The Billionaire's Runaway Bride

Breckenridge #1

by Emery Cruz

I refuse to be used.
I refuse to marry the guy who’s cheating on me.
And I refuse to fall for the billionaire who just walked into my life.
Okay… that last one might be a problem.

Just a few days ago, I was on a very long bus ride in a hideous, extremely poofy wedding dress, with no phone and almost no money, headed to the furthest place I could get to, all the while not sure if I was crying from fear or joy, maybe both.

Now I’m in Nowhere Colorado, working for my room and board, next to one of the most panty-melting men I’ve ever seen. But I’ve just left one cocky, gets-whatever-he-wants, man. I don’t need another one telling me what to do, even if it’s how to paint a house.

And still, somehow, Caleb has already seen me in nothing but my underwear. Damn, this clean mountain air, and sparkling rivers with picturesque swimming holes.

My feelings are just as confused as before but for different reasons.

I could lov… really like this guy. But I know one day, my mega-controlling parents and ex-fiancé will find me. And they will ruin anyone who gets in their way.

Genres: Romance

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2024

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Emery Cruz for free access to this ebook.

I thought this was a cute contemporary romance. I love romances involving very reach people, and both the main male and female characters are well-off in this. It has drama, a tiny bit of thriller vibes at one point, and lots of cute and sassy romance.

My main issue is that there are a few plot points likely included to make the story go more smoothly, but they receive too much focus and distract from the main story. This is a runaway bride story. She arrives at the B&B with nothing. It’s very convenient that a prior guest left behind a suitcase full of clothes that just happen to fit her. That’s fine, but then it gets pointed out repeatedly. When she’s dressing up she thinks how nice it is that the person left unopened cosmetics of a variety of types. Things like that. They were unnecessary and kind of broke the flow, drawing too much attention to something that wasn’t really important. Also, the final ‘drama’ seemed unrealistic, with the FMC voluntarily putting herself in a bad situation with insufficient justification and weak communication. It didn’t fit for me.

However, the main couple are cute and there are a few interesting side characters. The setting is nice and there are some great scenes as the two grow to love each other. Overall I enjoyed it, there were just a few things that kept it from fully engaging me.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the start of the book, Lauren is preparing to marry Jeremy, a man she doesn’t love but is being forced into a life she doesn’t want by her family. She realises she can’t go she’s so her friend lends her a car and she flees.
Caleb is a CEO of a metalwork company and after finding himself in hot water, his publicist tells him he should lay low for a while. Caleb ends up agreeing to spend some time at a mountain ski resort as it’s the off season so he should be able to stay out of trouble.
Lauren arrives in Breckinridge, she finds a place to stay but has no money. After hearing her story, the owner offers her a room in exchange for some help with the bed and breakfast.
The two literally bump into each other and Caleb hits on Lauren which she doesn’t appreciate as she’s sworn off men. She’s unhappy to return to the bed and breakfast to find that he is the newest guest. As much as she tries to avoid him, Caleb is determined to be around Lauren as they help out around the B&M. The owner, Marian sees herself as a matchmaker as she tries to get the two together.

I absolutely loved this book. The setting was cute and made me want to jump through the pages to visit! I was rooting for Caleb and Lauren the whole time and enjoyed watching them get closer. I was so invested in their story I didn’t want to stop reading! Would definitely recommend picking this book up!

Rating 5/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy in return for an honest review.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline, but found the characters to be weak willed and unrealistic.

Lauren Hendrickson has never had her own life choices, her parents have told her everything she can/can't do including who she will marry.

Caleb Thatcher is a partying playboy who does not do relationships. He is the CEO of Thatcher Metal Works. After a series of scandals he is advised by his lawyer and publicist to lay low.

On her wedding day to Jeremy Lauren realizes she can't marry him and her best friend Aubrey helps her escape the wedding venue. She drives to the next town, tosses her phone and credit cards and boards a bus for Denver. When she reaches Breckenridge, Colorado she gets off the bus and walks to the Goldfinch Ridge Bed & Breakfast owned by Marian Kelly. Marian hires her to help around the B&B and gives her clothes left behind by a guest.
Caleb arrives at the B&B and decides to have a vacation fling with Lauren after he meets her. Lauren finds him attractive but is determined to find herself and has no interest in dating Caleb. Caleb is persistent and Marian helps by by a little matchmaking. They eventually get together in a real relationship until her ex Jeremy shows up. Lauren panics and Caleb tells her he loves her and will take care of her. She gets blackmailed by Jeremy to leave with him. Caleb rescued her in the Nick of time and they get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RxReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a fan of romance novels that blend the "runaway bride" trope with billionaires, then "The Billionaire's Runaway Bride" is a must-read that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

The story follows Lauren, a woman who refuses to be controlled by her cheating ex-fiancé and domineering parents. After fleeing her own wedding, she finds herself in Nowhere, Colorado, working at a run-down bed and breakfast. It's there that she meets Caleb, a charming billionaire with his own set of scandals to escape.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the main storyline and the chemistry between Caleb and Lauren, I initially struggled to connect with Lauren's character. Her parents' overbearing behavior and her unsuitable fiancé felt forced and made it difficult for me to fully invest in her journey.

However, the author's writing style kept me engrossed throughout the book. I especially appreciated the well-developed supporting characters, like Marian, the B&B owner. Despite my reservations about certain plot points, I was captivated by the undeniable chemistry between Caleb and Lauren.

The author skillfully combines tender moments, obstacles, and dramatic events to keep readers interested in the couple's journey. As someone who enjoys the "runaway bride" trope, I was delighted by the unexpected twists and turns this story took, leaving me eagerly flipping through the pages until the end.

Overall, "The Billionaire's Runaway Bride" offers an enticing blend of passionate romance, wit, and touching scenes, making it a worthwhile choice. So if you're in the mood for an unpredictable yet heartwarming love story, then you should definitely give this book a try!

Note: I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am providing my honest review voluntarily.

[Donna L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy, Humorous, Heartwarming, and Interesting!!

Emery Cruz’s new series starts off with a great story! I have read several of her books and her writing just keeps getting better. I love it when the author is able to capture my attention and hold it throughout the book. She delivers great characters with all the feels, plus steam, humor, angst, and a little suspense to keep things interesting.

I was enamored with Caleb and Lauren’s story. When they both end up at a bed and breakfast that is in need of repair, who would have predicted that Marian, the wonderful woman who owns the house, would help them heal their hearts and fall in love! I love the way Cruz portrays Marian. She may be a secondary character, but she contributes to the heart of the story. I don’t give a synopsis of the book or give away any spoilers in a review. I choose to focus on the merits of the book and the author’s writing.

The book is filled with sweet moments, happy times, challenging episodes, and smoldering chemistry. You’ll be biting your nails toward the end with the intense developments in the story.
We all love to read for pleasure, and it was quite a pleasure to read this wonderful book. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. I received an advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had the drama in full swing from the very beginning! I really enjoyed the dynamic between the MCs, the way that Caleb riled Lauren up in a predictable flirty way that she had absolutely no time for was fun to read, especially as you could tell she’d cave eventually! Caleb wasted no time going from scandalous playboy to wanting to settle down once he’d met Lauren which was nice after it was obvious Lauren had very low self worth due to how she’d been treated both by her family and her abusive ex. Lauren still went on to put Caleb above herself to try and show the level of love she had for him, even if it meant putting herself in a precarious position which really highlighted how selfless Lauren was! I really enjoyed the wedding drama scene, and all of the commotion that went with it! Just when you thought Lauren was basically doomed, it all kicks off!

However Marian and her match making and meddling stole the show for me, the meddlesome elder woman had such faith that these two were destined to be together and knew her little tricks would work eventually without shying away from what she was doing gave me a good laugh!

-reformed playboy
-runaway bride
-abusive ex/controlling family
-both from money
-meddling old lady
-wholesome renovating the inn
-all the wedding drama


⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️

[Caro · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is about Caleb and Lauren (great names). The story starts with Lauren fleeing from a wedding that is orchestrated by her very wealthy and very controlling parents. She ends up at a B&B in a small town where she is hired by the elderly owner to do some touch-ups on the building and helping out with the day-to-day chores. Caleb coincidentally arrives the next day, hiding from the gossip magazines after a former girlfriend sold a salacious story to the media.
I really liked the names and the setting but the characters were quite one-dimensional. Caleb was an overly confident womanizer, sexist even and almost obsessed with wanting Lauren. Lauren had no self-respect and no backbone. There was practically zero relationship building, which made it hard to see the chemistry between them. The secondary characters were so unrealistic to the point that it was almost comical.
The story just didn’t work for me personally, but it might work for other readers and fans of the author. It was the first book that I read of this author, so I would be willing to give her another try. The idea was a nice idea but the execution could’ve been handled better, in my opinion.
I was grateful to receive an advanced copy of this book; I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lisa Nizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently read a few runaway bride books, several of them about billionaire men. I thought this book would follow the same lines but I was really surprised by the turns this book took.

Caleb is a New York billionaire whose playboy activities blow up and he is advised to lay low for a while for his company’s benefit. He is sent to a B&B in Colorado. Lauren is from a wealthy family that owns vineyard in California. She escaped her wedding with the help of her bestie and takes a bus to wherever she can afford with the few bucks her friend had on her. She then walks until she comes to the B&B. Caleb is intrigued by her dismissal of him as she just sees him as the same people she escaped. He’s determined to win her over. Sounds familiar but the things Lauren has put up with in her life in are not only heartbreaking but mental abuse. Just when she thinks she can create a new life her past catches up with her. I really wanted Lauren to find her HEA. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put it down.

I can’t wait for the next book in the series! Excellent read, I highly recommend it!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a highly engaging story. The main characters (Caleb & Lauren...and Marian) really drew me in and kept me entranced in their world and drama. There was so much going in both of their lives, and the coincidences that transpired to bring them both to the Goldfinch Ridge B&B made me shake my head a bit (with a smile on my face).

The more felt I knew about both Caleb and Lauren, the more my heart went out to both of them. They were both deprived aspects of childhood they should have had as the result of someone else's calous decisions. Lauren's suffering may have been more overt, but Caleb's lack of maternal figure had significant impact on him. Fortunately, they are both young enough they can make course adjustments to their lives, if they chose. Only time will tell.

I fell in love with all three of these characters and am looking forward to seeing more of them (at least Marian) in Dalton & Aubrey's book which is next in the series (they are Caleb & Lauren's best friends, respectively). I'm greatful for having received a gift copy and volunteered this review. Until next time! Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Tali 🧸🤎 🧸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)

"The Billionaire's Runaway Bride" by Emery Cruz is a compelling romance novel that introduces readers to Caleb and Lauren's story. They're two pleasant lead characters from privileged backgrounds whose love story is full of dry wit, back-and-forth banter, and genuine moments of connection, resulting in an enjoyable read.

Cruz's portrayal of Caleb and Lauren highlights their characters beyond their billionaire positions, allowing readers to readily relate to them. The witty banter and funny interactions between the two major characters lend charm to the plot. They have an incredible relationship, and their journey is an emotional and hilarious rollercoaster. The author's skill to combine romance and self-discovery results in a heartwarming and interesting story.


As one of the fortunate beta readers, I am grateful for the chance to experience "The Billionaire's Runaway Bride" before its initial release. While there were some minor pacing issues in the middle of the story, they didn't overshadow the overall enjoyment.

[Mare · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5⭐️ (rounded up to 4)

I would recommend this book if you enjoy:
- Runaway bride trope
- Billionaire romances
- Dual POV
- "Touch her and I'll hurt" you trope
- He falls first
- Small town vibes
- Forced Proximity
- Dislike-to-lovers

Lauren Hendrickson is a twenty-five year old woman being forced to marry a man she doesn't love that only wants her for her family's money. On her wedding day she decides to run away from her home, her horrible family and her abusive cheater fiancé with the help of her best friend Aubrey, leaving everything behind as she boards a bus to Denver. She ends up in the small town of Breckenridge, Colorado on the doorstep of the Goldfinch B&B still her hideous dress where Marian Kelly, the sweet old lady who runs it, lets her stay in exchange for some help around the place.

Caleb Thatcher is the thirty year old CEO of his family's metal works company that doesn't do relationships who was told by his publicist to lay low after being the centre of a scandal. He's quite reluctant and assumes he'll be bored in the middle of nowhere until he collides with Lauren in the coffee shop who becomes the centre of his attention.

After getting off on the wrong foot, they're both surprised when they see each other again at the B&B. Lauren's wariness of Caleb increases while he continues to be intrigued by her but as they keep bumping into one another, they start to form a connection that neither was expecting to have.

The FMC has never had a say in anything or had a job in her life so to keep her head from wandering and quell her fear that Marian might change her mind, she throws herself into landscaping the outside of the B&B by repainting and repairing everything the owner hasn't been able to. The bond that they have was so sweet and Marian becomes a mother figure to Lauren. As she's never really known what that feels like, she's taken aback when Marian lets her choose the colour for the outside of the B&B and how she reacted made my heart ache: "Such a simple choice, choosing a paint colour. Saying it like that reminds me of how little control I've had in my life, that a paint colour would seem like a big decision."

Over the book they have sweet moments and Lauren starts referring to Marian as her fairy godmother and that becomes true because she gave her the opportunity to start over, wear, do and eat what she wanted as well as the chance to fall in love. I adored Marian as a character because she made the town and book feel more cosy and loving.

As mentioned above, Caleb was made by his publicist to lay low so he is a paying guest at the Goldfinch B&B. He's still working remotely but he starts to think about Lauren a lot more. I didn't like his character as much Lauren or Marian because his persistent flirty nature irked me. Especially after getting the FMC's point of view, I kept thinking that he should dial it down because she's been through so much and she tried to avoid him so he should take the hint. At that point, however, he doesn't know much about her so when Marian suggests they go for a picnic on one of the hiking trails he's happier than Lauren is. They stop at a nearby creek and it's the first trip there of the book.

At that point into the story we know that her parents and Jeremy (who she left at the altar) control everything in her life and she's profoundly terrified of them as well as getting close to anybody. So when Caleb starts to be flirtatious with her, she's determined to not let him get to her but she can't deny that finds him appealing. At around 20% in she begins to appreciate his attractiveness and there's nothing wrong with feeling that way but what bothered me was that it was quicker than I would've liked to see because she ditched her wedding not even a week before which made their connection come across as a bit insta-lovey, especially on her side. That's one of the reasons why I didn't like them together at first.

Another reason is because I thought the time span of the book wasn't long enough. It takes place over a month or so and, while I liked the ending, the whole love declaration felt too soon. Caleb falls first and for a former ladies man, the character development suited him but for Lauren I didn't like it as much due to her trauma being still fresh.

Lauren mentions multiple times that she's afraid that her family and Jeremy would be able to find her, which is why she ditched her phone and other belongings at the bus station, and I think that the author successfully emphasised the desperation of the matter with the short timeline. Lauren is such a strong female character and she deserved the happy ending.

Overall I did enjoy this story. I liked the author's writing style and the world that they built. I would like to read their other works soon and reread this at some point as well.

*I was provided a free e-copy of this book by Netgalley and I'm voluntarily leaving this review*

[Cassandra Bivens · Rating 4 out of 5]

---

💍💸 **The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride** by Emery Cruz 💸💍

*I refuse to be used. I refuse to marry the guy who’s cheating on me. And I refuse to fall for the billionaire who just walked into my life.*

🌟🔥 **Review:** 🔥🌟

*The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride* offers a whirlwind romance filled with steamy tension, emotional twists, and a runaway bride determined to rewrite her future. Our protagonist, freshly escaped from her disastrous wedding, finds herself on a bus, headed to the middle of nowhere with nothing but a poofy dress, no phone, and barely any money. She’s unsure whether she’s more relieved or terrified to have left her cheating fiancé behind.

Now in a remote town in Colorado, she’s trading work for room and board, determined to start fresh—until Caleb enters her life. Caleb, a swoon-worthy billionaire who’s far too handsome for his own good, seems to have his sights set on her. And despite all her resolve to avoid another controlling man, she can’t help but notice him—and the fact that he’s already seen her in her underwear doesn’t help matters.

Emery Cruz writes a story that’s not just about escaping a toxic relationship but also about finding strength, independence, and perhaps love in the most unexpected places. The chemistry between the runaway bride and Caleb is electric, and their banter adds both heat and humor to the narrative. Yet, looming in the background are her overbearing parents and ex-fiancé, who she knows will come looking for her—and they won’t hesitate to destroy anyone in their way.

The Colorado setting is picturesque and serene, contrasting beautifully with the chaos of her life and the emotional tug-of-war between her desire for freedom and her growing feelings for Caleb.

---

🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Strong Protagonist**: The runaway bride’s journey from confusion to clarity is compelling and relatable.
- **Irresistible Chemistry**: Caleb and the heroine’s banter and mutual attraction provide the perfect balance of tension and romance.
- **Picturesque Setting**: The remote Colorado backdrop enhances the story’s themes of escape and fresh beginnings.

---

💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Damn, this clean mountain air, and sparkling rivers with picturesque swimming holes."* - A lighthearted moment in the middle of some serious emotional conflict!

---

🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

---

This book is perfect for readers who love steamy billionaire romances with strong-willed heroines, small-town charm, and a dash of runaway drama. *The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride* is a fun, heartwarming, and fiery escape into a love story where the stakes are high but the emotions run even higher.

See more reviews at:
Casla Reads

---

[Leesa Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

We follow the story of a runaway bride, Lauren, a woman being forced to marry a less than savory man that is looking to the marriage as a financial gain from him. She successfully runs away on her wedding day to a small town in Colorado, where she finds a B&B to stay at, and negotiates a job for room and board. We also meet Caleb, a billionaire CEO running off to Colorado to lay low after a few scandals have caught on to him. He ends up at the same B&B, and we take a journey with both characters as they navigate small town life and falling in love.

Emery Cruz has written a fair share of books, so I can see how much polishing went into this book. The plot was fun, in a soap-opera way. I found that to be a little over-the-top, especially in the last 30% of the book. This wasn't the kind of plot-style I am accustomed to reading.

In terms of the main characters, I found Laura to be a bit complexing for me. She was able to jump right into helping Marian run the B&B having never worked a day in her life, however she would then be meek when it came to her family and fiancé. I could get past this, because I find a lot of authors that write their heroines this way. Otherwise, Laura was sweet, sassy, and has a big heart. This made her a very likeable character. Caleb was a sweetheart, and very protective.

I did enjoy reading this book. I can see why Emery has many successful romance books. I would recommend this for your next romance read.

[Leesa Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

We follow the story of a runaway bride, Lauren, a woman being forced to marry a less than savory man that is looking to the marriage as a financial gain from him. She successfully runs away on her wedding day to a small town in Colorado, where she finds a B&B to stay at, and negotiates a job for room and board. We also meet Caleb, a billionaire CEO running off to Colorado to lay low after a few scandals have caught on to him. He ends up at the same B&B, and we take a journey with both characters as they navigate small town life and falling in love.

Emery Cruz has written a fair share of books, so I can see how much polishing went into this book. The plot was fun, in a soap-opera way. I found that to be a little over-the-top, especially in the last 30% of the book. This wasn't the kind of plot-style I am accustomed to reading.

In terms of the main characters, I found Laura to be a bit complexing for me. She was able to jump right into helping Marian run the B&B having never worked a day in her life, however she would then be meek when it came to her family and fiancé. I could get past this, because I find a lot of authors that write their heroines this way. Otherwise, Laura was sweet, sassy, and has a big heart. This made her a very likeable character. Caleb was a sweetheart, and very protective.

I did enjoy reading this book. I can see why Emery has many successful romance books. I would recommend this for your next romance read.

[Santina I · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts with Lauren running away from her wedding, cheating fiancé and suffocating parents, and buying the first bus ticket to get outta dodge. Simultaneously Caleb is battling his own PR crisis with a burnt down house and cheating allegations, he needs to get away and lie low until public opinion improves.

Now look - is this the best piece of literature I’ve ever read? No, but this is a book called ‘the billionaires runaway bride’, and sometimes we want to just have a cup of tea and get cozy with a predictable easy read. The girls sometimes want a fun book.

Sure, there are unbelievable moments in this book. Would a billionaires assistant *really* book a run down BnB for his billionaire boss to lie low? I’m sure they’d book their own private lodge, but how else would these two meet?

Can I believe a set of wealthy parents would not only approve of a match between Lauren and Jeremy, but go as far as to force it?

The pacing is a big quick for my liking, Caleb only needs to be told ‘no’ to start to fall in love.

Later in the book (no spoilers!) Lauren just turns into an enraging idiot. The last 50% of this book could have been avoided with a nice long conversation.

I still sat back and enjoyed the drama unfold. The story was a fun easy read and that’s just what I want from a fun romance.

[bibliofienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a bride who runs away from her unwanted wedding and ends up meeting a new man (a billionaire CEO *pun intended*) who is hellbent to make her his.


The idea of this book is intriguing that I was attracted to it in the first place but I'm having a difficult time to tell you how this book disappoints me. 

This book is fast-paced that has everything going the same pace: the love, the trust between characters that is justified in the name of fate. 

The main female character also contributes to the lack of stars I'll give for this book, I understand that her background influences the choices she make (it was a tough one). As the consequence, she contradicts herself many times I can't fully connect with her. I wish she has a firmer character growth.

Another thing is, for me this book characters were unrealistic, i believe, to issue drama. Certain characters were made too disagreeable and others were made too agreeable.

Lastly, the writing style is not for me where everyone know what the others think about and know everything. The whole plot was unraveled at once that we know everything and leaving no room for curiosity. It also has a dual pov which is not my favorite but when done right I'd love it. In this case, i'm not fond of it. 

You will love this book when you want a quick read and happily ever after with steamy scenes here and there.


P.S. I obtained this ebook through NetGalley in exchange of my review.

[Fre’Dasia · Rating 1 out of 5]

From the first page, I struggled to remain interested. I loved the idea of a runaway bride and finding one's self apart from family, etc., however I felt that the plot and the characters were very one-dimensional. There wasn't any real depth to them, which of course made it hard to connect with them. I also think that the dialogue was immature perhaps? It wasn't just the dialogue either, their inner thoughts were just...unrealistic and flat. I also wasn't the biggest fan of the MCs. Caleb was an egotistical entitled womanizer who was obsessed with having Lauren and Lauren was a pushover with no sense of self. Their "relationship" wasn't even a relationship it was just Caleb pushing to get what he wanted and Lauren letting him. The secondary characters were also unrealistic, to the point that I was rolling my eyes. That was a common theme for me; rolling my eyes at just about every page. Needless to say, I wasn't a big fan of this one, unfortunately.

I received an ARC from Netgalley. #TheBillionairesRunawayBride #NetGalley

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this Author, and I'm so happy I did! I look forward to reading more of Emery Cruz's book. When it comes to romance it can be challenging to not fall into basic tropes, but she really made this her own.

The author adeptly weaves together tender moments, challenges, and dramatic events to maintain readers' engagement in the couple's journey. As a fan of the "runaway bride" type story, I was pleasantly surprised by the unforeseen twists and turns this narrative presented, compelling me to eagerly turn each page until the satisfying conclusion.

Caleb's knack for teasing Lauren in a flirtatious yet predictable manner was entertaining, especially considering her initial resistance. It was satisfying to witness her eventual capitulation. Caleb's swift transition from a carefree playboy to someone seeking a meaningful connection with Lauren was refreshing, especially given her struggles with self-esteem stemming from past familial and romantic traumas.

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren and Caleb
Loveable characters, evil parents and a nasty ex fiancé, plus a matchmaking older woman made this a really enjoyable read.
This book captivated me and kept me reading at every opportunity that I had until it was finished.
Lauren overcame so much to break free from her prearranged life that she despised. Little did she know that on fleeing she would find so much more than she bargained for in a small town in Colorado.
Caleb needed somewhere to lay low as his playboy ways had got out of hand and had the potential of reflecting badly on his business.
This is a story of two people in one small B&B fighting their attraction to each other and with a little old lady helping along the way life is blissful until it isn’t.
With evil creeping up on them can they sort it out before it’s too late?
Looking forward to returning to Breckenridge in book two.

[Ashley Mo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let the title fool you into thinking this is just a regular cheesy romance - this is a 5-star read! I love the writing style of this author (my first book by her but certainly not my last).

I was skeptical when I heard playboy from New York and a runaway bride who was prim and proper meet. The characters could have been pretty dull but they were not. I loved Lauren and she was so well-written in this book. Caleb also could have been a cliché disaster in all the wrong ways but he was incredible, too! Just enough spice to keep it fun but not raunchy enough that it would turn some readers off (not readers like me but uh...more normal readers).

Awesome story, awesome supporting characters, and the setting was magic. Must read for romance lovers!

Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic Book. Thos book is absolutely fantastic and will definitely have you enthralled from the beginning until the end and the storyline flows throughout the book. Lauren runs away from her wedding and Caleb is ceo getting away from all the publicity going on in his life but when they meet its not all rainbow and roses. Will Lauren's parents find her and drag her back to California and make her marry her ex? Or will Caleb find her in time to stop it? This book is compelling and captivating and tantalizing and so much more and it's such a fantastic story that has all the right feels and so much more. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Billionaire's Runaway Bride: an enemies to lovers romance story of Caleb and Lauren..A billionaire CEO who went on vacation just to laylow from the scandal..She is a runaway bride from her toxic ex and a domineering parents..When she met a gorgeous man in BnB that shes staying and working at they have an instant attraction and tension,but she was scared to be hurt but when she follow her heart her past just crushing out of nowhere and brought the chaos she left behind and now if she didn't follow through her ex will ruined the life of the man she fall for..An emotional,intriguing,enjoyable,family drama,angst and second chance at love..

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren refuses to marry Jeremy a man who only wants her trust fund so she runs as far away as she can, to Colorado.
Caleb needs to duck low after some bad pressure surrounding him, he's to leave his billionaire pad in NYC to go to the small town in Colorado.
When these two meet it's a case of not liking each other to start with.
This is a cute enemies to lovers, small town romance and staged in a beautiful mountain town that sounds amazing.
The characters are well defined and very, very likeable. You can't help rooting for them especially towards the end when something happens.
I loved this cute romance and the ending was perfect.
I'm very much looking forward to the sequel
Kerry Kennedy

[Cristina McGannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Billionaire's Runaway Bride we meeting Lauren who is about to get married, but at the last minute runs. We then meet Caleb, who also is running to lay low from some bad press. They both end up at the same inn in Breckenridge, Colorado.

The author does a fantastic job of bringing all of the locations, areas, and characters to live. Her descriptions really make you feel as if you are IN the story, and WITH the people. This book is well written, and weaves the story lines well.

5 Stars for this one as it kept my attention, wasn't a fluff story, and it hooked me for wanting more or the next.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the chance to read this book.

I initially found the interactions between Lauren and Caleb extremely frustrating with his attitude and behaviour, and I felt that the feelings and thoughts they expressed were completely unrealistic in such a short period of time. But it wasn't long before I was swept up by them - especially when they allowed themselves to show feelings that went further than surface level. Their bickering was amusing, though.

I absolutely don't understand Lauren's mentality in going along and accepting the decisions her family made for her, considering their despicable treatment of her.

I finished the book looking forward to more and can't wait to read the next instalment from Emery Cruz.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Emery Cruz for free access to this ebook. I really enjoyed the beginning of this book. It was full speed with the drama right out the gate. Lauren is running away from a marriage she never wanted and parents that didn’t care. Caleb is being sent to a quiet place to let a scandal blow over. I liked seeing Lauren thrive having something to do at the B&B. I would have liked to see more build up with their relationship. One thing that really annoyed me was how easily Lauren just caved to going back to a life she didn’t want. It felt like a huge step back when she had supportive people around her. Overall I enjoyed this book and I do look forward to reading the other books in this series.

[Sharon A Shovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren cannot take it anymore. She wants out! With just the clothes on her back she goes. Oh, I guess it is an ugly big ass wedding dress she is wearing. She did not care where she went just as long as it is far away from California. She arrives in a small town in the middle of nowhere. There she meets this cocky stranger who won’t leave her alone even if he is a hottie. When she finally gets to a B & B she meets this wonderful woman. Then around the corner she sees the same stranger from before whose name is Caleb. Could her day get any worse? Well keep going because it gets better. Guess it depends on how you look at it whether it is better or worse. Great story!

[Chantelle-emma Hilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was a nice easy read and the story flowed well.
The chemistry between Lauren and Caleb was perfect and I could feel it through my Kindle.
It does have strong theme of emotional abuse and family drama but this does not detract from the story and its written well to not be overly triggering.
Its a sweet, strangers to lovers and he falls first.
It is not one of my favourites and the 3 stars does not mean that it is not enjoyable however I have read better so far this year and is a very strong first novel in this series and has been setup well to lead onto what I'm hoping will be Dalton and Aubrey's story.

[Alexandra Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride was such a cute book and a great read! This was my first time reading this author and it left such a good impression that I’ll be reading all her stuff!
Lauren and Caleb are perfect for each other! Watching a playboy fall hard and fast is always fun but watching Lauren come into her own and find her strength made this story truly stand out! The side character of Marian was an amazing addition to the story! We could all hope to have someone as supportive and caring in our corner.
I can’t wait to read book two and see want Marian and the B&B have in store for the the next couple!

[Nextbookaroundthecorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was time for a new author. Every now and then I try out new authors. And Emery’s blurb had a Leslie North vibe going, so I decided to give it a try. And it was a cute read. Emery is a bit of a shy and insecure woman, but the grumpy Caleb uses all of his charme to get her out of her shell.

The story has a bit of drama, a very loyal best friend and a fairy godmother in the form of Marian. In all, a wonderful tale and I’m sure I’ll look out for more books of Emery Cruz. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.