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Damsels In Distress #1

Rescued By The Marquess

Are heroes real…

Oliver Sommerset, Marquess of Astor and heir to a dukedom, has never been mistaken for one. But when his closest friend is murdered by the ruthless Welsh Earl of Penharrow, Oliver rides for the wilds of Wales with revenge burning in his blood — and a dying man’s last plea echoing in his free the woman Penharrow holds captive.

Megan has forgotten who she was before him. Her real name. Her family. The life stolen from her when she was six years old. For over fourteen years she has survived as Penharrow’s captive and the last five his unwilling mistress, her hope ground down by cruelty, by failed escapes, and by the terrible price others have paid for trying to help her. She has learned not to trust powerful men.

Then a dangerous lord with cold blue eyes pulls her from Penharrow’s grasp and asks her to run.

Oliver is not the hero she imagined. He tells her this is revenge, not rescue. And as they flee through treacherous mountain terrain with Penharrow’s brutal henchmen closing in, Megan cannot silence the voice warning her that one captor may simply be the same as another. Oliver looks at her the way men always look at her.

But he also looks at her like she matters.

Pursued across the wild Welsh highlands, Megan does the most dangerous thing she has ever done—trust. Yet trust brings its own perils. When they reach the safety of Oliver’s privileged world, will he honour his promise and set her free? Or has she simply exchanged one gilded cage for another?

A dark Regency romance...

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2026

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About the author

Bronwen Evans

177 books989 followers
USA Today bestselling author, Bronwen Evans grew up loving books. She writes both historical and contemporary sexy romances for the modern woman who likes intelligent, spirited heroines, and compassionate alpha heroes. Evans is a three-time winner of the RomCon Readers’ Crown and has been nominated for an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award. She lives in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand with her dogs Brandy and Duke.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,068 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy
June 20, 2026
I stayed glued to this book from beginning to the end!

This is the first book in Damsels in Distress series and it was soo soo good..

Megan and Oliver meet during the most dangerous situations, where she needs his rescue and she has no clue who she is or how to trust anyone.. and they only have each other to trust.. except she has no reason to trust anyone especially men until Oliver risks his life for her not once but three times.. then she sees that he is someone she can trust.. and Oliver only saw her as mission, as someone who needed rescuing until he really got to know her, and realized that she's resilient, strong and beautiful..

This story has suspense, action, tears of sadness, and tears of joy.

I loved how not only did Megan get her life back but she had a whole army of people in her corner that were fighting for her.. from not only one Duke but 2 to 2 dowager duchesses..

As always Bronwen was amazing with this story.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,982 reviews152 followers
July 1, 2026
This is my 33rd book by Bronwen Evans. I started reading her Disgraced Lords Series in 2016 and loved them all. Not sure why at that time, I didn’t continue reading her but I didn't pick her up again until 2018. I didn't remember her being with Dragonblade Publishing (a lot of my favorite authors are with Dragonblade). I'm glad to see she has this new series out.

OMG this book was so good. The storyline was incredible. I just loved Oliver and Megan. I loved their strength and perseverance. I loved their chemistry and their personalities. I average over 300 books a year and rarely cry. It's only happened a handful of times but just wait until you get to Chapter 18. Yikes. I saw it coming but reading it...tearjerker. This book was so damn good. I am definitely adding it to my favorite books read list for July, 2026. Can't wait for book 2.
544 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 18, 2026
Oliver and Megan

“Rescued by the Marquess” written by Bronwen Evans is the first book in her series Damsels in Distress. Megan was definitely in distress after fourteen years of imprisonment from the age of seven. The evil earl stole her in broad daylight. This is a very emotional read. Megan was a strong character who survived each and every day. She didn’t hesitate to leave with a stranger promising freedom. That stranger, Oliver, was a marquess, heir to a duchy. The escape was harrowing and dangerous, a nail biter and a page turner. It was extremely well written and gave Oliver and Megan a chance to get to know one another away from society, ballrooms, and the gossiping eyes of the ton. These pages gave Megan the chance to see the authentic Oliver and see things about herself as well. It was wonderful seeing these characters transform throughout the story. Both were written with such depth and care. Most importantly, Megan’s experience was never taken lightly, not by Megan herself, Oliver, others around her, and the author writing the story. I appreciated that Oliver listened, he held himself back, and understood Megan needed choices. Webb was great as Oliver’s right hand man, he never questioned Oliver’s dedication to freeing Megan and leading her to safety. He helped to free her as well and kept her safe on the journey. I also really liked Oliver’s grandmother, she was a no nonsense type of person who spoke her mind and expected her family to listen. This story has open door spice and heat. Overall, I thought the plot was great and very well written. The pacing moved right along, keeping me interested in what was going to happen next. I found the main characters intriguing, strong, and caring. The secondary characters all had an important part to play. Definitely recommended. I’ll keep an eye out for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,367 reviews7 followers
July 4, 2026
I have read several books by Bronwen, and this is my new favorite. It is a suspenseful, dark, passionate read that might have triggers for some. There is a kidnapping, harm to a child, a hanging and with all that a strong strength and courage that many would not have. Megan was taken by Earl Penharrow when she was seven years old from a park. She was treated as a toy with plenty of toys, lessons on how to act as a lady, but not allowed to learn to read, write or ride a horse. Anything that could help her escape. Hidden away in a hunting lodge in Scotland. For fourteen years she learns how to be not seen, keeping thoughts to herself as she knows what happens when the Earl is crossed, people die. She dreams of being free to make her own choices but knows the dreams are all she will have. When she turns sixteen, she is made his mistress and learned the hard way not to fight it. Even powerful Earls, with money to buy anything and people can’t understand the death of friendship and duty. Oliver Sommerset the Marquess and heir to a dukedom has few friends. Captain James Hartley is not only his best friend but like a brother, the only person who saw him for himself and not a to be duke. When OIiver, receives a letter telling him James knows he is going to die by things he found out about Penharrow and begs him to help free the female prisoner he has. Oliver with his former batman, Thomas Webb set out for Wales to save a woman they never met and get justice for James. Neither could have any idea of how wrong things were going to go. With help from someone in the house who knows too much about what happens when the ladies get older, they find Megan. She doesn’t trust men of the ton with good reason but seems to know that Oliver will not hurt her and he knew James. So begins a journey filled with danger, freezing cold, hunger and injury. They are chased by the Earls man and to overcome so much. During this run for freedom both Megan and Oliver must deal with the attraction and feeling growing between them. There are so many twists and turns coming for both of them. As they work to find her family and keep her safe with the help from Olivers grandmother who always sees more and understands all. She is amazing and a little scary, too. Once you start this great story, you will not be able to put it down. Tons of emotion, secrets, and passion too. Run, grab a copy and get started. We get a peek at who book two is going to be about, and I can’t wait. This is going to be a must-read series for sure. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
1,296 reviews23 followers
July 7, 2026
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 1 of a new series by Bronwen Evans and it took me a few days after reading it to process how I feel about it, because this is a historical romance, but deals with some very dark elements, and complex situations. But I felt that the story woven was very intriguing, interesting, and ultimately delivered on the romance.

Just to warn you, the story does involve kidnapping, child-grooming, and sex slavery, and murder to name a few.

The story opens with a young woman, Megan, and how she came to be held against her will at a hunting lodge in Wales, as the captive toy of the Earl of Penharrow. She has been there since being taken as a child, and has no memory of her former life. What she does know is that she is under his control totally, and even when he is not there, she is monitored closely. Her will to rebel and trust has been ground to near nothing, as Penharrow has shown himself to be ruthless in punishing any who dare to aid her in anyway, and everyone in the region fears him.

Oliver Sommerset, Marquess of Astor, enters the picture when he investigates the suspicious death of his good friend. The last missive he receives fingers the Earl of Penharrow as being responsible, and directs him to Penharrow's hunting lodge, and the captive young woman held there.

Oliver stages a rescue of Megan from captivity, with the hopes of her bearing witness to the villain's crimes, including the murder of his friend so he can bring Penharrow to justice.

Megan finds it difficult to trust, but when given a choice at a chance of escape or staying as Penharrow's captive toy, until he decides she is no longer of any use to him, she leaves with Oliver.

An exciting, intriguing story as Oliver and his ally help Megan escape, and work to elude Penharrow. There are some wonderful side characters including Oliver's grandmother who aid Megan in finding her place after her escape. But Penharrow does not give up easily and he conspires to get back what he sees as his property, as well as to punish any who dare defy him. A romance develops as Megan finds herself trusting Oliver and starting to care deeply for him, and Oliver is drawn to the quiet but strong woman who endured so much for so many years, but still is not beaten down by her experiences.

A wonderful romance from a dark beginning, with intriguing characters. There is a happily ever after, and Penharrow gets his just desserts, as Megan is shown to be more than a swooning damsel in distress sitting back passively to be saved.

4.5 stars out of 5
Profile Image for Jayne Butcher.
1,519 reviews17 followers
July 1, 2026
Oh this is going to be a good series! This is an action packed story filled with ‘hold your breath’ moments and a slide into love born of being truly seen. When she was about six or seven, Megan was lured away at a fair, loaded into a carriage and taken to the Earl of Penharrow’s hunting lodge in Wales. At first she was treated like a little doll. Then at sixteen she was forced to be something else. She had purposely not been taught to read, write or ride, as any of those activities could lead to her escaping or calling for help, and the Earl had no intentions of losing his precious property. Each time she tried to escape or enlisted someone’s assistance, punishment or death followed. All that changed when Oliver Sommerset, the Marquess of Astor, received a letter from his best friend Captain James Hartley. James wrote that he had run afoul of Penharrow and suspected that he would soon be killed by him. James also told Oliver of the Earl’s female prisoner and begged him to free her. And so, Oliver and his former batman and current head of security, Thomas Webb, set off for Wales to avenge James and fulfil his dying request. Things didn’t go as planned and Oliver, Megan and Webb had a narrow escape and a harrowing journey being chased through stormy winter weather and treacherous territory before they reached their safe destination. More complications arose when they got to London to start legal proceedings and search for Megan’s family. This story will keep you on your toes and your attention riveted to the page. Danger lurks around every corner and emotions are often intense and scrambled. The Dowager Duchess of Saxton turns out to be a benevolent manipulating mastermind, without whom the ending would be quite different. Oliver is a stand-up guy who knows the value of choice, and the fact that Megan is even remotely sane speaks to her strength and resilience. This is a well written, exciting tale with a variety of believable characters, multiple surprises and steamy moments…..and the epilogue tees up the next book in the series, which looks like another rescue will soon be in the works!.

I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Anita Byars.
1,506 reviews13 followers
June 29, 2026
This is an absolute page-turner that I couldn’t put down. It’s intense, dark, action-packed, full of angst, intrigue, attraction, heat, and romance.

Twelve years ago, when she was just seven years old at a village fair, she was abducted by a man when her nurse turned away for a moment. She remembers arriving at his house, where she was informed that her name had changed to Megan, her old life was over, and she belonged to him—the Earl of Penharrow.

For years, he had kept her dressed in fine clothes, treating her like a doll. She was taught proper manners and how to play the piano, but she was never allowed to learn her letters. He had given her toys and trinkets, telling her she was his special girl, his treasure, the daughter he had never had. She had believed him. And then, she turned sixteen, that had been five years ago. Five years of being his possession, his plaything, his prisoner in all but name.

Megan was long past pretending to be good. But she did have the will to survive, she’d learned better than to hope, but she was determined that she would escape this life one way or another if she couldn’t escape him she could kill him first.

“One way or another, Megan would be free. Or she would die trying.”

The Marquess of Astor was about to disappear into Wales on a mission of vengeance. Vengeance for the death of his best friend James and he would as James had requested “free her” but he would also use her against the Earl of Penharrow. But what he wasn’t counting on was Megan’s strength, her determination, her beauty and his immediate attraction to her.

But with everything she had been through, what would that do to a person? Would she ever be able to recover from all the trauma? Would she ever trust a man again? Our would she be broken forever?

This story is a gripping,suspenseful and realistic story that had me on the edge of my seat through most of this book and the remainder of the time I was cheering these two characters on as they stole my heart. Don’t miss this one! I loved it!
Profile Image for Julie.
2,713 reviews43 followers
July 1, 2026
Bronwen Evans breathes new life into the historical romance genre with this dark, beguiling and seductive Regency romance, Rescued by the Marquess.

Revenge is uppermost in Oliver Sommerset, Marquess of Astor's, mind. When he receives news that his dearest friend has been murdered by the Earl of Penharrow, Oliver rides for the wilds of Wales determined to wreak vengeance upon him and to free the woman the Marquess is holding captive.

Megan cannot remember her life before she had been held prisoner by Penharrow. With her innocence stolen, Megan is the reluctant mistress of the Marquess and she has grown used to having her hopes and dreams ruthlessly crushed and destroyed by her cruel captor. The only thing she knows is that powerful men use and abuse you and are not to be trusted. Yet, when Oliver storms into her life, she wonders whether he is another spoilt aristocrat or whether he could be the hero she had always hoped for.

Thrown together by fate, as they race for their lives across the Welsh countryside, Oliver makes it clear that Megan's freedom is an act of revenge on his part. However, as he wins Megan's trust, Oliver effortlessly steals her heart leaving her to wonder whether she could possibly have a future with a man who has made it clear that he can never love her.

Readers who love Lorraine Heath and Elizabeth Hoyt will not want to miss Bronwen Evans' Rescued by the Marquess. Emotional, dramatic, sensuous and intense, Rescued by the Marquess is a sumptuous romantic adventure that will hold readers in thrall from start to finish and immerse them in a world of danger and desire.

With Rescued by the Marquess, Bronwen Evans has delivered a first-class historical romance that will leave readers wanting more.

I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marion Löw.
999 reviews16 followers
July 30, 2026
A Poignant Story about Trust, Love and Healing

I’m a huge fan of the author, and this fantastic start to the new series is on the darker side and kept me hooked from the very beginning. This intense, slow-burn, emotionally charged historical romance is the perfect blend of romance, action, suspense, danger, and mystery, and moved me to tears time and again. Megan is a traumatized yet courageous and resilient heroine, and Oliver is supportive, compassionate, and patient, giving her time to heal and encouraging her to make her own choices. I loved that their love story wasn’t rushed, that it gave Megan’s harrowing experiences time and space to process and heal, and that it was built on slowly developing mutual trust and respect.
TWs: trauma, emotional abuse, kidnapping, violence, murder, child grooming, SA and sex slavery

Oliver Sommerset, Marquess of Astor, travels to Wales to take revenge on his best friend’s murderer and to fulfill his friend’s last wish: rescuing a mysterious woman held captive by the ruthless Earl of Penharrow.
Megan, who was kidnapped as a child and held captive for fourteen years, has no memory whatsoever of her former life. Years of imprisonment, betrayal, and abuse have scarred her.
At first, Megan cannot trust Oliver, but the longer they are on the run, the stronger the bond between them grows. Yet Megan’s wounds run deep, and she doesn’t know if she will ever fully trust Oliver or if, after enduring such unbearable hardship, she can fully open her heart to him…

If you like your historical romances dark, action-packed, and emotionally gripping, you're sure to enjoy this book. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rainelle.
2,321 reviews133 followers
September 28, 2026
I did love the story. A lot of it was interesting, exciting, nail biting and romantic. Each character, mainly, Oliver, Webb and Megan/ Serena characters are written terrifically. The words that describe them makes their character seem so real. The same could be said for agnatic Gareth Rhys, - the ruthless Welsh Earl of Penharrow.
Could you hate a character even more? Like I was saying the writing is terrific. The writer created a story that played to each emotional level for a reader, which again was great. This is a quick and easy page turner that will keep very interested. The romance was sweet.
I did like it however; I will say that I would have like Megan’s age to have been older than tweety one. I would have liked for the female character to be of a much more maturer age. Perhaps twenty-four or older would be perfect for the much mature scenes in the book. When I read the love scenes with a teenager or a young girl of twenty one… the connection gets lost between me and the book. When I’m trying to imagine a young lady in the throes of passion with a gentleman it’s almost like reading my daughter’s diary.
Eeek - gah!
Now don’t get me wrong. As I said earlier that I like the authors writing. I’ve read and reviewed previous books from her and they were spectacular. It’s just with this book that it was hard to enjoy. It was hard to focus on the story, the characters development and the romance relationship.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,722 reviews31 followers
July 4, 2026
Megan was just 7 years old when she was taken and has been a captive for 14 years. The time itself is diabolical as is her treatment by a madman! Megan aka Hope has lost all sense of rescue. But that’s about to change.
Oliver Sommerset, Marquess of Astor and heir to a dukedom, has never been mistaken for one. But when his closest friend is murdered by the ruthless Welsh Earl of Penharrow, Oliver rides for the wilds of Wales with revenge burning in his blood — and a dying man’s last plea echoing in his free the woman Penharrow holds captive.
Oliver is stoic and a soldier that has thoroughly surveyed the battlefield and will honor the request of his dead best friend!
Megan has been through so much torment mental and emotional deprived of even learning to read or write. When help arrives the journey is treacherous and long and death defying!
Emotions run high and deep but Oliver knows this is real! Megan had so little exposure to the outside world can her feelings be true? Oliver is the first man outside a monster she has ever spent time with by choice can it be hero worship!?
But trying about vindictive possessive monsters they don’t like to loose and when the monster comes for Megan ahe has more to loose than ever before!
She has been reunited with her real family and has found love and complete adoration!
Can Megan hold onto her future while fighting the evil from her past? Bravo 10 stars ⭐️!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!
Profile Image for Janet.
5,540 reviews67 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 17, 2026
Oliver Sommerset, Marquis of Astor and heir to a dukedom. When his closest friend is murdered by the ruthless Welsh Earl of Penharrow, Oliver rides for the wilds of Wales with revenge burning in his blood — and a dying man’s last plea echoing in his free the woman Penharrow holds captive. Serena has forgotten who she was before being kidnapped at six years of age. Her real name. Her family. The life stolen from her when she was six years old. For fourteen years she has survived as Penharrow’s captive and the last four his unwilling mistress, her hope ground down by cruelty, by failed escapes, and by the terrible price others have paid for trying to help her. Then a dangerous lord with cold blue eyes pulls her from Penharrow’s grasp and asks her to run. Oliver is not the hero she imagined. He tells her this is revenge, not rescue.
It's dark, it’s harrowing, it’s tense, it’s unputdownable & above all it’s brilliant. I loved everything about it. Oliver & Serena are perfect for each other but can she learn to trust & can he put his revenge aside. Their chemistry is electric & the banter witty. I was just blown away & one of the best books I’ve read this year & one of the author’s best
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Fanosse23.
873 reviews
July 1, 2026
Rescued by the Marquess is a dark, gripping Regency romance that kept me hooked from start to finish. When Oliver Sommerset sets out for the wilds of Wales to avenge his friend and free a long-imprisoned woman, he finds himself entangled in a harrowing, passionate journey. Megan—stolen as a child and held captive for fourteen years—must decide if she can trust the dangerous lord who offers both escape and peril. She doesn’t even know her real name, her life was stolen from her by Penharrow, but can she trust Oliver?

I loved watching Oliver fall for Megan, and his wonderful grandmother knows it. She was the secret weapon that helps Megan discover the truth about her past and glimpse what her future could be too!

Intense, suspenseful, and emotionally charged, this story blends danger, drama, and deep romance. Oliver and Megan’s chemistry crackles, the twists are unrelenting, and the ending is as satisfying as it is hard-won. The author’s talent for crafting rich characters and evocative, heart-pounding scenes is truly exceptional. One of the most compelling reads of the year!

I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.

1,794 reviews26 followers
July 1, 2026
Love the cover. Well written, full of drama, love, revenge, abduction, survival, abuse, cruelty, escapes, chemistry, society, twists, turns, hope and distrust. Storyline is action packed yet careful due to the trust issues noted, done to the heroine. Megan was taken when she was young by the Earl of Penharrow and then made to be his mistress as she got older. She has been used, trained, to be what the Earl expected of her. Megan knows that she has to do whatever is expected of her before she can escape and be free. Not really knowing who she is or where she belongs. Oliver Sommerse, the Marquess of Astor, has a friend who asks him to help her to save her just before he dies. He ends up murdered by the Earl trying to help her. Each time she tries to escape she is punished and becomes very wary of any man offering his help. Once Oliver and Megan began their flight to freedom, they are chased by the Earl and his men. Has lots of action and adventure to this story. Big question is who is Megan really. Just read this story and find out. Would strongly recommend to everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,263 reviews12 followers
July 14, 2026
When Oliver Sommerset, Marquess of Astor, arrives in the Welsh wilderness to rescue a young woman at the request of his murdered friend, it is for revenge, not rescue. At least that is how is started. Megan was kidnapped by the evil (best way to describe him) Welsh Earl of Penharrow, when she was seven years old. For fourteen years she has been kept prisoner, and for the last five years, his “mistress.” She is more than willing to go with the handsome stranger who has come to free her. Dark, emotional, and dangerous, their journey is an awesome tale. Oliver and Megan were made for each other. The chemistry sizzles. They just have to come to trust each other and their feelings. When the Marquess of Astor, the Duke of Saxton, and the Duke of Newberry team up, the revenge against the monster Penhammer is assured. A powerful dowager, better known as a determined grandmother, has a hand in the plans for revenge, and even more importantly the romance.
This is the first book in a new series, and it is a winner.
I received an Arc of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,809 reviews24 followers
June 29, 2026
Bronwen Evans serves up a dark, jagged, utterly gripping ride through the Welsh wilds, starring Megan-who’s survived more horror than any heroine should, and Oliver Sommerset, Marquess of Astor, who shows up looking like revenge incarnate and absolutely not the hero she ordered. Their escape is tense, brutal, and soaked in danger, but the real battlefield is trust…...because Megan’s spent fourteen years learning powerful men are nightmares, not saviors.

Oliver’s broody, vengeful, and occasionally infuriating, but he also treats her like she matters, which is something she’s never had. Their chemistry snaps like flint, their banter cuts like a blade, and every step toward safety feels like a dare. By the time they reach his privileged world, you’re praying he doesn’t ruin everything by turning her rescue into another cage. It’s harrowing, it’s emotional, it’s impossible to put down. One of the author’s best - dark, brilliant, and absolutely electric. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
174 reviews7 followers
July 2, 2026
When a dastardly earl abducted seven year old Megan she did not think her life would unfold as it did over the next fourteen years. In severe distress after her forced imprisonment she survived each and every day by her wits and pure strength. Well she didn't hesitate to leave when a stranger promised her freedom. Oliver, the marquess and heir to a duchy was her saviour. The dramatic escape keeps you on edge. It is a page turning story that engages the reader on all levels but especially the emotional side as this heroine has endured much. Megan comes to know Oliver deeply and learn about herself as never before. Her past experiences are never taken lightly. Oliver shows a compassionate side as he listens and respects that Megan needs to make certain choices. The secondary characters balance out the tale with their support of Oliver’s attempts to aid Megan. These two mains engage in a highly passionate relationship which eventually leads to their HEA. The pacing moves right along, keeping the interest high. One not to be missed!
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,641 reviews27 followers
Review of advance copy
June 28, 2026
This story hooked me from the start. Megan was kidnapped as a little girl by a man who kept her captive for 14 years. Oliver just learned that his best friend, James, was killed by the Welsh Earl of Penharrow. In a letter, James warned that Penharrow was holding a woman prisoner and urged Oliver to help her. While determined to avenge his friend’s death, Oliver is equally set on rescuing the woman. Megan is guarded around the clock and has tried to escape several times, but each attempt led to others being punished or even killed, so she stopped trying. After a dangerous escape, Megan finally reaches safety and is reunited with her family, who thought she was lost forever. But just when she feels safe, Penharrow abducts her again. Will Oliver save her in time? Will he get justice for James?
Profile Image for GONZA.
7,757 reviews133 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 17, 2026
This new series by Bronwen Evans gets off to a good start, in my opinion, even though Megan really put my suspension of disbelief to the test.
She and Oliver make a great couple, though, but what I appreciated most was the fresh perspective on the usual characters (the lords and ladies of high society). I will surely keep on reading this series.

Questa nuova serie di Bronwen Evans parte bene secondo me, anche se Megan ha testato parecchio la mia suspension of belief.
Lei ed Oliver sono comunque una bella coppia, ma quello che piú ho apprezzato é stato il cambio di prospettiva sui soliti personaggi (Lord e Ladies del Ton). Sono sicura che continueró a leggere questa serie.

I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
50 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 24, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book. Even though this story is set in the early 1800s and Megan was clearly kidnapped in the late 1700s as a small child, it’s scary to consider the fact that Megan’s situation is sadly still relevant today and that bad people have been doing this for centuries and are still doing things like this today. I loved the trust and honesty that developed between Megan and Oliver and was thoroughly drawn into the difficult escape they had to bravely face to save her with the help of his friend Webb. I’m a little disappointed she kept the name Megan as I wouldn’t want anything from Penharrow, but I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I was given the pleasure of reading this ARC and the opinions are all my own.
51 reviews
June 29, 2026
Megan has been confined to a remote house since her kidnapping as a child by an earl who misuses her. Oliver Somerset, a marquess, learns of her through the death of a friend extolling him to free her. A plan is executed successfully but not without dangers confronting them at every turn. A family is reunited with their daughter and two people find love. The earl, however, does not give up and sets a series of actions in train that lead to a final confrontation. Megan finds herself having to make a decision that will set the course of her life and has the courage to do so. Well drawn characters make for an engaging story. A bonus is that the ending provides a conduit into the next story in the series. I recommend this book to lovers of this genre.
574 reviews11 followers
July 11, 2026

Heartbreaking

The author opens this new series with a glorious pilot…a promise of something exciting. Readers will be overwhelmed with heartache after the prologue and whisked into a novel delivering revenge and romance. Oliver Sommerset’s need for revenge coincides with that of a kidnapped, renamed young woman who has been imprisoned by the same villain responsible for his best friend’s murder.
Exciting and filled with nonstop action, the story of Oliver and Megan will have readers savoring every word until the villain receives his comeuppance, and the hero wins the distressed damsel’s heart. An emotional roller coaster easily worthy of 5 stars ⭐️. I have received an ARC from the author and I am leaving an honest review.
5,179 reviews32 followers
Review of advance copy
June 20, 2026
When Megan was seven she was kidnapped by Penharrow and Welsh Lord and has kept her for fourteen years. Oliver and Webb both military men who looking for Penharrow because he killed their friend James but finding Megan is something he never expected but Olivier has vowed to take her back so she can tell her story and hopefully find her family but along the way Megan and Oliver start to fall in love if only they can escape Penharrow’s men. This book has suspense danger and sweet romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,103 reviews20 followers
Review of advance copy
June 22, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It’s has a unique storyline that I do not recall ever reading. It’s well written with lots of danger and there are numerous surprises that were unexpected. Megan is a beautiful young woman who has had to endure extreme abuse but she still have a gift for survival and Oliver comes to realize how special she is to him. It’s a wonderful story that is full of emotions, going from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. This is the start of a great series and I can’t wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
2,581 reviews28 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
This is a great start to a new series. Megan had been kept in a house by the Earl of Penhallow, a man who was cruel and evil. She had no known of her family. Oliver, a Marquess, had received a letter from his best friend, James, to inform him of his murder by Penhallow and to rescue Megan. Oliver and Webb, two ex-military men, planned their attack in great detail. Oliver wants justice for his friend. The story involves a dangerous journey through the Welsh mountains. We also get to meet Oliver’s uncle, the duke. I did like that Megan was determined and had her own set of skills. However, Penhallow doesn’t like to give up what he reckons belongs to him. This was an engaging read and I look forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Ruchika Mahajan.
605 reviews10 followers
June 29, 2026
Oliver and Megan had sizzling chemistry.
Megan was kidnapped and groomed by a nobleman for nefarious purposes.
She was very brave and a survivor.
Oliver was a nobleman with honour and courage.
He rescues her and fall in love with her .
The best character was Oliver 's grandmother.
Overall good story and plot . The pace was also adequate.
Penharrow was a very cardboard character not developed properly as compared to other characters.
The author could have written in detail about james 's death . I thought his death and proper reason and details were missing.

I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Isabell-Thea Fruend.
16 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2026
Big cheer for Bronwen Evans.. this would have to be one of the best books I have ever read and I have read thousands..
Oliver was meant to be a hero of this book and Megan was meant to be saved by only him... It had some very heart felt moments that I wanted to cry for the main characters in this book... they both suffered.. it was a very riveting story and kept me enthralled from beginning to end ..Oliver's grandmother was a wonderful Duchess.. and loved how her mind worked.. this book was also about choices.. the way those choices were worked into the story line was magic... all in all the end was magnificent.. this a must read... and love wins out in the end ...
2,597 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 24, 2026
I was very excited to see that Bronwen was writing a dark historical because I am all there for those types of books. This book read like books from the 70s and 80s where there was no holds barred and action galore, at least for the first half of the book. I was on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, the middle of the book was so slow and a bit boring and there was not enough interaction between the main characters. It did pick up the last 25% and I was invested again in the story. 3.5 rounded up.
277 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2026
Oliver is a Marquess determined to avenge the death of his friend and rescue Megan who is being held captive. He takes chances risking his own life and they struggle to survive the escape.
Oliver comes to realize her strength and resiliency, falling in love with her.
Megan has to overcome the trauma of being kidnapped as a child and all that has happened to her.
Many twists leading to a happy ending.
A compelling story that can be savored. No spoilers but love Megan’s outcome.
I received an ARC but the honest opinion is my own.
Profile Image for Cindy Stone.
333 reviews8 followers
June 30, 2026
I almost put this book down after reading the Prologue as it seemed so dark, but I am so glad I didn't. Learning how strong and resilient Megan was and how determined Oliver was to allow Megan choice in everything made me fall in love with both of them. I encourage anyone who hesitates after reading the Prologue to please continue reading as the novel has much to offer and is a delightful read despite its premise. Although I received a free copy of this book via Bron's Bold Belles Review Team, I am voluntarily leaving a review of my own opinions.
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