This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
LUCINDA BRANT is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Georgian historical romances & mysteries full of wit and adventure. Her award-winning novels have been described as from 'the Golden Age of romance with a modern voice', and 'heart wrenching drama with a happily ever after'.
Lucinda has degrees in History, Political Science, and Law from the Australian National University, and a post-graduate diploma in Education. Before becoming a full-time writer, Lucinda taught History and Geography at an exclusive boarding school for young ladies. She has been researching and reading about the 18th Century for forty years, and still finds the Georgian era just as fascinating now as then.
Lucinda drinks too much coffee and is addicted to Pinterest. Come join her there in her 18th Century world: http://www.pinterest.com/lucindabrant/
Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite
It is the golden age of French aristocratic life, the glittering court of Louis XV. Beneath the posturing and hedonism lies a seething hotbed of intrigue, deceit, and treachery. Sex, lies, and politics go hand in hand, and courting royal patronage is the ultimate prize. Into this licentious arena comes Antonia Moran, an innocent young woman, whose lack of protection makes her a prime target for the dissolute Comte de Salvan. He eyes this particular prize as a wife for his son, whom some say is mad. The Comte’s failing fortunes need a financial boost, and Antonia comes with an inheritance from her ailing grandfather. Anxious to see his granddaughter safely wed, the old man agrees to this unsuitable match. Moreover, unsuitable it is, since the Comte has designs on both Antonia’s impending fortune and her virtue.
Antonia may be innocent but she is not stupid. She cleverly allies herself with the Duke of Roxton, the ‘noble satyr’ of the title, whose tastes do not run to young girls. Roxton has no time for Antonia until the Comte forces his hand by attempting a violent abduction. To save Antonia, Roxton must take her to England, to the safety of his home. He is much older but she does not care. Her unabashed expressions of love for him slowly melt his icy demeanour. The inevitable happens, and it is not without consequences. The Comte, who nurses an old grudge against Roxton, will not give up and pursues his plan to the end. Can Antonia and Roxton’s love survive? And will it ultimately endure in the face of royal censure?
Anyone familiar with Lucinda Brant’s Georgian novels will relish this book. Brant has the ability to transport the reader back in time, to a bygone era, without swamping the story with facts. The characters live and breathe the atmosphere of the time; they are captivating, from the primary players, right down to the smaller, but no less important characters. Ultimately, this is an enchanting and powerful love story between two people, Antonia and Roxton, who have all the odds stacked against them. I thoroughly enjoyed the unfolding of this passionate romance, with added action and adventure, derring-do, and some narrow escapes! For readers who like intricate detail there is a wealth of carefully chosen gems to enhance the picture. Everything the author describes enhances the reader’s enjoyment of a truly historical romance. I loved it. This is the first book in the Roxton series. Highly recommended.
