Runaway Hearts

Lawmen of the West #1

by Alexa Aston

A young woman fleeing to save her life.

A untrusting loner weighed down by guilt.

Two very different souls who find love in the booming American West...

Shortly after her beloved father’s death, Emma Bradford becomes a runaway heiress when she overhears her beau and stepmother plotting to steal her fortune—and take her life. She jumps on a train headed to the American West and is instantly attracted to a handsome stranger onboard.

Pinkerton detective Rye Callahan is assigned to protect an opera diva as she travels from New York to Colorado and remain undercover as a bodyguard during her engagement at Denver’s newest opera house. Along the way he encounters a beautiful woman who looks and sings like an angel, but Rye is married to his job and determined not to become involved with the woman romantically.

But Rye and Emma wind up living in the same house in Denver, and their relationship heats up fast. When the diva disappears without a trace, Emma takes her place on stage—only to wind up missing soon after. Rye races against the clock to find both women in time. And if he does, will he be able to open his heart and learn to love?

Runaway Hearts is a standalone western historical romance from Alexa Aston’s Lawmen of the West series, which features heroes of the American west in various law enforcement positions and the strong heroines who bring love into their lives.

Genres: Historical Romance, Westerns, Historical, Romance

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2021

About the author

Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family.

Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense.

Stay in touch with Alexa at:

Website: https://alexaaston.com/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaa...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston

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Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/alexaaston

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Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[NMmomof4]

DNF @ 75%

Dang. This is another one that I’m adding to my DNF shelf late. I just felt like nothing was happening and I was bored. But hey! At least it was a freebie 🤪

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma Bradford overhears her beau and stepmother plotting to steal her fortune and escapes on a train headed to the American West. She meets Pinkerton detective Rye Callahan and they end up living in the same house in Denver while he is on assignment protecting an opera diva. When Emma goes missing, Rye races to find her.

This is a standalone western historical romance from the Lawmen of the West series. I was really intrigued by the runaway heiress theme but sadly this book didn't work for me. For a Pinkerton agent and a woman fleeing a dangerous situation, Emma and Rye were just too free with their identities. I was eye rolling the villain and how easily he was able to find her. I was intrigued by the background story about Rye's family, but even that was a little too perfectly connected for my tastes.

Tropes: Road Trip, Forced Proximity, Protector

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #RunawayHearts #NetGalley

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed to escape into a good book, and this book fit the bill—the lawman and the heiress in the 1870’s American west. I was hooked from page one until the end, with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing and reading. I recommend this engaging story with wonderful characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is truly nothing better than a historical western romance and Alex Aston has penned it beautifully! From medieval to contemporary, she continues to amaze me with her wonderful characters and heart winning storylines.

She was on the run, getting away from an a devious plot for her fiance and stepmother to steal her inheritance and take her out of the picture. Permanently.

He was on the same train going west, undercover, protecting a demanding opera singer. Well demanding is a nice word for her! But then he meets her. She's beautiful and her tries to keep her at arms length.

Then the adventure really begins! I seriously could not read it fast enough!! Cannot wait until the next in the series comes out. SIgn me up.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Brilliant book by Alexa Aston, she just gets better and better.

This was so good to read, the characters were awesome and the storyline was so enjoyable and entertaining.
I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a book quite so much as this, it just hit all the right spots.

I’m really not a fan of American West romance, but I suppose you can now consider me a convert .

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think there is any genre that Alexa Aston can't write!!! I've read her Regency, Medieval and Contemporary romances which I've thoroughly enjoyed and now....her new series Lawmen of the West! I thought this was such a great story with wonderful characters and quite the exciting storyline which takes place in the 1870's American west.

After the death of her father, Emma overhears a plot to kill her for her inheritance so she runs away and finds herself on a train bound for Denver. On the train, she meets Rye, a detective in charge of protecting an opera singer (she's such a diva, you want to smack her at every tantrum! lol) and the attraction is instant. All is not easy for them and amid the danger surrounding them, as well as secrets and quite a few twists and turns, one wonders if they'll ever be able to reach their HEA!!!

Well written and kept my interest from start to finish. I now look forward to the next books in this series!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Brinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really not sure what to write in my review for this one. It wasn't bad, but it also wasn't good. Despite finishing this 20 minutes ago, I'm already forgetting the plot, which is never a good sign.

Based off the cover, I really expected this to be a quick smutty read, which was what I was in the mood for. Instead, i got a 300 page book of clean romance and opera singing. I don't mind a clean romance if I like the characters, but these characters didn't have any substance.

I also had a problem with the usage of tropes in this one. Mainly, the kidnapping plot. Why does every historical romance feature a kidnapping?? I can list 10 or more with this trope just off the top of my head, and they're all used in the same way. I'm tired of this plot device, especially when it adds nothing new.

Like I said earlier, I didn't dislike this. I just don't remember anything about it. It wasn't a memorable read, and I spent the entire time wanting it to be done.

Thanks to Alexa Aston and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaway Hearts, by Alexa Aston. Good googly moogly. What has this book done to my emotions. I am beyond ecstatic about this book. The writing was a thousand percent awesome.
I know that there’s no such thing as a thousand percent, but if there was, this book deserves it. I loved the characters. Every single one of them, including that psycho John. This book read like a soap opera. I was having flashbacks of Dallas. Every line oozed with mouth dropping secrets that had my eyes bulging out of their sockets. I found myself asking, now where did the heck that come from? It was one surprise after the next. Hit after hit. I was like a kid in a candy store.
You know the one who has the cheeks out too there, chewing on massive amounts of Bazooka gum. Yep! That was me, because this book was juiccccyy! The drama was in hyper mode. Every character brought trouble to world of Emma and Rye, except for Eddie.
He was a blessing really. The book spoke to me with so much realism. I felt comfortable and content. I enjoyed the few funny moments and the story. That helped with part of the entertainment.
The other part I hold hands down to the Queen herself of temper tantrum’s, Ms. Renata. Whew! That woman was a huge cup of, get that crazy nit wit lady out of here! This book has people being kidnapped. An evil, supposed cousin. Business men out to make a profit. A well known Italian opera singer. Two where for out tho’ brothers. Two handsome rugged detectives and one strong, independent woman who was pulled into this chaotic world. Then imagine in this so called world a lonesome detective cowboy stops to admire a woman smiling joyfully as she reads her book at the train station.
Yes. I give this book two snaps and a, “George, if you know what’s good for you, I wouldn’t untie that rope.” Until next time my fellow readers… read on!

[Heart DeCoupeville · Rating 1 out of 5]

All the Vellum® flourishes couldn't make this a good read for me. I really tried to like it but couldn't get past things like the names, Rye and Bri(e). By the end of the Prologue I gave up. Sorry.

Acquired free from Amazon.

[Nanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start I wish I could give this book 4 1/2 stars. The problem I had was the story started fine, then slowed down a lot with other character over taking the H and H. But just as you're ready to give up it picks up. Was Kinda like driving in the mountain with all the ups and downs.
Emma Bradford was raised with everything she wanted. She lost her mother early and her father had no idea how to raise a daughter. Her brother is a lot older than her. Her father let her do pretty much whatever she wanted. He owned a mill and the manager was fine with teaching her how it ran and everything about the business. Her brother only was interested in the law and becoming a lawyer.
After her father falls ill, he marries his nurse against Emma trying to tell him she is after his money.
After his death Emma over hears her fiancé and stepmother plotting to steal her inheritance and kill her. She always felt something was off between the two of them.
She runs away, with the help of her maid and good friend. Taking a train to the new American West.
She is looking for adventure and some new experiences. If she only knew what was coming.
The only person who knows where she is going is her attorney and father figure Daniel Mitchell.
Zachariah (Rye) Callahan and his partner Eddie McLead work for the Pinkerton Agency. Rye joined the agency after finding out information about his life he didn't know. Now he trusts no on, and lives for his job. He doesn't feel he has ever known love. He hates lies and the truth is the most important thing to him.
They are assigned protection duty for and Italian opera singer. Both would rather be chasing the bad guys then putting up with the temperamental, spoiled, feisty singer. In the train station Rye meets Emma sitting and reading a book. When they shake hands the sparks and attraction is felt by both. They both end up on the same train going to Denver.
This story has lots of characters, twist and turns, and inter stories besides the main one.
The evil fiancé is trying to find her. Surprises on the train and off. The growing attraction both feel.
The spoiled Diva disappears after a temper fit. Then shortly after Emma disappears also.
Will the Detectives be able to find and save both women before it's too late?
What will Rye and Emma do about their growing feelings ?
With the Opera singer every be anything but a brat ?
Aw so many things to find out about. The surprising ending is perfect for this book. I just know you're going to love it.
I received and ARC from the author and want to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. I hope you get a copy it will make you laugh, cry, want to slap someone and be sad the book is done.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Emma. She was a little unsure at times, but she always did an excellent job of keeping her head. And she was smart about who to trust and how to keep safe. I liked how she was willing to try new things, and she enjoyed life even after some hard times with her dad. Of course being an heiress and lucking upon similarly well off friends didn't hurt. Something about her was just enjoyable to read.

Rye was an interesting mix. I think to the rest of the world he was more of a quiet, handsome mystery man. But with Emma he always seemed like an open book. He told her his back story pretty quick and didn't hide his attraction to her, from anyone apparently. He did have a lot of internal disagreements between his heart and his head.

These two meet at the train station and are instantly attracted to each other. But there are a lot of secondary plots going on that sweep them up and after the first few days they only get little moments here and there. They spend a lot of time simultaneously ignoring each other while wondering what the other is thinking and doing. But there are plenty of other things going on so it didn't feel like the story bogged down as these two tried to sort out their hearts.
The book takes place over what I am guessing is a couple months. The romance and side stories don't feel rushed.

The story and characters mostly felt developed. Until the end when it just started to feel a little slow. Then suddenly everything starts coming together. At which point it was of course bedtime, but I was too invested to even think of stopping.

Overall, I really liked all the characters in this book, except the horrible ones of course. And I am still rooting for Emma and Rye.


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

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runaway Hearts by Alexa Aston is a historic cowboy novel taking place mostly in Denver. As I am familiar with Aston as a writer of Regency romance novels, this was a departure I was excited to pursue. I found to be a fruitful journey. Rye Callahan is a Pinkerton agent, having joined after his sojourn in the Union Army during the War Between the States. As he arrived "home," he was informed by his bitter "mother" that she was not his mother, but his aunt, his mother begin his father's sister, Adeline. She was not kind in her delivery of this information. Upon leaving the tenement, his "father" suffered an attack and died. So much for going home. Emma's father had just died when she overheard her stepmother, Louisa, and her cousin, John, Emma's supposed suitor, planning to kill her and steal he fortune. Louisa has not been satisfied with her bequest. She knew she had to get out of this situation and determined to leave immediately. She enlisted the aid of her maid, Molly, and they formulated a plan, which fell apart when John raped and murdered her. It was only luck that saved her from his clutches.

Rye was a man certain of what he wanted and was able to give. Turns out he was wrong. He was intelligent and brave and was extremely surprised to find himself enraptured with Emma, encouraging her and protecting her. He and his friend Eddie were Pinkerton's representatives to protect a traveling opera singer, who really didn't need it, but better safe than sorry. She was difficult. He was strong with patience. Emma did not have high self-esteem despite the fact she was over-burdened with talents. She had spent her life shadowing her father so knew everything there was to know about running their mill. She had also received an education typical of the day so she had many feminine skills. This was a pretty good story, with a few surprises before Rye and Emma got together. It was a good novel, keeping me interested the entire read. The characters were excellent and the plot was decent. It was overall a good read. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Runaway Hearts by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #runawayhearts

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaway Hearts is a very exciting story about Emma, an heiress that inherits her father's wealth when he dies. The day of his funeral, she overhears her sweetheart talking to her stepmother, and discovers that they are actually lovers, an are planning her death so they can obtain the inheritance. So Emma flees. At first she doesn't know where she will go, so she gets on a train and heads west. On that train is an opera troupe heading to Denver. She befriends a handsome young man named Rye, and some of the troupe fall ill, including the star. They get off of the train to recover, an she helps them with their recovery. When they get to Denver, they stay with the owner of the theater, when the star is kidnapped. Eventually, Emma is kidnapped also, by her former sweetheart who has tracked her down. Rye, who is actually a Pinkerton agent, has to find her before anything bad happens to her. Great story that is exciting to read, and only one detailed love scene that they could have left out. Except for that one scene, it would have been a clean read, but I enjoyed the story anyway.

[SKM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story from Alexa Aston.

This novel was fabulous with great characters, an engaging storyline, villains, a sexy hero, and a snappy heroine. I enjoy stories about the American west IF they are well written and entertaining, this story was both. It grabbed and held attention from page one, the plot moved along very nicely and was believable but had twist and turns.

I absolutely recommend Runaway Hearts💕!

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books and am volunteering an honest review. #RunawayHearts #NetGalley

[Dianne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soulmates

Rye Callahan and Emma Bradford were soulmates. They needed one another so they could heal emotionally. Story had a lot of drama-- greed, deception, crime, and romance. Couldn't put this book down, read it in one day. Rye should've been angry with his mother, not Emma. It wasn't her truth to tell. Anyway, they got their HEA.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical westerns seem to have fallen into the void of historical romances. I am so glad they seem to be making a comeback the last few years. The stories are always less formal than the English settings. Alexa’s writing is so good and she tells a tale that will keep you intrigued. This story has a whole lot going on with it. There is the villain fiancé, a runaway heiress, a Pinkerton agent, secrets, an Italian diva and a couple of kidnappings. Some parts were a little slower than I like and the romance is a slow burn but overall it is a good read. This reads like what I would think the old serials were like. The wild west lives again!

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story of discovery and exploration. Emma takes off from her home when her father dies to get away from what awaits her. Rye’s world is devastated when everything he knew about his life is proven wrong. As they meet on the train it begins a journey of discovering their truths and exploring who they truly want to be. The story has great characters and a solid plot line.

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaway Hearts is a great Western historical romance read that takes place in 1878. The story features Emma Bradford, who resides in Plainfield, Connecticut on a large estate owned by her wealthy father. After his recent death, Emma overhears her supposed fiancé and step-mother conspire to remove her from the picture in order to access her late father's fortune. Rye Callahan is from New York but has taken up an assignment that leads him West to protect an Italian opera singer who has risen to fame. Their chance meeting at a train station leads to unexpected, blossoming love as she flees to the West to escape her fiancé.

The story starts a bit slow but as the adventure and plot thicken it will keep you intrigued till the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters Alexa Aston created, especially the Italian opera singer Renata who drove everyone insane with her diva tantrums. This is a book I would definitely recommend for those who enjoy romance filled with deception, scorned lovers, and a thrilling adventure.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Lawmen of the West series and after reading this book I know I will be reading the rest of this series. Emma Bradford runs to Denver after her Father's death to get away from her beau and stepmother as they plot to harm her. She meets Pinkerton detective Rye Callahan on a train going there. There is suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, secrets, lies, and romance. I recommend. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[K Kne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Runaway Hearts by Alexa Aston. What a wonderful first in series, Lawman of the West. I really liked Emma & Rye. They make a wonderful couple. There was just enough intrigue to keep the story interesting. The only complaint I have about this book is that there wasn’t an epilogue. I always love a good epilogue. Thank you net galley for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. 4.5 stars

[N Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pinkerton finds love

I loved how the story unfolded in the Wild West with a beautiful lady running from a man bent on murder. An opera singer, kidnappers and love will hold your attention from first chapter.

[suereadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

“Runaway Hearts” is the first book in Alexa Aston’s Lawmen of the West series.

The Heroine: Emma Bradford - sweet, pampered heiress running from trouble

The Hero: Rye Callahan - broody, sad, emotionally scarred Pinkerton whose still loveable.

I generally enjoy these types of stories where the danger should be palpable with twists and turns. I feel that in this specific story the plot fell a little short. I found some of the twists to be somewhat convenient to the story and not the most believable. I might even say that the bow in this story was tied too perfect for it to feel authentic.

Putting the plot issues aside, I liked the characters and thought they worked well together. I enjoyed the hero’s story and would have loved to unpack that more to get to the heart of why he is the way he has become.

*I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
#RunawayHearts #NetGalley

[Marta Cervantes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

I loved this book! The old west, the adventures, and of course the love story. The characters and storyline will keep you reading late into the night!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runaway Hearts is not what I would have expected from Alexa Aston but she pulled it off! This story has wonderful characters, romance, danger, and a little mystery. In the story, Emma Bradford overhears her stepmother and her beau plotting to kill her and take her inheritance. Emma grabs the next train headed west where she meets Pinkerton agent Rhy Calahan. Rhy and his partner are guarding an opera singer headed for Denver. There are many twists and turns, ups and downs, in this story. There is more than one story being told but these are handled smoothly. I enjoyed this story and I look forward to the other stories in the series.

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

[Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story

I discovered MS Aston by reading one of her romantic historicals and immediately fell in love with her writing. Now she's started another genre and danged if its not just as good. Can't wait for the next one in this series.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great start for a new series! Right from the start Runaway Hearts takes off in this rollercoaster ride full of suspenseful twist and turns as a depraved, malicious stepmother and Emma's beau spin a web of  deciet and deception to get Emma's inheritance. As Emma runs for her life she meets Rye, a Pinkerton undercover agent to protect a opera diva. As the Emma and Rye start a slow burn romance secrets come secrets will come to light and test Rye's love. Alexa Aston has written a Western with some extremely interesting characters that come off the pages and pull you into their tale, a story that is well-written, with a action-packed romance and as the uncertainties escalates the jealousy builds and  danger abound that will make you hold your breath until the end in this outstanding story!

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining historical romance; sweet with a hint of heat!

I must confess I have many novels written by Alexa Aston in my Kindle library but "Runaway Hearts" is the first book of hers I have read. If "Runaway Hearts" is an example of her talent, I know I will read the rest I have downloaded fairly soon!

The setting for this book is the West, after the goldrush, when train travel made the adventure easier and more comfortable than traveling by wagon trains! Cities like Denver were growing and the nouveau rich built mansions to rival those on the East Coast.

Alexa Aston made this period of history come alive for me as I read. Through her clever and creative word craft, I could see the opulent mansions, and feel the energy of the Denver citizens, bustling about in this booming yet raw, somewhat wild, city. It ignited in me a sense of adventure, I have never really had towards the Western migration. ( Honestly,if it had been up to me, the West would have never been settled! I grew up with my grandparents telling stories of their journey West first by wagons and then by train. I don't have the strength , the fortitude to endure what my ancestors experienced!)

Ms. Aston's description of the opening night of newest opera house in Denver was so vivid I could easily picture myself there. It was like I was there amongst the women in their beautiful gowns and men in their evening wear, sipping champagne, and listening to the titillating conversation as we waited to find our seats in our private box. I could see the lights dim as a hush falls over the house and the curtain opens on the first scene. I look and note Ms.Aston's main character, Emma, her eyes closed, carried away by the music of La Traviata. It was a mesmerizing scene, come to life, using only words. Magnificent!

The characters in "Runaway Hearts" are well-developed, and multi-dimensional. Again, Alexa Aston, created a cast of characters so real and believable, they fly off the pages into your living room! I didn't read the dialogue,I experienced it! I cried, I laughed, and I enjoyed every interaction with this cast of characters.

The romance in this novel was sweet with a hint of spice. it is amazing to me how using only words, Alexa Aston could make you tingle over a kiss! I appreciated that the plot centered around a mystery and the romance developed naturally during the course of the action. The danger lurking for the characters as well as the growing attraction between the main characters created a sense of emotional suspense and tension. There were also some surprising plot twists and "red herrings" sprinkled throughout the story which I found very entertaining.

Overall,"Runaway Hearts" by Alexa Aston was easy to read, enjoyable, entertaining story. I am sure it will captivate other historical romance fans as much as it did me.

[MammaDi3Gatti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Runaway Hearts is a relatively clean and sweet tale, in spite of how the book jacket describes it. Much of the promised drama never unfolds, and instead you get a pretty basic novel that's worth the read but isn't one for the keeper shelf.

I don't read very many historical western romances, so I was looking forward to something a little bit different from the usual story of a roguish duke/earl/viscount who falls for a bluestocking. However, this book could easily have taken place in England; aside from a few references about how things are much more casual in the west, nothing else set this book apart from a Regency novel. Make Emma a cit and Rye a Runner, and you'd be good to go.

Anyway, while I liked both Emma and Rye, I wasn't entirely sure that I saw any chemistry between them. Perhaps if they'd spent more time together or had shared some of their secrets, it would have helped. It just felt as if there were too many subplots vying for space for Emma and Rye's relationship to really develop.

With that in mind, I felt like the book had an awful lot going on considering that nothing really happened. There was a lot of promise: a murderous ex, a secret past, a temperamental diva, baby Denver, Pinkerton agents, hidden talents... But maybe it would have been better if the author had picked one or two instead of trying to fit all of them in.

For readers who enjoy a slow (but not boring) pace and are looking for a book that's light on the sexy stuff, this book may be a good choice.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

[Stephanie Panach · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have you ever imagined a soap opera set in the post-civil war west? If so - this book fully realizes that vision.

Emma Bradford is one of those heroines who is beautiful, good, and pretty much good at everything she touches. During the book she is shown to have a good head for business, a strong knowledge of nursing, and an incredible singing talent. Not to mention she is rich, well read, and beautiful. She is also, the survivor of a serious carriage accident, a plot to steal her money by marriage, and a double kidnap victim. Yes - all of that in one book.

All of that is MORE than enough - but we haven't even talked about Rye. Rye is a civil war veteran who's brother died saving his life, he is also not the natural son of his parents - instead, his aunt was his actual birth mother, and is now a Pinkerton agent There is quite a lot of drama related to that in the book as well.

Overall - I loved the time period the book was set in and the plot related to the opera diva was very interesting - but the book just suffered from a case of the TOO MUCH syndrome. There was just so much going on - I didn't feel any depth about the various parts. I almost would have liked the book to be separated into separate adventures for Emma or something like that.

As a result - I just didn't connect with the book and I'm not sure I'd truly recommend it.

I received this as an ARC from Net Galley, but these opinions are all my own.

[Martha B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A runaway heiress in love with a Pinkerton man

Emma Bradford knows her life is in danger so she secretly flees from Connecticut to Denver. Along the way she meets Rye Callahan, a Pinkerton detective on protection detail for a famous opera diva. What happens next will test them both.

The beginning of Runaway Hearts was interesting and I enjoyed stepping into the story. However, by the 25% point it had begun to drag with too much internal dialogue and too many unnecessary details and sub-plots.

(This is a book, not a movie.)

By the 50% point I was so bored I almost quit the book. However, since Alexa Aston's writing talent was obvious and she was keeping the book clean, I decided to slog on through it. Then by the 70% mark the pace picked up, and thankfully the ending was a sweet and happy one.

Content 411: There is no swearing in this book, but there is kissing and one mildly described sexually intimate scene.

Disclosure: I received an complementary copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily my honest review.