5 stars

This is the third book in the series. I've read the other two. I think it also works as a standalone. I liked that our heroine was a relatively mature character who was sexually experienced and was prepared to grab what she wanted!. Juliana ends up at an Inn and takes the last room. She meets an attractive man, Lucas and has dinner with him. A family turns up and he donates them his room, prepared to sleep in the bar of the Inn . Juliana lusts after him so suggests he sleeps on the floor of her room. They are stuck at the Inn for several days and the next night share a bed. Juliana is prepared to have an affair with Lucas but the next day finds Lucas has disappeared. Thus the runaway Viscount. There's then a gap of a year before they meet again, It's realistic that neither of them have been celibate and Juliana is still suffering from the hurt of what she thinks is rejection.

It's an entertaining, passionate story and I was keen that they resolved their issues and got their HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I normally really enjoy Darcy Burke, but this particular story missed the mark for me. This is the story of Juliana and Lucas. Juliana is a self and financially secure widow while Lucas is, at least when the duo first meets, a consummate, and incredibly emotionally immature rake. He leaves Juliana basically without a word after they spend the night together then claims to spend the next two years thinking of her, even as he sets up his first long-term mistress and gets her pregnant. Juliana meanwhile uses the experience to learn to meet her own needs, which is something I very much respect.

Juliana and Lucas meet up again a couple years after their initial counter, at a house party with a matchmaking bent. Lucas immediately wants to pick things up with Juliana. Juliana is not so sure. What follows is a low-angst story of Juliana and Lucas finding their HEA.

For me, Lucas was the miss of this story. While his daughter supposedly helped him to grow up, I didn't really see it. Lucas struck me as much less mature than Juliana all the way through. He is impulsive and doesn't truly think things through, even at the end of the book. I just couldn't see he and Juliana working long-term, though the epilogue says they do. I will continue to read Darcy Burke because I know she is a better author than this book shows. 2.5 stars, rounded to 3 because of Ms. Burke.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

This was another enjoyable read from Ms. Burke. The story is short and stays true to focusing on the two main characters as they chance meet and then reconnect two years later. I loved Juliana and her outlook on life,. Although she didn't have a loving marriage, her now-deceased husband provided her with a generous allowance and home to secure her independence, and Juliana was thankful for his foresight. She loves her independence, and when she meets Lucas at an inn in a raging snowstorm, she's not shy about seducing him. When he leaves the next morning without a word, she's hurt and vows not to allow any man to hurt her again.

Lucas was honorable, although a bit clueless about resolving conflicts he felt uncomfortable with. He realizes his mistake in leaving so abruptly when a house party has him face-to-face with Juliana again two years later; he is determined not to make the same mistake again. The plot moves along nicely without any lag time. The banter between these two was witty and funny at times, and I was happy to see that after a few more twists and turns, they finally got their HEA. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

The Runaway Viscount is a short but well written regency romance which puts a lot of emphasis on the banter between the main characters. I also loved that Lucas stays true to his ways thrice in the book (which was funny towards the end.

I liked Juliana's approach to life; the whole I have a settlement so that I can live and not have to deal with men I don't have to. I like her approach to things which is very if I can't change it, I won't dwell on it and make myself miserable.

I read this very quickly as it flowed well and skipped along at a good pace, with a few misunderstandings along the way. I've never read this author before, and very much enjoyed the story,

A chance meeting years ago, comes back to life when a couple meet again at a house party.

A widow, Julianna is trying to enjoy her life, but snowed in meeting years ago with Lucas, has always stayed in her mind.

When Lucas meets Julianna again, he realizes she could be the wife he needs. But he will have a journey to convince her.. After all he has a secret he cannot tell her...

Another great addition to this great series!

Secrets, Trust, Beautiful Romance Story:
Wow, wow, wow what a thrilling romance between Julianna and Lucas.
A chance meeting starts the story off with flirtatious attraction between two travelers as they are trapped at a small inn during a snowstorm.
What happens at that inn is quite surprising and appreciated by this reader.
A couple of years later and they meet again at a house party. The reunion is not so welcomed by Juliana as she sees that the runaway viscount is in attendance. What happens next is thrilling, heartwarming, exciting and
had my heart singing with joy for the two lovers. I needed my lady's fan again.
They have may emotional situations to solve. A heartfelt confession that turned this wonderful story into a very excellent story to read and make you feel good all over. Delightful, deeply emotional, a joy to read.
Adult Reader Advisory:

The Runaway Viscount is short, intense, and smouldering, but also sweet and heartwarming.

On a dark and stormy night, Juliana Sheldon and Lucas Trask had a wild one-night only affair when they were stuck in an overflowing roadside inn. Juliana woke alone and disappointed the next morning. Two years later they are both guests at an unusual house party hosted by mutual friends. Juliana still feels slighted by Lucas’s runaway tendencies, and she is not going to make it easy on him this time around.

I really liked Juliana. A little salty when they first met, and even more so at their second encounter, she quickly put Lucas in his place. It was so refreshing that Juliana had no qualms about taking what she wanted. I didn’t really feel the initial attraction, but I did like the two of them together at the house party. Lucas had so much going on in his life and it all had to wrap up fairly quickly at the end.

This book reads well as a standalone and I can recommend it if you like historical romance with a strong confident female lead.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love me a good Darcy Burke novel and this did not disappoint! I loved the character of Juliana. It was so great to see her choose to move on from past hurts and embrace a happier future. Lucas is the perfect match for her because he not only sees her worth but really understands her as a person. He is also not easily put off even given how Juliana treats him when they meet up again (and he definitely deserves that treatment). One of my favorite parts of the story is when Juliana explains her fears to Lucas - I'm always a big fan of characters laying everything out rather than keeping everything bottled up. Obviously, as a reader we understand there is a good reason for his second departure from Juliana it is easy to see why she might take it personally. I'm so glad she was willing and able to see her way to hearing him out when he comes to her after the house party. That final scene at her home was so sweet and everything you want in a romance novel. I am very much looking forward to the next story in the series.

This book was a real delight!

I didn’t know this author at all but was intrigued by the story and I don’t regret it at all!

I loved:
the 2 characters’ chemistry
their personalities
that it was sex positive. It was nice to see a non virgin heroin in a period romance
that the story starts fast with all the informations we need to understand Lucas and Julianna
the scenes where she’s teasing him, reading the poem etc…to drive him crazy!
the ending!

It was the perfect mix of funny and sexy and I’ll definitely look for more books by this author!

I was actually expecting Insatiable to be the next book from Darcy Burke. Because I’m dying to know how the story will end for Lucien after Impeccable. But Darcy has come up with a new book in an older series: the Matchmaking Chronicles. So, of course, I had to request the arc.

Juliana and Lucas are wonderful characters and they are invited to the matchmaking party of the Kendal’s (yep from The Bachelor Earl). They had met before actually, when Juliana and Lucas had a tryst (don’t you just love that word?) two years earlier, where Lucas left Juliana afterwards without any notice. So, needless to say, Juliana is not amused and certainly not into the avances of Lucas.

As usual with Darcy, the story is wonderful, witty and cozy. The women are courageous and bold and the men are caring and sometimes a bit stupid (LOL). Four out of five stars from me and hopefully Insatiable is next! With a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

The characters are daring with an enjoyable plot Juliana Sheldon is independent widow, just trying to find some shelter in a snowstorm, just so happens to spend a blissful night with Lucas Viscount Audlington but he has his own secrets which lead him to abandoning her in the morning. What happens next is an enjoyable, loving, heartbreaking, short story.

Once I picked this book up I couldn’t put it down it was so addicting I just had to know what happened next. The ending was so beautiful, but heartbreaking at the same time. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.

Another charming tale. The house parties of the Cosfords are always a treat. The matchmaking ways of Lady Cosford are delightful as she goes out of her way to bring people together. I enjoyed the constant upheaval of Juliana and Lucas. From friends to lovers to enemies and back again. After falling for her while snowed in and leaving her, running into her at the house party was a surprise. He didn’t expect her, or for his feelings for her to still be there. Her torment of him was fitting retribution for his running away the first time and it added a passionate flair to the story. But in the end these two were meant to be, and I loved the way things wrapped up in a pretty bow. Darcy Burke writes with a lovely flow, and intense emotion. A story you will truly enjoy.

When widowed Juliana Sheldon first meets Lucas Trask, Viscount Audlington at an inn during a snowstorm, she finds herself captivated and throws caution to the wind, spending the night with him. Yet the next morning, he leaves her without a word. So when she meets him again, two years later, at a matchmaking house party, she realises how much his abandonment upset her. He would like to rekindle their affair, but Juliana would prefer to torment him instead. When Lucas begins to discuss marriage, Juliana is mortified. Whilst Juliana has been willing to discuss her reasons to avoid marriage, Lucas is hiding a secret that he hopes will not send Juliana running away from the wonderful life he knows that they will have together.
Once again, Darcy Burke draws together a wonderful story that had me captivated from the start. This is a writer who always manages to bring together a unique story, with great main characters. I found Lucas to be such a strong and thoughtful character, but someone who just can’t seem to get it right with Juliana. A wonderful epilogue to finish this sweet story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

He has a habit of disappearing from her life. Although the last time is for a good reason.
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—only to be dismayed when he begins to talk about the one thing she doesn’t want: marriage.
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.
Darcy Burke is a fabulous author.
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.

The Runaway Viscount
Author: Darcy Burke
Series: Matchmaking Chronicles book 3 of 4
Genre: Historical (Regency) Romance
Rating: 4 stars

The Runaway Viscount is a sweet, cozy, and sexy novella to keep you warm on a winter day. It begins with Juliana, a widow trying to get home in a snowstorm but becomes stranded at an inn. Lucas, a future viscount, is also stranded, and the two make a connection and become involved. However, after letting his commitment issues get the better of him, he leaves with a short (and undelivered) note as his only goodbye. Two years later, the couple are thrown back together and feel that connection once again.

What I appreciated most is that the author gifted the characters with actual conversation. Even though they fell into bed within the first two days of meeting each other, they genuinely liked each other and spent time outside the bedroom together. Oftentimes, it’s a “just get them to bed” story versus a “get them to bed with a connection” story. This book had more substance, even with less pages, so kudos to the author.

Juliana was a bold, vibrant, intelligent, and self-confident heroine. She wasn’t some shy wallflower waiting to take direction. She came off as knowing her path, while Lucas was trying to find his footing on his new path. Of course, his footing solidifies and hers becomes unsteady as they fall for each other, which was a nice representation of a relationship – the emotional give and take. Lucas was less secure in himself – not in a weak sort of fashion, but more that he was trying to figure out his life. I didn’t connect as solidly with Lucas as I did with Juliana, but I think that was due to how independent and confident she was, which drew me in. He did grow on me a lot more when he had courage to be the first to admit his feelings (I’m a sucker for that), and as he became surer of himself and where he was going with his life.

I recommend this book for anyone wanting a cozy, swoony diversion from reality. Every chapter will make you giggle, sigh, or just say “aww.”

Thank you NetGalley and Zealous Quill Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Darcy Burke once again proves to be a one click author for me! This second chance love story was so unique in its set up. I enjoyed every moment of it. I literally had a smile plastered on my face the entire time reading.

Juliana, a twenty nine year old widow, is snowed in at an inn during her trip back home. She befriends a charmingly rakish Viscount named Lucas. They are drawn to each other and carry on an affair for as long as the weather keeps them there. The Runaway Viscount, Lucas, certainly lives up to his name. He takes off without so much as a goodbye once the weather clears. Juliana is frustrated and holds a grudge until she meets him once again at a friends country house party years later. Can they pick up their affair where they left off or will there be too much baggage to carry on?

Lucas is the type of hero I enjoy most. He knows what he wants and ultimately falls for Juliana first trying at all costs to win her back. Normally, a grand gesture at the end makes me secondhand embarrassed but it was deftly done and seemed on par for Lucas's character.

Juliana was such a confident woman. I enjoyed seeing her take charge of the type of relationship she wanted with Lucas. She was decisive and handled the "plot twist" with grace, understanding, and empathy.

Tropes included: only one bed, snowed in, house party. former rake, widow, secret baby, mutual pining, orangeries, snow ball fights, independent heroine, family secrets, one night stand, second chance, hero falls first

Thank you so much to Darcy Burke, NetGalley, and Zealous Quill Press for giving me this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
#therunawayviscount #darcyburke #netgalley #zealousquillpress #thematchmakingchronicles

The Runaway Viscount by Darcy Burke is a quick reading novella with an interesting set of characters. A house party put on by a hostess who loves to make matches for her friends. Lucas, Viscount Audlington and Juliana Sheldon met once two years ago. A night of passion and the next morning he is gone without a word. Now they are thrown together at this house party. Juliana is not inclined to let him near her, but he is hard to deny. Soon their torrid affair starts up again, but is it for good? Too bad there is a secret involved and Lucas has not shared it.

This is the third book in the Matchmaking Chronicles Series. Each book is a short lovely novella that matches people at a house party avoiding the horrid “marriage mart”. The Runaway Viscount by Darcy Burke is a fun fast read.

It’s a cute little story that turns some of the usual romance themes on their head, so that was refreshing. We’d met Lucas and Juliana in the second book in the Matchmaking Chronicles series, but didn’t know much about them save for the scandalous kiss at Blindman’s Bluff. Turns out, they’d met before and had an amazing night . . . until he disappeared, hence the “runaway” moniker, which he richly deserves.

I will admit, I was interested in them in the previous book, so I was excited to learn more about their relationship in this one. I like Juliana’s character A LOT. She’s very independent and goes for what she wants, which is a refreshing change from the typical historical romance heroine, who is young and naïve.

I always like that Darcy Burke’s characters are free from what sometimes feels like “filler” personality that I see in some historical romance—there’s not a lot of trepidation, dilly dallying, or silly games. That’s refreshing.

This is a quick read, only 165 pages total. I liked the plot twist, even though I’d seen a review that revealed a little too much so I wasn’t as surprised; however, leave it to Darcy Burke to flip things enough that I was delighted to not be 100% correct in my assumptions. Kudos!

This sensual, sexy and romantic story from Darcy Burke is exactly what I expect from her! I adored Juliana and Lucas’ romance from their first encounter to the last page. Burke’s writing has a charm and wit that carries the story and makes her novel compulsively easy to read. Burke imbues her characters with intelligence, compassion and dreams giving them a perfect well rounded nature. This is a series that can definitely be read as standalones and I have loved each installment! If you love Darcy Burke you are sure to love this romance, and if you have never read Darcy Burke, I encourage you to pick up this one!

I found this novel to be beautifully balanced with humor and fun that builds the tension and chemistry between Lucas and Juliana perfectly. Both are independent and not looking for marriage, but after a night of passion together two years ago they have not been able to forget the other. A love the country house party setting as the perfect way to reignite this second chance romance. Burke uses the couples sensual chemistry and physical relationship to build trust and understanding between them. This novel is sexy and I could really feel the emotion between Lucas and Juliana as they work through their worries and feelings and embrace the other for who they are and what their future could hold.

This is the perfect quick read for any historical romance lover who loves a steamy and low angst romance that is character driven. This novel will leave you with a smile on your face, hope in your heart and the desire to seek out more works by Darcy Burke!