tension palpable on every page as the mystery is carefully resolved. I find COLTON ON THE RUN a bit difficult to review adequately. I was completely absorbed by the story, I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough, I enjoyed getting to know Skye and Leo and watching their relationship evolve. I loved it! I guess it's one of those books that elicit a: "Read it, it's fabulous!". The amnesia was expertly handled, and Leo is a marvellous hero. Just one thing niggled me: although the character is beautifully fleshed out, Leo's colouring is never mentioned; in any case, I went with the look of the cover model, who is one fine looking dude.

COLTON ON THE RUN is a quick and easy read, thanks to Ms. Stewart's flowing prose, authentic dialogues, and the sense of danger that was sustained throughout. Some secondary characters made a strong impression on me: Trapper, Deputy Bloom, Leo's dog Ollie, and Miss D and her knowledge of social media. If the book description appeals to you, don't hesitate, this is a great romantic suspense and one of the best featuring an amnesia trope!



I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
826 reviews12 followers
June 26, 2019
Colton on the Run
Anna J. Stewart

No memory of a traumatic experience, Skye finds herself depending on Leo to protect her from an invisible enemy or enemies.
Will the one promise he makes make or break the growing feelings they are beginning to have for each other?
Strong characters who draw you into a web of suspense that leads you to a surprising ending.
The author handles the PTSD issues Skye has with a understanding few people have.
I highly recommend this story in the continuation of the Colton family saga.
Profile Image for Toni.
1,415 reviews58 followers
February 24, 2020
4.5 Stars

This is the ninth book in the Coltons of Roaring Springs by Anna J. Stewart.

If you have been following this series at all, you know that Skye being missing was a plot point in a number of other books. This book shows you what happened to Skye and why they thought her kidnapped by the Avalanche Killer.

Skye Colton has been kidnapped and stashed in a shed on a property on the outskirts of Roaring Springs, Colorado. She has no memory of who she is or how she even came to be in the predicament she found herself in. Once she escaped her confines and broke the shed window, she escaped from the property and ran as if her life depended on it. She could trust no one. But when she came onto the property of new rancher Leo Slattery, she found shelter in his barn. The next morning Leo discovered the distraught woman and took her into the shelter of his home.

This book took a bit to unwind since Skye was so freaked out by her situation. Leo was overly patient and I am sure not many men would have given Skye so much time to get her head back on straight. He refers to Skye as Jane through much of the book so be aware.

It was great to finally get a glimpse into what happened to Skye. I am glad it was such an involved story and gave Skye a whole new outlook on her life once she remembered who she really was.

Still loving everything Colton. Bring on more!

I am reading this series as part of the Read More Paperbacks Challenge to myself.

If you love a good romantic suspense book, you have to check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
January 23, 2020
Skye Colton can’t remember her name, her past, or her how came to be kidnapped but she has no problem at all seeing her future in the form of one sexy cowboy by the name of Leo Slatterly.

Colton on the Run is my first introduction to the Coltons of Roaring Springs series. Each book is written a different author but revolve around the same close knit family. It was interesting to get glimpses of the family as Skye’s memory slowly returned. Speaking of her memories returning, I liked how the author let that play out. It was realistic but she didn’t let it slow the pace of the story.

In true Harlequin fashion, Leo and Skye both feel an immediate connection. Not so much love at first site or even lust. Just electric and palpable. I could tell right away that chemistry wasn’t going to be a problem for these two.

PTSD that can arise from different forms of trauma is a theme in this story for both Skye and in regards to Leo’s deceased father. I thought the author handled the subject very well. Leo is acutely aware of how truly traumatized Skye is even if he doesn’t know the details. He’s gentle and encouraging to her and that won so many points with this reader.

The way Ms. Stewart introduces the bad guy creates a true feeling of evil and of a crazy psycho for sure. She let’s us inside his head, see his thoughts and plans, feel his excitement building at the thought of hurting someone again. The book opens with Skye in trouble and there’s no doubt that more of the same is on its way.

My first impression of the author’s writing was how vivid and ‘in the moment’ it put this reader. I like that and honestly look for it writers that I might want to read again in the future. This story has a steady pace and the right mix of action, mystery and romance. There’s obviously more to come from Roaring Springs since the serial killer has yet to caught. Plenty of reason for a return visit with the next installment.
Profile Image for MK.
1,481 reviews19 followers
September 5, 2019
I loved this book. It was heartwarming, made me laugh but also a bit heartbreaking. When Leo finds a terrified and hurt women in his barn he approaches her with kindness.
He gets her to come in the house with him. The only thing is she can’t remember who she is. She tries and tries to remember but can’t. He assured her it will come. She refuses medical attention or going to police. Someone must be looking for her. Time fly’s goes by and nothing sparks of who she is. That’s when Leo figures something out and they know she’s Skye Colton. He needs to get her home. But she’s not ready. When Leo breaks his promise he also puts her into danger. He only doing what he thinks is best.
She doesn’t think so. They both may love each other, but it’s all been ruined by one act.

But the book and see what happens.
Profile Image for Jess Lawson.
544 reviews9 followers
August 4, 2019
Colton on the Run by Anna J. Stewart is the 9th book in the Colton's of Roaring Springs series. Skye Colton wakes up in a shed and has to fight her way out. Battling amnesia Skye finds herself hiding from the world. She has no idea all she knows is she has came to trust the man that found her in his barn. He is all she currently knows and seems to understand that she needs time and space to hide till she can figure out who she is.
Profile Image for Melinda.
650 reviews10 followers
March 10, 2021
It was pretty action packed in the beginning then there was a slight lull in the middle and then ends with more action.

Skye is a fighter through and through, even though she is injured and has amnesia, she retains her flight instincts, which definitely saved her time and time again. She runs and is found by Leo, who tries so hard to gain her trust but again wants to desperately turn to the authorities for help but of course cannot.

Skye slowly recovers on Leo's farm, with bits and pieces of her memory returning. However, she is constantly alert to possible bad guys. She is lucky she has Leo, and his friends to help keep a look out. But how long can she hide before the bad guy finds her and possibly finishes the job?

Plus the chemistry between Leo and Skye is off the charts. I like how the book took time to develop their interactions and give Skye time to recover somewhat and work through her PTSD.

We got to meet the other Colton family a little and a hint was given as to the next possible story line.
Profile Image for Patricia Harris.
562 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2021
A can’t put down, faded paced, romantic suspense.
Leo Slattery finds a battered and bruised woman in his barn, she’s obviously terrified of something. But she has no memory of what happened or who did it to her.
I enjoyed how this book kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end. A very good, quick read.
1,833 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2019
Wow

Fast moving,exciting read.r,suspense,thrills and a whole lot of action.This one kept me guessing from the very beginning to the end.
385 reviews
January 26, 2024
From 5% to 80% nothing happens. At 80% there is a contrived conflict that is unpleasant to read. She treats him like crap, even after all he has done for her. Finally, she puts him in his place.

An awful addition to the small BMWW romance genre.
1,529 reviews22 followers
July 1, 2019
I haven't read any of the Colton books so I didn't know what to expect with this book! It was fantastic! Of course that probably had to do with the author! Anna writes amazing characters and stories but I'm a sucker for amnesia stories, if they are written right and this one certainly is! Imagine waking up in a old garden shed, obviously put there by someone meaning to do you harm because you are tied up, your clothes are ripped and you are in bad shape physically but the worst thing is you can't remember anything - not even your name! However, you KNOW you have to get out of this shed somehow because a bad person could come back and kill you! This is how the book begins and it just gets better! The woman ends up on Leo's property and what a guys he is! I've decided he has become one of my favorite heroes! He calls her "Jane" since she doesn't know her name and he carefully takes care of her on his ranch. He is such a gentle soul. He does everything to help Jane and is so careful with her. The secondary characters in this book are fantastic too! I enjoyed every page and was sorry to see it end because I wanted to see how things went for the two of them through the years - just the romantic in me!!
Profile Image for Alexandra.
443 reviews
September 1, 2019
I do love a good romantic suspense. Two winning combinations for me. Imagine waking up in a shed. You’re hurt and have no idea where you are or who you are. All you know is someone wants to kill you. Not feeling able to trust anyone, even the police. All you can do is run. Leo is a local rancher who has recently come back home to Roaring Springs. He keeps to himself. When he finds a frightened woman on his property. Who can’t remember who she is. But insists on someone wanting to kill her. Leo takes her in, deciding to call her Jane until she remembers who she is. Jane is worn out and scared, yet finds herself trusting this kind stranger. I love the relationship between Jane and Leo. The slow burn romance was perfect. The story well paced. Anna J Stewart will keep you guess till the end. Who the bad guy is and why they hurt Jane/ Skye. Part of a series, would be best to read in order. Highly recommended for fans of romantic suspense. Five stars from me.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,288 reviews39 followers
September 1, 2019
COLTON ON THE RUN by Anna J. Stewart is the nine book in the beloved The Coltons of Roaring Springs series and centers around a rancher and the amnesia victim he finds on his property. 

Skye is wrapped immediately around the reader's heart as she brings her fear and peril to life in front of our eyes as the book opens. She fights her way to freedom and endears herself as a strong woman who has every reason to be terrified of her own shadow.

Leo and his dog Ollie are going about life on the ranch when they're met with the surprise of a lifetime. They both quickly fall under Skye's spell as they will do anything to protect her and help her find out who she is and get her home since she has amnesia.

I highly recommend this breath catching story of danger and intrigue to anyone who loves a story heavy on intrigue and heart. The action is intense and descriptive and the bond between Sky and Leo is spot on. Really enjoying this series and looking forward to more to come.
794 reviews8 followers
September 1, 2019
A beloved member of the Colton household is missing. Where is Skye?

A mysterious woman is found hiding in newcomer Leo Slattery’s barn. Who is she?

‘Jane’ has amnesia, so Leo doesn’t want to act on the feelings he has for her until she knows who she is. Once she regains the memory of herself, but not of what happened, her terror of strangers is heightened. Throw these two together and sparks ignite.

Can Leo keep ‘Jane’ safe? Should he keep her identity secret once he knows who she is, since she was kidnapped and terrorized? Who would hurt her like that? Will their relationship survive?

What a great story. I was kept on the edge of my seat and had difficulty figuring out who had it in for Jane/Skye and why. A good thriller and although I’m usually clued in, and can guess who the assailant is quite early, I wasn’t certain of this one until almost the end!!
1,874 reviews38 followers
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March 21, 2020
I am a fan of the Harlequin Romantic Suspense books. Recently I read and enjoyed Anna J. Stewart's book, Colton on the Run. Three months after returning to the family ranch in Roaring Springs, Colorado, Leo Slattery gets an unexpected surprise. Leo and his dog Ollie find a beaten and shaken woman in their barn. Turns out the woman doesn't know who she is or what happened to her. "Jane" feels safe staying with Leo as long as he promises not to go to the police. As days go by, "Jane" struggles with nightmares but is unable to figure out who she is. I liked the fact that the relationship between the main characters didn't move at a face pace. I liked the characters. Leo is such a good guy and very protective of Jane! The author does a good job of "painting a picture" so the reader can really visualize what is happening.
Profile Image for Candy Laine.
Author 7 books8 followers
July 12, 2019
Leo has come back to his grandparents ranch after years away at Alaska. He's looking to rebuild his life back in his childhood home, but life delivers him a surprise when he finds an injured woman in his shed.
He calls her Jane Doe, as she has lost her memory. Jane settles into the life on the ranch with an ease that he finds alarming. What will Leo do when she remembers who she is and has to go back to her real life?
Jane is of course the missing Colton! How the story progresses through twists and turns to reveal just who had been after her life, makes for interesting reading. It's a race between Leo and the potential killer and I literally was on the edge of my seat hoping and cheering for him to make it in time to save her!
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,392 reviews26 followers
September 7, 2019
Jane has been through a lot in the short time before she stumbles onto Leo's ranch now she is safe but has no idea of who she is or what she was running from. Leo had no idea how having Jane around would change him and make him realize what he was missing, even though they are both fighting their attraction for different reasons one thing remains the same who was Jane running from and why is she making it so difficult for Leo to try and find out who she really is. There is mystery, suspense, laughter, attraction, frustration, murder and animals especially one wee dog called Ollie that will keep you hooked and needing to know how things end not only to find out who Jane really is but also for her and Leo's, but for why she had been beaten and held captive!!
Profile Image for Louise Pledge.
1,292 reviews27 followers
July 30, 2019
This captivating story grabbed me from the first page, when a gal came to in a strange very beat-up place with no memory of who she was or what had happened to her. She only knew that she was very injured and needed to escape as quickly as possible. You need to read it to learn if she regained any of her memory, and it's a fun ride, believe me! The beginning of the next book in the series was tagged onto the end, and now I'm quite enthralled with it, as well. Thank you, Anna J. Stewart, for another great read!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,738 reviews18 followers
September 8, 2019
I love all of Anna J Stewart’s book but I have a special place in my heart for her romantic suspense ones! They always keep me on the edge of my seat and I refuse to put them down, regardless of the time of day. Leo and Jane’s story was riveting, both in the romance and the suspense. I had no idea that this was book eight (?) in the Colton series until I was halfway through...and only because I went looking for others, not because I needed to have read them.
Not wanting to reveal any plot points, I’ll just say that this 4 star read should be on everyone’s wish list or TBR pile!
Profile Image for Margaret.
2,417 reviews10 followers
September 14, 2019
Suburb romantic suspense that keeps you guessing right up to the end. The characters of Leo and Jane were interesting and extremely well developed. I enjoyed this story and hope to read many more of Ms. Stewart's books. The story, suspense and intrigue keep you turning pages. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Stewart.
221 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2019
Anna Stewart is quickly becoming one of my top ten favorite authors. Anna does romance and suspense that keeps me turning the pages. Love her characters and the story is hot and suspenseful. Jane and Leo are a great match but will they be able to stay together or will the fate that brought them together also tear them apart.
153 reviews6 followers
July 13, 2019
I haven't read any of the previous Colton stories, but definitely enjoyed this one. without knowing the earlier characters, this still managed to pull me into the story. A Jane Doe is found hiding in Leo Slattery's barn--and he feels the need to protect her and try to discover her identity.
Definitely a page turner with romance and suspense thrown in. Great read and hard to put down.
Profile Image for Cath Alexander.
19 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2019
Colton on the Run was a really good romance novel. The guy was hunky and the gal was spunky. Great chemistry between the two. I liked the storyline with Jane being deathly afraid of police but we didn’t know why. It explained the plot moving the way it did. Their emotions were genuine and attraction palpable. Great read.
Profile Image for Brenda.
257 reviews
June 30, 2019
Anna J Stewart is a master storyteller. I always expect a great read and she did not disappoint with this one. I was so absorbed into the story that my heart heart and I found myself holding my breath at the good parts. WOW, just wow!!!
Profile Image for Rachael.
939 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2019
Colton on the Run was an enjoyable read with a well-written mystery.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
Profile Image for Nibrock.
1,604 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2019
A fun and light-hearted romance. Love the dog & horses.
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