Antonia, Dowager Duchess of Roxton, has been in mourning for the last three years for Monseigneur, her much older husband and love of her life. Her family is worried, but nothing shakes her from her grief until Jonathon Strang arrives for a house party. He's younger, just ten years older than Antonia's son, but the two find an immediate attraction and a slow-burn romance in this unusual love story (only because the couple is older and he is decidedly younger than she).
I loved the Georgian details and the history interwoven into the book. The author seems an expert in the history of this era and she does a lovely job of describing the dress, entertainment, and architecture of the era. I especially enjoyed the references to Sheridan's plays.
Antonia and Jonathon are well-matched, despite them both having early romantic marriages. It's nice to read a book where a previously married person doesn't despise the institution. Off the top of my head, I can only think of Mary Balogh's Westcott series for touching on some of the same themes. I always love seeing couples from previous books in a series, so it was nice to discover how Deb and Julian are doing, along with the rest of the family. It's a good book and a good series. I've already got the next book in the series. ( )

audiobook review:

Antonia, Dowager Duchess of Roxton, still young after 27 years of marriage, must start life anew without her husband. Her heart is so pained, she is unable to leave mourning even three years after his passing. She often visits the mausoleum where her husband is entombed.

Her son, nearing the end of his tether, has decided to threaten her—taking away privileges dear to her heart. I admit, Antonia was rather spoiled. A duchess and coddled most of her life, she now faces changes – some fearful and some unsettling. She shows her meddle, tempered with wisdom when facing these fears and heartache.

Where son is unable to pull Antonia out of her melancholy, a merchant, Jonathan Strang, does. Jonathan starts his association with Antonia brashly, shocking Antonia a bit from her stupor. He has an agenda for meeting the woman, but straightaway becomes intrigued, wishing to know the woman hiding under the garb of duchess. She in turn, is confused, angered, amused and eventually touched by the person he is.

I didn’t like Julian, Antonia’s son, as I did in book two. He acted entirely unfair and harshly when dealing with his mother. But readers, there is a reason, and Julian, duke of Roxton reprieves himself– somewhat.

Jonathan Strang took my heart this time. He is a man of deep waters, wonderful with children, honorable to a fault and does not tolerate hurting a woman. Yes, he won my heart completely!

Rich in description and authenticity, the opulence and excessive luxury of the story is part of the allure of this listen, coating your throat like a fine port—smooth with a slow burn.

Additionally, you will be kept amused by the rather arrogant and outlandish remarks from various characters to the most proper and dry butler who sees all and sees nothing. You will revel in the whirlwind lives of those gossipmongers who spin truths with lies. It makes my head spin.

You will be privy to scenes of such poignant and pure selfless love…and you will discover nothing is more important than family and love.

Narrator Alex Wyndham is so much a part of this series I would want no other to take his place. He captures the French accent spoken in English charmingly, and depicts the many nuances of emotions found in this era of excesses. I enjoyed his children’s voices and particularly the ennui of the aristocratic gentlemen’s voice. A fine production, indeed.

Note: I found I enjoyed the speed of the complete saga at speed 0.75x. It allows the words and divine voice of Mr. Wyndham time to appreciate. ( )

As many people who will read this already know, I am a history geek with a singular fascination with the Georgian era. This also make me a pretty harsh critic of any book set in this period. Autumn Duchess makes the fourth book I have read by author Lucinda Brant and I now declared myself a true blue fan.In her Georgian set romances Ms. Brant recreates the lives of the Georgian nobility, allowing us to venture beyond the closed doors and hear the whispers behind painted fans,to walk as equals amongst the uppermost elite. With an impeccable eye for detail she colors the aristocratic world, from their diamond shoe buckles to their white marble mausoleums, yet still manages to portray the privileged as real people. It's fascinating and intriguing.Whilst her stories are very much character-driven, the author does not neglect her history as each of her books conveys a sense of the real issues and events of the times, both social and political. Yet, the heart of her story forever remains the romance. In this case, it is the compellingly and emotionally drawn relationship between a beautiful grieving widow, Antonia, Dowager Duchess of Roxton, and a much younger and very independent-minded India merchant, Jonathon Strang, who is determined to have her, heedless of the scandal he creates. "I am all for laying myself at your feet," he said with suppressed feeling. "But when I prostrate myself before you, it will not be because you are Her Grace the most noble Dowager Duchess of Roxton, but because I have decided that is where I wish to be. Youa are first and foremost uncommonly interesting, and that alone makes you deserving of my attention, but I am not blind. You are unquestionably the most beautiful woman I have ever set eyes on. And I am not immune. I find you utterly desireable. So the sooner you see me as a warm-blooded male and not a mindless, neutered functionary, the better for both of us." Another humerous highlight was the three way internal conversation that occurs between Jonathon's brain, heart and "vital organ."Flouting a world of strict societal dictates and marriages largely contrived for political and social gain, this unlikely pair come together with passion...and with love.This is another highly recommended title from Lucinda Brant and an addition to my "keeper" shelf. ( )

I couldn't put it down. Of course, Ms. Brant has that effect on me. I loved the story, I loved the characters, although I do miss those that have passed, and the history that becomes entwined is always a treat - history that is new and interesting to me. I recommend to the highest degree Ms. Brant's work and encourage all to read every book she's written. You will not be disappointed ( )

Antonia, Dowager Duchess of Roxton, has been in mourning for three years for her beloved dead husband and soul mate. Antonia has lost the man who meant everything to her and it appears she no longer has any enjoyment for life. That is until Jonathon Strang, a larger-than-life, forceful character bursts into her life like a hurricane, and turns it upside down. Although Antonia is easily ten years older than he is, her amazing beauty and enchanting aura soon have him captivated. Jonathon began life as the second son of an impoverished second son. However, by virtue of hard work and good fortune in the colonies, coupled with several family deaths that have put him in line for a title, Jonathon is very eligible indeed. He also has links with the Roxton family that he wishes to pursue, namely, the illegal misappropriation of property that rightfully is his. One of these properties can only be signed over to him by Antonia herself.

Antonia is initially repelled by the buccaneer; a man whose casual manners are almost insulting in a society obsessed with the niceties of conduct. His blunt approach, his sharp brain, his sense of humor and finally his blatant adoration serve to break down her icy disdain. Set in 1777, in Georgian England, against a backdrop of the imminent French Revolution and the American War of Independence, this compelling love story will appeal to romantics of all ages.

I recently reviewed Salt Bride by the same author and was keen to revisit Georgian England. Lucinda Brant has carved a niche for herself in this particular patch of history and she is gifted in weaving both story and history into a compelling read. Passion is the keynote of this novel; abundantly clear in the passion of the main characters, the robust energy of the age, and the pulse of action that creates an energetic and well-paced novel. The author has a wonderful turn of phrase, creating a sense of the opulence and oftentimes excessive luxuriance of the era. Food, drink, clothing, entertainment, appetites are all described in glowing detail in an era that celebrated abundance and sensual gratification. Although this is the third book in a series, and readers would derive even greater enjoyment by reading the first two as well, this story stands alone with enough back history threaded through to keep readers in touch with prior events. Highly recommended.
First reviewed for Readers Favorite by Fiona Ingram ( )

Antonia, dowager Duchess of Roxton still mourns the death of her husband three years later. He was the love of her life and she misses him greatly. Her son, however, feels that she should leave her blacks behind and re-enter society. He’s worried about what people think, especially when his children come home from their bi-weekly visits with their grandmother to say she speaks to the statues in the mausoleum. The Duke threatens his mother, saying she won’t be able to visit with the grandchildren until she stops mourning or else he will have Sir Titus Foley, a physician who says he can “cure” her melancholy attend to her.

Jonathan Strang-Leven has returned to London after making his fortune in India. He hopes to find a suitable husband for his nineteen year old daughter, Sarah-Jane, and get back his inheritance, which is being held by the Duke of Roxton. What he finds instead is the lovely Antonia. He’s determined to have her, but learns there is more to this complex woman.

This was an enjoyable story. I liked the storyline between Antonia and Jonathan. He never pulled any punches with Antonia and helped her realize that there is life and love after the loss of your soul mate. He was there to save her when she needed it and her relatives as well. But Jonathan wasn’t the only one saving. Antonia did the same for him, when his mooching relatives tried to steer his life and his daughters in a direction that was beneficial for them.

Lovely and engaging story that leaves you smiling.

Reviewed by Shannon
Review copy provided by Lucinda Brant

http://www.romancing-the-book.com/2011/11/review-autumn-duchess-by-lucinda-brand... ( )

I received this book as a member giveaway and loved it! I promptly went to smashwords and bought the other 2 books that preceeded it! Excellent historical romance if you like that sort of thing. Great characters, nice story. Excellent job Ms. Brant! ( )

I always love novels that have historical setting and Autumn Duchess is definitely one, much more it’s a Georgian historical romance.

The first chapter of the book already piqued my attention, it is well written and the words were used convincingly enough to lure the readers in. I had read every word from there, especially the way Ms. Brant describes how they dress, the setting and their customs. I anticipated the next event that is going to unfold.

The plot is just wonderful, it might not be unique but it is interesting and remarkable in its own way. Antonia married the Duke of Roxton at a very young age, now that he’s dead and she’s a widow, she hadn’t accept the fact yet that he’s gone and along with it, her life and power in society. However, when Jonathon arrived, a white man who acquired a tan by living in Indonesia arrives, she found herself at the brisk of another shot in love. Would she take it, and forget that she is once a duchess or ignore him because he is 10 years younger?

The connection between the characters developed rather slowly, leaving you breathless what the author has next to offer, it keep me reading the book in one setting. The story is fully equipped with romance, history, politics, family and principles.

I enjoyed reading the witty remarks of the characters, since most of them were affiliated with politics and have a good humor when it comes to philosophies and logic. I especially appreciate those phrases, which are cited straight from historical books and persons. The romance base on political theme is a good choice, for it also enlightens readers about conflict and issues in the politics, and how’s it like at the past when monarchs rule people and here comes invasion from other states.

I am transported into a world where women were obliged to submit fully to their husbands and I felt each of the characters, which really portray their certain roles and development in the story. The author’s writing technique is one that you would surely appreciate, it is a well-written book and I felt myself experiencing the same thought and feelings. I even cried when Ms. Brant wrote how Jonathon felt when the maid narrates what the quack doctor does to Antonia..:(

What saddens me is, I think the story ended rather abruptly, I would have like it if they were married or Antonia conceive..:D I guess I am just so full of their love story… but all in all, this novel enthralls me, definitely worth reading the next in the series. ( )

I received this book throught the Member Giveaway. THANK YOU!
I am so annoyed that I hadn't heard of Lucinda Brant before now! I have been missing out on some wonderful reads. This is book 3 of the series and now I need to go and read the first 2. This series is set in Hampshire England in the 1700s. AUTUMN DUCHESS tells the story of Antonia, and how she emerges from the utter despair she feeld after the death of her husband and her opportunity to find love again. ( )

**Thank you Author and Publisher for allowing me to get this free Kindle formatted book on LibraryThing Member Giveaway**

The very beginning caught me up in how rich people were and all of the names mentioned and who's who and how rich they were and what Duke was married to what Duchess, etc, etc. Not interesting

BUT...BUT....but....

I carried on and GLAD THAT I DID!

SYNOPSIS: She has been in mourning for 3 years for the love of her life who can never be replaced. Her son insist on fixing her obviously fragile mourning mind because she has worn black everyday for the past 3 years. This other guys manages to get her to stop wearing black all the time (society thinks she is morbid for doing so). This other guy wants her to love again. And....off we go

YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK IF: you enjoy Historical Romance with the cultural mannerisms of that time period. "Mild" descriptive romance meaning "passion" can be left up to your imagination.

This book would have made far more sense had I read the two previous books.....I think. With all of that said, I'm interested enough to go back and read the two previous books starting with NOBLE SATYR and then MIDNIGHT MARRIAGE. ( )

For those who have been waiting, holding out for Autumn Duchess book three of the Roxton Series to be published, what are you waiting for? Download now, it won't disappoint.

This book is not only outstanding, exceptional, unique and spectacular it holds a special place in my heart and on my bookshelf. Just as Autumn Duchess should for you.

Lucinda has written yet another brilliant Georgian Historical Romance involving Antonia, Duchess of Roxton the incredible sweet-natured beauty that mourns the passing of her husband. Antonia has to find herself again, lost in sorrow over the only man she has ever loved. Even though three years past she still wears black, so as a last resort her son Julian now the Duke gives her an ultimatum or she is forbidden to see her grandchildren, the only people that brighten up her lonely sad days. But that was before she meets Jonathan.

And wow, you want to read about Jonathan, he is a breath of fresh air and doesn't conform to social expectations. If you want to see someone in a frockcoat or without one it's him, hello...ah yummy. Antonia has aroused a lust within him and the way that Lucinda writes about Antonia from Jonathan's point of view is spot on as I wanted Antonia. It really felt like I was actually Jonathon, yearning for one little touch or smile from her, I was getting flushed cheeks, my blood was pumping hard and fast through my veins and I even had clammy hands. It was like I was watching it happen before my very eyes. The detail that Lucinda adds to each and every page is everything you should be experiencing from a tremendous, magnificent and superb book.

Wow Lucinda Brant has exceeded my expectations again, I fell in love with this courageous, bold, brave, robust, ruggedly tall handsome, brown eyed man. Moreover, those hot steamy scenes you need to read, I am serious, hot. Start downloading.

This Georgian Historical Romance is one you just have to read. You will cry, laugh, smile and feel everything the characters are going through. Lucinda has a way of tugging at your heart before you know it is starting to happen.

Let your worries of the world subside while you escape to the world of Autumn Duchess.

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