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The Dressmakers #1
Kuszenie w jedwabiu
Wyrafinowane kreacje błyskotliwej i ambitnej stylistki Marcelline Noirot powoli podbijają serca londyńskiej arystokracji. Marcelline wie, że nic nie przyniosłoby większego splendoru jej butikowi niż patronat najpiękniejszej panny w mieście, lady Clare Fairfax, mającej niebawem zaręczyć się z księciem Clevedonem. Zdobycie szlachetnie urodzonej i poważanej klientki zapewniłoby powodzenie butikowi Maison Noirot i bogactwo rodzinie Marcelline. Lecz by zdobyć serce damy, Marcelline musi najpierw przekonać do siebie Clevedona, którego wymagania są niebotyczne, zasady moralne zaś… przeciwnie. Nagroda wydaje się warta ryzyka, lecz książę potrafi uwodzić równie mistrzowsko, jak szykowne kreacje madame Noirot. Iskra pożądania, która między nimi zapłonie, niebawem przerodzi się w skandaliczny spektakl, który rozpali całe miasto.
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2011
425 people are currently reading
7533 people want to read
About the author
Loretta Chase
52 books3,661 followersLoretta Lynda Chekani was born in 1949, of Albanian ancestry. For her, the trouble started when she learned to write in first grade. Before then, she had been making up her own stories but now she knew how to write them down to share. In her teenage years, she continue to write letters, keep a journal, write poetry and even attempt the Great American Novel (still unfinished). She attended New England public schools, before she went off to college and earned an English degree from Clark University.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,148 reviews
May 10, 2012
A 5-star book, as perceived by yours truly, should meet the following requirements:
1. It should either make my (A) stomach ache from laughing, (B) cheeks hurt from grinning, and/or (C) eyes fill with tears, since that's the closest I ever come to bawling.
2. The writing should be expressive enough to make me genuinely feel the characters and their emotions.
3. The story should at least be intriguing enough that I never, ever have to force myself to read on.
4. The plot should be so thoroughly engrossing that I only put the book aside out of necessity.
5. Even before reading the ending, I should be recommending the book to all my friends and calculating how soon I should reread it so that the experience will still be as absorbing as it was the first time around.
Seeing as this book is recommended by one of my all-time favorite authors, Ilona Andrews, to say my expectations were high would be a major understatement. I tried extremely hard to squelch my anticipation with the fear that it would ruin this book as it has so many others, but I needn't have worried. Chase had me so utterly enthralled in her world, all apprehensive and skeptical thoughts vanished even before I finished the first chapter. Truthfully, I'm a little shocked myself at how deeply I fell in love with this story.
Marcelline is unlike any other heroine I've ever come across in all the historicals I've read. For one thing, she isn't an aristocrat or a desperate spinster. For another, she's a rare blend of ambitious, sassy, collected, passionate, and mysterious that I found myself constantly in awe of. This is one woman I wouldn't even dream of messing around with. Clevedon, while not being the most original character out there, still had an incomparable charm that made me fall in love with him regardless.
While reading Silk Is for Seduction, the only thing I was afraid Chase wouldn't be able to pull off convincingly was Celevedon and Marcelline's relationship. It's unheard of for a working woman of the Regency Era to be anything but the mistress of a duke, and I was anxious about how Chase would describe it without it coming across as far-fetched or implausible. Again, I really shouldn't have worried. Without giving away the ending, I'll simply say that it's believable, realistic, and absolutely perfect. Chase tackles the expected issues that arise with Marcelline and Clevedon being a couple head-on instead of brushing them off, and I believe this is what made me add her to my favorite authors list.
I read this book in two sittings. I loved reading it, I loved the writing, I loved Marcelline and Clevedon, and above all, I loved their romance. The banter between the two was witty, natural, and delightfully charming. I adore how their relationship was built on so much more than just passion - there was also trust, friendship, respect, and of course, love between them. Silk Is for Seduction is one of the best books I've ever read and I strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a beautiful and unforgettable story.
For more reviews, visit my blog.
1. It should either make my (A) stomach ache from laughing, (B) cheeks hurt from grinning, and/or (C) eyes fill with tears, since that's the closest I ever come to bawling.
2. The writing should be expressive enough to make me genuinely feel the characters and their emotions.
3. The story should at least be intriguing enough that I never, ever have to force myself to read on.
4. The plot should be so thoroughly engrossing that I only put the book aside out of necessity.
5. Even before reading the ending, I should be recommending the book to all my friends and calculating how soon I should reread it so that the experience will still be as absorbing as it was the first time around.
Seeing as this book is recommended by one of my all-time favorite authors, Ilona Andrews, to say my expectations were high would be a major understatement. I tried extremely hard to squelch my anticipation with the fear that it would ruin this book as it has so many others, but I needn't have worried. Chase had me so utterly enthralled in her world, all apprehensive and skeptical thoughts vanished even before I finished the first chapter. Truthfully, I'm a little shocked myself at how deeply I fell in love with this story.
Marcelline is unlike any other heroine I've ever come across in all the historicals I've read. For one thing, she isn't an aristocrat or a desperate spinster. For another, she's a rare blend of ambitious, sassy, collected, passionate, and mysterious that I found myself constantly in awe of. This is one woman I wouldn't even dream of messing around with. Clevedon, while not being the most original character out there, still had an incomparable charm that made me fall in love with him regardless.
While reading Silk Is for Seduction, the only thing I was afraid Chase wouldn't be able to pull off convincingly was Celevedon and Marcelline's relationship. It's unheard of for a working woman of the Regency Era to be anything but the mistress of a duke, and I was anxious about how Chase would describe it without it coming across as far-fetched or implausible. Again, I really shouldn't have worried. Without giving away the ending, I'll simply say that it's believable, realistic, and absolutely perfect. Chase tackles the expected issues that arise with Marcelline and Clevedon being a couple head-on instead of brushing them off, and I believe this is what made me add her to my favorite authors list.
I read this book in two sittings. I loved reading it, I loved the writing, I loved Marcelline and Clevedon, and above all, I loved their romance. The banter between the two was witty, natural, and delightfully charming. I adore how their relationship was built on so much more than just passion - there was also trust, friendship, respect, and of course, love between them. Silk Is for Seduction is one of the best books I've ever read and I strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a beautiful and unforgettable story.
For more reviews, visit my blog.
January 21, 2012
This is a cross-class romance.
My short opinion: Predictable and melodramatic. Lacking in believable character motivations and interactions.
I know I'm in the minority here. Most reviewers have LOVED this novel. I didn't. But I may be biased against the trope in general.
I really hate cross-class romances. They don't sit well with me at all. I think they're unrealistic. The power balance between the H and H is too off for comfort. The power sits entirely with the aristo (usually the male). The female often works in the service class or is a prostitute of some sort, or maybe she's a petty thief.
In any case, the outcome is MIND-NUMBINGLY predictable. The aristo must come down in level to meet her. He must make concessions for her lack of class. He must lower himself.
It's icky because she has to be Oh So Grateful that he is willing to Lower Himself.
What bugs me most about these types of romances is that the hero ALMOST ALWAYS asks her to be his mistress first.
Pluh.
That shows how little he really respects her, right?
**Note** This doesn't happen in THIS novel. But I'm ranting on the trope in general. Just go with it. **
The Pretty Woman offer is that the rich aristocrat will offer the whore (who is never REALLY a whore) the deal of a life-time. She will be put up as a HIGH CLASS whore while the rich dude marries someone appropriate. Of course, realistically, the prostitute/ low class woman would accept this offer. But never in these romances. No, she will refuse out of pride and love for the jack-ass.
So, she refuses the offer. Like any good Pretty Woman would, she martyrs herself because she loves him too much to be his paid whore. But then he Comes Up to Scratch. Offers to Lower Himself for the love of a Pretty Woman.
But then she will eventually accept him, and of course the truth will come out that she is inevitably Well-Born from a family that was Down on Their Luck.
La La. Happily Ever After.
But I still see this as an exceedingly unbalanced relationship. She will always be the woman that he had to come down in stature to accept. She will always be a high-class courtesan. They will be OUTCASTS.
AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE MAN WHO OFFERED TO SET HER UP AS HIS MISTRESS.
It's not romantic to me. It's icky.
Besides, I can never get behind a hero who "takes a mistress" while he's married. Why doesn't that cause the heroine lose interest in him? This guy who will cheat on his wife and deign to PAY the heroine to sleep with him? I have no respect for this type of hero, regardless that mistress-having was common practice for the time (although, I'm not sure that's altogether true--I think it's somewhat of a romance novel invention).
My short opinion: Predictable and melodramatic. Lacking in believable character motivations and interactions.
I know I'm in the minority here. Most reviewers have LOVED this novel. I didn't. But I may be biased against the trope in general.
I really hate cross-class romances. They don't sit well with me at all. I think they're unrealistic. The power balance between the H and H is too off for comfort. The power sits entirely with the aristo (usually the male). The female often works in the service class or is a prostitute of some sort, or maybe she's a petty thief.
In any case, the outcome is MIND-NUMBINGLY predictable. The aristo must come down in level to meet her. He must make concessions for her lack of class. He must lower himself.
It's icky because she has to be Oh So Grateful that he is willing to Lower Himself.
What bugs me most about these types of romances is that the hero ALMOST ALWAYS asks her to be his mistress first.
Pluh.
That shows how little he really respects her, right?
**Note** This doesn't happen in THIS novel. But I'm ranting on the trope in general. Just go with it. **
The Pretty Woman offer is that the rich aristocrat will offer the whore (who is never REALLY a whore) the deal of a life-time. She will be put up as a HIGH CLASS whore while the rich dude marries someone appropriate. Of course, realistically, the prostitute/ low class woman would accept this offer. But never in these romances. No, she will refuse out of pride and love for the jack-ass.
So, she refuses the offer. Like any good Pretty Woman would, she martyrs herself because she loves him too much to be his paid whore. But then he Comes Up to Scratch. Offers to Lower Himself for the love of a Pretty Woman.
But then she will eventually accept him, and of course the truth will come out that she is inevitably Well-Born from a family that was Down on Their Luck.
La La. Happily Ever After.
But I still see this as an exceedingly unbalanced relationship. She will always be the woman that he had to come down in stature to accept. She will always be a high-class courtesan. They will be OUTCASTS.
AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE MAN WHO OFFERED TO SET HER UP AS HIS MISTRESS.
It's not romantic to me. It's icky.
Besides, I can never get behind a hero who "takes a mistress" while he's married. Why doesn't that cause the heroine lose interest in him? This guy who will cheat on his wife and deign to PAY the heroine to sleep with him? I have no respect for this type of hero, regardless that mistress-having was common practice for the time (although, I'm not sure that's altogether true--I think it's somewhat of a romance novel invention).
June 23, 2011
Favorite Quote: He was a predator. So was she.
Marcelline Noirot and her two sisters own a dress shop, a moderately successful one, having only one larger, more prestigious client. Marcelline lives and breathes this shop. It not only supports her family, but designing is in her soul. It is her passion. But they know they need someone big, someone who will get all the ton pointed in their direction so they can wipe out all of their competition. When they read in a gossip paper that the Duke of Clevedon, may finally be coming home from Paris to claim his bride Clara, Marcelline knows they need this future duchess as a client. But instead of wooing Clara, Marcelline heads for Paris to go on a hunt.
Clevedon and Clara have been intended for each other for years. Clevedon is actually her father’s former ward. Growing up together, they are great friends, and actually have love for each other. But over the past couple years, Clara has needed to time to mourn the passing of her grandmother, and Clevedon has needed time to go abroad and sow his oats. They write letters every week to each other, and are fond of one another. But Marcelline storming into Paris, with her amazing gowns and vibrant personality, may just be enough to throw Clevedon off track. After seeing her at the opera, and getting an introduction, Clevedon starts to become a bit obsessed. Marcelline knows exactly what she wants from Clevedon – his future bride. But as she plays this game with Clevedon to win over his money, she also starts to fall for him.
Meanwhile, Marcelline’s dressmaker competition, Downes, will do anything to steal her designs, but the sisters are not dumb, and they are ready for a battle.
Silk is for Seduction is one of my favorite books I have read this year.There is so much that stands out in this book. Marcelline is just a shopkeeper with no title. For her, her appearance is everything. It is what gets her noticed or when she doesn’t want to be noticed, just part of the crowd. She must look and play the part – so at first we must focus on her outside beauty, and how she portrays herself. Of course, she wouldn’t last long in upper society if she didn’t have an internal strength and smarts about her. She can curtsey like no other. She can flirt with the best of them. She is witty, sly, and never loud or obvious. She is a mystery to Clevedon. Her beauty is what draws him to her at first. But then who she is intrigues him. Just as he slowly unravels the real Marcelline, Loretta Chase does the same for the reader. She drops in small (and sometimes large) tidbits very nonchalantly. You feel surprised and a bit baffled right along with Clevedon.
Clevedon has long been intended to Clara. They have never been lovers, but they are good friends. Both are not dreading this impending betrothal, but both are not rushing towards the alter either. My first thought was – how am I going to feel about Clevedon on such good terms with Clara, falling for another woman? And while he doesn’t necessarily hide the fact that he met and spent time with Marcelline, he never comes clean with the actual emotional attachment he has with her at first. Of course when they all end up in London together, Clara catches on quick. And I love that she doesn’t hide. She confronts Marcelline. She may be a little naïve, but I give her credit for not sitting in the shadows. Is Clara hurt? Sure. But I don’t think she is ever betrayed. And I like that we get to see the journey Clara goes on, and she is better off for it.
The Clevedon we come to know is such a sweet, good guy. There are a few parts towards the end, where Marcelline needs help and what he does for her made me smile so big and I might even have wiped away a tear. We not only get these lovely warm moments, but the banter between Clevedon and Marcelline is so entertaining and well done.
And before I go, I must mention the smexy parts – while there is wonderful tension in this book, the love scenes are intense and filled with as much passion as these two characters. And there is carriage smex, does it get better?
It was as stormy a kiss as the last time, but different. He was angry with her;she was angry with him. But far more than anger was at work between them. This time she wasn’t in control. She was drowning in feeling, in the taste of him, and the scent of his skin and the feel of his hard body under hers, and his hand so tight in her hair, possessive.
A lifetime had passed since a man had held her like this.
She knew – a part of her mind knew – she needed to break away from him. But first…oh, a little more.
Most importantly, this book is so romantic. The looks between the Clevedon and Marcelline. The witty banter. The tension. The heartbreak and angst. The warmth and humor. Oh – all done so well. One of the best books I have read this year.
Rating: A
Marcelline Noirot and her two sisters own a dress shop, a moderately successful one, having only one larger, more prestigious client. Marcelline lives and breathes this shop. It not only supports her family, but designing is in her soul. It is her passion. But they know they need someone big, someone who will get all the ton pointed in their direction so they can wipe out all of their competition. When they read in a gossip paper that the Duke of Clevedon, may finally be coming home from Paris to claim his bride Clara, Marcelline knows they need this future duchess as a client. But instead of wooing Clara, Marcelline heads for Paris to go on a hunt.
Clevedon and Clara have been intended for each other for years. Clevedon is actually her father’s former ward. Growing up together, they are great friends, and actually have love for each other. But over the past couple years, Clara has needed to time to mourn the passing of her grandmother, and Clevedon has needed time to go abroad and sow his oats. They write letters every week to each other, and are fond of one another. But Marcelline storming into Paris, with her amazing gowns and vibrant personality, may just be enough to throw Clevedon off track. After seeing her at the opera, and getting an introduction, Clevedon starts to become a bit obsessed. Marcelline knows exactly what she wants from Clevedon – his future bride. But as she plays this game with Clevedon to win over his money, she also starts to fall for him.
Meanwhile, Marcelline’s dressmaker competition, Downes, will do anything to steal her designs, but the sisters are not dumb, and they are ready for a battle.
Silk is for Seduction is one of my favorite books I have read this year.There is so much that stands out in this book. Marcelline is just a shopkeeper with no title. For her, her appearance is everything. It is what gets her noticed or when she doesn’t want to be noticed, just part of the crowd. She must look and play the part – so at first we must focus on her outside beauty, and how she portrays herself. Of course, she wouldn’t last long in upper society if she didn’t have an internal strength and smarts about her. She can curtsey like no other. She can flirt with the best of them. She is witty, sly, and never loud or obvious. She is a mystery to Clevedon. Her beauty is what draws him to her at first. But then who she is intrigues him. Just as he slowly unravels the real Marcelline, Loretta Chase does the same for the reader. She drops in small (and sometimes large) tidbits very nonchalantly. You feel surprised and a bit baffled right along with Clevedon.
Clevedon has long been intended to Clara. They have never been lovers, but they are good friends. Both are not dreading this impending betrothal, but both are not rushing towards the alter either. My first thought was – how am I going to feel about Clevedon on such good terms with Clara, falling for another woman? And while he doesn’t necessarily hide the fact that he met and spent time with Marcelline, he never comes clean with the actual emotional attachment he has with her at first. Of course when they all end up in London together, Clara catches on quick. And I love that she doesn’t hide. She confronts Marcelline. She may be a little naïve, but I give her credit for not sitting in the shadows. Is Clara hurt? Sure. But I don’t think she is ever betrayed. And I like that we get to see the journey Clara goes on, and she is better off for it.
The Clevedon we come to know is such a sweet, good guy. There are a few parts towards the end, where Marcelline needs help and what he does for her made me smile so big and I might even have wiped away a tear. We not only get these lovely warm moments, but the banter between Clevedon and Marcelline is so entertaining and well done.
And before I go, I must mention the smexy parts – while there is wonderful tension in this book, the love scenes are intense and filled with as much passion as these two characters. And there is carriage smex, does it get better?
It was as stormy a kiss as the last time, but different. He was angry with her;she was angry with him. But far more than anger was at work between them. This time she wasn’t in control. She was drowning in feeling, in the taste of him, and the scent of his skin and the feel of his hard body under hers, and his hand so tight in her hair, possessive.
A lifetime had passed since a man had held her like this.
She knew – a part of her mind knew – she needed to break away from him. But first…oh, a little more.
Most importantly, this book is so romantic. The looks between the Clevedon and Marcelline. The witty banter. The tension. The heartbreak and angst. The warmth and humor. Oh – all done so well. One of the best books I have read this year.
Rating: A
January 3, 2022
Marceline Noirot, the self-proclaimed "greatest modiste in all the world" has her eye on the future duchess of Clevedon, one of the worst dressed young ladies of the season. Technically speaking, the duke of Clevedon has yet to propose to anyone, but it's clear to everyone (the duke included) that Lady Clara Fairfaix is the destined one.
Marceline sets out to Paris, to woo the oh-so-charming duke of Clevedon, or rather his money. And don't you dare imagine that she's doing all this covertly. Oh no, she's making things clear from the get-go. As expected, the duke and Marceline both lose their heads in the process, ironically creating a scandal that may well alienate the future duchess of Clevedon.
This must've been the first book that I have found simultaneously enjoyable and hugely disappointing. On the one hand, it made me laugh, and had me glued to it from start to finish, just waiting to see what would happen next. The sex scenes on the other hand were just plain... boring. They'd start out promising enough, but as they progressed on to the more risque details I just lost interest. Heck, I even skipped a few of them entirely, due to how dull they felt.
It's entirely possible that Ms. Chase's writing style is fine and it's just me who lost interest in the genre. After all, I have loved her "Scoundrels" series, for all its heart-fluttering moments.
Score: 2.8/5 stars
...because it just couldn't get me in the proper mood.
Otherwise, a good book: well-written, full of hilarious scenes, presenting an interesting look into the "cut-throat" world of Victorian-era fashion.
Marceline sets out to Paris, to woo the oh-so-charming duke of Clevedon, or rather his money. And don't you dare imagine that she's doing all this covertly. Oh no, she's making things clear from the get-go. As expected, the duke and Marceline both lose their heads in the process, ironically creating a scandal that may well alienate the future duchess of Clevedon.
This must've been the first book that I have found simultaneously enjoyable and hugely disappointing. On the one hand, it made me laugh, and had me glued to it from start to finish, just waiting to see what would happen next. The sex scenes on the other hand were just plain... boring. They'd start out promising enough, but as they progressed on to the more risque details I just lost interest. Heck, I even skipped a few of them entirely, due to how dull they felt.
It's entirely possible that Ms. Chase's writing style is fine and it's just me who lost interest in the genre. After all, I have loved her "Scoundrels" series, for all its heart-fluttering moments.
Score: 2.8/5 stars
...because it just couldn't get me in the proper mood.
Otherwise, a good book: well-written, full of hilarious scenes, presenting an interesting look into the "cut-throat" world of Victorian-era fashion.
September 12, 2017
I enjoyed this one. Fast paced. Strong heroine who took no shit from the Duke of Clevedon. I have read and enjoyed other books by this author. I will probably continue with the next book in the series at some stage.
I cannot sew to save my life but I do try when called upon. As I was the other night to sew a button on my son's pants/trousers - It wasn't pretty but it did the trick.
Sparks flew between them.
Do these "Your Graces" even know their christian names. LOL. I cannot even remember his as most folks called him Clevedon or Your Grace!!
I cannot sew to save my life but I do try when called upon. As I was the other night to sew a button on my son's pants/trousers - It wasn't pretty but it did the trick.
She tasted like forbidden fruit.
She tasted, in truth, like trouble.
"Think for once, your Grace, of someone other than yourself."
Sparks flew between them.
Do these "Your Graces" even know their christian names. LOL. I cannot even remember his as most folks called him Clevedon or Your Grace!!
Now he wasn't dreaming.
Now he was alive, finally, after sleepwalking for a lifetime.
April 15, 2023
Re-read Easter 2023
4.5 stars
A kick ass heroine - fantastic dialogue
- “Ah, there you are,” Clevedon said, as though he’d stumbled upon her by accident.
“As you see,” she said. “I have not shredded the curtains, or scratched the furniture.”
“No, I reckon you’re saving your claws for me,” he said.
- “I am a patroness of a charitable establishment for women. Her ladyship was so generous as to allow me to take half the discards for my girls.”
“Your girls,” he said. “You—you’re a philanthropist?” He laughed.
She longed to throw something at him. A chair. Herself.
- “You’ll make me run mad,” he said. “Everywhere I turn, there you are.”
“That’s monstrous unfair! Everywhere I go, there is your great carcass!”
- “You must let go,” she said. Her voice was thick.
He tightened his hold, his arms like iron bands.
“You must let go,” she said.
“Wait,” he said. “Wait.”
She felt him tense. “We can’t leave it like this,” he said.
“We shouldn’t have begun it.”
“Too late for that.”
4.5 stars
A kick ass heroine - fantastic dialogue
- “Ah, there you are,” Clevedon said, as though he’d stumbled upon her by accident.
“As you see,” she said. “I have not shredded the curtains, or scratched the furniture.”
“No, I reckon you’re saving your claws for me,” he said.
- “I am a patroness of a charitable establishment for women. Her ladyship was so generous as to allow me to take half the discards for my girls.”
“Your girls,” he said. “You—you’re a philanthropist?” He laughed.
She longed to throw something at him. A chair. Herself.
- “You’ll make me run mad,” he said. “Everywhere I turn, there you are.”
“That’s monstrous unfair! Everywhere I go, there is your great carcass!”
- “You must let go,” she said. Her voice was thick.
He tightened his hold, his arms like iron bands.
“You must let go,” she said.
“Wait,” he said. “Wait.”
She felt him tense. “We can’t leave it like this,” he said.
“We shouldn’t have begun it.”
“Too late for that.”
February 20, 2012
Loretta Chase’s historicals never disappoint. Silk Is For Seduction is the first in a new series and features a heroine who is a refreshingly hard-headed businesswoman and the hero who simply can’t resist her amoral charms.
May 14, 2018
I finally got around to this one...
I'm going to sound like a complete snob, but, I can't help but agree that the classes shouldn't mix...in my historical romance reads. I LOVE Loretta Chase and have enjoyed reading some of her previous stories. When I read the blurb for this one, I wasn't sure she would be able to convince me that a Duke could happily marry a Dressmaker and keep his place in society. Well, I guess it comes down to love because love breaks all the rules.
In the end, I enjoyed Silk Is for Seduction. It wasn't my favourite by Loretta Chase but it was still bloody good. I guess the main problem for me is that Clevedon is a bit of a douchewaffle. He's out galivanting in France while his intended (not the heroine) waits patiently back in England as he sows his wild oats. Nice!!
The narrator does a fabulous job and has a beautiful French accent that was very easy to listen to. I've come to realise listening to a foreign language in a storyline poses a wee bit of a problem over reading. I can't hold my finger over the word and look for a translation. The chances of me getting the correct spelling of a word spoken in another language are pretty much nil. It was pleasant to hear but I had no idea what they were saying.
I enjoyed listening to Silks is for Seduction and I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series...and try and tuck away my snobby attitude.
I'm going to sound like a complete snob, but, I can't help but agree that the classes shouldn't mix...in my historical romance reads. I LOVE Loretta Chase and have enjoyed reading some of her previous stories. When I read the blurb for this one, I wasn't sure she would be able to convince me that a Duke could happily marry a Dressmaker and keep his place in society. Well, I guess it comes down to love because love breaks all the rules.
In the end, I enjoyed Silk Is for Seduction. It wasn't my favourite by Loretta Chase but it was still bloody good. I guess the main problem for me is that Clevedon is a bit of a douchewaffle. He's out galivanting in France while his intended (not the heroine) waits patiently back in England as he sows his wild oats. Nice!!
The narrator does a fabulous job and has a beautiful French accent that was very easy to listen to. I've come to realise listening to a foreign language in a storyline poses a wee bit of a problem over reading. I can't hold my finger over the word and look for a translation. The chances of me getting the correct spelling of a word spoken in another language are pretty much nil. It was pleasant to hear but I had no idea what they were saying.
I enjoyed listening to Silks is for Seduction and I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series...and try and tuck away my snobby attitude.
March 20, 2024
4.5/5 This is very close to five stars I just think it was a liiiiiitle long in the last third of the book. And since I have a five star in this series to compare it to!
October 22, 2016
This improved as it went along, but we did not start out friends, this book and I. And I've thought on it and I cannot give it more than 3 stars.
It's Chase so it's nicely written and feels sort of historically appropriate (a Duke marrying a dressmaker is far fetched and there's no way the heroines rep wouldn't be ruined by the way she behaves in this book). There are some lovely descriptions of clothes, which, frankly, there should be if you're going to take on dress-making as a subject. Sex was good too.
I liked the characterization of the hero. It was nice to have his idleness and his apathy highlighted by the heroine (who is very far from either of those things) and nice to see him grow as a result of his feelings for her. That said, there were too many elements to him, really. Dead mother in a tragic accident - nothing too much came of that. And a prior engagement to a girl he plainly only loved as a sister which lingered for way too long.
The heroine was more inconsistent. All about the business and her family but then she risks everything, absolutely everything, in her affair with the hero. And that's where we come on to my big gripe: plot and motivation.
The heroine wants to snare the hero's fiancée as a client. So she absolutely cannot be seen to be a romantic rival for her. What well bred woman is going to have her clothes made by the vixen ensnaring the husbands/fiancées/beaux of her clientele? None of them. So what does she do? She flirts with him. She takes his cravat pin and exchanges it for one of her pins. She kisses him in the middle of an argument (this was a particularly irritating moment for me). She goes with him, unaccompanied, to a massive society ball. She lets him into her shop and sleeps with him. She stays with him in his house and she accepts a bunch of money from him (even if it is a loan).
This was a bit too much for me. Badly plotted given what Chase wants us to believe about the heroine's motivations and her character. Particularly bad in Paris, which is the start of the book, hence my visceral dislike of it in those early stages. And it soured me on the relationship. It got better as it went on and their behaviour made (a bit) more sense in the context of how his fiancée reacted. But still, brings the rating down.
I will pick up the rest in the series though, because Chase has some stellar writing chops and she's entertaining.
It's Chase so it's nicely written and feels sort of historically appropriate (a Duke marrying a dressmaker is far fetched and there's no way the heroines rep wouldn't be ruined by the way she behaves in this book). There are some lovely descriptions of clothes, which, frankly, there should be if you're going to take on dress-making as a subject. Sex was good too.
I liked the characterization of the hero. It was nice to have his idleness and his apathy highlighted by the heroine (who is very far from either of those things) and nice to see him grow as a result of his feelings for her. That said, there were too many elements to him, really. Dead mother in a tragic accident - nothing too much came of that. And a prior engagement to a girl he plainly only loved as a sister which lingered for way too long.
The heroine was more inconsistent. All about the business and her family but then she risks everything, absolutely everything, in her affair with the hero. And that's where we come on to my big gripe: plot and motivation.
The heroine wants to snare the hero's fiancée as a client. So she absolutely cannot be seen to be a romantic rival for her. What well bred woman is going to have her clothes made by the vixen ensnaring the husbands/fiancées/beaux of her clientele? None of them. So what does she do? She flirts with him. She takes his cravat pin and exchanges it for one of her pins. She kisses him in the middle of an argument (this was a particularly irritating moment for me). She goes with him, unaccompanied, to a massive society ball. She lets him into her shop and sleeps with him. She stays with him in his house and she accepts a bunch of money from him (even if it is a loan).
This was a bit too much for me. Badly plotted given what Chase wants us to believe about the heroine's motivations and her character. Particularly bad in Paris, which is the start of the book, hence my visceral dislike of it in those early stages. And it soured me on the relationship. It got better as it went on and their behaviour made (a bit) more sense in the context of how his fiancée reacted. But still, brings the rating down.
I will pick up the rest in the series though, because Chase has some stellar writing chops and she's entertaining.
April 29, 2021
I don’t know where I’ve been that I’m just discovering Loretta Chase but I’m enamoured!
February 28, 2018
He disfrutado mucho con este libro. Me ha sorprendido en varias cosillas. Y en otras no.
No voy a decir nada sobre que una costurera se case con un Duque. Está claro que es muy fantasioso, pero a mi me ha gustado.
Lo que más me ha gustado son las hermanas. Todas ellas. Y por supuesto Clara, que estoy desando llegar a su libro. Que es el motivo por el cual he empezado a leer esta serie.
Ahora bien, Clevedon en algunas cosas me han dado muchas ganas de darle de tortas. Tenía unas cosas que no me han gustado. Pero bueno, en general lo ha sabido solventar.
En cuanto a ella, me ha gustado mucho. Todo en ella me ha parecido coherente. Sus pensamientos, sus acciones, las miradas. Todo.
Y me ha encantado la hija de ella.
No voy a decir nada sobre que una costurera se case con un Duque. Está claro que es muy fantasioso, pero a mi me ha gustado.
Lo que más me ha gustado son las hermanas. Todas ellas. Y por supuesto Clara, que estoy desando llegar a su libro. Que es el motivo por el cual he empezado a leer esta serie.
Ahora bien, Clevedon en algunas cosas me han dado muchas ganas de darle de tortas. Tenía unas cosas que no me han gustado. Pero bueno, en general lo ha sabido solventar.
En cuanto a ella, me ha gustado mucho. Todo en ella me ha parecido coherente. Sus pensamientos, sus acciones, las miradas. Todo.
Y me ha encantado la hija de ella.
June 15, 2012
This tool toting, fishing rod slinging, maintenance man is going 4.5 on his first historical romance novel recommended by Dija about a dress maker and a Duke??? Although I’m not sure how much historical romance I will be delving into in the future I don’t think I could have had a better introduction to the Genre. After some discussions on what to expect in this Genre I found myself pleasantly sucked into this story from the start. I started under the radar in case I didn’t like it. When I put it down I was already at 20% in what seemed like a blink of the eye. Chase is an amazing author that wove just about every emotion into this novel.
Marcelline is one of three sisters and the mother of one very spunky going to rule the world one day little girl. The sisters run a dress shop with the goal to be the best in London. They already make a superior quality of product now they just need to get the high-nosed ladies of London to look down to see it. The sisters are a well oiled machine each specializing in dress making and human manipulation. The human manipulation part is usually done as a team with each of them complementing each other. Marcelline devises a plan to create the wedding dress for Lady Clara who has been destined to marry Duke Clevedon from birth. This should put them on the map and seal there future.
There’s the triangle and my friends know what I think about them. Somehow this story unravels and not only never bothers me but the ensuing romance catches me off guard. Clevedon is a slut so I usually wouldn’t be pulling for him but I did almost immediately. Marcelline is a hard working, smart, ambitious, family first beauty but found myself irritated by her business first attitude. ( I believe the writer meant it to be that way. I only mention it because I am usually pulling for my girl from the start and concede defeat to the Hero later. It was the other way around and caught me off guard.)
The story cruises along at a very nice pace. There are not many peaks but I can say there were no valley’s for me. The story itself was simple compared to the PNR, UF and Fantasy that is my normal Genre. That said, I was into the story very quickly and once into it I never lost interest.
The lack of the 5th star has more to do with the Genre than the story and I’m writing this at 2:30 on a break and might just toss that 5th star on after further consideration. Either way it was definitely a 4.5 which completely exceeded my expectations for this Genre.
I probably won’t be filling my shelves with historical romance but if the next book is a continuation of this story I WILL be reading it.
Marcelline is one of three sisters and the mother of one very spunky going to rule the world one day little girl. The sisters run a dress shop with the goal to be the best in London. They already make a superior quality of product now they just need to get the high-nosed ladies of London to look down to see it. The sisters are a well oiled machine each specializing in dress making and human manipulation. The human manipulation part is usually done as a team with each of them complementing each other. Marcelline devises a plan to create the wedding dress for Lady Clara who has been destined to marry Duke Clevedon from birth. This should put them on the map and seal there future.
There’s the triangle and my friends know what I think about them. Somehow this story unravels and not only never bothers me but the ensuing romance catches me off guard. Clevedon is a slut so I usually wouldn’t be pulling for him but I did almost immediately. Marcelline is a hard working, smart, ambitious, family first beauty but found myself irritated by her business first attitude. ( I believe the writer meant it to be that way. I only mention it because I am usually pulling for my girl from the start and concede defeat to the Hero later. It was the other way around and caught me off guard.)
The story cruises along at a very nice pace. There are not many peaks but I can say there were no valley’s for me. The story itself was simple compared to the PNR, UF and Fantasy that is my normal Genre. That said, I was into the story very quickly and once into it I never lost interest.
The lack of the 5th star has more to do with the Genre than the story and I’m writing this at 2:30 on a break and might just toss that 5th star on after further consideration. Either way it was definitely a 4.5 which completely exceeded my expectations for this Genre.
I probably won’t be filling my shelves with historical romance but if the next book is a continuation of this story I WILL be reading it.
June 6, 2019
Nuestra reseña del #RitaChase en A la cama con... un libro
Pues me lo he acabado pasando estupendamente!
Pues me lo he acabado pasando estupendamente!
August 26, 2016
Silk is for Seduction
3 Stars
Determined to solidify her position as London's most gifted and creative dressmaker, Marcelline Noirot sets her sights on designing the wedding trousseau of the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride. All she has to do is convince the duke, which is no easy task given both his reluctance to marry as well as his penchant for seducing beautiful women. When the two meet, however, sparks fly and Marcelline realizes that her ambition might just be her downfall.
Not the strongest beginning to a series. The basic premise requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief; the details on the characters backgrounds are too slow in coming and the romance is bland.
Marcelline's wit and intelligence are very engaging, and her honesty with regard to her intentions thankfully prevents the annoying keeping secrets and silly misunderstanding tropes. Nevertheless, she also comes across as self-aggrandizing and materialistic, and her relationship with Clevedon is problematic. He is pompous, self-absorbed and superficial, and the undercurrents of cheating in their romance is a turn off.
The secondary characters are far more appealing and the hints at a love/hate connection between Longmore and Sophy are intriguing. Lucie is also a sweetheart and the scenes with her shenanigans are some of the best in the book. The "industrial espionage" subplot adds an extra element of suspense and tension that is quite enjoyable.
All in all, the characters are not all that likable, but Chase's writing style is entertaining and the premise for the next book is compelling enough to continue.
3 Stars
Determined to solidify her position as London's most gifted and creative dressmaker, Marcelline Noirot sets her sights on designing the wedding trousseau of the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride. All she has to do is convince the duke, which is no easy task given both his reluctance to marry as well as his penchant for seducing beautiful women. When the two meet, however, sparks fly and Marcelline realizes that her ambition might just be her downfall.
Not the strongest beginning to a series. The basic premise requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief; the details on the characters backgrounds are too slow in coming and the romance is bland.
Marcelline's wit and intelligence are very engaging, and her honesty with regard to her intentions thankfully prevents the annoying keeping secrets and silly misunderstanding tropes. Nevertheless, she also comes across as self-aggrandizing and materialistic, and her relationship with Clevedon is problematic. He is pompous, self-absorbed and superficial, and the undercurrents of cheating in their romance is a turn off.
The secondary characters are far more appealing and the hints at a love/hate connection between Longmore and Sophy are intriguing. Lucie is also a sweetheart and the scenes with her shenanigans are some of the best in the book. The "industrial espionage" subplot adds an extra element of suspense and tension that is quite enjoyable.
All in all, the characters are not all that likable, but Chase's writing style is entertaining and the premise for the next book is compelling enough to continue.
June 20, 2020
If you like Lord of Scoundrels, these two characters are cousins under the skin. The heroine is a charming, conniving scoundrel of a character that wants the Duke...for his fiancee. She wants to clothe the next Duchess as it will cement her and her sister's modiste shop.
The H is a Duke and doesn't understand why as a Duke he can't get just what he wants when he wants it. He wants the tempting and mercurial heroine not the girl he is engaged to be engaged to and loves like a sister.
It was good but fell a little flat for me for some reason. Scandal Wears Satin is already promising to be much funnier and wittier. Can't wait to see what happens with the previous dumped fiancee's social climbing mother.
The H is a Duke and doesn't understand why as a Duke he can't get just what he wants when he wants it. He wants the tempting and mercurial heroine not the girl he is engaged to be engaged to and loves like a sister.
It was good but fell a little flat for me for some reason. Scandal Wears Satin is already promising to be much funnier and wittier. Can't wait to see what happens with the previous dumped fiancee's social climbing mother.
December 17, 2021
Marcelline and Gervaise (Duke of Clevedon). Heroine is descendent from the dreadful DeLucy's. This side of the family known to be beautiful, charming, and not above lying and cheating to get their way. Let the games begin. Loved this one.
Reread December 2021 Love! Lots of fashion in this one. The hero is sort of betrothed to Clara at a young age and Clara is such a sweetie. However, it is clear to the reader long before Clara and Gervaise figure out that they loved each other like siblings. It is unique that the Noirot's and Delucy's have such vibrant backgrounds. Marcelline is an unique heroine. She employs many of the traits of her family. The family is not above manipulating, forgery, charming to get what they want. I adore that Clevedon fell just as hard in love with her daughter.
Reread December 2021 Love! Lots of fashion in this one. The hero is sort of betrothed to Clara at a young age and Clara is such a sweetie. However, it is clear to the reader long before Clara and Gervaise figure out that they loved each other like siblings. It is unique that the Noirot's and Delucy's have such vibrant backgrounds. Marcelline is an unique heroine. She employs many of the traits of her family. The family is not above manipulating, forgery, charming to get what they want. I adore that Clevedon fell just as hard in love with her daughter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2022
Pues así sin buscarlo, cómo de lectura entre lecturas, esperando alguna de las novedades de este mes, me he encontrado con una joya de la histórica, de esas que leía yo antes y que creía que ya no iba a encontrar pues eso, menudos personajes, menudos diálogos, situaciones un poco fuera de lo de siempre y muy bien, me ha encantado. Voy a por el libro de Sophy que me parece que de la serie son los dos únicos que están traducidos, este primero y el segundo y ahí quedó la traducción eso es lo que me da coraje
August 11, 2016
I've given this an A+ for narration and B+ for story at AAR, which I suppose technically makes it 5 stars. I'll go with that, because the performance is utterly superb.
Kate Reading’s narration of Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrelsis an audio triumph, an absolutely perfect meshing of one of the best historical romances with a nuanced and note-perfect performance by a highly talented narrator. Naturally, seeing that Ms. Reading had been engaged to narrate the audiobook versions of Ms. Chase’s latest Dressmakers series was reason to celebrate; although let’s face it, Lord of Scoundrels is bound to be a tough act to follow.
Ms. Reading has absolutely fulfilled – if not exceeded – expectations with yet another extremely enjoyable and accomplished performance, although I have to say that I don’t think Silk is for Seduction is as strong a novel as Lord of Scoundrels. It does, however, contain some of Loretta Chase’s hallmarks: an independent-minded, strong-willed heroine, an aristocratic, alpha-hero who is able to match her in intelligence and equal her in stubbornness, a lot of dry wit and sharp-tongued banter, and sexual tension you could cut with a knife.
Marcelline Noirot and her two sisters run a successful dressmaking business in London and are determined to become the MOST successful dressmaking business in London by increasing their roster of high-ranking clientele. Marcelline knows that if she can acquire the soon-to-be Duchess of Clevedon as a client, Noirot’s will eclipse all its competitors, and with that aim, she travels to Paris to ensnare not the lady, but her fiancé. After all, once married, it is he who will be paying the bills.
The Duke of Clevedon embarked on a Grand Tour three years ago but remained in Paris at its end, instead of returning home to England. There, he spends most of his time carousing with his friends and bedding beautiful women. Despite the latter, he has an “understanding” with his best friend’s sister, Lady Clara Fairfax, whom he has known since childhood. He genuinely plans to marry her, just - not yet.
Marcelline is both devious and relentless in her pursuit of Clevedon. She makes it very clear to him early on that she is seeking him out for the size of his wallet rather than the size of any of his other appendages. Despite not being a conventional beauty, she is a woman who oozes self-confidence and sex-appeal, who knows full well the effect that can be achieved by good carriage and the relatively simple matter of wearing the right, beautifully made clothes. Clevedon is well-and-truly hooked from the first moment he lays eyes on her.
Yet Marcelline finds it difficult to maintain her imperturbable exterior and her focus. Having seen Cleveden very occasionally in the past, she’s aware he’s an attractive man, but up close, he’s drop-dead gorgeous, matches her barb for barb, and she senses in him a kindred spirit.
For the first time in years, she finds herself in lust and in danger of allowing it to distract her. She has bitten off more than she can chew. Cleveden continues to make his presence felt in Marcelline’s life and against her will and her better judgement, she finds herself coming to depend on him.
It’s difficult to make a sympathetic hero of a man who spends ninety percent of a book planning to marry (and insisting that he loves) a woman other than the heroine. But even so, for the most part, he is an attractive hero – sexy, witty and self-assured. Fortunately, the true nature of Clevedon’s feelings for Lady Clara is apparent to the listener and to Lady Clara long before it is to the man himself, which helps to redeem him somewhat. He is, however, often in danger of being overshadowed as a character by Marcelline who is utterly compelling, even if, at first, she is difficult to like.
She’s tough, ruthless, manipulative, mercenary, and single-mindedly focused on her goal of expanding her business, all qualities which are undoubtedly necessary in order to become and remain successful in a competitive field. She is also devoted to her two younger sisters, who help her to run the business, and Lucie, her six-year-old daughter who is quite a handful! She can seem cold, but as we get to know her better, we begin to peek beneath the façade to see a woman required to be strong and forceful most of her life to assure that her dependents are provided for. Despite the fact that she loves her occupation and excels at it, she would nonetheless like someone to lean on occasionally.
At first, I did wonder what – other than his beautiful face and fit body – Marcelline actually saw in Cleveden. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – we are all susceptible to a pretty face, after all! And then I realised that Ms. Chase was allowing the listener to become acquainted with him at the same pace as Marcelline. At first, she’s stunned by his looks and the sheer masculine physicality of him. As she gets to know him better, she is alternately seduced and repelled by his arrogance and then falls utterly in love with the man he never allows anyone to see – the one who understands the needs of a traumatized little girl and her mother’s need for a real home.
The story as a whole is complex and I’ve barely touched the surface here. I especially enjoyed the portrait Ms. Chase paints of what it takes for a woman to be successful in business, emphasizing the importance of reputation and successfully controlling the direction of society gossip when possible. The writing is excellent, full of beautiful, sensual prose and sharp, witty banter. The air between the protagonists fairly sizzles every time they are together. The supporting characters are all well drawn, the romance is skilfully developed, and the characterisations (Marcelline, in particular) are superb.
Kate Reading’s performance is simply outstanding. Her breadth of range in terms of pitch and timbre is impressive and is used to great effect across the wide variety of characters who people the story, from little Lucie to a scheming competitor. Her portrayal of Marcelline is superbly nuanced, as befits a character of such complexity, and Clevedon is given a beautiful, deep huskiness which suits him perfectly. Ms. Reading handles the quick-fire dialogue between the two principals very well, having a wonderfully deadpan style of delivery for Clevedon and a similarly poker-faced style for Marcelline with just a hint of suggestiveness beneath. Her natural, contralto voice is very pleasing to the ear and her narration is clear and well-paced.
I’m eagerly looking forward to listening to the other books in the Dressmakers series.
Kate Reading’s narration of Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrelsis an audio triumph, an absolutely perfect meshing of one of the best historical romances with a nuanced and note-perfect performance by a highly talented narrator. Naturally, seeing that Ms. Reading had been engaged to narrate the audiobook versions of Ms. Chase’s latest Dressmakers series was reason to celebrate; although let’s face it, Lord of Scoundrels is bound to be a tough act to follow.
Ms. Reading has absolutely fulfilled – if not exceeded – expectations with yet another extremely enjoyable and accomplished performance, although I have to say that I don’t think Silk is for Seduction is as strong a novel as Lord of Scoundrels. It does, however, contain some of Loretta Chase’s hallmarks: an independent-minded, strong-willed heroine, an aristocratic, alpha-hero who is able to match her in intelligence and equal her in stubbornness, a lot of dry wit and sharp-tongued banter, and sexual tension you could cut with a knife.
Marcelline Noirot and her two sisters run a successful dressmaking business in London and are determined to become the MOST successful dressmaking business in London by increasing their roster of high-ranking clientele. Marcelline knows that if she can acquire the soon-to-be Duchess of Clevedon as a client, Noirot’s will eclipse all its competitors, and with that aim, she travels to Paris to ensnare not the lady, but her fiancé. After all, once married, it is he who will be paying the bills.
The Duke of Clevedon embarked on a Grand Tour three years ago but remained in Paris at its end, instead of returning home to England. There, he spends most of his time carousing with his friends and bedding beautiful women. Despite the latter, he has an “understanding” with his best friend’s sister, Lady Clara Fairfax, whom he has known since childhood. He genuinely plans to marry her, just - not yet.
Marcelline is both devious and relentless in her pursuit of Clevedon. She makes it very clear to him early on that she is seeking him out for the size of his wallet rather than the size of any of his other appendages. Despite not being a conventional beauty, she is a woman who oozes self-confidence and sex-appeal, who knows full well the effect that can be achieved by good carriage and the relatively simple matter of wearing the right, beautifully made clothes. Clevedon is well-and-truly hooked from the first moment he lays eyes on her.
Yet Marcelline finds it difficult to maintain her imperturbable exterior and her focus. Having seen Cleveden very occasionally in the past, she’s aware he’s an attractive man, but up close, he’s drop-dead gorgeous, matches her barb for barb, and she senses in him a kindred spirit.
"He was a predator. So was she."
For the first time in years, she finds herself in lust and in danger of allowing it to distract her. She has bitten off more than she can chew. Cleveden continues to make his presence felt in Marcelline’s life and against her will and her better judgement, she finds herself coming to depend on him.
It’s difficult to make a sympathetic hero of a man who spends ninety percent of a book planning to marry (and insisting that he loves) a woman other than the heroine. But even so, for the most part, he is an attractive hero – sexy, witty and self-assured. Fortunately, the true nature of Clevedon’s feelings for Lady Clara is apparent to the listener and to Lady Clara long before it is to the man himself, which helps to redeem him somewhat. He is, however, often in danger of being overshadowed as a character by Marcelline who is utterly compelling, even if, at first, she is difficult to like.
She’s tough, ruthless, manipulative, mercenary, and single-mindedly focused on her goal of expanding her business, all qualities which are undoubtedly necessary in order to become and remain successful in a competitive field. She is also devoted to her two younger sisters, who help her to run the business, and Lucie, her six-year-old daughter who is quite a handful! She can seem cold, but as we get to know her better, we begin to peek beneath the façade to see a woman required to be strong and forceful most of her life to assure that her dependents are provided for. Despite the fact that she loves her occupation and excels at it, she would nonetheless like someone to lean on occasionally.
At first, I did wonder what – other than his beautiful face and fit body – Marcelline actually saw in Cleveden. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – we are all susceptible to a pretty face, after all! And then I realised that Ms. Chase was allowing the listener to become acquainted with him at the same pace as Marcelline. At first, she’s stunned by his looks and the sheer masculine physicality of him. As she gets to know him better, she is alternately seduced and repelled by his arrogance and then falls utterly in love with the man he never allows anyone to see – the one who understands the needs of a traumatized little girl and her mother’s need for a real home.
The story as a whole is complex and I’ve barely touched the surface here. I especially enjoyed the portrait Ms. Chase paints of what it takes for a woman to be successful in business, emphasizing the importance of reputation and successfully controlling the direction of society gossip when possible. The writing is excellent, full of beautiful, sensual prose and sharp, witty banter. The air between the protagonists fairly sizzles every time they are together. The supporting characters are all well drawn, the romance is skilfully developed, and the characterisations (Marcelline, in particular) are superb.
Kate Reading’s performance is simply outstanding. Her breadth of range in terms of pitch and timbre is impressive and is used to great effect across the wide variety of characters who people the story, from little Lucie to a scheming competitor. Her portrayal of Marcelline is superbly nuanced, as befits a character of such complexity, and Clevedon is given a beautiful, deep huskiness which suits him perfectly. Ms. Reading handles the quick-fire dialogue between the two principals very well, having a wonderfully deadpan style of delivery for Clevedon and a similarly poker-faced style for Marcelline with just a hint of suggestiveness beneath. Her natural, contralto voice is very pleasing to the ear and her narration is clear and well-paced.
I’m eagerly looking forward to listening to the other books in the Dressmakers series.
May 21, 2019
Me gustó y disfrute esta historia, tiene buenos diálogos, te mantiene leyendo con una gran sonrisa y el romance entre ellos me ha encantado, desde el inicio se nota la gran química que hay entre los protagonistas, Marcelline es la heroína atípica ambiciosa, calculadora, independiente además muy inteligente y luchadora, un punto a su favor es que desde el inicio fue honesta al decir las cosas tal cual las quería y que era lo que perseguía, el Duque Clevedon es otro personaje que gusta desde el inicio, luego están todos los secundarios que son muy buenos aportan mucho a la historia, sobre todo te enamoras de Lucie (Enroll) como le gusta que la llamen, una manipuladora por herencia, pero que encanta.
November 14, 2011
I love capable heroines and Chase is great at writing just that. She has the talent to have the heroine come out on top and coolly confound the hero at every turn, without making him seem like a dolt. He’s just…flummoxed by her. I love a good flummox. ;)
Chase takes this story in a rarely seen direction and casts the heroine as a dressmaker. I’m used to seeing class differences in HR, but I can’t say that I’ve seen many like this. Not only is the heroine a dressmaker, she’s “the greatest modiste in the world.” (Probably that would be funnier if you had already read the book.) You can tell that the author has done her research on dressmaking in that period. Marcelline’s business caught my attention just as much as her stunning personality. She had a shrewd mind and a flair for her job that made it a joy to watch her work. What other dressmaker would ever embark on such a scheme to snare the business of the duke’s future duchess?
I laughed so much while reading this book. I always do when I read a Chase. She has an incredibly engaging, wry writing style that draws the reader in. Even the serious scenes pop because they’re delivered with such flair. Clevedon and Marcelline were awesome together. Neither of them were actively pursuing each other—just the opposite, in fact!—but somehow they kept circling back around until they were together again.
How can you resist such a couple? They’re so much fun together!
I loved how Marcelline and Clevedon were developed. She was the more practical, ruthless of the two. He had lived an easier, charmed life and originally had a hard time understanding her fixation with her business. He was kept constantly off balance, uncertain whether or not her interest in him was his due solely to his future wife’s possible patronage. He couldn’t imagine that he could be so intrigued while she could remain aloof. Of course, he worried for nothing, but Marcelline was a smart business woman and knew that her reputation as a dressmaker couldn’t afford the blow of being a rumored “husband stealer.”
I was a little nervous about being able to enjoy their developing romance while Clevedon took steps to marry another woman. But it ended up being beautifully laid out with no easy outs given. You could clearly see what was going on—everyone could see it, even the intended wife, Clara. I loved that Clevedon stubbornly tried to stay in denial about what he was doing, only to be stripped bare of his excuses by Marcelline. She was nothing if not bluntly honest about what they were doing and who it would hurt, even when it didn’t cast her in a very good light. Clara grew as a person and it was easy to see how she could go on to be friends of Clevedon and Marcelline. I really liked that she wasn’t demonized and that the situation developed in a way that felt natural.
Whenever there’s a class difference between protagonists I take special note of whether or not the author addresses the scandal and the future hardships they might face. If it’s ignored I have a hard time accepting the HEA. I want to know that the characters know what they’re getting into and that they’re choosing love anyway. I loved how it was handled here. Marcelline was so ruthlessly practical that she brought up every concern I had. I knew that whatever happened, they knew what they were getting into, and they were ready to face it together. And I have no doubts that these two could face anything as long as they were together. *sigh*
Favorite Quote:
Chase takes this story in a rarely seen direction and casts the heroine as a dressmaker. I’m used to seeing class differences in HR, but I can’t say that I’ve seen many like this. Not only is the heroine a dressmaker, she’s “the greatest modiste in the world.” (Probably that would be funnier if you had already read the book.) You can tell that the author has done her research on dressmaking in that period. Marcelline’s business caught my attention just as much as her stunning personality. She had a shrewd mind and a flair for her job that made it a joy to watch her work. What other dressmaker would ever embark on such a scheme to snare the business of the duke’s future duchess?
I laughed so much while reading this book. I always do when I read a Chase. She has an incredibly engaging, wry writing style that draws the reader in. Even the serious scenes pop because they’re delivered with such flair. Clevedon and Marcelline were awesome together. Neither of them were actively pursuing each other—just the opposite, in fact!—but somehow they kept circling back around until they were together again.
”Stop taking care of me!”
He turned back to look at her. “Stop being childish,” he said. “Are you afraid I’ll ply you with food in order to seduce you? Think again. Have you looked in a mirror lately? And may I remind you that I was the one holding your head while you were sick last night. Not exactly the most arousing sight I’ve ever seen. In fact, I can’t remember what I ever saw in you. I only want to feed you so you’ll be well and get out of my cabin and out of my life.”
“I want to be out of your life, too,” she said.
“Right,” he said. “Until it’s time to pay my duchess’s dressmaking bills.”
“Yes,” she said. “Exactly.”
“Good,” he said. “That suits me very well.”
He went to the door, opened it, went out, and slammed it behind him.
How can you resist such a couple? They’re so much fun together!
I loved how Marcelline and Clevedon were developed. She was the more practical, ruthless of the two. He had lived an easier, charmed life and originally had a hard time understanding her fixation with her business. He was kept constantly off balance, uncertain whether or not her interest in him was his due solely to his future wife’s possible patronage. He couldn’t imagine that he could be so intrigued while she could remain aloof. Of course, he worried for nothing, but Marcelline was a smart business woman and knew that her reputation as a dressmaker couldn’t afford the blow of being a rumored “husband stealer.”
I was a little nervous about being able to enjoy their developing romance while Clevedon took steps to marry another woman. But it ended up being beautifully laid out with no easy outs given. You could clearly see what was going on—everyone could see it, even the intended wife, Clara. I loved that Clevedon stubbornly tried to stay in denial about what he was doing, only to be stripped bare of his excuses by Marcelline. She was nothing if not bluntly honest about what they were doing and who it would hurt, even when it didn’t cast her in a very good light. Clara grew as a person and it was easy to see how she could go on to be friends of Clevedon and Marcelline. I really liked that she wasn’t demonized and that the situation developed in a way that felt natural.
Whenever there’s a class difference between protagonists I take special note of whether or not the author addresses the scandal and the future hardships they might face. If it’s ignored I have a hard time accepting the HEA. I want to know that the characters know what they’re getting into and that they’re choosing love anyway. I loved how it was handled here. Marcelline was so ruthlessly practical that she brought up every concern I had. I knew that whatever happened, they knew what they were getting into, and they were ready to face it together. And I have no doubts that these two could face anything as long as they were together. *sigh*
Favorite Quote:
“Surprise?” she said. “There’s an understatement. Have you taken leave of your senses?”
Yes.
“I was worried about you,” he said. “When you left Paris so suddenly, I thought a catastrophe had occurred. Or a murder. Have you murdered anybody, by the way? Not that I would dream of criticizing, but—“
“I left Paris to get away from you,” she said.
“Well, that didn’t work.”
April 9, 2016
What a strong start to a new romance series! I was drawn in utterly from the start and simply enjoyed the ride all the way through. This book isn't at all typical of my usual period romances. It's set a couple decades past my usual Regency preference and that left a bit cutoff in terms of politics and fashion. And the heroine is living a very bourgeois life as a dressmaker in London. Chase parcels the reveals of her background over time, but we know from the start that Marcelline straddles two worlds, moving freely among the upper classes, at least in manner and culture.
This dynamic held me fascinated even before you get to her courage, determination, and wit. What might have been coldly calculating I took for protective and driven. Being able to do that is key to enjoying the book because Marcelline openly manipulates the people around her with clever ruses and distractions and cultural subversion. Her situation is desperate enough to excuse those actions, but even more so her chosen avocation of elevating her clients through fashion and style and taste. This is particularly engaging as she manipulates Clevedon's fiancé Clara into her charge. Her genuine concern for Clara and her ability to elevate Clara through innovative fashion was a delight and seeing their friendship while knowing the course set out for them should make the rivals was fascinating.
And Clevedon was nearly as engaging. He starts out pretty selfish but with a core of honor and strength. His pursuit of Marcelline could easily have been devastating to them both (and nearly is a few times) and seeing him learn and grow as his perceptions are widened beyond his own wants and needs was a good deal of fun. And his final was deeply endearing and a lovely emotional capstone for his character arc. He has as emotionally wrought a journey to undertake as Marcelline does and seeing them bounce off each other as they grew in emotional understanding and love kept me glued to the book deep into the night.
The other elements of the story were equally well-crafted, but not as engaging for me as these two characters were together. The plot is solid, the pace fantastic, and the surrounding characters felt alive and vivid in their own rights. Add a good deal of delicious wit and you have a clear winner. I can't wait to pick up the next and only hope it's anywhere near as good as this one.
A note about Steamy: there are three explicit sex scenes, though two aren't terribly long. They, too, served to highlight the emotional journey of the two in ways I deeply appreciated.
This dynamic held me fascinated even before you get to her courage, determination, and wit. What might have been coldly calculating I took for protective and driven. Being able to do that is key to enjoying the book because Marcelline openly manipulates the people around her with clever ruses and distractions and cultural subversion. Her situation is desperate enough to excuse those actions, but even more so her chosen avocation of elevating her clients through fashion and style and taste. This is particularly engaging as she manipulates Clevedon's fiancé Clara into her charge. Her genuine concern for Clara and her ability to elevate Clara through innovative fashion was a delight and seeing their friendship while knowing the course set out for them should make the rivals was fascinating.
And Clevedon was nearly as engaging. He starts out pretty selfish but with a core of honor and strength. His pursuit of Marcelline could easily have been devastating to them both (and nearly is a few times) and seeing him learn and grow as his perceptions are widened beyond his own wants and needs was a good deal of fun. And his final was deeply endearing and a lovely emotional capstone for his character arc. He has as emotionally wrought a journey to undertake as Marcelline does and seeing them bounce off each other as they grew in emotional understanding and love kept me glued to the book deep into the night.
The other elements of the story were equally well-crafted, but not as engaging for me as these two characters were together. The plot is solid, the pace fantastic, and the surrounding characters felt alive and vivid in their own rights. Add a good deal of delicious wit and you have a clear winner. I can't wait to pick up the next and only hope it's anywhere near as good as this one.
A note about Steamy: there are three explicit sex scenes, though two aren't terribly long. They, too, served to highlight the emotional journey of the two in ways I deeply appreciated.
October 15, 2016
I read this last year. Goodreads Gremlins unrated it once again!!
January 22, 2024
A reread (on audio). The first Loretta Chase I ever read—the one that put her into my top 3 romance authors forever and always.
July 3, 2011
When the book arrived I was somewhat reassured by its size. I loved the characters and dialogue in LC´s previous book but it was flimsy and with some threads left hanging. This is quite a bit longer, and much more "finished". Though still going on pre-judging by appearances, I hate the cover. It is a particularly horrible dress to put in the cover of a book about a stylish modiste. Oh well.
This book reminded me a lot of Lord Perfect, though a bit simpler, with some common elements. Namely a very cute dreadful DeLucey child (the daughter of the heroine); a socially inconvenient heroine and an adorably proper hero. I loved the betrayed almost-fiancée. But the plot seemed to me, fundamentally stupid on its central premise (come on girl ), and the resolution also somewhat unlikely.
I think this is set up to be a series about the three sisters and (I bet) on good time Lucie. We get hints that there will be a story about one of the heroine´s sisters and the hero´s friend (and brother of his almost-to-be fiancée). Maybe it is just me being contrary but I found the 2 sisters almost interchangeable and not that interesting; what I really want is the story about the almost-fiancée.
This book reminded me a lot of Lord Perfect, though a bit simpler, with some common elements. Namely a very cute dreadful DeLucey child (the daughter of the heroine); a socially inconvenient heroine and an adorably proper hero. I loved the betrayed almost-fiancée. But the plot seemed to me, fundamentally stupid on its central premise (come on girl ), and the resolution also somewhat unlikely.
I think this is set up to be a series about the three sisters and (I bet) on good time Lucie. We get hints that there will be a story about one of the heroine´s sisters and the hero´s friend (and brother of his almost-to-be fiancée). Maybe it is just me being contrary but I found the 2 sisters almost interchangeable and not that interesting; what I really want is the story about the almost-fiancée.
July 8, 2020
Este es el primer libro que leo de la autora y no creo que haya sido la mejor opción.
Tengo sentimientos encontrados porque el inicio no me atrapó del todo es muy lento y su narrativa no es tan fluida, es pesada sobre todo el inicio y a pesar de que se conocen desde el principio y hay un instalust y coqueteo, no me lo creí, no sentía esa química.
Y luego a mi en histórica no me gustan mucho las protagonistas como Marcelline
Pero después del 30% la historia da un giro sobre todo cuando hace aparición Lucy la niña porque pudimos ver un lado más vulnerable de Marcelline y un lado más tierno del Duque.
Ya al final sobre todo el final me gustó mucho.
Tengo sentimientos encontrados porque el inicio no me atrapó del todo es muy lento y su narrativa no es tan fluida, es pesada sobre todo el inicio y a pesar de que se conocen desde el principio y hay un instalust y coqueteo, no me lo creí, no sentía esa química.
Y luego a mi en histórica no me gustan mucho las protagonistas como Marcelline
Pero después del 30% la historia da un giro sobre todo cuando hace aparición Lucy la niña porque pudimos ver un lado más vulnerable de Marcelline y un lado más tierno del Duque.
Ya al final sobre todo el final me gustó mucho.
December 15, 2015
He pasado un rato muy muy agradable, me han gustado mucho los personajes y sus tira y afloja. Ella no es la típica niña que se asusta y sorprende de todo.
Buenas enaguas si señor!
Buenas enaguas si señor!
July 21, 2023
Well, I gotta say that this book made me tired for a completely different reason than normal, the main characters are simply too much. Too much energy, too stubborn, too mouthy, too loud in many senses.
It was a good story, I was relieved in discovering a few things along with the hero, but I was tired, I must confess. They are an active and loud lot.
It was a good story, I was relieved in discovering a few things along with the hero, but I was tired, I must confess. They are an active and loud lot.
July 4, 2011
2.5 stars. Ever since I read MR. Perfect and liked LC humorous prose, I tried most of her past books and started looking forward to her new releases, but alas, none of them were ever as good as “MR. Perfect” with the exception of “Your scandalous Ways” which pushed the limits a little and raised LC’s skills a notch in my eyes. This book was just okay for me. There was nothing spectacular about it. The hero’s fiancé was too unrealistic in that she knew that the heroine was trying to steal her man, and she just sat there letting this woman continue to make clothes for her and be around him. She was a very nice fiancée. I would have appreciated the book more if she (gasp!) fought for the guy she claimed she loved. Give us a little passion here! We read books for the conflicts and the love that surpasses these conflicts. I don't see any conflict if the fiancé don’t give a damn if the heroine up and run off with her man. So what if we feel sorry for the other woman in the end, at least we would be still talking about the book instead of yawning. She showed a little spunk in the end but it was obvious it was so everything could be tied up in a neat little bow. The least that could have happened was to make her pissed off and then give her own book later- but no, she went to the darn wedding! LOL.
Another thing that through me off was at first the heroine was drop dead gorgeous. Guys were crashing into trees looking at her then come to find out she wasn't that gorgeous after all, it was the clothes that was making her beautiful! Tell me that that poor heroine doesn't want to jump out of the pages and smack the author right across the face! LOL! By the time the book was done I didn’t want to here another thing about a stitch, fabric, silks, or anything about clothes for a very long time! The storyline kills you with it. You have to really be interested in fashion to appreciate it. I like fashion as much as the other chick but I don’t sleep and dream about it. Oh my Gosh, and to think that this is a series about seamstresses. I doubt I will be excited for the up coming books.
Another thing that through me off was at first the heroine was drop dead gorgeous. Guys were crashing into trees looking at her then come to find out she wasn't that gorgeous after all, it was the clothes that was making her beautiful! Tell me that that poor heroine doesn't want to jump out of the pages and smack the author right across the face! LOL! By the time the book was done I didn’t want to here another thing about a stitch, fabric, silks, or anything about clothes for a very long time! The storyline kills you with it. You have to really be interested in fashion to appreciate it. I like fashion as much as the other chick but I don’t sleep and dream about it. Oh my Gosh, and to think that this is a series about seamstresses. I doubt I will be excited for the up coming books.
November 11, 2024
The romantic side of Theophile Gautier would have been proud for such a product. The subject is quite a simple one, but Mrs. Chase has some narrative skills and her dialogues (especially those between Marcelline and Clevedon) are not bad at all. Lucie and the happy-end of the story are two more arguments for a solid rating, even if the beginning wasn't the most promising one.
PS: I presume that this one isn't quite everyone's cup of tea, but it is pretty good for the fans of the romantic genre.
PS: I presume that this one isn't quite everyone's cup of tea, but it is pretty good for the fans of the romantic genre.
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