Chesterfield couch, in royal purple – just perfect for our distinguished guest on tonight’s show.
The glamorous Fiona Miers
It’s been quite a while since the purple couch has seen a guest, so I’m delighted to welcome Fiona Miers, historical, contemporary and erotic romance author whose series on ‘heirs and spares’ is great fun.
I can see you’ve had so much fun with your ‘spares’ series. What is the appeal of the younger son?
I have had a lot of fun, thanks Elizabeth. The appeal wasn’t necessarily the younger son, but rather, a hero who doesn’t covet his father/brothers title and power, but through no fault of their own, they do inherit. Their journey while going through that change and meeting their heroin was what I loved.
What interesting things did you find out when you were researching Lady Charlotte’s Marquess?
Lots of little things, like the different ways of spelling Marquess, but mostly that several of the scenes I had written weren’t appropriate for the era- and yet I couldn’t bring myself to withdraw them. Especially those discussing ‘marital relations.’
It seems like it is Archibald who has struggled most to conform to his obligations. What has made it difficult for him?
Archie will be a perfect Marquess, but what he fears the most is what will happen when people discover his family’s secret. He believes he, and his new wife, will be shunned by all of society, and after spending his whole life trying to be the best gentleman he can be, Archie is terrified it will all fall down around his ears and the woman he loves will be hurt.
What is it about Archibald that attracts Charlotte when it seemed she could have any man lay at her feet?
Charlotte is spoilt for attention and I think she’s attracted to Archie because he doesn’t pander to her beauty or spirit. He challenges her, he’s a mystery, and when she learns that he’s in trouble, Charlotte enjoys stepping up to love and support him.
What are you working on next?
The third book – Rupert’s story, currently names Lizzie’s Earl is the next book in the series. My editor has the first half and I’m currently polishing the second half. Rupert is my most rakish Spare. He’s fun, charismatic and when he meets Lizzie, he falls in love for the very first time.
Thank you so much for visiting, Fiona!
Blurb
Lady Charlotte is a Duke’s daughter to her very bones. She has everything her heart desires, except for the love that she secretly craves. A child of an ugly, planned marriage, she dreads the union that her parents have and swears never to marry for anything less that perfect love.
But that seems unlikely when she lives in a world of rogues, and callous gentleman. No-one is good enough for her and she will not give herself to anyone who is unworthy. Even if her brother’s friend Archie is mysterious and handsome, drawing her attention like no other.
Archibald Turner’s life took a swift turn at the tender age of eighteen when he learned a horrific fate had settled on his brother, and Archie himself would inherit his father’s title. One of the famed ‘Spares’- he did not want the responsibility of his father’s mantle. However, duty called and he turned himself into the most perfect version that he possibly could, dreading the day fate will deliver the ugly blow.
The one thing he can’t control is his love for the strong, audacious Lady Charlotte. She makes him yearn for a future that isn’t his for the taking; and yet, when she starts to show him favour, the impossible starts to become possible and the dreams the Archie has suppressed for so long, swim into his life in bold, vivid color.
