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Royal States #8
Runaway
Upon His Royal Highness of California becoming His Royal Majesty of New York, Cassandra Ferran descends into a living nightmare. Thanks to a mass exodus of aides, it falls on her shoulders to rein in the new heir’s life while navigating through a Royal mess of a transition.
With the stress piling on and no end in sight, Cassandra dreams of slipping out of the palace and beginning her midlife crisis as a runaway.
Instead of a peaceful escape from the palace, Cassandra is dumped into the murky waters of political intrigue and a gambit for the throne that will forever change her life and determine the fate of California and its royal family.
With the stress piling on and no end in sight, Cassandra dreams of slipping out of the palace and beginning her midlife crisis as a runaway.
Instead of a peaceful escape from the palace, Cassandra is dumped into the murky waters of political intrigue and a gambit for the throne that will forever change her life and determine the fate of California and its royal family.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2021
24 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Susan Copperfield
14 books240 followersSusan Copperfield is the royal romance, urban fantasy loving alter ego of award-winning & USA Today bestselling novelist R.J. Blain.
Under the super not-so-secret identity of Susan, the Royal States of America is explored, where the work of sixteen founding royal families preserved the United States from destruction and civil war when magic swept over the world.
In the Royal States, life, love, and magic always finds a way.
Under the super not-so-secret identity of Susan, the Royal States of America is explored, where the work of sixteen founding royal families preserved the United States from destruction and civil war when magic swept over the world.
In the Royal States, life, love, and magic always finds a way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 22, 2021
What a shame
I love the royal states world and the stories Susan tells. Unfortunately they have devolved into yet another tale about Susan and her husband. Where everyone stands around telling the reader what is happening instead of showing. This latest edition to the series would be the driest one yet with absolutely no emotions, though we are told about some.
Ultimately Runaway is the same story as previous novels in the series, just with different names. Though this time the parental hate is more deeply embedded with plot twists that have no logical sense.
I honestly think the author is burnt out and throwing words together just to make money, which is a shame as Susan is one of the better world builders around currently. The seeds of the tale she is trying to tell are there, just lost in the rush to put words on paper.
I love the royal states world and the stories Susan tells. Unfortunately they have devolved into yet another tale about Susan and her husband. Where everyone stands around telling the reader what is happening instead of showing. This latest edition to the series would be the driest one yet with absolutely no emotions, though we are told about some.
Ultimately Runaway is the same story as previous novels in the series, just with different names. Though this time the parental hate is more deeply embedded with plot twists that have no logical sense.
I honestly think the author is burnt out and throwing words together just to make money, which is a shame as Susan is one of the better world builders around currently. The seeds of the tale she is trying to tell are there, just lost in the rush to put words on paper.
December 24, 2021
Wash, rinse, repeat
I've said before that Copperfield's books are like Twinkies: they look good, but are always a little disappointing. This one is beyond disappointing. There's not even a pretense of developing a relationship, just him assuming that she was in the game. The characters are stale and simplistic. They don't even have their own voices--its pretty much Ethan and Rachel, take 2 (and those two weren't especially original).
Further, Copperfield has allowed her sociopolitical projects to take over the stories--and no one could say those projects were woven subtly in the early novels. They way everyone has to have animals everywhere makes me think a 10 year old has had too much input in the plotting of the last few books. I'm out--my money will go somewhere else.
I've said before that Copperfield's books are like Twinkies: they look good, but are always a little disappointing. This one is beyond disappointing. There's not even a pretense of developing a relationship, just him assuming that she was in the game. The characters are stale and simplistic. They don't even have their own voices--its pretty much Ethan and Rachel, take 2 (and those two weren't especially original).
Further, Copperfield has allowed her sociopolitical projects to take over the stories--and no one could say those projects were woven subtly in the early novels. They way everyone has to have animals everywhere makes me think a 10 year old has had too much input in the plotting of the last few books. I'm out--my money will go somewhere else.
December 31, 2021
Read this one and then went back and re-read the series, which made this one make a lot more sense. More of an aftermath of Rachel and Ethan's story. I'm liking the empathy contagion and looking forward to Ian's story, the workload they both escaped not so much. The betting was interesting at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2021
Awwwww
Okay, I love this series. It's... Pure sugar and sappiness, and I love it. Cassandra and Thomas are a delight. It was nice seeing the other royals show up, too.
Okay, I love this series. It's... Pure sugar and sappiness, and I love it. Cassandra and Thomas are a delight. It was nice seeing the other royals show up, too.
February 3, 2022
Until the last book, this has been a fun series to read: imaginative, adventurous, and always a few laugh-out-loud moments. Although this particular installment started well, and the characters were initially engaging (hence the 2 stars), it devolved into puerility about 75% through. By then the jokes were being repeated to the point that they simply filled space, as was the swearing, which gave the characters (all of them) the appearance of kindergartners snickering because they learned a bad word. Quite frankly, it left me thinking that the author must be rather bored with the series.
January 14, 2022
All I can say is that running away from a stressful job would be a lot easier if you do not take your boss with you. This was such a fun read, playing as it did on one of my personal fantasies - after all, who has never wanted to run away and ditch the job? As always, the author did an awesome job of weaving some very painful adult themes (i.e. child abduction, brainwashing, human trafficking) and their aftereffects into a delightfully heart-lifting, comparatively light read. I do not know how she does this - I can only grab up every novel she writes and greedily gobble them up and learn some empathy with each gobble.
December 25, 2021
Good but not Brilliant
I liked Cassandra and Thomas but the whole villain parents is getting predictable, they try to runaway, RSP/parents intervene, someone power level has been limited or underestimated, someone is malnourished or living in inhabitable places. Previous characters were brought up a lot in this book too which I felt took away from the Cassandra and Thomas. This book is extremely dialogue heavy, there wasn’t really any movement or action in the storyline. It felt like the whole story happened in a week. The ending was brushed off and and rushed, didn’t really explain why they were doing it or or how they got away with it for so long, how many other children were effected. It would have been nice to see Cassandra meet her siblings as well. This book 9 in this series now and although these books are standalone it’s getting repetitive and start skimming through the book. The last 2 years have been challenging and maybe the author is suffering burn out and maybe just need a break to recharge. Hopefully the next book will take a different angle and bring something new, otherwise I will have to hold off on buying from this author for while as she is usually a preorder author with out looking.
I liked Cassandra and Thomas but the whole villain parents is getting predictable, they try to runaway, RSP/parents intervene, someone power level has been limited or underestimated, someone is malnourished or living in inhabitable places. Previous characters were brought up a lot in this book too which I felt took away from the Cassandra and Thomas. This book is extremely dialogue heavy, there wasn’t really any movement or action in the storyline. It felt like the whole story happened in a week. The ending was brushed off and and rushed, didn’t really explain why they were doing it or or how they got away with it for so long, how many other children were effected. It would have been nice to see Cassandra meet her siblings as well. This book 9 in this series now and although these books are standalone it’s getting repetitive and start skimming through the book. The last 2 years have been challenging and maybe the author is suffering burn out and maybe just need a break to recharge. Hopefully the next book will take a different angle and bring something new, otherwise I will have to hold off on buying from this author for while as she is usually a preorder author with out looking.
June 17, 2024
The author redeemed herself with this story! Rachel's story was such a trainwreck for me, I wasn't sure if I'd continue with the series! I laughed and cried with Cassandra and Thomas's story! 4.5 stars
2024 reread! I needed some of this madness!
2024 reread! I needed some of this madness!
December 22, 2021
Wow! There's a lot to process and I can't wait to reread it.
This is not a light and fluffy book. There's a great deal of stuff going on and it may take some processing afterwards. That being said, the characters are wonderful, we get to revisit some favorites as well as meet some of the next generation. Who can resist Pat's yams and chicken, or his chocolate cake? The dialogue is enjoyable with some witty banter in Susan's style. All in all, I'm looking forward to diving back in and watching how the Royal States develope and evolve.
This is not a light and fluffy book. There's a great deal of stuff going on and it may take some processing afterwards. That being said, the characters are wonderful, we get to revisit some favorites as well as meet some of the next generation. Who can resist Pat's yams and chicken, or his chocolate cake? The dialogue is enjoyable with some witty banter in Susan's style. All in all, I'm looking forward to diving back in and watching how the Royal States develope and evolve.
December 25, 2021
A great new addition to an amazing series
First, I love the Royal states books and frequently reread several of them. This will be a reread. It did a great job carrying on from the previous book, Cold Flame.
I love the amount of research this author puts into her stories. I'm always learning something new and am left wanting to do more research on the new-to-me topics.
One of my new favorite reads. Susan Copperfield\RJ Brain never lets me down and is my go-to author when I'm in a reading slump.
First, I love the Royal states books and frequently reread several of them. This will be a reread. It did a great job carrying on from the previous book, Cold Flame.
I love the amount of research this author puts into her stories. I'm always learning something new and am left wanting to do more research on the new-to-me topics.
One of my new favorite reads. Susan Copperfield\RJ Brain never lets me down and is my go-to author when I'm in a reading slump.
December 22, 2021
As William Says: (sort of) the ride will be rough, but worth it
All you need to do is take care of the future, the rest will take care of itself.
The Royal Runaways: or how to secure your future.
As with the rest of this series, there is laughter and cause for tears, anger and love, beautiful horses and people who love them, and kinda/ sorta a hopeful ending. It just comes with a lot of anguish and ends with friends, family and love and understanding.
All you need to do is take care of the future, the rest will take care of itself.
The Royal Runaways: or how to secure your future.
As with the rest of this series, there is laughter and cause for tears, anger and love, beautiful horses and people who love them, and kinda/ sorta a hopeful ending. It just comes with a lot of anguish and ends with friends, family and love and understanding.
December 24, 2021
Amazing read!!!
I literally did not want to stop reading! This book was so worth a sleepless night and book hangover in the morning. Whether you are familiar with the Royal States, or just now finding them, this is a wonderful addition to a great series! I loved this story of Thomas and Cassandra, plus getting to revisit many of my favorites from the series. This is definitely a new addition to my To Be Read Again pile! Enjoy!!!
I literally did not want to stop reading! This book was so worth a sleepless night and book hangover in the morning. Whether you are familiar with the Royal States, or just now finding them, this is a wonderful addition to a great series! I loved this story of Thomas and Cassandra, plus getting to revisit many of my favorites from the series. This is definitely a new addition to my To Be Read Again pile! Enjoy!!!
December 22, 2021
I loved it
Another great book in the Royal States series. I love, love, love Cassandra and Thomas. The way they support and love each other is a new life goal for me. I really enjoy when favorite characters from other books in the series show up and join the fun. Thank you for another much anticipated read.
Another great book in the Royal States series. I love, love, love Cassandra and Thomas. The way they support and love each other is a new life goal for me. I really enjoy when favorite characters from other books in the series show up and join the fun. Thank you for another much anticipated read.
December 23, 2021
Wonderful
Loved the story...old friends from other stories make appearances but you really don't have had to read them to enjoy this one but it makes it more fun...Great characters...fun,crazy,sweet characters who you'll want to hang out with...throughly enjoyed this story so much I'm reading it already..
Loved the story...old friends from other stories make appearances but you really don't have had to read them to enjoy this one but it makes it more fun...Great characters...fun,crazy,sweet characters who you'll want to hang out with...throughly enjoyed this story so much I'm reading it already..
December 27, 2021
Ok
This felt more like a recount than a story. The first few chapters were interesting but then it fell into people explaining history and retelling what was happening instead of experiencing it. The large cast of humans and horses didn’t help as you can only glimpses each of them.
This felt more like a recount than a story. The first few chapters were interesting but then it fell into people explaining history and retelling what was happening instead of experiencing it. The large cast of humans and horses didn’t help as you can only glimpses each of them.
December 28, 2021
The narrative was much better this time, probably because the author brought back quite a few characters from previous books. However, talking remains a free action. It really brings me out of my suspension of disbelief to believe that characters are standing or sitting wherever (the setting tends not to be described because the characters are too busy talking) for pages and pages of dialogue.
December 30, 2021
Always a great read this author
Loved this newest novel of the drama states. Get the joke?If not you aren't reading enough! Absolutely love this author and this series. The individual characters are well thought out and I really enjoy having characters from past novels visit and update us on happenings in their lives. All in all a very enjoyable read.
Loved this newest novel of the drama states. Get the joke?If not you aren't reading enough! Absolutely love this author and this series. The individual characters are well thought out and I really enjoy having characters from past novels visit and update us on happenings in their lives. All in all a very enjoyable read.
January 3, 2022
awesome!
I loved this book, except for one discrepancy. White horses(pink skin) do exist, that do not carry lethal white. In thoroughbreds in particular there is w22 or dominant white gene. Most are found in Japan, although any horse with Airdrie Apache in its lineage is a carrier.
I loved this book, except for one discrepancy. White horses(pink skin) do exist, that do not carry lethal white. In thoroughbreds in particular there is w22 or dominant white gene. Most are found in Japan, although any horse with Airdrie Apache in its lineage is a carrier.
February 20, 2022
Wonderful!
Empathy is wonderful and should be encouraged, whether it’s between two people or a person and one or more animals. Thomas’ and Cassandra’s story tells what happens when people decide to interfere with an empath and their bond. The destruction that occurs to those interfering is deliberate and well deserved.
Empathy is wonderful and should be encouraged, whether it’s between two people or a person and one or more animals. Thomas’ and Cassandra’s story tells what happens when people decide to interfere with an empath and their bond. The destruction that occurs to those interfering is deliberate and well deserved.
May 7, 2022
The Royal States never disappoint
As always the Royal States don't disappoint. Watching Cassandra's journey unfold is great. It definitely makes me want reread them all again. The parent question was quite the suprise so well done. I always await the next book with great impatience.
As always the Royal States don't disappoint. Watching Cassandra's journey unfold is great. It definitely makes me want reread them all again. The parent question was quite the suprise so well done. I always await the next book with great impatience.
August 25, 2022
This one brought back the "attraction" that some of the more recent books were missing. BUT, this one still leaves a lot of stuff unfinished. IF they place such a huge plot point on her magical abilities and all the testing she needs, shouldn't we hear about that? I just feel like it's a hole and I never get resolution.
May 23, 2025
Despicable parent figures, back to horses, and mention of a spin off character. Proofreading misses continue to abound and it felt as if there was a large continuity error in what the female lead told her parent figures between the earlier and later parts of the book. Whatever, I’m diving into the next book in the series.
December 21, 2021
Awesome story!!!
I absolutely love this story. It has parts that made me cry but it is totally worth it. I absolutely recommend this book and all the previous stories too. I can’t wait to see what Susan Copperfield come up with next
I absolutely love this story. It has parts that made me cry but it is totally worth it. I absolutely recommend this book and all the previous stories too. I can’t wait to see what Susan Copperfield come up with next
December 22, 2021
I would take off maybe 1/2 point because I felt there was one loose end...one aspect of the story that I didn't understand the reasoning behind. Of course, there might have been an explanation that I didn't pay enough attention to. It's a great series, though. Read them. Read them all.
December 24, 2021
Engrossing
A great book for an introverted book worm that really likes horses with some political intrigue. Also the pace is slow to moderate which works really well for this book which is a romance.
A great book for an introverted book worm that really likes horses with some political intrigue. Also the pace is slow to moderate which works really well for this book which is a romance.
December 24, 2021
Loved the horses!
I really enjoyed Runaway. It was a little bit of mystery, a lot of special horses; and enjoyable characters. Besides meeting Cassandra, we get to re-visit Pat & Jessica, and William of Montana. I enjoy all the Royal States stories, but this will be a favorite.
I really enjoyed Runaway. It was a little bit of mystery, a lot of special horses; and enjoyable characters. Besides meeting Cassandra, we get to re-visit Pat & Jessica, and William of Montana. I enjoy all the Royal States stories, but this will be a favorite.
December 24, 2021
Wonderful Royal States novel
I loved the Runaway and am so glad I got to visit the Royal states and familiar characters again. My father and I read these books routinely and have the best discussions about characters, situations and life. Thank you for these escapes from reality.
I loved the Runaway and am so glad I got to visit the Royal states and familiar characters again. My father and I read these books routinely and have the best discussions about characters, situations and life. Thank you for these escapes from reality.
December 27, 2021
Wonderful book!!
Another amazing book by Susan Copperfield! This is one of my favorite series to read and re-read. There is no better kudos to give an author than saying you want to live in the world they create….and I do.
Another amazing book by Susan Copperfield! This is one of my favorite series to read and re-read. There is no better kudos to give an author than saying you want to live in the world they create….and I do.
January 1, 2022
Another great read
Honestly, as with all the others in the series, my only complaint is it ended and I have to wait for the next. But absence makes the heart grow fonder, so I'll pretend I can be patient and then reread the series when the next comes out... and maybe 4 more times before then.
Honestly, as with all the others in the series, my only complaint is it ended and I have to wait for the next. But absence makes the heart grow fonder, so I'll pretend I can be patient and then reread the series when the next comes out... and maybe 4 more times before then.
January 2, 2022
Another great book!
I love the Royal Stares novels!! There is always a great story. And you get to keep up with the other characters you have gotten to know in the other books. Susan Copperfield doesn't disappoint!
I love the Royal Stares novels!! There is always a great story. And you get to keep up with the other characters you have gotten to know in the other books. Susan Copperfield doesn't disappoint!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews