The Billionaire's Runaway Bride

Breckenridge Book 1

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Pub Date Mar 01 2024 | Archive Date May 01 2024

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Description

I refuse to be used.

I refuse to marry the guy who’s cheating on me.

And I refuse to fall for the billionaire who just walked into my life.

Okay… that last one might be a problem.

Just a few days ago, I was on a very long bus ride in a hideous, extremely poofy wedding dress, with no phone and almost no money, headed to the furthest place I could get to, all the while not sure if I was crying from fear or joy, maybe both.

Now I’m in Nowhere Colorado, working for my room and board, next to one of the most panty-melting men I’ve ever seen. But I’ve just left one cocky, gets-whatever-he-wants, man. I don’t need another one telling me what to do, even if it’s how to paint a house.

And still, somehow, Caleb has already seen me in nothing but my underwear. Damn, this clean mountain air, and sparkling rivers with picturesque swimming holes.

My feelings are just as confused as before but for different reasons.

I could lov… really like this guy. But I know one day, my mega-controlling parents and ex-fiancé will find me. And they will ruin anyone who gets in their way.

I refuse to be used.

I refuse to marry the guy who’s cheating on me.

And I refuse to fall for the billionaire who just walked into my life.

Okay… that last one might be a problem.

Just a few days...


Available Editions

ISBN 9798879441161
PRICE $0.99 (USD)
PAGES 344

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 47 members


Featured Reviews

Caleb stole my heart. Would highly recommend this book. I loved this so much. I loved a good billionaire romance it always hits the spot.

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If you're a fan of romance novels that blend the "runaway bride" trope with billionaires, then "The Billionaire's Runaway Bride" is a must-read that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

The story follows Lauren, a woman who refuses to be controlled by her cheating ex-fiancé and domineering parents. After fleeing her own wedding, she finds herself in Nowhere, Colorado, working at a run-down bed and breakfast. It's there that she meets Caleb, a charming billionaire with his own set of scandals to escape.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the main storyline and the chemistry between Caleb and Lauren, I initially struggled to connect with Lauren's character. Her parents' overbearing behavior and her unsuitable fiancé felt forced and made it difficult for me to fully invest in her journey.

However, the author's writing style kept me engrossed throughout the book. I especially appreciated the well-developed supporting characters, like Marian, the B&B owner. Despite my reservations about certain plot points, I was captivated by the undeniable chemistry between Caleb and Lauren.

The author skillfully combines tender moments, obstacles, and dramatic events to keep readers interested in the couple's journey. As someone who enjoys the "runaway bride" trope, I was delighted by the unexpected twists and turns this story took, leaving me eagerly flipping through the pages until the end.

Overall, "The Billionaire's Runaway Bride" offers an enticing blend of passionate romance, wit, and touching scenes, making it a worthwhile choice. So if you're in the mood for an unpredictable yet heartwarming love story, then you should definitely give this book a try!

Note: I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am providing my honest review voluntarily.

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Loved reading the engaging and amazing romance story. When Lauren flees her controlling family, fiancé, and wedding and goes to a Bed and Breakfast out in the middle of nowhere, she meets an awesome woman, Marian, who gives her some clothes and lets her work for her room and board. When Lauren meets Caleb, she tries to resist his charm and overtures. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting love story. Can't wait to read another book by the incredible author, Emery Cruz!

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This is a runaway bride set in a small town billionaire romance. And it was amazing. It was very addictive and I finished it in two days.

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"The Billionaire's Runaway Bride" is a captivating romance novel that combines tropes of a "runaway bride" with billionaires, creating an engaging story that kept me completely hooked from beginning to end. Emery Cruz's writing style shines through, delivering great characters, steamy moments, humor, angst, and a touch of suspense.

The storyline follows Lauren, a woman who escapes her controlling ex-fiancé and parents, only to find herself in Nowhere, Colorado, working at a run-down bed and breakfast where she meets Caleb, a charming billionaire with his own secrets. The unexpected twists and turns in their journey, along with the supporting character Marian, add depth to the story so well!

While some plot points felt kind of forced, the undeniable chemistry between Caleb and Lauren, combined with the author's skillful storytelling, kept me invested in their love story. I was rooting fir them so hard! The book is filled with sweet moments, challenges, and intense developments that will surely had me eagerly turning the pages. I literally finished this book in one sitting.

Overall, "The Billionaire's Runaway Bride" offers a mix of passionate romance, humor, and heartwarming scenes, making it a delightful read for fans of the genre. If you're looking for an unpredictable yet touching love story, this book is definitely worth checking out.

Thanks to Netaglley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

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This story surprised me in that I was taken in by Lauren the main female character who has been controlled by her parents and is now being forced to marry someone worse if that is possible than her parents. She runs away from her wedding and ends up in a small town in Colorado and is taken in by a woman who is struggling to keep the B & B she and her husband started but has fallen on tough times since he has passed. After hearing her story she helps Lauren giving her hope. Days later because of a scandal Caleb shows up in the same place neither knows of the other one yet Caleb is taken by her and they begin a friendship. I will say he is full of himself but he does have some redeeming qualities. Later she is tracked down by her ex and is once again forced to marry, or will she? Read this good book to find out. A good story with good characters as well.

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4 stars⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the e-arc of this book. I loved this so much! It was such a good romance book and if you like the runaway bride trope, you should definitely read it. The chemistry between the two characters is so unique and the story is written so beautifully as well. I will definitely be reading the next one in this series.

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At the start of the book, Lauren is preparing to marry Jeremy, a man she doesn’t love but is being forced into a life she doesn’t want by her family. She realises she can’t go she’s so her friend lends her a car and she flees.
Caleb is a CEO of a metalwork company and after finding himself in hot water, his publicist tells him he should lay low for a while. Caleb ends up agreeing to spend some time at a mountain ski resort as it’s the off season so he should be able to stay out of trouble.
Lauren arrives in Breckinridge, she finds a place to stay but has no money. After hearing her story, the owner offers her a room in exchange for some help with the bed and breakfast.
The two literally bump into each other and Caleb hits on Lauren which she doesn’t appreciate as she’s sworn off men. She’s unhappy to return to the bed and breakfast to find that he is the newest guest. As much as she tries to avoid him, Caleb is determined to be around Lauren as they help out around the B&M. The owner, Marian sees herself as a matchmaker as she tries to get the two together.

I absolutely loved this book. The setting was cute and made me want to jump through the pages to visit! I was rooting for Caleb and Lauren the whole time and enjoyed watching them get closer. I was so invested in their story I didn’t want to stop reading! Would definitely recommend picking this book up!

Rating 5/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy in return for an honest review.

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Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for a honest review.

We follow the story of a runaway bride, Lauren, a woman being forced to marry a less than savory man that is looking to the marriage as a financial gain from him. She successfully runs away on her wedding day to a small town in Colorado, where she finds a B&B to stay at, and negotiates a job for room and board. We also meet Caleb, a billionaire CEO running off to Colorado to lay low after a few scandals have caught on to him. He ends up at the same B&B, and we take a journey with both characters as they navigate small town life and falling in love.

Emery Cruz has written a fair share of books, so I can see how much polishing went into this book. The plot was fun, in a soap-opera way. I found that to be a little over-the-top, especially in the last 30% of the book. This wasn't the kind of plot-style I am accustomed to reading.

In terms of the main characters, I found Laura to be a bit complexing for me. She was able to jump right into helping Marian run the B&B having never worked a day in her life, however she would then be meek when it came to her family and fiancé. I could get past this, because I find a lot of authors that write their heroines this way. Otherwise, Laura was sweet, sassy, and has a big heart. This made her a very likeable character. Caleb was a sweetheart, and very protective.

I did enjoy reading this book. I can see why Emery has many successful romance books. I would recommend this for your next romance read.

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It was time for a new author. Every now and then I try out new authors. And Emery’s blurb had a Leslie North vibe going, so I decided to give it a try. And it was a cute read. Emery is a bit of a shy and insecure woman, but the grumpy Caleb uses all of his charme to get her out of her shell.

The story has a bit of drama, a very loyal best friend and a fairy godmother in the form of Marian. In all, a wonderful tale and I’m sure I’ll look out for more books of Emery Cruz. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

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Emery Cruz you had me at runaway bride 😉. Lauren manages to escape her horrible family and her equally horrible fiancé and finds refuge in a small town Bed & Breakfast. When the owner takes her in she finds a safe place. Enter Caleb. Playboy extraordinaire. He never met a woman he didn’t like or could charm until her. The chemistry burns bright between the two until they get there happily ever after. TBR 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗘'𝗦 𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘 and Enjoy!

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This is my first time reading this Author, and I'm so happy I did! I look forward to reading more of Emery Cruz's book. When it comes to romance it can be challenging to not fall into basic tropes, but she really made this her own.

The author adeptly weaves together tender moments, challenges, and dramatic events to maintain readers' engagement in the couple's journey. As a fan of the "runaway bride" type story, I was pleasantly surprised by the unforeseen twists and turns this narrative presented, compelling me to eagerly turn each page until the satisfying conclusion.

Caleb's knack for teasing Lauren in a flirtatious yet predictable manner was entertaining, especially considering her initial resistance. It was satisfying to witness her eventual capitulation. Caleb's swift transition from a carefree playboy to someone seeking a meaningful connection with Lauren was refreshing, especially given her struggles with self-esteem stemming from past familial and romantic traumas.

Big thank to NetGalley for my Arc!

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In The Billionaire's Runaway Bride we meeting Lauren who is about to get married, but at the last minute runs. We then meet Caleb, who also is running to lay low from some bad press. They both end up at the same inn in Breckenridge, Colorado.

The author does a fantastic job of bringing all of the locations, areas, and characters to live. Her descriptions really make you feel as if you are IN the story, and WITH the people. This book is well written, and weaves the story lines well.

5 Stars for this one as it kept my attention, wasn't a fluff story, and it hooked me for wanting more or the next.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride was such a cute book and a great read! This was my first time reading this author and it left such a good impression that I’ll be reading all her stuff!
Lauren and Caleb are perfect for each other! Watching a playboy fall hard and fast is always fun but watching Lauren come into her own and find her strength made this story truly stand out! The side character of Marian was an amazing addition to the story! We could all hope to have someone as supportive and caring in our corner.
I can’t wait to read book two and see want Marian and the B&B have in store for the the next couple!

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3.5/5 (rounded up to 4)

I would recommend this book if you like:
- Runaway bride trope
- Billionaire romances
- Dual POV
- "Touch her and I'll hurt" you trope
- He falls first
- Small town vibes
- Forced Proximity
- Dislike-to-lovers

Overall, I really liked this book. I enjoyed the author's writing and the cosy feel of the B&B and town were some of my favourite things. Lauren is such a strong person and she didn't deserve to be put through what she was. I'm so happy she found the Goldfinch B&B with Marian and Caleb.

The author wrote her family and ex-fiance so well that I hated them so much and it was painful to read Lauren's thoughts whenever they appeared. Marian is a sweetheart and a better mother figure than Lauren's ever will be. Caleb's personality arc was good and I'm glad he thinks about Lauren's needs first and that she'll have him in her life. I liked their best friends Aubrey and Dalton as well and judging by the last chapter they could have an enemies-to-lovers story which I'd love to read.

The reason why it wasn't a 5 star was because their love declarations felt a bit insta-lovey which isn't a trope I usually enjoy as the timespan of the book was kind of short.

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Even though I generally find the billionaire trope kind of silly, I still can't help but read them and love them and this book did not disappoint. I also love the runaway bride angle always. If these things are your jam, you will enjoy this book immensely. Cute and sweet and a great feel good book! Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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This was a great read with lots of romance and steaminess! I loved the characters and their journey throughout the story, I especially liked the B&B out in the sticks with a completely gorgeous landlady.
I totally recommend this book if you want a good story as well as some romance and a bit of spice!

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The worse sort of abuse is not always physical and the strongest people can be those you least expect. A fantastic story full of strong emotions brilliant characters ( both good and bad ) and an action packed adventure all the way. Cant wait for the next book in this series

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Don't let the title fool you into thinking this is just a regular cheesy romance - this is a 5-star read! I love the writing style of this author (my first book by her but certainly not my last).

I was skeptical when I heard playboy from New York and a runaway bride who was prim and proper meet. The characters could have been pretty dull but they were not. I loved Lauren and she was so well-written in this book. Caleb also could have been a cliché disaster in all the wrong ways but he was incredible, too! Just enough spice to keep it fun but not raunchy enough that it would turn some readers off (not readers like me but uh...more normal readers).

Awesome story, awesome supporting characters, and the setting was magic. Must read for romance lovers!

Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

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Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the chance to read this book.

I initially found the interactions between Lauren and Caleb extremely frustrating with his attitude and behaviour, and I felt that the feelings and thoughts they expressed were completely unrealistic in such a short period of time. But it wasn't long before I was swept up by them - especially when they allowed themselves to show feelings that went further than surface level. Their bickering was amusing, though.

I absolutely don't understand Lauren's mentality in going along and accepting the decisions her family made for her, considering their despicable treatment of her.

I finished the book looking forward to more and can't wait to read the next instalment from Emery Cruz.

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Very enjoyable story. Caleb is a party hound trying to get away from NY and the always negative publicity. Lauren is a runaway bride with a horrible family and cheating fiancé she runs away from at the altar. They both end up at a lovely bed and breakfast with an amazing proprietor.. The twists and turns to get their HEA are interesting and fun. Would definitely recommend.

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I really enjoyed The Billionaire's Runaway Bride. Lauren and Caleb are great by themselves. Add in Marian who runs the B&B and you have a wonderful group of characters. Emery Cruz does a good job of bringing everyone to life even the evilness of Lauren's ex-fiance and her awful parents.

This book has just enough spice, a great hero, a villain you hate with all your might, and a woman who can stand on her own.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the e-ARC of this book. This review is my own opinion.

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If you like runaway brides, billionaires, and banter, then The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride may be a good book to pickup for you. I like reading stories about the heroine realizing their worth and running away from a loveless/bad marriage, and this one was especially good. All the more relatable because she doesn’t mind working or getting her hands dirty.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an ARC copy of this book, I’m leaving my review voluntarily.

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This book is full of funny moments that are sure to get you laughing. Two very rich people are both on the run to hide and figure out their life. Little did they know how they would find everything they need at a rundown small country B&B. Throw in some matchmaking from the owner and they are on the road to a great further until the past comes back with demands. Will they both be able to change the course of their life or will they fall right back to the way things were? I was given a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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I connected with this book. A great story about finding yourself and learning to be your own person no matter the obstacles.

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I thoroughly enjoyed The Billionaire's Runaway Bride.
Loved the romance between Lauren and Caleb.

A great mix of characters and a little spice.

Highly recommend.

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This book was a breath of fresh air! It wasn't the all out smut I've been reading lately and while there were a couple parts that gave me hope for a bit of a dark romance. This book was just really refreshing! I cannot wait to read Aubrey and Dalton's book next!

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💍💸 **The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride** by Emery Cruz 💸💍

*I refuse to be used. I refuse to marry the guy who’s cheating on me. And I refuse to fall for the billionaire who just walked into my life.*

🌟🔥 **Review:** 🔥🌟

*The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride* offers a whirlwind romance filled with steamy tension, emotional twists, and a runaway bride determined to rewrite her future. Our protagonist, freshly escaped from her disastrous wedding, finds herself on a bus, headed to the middle of nowhere with nothing but a poofy dress, no phone, and barely any money. She’s unsure whether she’s more relieved or terrified to have left her cheating fiancé behind.

Now in a remote town in Colorado, she’s trading work for room and board, determined to start fresh—until Caleb enters her life. Caleb, a swoon-worthy billionaire who’s far too handsome for his own good, seems to have his sights set on her. And despite all her resolve to avoid another controlling man, she can’t help but notice him—and the fact that he’s already seen her in her underwear doesn’t help matters.

Emery Cruz writes a story that’s not just about escaping a toxic relationship but also about finding strength, independence, and perhaps love in the most unexpected places. The chemistry between the runaway bride and Caleb is electric, and their banter adds both heat and humor to the narrative. Yet, looming in the background are her overbearing parents and ex-fiancé, who she knows will come looking for her—and they won’t hesitate to destroy anyone in their way.

The Colorado setting is picturesque and serene, contrasting beautifully with the chaos of her life and the emotional tug-of-war between her desire for freedom and her growing feelings for Caleb.

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🌟 **Highlights:** 🌟
- **Strong Protagonist**: The runaway bride’s journey from confusion to clarity is compelling and relatable.
- **Irresistible Chemistry**: Caleb and the heroine’s banter and mutual attraction provide the perfect balance of tension and romance.
- **Picturesque Setting**: The remote Colorado backdrop enhances the story’s themes of escape and fresh beginnings.

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💌 **Favorite Quote:**
*"Damn, this clean mountain air, and sparkling rivers with picturesque swimming holes."* - A lighthearted moment in the middle of some serious emotional conflict!

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🌟 **Rating:** 🌟
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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This book is perfect for readers who love steamy billionaire romances with strong-willed heroines, small-town charm, and a dash of runaway drama. *The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride* is a fun, heartwarming, and fiery escape into a love story where the stakes are high but the emotions run even higher.

See more reviews at:
<a href="https://www.caslareads.com">Casla Reads</a>

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This is a good book. The two main characters are Lauren and Caleb. Lauren is running away from her wedding. She was being forced by her parents and fiance to get married, she didn’t want to. She runs away to Colorado. Caleb’s publicist recommends he get away and lie low for a few months, so he goes to Colorado. They meet at a bed and breakfast. They start dating each other. The ex fiance shows up. They declare their love.

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