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The Runaway Princess

by Hester Browne (Goodreads Author)

3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 · rating details · 788 ratings · 181 reviews

If Amy Wilde’s new boyfriend, Leo, treats her like a queen, that’s because he’s secretly a prince himself: Leopold William Victor Wolfsburg of Nirona, the ninth most eligible royal bachelor in the world. Amy soon discovers that dating an heir to a throne has many charms—intimate alfresco dinners, glittering galas, and, for a girl who lives in jeans and wellies, a dazzling...more

Paperback, 431 pages

Published October 2nd 2012 by Gallery Books

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DABWAHA (Dear Author Bitchery Writing Award for Hella Good Authors) 2013

35th out of 62 books — 21 voters

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

What Top YA Books Should I Read?

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Community Reviews

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Oct 16, 2012 Bethany rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fluffy-chic-lit-that-i-like-anyway

Hester Browne is a go-to to for fun, fluffy reads that still retain quality writing. I once likened reading The Little Lady Agency to eating a big piece of chocolate cake. Not an every day occurrence, because it is possible to have too much sugar, but enjoyable in the right moderation.

Browne does it here as well: the staple better-than-she-knows leading lady, the fun and smart best friends, the really cute guy who might just be too good to be true, and the situation that makes our leading lady s...more

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May 16, 2013 CB rated it 5 of 5 stars

I tried to read Hester Browne's first book and put it down after, oh, 20 pages or so.

So I was reluctant to read THE RUNAWAY PRINCESS, but it was at my library and I needed something to read so...

Wow. Am I glad I picked it up.

I loved Hester Browne's voice in this book. Her writing is warm, and funny, and real. I gulped the book down as fast as I could.

Amy Wilde is a London-based gardener whose speciality is wildflowers (I see what you did with the name there, Browne.) She lives in a flat with her...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Mel rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, fairy-tales, favorite-couples-and-otps

I really liked this book. I thought for a fairy-tale type of story it was surprisingly believable and it really made me think of what I would do if faced with the same situations. I really did relate to Amy. She was a girl who took pride in working for everything she got and I liked that about her, she didn't let the glamour of dating a prince change her personality. She was a normal girl and I think that's what made the book not feel over the top, which a lot of modern princess stories can be a...more

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Mar 05, 2013 kari rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

Hester Brown's books are always such fund with a leisurely pace and lots of character development.
What I like best is that the characters are believable with honest reasons for the behaviors, not turning completely into someone else at that last minute to make the plot work.
Amy is somewhat shy, but not because she doens't care for people or is uninterested. She has some bad past to constantly remind her of what happens when you let people in. I could eastily understand why she is the way she is...more

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Nov 11, 2012 cupcake rated it 3 of 5 stars

When you watched Prince William marry Kate Middleton, did you wish you were a princess? Just a teensy tiny bit? The dress? The tiara? The carriage? All those cameras trained on you, all those eyes?

For Amy Wilde, such fantasies do not exist. She just wants to meet a nice man who loves her. He doesn't have to be a prince or a lord or even a court jester. Just be kind, loving, supportive. So when she meets Leo at a party she and her friend throw, she thinks that she might have found what she's look...more When you watched Prince William marry Kate Middleton, did you wish you were a princess? Just a teensy tiny bit? The dress? The tiara? The carriage? All those cameras trained on you, all those eyes?

For Amy Wilde, such fantasies do not exist. She just wants to meet a nice man who loves her. He doesn't have to be a prince or a lord or even a court jester. Just be kind, loving, supportive. So when she meets Leo at a party she and her friend throw, she thinks that she might have found what she's looking for. He's gorgeous, he shows interest in her, and he seems to like her.

Now, most girls, when the man they are interested in turns out to be a prince, would be thrilled. And Amy is, to some degree. Leo, it turns out, is actually Leopold William Victor Wolfsburg of Nirona, a fictional kingdom near Italy. The good news is that Leo's father is second in line to the throne, so there isn't any potential of Leo becoming king or anything. The pressure is off ... a little, anyway. Leo's mother, a former super model, demands a certain amount of princessy perfection from Amy, demanding that her wardrobe be suitable and that she appear poised and regal. Meanwhile, Amy's business, a horticulture landscaping company she co-owns with a pal, demands her attention, as do her parents. How can she be the future bride Leo appears to want?

This is a cute, sprightly book, but don't let that cuteness fool you. At its crux, Hester Browne's book asks an important question: just how much are you willing to give up in exchange for the person you love? What if you need to change the essence of who you are, even if just a little?

Leo loves Amy, we do not question that, and he's a good man. But Leo, it turns out, is what bothers me most about this book. He's dull. Not that Amy Wilde is all that wild; she's actually a fairly modest, conservative girl who happens to enjoy a glass of wine or three. She's hard working and focused, and she needs someone less buttoned up, otherwise she risks being dull. And dull she becomes, the more she hangs out with Leo. He's all about family duty, and although he cares deeply for Amy, I didn't want them together. His rafish brother Rolf is the family's wild child, and, likewise, a lot more interesting. I'm not saying Amy needs a bad boy, but she needs someone with some edge to him. And Leo does not.

As far as a fun, cute read is concerned, this is a decent one. Its hotness quotient is nearly nonexistent; there is some snogging but all shagging is kept away from us. Maybe if Leo turned out to be a scorching lover, he would have kept my interest. But we don't know, because Hester Browne never tells or shows us.

What we're left with, then, is a capable, cute story that does ask interesting questions. Unfortunately, it lacks an interesting hero.

Published on cupcake's book cupboard/ @VivaAmaRisata
Thanks to edelweiss for the preview.(less)

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Sep 22, 2012 SOS Aloha rated it 5 of 5 stars

“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” - Twyla Tharp

For Amy Wilde, gardening is her art. It is also her livelihood – ranging from weeding, planting, and designing. The physical labor and resulting beauty help Amy heal from a family tragedy as she lives quietly in the shadow of her socially connected flatmate, Jo. Alas, Jo steps away from their “Heaven and Hell” party, forcing Amy to greet unexpected guests – a devil named Rolff and an angel named Leo. As a romance blooms betwee...more “Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” - Twyla Tharp

For Amy Wilde, gardening is her art. It is also her livelihood – ranging from weeding, planting, and designing. The physical labor and resulting beauty help Amy heal from a family tragedy as she lives quietly in the shadow of her socially connected flatmate, Jo. Alas, Jo steps away from their “Heaven and Hell” party, forcing Amy to greet unexpected guests – a devil named Rolff and an angel named Leo. As a romance blooms between Amy and Leo, she learns that Leo is more than a successful banker – he is prince, 5th in line for the throne of a Mediterranean island/posh getaway/tax haven. Amy may be able to manipulate plants, but she finds thorns in her path as she cannot avoid the hungry press, royal expectations, and even her family’s shameful secret.

Browne takes readers on a merry carriage ride as Amy transforms into Cinderella while trying to hang onto her gardening business, endearing friends, and even her own identity. Browne sprinkles references to pop culture to make THE RUNAWAY PRINCESS a humorous read as Amy decides if the fairy tale is worth her family’s privacy. In fact, this was a poignant turn in the plot that made the book more than “Brit Chick Lit” – for me it became a heartwarming journey into what really matters in life.

Browne’s secondary characters brought comic relief – who knew that Jo (from a titled but broke family) could make a living managing contractors for her rich friends? But it was Leo who stole my heart – a true prince with humanity ala Prince William. The book is 448 pages, which typically would be a challenge for me. Yet this was an easy and engaging story that I finished in record time. Like Cinderella, it is a clean read with no sex. Browne gives us romance – actually dating! – with picnic lunches in secluded gardens, meeting Amy’s parents in their reduced circumstances, and chatting unassumingly with Leo’s grandfather, the reigning prince and avid gardener.

THE RUNAWAY PRINCESS cultivates old fashioned values of honor, integrity, friendship, and love. Recommended read for those who enjoy sweet romances, British culture, and gardening, too!

I received an ARC from the publisher for this review.
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Dec 02, 2012 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Runaway Princess by Hester Browne tells the story of Amy, a gardener who unknowingly finds herself in a relationship with a Leo who is part of a royal family. The relationship turns even more upside down when an unexpected development puts him much closer to the throne than originally expected. She finds herself going through the ups and downs dealing with the media and Leo's family expectations.

I loved this book. It's one of those perfect chic-lit romance novels that makes you smile through...more

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Dec 13, 2012 E. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, romance

4.75
"The Runaway Princess" by Hester Browne is a delightful contemporary romance set in London as well as the fictional principality of Nirona. Shy Amy Wilde is struggling to make a living as a garden designer, working with a former house-mate on gardens all over London. Amy's flamboyant flat-mate Jo de Vere makes efforts to encourage Amy to discard her taciturn Yorkshire mannerisms and enjoy the quirky parties they are hosting. The mind-boggling discovery that the charismatic Leo who makes such...more 4.75
"The Runaway Princess" by Hester Browne is a delightful contemporary romance set in London as well as the fictional principality of Nirona. Shy Amy Wilde is struggling to make a living as a garden designer, working with a former house-mate on gardens all over London. Amy's flamboyant flat-mate Jo de Vere makes efforts to encourage Amy to discard her taciturn Yorkshire mannerisms and enjoy the quirky parties they are hosting. The mind-boggling discovery that the charismatic Leo who makes such an impression upon her is a bona fide prince draws Amy into a whirlwind of situations which threaten to overwhelm her, especially since she has her own complicated family issues which may overshadow his. Is it possible for them to reach a middle ground when they come from such different worlds? It depends on what compromises can be reached and how their respective families react to their relationship.

I was delighted by this contemporary romance although I confess that I needed quite a few tissues before I was done. The zany characters who populate this story provide an immensely entertaining backdrop for a beautiful love story between two apparently disparate characters who discover all that they have in common. Naturally, the fairy tale romance between a prince and a `commoner' appeals to my incurably romantic nature and the struggle that Amy undergoes as she strives to live up to what she perceives as everyone's expectations gives this book significant relevance to everyone who has ever felt `not quite good enough'. The mystery of Amy's family tragedy was dragged out a little long and addressed a little awkwardly for my tastes but the cultivation of the relationship between her and Leo was a lovely flowering that mirrored Amy's gardens. I enjoyed the exposure to a couple of different cultures (one of which was a bit more fictional than the other) and the author has such a wry sense of humor that there are discreet zingers sprinkled throughout the work that may slip by unnoticed until pages later but that adds to the allure. This was a fun, romantic and thoroughly enjoyable read (and I have added several fascinating words to my vocabulary).

© Night Owl Reviews

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review. (less)

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Dec 31, 2012 Jacqueline The Everyday Shopaholic rated it 3 of 5 stars

3 Stars

I am highly disappointed with The Runaway Princess. I love Hester Brown books and I have read all of them and so when I noticed this recent release, I was very excited.

Amy is your typical normal gal; she lives in London and co-owns a garden business. Amy meets Leo at a party and doesn’t know Leo’s a prince. I wish I could say the book is about Amy discovering who Leo is, but it’s not and that was probably the down fall of the book.

The first 60 pages were not necessary, I felt like it didn...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Chev E rated it 5 of 5 stars

Amy is a totally average girl. She's pretty, but not gorgeous, smart, but not a genious, and is also a little shy. After a party-crashing disaster, Amy meets Leo, her prince charming. However, it isn't until after they've gone out once or twice that Amy finds out her prince charming really is a prince, 5th in line to the throne of the tiny island Nirona. Suddenly, Amy is thrust into a world she never dreamed of being part of, full of fancy balls and galas and expensive dresses, but she still hol...more Amy is a totally average girl. She's pretty, but not gorgeous, smart, but not a genious, and is also a little shy. After a party-crashing disaster, Amy meets Leo, her prince charming. However, it isn't until after they've gone out once or twice that Amy finds out her prince charming really is a prince, 5th in line to the throne of the tiny island Nirona. Suddenly, Amy is thrust into a world she never dreamed of being part of, full of fancy balls and galas and expensive dresses, but she still holds on to her gardening roots (pun not intended-she really is a gardener). When a series of events forces Leo closer to the throne than anyone expected, Amy is pushed even farther into his world and is faced with the biggest dilemma of her life: be with the man she loves and become a totally new person, or stay true to herself?

Overall thoughts:
Totally adorable!!! Hester Browne always adds something to her novels that make them more than just another stupid romance and this one was no different. The main theme of the Runaway Princess was to be who you are and not to change yourself for someone else, which I thought was very similar to the theme in The Little Lady and the Prince. In both books the main character questions how much of herself she should compromise in a relationship with a man she loves, only to discover or learn later that compromise has to go both ways.

What I expected vs. what I got:
Based on the description, I thought that The Runaway Princess would start with Amy and Leo already engaged, and I was pleasantly surprised to find Amy single at the start of the book. I loved how the novel is set up in a way to take the reader on a journey through Amy and Leo's relationship. It gave the plot a depth that it otherwise wouldn't have had because it made me fall in love with them while they fell for each other. If the story had only started once they were engaged and all the drama started then I wouldn't have been committed to Amy and Leo as a couple and probably would have wanted her to dump him for some sweet normal guy, because I love reading the beginning of the love story.

Characters:
I absolutely adored the cast of characters in The Runaway Princess. Every single one was unique, round, and memorable, with totally different personalities. In particular I loved Jo and she was the perfect "quirky best friend". Jo was supposed to play second-string to Amy, as this was Amy's story, but Jo managed to take over any scene she was in with her big personality. This may sound a little off because she was only supposed to be on the side, but I liked it because I felt like this was how Jo and Amy would be if they were real people, just because of Amy's shyness. Jo also had that perfect best friend quality which can be very hard to find, which is a complete lack of jealousy. In a book about a girl being engaged to a prince you'd think that her best friend would be jealous but Browne managed to create a best friend whose happiness for the future princess was one hundred percent genuine.
I wouldn't be able to write about the characters without mentioning Zoe. She had only two appearances but I loved both of them, especially the second one which was so good I nearly started crying (in a good way!!!). I would say more but this part was so good that my words wouldn't do it justice.(less)

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Nov 01, 2012 Abril rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit, contemporary-romance-books

Rating: solid 3 stars

It was a nice cute read. The shy wallflower, middle income girl gets the prince, but I did however find the Leo character quite lacking. He was great and charming, but there really wasn't much depth to him. He didn't really have any flaws. Sure, he was really considerate made the heroine feel special, but he never made a mistake. There was no hidden traumas of being royal or emotions of resentment that his every action was monitored by the press. Or that he followed a schedu...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

For me, romance books in general are an example of where my heart has completely attached itself to a genre that my head actively resists at an arm's length; I understand that they're mostly written as fun escapes, but I can't quite shut down the voice of practicality when I read them.

Because while I love how Hester Browne writes such an authentic portrayal of the nerves and delights of crushes and attraction, the pragmatic side of me also notices the sweetly convenient resolution and the sheer...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Amy Wilde may have a green thumb when it comes to plants, but when it comes to men she's all thumbs -- hopelessly frozen, bereft of a single intelligent thought or witticism. Her vivacious roommate Jo is determined to see Amy's perpetually single status changed for good at their next party -- a party that's gate-crashed by Rolf, a playboy with the godlike looks of an Adonis. But it isn't Rolf that captures Amy's eye -- it's his suspiciously normal (but equally handsome) friend Leo, with whom con...more Amy Wilde may have a green thumb when it comes to plants, but when it comes to men she's all thumbs -- hopelessly frozen, bereft of a single intelligent thought or witticism. Her vivacious roommate Jo is determined to see Amy's perpetually single status changed for good at their next party -- a party that's gate-crashed by Rolf, a playboy with the godlike looks of an Adonis. But it isn't Rolf that captures Amy's eye -- it's his suspiciously normal (but equally handsome) friend Leo, with whom conversation -- wonder of wonders! -- comes as naturally as breathing. She may at long last have finally met her perfect match, the man with whom she can finally be herself, unencumbered by her family's past scandal. But when she learns that Leo the investment banker turns out to be Prince Leopold of Nirona, one of the ten most eligible bachelors in the world, the very private Amy suddenly finds herself thrust into the glare of a very public, and often cruel, spotlight. When tragedy strikes and Amy's closely-guarded past threatens to resurface, can her relationship with Leo survive the pressures of fame and duty?

While The Runaway Princess is my first Hester Browne novel, it most assuredly will not be my last. People, this book is ADORABLE. This is the perfect read for anyone who ever found their heart skip a beat as the real life fairy tale unfolded between William and Kate, proving once again the public's enduring fascination with a royal romance. I loved Amy's idiosyncrasies and unabashed determination to remain normal, pre- and post-spotlight. She's quirky, funny, and best of all, real. Leo is a swoon-worthy hero, the perfect modern day knight in shining armor -- an apt description since after all Browne has penned the modern-day equivalent of a fairy tale. Amy and Leo are surrounded by a colorful cast of supporting players, best of all Amy's best friend Jo, larger-than-life, generous and loyal to a fault -- so well-drawn she deserves her own book. Her friendship with Amy, the give-and-take between them, is perhaps one of the strongest female friendships I've read in fiction of this ilk.

If Amy's story is a grown-up version of The Princess Diaries, it isn't all frothy fun and laugh-out-loud humor (although the novel possesses those qualities in abundance). Amy's unfolding relationship with Leo, while on balance are the stuff dreams are made of, are occasionally shadowed by the real-life, and all too relatable, intrusion of self-esteem issues and family tragedy. While I did feel that the "secret" shame in Amy's past was concealed far too long and resolved too neatly, I appreciated that Browne was willing to add some depth and emotional pathos to her otherwise fluffy, charming romance. Amy and Leo's romance is a charming, thought-provoking entrée into the glamorous and pressure-filled world of royal romance and its attendant public notoriety. The challenges and sacrifices Amy must face in her quest to make her relationship with Leo work are powerful reminders of the humanity behind the public persona, hidden behind the gloss of celebrity status and 24-hour news cycles. And while it could be argued that, in the end, Amy doesn't give much -- or enough -- ground, what I loved her passionate commitment to remain true to herself when her very private affaire de coeur becomes very public fodder for the gossip columns.

The Runaway Princess is a charming modern-day fairy tale, packed with warmth, heart, and unexpected moments of poignancy. Amy is a fantastic "everywoman" heroine, and coupled with Browne's razor-sharp wit and gloriously realized cast of supporting characters, her resulting romance is one of the best, most charming chick lits I've read in an age. Well done, Ms. Browne -- I can't wait to explore your backlist titles!(less)

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Oct 30, 2012 Lori rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-lit

I have to say that I really related to the heroine, Amy, on a certain level. She is a little klutzy and very self conscious about the way that others view her. While the plot was a little predictable, it had "laugh out loud" scenes that kept me engaged to the end. The reality of it all was out there - but I think every girl dreams of growing up to marry a prince. I liked how Browne looked at the reality of that dream and how it would really affect an average girls life.

I've been vacillating bet...more

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Jan 06, 2013 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-chick-lit

Chick lit at its finest! This was a fun and delightful read full of what every girl dreams of - meeting a prince (but without knowing he's a prince), getting swept off your feet, oh and he's wealthy to boot, falling in love, and happily ever ever. The stuff of a great romcom!

I thoroughly enjoyed this one, although I did want the main character to stand up for herself more (come on - a modern 21st century women wouldn't flat out tell her boyfriend/love of your life when she's being mistreated by...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Pat rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love Hester Browne's books....they are one of my guilty-leasure reads. Such a find--a British chick-lit author who isn't crass, vulgar, or feels a need to explain EVERY detail of a relationship. I prefer to leave that to the imagination, and she does that quite well. One of the things I like best about Browne's books is that her main characters are REAL---they are ordinary women, worried about their hair, or their weight; dealing with things on an ordinary level and not a trace of so-gorgeous-...more

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Jan 24, 2013 Frezanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book-owned, romance

Hester Browne has a knack of making a likable character. This book is one of the example. The story is nothing new: Cinderella meets Prince Charming. However, the characterization is outstanding. Amy is one of the most down-to-earth realistic character I've read. Besides that, the story was written in such a thoughtful way that it flows beautifully. It's not always a smooth journey that can be summarized with happily ever after. The relationship takes time, effort and sacrifice from both parties...more

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Nov 05, 2012 Deena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bosler, chick-lit, modern-lit

Despite it's predictability, I really enjoyed this. There's nothing new here with regard to the general plot; This is The Prince and Me about grown-ups, with a touch of The Princess Diaries throw in. But sometimes, that sort of predictability is just what you want, especially when it is nicely written, and given believable characters and details.

I really liked Amy, although I was a bit skeptical about how Leo could have turned out as well as he did, considering his family. But none of these fol...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Patti Loves FAB Romance rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

PJV Quickie: Smart, witty dialogue, a heroine I can identify with and a backdrop full of color and life made me fall in love with The Runaway Princess...

Amy Wilde runs her own gardening company; she likes what she does and hopes to expand into bigger projects. She lives with her flatmate, Jo, who’s outgoing, fun, and socially connected. Unlike Jo, Amy is shy, sometimes painfully so. No matter how many times Jo tries to introduce her to an eligible friend, Amy doesn’t date them – she clams up at...more PJV Quickie: Smart, witty dialogue, a heroine I can identify with and a backdrop full of color and life made me fall in love with The Runaway Princess...

Amy Wilde runs her own gardening company; she likes what she does and hopes to expand into bigger projects. She lives with her flatmate, Jo, who’s outgoing, fun, and socially connected. Unlike Jo, Amy is shy, sometimes painfully so. No matter how many times Jo tries to introduce her to an eligible friend, Amy doesn’t date them – she clams up at parties and hides in the kitchen with the party food.

When Amy meets Leo, completely by accident, the most amazing thing happens – Amy actually says more than 10 words to him without getting tongue tied! He tells her he’s a fund manager, which is true. What he doesn’t tell her is that he’s also a prince: his grandfather is king of the tiny island nation of Nirona and Leo is fifth in line to inherit the throne.

As they get to know each other and romance blooms, Amy struggles with all the things that come from dating one of HotYoung&Royal’s most eligible bachelors – media scrutiny, palace expectations, and trying to maintain her business and her sense of self while falling in love with a prince.
______________

Last year, I read and loved Ms. Browne’s Swept Off Her Feet (it made my 2011 favorite reads list), so when I received The Runaway Princess I knew I was in for a treat. I was not wrong – I loved The Runaway Princess! I was pulled into the story from page 1 and didn’t want to put the book down; from the vivid descriptions of the plants and planting process to the setting and attention to detail, it was easy to lose myself in The Runaway Princess.

Amy is adorably awkward in any type of social situation and I absolutely loved her for it. I could totally sympathise with her character: non-confrontational and unfailingly polite, she’s fiercely protective of the people she loves and will do anything or sacrifice anything to make their lives easier. Her romance with Leo is sweet and all her second-guessing and worrying made her totally relatable. Amy’s family is hiding a past that they’re trying to put behind them, but with every photo of Amy in some tabloid magazine, they know someone is doing to dig up their ugly family secret. As for Leo, it’s obvious that although he’s been raised in a manner befitting a prince, he’s a little geeky and a lot sweet. Don’t get me wrong, he had his ‘guy’ moments (insert eye-roll here), but they were few and far between.

The supporting cast had big personalities and were not just a foil for the main characters, they were as entertaining as Amy and Leo. I love Jo – she’s the kind of BFF every girl hopes for (and tries to be): funny, supportive, and willing to try anything once. Leo’s brother Rolf is obnoxious and funny, you don’t want to miss “The Rolf Express”. The ‘family quirks’ add to the richness of the story and make you feel like you’ve known them all for years.

Although I usually like a bit of sexin’ in my stories, The Runaway Princess was completely chaste in that respect but I didn’t miss it at all. My only complaints are that the ending felt kind of rushed, and we never found out if a certain royal was responsible for certain mishaps that kept happening to Amy.

Recommendations
If you couldn’t get enough of the frenzy that surrounded Will and Kate’s wedding, or have dreamed of finding a prince of your own, you’ll love The Runaway Princess.(less)

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May 11, 2013 Minna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 3-stars, contemporary-romance, fluff

I heard that The Runaway Princess was really good. Well. The writing style was good, definitely, but the story... hmm.
I LOVED the side characters. Jo and Rolf? delightful. Ted was funny. Willi was charming; I could just envision him as the suave old gentleman with a wink. (Funny, I also imagined him with a waxed mustache; is that wierd?!)
My main problem was twofold:
(a) Neither of the main characters did much for me. Leo: perfect... but snoozetastic. He never really broke a sweat at anything. H...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: chicklit

Hester Browne, author of the "Little Lady Agency" books, has produced another likable heroine in this bit of fluff. Down to earth and socially backward, Amy Wilde meets the man of her dreams, who turns out to be a real live prince. No, that's not a spoiler--she meets him early on. But how does she handle everything that comes along with dating one of the most eligible men in the world? Probably like most ordinary girls would: badly, much of the time.

I have a feeling Browne might have borrowed a...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Victoria Austin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Like most red blooded girls I've often dreamed of being a princess; to be totally honest a little more recently than I'd like to admit. In that spirit I picked up The Runaway Princess. Amy is just your average gardener living in London. Till she meets a prince and falls head over heels. Stay with me here, it's not your average storybook romance. Hester Browne (author of my fav chick-lit book The Little Lady Agency) has a gift of combining fairy tale with reality and adding a generous sprinkling...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Andrea Heltsley rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Good: I loved Hester Browne's writing style. She was funny, quirky and passionate. Amy, the mc, was just a normal girl who enjoyed being invisible and working hard. She was successfully growing her own business with her partner Ted and all was right with the world. Then Leo and Rolf crash her party. Nothing was ever the same again once she connected with Leo. Suddenly she is whisked into a fairytale romance that all girls dream of. Who wouldn't want a sexy prince that is down to earth?

The ba...more

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Dec 27, 2012 Ber rated it 3 of 5 stars

The good: Amy is out modern heroine, her struggle to remain herself and be the princess her fiancé 2nd from the throne Leopold William Victor Wolfsburg is surprisingly relatable. We are not Kate Middleton but many of us struggle for the same balance of remaining ourselves and being the person our partner needs.

The bad: The blurb on the back cover raises the question if Prince Charming is worth the price of losing oneself. I think Amy made the right decision but Hester Brown must have felt the pr...more

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Oct 27, 2012 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-2012, favorites, for-review, ebooks

Hester Browne is an author I’ve never, ever tried before. She’s written about six novels, but all have passed me by. If I’m being honest it’s because most of her novels are about posh people. They radiate poshness and elegance and it’s generally not something that appeals to me. However, after reading The Runaway Princess, I am very very wrong. Hester Browne’s books may look, sound and perhaps be a bit posh, but that is not a bad thing at all and she’s one of the most talented Chick Lit writers...more Hester Browne is an author I’ve never, ever tried before. She’s written about six novels, but all have passed me by. If I’m being honest it’s because most of her novels are about posh people. They radiate poshness and elegance and it’s generally not something that appeals to me. However, after reading The Runaway Princess, I am very very wrong. Hester Browne’s books may look, sound and perhaps be a bit posh, but that is not a bad thing at all and she’s one of the most talented Chick Lit writers about if The Runaway Princess is anything to go by. When I requested to read the novel, I wasn’t expecting to be blown away as much as I was or to enjoy it as much as I did, but man, I loved it.

Amy Wilde is a tough Yorkshire girl, who spends her days gardening and designing gardens in a bid to one day keep bees. The only posh bits about her are the parties she’s invited to by her best friend and flatmate Jo and even then, she absolutely detests having to make small talk. So when Jo throws a party in their flat one evening, she’s surprised to find herself chatting to Leo, a beautiful blonde with a wicked smile and an easy talker. She’s astounded when she finds out he’s a prince – of Nirona – and she finds herself quickly falling for him. Beautiful dinners in his home garden, nights out at the theater… It all seems too good to be true, and as Amy finds her life to be scrutinised more and more she can’t help asking herself if it’s all worth the risk?

The Runaway Princess is a brilliant novel. You’ve already heard about my reservations re Browne’s writing and worrying the whole posh bit isn’t really for me, and that Hester Browne’s books do seem to be a bit more upper class than I usually read, but I was entirely wrong and I prejudged both Hester and her novels and for that I do apologise. Look what I’ve been missing out on by worrying she’s not the author for me! If the caliber of The Runaway Princess is anything to go by, then I need to snap up all of her other novels yesterday. I absolutely adored the book. Seriously, it’s one of my favourites this year. One of my favourites possibly ever. Amy is such a wonderful character and Leo is such a catch – honestly, he may be just a character but he took my breath away as well – and the whole girl-meets-prince-literally can never, ever be an overdone concept. Especially when the prince isn’t like most princes. He’s just like a regular person who happens to be a prince (and sure, sure, maybe all princes say that, but not Leo. Oh, Leo).

The story was brilliant and I liked that there was a secret side to Amy (and boy, did that turn out to be a shock!!). I liked the look in to the royals of Nirona, I thought they were a very charming bunch, except maybe Sofia and even Rolf. God, Rolf. What a skeeze. Amy’s two best friends Jo and Ted were so cool and even Amy’s dog, Badger felt like a mega major character even if he was just a dog. The whole book just astounded me. The writing was the best bit, without a doubt. Browne has this really easy style, reminiscent of Kinsella actually, that just flows. You just keep reading and reading and reading and you don’t ever want to stop. I actually read this whilst on the plane from Tenerife to England and it really helped the hours fly by because let me tell you, plane journeys are arduous and long and seem even longer just because you’re stuck in a seat for hours straight, but The Runaway Princess helped that. I had The Script in my ears and The Runaway Princess for my eyes and it was bliss. I loved it, and you will love it too, because it’s amazing.(less)

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Sep 15, 2012 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, chick-lit

I liked The Runaway Princess. I might've enjoyed it a bit more if it hadn't been such a long book.

It's about a "normal" girl who falls in love with a prince. It describes itself as "The Princess Diaries meets Runaway Bride" and this description is pretty much exactly what I would've compared it to.

I enjoyed the parts where she was being taught how to be "royal" the most. My main problem with it was the length. I thought there unnecessary parts and times when the book moved a bit slowly. Otherw...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Richard rated it 1 of 5 stars

I gave this a one star, but I would say that in this case that one star is 100% representative of my opinion and has no bearing on the quality of the book itself.

I didn't finish it, because I really didn't like it. To be fair, however, this wasn't something I was going to like anyway and I highly doubt I'm the target audience for this kind of book. I read as much as I could stomach and, since it is for a book club, as much as I needed to be familiar with the book itself.

I just imagine there are...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

Picking up this book in my local target, I hadn't expected much more than a quick, easy read. Browne, however, managed to make this seemingly fun flirty read, much more meaningful and heartwarming. It's a story a lot of girls dream of; being swept off their feet by their prince charming, or an actual prince. However Browne showed a much more true side to this fairy tale. That true love involves give and take, and that no love is perfect. Great novel that almost made me tear-up, i would recommend...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, books-read-in-2012

I LOVE the description of this book, so was very excited to win it from GoodReads. I was pretty into the first part of the book. I thought the characters and world were set up well and Amy and Leo's initial relationship had me feeling all warm and fuzzy. It did an awesome job of showing instant attraction without getting near instalove. I also really appreciated how the paparazzi aspect was dealt with. That's something I often find lacking in other books, that exploration of how weird it would b...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Kevin I Heart.. Chick Lit rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
www.chicklitkevinxx.blogspot.com

Confession: I never got the chance to read Hester's previous books, mainly because her Little Lady books were popular back when I was 11, so you have to understand, what did I know about chick lit back then? Well, I was longing to read Hester Browne's The Finishing Touches since last year but never seem to get a hold of it. So I decided that The Runaway Princess would be my first and hopefully not the last by Hester who is...more Review originally on I Heart.. Chick Lit.
www.chicklitkevinxx.blogspot.com

Confession: I never got the chance to read Hester's previous books, mainly because her Little Lady books were popular back when I was 11, so you have to understand, what did I know about chick lit back then? Well, I was longing to read Hester Browne's The Finishing Touches since last year but never seem to get a hold of it. So I decided that The Runaway Princess would be my first and hopefully not the last by Hester who is an ah-may-zing writer.

But first and foremost, I would like thank Jean Anne Rose from Gallery Books for a copy. I can't thank you enough, you lovely lady - Hester said you were the "dream publicist" and now I know why! I was so glad the DHL man came over to my house on Thursday to deliver a package from NYC, containing The Runaway Princess. Well, perfect timing it was, as I was finishing with my exams the next day. So parfait for reading!

The Runaway Princess is a fun, delicious slice of chick lit you'll devour for its lovable, adorable and wonderful heroine, Amy and her prince charming, Leo. Top it off with Hester's flair for words and her unique writing style. I loved every page of it - pure escapism for me, to be absorbed into the glamorous life of Amy and Leo, their whirlwind romance and the fairytale ending every girl deserves. Now, why do I say so? I'm sure plenty will beg to differ, that there are much better, satisfying and sinful chick lit out there, but rest assured, The Runaway Princess is one of a kind and it rocked me.

What I loved most about The Runaway Princess? Well, the one thing that sparked my love for this book has to be: Amy Wilde. She's your average, country girl with a big heart and ambition and is determined to succeed at things she's really passionate about - gardening. She's a real sweetheart, adorable at times, sometimes a nervous wreck, hilarious with her clever, witty banter, but that only makes her more likeable. What I love about her was her down-to-earth personality, she likes doing things normally, nothing over the top and enjoys the simple things in life, well except her prince fiancé! Standing tall, handsome with the lushest blond hair, Leopold William Victor Wolfsburg of Nirona, the perfect hero, the dashing Prince Charming every girl dreams of getting married to. I never doubted Leo for his big, caring heart and love for Amy. If I could nominated Best Hero for the Chick Litter Awards, you know who I'd pick!

The romantic chemistry between Amy and Leo was undeniably real, deep and passionate. They hit it off after their first date and I knew it was true love - the spark that ignited between them. The romance between the two of them, wow! And as for Leo, I must say, he's a perfect gentleman, soft-spoken, respectful and charming. By reading this light slice of heavenly chick lit, I got a glimpse of dating a proper royalty! Isn't it every girl's dream to marry her Prince Charming?

Everything about the book worked for me, from the flow of the story to my favourite scenes - Leo taking Amy out to dates and beware of the mother of all proposals. I loved the proposal, it was perfect, (how many times have I mentioned "perfect"?) well-planned and thoughtful, not a bit of corny, just downright romantic and heartwarming. The characters in the book were a thrill to read about, I loved Jo, Amy's best friend. She's funny, crazy and supportive and knows the right thing to do all the time. I'd love to have her as my best friend! Alongside Becky Bloomwood, Scarlett O'Brien and Angela Clark. Hester really had her work planned out ahead as the characters and plot were cleverly woven together to form such a fabulous, divine book.

The Runaway Princess left me with that warm, gooey feeling in my heart, now I know what Lucy-Anne Holmes meant. I hope Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge would trade her tiara for a chance to read The Runaway Princess, all because it's worth reading and enjoying and I know I would. For UK readers, don't fret, The Runaway Princess will be out in the UK next spring/summer, so keep a look out for news on the book release on here.

Hester Browne's lovely new book, The Runaway Princess is perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella. Period. And those who enjoyed The Princess Diaries, only The Runaway Princess is much better, with a darling heroine and a divine prince and not to forget, the almost-human dog, Badger!

Rating : 5/5
Perfect score! (Sorry, using it for the last time!) (less)

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About Hester Browne

Hester Browne was born in England's Lake District, read English at Trinity College, Cambridge, and worked as a fiction editor before leaving publishing to write full time. She enjoys Scottish reeling, driving, baking, and trawling eBay for estate sale bargains. She doesn't enjoy hot weather, tax returns, or any talent programme where people have to plead to be allowed to juggle flaming chainsaws o...more

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Books by Hester Browne

The Little Lady Agency (The Little Lady Agency, #1)

The Little Lady Agency and the Prince (The Little Lady Agency, #3)

Little Lady, Big Apple (The Little Lady Agency, #2)

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Quotes from The Runaway Princess

“I'm not that nice," I said. People were always telling me how nice I was. You'd think it would be a compliment, but it was amazing how sometimes it just felt like a kinder way of saying "blah." "I just keep my horrible side well hidden.” — 2 people liked it

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