The Runaway Duchess

By: Joanna Lowell

Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells

A runaway bride dumps a duke and rewrites her own love story in this enchanting Victorian historical romance from the author of The Duke Undone.

Pretty and pampered, Lavinia Yardley always dreamed of becoming a duchess. But family disgrace forces her into marriage with the most vile duke in England, and she finds herself desperate for a way out. When a rustic stranger mistakes her for globe-trotting botanist Muriel Pendrake at a train station, Lavinia has a split second to decide whether to submit to her fate or steal someone else's.

Neal Traymayne spent his youth traveling the world as Varnham Nursery's most daring plant hunter. Now he runs the nursery and is ready to settle down with a like-minded wife who'll fit right in with his large, happy, down-to-earth family. His correspondence with Muriel Pendrake proved they're the perfect match. Odd that the woman in the flesh seems more like a society belle than a scientist.

As they tramp the Cornish moors together, Lavinia and Neal discover a wild and rare desire. But this blossoming love is rooted in lies, and when the real Muriel Pendrake shows up, they can't hide from who they are. The truth may wither their hopes of happiness, or it may bloom into the sweetest love of all.

Loveley

I really enjoyed this. It didn’t hit quite as hard as the first in the series, but it still delivered a satisfying, heartfelt romance. I loved that the hero was more of an average Joe—kind, grounded, and refreshingly real. The historical detail was excellent, which I’m a stickler for, and it gave the whole story a strong, immersive feel. A lovely read overall.

Mary Jane Wells nails it again!

I haven't found a book that is narratored Mary Jane Wells that I don't love! I think it's funny that something thinks you have to get used to get narration. it's a great book and a great narrator makes it better! ; ). well worth a credit!

Different in a Good Way

I really enjoyed the first book in this series. This is book 2 and it is a pleasant read, but a mere shadow of the one before it. Plenty of new characters are introduced, though familiar faces make their appearances as well. The female lead was introduced in the first book, but her personality is quite different in this story. In fact, the tone and timbre of the entire tale is different from the first, and it is not a naturally flowing continuation. It is two different worlds. It is jarring and it took me awhile to let go of my expectations and lean into enjoying the experience. Halfway through the book, the story got its teeth into me and I ended up liking it, after all. It’s not a typical formula regency romance. Joanna Lowell is good at writing odd angles and unconventional arcs, which aren’t so much refreshing as they are unexpected. Mary Jane Wells is stellar as always. Definitely a favorite narrator. She is good with different voices and effortlessly performs them and a way that is natural, authentic and uncontrived. I’m not sorry I spent a credit.

I tried, but wasn’t for me

I love Mary Jane Wells as a narrator, but Lavinia’s voice that was given and personality was just too much for me to keep going. I went back to the story a few times trying. I just could not for the life of me get into the story or the high tempo voice when she talked.

Really wanted to love it. Probably will not replay it.

This is a one and done listen. Even the narrator couldn’t make me love this one. The first book in the series was so good, I had high hopes. I thought from the prologue I would feel compassion for Lavinia. Not so much. Many of the other reviews talk about struggling until midway through to like her. Totally get it and even then there were moments that my palm hit my forehead at her actions or comments. I did really like Neal’s character. Honestly there were several times I was hoping his HEA was with someone else. I do hope there is another book in the series with Gwen or another character from book one.