The Runaway Duke by Julie Anne Long...A Review

The Runaway Duke by Julie Anne Long ****

A sweet, enjoyable read, with lovely and loving characters

This was probably the 4th book by Julie Anne Long that I've read, so I know not just what she's capable of, but could also appreciate the fact that a book that I enjoyed this much was a debut novel.

Connor Riordan is a groom for the Tremaine family, when he meets Rebecca as a 12 year old.  This has upset several readers, since the age difference is so pronounced.  Personally, I am VERY attuned to the skeeve factor regarding any hint of pedophilia. In this case, despite being young (and inexperienced), Rebecca was never immature. She was not educated in some of the seedier aspects of the world, but she was raised to be a gentleman's wife, and though she chose to ignore most of those teachings, that doesn't make her unqualified. Yes, they knew eachother for 4/5 years. But his interest in her had never been sexual. He stayed "for her" not because of sexual desire, but because he *liked* her.

I can accept that. While I personally would have preferred if Rebecca was a bit older, the whole premise of the story wouldn't have worked. Any older and she would have been having a season or she might have been getting married. It had to happen before she turned 18. But I give the author credit for making her as much of an adult as she dared without making the story impossible (or at least improbable). For those unaware, Rebecca was just shy of 18, and Connor was 29. While this may seem a little "off" to us now, had this been a story of a young woman having her season in London, she would have been courted by men older than that. In fact, in most historicals, the age differences are usually very similar.

Rebecca and Connor flee because she is being forced into marriage with the handsome but dispicable Edleston, who is desperate for her dowry.  Along the way they are confronted with the coincidences of their past and their own growing love for each other.  Connor is forced to "come back from the dead" -- where he'd been hiding to escape the unpleasant life he'd had as the heir of a duke.  The story covers their trip to Scotland where Rebecca is to be taken away so that she's not forced to marry anyone, least of all Edleston.  Cordelia, Connor's sister-in-law and the duchess of Dunbrooke is after them, too.

This was a sweet story and the characters were charming. There were laugh-out-loud moments. Each character had their own flaws and their own redeeming qualities, even the villains. Edelston, despite being a schemer, genuinely believed himself in love with Rebecca. Cordelia, despite being an attempted murderer, genuinely loved Roarke, and wanted mostly to protect herself from the horrors of her past. Even Rebecca's parents mostly just didn't understand her. They were never deliberately mean, even when trying to marry Rebecca to Edelston.

I enjoyed the plot, I enjoyed the growth of the characters, and I enjoyed the development of love (in three different arenas). While not a "deep" book, there were some distinctly profound moments.

"He'd been ridiculous. His thrashing thoughts, his grand confusion and torment and helplessness -- it was only love, had always been love, he supposed. It was no precipice he stood at, or rather precipices have little meaning when one finally acknowledges that one has wings."

This book isn't as good as some of her others, but it's one of the best debuts that I've ever read.  It's an enjoyable read. I have a soft spot in my heart for the characters because rarely does a book capture the good in *everyone*, and this has succeeded admirably. The ending left me feeling GOOD. It really was a "happily ever after" for everyone and it seemed as if everyone deserved it.

It's rare for an author to capture those kinds of feelings. I'm pleased to see that Ms. Long's writing has only improved with time, and hope to see more from this very talented author.

And since it's my way... Regarding the sex scenes. There weren't many scenes, but those that were included were sweet and loving. The proposal scene was one of the most memorable I've read.

Comments

[Hammock Rider]

Hey you got your own review blog! Wow! Now where are you?

[The Queen of the Blog]

Howdy, Ham! See you in the forum!

[HistoricalRomanceJunkie Rita]

I've been dying to read a Julie Anne Long book! This one sounds like a good on to start with! Great Review!

[The Queen of the Blog]

It's a really sweet story and despite her age the heroine is witty and fun. Definitely NOT TSTL. It's as good a place to start with this author as any other work, since it's a stand alone. And now that you know it's her first, you'll give her a little slack for not having her style completely "polished" yet.