Gwen’s review of The Runaway Duke by Julie Anne Long
Historical romance released by Warner Forever 1 Aug 04

This book was in a large, unsorted pile that Sybil gave me. It’s signed by the author and I think it’s actually a prize for an old contest (ahem – Zara). Honestly, we’re not usually this disorganized around here – but in this one instance, I’m awfully glad we were. I would have totally missed this book if Sybil hadn’t had a blond moment and put it in my box! So, Zara, you’ll get the book shortly (gently read only once). Meanwhile, on to my quick review…

I’ve been on a bit of a historical bender lately. I’m normally the “urban fantasy don’t need no stinkin’ HEA” kinda gal, but everyone needs a little change every now and again. And, lately, for me, it’s been historicals. Mix that with a pile of books, and you get me reading The Runaway Duke by Julie Anne Long. I really love this book. I couldn’t read it fast enough and I didn’t want it to end when it did.

I love how complex the characters are. I wanted to strangle the hero a couple of times (bonehead, be honest with the gal and she won’t hate you). I love how complex the plot became and that it resolved in such a lovely, complicated way. The H/H got their sort of happily ever after, but it took on a slightly different twist – it wasn’t EXACTLY what they wanted, but it was what was correct.

The structure of the plot is quite good. The author’s descriptive technique is excellent – I could really visualize all of the scenes. The emotional reaction to what occurs is rational for the characters. The bad guys are believably bad, though I am wondering what happened to “‘utchins” and whether he’ll rear his ugly head again. I really was rooting for these characters and soo wanted them together. It was so sweet at the end.

This was a surprising book all around. I’m sorry I missed it when it came out and I’ll definitely be looking up her other books if they’re this good.

Grade: A

     Blurb:

No one could ever accuse Rebecca Tremaine of being a proper young lady. She’s wretched at needlework, pitiful at the pianoforte, and entirely too informed about the human body, courtesy of her father’s scientific journals. So no one is terribly surprised when she manages to get herself compromised by a dandy she despises. When her parents arrange a hasty marriage, there is only one man she can turn to for help: her father’s Irish groom, Connor Riordan.

No one knows that Connor Riordan is the fifth Duke of Dunbrooke, “killed” in action at Waterloo, and he wants it to stay that way. But a true gentleman never turns away a damsel in distress. Connor agrees to spirit Rebecca away- bumbling highwaymen, a scheming duchess, and Rebecca’s fiancé in hot pursuit.

But time alone with the beautiful and desirable Rebecca jeopardizes Connor’s secret every day-and tests his willpower every night. For if ever there was a reason to bring the Duke of Dunbrooke back from the dead, it would be to make Rebecca Tremaine his Duchess!

     Read an excerpt.