What do you think?
Rate this book
The Second Lady Silverwood #2
The Runaway Heiress
'This beautifully observed Regency romance, with hints of Heyer, had me hooked.' - Jessica Bull, author of Miss Austen Investigates
London, 1815. Cassandra Hazeldon is on the run.
Under duress to marry a repellent friend of her uncle, Cassandra has made her escape, but now she is very much alone. With luck and quick thinking, she finds a refuge in a grand mansion in Mayfair, and a protector in Lord Irlam, or Hal to his friends.
Posing as a friend of Hal's sister, Cassandra is swept up into the social whirl of a Brighton summer. But the attraction between her and Hal is starting to scorch, and when jealousy is added to the mix, things are set to reach boiling point.
Dear Reader, this wonderfully romantic story has passionate and steamy scenes, enjoy .
London, 1815. Cassandra Hazeldon is on the run.
Under duress to marry a repellent friend of her uncle, Cassandra has made her escape, but now she is very much alone. With luck and quick thinking, she finds a refuge in a grand mansion in Mayfair, and a protector in Lord Irlam, or Hal to his friends.
Posing as a friend of Hal's sister, Cassandra is swept up into the social whirl of a Brighton summer. But the attraction between her and Hal is starting to scorch, and when jealousy is added to the mix, things are set to reach boiling point.
Dear Reader, this wonderfully romantic story has passionate and steamy scenes, enjoy .
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2023
39 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Emma Orchard
10 books87 followersEmma Orchard was born in Salford. She studied English Literature at the Universities of Edinburgh and York, before working behind the scenes in publishing and television for many years. Her first job was at Mills & Boon, where she met her husband in a classic enemies-to-lovers romance. She now lives in North London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 30, 2024
Delightful regency romance with a young heiress running from a wicked uncle and his friend who are plotting to have her married to him, keeping her funds. Of course she’s rescued by a handsome young nobleman. The rest is history with a few curves thrown in their way.
November 20, 2023
I found the first 20% of The Runaway Heiress really engaging but from there on my interest peaked and waned. The heroine, Cassie was interesting in terms of her thinking but also she was a bit too quick to trust her new protectors and love interest. I liked Hal, the MMC, but also he was demonstrating signs of insta-something very quickly. That became the underlying foundation for what they had and I wanted a bit more of a harder-fought feeling in the earlier parts of their time together.
We did get trouble later on but I didn't enjoy the reason for their misunderstanding. The Georgina storyline felt Wickham and Lydia to me. I wanted a bit more of the family so that I could understand Hal and why he was the way he was.
Overall, the characterisation felt a little superficial. Both separate and together, I wanted to dig deeper with these characters but there was limited scope. The dialogue in the intimate scenes felt a little awkward to me but I recognise this might have worked for other readers.
This wasn't as strong as the first book I read from this author, but I will read a future read to see if it works better for me.
We did get trouble later on but I didn't enjoy the reason for their misunderstanding. The Georgina storyline felt Wickham and Lydia to me. I wanted a bit more of the family so that I could understand Hal and why he was the way he was.
Overall, the characterisation felt a little superficial. Both separate and together, I wanted to dig deeper with these characters but there was limited scope. The dialogue in the intimate scenes felt a little awkward to me but I recognise this might have worked for other readers.
This wasn't as strong as the first book I read from this author, but I will read a future read to see if it works better for me.
October 28, 2023
Thank you to @allisonandbusby for my Arc of The Runaway Heiress by Emma Orchard
London, 1815. Cassandra Hazeldon is on the run.
Under duress to marry a repellent friend of her uncle, Cassandra has made her escape, but now she is very much alone. With luck and quick thinking, she finds a refuge in a grand mansion in Mayfair, and a protector in Lord Irlam, or Hal to his friends.
Posing as a friend of Hal’s sister, Cassandra is swept up into the social whirl of a Brighton summer. But the attraction between her and Hal is starting to scorch, and when jealousy is added to the mix, things are set to reach boiling point.
Dear Reader, this wonderfully romantic story has passionate and steamy scenes, enjoy
Loon out for my full review coming the end of next week
Publication day 2nd November
London, 1815. Cassandra Hazeldon is on the run.
Under duress to marry a repellent friend of her uncle, Cassandra has made her escape, but now she is very much alone. With luck and quick thinking, she finds a refuge in a grand mansion in Mayfair, and a protector in Lord Irlam, or Hal to his friends.
Posing as a friend of Hal’s sister, Cassandra is swept up into the social whirl of a Brighton summer. But the attraction between her and Hal is starting to scorch, and when jealousy is added to the mix, things are set to reach boiling point.
Dear Reader, this wonderfully romantic story has passionate and steamy scenes, enjoy
Loon out for my full review coming the end of next week
Publication day 2nd November
October 30, 2023
Cassandra’s on the run.
If you’re expecting demure, socially constrained Regency niceties in The Runaway Heiress you have chosen the wrong book! Emma Orchard’s story is fast paced and absolutely sizzles with sexual tension and some pretty racy passages that make not only Cass and Hal hot under the collar, but are highly charged for the reader too!
Certainly the era is satisfyingly portrayed, particularly through the author’s style and direct speech so that the time is conveyed completely convincingly. Aspects like betrothal, reputation, wealth and so on all fit the genre really well, but it was the dramatic, stormy and very sexy relationship between Cass and Hal that I so enjoyed.
Hal is a wonderful contradiction of conventional manners, caring for his orphaned younger siblings and upholding reputations, whilst simmering with desire for Cassandra. Cass, meanwhile, is passionate, scrupulously honest and strong, yet vulnerable and threatened so that between the two they epitomise the need to uphold the veneer of civilised behaviour whilst desperately wanting to undermine it. This makes for great tension and brilliant romance.
I loved the plot. It bubbles with just enough historical detail to create interest, involves a wonderful balance of primary and secondary characters and it steams along at a cracking pace. The concept of a female’s place in society also cleverly underpins the narrative so that there’s an added dimension of feminism to enjoy in the story.
Regency romance is a genre I almost never read and indeed have often avoided thinking it wasn’t for me, but I so enjoyed The Runaway Heiress that I might have to revise my opinions! The Runaway Heiress is a fast-paced, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable book that held my rapt attention throughout!
If you’re expecting demure, socially constrained Regency niceties in The Runaway Heiress you have chosen the wrong book! Emma Orchard’s story is fast paced and absolutely sizzles with sexual tension and some pretty racy passages that make not only Cass and Hal hot under the collar, but are highly charged for the reader too!
Certainly the era is satisfyingly portrayed, particularly through the author’s style and direct speech so that the time is conveyed completely convincingly. Aspects like betrothal, reputation, wealth and so on all fit the genre really well, but it was the dramatic, stormy and very sexy relationship between Cass and Hal that I so enjoyed.
Hal is a wonderful contradiction of conventional manners, caring for his orphaned younger siblings and upholding reputations, whilst simmering with desire for Cassandra. Cass, meanwhile, is passionate, scrupulously honest and strong, yet vulnerable and threatened so that between the two they epitomise the need to uphold the veneer of civilised behaviour whilst desperately wanting to undermine it. This makes for great tension and brilliant romance.
I loved the plot. It bubbles with just enough historical detail to create interest, involves a wonderful balance of primary and secondary characters and it steams along at a cracking pace. The concept of a female’s place in society also cleverly underpins the narrative so that there’s an added dimension of feminism to enjoy in the story.
Regency romance is a genre I almost never read and indeed have often avoided thinking it wasn’t for me, but I so enjoyed The Runaway Heiress that I might have to revise my opinions! The Runaway Heiress is a fast-paced, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable book that held my rapt attention throughout!
March 15, 2024
Although I really enjoyed this tale, it wasn't as well written or thought out as her first novel. I did like the main characters but didn't like the big jump forward in the middle of the book missing their wedding completely. I believe the cry back in Regency England would have been "Bad form Emma!"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2023
Oh how I wish I could meet the truly wonderfully romantic Hal in my everyday life but sadly I’m not an heiress and have no need to run away so there is little chance and I must be content to read about him in this excellent regency novel.
I thoroughly enjoyed Emma Orchard’s first romance - The Second Lady Silverwood- even though it wouldn’t be a genre I am normally drawn to - it was recommended and once I started reading I could not put it down.
If anything “ The Runaway Heiress” is even better- I just loved the opening pages- they really drew me into the story immediately and once again I raced through this novel, barely pausing for breath.
Maybe I was in a romantic mood- my eldest son has just got married after all - but I just loved the “will they won’t they” aspect of the plot and the way Hal whisks in to save Cassandra. What a dashing man and as I said earlier, one I’d love to meet!
Cassandra herself was such an engaging and empathetic character, so brave and honest. It took a lot of courage to behave as she did, particularly living in a time where women were usually controlled by men and could easily lose their reputation and hence their chance of a happy life.
I must also add that the book has been particularly well researched with a lot of interesting new words pertinent to the time period- what is a “spencer”, how long is a “sennight”? I really enjoyed looking up the meanings!
As in Emma’s first book there is a lot of what I would describe as saucy content. Fortunately I was using my kindle so others were unaware of what I was reading. It’s definitely a fun read which transported me to sunny Georgian Brighton on a dark autumnal night.
This book is definitely recommended to all lovers of romance and even to those who have not read this sort of book before. I shall await with eager anticipation the next book by this excellent author. Five stars from me!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
I thoroughly enjoyed Emma Orchard’s first romance - The Second Lady Silverwood- even though it wouldn’t be a genre I am normally drawn to - it was recommended and once I started reading I could not put it down.
If anything “ The Runaway Heiress” is even better- I just loved the opening pages- they really drew me into the story immediately and once again I raced through this novel, barely pausing for breath.
Maybe I was in a romantic mood- my eldest son has just got married after all - but I just loved the “will they won’t they” aspect of the plot and the way Hal whisks in to save Cassandra. What a dashing man and as I said earlier, one I’d love to meet!
Cassandra herself was such an engaging and empathetic character, so brave and honest. It took a lot of courage to behave as she did, particularly living in a time where women were usually controlled by men and could easily lose their reputation and hence their chance of a happy life.
I must also add that the book has been particularly well researched with a lot of interesting new words pertinent to the time period- what is a “spencer”, how long is a “sennight”? I really enjoyed looking up the meanings!
As in Emma’s first book there is a lot of what I would describe as saucy content. Fortunately I was using my kindle so others were unaware of what I was reading. It’s definitely a fun read which transported me to sunny Georgian Brighton on a dark autumnal night.
This book is definitely recommended to all lovers of romance and even to those who have not read this sort of book before. I shall await with eager anticipation the next book by this excellent author. Five stars from me!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
November 26, 2023
The Runaway Heiress is the first book I have read by Emma Orchard and it won’t be the last. Emma’s style is very Heyer esque but with lashings of steam which make it a perfect mix.
Cassandra Hazeldon had to take refuge after her uncle tries to force her to marry his odious friend. Fearing for her virtue she manages to hide in a mansion in Mayfair in the dead of night. When Hal, Lord Irlam finds her asleep in his library, he is duty bound to offer his protection. Posing as a friend of Hal’s sister, Cassandra is introduced to the social whirl of Brighton.
Cassandra and Hal find it difficult to ignore their mutual attraction but before they can truly acknowledge their feelings for each other, the unwelcome arrival of her uncle prompts Hal to propose in a very public manner. Suddenly thrust into a marriage in which they find they are more than compatible physically, Cassandra and Hal must learn to trust each other emotionally. But can their marriage survive their insecurities?
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. It is really very well written and the characters are well developed. The style of writing can take a little getting used to because it is very reminiscent of Heyer but I liked that it wasn’t too modern. It suits the setting. The story flows well and mainly focuses on the relationship between Hal and Cassandra. I liked that we saw Hal’s perspective and we can see his confusion while trying to work out his feelings for Cassandra. He was a bit blind and oblivious at times though and a quick conversation would probably have saved much angst. Cassandra was a great heroine. She was brave, resourceful and it was nice to see her grow in confidence.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to Emma’s next book. I received an advanced review copy from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cassandra Hazeldon had to take refuge after her uncle tries to force her to marry his odious friend. Fearing for her virtue she manages to hide in a mansion in Mayfair in the dead of night. When Hal, Lord Irlam finds her asleep in his library, he is duty bound to offer his protection. Posing as a friend of Hal’s sister, Cassandra is introduced to the social whirl of Brighton.
Cassandra and Hal find it difficult to ignore their mutual attraction but before they can truly acknowledge their feelings for each other, the unwelcome arrival of her uncle prompts Hal to propose in a very public manner. Suddenly thrust into a marriage in which they find they are more than compatible physically, Cassandra and Hal must learn to trust each other emotionally. But can their marriage survive their insecurities?
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. It is really very well written and the characters are well developed. The style of writing can take a little getting used to because it is very reminiscent of Heyer but I liked that it wasn’t too modern. It suits the setting. The story flows well and mainly focuses on the relationship between Hal and Cassandra. I liked that we saw Hal’s perspective and we can see his confusion while trying to work out his feelings for Cassandra. He was a bit blind and oblivious at times though and a quick conversation would probably have saved much angst. Cassandra was a great heroine. She was brave, resourceful and it was nice to see her grow in confidence.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to Emma’s next book. I received an advanced review copy from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 2, 2023
4.5⭐️s
Bridgerton fans rejoice! Dear Reader a delightful story awaits filled with swoon-worthy romance, amusing antics, and characters who captivate from the very first page for an addictively good read!
The rich prose capture the Regency period perfectly and envelope us in the sumptuous surroundings, astute observations, and diverting interactions.
Cassie enchants from the outset – she’s tenacious, strong, and has real spirit. She’s been subjected to terrible treatment at her Uncle’s hand and finds herself in a desperate situation.
Enter the kind and understanding Hal, he’s a true gentleman and offers Cassie a lifeline. He already has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders as guardian to his four siblings, and I loved the special connection they all clearly share.
As Cassie is introduced to high society attractions grow and complicated feelings enter the mix. Hal and Cassie try to fight an inescapable pull towards each other as sparks fly and their chemistry ignites. With obstacles and misunderstandings in play, it’s an entertaining and escapist read as we are swept up in their whirlwind journey.
The reader is also treated to intrigue and mystery from the dazzling Georgiana whose side story offers a pleasant diversion.
The Runaway Heiress is a charming, authentic, and heartwarming tale as we look at matters of the heart amid duty, jealousy, and societal expectations.
With thanks to @AllisonandBusby and @EmmaOrchardB for my beautiful early copy.
Bridgerton fans rejoice! Dear Reader a delightful story awaits filled with swoon-worthy romance, amusing antics, and characters who captivate from the very first page for an addictively good read!
The rich prose capture the Regency period perfectly and envelope us in the sumptuous surroundings, astute observations, and diverting interactions.
Cassie enchants from the outset – she’s tenacious, strong, and has real spirit. She’s been subjected to terrible treatment at her Uncle’s hand and finds herself in a desperate situation.
Enter the kind and understanding Hal, he’s a true gentleman and offers Cassie a lifeline. He already has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders as guardian to his four siblings, and I loved the special connection they all clearly share.
As Cassie is introduced to high society attractions grow and complicated feelings enter the mix. Hal and Cassie try to fight an inescapable pull towards each other as sparks fly and their chemistry ignites. With obstacles and misunderstandings in play, it’s an entertaining and escapist read as we are swept up in their whirlwind journey.
The reader is also treated to intrigue and mystery from the dazzling Georgiana whose side story offers a pleasant diversion.
The Runaway Heiress is a charming, authentic, and heartwarming tale as we look at matters of the heart amid duty, jealousy, and societal expectations.
With thanks to @AllisonandBusby and @EmmaOrchardB for my beautiful early copy.
June 28, 2023
Cassandra Hazeldon, heiress to her family estate, is under the guardianship of her uncaring Uncle who plans to wed her to his friend. Seeing her chance to escape she takes it, and ends up at the home of Henry Pendlebury, Lord Irlam (or Hal to his friend). Although she believes the house to be empty apart from staff she awakes to find herself face-to-face with the Lord. Upon hearing her story Hal decides to protect her from her unscrupulous uncle and his lecherous friend.
I enjoyed this typical regency romance. The main characters romance starts to blossom and then falters. As always the lack of communication exacerbates this, along with family responsibility and a fortune hunter. It’s an enjoyable read, that I read in one sitting. I’ll look for more by the author.
I enjoyed this typical regency romance. The main characters romance starts to blossom and then falters. As always the lack of communication exacerbates this, along with family responsibility and a fortune hunter. It’s an enjoyable read, that I read in one sitting. I’ll look for more by the author.
November 1, 2023
An amazing historical read.
Right away I was entrapped in Cassandra story, she was such an easy character to connect to and I found myself wrapped in her story from the start.
Emma did an amazing job of weaving this story around me, I loved how the plot flowed and how we got to follow the fmc on her journey of freedom. Hal won me over, he was such an amazing character and the chemistry between these two was just spectacular and really kept me locked into this story.
I haven't read many regency romances but this one really made me want to get more into the. I Flt like I was in 1815 with these characters. Orchard does an amazing job of describing the surrounding scenery that you can picture what's happening around you in your head. I will doff be reading more by this author.
Right away I was entrapped in Cassandra story, she was such an easy character to connect to and I found myself wrapped in her story from the start.
Emma did an amazing job of weaving this story around me, I loved how the plot flowed and how we got to follow the fmc on her journey of freedom. Hal won me over, he was such an amazing character and the chemistry between these two was just spectacular and really kept me locked into this story.
I haven't read many regency romances but this one really made me want to get more into the. I Flt like I was in 1815 with these characters. Orchard does an amazing job of describing the surrounding scenery that you can picture what's happening around you in your head. I will doff be reading more by this author.
December 22, 2024
Enjoyable enough, if you want a book with laughably little conflict or tension (which I did in this instance, so no judgement if you do). The first two thirds rolled along very pleasantly with all the bumps in the road resolving quickly, but I didn't enjoy the final third as much. Suddenly the plot hinged on the old classic of a frustrating misunderstanding. If it can even be called a misunderstanding when it is almost immediately explained and the only issue is someone believing the explanation!
Read
March 2, 2025This is an entertaining and lighthearted romance, although it does tackle serious issues such as the forced marriages many young women endured. Cassandra shows her spirit by escaping and hiding from her uncle and the proposed repellant match.
Luck is with her, and Lord Irlam not only believes in her, but he also assists in her entry into society. No longer friendless Cass learns about friendship, love and duty
Luck is with her, and Lord Irlam not only believes in her, but he also assists in her entry into society. No longer friendless Cass learns about friendship, love and duty
November 2, 2023
I did enjoy this story very much. I liked the main characters of Cassandra and Hal. Cassandra was a brave lady but also quite forthright, that is, until a misunderstanding when she didn’t explain things for some time. Hal, Lord Irlam was an honourable man, who helped Cassandra but also felt an instant attraction to her. Hal has had to care for his younger siblings since the death of his parents, not always an easy task. His sister, Georgiana has a kind heart but does tend to get herself into trouble. This was an entertaining story, it moved along at a good pace and had a happy ending.
November 8, 2023
This was a well written regency romance. With a dramatic start, a hint of danger and separate strands to the plotline, the book captured your attention. Unusually, the marriage came half way through and not near the end. This acknowledged that even if there is a case of love at first sight, you still need to get to know a person. All in all, a decent read
May 9, 2024
So enjoyable!
Having read ‘A Duke of One’s Own’ first, and loved it, I was very happy to find the same family featured in this book, and loved the hapless head-of-the-family Hal and his feisty heroine, Cassandra, from the very first. A wonderful story, full of pace and endearing characters. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Having read ‘A Duke of One’s Own’ first, and loved it, I was very happy to find the same family featured in this book, and loved the hapless head-of-the-family Hal and his feisty heroine, Cassandra, from the very first. A wonderful story, full of pace and endearing characters. Can’t wait to read the next one!
December 30, 2025
London, 1815. Cassandra Hazeldon is on the run. There is a fun caste of characters that help to offer an interesting Regency tale.
Under duress to marry a repellent friend of her uncle, Cassandra has made her escape, but now she is very much alone. With luck and quick thinking, she finds a refuge in a grand mansion in Mayfair.
Under duress to marry a repellent friend of her uncle, Cassandra has made her escape, but now she is very much alone. With luck and quick thinking, she finds a refuge in a grand mansion in Mayfair.
November 2, 2023
This is an entertaining Regency love story full of great characters and a little spice.
I loved the strong females in this tale - each of them unafraid to stand up and be counted in such a male dominated world.
The chemistry between Cassie and Hal was obvious from the very beginning and I enjoyed seeing Cassie develop as a character as she found strength is the support from the family group.
I loved the strong females in this tale - each of them unafraid to stand up and be counted in such a male dominated world.
The chemistry between Cassie and Hal was obvious from the very beginning and I enjoyed seeing Cassie develop as a character as she found strength is the support from the family group.
April 26, 2024
I was looking forward to this after reading The Second Lady Silverwood and I’m sorry to say I was disappointed. Didn’t bond with the characters as much, the story wasn’t as compelling. Probably a 2.5 overall
October 22, 2023
This has all the perfect components for a lovely Regency romance. Strong female leads, dashing male leads and a bit of spice thrown in for good measure.
Enjoyable, and joyous escapism.
Enjoyable, and joyous escapism.
February 6, 2024
If you’re in need of a little escapism, I can thoroughly Emma Orchard’s latest, The Runaway Heiress. This beautifully observed Regency romance, with hints of Heyer, had me hooked.
February 15, 2024
2.75 not for me
Read
September 22, 2024Side eyeing tf out of this guy
February 20, 2025
3.25/5
Read
May 12, 2025insta-lusty; ein schwarzer Servant, der Boxer war, seinefrau, die Mammy mäsig rüber kommt; Autorin über OLT
August 9, 2025
This book was harder for me to get into after having to love up to The Second Lady Silverwood. I felt like the chemistry between the characters was not as strong as the first novel and this book was wayyyyyy less spicy compared to the first which was definitely a letdown 🙃 I would rate this book a 2/5 spice level with a few open door scenes starting about halfway through the book 🌶🌶
December 13, 2023
An astonishingly good historical (regency) romance (romp) with some very sensual scenes, angst, and a few surprises.
A real treat that I'd highly recommend.
A real treat that I'd highly recommend.
November 4, 2023
Love a good Regency Romance filled with loads of drama, humour and spice. Perfect for Bridgerton lovers and fans of Sophie Irwin and. Julia Quinn💋
Loved the gorgeous descriptions, setting, characterisation and lgbtq rep! This was my first book by Emma and I loved it, her writing so very captivating and beautiful. I read this book alongside the audiobook which is 10/10 and was very much giving lady whistledown vibes. Made me feel like I was a part of this drama which was a vibe. Highly recommend the audiobook whilst reading it for the best reading experience. Honestly, the perfect escapism read✨
Read if you love:
Regency Romance
Drama and Gossips ☕️
Diverse characters
Bridgeton and lady whistledown vibes
Found family
Miscommunications trope
Loved the gorgeous descriptions, setting, characterisation and lgbtq rep! This was my first book by Emma and I loved it, her writing so very captivating and beautiful. I read this book alongside the audiobook which is 10/10 and was very much giving lady whistledown vibes. Made me feel like I was a part of this drama which was a vibe. Highly recommend the audiobook whilst reading it for the best reading experience. Honestly, the perfect escapism read✨
Read if you love:
Regency Romance
Drama and Gossips ☕️
Diverse characters
Bridgeton and lady whistledown vibes
Found family
Miscommunications trope
June 27, 2025
3.5 reread
__
Better than book 1, fewer instances of gratuitous steam and a more believable conflict although still a little trite for my taste. Enjoyable overall
__
Better than book 1, fewer instances of gratuitous steam and a more believable conflict although still a little trite for my taste. Enjoyable overall
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews