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Her Runaway Lady
An ambitious young milliner. A shy noblewoman fleeing an arranged marriage. Love is a risk neither can afford.
Solange doesn’t have time for love. She’s too busy working her way up in the Parisian millinery trade. Her goal: to become rich and lift her family out of poverty. So when a beautiful aristo whirls into the millinery fascinated by hat making, Solange isn’t interested. Or so she tells herself.
Louise-Marie hates the fancy parties she’s dragged to at Versailles and never wanted to marry. She just wanted to be left alone, making hats. Running away from home to become a milliner seemed like a good idea but the life of a working-class shop girl is harder than she imagined. And her new coworker doesn’t seem to like her much.
Thrown together in the cramped backroom of a millinery shop and a shared garret room, their tensions fray, tangle, then bind.
But ambition doesn’t leave room for longing. And love was never part of Solange’s plan. When she exposes Louise-Marie’s secret in her pursuit of prosperity, will she lose everything?
Immerse yourself in this historical sapphic romance set in a Belle Epoque That Never Was, 19th century Paris with a hint of steampunk.
Solange doesn’t have time for love. She’s too busy working her way up in the Parisian millinery trade. Her goal: to become rich and lift her family out of poverty. So when a beautiful aristo whirls into the millinery fascinated by hat making, Solange isn’t interested. Or so she tells herself.
Louise-Marie hates the fancy parties she’s dragged to at Versailles and never wanted to marry. She just wanted to be left alone, making hats. Running away from home to become a milliner seemed like a good idea but the life of a working-class shop girl is harder than she imagined. And her new coworker doesn’t seem to like her much.
Thrown together in the cramped backroom of a millinery shop and a shared garret room, their tensions fray, tangle, then bind.
But ambition doesn’t leave room for longing. And love was never part of Solange’s plan. When she exposes Louise-Marie’s secret in her pursuit of prosperity, will she lose everything?
Immerse yourself in this historical sapphic romance set in a Belle Epoque That Never Was, 19th century Paris with a hint of steampunk.
Paperback
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
B.J. Sikes
10 books19 followersI am a 5'6" ape descendant who is inordinately fond of a good strong cup of tea, Doc Marten boots & fancy dress.
I write fantastical history with a modern feminist lens, a touch of heartbreak, and a little bit of steampunk. And maybe a little sci-fi.
My debut novel, The Archimedean Heart begins the Roboticist of Versailles series, a steampunk world.
A novella that follows the events of The Archimedean Heart appears in the 2017 anthology The Clockwork Oracle. The full-length sequel, The Vitruvian Mask continues Adelaide's story.
The Cultist's Wife is a gothic horror inspired by a childhood experience.
Her Runaway Lady, a sapphic historical romance is a cosy story set in Paris 1882.
Bermondsey Girl, a dystopian climate fiction story published by Water Dragon Publishing.
I was also the chief editor and contributor of a triad of short story anthologies: Twelve Hours Later: 24 Tales of Myth and Mystery, Thirty Days Later, Steaming Forward: 30 Adventures in Time, and Some Time Later: Fantastic Voyages Through Alternate Worlds.
I write fantastical history with a modern feminist lens, a touch of heartbreak, and a little bit of steampunk. And maybe a little sci-fi.
My debut novel, The Archimedean Heart begins the Roboticist of Versailles series, a steampunk world.
A novella that follows the events of The Archimedean Heart appears in the 2017 anthology The Clockwork Oracle. The full-length sequel, The Vitruvian Mask continues Adelaide's story.
The Cultist's Wife is a gothic horror inspired by a childhood experience.
Her Runaway Lady, a sapphic historical romance is a cosy story set in Paris 1882.
Bermondsey Girl, a dystopian climate fiction story published by Water Dragon Publishing.
I was also the chief editor and contributor of a triad of short story anthologies: Twelve Hours Later: 24 Tales of Myth and Mystery, Thirty Days Later, Steaming Forward: 30 Adventures in Time, and Some Time Later: Fantastic Voyages Through Alternate Worlds.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 9, 2026
Her Runaway Lady by B.J. Sikes is a historical fiction novel with a touch of steampunk. Aristocrat Louise-Marie runs away from an arranged marriage and seeks solace in a millinery where she can indulge her love of hat creation. She bumps heads with veteran trimmer Solange, who, coming from poverty, has ambitions to take over the shop. The initial friction between the two gives way to something more as they share a workspace and a room, but their differing worlds and goals challenge their emotions.
Louise-Marie is a fish out of water as she has to learn quickly to be self-sufficient and live among the working class. Solange has to learn that her financial ambitions may not be the most important thing in life. Both show character growth over time as they become closer. The chemistry feels slightly underdeveloped since we do not get to see as many bonding moments on the page as I would have liked. The slow burn is nice and helps with the organic development of their relationship.
I like the writing style and world-building. I also like that not much attention is paid to Louise-Marie's augmentation. It is simply a part of who she is and is not seen as making her lesser. My favorite secondary character is Amelie. She is sweet and funny.
The conclusion felt too convenient after all the ongoing angst throughout the plot. There is one low-spice spicy scene.
The setting and time period were among the most interesting aspects of the novel.
Overall, this quick read was easy and enjoyable. I am giving it 3.5 stars, rounded up.
#historicalfiction #rivalstolovers #forbiddenlove #fishoutofwater #slowburn #lowspice #forcedproximity #richpoor #steampunk #VictorianEra #workplace #aristocrat #workingclass #Paris #France #HEA #epilogue
I received a review copy from BookSirens. This is my honest opinion.
Louise-Marie is a fish out of water as she has to learn quickly to be self-sufficient and live among the working class. Solange has to learn that her financial ambitions may not be the most important thing in life. Both show character growth over time as they become closer. The chemistry feels slightly underdeveloped since we do not get to see as many bonding moments on the page as I would have liked. The slow burn is nice and helps with the organic development of their relationship.
I like the writing style and world-building. I also like that not much attention is paid to Louise-Marie's augmentation. It is simply a part of who she is and is not seen as making her lesser. My favorite secondary character is Amelie. She is sweet and funny.
The conclusion felt too convenient after all the ongoing angst throughout the plot. There is one low-spice spicy scene.
The setting and time period were among the most interesting aspects of the novel.
Overall, this quick read was easy and enjoyable. I am giving it 3.5 stars, rounded up.
#historicalfiction #rivalstolovers #forbiddenlove #fishoutofwater #slowburn #lowspice #forcedproximity #richpoor #steampunk #VictorianEra #workplace #aristocrat #workingclass #Paris #France #HEA #epilogue
I received a review copy from BookSirens. This is my honest opinion.
August 8, 2026
I don't have many things to say about this book.
I enjoyed it, liked the setting and the characters.
The development and progress of their relationship was a little fast though.
Solange went from not liking her, to liking her a little too quickly and suddenly.
I enjoyed it, liked the setting and the characters.
The development and progress of their relationship was a little fast though.
Solange went from not liking her, to liking her a little too quickly and suddenly.
February 14, 2026
First, I want to sincerely thank the author for trusting me with an ARC of this book. This was such a lovely five star read, and I truly want to give it the detailed review it deserves.
Who is this book for?
This book is perfect for readers who love cozy sapphic romance with light spice, strong character development, and a romantic historical Paris setting that feels immersive, gentle, and emotionally satisfying.
What is this about?
If there were a category called Cozy Sapphic Romance, this book would be it.
This story is beautifully written and set during the Belle Epoque, which means "Beautiful Era" in French. This period lasted from 1871 to 1914 and was a time when art, theater, and music were flourishing, and Paris was considered especially beautiful. Small specialty shops were very popular during this time, and this story takes place in a charming milliner’s shop, a fashionable hat shop for women, which becomes the heart of the book.
One detail I really appreciated was the presence of progressive thinking. Love between women, often referred to as tender friends, does not seem to be treated as wrong or shocking, which gives the story a gentle and affirming tone.
This story is also partly a riches to rags narrative. A young aristocratic woman chooses to leave her high society life behind to pursue her passion for creating fashionable hats. She quite literally runs away from her family to do this, which makes the title Run Away Lady feel especially fitting.
The women who work in the milliner’s shop are honest and hardworking, relying on their craft for their livelihood. They are not wealthy and do not appear to be middle class either. They seem to live closer to the lower end of society, possibly even near poverty, yet they take great pride in their work and independence.
When the young aristocrat arrives at the shop asking for a job, she ends up sharing a room with one of the milliners. This woman is hardworking, lower class, darker skinned, and very guarded. Over time, attraction grows between them, but the milliner works hard to protect herself from falling in love with someone who represents such a different world.
There are many events that both challenge their relationship and bring them closer together. This is very much a slow burn romance, and the ending is deeply satisfying with a true happily ever after.
Spice:
The spice level in this book is perfect for a cozy romance. I would rate it around a 2-rating for spice content.
What made the intimacy especially enjoyable was how unique it felt. The romance is shaped by the reality of late 1800s and early 1900s Parisian fashion, with many layers of dresses, bodices, and corsets. I have never read a sapphic spice scene quite like this one, and it was genuinely fun to imagine. It is not explicit at all, which felt completely appropriate. Anything more graphic would have disrupted the soft tone of the story. Instead, the intimacy is tender, fitting, and satisfying.
Characters:
The character development in this story is beautiful, not only for the two main characters but also for a few side characters, including the manager of the milliner’s shop.
Most characters begin the story fairly closed minded, with the exception of the aristocratic young woman, who is already progressive in her thinking. However, she has no understanding of how the commoner world works. She is used to servants and has never had to do her own chores or dress herself. This creates a lot of conflict early on, but she approaches these challenges with her head held high and grows significantly by the end of the story.
The milliner she falls in love with shows the most character growth. I would not fully call her an ice queen, but she is definitely guarded and rough around the edges at the beginning and through much of the middle of the book. Over time, she opens herself emotionally and truly blossoms. Even though there is a clear class difference between the two women, the way their lives come together in the end is heartfelt and lovely.
If you enjoy stories with strong and meaningful character development, this book absolutely delivers.
Setting:
The setting of this book is spectacular. Everything you imagine about late 1800s and early 1900s Paris comes alive, from the quaint streets to the neighborhoods and small shops. Part of what I loved most about this story was simply being in this world.
Pacing:
The pacing of this story was perfect. It was never slow or boring. In fact, I could not put it down. I genuinely looked forward to reading it every night when I crawled into bed, which is exactly what I want from a cozy read.
I never felt frustrated or impatient with the pacing. The book is also the perfect length for this story, not too long but not so short that it feels rushed.
Writing and Tone:
I truly loved the writing style. It was so lovely and immersive. I learned quite a few French words, because I am absolutely the kind of reader who pauses to look them up, and I enjoyed imagining the characters speaking with French accents and using language appropriate to the time.
That said, the French is never overwhelming or difficult. If you prefer not to stop and look up words, you can still read this book easily and understand everything just fine. For readers like me who love to fully sink into a story, this book is wonderful. It allowed me to enjoy the writing, the setting, and the rhythm of life in the story in such a natural way.
Final Thoughts:
I had never heard of this author before reading this ARC, and I am so glad I did. Not only do I want a physical copy of this book on my shelf, but I am already looking at her other books to add to my TBR.
If you love cozy sapphic romance with light spice, strong character development, and a romantic Paris setting, you absolutely need to read this book. If you have not heard of BJ Sikes before, this is a wonderful place to start.
I am so glad I read this ARC! I would love to read more cozy sapphic stories like this one!
Who is this book for?
This book is perfect for readers who love cozy sapphic romance with light spice, strong character development, and a romantic historical Paris setting that feels immersive, gentle, and emotionally satisfying.
What is this about?
If there were a category called Cozy Sapphic Romance, this book would be it.
This story is beautifully written and set during the Belle Epoque, which means "Beautiful Era" in French. This period lasted from 1871 to 1914 and was a time when art, theater, and music were flourishing, and Paris was considered especially beautiful. Small specialty shops were very popular during this time, and this story takes place in a charming milliner’s shop, a fashionable hat shop for women, which becomes the heart of the book.
One detail I really appreciated was the presence of progressive thinking. Love between women, often referred to as tender friends, does not seem to be treated as wrong or shocking, which gives the story a gentle and affirming tone.
This story is also partly a riches to rags narrative. A young aristocratic woman chooses to leave her high society life behind to pursue her passion for creating fashionable hats. She quite literally runs away from her family to do this, which makes the title Run Away Lady feel especially fitting.
The women who work in the milliner’s shop are honest and hardworking, relying on their craft for their livelihood. They are not wealthy and do not appear to be middle class either. They seem to live closer to the lower end of society, possibly even near poverty, yet they take great pride in their work and independence.
When the young aristocrat arrives at the shop asking for a job, she ends up sharing a room with one of the milliners. This woman is hardworking, lower class, darker skinned, and very guarded. Over time, attraction grows between them, but the milliner works hard to protect herself from falling in love with someone who represents such a different world.
There are many events that both challenge their relationship and bring them closer together. This is very much a slow burn romance, and the ending is deeply satisfying with a true happily ever after.
Spice:
The spice level in this book is perfect for a cozy romance. I would rate it around a 2-rating for spice content.
What made the intimacy especially enjoyable was how unique it felt. The romance is shaped by the reality of late 1800s and early 1900s Parisian fashion, with many layers of dresses, bodices, and corsets. I have never read a sapphic spice scene quite like this one, and it was genuinely fun to imagine. It is not explicit at all, which felt completely appropriate. Anything more graphic would have disrupted the soft tone of the story. Instead, the intimacy is tender, fitting, and satisfying.
Characters:
The character development in this story is beautiful, not only for the two main characters but also for a few side characters, including the manager of the milliner’s shop.
Most characters begin the story fairly closed minded, with the exception of the aristocratic young woman, who is already progressive in her thinking. However, she has no understanding of how the commoner world works. She is used to servants and has never had to do her own chores or dress herself. This creates a lot of conflict early on, but she approaches these challenges with her head held high and grows significantly by the end of the story.
The milliner she falls in love with shows the most character growth. I would not fully call her an ice queen, but she is definitely guarded and rough around the edges at the beginning and through much of the middle of the book. Over time, she opens herself emotionally and truly blossoms. Even though there is a clear class difference between the two women, the way their lives come together in the end is heartfelt and lovely.
If you enjoy stories with strong and meaningful character development, this book absolutely delivers.
Setting:
The setting of this book is spectacular. Everything you imagine about late 1800s and early 1900s Paris comes alive, from the quaint streets to the neighborhoods and small shops. Part of what I loved most about this story was simply being in this world.
Pacing:
The pacing of this story was perfect. It was never slow or boring. In fact, I could not put it down. I genuinely looked forward to reading it every night when I crawled into bed, which is exactly what I want from a cozy read.
I never felt frustrated or impatient with the pacing. The book is also the perfect length for this story, not too long but not so short that it feels rushed.
Writing and Tone:
I truly loved the writing style. It was so lovely and immersive. I learned quite a few French words, because I am absolutely the kind of reader who pauses to look them up, and I enjoyed imagining the characters speaking with French accents and using language appropriate to the time.
That said, the French is never overwhelming or difficult. If you prefer not to stop and look up words, you can still read this book easily and understand everything just fine. For readers like me who love to fully sink into a story, this book is wonderful. It allowed me to enjoy the writing, the setting, and the rhythm of life in the story in such a natural way.
Final Thoughts:
I had never heard of this author before reading this ARC, and I am so glad I did. Not only do I want a physical copy of this book on my shelf, but I am already looking at her other books to add to my TBR.
If you love cozy sapphic romance with light spice, strong character development, and a romantic Paris setting, you absolutely need to read this book. If you have not heard of BJ Sikes before, this is a wonderful place to start.
I am so glad I read this ARC! I would love to read more cozy sapphic stories like this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 11, 2026A young woman from a wealthy family is arranged to be married, totally against her will. A young hat maker from 'the other side of town' who works to support her family as well as herself, as well as to get ahead in the millinery field meet and they both realize that life is not easy on either camp, wealthy or poor. The wealthy woman realizes that, despite what her parents want, she needs to be her own person, even if it means the dissolution of her relationship with her family. The one thing that the wealthy girl has always wanted to do was design and create her own hats, which her parents consider folly and against her high-bred standing.
B.J. Sikes takes us into a sapphic, historical, Parisian Milliner where the lives and loves of two very different women emerge and merge. There are insights into the expectations of the female children of the wealthy class, as well as the struggles of the more down-trodden, lower class, working hard to just try to stay alive. I look forward to more books from this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
B.J. Sikes takes us into a sapphic, historical, Parisian Milliner where the lives and loves of two very different women emerge and merge. There are insights into the expectations of the female children of the wealthy class, as well as the struggles of the more down-trodden, lower class, working hard to just try to stay alive. I look forward to more books from this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 15, 2026
Overall a sweet historical sapphic romance, with two leads that were likeable enough. There just wasn't anything that really jumped out at me to make it anything really special. And while I did enjoy Louise-Marie and Solange as characters, none of the other supporting characters felt like complete characters. I don't expect side characters to ever be quite as developed as the protagonists, these ones all just fell totally flat to me. There's definitely some good stuff here, but I wish it had grabbed me a bit more than it did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Special thanks to BookSirens and author BJ Sikes for this ARC opportunity. I am happy to share my honest review.
I am always eager to read sapphic romance by a new author and was so excited to be able to get my hands on this! I especially love historical sapphic romance and this book takes place in France in the 1800’s which for me is a fascinating time period. I found Her Runaway Lady to be a very engaging and heartfelt love story which kept me glued to my book until the end. This book was a wonderfully unique take on opposites attract whereby we are introduced to two women from opposite sides of the social divide with the same passion for millinery. What unfolds is a unique slow burn sapphic romance that crosses social class for passion, longing and love. It was a really beautiful story that will linger in my memories for a long time to come.
I found the characters in this story to be very so loveable and I found myself thinking about them every time I had to put the book down. We meet Solange as she is working at a reputable millinery shop making beautiful hats sought after by high society. She has worked her fingers to the bone as she rose from station to station in the milliner's shop, mastering every aspect of hat making. She’s fought hard to keep her head above water and her ambition, drive and determination is to thank for it. I had so much respect for her right from the start. She is respected by the other women who work at the Milliners shop and despite her stoicism, I did feel like she had a sort of found family there with the other women working their asses off to stave off poverty. Enter Louise Marie to shake things up, particularly for Solange who has no time for anything outside of work, let alone matters of the heart. But sometimes something beautiful and real surprises us when we least expect it. Louise Marie is a high society woman who comes from a family of wealth and means. She is expected to marry well and behave like a Lady, which in this time period is essentially to bow to social pressures and become subsumed by her husband's identity. Louise Marie wants nothing of the sort. She dreams of making beautiful hats and has a passion for the craft that rivals any of the milliners working in the high end shops of Paris…including Solange's. Louise Marie literally flees her life of privilege and comfort for one full of hard, grueling work in the cramped backroom of the same milliner shop Solange works at. I again found myself holding another character in such high regard. I felt so much respect for Louise Marie to choose a life of independence and hard work where she was forced to leave her family behind.
I loved the opposites attract coupled with the forced proximity tropes at play in Her Runaway Lady. Solange and Louise Marie come from different social worlds but their passion for their craft gives them some common ground. What ensues is a slowish burn romance where Solange and Louise Marie begin sort of at odds but gradually become friends and then so much more. I appreciated that the author created a relatively queer positive atmosphere in a time period where that would most certainty not be the case but it's done subtly and really works in the story. Their chemistry was charged and I felt it early on but it really jumped off the pages as the women grew in their connection. I loved them together and was rooting for them all along. I enjoyed the class conflict as we watched it play out through the growing relationship between Solange and Louise Marie. The women fall for each other gradually and over time build something real and worth fighting for. It was a believable and organic journey toward a soft and intimate love story. The two experience hardships and struggles, of course, but the resolution made me smile wide. I never doubted them for a minute! I was thrilled at the conclusion and my heart warmed as two wonderful women found themselves happy ever after.
The writing in this book was great and I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. This was my first book by BJ Sikes and I love reading new authors but there is always a bit of anxiety involved. I needn't have worried because Sikes does a wonderful job of creating deep and complex characters that I grew to really care about while never neglecting the story. Historical sapphic fiction is amongst my favorite but creating an immersive time period experience is very challenging. Sikes pays homage to their time period and helped me to feel the beauty and conflict that our main characters felt specific to this time and place. I appreciated getting to read from both Solange and Louise Marie’s perspective and feel it helped me feel connected to both women. Their relationship was very sweet and their moment of intimacy was a joy to read. Sikes does a wonderful job of keeping the intimacy to a minimum but in line with the time period and overall tone of the book. I felt the love between Solange and Louise Marie and found their relationship to be very special.
Overall, this was a great read and I very much enjoyed it! I found the love story to be sweet, tender and believable. Solange and Louise Marie were written with so much depth and I fell in love with both of them as they fell in love with each other. I appreciated the tension and obstacles as it just created a stronger bond for the main characters. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical sapphic romance that is character driven and delivers a real romance that builds gradually and believably. This is a wonderful story where courage and trust are huge themes and the story is multi-layered but highlights but love story beautifully. A must read as far as I’m concerned and I can't wait to see what BJ Sikes writes next.
I am always eager to read sapphic romance by a new author and was so excited to be able to get my hands on this! I especially love historical sapphic romance and this book takes place in France in the 1800’s which for me is a fascinating time period. I found Her Runaway Lady to be a very engaging and heartfelt love story which kept me glued to my book until the end. This book was a wonderfully unique take on opposites attract whereby we are introduced to two women from opposite sides of the social divide with the same passion for millinery. What unfolds is a unique slow burn sapphic romance that crosses social class for passion, longing and love. It was a really beautiful story that will linger in my memories for a long time to come.
I found the characters in this story to be very so loveable and I found myself thinking about them every time I had to put the book down. We meet Solange as she is working at a reputable millinery shop making beautiful hats sought after by high society. She has worked her fingers to the bone as she rose from station to station in the milliner's shop, mastering every aspect of hat making. She’s fought hard to keep her head above water and her ambition, drive and determination is to thank for it. I had so much respect for her right from the start. She is respected by the other women who work at the Milliners shop and despite her stoicism, I did feel like she had a sort of found family there with the other women working their asses off to stave off poverty. Enter Louise Marie to shake things up, particularly for Solange who has no time for anything outside of work, let alone matters of the heart. But sometimes something beautiful and real surprises us when we least expect it. Louise Marie is a high society woman who comes from a family of wealth and means. She is expected to marry well and behave like a Lady, which in this time period is essentially to bow to social pressures and become subsumed by her husband's identity. Louise Marie wants nothing of the sort. She dreams of making beautiful hats and has a passion for the craft that rivals any of the milliners working in the high end shops of Paris…including Solange's. Louise Marie literally flees her life of privilege and comfort for one full of hard, grueling work in the cramped backroom of the same milliner shop Solange works at. I again found myself holding another character in such high regard. I felt so much respect for Louise Marie to choose a life of independence and hard work where she was forced to leave her family behind.
I loved the opposites attract coupled with the forced proximity tropes at play in Her Runaway Lady. Solange and Louise Marie come from different social worlds but their passion for their craft gives them some common ground. What ensues is a slowish burn romance where Solange and Louise Marie begin sort of at odds but gradually become friends and then so much more. I appreciated that the author created a relatively queer positive atmosphere in a time period where that would most certainty not be the case but it's done subtly and really works in the story. Their chemistry was charged and I felt it early on but it really jumped off the pages as the women grew in their connection. I loved them together and was rooting for them all along. I enjoyed the class conflict as we watched it play out through the growing relationship between Solange and Louise Marie. The women fall for each other gradually and over time build something real and worth fighting for. It was a believable and organic journey toward a soft and intimate love story. The two experience hardships and struggles, of course, but the resolution made me smile wide. I never doubted them for a minute! I was thrilled at the conclusion and my heart warmed as two wonderful women found themselves happy ever after.
The writing in this book was great and I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end. This was my first book by BJ Sikes and I love reading new authors but there is always a bit of anxiety involved. I needn't have worried because Sikes does a wonderful job of creating deep and complex characters that I grew to really care about while never neglecting the story. Historical sapphic fiction is amongst my favorite but creating an immersive time period experience is very challenging. Sikes pays homage to their time period and helped me to feel the beauty and conflict that our main characters felt specific to this time and place. I appreciated getting to read from both Solange and Louise Marie’s perspective and feel it helped me feel connected to both women. Their relationship was very sweet and their moment of intimacy was a joy to read. Sikes does a wonderful job of keeping the intimacy to a minimum but in line with the time period and overall tone of the book. I felt the love between Solange and Louise Marie and found their relationship to be very special.
Overall, this was a great read and I very much enjoyed it! I found the love story to be sweet, tender and believable. Solange and Louise Marie were written with so much depth and I fell in love with both of them as they fell in love with each other. I appreciated the tension and obstacles as it just created a stronger bond for the main characters. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical sapphic romance that is character driven and delivers a real romance that builds gradually and believably. This is a wonderful story where courage and trust are huge themes and the story is multi-layered but highlights but love story beautifully. A must read as far as I’m concerned and I can't wait to see what BJ Sikes writes next.
June 8, 2026
Thanks to BookSirens & the author for providing me with an a-arc in exchange for an honest review
CW: Ableism, Alcohol, Grief, Death of parent, Classism
3.5 / 5 Stars
Her Runaway Lady is a historical romance with a touch of steampunk, though the steampunk elements are used less to drive the plot and more to enrich the worldbuilding. Most notably, they allow the story to explore disability in a historical setting through advanced prosthetics. Our protagonist has a prosthetic leg, as does another major character, and while the technology isn't exclusively used by disabled people, it is clearly tied to larger themes of disability, social stigma, and the ways society treats those it considers different. It's an interesting aspect of the setting, even if it isn't the novel's primary focus.
Instead, the story is largely character-driven, centering on the romance between its two heroines and their individual journeys. And for a good portion of the book, I was genuinely invested.
The problem is that while Marie-Louise gets a satisfying arc, I'm not entirely convinced Solange does.
Marie-Louise's growth is easy to see. Over the course of the novel, she becomes more confident, more willing to advocate for herself, and less willing to simply accept the expectations others place upon her. Solange, meanwhile, spends much of the story manipulating, using, and lying to Marie-Louise. Not because she doesn't care about her, but because she's willing to prioritize her own goals over the wellbeing of the woman she claims to love.
Now, flawed characters aren't a problem. Some of my favorite characters are deeply flawed. In fact, I often prefer them that way. The issue isn't that Solange makes mistakes. It's that I never felt fully convinced she understood the magnitude of those mistakes.
When her actions finally catch up with her, she expresses regret, but much of that regret felt directed at the consequences she was facing rather than the harm she'd inflicted. Even conversations with her family, which seem intended to prompt self-reflection, never quite pushed her to the realization I was hoping for.
As a result, the romance became more difficult for me to fully embrace. Marie-Louise continues to offer grace and understanding, but there were moments where it felt less like Solange had earned forgiveness and more like Marie-Louise's own growth was carrying the relationship forward. The ending works because of who Marie-Louise is and because of the specific circumstances surrounding the story. Had either of those things been different, I could easily imagine this ending in tragedy instead of romance.
Which is a shame, because there is a lot here to like. The worldbuilding is unique, the disability representation is thoughtfully woven into the setting, and Marie-Louise's journey was genuinely rewarding to follow. I just wish Solange's arc had felt more complete. Had I been able to see her truly grapple with her actions and emerge changed by them, this could easily have been a much stronger romance for me.
Final Thoughts:
An engaging historical romance with thoughtful and strong worldbuilding, held back slightly by a romantic arc that left me wanting more accountability and growth from one of its leads.
CW: Ableism, Alcohol, Grief, Death of parent, Classism
3.5 / 5 Stars
Her Runaway Lady is a historical romance with a touch of steampunk, though the steampunk elements are used less to drive the plot and more to enrich the worldbuilding. Most notably, they allow the story to explore disability in a historical setting through advanced prosthetics. Our protagonist has a prosthetic leg, as does another major character, and while the technology isn't exclusively used by disabled people, it is clearly tied to larger themes of disability, social stigma, and the ways society treats those it considers different. It's an interesting aspect of the setting, even if it isn't the novel's primary focus.
Instead, the story is largely character-driven, centering on the romance between its two heroines and their individual journeys. And for a good portion of the book, I was genuinely invested.
The problem is that while Marie-Louise gets a satisfying arc, I'm not entirely convinced Solange does.
Marie-Louise's growth is easy to see. Over the course of the novel, she becomes more confident, more willing to advocate for herself, and less willing to simply accept the expectations others place upon her. Solange, meanwhile, spends much of the story manipulating, using, and lying to Marie-Louise. Not because she doesn't care about her, but because she's willing to prioritize her own goals over the wellbeing of the woman she claims to love.
Now, flawed characters aren't a problem. Some of my favorite characters are deeply flawed. In fact, I often prefer them that way. The issue isn't that Solange makes mistakes. It's that I never felt fully convinced she understood the magnitude of those mistakes.
When her actions finally catch up with her, she expresses regret, but much of that regret felt directed at the consequences she was facing rather than the harm she'd inflicted. Even conversations with her family, which seem intended to prompt self-reflection, never quite pushed her to the realization I was hoping for.
As a result, the romance became more difficult for me to fully embrace. Marie-Louise continues to offer grace and understanding, but there were moments where it felt less like Solange had earned forgiveness and more like Marie-Louise's own growth was carrying the relationship forward. The ending works because of who Marie-Louise is and because of the specific circumstances surrounding the story. Had either of those things been different, I could easily imagine this ending in tragedy instead of romance.
Which is a shame, because there is a lot here to like. The worldbuilding is unique, the disability representation is thoughtfully woven into the setting, and Marie-Louise's journey was genuinely rewarding to follow. I just wish Solange's arc had felt more complete. Had I been able to see her truly grapple with her actions and emerge changed by them, this could easily have been a much stronger romance for me.
Final Thoughts:
An engaging historical romance with thoughtful and strong worldbuilding, held back slightly by a romantic arc that left me wanting more accountability and growth from one of its leads.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a lovely read, starring a sapphic romance between two milliners from very different walks of life! While our two main characters, Solange and Louise-Marie, do not see eye-to-eye at first, they soon begrudgingly realise that they are attracted to each other, and it was so fun to see how in denial they were, especially Solange! Once they got together the book really got going, as they balanced their relationship with the demands of their everyday life.
The middle section of the book was the strongest, as we got to see both Solange and Louise-Marie tentatively explore their new relationship. It felt like it was when we saw them each at their most vulnerable, as they each had their own insecurities to work through. What I particularly liked is how we could see those insecurities being rooted in each of their pasts, and the different situations they had each come from.
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The book is set in a steampunk version of 19th Century France, and I really enjoyed the steampunk influences! Often with steampunk stories it can feel like just an aesthetic, but in this case it really affected the characters and their lives in a way that was really interesting. I hadn’t realised that this was part of a wider universe the author writes in, but that makes perfect sense as the world is so fully realised and well-crafted.
It took a while for things to get going at the start, and the ending felt quite abrupt. It felt like everything was solved very easily, and I would have liked to see a bit more go into resolving the final hurdles for them to be together. I really enjoy when class differences are explored in interesting and nuanced ways, and the ending just felt a bit too easy, with all of their financial difficulties going away quite quickly.
Overall this was an enjoyable historical romance, with a little bit of a steampunk twist. While there were a couple of things that didn’t work so well for me, the romance at the heart of the book rings true.
Thank you to the author for sending me a free copy for an honest review.
The middle section of the book was the strongest, as we got to see both Solange and Louise-Marie tentatively explore their new relationship. It felt like it was when we saw them each at their most vulnerable, as they each had their own insecurities to work through. What I particularly liked is how we could see those insecurities being rooted in each of their pasts, and the different situations they had each come from.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
The book is set in a steampunk version of 19th Century France, and I really enjoyed the steampunk influences! Often with steampunk stories it can feel like just an aesthetic, but in this case it really affected the characters and their lives in a way that was really interesting. I hadn’t realised that this was part of a wider universe the author writes in, but that makes perfect sense as the world is so fully realised and well-crafted.
It took a while for things to get going at the start, and the ending felt quite abrupt. It felt like everything was solved very easily, and I would have liked to see a bit more go into resolving the final hurdles for them to be together. I really enjoy when class differences are explored in interesting and nuanced ways, and the ending just felt a bit too easy, with all of their financial difficulties going away quite quickly.
Overall this was an enjoyable historical romance, with a little bit of a steampunk twist. While there were a couple of things that didn’t work so well for me, the romance at the heart of the book rings true.
Thank you to the author for sending me a free copy for an honest review.
July 26, 2026
There is so much I never knew about hat making… and now I know. Her Runaway Lady by BJ Sikes is a wonderful historical slow burn sapphic romance. The story is set in an alternate France (think steampunk) but in this world, technology is now outlawed by the new King. The ‘technology’ elements take a back seat to the story, so if you’re looking for a steampunk adventure, this isn’t the book for you. What this story is about is Louise-Marie, a woman trapped in a time when even rich and noble women were limited in what they could do with their lives. Louise-Marie doesn’t want to be a dress up doll for a man to show off. She wants her own life. To make her own choices, even if she doesn’t fully understand what that entails.
Louise-Marie is a talented milliner, much to her parent’s chagrin. Her parents want Louise-Marie to marry up and secure the family's standing in the French court. When Louise-Marie sees her opportunity to run away and start a new life, she takes it. She meets Solange, a milliner who doesn’t have time for anything but making a name for herself and making as much money as possible to help her family.
Once these two meet, you can guess the rest. The story isn’t as much about the romance as it is about watching these two women grow and learn about each other and the lives they live. Each thinking the other is foolish for not seeing what they have (which was humorous to read). Sikes could give a master class on building a rich world of millinery (hat making), there are times I felt like the story was a backdrop for a class on millinery, but not in a boring way. I found all the details interesting and helped to move the story forward.
As this is a romance, all the beats are hit, and the ending is satisfying. I loved the adventure in getting from the start of the novel to the end of the story. And I loved the slow burn, and by slow burn, I mean slow. What this added to the story was getting to know the characters and seeing how they grow and change, and how because of all that change, love comes. My only bug is the use of the term ‘tender friend’ or ‘tender feelings’ (or whatever it was) every time I came to those phrases in the story I rolled my eyes and shook my head. There is just something about it that annoyed me. Other than that, this is a great book. Give it a read.
Louise-Marie is a talented milliner, much to her parent’s chagrin. Her parents want Louise-Marie to marry up and secure the family's standing in the French court. When Louise-Marie sees her opportunity to run away and start a new life, she takes it. She meets Solange, a milliner who doesn’t have time for anything but making a name for herself and making as much money as possible to help her family.
Once these two meet, you can guess the rest. The story isn’t as much about the romance as it is about watching these two women grow and learn about each other and the lives they live. Each thinking the other is foolish for not seeing what they have (which was humorous to read). Sikes could give a master class on building a rich world of millinery (hat making), there are times I felt like the story was a backdrop for a class on millinery, but not in a boring way. I found all the details interesting and helped to move the story forward.
As this is a romance, all the beats are hit, and the ending is satisfying. I loved the adventure in getting from the start of the novel to the end of the story. And I loved the slow burn, and by slow burn, I mean slow. What this added to the story was getting to know the characters and seeing how they grow and change, and how because of all that change, love comes. My only bug is the use of the term ‘tender friend’ or ‘tender feelings’ (or whatever it was) every time I came to those phrases in the story I rolled my eyes and shook my head. There is just something about it that annoyed me. Other than that, this is a great book. Give it a read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.75/5
I’m a bit of a history nerd myself, so when I read that the setting for this book was 19th century Paris, I was definitely intrigued. The fact that it’s also a sapphic love story only made it better.
Like I mentioned before, the setting of 19th century Paris already sold it for me, but I loved the little bits of steam punk influence sprinkled in there. It really added another dimension to the book, and added a nice extra bump in the road, without shaking up the whole story.
I also like how the author wrote the whole aristocrat and commoner storyline. Showing and describing both worlds and somehow finding a way to make them come together, and not letting one take over the other, was nicely done.
The characters themselves were written really well, both main and side characters.
I loved Solange and Louise-Marie, and the whole story around them. Even though they come from completely different backgrounds, and had quite some differences, they also had their similarities and things they mutually loved.
I also grew quite fond of Amelie. I kinda saw her as the little bird both Solange and Louise-Marie took under their wings, and I really loved that.
I do think that towards the end the story was cut short a little bit. I found it somewhat weird how quick Louise-Marie’s parents agreed, and I think there was a lot more potential for that storyline.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book, and would definitely recommend it if you are looking for sapphic historical fiction.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksirens and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m a bit of a history nerd myself, so when I read that the setting for this book was 19th century Paris, I was definitely intrigued. The fact that it’s also a sapphic love story only made it better.
Like I mentioned before, the setting of 19th century Paris already sold it for me, but I loved the little bits of steam punk influence sprinkled in there. It really added another dimension to the book, and added a nice extra bump in the road, without shaking up the whole story.
I also like how the author wrote the whole aristocrat and commoner storyline. Showing and describing both worlds and somehow finding a way to make them come together, and not letting one take over the other, was nicely done.
The characters themselves were written really well, both main and side characters.
I loved Solange and Louise-Marie, and the whole story around them. Even though they come from completely different backgrounds, and had quite some differences, they also had their similarities and things they mutually loved.
I also grew quite fond of Amelie. I kinda saw her as the little bird both Solange and Louise-Marie took under their wings, and I really loved that.
I do think that towards the end the story was cut short a little bit. I found it somewhat weird how quick Louise-Marie’s parents agreed, and I think there was a lot more potential for that storyline.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book, and would definitely recommend it if you are looking for sapphic historical fiction.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksirens and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2026
Don't read this for the promise of steampunk! You will be sorely disappointed.
In general, it's readable but inconsistent. The opinions of characters (and society) about exactly how scandalous love between women is seems to fluctuate from page to page. Or within a few sentences It's enough to give you whiplash.
The promised steampunk consists solely of a vague mention that some people have Augmented prosthetic limbs, either to treat disabilities or to make them better soldiers, and that these are now illegal/shunned by the current king and hard to repair. Except when they're not, because that fluctuates too! There are a few references to "the new king" and "the old king", neither of whom are ever even NAMED, and no explanation about the backstory is ever provided. No exploration of the larger effects on society of whatever these technological advancements were, or what wars were involved, or the suppression of science, or anything. One reviewer claims that this is all part of a larger setting that the author writes in but as it is, it just feels like false advertising.
The NORMAL Paris parts are well-described. The food, the hats, the dancing, all of this is pleasant and fun to be part of. Just don't come in hoping for worldbuilding or speculative ideas.
Also you'll get very tired of seeing the words 'aristo' and 'gilded cage' by the end.
In general, it's readable but inconsistent. The opinions of characters (and society) about exactly how scandalous love between women is seems to fluctuate from page to page. Or within a few sentences It's enough to give you whiplash.
The promised steampunk consists solely of a vague mention that some people have Augmented prosthetic limbs, either to treat disabilities or to make them better soldiers, and that these are now illegal/shunned by the current king and hard to repair. Except when they're not, because that fluctuates too! There are a few references to "the new king" and "the old king", neither of whom are ever even NAMED, and no explanation about the backstory is ever provided. No exploration of the larger effects on society of whatever these technological advancements were, or what wars were involved, or the suppression of science, or anything. One reviewer claims that this is all part of a larger setting that the author writes in but as it is, it just feels like false advertising.
The NORMAL Paris parts are well-described. The food, the hats, the dancing, all of this is pleasant and fun to be part of. Just don't come in hoping for worldbuilding or speculative ideas.
Also you'll get very tired of seeing the words 'aristo' and 'gilded cage' by the end.
Review of advance copy
This story is carried by the incredible strength of its two main characters. One is a noblewoman expected to marry for convenience, who refuses to accept a future chosen for her. Instead, she flees a life of luxury to work hard and build something of her own—determined to create a future she actually wants to live. That courage alone gives the novel much of its emotional power.
The other protagonist has known hardship all her life. Ambitious, focused, and fiercely protective of her goals, she initially cannot stand the privileged runaway who suddenly appears in her workspace. Yet as the story unfolds, resentment slowly shifts into understanding. She begins to see the reasons behind the other woman’s choices—and, just as importantly, recognises that she herself has lessons to learn. Trusting another person, believing in herself beyond ambition, and fighting for what truly matters become central themes.
Their dynamic is layered and compelling. The tension between them—born of class differences, pride, and misunderstanding—gradually softens into something tender and real. Both women must confront what they are willing to sacrifice for success, and whether love is a distraction or the very thing that allows life to truly flourish.
It’s a story about courage: the courage to walk away, to start over, to trust, and to choose love even when it feels like the greatest risk of all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The other protagonist has known hardship all her life. Ambitious, focused, and fiercely protective of her goals, she initially cannot stand the privileged runaway who suddenly appears in her workspace. Yet as the story unfolds, resentment slowly shifts into understanding. She begins to see the reasons behind the other woman’s choices—and, just as importantly, recognises that she herself has lessons to learn. Trusting another person, believing in herself beyond ambition, and fighting for what truly matters become central themes.
Their dynamic is layered and compelling. The tension between them—born of class differences, pride, and misunderstanding—gradually softens into something tender and real. Both women must confront what they are willing to sacrifice for success, and whether love is a distraction or the very thing that allows life to truly flourish.
It’s a story about courage: the courage to walk away, to start over, to trust, and to choose love even when it feels like the greatest risk of all.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
WHAT I LIKED:
I liked the steampunk elements that were in the story. I also loved how it was the backdrop for two women falling in love, instead of taking over in the foreground.
I liked that this was just about two women falling in love while working.
I loved the character growth for both Solange and Louise-Marie.
Both heroines have very strong characteristics as individuals.
I loved the Five Years Later ending chapter to show where the heroines are later in life, compared to the beginning.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two heroines. I think if they had spent more time together and got to know each other better, I would have bought their romance a bit more. They only shared one moment that I thought was intimate, and I would have loved for them to have more of these scenes together.
I didn’t like how Solange kept flip flopping between thinking Louise-Marie cares about her, then doubting it when there’s no evidence to the contrary.
I would have loved for that first kiss scene to be more impactful, because it felt more like an experiment rather than romantic, and neither women seemed to have felt anything from it.
As someone who loves spice and doesn’t mind waiting for the heroines to finally tear each other’s clothes off, I was disappointed by the only scene it had towards the end. It was over as soon as it started, and after all that flirting and lusting for one another, it didn’t really feel like they wanted to touch each other. I felt like it was also a missed opportunity for this scene to explore any thoughts Louise-Marie had about the physical defect she’s been forced to hide for most of her life.
The main conflict Louise-Marie was afraid to face near the end was resolved a little too easily for me. It made the conflict she was afraid of for the entire story come off as pointless, and made her seem overly dramatic since it didn't take much to resolve the issue.
I don’t think Solange did enough to win Louise-Marie back, because winning her back wasn’t even Solange’s intention in the first place.
SPICE:
🌶️
WHAT I LIKED:
I liked the steampunk elements that were in the story. I also loved how it was the backdrop for two women falling in love, instead of taking over in the foreground.
I liked that this was just about two women falling in love while working.
I loved the character growth for both Solange and Louise-Marie.
Both heroines have very strong characteristics as individuals.
I loved the Five Years Later ending chapter to show where the heroines are later in life, compared to the beginning.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE:
I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two heroines. I think if they had spent more time together and got to know each other better, I would have bought their romance a bit more. They only shared one moment that I thought was intimate, and I would have loved for them to have more of these scenes together.
I didn’t like how Solange kept flip flopping between thinking Louise-Marie cares about her, then doubting it when there’s no evidence to the contrary.
I would have loved for that first kiss scene to be more impactful, because it felt more like an experiment rather than romantic, and neither women seemed to have felt anything from it.
As someone who loves spice and doesn’t mind waiting for the heroines to finally tear each other’s clothes off, I was disappointed by the only scene it had towards the end. It was over as soon as it started, and after all that flirting and lusting for one another, it didn’t really feel like they wanted to touch each other. I felt like it was also a missed opportunity for this scene to explore any thoughts Louise-Marie had about the physical defect she’s been forced to hide for most of her life.
The main conflict Louise-Marie was afraid to face near the end was resolved a little too easily for me. It made the conflict she was afraid of for the entire story come off as pointless, and made her seem overly dramatic since it didn't take much to resolve the issue.
I don’t think Solange did enough to win Louise-Marie back, because winning her back wasn’t even Solange’s intention in the first place.
SPICE:
🌶️
Review of advance copy
3.75⭐️ Sweet sapphic historical romance. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book had a similar trope of rich girl/poor girl with upbringing rather than current situation.
Solange has worked her way up to Head Trimmer at Madame’s hat shop. They make custom hats on order, making each unique. Solange is precise and hard working but has trouble bringing in more elite customers due to her accent which loudly proclaims her poorer upbringing. She wants to become prosperous not just for herself, but to support her family.
Louise-Marie is from an aristocratic family that is seeking to marry her off and bring the family back into the King’s court. All Louise- Marie wants is to make hats and get away from that society.
Neither has ever wanted kids, never wanted a man. Meeting brings a bit of an ugly-meet cute due to Solange not trusting the aristo and trying to deny attraction or distraction of her goals.
As they get to know one another both as milliners and as women, that attraction gets harder and harder to deny. Is there a way for them to be together? Or is there too much at stake to risk anything more than a passing fancy?
I very much appreciated when some things came to light through honesty and how the story was resolved! Well paced and sweet read.
This book had a similar trope of rich girl/poor girl with upbringing rather than current situation.
Solange has worked her way up to Head Trimmer at Madame’s hat shop. They make custom hats on order, making each unique. Solange is precise and hard working but has trouble bringing in more elite customers due to her accent which loudly proclaims her poorer upbringing. She wants to become prosperous not just for herself, but to support her family.
Louise-Marie is from an aristocratic family that is seeking to marry her off and bring the family back into the King’s court. All Louise- Marie wants is to make hats and get away from that society.
Neither has ever wanted kids, never wanted a man. Meeting brings a bit of an ugly-meet cute due to Solange not trusting the aristo and trying to deny attraction or distraction of her goals.
As they get to know one another both as milliners and as women, that attraction gets harder and harder to deny. Is there a way for them to be together? Or is there too much at stake to risk anything more than a passing fancy?
I very much appreciated when some things came to light through honesty and how the story was resolved! Well paced and sweet read.
May 2, 2026
A talented milliner and a runaway aristocrat find love in an alternate Belle Époque Paris in Sikes's historical romance. Solange wants success, not romance, and she’s worked too hard to depend on anyone else for survival. Louise-Marie escapes the glittering prison of Versailles and hides in Madame Poulet’s millinery after fleeing an arranged marriage. As the two women work side by side crafting elegant hats, fascination turns into desire. But political tensions and Louise-Marie’s hidden past may destroy their fragile happiness.
Sikes blends richly detailed historical atmosphere with subtle speculative elements, creating a world shaped by outlawed technology and rigid social expectations. The romance unfolds gradually through sharp dialogue, creative collaboration, and simmering emotional tension, giving the relationship genuine depth. The detailed depictions of millinery lend the novel unusual texture and authenticity, while the contrast between Versailles’ suffocating luxury and the freedom of the workshop highlights the novel’s emotional stakes. A sumptuous, slow-burning sapphic historical romance full of yearning and beautifully crafted detail.
Sikes blends richly detailed historical atmosphere with subtle speculative elements, creating a world shaped by outlawed technology and rigid social expectations. The romance unfolds gradually through sharp dialogue, creative collaboration, and simmering emotional tension, giving the relationship genuine depth. The detailed depictions of millinery lend the novel unusual texture and authenticity, while the contrast between Versailles’ suffocating luxury and the freedom of the workshop highlights the novel’s emotional stakes. A sumptuous, slow-burning sapphic historical romance full of yearning and beautifully crafted detail.
May 6, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Her Runaway Lady is a historical science fiction-y story set in author BJ Sikes’ Roboticist of Versailles universe. There are a few nods to French (bonjour, mademoiselle, etc) and sparing attention to the steampunk elements of this world. The story is all in third person, but switches between Louise-Marie and Solange being the lens through which the action unfolds. The chapters are pretty short, which made this an easy book to pick up and put down without losing a sense of where I was in the story.
What drew me to this title was first and foremost the fact that hats and millinery specifically were so central to the characters.
Overall, this is a sweet, if a bit tedious, love story. If you like the trappings of historical fiction with strict social norms and class divides, or you enjoy a couple that agonizes over the “do they love me, yes or no” part of a relationship, I think you’ll enjoy this.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Her Runaway Lady is a historical science fiction-y story set in author BJ Sikes’ Roboticist of Versailles universe. There are a few nods to French (bonjour, mademoiselle, etc) and sparing attention to the steampunk elements of this world. The story is all in third person, but switches between Louise-Marie and Solange being the lens through which the action unfolds. The chapters are pretty short, which made this an easy book to pick up and put down without losing a sense of where I was in the story.
What drew me to this title was first and foremost the fact that hats and millinery specifically were so central to the characters.
Overall, this is a sweet, if a bit tedious, love story. If you like the trappings of historical fiction with strict social norms and class divides, or you enjoy a couple that agonizes over the “do they love me, yes or no” part of a relationship, I think you’ll enjoy this.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
June 20, 2026
From the first page, I wanted to be in this story, making hats, wearing period clothing, and defying patriarchal convention in a reimagined Belle Époque Paris that feels both lush and lived in.
Her Runaway Lady is a slow-burn sapphic romance between two women who couldn't be more different on the surface: Solange, an ambitious working-class milliner with her eye on financial independence, and Louise-Marie, a noblewoman who wants nothing more than to escape the gilded cage of Versailles and make hats. Their tension is earned, their eventual connection believable, and the ending delivers exactly what the genre promises.
What I wasn't expecting was how much the world itself would stay with me. The steampunk elements are subtle rather than overwhelming, woven into the fabric of the setting rather than dominating it. But they hint at something larger, a world with its own history and rules, and I now find myself wanting to read the other novels set in the Roboticist of Versailles world to understand it more fully.
A satisfying standalone that left me wanting more of the world it inhabits.
Her Runaway Lady is a slow-burn sapphic romance between two women who couldn't be more different on the surface: Solange, an ambitious working-class milliner with her eye on financial independence, and Louise-Marie, a noblewoman who wants nothing more than to escape the gilded cage of Versailles and make hats. Their tension is earned, their eventual connection believable, and the ending delivers exactly what the genre promises.
What I wasn't expecting was how much the world itself would stay with me. The steampunk elements are subtle rather than overwhelming, woven into the fabric of the setting rather than dominating it. But they hint at something larger, a world with its own history and rules, and I now find myself wanting to read the other novels set in the Roboticist of Versailles world to understand it more fully.
A satisfying standalone that left me wanting more of the world it inhabits.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 stars
Her Runaway Lady is an historical sapphic romance with a hint of steampunk; all set in Paris.
Nobleman’s daughter Louise-Marie refuses to be forced into marriage by her parents. Instead, she runs away, seeking work in a small Paris milliner. The shock of becoming a working girl, after all the fineries of her aristocratic upbringing, is smoothed by her love for hat making.
Head hat trimmer Solange cannot decide if she admires or loathes Louise-Marie. Is this young woman playing at work or is she determined to throw off her past and make a new path for herself? After a shaky start the young women first become friends and then romance blooms between them.
This is a sweet little romance. I particularly enjoyed the snippets from the steampunk era and could quite happily have enjoyed further exploration and inclusion of that theme as part of this tale.
Her Runaway Lady is an historical sapphic romance with a hint of steampunk; all set in Paris.
Nobleman’s daughter Louise-Marie refuses to be forced into marriage by her parents. Instead, she runs away, seeking work in a small Paris milliner. The shock of becoming a working girl, after all the fineries of her aristocratic upbringing, is smoothed by her love for hat making.
Head hat trimmer Solange cannot decide if she admires or loathes Louise-Marie. Is this young woman playing at work or is she determined to throw off her past and make a new path for herself? After a shaky start the young women first become friends and then romance blooms between them.
This is a sweet little romance. I particularly enjoyed the snippets from the steampunk era and could quite happily have enjoyed further exploration and inclusion of that theme as part of this tale.
May 9, 2026
Her Runaway Lady by Her Runaway Lady was unfortunately just not my cup of tea. I really wanted to root for these women and their happy ending, but I struggled so much with Solange’s character throughout the story. It constantly felt like she was focused on improving her own situation while never truly considering Louise-Marie’s safety or wellbeing in the process.
As a Regency-era sapphic romance, the setting and premise had so much potential, but I found myself more frustrated than invested. By the end, I honestly wasn’t even wishing for the happy ending anymore because I just couldn’t connect with the relationship dynamic.
Not terrible by any means, just personally not a romance that worked for me.
As a Regency-era sapphic romance, the setting and premise had so much potential, but I found myself more frustrated than invested. By the end, I honestly wasn’t even wishing for the happy ending anymore because I just couldn’t connect with the relationship dynamic.
Not terrible by any means, just personally not a romance that worked for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Her Runaway Lady is a thoughtfully crafted story with rich historical detail, a strong sense of place, and two heroines whose personal journeys were easy to invest in. The millinery backdrop felt unique and immersive, and I appreciated the care given to both Solange’s ambition and Louise-Marie’s courage in choosing her own path. While the romance didn’t fully deliver the level of chemistry I tend to gravitate toward, the emotional growth and character development still made it a worthwhile read. Fans of character-driven historical fiction with a touch of flair will likely find plenty to enjoy here.
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
May 10, 2026
The book combines a slow romance in a royal Paris of old times, when morals were different, and a pinch of fantasy, as it involves an almost alchemical forbidden technology that turns people into half-cyborgs. The book is well written, the story is interesting, the characters are well developed. But for me, Solange was not convincing in her attitude towards Louise-Marie, also her mercantile motives, although with a good justification for caring for her family, were a repulsive factor for me and I could not like her. "Selling out" your loved one is unforgivable, no matter the motivation, so I give the book 4 stars.
June 8, 2026
I really enjoyed Her Runaway Lady by BJ Sikes. The characters were well-written. Solange, with her shoulder chip, earned by her tough life, and the need to protect those she loves. Louise-Marie, who refuses to submit to life in a golden cage.
Ms. Sykes’ description of Paris at this time is warm and feels so real, even with the division between the aristos and the ordinary people. Or is it because of that? The addition of a little steampunk adds a dimension one wasn’t aware one needed in historical fiction. Just enough to make it feel plausible.
If you like sweet Sapphic romance written with charm and heart, this book needs to be at the top of your TBR list.
Ms. Sykes’ description of Paris at this time is warm and feels so real, even with the division between the aristos and the ordinary people. Or is it because of that? The addition of a little steampunk adds a dimension one wasn’t aware one needed in historical fiction. Just enough to make it feel plausible.
If you like sweet Sapphic romance written with charm and heart, this book needs to be at the top of your TBR list.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished an ARC copy of Her Runaway Lady and loved it. The tension is perfectly paced, has a forbidden lovers vibe, but not overly so. The setting really stood out; Sikes gives the setting a strong historical flavor with a clever, subtle futuristic twist that feels fresh and inventive.
The romance is the focus, but the supporting cast still matters and adds to the story. Great chemistry, immersive worldbuilding, and just the right amount of romantic suspense to keep you turning pages. Highly recommend!
The romance is the focus, but the supporting cast still matters and adds to the story. Great chemistry, immersive worldbuilding, and just the right amount of romantic suspense to keep you turning pages. Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
It was just okay for me. It felt kind of choppy, and the relationship didn't feel organic- kind of out of nowhere.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2026
The book combines a slow romance in a royal Paris of old times, when morals were different, and a pinch of fantasy, as it involves an almost alchemical forbidden technology that turns people into half-cyborgs. The book is well written, the story is interesting, the characters are well developed. But for me, Solange was not convincing in her attitude towards Louise-Marie, also her mercantile motives, although with a good justification for caring for her family, were a repulsive factor for me and I could not like her. "Selling out" your loved one is unforgivable, no matter the motivation, so I give the book 4 stars.
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