Runaway by Katie Cross | Coffee Shop Series Book 3

Stella Marie needs somewhere to disappear.

She did not ask for her life to be uprooted.

But when her creepy ex-boss begins spiraling, Stella refuses to sit by while he destroys everything around him—including himself.

There is only one person she can turn to.

Unfortunately, she is pretty sure Mark Bailey groans every time he sees her name on his phone.

Being his accountant is not easy.

Neither is admitting that she needs his help.

When Mark offers her a place to hide in his mountain world, Stella expects safety.

She does not expect to fall for him.

Mark thinks his accountant is the most frustrating woman on the planet.

Stella Marie infuriates him almost every time they speak.

But he will never fire her.

Mostly because she is the only thing standing between him and complete financial disaster.

Then Stella arrives on his doorstep in the middle of the night.

Frightened.

Vulnerable.

And nothing like the woman he thought he knew.

Mark may have learned the hard way that being the good guy does not always pay off, but protecting Stella feels different.

Especially when her past follows her straight to his door.

No one is getting near Stella Marie while Mark is there.

What begins as temporary shelter becomes forced proximity, unexpected tenderness, and a growing attraction neither of them can ignore.

But if Stella’s past catches up with them, a happily ever after may be harder to reach than either of them imagined.

Runaway is book 3 in the Coffee Shop Series by Katie Cross, a clean contemporary romance filled with small-town charm, playful banter, workplace tension, forced proximity, protective-hero energy, emotional intimacy, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Perfect For Readers Who Love

• Clean contemporary romance

• Small-town romance

• Protective heroes

• Forced proximity

• Workplace romance

• Accountant / client romance

• He falls first energy

• Strong heroines

• Woman in danger

• Hero to the rescue

• Close proximity in the mountains

• Playful banter

• Emotional romance

• Slow-burn chemistry

• Found family

• Supportive friendships

• Suspenseful romantic tension

• Sweet and swoony romance

• Guaranteed happily ever afters

Format Options

This product is available in multiple formats, depending on the edition selected:

• Paperback

• Ebook

• Audiobook

Please choose your preferred format before checkout.

Series Placement

Runaway is book 3 in the Coffee Shop Series.

It can be enjoyed as a standalone romance, but readers who want the full Coffee Shop Series experience should begin with Coffee Shop Girl and continue with Lovesick before reading Runaway.

The Coffee Shop Series follows a close-knit group of characters through clean contemporary love stories filled with small-town charm, friendship, emotional connection, playful banter, and happily ever afters.

FAQ

Is Runaway part of a series?

Yes. Runaway is book 3 in the Coffee Shop Series by Katie Cross.

Can Runaway be read as a standalone?

Yes. Runaway has its own central romance and happily ever after, so it can be enjoyed as a standalone. Reading Coffee Shop Girl and Lovesick first will give you additional series context.

What genre is Runaway?

Runaway is a clean contemporary romance with small-town romance, forced proximity, workplace romance, emotional romance, and light romantic suspense elements.

Is there spice?

Runaway has strong chemistry, romantic tension, kissing, and swoony moments, but no on-page sex scenes.

Does Runaway have a happily ever after?

Yes. Runaway has a guaranteed happily ever after.

Is Mark a protective hero?

Very much so. When Stella arrives frightened and in need of somewhere safe, Mark steps in immediately and becomes determined to keep her protected.

Is this a forced-proximity romance?

Yes. Stella temporarily escapes into Mark’s mountain world, putting them in close proximity and forcing both of them to see each other differently.

Is this a workplace romance?

Yes. Stella is Mark’s accountant, so their relationship begins through a professional connection before becoming something much more personal.

Is there suspense in Runaway?

Yes. Stella’s unstable ex-boss follows her, adding danger and suspense to the romance.

What tropes are in Runaway?

Runaway includes protective hero, forced proximity, workplace romance, accountant / client romance, woman in danger, hero to the rescue, he falls first energy, small-town romance, banter, slow-burn chemistry, emotional romance, and found family.

What formats are available?

Depending on the edition selected, Runaway may be available as a paperback, ebook, or audiobook.