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The Runaway Heiress
A brave woman on the run from her vindictive husband faces a dangerous path in the thrilling new romantic suspense novel from Oscar-nominated actress Meg Tilly.
Sarah Rainsford has been on the run for more than three years. She's changed identities yet again in hopes of throwing her violent estranged husband, a police lieutenant, off her trail. Since she's still legally married to him, and he is willing to bend any laws to get his hands on her inheritance, he'll stop at nothing to locate her.
With a new name and fake ID papers, she lands a job as a personal assistant to none other than Hollywood's golden boy director Mick Talford. He's a difficult client but she senses hidden depths to him. Once Mick and Sarah combine forces in a desperate attempt to keep Sarah out of harm's way, they build a strong bond . . . but with danger trailing them, is it enough to keep them both alive?
Sarah Rainsford has been on the run for more than three years. She's changed identities yet again in hopes of throwing her violent estranged husband, a police lieutenant, off her trail. Since she's still legally married to him, and he is willing to bend any laws to get his hands on her inheritance, he'll stop at nothing to locate her.
With a new name and fake ID papers, she lands a job as a personal assistant to none other than Hollywood's golden boy director Mick Talford. He's a difficult client but she senses hidden depths to him. Once Mick and Sarah combine forces in a desperate attempt to keep Sarah out of harm's way, they build a strong bond . . . but with danger trailing them, is it enough to keep them both alive?
340 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 27, 2021
72 people are currently reading
3738 people want to read
About the author
Meg Tilly
16 books507 followersAlso see Sara Flynn
Meg Tilly may be best known for her acclaimed Golden Globe-winning lead performance in the movie Agnes of God. Other screen credits include The Big Chill, Valmont, and more recently, Bomb Girls, and Netflix's movie War Machine, starring Brad Pitt. After publishing six standout young adult and literary women's fiction novels, the award-winning author/actress decided to write the kind of books she loves to read--romance novels. Tilly has three grown children and resides with her husband in the Pacific Northwest. She is currently at work writing the next Solace Island novel.
Meg Tilly may be best known for her acclaimed Golden Globe-winning lead performance in the movie Agnes of God. Other screen credits include The Big Chill, Valmont, and more recently, Bomb Girls, and Netflix's movie War Machine, starring Brad Pitt. After publishing six standout young adult and literary women's fiction novels, the award-winning author/actress decided to write the kind of books she loves to read--romance novels. Tilly has three grown children and resides with her husband in the Pacific Northwest. She is currently at work writing the next Solace Island novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
July 28, 2021
Well written. Well developed. Couple of annoying issues but really enjoyed it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love a good romantic suspense story. And I love them beautifully balanced so there’s not too much suspense and distraction from the romantic side of the story. Tilly has managed to combine both of these strong genres into a fast paced story along with some chills and thrills to top it all off.
The author crafts a totally plausible story that could make anyone wary. Hiding from a violent spouse, crisscrossing the country, not trusting anyone even the ones you should be able to, making do with jobs here and there. Her descriptions and the atmosphere she brings are perfectly combined to get the creep factor on while Sarah slowly starts to build life again.
The character development of Mick is right on seeing as how Tilly has the inside scoop on the Hollywood set. She balances his crazy work-filled life with the tenacious Sarah. I love their conversations and the building awareness of each other through it all as the story grows. Compassion and support of each other are perfect building blocks for their growing relationship.
The Runaway Heiress is the perfect title for this book because it depicts exactly what the story is about. What it does not depict is the chase and the ticking clock countdown, not to mention the twists that Tilly manages to sneak in to surprise us. And that cover? LOVE!
There were a few things that did annoy me about the story. I wanted Sarah to show more emotion, especially at the end with her big surprise, she kind of fell flat a little. I thought there were too many strings hanging regarding her husband and some parts were a tad predictable.
Overall, this novel was fast-paced and one I found I could not put down! What a great introduction to this author for me. I will definitely read more of her books in the future.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-runaway-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love a good romantic suspense story. And I love them beautifully balanced so there’s not too much suspense and distraction from the romantic side of the story. Tilly has managed to combine both of these strong genres into a fast paced story along with some chills and thrills to top it all off.
The author crafts a totally plausible story that could make anyone wary. Hiding from a violent spouse, crisscrossing the country, not trusting anyone even the ones you should be able to, making do with jobs here and there. Her descriptions and the atmosphere she brings are perfectly combined to get the creep factor on while Sarah slowly starts to build life again.
The character development of Mick is right on seeing as how Tilly has the inside scoop on the Hollywood set. She balances his crazy work-filled life with the tenacious Sarah. I love their conversations and the building awareness of each other through it all as the story grows. Compassion and support of each other are perfect building blocks for their growing relationship.
The Runaway Heiress is the perfect title for this book because it depicts exactly what the story is about. What it does not depict is the chase and the ticking clock countdown, not to mention the twists that Tilly manages to sneak in to surprise us. And that cover? LOVE!
There were a few things that did annoy me about the story. I wanted Sarah to show more emotion, especially at the end with her big surprise, she kind of fell flat a little. I thought there were too many strings hanging regarding her husband and some parts were a tad predictable.
Overall, this novel was fast-paced and one I found I could not put down! What a great introduction to this author for me. I will definitely read more of her books in the future.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-runaway-...
August 28, 2021
So suspenseful and compelling! I read it straight through, staying up until 2am in order to finish it. This one has lots of tension, and lots of heat, with a strong yet vulnerable heroine, a flawed hero, and an absolutely despicable villain. The writing is swift and incisive, but for me, it was in the quieter moments that the story particularly resonated. For example, when the heroine, Sarah, reflects on her past and all that she's lost:
I related to that feeling so hard. And there are lots of moments like that in this story, which it made it so much richer and so much more satisfying when the characters finally (and deservedly) reach their happily-ever-after.
"Grief was like that sometimes. Four years since the accident. Four years since she lost everyone and everything that meant anything to her. For the most part time had softened the ragged edges of her sorrow, but every once in a while, it would sneak up and grab her from behind, steal her breath, and force her to her knees."
I related to that feeling so hard. And there are lots of moments like that in this story, which it made it so much richer and so much more satisfying when the characters finally (and deservedly) reach their happily-ever-after.
September 26, 2021
Sarah is on the run from her abusive husband, a cop who will not give up on finding her. She changed her name, and has a new job. Her new boss, Mick, soon realizes Sarah is hiding something. As Mick helps Sarah, they develop feelings for one another.
Sarah is an heiress, but her estranged husband wants her money. She’s on the run, wanting to divorce her husband and gain her life back. Mick is a Hollywood director with a “bad boy” image, and a complicated past. They make for entertaining characters.
The Runaway Heiress is a fast-paced romantic suspense. This was my first book by Meg Tilly, and I will pick up others by her in the future.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah is an heiress, but her estranged husband wants her money. She’s on the run, wanting to divorce her husband and gain her life back. Mick is a Hollywood director with a “bad boy” image, and a complicated past. They make for entertaining characters.
The Runaway Heiress is a fast-paced romantic suspense. This was my first book by Meg Tilly, and I will pick up others by her in the future.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2021
I always enjoy Meg Tilly's version of romantic suspense, though I confess that in this outing, I missed the small town vibes I've come to expect. The hero was also too much an asshole for my tastes, as well. Still, I am a sucker for the Sleeping with the Enemy type plot, so this was a perfectly fun romantic suspense, and I will continue to look for more from the author
August 2, 2021
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
The Runaway Heiress is my first book by Meg Tilley and the blurb instantly had my attention. I love the damsel-in-distress type of novels especially if there's an added bonus of a bad boy boss. So I jumped into this one ready to discover a new author. And I'm so glad I did because I loved these characters and the way their story was told.
Rachel aka Sarah was an amazing heroine and that's not something I say too often. She had no problem standing up for herself and she may have been on the run but she wasn't afraid to show her backbone. I enjoyed getting to know her character and definitely liked seeing how she was with Mick. It was fun to see her push back when Mick tried to order her around and it made for some really interesting scenes.
As for Mick, he wasn't as amazing as Sarah but he definitely brought a lot to the book and I think he was a great fit for her. But he was also one of the things I struggled with a bit while reading because sometimes his character could be a little unbelievable. He accepted Sarah's past very quickly which seemed out of character for him and other times I felt like we weren't getting enough background information on him. There were times that scenes with him and Sarah weren't very detailed as well and it had me losing focus.
Overall, this is certainly an author I will be trying again and I'm really glad I read this book.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
The Runaway Heiress is my first book by Meg Tilley and the blurb instantly had my attention. I love the damsel-in-distress type of novels especially if there's an added bonus of a bad boy boss. So I jumped into this one ready to discover a new author. And I'm so glad I did because I loved these characters and the way their story was told.
Rachel aka Sarah was an amazing heroine and that's not something I say too often. She had no problem standing up for herself and she may have been on the run but she wasn't afraid to show her backbone. I enjoyed getting to know her character and definitely liked seeing how she was with Mick. It was fun to see her push back when Mick tried to order her around and it made for some really interesting scenes.
As for Mick, he wasn't as amazing as Sarah but he definitely brought a lot to the book and I think he was a great fit for her. But he was also one of the things I struggled with a bit while reading because sometimes his character could be a little unbelievable. He accepted Sarah's past very quickly which seemed out of character for him and other times I felt like we weren't getting enough background information on him. There were times that scenes with him and Sarah weren't very detailed as well and it had me losing focus.
Overall, this is certainly an author I will be trying again and I'm really glad I read this book.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2021
The Runaway Heiress features a woman on the run from an abusive ex who happens to be a cop. He isn't letting her away that easily because it would cost him-she has a sizable inheritance from her parents death.
Sadly, I think the premise of the story-woman running from her abusive cop husband-it all too believable. When she takes a new job in Hollywood (behind the scenes), she meets Mick. I loved that their relationship felt it built organically. Simple chats and such built a foundation that made it believable when they caught feelings. Obviously, the tension comes from this huge secret Sarah is hiding. I really liked her as a heroine. She isn't stupid and handles her situation with appropriate care, but isn't terrified and hiding in a corner.
I felt there were a few things that didn't quite wrap up clean. Nothing major, but just little things that sort of took my attention away from the actual story. Honestly, other people might not even notice! Sometimes my brain just sticks on something and can't let it go. If you love the Hollywood heart throb trope and a good suspense plot line, The Runaway Heiress is a must read!
POV: 3rd
Tears: no
Trope: Famous/Hollywood, on the run, secret identity
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: stand alone
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
Boots on the Ground by April Canavan, Danger in Numbers by Heather Graham, Redwood by Janie Crouch...then you will probably like The Runaway Heiress!
The Runaway Heiress
See full review on The Book Disciple
July 29, 2021
I liked how this one was connected a tiny bit to the last Solace Island book, not enough so that if you haven't read it, it will matter, but if you have it's a connecting spot. It's really hard to not feel sorry for Sarah, to see how her life on the run is exhausting her and making her not trust anyone. Her new job with Mick seems to be the best thing, despite how they meet. Sarah has a safe place to stay and the work is fairly easy, even if Mick is a bit of a tyrant.
Things get interesting between them when Sarah's secret past starts to unravel and Mick is there to witness it. I was a bit surprised at how much he ended up being her safe harbor, but maybe that is due to his past and how he was raised. With Mick by Sarah's side she is able to face actually doing something to help her stop hiding. This leads them on a twisty path, one that brings out all sorts of things, some very good, some very bad. In the end the people that have hurt Sarah get theirs and she in turn gets to start living the life she has always dreamed about.
Things get interesting between them when Sarah's secret past starts to unravel and Mick is there to witness it. I was a bit surprised at how much he ended up being her safe harbor, but maybe that is due to his past and how he was raised. With Mick by Sarah's side she is able to face actually doing something to help her stop hiding. This leads them on a twisty path, one that brings out all sorts of things, some very good, some very bad. In the end the people that have hurt Sarah get theirs and she in turn gets to start living the life she has always dreamed about.
August 1, 2021
Filled with tension and heart...
It started on Solace Island (one of my favourite fictional places to visit) and stretched to New York and Los Angeles. The tension was high as Sarah continued to hide under the radar, with her violent husband never too far behind. He was a cop and had the resources to follow yet she wasn’t giving up. Even when a cranky film director crossed her path…
Once again, the characters and a well-paced plot meant no time for anything else but reading their story. With interesting twists to keep a not so new story arc fresh and engaging, Sarah and Mick were the stars of the show. Their banter ranged from sassy exchanges to heartfelt revelations. My heart ached for Mick’s past and Sarah’s present as they opened up to each other, realizing love was at the heart of it all.
Reconciling the past for both of them was the key to their future. That journey meant another great read from an author who has quickly made her way on my re-read shelf… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
It started on Solace Island (one of my favourite fictional places to visit) and stretched to New York and Los Angeles. The tension was high as Sarah continued to hide under the radar, with her violent husband never too far behind. He was a cop and had the resources to follow yet she wasn’t giving up. Even when a cranky film director crossed her path…
Once again, the characters and a well-paced plot meant no time for anything else but reading their story. With interesting twists to keep a not so new story arc fresh and engaging, Sarah and Mick were the stars of the show. Their banter ranged from sassy exchanges to heartfelt revelations. My heart ached for Mick’s past and Sarah’s present as they opened up to each other, realizing love was at the heart of it all.
Reconciling the past for both of them was the key to their future. That journey meant another great read from an author who has quickly made her way on my re-read shelf… ~Diane, 4.5 stars
July 30, 2021
I recommend clearing your schedule before beginning The Runaway Heiress. Once I started, there was nothing that was going to pull me away from this book until I reached the final page. Meg Tilly lured me in with fully-formed, vividly-depicted characters in whom I quickly became invested. Then she threw them into a fast-paced, increasingly escalating, life-or-death journey that engaged all of my emotions. Finally, she wrapped it all up in a tightly-constructed plot, with numerous unexpected twists, that had me on the edge of my seat, trying to guess what would happen next, until the very end. What a ride!
Tilly is a gifted writer, one who can bring words on a page to life as stunning visuals in my mind. I could so clearly see everything play out like a film reel as I read the story; could feel the deepening emotions, the escalating danger, smell the fear, anger, and frustration of the characters, both good and evil.
While the compelling, suspense portion of the book kept me on edge, it's nicely balanced by what turns out to be a very sweet romance, with plenty of sizzling chemistry, snappy banter, and emotional vulnerability. I really liked Mick and Sarah together. They were both good people, hiding their true selves for different reasons. I loved that they could see one another so clearly, almost from the first time they met. Their relationship was surprising in some ways, endearing in others, and definitely sigh worthy. I loved the foundation of friendship that developed between them, the emotional support each offered the other, the chemistry that finally refused to be denied, and the hard-earned, happy ending they both deserved.
The Runaway Heiress is loosely connected to Tilly's Solace Island series but this thriller can be fully enjoyed on its own without having read the earlier books (though I recommend those as well).
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review
Tilly is a gifted writer, one who can bring words on a page to life as stunning visuals in my mind. I could so clearly see everything play out like a film reel as I read the story; could feel the deepening emotions, the escalating danger, smell the fear, anger, and frustration of the characters, both good and evil.
While the compelling, suspense portion of the book kept me on edge, it's nicely balanced by what turns out to be a very sweet romance, with plenty of sizzling chemistry, snappy banter, and emotional vulnerability. I really liked Mick and Sarah together. They were both good people, hiding their true selves for different reasons. I loved that they could see one another so clearly, almost from the first time they met. Their relationship was surprising in some ways, endearing in others, and definitely sigh worthy. I loved the foundation of friendship that developed between them, the emotional support each offered the other, the chemistry that finally refused to be denied, and the hard-earned, happy ending they both deserved.
The Runaway Heiress is loosely connected to Tilly's Solace Island series but this thriller can be fully enjoyed on its own without having read the earlier books (though I recommend those as well).
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review
July 26, 2021
The Runaway Heiress by Meg Tilly is another one of her wonderful standalone thrillers. Sarah Rainsford, our heroine, has been on the run from an abusive husband (he is a police officer) for 4 years, and wants her inheritance. She manages to escape when he is close to finding her, always changing her identities.
Sarah gets a job working for Mick Talford (a famous movie director). At first, Mick is not happy, as he preferred a male assistant, but Sarah (using the name Rachel Jones) insists she can do everything. In a short time, Mick begins to realize that Sarah is hiding something, and slowly he gains her trust and she tells him about her being on the run avoiding her husband, who is very dangerous. Slowly, Mick and Sarah begin to have feelings for each other, and the race is on to find proof of her divorce, and her hidden papers regarding her inheritance; reclaiming her fortune left to her after the death of her parents.
What follows is an exciting, intense, suspenseful adventure; the romance between Sarah and Mick was sweet, as their romance heats up, and the danger escalates for Sarah. As we race to an exciting and suspenseful climax, there were so many surprise twists that changed the game often. Who can Sarah trust besides Mick?
I do not want to give spoilers, as you will need to read this book, since saying too much more would ruin this for you; especially with the many surprising twists.
The Runaway Heiress was a fun, enjoyable and captivating read, as well as having a great couple, excellent secondary characters, with a sweet romance and mystery thriller. Meg Tilly once again gives us another great romance suspense to enjoy. I wholly recommend you read The Runaway Heiress.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Sarah gets a job working for Mick Talford (a famous movie director). At first, Mick is not happy, as he preferred a male assistant, but Sarah (using the name Rachel Jones) insists she can do everything. In a short time, Mick begins to realize that Sarah is hiding something, and slowly he gains her trust and she tells him about her being on the run avoiding her husband, who is very dangerous. Slowly, Mick and Sarah begin to have feelings for each other, and the race is on to find proof of her divorce, and her hidden papers regarding her inheritance; reclaiming her fortune left to her after the death of her parents.
What follows is an exciting, intense, suspenseful adventure; the romance between Sarah and Mick was sweet, as their romance heats up, and the danger escalates for Sarah. As we race to an exciting and suspenseful climax, there were so many surprise twists that changed the game often. Who can Sarah trust besides Mick?
I do not want to give spoilers, as you will need to read this book, since saying too much more would ruin this for you; especially with the many surprising twists.
The Runaway Heiress was a fun, enjoyable and captivating read, as well as having a great couple, excellent secondary characters, with a sweet romance and mystery thriller. Meg Tilly once again gives us another great romance suspense to enjoy. I wholly recommend you read The Runaway Heiress.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
July 30, 2021
The first half of the story was better than the second where I felt things went a little off the rails. Some of the last minute discoveries were too over the top for me.
Also, I felt the story would've benefited by being edited down. In a lot of scenes I just wanted the characters get to the point or at least have the scene written without all the internal dialogue fitted in between actual dialogue. It really slowed the pace down. Too many descriptions and useless details as well.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Also, I felt the story would've benefited by being edited down. In a lot of scenes I just wanted the characters get to the point or at least have the scene written without all the internal dialogue fitted in between actual dialogue. It really slowed the pace down. Too many descriptions and useless details as well.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2021
Started off really strong but went downhill pretty quickly.
Unfortunately, the characters fell flat for me. The villains were so stereotypically evil that I couldn't take them seriously. The relationships developed too fast. Especially the romance. I don't even know why and when they fell in love with each other. The dialogues didn't feel natural. One second they were smitten with each other and so happy, the next they were talking about something serious and the protagonist was crying.
I am still intrigued by the romantic suspense genre but sadly, this one wasn't for me.
Unfortunately, the characters fell flat for me. The villains were so stereotypically evil that I couldn't take them seriously. The relationships developed too fast. Especially the romance. I don't even know why and when they fell in love with each other. The dialogues didn't feel natural. One second they were smitten with each other and so happy, the next they were talking about something serious and the protagonist was crying.
I am still intrigued by the romantic suspense genre but sadly, this one wasn't for me.
July 28, 2021
I stayed up late reading The Runaway Heiress because I needed to know what would happen next in this suspenseful, love story about Sarah and Mick.Sarah is on the run from her abusive husband, who also happens to be a cop. Sarah is sweet and nice and doesn’t deserve the life she is now forced to live.
Mick is a successful Hollywood director but his childhood has left him vulnerable and distrustful. He wants more in his life, but he isn’t sure what is missing. He unknowingly becomes Sarah’s savior when he hires her as his assistant. Part of Mick doesn’t want Sarah around, but the other part of him is intrigued by her. Nothing about Sarah seems to add up and Mick wants to figure her out.
I loved Mick and Sarah and I thought they were great together. From the moment they meet, there is a tug of war going on between them. Sarah doesn’t put up with Mick's outbursts and continually puts him in his place and Mick isn’t used to that. Everyone always says and does exactly what Mick tells them to do, but Sarah isn’t intimidated by Mick's condescending attitude or his success. Mick isn’t sure what it is, but there is something about Sarah that captivates him, from the moment he meets her.
This story was such a nice surprise. I love suspense with romance and this has both, along with great writing. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what Sarah’s ex would do next and to find out if he would catch her. I was also wondering what would happen between Sarah and Mick. I could feel all the chemistry flowing between Mick and Sarah and I loved all their bantering.
This is an intriguing story with captivating storytelling. I had a soft spot for Sarah, she deserves something good in her life and some happiness. Mick is a good guy underneath his gruff exterior. He senses Sarah is in some kind of trouble and he wants to help her.
I liked the intricate plot weaving and the two main characters and I was really getting into the story, until about the last quarter of the book. Then, the story veered off in an unexpected direction. So, although I was a little disappointed towards the end of the story, I still enjoyed reading it and I would definitely recommend it. I haven’t read any of Meg Tilly’s other books and I now want to read them all. If you like to read romantic suspense and stories about Hollywood, you will like this one.
Originally posted on Long and Short Reviews.
Mick is a successful Hollywood director but his childhood has left him vulnerable and distrustful. He wants more in his life, but he isn’t sure what is missing. He unknowingly becomes Sarah’s savior when he hires her as his assistant. Part of Mick doesn’t want Sarah around, but the other part of him is intrigued by her. Nothing about Sarah seems to add up and Mick wants to figure her out.
I loved Mick and Sarah and I thought they were great together. From the moment they meet, there is a tug of war going on between them. Sarah doesn’t put up with Mick's outbursts and continually puts him in his place and Mick isn’t used to that. Everyone always says and does exactly what Mick tells them to do, but Sarah isn’t intimidated by Mick's condescending attitude or his success. Mick isn’t sure what it is, but there is something about Sarah that captivates him, from the moment he meets her.
This story was such a nice surprise. I love suspense with romance and this has both, along with great writing. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what Sarah’s ex would do next and to find out if he would catch her. I was also wondering what would happen between Sarah and Mick. I could feel all the chemistry flowing between Mick and Sarah and I loved all their bantering.
This is an intriguing story with captivating storytelling. I had a soft spot for Sarah, she deserves something good in her life and some happiness. Mick is a good guy underneath his gruff exterior. He senses Sarah is in some kind of trouble and he wants to help her.
I liked the intricate plot weaving and the two main characters and I was really getting into the story, until about the last quarter of the book. Then, the story veered off in an unexpected direction. So, although I was a little disappointed towards the end of the story, I still enjoyed reading it and I would definitely recommend it. I haven’t read any of Meg Tilly’s other books and I now want to read them all. If you like to read romantic suspense and stories about Hollywood, you will like this one.
Originally posted on Long and Short Reviews.
July 20, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
If you like a thriller with a definite side of hot romance then this is for you. The nastiness and power wielded by her awful husband makes it very understandable why she would flee, but the things he does to make sure she fears for her life remind us of the danger of power in the wrong hands. He is a policeman, so has at his fingertips the ways to track her, and to claim her insanity in order to get her money.
The premise of the story is a strong one, and whilst I didn't think Mick was exactly the average hero, distinctly rough around the edges, he does provide a great foil for Sarah as she fights to claim her life back, no longer willing to be on the run for the rest of her life.
I had to stop reading a few times as the tension got to me! It is all very well going in knowing that it will work out, but there is still the chance that serious damage is inflicted along the way. The mental anguish caused alone is disturbing.
I can recommend this thriller-romance novel as an escapism read, and you will feel glad you have simpler life, for sure!
If you like a thriller with a definite side of hot romance then this is for you. The nastiness and power wielded by her awful husband makes it very understandable why she would flee, but the things he does to make sure she fears for her life remind us of the danger of power in the wrong hands. He is a policeman, so has at his fingertips the ways to track her, and to claim her insanity in order to get her money.
The premise of the story is a strong one, and whilst I didn't think Mick was exactly the average hero, distinctly rough around the edges, he does provide a great foil for Sarah as she fights to claim her life back, no longer willing to be on the run for the rest of her life.
I had to stop reading a few times as the tension got to me! It is all very well going in knowing that it will work out, but there is still the chance that serious damage is inflicted along the way. The mental anguish caused alone is disturbing.
I can recommend this thriller-romance novel as an escapism read, and you will feel glad you have simpler life, for sure!
July 19, 2021
The Runaway heiress is about Sarah a wealthy heiress set to inherit her late parents fortune who is on the run from her abusive estranged husband and Mick a thirty eight year old director in Hollywood who feels very little for anything around him despite being at the peek of his career. One day a temp agency places Sarah as Mick’s assistant and the pair starts to develop a bond but Sarah’s police lieutenant ex is one step away and willing to bend the law to his will, how can the couple ever hope to keep Sarah safe?
This is my first Meg Tilly book and the story immediately pulled me in from the first page however, I just didn’t love this as much as I hoped I would. This story had such an interesting premise but it just didn’t follow through plot wise.
There are two aspects of this story being that it is romantic suspense: the romance between Sarah and Mick and the mystery of why Sarah’s husband Kevin is hunting her (which is solved pretty early in the book) and whether or not he will actually catch her.
Likes:
Mystery: I was immediately invested pretty quickly into the storyline of Sarah and Kevin. I wanted to know how they met and how he deceived her into believing he was a good guy but as I said earlier this is solved pretty early in the book so the plot then centers around Sarah and Mick and the relationship forming there. I also liked that I couldn’t guess what was going on in this story after Kevin’s motives were revealed.
Romance: I really like the relationship between Sarah and Mick. I thought it formed authentically and was actually pretty cute to witness. I loved Mick’s inherent grouchiness and the way he gradually softened for Sarah.
Dislikes:
Writing: I felt the writing in this story was off. The dialogue was clunky and made the story feel disjointed which takes the reader out of the book at times. This made it difficult for me to keep going as I had trouble engaging with the story.
Pacing: Another aspect of the story I felt suffered was the pacing. The pacing of this story is all over the place, everything is moving too fast and at the same time not fast enough. The intensity in the book builds rather quickly and then in my opinion fizzles because the author kept throwing red herrings in to throw the reader off and make the plot more interesting. There is literally so much going on in this book aside from the abusive ex husband plot line and at times it seemed straight up ridiculous. The whole Phillip and Vicky plot line veered into soap opera territory quickly.
Characters: All the characters besides Sarah and Mick seem horrible underdeveloped. Kevin and Phillip seemed so one dimensional, with Phillip honestly bordering on a mustache twirling villain.
Overall, this was a book with a great premise and poorly executed plot. I would be interested in reading something else by Meg Tilly but unfortunately this book just didn’t quite work for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first Meg Tilly book and the story immediately pulled me in from the first page however, I just didn’t love this as much as I hoped I would. This story had such an interesting premise but it just didn’t follow through plot wise.
There are two aspects of this story being that it is romantic suspense: the romance between Sarah and Mick and the mystery of why Sarah’s husband Kevin is hunting her (which is solved pretty early in the book) and whether or not he will actually catch her.
Likes:
Mystery: I was immediately invested pretty quickly into the storyline of Sarah and Kevin. I wanted to know how they met and how he deceived her into believing he was a good guy but as I said earlier this is solved pretty early in the book so the plot then centers around Sarah and Mick and the relationship forming there. I also liked that I couldn’t guess what was going on in this story after Kevin’s motives were revealed.
Romance: I really like the relationship between Sarah and Mick. I thought it formed authentically and was actually pretty cute to witness. I loved Mick’s inherent grouchiness and the way he gradually softened for Sarah.
Dislikes:
Writing: I felt the writing in this story was off. The dialogue was clunky and made the story feel disjointed which takes the reader out of the book at times. This made it difficult for me to keep going as I had trouble engaging with the story.
Pacing: Another aspect of the story I felt suffered was the pacing. The pacing of this story is all over the place, everything is moving too fast and at the same time not fast enough. The intensity in the book builds rather quickly and then in my opinion fizzles because the author kept throwing red herrings in to throw the reader off and make the plot more interesting. There is literally so much going on in this book aside from the abusive ex husband plot line and at times it seemed straight up ridiculous. The whole Phillip and Vicky plot line veered into soap opera territory quickly.
Characters: All the characters besides Sarah and Mick seem horrible underdeveloped. Kevin and Phillip seemed so one dimensional, with Phillip honestly bordering on a mustache twirling villain.
Overall, this was a book with a great premise and poorly executed plot. I would be interested in reading something else by Meg Tilly but unfortunately this book just didn’t quite work for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2022
Ummm....huh.
This book starts off great - I was hooked. Sarah is on the run from her ex-husband, and, desperate for cash, she takes a job for Mick. Mick's first introduction to her is bizarre, to say the least. He, while standing naked, is "leaping into the air, his head thrown back as he roared, teeth bared...when [his] feet hit the ground, he started pounding them on the floor as if he were a Samoan readying himself for battle. His fists thumped hard against his bare chest, as if it were a drum...his penis thwacking from side-to-side."
So, that's Mick. And if you thought, wow - that's really hot, then I'm glad you're into it. Instead, I wondered wtf was actually happening and why someone would include this in a romantic suspense novel.
Sarah begins working for him, and then it's all real fast. They have limited interactions, but they somehow become interested in one another. So fast that Mick is ready to travel anywhere or do anything for Sarah. And Sarah, who up to this point, has been described as skittish and fearful suddenly becomes this bad-ass, go-getter where nothing is going to stand in her way.
After this, it's all a hot mess. Nothing is happening, and then it's all happening. The romance is rushed. We get this nice, romantic tidbit from Mick "Good thing you're on the pill. Made me come so hard, woman. No way that load wouldn't have impregnated you."
The character development, especially for Mick, is rushed. We get a lot of pointless details (i.e. he loves pie) and the dialogue is, at times, awful. Sarah at one point describes herself as being ripped "asunder." Whaaaat? Who tells someone they're being 'ripped asunder'? Or, ever talking about your "purlicue." That's apparently the space between your thumb and forefingers.
We know in the beginning that Sarah, while on the run, interacted with different people, including in some potentially dangerous situations that are just never mentioned again. The villains are so villain-y as to be ridiculous. And the plot twists at the end are rushed.
This book starts off great - I was hooked. Sarah is on the run from her ex-husband, and, desperate for cash, she takes a job for Mick. Mick's first introduction to her is bizarre, to say the least. He, while standing naked, is "leaping into the air, his head thrown back as he roared, teeth bared...when [his] feet hit the ground, he started pounding them on the floor as if he were a Samoan readying himself for battle. His fists thumped hard against his bare chest, as if it were a drum...his penis thwacking from side-to-side."
So, that's Mick. And if you thought, wow - that's really hot, then I'm glad you're into it. Instead, I wondered wtf was actually happening and why someone would include this in a romantic suspense novel.
Sarah begins working for him, and then it's all real fast. They have limited interactions, but they somehow become interested in one another. So fast that Mick is ready to travel anywhere or do anything for Sarah. And Sarah, who up to this point, has been described as skittish and fearful suddenly becomes this bad-ass, go-getter where nothing is going to stand in her way.
After this, it's all a hot mess. Nothing is happening, and then it's all happening. The romance is rushed. We get this nice, romantic tidbit from Mick "Good thing you're on the pill. Made me come so hard, woman. No way that load wouldn't have impregnated you."
The character development, especially for Mick, is rushed. We get a lot of pointless details (i.e. he loves pie) and the dialogue is, at times, awful. Sarah at one point describes herself as being ripped "asunder." Whaaaat? Who tells someone they're being 'ripped asunder'? Or, ever talking about your "purlicue." That's apparently the space between your thumb and forefingers.
We know in the beginning that Sarah, while on the run, interacted with different people, including in some potentially dangerous situations that are just never mentioned again. The villains are so villain-y as to be ridiculous. And the plot twists at the end are rushed.
October 4, 2021
This a gripping, intense plot. It had me on edge from the beginning of the book. A minor character from this author’s Solace Island series is the main character in this book. It is not necessary to read the Solace Island series to be fully involved in this story, but it is a fantastic series and I recommend you read it!
The main character is known by 3 names, since she is on the run since her parents died. In the Solace Island series, the reader knows her as Mary. In this book she is going by the name of Rachel but her real name is Sarah Rainsford, and she is indeed an heiress. Trying to stay under the radar, she is definitely not living as a wealthy person, scraping by on whatever job she can get and stretching money to its limit.
Mick Talford is a famous movie director but deep down he is still the insecure little boy of his past. He comes off like a jerk, but honestly I never saw him as that. The reader “sees” his thoughts and although he acts one way, he is not the person.
As the story evolves, it becomes quite intense and I was anxious to finish the book, so that I could feel the relief of Sarah being safe. This is a romantic suspense, so I knew that all would be well by the end. Also, the author Meg Tilly states in interviews (this is in my words) that she will bring the story to a point to frighten, but will not allow the story to go too far without assurance that the ending will be copasetic.
I am amazed after reading each book that this author, Meg Tilly, has written. She is so talented in so many ways and I am happy that she discovered her gift of writing. I am a fan and look forward to her future books. I definitely recommend The Runaway Heiress as well as her Solace Island series.
The main character is known by 3 names, since she is on the run since her parents died. In the Solace Island series, the reader knows her as Mary. In this book she is going by the name of Rachel but her real name is Sarah Rainsford, and she is indeed an heiress. Trying to stay under the radar, she is definitely not living as a wealthy person, scraping by on whatever job she can get and stretching money to its limit.
Mick Talford is a famous movie director but deep down he is still the insecure little boy of his past. He comes off like a jerk, but honestly I never saw him as that. The reader “sees” his thoughts and although he acts one way, he is not the person.
As the story evolves, it becomes quite intense and I was anxious to finish the book, so that I could feel the relief of Sarah being safe. This is a romantic suspense, so I knew that all would be well by the end. Also, the author Meg Tilly states in interviews (this is in my words) that she will bring the story to a point to frighten, but will not allow the story to go too far without assurance that the ending will be copasetic.
I am amazed after reading each book that this author, Meg Tilly, has written. She is so talented in so many ways and I am happy that she discovered her gift of writing. I am a fan and look forward to her future books. I definitely recommend The Runaway Heiress as well as her Solace Island series.
September 14, 2021
I think this book tried to do a little too much in one story. There was the expected romance but there were also two really, really evil villains with completely different methods and motives and the resolution to each sort of overtook the love story. This book had a pleasing and casual vibe with lots of realistic detail that I enjoyed but the twisted plot was somewhat overdone for me.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
September 2, 2021
Although I’ve read all kinds of novels in my life, this was my first slightly tentative step into “Romance/Suspense”. Can a guy appreciate a work of this kind? Well, here’s one guy’s interpretation of the main characters and a review…
Mick Talford is a film director with a “Bad Boy” image, who also seems to have somewhat of an Imposter Complex, suspecting that his great success has more to do with luck and "The Image” than his considerable talent. Now in his late 30s, Mick has long since tired of the party animal lifestyle of his Hollywood-bubble environment, and also harbors a rather cynical view of women in general, largely due to circumstances in his upbringing. He doesn’t much aspire to a healthy love relationship because he doesn't really expect one, and at this point would rather just avoid the aggravation, altogether…
Sarah Rainsford is an heiress in the Hilton/Eastman tradition. She has more money than some countries’ entire GDP….But, NOT RIGHT NOW! Instead of living the “Fancy” life, she’s actually been in hiding, recently masquerading as “Mary Browning” in the Pacific Northwest at a place called Solace Island. In the four years since her wealthy parents died in a vehicle accident, Sarah’s become a different person. Gone is the “Fairy Tale” illusion she knew, having been replaced by a toughened attitude of pragmatism as a survival tactic…But she hasn’t lost her fundamental sense of compassion or humor…
The reason Sarah is in hiding IS…her husband, Kevin Hawkins - a New York Police Lieutenant who might not be such a bad guy were he not a sadistic, manipulative sociopath with a sense of entitlement to his wife and her inheritance. After Sarah takes a powder for her personal safety, he effectively locks up her assets and sets about using law enforcement resources and intimidation to track her down and gain access to the fortune, no matter what it takes.
When Sarah gets wind that Kevin is closing in, it’s time to relocate again. After a failed attempt to disappear into the U.S. Midwest, she ultimately lands in a SoCal employment agency, now disguised as “Rachel Jones”, flat broke after being victimized by a petty crime, with only her old Honda “Beater” and her cat, Charlie, left to her fake name…
So, the agency sends “Rachel” to the home of a Hollywood heavyweight with a reputation of being “difficult”. She arrives in the middle of a wild party…And THAT is when Sarah first meets her new employer, Mick, all decked out in his “Hollywood Wild Party” uniform…He first tries to scare her off, as he’d requested a male be sent, but the possible alternatives to working for someone she views as a jerk are FAR scarier to her, so she insists on being given a chance and becomes his new assistant…
Whew! That’s already a LOT of information, but most of that is contained within the FIRST 40 PAGES! There’s also an interesting supporting cast, CRITICAL to how the story unfolds.
Being genrefied as Romantic Suspense, SOME conventions are followed…We KNOW that Mick and Sarah will get together at some point and we KNOW at the outset that Kevin is a bad dude, so maybe “Romantic Thriller” is a better label…And “The Runaway Heiress” is in fact, a thrill-ride, and there ARE some wild surprises! (which I LIKE and won't give away...)
The whole thing feels like a big glossy technicolor film that really defies pigeonholing …Steamy Romance? Pot-boiling Thriller? Traveling Buddy Adventure? (in a Porsche!)…Much of it’s strength comes from being “All of the Above”.
Another BIG strength is Meg Tilly’s writing style, navigating several different narrative threads that eventually converge with impressive cohesion, all the while peppered with fun, entertaining dialogue! And her story has MOMENTUM…It propels the reader to the next thing and feels shorter than it’s approx. 350 pages.
Some readers may want to know in advance that there’s one sequence of highly detailed intimacy and a small amount of NC17-type language here and there that seems appropriate.
But then, EVERYTHING in this book is highly detailed…even the FOOD!
So, you might want to keep a few snacks nearby, since “The Runaway Heiress” is the type of book that will keep you reading to find out what happens next, but the food descriptions could also make you hungry…
Definitely appreciated and recommended for females OR males!
Meg Tilly
Mick Talford is a film director with a “Bad Boy” image, who also seems to have somewhat of an Imposter Complex, suspecting that his great success has more to do with luck and "The Image” than his considerable talent. Now in his late 30s, Mick has long since tired of the party animal lifestyle of his Hollywood-bubble environment, and also harbors a rather cynical view of women in general, largely due to circumstances in his upbringing. He doesn’t much aspire to a healthy love relationship because he doesn't really expect one, and at this point would rather just avoid the aggravation, altogether…
Sarah Rainsford is an heiress in the Hilton/Eastman tradition. She has more money than some countries’ entire GDP….But, NOT RIGHT NOW! Instead of living the “Fancy” life, she’s actually been in hiding, recently masquerading as “Mary Browning” in the Pacific Northwest at a place called Solace Island. In the four years since her wealthy parents died in a vehicle accident, Sarah’s become a different person. Gone is the “Fairy Tale” illusion she knew, having been replaced by a toughened attitude of pragmatism as a survival tactic…But she hasn’t lost her fundamental sense of compassion or humor…
The reason Sarah is in hiding IS…her husband, Kevin Hawkins - a New York Police Lieutenant who might not be such a bad guy were he not a sadistic, manipulative sociopath with a sense of entitlement to his wife and her inheritance. After Sarah takes a powder for her personal safety, he effectively locks up her assets and sets about using law enforcement resources and intimidation to track her down and gain access to the fortune, no matter what it takes.
When Sarah gets wind that Kevin is closing in, it’s time to relocate again. After a failed attempt to disappear into the U.S. Midwest, she ultimately lands in a SoCal employment agency, now disguised as “Rachel Jones”, flat broke after being victimized by a petty crime, with only her old Honda “Beater” and her cat, Charlie, left to her fake name…
So, the agency sends “Rachel” to the home of a Hollywood heavyweight with a reputation of being “difficult”. She arrives in the middle of a wild party…And THAT is when Sarah first meets her new employer, Mick, all decked out in his “Hollywood Wild Party” uniform…He first tries to scare her off, as he’d requested a male be sent, but the possible alternatives to working for someone she views as a jerk are FAR scarier to her, so she insists on being given a chance and becomes his new assistant…
Whew! That’s already a LOT of information, but most of that is contained within the FIRST 40 PAGES! There’s also an interesting supporting cast, CRITICAL to how the story unfolds.
Being genrefied as Romantic Suspense, SOME conventions are followed…We KNOW that Mick and Sarah will get together at some point and we KNOW at the outset that Kevin is a bad dude, so maybe “Romantic Thriller” is a better label…And “The Runaway Heiress” is in fact, a thrill-ride, and there ARE some wild surprises! (which I LIKE and won't give away...)
The whole thing feels like a big glossy technicolor film that really defies pigeonholing …Steamy Romance? Pot-boiling Thriller? Traveling Buddy Adventure? (in a Porsche!)…Much of it’s strength comes from being “All of the Above”.
Another BIG strength is Meg Tilly’s writing style, navigating several different narrative threads that eventually converge with impressive cohesion, all the while peppered with fun, entertaining dialogue! And her story has MOMENTUM…It propels the reader to the next thing and feels shorter than it’s approx. 350 pages.
Some readers may want to know in advance that there’s one sequence of highly detailed intimacy and a small amount of NC17-type language here and there that seems appropriate.
But then, EVERYTHING in this book is highly detailed…even the FOOD!
So, you might want to keep a few snacks nearby, since “The Runaway Heiress” is the type of book that will keep you reading to find out what happens next, but the food descriptions could also make you hungry…
Definitely appreciated and recommended for females OR males!
Meg Tilly
June 30, 2022
This is one of the most bizarre books I've read in a long time. It started off with so much promise. Grumpy boss and sassy new assistant. She's running from her dangerous ex and needs a safe space. Their interactions in the beginning are fantastic and I loved it.
And then, the drama starts... and doesn't end. An odd subplot relationship with others. Layers and layers of "suspense" but the weirdest occurrences. There is a weird backstory where the heroine escaped from a murderer on a boat. But we never get the background on that and it doesn't seem to relate at all to the main suspense story.
This is just an odd book. I really don't understand how/why. This could have been good. The writing is pretty fun and I listened to the audiobook.
I really enjoyed the romance in this. They are two great people with fun interactions but the "thriller" part is just so weird. The heroine is sort of married, but hasn't been living with her husband for a long time... and we learn that he manipulated her/tricked her into marriage. There are a LOT of villains and a LOT of clueless people near those villains. And, the suspense gets resolved pretty easily. But it's soap opera level of weird.
And then, the drama starts... and doesn't end. An odd subplot relationship with others. Layers and layers of "suspense" but the weirdest occurrences. There is a weird backstory where the heroine escaped from a murderer on a boat. But we never get the background on that and it doesn't seem to relate at all to the main suspense story.
This is just an odd book. I really don't understand how/why. This could have been good. The writing is pretty fun and I listened to the audiobook.
I really enjoyed the romance in this. They are two great people with fun interactions but the "thriller" part is just so weird. The heroine is sort of married, but hasn't been living with her husband for a long time... and we learn that he manipulated her/tricked her into marriage. There are a LOT of villains and a LOT of clueless people near those villains. And, the suspense gets resolved pretty easily. But it's soap opera level of weird.
August 2, 2021
I’m a big fan of Meg Tilly, but this book felt flat to me. The opening scenes were super interesting and definitely draws you in, but I constantly felt disconnected to the characters. There seemed to be a missing scene as well between Sarah and Mick, and how they ended up falling in love. It felt really forced and fast, compared to the ending which seemed to hang on forever. Not a huge fan of the surprise baby trope… that wasn’t really a surprise baby(?) in this book either. I liked the subtle ties back to Solance Island, but overall, disappointing read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2021
When the employment agency sends Rachel Jones to work as an assistant for critically acclaimed film director Mick Talford, she has no idea that the young woman is actually heiress Sarah Rainsford, on the run from her abusive husband, police lieutenant Kevin Hawkins who wants only to get his hands on Sarah’s substantial inheritance. Somehow, Sarah always seems to find herself just one step ahead of Kevin; with this new position, she’ll be living on-site and, hopefully, far out of Kevin’s reach.
Mick Talford expects his new personal assistant to be a man; thus, Rachel’s appearance at his front door leaves him feeling a bit taken aback. He also finds himself strangely attracted to her and, despite his gruff and somewhat caustic attitude, the young woman sets about efficiently managing every task he requests her to handle.
But when Mick discovers that Rachel has been living a lie, will he push aside his growing feelings for her? Will Kevin finally track down and prehend Sarah? And will the trusted family lawyer find a way to free her from Kevin’s relentless pursuit?
The well-drawn-leading characters keep the pages turning in this difficult-to-set-aside thriller. There’s strong chemistry between Sarah and Mick, but the best parts of their story lie in their vulnerabilities, their shared truths, their delightful banter. Their relationship is believable, as are the steps they take to allow Sarah to reclaim her rightful identity and her inheritance.
The intriguing plot is relatively straightforward, filled with tension and the continually-building suspense related to Sarah’s never-far-behind husband. Astute readers may guess some of the unexpected plot points, but there are definitely some didn’t-see-that-coming surprises and the revelation of long-held secrets bring more surprises as the unfolding story manages to touch readers’ hearts.
Highly recommended.
Mick Talford expects his new personal assistant to be a man; thus, Rachel’s appearance at his front door leaves him feeling a bit taken aback. He also finds himself strangely attracted to her and, despite his gruff and somewhat caustic attitude, the young woman sets about efficiently managing every task he requests her to handle.
But when Mick discovers that Rachel has been living a lie, will he push aside his growing feelings for her? Will Kevin finally track down and prehend Sarah? And will the trusted family lawyer find a way to free her from Kevin’s relentless pursuit?
The well-drawn-leading characters keep the pages turning in this difficult-to-set-aside thriller. There’s strong chemistry between Sarah and Mick, but the best parts of their story lie in their vulnerabilities, their shared truths, their delightful banter. Their relationship is believable, as are the steps they take to allow Sarah to reclaim her rightful identity and her inheritance.
The intriguing plot is relatively straightforward, filled with tension and the continually-building suspense related to Sarah’s never-far-behind husband. Astute readers may guess some of the unexpected plot points, but there are definitely some didn’t-see-that-coming surprises and the revelation of long-held secrets bring more surprises as the unfolding story manages to touch readers’ hearts.
Highly recommended.
June 26, 2021
Sarah Rainsford has been on the run from her abusive husband for over 4 years when she takes a job as a personal assistant to Mick Talford, a successful movie director living in LA. This is a nice paced combination of romance and thriller as Sarah tries to dodge her police lieutenant husband and try to reclaim her fortune after the death of her parents. Frankly, I had the resolution of the plot figured out early on, so there was not much of a surprise, but Meg Tilly (memorable for her role in "The Big Chill") does write some chilling suspense sequences and sexy romantic scenes.
I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley for a review.
I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley for a review.
June 29, 2021
The Runaway Heiress by Meg Tilly
3.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Stalking, attempted murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Sarah has been on the run from her estranged husband for years. Despite her extensive fortune, she can't access it without alerting him to where she is, so she's been getting jobs where she can and saving her money to move around the country.
When Sarah lands a job with a difficult client, she knows that despite her looks and background, she needs the job and he needs the help. They come to an agreement and she does her best to please her new boss.
Mick is difficult. He's used to getting his way and throws toddler type temper tantrums when he doesn't. I had a hard time connecting with Mick. He was a little too mean for the romance that was happening.
While Mick and Sarah set off to figure out the mystery behind how her husband keeps finding her and how to access her family money they connect on a level that neither truly thought possible for themselves.
So, while this book didn't resonate a ton with me, it was entertaining to read. I wish more bad things had happened to her husband. His part of the story felt a little rushed and simplistic. Overall, everything wrapped up nicely and the conclusion was satisfactory.
3.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Stalking, attempted murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Sarah has been on the run from her estranged husband for years. Despite her extensive fortune, she can't access it without alerting him to where she is, so she's been getting jobs where she can and saving her money to move around the country.
When Sarah lands a job with a difficult client, she knows that despite her looks and background, she needs the job and he needs the help. They come to an agreement and she does her best to please her new boss.
Mick is difficult. He's used to getting his way and throws toddler type temper tantrums when he doesn't. I had a hard time connecting with Mick. He was a little too mean for the romance that was happening.
While Mick and Sarah set off to figure out the mystery behind how her husband keeps finding her and how to access her family money they connect on a level that neither truly thought possible for themselves.
So, while this book didn't resonate a ton with me, it was entertaining to read. I wish more bad things had happened to her husband. His part of the story felt a little rushed and simplistic. Overall, everything wrapped up nicely and the conclusion was satisfactory.
August 30, 2021
The Runaway Heiress is my favorite book by Meg Tilly thus far. Sarah Rainsford is a strong female character struggling to support herself while hiding from an abusive husband. Luckily she has new employer Mick Talford and her lawyer and old family friend, “Uncle Phillip,” on her side.
The Runaway Heiress has a more complex plot than the author’s previous Solace Island series, with a few unexpected twists that caught me by surprise. I also appreciate that Meg waited at least a couple of weeks this time before her characters ‘realized’ they were in love. I enjoyed Sarah’s story and challenges right up until the last chapter, when there was too much telling rather than showing, and a happy ending that felt too rushed and tidy. I know Meg loves romances though, and overall The Runaway Heiress was a likable summer read most fans will enjoy.
Favorite line: “Sarah swallowed hard and with a concentrated effort was gradually able to corral her eyebrows from her hairline back to their normal position on her forehead.”
The Runaway Heiress has a more complex plot than the author’s previous Solace Island series, with a few unexpected twists that caught me by surprise. I also appreciate that Meg waited at least a couple of weeks this time before her characters ‘realized’ they were in love. I enjoyed Sarah’s story and challenges right up until the last chapter, when there was too much telling rather than showing, and a happy ending that felt too rushed and tidy. I know Meg loves romances though, and overall The Runaway Heiress was a likable summer read most fans will enjoy.
Favorite line: “Sarah swallowed hard and with a concentrated effort was gradually able to corral her eyebrows from her hairline back to their normal position on her forehead.”
July 30, 2021
1.5 to 2 Stars
Not sure if I read a different book from everyone else. This started out pretty good but I found that the pace started to drag and slow down when we got to the middle. I felt like there was so much unnecessary filler that the story flounders around aimlessly. Then, it’s as if the author realized that she needs to wrap up because she’s at her word count limit that everything speeds up and resolves in the last two chapters. Oy. Me not happy. Sorry to the fans.
Not sure if I read a different book from everyone else. This started out pretty good but I found that the pace started to drag and slow down when we got to the middle. I felt like there was so much unnecessary filler that the story flounders around aimlessly. Then, it’s as if the author realized that she needs to wrap up because she’s at her word count limit that everything speeds up and resolves in the last two chapters. Oy. Me not happy. Sorry to the fans.
January 11, 2022
Thank you @berkleyromance for a copy of The Runaway Heiress. After reading this, I feel I need to pick up more romantic suspense which is such a great combo. The book was well paced and I felt like Sarah could trust no one. I love how Mick sensed her distress and was able to be there for her. There were lots of twist I didn’t see coming. I do wish the ending was flushed out a little better, it just wrapped up too neatly for me.
July 10, 2021
The beginning of this book was promising like the words of my ex but alas it was anticlimactic in the middle and just sad in the end. I still gave it three stars because I really loved the chemistry between Sarah and Mick they started out strong, their banter's are witty and the sexual tension is there but I think the author couldn't keep that fire going enough to burn me.
November 9, 2021
This is not good. Vocabulary is limited and repeated. It’s cliche with zero surprises. It’s hardly a thriller. The gendered roles and portrayal of characters are … Just - not good. The whole thing no no no.
September 13, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/t...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
The Runaway Heiress is a stand alone novel by author Meg Tilly. I have come to appreciate and enjoy Ms. Tilly’s writing from the Solace Island Trilogy and I can say that (in my opinion), this new book is on par with the writing of the first book in the trilogy – Solace Island – one of the best books of hers that I have read to date.
Sarah Rainsford, who we met in Hidden Cove (Solace Island Trilogy), has left the west coast island because her identity has been compromised and is moving around the country taking various types of jobs in an effort to stay hidden from her abusive husband Kevin. This is certainly a far cry from the life Sarah had prior to getting married (her parents never did like her husband)! Her background is of a New York socialite from a very wealthy family but now she barely has two nickels to rub together. This story begins with Sarah arriving in Los Angeles and as a result of an interview with a temp agency, she has landed a personal assistants position for Mick Talford, a “golden boy” director in Hollywood. Mick specifically asked for a male assistant, so you know there are going to be sparks immediately. Luckily for Rachel Jones (aka Sarah Rainsford), Mick decides to give Rachel one week to see if she will fit in with the responsibilities as he has set out (oversee the household staff – once hired, dictation for his new scripts, etc.).
Throughout the story we are fed details to piece together both Sarah’s life before she was on the run and Mick’s life as a child. It was interesting and thought provoking to see how the past has influenced each of their current situations. I think I found these snippets of their past lives the most interesting. However, the most terrifying (and engaging) moments were when we would be fed more about Kevin and his quest for Sarah and the prior abuse he heaped upon her prior to her running away. It truly boggles my mind how one individual can be so cruel to another individual. Makes me wonder what happened in Kevin’s past to make him so controlling.
Now, there is romance in this novel. Mick and Rachel soon develop feelings for one another. Where they will go is anyone’s guess as crossing the boundaries between employer and employee is not one to take lightly. But with two good looking, young and vibrant characters – something is bound to happen eventually ☺.
As an animal lover, I appreciated how Sarah cared for her cat, Charlie. Spoke volumes about her character. Though we did get early on that she was a sincere, caring individual – just one in a bad situation.
As the hunt for the truth ensues and their histories unfold, I found myself liking Mick more and more (as did Sarah ☺). I liked how they joined forces n an attempt to end Kevin’s reign of terror over Sarah. It was nail biting throughout and there were many twists and turns (which I won’t go into for obvious reasons – you must discover them for yourself). If you like suspense novels that totally encapsulate the genre as well as draw you in to a “can’t put it down” read (to heck with dinner or sleep) – then The Runaway Heiress by Meg Tilly should be on your TBR pile! If you like romance novels with enthralling main characters with some grit – then The Runaway Heiress should be on your TBR pile! Better yet – just get it and start reading…
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
The Runaway Heiress is a stand alone novel by author Meg Tilly. I have come to appreciate and enjoy Ms. Tilly’s writing from the Solace Island Trilogy and I can say that (in my opinion), this new book is on par with the writing of the first book in the trilogy – Solace Island – one of the best books of hers that I have read to date.
Sarah Rainsford, who we met in Hidden Cove (Solace Island Trilogy), has left the west coast island because her identity has been compromised and is moving around the country taking various types of jobs in an effort to stay hidden from her abusive husband Kevin. This is certainly a far cry from the life Sarah had prior to getting married (her parents never did like her husband)! Her background is of a New York socialite from a very wealthy family but now she barely has two nickels to rub together. This story begins with Sarah arriving in Los Angeles and as a result of an interview with a temp agency, she has landed a personal assistants position for Mick Talford, a “golden boy” director in Hollywood. Mick specifically asked for a male assistant, so you know there are going to be sparks immediately. Luckily for Rachel Jones (aka Sarah Rainsford), Mick decides to give Rachel one week to see if she will fit in with the responsibilities as he has set out (oversee the household staff – once hired, dictation for his new scripts, etc.).
Throughout the story we are fed details to piece together both Sarah’s life before she was on the run and Mick’s life as a child. It was interesting and thought provoking to see how the past has influenced each of their current situations. I think I found these snippets of their past lives the most interesting. However, the most terrifying (and engaging) moments were when we would be fed more about Kevin and his quest for Sarah and the prior abuse he heaped upon her prior to her running away. It truly boggles my mind how one individual can be so cruel to another individual. Makes me wonder what happened in Kevin’s past to make him so controlling.
Now, there is romance in this novel. Mick and Rachel soon develop feelings for one another. Where they will go is anyone’s guess as crossing the boundaries between employer and employee is not one to take lightly. But with two good looking, young and vibrant characters – something is bound to happen eventually ☺.
As an animal lover, I appreciated how Sarah cared for her cat, Charlie. Spoke volumes about her character. Though we did get early on that she was a sincere, caring individual – just one in a bad situation.
As the hunt for the truth ensues and their histories unfold, I found myself liking Mick more and more (as did Sarah ☺). I liked how they joined forces n an attempt to end Kevin’s reign of terror over Sarah. It was nail biting throughout and there were many twists and turns (which I won’t go into for obvious reasons – you must discover them for yourself). If you like suspense novels that totally encapsulate the genre as well as draw you in to a “can’t put it down” read (to heck with dinner or sleep) – then The Runaway Heiress by Meg Tilly should be on your TBR pile! If you like romance novels with enthralling main characters with some grit – then The Runaway Heiress should be on your TBR pile! Better yet – just get it and start reading…
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