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 … 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 . . .
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When Sylvia’s fiancé unexpectedly becomes a Viscount, he dumps her. This not only causes her to lose her confidence, she also becomes the talking point of society. Her solution is to become an Everton Lady. Anthony is an Italian American who has suddenly inherited a British earldom, and needs help in being accepted by society as an earl. When he goes to the Everton agency for help in arranging acceptable entertainments, Sylvia is assigned to the case and things get interesting. I enjoyed this book.
A Lady’s Virtue by A.S. Fenichel is book Three in the Everton Domestic Society Series. This is the story of Sylvia Dowder and Anthony Braighton, Earl of Grafton. This can be a standalone book.
Sylvia was all set to marry but her future husband received a Title and left her to find a suitable match for his title. Sylvia as sworn off the aristocrat men and turned her focus on being a secret gossip columnist along with her being a party planner for the Everton Domestic Society. Anthony is an American who has inherited the Title of Earl of Grafton, who insist that he doesn’t need to marry and goes forward to prove this. Sylvia is to be his party / host planner which adds to his firm belief that marriage isn’t something he needs. But what each didn’t count on was the attraction they have for each other, which makes their set goals hard to keep.
Sylvia Dowder had almost made it to the altar when her fiancé unexpectedly became a viscount when his elder brother dies, 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 an Everton Domestic Society lady. Anthony Braighton, Earl of Grafton & brother of Sophia from The Tainted Bride was raised in America & 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 The Everton Domestic Society to employ one of their ladies to act as hostess and decorator for upcoming parties. Sylvia is chosen & is as adept at captivating his interest as she is at beautifying his home.
A well written well paced story that I really enjoyed. I loved Tony & how he was so protective of Silvie & was even willing to give up his wine for her. I really liked Silvie but I did want to shake her at times for dithering over Tony. I loved that characters from earlier books in this series & also The Tainted Brides series made appearances, I loved ‘catching up’ with them. I hope Miles has his story as someone seemed to catch his eye! I was a little disappointed that more wasn’t made of Silvie’s writings for a journal but otherwise a captivating read that I read in under a day
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Love this series! And this might be my favorite one in the bunch.
Becoming the Earl of Grafton would be a blessing to most, but Anthony feels it’s actually been a huge inconvenience because it comes with so many expectations from so many people. One of those expectations comes from his mother – the expectation that he should marry, and soon. Meanwhile, Sylvia is back on the shelf after a broken engagement so she signs up with the Everton Domestic Society to give herself a purpose and a future. She’s the perfect person to help aristocrats because she’s smart and efficient and there’s no chance she’ll ever fall for one.
In the hope of convincing his mother he doesn’t need a wife, Anthony retains an Everton lady to put together a few gatherings at his home to introduce himself to the ton. He and Sylvia work well together and soon respect turns to admiration turns to affection. Anthony resists falling for Sylvia because he doesn’t want the additional responsibility, and Sylvia resists because she fears being hurt. A little bit of push and pull results, and plenty of their friends and family get in on the hi-jinks to help them get their HEA.
Well-paced plot, delightful characters, and palpable chemistry between the leads make this an outstanding historical romance.
A Lady’s Virtue by A.S. Fenichel is a 4.5 STAR read! This author is new to me and I’m an instant fan. I enjoyed the well written storyline and the relatable and witty characters in this easy-to-read historical romance. The slow burn romance will give you a three and a half flame blush.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written historical romance and doesn’t mind staying up most of the night to finish reading until the very last page.
I look forward to reading more books from this author.
Rejected by her fiancé, a bitter mother and a society that loves to find flaws and label young women with or without cause, makes Sylvia Dowder choose to steer her own course. Being of age and refusing to ever allow another man to decide her future again, Sylvia joins the Everton Domestic Society where so many other ladies of gentle birth have found both a home and the means to be independent. She is sent on assignment to assist the new Earl of Grafton to perform his duties to his family’s satisfaction without the added burden of taking a wife. At first Anthony Braighton and Sylvia’s future goals are aligned, but as the old friends work together, the flames of attraction flare up and much to Sylvia’s dismay, begin to influence their decisions. This is a sweet Regency romance, one that brings out all the oddities of the era, where the hero is a kind-hearted and honourable gentleman and his Everton Lady clings too hard to the choices she has made. I have enjoyed all the Everton Domestic novels and this one is no exception. I enjoyed meeting up with old friends again and the humour that runs through all the books. Although this story is the third in the series, it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.