The Wedding Runaway (Zebra Historical Romance) [Paperback]

Karen L. King (Author)

Book Description

Series: Zebra Historical Romance | Publication Date: February 1, 2005

Boston heiress Lydia Hamilton is betrothed at last - and soon betrayed when she finds that her fiance cares more for her family's fortune than her love. Disguised as a young man, she flees to England, employing her skill at cards in London's most elegant gambling clubs. But when the brash newcomer wins too much and too often, Victor Bartlett, the Earl of Wedmont, intervenes. To conceal her identity, Lydia has no choice but to accept his challenge: a duel at dawn. The dashing earl only meant to teach "Leonard" a lesson - and he certainly intended to miss. But when the cursed pistols misfire, Victor is aghast to discover that his wounded foe is female, and that Lydia's overprotective older brothers and irate fiance are scouring London for her. Lydia begs him to hide her until she is healed and Victor, as a gentleman, must agree. He is willing to risk everything to help so lovely a lady...even his heart.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

It was bad enough to learn that her fiance thinks she is "mannish," but when Boston heiress Lydia Margaret Hamilton discovers his secret plans to take over her father's company, she has had enough. Disguised as a young man, Lydia runs away to London, where she attempts to earn a living gambling, only to inadvertently insult the earl of Wedmont. Wedmont challenges "Leonard" to a duel, but when he unintentionally wounds his opponent, he uncovers Lydia's secret. Wedmont's relief at finding that he isn't falling in love with a young man gives way to regret once he realizes that he still cannot do anything about his feelings since he has vowed to never again let his desire destroy another human being. A tortured hero with a secretive past clashes romantically with a strong, independent heroine in the third of King's books to feature a "cursed" pair of dueling pistols. This sensually charged historical Regency is perfect for those who like their romances with equal measures of deception and desire. John Charles
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821777955
• ISBN-13: 978-0821777954
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,312,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this book kept me up way too late!, August 27, 2005

By 

S. Donovan (Prairie Village, KS) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wedding Runaway (Zebra Historical Romance) (Paperback)

The Wedding Runaway jumps right into action, with our heroine, Lydia, dressing herself up as a young man. When Victor meets her, he is immediately disturbed by feelings of attraction toward "him." I think this is handled extremely well--he's as freaked out as any hetero Regency gentleman would be, but the story doesn't lapse into homophobia. Of course, he finds out before long, and I love the way that happens.

Lydia is a great character, very tough and very vulnerable at the same time, and Victor is *absolutely to die for.* This book just goes from one great scene to another...didn't drag anywhere. Even though I was very sleepy at work the next day :-)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Well written, but just okay, January 20, 2010

By 

Trend "jewelry nut" - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Wedding Runaway (Zebra Historical Romance) (Paperback)

Though well written and cute, the story-line's character didn't ring true. Lydia flees to London to escape marriage to a man she knows does not love her. She is right. He's in love with someone else, but felt their match would be profitable for him. In London, Lydia become "Lennie" and makes a living in the gaming hells. One night, on the verge of being beaten, Lennie is rescued by Victor. The Earl takes Lennie under his wings. Mutual attraction, and mortification by Victor, follows. Eventually, Victor discovers Lennie is Lydia and can breathe easier about being so attracted to Lennie's apple bottom. He continues to offer protection. This time, from her pursuing fiance and over zealous family.

The reason I didn't like this book, Lennie was never in character...never believable as a young man, at all. "He" screeches, jumps into Victor's arms in fear, is scared to death of horses and never comfortable in "his" skin...,etc. Even Victor thought he was gay. At no point in reading this book, did I buy into Lennie as a man. Never. I think this book would have been better, if the author had left the gender switch out of it. If she was going to write this storyline, then commit to it. Don't be afraid. While reading this book, I felt the author was afraid to let the reader forget Lennie is a woman, for even one second. In doing so, the she took credibility from her plot. I kept thinking, Victor can't be that stupid. Even in fiction, once the plot is established, I want it to be plausible. There are much better books with this storyline; "More than a Gentleman" by Pam Rosenthal and "The Switch" by Lynsay Sands.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Wedding Runaway, March 28, 2006

By 

The Determined Lady - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Wedding Runaway (Zebra Historical Romance) (Paperback)

I enjoyed reading The Wedding Runaway, although I don't often break away from romantic suspense. However, this book drew me in and it was a pleasant escape to another time. Ms. King is and excellent storyteller.

The Determined Lady