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Escaping with West

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My position working for the embassy overseas is coming to an end and it’s perfect timing. I’m burned out and ready to set down roots after years of following my job around the world. With fellow female embassy employees going missing, I’m counting the days until I leave.

But when the one man I haven’t been able to get out of my head since we met over a year ago reappears in my life and he’s using a different name? Things get wild. I start running into this man of mystery everywhere I go, but is it a coincidence or something more?

He’s a man who doesn’t waver and he’s made one thing clear—he wants me. I’ve always sworn off military men with jobs that put them in dangerous situations. And yet, the pull toward Ryan West is irresistible—and could prove dangerous to my heart.

He’s more than a soldier, and I want to be open to life with him, though I’m not sure I can be. But when the danger overseas hits close to home, he can’t bury the protective hero in him, and I can’t help but wonder if this is a test we’ll be able to pass together.


Escaping with West is a closed door military romantic suspense romance without implied intimacy.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2024

17 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

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Claire Cain

44 books250 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Bonnie Blackledge.
407 reviews27 followers
March 28, 2024
As soon as I picked up Claire Cain’s recent book – the first in a new series – I knew I would love it. It’s so exciting when you start a new book and know right away you love the characters and the situation they find themselves in. I first met Ryan West when I read the book Love Undercover. I was overjoyed to see that Cain decided to feature him in this first book of her new series. He and Emily can’t fight their attraction as they keep running into each other from the start.
The “Cardinals” are a group of well-trained soldiers who tackle threatening situations worldwide. It’s fun to listen to their banter and the reader can’t help but appreciate how well they work together. Emily is one of those women that one falls in love with. You want her as your best friend. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read the next one in this series. In fact, I enjoy all of Cain’s books and hope to someday read them all.
Profile Image for Maureen Chritzman.
154 reviews
March 29, 2024
Emily Wender, who had been at the Education Center at Kugelfels Military Base in Germany, is now finishing out a year working at the US Embassy in Budapest. She will be returning for one final event she had planned, but she is preparing to go back to the States for her new job.

All is not well at the Embassy. Female workers are disappearing. Someone is leaking information. The EMU is there trying to search for clues under the guise of DOD representatives holding safety training sessions.

When Emily chances upon Ryan West at an Embassy event, he is introduced as Ryan Jacobs. Why is he really there? Though it's been two years, they both remember each other well, as they had almost instant interest in each other when they met back in Germany. Will they have a chance to get to know one another this time? What dangers are lurking behind the scenes?

I enjoyed this story. Emily is a strong female character, and she has met her match in West, though she doesn't completely accept that right away. I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow through the story. The author does a great job with characterization, especially with the members of the EMU team. North, South, East, and West are all well-written, and the reader gets a real sense of the camaraderie of this team, through their banter and support of each other.

For those who have read other stories by Claire Cain, you will enjoy the appearances of Bri Williamson, Katie and Noah Miller, and others from previous stories. While you don't need to be familiar with these characters to understand this book, it definitely enriches the reading experience. I love the way these connections expand the story world Cain has created.

If you like romance with some suspense woven in, this series is for you. The series is closed door with some mild language. There are many amazing quotes I could give from the book, but one of my favorites is, "I'm mostly over here feeling like this is all some crazy dream orchestrated by J. J. Abrams, and I don't wanna wake up."

So looking forward to reading South's story. I've loved what I've read of him so far. But you don't have to "take my word for it." IYKYK.
591 reviews8 followers
April 5, 2024
Another wonderful book from this author. I’m enjoying this turn she has taken into romantic suspense. I enjoyed this book very much. It was well-balanced between the two facets of romance and intrigue, with clearly thought out details. When West and Emily first met they both felt the tug of attraction. A second encounter while West was on a mission tied them up further emotionally, but offered no hope of any future. When life landed them in circumstances that made a romantic relationship possible, things got complicated. The bad guys don’t take holidays for love, so there were still high stakes issues at play. The main characters were engaging. Emily was confident and had experienced so many things and was ready for a more stable life. “‘I can’t just surrender everything I am when you have an opinion.’” West was seasoned in his role and hidden service. “His desire to make things right - to help people, ultimately, wasn’t a surprising piece of information as much as it was another piece in the puzzle of West.” The secondary characters were also fantastic. West’s team had such fun interactions. I’m so excited for them each to get their own story, some of which was set up in this book. The romance was great, but not a completely smooth path. “I was open to his book but not exactly on the same page.” Originally it developed in fits and starts due to the meetings and separations, and then progressed more quickly as they had more stability. The intrigue/suspense components to the story were interesting and compelling without being overly complex. West’s team was previously introduced in another book by the author, but it is not necessary to read it to fully enjoy this book. This is the first book in this new series. This is a closed door romance with mild innuendo and infrequent mild harsh language.
Profile Image for Moni.
607 reviews
April 2, 2024
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 1 in the Exceptional Mission Unit - The Cardinals Book Series and can be read as a standalone, though I would encourage you to read Love Undercover as The Cardinals and some events that carry over to this book are first introduced in Love Undercover. The book's blurb lets you know what to anticipate, though be aware that kidnapping and human trafficking is a theme explored. Escaping with West is old through Emily and Ryan's pov and is a great military suspense romance.

While Emily has embraced the challenges that come with working overseas and in an embassy, she can't deny that her time at the embassy isn't what she thought it would be and she's ready to move on. Though she wasn't opposed to relationships, her independent nature and work didn't provide her with many opportunities for a serious relationship. Like her, Ryan's position in the EMU has kept him on the go without much room to settle down. Yet, he knows what he wants and his instincts tell him that him and Emily could be good together.

Emily and Ryan had first met in Germany and felt a connection that sparked once they were reunited again. While their romance may feel like insta love, I liked the fact that their attraction was mutual and they weren't going to pretend otherwise. While Ryan could be intense, in the sense that he wasn't going to shy away from making his intentions known or being protective, he respected Emily's wishes and she appreciated that. I loved the way that they communicated and it made the development of their relationship natural. The romance was a closed door one consisting of steamy kissing and curse words are used. Aside from the romance, this had the perfect amount of action and suspense for readers who don't typically read this genre. I also enjoyed the dynamics of The Cardinals and am looking forward to each member getting their own book. Overall, this was an excellent introduction for the series and I know readers, especially fans of Claire Cain, will enjoy it.
Profile Image for Angeline.
713 reviews23 followers
March 21, 2024
I loved this book! Claire Cain is one of my favorite authors and this was another wonderful book. It was so cool to read a new genre but still get the same vibes and even see some old characters. Escaping with West is the first book in Claire Cain’s new series, Exceptional Mission Unit - The Cardinals. I was super excited for both of these characters to finally get their own books.
Ryan West and Emily were fun together. I liked how they had history but they still tried to get to know each other first. The romance was sweet and it didn’t feel rushed. I liked how they learned to meet each other in the middle and how they actually listened to each other.
Emily was fun because she was independent but she also learned to let West. I loved how strong Emily was and how she faced things head on. West was a fun character especially because I had seen him more recently in past books. West wasn’t looking for love but Emily snuck up on him. West had to learn to let Emily in and figure out what life would look like with her.
I adored Escaping with West! I could not recommend it more. I am so beyond excited for the next books. The side characters were just wonderful and it was so cool to see some old friends and get to know new ones. Escaping with West is a closed door contemporary romantic suspense.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
37 reviews
March 20, 2024
"There are no coincidences. Maybe that signaled we were meant to find each other, and when we missed the first time, we got a second chance, and then a third."

Ryan West and Emily Wender have met before. And NOTICED each other before, but there was no time, or opportunity for it to be more than just that. This story starts out with the second time they meet. She'd met him previously when she worked in Germany at the base there. She was blown away by his intellect, and the fact that he is also devastatingly handsome didn't hurt. He was dressed in civilian clothes with longish hair, and she had had her suspicions back then that he may be part of a special ops unit. This time he's dressed in a perfect black tux attending an event at the embassy in Budapest. When West introduces himself now as Ryan Jacobs, she's pretty sure she was right about his line of work with the military. There have been some problems, and people disappearing here in Budapest, and now he's here using an alias.

Fast moving, and complete with pining and swoony stuff, and trademark Claire Cain humor...this one is a keeper. There's a bit of intrigue of course, since it's romantic suspense, but not over the top, so it's a great "escape". ;-) Love the world building and character development happening for upcoming books and I'm looking forward to those!
Profile Image for Darla.
193 reviews10 followers
March 27, 2024
✨Pub Day Review✨

Escaping With West
Claire Cain

I have not read a romantic suspense in so long and after reading this one I need to read more! I haven’t read a Claire Cain novel that I haven’t loved! 😍

Emily is ready to settle down in a sense, ready for a change of scenery. Her job working for the embassy overseas is coming to an end. At one of her last events in Budapest she runs into the man who she’s been thinking of the past two years, Ryan West. Except when he’s introduced to her he is using a different name.

Claire knows how to write a desirable MMC! 😍 I loved his personality. He was assertive, protective and knew exactly what he wanted. Emily can also hold her own, so they’re a perfect match. I loved the couples dynamic and the mix of romance and suspense elements.

The other Cardinals (Wests group of men he works with) were introduced and enough of their backstory was shared to make me excited to read about them in coming books!

Read if you like:
✨Military Romantic Suspense
✨Second Chance
✨He falls first
✨Closed Door
557 reviews12 followers
March 19, 2024
Claire Cain definitely created a very unique and great story with Emily and West. This novel focuses on Emily and West. Emily is working in the US Embassy in Budapest and is burn out and ready to return to the United States. Prior to leaving Budapest she runs into a man named West that she has not been able to get out of her head since meeting him a year or so prior. West is a soldier and has frequent deployments and missions that he goes on. When women start going missing, and Emily discloses that she believes she has seen a man she used to see in Budapest, West sets out to protect her. Claire developed West and Emily’s characters very thoroughly and this story was filled with emotions, and realistic situations surrounding these professions and also those whom they love. I adored their love story and cannot wait to see what the rest of this series holds! I highly recommend this read!!!
Profile Image for Molly Harris.
87 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2024
Ryan West - a captivatingly handsome man, who speaks multiple languages fluently and is part of a special operations unit for the military. Emily Wender- a strikingly beautiful woman, who works for the government and is getting ready to move from her work position at the US Embassy in Budapest to something stateside. These two cross paths a few years after their first interaction. Neither wants to admit fully how captivated they were with the other when they first met. Now in an unexpected second chance when lives are on the line, these two must be honest about their feelings for each other. Or they will lose each other.

This romantic suspense from Claire Cain has just enough suspense to her usual fantastic "sweet romance" to keep you on the edge of your seat. Another wonderful story and I hope we get to see all these wonderful characters again!

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
78 reviews
March 19, 2024
This is the second novel that I have read from this particular author. I am really enjoying her novels. I will definitely read more of them. I have found that they all seem to be interconnected but also are stand alone stories. The author does very well with her descriptions of the characters as well as giving believable changes during character building. This story kept me intrigued all the way through. I had a difficult time putting the book down in the evening so that I could sleep. I have not read a great deal of Romantic Suspense but I'm finding that they are moving to be one of my favorite genres. I also would like to add that the book is clean and is a closed door romance which I prefer. All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I can see my self re-reading this novel multiple times. It is an excellent read!
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,286 reviews68 followers
March 31, 2024
This was my first romantic suspense by Claire Cain and it did not disappoint. Escaping With West kicks off the Exceptional Mission Unit - The Cardinals series.

I loved Emily. She was a strong, focused career woman. But something about Ryan West captures her attention. They had met previously and she never forgot him. West was also career focused. But he’s a bit enchanted by Emily.

Their romance was sweet and well paced. Emily lets down her walls, lets West in and leans on him. West had seemed set in single life, but Emily definitely made him rethink that.

I loved the mystery and suspense aspect and held my breath a time or two. West ends being a hero, which comes as no surprise. The side characters were amazing and you can tell the future books will be fa! Can’t wait to learn more about North, South and East!

Thank you Claire Cain for an ARC copy of this gem!
426 reviews5 followers
April 11, 2024
Where do I start?
I loved Emily! She is confident, independent and strong-willed. I love how she doesn't act shy & demure or bold & flirty, she likes Ryan and she goes with it. You'll have to read the book to get what I mean because I don't think I can do her justice.
From the moment Ryan & Emily start talking to each other, I couldn't help smiling. There was just something about their first interactions that made me go soft inside.
I love a good romantic suspense story and this one didn't disappoint!
Thank you Claire Cain for again giving me the honor of reviewing your books. It was a pleasure!
I received an ARC courtesy of the author and this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Arceli.
1,502 reviews9 followers
April 25, 2024
"Escaping with West" by Claire Cain is a gripping military romantic suspense novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Set against the backdrop of an overseas embassy, protagonist's impending departure is disrupted by mysterious disappearances and the reappearance of a compelling figure from her past. As tension builds, the romance between the protagonist and Ryan West intensifies, despite the dangers lurking around them. Cain expertly weaves together suspense, romance, and mystery, creating a page-turner that explores themes of trust, loyalty, and sacrifice. With well-drawn characters and a captivating plot, "Escaping with West" delivers a thrilling read from start to finish.
Profile Image for Elise.
476 reviews13 followers
March 21, 2024
Exceptional Mission Unit
Book One
Escaping With West

Introducing the Cardinals- West, South, East, North : These men are alpha, top of the food chain, world saving heros and protectors and last but not least eye candy within a book.

West and Emily's story brings together two people, well into their careers, who never imagined they'd be the type to settle down but that is because they were meant for one another from the start and the timeline had to align just right.

Escaping With West is a military romantic suspense book with a happily ever after
Profile Image for Kyliegh.
306 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2024
I’m tired, so here’s a mini review. I just finished this and loved it. West and Emily were great together. I really liked how straightforward he was with her. He knew what he wanted and he went after it. I loved the team dynamics and how they all interacted with each other. My favorite character in this book was South. Most of my favorite scenes involved him and I am so happy that his book is next. If you love military romantic suspense you should definitely read Escaping with West.

* Closed door/fade to black
Profile Image for Red Book Review .
881 reviews33 followers
April 1, 2024
Escaping with West was a wonderful romantic suspense book that had me turning pages till the very end. This is an amazing author and every time I read one of her books I know I will love it and will highly recommend her. This book had great characters and the romance in the book was so sweet. The suspense in Escaping with West was well done and had me holding my breath. I can not wait for the future books in this series. Highly recommend especially to romance readers. Thank you to the author for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review of Escaping with West.
Profile Image for Camille Cain.
17 reviews
April 14, 2024
Loved this book!

If you love stories of good people trying to make the world a better place who become attracted to each other, only to have life rudely interrupted by bad guys, this story is for you. It is warm, exciting, passionate without over doing it, and wonderfully well written. Moving through the pages alongside Emily and Ryan was a gift - one that I quickly consumed but dreaded coming to the end when I would want to know more, have more of them. Read it and you will understand why I highly recommend Escaping with West.
Profile Image for CAH - malphrusc.
686 reviews6 followers
March 19, 2024
This is an awesome romantic suspense from my favorite author. If this is your first read from Claire Cain, you won’t be disappointed. She has a unique way of storytelling that makes you feel as if you are one of the friend group and know each of the characters personally. The pace of the storyline is just right…the sprinkles of humor, the depth of character feelings, and the undercurrent of true love make this a fantastic read! I highly recommend! 💋💋💋💋💋
30 reviews
March 20, 2024
I hardly ever read romantic suspense books but Claire is one of my favorite authors so I wanted to at least try reading it. I'm so glad I did, I was hooked from the start. The depth she creates for the characters and real life like situations for them is fantastic. I loved reading West and Emily's story and cannot wait to see where the rest of the series takes me. I cannot recommend this book enough, you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Readingintheweehours.
319 reviews45 followers
March 23, 2024
I appreciate characters that are authoritative without being egotistical. This is true for both Ryan and Emily, though Emily displays these qualities in a distinctly feminine way. It also doesn’t mean that they are never afraid.
Their fast fall story is lovely and sometimes heart-stopping. Be ready for an adventure as well as swoon.
My favorite scene is the alleyway in Budapest. ❤️
I’m seriously looking forward to meeting the rest of the Cardinals.
2,096 reviews12 followers
May 9, 2024
Escaping with West

An exciting book of suspense and danger. A major event at the Embassy in honor of singer/songwriter Bri Williamson reconnects Emily and West after their meeting previously in Germany. However he is introduced by a different name leading Emily to be suspicious that he might be with an EMU group. Women have been disappearing from the Embassy workforce and he is there to investigate. Will she blow his cover or will his team be able to complete the mission?
Profile Image for Nati.
2,846 reviews16 followers
March 28, 2024
finding your soul

West and Emily are mean to be together. Or so they seem. After meeting two years ago, they felt a connection but didn’t act on it. He has Aa dangerous job as a Special Forces and she is been working with military for a while and had sworn off soldiers. Great story building and better characters. Loved the story
Profile Image for erica.reads.a.lot.
195 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2024
Great start to a new series! I loved getting to see the EMU in action after reading about it in the Silver Ridge veterans books. West and Emily‘s instant and intense connection that stayed with them through years after meeting before seeing each other again was so special. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for romantic suspense that is closed door without fade to black.
Profile Image for Abby Huffer.
682 reviews11 followers
March 27, 2024
What a fantastic read! I absolutely loved this one and could not put it down🤎! I loved Ryan & Emily together and how they kept appearing in each other’s lives. I loved his steadfastness and how he knew exactly what he wanted. Perfect amount of suspense!
6 reviews
April 19, 2024
Love Capt. America!

I love heroes. And I like the women who appreciate them. In my perfect fantasy, the alpha male finds his perfect foil, an equally alpha female, to butt heads with, to love and to engage in adventure!
Profile Image for Marianne.
6,979 reviews80 followers
March 17, 2024
Cool military/romantic suspense.. Clever, fascinating, and fun-to-read.. Interesting characters..
2,367 reviews4 followers
March 27, 2024
4.5 Stars

I really enjoyed this story. I really liked both Emily and West individually and they just make each other better.
211 reviews
April 22, 2024
I love the Cardinal team. They have funny banter. I love how West has been pining for Emily. I like Emily is strong enough to also be a safe place for West with his career
13 reviews
July 11, 2024
I loved West and Emily's journey. Once I started reading I couldn't seem to put it down. Can hardly wait for the next book. I have loved all of Claire's books so far.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
202 reviews4 followers
April 1, 2024
If you're looking for a man who knows exactly what he wants and goes for it, you'll simply love West. This outwardly rugged and inwardly cozy military man can't keep the idea of Emily out of his head, so when they're reunited -- in the most inopportune moment -- he can't help but smile. And then she proves she's as smart as she is beautiful. And he falls. Hard.

Follow Emily and West on their short, but wild, romance in the first book of this new series by Claire Cain.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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