It’s been a long time since I found a book so fun to read. From the very first chapter I was loving “The Runaway Viscount.” I get it that snowed in stories are kind of a cliche… but I somehow have never read one! From the start I felt the heroine was relatable (so straight forward!) and the leading man was sexy (and so very kind). That’s the perfect combo for a romance novel, in my opinion. Warning—if you don’t like steamy love scenes, this book is not for you. But “The Runaway Viscount” is full of more than that—it’s full of heart and story elements I haven’t seen in the many MANY other historical romance novels I’ve read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A cute fast paced short story. Julianna and Lucas are both not interested in marriage. Julianna, a widow of means, loves the freedom she has and Lucas is a rake still not ready to give up his ways. A chance encounter during a snowstorm now has them both wondering, what if? Two years later they meet again at a house party and the sparks are still there. They haven’t forgotten the magic of that night, but Julianna wasn’t going to let Lucas off the hook easily. He had left without a word that time and now he does it again.
I enjoyed the book, was a fun read, a bit typical storyline but that’s how they get their HEA.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #TheRunawayViscount #DarcyBurke

Thank you, Zealous Quill Press and Netgalley, for the free copy of the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tropes:
Forced proximity/Single room inn
One night stand
Widowed/experienced heroine with a rake
Infertility
Class difference

Juliana and Lucas were stuck in an inn during a snowstorm where only a room was available (how else can they fall into bed together?). Juliana has been a widower for the past three years, and Lucas was a rake. Lucas left the next day without saying goodbye to Juliana. Two years later, they met again at a house party and apparently, the sparks were still there. They had an affair, and Lucas proposed to Juliana. He realized he had fallen in love with her, and she had never been far from his mind these past two years. Juliana was hesitant because of her inability to bear children. She was married for seven years but didn't get pregnant during all those years. She had a short-lived affair and no pregnancy, either. She didn't want her relationship with Lucas to suffer the same fate as with her late husband. Her marriage was a love affair but turned tepid. Something happened on the final day of the house party, and Lucas did the same thing he did two years ago. He left in the morning without telling Juliana. Well, at least this time, he did leave a note, but it wasn't much of an explanation (how hard is it to wake up a woman, it's not as if she's in a coma, duh). Hence, Juliana dubbed him the 'runaway viscount'. Juliana returned to her home, and a week later, Lucas showed up at her place. He had a good reason for leaving her this time. The book ends with their happily-ever-after, of course.

I've only read one other book by Ms Burke, and the other book was pretty good. However, I discover that Ms Burke is not quite for me. The writing here is sterile. I was just not able to get invested emotionally in the story. I feel that my lack of enjoyment stems from my partiality to denser prose. The book is well-written. It's just that I couldn't find the voice of the book. Furthermore, I especially did not like that Lucas has an illegitimate daughter from his mistress, whom he employs after they met, and that Juliana had an affair after they met. I couldn't buy their love story with these two things hanging above them. It also felt contrived. I might be biased since the one-night stand trope in historical romance isn't my thing.

The book was a quick read. The steam level is high, considering how short the book is (I believe there are 4-5 full scenes, and they are explicit). I can only give this one three stars. This book isn't for me, but your mileage may vary. I recommend this book for historical romance newbies as this one has familiar and cliched tropes. This book has a 'been there, done that' vibe for an old-timer like myself.

This is another well written book by Darcy Burke. Even though this is a second chance at love book, it is still insta love book, which isn't my favorite troupe. I did like Juliana, but Christopher wasn't my type of hero. I don't want to give any spoilers, but there were a few parts of the book where I thought Christopher was only thinking of himself and I didn't like that, so the book only gets 3.6 stars from me rounded to 4. Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy for this honest review.

I absolutely adored this book!

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧 was an unputdownable, read in one sitting second chance romance. I loved Juliana and Lucas both separately and together as a couple. She was a strong, independent woman and he was a (reformed) rake with a big heart. From their hot meet cute to their happily ever after, I was hooked.

I’m giving 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧 the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

This is an absolutely enchanting, spicy historical romance. I loved Lucas and Juliana and the way their love story played out.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story was alright on certain levels, except for the romantic corner. It was a bit flat in that aspect. Juliana and Lucas were like two jaded souls who gave up on romance. This book didn’t entice me as much, it was okay, but it was missing something.

I am posting an honest review after reading an advanced reader copy of this story.

The premise of this book is a good one, not a normal meet cute. A widow, who had a so-so marriage has a one-night stand. I feel that the language used, some crude words and subject matter, along with the lady's boldness, very bold, were hard to accept. A gently bred lady acting like a 21st century hook up. They do meet again, 2 years later and manage to carve out an HEA but I thought it was forced. Oh, and the Viscount has an illegitimate daughter that he's going to raise & expects Julianna to step in as her mother. His parents warn of gossip and how it could be hurtful to the little girl later on but they go through with it anyway. Too many unlikely situations for me.

#DarcyBurke #TheRunnawayViscount #Matchmaking Chronicles #3 #Netgalley #Zealous Quill Press

The Runaway Viscount, by Darcy Burke. I absolutely adored the light hearted nature and giddiness among Lucas and Juliana. You have to read this book. It’s one of the best ones from this writer yet. I honestly got swept away with the two main characters right after they met.
The story was told so simple,but sweet. It was so sweet that it was quite charming. I mean you could actually come to believe that Lucas was a Prince rather then a viscount. Juliana’s conversations with Lucas was easy and enjoyable to read. It was as though time stood still for these two during that snowstorm.
Now the entertaining part was when these two, meet back up at a ball. There are moments that I thought were funny, but as the story moved along it turned out to be a lovely book. I give this book two snaps and a, Mrs. Lily from now on have your husband forward any and all messages to you. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!

This was an absolute delight to read! Fast-paced, sweet, and memorable. The writing style was clear and allowed for the compelling storyline to shine. The plot was creative, and the characters are lovable! I’m a sucker for tropes, and there were SO MANY. If you’re in the mood for a quick, light-hearted read that’ll keep you captivated then look no further!

I always enjoy Darcy Burke’s books and this one was not an exception!
Two years ago, independent widow Juliana Sheldon spent a blissful night with the Viscount Audlington at an inn during a snowstorm, and the next morning, he left without a word. Juliana doesn’t realize how much his abandonment upset her until she encounters him at a matchmaking house party. He’d like to rekindle their affair, but Juliana prefers to torment him instead. Until she finally surrenders to temptation.
Lucas Trask, heir to an earldom, has left his rakish reputation behind in favor of finally taking a wife. He never forgot Juliana and reconnecting with her seems like fate is telling him who he should wed. However, Lucas has a secret, one he’s never dared share with anyone. If he can convince Juliana to be his wife, he’ll reveal everything. But when tragedy strikes, he must leave again. This time, the runaway viscount may be all out of luck.
This book is passionate, short and super entertaining. Juliana is independent and sure of herself. I loved that about her. Lucas isn’t one of my favorite male characters from this author but he’s finding his purpose in life and that´s something really important. I enjoyed the sexy times a lot and read this book in a day. The plot is a bit flat but the story is really good nevertheless.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Juliana meets Lucas who is a titled Gent staying at the same Inn as herself during a snowstorm. He is charismatic, funny and very pleasing to her widowed eye of 5 years. Juliana enjoys his company at evening meal and eventually whilst at the meal watches him give up his room to a large family in need for who there is no availability at the Inn, offering to sleep on the floor of the pub and refusing to take any payment in return.
As the night is bitter Juliana offers her fireside to the Earl and he accepts.
This story follows their short lived romance and his disappearance then the rollercoaster aftermath and how they rekindled a future relationship to any type of companionship after. Will they rekindle the easy friendship they had that snowy night?
Easy read, Happy ever after, no cliffhanger and can be read as a stand-alone.
This is my voluntary review for a copy of the book from NetGalley

A snowstorm encounter!

After a brief and passionate liaison at an inn, widowed Juliana Sheldon saw no more of her charming and very satisfying sexual partner, Lucas Trask, the Viscount of Audlington. Lucas left no word about his abrupt departure from the Pack Horse Inn. He just faded into nothingness and memories, thus becoming her RUnaway Viscount.
That is until a house party five years later! Lucas is there and Juliana is determined to punish him. She’s angry!
I found it hard to relate to the first half of the book. I guess I was somewhat taken aback by how willing Juliana was for a sexual encounter with a complete stranger with nothing to recommend him but sparkling eyes and a pleasing smile. However the next half picked up, and this novel of a Second Chance Romance became just that. Still, a five year gap? One wonders!

A Zealous Quill ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

This book is everything that I WISH Bridgerton had been. Everyone got me hyped for Julia Quinn, and I was let down hard—ENTER DARCY BURKE.
We should have known, with the name Darcy, that this would be a banger.
It escapes from all the regency era romance sins we usually walk into, excused misogyny, getting married being the whole friggin plot, and explores a woman who finds her freedom, then finds a different kind of freedom to share with her person <3
1 problem and 1 problem only: the word “suckling” should only be used when referring to barn animals in my opinion. It was exactly one use of it, but it took me out of the book entirely.
The happiest of endings, I think this writer will be my new regency era obsession!

Are you looking for regency romance that doesn’t make you want to throw the book and swear off the audacity of men? T H I S O N E. This is the book for you.

A cracking opening, surprising start for our couple and a hiatus whilst Juliana holds the cards. A really endearing and sweet romance that gently works it’s way through time with a few innocent hiccups and a lot of tenderness.

This begins with a classic trope of two people snowed in at an Inn and only one bedroom. Juliana Sheldon is 29 year old widow who was left enough to live a comfortable independent life. She meets Viscount Audlington at an Inn where snow is blocking their travel. When he gives up his room to a family she invites him to stay with her. Jump forward two years and they meet again at a matchmaking house party. He has never forgotten her and he doesn’t want anyone else seeking her attention.

This is only my second Burke novel and she has written many. I like how frank Lucas and Juliana are with each other. I enjoy books when the male is truly smitten and doing more of the chasing. He is more than willing to over look things that she sees as obstacles like she isn’t part of the ton or that she may be infertile and he needs an heir. Overall a good story and but somehow the ending feels rushed. Juliana’s confidence when he is late near the end of the book shows solid connection. And the epilogue cements a typical HEA.

Thank you to NetGalley, Zealous Quill Press and the author for an eARC in exchange for a review. This book came out Dec 2022. I requested the ARC and received it the day before release.

Loved reading the fabulous and fantastic romance story. When the widow, Juliana, and Lucas, the viscount, spent a passionate night together, Juliana woke up the next morning to find Lucas, the runaway viscount gone. Then, two years later, Juliana sees Lucas again and realizes she is still upset with him for leaving her without saying good-bye. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a riveting must read love story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the phenomenally, fabulous author, Darcy Burke.

Juliana Sheldon and Lucas Trask, Viscount Audlington, met and enjoyed a night together two years ago when stranded by a snowstorm. Now they find themselves at the same house party, one intended to make matches. Lucas wants nothing more than to convince Juliana to marry him. However, since she already calls him the Runaway Viscount, it’s going to be an uphill battle. This is a delightful story with characters that are easy to like and fun to read about. There is humor, romance, misunderstanding, secrets, and a happy ending. A charming story and a beautiful epilogue, a treat.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

This is a quick, low-angst, enjoyable read by a popular author in the HR genre. It involves a second chance romance between Juliana, the daughter of a bookseller, and Lucas, a viscount who is just passing through town. They end up snowed in at an inn, share a room, and sparks fly. They have a one-night-stand before Lucas leaves. About two years later, they encounter each other again, at a house party. Lucas is interested in more of a long-term relationship with Juliana this time, but Juliana is reluctant, considering the abruptness with which he left her at the inn, and the way her first marriage ended up. Will they be able to create something long-term together?

At first I was a little skeptical about Lucas (he left word for Juliana with the innkeeper and took up with a mistress a few months later without trying to track Juliana down first? Really?). But this ends up being just a nice, cozy, Saturday read with a super sweet epilogue. Regency purists might have issues with the Americanisms and modern behavior, but if you're a fan of Darcy Burke's, you won't be disappointed by this one.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for this opportunity.

(Review left on Goodreads but it's not allowing me to post my link through Net Galley. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5212458864)

I loved it so much. I’m always a mood reader and when I want a romance that has both plot and steam and growth, I know that I will find my happy place in a Darcy Burke story. And this one didn’t disappoint at all.
Loved the connection, the added suspenseful moments and the steamy scenes .
Perfect for an afternoon read for everyone that craves a great historical romance book.