This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite
Bj Sikes delivers a charming sapphic historical romance in Her Runaway Lady. Solange works as the head trimmer in a little millinery shop in Paris. She loves her job and is set on one day taking over the shop from Madame Poulet. Solange has no plans to marry and have children, and she is not interested in men. Solange also does not have time to deal with the distractions of love right now. With Solange's brother, Claude, unable to work because his augmented legs aren't working, she takes on the role of provider for the family. Louise-Marie, an aristocrat, is being forced to marry to better her family's standing with the new king. Louise-Marie also has no desire to marry and would much rather make a living for herself creating hats. When Louise-Marie runs away from the signing of her betrothal, she takes a job at Madame Poulet’s shop. Together, Solange and Louise-Marie navigate their respective emotions and attraction toward each other.
Author Bj Sikes skilfully navigates the intricacies of attraction between two female characters while focusing on their individual character growth. The character descriptions are detailed, with simple mannerisms woven into the story, making them more likable and relatable. The third-person narrative from the perspectives of the two leading ladies creates tension, driving the pace forward. The added element of augmented limbs, like with Solange's brother, Claude, adds to the division of class and the hardships that need to be overcome. An added theme of compassion and compromise runs through the story, with the fact that augmented limbs could not be fixed after the new regime came into place. This emphasizes the love and support Solange shows to her siblings and family. The plot is sprinkled with references to differences in class and touches of steampunk. I loved the idea of millinery as the central point for the various relationships, adding a touch of color and creativity to the story. Her Runaway Lady: A Sapphic Historical Romance is ideal for anyone who enjoys a female-centric love story.
