To win a man’s heart, a woman must have the mind of a diplomat, a general, and Cleopatra, all in one.

Desperation has led Anne-Sophia Duncombe to a life of exile. Still, she is always just one mistake away from capture and a marriage she would rather die than endure. As a last resort to remain hidden from her former life, Sophia attempts a radical scheme; a life of humility and disguise.

Rumor has it Wilhelm Montegue, the Earl of Devon, is insane. A tormented war hero haunted by scandal, he is only tolerated because of his brilliant mind and swarthy good looks. His unmentionable “condition” which keeps him confined to his country home is also the source of his talent for composing music.

When a new housemaid is hired at Rougemont, Lord Devon is perplexed to find himself fascinated by her. He knows the exquisite beauty is keeping secrets but her siren’s voice draws him ever closer, and he can’t resist the intoxicating scent of danger surrounding her.

What genre is this, and when is it set?
Historical Romance, set in 1865 Victorian England.

I’m trying to reach historical romance readers who want something different. It’s set in the Victorian era, not Regency, so the historical world feels more like Downton Abbey or Sherlock Holmes rather than Jane Austen. Equal parts mystery, humor, and romance, SONG FOR SOPHIA should appeal to readers who appreciate “smart romance.” 

How have readers and critics responded to this difference?
Because it’s different, I struggled finding a home for it. Imagine my surprise to get the call saying it was a ’12 Golden Heart finalist, then a ’12 National Reader’s Choice Award winner! I’m honored, of
course, but I think it goes to show that historical romance readers really are ready for something different.

Congratulations.
Tell us a little more about your characters.
If you listen to the rumors, you’ll hear that Wilhelm Montegue is a former wartime spy gone insane. The women of the beau monde stare from across the room but find him too frightening to approach.

Good thing Sophia Duncombe isn’t scared of him. She just wants a place to hide from her father. She doesn’t want any trouble, but trouble finds her…

SONG FOR SOPHIA borrows its Gothic mood and ironic humor from Bronte’s Jane Eyre, one of my favorite novels. Wilhelm, the dark, mysterious hero with an attitude problem, might remind the reader of Mr. Rochester.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello, Indie Author Land readers! I’m your friendly neighborhood violin teacher by day, with an author alter ego by night. I live in Las Vegas; I play wedding gigs where Fat Elvis is the minister. No, I don’t have slot machines in my living room, but I do pretty much live in the ghetto. My family is used to it: “Mom, the neighbors are getting arrested again.” I have three boys and a girl, including twins, and two possibly-brain-damaged cats.

I enjoy writing about Victorians, assassins, and geeks. Published in historical and paranormal romance, I have a Master’s degree in music.

Do you have a website where we can keep up with your work?
I love connecting with readers on my blog, where I post news, free chapters, giveaways, and snarky articles about publishing and life as a writer, including a series called “Weird Stuff Kids Say.”

How can we follow you on Twitter and/or Facebook?
@moriahdensley
http://www.facebook.com/MoriahDensley

What’s next?
The King of Threadneedle Street, Book 2 in the Rougemont series, is a Victorian twist on Romeo & Juliet. It releases Dec. 1, 2013 from esKape Press. Book 3 is coming spring 2014.

Surprise! I also have a paranormal romance series in the works: You might call them superheroes. “Extra-sentients” are one in 4.5 million with the extraordinary ability to unlock the full potential of the mind. Inspired by X-Men, this paranormal series might appeal to fans of the hit TV shows “Fringe” and “Alphas. I’m announcing the book deal on my blog as soon as the ink is dry on the contract.