Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 6 of the Lords in Love series. Tabitha has been betrothed to her father’s viscount friend since before she was born and with her father on his deathbed, the wedding shall be held in short order. Tabitha has no interest in marrying to lecherous old man, but feels that it is her role as dutiful daughter to comply. She spends some of her last few days of freedom at the Marrywell Matchmaking Festival, but her betrothed has assigned his man of business to watch over her. Hudson has worked for the old viscount for years and has been unwisely pining for Tabitha despite being at a much lower social standing. While he is competent at his assigned tasks, he is dreading the day when Tabitha must submit to marriage to the viscount. When she’s spending time with Hudson, Tabitha realizes true joy and companionship, making her dread her looming marriage even more. She ultimately runs from her wedding day, hoping to forestall her fate for just a little while longer. Hudson eventually catches up to her and she convinces him to spend a week with her before she has to meet her doom again, even though his job is to bring her back to his employer. This book was a lot of fun to read with our two people easily falling in love, but kept apart due to their external circumstances.

When I say I devoured this book. Y'all.

We've seen glimpses of Lady Tabitha in the previous books in this series and I was very intrigued to learn more about her, her betrothal, and it would all work out!

We have: runaway bride, one bed, fake marriage, bodyguard.
Ridley amazed me with the chemistry these two developed in just a few joking lines🐘, and how (mostly) pure Tabitha and Hudson spend time together and bond and think of one another.

I was curious (not anxious, because in Erica we trust!) how they would get their HEA because it seemed impossible without someone dying. I loved it. Of course I did, it's Erica Ridley!

"Lady Tabitha Kerr was promised at birth to be the Viscount Oldfield’s bride. Their families had warred for generations, and this union will heal the longstanding rift. But Tabitha doesn’t want to be a pawn— or a consolation prize. She dreams of a love match, and failing that, at least one night of true love. Even if she has to run away to find it!
When a nervous bride jilts the viscount at the altar, Hudson is to find and return her to his employer posthaste. He is not supposed to fall in love. Or kiss his employer’s bride. Or say yes when Tabitha makes an indecent proposal."
Tabitha is meant for Hudson but she doesn't know it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily..

Where to start, there is so much I could say about this book. But after starting this review a couple of times I feel you the reading is best finding all the little secrets and details for yourself. Lady Tabitha was betrothed before she was even born. Her father the Marquess best friend saved his life in battle and set up the marriage if the baby was a girl. Due to already having a man in the waiting she was denied a coming out party and ball. She has never been courted or allowed to dance or even been kissed. Not that she wants her betrothed to kiss her ugh! He is older than her father, nasty, evil man. She fears him and wants nothing to do with him. All he wants is her money. But she loves her father and has spent her whole life trying to win his approval. He is slowly dying and his last wish is for her to marry the nasty Viscount Oldfield saying it will end an old rift between families. Mr. Hudson Frampton has had a very rough life. He is Oldfields man of business. He had made a life for himself in which he is now very wealthy. He is a big burly man most are afraid of. Tabitha thinks of him as Oldfield go to person. He is always doing what the Viscount tells him. But he is also very Handsome in a way. Hudson keeps his feeling well hidden,but he has been smitten by Tabitha since the first time he saw her. He cannot understand any father wanting sure a person around their daughter let alone marry them! Tabitha has always been a dutiful daughter trying to gain her father's love. She loves reading and playing the piano like a pro. The day of her wedding to Oldfield she is over come with what her life will be and runs away, she just cannot do it. Of course, Oldfield sends Hudson to find her little does he know what can happen in the town of Merrywell. The fair is over and the town is quite just what she needs till He turns up. Can she convince him to let her have just a little time to herself. Oh, with her sass and smiles she wins him over. He knows in his heart this is going to be a disaster for him. Seven days in her company with no one else around. Oh, my let the fun began and it does. As they spend time together and learn more about what the other is really like they draw close together. Is there a happy ending for them? How can go against her father's dying wish? How can a servant be with a peer? So many questions and you need to get a copy and get started to get the answers. All the books in this series can be read as standalone but so much better read in order. This is a steamy story for those who like to know. Erica once again gives us a story full of life, sorrow, growing, passion, and love. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my long and honest opinion.