I really enjoyed this book. She stood up for herself and did not get married just because it was what her mother wanted. I really enjoyed that she stood up for her boyfriend to her mom. She showed him that just because you have money does not mean that they are all the same, like he thought!

Runaway Pride had a great premise and strong characters that for the most part, were fleshed out. However, the story fell a bit flat for me in places. The book, while dual POV, didn’t feel balanced in terms of the depth of character work. In other words, Charlie’s pov held more detail than Rick’s at time. There was also a lot of telling versus showing which at times took me out of the story.

A big theme of this book focused on the class divide between the two MC’s and the personal prejudices surrounding getting to close to someone from the upper class while being outside of it. Also, both characters are dealing with severe mommy issues and family trauma.

I think the story would’ve been enhanced if it was another 100 pages longer. And with it, more details in Rick’s POV really working through his family issues. There was a line in the book where he reminisces on the fact that it’s been awhile since he’s been to therapy and I think maybe a chapter(s) where we watch him going to counseling and unpacking the hurt that is having long term effects on his relationships. I think there should’ve been a chapter which saw Charlie meeting with her father to help save her business and the rebuilding of that relationship.

I feel like Sarah was written as Charlie’s best friend and while there were a few scenes with them, it felt like Aera was more of her bestie than anyone else. Also their extended friend group kind of just disappears after awhile. Also at times, the spice just didn’t flow. The dirty talk didn’t make sense to the specific characters and/or at times it seemed like I wasn’t reading the same characters from the previous chapters. Like they felt like completely different people.

But despite my critiques, I did laugh a lot while reading (esp. when Rick tried to set Ryan straight). I just wish their ending felt more real and finite and earned (maybe?).

I like it.
I wouldn't say the book was brilliant because there wasn't anything special in terms of romance.
One thing I do appreciate is that the grumpy trait of Rick was true because usually this trope is interpreted differently in romance books. So I appreciated the fact that he was grumpy and not plain rude or mean to Charlie.
Another thing I enjoyed was the true relationship between Charlie and her mother and brother. I liked how there was a conflict with no magical solution, and I liked how the author portrayed that not every problem or ruined relationship needs to be amended just for the sake of a happy ending.
But despite this, the book still lacked some sort of a kick, the romance didn't do it for me, I honestly didn't feel the chemistry between the two main characters because most of it was sex and make-out sessions, I would have enjoyed a bit more wooing and dates with no dirty talk or groping in public.
But it was fine, I mean the writing was good, and the plot was good-ish.

Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this story and I also really liked the characters. The story was well written and I will definitely recommend this book to everyone! It’s a very quick read so if you’re looking for one, you should definitely read this one!

Runaway Pride by Sylan Young is a contemporary romance novel that follows the unlikely romance between Charlotte "Charlie" Ha and Richard "Rick" Min, who come from different worlds but find each other when Charlie flees from her arranged marriage and Rick helped her. The book portrays how they cope with their family troubles, their personal struggles, and their growing attraction.

One of the things that I notice about the book is the fact that Charlie's love language is gift giving. She expresses herself through tangible gestures, which may be a result of her upbringing in a wealthy and controlling family, where love was based on conditions and achievements.

The book also delves into the family dynamics of the main characters. Both Charlie and Rick have complex relationships with their families, particularly their mothers. Charlie's mother is a cold and manipulative woman who cares more about her image and status than Charlie's happiness or well-being. Rick harbors resentment towards his mother, who left them when he was a child, and never showed any interest in them (hence where his bias against rich people stems from).

Charlie had to face her family issues, and to assert herself. The book showed how she broke free from her mother's expectations and influences, and to live her own life. She had to discover her true self, beyond the labels and roles that others have assigned to her. She had to find her passion, her purpose, and her voice. She had to learn to love herself, and to be happy on her own terms. Her life was changed the moment she had to run away from her wedding, and into the backseat of her best friend's brother's car. She had to take a risk on Rick, and on herself.

Rick had to discover his true feelings, beyond the barriers and masks that he has erected around himself. He had to find his peace, his courage, and his heart. He had to learn to let go of his past, and to welcome his future. He had to take care of himself, and to be receptive to love. He had to take a risk on Charlie, and on himself.

Runaway Pride is a book that I loved immensely. The book was well-written, the characters were engaging. It had the right amount of angst, jealousy, grovelling, and even sexy scenes! I also admired the fact that both of them were able to stand up for themselves. It is not easy to get out of an emotionally abusive household, and for Charlie to set boundaries and put herself first — it was nice to see.

I am looking forward to Aera and Nick’s book! I highly recommend Runaway Pride! Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ARC!

This book had its good moments. I enjoyed having a diverse POV and seeing some family and friend dynamics outside my ken. Charlie was very relatable with a moving backstory and generally compassionate nature. Her narcissistic mother and devil-may-care brother made me want to root for her. Rick was… not my fave. He also had a good backstory and brought plenty of baggage along for the ride. He was just very selfish, even if one ignores his baggage. The 2 had some solid chemistry and he wasn’t all bad, but it was hard to be on his side.
There were many tense errors and instances of awkward sentence structure. I found myself having to reread sentences frequently to make sure I understood what was being said.
I think with some solid editing, this book could be great.

Spice: 4/5

Triggers: narcissistic parent, emotional abuse and manipulation, child abandonment, grief, parent death (off page), poverty (off page)

If you enjoy contemporary romances with Gumpy X Sunshine Vibes- you will enjoy this book. I enjoyed the relationship between Charlie and Rick and the lead up to the spice was good.

This story follows Charlie and Rick. Charlie has worked hard and has everything, however the day of her wedding she decides that this is no longer what she wants and the first person she finds to help her escape is her friend's older brother Rick. Rick helps Charlie despite believing she is the "rich" friend of his brother.

They soon help each other move forward in their lives while also uncovering their true feelings for each other in the process.

On her wedding day, Charlie realizes that she is getting married for the wrong reasons. She runs away straight into the car of her best friend's brother, Rick.

This was an easy read that touches on class differences and family trauma. The main characters are developing their relationship while navigating similar family issues concerning their mother. Each one supporting the other in the best way they can.

Even though Charlie is strong and knows her worth, she still struggles with wanting her mother's approval. This drove the story and it was interesting to read how Charlie and Rick navigated this dynamic as they developed their relationship with each other.

The pacing was a bit slow and I did have some trouble staying interested in this book about halfway through. I think the mother really annoyed me but if I felt this strongly about a character, kudos to the author!

I would recommend this to readers that enjoy a light romance read with some spice and the following tropes:

*Rich girl/poor boy
* grumpy/ sunshine
* Best friend's brother

Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for providing me this ARC!

It wasn't the perfect romance book but I still enjoyed it very much!

"You are in every of my thoughts, my conscience. I can't get away, and I don't want to anymore. I want all of you."

❗Minor content spoilers might be ahead ❗

Even though a runaway bride is cliché and I have seen what feels like a hundred movies with this premise, I actually have not read a book that starts this way but I do not regret it one bit.

Charlie and Rick come from very different backgrounds (but as Rick puts it so lovingly: "Do you think we'll ever get over our mommy issues?", they do have some things in common) 😅
"Runaway Pride" starts fast paste, gives insights into their lives, their situation and backgrounds and is filled with entertaining dialogues and fast approaching tension.

Things I liked/loved:
💗 Charlie and Rick getting to know each other
💗 Charlie learning to live the life that she wants for herself

"Being over thirty is not a death sentence. I still have a lot of time left, and I want to prioritize what makes me happy" Say it louder for the people in the back 👏🏻

💗 Charlie (finally) standing up for herself and her believes
💗 The tension and steamy scenes (once its on, its on - iykyk)

""You make me not want to stop."
"I don't want you to stop.""

Things that threw me off:
🦄 Rick's preference/kink with Charlie's love of pink? (He actually gets *very excited* whenever he sees the color pink now...)
🦄 Additionally: Charlie is 32 years old, why is one corner in her room “a shrine for stuffed animals” and everything in different shades of pink and princessy? (I like pink, but are we just ignoring what I imagine a unicorn throwing up in a 32 year old's bedroom?)
🦄 I'm generally confused when authors describe character appearances and have to add feminine/masculine...why? Just leave the rest and move on. The legs are long, soft and attractive? Ok, good to know, but why add feminine? Why add that her short hair doesn't bother him?

The book wasn't as bad as it might sound based on the previous paragraph. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, the middle with all the very nicely written smut (I appreciate the quantity and quality) and the character development too! The last 20% could have been shortened.

"I came here for comfort, Rick. I'm not asking you to solve my problems"

Some little things just got me stumbeling and I do have to say that I cannot totally relate to a mother like Charlie's... I wanted to scream at her controlling mother after the first conversation and she let her pull the strings for 32 years? I have to say that that annoyed me for quite some time.

Definitely recommended for someone who is looking for some family drama, some sweet and hot romance and a little “stand up for yourself” moment 💗 The communication and exchange of emotions was written beautifully!

Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing and Sylan Young for the ARC! I am giving this honest review voluntarily.

This was a very good romance book. I read it in two days. I loved the writing and the banter was amazing. I would recommend this book!

I’m gonna start this by saying thank you for Netgalley, as I read this book in exchange for an honest review.
First chapter and I am already asking myself “if she is so uncomfortable with the idea of marrying this man, how did she even get here?”
Once again, it’s the first chapter, and our bride is less than enthused. And she is with her best friend, who supposedly can “read her pretty well”, yet somehow this best friend has no idea that she seems to hate the idea of marrying her fiancé?
Suspension of belief it is, then.
Rocky start aside, I enjoyed how dry Rick, our man, sounded. Her best friend’s older brother turned into her chauffeur on her daring escape out of her wedding. He had the tragic background thing going, and did not believe in love. If it was up to him, he wouldn’t even get physically close enough to Charlie to talk to her. Some books try this route and go for it wrong, with the male lead immediately dropping the skeptic attitude as soon as the girl gives him any attention, but Rick was different and, to his credit, he did try to keep her at least at an arm’s length.
I really enjoyed how different both of the characters felt.
Also, fiancé did not want to marry either, and that felt a bit off. How was this marriage even happening again? Oh, yeah, overbearing and controlling mother of the bride being controlling and pushy - got it. And that seems to be the theme for a lot of the book, so beware: she is unbearable.
But I gotta say, who was the joy of the book? Ryan. Charlie’s younger brother. I laughed out loud in every scene he was in, and his scheme made me laugh so much I rolled over laughing.
I don’t know if I’m improperly hopeful, but It feels like he will have his own book, and, in which case, I am first in line to read.
I caught a few grammar mistakes, but nothing huge.
Also, the book gave me a few scares, plot wise, but pleasantly surprised me. I wouldn’t call it a slow burn, but it was not rushed either. I loved seeing the characters slowly evolving. Charlie growing into herself and Rick learning trust and falling in love.
It felt realistic, the way I saw Rick fall in love.
My only other criticism is that this book felt too steamy, I resorted to skimming while reading. Our characters felt they were in love but I kept thinking it was more of a in lust situation for a long time.

I really love the characters in this book. It has all the feelings! I definitely recommend this book!

On her wedding day, Charlie has a realization: she and her husband-to-be shouldn't actually get married. With luck, her best friend's brother Rick happens to be waiting nearby to drop something off, and when she runs out and gets into his car, telling him to drive anywhere else, the real love story is born. Charlie has been best friends with Alex for years, and through that has met grumpy wildlife photographer Rick a few times- but never felt any kind of connection with him, until she spends a few days holed up in his house hiding from the shrapnel of her life.

This is a really cute love story between two people with big mommy issues and big hearts. Charlie and Rick have to deal with past trauma, meddling mothers, class differences, and discovering who they really are to each other. Charlie's mom is a PIECE OF WORK, but Charlie's journey to self-acceptance and self-assurance is wonderful to see, and it just adds to the connection she is developing with Rick.

Thank you so much to Sylan Young and Netgalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review! Runaway Pride comes out on February 23, 2024.

A very light read. Even the supporting characters are likeable. That’s a definite win for the story. Both main protagonists have issues with their mothers and they become each other’s support in a way. Nothing too serious though. This was contemporary romance with a touch of smut. I did like the idea of the girl being successful on her own and yet she was kind and caring about others.

I have read too many books with the same premise but this was so easy to read through without any unnecessary issues infiltrating the good flow just for the sake of it.


Thanks to Netgalley and the publishes for the arc