
The Runaway Duchess
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Narrated by:
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Mary Jane Wells
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Written by:
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Joanna Lowell
About this listen
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.
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The Counterfeit Scoundrel
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Performance
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Born into an aristocratic family, yearning for a life beyond Society鈥檚 strictures, Marguerite 鈥淒aisy鈥� Townsend is an enterprising sleuth. Hired to obtain proof of a wife鈥檚 infidelity, she secures a position in the household of the woman鈥檚 lover, never expecting to be lured into the seductive blackguard鈥檚 arms herself. Devilishly handsome, David Blackwood, known widely as Bishop, quickly realizes the enticing maid is interested in far more than dusting. She aims to uncover his sins. Although tempted by the dangerous beauty, he can鈥檛 risk her learning the truth.
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What the critics say
鈥淟owell鈥檚 finely wrought characters don鈥檛 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.鈥� 鈥�b>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." 鈥�b>India Holton, Author of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels
鈥淟owell's smart and sumptuous tale is sure to please fans of Victorian romance.鈥� 鈥�b>Booklist
What listeners say about The Runaway Duchess
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
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Performance
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- Tracy Morgan
- 2024-06-25
Loved it
My first book from this author and I really enjoyed it! I can’t think of any complaint other than I wish there was a bit more steam, a bit more love scenes. Either way I will be picking up more books!
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Overall
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Performance
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- Amazon Customer
- 2023-08-11
Engaging narrative. Excellent narration.
Mary Jane Wells is an excellent narrator! I loved her performance in The Duke Undone as well. The Lavinia’s dialogue was a bit irritating early on, but that was the point after all - both the narrative and the narration show her character arc.
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