About the Book:

Title: The Marquess and the Runaway Lady 

Author: Samantha Hastings 

Publisher: Harlequin Historical 

Release Date: February 21, 2023

Pages: 288

Genre: Historical Romance 

Synopsis:

An entertaining Harlequin Historical debut

Will this disheveled runaway…

Become the diamond of the Season?

When the Marquess of Cheswick—Wick—takes in a mysterious woman, he’s shocked to discover she is Lady Louisa, an heiress who’s escaped her cruel aunt! Grieving the loss of two siblings, Wick avoids opening his heart to anyone else and stays away from the marriage mart. But when Louisa needs a husband in order to claim her inheritance, Wick’s determined to help—even if it means stepping back into his worst nightmare: the Season!

From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.

Review:

*Thank you to Netgalley and Samantha Hastings for the review copy. All thoughts are my own*

I absolutely loved this regency era Cinderella retelling! Lady Louisa has been living in her own home under the guardianship of her cruel aunt and uncle for years, practically as a pauper, even though she is an heiress. Now that she is coming of age, her aunt plans on marrying her off to her despicable cousin with a gambling problem. Lady Louisa escapes with the aid of some servants so that she can head to London and make her debut for the season. On her travels she is mistaken as a runaway governess and is accidentally “rescued” by Lord Simon Cheswick, aka, Wick.

Away from her cruel family, and in the home of Wick and his sisters, Louisa begins to come into her own. To her surprise this family is kind and loving, and she begins to develop friendships with Wick and his sisters. She also tries to ignore her growing attraction for Wick. Wick has been grieving the loss of some family members and hasn’t been able to open his heart to anyone. He stays away from the marriage mart and tends to things at his family home. He quickly tries to ignore his growing attraction for Louisa. However, when Lady Louisa discovers she needs a husband to claim her inheritance, he is determined to help her. They soon set off for London as a family to help Lady Louisa take control of her fortune.

I quickly fell for these delightful characters! I enjoyed watching Louisa grow and develop after getting out from under the cruel clutches of her aunt. The Stringham sisters and their brother Wick are an absolute delight, and I love their relationships with each other. I also enjoyed the unique animals that the family has on their sanctuary. The romance is sweet and there may be some kissing!

Will Louisa and Wick have a happily ever after, or will she marry someone else?

I highly recommend this lovely story, available now. I can’t wait to read more from this author and hope we have more stories about this beautiful family.

Enter the Giveaway:

Enter below to win your own copy of The Marquess and the Runaway Lady! Must be willing to provide your name and mailing address, the author will be sending the copy if you’re a US winner! 🙂 International readers will receive an e-book! Runs from 2/26/2023-/3/5/2023.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2724356c2/?

About the Author:

Samantha Hastings has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of Reading (Berkshire, England), and the University of North Texas. She met her husband in a turkey-sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her kids. She writes cozy mysteries under Samantha Larsen.