From one convenient marriage… To another? Shunned by society because of his parentage, half-Roma blacksmith Fell Barden lives a simple life alone in the forest until his peace is disturbed by an injured runaway lady. Fleeing a forced marriage, Sophia Somerlock needs his help. Caring for the intriguing miss, Fell feels an intense connection to her. The obvious solution is to save her by … save her by marrying her himself…but that would mean returning to the ton that rejected him…
“I really didn’t think the author would be able to top her debut but my good lord this book was perfect! Overall this was a truly beautifully written book, with flawless prose, realistic characters and a very unique plot… I loved it!”
–The Reading Debutante on Scandalously Wed to the Captain
“I’m highly impressed! I look forward to seeing what Ms. Johnson has for us in the future. She is definitely an auto-buy for me from now on!
— Goodreads on The Marriage Rescue
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A story quite different from what I am used to in historical romances. A sweet girl fleeing a cruel destiny drawn by her own mother who never loved or cared for her finds in the arms of a humble, loyal, strong blacksmith something more intense than she could imagine.
Beautiful, exciting, touching. I loved every detail, every moment of tension and I loved the ending very much.
5/5 stars
With a gothic feel, suspense, a wounded heroine fleeing to get away from a terrible future, a hero finding her wounded, a journey to happiness, if only they can find a way the story pulled at my heart. An interwoven story of two wounded, almost broken people who find each other by happenstance.
Sophia Somerlock had fled her home once she was told the name of the man she was to marry. She had been hated by her mother since she had been born and when her beloved father had died, her mother had reminded her everyday how worthless she was, but now she would marry a man that terrified her.
Through a series of events, she winds up fleeing in the forest and injured and that is when she is found by Fell, a blacksmith, half Roma and half English. He had lived his entire life not belonging to either side and was only tolerated due to his excellent work as a blacksmith.
As the two spend time together, they began slowly to help each other find their own acceptance. But would Sophie’s mother find her and drag her back? Would Sophie betray Fell as he had been before with another woman who had claimed devotion?
An enjoyable read although at times a lot of introspective thoughts by the two characters that was long but explained a lot. The first book I have read by this author but looking forward to reading more! I read this through NetGallery and the publisher who I thank!
His Runaway Lady
Joanna Johnson
https://www.facebook.com/JoannaJoJohnsonAuthor/
Release date 05/01/2020 (ebook)
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
From one convenient marriage…
To another?
Shunned by society because of his parentage, half-Roma blacksmith Fell Barden lives a simple life alone in the forest until his peace is disturbed by an injured runaway lady. Fleeing a forced marriage, Sophia Somerlock needs his help. Caring for the intriguing miss, Fell feels an intense connection to her. The obvious solution is to save her by marrying her himself…but that would mean returning to the ton that rejected him…
My review :
Will years of abuse weight between them …
Not an easy read when both main characters are like two abused puppies, so many time kicked, beaten down by repeated insults at been unworthy thus unable to believe in their own good.
At time I was upset by Sophia and her many weaknesses but also Fell and his every doubts. Both reread each of their talks and gestures, unable to see what is straight in front of them.
Yet, they are like people bullied all their life, believing the lies they were told and blind to their own worth.
Why I felt the story dragged for too long, each time one gains confidence, something comes destroying it. Why they spend most of the story hurting, ready to expose their feelings until one move, one word or one glance froze everything and they step backward.
I liked Sophia and Fell, Sophia having a long way before him as whatever abuse she suffered from her mother, she is still a gently breed woman, so completely unaware of the life style of an average person. So she has to start afresh.
Fell has known no other life, and even if he is shunned by the townsfolk, it is the only place he even knew. When Sophia crashes in his life, he fears a repeat of his past. And while every moment shows Sophia is very different, his own worthlessness comes back rushing to erase all the good done by her mere presence in his life.
The fact they both suffered from meanness and were branded by these evil’s tongues is what pulled the strings of this tale far too long and why the ending felt rushed.
I would have preferred to witness them declare their feelings earlier in the story to then work together to heal one another. Their own guilt and helplessness made them the perfect prey to anyone looking for easily crushed souls. They might stand but each new barb is a blow to their trustworthiness.
3.5 rounded to 4 as while I cringed at some of their reeling moments, I liked the few scenes they hold their head held high.
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