Today on Book Cast Media’s Inkwell Conversations, we’re excited to welcome Beryl Brighton, author of the historical romance Bought by the Marquess, part of her captivating Lords Reclaimed series.
This installment delivers emotional depth, rich historical atmosphere, and the kind of slow-burn intrigue that keeps readers turning pages late into the night. We asked Beryl to share insights into her characters, inspiration, and writing journey — and she graciously agreed.
Enjoy the conversation below!
Book Link: https://a.co/d/00rCLRKE
✦ — Story Inspiration & Overview
What first inspired you to write Bought by the Marquess?
To be honest, it was reading Lady Chatterley’s Lover. It was so sad that their marriage broke down for many reasons, but mostly because he was confined to a wheelchair. When I started thinking about that, I realized that I had never read a historical romance novel in which the main character is in a wheelchair.That spark ignited my imagination and set me on the creative journey that ultimately led to this book.
For readers new to the book, can you share a brief introduction to the Marquess and the heroine? What defines their connection?
Felicity agrees to marry the Marquess of Kittridge to save her brother from financial ruin. What she does not expect is that the Marquess is not an elderly nobleman, but a man in his thirties—strikingly handsome and far more compelling than she imagined. What she discovers only after their wedding is that her new husband is confined to a wheelchair.
Because of what he bitterly calls his “minor flaw,” the Marquess never believed a woman would willingly choose him. When Felicity’s brother offers her hand in marriage, he cannot resist the opportunity—only to convince himself afterward that he has made a terrible mistake in binding this vibrant young woman to a man like him.
Felicity, however, is strong-willed and compassionate, guided more by her heart than by society’s expectations. Her quiet resilience allows her to challenge the Marquess in ways no one else ever has. Their marriage, born of duty and desperation, becomes a journey of vulnerability, trust, and unexpected love.
Your novels often explore emotional complexity. What themes were you most drawn to in this story?
Vulnerability lies at the heart of their story. The Marquess struggles fiercely to maintain his independence — even in the smallest ways. Whether he is relegated to a corner at a ball among elderly ladies or navigating the awkward uncertainty of a wife who does not yet know how to help him, he is constantly reminded of how others perceive him. And not every offer of help is welcome to a man determined to retain his dignity. From these moments, however, arise some surprisingly humorous and tender scenes between husband and wife.
Felicity, on the other hand, must come to terms with the new reality she has married into. The life she imagined is not the one she finds. It is a harsh awakening when she realizes that, in this unfamiliar world, her husband is the only person she can truly rely on.
Both begin their marriage in a place of deep vulnerability — he guarding his independence, she searching for stability. Over the course of the story, they learn to trust one another, and from that fragile beginning grows a partnership neither of them expected.
✦ — Craft, Characters & Worldbuilding
How did you approach the historical setting for this book?
It was quite a challenge to find out how cases like Vernon’s were handled during the Regency period (1800 to 1820). Wheelchairs were nothing like what we understand them to be today. Most people in similar situations would likely have been confined to their beds. The wheelchairs that did exist were large, cumbersome contraptions that could not have been operated independently by a single person.
For that reason, Vernon, the main character of the story, has to become inventive himself, designing a vehicle that meets his own specific needs.
Did any character—major or minor—surprise you during the writing process?
Most of my characters surprise me during the writing process. The stories often take unexpected turns and lead to scenes I hadn’t planned — but which turn out wonderfully.And of course, Mr. Chapman, the butler, never misses an opportunity to provide a touch of humor.
The Lords Reclaimed series balances standalone romances with overarching threads. How do you plan or manage that structure?
As you mentioned, the series consists of standalone romances. The only connection between the novels is the overall theme of lords who have the chance to reclaim what was lost — their reputation, their place in society, or their belief in love itself. Each story is a tale of second chances, not restricted to love alone, although love is always a part of it.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
The most challenging aspect was portraying Vernon realistically as a paralyzed hero. How would he get into bed? How would he manage all the little things that most people take for granted? I wanted to give the character the dignity he deserves while still making him a true hero of the story — even with his “minor flaw,” or perhaps, better said, because of it.
Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GFGNXZ5V
✦ — The Author’s Journey
How has your writing process evolved throughout your career?
I’ve now written around 50 romance novels, both historical and contemporary. Over the years, I’ve shifted from being a plotter to a pantser, and I find that I enjoy the unexpected twists and surprises my characters reveal as I write.
What originally drew you to historical romance as a genre?
What I love about historical romance is that it has a magic of its own. I have always been very interested in history, and I even studied it alongside literature. Just think of the flair of a ballroom full of ladies and gentlemen, chandeliers glistening in candlelight — isn’t that the perfect setting for a romance novel?
✦ — Reader Connection & Series Continuation
What do you hope readers feel or take away from Bought by the Marquess?
True love doesn’t focus on “minor flaws,” but on the heart. I believe that is the central message of the book, and I hope it comes across to readers through the story.
Can you offer a small tease about the next book in the Lords Reclaimed series?
Yes! The next book follows a young lady who is invited by her friend — the daughter of a Duke — to visit a Duke’s household. He is a widower, and it doesn’t take long before a forbidden romance sparks between them. But the question remains: is the Duke ready to open his heart to love again?
✦ — Fun Extras
If your lead characters lived today, what modern careers might they have?
That is a difficult question. I think Vernon, the Marquess, could have a talent for construction or invention — after all, he designed a lightweight wheelchair for himself. Felicity, the female protagonist, might be a teacher or a kindergarten educator.
What three words best describe Bought by the Marquess?
Vulnerability – Suspense – Love
Any fun facts about the book or writing process you’d like readers to know?
I usually listen to classical music while writing, particularly during ballroom scenes. For coach rides or travel sequences, I use ambient sounds to set the mood. I love immersing myself in the world of my story, almost as if I’m walking silently behind the characters, watching their every move.
I would like to give a huge thank‑you to Beryl Brighton for joining us for this conversation.
If you haven’t yet picked up Bought by the Marquess, you can find it here:
👉 Bought by the Marquess – Lords Reclaimed, Book 1
Amazon link: https://a.co/d/00rCLRKE
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