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The Hogmanay Bride Heist: Regency Runaway Brides
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
Andrea Jenelle
53 books313 followersI write steamy small town romance (Willow Creek series), paranormal romantasy (Sons & Daughters of Lir) and Victorian era historical romance (Wainwright Sisters) with heat and heart.
I'm a 2X HOLT Award Winning Author (2023, No Regrets- Best First Book; 2025, No Excuses - Best Short Contemporary) who's had characters begging me to tell their love story since I was thirteen years old. I'm finally letting them have a voice.
I wrote my first story, about a giant who befriended a lady bug when I was in the second grade.
I live on a peaceful farm with my spouse and love nothing more than sitting on my porch with a glass of wine and plotting.
You can subscribe to my newsletter via my author website, ANDREAJENELLEROMANCE at https://andreajenelleromance.com/ or see what I'm up to on Instagram and TikTok via my handle @authorandreajenelle
I'm a 2X HOLT Award Winning Author (2023, No Regrets- Best First Book; 2025, No Excuses - Best Short Contemporary) who's had characters begging me to tell their love story since I was thirteen years old. I'm finally letting them have a voice.
I wrote my first story, about a giant who befriended a lady bug when I was in the second grade.
I live on a peaceful farm with my spouse and love nothing more than sitting on my porch with a glass of wine and plotting.
You can subscribe to my newsletter via my author website, ANDREAJENELLEROMANCE at https://andreajenelleromance.com/ or see what I'm up to on Instagram and TikTok via my handle @authorandreajenelle
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 25, 2026
Andrea Jenelle’s historical romances are few and sometimes far in between, but they’re ALWAYS an auto-buy for me!
They’re raw and real in a way you rarely see. No glamour and glitz, but common folk and their struggles. Beautifully written, lovingly researched, always deeply moving and incredibly gorgeous with the right mix of drama, heart & humour.
For lack of a real blurb for this unconventional Regency romance – this one really is nothing like you’re used to – I tried my hand at writing one. Let me know if it tickled your fancy.
1816 – the year without a summer when famine ravaged Scotland.
Displaced by their landlord’s greed, and having lost both parents in a Glasgow riot, farmer’s daughter Elspeth Donall suddenly becomes the sole penniless guardian for her young twin siblings. Working as a lady’s maid, Ellie, desperate to survive, decides to step in when her Mistress unexpectedly dies days before her wedding. Except, the jig is up. Her Lady’s stuck-up intended won’t have her. Worse, he’ll have her transported!
When Lachlan Camron – scarred former soldier on the mend – is turned out by his cousin because the man can no longer feed both him and his own family, he decides to join the resistance. Nearly caught looting the village granary, he manages to disappear into the panicking crowd ensuing an earthquake – and that’s when he runs into Ellie.
With the law hot on their heels, they make a run for it. Together. But what about the twins? She can’t abandon them! And what about Lachlan? Her charming saviour he may be, but he has nothing to offer except for warmth. Neither does she. Eventually their ways will part, won’t they?
If they can make it to his best friend and Laird Henry’s estate, Lachlan knows they’ll be safe – and maybe then his prickly companion might lower her hackles and let him in
This story starts with misery and disaster, and ends with a Hogmanay wedding (the title kinda gave that one away).
Hunger and the will to survive drive both Elspeth & Lachlan to criminal behaviour. Fate literally crushes them together after all hell broke loose, and that split-second zing ties them.
Their flight from the law turns into a risky snowy road trip.
One horse, no bed.
Trust is earned, warmth is shared and peace is found.
Here’s a woman who hasn’t felt safe since her family was evicted, and a man who barely survived a gruesome war and is still haunted. She chases his nightmares, and in return he’ll take care of her – in any way she lets him. The fact their journey was trying and intense, made their feelings real and believable for me.
It’s small gestures and trying (and failing 😉🔥) to resist that undeniable pull.
It’s his kilt, the clothes, the bath, the blisters, the bread and cheese.
It’s the way he cares for her like she’s already his.
It’s the heartbreaking realisation she can’t have him, can’t pull him down with her.
Their HEA doesn’t feel like a sure thing. Still, they’re both determined to savour it while it lasts, and their feisty versus quiet strength dynamic worked like a charm. I was completely invested!
And if you want more, this story is part of the world of Cece Wainwright’s Christmas Wish and Handfasted in Haste in a prequel kind of way. Plus, there will be more! The twins, Henry and Alyssa will get their own story – and I, for one, can’t wait to get better acquainted!
They’re raw and real in a way you rarely see. No glamour and glitz, but common folk and their struggles. Beautifully written, lovingly researched, always deeply moving and incredibly gorgeous with the right mix of drama, heart & humour.
For lack of a real blurb for this unconventional Regency romance – this one really is nothing like you’re used to – I tried my hand at writing one. Let me know if it tickled your fancy.
1816 – the year without a summer when famine ravaged Scotland.
Displaced by their landlord’s greed, and having lost both parents in a Glasgow riot, farmer’s daughter Elspeth Donall suddenly becomes the sole penniless guardian for her young twin siblings. Working as a lady’s maid, Ellie, desperate to survive, decides to step in when her Mistress unexpectedly dies days before her wedding. Except, the jig is up. Her Lady’s stuck-up intended won’t have her. Worse, he’ll have her transported!
When Lachlan Camron – scarred former soldier on the mend – is turned out by his cousin because the man can no longer feed both him and his own family, he decides to join the resistance. Nearly caught looting the village granary, he manages to disappear into the panicking crowd ensuing an earthquake – and that’s when he runs into Ellie.
With the law hot on their heels, they make a run for it. Together. But what about the twins? She can’t abandon them! And what about Lachlan? Her charming saviour he may be, but he has nothing to offer except for warmth. Neither does she. Eventually their ways will part, won’t they?
If they can make it to his best friend and Laird Henry’s estate, Lachlan knows they’ll be safe – and maybe then his prickly companion might lower her hackles and let him in
This story starts with misery and disaster, and ends with a Hogmanay wedding (the title kinda gave that one away).
Hunger and the will to survive drive both Elspeth & Lachlan to criminal behaviour. Fate literally crushes them together after all hell broke loose, and that split-second zing ties them.
Their flight from the law turns into a risky snowy road trip.
One horse, no bed.
Trust is earned, warmth is shared and peace is found.
Here’s a woman who hasn’t felt safe since her family was evicted, and a man who barely survived a gruesome war and is still haunted. She chases his nightmares, and in return he’ll take care of her – in any way she lets him. The fact their journey was trying and intense, made their feelings real and believable for me.
It’s small gestures and trying (and failing 😉🔥) to resist that undeniable pull.
It’s his kilt, the clothes, the bath, the blisters, the bread and cheese.
It’s the way he cares for her like she’s already his.
It’s the heartbreaking realisation she can’t have him, can’t pull him down with her.
Their HEA doesn’t feel like a sure thing. Still, they’re both determined to savour it while it lasts, and their feisty versus quiet strength dynamic worked like a charm. I was completely invested!
And if you want more, this story is part of the world of Cece Wainwright’s Christmas Wish and Handfasted in Haste in a prequel kind of way. Plus, there will be more! The twins, Henry and Alyssa will get their own story – and I, for one, can’t wait to get better acquainted!
September 17, 2026
Thanks to Booksirens for a copy of this short story and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a short historical romance that deals with the generation before the story in Handfasted in Haste, and can be enjoyed as an independent story. This has a sense of sorrow and desperation to the story as the the main characters are suffering loss, poverty, and resorting to desperate circumstances to survive and they meet in quite dire circumstances, and form an alliance based on the need to escape and avoid the consequences for their actions. Not very romantic in the traditional sense. But think forced proximity, intimacy, and trust.
Elspeth Donall finds herself alone and desperate. After her family was forced from their home, she lost her parents during an uprising and forced to give her younger siblings over to a workhouse while she searches out work, with the intention of bringing what remains of her family back together. Out of desperation, she attempts to take on the identity of her dead employer in an arranged marriage, but when caught out, runs when threatened with legal retribution.
She runs into and then forced to be on the run with Lochlan Cameron when he is caught as part of a gang looting the town granery. He is also homeless and in desperate circumstances, and takes Elspeth up with him when he steals a horse to escape the law.
A desperate on-the-run escape situation where they are forced to depend on each other to survive, but out of their desperation grows an attraction and trust that in the end becomes a love story... out of the ashes of loss, desperation and despair, hope and love grow.
4 stars out of 5
This is a short historical romance that deals with the generation before the story in Handfasted in Haste, and can be enjoyed as an independent story. This has a sense of sorrow and desperation to the story as the the main characters are suffering loss, poverty, and resorting to desperate circumstances to survive and they meet in quite dire circumstances, and form an alliance based on the need to escape and avoid the consequences for their actions. Not very romantic in the traditional sense. But think forced proximity, intimacy, and trust.
Elspeth Donall finds herself alone and desperate. After her family was forced from their home, she lost her parents during an uprising and forced to give her younger siblings over to a workhouse while she searches out work, with the intention of bringing what remains of her family back together. Out of desperation, she attempts to take on the identity of her dead employer in an arranged marriage, but when caught out, runs when threatened with legal retribution.
She runs into and then forced to be on the run with Lochlan Cameron when he is caught as part of a gang looting the town granery. He is also homeless and in desperate circumstances, and takes Elspeth up with him when he steals a horse to escape the law.
A desperate on-the-run escape situation where they are forced to depend on each other to survive, but out of their desperation grows an attraction and trust that in the end becomes a love story... out of the ashes of loss, desperation and despair, hope and love grow.
4 stars out of 5
September 18, 2026
One horse and one bed for two strangers on the run from the law. One driven by desperation to provide and rescue their siblings and the other desperate to provide relief for others.
This was a fast paced novella set in the tail end of 1816, the year without a summer. Food was scarce and for Elspeth’s family doubly difficult when their tenancy wasn’t renewed to make way for more grazing fields for the laird’s sheep. This story starts with the grim reality of the times but Elspeth’s tenacity of finding a way forward brings her to meeting Lachlan. A veteran from the War of 1812 and caught stealing from the granary (Robin Hood like) they head towards Lachlan’s friend to hide from the law.
A road trip brings them together but is it enough for Elspeth to also rescue her siblings?
I’ve read a few HistRoms that center on the year without summer but liked that this story felt grittier and realistic. I really enjoyed the way Andrea was able to weave in history and how it might’ve affected those outside of privilege.
It’s always fun seeing how the close proximity on road trips lead to romance especially with only one horse. I do wish there had been more development in the romance but it’s also a shorter page count.
After reading Handfasted in Haste I enjoyed getting to read Grace’s parents story. The Hogmanay Bride Heist is part of the standalone multi author series Regency Runaway Brides and also adjacent to the author’s Wainwright Sisters series. A previous generation story of the parents of Grace Cameron from Handfasted in Haste that’s 4.5 in the series.
There is one open door scene with two interrupted moments.
I received an advance reader copy from Book Sirens. All opinions are my own.
This was a fast paced novella set in the tail end of 1816, the year without a summer. Food was scarce and for Elspeth’s family doubly difficult when their tenancy wasn’t renewed to make way for more grazing fields for the laird’s sheep. This story starts with the grim reality of the times but Elspeth’s tenacity of finding a way forward brings her to meeting Lachlan. A veteran from the War of 1812 and caught stealing from the granary (Robin Hood like) they head towards Lachlan’s friend to hide from the law.
A road trip brings them together but is it enough for Elspeth to also rescue her siblings?
I’ve read a few HistRoms that center on the year without summer but liked that this story felt grittier and realistic. I really enjoyed the way Andrea was able to weave in history and how it might’ve affected those outside of privilege.
It’s always fun seeing how the close proximity on road trips lead to romance especially with only one horse. I do wish there had been more development in the romance but it’s also a shorter page count.
After reading Handfasted in Haste I enjoyed getting to read Grace’s parents story. The Hogmanay Bride Heist is part of the standalone multi author series Regency Runaway Brides and also adjacent to the author’s Wainwright Sisters series. A previous generation story of the parents of Grace Cameron from Handfasted in Haste that’s 4.5 in the series.
There is one open door scene with two interrupted moments.
I received an advance reader copy from Book Sirens. All opinions are my own.
September 11, 2026
I have to give kudos to a very imaginative and entertaining lass, Elspeth. She had tenacity and perseverance and a strong will to survive and protect her siblings. See how far she goes to ensure a safe shelter and protection for herself and her siblings .
How far does a noble go to appease his wounded pride? That had me shaking when he came after Elspeth!! She handles one catastrophe after another! Impressive. Such a sweet ending after all that hub bub! Looking forward to more.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
How far does a noble go to appease his wounded pride? That had me shaking when he came after Elspeth!! She handles one catastrophe after another! Impressive. Such a sweet ending after all that hub bub! Looking forward to more.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
September 14, 2026
im never disappointed reading anything by this amazing author.
in this story we have a runaway bride Elspeth, and a former soldier Lachlan both trying to run away from their unwanted circumstances. we read about the adventures they have while on the run and how it leads to their happy ending finally after everything that was thrown at them. its a quick read that the author always seems to have everything fit and flow without it being rushed. i absolutely love the style of writing. ive said it before and ill say it again this author got me back into reading historical romance.
in this story we have a runaway bride Elspeth, and a former soldier Lachlan both trying to run away from their unwanted circumstances. we read about the adventures they have while on the run and how it leads to their happy ending finally after everything that was thrown at them. its a quick read that the author always seems to have everything fit and flow without it being rushed. i absolutely love the style of writing. ive said it before and ill say it again this author got me back into reading historical romance.
September 6, 2026
Runaway Bride!
A runaway bride, Elspeth Donall and a former soldier and our Scottish hero, Lachlan, join forces to escape from each of their unwanted situations.
This story tells a tale of their amorous adventures while on the run leading to their happy ever after.
It is a quick but enjoyable read with two very interesting main characters abd I am hapoy to say I enjoyed it.
I read an early copy of this book and my review is given voluntarily.
A runaway bride, Elspeth Donall and a former soldier and our Scottish hero, Lachlan, join forces to escape from each of their unwanted situations.
This story tells a tale of their amorous adventures while on the run leading to their happy ever after.
It is a quick but enjoyable read with two very interesting main characters abd I am hapoy to say I enjoyed it.
I read an early copy of this book and my review is given voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews