This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Runaway Girl written by Tessa Bailey
Publisher CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication Date: September 24, 2018
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Format: eARC
Pages: 264
Rating:
Flame Rating:
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It’s Naomi Clemons’s big day. Her dream wedding. And she’s outta here.
One moment. A chance meeting of gazes through the church window pane with someone familiar who radiates intrigue. Independence. It’s the final push Naomi needs to realize...she’s boring. A blonde, cookie cutter, well mannered trophy wife-to-be. How can she expect to lead a fulfilling married life when she’s never lived?
Special Forces diver Jason Bristow needs a beauty pageant coach. Not for himself—although the tattooed bruiser could definitely use some charm. For his little sister who he has returned to St. Augustine, Florida to raise. When a beautiful southern debutante lands on his doorstep, she awakens a hunger that won’t be ignored. If only she wasn’t planning on winning back the ex-fiancé she left at the altar…
Despite the potential for ruin, heat continues to build between Naomi and Jason beneath the sultry Florida sunshine, consuming them both. But they’re on borrowed time…and it’s about to run out.

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After the amazingness that was Getaway Girl, I had a lot of expectations with Runaway Girl. Let’s just say that Tessa Bailey delivered!
I was honestly waiting to hate Naomi. Based on what little we knew about her from the first book, I thought that I couldn’t relate with her at all – but funnily enough, I did! Naomi is such a relatable character. She is the peacemaker in the family and knew early on the scandal surrounding her family.
When she runs away from her own wedding and inadvertently meets Jason, sparks begin to fly and let me tell you that the chemistry was blazing! I loved the relationship development between Naomi and Jason. As you know, I am big on relationship development and the tension between the two main characters and again, Tessa Bailey did not disappoint!
Jason is the kind of hero that I absolutely love – broody, moody, and kind of an alpha-hole, but a softie deep inside! He is in St. Augustine, Florida with his younger sister Birdie while she grieves for her twin sister who suddenly passed away. As a tribute to her sister, Birdie decides to join a beauty pageant and Naomi is her trainer!
I seriously love the pageant training aspect of this book! Birdie spoke to me so much and I actually saw my young self in her since I also joined a beauty pageant once when I was a high school senior. It was so much to fun to read about it and it gave me a lot of nostalgia feels!
Naomi is one character that I eventually rooted! Even though she had a rich upbringing, she was naïve and closed out to the world. I especially love that her time as a runaway bride helped her grow into herself and end up as a courageous heroine who defied her parents’ very strict edicts.
I also loved the end where Naomi and Addison finally met up and came to terms with each other – they do have a very linked past and my hope is that there is a second epilogue somewhere where Naomi and Addison are the best of friends!
I can’t recommend Runaway Girl enough! Tessa Bailey is already a one-click author for me, so definitely give her a try if you haven’t read her yet!
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Overall: | 4.5 |
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Getaway Girl Review
Do you love romances featuring runaway brides? Which books are your favorites?
Thanks for the review! I haven’t read any of Tessa’s books yet, but I have heard nothing but good things!
Oh, she is amazing, Sharlene! She’s the queen of dirty talking heroes and heroines!
Slow Burn, my kind of romance. I think I will add this one to my list. Great review.
Glad I was able to help, Nadene! I love slow burn when it’s done really well and the chemistry and build-up should be top notch!