Nineteen-year-old Annie Andrews is a London spitfire with a penchant for finding trouble wherever she is. Since her parents' death she has been under the protection of her married sister, Lily Colton. Both were poor until Lord Colton fell in love and offered marriage to Lily. Leaving on their honeymoon Lily needs to find a protector for Annie as she has already tried to run off to Gretna Green to marry Arthur Eggleston with whom she fancied herself in love.

Devastatingly handsome and rich Jordan Holloway, Earl of Ashbourne, is the choice of chaperone for the little nuisance of a sister and also Devon Colton's best friend. Being the escape artist that she is, Annie gives Jordan a run for his money. A confirmed bachelor still hurting from a previous rejection, Jordan vows never to marry. He decides to put forth all his efforts at finding a suitable mate for Lily and is astounded when all hell breaks loose and it backfires in his face. Jordan is jealous of every prospect and the last thing he expects is for his conniving little ward to weave a web of deceit to capture the handsome rogue she has fallen in love with. Just wait to see what lengths she is willing to go to get what she wants.

SECRETS OF A RUNAWAY BRIDE, a tale set in 1816 London, is an absolutely delightful read. Annie's character is so full of mischief and persistence in getting what she wants; it completely keeps you on your toes at every turn. There's no chance of putting this one down because the young lady is so unpredictable and keeps you glued to the page. Valerie Bowman has written a very exciting little plot with a very naughty young woman. I will definitely seek out other novels by this author. A must read for hot sex and amusing trysts with the opposite sex.