The Stranger I Love + Giveaway

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.