
When both attempt to flee their past, can love’s pursuit catch them?
Estelle Lowry has traded her privileged life for anonymity, running away to become Miss Estelle Lewis—governess and companion. But her carefully laid plans unravel when she discovers a man beaten and left for dead. Defying every rule of propriety, she rescues him, bringing him to safety. A connection sparks between the two strangers, yet his injuries keep his face obscured. Before he fully recovers, she is forced to leave in search of employment—without a name, a past, or any way to find him again.
Six months later, Estelle arrives at Rosemont Manor, determined to guard her heart—and her secrets. But her resolve falters when she finds herself drawn to the last man she should want: the brooding and unpredictable Lord Camden.
Atlas Camden has no time for distractions. Due to his complicated past, he is determined to shoulder his responsibilities and keep his family safe. The arrival of his sister’s new companion sets him at odds with himself. Miss Lewis is as headstrong as she is captivating—and far too often at the center of trouble, drawing both his attention and concern. His mother would be scandalized if she knew he was even entertaining romantic notions about a woman in service, let alone one who is half-Irish. Besides, a man with his history has no right to offer his heart—and even less to hope for one in return.
When secrets are revealed and trust crumbles, running from their past is no longer an option. Estelle and Atlas must choose between the new paths they’ve forged or the broken history to which they are still bound.
The Stranger I Love is full of longing, redemption, and courageous love. It is the first book in The Runaway Brides series and is a clean Victorian romance without explicit content.
My Review:
Swoonaliciously toe-curling and this romance reader’s idea of a dream story. Definitely the kind you need to savour. From the characterization to the banter (be still my heart, when Atlas turns on the charm!) and all the delicious descriptions that set every scene, Walker’s storytelling is infused with exquisite details that kept me earnestly engaged all the way through.
And…eeeeppppp….the first in a new series aptly titled ‘The Runaway Brides’ and the author has done a magnificent job of setting up the next book with some delightful foreshadowing.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audio edition’s dual narration. Lola Jones and Eli Thorne did a fantastic job bringing all the characters to life and I got the sense that they were enjoying the story as much as I was, which always add an extra thrill to my listening experience.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice
Canada – paperback, ebook or audio — winner’s choice
International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account
If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Stranger I Love, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on July 25, 2026.
A new to me author, but your review is (as always!) quite compelling. Please toss me into the drawing.
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
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Anneka Walker is an excellent Regency / Victorian romance writer. I think I’ll put her on my 2027 read to zero author list. Good luck, Perrianne!
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Oh, squealing this sounds so good. Thank you for sharing. leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com
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It’s soooooooooooo worth squealing over. 🙂 Good luck, Lucy!
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Ooh, this sounds really good!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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It sure is! Good luck, Kimmy!
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I loved the one Annika Walker book I read as part of a multi author series. This one sounds like a great romance and even better that it starts a new series!
Thanks for the review. Sandyavery at comcast dot net
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Yes, this series is going to be fun. Good luck, Sandy!
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LOVE the cover! The write up has me wanting to read this book. And then your review – well, you knocked it out of the park making me wanting to read this book NOW – well asap. 🙂
Thank you so much for the chance to win this amazing sounding book (that I know I’ll have to read in one sitting)!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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It’s definitely the kind of read that will sweep you away from reality for a time. Perfect summer escape reading. Good luck, Kay!
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Fabulous review, adding it to the never ending TBR 🙂 cilydav at hotmail dot com
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Thanks, Cindy. Good luck!
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I literally just got done reading this last night….stayed up a wee bit late to do so….but it was worth it!! I love anything Anneka writes and I certainly can’t wait for the next installment of “Runaway Brides” 😊❤
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You are the one who brought this book to my attention and I could not resist. I’ve read a few books by this author and loved them all so I need to make a point of hunting down more of her books. Happy Reading, Trixi!
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“Swoonaliciously toe-curling”. I think that’s all I need to know!
Connie
cps1950ATgmailDOTcom
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Happy sigh! 🙂 Good luck, Connie!
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It sounds good! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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You’re welcome, Bridget. Good luck!
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Thanks for the review, Kav! I love Anneka Walker’s books and have this on my wish list.
whthomas13 at yahoo dot com
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