1740s France and England—the age of hedonism and enlightenment.Antonia must flee the Court of Versailles and the predatory schemes of the Comte de Salvan. She orchestrates an escape with the unwitting assistance of the all-powerful Duke of Roxton, a man she has been warned against as too dangerous for her to know. Roxton is an unlikely savior—arrogant, promiscuous, and sinister. Antonia’s … sinister. Antonia’s unquestioning belief in him may just be his salvation, and her undoing.
A classic Beauty and the Beast tale, this award-winning historical is a homage to Georgette Heyer’s These Old Shades.
Accolades
Winner of the $10,000 Woman’s Day/Random House Romantic Fiction Prize
Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Medalist
B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree
Shortlisted finalist for Romantic Novel of the Year by Romance Writers of Australia
Reviews
Lucinda’s books are absolutely wonderful. She brings the Georgian era to life as no one else can! —Cynthia Wright, New York Times bestselling author
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. An enchanting and powerful love story between two people 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 detail there’s a wealth of carefully chosen gems to enhance the picture. This is a wonderful read for romance and historical fiction fans. Well-crafted plot, historical accuracy, and believable characters. I loved it. — Fiona Ingram, Readers’ Favorite 5 STAR MEDAL WINNER
Lucinda Brant weaves an intelligent and intricately layered tale of scandal, intrigue and enduring love. This is so much more than a love story—it’s a story of culture, political events and the plight of those who must live in the tempest. The romance between Roxton and Antonia was so well-written. Antonia may be young and virginal but, having lived in the licentious court of Louis XV, she is certainly not naïve in the ways of the world and has no illusions about Roxton. Bored with the world of excess around him, it is easy to see why Roxton would be enchanted by Antonia’s intelligence, openness, and spirited nature. Noble Satyr will certainly remain on the shelf as a keeper.—Carol Cork and Eileen Dandashi, Booktalk with Eileen 5 STAR KEEPER SHELF
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Great read.. Lucinda always delivers
I really enjoyed this book and it pushed my historical romance buttons by being historically accurate, being strong in its characters, and a good plot.
My trouble was that I have already read Georgette Heyer’s ‘These Old Shades’ and found it similar enough to have to force myself to re-engage in the story each time a comparison jumped out at me.
Not to say that it is the same story, it is not.
I was particularly impressed with how much airtime the villains got separate from the h/h.
I can recommend the book and look forward to the author’s other works.
This is the prequel to the Roxton Family Saga. The story of Antonia and her Duke.
Antonia is an 18-year-old young lady living in the dangerous and depraved world of the French nobility at the palace of Versailles.
She is being pursued by a perverted older Lord, Comte de Salvan who wants to marry her to his opium-addicted son so he can take her innocence. Salvan is turned on my very young girls and is determined to have her. To escape she forms a plan to get herself out of the palace and Renard, the Duke of Roxton is the one that she has decided to help her. Renard is a distant cousin and Antonia’s father noted in his will that he wanted the Duke to look after her. Roxton is a rake of the highest order. He cares for no one but his family. He is a master of intrigue and is widely known to be arrogant and dangerous. Antonia is a fearless young lady who will do anything to escape the dangerous situation she finds herself in, even putting her trust in Roxton.
She is fascinated and refuses to hear any word against him. Roxton finds himself having to involve himself in Antonia’s life which tries his patience but knows he cannot ignore her situation any longer. Roxton takes her to Paris until he can get Antonia to her Grandmother in England. He has never been tempted by innocent young ladies but Antonia is altogether different from typical debutantes. Roxton restricts himself to unhappy wives and experienced widows. He is known to be heartless and has never liked any woman enough for a long-term affair. Renard may be jaded and believes that his heart is untouchable, but his code of honor absolutely forbids seducing a young lady under his own roof.
Antonia may be young but she knows her own heart and she knows that she wants Renard. She lies about her age to Renard telling him she is 21. She succeeds in gaining access to his apartments and surprises him as he is exiting his bath and is naked. She gets an eyeful and refuses to leave. For the first time in his life, he is ruled by his emotions and he gives in to temptation and they make love.
Astounded to find himself in love for the first time in his life. Can he find a way to make Antonia his? She believes that they are meant to be together and their age difference is not an obstacle to true love.
When Renard’s honor is questioned he realizes he has to let her go. Antonia is heartbroken and refuses to believe that he doesn’t love her. Can Antonia convince Renard that they are soulmates and belong together or will outside pressures force them apart?
This is a lovely heart-wrenching story of a young lady who believes that love is all that counts and refuses to bow to the rules that govern Society. Will Roxton let her go or is his destiny with the only woman who has his heart?
Lucinda takes you on a journey of love and discovery. Her stories are wonderous and her characters unforgettable. I laughed and cried and you will too. I am so glad that I read Antonia’s and Renard’s love story. A love that endured for many years through laughter, tears and the love of a lifetime.
A must read by Lucinda.
This book takes place in the Georgian period which is unusual. It is the story of an older jaded Nobleman that falls for a much younger woman. There are enough plot twists to keep anyone happy.
I actually was unable to completely finish this book. It just didn’t keep my attention. I kept finding my mind wandering and having to go back and read again. It just wasn’t interesting to me at all. I’m sorry to say that. I hate to write bad reviews on books.