Noble Satyr is the first novel in the Roxton Foundation Series by Lucinda Brant. Lies, deceit, and sex were predominant in the French court in the early 1700s. Stuck between it all is Antonia Moran, a young woman who wants nothing to do with any of these things. However, the Comte de Salvan wants to snatch her up for his son, someone Antonia never wanted to associate with. Her hefty inheritance would be the answer to all of the de Salvan family’s woes. Antonia knows she has to do something to save herself, even if it means seeking help from the Duke of Roxton. Lascivious and with a bad reputation, Roxton can't help but come to the assistance of young Antonia. The only way to get her away from the Comte de Salvan is to whisk her off to England. Falling in love with Antonia is easy, but keeping her safe is another matter. Can Roxton protect her?

Noble Satyr by Lucinda Brant is a well-written and engaging historical romance that kept me entertained for hours. The author does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the French court, from the customs and manners of the upper classes to the political and social issues of the time. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, which made it easier for me to become invested in their stories. The plot is well-paced, with just enough tension and drama to keep one engaged. The romance between Antonia and the Duke of Roxton is beautifully developed, and their chemistry is palpable. The author does a great job of integrating historical details into the story, making it feel like a believable and immersive experience. The writing is excellent, the characters are compelling, and the plot is engaging, making it a highly recommended book for anyone looking for a romantic escape into the past.

Noble Satyr: A Georgian Historical Romance by Lucinda Brant is the first book in the Roxton Foundation Series. The book begins with the young Antonia Morgan who is in the midst of being irrevocably ensnared in the renowned debauchery of Versailles, and most notably by one aristocrat in particular, the Comte de Salvan. Salvation comes in the form of the Duke of Roxton, a notorious rake and political schemer. Landing in the sphere of "le Duc" is a long shot for Antonia, quite literally, but she recovers under Roxton's protection. Antonia settles in comfortably—a little too comfortably for many—but a lack of aristocratic lineage, another forceful marriage prospect, and an avalanche of misunderstandings is more than enough to derail the happiness of two people whose differences couldn't make them more perfect for each other.

Noble Satyr is far, far more exciting than I anticipated and I love that Lucinda Brant does not soften the blows of what it meant to be a young woman at Versailles, which one character wisely calls “a nest of vipers.” Roxton and Antonia are absolutely delicious and even though I wanted to wring both of their necks at times, the story carries forward without tropes or unnecessary stopping points. The attention to historical detail is one of the highlights of the novel and the transitions between Paris and London are pitch-perfect on both sides of the Channel. So too are the more ridiculous customs of the time. For example, it turns out a woman can have her breasts spilling out of the top of her dress, but heaven help the scandalous lady who removes her shoes and shows her ankles! Expertly written, creatively woven, and topped off with the inclusion of swoon-worthy letters. Very highly recommended.