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Nottinghamshire #1
The Runaway Countess
Her heart longs for justice, but her body clamors for sin.
Once the darling of high society, Mazie Chetwyn knows firsthand how quickly the rich and powerful turn their backs on the less fortunate. Orphaned, penniless and determined to defy their ruthless whims, she joins forces with a local highwayman who steals from the rich to give to the poor.
Then the pawn broker snitches, and Mazie is captured by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire. A man who is far too handsome, far too observant…and surely as corrupt as his father once was.
Sensible, rule-driven Trent Carthwick, twelfth Earl of Radford, is certain the threat of the gallows will prompt the villagers’ beloved Angel of Kindness to reveal the highwayman’s identity. But his bewitching captive volunteers nothing—except a sultry, bewildering kiss.
And so the games begin. Trent feints, Mazie parries. He threatens, she pretends nonchalance. He cajoles, she rebuffs. Thwarted at every turn, Trent probes deep into her one vulnerability—her past. There he finds the leverage he needs and a searing truth that challenges all he believes about right and wrong.
Warning: The delicious, if left-brained, hero might forever change all you think you know about the Robin Hood legend. Contains razor-sharp wordplay, skinny dipping and tortured hearts.
Once the darling of high society, Mazie Chetwyn knows firsthand how quickly the rich and powerful turn their backs on the less fortunate. Orphaned, penniless and determined to defy their ruthless whims, she joins forces with a local highwayman who steals from the rich to give to the poor.
Then the pawn broker snitches, and Mazie is captured by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire. A man who is far too handsome, far too observant…and surely as corrupt as his father once was.
Sensible, rule-driven Trent Carthwick, twelfth Earl of Radford, is certain the threat of the gallows will prompt the villagers’ beloved Angel of Kindness to reveal the highwayman’s identity. But his bewitching captive volunteers nothing—except a sultry, bewildering kiss.
And so the games begin. Trent feints, Mazie parries. He threatens, she pretends nonchalance. He cajoles, she rebuffs. Thwarted at every turn, Trent probes deep into her one vulnerability—her past. There he finds the leverage he needs and a searing truth that challenges all he believes about right and wrong.
Warning: The delicious, if left-brained, hero might forever change all you think you know about the Robin Hood legend. Contains razor-sharp wordplay, skinny dipping and tortured hearts.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2012
991 people are currently reading
2166 people want to read
About the author
Leigh LaValle
8 books259 followersLeigh LaValle is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical romance. She lives in Montana with her family. When she is not chasing kids, bemoaning the laundry, or carving out time to do yoga, she is sneaking away to write. She would rather read than sleep, and cannot imagine a better job than writing romance. She is also a certified yoga teacher, but is not nearly as flexible as she once was.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 20, 2014
There are differences between this book and a far superior book written in 2009 by Joanna Bourne called The Spymaster's Lady, but not enough to make reading this pale imitation worthwhile. (The Bourne is rated here, where readers are tough, a 4.11 with close to 3000 ratings, btw.)
In fact the similarities glare in the first separated-at-birth chapter, a captive Frenchwoman with a secret (here, only half-French, what a difference) faces off against a British spymaster-lord intent on knowing her secret. She carries on a lengthy internal monologue before they meet about how to distract him with her mojo, hit him and escape, just the way Bourne's spy does, but when they do meet, this one melts into his arms instantly instead. She fears for her life, plans an ambush, then it's 'Ooooh, kiss me you fool.' I would suggest that is not chemistry but stupidity. The Bourne heroine, in stark contrast, is complex, truly dangerous and unpredictable, the romance between adversaries hard won and satisfying. Here, not so much. Here, everything that was so original and right about the original is duplicated but watered and dumbed down.
Having annoyed me with this blatant borrowing from the get-go, I couldn't stomach more. (Apparently, the author re-interprets the Robin Hood story for her plot, too, rather than devise a fresh one all her own.) I realize this is a genre with lots of cliches and tropes that cause similarities in character types, plots, premises, conflicts, emotions, etc. I get that. I get the whole retelling a fairy tale/folk tale thing, too. Lots of authors do it. Still, a debut author could've attempted something new and in her own way.
Other reviewers whose opinions I trust liked this, so if you haven't read The Spymaster's Lady, you may think this fresh, engaging even gripping. However, if you want a taut, original, award-winning story, authentic historical context and unpredictable romance and plot, do yourself a favor and read The Spymaster's Lady by Bourne. It won gobs of awards with good reason.
This reads like fanfiction. Bad fanfiction. But then again, no one seems to mind 50 Shades of Twilight so what me worry. What's next from this author, Lord of Rascals?
I apologize if this seems grouchy but the fan-fiction-gone-wild thing really bugs me as a reader.
In fact the similarities glare in the first separated-at-birth chapter, a captive Frenchwoman with a secret (here, only half-French, what a difference) faces off against a British spymaster-lord intent on knowing her secret. She carries on a lengthy internal monologue before they meet about how to distract him with her mojo, hit him and escape, just the way Bourne's spy does, but when they do meet, this one melts into his arms instantly instead. She fears for her life, plans an ambush, then it's 'Ooooh, kiss me you fool.' I would suggest that is not chemistry but stupidity. The Bourne heroine, in stark contrast, is complex, truly dangerous and unpredictable, the romance between adversaries hard won and satisfying. Here, not so much. Here, everything that was so original and right about the original is duplicated but watered and dumbed down.
Having annoyed me with this blatant borrowing from the get-go, I couldn't stomach more. (Apparently, the author re-interprets the Robin Hood story for her plot, too, rather than devise a fresh one all her own.) I realize this is a genre with lots of cliches and tropes that cause similarities in character types, plots, premises, conflicts, emotions, etc. I get that. I get the whole retelling a fairy tale/folk tale thing, too. Lots of authors do it. Still, a debut author could've attempted something new and in her own way.
Other reviewers whose opinions I trust liked this, so if you haven't read The Spymaster's Lady, you may think this fresh, engaging even gripping. However, if you want a taut, original, award-winning story, authentic historical context and unpredictable romance and plot, do yourself a favor and read The Spymaster's Lady by Bourne. It won gobs of awards with good reason.
This reads like fanfiction. Bad fanfiction. But then again, no one seems to mind 50 Shades of Twilight so what me worry. What's next from this author, Lord of Rascals?
I apologize if this seems grouchy but the fan-fiction-gone-wild thing really bugs me as a reader.
March 6, 2012
The course of true love never did run smooth. Very true, especially when it is made even more complicated when you find yourself falling in love with The Enemy. 'The Runaway Countess' is a stunning debut novel from Ms LaValle; it is thrilling and fraught with tension and intrigue, it is sensual and seductive, and it is sure to captivate your heart. I know that from the first chapter, I was very impressed with the crisp clarity of writing, of how the lush narrative allowed me to immerse myself in Trent and Mazie's world without diffidence.
March 6, 2012
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: Samhain
Imprint: N/A
Author’s Website: http://www.leighlavalle.com/
My Source for This Book: Gift from the author
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
I was very surprised to learn that Ms. LaValle is a debut author — with intense chemistry and beautiful romance, with a dash of action and a pinch of mystery, this book felt as though it had been written by someone with far more experience. I loved the idea of Maize having joined in with a highway robber as a Robin Hood of sorts, and of Trent, the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire being the one determined to get the truth from her.
Maize’s stubbornness against Trent’s own determination to get the truth from her made for a lovely amount of tension between the two, and when coupled with the absolutely palpable chemistry, it made for an explosive combination.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read. While I did figure out the “twist” fairly early on, I found that the romance more than made up for it, as did the excitement and drama of the ending.
Recommended for fans of enemies to lovers, secret identities, and historical heroines who refuse to be held back by society’s strictures.
A very solid 4/5 Stars.
Expected Release Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: Samhain
Imprint: N/A
Author’s Website: http://www.leighlavalle.com/
My Source for This Book: Gift from the author
Part of a Series: No
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
I was very surprised to learn that Ms. LaValle is a debut author — with intense chemistry and beautiful romance, with a dash of action and a pinch of mystery, this book felt as though it had been written by someone with far more experience. I loved the idea of Maize having joined in with a highway robber as a Robin Hood of sorts, and of Trent, the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire being the one determined to get the truth from her.
Maize’s stubbornness against Trent’s own determination to get the truth from her made for a lovely amount of tension between the two, and when coupled with the absolutely palpable chemistry, it made for an explosive combination.
Overall, this was a highly enjoyable read. While I did figure out the “twist” fairly early on, I found that the romance more than made up for it, as did the excitement and drama of the ending.
Recommended for fans of enemies to lovers, secret identities, and historical heroines who refuse to be held back by society’s strictures.
A very solid 4/5 Stars.
November 12, 2014
Mazie is arrested for aiding a highwayman by Trent, who's Earl of Somewhere. Instead of prosecuting her (as he is wont to do because LAW), he takes her home and proceeds to interrogate her, seduce her, and fall into feelings for her. Oh, and they have a threesome with justice, and then argue about who she liked better.
1. This book isn't great. It's overwritten ("warm chocolate wrapped in skin"??? WHAT???); it's not very historically good; it's messy. Mazie's history is kind of just thrown in there (Trent doesn't even bother to contact her cousin when he discovers who she really is?); Trent's father's "scandal" is kind of glossed over? It's all very superficial and poorly plotted and nonsensical.
2. But there's glimmers of potential, and I was curious how the conflict between Mazie and Trent would work out, and it wasn't horrible. CAN YOU TASTE THE FAINT PRAISE.
3. So a very mediocre 3 stars??
1. This book isn't great. It's overwritten ("warm chocolate wrapped in skin"??? WHAT???); it's not very historically good; it's messy. Mazie's history is kind of just thrown in there (Trent doesn't even bother to contact her cousin when he discovers who she really is?); Trent's father's "scandal" is kind of glossed over? It's all very superficial and poorly plotted and nonsensical.
2. But there's glimmers of potential, and I was curious how the conflict between Mazie and Trent would work out, and it wasn't horrible. CAN YOU TASTE THE FAINT PRAISE.
3. So a very mediocre 3 stars??
May 9, 2012
*4.5 Stars*
It had a few bumps in the beginning, but I was glued to it by the end. Enemy romances are always iffy for me, but I think the author did a good job of pulling it off. The tension stayed believable and the heroine and hero stayed at odds in a realistic manner, but they never had the type of hate fest toward each other that I find so common (and irritating) in enemy romances. I'm going to have to check out this author's backlist.
*Review posted on Fiction Vixen*
It had a few bumps in the beginning, but I was glued to it by the end. Enemy romances are always iffy for me, but I think the author did a good job of pulling it off. The tension stayed believable and the heroine and hero stayed at odds in a realistic manner, but they never had the type of hate fest toward each other that I find so common (and irritating) in enemy romances. I'm going to have to check out this author's backlist.
*Review posted on Fiction Vixen*
February 24, 2012
Mazie Chetwyn has gone and gotten herself captured. She is not innocent of the crime of thievery brought against her but as she she has a connection to the mysterious Midnight Rider, she is not sent straight to the gaols. However, she refuses to divulge any clues as the whereabouts of the notorious highwayman as she has a close, personal connection to the man. Mazie also believes that they are just correcting the wrongs inflicted upon the tenants of the Earl of Radford. Unfortunately, the Earl does not quite see it that way.
Trent Chadwick, Earl of Radford and Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamsire, believes in the law and to enforce it as such. There is no grey area, just black and white. He is stunned by Mazie's accusations against his fathers treatments of the tenants but she is able to plant the seed of suspicion just enough that he starts to notice some clues that eventually reveal a painful secret. But when the truth of Mazie's past also comes to light, he is forced to alter his plans. Even as the attraction burns between Trent and Mazie, Mazie can not fully trust Trent with the secret of the Midnight Rider. Will she follow her heart and be able to trust Trent or will her pride cost her a chance at pure happiness finally after years of disappointment?
Another debut and yet another winner in my book! Leigh LaValle has delivered an intriguing twist on the 'Robin Hood' tale with The Runaway Countess. It grabs you from the first page and for the most part, never lets go. It starts out strong but the middle was a bit slow for me--I just wanted Mazie to tell the truth finally or for the Midnight Rider to return...something...but then the action quickly picks back up and I was engrossed with the book until the end. Watching the smoldering attraction between the couple...phew! But underneath the passion you can see the love growing...albeit a bit reluctantly on both sides. I enjoyed watching Trent come to grips with his father's deception as it wars greatly with Trent's sense of justice. I do wish Mazie could have trusted Trent with the truth before she did but I really felt the situation as a whole was resolved very well. The banter and barbs between Mazie and Trent add in just a touch of humor which is always appreciated! The secondary characters add a nice layer without overshadowing the main story (I do hope Trent's sister Cat is going to have a story though!). Overall, a fantastic debut and another author to add to my must-buy list! For an exciting retelling of Robin Hood, mixed with humor and a generous amount of steaminess and action, please grab The Runaway Countess and settle in for a delicious treat! 4 stars
I received a copy of the ebook from the author, thanks!
Trent Chadwick, Earl of Radford and Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamsire, believes in the law and to enforce it as such. There is no grey area, just black and white. He is stunned by Mazie's accusations against his fathers treatments of the tenants but she is able to plant the seed of suspicion just enough that he starts to notice some clues that eventually reveal a painful secret. But when the truth of Mazie's past also comes to light, he is forced to alter his plans. Even as the attraction burns between Trent and Mazie, Mazie can not fully trust Trent with the secret of the Midnight Rider. Will she follow her heart and be able to trust Trent or will her pride cost her a chance at pure happiness finally after years of disappointment?
Another debut and yet another winner in my book! Leigh LaValle has delivered an intriguing twist on the 'Robin Hood' tale with The Runaway Countess. It grabs you from the first page and for the most part, never lets go. It starts out strong but the middle was a bit slow for me--I just wanted Mazie to tell the truth finally or for the Midnight Rider to return...something...but then the action quickly picks back up and I was engrossed with the book until the end. Watching the smoldering attraction between the couple...phew! But underneath the passion you can see the love growing...albeit a bit reluctantly on both sides. I enjoyed watching Trent come to grips with his father's deception as it wars greatly with Trent's sense of justice. I do wish Mazie could have trusted Trent with the truth before she did but I really felt the situation as a whole was resolved very well. The banter and barbs between Mazie and Trent add in just a touch of humor which is always appreciated! The secondary characters add a nice layer without overshadowing the main story (I do hope Trent's sister Cat is going to have a story though!). Overall, a fantastic debut and another author to add to my must-buy list! For an exciting retelling of Robin Hood, mixed with humor and a generous amount of steaminess and action, please grab The Runaway Countess and settle in for a delicious treat! 4 stars
I received a copy of the ebook from the author, thanks!
July 11, 2017
Three star worthy
Great plot but choppy writing...the number of times I read about raised brows...it was just very repetitive. Writing similar to Christy Caldwell.
Great plot but choppy writing...the number of times I read about raised brows...it was just very repetitive. Writing similar to Christy Caldwell.
March 7, 2012
Sizzling hot from start to finish!
I can hardly think after all the emotions. The feelings. Oh, how these feelings and thoughts are still resonating within me even after hours I had put my tablet down. And it was a struggle to put it down. I kept going back, wanting to re-read my favorite parts and just soak in these moments LaValle created.
LaValle's voice is very distinct and I'm kind of in love with the way she can string words together and create these profound sentences that unravel in such a moving way. Her voice. Her characters. Her characters' voices.
Both Lord Radford and Mazie are incredibly well developed. The way they speak, their personalities, so defined and complex. Love how they are so very telling in how they express themselves by their actions and words and words they choose not to say.
The chemistry between Lord Radford and Mazie is undeniable and present and so very real, it hurts in the most delicious way.
One thing that I absolutely loved about Radford and Mazie is that neither lost themselves, they stayed true to their character from start to finish! None of the OOC business to suit the plot. Mazie and Radford were all about learning who they were and learning to trust in that, whatever they were to be and become.
Have I said too much? Surely, this story deserves more praise! More stars than I could give. After having read Leigh LaValle's thrilling debut novel, I am excited to say I am a fan and will most surely read her future works. I want more!
I can hardly think after all the emotions. The feelings. Oh, how these feelings and thoughts are still resonating within me even after hours I had put my tablet down. And it was a struggle to put it down. I kept going back, wanting to re-read my favorite parts and just soak in these moments LaValle created.
LaValle's voice is very distinct and I'm kind of in love with the way she can string words together and create these profound sentences that unravel in such a moving way. Her voice. Her characters. Her characters' voices.
Both Lord Radford and Mazie are incredibly well developed. The way they speak, their personalities, so defined and complex. Love how they are so very telling in how they express themselves by their actions and words and words they choose not to say.
The chemistry between Lord Radford and Mazie is undeniable and present and so very real, it hurts in the most delicious way.
One thing that I absolutely loved about Radford and Mazie is that neither lost themselves, they stayed true to their character from start to finish! None of the OOC business to suit the plot. Mazie and Radford were all about learning who they were and learning to trust in that, whatever they were to be and become.
Have I said too much? Surely, this story deserves more praise! More stars than I could give. After having read Leigh LaValle's thrilling debut novel, I am excited to say I am a fan and will most surely read her future works. I want more!
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July 18, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/18/2019)! 🎁
March 16, 2012
You can see this entire review at Forever Book Lover. You will also find a guest post from Ms. LaValle, as she talks about the Legend of Robin Hood.
I have to confess, I love Robin Hood, so it was no big surprise that this book appealed to me so much. There was so many things I loved about this book, I especially loved that the hero and heroine spend most of the novel together, I didn’t have to go skimming around the book to find out when they would met again. The author kept the focus on these two characters and kept the reader enthralled in their romance.
The hero, Trent was having to deal with secrets, lies and deceit, and this was all within his own family! Nothing was, as it seems, no one was who they professed to be. He was struggling to make the right decision, either forsake his father and family name or stand up for what was the right thing for the villagers, his tenants. He could protect his family’s name and hide the corruption, but that would make him no better than his father. But Trent knew he couldn’t change the past, he could only shape the future.
And, as if that wasn't enough drama, seems our heroine, Mazie finds herself on the wrong end of the law. Thinking that she can give him the information he seeks to find the "Highwayman", Trent takes her into his own custody. The two takes two steps forward, three steps back, a typically cat and mouse game.
Trent and Mazie’s final confrontation was heartbreaking. She pored out her love for him and tried to reason with him that the beauty of the law is in its the spirit of the law not the words themselves.
Trent was a little hard headed and not open to hear her just yet, he needed time. Time to take it all in, time to come head to head with his father’s fallacy, stand up and be the man he knew he could be and not what was “expected of him. He finally realized that his beliefs were from what he wanted to see rather than the truth of what was real.
There's an untold story waiting to be told for Trent's sister, Cat. Ms. LaValle gave us just a glimpse into her life.
Great romance and suspense the entire book. I was totally drawn in from the beginning and couldn't put it down. Ms. LaValle did an excellent job building up the tension between Trent and Mazie and she didn’t let this reader down when they finally acted on their passion, seriously, if you want to read something totally hot and steamy, this is your book.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have to confess, I love Robin Hood, so it was no big surprise that this book appealed to me so much. There was so many things I loved about this book, I especially loved that the hero and heroine spend most of the novel together, I didn’t have to go skimming around the book to find out when they would met again. The author kept the focus on these two characters and kept the reader enthralled in their romance.
The hero, Trent was having to deal with secrets, lies and deceit, and this was all within his own family! Nothing was, as it seems, no one was who they professed to be. He was struggling to make the right decision, either forsake his father and family name or stand up for what was the right thing for the villagers, his tenants. He could protect his family’s name and hide the corruption, but that would make him no better than his father. But Trent knew he couldn’t change the past, he could only shape the future.
And, as if that wasn't enough drama, seems our heroine, Mazie finds herself on the wrong end of the law. Thinking that she can give him the information he seeks to find the "Highwayman", Trent takes her into his own custody. The two takes two steps forward, three steps back, a typically cat and mouse game.
Trent and Mazie’s final confrontation was heartbreaking. She pored out her love for him and tried to reason with him that the beauty of the law is in its the spirit of the law not the words themselves.
"I love you, Trent, because your are kind and just. I trust your heart. Not the man you think you need to be, but the man you are."
Trent was a little hard headed and not open to hear her just yet, he needed time. Time to take it all in, time to come head to head with his father’s fallacy, stand up and be the man he knew he could be and not what was “expected of him. He finally realized that his beliefs were from what he wanted to see rather than the truth of what was real.
There's an untold story waiting to be told for Trent's sister, Cat. Ms. LaValle gave us just a glimpse into her life.
Great romance and suspense the entire book. I was totally drawn in from the beginning and couldn't put it down. Ms. LaValle did an excellent job building up the tension between Trent and Mazie and she didn’t let this reader down when they finally acted on their passion, seriously, if you want to read something totally hot and steamy, this is your book.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2018
Never Gonna Catch The Midnight 🌙Rider🐎
England 1821
Lady Margaret Chetwyn, AKA Mazie💃💋, has been captured as an accomplice to the famed highwayman , The Midnight Rider🐎. Instead of sending her to a jail, her captor, Trent🐺🍆🌋, the Earl Lord Radford, has sequestered her under lock and key in the attic of his mansion. He wants to question her and get her to break, to identify the Midnight Rider🐎. Trent🐺🍆🌋 thinks the Highwayman🔪🔫 is her lover.
Trent🐺🍆🌋 believes Mazie💃💋 to be a commoner, when in fact, she is the impoverished orphan daughter of nobles. When they died, she lost everything and no one would help her. So, she decided to take from the noble class who abandoned her, using highway robbery🔪🔫 as the preferred method.
She and the Highwayman🐎🔪🔫 are kind of a Robin Hood types. She gives most of the money💰 to the poor and needy villagers in the area. She is an accomplished liar and actress, doing what she must to attain her goals.
The book is about the love/hate relationship that develops between Mazie💃💋 and Trent🐺🍆🌋, while he is holding her at his estate. At first, he believes her to be a commoner, it is only after his sister identifies her as being a debutante at the same time she came out, does Trent🐺🍆🌋 realize she is lying about her life. Mazie💃💋 spends a lot of time figuring out ways to escape.
This is an adult Regency Era romance, with adult sex🍆 scenes. It's well written and the book📑 easily flows from scene to scene. There is some angst. Does he 💘love me, or does he 💘love me not. Recommend!
England 1821
Lady Margaret Chetwyn, AKA Mazie💃💋, has been captured as an accomplice to the famed highwayman , The Midnight Rider🐎. Instead of sending her to a jail, her captor, Trent🐺🍆🌋, the Earl Lord Radford, has sequestered her under lock and key in the attic of his mansion. He wants to question her and get her to break, to identify the Midnight Rider🐎. Trent🐺🍆🌋 thinks the Highwayman🔪🔫 is her lover.
Trent🐺🍆🌋 believes Mazie💃💋 to be a commoner, when in fact, she is the impoverished orphan daughter of nobles. When they died, she lost everything and no one would help her. So, she decided to take from the noble class who abandoned her, using highway robbery🔪🔫 as the preferred method.
She and the Highwayman🐎🔪🔫 are kind of a Robin Hood types. She gives most of the money💰 to the poor and needy villagers in the area. She is an accomplished liar and actress, doing what she must to attain her goals.
The book is about the love/hate relationship that develops between Mazie💃💋 and Trent🐺🍆🌋, while he is holding her at his estate. At first, he believes her to be a commoner, it is only after his sister identifies her as being a debutante at the same time she came out, does Trent🐺🍆🌋 realize she is lying about her life. Mazie💃💋 spends a lot of time figuring out ways to escape.
This is an adult Regency Era romance, with adult sex🍆 scenes. It's well written and the book📑 easily flows from scene to scene. There is some angst. Does he 💘love me, or does he 💘love me not. Recommend!
April 18, 2012
I believe it doesn't come as a revelation when I admit that the reason I was intrigued by The Runaway Countess was due to its Robin Hood storyline, but this novel was so much more than that.
The novel starts with an unexpected beginning: Mazie, our heroine is already imprisoned having been captured as accompilce of the wanted highwayman, the Midnight Rider, and that's from where the story unravels. Trent Carthwick, twelfth Earl of Radford and Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, in charge of investigating the thefts and capturing the Midnight Rider interrogates Mazie regarding her connection to the infamous highwayman to discover his whereabouts but to no avail.
Mazie is a feisty, independent and very passionate young woman. She has strong convistionc and is ready to fight tooth and nails for what she believes in. Her loyalty to her brother and her self-sacrifice are humbling. She was a wonderful heroine: modern for her time, not afraid to speak her mind and take matters into her own hand. She was a strong character, one I liked very much.
And then there is Trent our honourable hero. *sighs* He is all that is trustworthy and just. He believes in justice and rightness of the law above all. He trusts that the law is fair and just and it shall prevail to maintain order and respectability in the country. He was such an honest, honourable man. His strength, intelligence integrity and loyalty were awe-inspiring. He is a gentleman in the best sense of the word: he believes in fairness and justice, treats Mazie the captive with respect and gentleness, and then when sparks fly between them he still tries to do the honourable thing and not "take advantage of her situation". He is the ideal hero.
“Despite all of this—” he lifted his hand away in a cold, sweeping gesture that indicated the room, her, the moment, “—despite the deceit and the lies, the attraction is there.” He was still a moment. “There is nothing more that I want at this moment than to touch you. Taste you. Watch your eyes close in pleasure as I sink myself into you.” A pulse of heat raced through her. “But I will not.”
The chemistry between Mazie and Trent is sparkling, their tug of wills, Mazie's stubbornness and creativity when it comes to lies and half-truths combined with Trent's honourable gentleman ways was very entertaining. And then when they gave in to the sizzling attraction between them Trent had me melting with his tenderness and gentle care of Mazie. (It's not to say their lovemaking wasn't scorching hot, because it was!)
"It was a kiss born of thunderstorms and the wild loneliness of night. It was hot, fierce and needy. Both panting, they pressed and grabbed for more."
What touched me was that The Runaway Countess told much more than the steamy romance of Mazie and Trent, it showed their struggles, their vulnarability, their heart. It was a novel full of emotion and heartsqueezing tenderness.
"Heat flushed through her. So raw, his smile revealed the man beneath. The man who had held her, soothed her when she had been hurting and wanting to hurt him back. The man who saw not only her anger and misdeeds, but her loneliness and struggle as well."
"Trent leaned down so his forehead rested against hers. He understood what she meant, had tried to stay away tonight. His hands tightened on her hips. His fury was tamed by her small hands, by her confession. Only the longing remained. “I need your arms around me, Mazie.”"
"She stepped toward him and laid her hand on his bare chest. Wiry hair curled around her fingers. His skin was heat and silk and his heart beat under her hand. He stepped back and let her hand drop. She gently closed her fingers around the memory of his heartbeat in her palm, as if for safekeeping."
Leigh LaValle charmed me with her exquisite writing style. Her prose was captivating and spellbinding, her descriptions evocative and magical:
"She sipped her soup. Delicious. The flavor was delicate and fresh and brought to mind summer gardens and morning dew."
"She chose a tight-fitting day gown that showed off her curves while covering her skin. Made of soft, almost silken apricot-colored muslin, the dress reminded her of a Mozart Andante where the sensuality was hidden behind obedience to classical form. Its power was in its pretense to innocence."
Verdict: Being a wonderful combination of Robin Hood setting, well written historical romance and three dimensional likable characters The Runaway Countess is an amazing debut for Leigh LaValle. I utterly enjoyed it and devoured all 408 pages in less than a day. Mazie and Trent were wonderful characters and Leigh LaValle's portrayal of their love and struggles was beautifully poignant, I simply loved it! If you enjoy well written fantastic historical romances you should add The Runaway Countess to your wishlist, I'm sure it will become a favourite of yours! (I speak from experience, The Runaway Countess became one of those books I'm sure I'll re-read several times as a comfort read)
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Writing: 10/10 - the pace slowed down a bit at the middle and felt like the h/h were at an impasse, but otherwise such a lush, evocative, beautiful writing style!
Ending: 9/10
Cover: 9/10 - so lush and sparkling!
The novel starts with an unexpected beginning: Mazie, our heroine is already imprisoned having been captured as accompilce of the wanted highwayman, the Midnight Rider, and that's from where the story unravels. Trent Carthwick, twelfth Earl of Radford and Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, in charge of investigating the thefts and capturing the Midnight Rider interrogates Mazie regarding her connection to the infamous highwayman to discover his whereabouts but to no avail.
Mazie is a feisty, independent and very passionate young woman. She has strong convistionc and is ready to fight tooth and nails for what she believes in. Her loyalty to her brother and her self-sacrifice are humbling. She was a wonderful heroine: modern for her time, not afraid to speak her mind and take matters into her own hand. She was a strong character, one I liked very much.
And then there is Trent our honourable hero. *sighs* He is all that is trustworthy and just. He believes in justice and rightness of the law above all. He trusts that the law is fair and just and it shall prevail to maintain order and respectability in the country. He was such an honest, honourable man. His strength, intelligence integrity and loyalty were awe-inspiring. He is a gentleman in the best sense of the word: he believes in fairness and justice, treats Mazie the captive with respect and gentleness, and then when sparks fly between them he still tries to do the honourable thing and not "take advantage of her situation". He is the ideal hero.
“Despite all of this—” he lifted his hand away in a cold, sweeping gesture that indicated the room, her, the moment, “—despite the deceit and the lies, the attraction is there.” He was still a moment. “There is nothing more that I want at this moment than to touch you. Taste you. Watch your eyes close in pleasure as I sink myself into you.” A pulse of heat raced through her. “But I will not.”
The chemistry between Mazie and Trent is sparkling, their tug of wills, Mazie's stubbornness and creativity when it comes to lies and half-truths combined with Trent's honourable gentleman ways was very entertaining. And then when they gave in to the sizzling attraction between them Trent had me melting with his tenderness and gentle care of Mazie. (It's not to say their lovemaking wasn't scorching hot, because it was!)
"It was a kiss born of thunderstorms and the wild loneliness of night. It was hot, fierce and needy. Both panting, they pressed and grabbed for more."
What touched me was that The Runaway Countess told much more than the steamy romance of Mazie and Trent, it showed their struggles, their vulnarability, their heart. It was a novel full of emotion and heartsqueezing tenderness.
"Heat flushed through her. So raw, his smile revealed the man beneath. The man who had held her, soothed her when she had been hurting and wanting to hurt him back. The man who saw not only her anger and misdeeds, but her loneliness and struggle as well."
"Trent leaned down so his forehead rested against hers. He understood what she meant, had tried to stay away tonight. His hands tightened on her hips. His fury was tamed by her small hands, by her confession. Only the longing remained. “I need your arms around me, Mazie.”"
"She stepped toward him and laid her hand on his bare chest. Wiry hair curled around her fingers. His skin was heat and silk and his heart beat under her hand. He stepped back and let her hand drop. She gently closed her fingers around the memory of his heartbeat in her palm, as if for safekeeping."
Leigh LaValle charmed me with her exquisite writing style. Her prose was captivating and spellbinding, her descriptions evocative and magical:
"She sipped her soup. Delicious. The flavor was delicate and fresh and brought to mind summer gardens and morning dew."
"She chose a tight-fitting day gown that showed off her curves while covering her skin. Made of soft, almost silken apricot-colored muslin, the dress reminded her of a Mozart Andante where the sensuality was hidden behind obedience to classical form. Its power was in its pretense to innocence."
Verdict: Being a wonderful combination of Robin Hood setting, well written historical romance and three dimensional likable characters The Runaway Countess is an amazing debut for Leigh LaValle. I utterly enjoyed it and devoured all 408 pages in less than a day. Mazie and Trent were wonderful characters and Leigh LaValle's portrayal of their love and struggles was beautifully poignant, I simply loved it! If you enjoy well written fantastic historical romances you should add The Runaway Countess to your wishlist, I'm sure it will become a favourite of yours! (I speak from experience, The Runaway Countess became one of those books I'm sure I'll re-read several times as a comfort read)
Plot: 10/10
Characters: 10/10
Writing: 10/10 - the pace slowed down a bit at the middle and felt like the h/h were at an impasse, but otherwise such a lush, evocative, beautiful writing style!
Ending: 9/10
Cover: 9/10 - so lush and sparkling!
March 7, 2012
Runaway Countess is an extremely deep, complex, and well written romance by debut author Leigh LaValle. The prose is intense, passionate, and sensual. With this story, you are immediately drawn in to the game of cat and mouse between Mazie and Trent, Earl of Radford. Mazie has been captured as an accomplice to the Midnight Rider, a masked highway man who breaks the law to help the poor, helpless, and downtrodden. As Lord Lieutenant, it is Trent's job to find the Midnight Rider and bring him to justice, however noble the Midnight Rider's motives.
Trent and Mazie are two intense and passionate characters, and the chemistry positively smolders from the beginning. On the surface, these two characters could not be more different-Trent is controlled, and lives and breathes duty and honor. Mazie is no less strong willed, but her moral compass definitely involves more shades of gray He thinks from the head, she thinks from the heart. But when all these differences collide is when the fun starts. A mere look between them is enough to steam the pages and leave you breathless. Watching these two strong characters fight the mounting attraction and lust is a delight.
With this story, Ms. LaValle takes the mythology of Robin Hood and completely turns it on its head. While on its face, it may be simple to sympathize with Mazie and the Midnight Rider's mission, you can't also help but agree with Trent's view that justice can prevail without vigilantism. Law and order must be maintained, and if exceptions were made for every sympathetic case willy nilly, even for a man who robs to help the poor or a widow who steals to feed her children, laws would cease have any structure, integrity, or meaning. By flushing out and having the reader identify with aspects of Mazie and Trent's differing positions,Ms. LaValle does an excellent job of juggling these tough moral, legal, and ethical dilemmas, and shows us that the balance between justice and fairness can be a tricky one indeed, even when we hope they are one and the same. In the end, we see Trent brilliant display the best of both worlds-justice is not always about hard and fast rules, and it's about serving not just the letter, but the spirit of the law, and mercy and compassion do have a role to play. With that approach, Trent is able to render true justice and everyone does indeed get what they deserve.So yes, the widow goes to the goal, but Trent also makes sure she and the family are fed and taken care of. The Midnight Rider is apprehended, but is not put to death. As is often the case, life is in the shades of gray,and in the end, both of them were not completely right, or completely wrong.
Throughout the book, Ms. LaValle cleverly rachets up the tension and ups the stakes between Mazie and Trent. We gradually come to understand why Mazie continues to lie and decieve Trent about her knowledge and involvement, even as she struggles between her growing love and attraction to Trent, and her loyalty to the Midnight Rider, her half brother Roane. She is caught between a rock and a hard place, when all she wants is to end the charade without losing either Trent or Roane. Trent, meanwhile, battles between his duties as Lord Lieutenant, and his growing feelings for Mazie. He instinctively sees beyond the facade Mazie presents, and her inner vulnerability and emotional turmoil triggers his protective instincts, even as she infuriates and frustrates him at every turn. But his responsibilities as Lord Lieutenant put him and Mazie at direct odds. Trent needs to do his job, but what happens when doing so can cost him the woman he loves?
Mazie and Trent's ties to the past also serve as a powerful theme to the story. Having assumed the title, Trent faces the hefty duty of living up to the role and legacy established by his father, and the generations of Lord Radfords before him. It is not a responsibility he takes lightly. But Trent comes to learn that all is not what it seems, and there are some ugly skeletons in his family closet. Eventually, he learns to not be completely beholden to the past, and to be his own man and forge his own path, and that is how he earns the trust and loyalty of the villagers and those under his care and protection. For her part, Mazie was born into a life of privilege, but it was taken away from her when her parents died, and she was abandoned and neglected by her remaining family. That experience leaves her determined to never be vulnerable and leave her fate in the hands of others ever again. Building a hard facade to protect herself, she has to learn to let down her guard and trust Trent in every way possibile in order to have the happy life she craves.
By the end, you are on the edge of your seat, wondering how it will all be made all right, and how Trent and Mazie are going to get their happy ever after. But they do get there, once they learn to trust and believe in each other, heart, mind, and soul.
We also meet Trent's sister Catherine, who is a fascinating character in her own right. I hope we will find out more about her, perhaps in her own book!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next from Ms. LaValle!
Trent and Mazie are two intense and passionate characters, and the chemistry positively smolders from the beginning. On the surface, these two characters could not be more different-Trent is controlled, and lives and breathes duty and honor. Mazie is no less strong willed, but her moral compass definitely involves more shades of gray He thinks from the head, she thinks from the heart. But when all these differences collide is when the fun starts. A mere look between them is enough to steam the pages and leave you breathless. Watching these two strong characters fight the mounting attraction and lust is a delight.
With this story, Ms. LaValle takes the mythology of Robin Hood and completely turns it on its head. While on its face, it may be simple to sympathize with Mazie and the Midnight Rider's mission, you can't also help but agree with Trent's view that justice can prevail without vigilantism. Law and order must be maintained, and if exceptions were made for every sympathetic case willy nilly, even for a man who robs to help the poor or a widow who steals to feed her children, laws would cease have any structure, integrity, or meaning. By flushing out and having the reader identify with aspects of Mazie and Trent's differing positions,Ms. LaValle does an excellent job of juggling these tough moral, legal, and ethical dilemmas, and shows us that the balance between justice and fairness can be a tricky one indeed, even when we hope they are one and the same. In the end, we see Trent brilliant display the best of both worlds-justice is not always about hard and fast rules, and it's about serving not just the letter, but the spirit of the law, and mercy and compassion do have a role to play. With that approach, Trent is able to render true justice and everyone does indeed get what they deserve.So yes, the widow goes to the goal, but Trent also makes sure she and the family are fed and taken care of. The Midnight Rider is apprehended, but is not put to death. As is often the case, life is in the shades of gray,and in the end, both of them were not completely right, or completely wrong.
Throughout the book, Ms. LaValle cleverly rachets up the tension and ups the stakes between Mazie and Trent. We gradually come to understand why Mazie continues to lie and decieve Trent about her knowledge and involvement, even as she struggles between her growing love and attraction to Trent, and her loyalty to the Midnight Rider, her half brother Roane. She is caught between a rock and a hard place, when all she wants is to end the charade without losing either Trent or Roane. Trent, meanwhile, battles between his duties as Lord Lieutenant, and his growing feelings for Mazie. He instinctively sees beyond the facade Mazie presents, and her inner vulnerability and emotional turmoil triggers his protective instincts, even as she infuriates and frustrates him at every turn. But his responsibilities as Lord Lieutenant put him and Mazie at direct odds. Trent needs to do his job, but what happens when doing so can cost him the woman he loves?
Mazie and Trent's ties to the past also serve as a powerful theme to the story. Having assumed the title, Trent faces the hefty duty of living up to the role and legacy established by his father, and the generations of Lord Radfords before him. It is not a responsibility he takes lightly. But Trent comes to learn that all is not what it seems, and there are some ugly skeletons in his family closet. Eventually, he learns to not be completely beholden to the past, and to be his own man and forge his own path, and that is how he earns the trust and loyalty of the villagers and those under his care and protection. For her part, Mazie was born into a life of privilege, but it was taken away from her when her parents died, and she was abandoned and neglected by her remaining family. That experience leaves her determined to never be vulnerable and leave her fate in the hands of others ever again. Building a hard facade to protect herself, she has to learn to let down her guard and trust Trent in every way possibile in order to have the happy life she craves.
By the end, you are on the edge of your seat, wondering how it will all be made all right, and how Trent and Mazie are going to get their happy ever after. But they do get there, once they learn to trust and believe in each other, heart, mind, and soul.
We also meet Trent's sister Catherine, who is a fascinating character in her own right. I hope we will find out more about her, perhaps in her own book!
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next from Ms. LaValle!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 22, 2018Dnf at 7%
The beginning is clunky and neither character was likeable. The writing is slow and pretentious and nothing seemed to be happening so I gave up.
The beginning is clunky and neither character was likeable. The writing is slow and pretentious and nothing seemed to be happening so I gave up.
April 22, 2013
**original review by Jamie posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance**
All I have to say about The Runaway Countess is this: READ THIS BOOK! Ok, I will say a bit more but seriously this book cannot be missed. If you are a historical romance fan then you must read this book. Leigh LaValle takes the Robin Hood theme to a whole new level and makes it her own.
Trent Carthwick, Earl of Radford has one mission as Lord Lieutenant and that is to arrest the Midnight Rider. When his deputy captures Mazie he expects to get answers and find the highwayman. What he wasn’t counting on is Mazie’s loyalty to the Midnight Rider, Roane.
Mazie is determined to protect Roane at all costs and plans to lead Trent in every wrong direction she can. That is until an unexpected visitor and former acquaintance tells Trent who Mazie really is… a Lady. Trent is stunned but being a gentleman knows what he has to do. Mazie cannot be his prisoner, she must become his guest.
The relationship between Trent and Mazie is complicated. Trent is determined to find Roane and Mazie is doing everything to prevent that from happening which doesn’t make developing a relationship easy. As the investigation goes further and Mazie and Trent start to understand where the other is coming from and they start to question what is really right and wrong.
Trent’s whole life he has seen things as right or wrong. Every action has consequence but then this stubborn, independent and fiercely protective woman shows up and turns his world upside down. What he thought he knew about his family and the people closest to him isn’t what he thought. He is left with trying to figure out where he stands and what to do with his feelings for Mazie.
Favorite Quote:
Overall:
READ THIS! I seriously can’t say this enough. This is probably my favorite historical I’ve read this year. I could not stop reading but I wanted it to last forever. I love that Trent and Mazie really had to fight to win each other. They didn’t just fall in love and all their problems went away. They had a lot to overcome.
The Runaway Countess was a brilliant debut and I cannot wait to read more by Leigh LaValle. I want Lady Cat’s, Trent’s sister, story and I hope that we get to see more of Roane.
***review copy provided by author***
All I have to say about The Runaway Countess is this: READ THIS BOOK! Ok, I will say a bit more but seriously this book cannot be missed. If you are a historical romance fan then you must read this book. Leigh LaValle takes the Robin Hood theme to a whole new level and makes it her own.
Trent Carthwick, Earl of Radford has one mission as Lord Lieutenant and that is to arrest the Midnight Rider. When his deputy captures Mazie he expects to get answers and find the highwayman. What he wasn’t counting on is Mazie’s loyalty to the Midnight Rider, Roane.
Mazie is determined to protect Roane at all costs and plans to lead Trent in every wrong direction she can. That is until an unexpected visitor and former acquaintance tells Trent who Mazie really is… a Lady. Trent is stunned but being a gentleman knows what he has to do. Mazie cannot be his prisoner, she must become his guest.
The relationship between Trent and Mazie is complicated. Trent is determined to find Roane and Mazie is doing everything to prevent that from happening which doesn’t make developing a relationship easy. As the investigation goes further and Mazie and Trent start to understand where the other is coming from and they start to question what is really right and wrong.
“It was a kindness on her part. Whatever, he thought of her, a thief and a lair, she was kind. Even to him. Her captor. It was obvious that she worried about people, that she wanted to help.”
Trent’s whole life he has seen things as right or wrong. Every action has consequence but then this stubborn, independent and fiercely protective woman shows up and turns his world upside down. What he thought he knew about his family and the people closest to him isn’t what he thought. He is left with trying to figure out where he stands and what to do with his feelings for Mazie.
Favorite Quote:
Their eyes met and something passed between them, something intimate and totally outside his understanding. It was more than desire, though that was there as well. It was as if for the first time they saw each other not as right and wrong, but simply as people. They were two bodies standing together in the midst of the confusion of living.
Overall:
READ THIS! I seriously can’t say this enough. This is probably my favorite historical I’ve read this year. I could not stop reading but I wanted it to last forever. I love that Trent and Mazie really had to fight to win each other. They didn’t just fall in love and all their problems went away. They had a lot to overcome.
The Runaway Countess was a brilliant debut and I cannot wait to read more by Leigh LaValle. I want Lady Cat’s, Trent’s sister, story and I hope that we get to see more of Roane.
***review copy provided by author***
April 16, 2012
The majority of Mazie's secrets are hidden from the reader as well as from Trent, at least until the opportune moment. Some readers might find this helps to drive the tension, and others will find themselves extremely annoyed at this tactic, especially considering the majority of the story is told from Mazie's perspective. There were a number of times I just couldn't understand her reasoning, even after her secrets were revealed. She tells Trent quite honestly that she has no idea where the Midnight Rider is or how to get in contact with him, but then refuses to divulge the nature of her relationship with him. Information that could bring a greater understanding from Trent about her loyalties to the Midnight Rider and might have even made him more sympathetic. But no, lock that up in spite of the fact that it really isn't going to help him find the Midnight Rider any faster than you could do yourself, which you've already admitted you can't do. Sure. Ok.
The chemistry between Mazie and Trent is full of sparks, and although I'm not sure I found a raging fire in there, I do think those sparks could ignite into something more permanent than the intense attraction they start off with. It was fun to watch the relationship develop between them, although I would have liked to see Mazie hold her own more often. When they disagreed (which was often), 95% of the time Trent is right, or at least is portrayed as being so. I very much liked the contrast between her free-spirited attempts to seek justice outside the system, and his rigid, "by the book" approach, but it would have worked better for me if there was more give and take there instead of just constantly seeing how Mazie was always wrong in her approach.
The chemistry between Mazie and Trent is full of sparks, and although I'm not sure I found a raging fire in there, I do think those sparks could ignite into something more permanent than the intense attraction they start off with. It was fun to watch the relationship develop between them, although I would have liked to see Mazie hold her own more often. When they disagreed (which was often), 95% of the time Trent is right, or at least is portrayed as being so. I very much liked the contrast between her free-spirited attempts to seek justice outside the system, and his rigid, "by the book" approach, but it would have worked better for me if there was more give and take there instead of just constantly seeing how Mazie was always wrong in her approach.
May 4, 2012
A lacklustre debut novel with plot holes aplenty and a shaky control of narrative structure.
Instead of sending a female pickpocket to jail and possibly capital punishment, the Lord Lieutenant of the district decides to place the defiant and articulate prisoner under house arrest in his own stately home. Among several reasons for this odd behaviour is a plan to extract from his prisoner the name of her highwayman accomplice.
The rest of the novel is a drawn-out description of a repetitious push-pull relationship, with Trent and Maizie pushed apart by their mutual distrust, and pulled together by their romantic attraction.
The almost inevitable revelation that Maizie is of aristocratic blood and her crimes were motivated by a desire to help the impoverished seems to add little impetus to the story. Hints abound of a secret connection between the wealthy victims of the crimes, but the nature of this connection is glossed over in a few paragraphs at the end.
Neither Trent, the lord of the manor, nor Maizie, the noble thief, evoke much sympathy from the reader. The sexual attraction and ultimate consummation are spicy and straightforward but the lack of psychological insight into the characters of the lovers leaves one wondering why Trent is so fixated on 'justice' and why Maizie is so desperate to protect the identity of her partner in crime.
Also why two apparently intelligent individuals seem incapable of picking up on the dozens of glaring hints the author provides the reader.
Instead of sending a female pickpocket to jail and possibly capital punishment, the Lord Lieutenant of the district decides to place the defiant and articulate prisoner under house arrest in his own stately home. Among several reasons for this odd behaviour is a plan to extract from his prisoner the name of her highwayman accomplice.
The rest of the novel is a drawn-out description of a repetitious push-pull relationship, with Trent and Maizie pushed apart by their mutual distrust, and pulled together by their romantic attraction.
The almost inevitable revelation that Maizie is of aristocratic blood and her crimes were motivated by a desire to help the impoverished seems to add little impetus to the story. Hints abound of a secret connection between the wealthy victims of the crimes, but the nature of this connection is glossed over in a few paragraphs at the end.
Neither Trent, the lord of the manor, nor Maizie, the noble thief, evoke much sympathy from the reader. The sexual attraction and ultimate consummation are spicy and straightforward but the lack of psychological insight into the characters of the lovers leaves one wondering why Trent is so fixated on 'justice' and why Maizie is so desperate to protect the identity of her partner in crime.
Also why two apparently intelligent individuals seem incapable of picking up on the dozens of glaring hints the author provides the reader.
September 10, 2016
Originally reviewed for: Historical Romance Lover blog
This is book one in the Nottinghamshire series.
Mazie Chetwyn has been taken captive by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire. He knows that she has been working for the Midnight Rider and wants information to enable him to be captured.
Trent Chathwick, the Earl of Radford and the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, is attracted to Mazie from their introduction and the feeling is mutual. When he finds out that she is really Lady Margaret, he is at a loss as to what to do with her.
Lady Margaret goes from captive to "guest" with Trent's sister acting as chaperone, but Mazie still finds ways to thwart Trent's ability to find the Midnight Rider by giving him false clues.
Will Trent find out why Mazie will not give up information about the Midnight Rider and what will happen to their mutual attraction when it looks like Mazie might be heading to the gallows?
I throughly enjoyed this book. The banter between the H/H had me laughing out loud. I always love when there is a very strong female lead and Mazie did not disappoint. The strength of character in Trent was heartbreaking as he had to reveal things about his family that he didn't want to be true. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This is book one in the Nottinghamshire series.
Mazie Chetwyn has been taken captive by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire. He knows that she has been working for the Midnight Rider and wants information to enable him to be captured.
Trent Chathwick, the Earl of Radford and the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, is attracted to Mazie from their introduction and the feeling is mutual. When he finds out that she is really Lady Margaret, he is at a loss as to what to do with her.
Lady Margaret goes from captive to "guest" with Trent's sister acting as chaperone, but Mazie still finds ways to thwart Trent's ability to find the Midnight Rider by giving him false clues.
Will Trent find out why Mazie will not give up information about the Midnight Rider and what will happen to their mutual attraction when it looks like Mazie might be heading to the gallows?
I throughly enjoyed this book. The banter between the H/H had me laughing out loud. I always love when there is a very strong female lead and Mazie did not disappoint. The strength of character in Trent was heartbreaking as he had to reveal things about his family that he didn't want to be true. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
May 19, 2012
THE RUNAWAY COUNTESS by Leigh Lavalle is an exciting debut historical romance set in Nottinghamshire,England in 1821. With a Robin Hood and Lady Marian style writing but with a few twists and turns. It is written with vivid details,and full of danger,angst,passion,action packed,deception, a quest for truth and justice. Trent Carthwick, twelfth Earl of Radford,the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire,who is not only handsome,sexy,believes in truth,honor,justice,and family will soon have everything he believed tested,trialed and turned over. While, Mazie Chetwyn,the beautiful, vulnerable,orphaned, penniless Lady, is determined to save the highwayman at all cost,even after she is betrayed and captured. Together,Trent and Mazie find an attraction that could shatter they lives forever. “The Runaway Countess” is full of romance,intrigue,and justice. A must read! Ms. Lavalle is an author to watch for in the future. The characters are full of life,wit,charm,a page turner. I devowed this title in one setting.I can hardly wait for her next to release. An amazing debut! Received from the author for an honest review. Details can be found at the author’s website,Samhain Publishing, Ltd,and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING: 5
HEAT RATING:
Mild: Mild detailed scenes of intimacy,mild violence or profanity.
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 5
HEAT RATING:
Mild: Mild detailed scenes of intimacy,mild violence or profanity.
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More
April 23, 2012
Miss Mazie is hiding her identity as Lady Margaret Chetwyn and aiding a daring highwayman, the Midnight Rider, when she’s captured and given into the care of Trent Carthwick, twelfth Earl of Radford. As he works to unravel the mystery of why she would aid such a man, and tries to induce her to tell him where the Midnight Rider is, he falls more and more under the spell of this amazing young lady. Mazie tries to resist Trent but the harder she tries, the more she learns to trust him. In a delightful test of wits, we watch as this couple learns that everything isn’t always as it seems and that if they just give a little, they’ll receive a lot in return. I enjoyed Mazie, who was a determined, loyal and caring young lady, although a bit misguided at times; as well as Trent, Lord Carthwick, who started out an unbending, stern, uncompromising man, but ends up learning to laugh and find love in his life, all due to one exasperating young lady.
February 28, 2012
This story was positively amazing!!! I felt as if I were part of the story, the proverbial fly on the wall. The depth of the characters and the realness of the story left me breathless. I was privelaged to receive a copy before its release of March and I can not say thank you enough to the author. Emotions were pulled from my heart. Mazie is loyal to a fault and Trent tries to do everything to the letter. She awakens in him his true inner self to be the man he was destined to be and not his father's man. There was never a dull moment. A wonderful addition to any historical romance reader's collection. *****5+ stars!!!
July 13, 2020
Very good! I enjoyed this story. Mazie (horrible name) and her brother act like Robin hood's. They are stealing from the people who ruined their family and other people.
Trent has captured Mazie. He is a man of justice. He slowly learns what despicable things a group of his father's friends have been doing. Worst his own father might have been the leader.
He and Mazie have different views of justice. It is nice to see these two come together. His sister adds to the story. I highly recommend this book.!
Trent has captured Mazie. He is a man of justice. He slowly learns what despicable things a group of his father's friends have been doing. Worst his own father might have been the leader.
He and Mazie have different views of justice. It is nice to see these two come together. His sister adds to the story. I highly recommend this book.!
March 18, 2012
This is wonderful debut novel that offers a Robin Hood theme, compelling characters, and a story that tackles some tough issues such as divided loyalties and conflicting views of what is right. I'm sure I'm not the only reader who is hoping for Cat's story.
February 28, 2013
Received the book as a contest winner. Loved it! It was a little different than typical books of the genre. Kept me guessing until the end... Could there be a sequel? There were several characters that need stories told.
March 27, 2012
4.5 stars review to come.
July 23, 2019
The Runaway Countess, In this Regency Romance story, we meet our female protagonist, Lady Margaret Chetwyn, after fleeing London, lives under an assumed identity of Maize. She is perceived to be an accomplice of the Midnight Rider, Roane Grantham, who robs from the rich and gives to the poor. Our story opens up with the capture of Maize. Not too long after her capture, we meet Trent Carthwick, the Earl of Radford, who is determined to discover the identity of the Midnight Rider. Realizing that Maize is the key to this mystery, he keeps her in house arrest. During her captivity, sparks definitely fly between them. Maize puzzles Trent as he realizes she is keeping secrets and all is not what it seems. He soon discovers that Maize is not a commoner but a member of the aristocracy. Subsequently her station improves the conditions of her incarceration.
Ms. LaValle employs a character driven narrative arc. In so doing, her characters are multi-dimensional. I liked that she created them with flaws. Despite their flaws, these characters follow their own moral code. In the process the secrets and mystery they uncover helps to move the plot along on at even pace while keeping it unpredictable. There are some sex scenes but they do not overshadow the plot. If, as a reader, you love to read about danger, angst, passion and deception then you will love this book.
Ms. LaValle employs a character driven narrative arc. In so doing, her characters are multi-dimensional. I liked that she created them with flaws. Despite their flaws, these characters follow their own moral code. In the process the secrets and mystery they uncover helps to move the plot along on at even pace while keeping it unpredictable. There are some sex scenes but they do not overshadow the plot. If, as a reader, you love to read about danger, angst, passion and deception then you will love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2018
I'm not sure where I found this book but I'm extremely glad I read it! Mazie started as a strong female character and continued that throughout the book. She had a rough life after one of ease and had to grow up quick. We don't get much of her past history with flash backs or anything, just pieces along the way. Trent is a serious "by the rule book" person. He starts out with a black and white view of life, but along the way learns there is a grey area. I liked the pacing of the book and story line. The only annoyance were the parts of the story that never finished. Not everyone Mazie steals from was a bad person (but that part was never explored, just commented on). The "club" Trent's father belonged to doesn't get any explanation as far as WHAT they were doing or how they were all connected. Trent's sisters husband left (no reasons, just "something" happened) with vague comments about him ever coming home. While I understand that might lead to another book, the information given wasn't what I would consider any use in this book. I will continue with the series since these aren't -make or break- deals for me.
July 19, 2018
The Midnight Rider and his deeds were the catalyst that brought the present Earl of Radford back to his county seat. But however romanticized is the sobriquet "Midnight Rider," this is not about him ~ it is between Mazie and Radford. Mazie is under house arrest in Giltbrook Hall (Radford's seat) and the Lord Lieutenant's guest/prisoner. The MR just wanted to expose the criminal activities of a cabal of aristocrats (and a corrupt magistrate) preying on their own peers and their own dependents to enrich themselves, and Mazie was helping him. Mazie's family was a victim, too and so were many others through 8 years of unchecked dastardly acts perpetrated by this group. And so Mazie never gave up the MR's name for loyalty and love. Lots of drama and conflict here between words such as honor, justice, law. trust, familial love and so on to those who feel them and to those who were owed or deserving of them. There was also the bitter taste of betrayal on Trent's part by his deceased father, a lesson learned in harsh reality. All in all a very Good read.
May 9, 2019
The Runaway Countess is a great historical romance by Leigh LaValle. Ms. LaValle has given readers a well-written book. The characters are phenomenal and my favorite part of the book. When Mazie finds herself orphaned and penniless she decides to join forces with her half-brother, a highwayman that helps the poor. She finds herself captured and a "guest" at Trent's estate. Trent has things to do in London and wants to wrap up the highwayman business and get back to it. He believes Mazie is the key to that goal. Trent and Mazie's story is loaded with drama, action, humor, sizzle and suspense. I enjoyed reading The Runaway Countess and look forward to reading more from Leigh LaValle in the future. The Runaway Countess is book 1 of the Nottinghamshire Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
January 20, 2018
A great enemies-to-lovers historical, even if the title gives away some of the plot! There's some exploration of class and morality giving weight to the romance, and as always it's nice to read an English-set historical that explores settings besides the ballroom. The writing is engaging, with a compelling heroine and an intriguing plot. Some of the darker themes touched on aren't explored in much detail, which might bother some readers who want to know more, but I liked it because that way it kept the most fascinating part at the center: the complex love/hate/lies/truth relationship between Mazie and Trent.
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