Escaping Mr. Rochester

Written by L.L. McKinney

Narrated by Machelle Williams and Nneka Okoye

2025 Rainbow Book List

In this fresh reimagining of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel by acclaimed author L. L. McKinney, Jane Eyre and Bertha Mason must save each other from the horrifying machinations of Mr. Rochester in this intrigue-filled, empowering young adult romance.

Jane Eyre has no interest in a husband. Eager to make her own way in the world, she accepts the governess position at Thornfield Hall.

Though her new employer, Edward Rochester, has a charming air—not to mention a handsome face—Jane discovers that his smile can sharpen in an instant. Plagued by Edward’s mercurial mood and the strange wails that echo through the corridors, Jane grows suspicious of the secrets hidden within Thornfield Hall—unaware of the true horrors lurking above her very head.

On the topmost floor, Bertha Mason is trapped in more ways than one. After her whirlwind marriage to Edward turned into a nightmare, he locked her away as revenge for withholding her inheritance. Now his patience grows thin in the face of Bertha’s resilience and Jane’s persistent questions, and both young women are in more danger than they realize.

When their only chance at safety—and perhaps something more—is in each other’s arms, can they find and keep one another safe before Edward’s dark machinations close in around them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jan 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9780063351172

L.L. McKinney

L.L. McKinney is a writer, a poet, and an active member of the kidlit community. Named one of the Root’s 100 Most Influential African Americans, she’s an advocate for equality and inclusion in publishing, the cofounder of Juneteenth Book Fest, and the creator of the hashtags #PublishingPaidMe and #WhatWoCWritersHear. She’s also a gamer girl and an adamant Hei Hei stan. She is the author of A Blade So Black, A Dream So Dark, and A Crown So Cursed.

Reviews for Escaping Mr. Rochester

[Valérie Gingras · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lot of tension and a cute romance. A plus plus.

[Becki · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Imaginative writing in a truely unique reimagining of a classic tale. With more depth and realism in someone harsh ways. I enjoyed this book but found the second half much more enjoyable than the first half.

[Andrea Author · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Seeking independence, Jane becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall. Her charming employer Edward harbors dark secrets, including his trapped wife Bertha. As Edward’s sinister plans escalate, placing both Jane and Bertha in peril, their only hope lies in each other. But can they escape the dangerous mansion and Edward’s nightmarish schemes before it’s too late?

What a wonderful “Jane Eyre” retelling! It’s captivating right from the start. The characters are compelling, the atmosphere deliciously gothic. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.