And why not? We find out with today’s guest, Sorcha Mowbray. Hi, Sorcha. Welcome. So tell us, can love really be redeemed? In the second book of The Market Series, Love Redeemed, I tell the story of two non-titled people. Granted it is not a below stairs romance, he is a wealthy textiles importer and she is a high-class prostitute, but neither has a title nor do they come from titled lineage. Brennan Whitling is a self-made man who has built his business from the ground up. He has worked hard to establish himself and continues to do so. While wealthy, he is still susceptible to fluctuations in business. Serena Freemont is the daughter of a prostitute. Since her mother worked in a bawdy house, her father could have been anyone from a drunken sailor in port for a few hours to a member of the peerage. But, nobody knows. A survivor, she made her way into one of the better brothels and was soon discovered by Madame Marchander who offered her a position at The Market. Brennan and Serena meet by chance in the equalizing arena of a public street. This venue allows certain preconceived notions to take hold and cause problems later. It is the lack of any title that makes the whole relationship possible. Not to say it would be easy for either of them, but it is far more realistic than if Brennan had been a peer. Personally, I love a historical romance with a Lord and Lady. But, I also enjoy untitled scenarios, too. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever read a below stairs romance. I’ve seen Lords chasing maids and Ladies seducing footmen, but no real below stairs romance. ( I really wanted to put action there, but I kept giggling.) I have read a few that centered on non-titled main characters…there was a good one with an actress and the owner of a gaming hell. I think it was by Jane Feather, maybe? What I like about this scenario is the lack of restrictions on the commoners. Though still bound to some degree by society’s strictures, they often have much greater leeway. Strangely, in a below stairs romance they characters may have even more restrictions on them than titled characters. They must live up to the expectations of their employers a well as contending with the strict hierarchy of the servants’ household. It would be a challenge, for me, to write a romance within those confines with any credibility or success. Got any recommendations? It doesn’t have to be an erotic romance either! Just a well written below stairs or commoner romance. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pintrest | GoodReads | Kindlegraph Love Redeemed Blog Tour & Giveaway: At each stop of the blog tour I will give away a copy of Love Revealed (Book 1) of the series. At the end of the 11 day tour a grand prize of a $25 All Romance eBook (ARe) store gift card and one copy of my back list will be given away to one lucky winner. Rules (Cause you know there have to be rules!) 1. Winners of the individual blog stops will not be eligible to win the grand prize 2. One comment per stop will be eligible for the drawings (so be sure to answer my questions!) 3. The contest is open internationally 4. Commenters must include an email so they can be contacted 5. Any prize not claimed within 48hrs will be subject to forfeiture and a new winner drawn Love Redeemed (Book 2, The Market Series) Brennan Whitling wants for nothing but the love of a good woman. He has a close family, good friends, and a successful textiles import business. But, a beautiful and elusive young woman he has only seen from afar haunts him. Until a chance meeting leads to far more than dinner. Serena Freemont has only ever known the life of a prostitute. When an invitation to dinner by a handsome gentleman provides her an opportunity to experience life as a young lady, it’s too tempting to pass up. Much like the man issuing it. After a night of passion she must disappear or face his reaction when the truth is revealed. To find happiness Serena must shed her past long enough to realize she is worthy of a future. To win her heart, Brennan must show her the redemptive power of love. Excerpt: “Are you all right, Miss?” For a moment, for this moment, she was a normal young woman experiencing the attentions of a handsome young man. Heat crept up her cheeks as he held her hatbox out, and the burning had nothing to do with the sun. “I-I— Yes, I am. Thank you.” His blue-gray eyes seemed to bore into her. “I am so glad. I was sure you were a goner there for a moment.” He flashed a brilliant grin liquefying Serena’s insides instantly. “Please let me introduce myself. I’m Mr. Brennan Whitling of Whitling Textiles Importers and Wholesalers.” “How do you do, Mr. Whitling?” Serena allowed her lips to curve up ever so slightly. “I am Miss Serena Freemont.” “It is a pleasure. Might I interest you and your”—he glanced around the bustling street as his grin faded in confusion— “chaperone in a cup of tea?” A wave of horror swept over Serena. Chaperone? Harlots did not require one of those. “Oh, Aunt Henrietta is in the bookstore, and I fear she will be in there a very long time. I am certain she won’t notice if we slip off for a quick spot of tea.” “Excellent! There is a lovely little shop just up the street.” A beautiful smile spread across his face, causing her pulse to quicken. He escorted her up the block where they stopped at a quaint little teashop. They settled in at a table and ordered a pot of tea. “What has you on Bond Street today, Mr. Whitling?” They sat in semi privacy at the back of the shop. “Oh, I was visiting some of my customers and taking new orders. I am very glad I was there to help you, and by virtue of said assistance make your acquaintance.” Did his already deep voice grow huskier? Their tea service arrived, dispelling the moment. “As am I. Landing on my backside in the middle of the street would have been rather embarrassing. But in truth, thank you for your assistance today, and now the tea.” She lifted her freshly prepared cup to her lips and took a dainty sip from the delicate china. Through lowered lashes, she watched his graceful movements as he prepared his own. “It is my pleasure on both accounts. You seem familiar to me. Have we met somewhere before? A ball perhaps?” So who is Sorcha Mowbray? Sorcha Mowbray is a mild mannered office worker by day…okay, so she is actually a mouthy, opinionated, take charge kind of gal who bosses everyone around; but she definitely works in an office. At night she writes romance so hot she sets the sheets on fire! Just ask her slightly singed husband. She is a long time lover of historical romance, having grown up reading Johanna Lindsey and Judith McNaught. Then she discovered Thea Devine and Susan Johnson. Holy cow! Heroes and heroines could do THAT? From there, things devolved into trying her hand at writing a little smexy. Needless to say, she liked it and she hopes you do too! To join in all the rest of the fun on this blog tour click here: http://sorchamowbray.com/events/love-redeemed-blog-tour/
