Midnight Marriage

Lucinda Brant

Book 1 in the series:Roxton Family Saga

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"Midnight Marriage" in the series "Roxton Family Saga" by Lucinda Brant follows the story of Deborah Cavendish, who was married off at a young age in a secret ceremony. Years later, she encounters her mysterious husband, Julian Hesham, without recognizing him, leading to a romantic entanglement filled with twists and misunderstandings. Set in the opulent world of 18th-century aristocracy, the novel explores themes of arranged marriages, deception, and the complexities of love in a historical setting. The writing style captures the essence of the era, blending romance, mystery, and societal conventions to create an engaging narrative that keeps readers intrigued.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Deborah portrayed as strong and independent, while Julian is complex and troubled. Secondary characters play supportive roles, enhancing the romantic and societal challenges faced by the leads.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is generally competent and engaging, maintaining historical authenticity with occasional uninspired moments, but remains well-edited and flows naturally.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a forced marriage between young nobles and their subsequent reunion years later, entangled with themes of deception, identity struggles, and societal pressures that complicate their relationship.

Setting:

The setting reflects the 18th century, with vivid scenes in England and France that illustrate the aristocratic lifestyle, enriched by historical events that influence the plot.

Pacing:

The pacing starts strong with immediate conflict and maintains a good rhythm throughout, balancing suspense and character development, though there are moments of reflection that may slow it down.

DEBORAH WOKE from a deep sleep to the sounds of a hasty late night arrival in the cobbled courtyard below her bedchamber window. Commands were barked out at drowsy-eyed stable boys and carriage wheels...

Notes:

Lady Deborah is married at the age of 12 after being drugged with laudanum.

Her husband, Julian, is known for his scandalous behavior before their marriage.

Nine years later, Deborah encounters a bleeding man in the forest, unaware that he is her husband.

She believes their first marriage was just a dream due to her drugged state.

Julian is determined to make Deborah fall in love with him, not revealing their past connection at first.

The story explores themes of deception and societal expectations in Georgian England.

Julian's past reputation complicates their relationship and leads to misunderstandings.

The book is inspired by true historical events and reflects the customs of the time regarding child marriages.

Deborah's character is portrayed as independent and headstrong, challenging societal norms.

The narrative includes dramatic twists, such as Julian's threats and accusations against Deborah, highlighting the tumultuous nature of their relationship.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Midnight Marriage include themes of child marriage, deception, and emotional distress related to intimate relationships.

Has Romance?

The romance in Midnight Marriage is a central element, featuring a complex relationship between the leads that evolves throughout the story.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Lucinda Brant's sweeping family sagas are a perfect reminder of why I fell in love with historical romance -Cheryl Bolen, New York Times bestselling author

Roxton Family Saga Book 1: Julian and Deb's Happily Ever After

1760s England and France: Based on real events, a hasty midnight marriage establishes a dynasty.

Just twelve years old, and drugged with laudanum to make her compliant, Deborah Cavendish is woken in the middle of the night and married off to a distraught boy not much older than herself.

Years later, Deb stumbles across a wounded duelist in the forest, and it is love at first sight. Deb has no idea the wounded duelist is in truth her noble husband Julian Hesham, Marquess of Alston, returned to England after years in exile to claim his wife.

Remaining incognito, Julian is determined Deb will fall in love with him, not his title, and sets out to woo her before she can be seduced by a persistent suitor with ulterior motives. Their marriage, and the future of the Roxton dukedom depend upon it.

"The energy starts on page one and never lets up. Twists and turns, dramatic revelations, and some enjoyable chaos make this a book that keeps the reader turning pages. Highly recommended - Fiona Ingram, Readers' Favorite 5 STAR Medal Winner

"You will once again be reminded why Lucinda Brant's books are such a treasure." -SWurman, Night Owl Reviews 5 STAR Top Pic

Set in the opulent world of the aristocracy and inspired by real events, Lucinda Brant delivers another lavish eighteenth century experience in her trademark style-heart-wrenching drama with a happily ever after.

Readers' Favorite Audiobook Silver Medalist, Readers' Favorite International Book Award Medalist, and B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree.

The Roxton Family comes to life in audio, featuring the irresistible "smooth as melted chocolate" voice of award-winning, RADA-trained British actor Alex Wyndham.

Standalone series-starter in the highly acclaimed ROXTON FAMILY SAGA

Character-driven romantic adventure

Non-explicit, mild sensuality

Story length 100,000 words

Connecting Books

Lucinda's characters inhabit the same meticulously-researched eighteenth century world and all books cross-reference people and events throughout. You can explore the details and delve deeper into the history within each book by visiting LucindaBrantAuthor on Pinterest. Should you wish to read the books in chronological order, here is the sequence:

Roxton Family Saga

1740s NOBLE SATYR (Renard and Antonia)

1760s MIDNIGHT MARRIAGE (Julian and Deb)

1770s AUTUMN DUCHESS (Antonia and Jonathon)

1770s DAIR DEVIL (Dair and Rory)

1770s PROUD MARY (Mary and Christopher)

1780s SATYR'S SON (Harry and Lisa)

ETERNALLY YOURS: Roxton Letters Volume One (A Companion to the Roxton Family Saga Books 1-3)

FOREVER REMAIN: Roxton Letters Volume Two (A Companion to the Roxton Family Saga Books 4-6) In progress

Salt Hendon Series

1763 SALT BRIDE (Magnus and Jane)

1767 SALT REDUX (Antony and Caroline)

1767 A FAIRY CHRISTMAS (Kitty and Tom); a short story in SILVER BELLS COLLECTION

Alec Halsey Mystery Series

Spring 1763 DEADLY ENGAGEMENT (Country house murder and mayhem)

Autumn 1763 DEADLY AFFAIR (A poisoned vicar and the mysterious Miranda)

Winter 1763 DEADLY PERIL (Bloody intrigue abroad)

Summer 1764 DEADLY KIN (Evil lurks in Edinburgh) In progress

Reader Stats (3):

Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (1)

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Midnight Marriage?

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