Scandal and the Runaway Bride

The story Scandal and the Runaway Bride is filled with compassion, emotion, major attraction and conflict by Donna Alward, book one in the Heirs to an Empire series. Gabi Baresi realized, that no matter how much it could hurt her family’s business she couldn’t marry Stephen Pemberton for convenience; she needed love. Will Pemberton’s plan was simple; find Gabi, his brother’s runaway bride, and protect his famous family from the press. Only neither Will nor Gabi expected to become attracted to each other, threatening to cause a larger scandal. As they spend time together, they realize that their feelings are real and have the potential to hurt Will’s relationship with his family. Will needs to determine if this is a risk he’s will to take and if so, how to win back Gabi. Ms. Alward wrote a wonderful, sweet and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, revealing conversations, and other charming characters giving Gabi and Will a chance for happiness and love. I highly recommend Scandal and the Runaway Bride to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Scandal and the Runaway Bride by Donna Alward Heirs to the Empire #1 Exactly what one looks for when reading a Harlequin Romance! It might be formulaic but just what one expects, and it was also a great deal of fun. The runaway bride, the reason she ran, the way the other brother doing his part to help out family and prevent scandal fell for the runaway in a way the groom-to-be couldn’t and wouldn’t and then there was a lot of family to provide support, criticism, drama and more and of course…there was the romance and kisses and a little bit more. True love in such books in not usually smooth sailing so there were also obstacles to overcome and both Will and Gabi did so by the end of the story. I am curious about who will be next up in the series and also wonder if the groom, Stephen, will ever get it together. I enjoyed this book and thought it was good fun if not terribly deep…and during a pandemic…just the right amount of escape. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4 Stars