| Title | : | If I Live (If I Run, #3) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0310332575 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780310332572 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 352 |
| Publication | : | First published February 16, 2016 |
In the thrilling conclusion to the If I Run Series, Casey and Dylan must expose the real killer before they both end up dead.
Casey is still on the run for a murder she didn't commit, and she's running out of places to hide, and her face is all over the news. It's only a matter of time.
Dylan Roberts, the investigator who once sought her arrest, is now her only hope. As they work together will one life have to be sacrificed to protect the other?
Join Terri Blackstock on one more heart-stopping chase in the sensational conclusion to the If I Run series. Plus, look for additional inspirational fiction series from New York Times bestselling author Terri
Cape Refuge
Newpointe 911
The Sun Coast Chronicles
The Restoration Series
If I Live (If I Run, #3) Reviews
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This series got better and better with every book! This is an excellent and pulse-pounding ending as Detective Keegan is desperate and fighting for his control. He’ll stop at nothing to shut up Casey—and Dylan. Whoever might stand in his way is standing before a raging bull, and he sees neither friend or foe in his death-throes. He takes out some unexpected folks along his way and does his level best to make sure the police force is never the same again.
With such a powerful foe, how can Dylan and Casey possibly survive?
It was such a delight to see Casey actually learn to trust God and to grow in her faith despite her circumstances. I loved the strong Christian message in this book, and the assurance given readers that nothing is too big for God’s sacrifice to offer forgiveness for—but that believers should be ready to count the cost as give up their sins.
Don’t stop to think about how much you might wish to read the series or not. There are some rough spots in the first book, but it’s well worth bumping across them and getting lost in the survival tale as Casey runs for her life after having been accused of murdering her best friend. Though this book won’t be out until March, catch up on the first two now and make sure you have a preorder waiting for when this excellent conclusion hits the shelves.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free review copy. -
What an ending! This series was quite the ride!
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Great ending to the series, it was a fun ride. 😀
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WOOOOOOOW.
This was an amazing close to an as-amazing trilogy. The suspense did not let up and I was left gasping for breath at a couple of points, dying to skip ahead and find out what had happened...but I couldn't because kindle. *weeps*
But. Anyway. Review. Much of this will be spoilers, although I'll do my very, very best to avoid them. However! If you're interested in reading this book, and you see a spoiler tag, DO NOT CLICK. You will thank me. (Also I will try very hard not to spoil any of the HUGE plot points. I'll just vaguely allude to them. Mwah ha ha.)
LIKES
-Casey. Dylan. My beautiful charries. <33333333 I love them to the moon and back.
-Keegan. I mean, I hate him--he is so despicable, and if you thought he was bad in the last two, he takes it up several notches in this one--but he's such a good villain. Oy. I simultaneously shook my fist at him and grinned every time he came on--because he was so bad but so awesome. But still not awesome. I'm sure all you bookish nerds know what I mean. XD
-There was less travelling in this one, which was kind of my least favorite part of the other two? Less swapping phones and chucking batteries away and stealing license plates and moving from hotel to hotel. Which I appreciated.
-Dylan's friend--whose name I, embarrassingly enough, cannot remember. Was it Brant? I think it was Brant or Brett or something similar. Me being me, I'm probably very, very off. If you remember, remind me because I CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME REMEMBER.
-The suspense! I was on the edge of my seat the entire book--I do not trust this author. Sometimes you'll be reading a book and be fairly certain your precious characters will come out okay because no one else has died. But that was not the case with this book. SO MUCH SUSPENSE.
-The ending...I will spoil nothing. But. Hee hee....
-Casey's boss (the google lawsuits guy) was hilarious. I loved him. Every series that's this intense needs some good comic relief.
-Close to everything?
DISLIKES
-OKAY HERE COME THE SPOILERS. I will try really, really hard not to bring out anything that would really destroy you if you read them anyway...but don't.
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CONTENT
SEXUAL: Not much. Again, some kissing. But this book is 100% focused on Casey and Dylan at this point so there is no sexual abuse as in the last two books, which was nice.
VIOLENCE: SOOOOOOO much. I don't remember exactly how many people died in this one, but there were a LOOOOOOOOT. We don't see any of it depicted graphically, but there's a lot of death, and you feel all of them regardless of how well you know the character. (One in particular was pretty darn heart-wrenching...)
LANGUAGE: N/A I think, although if I'm wrong, feel free to correct me.
DRUGS/ETC.: The same character as before drinks a lot, which doesn't have great consequences for him. :/ I don't think there was much else.
4.5 stars and I totally recommend this wonderful Christian suspense series!!!!!!! -
Aug. 24 update - reread this book after purchasing a copy, and I was just as hooked as I was when I initially read it. I didn't remember the details of what happened, so there were moments that shocked me at the villains' capabilities and actions. We see Casey grow and discover God over the course of the series, and I am pleased with the way it ended. Highly recommend if you are looking for fast-paced action and characters to root for.
Full review can be found at:
C Jane Read.
None stop nail-biting action! Don’t let your guard down because you never know what is going to happen next. It appears that Casey finally has a chance at justice, but she has to say alive long enough first. There were many times I was scared witless for Casey and Dylan. Never knowing who to trust. Some chances they take work out and others backfire. I was shocked at the extent of villain’s reach and how much control over others he had. Through it all, though, Casey learns that God is on her side and always watching out for her. She learns to find the good moments in amidst the tough ones. I loved getting inside the characters' heads (including the villain), this allowed me to really understand the characters and what motivated them. It was a struggle to make myself put this book down once I started it; as much as I wanted to savour it, I devoured it over the course of two evenings. This is a series that MUST be read in order. (I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.) -
What a great ending to the series!! I loved If I Live. There was so much suspense and danger that the pages just flew by (I barely put the book down)! I needed to know how the series would end and it was a great finale.
The characters were good, same as the previous books. ;) I liked the romance story and was hoping things would work out. It actually didn't end as I thought and I loved that even more.
All in all, If I Live was a wonderful read for suspense lovers. Definitely read the series in order as this is one where you need the full context.
*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own." -
This book had me in tears. I loved this trilogy so much. Ultimately, the confession of faith and the joy of walking with Jesus, is what made this series unforgettable for me. The characters were so good. Terri Blackstock’s best work in my opinion.
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Hmmmm . . .
I guess, for me, I feel slightly disappointed by this series. It was so hyped-up, but it just kind of fell flat for me.
Lovely Things:
- The realistic characters. Casy and Dylan were smart, sensible, reasonable people for the most part - but they did have FEELINGS. They didn't fit into either stereotypical thriller character archetype: the "I'm a completely clueless jellybean" category or the "I'm so perfect and emotionless that I'm not human" category. :P I liked both of the main characters in this series for the most part! Just, uh, not together. LIKE WHY DID THEY BECOME A COUPLE??
- The intensity. WELL THEN. To say the death toll went up considerably in this book is an understatement. It was so intense. I had difficulty putting this book (or the first two in the series) down. Looooots of intense things.
- The themes. It dealt with some real issues in this series. Hard things. Like abuse, grief, suicide, PTSD, etc. Yet for all the hard topics this series addressed, there was always an undercurrent of hope. A light at the end of the tunnel. A hand pointing to Jesus. It's clear that the author had no intention of making her books "empty" thrillers, but instead poignant explorations of real-life issues.
Not-So-Lovely Things:
- The romance. UM AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO COULDN'T STAND THIS?? It felt like it came out of nowhere, to be honest. Almost like the author felt they HAD to become a couple at the end of the second book because there were two main characters of the opposite gender. (Because heaven forbid if they *gasp* are just friends!) I didn't see that much chemistry between them. It felt like a whirlwind of emotions with WAY too much kissing (though not described) and too much talk about "feeling empty" without the other person. It was SO RUSHED and SO BORING. Honestly, I think I've just become really cynical about romance the more I read about it. Romantic thrillers bother me. xD
- I just . . . didn't connect emotionally. I don't know. The characters were good, the plot was good, but I never felt that INVESTED in the characters emotionally. I DON'T KNOW. I'm a tough critic sometimes. I guess thriller books never really get me invested in characters all that much . . .
So did I like it? Yeah, I did. But did it knock my socks off like it seemed to do to everyone else? HAHA NOPE. I'm a very finicky bookdragon sometimes. *apologetic smile* I think my favorite thing about this series, ultimately, is how aesthetic the covers are. xD
3 stars -
Amazing! If I Live was a nail-biting, page-turning, fast-paced suspenseful roller coaster and I did not want to get off the ride until I finished. I absolutely loved this book! All the escalating tension from the previous books and my desire to see how things would turn out made this book unputdownable and enthralling! I loved the main characters and how their faith effortlessly intertwined with the action. I loved the suspense and every twist and turn. Ultimately, I loved reading this trilogy. The If I Run series is definitely one of the best suspense series I've read. It's bingeable, riveting, intense, and well-written. I highly recommend it!
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Re-read 2022
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Thrilling and fast-paced conclusion to an amazing series!
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5/6⭐️
What a Masterpiece!!!!!!
I know you normally don’t rate a book 6 stars, but this is one of my favorites books I have ever done if not the best!!!
5⭐️Series!! I think this book was actually better than the first two! But I recommend to start from the 1 to understand the characters and the story more!!!
I listened and enjoyed it so much!!!! The action with the romance and all of it into one!
The faith in it was so sweet!!
The characters were great!! Casey is such a powerful character! She’s strong and super smart! She thinks of the details that others wouldn’t!! And Dylan is also so smart and such a sweetheart to Casey!!
It was such a sweet ending!!!! It would have been great if Terri made a 4th book to see their life together!!!
Terri Blackstock did such a well job!! The details she did and the way she made the things match! So awesome!!
I also liked the short chapters so that helped you to just keep going and going! I flew through this book!!
I might have never finished a book this fast!!!
This is a very action packed story with harsh things so I would recommend it for a mature age. You know yourself best to know if it would be too much or not! Some triggers I wrote might not be a trigger needed to write down. But rather safe than sorry!!!
Triggers:
Blood
PTSD
Deaths, burial, beatings, strangling
Vomit
Drunk, smoking
Stealing
Grieve
Kidnapping
Blackmail, Extortion
Grenade and Gas.
Do yourself a favor and get this book!!!!!!! -
Binge-worthy series
4.5 Stars ✨
“Be kind to one another, treat people the way you want to be treated, rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn, share what you have, don’t judge people for things you do yourself, love one another, put others before yourself, serve others, forgive those who sin against you, pray for your enemies.”
What a dramatic ending to a very addictive series. I was absolutely hooked from book one. I liked the story/plot and the characters. This story totally draws you in and you won’t want to stop until you get to the end. I don’t read many suspense novels, but because I kept hearing great things about it I thought I’d give it a go- it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the faith aspect that finds its way throughout and the process Casey goes through to see the good when everything around her is so bad. Loved seeing her surrender and her heart after it all. She and Dylan were both such strong characters.
The only thing that could have made this better was maybe an epilogue with all the people she met along the way, I would have really enjoyed reading their POV after all was said and done. Other than that, such an exciting read that I highly recommend! -
“He wants us to find joy. Let’s choose that instead.”
Yes and Amen🙏🏾
Read this book! Read this series 💜 -
The first statement I will make is I am so glad I have reread this series. I gave it 4 stars the first time now I read it but now it is definitely a 5 star read and I also believe its Terri Blackstock best work. You will find out in this finial book will Carrie and Dylan can survive from the person who is after them. This will have you going crazy because the book will have you not knowing until the end. Trust me you will not know or believe what happens to them. Carrie and Dylan are great characters. Carrie, who can keep running and Dylan who finally believe her innocence and works towards helping her clear her name. The "bad guys" in the book are just scary. You won't believe what they do to try to stop Cassie and Dylan. I will have to say this will be one of my favorites thriller of the year. I highly recommend this series. I know some of you are trying to reach your goals, this book is a fast read and you will not be able to put it down. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!
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I have been looking forward to reading this book, and have had it and trying to savor it, but finally gave in and consumed it, and I sure was not disappointed. We have followed these people through three books and they have become family, and I care about them.
There is so much action here, and we really root against the evil in the form of the police, yes corruption at the highest, and so many innocents hurt, including the main characters. Just when you think you find someone to trust, forget it, so sad, and scary.
Surprises abound here, I could hardly believe how far the evil spread, but our hero has come a long way in her journey with God, and we know that no matter what happens she is going to be with him.
You don’t want to miss this one, and do yourself a favor you won’t regret, read all three. These are awesome reads.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review. -
Reread April 29, 2025: Just as heart pounding and thrilling as the last time I read it! This book ends so beautifully and perfectly! It’s the best mystery trilogy I have ever read! If you haven’t read it, you need to! I highly recommend!
The final book in the If I Run series! I devoured this series and enjoyed them all! I highly recommend them! You will be wrapped up in the mystery! I love seeing the people Casey meets and helps along the way! They add so much to the story and to her generous character! The bad guy is EVIL and ruthless let me just tell you! He really irked me at parts! This third one is nail biting and hard pounding! You’ll be cheering Casey and Dylan on the whole way! In my opinion, this is the best one of the series! It was fantastic! Casey and Dylan’s love story is unique and yet beautiful! I loved it! They fit perfectly together! Page 227 is one of my favorites and most beautiful! 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -
If I Live, was a wonderful, nail-biting finish to this series by Terri Blackstock.
The third and final book of the If I Run series, If I Live, was the wrap-up for Casey Cox and all of the death, drama, and deception surrounding her. Again, I could not put this book down and skirted some responsibilities to finish this book. I figured seeing this case through was more exciting than folding my laundry.
In all seriousness though, if you’re looking for a good mystery/crime thriller series than you need to get your hands on this one. It was fantastic!
On a side note: Glad to see Dylan and Casey together after this whole mess was exposed and resolved! -
3.5⭐️
Even though there was a lot of action in this finale, this one did feel a bit more ‘Christian-suspense-romance’ tropey...if that makes sense.
I thought the villain was too animated to be realistic and when we saw the killer’s POV, it felt too contrived. -
4.5 stars - TOP PICK
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Gripping, even from the very first line! Loved this book! Perfect ending to a highly-suspenseful series!
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Literally... no words. <333
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WOW! This book was one adrenaline rush after another. It was intense, way more intense than the first two, if you can even believe that. It was a wonderful final installment. Gut wrenching and heart pounding. I was left on the edge of my seat, wondering if certain characters would make it out of these situations alive or... well, not alive.
The characters were all great. Except for the ones who weren't (*cough* Keegan), but I think that's how it was supposed to be.
I loved Dex, too, just felt I should say that because I loved him just too darn much.
My only problem I would say was that the romance felt just a little insta-lovey. Cause Dylan and Casey had barely any contact in the first two books and then suddenly they are in love with each other. But after waiting two books for them to get together, I didn't really care so that is a very minor issue, nothing at all to detract from the enjoyment of the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. -
Absolutely. Breathtaking. I literally could not breathe while reading If I Live. The finale of the If I Run series grabbed me by the throat from the opening page until the end. And I must admit, I’m still a little uneasy and unsure if Casey will have a happily ever after. Not because I don’t think she deserves it but because Ms. Blackstock put my emotions through the ringer. I almost feel like I suffered as Casey did. I want to look over my shoulder to make sure all is well and I can truly relax now that the series has concluded.
*I received a free copy from the publisher. A review was not required and this is my own, honest opinion.
**Full review at:
https://tonishiloh.wordpress.com/2018... -
Warning: You will not put this book down once you start reading it.
You are taken on a journey and it's not one you will soon forget.
It was the best of the three If I Run series.
Blackstock always knows how to pull you in and make you hold on until the very end.
I'm not going to give anything away, I will just let you know that it's a must read.
This is a 4.5 star book and I HIGHLY recommend the whole series.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own. -
Terri Blackstock delivers again! She is my favorite suspense author.
In the final novel of the If I Run series, Casey Cox continues to be on the run from authorities while trying to prove her innocence. Dylan Roberts, the private investigator for the murder Casey is accused of suffers from PTSD and doesn't have the support of his family to be a civilian police officer. The pages are filled with action. The entire series was well done.
My gratitude to publisher Zondervan for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own. -
Fantastic finale to a heart-pounding trilogy. I enjoyed the spiritual thread just as much as the suspense one. This story was complex and twisty. It was great to see the leads make intelligent decisions, thinking through things logically even in the midst of being on the run or captured.
Content: drugs, profanity, alcohol, derogatory term, suicide -
Beautiful conclusion. ✨
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This was such a great conclusion to the trilogy! I was really invested, and I even got worried about the main characters at a few points. Really great series!
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5 Stars
So, so good! Probably my second favorite of the series.
