The SHANNON MUIR’S INFINITE HOUSE OF BOOKS column on Mondays and Wednesdays is a place at Shannon Muir’s author website showcasing books from a variety of fiction genres, with an emphasis on interviews and guest posts from other authors. One thing Shannon firmly believes in for readers not only to learn about new books available, but about those who craft the tales behind them. As its name implies, SHANNON MUIR’S INFINITE HOUSE OF BOOKS weekly column features writers from all genres of fiction who want their potential audience to get to know them, and their works, better.
Today, we look at A LADY’S VIRTUE.
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A LADY’S VIRTUE by A.S. Fenichel, Regency Romance, 225 pp., $15.95 (paperback) $4.99 (Kindle)
Author: A.S. Fenichel
Publisher: Lyrical Press/Kensington Books
Pages: 225
Genre: Regency Romance
Can a broken engagement ignite the spark of true love?
Sylvia Dowder had almost made it to the altar when her fiancé
unexpectedly became a viscount, and dropped her like a stale crumpet to
make a more “suitable” match. Though Sylvia’s heart has been crushed,
her spirit has not. She puts her wits and social savvy to use as a
secret gossip columnist—and as the Everton Domestic Society’s party
planner to the ton. Luckily, she’s not in danger of ever falling for an aristocrat again…
Especially not one like Anthony Braighton, Earl of Grafton. Raised in
America, Anthony sees no reason to marry when he can enjoy all the
perks of being an eligible earl. Determined to convince his family he
doesn’t need a wife, he hires Sylvia to act as hostess and decorator for
upcoming parties. Yet Sylvia is as adept at captivating his interest as
she is at beautifying his home. And despite this Everton lady’s
aversion to titled men, some attractions can’t be denied—and love rarely
does go where it’s told . . .
ORDER YOUR COPY:
Sylvia Dowder ran down the stairs at the Everton
Domestic Society as if her skirts
were on fire. It was impossible to read her handwritten
pages while moving at such a pace, but she needed to send her article to the Weekly
Whisper’s editor before the day was out. She’d
been late last month and nearly lost her post at the newspaper.
sign the article. Quill in hand, she dripped ink
on her brown skirt, leaned on
the banister and scribbled Mable Tattler at the bottom. She would ask Gray to
have a footman carry it to Free Market Square. Jumping down the last step brought her up against a
wall that toppled her to the floor.
with her papers strewn around her and the light from the transom windows
blocked by whatever had felled her.
reached toward her. “I’m terribly
sorry, miss. Entirely my fault. Are you hurt?” His accent was strange, American
perhaps. Having no gloves on, she was hesitant to touch him, but there was no help for it. She couldn’t
remain on her back like a turtle.
The warmth of his skin traveled up her arm, and her cheeks heated. His fingers were strong
and rough. This was no gentleman’s hand. She stood as he eased her to
her feet. “Not at all,” she said. “I was
distracted.”
her full height of barely over five feet, she craned her neck and was frozen
by the most stunning pair of golden
eyes, olive skin and full lips.
She blinked to focus on the whole rather than the parts. “Anthony Braighton?”
in his. “Lady Serena or Sylvia? I’m
afraid I don’t know.”
of her twin’s
name brought reality
crashing back on Sylvia.
She pulled her hand back and made a curtsy. “A
common mistake, sir. I am Sylvia Dowder.
My sister is still living at home.”
gawked at her. “And you are now living here at Everton House, Miss Dowder?”
Society.” While he seemed only curious, it still rubbed her wrong, and she forced herself not to defend her
decisions. Anthony Braighton was just a rich gentleman from America. His opinion didn’t
mean anything.
The problem with Americans
was they said exactly what
they thought rather than keeping a conversation
polite. Sylvia bit down on the inside of her
cheek. The last thing she wanted was to recount the demise of her engagement to Hunter Gautier, the current
Viscount of March. She had been so close to the altar
before disaster struck. No. She wouldn’t think about that anymore. “My reasons are not
your concern, Mr. Braighton. If you’ll excuse me, I have to see the butler.”
His eyes were wide. “Have I been rude, Miss Dowder? I assure you,
intention. I only meant to convey that March’s treatment of you was abominable
and no one blames you.”
better, his mention
of what everyone in London knew of her life and failure only exacerbated her mortification.
Still, she could see he was sincere, if mistaken. “There is no harm, Mr. Braighton. I am uninjured.”
It seems I have a bad habit of offending the English with regularity.” His smile
created the most charming dimple in his left cheek, and his eyes sparkled with mischief.
If she were honest, she did not mind looking
at Anthony Braighton.
not to be too honest. “I am made of tougher
stuff than most.” “Indeed.” That dimple
deepened, and he raised an eyebrow.
Looking at
he said, “I’m keeping you from
something. Forgive me. I was on my way to see Lady Jane Everton.”
might bring a rich young man to the Everton
Domestic Society warred
with her need to have her article
delivered to her editor before her deadline passed.
Her training as a lady won the battle.
She gestured toward the hallway, which led behind
the stairs. “Lady Jane’s office is the first door on the right.”
Dowder. Very nice to see you again.” “And you, Mr. Braighton. If you will
excuse me.”
rushed from the foyer to find Gray, the Evertons’ aging butler.
Interview with the Author
What initially got you interested in writing?
A.S. – I always had stories in my head. I started writing them down in my twenties when my first husband took a night shift and I was lonely. This was also when I started reading ravenously. (not a coincidence)
How did you decide to make the move into being a published author?
A.S. – It was my goal from the moment I started writing. It took me many years before a publisher showed interest.
What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?
A.S. – I write stories about strong women. Sometimes it harder to see their strength, but they each have a way of getting what they want even if they don’t always know what that is from the start. I hope people see there are many ways to be empowered as a woman regardless of the era.
What do you find most rewarding about writing?
A.S. – Creating a world for my characters to thrive and fall in love. It’s the most satisfying thing to give birth to these fabulous people and give them a way to find the perfect love and happiness.
What do you find most challenging about writing?
A.S. – The business end of being an author is very difficult to navigate. It can sometimes stall the creative flow. When that happens, it’s hard to get in story mode and take my characters on their journey. It’s like the two sides of my brain are battling for supremacy. The business end is necessary, but it doesn’t mesh with the actual job of telling a story from the heart.
What advice would you give to people want to enter the field?
A.S. – Hone your craft. Take classes. Attend workshops. Meet other writers who will be your support group. This is a difficult business and you need to have sounding-boards to help you through. Join a writing group if there’s one in your area.
What ways can readers connect with you?
A.S. – I’m all over the inter-web. Find me, I love to chat.
Web Site- http://asfenichel.com/
Blog – http://asfenichel.com/blog/
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5154640.A_S_Fenichel
Twitter – https://twitter.com/asfenichel
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel
Book Bub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-s-fenichel
Author Bio
adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and
maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been
her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying
up all night to finish a good story.
in historical, paranormal, erotic and contemporary romance, A.S. is the
author of The Forever Brides series, the Everton Domestic Society
series, and more. With several books currently contracted, A.S. will be
bringing you her brand of edgy romance for years to come.
with her real-life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or
writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, puttering in her garden and
spoiling her fussy cat.
Website Link: http://asfenichel.com
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/asfenichel
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel
