The second in the bestselling series by USA Today Bestselling Author Jess MichaelsAnne Shelley has always been known as the “wild” one of the infamous Shelley triplets and never has that been truer than when she ran away from her engagement with a scandalous man. She expects to be taken to Gretna Green for a hasty marriage, but instead she is dumped off on a remote island in Scotland with his … remote island in Scotland with his grouchy cousin, Rook Maitland. She isn’t supposed to like him, but as their time together stretches out she can’t help but develop more than a passing interest in her temporary guardian.
Rook knows his cousin’s game and he has serious doubts he’ll ever return for the fetching Anne, fool that he is. After all, the woman is fascinating and the more time they spend together, she proves to be irresistible. When she asks him to help her get back to her family, time alone on the road will lead to passions that can no longer be denied.
But Rook’s cousin has an ulterior motive for everything he’s done. And the danger that will be brought down on their heads could destroy the love they’re beginning to develop and end their future before it has time to begin.
Length: Novel Length
Heat Level: Steamy fun is had by all.
This can be read as a standalone novel, but is part of the Shelley Sisters series.
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Anne Shelley is one of the Shelley triplets, known as the “wild one” by her sisters and the one her father chose to marry Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt.
Anne cannot think of a worse fate than to become Lady Harcourt, so when she met Ellis Maitland and he suggested running away, it seemed like the answer to her prayers, but quickly she learned that Ellis is not who or what he pretended to be and she finds herself thrust upon his cousin “Rook”.
Constantine “Rook” Maitland has lived alone on his little island in Scotland for about a year, content to be alone and happy to have left the “game” behind. He has no desire to be sucked back in, but he feels he owes Ellis a debt and agrees to let Anne stay with him for “a few days”. At first Anne is terrified of Rook, but soon learns that he is a smart, quiet, caring man and slowly she begins to admire him. When a couple of weeks pass and Ellis has not returned, Anne gets anxious and asks Rook to take her home.
He agrees to take her to Gretna Green, where she should be able to find safe transportation. Anne is the first to admit that she has lead a sheltered and privileged life and doesn’t know the first thing about doing for herself, but during her time with Rook, she begins to broaden her horizons and learn to take care of herself. She also grows more attached and attracted to Rook. When it is clear they will be soon parting ways, she is finally able to break through his objections and they surrender to the passion that has been simmering for weeks. But Rook feels unworthy of Anne and repeatedly tells her he is no good and refuses to consider anything beyond a stolen night together. Anne wants to change his mind and is set to do so when she hears a shocking revelation, Harcourt married one of her sisters in her place. Anne is devastated and needs to get back to Harcourt – but now that Rook knows who she was going to marry before Ellis interfered, he knows that Anne and her sisters are in danger and as much as he hates the idea, he will have to rejoin the game to save the woman he has fallen hopelessly in love with.
I thought this was a very good story, part of the story runs concurrent with the previous book until the sisters are reunited, so I would recommend reading the books in order. Rook and Anne are a great couple with oodles of chemistry and passion to spare. I enjoyed the ongoing mystery of the “treasure” and learning a bit more of why Ellis is involved. I am really looking forward to the conclusion of the book and can’t wait to see how Ms. Michaels manages to redeem Ellis! This is the second book in the series and I strongly recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
A Reckless Runaway is the second book in the Jess Michaels series The Shelley Sisters. I really enjoyed her Scandal Sheet series of novellas, but I was very excited that this new series consisted of full-length books. The more Jess Michaels the better! The first book, A Reluctant Bride, was great…but this book? This book was AWESOME! Yes, in all caps.
We met Anne Shelley in A Reluctant Bride. She is known as the “wild” triplet. Not willing to be in a loveless marriage to the Earl of Harcourt, she plotted to escape. Asking her sister Thomasina to pretend to be her for an evening at a ball, she took off with Ellis Maitland, the handsome man she was being wooed by on the sly. She thought they were going to Gretna Green to be married, but Ellis instead dropped her off to stay with his grouchy cousin Rook Maitland. Ellis ordered her to stay there until he came back for her; he was no longer the charming man she believed him to be. Staying in Rook’s small home on a remote Scottish island, the two began to be drawn to each other, despite learning of his criminal past with Ellis. Realizing that Ellis is not coming back for her, she convinces Rook to return her to her sisters. The two cannot control their yearning for each other on the trip, and they don’t realize they’re heading into danger.
I wasn’t crazy about Anne in the previous book, as she came across as self-centered and frivolous. However, as I got to know her, I understood her feelings much better and began to adore her. She was devastated to be dumped off by Ellis, but once she stopped hiding in her room and adjusted to her new situation, she surprised me and bloomed. She got excited to dig for clams and learned to throw knives, so different from her life of excitement and parties in London. Then there’s Rook….~Sigh~ I fell in love with him. A gruff man trying to escape his criminal past, he couldn’t believe that he was any good for Anne. But I knew better! The chemistry between them was just unbelievable. Ms. Michaels is in the top tier of writing erotic scenes. It’s not just a matter of who puts what where; she has longing and emotion mixed with the physical which makes those love scenes sublime. Ellis seems to be the unlikely hero in the next book. I’m sure if anyone can make such an unlikable man a hero, it will be Ms. Michaels. I can barely wait!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Anne’s story is finally here! We met all of the Shelley sisters in the first book, A Reluctant Bride, and, well, I couldn’t decide if I liked Anne or not. That was probably because she was the catalyst for the featured romance, but not the feature of the story. The Shelley sisters are triplets – identical to everyone – and everyone tends to treat them as one entity. Yet, they are very different. Anne is the wild one, the ‘free spirit’ who acts first and thinks later. Juliana is the calm, even-keeled, responsible ‘fixer’, who runs the household. Thomasina is the pleaser, the one who brings peace and comfort to others – even at the cost of her own. Their father is a real piece-of-work who could care less about his daughters other than to consider how they can best benefit him.
This book begins at the same time and place as the first book in the series, but while that book followed Thomasina and Jasper, this one follows Anne and Rook. At the beginning of the first book, Anne runs away with Ellis Maitland – but, then she seems to disappear with another man. Now, we learn what happened when she ran away, why she ran away, and what has happened to her since.
Ellis Maitland is a desperate man – and when he gets desperate, he gets reckless and bad things tend to happen. A very, very, very bad man, Winston Leonard, wants the property that Ellis and his friend, Jasper’s late brother Solomon, stole from him. The thing is, Ellis has absolutely no idea where it is or how to find it. Ellis decided to use Anne in order to put pressure on Jasper – after all, if she was important to Jasper, he’d meet Ellis’ demands. The trouble was, Jasper had no clue what Ellis was talking about and Anne wasn’t all that important to him. If she wanted to run away with someone else, she could.
When Ellis hands Anne off into a rowboat with someone named Rook, she is frightened, but resigned – then frightened again when she finds out where they are going. Anne has never really been physically attracted to anyone before, but something about the dark and attractive man makes her skin warm and her stomach flutter.
Constantine (Rook) Maitland broke ties with his cousin Ellis over a year ago and hasn’t had anything to do with him since then. The break was caused by an awful set of circumstances Ellis became involved in that crossed all of the lines for Rook. Ellis had always been Rook’s hero – he’d save him when he was a young child. Ellis took him in and taught him how to survive – but – now…
Rook and Anne are each attracted to the other, but neither will act on it and they are fairly cool and stand-offish with each other. When Anne finally comes to the realization that Ellis will not be coming for her, nor will he marry her, she asks Rook to see that she gets home. Their journey to their HEA is fraught with danger – after all, there is still a villain out there. The action really picks up at the end of their journey with everything happening fast and furious. Will Anne survive? Will Rook admit that he loves her? Will her sisters forgive her? Will Jasper forgive her? Will Rook and Ellis reconcile? Will they finally thwart the villain? You’ll just have to read this fun book to find out all of that and more!
I assume that the next book is going to feature Ellis and Juliana and I have to say, I think this author is going to have to go some to rehabilitate Ellis in my mind. There have been things to make him more sympathetic, but – well – we can only wait for the next exciting installment!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What another wonderful story from this amazing author!
Book #2 in The Shelly Sisters series is about Anne Shelly a runaway bride that doesn’t realise what kind of danger she has put herself in, that is until she is left in the care of Rook. He is a bit of a bad boy that’s trying to go straight and distance himself from his cousin Ellis Maitland. Anne and Rook start out on a very strange journey of getting to know each other whilst waiting for Ellis to return for her.
Rook turns out to be a gentleman even though he is a little rough around the edges, and he cares for Anne and comes to her need right from the very start. He is a swoon worthy hero that you just can’t help but love. Anne although desperate at the start when she first runs away, came across as a bit of a naive and easily mislead girl but as the story moved along she soon becomes a strong and likable character that I really started to warm to. They have a great connection and it made their story a pleasure to read.
This was a wonderful romantic read, with plenty of action, adventure and romance.
A Reckless Runaway
The Shelley Sisters Series #2
Jess Michaels
https://www.facebook.com/JessMichaelsBks/
Release date 02/04/2020
Publisher The Passionate Pen
Blurb :
Anne Shelley has always been known as the “wild” one of the infamous Shelley triplets and never has that been truer than when she ran away from her engagement with a scandalous man. She expects to be taken to Gretna Green for a hasty marriage, but instead she is dumped off on a remote island in Scotland with his grouchy cousin, Rook Maitland. She isn’t supposed to like him, but as their time together stretches out she can’t help but develop more than a passing interest in her temporary guardian.
Rook knows his cousin’s game and he has serious doubts he’ll ever return for the fetching Anne, fool that he is. After all, the woman is fascinating and the more time they spend together, she proves to be irresistible. When she asks him to help her get back to her family, time alone on the road will lead to passions that can no longer be denied.
But Rook’s cousin has an ulterior motive for everything he’s done. And the danger that will be brought down on their heads could destroy the love they’re beginning to develop and end their future before it has time to begin.
My review :
When a woman tricked to run away from her upcoming wedding encounters love on her path …
This book can be read as a standalone but will be better appreciated if you read the first one as it gives Anna’s sister point of view and story.
I didn’t know if I would like Anna as she appeared too reckless and very selfish in the previous installment, yet her own circumstances could excuse her rash actions.
Funnily, not long ago there was in a group a discussion about the redeeming of female characters instead of the male counterparts, it was said it was more difficult to excuse a woman’s personality than a man, as they were often nasty naughty egoistical persons, hard to like even a bit.
So while I was far from fond of Anna in Thomasina’s story, her recklessness offered her sister the opportunity to marry the man she loved. And despite all her misguided and regardless actions, she faces her errors head held high, and accepts the price she might have to pay for leaving her sheltered life behind.
She does mature a lot along her return road, when she reaches her epiphany and comprehends what ever her father had put her through she had an easy life, her every need always provided.
From there she betters herself, not an easy task as she knows nothing but never she complains and while she discovers her self-worth, she also learns to peer outside her own wall, to open her heart to someone else.
Rook has lived the opposite life than Anna, with even less choice on the path to follow, it was survival or perdition. He endured a harsh life where petty crimes and robbery were his only way out. Whatever hardships he endured, he stayed a good man inside, he felt honor-bound to his cousin for saving him all those years ago, still he knew when he could not stand anymore to watch him sinking so low.
He thought he left this life behind until he is dragged in again with Anna as collateral damage. He felt so unworthy of her, he fights his attraction from the very beginning.
Yet, even knowing nothing can come from their little adventure out of time, she is a lady, he is an outlaw, he will still do anything to protect the woman he has come to care more than his own life, even if it is from afar.
He wants the best for her, and does not think he deserves her. It is his mantra during their journey, and the wall Anna will meet at every turn.
Mrs Jess Michaels succeeds here in shifting the picture I had of Anna, showing her errors are not an end but the beginning of the a new more affected Anna.
5 stars
Now I am very eager to see how the hero of the next book will find his light.
I was granted an advance copy by the author through Netgalley and preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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Anne Shelley has lived up to her reputation as the wildest of the Shelley triplets by eloping with a scandalous man to avoid her unwanted engagement. But rather than Gretna Green, her intended takes her to his cousin, Rook Maitland, and leaves her with him on a remote Scottish island. Rook knows his cousin well enough to doubt he’ll ever return for Anne. As Rook and Anne spend more time together they each find themselves increasingly attracted to the other. When Anne asks Rook to help her get back to her family, the forced proximity of travel ignites the spark between them, but his cousin’s scheming means Anne and her family are now in more danger than any of them could’ve guessed.
I really enjoyed this book. Anne and her impulsiveness annoyed me a bit in the previous book, but less so in this one as I came to understand her better. I loved Rook as the gruff, bad boy hero with a gentle soul and a dark past. I thought these two were so sweet together and this was surprisingly emotional. I can’t wait for Juliana’s story now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rook…..sigh!!! What a hero! This was such a great story, I really had a hard time putting it down so I was even reading it while cooking:) I had read the first book in the series in which we learn that Anne, one of the triplet Shelley Sisters, had gone missing so it was great to now read her story.
Anne does not want to marry the man that her father has chosen for her and when she gets an offer to run away and get married to another man who says he loves her, she risks everything to go with him. Unfortunately, he has other plans and before she knows it, she’s been dumped on his cousin, Rook, who takes her to his island. It’s been a year since Rook has had anything to do with his cousin and refuses to “work” with him, stealing and cheating. Passions flare between Anne and Rook but he doesn’t think he’s good enough for her because of his past and promises to bring her back to her home. Adventure abounds on their journey and Anne is in for a surprise when she does get home!!
I’m really enjoying this series and now can’t wait to read Juliana’s story. I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Miss Anne Shelley does not want to marry the Earl of Harcourt so she makes the impulsive decision to runaway with the scoundrel, Ellis Maitland. Except Ellis has no intention of marrying Anne. He’s using her as a pawn to get a treasure. When Ellis drops off Anne with his cousin Rook Maitland, Anne’s life is about to change. Rook regrets his decision to help his cousin Ellis one last time, but the more time he spends with Anne, the more he realizes that she is the one he is destined to love. Can she overlook his criminal past or is Rook destined for a broken heart?
This is the second book in the series and now I know there is a cliff hanger at the end of the book unlike being surprised by it in the first book. I loved Anne’s and Rook’s story. Anne learns how to live simply and Rook, ever the gentleman, takes great pride in her accomplishments. These two are perfect for each other and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m look forward to reading about Julianna’s story next!
I don’t know how author Jess Michaels does it. Every book she writes is unique and can stand on its own even when part of a series. Her latest A Reckless Runaway is book 2 in the Shelley Sisters series and follows the exploits of the “wild” Shelley sister, Anne. A Reckless Runaway is not only well written but features likeable primary characters, loads of hot and steamy scenes and just the right amount of mystery. I literally could not put this book down. Thank you NetGalley.
“She was just weeks away from her wedding and she should have been happy. But she wasn’t. Not in the slightest. Panicked? Yes. On the edge of a breakdown? Always. But happy…not at all.”
Anne Shelley, the eldest of triplets was set to marry a man her father had chosen. Fun loving, happy, sometime reckless Anne was to marry a man with no humor, never smiling and could not even tell her apart from her two sisters?
Runaway bride time! In a very reckless move, she met a gentlemen in the garden who seemed just as fun loving as her, Ellis Maitland. He charmed her and convinced her to run away with him. Oh yes, this girl was too trusting. So she took off in the night, supposedly going to Gretna Green to marry, but instead he took her to his cousin, Rook Mailand and left her with him on an island!
Rook knew he should not have agreed to the favor his cousin had asked of him but now he was stuck with Ann.
Rook know that whatever the scheme his cousin has cooked up will not be good, but as he and Anne spend time together he finds her delightful. He finally agrees to take her back home but on that journey it seems they might find happiness of their own? But where is Ellis and what is he doing?
After reading book 1 of this series, which happens parallel to this story, I could not wait to see what happened to our heroine! Unexpected attraction, a little danger and a love that is trying to develop take us to a great ending!
Anne Shelley ran away from her arranged marriage. She picked the man whom she believed was the lesser of two evils, Ellis “Handsome” Maitland. While Ellis abandoned her with his cousin, Rook, within hours, Rook became a third choice she never knew she had. While Anne gets to know Rook’s life on his own Scottish island, she learns he has little in common with his smarmy cousin. Once Anne realizes Ellis isn’t coming back anytime soon, she and Rook are forced to take the long way around to get her home.
As the tale of the Shelley triplets continues, we are taken on a road trip of love while danger lurks in the shadows. While Anne did appear in the first book of the series, she knows little of what happened when she left her unwanted fiancé, the Earl of Harcourt, who went on to marry her sister, Thomasina. This story takes place parallel to the first novel and goes a bit beyond and, oh boy, do we get a big surprise twist to the ongoing mystery.
Michaels always writes compelling characters with fantastic stories to tell. I couldn’t wait to get my eyes on this one, so I read the first one more than once in preparation. Rook was only hinted at in the first book so he was a blank slate that Michaels filled with a compassionate former criminal trying to start over by isolating himself. He wasn’t looking for Anne and she certainly wasn’t looking for him. Over the course of the novel, Michaels created characters who were more than their families, more than anyone ever thought they could be.
A Reckless Runaway is another 5 Star read for me. I highly recommend reading the first story, A Reluctant Bride, before this to understand why Anne ran away. Plus, it is a magnificent read and it will give you hours of enjoyment before the third Shelly Sisters book, A Counterfeit Courtesan, releases March 3rd, 2020.
I received A Reckless Runaway for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Reckless Runaway by Jess Michaels is book 2 in The Shelly Sisters Series. This is the story of Anne Shelley and Constantine ‘Rook’ Maitland. I have read the previous book which added to my enjoyment and understanding of this one, but you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. As we learned in the last book Anne is part of the Shelley triplets sisters. Anne was to marry Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt but she didn’t want to do so. Anne ends up going off with Ellis Maitland to Scotland and he takes her to his cousin Rook. Rook leaves on a isolated island in Scotland and has turned his back on the town. But he does agree to take Anne to help his cousin and she is only suppose to be there a few days. But weeks past and she asked Rook for his help getting back home.
During their time Rook and Anne are drawn to each other but Rook is trying to resist her charms but he finally gives in. Then he learns the true story of his cousin and he knows he has to enter into society again. Enjoyed their steamy read.
A Reckless Runaway (The Shelley Sisters Book 2) by Jess Michaels is an intriguing Historical Romance. Book 2, but can be read as a stand alone.
Anne Shelley, the eldest sibling of the Shelly triplets, and considered the wild and reckless one. Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, Anne’s unwanted fiance.
Anne runs away with Ellis Maitland. Ellis takes her to Scotland, not to marry her but to drop her off on his cousin,
Constantine (Rook) Maitland, in Scotland. A fun story with a multitude of characters, and yes, a villain or two. Opposites do attract, especially, in A RECKLESS RUNAWAY.
Anne and Rook’s journey to their HEA is fraught with danger, mystery, some fun moments included, intrigue and romance, all the time staying one step ahead of the villain.
Well written and well excuted. The cast of characters keeps you turning pages, add in the intrigue, mystery, and romance, makes for entertaining reading.
An enticing family story told in three parts, Anne, Thomasina, and Julianna, the Shelley triplets. Strongly recommended for fans of historical romance, adventure, mystery, fun moments, and steamy scenes. Well worth the time to read, you will not be disappointed. A superb story!
#NetGalley, #AReluctantRunnaway,#JessMichaels
“I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewer: AprilR
Anne is the wild triplet of the infamous Shelley triplets and runs away from her engagement expecting to go to Gretna Green. She ends up dumped off on an island with Rook the cousin of her fiancé. As she and Rook spend time together, sparks begin to fly. Will her fiancé come for her or will she find her own way home? Fast-paced read with steamy chemistry, lots of drama and great characters. I loved this historical read.
I love these Shelley triplets. Tomasina got her HEA in book 1. This book is Anne’s stor.
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Overall Rating:
Kindle unlimited: No
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This book took the suspense to a whole new level and I am so confused as to who I am rooting for. Rook is Ellis Maitland’s cousin. Ellis is on a mission to retrieve the “treasure” that Solomon (Harcourt’s brother) stole. Ellis was the evil character that lured Anne to runaway from Harcourt in book 1. In this book we learn that he just dumped Anne off with his cousin Rook.
There is so much going on in this book and the plot is thickening. We watch Anne grow and learn how to take care of herself and we see her struggle when she finally meets the one, Rook because she no longer trusts her judgement.
Rook doesn’t believe he deserves Anne, or really anyone. He has made some bad choices in order to survive. He has to let go of his demons and let Anne in. Rook and Anne have to go through so much to find their way back to Harcourt’s estate and each other.
If you want a historical suspenseful romance. This is your book. Want some steam… want characters that will draw you in want to be on the edge of your seat want a book you won’t be able to put down
Basically I am saying grab this series! Even though this is Anne’s book, I would recommend you read Tomasina’s book first. There is an underlying story plot that is crossing into each book and based ion the ending of this book…Juliana’s book is going to be awesome!!! Everything is coming to a head and I can’t wait!!! Totally in love with this series!!! This is a big ole recommend for me!!!!
Jess Michaels is one of my favorite authors and this book doesn’t disappoint. Anne is engaged to be married to a boreish man, who while young, doesn’t excite Anne. He can’t even tell the difference between her and her sisters; although they are triplets; Anne imagines the man she marries to be so in love with her that he can tell the slight differences. But she is set on doing her father’s bidding until she runs into Ellis. He is everything she thinks she wants. She agrees to meet him, thinking they are going to Greta green to be married. But he is nothing like the man she met; he is borderline mean. He commands her to go on the boat with his cousin, Rook, until he comes back for her and they will still marry. Rook is nothing like his cousin and is no longer partners with Ellis, but just doing this one last favor. Rook doesn’t know what to do with Anne, and like always finds himself cleaning up Ellis’s mess. He knows Ellis won’t be back and so he agrees to take Anne back to England. Their journey back gives them time to get to know each other; and their slow descent into love was believable. I really enjoyed this book, but the beginning was rough. As a reader you can tell Ellis is not a hero from the beginning and I almost put it down when Anne agreed to meet him. So glad I stuck with it as a beautiful love story unfolded.
Anne Shelley has always been known as the “wild” one of the infamous Shelley triplets and never has that been truer than when she ran away from her engagement with Ellis Maitland, a scandalous man. She expects to be taken to Gretna Green for a hasty marriage, but instead she is dumped off on a remote island in Scotland with his grouchy cousin, Rook Maitland. Rook knows his cousin’s game and he has serious doubts he’ll ever return for the fetching Anne, fool that he is. After all, the woman is fascinating and the more time they spend together, she proves to be irresistible. When she asks him to help her get back to her family, time alone on the road will lead to passions that can no longer be denied.
This is the second in the series & whilst it could be read on its own it does closely link with the first book & things are not truly resolved at the end of it, so I’d highly recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate it. I must admit I didn’t have a high opinion of Anne in the first book so was agreeably surprised by how much I grew to like her, she’s feisty & selfish but the more she’s out of her comfort zone the more she grows. I loved Rook from the start & how he’d tried to forge a new & better life for himself. The chemistry between the pair is electric & only grows. An enthralling page turner that I devoured, the pace is very good & the climax had me breathless, I can’t wait for Juliana’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I was really taken with Rook. I thought he was the perfect gentleman. A little rough around the edges, but kind and loving and has a huge heart. His demeanor is definitely something to write home about and he was “swoon”. Anne has to learn to take care of herself and in the way that she goes about it is realistic as she became more comfortable in the island life with Rook. These two characters pulled me into their story. A great story. The mystery just keeps getting more mysterious. Yes, we find out what Ellis is looking for but did Ellis fall for the last Shelley triplet?
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire!
Anne is so disconcerted by her impending marriage to the Earl of Harcourt that she fairly jumps at the chance to run off with the exciting Ellis. Little does she realize that she’s just a pawn in another man’s game. Ellis quickly hands her off to his trusted cousin, Rook, a man who knows exactly who Ellis is and tries his best to protect Anne until he can get her safely back home.
It’s a wonderful, action and romance-packed adventure story, as Anne and Rook travel across Scotland to reunite her with her family. The writing is so vibrant, you can almost feel the rain and see the fog that permeates their travels. Anne’s exposure to the world beyond her privileged upbringing is eye-opening, and she can’t help but recognize the hidden honor and dignity that Rook tries to deny he has.
There’s so much emotional depth and growth with these two characters. I didn’t think I’d like Anne from the first book, but I was happy to be wrong. She may be a bit headstrong, but her heart is true and she’s a wonderful heroine in her own right. I loved Rook’s quiet power, his unwavering determination to protect Anne from every threat including himself, and especially his soft, squishy heart that hands itself over to Anne almost from the moment they met. I loved the use of the game of chess to explain his relationship with Ellis, and how they grew up together.
The reunion that was hinted at in the last pages of A Reluctant Bride was everything that I’d hope for, and more. Sizzling tension, joyous hugging and crying, heartfelt confessions, and a new understanding all culminate in the showdown with the nefarious villain. This, of course, leads us right into the next book, as the events surrounding the death of the previous Earl of Harcourt are further explained and we are finally able to understand what the real threat is.
Like the previous book, this couple gets their HEA but the overarching storyline continues. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
A Reckless Runaway by Jess Michaels
The Shelley Sisters #2
It was wonderful catching up with Anne and finding out what happened after she left with Ellis Maitland – a runaway bride long ago. She was definitely in for a huge surprise as she is dumped with Rook rather than taken to Gretna Green by Ellis.
What I liked:
* Anne – a bit selfish but only looking out for her own happiness. She is a woman to be reckoned with and begins to really see who she is and what she wants as she gets to know Rook better
* Rook – A good man with a horrible past. I really liked him in more ways than one.
* The slow burn and then the sizzling heat between Anne and Rook
* The unveiling of what is really behind what Ellis has been doing
* The knife throwing scene
* Just about everything except…
What I didn’t like:
* The father of the Shelley triplets
* Ellis’s poor treatment of Anne
* Winston Leonard – major baddie
* Having to wait for book three to see how it will all play out
Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars