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Marriage by Midnight #1
The Duchess and the Beast: A Steamy Marriage of Convenience Historical Regency Romance Novel
"I can't control myself around you, wife."
Lady Virtue’s reputation shattered the day her ex-betrothed abandoned her at the altar. Scandalized by lies of infidelity, her prospects darken—until her father shocks the ton by promising her hand to the Beastly Duke...
Duke Sebastian is the Beast of Greystone. Scarred by war and masked in white, he struggles with his temper and a shadowed past. With his wealth waning, he urgently needs a quiet bride, and Lady Virtue, equally tarnished by gossip, seems the perfect candidate...
Except Virtue dreams of making a fairytale prince out of this beast yet, even if his anger and self-loathing keep him at arm's length... And even if it means submitting to his dangerous and seductive touch...
Each book in the Marriage by Midnight series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free with Kindle Unlimited.
Lady Virtue’s reputation shattered the day her ex-betrothed abandoned her at the altar. Scandalized by lies of infidelity, her prospects darken—until her father shocks the ton by promising her hand to the Beastly Duke...
Duke Sebastian is the Beast of Greystone. Scarred by war and masked in white, he struggles with his temper and a shadowed past. With his wealth waning, he urgently needs a quiet bride, and Lady Virtue, equally tarnished by gossip, seems the perfect candidate...
Except Virtue dreams of making a fairytale prince out of this beast yet, even if his anger and self-loathing keep him at arm's length... And even if it means submitting to his dangerous and seductive touch...
Each book in the Marriage by Midnight series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free with Kindle Unlimited.
- GenresHistorical Romance
425 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
156 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 18, 2024
This book simply didn't work for me. The characters traits were seemingly random--the h was sweet, until she wasn't. The H was sweet and shy, until he wasn't. No real rhyme or reason (well I think the H was due to PTSD--but it was written very unrealistically). There was no chemistry between the leads and the sex scene (I stopped reading after one) was SO awkward and not at all sexy. He was tearing at her throat? What does that mean!? Lets not have any flesh be tearing during sex, ok? Is that too much to ask for???
I initially rated this 2 stars...but I can't. It's really bad.
I initially rated this 2 stars...but I can't. It's really bad.
December 9, 2025
Awesome! This is a somewhat slightly different retelling of Beauty and the Beast, and it works wonderfully.
Virtue is shattered when we first meet her. Her heart broken without explanation, her confidence stripped away by false rumours surrounding her broken engagement. Retreating into herself, she seems lost until her father announces he has found her a match: the Duke of Greystone, a man with a beastly reputation, whispered about as a monster.
Determined to make the best of it, Virtue reminds herself that the rumours about her weren’t true -so perhaps his aren’t either. Sebastian and Virtue’s marriage begins on rocky ground. Sebastian, consumed by anger at himself and haunted by his past, has shut himself off from the world for far too long. Virtue, however, is resolute: she will not settle for a marriage of convenience. Bit by bit, she regains her courage, and in doing so, she reaches Sebastian’s heart.
Together, they save each other, her light breaking through his shadows, his love helping her rebuild her strength. Claire Devon delivers a heartfelt, romantic tale of redemption, courage, and the healing power of love.
Virtue is shattered when we first meet her. Her heart broken without explanation, her confidence stripped away by false rumours surrounding her broken engagement. Retreating into herself, she seems lost until her father announces he has found her a match: the Duke of Greystone, a man with a beastly reputation, whispered about as a monster.
Determined to make the best of it, Virtue reminds herself that the rumours about her weren’t true -so perhaps his aren’t either. Sebastian and Virtue’s marriage begins on rocky ground. Sebastian, consumed by anger at himself and haunted by his past, has shut himself off from the world for far too long. Virtue, however, is resolute: she will not settle for a marriage of convenience. Bit by bit, she regains her courage, and in doing so, she reaches Sebastian’s heart.
Together, they save each other, her light breaking through his shadows, his love helping her rebuild her strength. Claire Devon delivers a heartfelt, romantic tale of redemption, courage, and the healing power of love.
July 3, 2024
What a great read!
Lady Virtue has had a rough start in life - she was jilted at the alter, a cruel rumour started about her, and her reputation in tatters from that point on. She really has very little hope in the marriage mart, so her father take matters into his own hands. He betroths her to a Duke which Virtue is very happy about, she wants to marry, but she isn't thrilled at the aspect once she finds out whom her father has promised her to.
Sebastian hasn't had an easy life either. He lives within a darkness from his past, he has quite the temper, and he is scarred which keeps him pretty much to himself. He needs a wife though and Virtue seems to be the perfect choice because of her imperfect past.
Neither Virtue or Sebastian choose to marry, neither have many options, both go into the marriage not only having never seen one another but both had their own ideas of what they wanted, expected, and needed...
Things really start changing once they start getting to know each other, opening up, developing feelings for one another.
This story was really good, well written, and great characters.
It will evoke so many feelings in a reader
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own
Lady Virtue has had a rough start in life - she was jilted at the alter, a cruel rumour started about her, and her reputation in tatters from that point on. She really has very little hope in the marriage mart, so her father take matters into his own hands. He betroths her to a Duke which Virtue is very happy about, she wants to marry, but she isn't thrilled at the aspect once she finds out whom her father has promised her to.
Sebastian hasn't had an easy life either. He lives within a darkness from his past, he has quite the temper, and he is scarred which keeps him pretty much to himself. He needs a wife though and Virtue seems to be the perfect choice because of her imperfect past.
Neither Virtue or Sebastian choose to marry, neither have many options, both go into the marriage not only having never seen one another but both had their own ideas of what they wanted, expected, and needed...
Things really start changing once they start getting to know each other, opening up, developing feelings for one another.
This story was really good, well written, and great characters.
It will evoke so many feelings in a reader
I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own
April 9, 2025
Just, I was looking up info for the author because there were so many grammatical errors, wild anachronisms, really weird uses of English and sentence formation, to the point that I became convinced that the author is writing in English as a second language and is not from a western country.
I can't really figure out any other reason why, in this blatant adaptation of Beauty and the Beast (not a spoiler, the title should be a dead giveaway!), they are removed to an isolated, forested castle on a forested mountain with no one around for miles. (Very few actual forests left in England, especially with actual castles, especially on top of actual mountains) Also, why the name Virtue rather than a version of Belle? And I feel like the MMC is a specific trope, maybe tsundere-like? that's been shoehorned onto the Beast's personality.
Anyway, this is rather clumsily and unevenly written unfortunately, and I could not stay with it.
I will say though that I do believe this might be an earlier, not quite polished up work as one of her later books, while repeating some of the odd tropes and whatnot of this one, did it a bit more engagingly. I think it's Rescued by the Ice Duke, or something like that.
I can't really figure out any other reason why, in this blatant adaptation of Beauty and the Beast (not a spoiler, the title should be a dead giveaway!), they are removed to an isolated, forested castle on a forested mountain with no one around for miles. (Very few actual forests left in England, especially with actual castles, especially on top of actual mountains) Also, why the name Virtue rather than a version of Belle? And I feel like the MMC is a specific trope, maybe tsundere-like? that's been shoehorned onto the Beast's personality.
Anyway, this is rather clumsily and unevenly written unfortunately, and I could not stay with it.
I will say though that I do believe this might be an earlier, not quite polished up work as one of her later books, while repeating some of the odd tropes and whatnot of this one, did it a bit more engagingly. I think it's Rescued by the Ice Duke, or something like that.
June 28, 2024
I absolutely love grumpy/sunshine tropes and this one does not disappoint! Virtue’s reputation is ruined by a man who asked her to marry and left her at the altar-leaving rumors and innuendo behind. Sebastian is a war hero who cannot shake the horrors of war, making him the subject of many rumors himself. Forced into a marriage she did not want, she finds herself with a man who has the ability to blow up in a heartbeat. I adored watching her break the beast’s walls down and seeing Sebastian change throughout. The twist and turns of this story was quite a shock….didn’t see who the villain really was.Would have loved to learn why she was left at the altar, but is inconsequential to the story. I absolutely loved Lucy …comic relief at its finest! This story keeps your attention with wonderfully imperfect characters and a wonderful plot!
I received this story for free and these are my own opinions.
I received this story for free and these are my own opinions.
July 1, 2024
Lady Virtue HartLeigh was Left at the altar by Lord Prescott. Lord Prescott spread lies of her infidelity which caused gossip.
Virtue went to a ball with her friend Prudence, an accident happens they ended up on the floor and covered in wine. Her father Lord Holmfield summon Virtue and tells her he arranged marriage for her to the Duke of Greystone.
Their marriage doesn't start off great, but it does get better. Virtue starts receiving these notes from a secret admirer, Sebastian thinks its Lord Prescott.
Sebastian learns his friend Lord Simon Wellington is dead, he leaves to meet his friend Ralph so they can find out what happened. While Sebastian is gone Virtue delivery of tea arrives and she gets ill.
Sebastian is trying to figure out who would want to hurt Virtue. Virtue gets kidnapped and Sebastian gets shot. So much suspense. But who will say those three magic words first?
Virtue went to a ball with her friend Prudence, an accident happens they ended up on the floor and covered in wine. Her father Lord Holmfield summon Virtue and tells her he arranged marriage for her to the Duke of Greystone.
Their marriage doesn't start off great, but it does get better. Virtue starts receiving these notes from a secret admirer, Sebastian thinks its Lord Prescott.
Sebastian learns his friend Lord Simon Wellington is dead, he leaves to meet his friend Ralph so they can find out what happened. While Sebastian is gone Virtue delivery of tea arrives and she gets ill.
Sebastian is trying to figure out who would want to hurt Virtue. Virtue gets kidnapped and Sebastian gets shot. So much suspense. But who will say those three magic words first?
June 28, 2024
Extremely well written, full of love, drama, secrets, lies, romance, society, scars, emotions, twists and turns. Sebastian is a Duke who has scars from the war, both physical and mental to deal with. Add to his mix that he needs money for his Dukedom so he needs to find a wife. Virtue is a young lady that was left at the altar, then has rumors spread about her. Her reputation is now ruined and society is always ready to believe the worst about her. Her father makes a match to Sebastian, so Virtue will have a marriage of convenience to deal with. She sees and realizes that there is more to Sebastian then what he wants people to know. So she starts to break down the walls he has put up between them. Secrets shared, love gained, happy ending for them both. Excellent book to enjoy. Would recommend to all.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
December 20, 2025
This story is about Virtue who before the book starts has a fiancé who walks away from her.. we don't know why and I don't think she knows why. Then she knocks over a tray of drinks while at a ball and now she is ruined. Her father who she calls by his title arranges for her to marry a duke who is a war hero and has PTSD.
The beginning is rough... It is hard to follow the friend and the maid who is her friend and why she is so "ruined". She also seems really meek yet when she first talks with her husband she is very direct and actually a little harsh. Also her father is described as aloof and not wanting anything to do with her... even arranges a marriage to a man who is known for his anger issues and yet when he says goodbye to her seems caring.
Overall not a bad story. I liked the suspense of who was trying to harm Virtue even though it was pretty easy to figure out, but the characters themselves were not written consistently which is why the 3 stars.
The beginning is rough... It is hard to follow the friend and the maid who is her friend and why she is so "ruined". She also seems really meek yet when she first talks with her husband she is very direct and actually a little harsh. Also her father is described as aloof and not wanting anything to do with her... even arranges a marriage to a man who is known for his anger issues and yet when he says goodbye to her seems caring.
Overall not a bad story. I liked the suspense of who was trying to harm Virtue even though it was pretty easy to figure out, but the characters themselves were not written consistently which is why the 3 stars.
June 28, 2024
Know Your Friends
I enjoyed this story. It is well-written. Duke Sebastian has scars from his time as a soldier. He also had bad memories and a lot of guilt. He hid himself away on his estate and gained a reputation as a beast. Lady Virtue had been jilted by Lord Prescott and needed to marry to save her own reputation. Her father arranged for a marriage to Sebastian. At first their relationship is frosty but gradually Virtue eases his fears. As they slowly build their marriage, there are dangers along the way. A poisoning and an abduction, together with attempted murder, lead to dangerous situations for them both. Will Sebastian and Virtue be able to overcome their enemies. Read on and enjoy
I enjoyed this story. It is well-written. Duke Sebastian has scars from his time as a soldier. He also had bad memories and a lot of guilt. He hid himself away on his estate and gained a reputation as a beast. Lady Virtue had been jilted by Lord Prescott and needed to marry to save her own reputation. Her father arranged for a marriage to Sebastian. At first their relationship is frosty but gradually Virtue eases his fears. As they slowly build their marriage, there are dangers along the way. A poisoning and an abduction, together with attempted murder, lead to dangerous situations for them both. Will Sebastian and Virtue be able to overcome their enemies. Read on and enjoy
June 24, 2025
A wonderful Beauty and the Beast tale
Circumstances and rumors threw these two together and over time love did grow. There was a mystery that was easily figured out but was carried off well. TBE authors character development was very good and you began to know and care for Virtue and Sebastian. He good truly behave beastlike The dialog between the two was witty and enjoyable. The steamy scenes were good and a bit on the rough side but TBE author indicated that it was not beyond what TBE couple enjoyed. Not terribly detailed but well done. I am looking forward to the next book. Enjoy!
Circumstances and rumors threw these two together and over time love did grow. There was a mystery that was easily figured out but was carried off well. TBE authors character development was very good and you began to know and care for Virtue and Sebastian. He good truly behave beastlike The dialog between the two was witty and enjoyable. The steamy scenes were good and a bit on the rough side but TBE author indicated that it was not beyond what TBE couple enjoyed. Not terribly detailed but well done. I am looking forward to the next book. Enjoy!
July 11, 2024
A exciting, action-packed read filled with intrigue, a great plot, lots of drama, a mystery to solve, and gossip. All things that make for a interesting read. I love a scarred, tortured hero and Duke Sebastion fits the bill. Lady Virtue Hartleigh is his elixir. A marriage of convenience that starts out rocky and takes us on a quest to find their HEA. I love all of Claire Devon's work . This is a page turner from beginning to end. I loved this book and I think you will too.
TG
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
TG
I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 5, 2024
War, left at the alter, and results!
A sad story of rejection, but no idea why! Society has no use for a broken betrothal, so the only answer is a marriage of convenience! This is Virtue’s future, but she wa# not expecting to marry Sebastian, Duke of Greystone, a mask wearing Beast! Their beginning leaves a lot of lonely days, but Virtue is persistent and very kind. A book worth reading!
A sad story of rejection, but no idea why! Society has no use for a broken betrothal, so the only answer is a marriage of convenience! This is Virtue’s future, but she wa# not expecting to marry Sebastian, Duke of Greystone, a mask wearing Beast! Their beginning leaves a lot of lonely days, but Virtue is persistent and very kind. A book worth reading!
July 13, 2024
Friends and enemies.
Sebastian is a beast to society. A recluse and a scarred warrior. Lady Virtue is ruined by a broken betrothal and rumors surrounding it. Her father arranges a marriage for her to Sebastian to end the rumors. An unlikely pair that could not be more different. But Virtue is determined to make the best of it. Sebastian does his best to keep the beast under wraps so it can work. But there are enemies close by that will do anything see them fail and dead.
Sebastian is a beast to society. A recluse and a scarred warrior. Lady Virtue is ruined by a broken betrothal and rumors surrounding it. Her father arranges a marriage for her to Sebastian to end the rumors. An unlikely pair that could not be more different. But Virtue is determined to make the best of it. Sebastian does his best to keep the beast under wraps so it can work. But there are enemies close by that will do anything see them fail and dead.
September 18, 2025
Sebastian & Virtue
Such an choice for the FMC to be named 'Virtue'. I like it. I love this retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story. It's delightfully irreverent for such a story! I especially love the connections to The Phantom of the Opera! I especially love that Virtue chose to find a way to convince her husband that he could trust her...that he could be vulnerable with her...that he was safe with her...enough that he could remove his mask. Beautiful. ❤💙💜💚💛💖💕💓
Such an choice for the FMC to be named 'Virtue'. I like it. I love this retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story. It's delightfully irreverent for such a story! I especially love the connections to The Phantom of the Opera! I especially love that Virtue chose to find a way to convince her husband that he could trust her...that he could be vulnerable with her...that he was safe with her...enough that he could remove his mask. Beautiful. ❤💙💜💚💛💖💕💓
July 1, 2024
She was abandoned at the altar and he spread lies about her about why he abandoned. He needs a wife as his wealth is declining and he has scars from the his time in the war. She will try to help him but something will try to ruin their lives. Can they fight it all? Will her life get better with him? See if they can beat the odds
June 29, 2024
Very hot and steamy
A marriage of convenience but so much more attraction fear betrayal mistakes made New alliances made or blend together to make this a brilliant story that I recommend you to try
A marriage of convenience but so much more attraction fear betrayal mistakes made New alliances made or blend together to make this a brilliant story that I recommend you to try
July 1, 2024
The Duchess and the Beast
If you’re looking for excitement,adventure and some peril then this story will be entertaining! The strong characters and the wild situations will keep you turning the pages. I love a bit of mystery and suspense to my story and this one has both.
If you’re looking for excitement,adventure and some peril then this story will be entertaining! The strong characters and the wild situations will keep you turning the pages. I love a bit of mystery and suspense to my story and this one has both.
July 4, 2024
One Never knows what is The Future
What started out as a marriage of convenience with a disengaged duke ended up with Virtue bringing Sebastian out of his isolation and into a happy marriage.
What started out as a marriage of convenience with a disengaged duke ended up with Virtue bringing Sebastian out of his isolation and into a happy marriage.
July 19, 2024
Intoxicating!!!
Love Sebastian's and Virtue's love story. He was consumed with regret and heart break. She was considered ruined in the eyes of society. Together, they battle all obstacles to be truly together!!!! Hugely Recommend!
Love Sebastian's and Virtue's love story. He was consumed with regret and heart break. She was considered ruined in the eyes of society. Together, they battle all obstacles to be truly together!!!! Hugely Recommend!
August 31, 2024
Good read that kept me interested. A Beauty and Beast retelling type of storyline. Both characters have caused scandals in the past and have gossips creating even more untruths. He's a Duke with a dark past and she's a young woman who was literally dumped at the alter.
June 20, 2025
It would always be their fairy tale
The hero was a hero to her and that was all that really mattered. Two people looking for love and understanding and bound together by both. A great read!
The hero was a hero to her and that was all that really mattered. Two people looking for love and understanding and bound together by both. A great read!
November 8, 2025
Cute little beauty and the beast retelling. I did enjoy it, but I didn't fall in love with the storyline. Yes, it once again was something different from what I normally would read. But I still had a nice time with it. It was also a easy read.
July 13, 2024
Buy!
Read in one setting. The characters were a joy and they flowed together just right. He was called a beast but she tamed him. Putting this book in my collection.
Read in one setting. The characters were a joy and they flowed together just right. He was called a beast but she tamed him. Putting this book in my collection.
July 14, 2024
Story line ok... sex .. just ugh. I don't want to read about pain morphing to pleasure. Bullshit.
July 26, 2024
Great story. A lot goes on and danger was involved. Loved it
November 30, 2024
Beauty and the beast re-telling. Quick easy read. It wasn’t the best regency book I’ve read but enough to get me out of a reading slump.
June 29, 2025
To marry a beast.
After becoming a laughingstock for the ton she was married to a man said to be a monster and a beast and yet there is a happy ending.
After becoming a laughingstock for the ton she was married to a man said to be a monster and a beast and yet there is a happy ending.
October 19, 2025
The heroine is jilted by her fiancé and my biggest problem with the story we never did find out why he did it. She is contracted by her father to marry a duke who has a bad reputation, mostly because he keeps to himself. The hero is guilt ridden from the war as he was a commander and lost his best friend who died saving him. It is a slow start to the marriage as he is very reluctant to let anyone break down his walls. She on the other hand is full of compassion and insight. They do come to love each other, but before the words are spoken the villain starts his dirty work. It was a good read, but what irks me is when I have to jump through hoops to get to the epilogue as I can’t get it on my Kindle Paperwhite.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews