REVIEW: Running on Empty by Meg Benjamin

In Running on Empty  (Salt Box #3) by Meg Benjamin, Signing a contract with Fairstein Productions to do another one of their Reality TV shows was supposed to be Ronnie Ventura’s chance to prove she’s not the blonde bimbo the company made her out to be when she took part in her first reality TV show. Certainly, there are tough challenges for her to face, but with her friends so supportive she’s determined to win. However, there’s one person she wants more than anything to support her and if she can’t convince Ted Saltzman — her boss at the Blarney Stone bar — how invested she is to prove her capabilities, then clearly there’s no chance for them to be together.

He debated just how much more he could say – and do. “You know you don’t have to do this alone, right? Nona wants to help. So do I. And Dick should be back next week.
She gazed back at him in the dim light, her smile softening. “I know. But Fairstein needs to know I can take care of myself. And I need to know it too.”
“Okay. But if you’d like to have any dragons slain, just let me know.”

Although I really enjoyed the first two books of this series, this one was the best. There’s something about a heroine determined to prove she’s the total opposite to what people think of her that captivated me from start to finish. Will she be able to convince people? Will she win the competition? Will Ted be able to convince her to stay in Salt Box? However, what I enjoyed most about this story was the growing relationship between Ronnie and Ted that had me turning the pages quickly wanting to know how things would work out between them. Since Ted is a bit overprotective of Ronnie and his opinion of her being on the show puts them at odds.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine. She didn’t have the best of times the first time she was on a reality TV show done by Fairstein Productions, but this time she’s determined to prove herself. Even if that means having to put up with a nasty contestant determined to mess with her mind and a mean trainer that continually expresses a negative opinion of her while training for the sports she’ll compete in (running, swimming and bike race). However, there were some light-hearted moments from various characters that had me smiling, especially when Ronnie decided on an agent to negotiate her contract. The man she chose would do anything for her, and I liked that he wasn’t afraid to go head-to-head with the people from Fairstein.

Ted’s grin faded. “What’s wrong?”
She sighed, screwing the plastic cap back onto her water bottle. “I just…I sort of hoped I’d feel better somehow.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Better how? Are you sick?”
“Not really. I just…wish I felt like I could this.” Her voice dropped slightly on the last words because it was a dumb thing to say. But maybe dumb suited her after all.

Both the main characters really surprised me, especially Ronnie. She’s been treated badly in the past because of her looks, and people’s judgment has in no way been fair and still isn’t by the way the horrible trainer treats her. Yet, she’s doing everything she can to turn people’s opinions of her around and she does a good job. Her confidence, her strength and the way she’s finally standing up for herself against Fairstein revealed what a great heroine she was. No way was she going to give up without a fight. While Ted, he’s not sure whether getting involved with Ronnie is a good idea because she’s an employee. Yet, she’s the one woman that he can’t seem to stay away from. Indeed, I liked that he was willing to help her, even if he thought that the competition wasn’t a very good idea for her to be doing.

Overall, Ms. Benjamin has penned a really good novel to finish her Salt Box series where the strong romance illustrates just how right Ronnie and Ted are for each other. The way this story ended was delightful, as Ronnie proved how good she is, despite the fact that her mind may have been a bit pre-occupied with an offer she was made. Would Ted be able to convince her to stay? I would recommend Running on Empty by Meg Benjamin, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope or small town romances.
 

Book Info:

Publication: October 28th, 2016 | Self-Published | Salt Box #3

She’s running her heart out to stay in the same place.

Ronnie Ventura has every reason to distrust Fairstein Productions: she’s had run-ins with their shows before. But Fairstein’s newest reality show offers Ronnie a chance to redeem herself from looking like a blonde bimbo. All she has to do is win a modified triathlon. Simple, right? Except this is Fairstein, and nothing is ever simple with them.

Ronnie’s boss at the Blarney Stone bar and café, owner Ted Saltzman, is a lot less convinced that another Fairstein show is just what Ronnie needs, particularly when he’s head over heels about Ronnie himself. But she’s determined, and he’s a man in love.

Ted becomes her running coach, which fans their budding romance to a fever. But can Ronnie’s newfound confidence stand up to the usual Fairstein plots? And can Ted find a way to keep his true love in Salt Box if Hollywood tries to steal her away again?