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.

©2022 Joanna Lowell (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Lowell’s finely wrought characters don’t have it easy when it comes to navigating restrictive Victorian society, but even their most outrageous actions ring true. Readers will be swept away by this entrancing, intelligent romance.” —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

"Compelling and exquisitely crafted, The Runaway Duchess is a beautiful romance that enchants from the very first page. Lowell's wit, sumptuous imagery, and vivid, endearing characters combine to make this a swooningly gorgeous read. Highly recommended." —India Holton, Author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels

“Lowell's smart and sumptuous tale is sure to please fans of Victorian romance.” —Booklist

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.

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.

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!

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.

Love the narrator

MJW is in my top 5 narrators, so I listen to most of her narrations. It took me a moment to love this story. I did not connect with the heroine until midway through the story. Most of her dialog was cringeworthy until she wasn’t. If there is another installment, I am hoping the next in series is about Gwen, Lucy’s friend from book 1, who’s name was mentioned in this story.

Long but Worth the Time!

I chose this story for the narrator, Mary Jane Wells very talented with both mens and woman's voices as well as a variety of accents. It took longer than I would have liked to get into the meat of the plot. I am glad I didn't give up at chapter 3.

Love scene are a bit much

It’s a nice story and then you hit the love scenes and they are way too much. They don’t really fit with the rest of the book in my opinion.

A winning combination!

A lovely story, expertly read. I believe Mary Jane chose the perfect voice to encompass the character of Luvinia. She began as a spoiled debutante and ended as a humbled, yet beautiful woman.

Don’t let the narrator stop you

This book is well worth the time. The narrator was very hard to get used to because of the voices used for the characters but the story overrode that.

Great duo!

I have thoroughly enjoyed Lowell’s writing and her non traditional approach to regency H/H. Bonus…Mary Jane Wells! She locks me in and her narration captivates me. Lowell and Wells are a great duo!