RUN TO YOU is book one in Rachel Lacey's "Risking It All" series. RUN TO YOU initially grabbed my attention because it has two things I love in romance, a small town and a pretend romance. Software developer Gabby Winters is taking a time-out to recharge and gain some perspective after a bad break-up. Ethan Hunter is instantly attracted to Gabby when he ends up rescuing her at their first meeting. Before either of them know what is happening, they are pretending to be in a committed romantic relationship to ease the mind of Ethan's dying grandmother. Rachel Lacey tells a stirring character- driven romance with complex characters, and a little humor sprinkled throughout.

Ethan Hunter has two goals -- making his beloved grandmother's last days happy ones, and making his new business a success. Ethan is a man who is haunted by his mother's death, and his father's abuse. Both things have made him extremely averse to committing to a woman. His relationship and flirtation with Gabby seem safe at first because the relationship has an agreed on expiration date. The drama and tension intensifies as Ethan slowly realizes his feelings for Gabby run deeper than he could ever imagine or want. Ethan's grandmother encourages the couple to give romance a try without appearing interfering and obnoxious. While Ethan struggles with his inner demons, Gabby's abusive ex turns up and almost succeeds in undermining her confidence. Rachel Lacey does a good job of balancing the intensity and moments of levity.

RUN TO YOU by Rachel Lacey is a story with engaging characters, and a romance that will hook you in from the moment the hero and heroine lock eyes on each other. The chemistry between Ethan and Gabby seems very natural and enjoyable to read about. Over the course of RUN TO YOU, the romance between Ethan and Gabby evolves from fun and flirty to something with more substance and importance. Ethan's friends and co-owners Mark and Ryan help draw Ethan out and add greatly to the story. I enjoyed the tentative friendships Gabby forms with Emma and Jessica. I look forward to reading the next "Risking It All" super steamy romance.