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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Sylvia Dowder is a disgrace to her family due to a broken engagement by a cad she was engaged to but has finally found a place she can call home at the Everton Domestic Society. Her latest assignment is to act as hostess and decorator for American turned Lord Anthony Braighton, Earl of Grafton. He’s handsome to be sure but she vows never to trust her heart to an aristocrat again. She builds up walls and resists his advances at every turn. It’s only when his life is in danger that she must choose between past hurts and the love that awaits her in Anthony’s arms.
A Lady’s Virtue is book three in the Everton Domestic Society series and I must say, this is certainly the best one yet. Not only does the reader get to catch up on previous couples and what they’re up to but Sylvia and Anthony are a heart-wrenching couple.
Anthony is resistant to marriage and voices this sentiment often. He’s seen his sister and their friends couple up but it’s not for him. But Sylvia opens his heart and mind to the possibility. Sylvia, on the other hand, has gone through one scandal after another. She’s an embarrassment to her mother, a social climber if there ever was one, and Sylvia’s content to be a spinster, working for Lady Jane. When Anthony breaks through the walls around her heart, she’s visibly shaken. Love is a scary thing and the emotions Sylvia works through is heart-breaking for the reader.
I personally loved every minute of it! Another historical romance gem from A.S. Fenichel and I hope there’s more in the series. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
I haven’t read the first two books in this series but it didn’t matter, this book stands alone quite well, although now I do want to read the first two books as well!!!
Sylvia Dowder is the Everton Domestic Society’s party planner to the ton. She has decided never to marry after having endured a scandal 3 weeks before she was to marry, being told by her fiancé that she wasn’t good enough for him now that he had a title.
Anthony Braighton, Earl of Grafton, hires Sylvia to redecorate his homes, as well as to plan a ball and be his hostess. He has also decided that he’s too young to marry and wants to enjoy life and travel with no attachments.
Neither of them are ready for the feelings and attraction they feel towards each other!! Tony decides to pursue her but she refuses to acknowledge what she feels for him because she’s got it in her head that she’s not good enough for him. All I can say is that it’s a good thing Tony has a lot of patience because she sure gives him the run around! lol Actually, I got a little tired of her hot then cold attitude throughout the story. Apart from that, it was a wonderful story.
I was given a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I was so excited to see another Everton lady! Just love this whole series and A Lady’s Virtue is just delightful! Of course that is no surprise beacause this author has had me under her spell ever since the first book I read by her.
A broken engagement and almost left at the alter, Sylvia Dowder has put her energy into being a secret gossip columnist. But also she becomes a party planner for the Everton Domestic Society! (yes I would have wanted to be one of them!). But she has set her mind to never fall for another titled man as before.
Unfortunately she had not met Anthony the Earl of Graton yet! He is determined to not take a wife and hires Sylvia from the agency to act as a hostess and planner for his parties. Why in the world would he need a wife when he has her?
So loved this story and the chemistry between Sylvia and Tony! A lot of fun banter between the two and lively interacton. Cannot wait for the next in this series and I recommend you read this one and all in this wonderful stories!
This is an enjoyable addition to the Everton Domestic Society series. Everton is an employment agency of sorts. They provide ladies to perform tasks such as introducing a debutant to society, planning events, matchmaking, etc. for their clients. All of the proprieties are met and the ladies are provided with chaperones, transportation, etc. during the performance of their tasks. They also live at Everton House.
Sylvia Dowder had spent five years of her life being courted by and betrothed to Hunter Gautier. A month before her wedding, Hunter inherited the title of Viscount March and promptly ended the betrothal – because Sylvia wasn’t lofty enough in society to be a Viscountess. Between that punch to the gut and her mother’s constant belittlement and preaching about the perfidies of the male of the species, Sylvia knew she couldn’t/wouldn’t marry. She also decided that she couldn’t live with her mother’s constant belittlement any longer and applied to become an Everton Lady.
Anthony Braighton was rocking along in his life quite happily until his much-loved cousin died and Anthony inherited the title – Earl of Grafton. Tony didn’t want to be an earl and he certainly doesn’t want to marry as his mother is constantly prodding him to do. He can’t do anything about the title, but he can show his mother that he is perfectly capable of meeting his obligations without marrying. He’ll just hire an Everton Lady to plan several social events and at their successful completion, his mother will understand that he doesn’t need a wife.
There is an immediate attraction between Tony and his Everton Lady, Sylvia. However, neither of them want to admit it – and neither wants to act on it. Tony is quicker to ‘give in’ and admit he wants Sylvia than she is. The road to gain her trust is not an easy one – and until about the last chapter in the book you don’t see how they are going to get to their HEA.
I never did come to understand Tony’s aversion to marriage. His parents had a happy and loving marriage as does his sister and a number of his friends. I can understand any young man not wanting to marry but Tony was adamant – because he had things he wanted to do. I did understand Sylvia’s aversion. She’d suffered what I guess would be mental abuse her entire life. She was constantly told how bad men were, how they used women, etc. – and then with her engagement being broken as it was, she was totally convinced.
I’m not sure what it is with authors and alliteration in character names, but this book is another example – we have Sylvia, Serena, and Sophia. For this reader, that is usually a distraction because I’m constantly having to stop and remember which character is which. For some reason, that wasn’t an issue this time.
While I enjoyed the read, there were some inaccuracies and the use of more modern words – like okay. Tony talks about not accepting the title, giving up the title, etc. and that just wasn’t possible. The only way to get rid of the title was to die or be a traitor. Even the King couldn’t take the title away.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another great read! A Lady’s Virtue by A.S Fenichel is book 3 in the Everton Domestic Society series. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. The more I read of A.S. Fenichel book’s the more I am falling in love with them. This is truly a delightful read and I just love the banter between Sylvia and Tony who you can’t help but fall in love with as Sylvia is such a strong and intelligent person. There is nothing better than good banter in a book! This story has the true feeling of the regency era and you feel like you are in another place and time the more you get into this story. This story has not wanting to get married, a change of heart, a fire, injury, a loving family, scandal, a broken betrothal, a cruel mother, a twin, a wonderful house party, flirtation, good friends, and yes… love. I highly recommend you read this story as you won’t be disappointed.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
I was excited to get into this one with a book from this author having been on my radar. Oh the things that went on back in the day at times would make you boil today. That is what will happen in this one once you see what happens to Sylvia even though it could be found to happen every so often to women in that time. I think it was delightful what she did next and it was also a way to use her wits for sure. Even though this happens to be the third book in I still found it quite delightful. Then there is Anthony whom thinks he is getting over on something but something gets over on him to our reading delight. This one was also amusing in spots so it had a balance of elements to keep us engaged.
“A Lady’s Virtue” by A.S. Fenichel
I love my Regency romances and I really do love my Everton Domestic Society ladies, too! Yes, by now you know I am ever so glad to have been able to spend time with Anthony and Sylvie as they grow. And learn that sometimes the best laid plans really do sometimes need to change. And the untold stories that have been a major influence in their fears and choices. There are some scenes with a bit more than holding-hands. I tend to be a bit prudish but was not put off by these encounters. So, truly wishing you … Happy Reading !! always, always.
I received an ARC download of this story via NetGalley and this is a voluntary review.
This is the third book in the Everton Domestic Society series and while several characters appear in earlier books, it’s not necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this one. The Everton Domestic Society is a social temp agency. Instead of providing clerical assistance on a short-term basis, they provide the services of a cultured, talented lady to assist with social events without entanglements.
The new Earl of Grafton, Anthony Braighton. doesn’t want to marry but he needs a hostess to help him enter society in a style commensurate with his new role. Lady Sylvia Dowder is skilled as a hostess and party planner for the Society. After the scandalous breakup with her finance when his elevation to the peerage, she has the skills necessary to the job, without the danger of falling for the new Earl.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lady Sylvia is talented, spunky and will take no nonsense from anyone. She befuddles the new Earl, but also intrigues him. I hadn’t read the previous books in the series before reading this book, but I have purchased them to read now.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
A Lady’s Virtue (Everton Domestic Society, #3) by A.S. Fenichel …This is the 3rd book in the series EVERTON DOMESTIC SOCIETY and I’m am thankful to the author for allowing me to preview this book. Sylvia ( dumped three weeks before her wedding… joined Everton Domestic Society) Anthony (raised in America becomes a Earl when his cousin dies…) The fun starts when he hires an “Everton Lady” to help him come out as a Earl…he doesn’t wish to marry and wants to prove to his mother he doesn’t need to. Sylvia wants to help him and thinks herself on the shelf. I enjoyed their story and all the twists and turns, laughter and tears and a little steam all getting to their HEA. It was also fun to touch base with old friends from Everton. I can’t wait for the next installment…
Another hit for A.S.Fenichel! This is book 3 in her Everton Domestic Society series. It was a delightful Regency romance between Sylvia and Anthony. She has been scandalized after her fiancé dumped her prior to their wedding. Anthony’s Mother is pushing him to get married. He hires Sylvia to orchestrate a ball for him to show his mother he doesn’t need a wife. The chemistry and witty banter is a delight. The characters practically leap from the page into your heart. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book. I was gifted this book from the author, NetGalley and the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing. My opinions are my own
A bit too much back and forth but still a good book.
Loved this book. New author to me. Have now read everything she’s written and eagerly awaiting anything new. Great characters, funny and endearing.
Predictable but ok for escapism
nice characters, enjoyable plot without involving murder and mayhem. Good interplay of emotions between the characters who were very likable
Love how the Everton Domestic Society series offers a different take on the Regency romance trope and gives the heroines an actual occupation. It’s done in a away that feels natural and authentic to the time period and trope. In A Lady’s Virtue, Sylvia Dowder is hired to redecorate an earl’s manor. He’s an American who recently inherited the title and is having trouble adjusting to his new role. Likable characters, sweet romance, fresh approach.
I find the struggle for true love encounters many difficulties. This story is about such a love. Sylvia/Sylvie in life is a strong, organized, talented hostess. She has a sharp wit and is humorous. When it comes to emotional love she is a basket case. Because of the way her mother raised her and because of the betrayal of her former fiance, she feels unworthy. When she sees Anthony/Tony again and begins working for him, her feelings and emotions muck up her and Tony’s life. Tony is long suffering and patient. He is not willing to be thwarted by Sylvie. But the man has limits and from time to time feels to give up. One can only stand so much rejection. The sub characters are warm, loving and delightful. I enjoyed reading this. I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this well-written historical romance. Sylvia works for the Everton Domestic Society and secretly writes a gossip column. She gave up on romance after her fiance unexpectedly became a viscount and broke off their engagement to seek a wife of higher social standing. Anthony Braighton, Earl of Grafton does not need a wife. Instead, he hires Sylvia as a decorator and a hostess for upcoming events. Neither of them expect to be fascinated by each other and start to think about some things differently. This was an entertaining book and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Anthony Braighton is an American in England who has unexpectedly inherited the title of Earl. This is not something he wants but now that he has the title his mother is insisting that he start behaving as an Earl and to find himself a wife. Sylvia Dowder was ruined when her engagement was broken weeks before the wedding was to take place. She now works at the Everton Domestic Society. Anthony decides to hire a lady from the Everton Domestic Society to redecorate his London townhouse and to host some social engagements. Neither Sylvia or Anthony have any desire to marry but fate has thrown them together. This was a delightful romance with well developed characters. This is the first book by A.S. Fenichel that I have read but I enjoyed it so much that I will read the previous books in the Everton Domestic Society series.
I so enjoy the Everton ladies! This installment introduces us to Sylvia, a new Everton lady due to her lack of success at getting married. She is an interesting combination of confidence, capability, and vulnerability. Anthony is friendly, exuberant (he’s an American-gasp!) and kind but not happy at being a new earl. His plan to hire an Everton lady to ease his way into society while remaining a happy bachelor blows up when he falls for his Everton lady, Sylvia. The story follows the ups and downs of their relationship and Anthony’s efforts to turn it into a courtship.
Sylvia and Anthony are a wonderful couple that both came together with secrets shared that helped them fall in love but still had to travel through what they each felt they wanted for themselves and each other before coming together for their HEA.
Having been jilted just a few weeks before her wedding to a man that thought she wasn’t good enough and her mother blaming her, Sylvia takes her life and starts fresh by getting a job, with the Everton Domestic Society, which in the days of the regency is rare for gentile ladies to do.
While working for the Everton Domestic Society Sylvia has another job that no one knows about. Enters Anthony, a new inherited, Earl that really doesn’t want to be but to keep the Earldom in the family he tries to help his family. With his mother and great aunt pushing him to marry he decides to hire a lady to help him by hosting several dinners and balls to help in showing his mother and great aunt that when he’s ready he’ll marry, on his terms.
By practically falling at his feet Sylvia meets Tony and that starts a love that was truly in the cards. Tony making a deal with Sylvia with trading secrets and getting to know each other, run ins with the ex-fiance, static from her mother, help from family and well meaning friends lead a merry chase for Tony to finally get his Sylvie.
A.S. Fenichel brings them together in a twist of many facts of secrets, hurt, and longing. This is the third in the series and each is their own HEA, but each couple will bring you to fall in love with them and A.S. Fenichel has you from the first page of each book. She is a new author that I started reading on a friends suggestion and I have enjoyed reading each book so far and will be looking forward to read more.