Book Rating: 4.5 out of 5 boozy stars

Run on Red is a fast paced thriller by Noelle Ihli about two college-aged girls who are on their way to a bonfire in the mountains when they realize they are being followed. Honestly, that's all a reader needs to know before taking the deep dive into this novel. I have not read a thriller that has kept me on the edge of my seat in a long time, and this novel did just that. I was anxious and truly could not turn the page fast enough. At times I caught myself reading ahead because I was so curious about what was going to happen next. Ihli did a great job using just the right amount of description so that the reader will feel like they are in the car with the two main characters, but also without taking away from the suspense. My heart raced with each new chapter and I thoroughly enjoyed how the novel started out interesting right away. From page one Ihli managed to hook me. 

The main characters, Olivia and Laura, were realistic and well developed. The novel is written from the perspective of Olivia, who is the passenger in the car and a self proclaimed "Crime Junkie". I was really able to identify with Olivia, who is the type of person to be cautious in every situation, is aware of her surroundings, and has an extensive knowledge of true crime. Her actions and thoughts fit her character development. Although there were some choices I may not have made if I were in either her or Laura's shoes, I did really like both of the characters, which is important when you're rooting for them. Likewise, the development of the two men in the car that was following the girls is spot on as well. They were well developed and felt real, which made them all the more evil.

The reason I gave this novel 4.5 out of 5 boozy stars is because of the background story at the end of the novel. Without giving anything away, I felt that the background story was a bit confusing and found myself going back pages to remember bits and pieces. I also felt like the story was wrapped up quickly and ended a bit abruptly after the final scene. I would have loved if there had been one more chapter before the epilogue, rather than just an epilogue that was written to tie everything up. Overall, this was a great quick read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys thriller, suspense, and maybe even horror. This was the first novel I have read from this author, but it won't be my last. I have already added her other novel, "Ask for Andrea" to my TBR (to be read) list.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of rum of your choice (I prefer a good dark rum)

• 4 ounces of Coke

• Lime wedge

• Ice

Recipe

1. Add the rum and ice to a glass and stir to combine

2. Top with the cola. Squeeze in the juice from the lime wedge and serve. Garnish with additional lime wedges or wheels. 

Booze Rating: 4 out of 5 boozy stars

You can't go wrong with a good rum and coke! I chose this drink to pair with the novel, because I drank a lot of rum and cokes while reading this novel the dark content of the book makes you want a classic drink like a rum and coke. This book will have you craving something familiar and wanting the comfort of a simple drink that won't make your head spin. A nice dark rum goes down smooth while you're flipping through the pages of this novel!