3.25 ⭐️

Overall this was fine, just wasn't for me. There are certain tropes I am not a fan of (including romance after one-night stands) so I should have never downloaded this.

I think that this would appeal to a different audience who would find the plot more enjoyable than I personally did.

3.5 Stars

The Runaway Viscount was an enjoyable read featuring a second chance romance between a widow and a rakish viscount.

Juliana Sheldon has avoided romantic entanglements since her husband passed away several years ago but after being stranded at an inn during a snowstorm, she finds herself reconsidering her position after meeting Lucas Trask, the Viscount Audlington. Juliana and Lucas spend one passionate night together only for Juliana to awaken the next day to an empty bed. Two years later, Juliana arrives at a house party where Lucas is also in attendance. Juliana has no interest in rekindling their affair but Lucas is determined to win her over.

The premise of this one sounded cute as I really enjoy second chance romances and this had elements of that. The book opens with Juliana and Lucas's meeting at the inn where the attraction between them is immediately obvious. The scenes of their night together are well done and I really enjoyed the connection they developed. Lucas does leave without a word to Juliana the next day which obviously sours her feelings for him and then the book jumps forward two years to the pair arriving separately at the house party.

When the pair meet again it was clear there was still an attraction between them and I loved the tension that develops. Lucas has spent the last two years thinking of Juliana and immediately sets out to win her over. I liked his obvious interest in her and that he was apologetic about the way he left. It doesn't take long for the two to pick things back up and I really enjoyed the steamy scenes. I will say there were some obvious communication issues which were frustrating at times but I otherwise enjoyed their romance.

Overall The Runaway Viscount was a great read and I would recommend it if you like second chance romances.

I absolutely adored the tropes woven into the storyline! The 'forced proximity' and 'there's only one room' angles really added spice to the narrative.

Darcy Burke's novel marked my first venture into her literary world, and I must say, it was a delightful experience. It was a quick read and I had no trouble getting through it. However, I did find the writing style dry at times but it wasn't a big issue. The book is well-written, and the characters had a charm that resonated with me.

The dynamic between Juliana and Lucas was captivating, and I found myself quite taken with both of them.

The romance between them was very steamy and, in all honesty, I was pleasantly surprised by the intensity packed into such a compact book. No disappointments on that front!

In summary, this read was a sheer pleasure, and I'm eagerly anticipating diving into more of Darcy Burke's literary creations.

I'm a huge fan of Darcy Burke's writing style, but this just didn't feel like the same quality that I have come to know and love.

I really almost DNFed in the first two chapters because the dialogue felt stilted and odd. But I kept on and thought it was cute enough until I got about 75% in and I just had too many problems and was not having fun anymore. Even though the heroine is a widow, the way that they acted throughout the story with regards to intimacy was not very realistic and didn't feel right. I felt like the hero's 180 that he made with respect to marriage was convenient and not satisfying. And I really really didn't like how her infertility was treated with respect to using his illegitimate child of a mistress as a placeholder for their own child. The way that was handled was totally not it for me and colored my enjoyment of the whole story. She hadn't mentioned even wanting children up to that point and seemed to be fine with her infertility and I wish it had been left at that.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

On what could be a well trodden plot path, snowy inn... forced proximity... wonderful night followed by disappearance... Darcy Burke has built a fast-paced, fun historical romance.

While I had a little trouble believing Lucas's story, his relationship with Juliana is (mostly) open and honest, and they are well developed characters.

I haven't read the earlier books in this series, but look forward to filling in the gap!

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

Ever since I read the first book in the series, I loved the premise of it.
I found that this book was entertaining, easy to read (I finished in one sit), and a lovely story.
Super excited to read more books in the series.

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!

After a chance meeting during a swim storm, Lucas disappears the morning after their night together with out a word. Juliana is hurt and hardens herself against him. But when they both end up at the same house party two years later, neither can deny the longing that still hangs between them! Neither has stopped thinking about the other even though they’ve tried to move on.

I adored Juliana and Lucas! How refreshing that they were mature and confident in what they wanted! Their banter and friendship was so great and entertaining and their steam was fire! They couldn’t keep their hands of each other. This was a short book and I finished it in one morning, but, throughout it, I laughed, melted and even cried. To see them both, but especially Juliana, marry for love and have the children they always wanted was so special!

I enjoyed this story immensely Lucas and Juliana falling in love in a snowstorm. I thought she was moving kind of fast but he disappears on her and they rekindle their romance 2 years later.

I really enjoyed this short yet faced paced Regency Romance. It was a super cute story with a beautiful happy ending. I was crying by the last few pages. I loved how Julianna dubs Lucas The Runaway Viscount after their lustful night together and how sassy she is when they happen to run into each other again. But of course they are drawn together just like that first night and they become enamored with each other once again. Mr Runaway Viscount lives up to his name and disappears on Julianna yet again but when she discovers why she easily forgives him this time.

The Runaway Viscount by Darcy Burke is a historical romance and book three of the Matchmaking Chronicles. I haven't read the previous books in the series so, I read this one as a standalone. I have read Darcy Burke’s work before; I loved reading the Phoenix Club Series, also a historical romance, so I am excited to read more books by the author.
Juliana Sheldon is a widow, whose husband has left her enough wealth to live comfortably. While travelling she gets stranded at an inn because of a snowstorm. At the inn, Juliana meets Viscount Adlington. Viscount Adlington aka Lucas Trask, is an heir to the earldom. When Juliana and Lucas have a great time together and share a passionate affair while they are stranded at the inn. Lucas leaves in the morning before Juliana wakes up and even though she didn't have any expectations from him, it hurt.
Juliana and Lucas hit it off from the moment they meet at the inn. Their chemistry is evident. They get to know each other a little and seems like it could work between them. The Runaway Viscount by Darcy Burke has everything I was looking for when I picked up another historical romance. It has romance, interesting characters, and a good pace to the plot. I didn't know any other characters because I read this as a standalone but it really take me away from the story. I enjoyed reading this book.

This was a sweet and satisfying story with a intriguing beginning that draws the reader interest into the storyline... Juliana Sheldon is a widow travelling home in snowy weather. Lucas Trask, the Viscount of Audlington, is a fellow traveler who ends up snowbound with Julianna at the same inn. Lucas is a man who is happy living his life avoiding all responsibility and commitment. while Julianna is content with her life as a motherless widow enjoying her freedom. Upon meeting, they fall into a mural attraction and spend a few days getting to know one another.in all ways possible. Lucas then abruptly leaves without saying good bye hurting Juliana and causing her to call him the Runaway Viscount.
Almost two years later , Lucas and Julianna met again at a friend's house party. Juliana is using her bruised feelings as a instrument in her conversations with Lucas as she tries to push her residual feelings out of her heart.. Lucas, on the other hand, slowly realizes how much he adores being around her and that he doesn't want to ever leave her. The rest of the charming story works through their tangled, stubborn feelings, misconceptions and disappointments as they find answers to their deepest questions concerning love, marriage and motherhood.
I enjoyed The Runaway Viscount and It was the first title I've read in Darcy Burke's Series: Matchmaking Chronicles. Having read this one, I know I will go back and read 1 and 2 and then future ones!
thank you NetGalley for the ARC. My reviews are based on my opinions of The Reluctant Viscount by Darcy Burke.

My opinions of the characters in this book swung so wildly during the course of it. I loved Juliana and Lucas. I adored how refreshingly adult their connection and interactions were. But then the game-playing began, and I became less a fan of either character. I deeply appreciated the journey of growth that the author took these two on, it was just a bit of a workout for my own emotions. Now, I’m already counting down until I can get my hands on the next Matchmaking Chronicle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley.

I'm a fan of Darcy Burke and enjoyed this story and the two leads. In most cases I appreciate historicals where the woman can take what she needs

A one night stand that turned into an unforgettable event. As a widow, Juliana is allotted a bit more freedom with her choices in life - though even some are still frowned upon. When a snow storm brings she and Viscount Lucas Trask together the results are unforgettable and explosive. One problem, he runs out the next morning. When fate brings them together again Juliana is not likely to let him forget his mad dash out of her life. He has to grovel to win her back. Love it!

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the third installment of this series by Darcy Burke, but it absolutely can be read as a stand alone. Juliana Sheldon is an independent widow travelling back home after visiting with her parents. She and others seek shelter at an inn during a storm. One of those others is Lucas Trask, Viscount Audlington. She and Lucas strike up a friendship and admiration. Lucas shows himself to be unlike some of his other noble peers in his consideration and kindness to others, and Juliana grows to like him a great deal and they open up to each other. Juliana and Lucas share a night of passion together, but when she wakes up in the morning, she finds that Lucas has ridden off with nary a note or even a good bye. Perhaps he is just as arrogant and uncaring as other peers of the realm. Juliana is left feeling embittered by his behaviour. But the experience does teach her to embrace her own needs and sexuality - and the knowledge that she does not want to marry and have her happiness hinge on the behaviour of another man who may disappoint her again.

A couple of years pass by, and Lucas and Juliana run into each other again, this time at a matchmaking house part of mutual friends. Lucas is seeking a wife, and Juliana is seeking fun, friendship, and perhaps a lover. Lucas has never forgotten Juliana and sees this as a second chance... but Juliana does not want to give Lucas the time of day, and is certain she does not want to marry again. The house party becomes the backdrop to Lucas and his pursuit of Juliana, and her attempts to evade his seduction and teach him a lesson.

I enjoyed reading this story... I did not like the cavalier treatment of Lucas towards Juliana at the beginning, but they had an interesting give and take throughout the house party. Juliana, being and independent widow, also has a rather disappointing history with men, Lucas included, and a bit of a jaded view of marriage, so when Lucas has a second chance with her, it is a rather uphill battle. I enjoyed their give and take, and the reformed rake theme, with a twist.

3.5 stars out of 5

To be completely honest, I thought this book was a little too cheesy for my tastes, but it was cute too!

This is the third book in Darcy Burke's Matchmaking Chronicles series. The Runaway Viscount is a short, but fun and fast-paced Regency romance.
Juliana and Lucas meet at an inn and spend a couple of nights together. Lucas leaves without saying goodbye. Then the two of them meet again two years later at a house party.
Both of them are likable and the chemistry between them is great. I enjoyed this one and recommend it if you want a quick read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Ms Burke is one of my favorite authors. I always know when I pick up one of her books, I will be swept away into the Regency world, filled with romance, drama, and scandal. This book was no different. Juliana, a widow, first met Lucas at an inn two years ago and they spent an unforgettable night together. The next morning he slipped away without a word to her. When she encounters him at a matchmaking house party years later, she realizes just how much their encounter affected her. He wants to rekindle their relationship where they left off, but she won't make it that easy for him. He is no longer the rake from that night. He want to find a wife and settle down, and he had never forgotten about Juliana. He also has a secret he is keeping. He wants to tell her everything, but first he has to convince her they belong together. But when tragedy strikes and he he has to leave again, has he lost that chance forever?
It was a well-written, quick, and entertaining read. Another captivating book and great addition to the series!
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

Lucas is a Viscount who runs from responsibility. Juliana is widow who likes being independent. They meet at an inn and have one night together. He runs off without a word. They meet again at a house party.

The heroine is a strong woman who can take care of herself. The hero doesn’t know what he wants until after he meets Juliana. The book was well written and fast moving. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.