BOOK REVIEW: The Marquess and the Runaway Lady by Samantha Hastings

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

The Marquess and the Runaway Lady by Samantha Hastings is a new Regency Romance. It features an orphaned heiress, Lady Louisa, who is being treated by her aunt and uncle as a penniless servant (a Cinderella story). Louisa is essentially being held prisoner until her cousin Barnabas, an awful creature who is deeply in debt from gambling, deigns to marry her and take over her fortune. On her twenty-first birthday, believing herself of age and free of her guardians, Louisa runs away.

She is rescued on the road by the Marquess of Cheswick (Wick.)

Wick is the oldest son of a duke. The duke and duchess have gone off to Africa for a while and have left him in charge of his incorrigible younger sisters. The last time they did this, when Wick was only 16, a scarlet fever epidemic swept through his family and claimed the lives of two of his siblings. He has never forgiven himself.

Louisa and Wick are instantly attracted to one another (lots of mutual ogling but no acting upon the attraction other than some kissing.) Wick brings her to London (along with the sisters) to be chaperoned by his one married sister. This sister helps to “bring Louisa out” for a London season. 

In order to claim her inheritance, Louisa must be twenty-five (four more years) or marry. Everyone can see that she and Wick are perfect for one another. And they are mutually smitten. However, Wick does not want to marry. He fears taking responsibility for another person since he was unable to save his siblings.

Louisa is well-received by the ton and, given her beauty and wealth, does not lack for suitors. Aware of Wick’s determination not to wed, she resigns herself to a loveless marriage in order to truly escape the clutches of her aunt and uncle. But her conniving cousin is unwilling to let that inheritance slip through his fingers. He is determined to compromise her and gain her for himself.

The novel combines a few romance tropes into a sweet storyline. The protagonists are gentle. Wick’s self-chastisement goes on a bit too long, but he makes up for it with his devotion to his siblings. The novel is recommended for fans of Regency Romance that is sweet rather than steamy.