Silk Is For Seduction (The Dressmakers Series)

Silk Is for Seduction (The Dressmakers #1)
by Loretta Chase,
Kate Reading (Narrator)

Marcelline Noirot is the most distinguished dressmaker England has ever seen. She creates gowns of fashion and intrigue that will instill confidence in their wearers. She is notorious and coveted. She is uncompromising and irresistible. She is both the bane of the Duke of Clevedon’s existence, and his most coveted desire.

After being left in dire straights, Marcelline does whatever it takes to support her young daughter and two younger sisters. Scruples are abandoned as she fights her way to the top with her passion – a dressmaking business. What she needs most now is a prominent lady to display her gowns, and who better than the future bride of the Duke of Clevedon?

The Duke of Clevedon is not ready to settle down. He has wild oats to sow and is easily bored. He is to be engaged to his longtime friend Clara upon returning to England. Though he cares for her greatly the thought of marriage alarms him. In his final days abroad he encounters a maddening seamstress who has a talent for getting under his skin. While her goal is to be the official dressmaker for Clara, she can’t help but be intrigued by the arrogant Duke. Although Marcelline is after funds for her business, she ends up stealing something much more valuable – the Duke’s heart.

This story was narrated by Kate Reading. Marcelline comes off as quite haughty in the narration while the Duke sounds both bored and arrogant. While it matches the characters descriptions pretty well, it did not help to make either likable. The narrator has a talent for sounding like a displeased mum in the ton.

The story has side plots that do not really amount to much, but maybe they will be completed in later books? Throughout the novel a dressmaking competitor sets out to steal Marcelline’s drawings and a spy is within her shop. I would have liked to have seen more of what happened to the competitor/spy in the story. The book also is a bit predictable at times. Highlights include Marcelline’s sister Sophia who is brilliant with her words and her presence. I very much look forward to reading her story which is the next in the series.

Overall, an enjoyable book, but not especially memorable.

3 stars.

I was thoroughly charmed by the romance between the stylish dressmaker Madame Marcelline Noitot and the Duke of Clevedon. When Marcelline hears that the Duke of Clevedon is shortly to return to London in order to propose to Lady Clara, she travels to France to contrive a meeting. She wanted to charm Clevedon so his future Duchess would give her shop much needed patronage. Once they meet however sparks fly.

Marcelline doesn't quite fit the classic 19th century heroine mold. She can pass herself off in society as `one of the ton' if she chooses and yet she is a mere dressmaker. I found her cold and arrogant at the start, and was vaguely repelled by her mercenary nature. Then I started to think about the era in which it was set. There was no social security, no protection for widows with small children. Only the three sisters' wits, their talents as dressmakers and ruthless pragmatism stand between them and abject poverty. The fact that they have been able to create a successful business and support so many seamstresses is phenomenal.

I felt sympathy for Clevedon rather than censure. Yes he was a bit of a rake for having an understanding of sorts with Clara and yet dallying with Marcelline but the arrangement with Clara had been basically sorted out by their respective parents. There are limits to `doing your duty' and it was only when Clevedon met Marcelline that he realised he'd met them. He definitely botched things with Clara even when he tried to do the right thing but had the decency to try and make amends. His interactions with Lucie aka Erroll were charming even though she is a little schemer.

There are bits that should beggar belief but nothing that Marcelline doesn't acknowledge herself. Both Clevedon and Marcelline are desperately trying to do the right thing but just can't resist each other. There is no way a Duke of sound mind would want someone so beneath him socially to be anything but a mistress. The solution however was very neatly presented and ultimately as satisfying as the rest of the romance.

The plot was fairly simple but Chase's writing drew me in so I was swept away by the drama, passion, intrigue, witty repartee and clothes. To be honest, fashion at this time was enough to make anyone bilious but the extensive references to dresses, styles and fabrics fascinated rather than repelled me.

I was enchanted by this novel and I suspect that if you are a fan of historical romances, you might be too.

Marcelline Noirot runs a dress shop with her two younger sisters. They have big plans and big dreams, and in order to make it all happen they aim to nab some high clientele. Their current target is Duke of Clevedon, or rather the duke's fiancee, Clara. Instead of alluring Clara in directly, Marcelline sets off for Paris, where the duke is currently residing. She entrances him with her extraordinary gowns and refreshing personality, and before long Duke of Clevedon is intrigued. Marcelline tells him right off the bat what she wants - his fiancee - which of course, throws Clevedon right off his game.

The attraction between Clevedon and Marcelline is undeniable. Watching them move about one another is like watching a chess match. Marcelline has no qualms about who and what she is, and she has no desire to see Clevedon and Clara break apart. She also knows that she, a dressmaker, would have no chance at being with a duke.

Thankfully for her, Clevedon doesn't give two figs about what society says. His relationship with Clara is one based in deep friendship, and when the time comes for him to make a decision about what he really wants, it's refreshing, as the reader, to watch how both he and Clara handle themselves.

Loretta Chase is a master at her genre. I absolutely adore her work. Her stories are incredibly romantic and chocked full of sexual tension. And more often than not, her stories are outright swoon worthy:

"I have a plan," he said.
"Yes," she said.
"Let's get married," he said.
"Yes," she said.
"Let's conquer the world," he said.
"Yes," she said. No one in her family had ever been accused of dreaming small.
"Let's bring the beau monde to its knees."
"Yes."
"Let's make them beg for your creations."
"Yes," she said. "Yes, yes, yes."
"Is tomorrow too soon?" he said.
"No." she said. "We've a great deal to do, you and I, conquering the world. We must start at once. We've not a minute to lose."
"I love hearing you say that," he said.
He kissed her. It lasted a long time.
And they would last, she was sure, a lifetime. On that she'd wager anything.

An excellent start to a new series, Silk is for Seduction is a fantastic addition to Loretta Chase's work.

4.5 STARS

This book has scads of reviews already, but I feel compelled to write one anyway in response to the story's critics. There is a lot of romance novel "tripe" being written and published these days but not so this book. This is a well-written story that is funny, sensual, serious, interesting, romantic and just plain READABLE. The primary and secondary characters seem real. Nothing about them or their storylines feels forced and while none of the characters are perfect, just about all have both lovable and likeable qualities. The humor is witty and can be sardonic, but it never seems overdone or feels tedious. There is nothing formulaic about this story and it is never boring. Best of all, the writer is good at her craft. So this book deserves an "A" for the writing, plot and unique characters.

There are three other reasons to read this book: first, the heroine of the story (and I suspect all three heroines of this trilogy) is a scam artist yet she is neither evil or unkind. In fact, she is driven, beautiful, smart, has a conscience, is capable of loyalty and love --- and is also a self-proclaimed mercenary! What a fun and interesting combo and what a nice change of pace from the typical "feisty" heroines that seem to populate these types of stories (where the "feisty" premise often feels either forced or illogical given the heroine's background, etc.) Con artist or no, I found everything that came out of Marcelline's mouth to be refreshingly honest and sincere.

Second, I absolutely adored the Duke, who is moving onto my list of favorite heros. For starters, it seems he has all the traits of your typical "alpha male" character but then as the story progresses, one romance novel cliche after another is swept out to sea. (He has the requisite hidden and/or repressed emotional angst, yet his angst does not "numb" him emotionally nor does it define him; the heroine does not "cure" him or "save" him from himself; and he is able to "feel" and love and experience emotions -- even when he isn't having sex!) The other reason I find him so lovable is that the author explores (and gently mocks) the Duke's sense of entitlement without making him into an arrogant and unfeeling jerk or an absolute idiot. The Duke was raised to not pay much attention to those around him and in particular to those "beneath" him. Yet even though he is trained to be clueless and arrogant, the author does not allow him to be stupid or cruel. When this obliviousness is pointed out to him (in often hilarious fashion) by the heroine, he takes it all in, reflects on what is being said, and tries to become more thoughtful. To me, it was as if he only saw his world in black and white until the heroine shows him how (and sometimes badgers)him to see things in color.

(It should be noted that just because he is able to see "in color", it does not mean he suddenly stops acting arrogant or ducal. He still does, but now he does so with a self-awareness and thoughtfulness that are often lacking in the high ranking characters of these sorts of stories. In fact, I thought the author was especially witty towards the end of the book, when the Duke is labeled an "eccentric" by his peers precisely because of his newly found ability to see beyond the end of his own nose.)

Third, I agree with those who point out that there are some "holes" in the story that are difficult to ignore. But the writing and characters are so enjoyable and unique - see the "A" awarded in the first paragraph above - that I am unwilling to knock off more than a half star for any gaps or implausibility issues in the actual storyline. Even the most beloved and outstanding authors of this genre struggle to keep things fresh and different. Readers are asked to suspend disbelief all the time and in a myriad of ways and this story is no exception. However, I would not hesitate to own this book - overall, a joy to read.

Marcelline Noirot and her sisters own a dress shop in London. Marcelline is a gifted designer, knowing how to underscore the beauty of the lady wearing her creation. Her business is her passion, but also financially securing her daughters and her sister lives. Each of the 3 sisters has a personal strength, the combination making them eventually the best dress makers in London. But in order to get the ton's attention they need some big clients. When they hear that the Duke of Clevedon may finally return from Paris and get married to his long time friend and promised Clara, they immediately agree that they need to get the future duchess as a client. Marcelline therefore decides not to court the Ladies attention but the Dukes and travels therefore to Paris.

Marcellines arrival in Paris with her breathtaking gowns, her self-assurance, her vibrant personality attracts Clevelands attention, first trough her amazing beauty, which she controls thanks to her "superior taste" by making her the focus of all attentions or disappear in the crowed if chosen, then by her intriguing character. Due to her background she behaves like a lady, but she also gambles, is unbelievingly honest about her prime interest in the duke- his bride to be- and does everything with a nearly unlimited passion.

And then suddenly the game becomes too dangerous for her because Clevedon decides to seduce her and she starts falling for him. So she runs away, back to London. He follows her stands by her, finally introduces Clara to her as a future customer only to be close to her. Slowly their mutual attraction becomes overwhelming. Marcellines daughter also catches Clevedons heart.... But she is only a shopkeeper, he is a duke, they both risk their reputation and their future being together... reason vs. love.

This is one of my favourite books. Mrs Chase knows how to create fascinating deep characters caught in an interesting plot. I got caught in a fast story with characters swirling around, fascinating dialogues and a lot of events as you read. This is not the boring does he/she love me story, filled with misunderstanding and unspoken feelings that I got so bored of in other romances. Here you get caught, you smile, you laugh, you hold your breath, you understand the fears, the doubts, the hopes and the dreams of all characters and their lively dialogues. "And so, of course, he lost the battle, that feeble battle with Honor and Kindness and Respect and all the other noble qualities Warford had tried to drum into him." (p. 275)

Definitely a keeper!

I am very curious about the next book of the Dressmaker series...

I hope you will enjoy the read as much as I did MBTM

What an incredibly addicting story with a hero and heroine who are equally driven, smart and passionate. This was my first Loretta Chase book and while it took me a few chapters to really get into the story and her writing style, once I got to know the characters I was completely hooked.

Marcelline is raising her young daughter alone with the help of her two sisters. They run a dress shop and its Marcelline's dream to be known as the best in her craft, ever. She's the master designer, taking risks and willing her customers to try new and daring styles, while her sisters manage the publicity and the books. They're a great team and they won't stop until they become THE women to see for a dress.

Clevedon has been traveling for the past few years, staying away from a future that includes marriage to his childhood friend Clara. He's enjoying himself in Paris when he runs into a vision. Marcelline is in town finding out all the latest in French fashion so that she can take new ideas back to her shop and the women of London. They meet, sparks fly like crazy and their banter and witty back and forth conversation begins. These two really met their match in each other and I loved seeing the different emotions that they each brought in the other. Frustration, playfulness and lust all come out in their very short time together in Paris. Marcelline heads back early as does Clevedon when he learns that she's leaving and their relationship continues back home.

Marcelline is such a complex character, you can't help but smile. She will do whatever necessary to succeed. She has big dreams for her shop, her life and above all else she wants a good life for her daughter. She's certainly not some dainty society woman, going to balls and swooning over men. She's a worker and doesn't run in the same circles as the highly titled Duke of Clevedon, but she keeps contact with him because she wants to dress his future wife, Clara. Nothing will get her business to skyrocket like dressing a Duchess and even though she's falling in love with Clevedon, she puts aside her feelings and lets her ambition take over.

**********
She held him, relishing his weight and the feel of his silky hair against her skin and the scent of him, while her breathing quieted, and the world came back.

"That was much more fun than self-sacrifice," he muttered.

She laughed. "Yes, cheri, it was."

He raised himself up to look at her. "Cheri," he repeated. "Why does it sound so delicious when you say it?"

"Because I'm delicious," she said.
**********

Clevedon almost does the opposite. He's driven by his feelings for not only Marcelline, but for her young daughter who reminds Clevedon so much of his young sister who died in an accident. Lucie wraps Clevedon around her little finger almost from their first meeting and Clevedon is sunk. When disaster strikes the dressmaker's shop, he must offer help. He takes in the whole family and provides them loans to get themselves back on their feet in a hurry. That's what stood out most about Cleveland. He completely understood what Marcelline's business meant to her, and he moved heaven and earth to get them a new space and get their materials restocked so they could continue on.

As I mentioned above, it took me a few chapters to really get into the world and to understand the characters and where they were coming from. But once that happened, I fell in love with them all and couldn't wait for more Clevedon and Marcelline scenes to come up. They had wonderful back and forth conversation, these two strong willed people, who matched up so well. Little Lucie stole every scene she was in and it was sweet to see Clevedon fall for her as well as her mom. He found in them the family he'd lost at a young age. The Noirot women all so intriguing as business women, I can't wait to get the other two sister's stories to find out the more personal details about each one. Marcelline and Clevedon were such joys to read about, their story was fun and emotional and they themselves had me smiling and waiting for that moment that they were able to finally come together.

Blog Rating: 4.5/5

A breath-holding air of expectancy ripples through Silk is for Seduction. Like the subtle whisper of silk brushing against a trouser leg, the hum of sexual tension charges the atmosphere around Marcelline Noirot and the Duke of Clevedon.

The Duke, known as a seducer of only the crème de la crème of aristocratic beauties, gets blindsided by "of all things" a dressmaker, albeit a dressmaker that turns heads and snarls traffic during Passion Week in Paris. Jaded and knowing he must return to England and take up his responsibilities as Duke, Clevedon finds he is fascinated by the plain-spoken, beautiful, gambling businesswoman who is in Paris to promote her dress shop in London, even though she is the most aggravating woman he has ever met.

The Noirot sisters: Marcelline, Leonie, and Sophy as well as six-year-old Lucie are born manipulators and hone that talent regularly. Leonie is their money manager and organizer. Sophy does public relations and writes enticing advertising, while Marcelline designs out-of-this-world clothing for ladies and brings in business in a most unique manner.

Marcelline's primary mission in Paris is to snare the Duke's attention so he will want the Noirot Shop to dress his duchess--supposedly Lady Clara Warford who has waited patiently in England while Clevedon sowed his wild oats all over the continent. He has bedded the "best" but finds Marcelline's grace, beauty, and style unforgettable. She is a tempestuous masterpiece who tells him upfront her intent is mercenary. She runs a business to support her family and has no designs on him other than to lighten his pocketbook as he pays for his duchess's style-setting attire from the Noirot Shop. She even tells him that he has no purpose in life. He just drifts along looking for entertainment. Yet, in her heart she feels he is not a "mean-spirited" man.

The stir and magic they create, the delightful humor, and the guessing of who is "outfoxing" whom swirls the reader along through the pitfalls of Paris and London Society, churns up the stomach with a savage sea storm, and makes adrenaline pump with a thief and a fire. However, the bond that forms and binds Marcelline and the Duke is the centerpiece of the story. There is nothing boring about these two special people that ultimately unleash the best in each other.

The secondary characters function for the most part to highlight the hero and heroine. However, the indomitable little Lucie, aka Erroll, wraps everyone around her little finger, more especially the Duke of Clevedon. She brings out the very best in him and awakens true feelings that had be crammed deep down ever since the death of his mother and sister. Lucie is indeed a little minx--a chip off the old block. With her beautiful blue eyes, she charms in such a manner that she just might be a princess.

Loretta Chases descriptions, metaphors, and characterizations make the story sparkle and her love scenes are earth-shattering. I invite you to read and see how silk seduces--exciting.

Originally posted at The Long and Short of It Romance Reviews

Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews

One of the best books with witty character banter I have read in a long time. I could read have read Marcelline and the Duke of Clevedon talk all day long. That was one of the best things of Silk Is for Seduction.

I also really like the story theme. I think historical shopper keepers, servants, nurse maids etc, often get the back burner to the elite Dukes, Earls and Ladies. I want to read about their lady maids too. In Silk Is for Seduction, the main character Marcelline Noirot is a seamstress managing her own dress shop. She is quite fabulous. Smart, determined, smart, loving mother, smart, loyal to her sisters and not to mention smart. In fact all her sisters are brilliant. What a wonderful series this Dressmakers series will turn out to be. These ladies know what they want and they know how to use all the tricks of their trade to get them there.

The Prologue provided an excellent set up to the entire story. The reader is treated with the perfect amount of information to understand where the Noirot sisters came from. However when the first chapter ended I was totally confused who was who. I feel way too many characters were introduced too quickly. Unfortunately once I was into the story a few chapters, I had to go back a re-read the beginning so I could have a better understanding of who all the characters were to one another. I really dislike when too many characters get introduced to quickly.

The poor Duke didn't really know what hit him once he was introduced to the exotic beauty at the opera. Sowing his wild oats in Paris the last thing he expected was to become infatuated with the witty Mrs. Noirot. The two days the pair were acquainted in Paris was probably some of my favourite chapters in Silk Is for Seduction. The verbal sparring and each trying to out wit one another in cards and betting was both humourous and flirtatious. A perfect set up to launch their romance.

As Marcelline was doing everything she could to win over the ladies of England and encourage them to order their dresses in her shop, she was completely transparent to the Duke about her intentions. And although Duke was perfectly aware of his obligations, he just couldn't resist her. I love that almost for the entire book, the Duke didn't even know her first name. He had to keep referring to her as Noirot. I found that amusing.

As much as I loved Marcelline, I am still not sure what I make of the Duke. Oh yes, he was lovable, kind, handsome and he was well matched with Marcelline but I think he lacked a certain manly something. I can't quite put my finger on it. Regardless, the moment he sat Marcelline's adorable daughter upon his lap and let her hold the horse reigns, he had won me over.
Fabulous writing. I can't wait for the next book.

Teasers: diamond stick pin wager, Steam Boat ride from hell, raging fire, "But for tonight, I love you."

I think this book might even be better than Chase's "The Scoundrel".

The heroine is one of the best I've come across. She is headstrong and tough without appearing out of place/time. She was ambitious without seeming heartless and scheming without appearing sleazy. The hero was good, but not as dimensional. Of course both were gorgeous, irresistible and brilliant-- but who wants to read about ugly, repellent, and dumb?

I liked her kid, which is usually kind of an annoyance for me in most romances. The little girl is depicted as clever and manipulative but also endearing.

Other than the sex scenes, which are fairly graphic, this could have almost been Georgette Heyer. I hate to keep comparing Chase to Heyer, but she is definitely her closest successor. The dialogue in any Chase book is always the best part, just as it is in all the Heyers I love.

What a gem of a book. The only complaint I have is that it was over so soon. I read these out of order (read Sophy's book first) and I am very much looking forward to the third Noirot sister, Leonine.

I'd rate this book as one of Chase's best.

With Silk is For Seduction, once again, Loretta Chase proves she is the master of the atypical hero and heroine. This time Ms. Chase wraps her quill around the delightful Marcelline Noirot - the offspring of an infamous family long time readers may recognize, the Dreadful DeLuceys. Her hero is more typical in that he is a respectable peer but, as always, Ms. Chase creates a portrait of a man anything but boring.

Ms. Noirot comes up with a devious plan to attract the attention of the Duke - not for his own sake, although readers will be happy with the diversion, but for the more financially rewarding attention of his future Duchess. The twist of the standard romance plot pleased this reader, giving it twists that provided excellent tension in the plot. Ms. Noirot is brazen, possessing no internal edit and the way she runs roughshod over the demimonde is classical Loretta Chase.

New readers will find Ms. Chase has a marvelously amusing voice and her dialogue is always razor sharp and witty. Current fans of her work will be thrilled to find yet another offering that delivers everything they have come to expect from the charming Loretta Chase.

Rating 3.5

This is not my favorite book by Loretta chase. While there is plenty of emotion in the writing, there is a bit more angst than I like, especially in the beginning. I never warmed up to the heroine, and the hero was certainly less than perfect. While I don't want or need perfect characters, I do want the characters to be redeemed by the end of the book. This did not happen in this one. The duke started out as shallow and was still shallow at the end.

There are several very moving scenes and I loved the heroine's little girl, Lucy. As always the descriptions of the setting and costumes added greatly to this book. Ms. Chase can be counted on to give the reader a good sense of the times. Happy reading!

You can always count on Loretta Chase to provide utterly enchanting heroines and delightfully besotted (and befuddled) heroes, and this book was no exception. Marcelline's perfection and even her arrogance would have been supremely annoying had she been written by any other author, but Ms. Chase was able to make Marcelline so captivating that she, and indeed all three of the Noirot sisters, easily stole my heart.

Clevedon was so wonderfully captivated by Marcelline that he was completely oblivious to so much around him, and I loved watching him slowly come to realize that even though he was rich and powerful in society, he was actually a bit, well, sheltered at times in regards to how the world really works.

I also enjoyed Princess Erroll of Albania, which is definitely a feat when you consider I tend to dislike children in romance novels.

In the end, the slight distaste I had for Clevedon's pursuit of Marcelline while expecting to marry Clara did take away from my enjoyment, but even so, I absolutely adored it.

A very solid 4.5/5 Stars, and I'm looking forward to seeing the other Noirot sisters get their HEA's as well.

Silk is for Seduction is my first Loretta Chase novel. I read it in bed just before sleep and it was a perfect story to relax my mind and eliminate the stress of the day. I read a chapter or a few pages each night, so I looked forward to the next development. I enjoyed the plot of a dressmaker who can turn any female into a Cinderella. It made me rethink my wardrobe, and that was fun. The story was cute and enjoyable with some twists. I definitely recommend Silk is for Seduction as a light and fun read.

Story: 5 stars
Romance: 5 stars

This one is going on my Keeper Shelf with only about 30 other books. (That's probably impressive only if I admit that I read more than 200 books per year.)

When determining if a book is a "keeper" or not, I don't just want an "escape" (since every book should provide that to one extent or another). Rather, I take note of my EMOTIONS as I read. Another indicator is that feeling of... "I can't wait to read the next page, chapter, etc but at the same time, I don't want it to end."

This story had me chuckling from the very beginning. I was absolutely charmed by Marcelline's style, wit and fearlessness. She creatively brazened her way through sticky situations that would have intimidated most others. No wonder the duke was dazzled! Speaking of the duke, I laughed out loud when Ms Chase described his "ducal phallis." Waahaha!!

Of course, I immediately fell in love with Lucie as well as Leonie and Sophia. Since this series is titled "Dressmakers" I assume that each of the sisters will get her own story and HEA. Wow, I am so anxious to get the info on the next book!

I loved this wonderful story and will enjoy reading again and again.

The book was well written, well research, and for once focused on the working class of the period rather than solely on the nobility.
I love the heroine - a strong woman - who is driven by the need to provide for her family and ambition. I love that she is flawed with strengths that was forged by the fire of life. For me, she is the driving force of the story.
The hero, a typical rich, selfish playboy, is lacking in force for me. It is to the author's credit that it was at the last chapter that I realized why the heroine overshadowed him the whole time. He is a character that REACTS to events and rarely caused any action. He held on to his expected proposal to another woman yet keep on pursuing the heroine. So the whole story he is divided between the two woman. When confronted, he rarely made his stands (like when his friend confronts him about his afternoon with the heroine he kept on denying) and did nothing to solve his conflicting feelings between the two woman he was just carried by the events on the story. Sure he was there to offer help when disaster came but his kind of help could have been offered by anyone.
It was only when the other woman finally rejected him before he turned his full attention to the heroine, which to me is grossly unfair and so unromantic. (That's why I wonder why a lot of author kept on using it.) Unfortunately, the in loved heroine took him back with widely open arms after a few cajoling.
Overall, I love the story mostly because of the details on the clothes and the heroine's spunk and yes, daring antics. Three star because of the weak hero and great writing. I would definitely check this author's other books.

Another rich story from Loretta Chase, which deserves five stars for creativity and bringing another level of social history to romance fans. I gave it three. I enjoy long books but somehow the book took too long to get started. The attraction and build up between the characters didn't catch fire (no pun intended..there s a fire in the book). So, while I do recommend it to Chase fans as it's better than the typical romance novels, it ended up lacking that special magic or connection between the characters and the reader that we look for.

The introduction of Lord Hargate and sons to one scene was a welcome dash of excitement, which highlights the difference between Carsington novels, Lord of Scoundrels series, and this new one.

I do look forward to the rest of the series, however.

Gervasise Angier, the seventh Duke of Clevedon is the most handsome man on any continent. However, Marcelline Noirot did not want him for his stunning good looks; no, she had a much more important mission as she was interested in the woman that would be his Duchess. Marcelline wanted to dress the future Duchess and turn her small Maison Noirot house of fashion into a fashion industry. Marcelline and her sisters created a business that caters to a distinctive crowd among the rich and famous and the one card that will produce a full house for them would be to convince the future Duchess that they are the most creative seamstresses in existence, which they are. Marcelline has an eye for creating exquisite and unique designs that no one can duplicate even though they try.

The objective for Marcelline has is to bring Clevedon over to her side and whatever feminine tools she has to use to get that accomplished will be used. The one thing on Marcelline's side that Clevedon does not know about is that she comes from a long line of people that have been the most perfect of scammers and getting what Marcelline wants is not the issue, how it will be done, is always the question. Following him to Paris brings her attention, him following her back to London causes the gossips to talk nonstop about them, which is not what she needs. If people think she is his mistress they will run from her shop not to it. While she may be tempted by him she is a businesswoman first and caring for her sisters and daughter come above any need she may have regardless of how much she longs for the touch of Clevedon's hand upon her face, right?

Nothing stands between the Noirot family and their ability to obtain a goal. Not fire, a spy in the house, runaway children, or a very bewitching Duke. Marcelline tries to control her passion for Clevedon knowing it will ruin both their lives but one night is not enough yet the offer of a lifetime is too much. When presented with the silver platter that has everything she could ever want what decision will she make - save her reputation and livelihood or satisfy her desire and love for Clevedon?

I am new to Loretta Chase and now that I have found her work it is going to be great fun reading everything else she has written. This book is so romantic and heart breaking all at the same you cannot stand to be apart from it. I found myself sneaking every opportunity I could to get one more page read and another chapter finished. There are allot of unanswered questions that I am sure will come in the next two books and I can't wait for them to be published and so a new reading fan is on Team Chase!

Marcelline Noirot comes from a family of swindlers. But now that her con-artist parents are dead, she and her sisters are working to make a respectable living as dressmakers. Of course, they may have to resort to an underhanded trick here or there, but Marcelline is a skilled modiste. She just needs to establish the right clientele.

She sets her sights on the future Duchess of Clevedon. It's true that the dowdy Clara isn't actually engaged to the Duke yet, but society deems that it's only a matter of time before it becomes official. So Marcelline begins ingratiating herself into the Duke's life. She meets him in Paris, stunning him with her charms and her wiles. And she makes no bones about the fact that she is using him to get to his prestigious intended. But Marcelline doesn't count on the sizzling attraction between Clevedon and herself. And once she allows herself to know his kiss, she rushes back to London, hoping to beat the gossip over her meeting with the Duke.

Marcelline's plan actually begins to work when she gets home. Clevedon makes good on his promise to facilitate a relationship between her and Clara. But despite his lingering affection for Clara, he can't stop his driving need to get closer to Marcelline. As he spends more and more time in her world, he gets to know her sisters and her precocious daughter, Lucie. Once he starts to care for the child, he's fighting a losing battle for his affections.

I really enjoyed this book. Marcelline is a fantastic heroine. She is tough, resourceful, and determined. She is unwavering in her determination to be successful in her shop and create the kind of stability her family has never known. Her only failing is her inability to suppress her growing feelings for Clevedon. Neither is really the aggressor in the relationship... things simply evolve into a passion neither one can deny. The sexual tension is great --but just as taut is the emotional tension. For their own reasons, each is convinced that they must ignore their feelings for the greater good. But that makes it all the more exciting when the walls come down. This book is romantic and sweet and still very sexy. Almost 5 stars.

Offspring of two notorious (infamous on both sides of the Channel) con artists, the sisters Noroit (Marcelline, Sophia and Leonie), own Maison Noroit. By 1835 their London dress shop is growing rapidly but the competition is nasty. Still the siblings think they need one major patron to turn their business into the must fashion stop of the English and French aristocracy.

Marcelline believes she has just the candidate when she learns the Duke of Clevedon is to marry. She travels to Paris to persuade the Duke in the family's seductive way to send his fiancée Lady Clara Fairfax to Maison Noroit for her wedding gown. Her scheme is perfect as she flirts with the Duke; however, Marcelline soon realizes it is too perfect as the Duke ignores Lady Clara for the dressmaker. As she finds herself falling in love, a cross Channel gender war ignites.

The keys to this offbeat wonderful tale is the eccentric cast as the Duke realizes his Marcelline does not have a pure dark heart of avarice, but instead has a need to help those she appears to con (just ask Clara) though she has to make nation exits rather quickly. She takes Paris by storm as a "Dreadful DeLucey" and a "Notorious Noroit" who seduces a duke to chase after her. Amusing and filled with wit, pre Victorian romance fans will look forward to a pair of other con artists to follow.

Harriet Klausner

I am a very picky, easily disappointed historical romance reader in that I feel like I've read all the good ones! I hadn't read Loretta Chase for awhile, enjoying her earlier books but not LOVING them. But I decided to read the latest trilogy of the dressmaker sister and LOVED IT. Love love love loved it. Great witty dialogue. I mean truly funny conversations. I enjoy rebellious heroines. I enjoy that the heroine was honest about her sexuality and not one of the completely clueless too stupid to live heroines. And I love the Scoundrel of a hero. It was a fun read with good steam and secondary characters that are enjoyable and not interfering. One looks forward to their development and stories as well. It was great to rediscover an author and find that she is writing better and better.

I enjoyed the writing style and the characters were well developed. I'm afraid the story-line was so far-fetched that the author was not able to pull it together in the end. I was really hoping for something to make this ridiculous story make sense, but in the end there was nothing that did that. In the end, it all just seemed unbelievable and just disappointing.

Enjoyable characters, especially the hero, daughter Lucie, Clara and her brother, Longmore. I alternated between admiring the heroine and being annoyed by her, but found myself smiling often enough to give it 4 stars; I'd give it a bit more if fractions were possible as I look forward to the next in the series.

Good descriptions of his personality and evolving development, and of the clothing. Sophia and her articles were great fun, Lucie both believable and entertaining, and I like how the heroine was introduced - how she was described and her behavior early on charmed me. Wrapped up nicely, a good start to a series.

Marcelline Noirot may be part of the notorious "Dreadful DeLuceys," but she and her sisters are not a pack of liars and thieves. Marcelline is, however, incredibly ambitious, and she's determined to be London's premiere dressmaker. And what better way is there for her to win over the ton than to dress the Duke of Clevedon's future bride? Marcelline tracks down the scandalous duke in Paris and sets out to convince him to patronize her shop. But there's one thing Marcelline didn't count on when she set out to capture a duke: that she'd come to want his heart, not just his wallet.

Loretta Chase brings 1830s fashion to vivid life in Silk is for Seduction. The amount of detail allotted to dressmaking in Silk is for Seduction is sure to please fashion enthusiasts. Unfortunately for this reader, it felt like more attention was paid to dresses than characters or plot, making Marcelline and Clevedon's story fall flat. Marcelline's personality seems to be limited to her ambition and Clevedon's character doesn't come to life except when he's thinking of how he lusts after Marcelline. The future heroines of the Dressmakers series, Sophia and Leonie, have no personality whatsoever, making it very difficult to find something to interest me in Silk is for Seduction. The one character of note is Clara, Clevedon's intended. Clara is the one character that leaped off the page and I found myself wishing that the book was about her rather than Marcelline and Clevedon. Theoretically, Clara's almost-engagement to Clevedon would be the major obstacle of Silk is for Seduction, but strangely this element of the book never really seems to hit its full potential.

Silk is for Seduction plods along with its tepid romance and weak attempts at intrigue until the very end of the book. Ms. Chase does finish up Marcelline and Clevedon's story nicely, but not enough to make me want to revisit Silk is for Seduction. Readers who already are fans of Ms. Chase's might enjoy this book, but those who are new to her work would be better served by looking to another one of Ms. Chase's stories to read instead of sitting down with Silk is for Seduction.

Shayna
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Really cute historical about a very handsome Duke, who is promised to his best friends sister since they were small, but he takes off to France to sow some wild oats before he is married. There he meets a beautiful woman who he thinks he meets by chance but she has planted herself in his vision so as to try and get his fiance or soon to be wives business. This woman owns a dress shop with her two sisters and if they can get the new dutchess to buy her dresses with them, the business will start pouring in. So she sets her sights on the Duke in order to secure the business, but with the business she loses her heart to him.

Worth the read...really nice story line and a lot of flirty banter between the two. I love a story when the sexy Duke falls to his knees for a tough beauty!!

Cut to the Chase:
There are some lovely details and characterization, not the least of which is a female protagonist who is ambitious, confident, determined, and very, very intelligent. The way she's described she could almost be the male lead, which is kind of great! Also, there are some nice side plots and characters who are interesting and are allowed to act in sometimes surprising ways... but what ultimately weighs this novel down is a male protagonist who comes across as being a bit too easy to manipulate (where's the fun in that?) and the overriding tension holding the main couple apart doesn't feel like it's novel-length sustainable. I still enjoyed it enough to finish it, but it's certainly not at the top of my recommended list. (I have to add the caveat that if you like fashion, or regency-era fashion, you might still enjoy this... I found the details about dressmaking a little overwhelming, but someone who's interested in that field might find those details intriguing.)

Greater Detail:
Marcelline Noirot is a widowed single mother who's trying to build a dressmaking empire. She's fought and manipulated her way into the London market, and though she's beginning to gain some traction, she knows that she needs more powerful patronesses, specifically the upper crust of London's ton, to really take off. She's therefore decided that she needs to dress the future Duchess of Clevedon. The Duke of Clevedon has been practically betrothed to Lady Clara since he was a young man (he was practically raised by her father)... and Lady Clara is, apparently, one of the worst dressed young women in society. Marcelline is convinced that dressing Lady Clara properly will be such an instantaneous makeover that her business will be instantaneously popular.

So she goes to Paris, to try and convince Clevedon that she deserves this exclusive right and contract.

The problem is, she's so attractive herself that Clevedon is more interested in seducing her than hiring her. And, they're so attracted to each other that they can't help but fight, squabble, and be super-omg-attracted to each other throughout all of the starting scenes. (And honestly, if she's really this attractive and ambitious, you kind of wonder why she didn't a) hatch a similar plan earlier, or b) realize that this might get in the way of her approaching the duke directly.)

Well, okay, there are actually quite a few problems here...

Despite the fact that Marcelline is an amazingly interesting protagonist, the chief emotion she seems to feel for Clevedon is... lust. And the bigger problem is that that's all he seems to deserve! In the beginning of the novel, all that happens is that she (cleverly) tricks him, again and again. Though she later gets sick, and he takes care of her... and again, later, she runs into troubles and he's there to save her. He's only able to do that because of his wealth and position. He feels far too easily manipulated, and you end up thinking: meh. A heroine to die for, she's so cool, and a hero who's just kind of rich, and supposedly attractive, and nothing else!!!

And the dressmaking and dress-wearing details were a little eye-glazing (for me) as I have no real interest in that area (and when I picked up the book, I didn't realize that it was Dressmakers #1, which would have been a tip-off).

Still, Chase is a good writer, and there were parts that just flew off the page. I don't regret it, but I certainly won't put this on my re-read list...

Comparisons to Other Authors/Books:
Chase is good at carrying out tropes well, which makes sense since this was a RITA winner. She's not afraid to get into the nitty-gritty of her character's cause or passion, which is very Lisa Kleypas and Sherry Thomas like (where the characters often have careers, purposes, things that are really driving their actions). Also, I LOVED what a strong female protagonist and family she created here (very Julia Quinn in terms of having that super-strong and supporting, will-always-be-there-for-you family). Still, I far preferred her Lord of the Scoundrels book (definitely a five-star book -- and good enough that I won't be giving up on her as a an author, despite this somewhat more mediocre effort).

c booknosh.com reviews

This was such a wonderful book! I was totally taken by surprise. The story of Mrs.Noirot and the Duke of Clevedon is so romantic. Each character is TRYING to do the right thing and failing miserably. I love a book where the characters really fall in love with each other. There are a few subplots but the focus of the story is their relationship. I couldn't wait to finish the book but at the same time I didn't want it to end. Two very likable characters. This is a MUST read!

I enjoy Loretta Chase's books so much. One sentence leads to the next so effortlessly as she brings us along for her story. I read this book when it first came out and enjoyed it just as much the second time.

if you love strong female leads, (ie: ones who actually have a brain and use it and not change themselves completely or turn into complete idiots once they meet the hero)

if you are not too much of a stickler for historical accuracy

if you like being shown rather than being told of the love developments between the h/h

then you will love this book. it was so much fun to read and i cannot wait to read about sophie and leonie. i read two books this week, the one by lorraine heath and this one... both are excellent but i give this one a slight edge just because i like the heroine a bit more. enjoy!

i really enjoyed this one a very rivveting story and sensual and yummy but as always some books are ruined by unrealistic situation in this one SPOILER alert the kid is immortal i mean she survive a deadly disease she survives a burning inferno then she survive running in the london streets at night i mean really and all the while her mom immediately assumes shes dead each time all unrealistic she too doesnt ever get told off when the author tells us the heroine was a strict mom another huge error was in half of the book we were told how she needed to avoid the duke for the sake of the good name of her store but has absolutely no problem jumping into his crested carriage and running around the whole day from shop to shop shopping with him and him paying everything if that did not scream scandal back then whAt did just did not fit in with the story line of her constantly claiming they shouldnt be seen together but lets run around together into every well known store while you buy me nice expensive things when two days ago my store burnt down and youre engaged to marry another seriously thats when i just laughed and laughed hard but very nice read overall

I'm an avid Historical Romance reader.... 3-5 novels a week.
I haven't read a lot by this author, but I did love this book. I looked over at my bedside clock last night and realized it was 2:45 AM and I was still enthralled. I forced myself to put it down and sleep, but awoke at 7:30 to finish it!
I highly recommend this book for a fun summer read

Since people have described the plotlines already in their reviews, I am just going to add my opinion of the overall book and the so-called 'hero'. I thought it was fine as far as a historical romance goes, but that's about it. However, I had an issue with the 'hero', who basically abandoned his fiancee for three years (and that shortly after she lost her beloved grandmother and was grieving, so he thought it would be a good time to just leave her) in order to 'find himself', which just means drinking, gambling and mainly sleeping with many, many women. He dreads having to go back to his fiancee and is trying to live it up for the time he has left (wanting to sleep with even more women) until he meets our heroine and is 'smitten'. I'm sorry but being a self-interested player, who abandons a friend who is grieving, is not my idea of someone to be a lead in a historical novel. I would have given the book 3 stars if I didn't dislike the 'hero' so much.

This book really wasn't that bad .I was entertained many times .but why did I give it 2 stars only ?

Before I start I should warn u there are POSSIBLE SPOILERS

And the fact is that this is just my opinion and how I felt about the book.
The heroine :

I felt I never KNEW the hero and the heroine .The heroine was cold ,WOODEN ,manipulative and she seems to lack emotions .

I had the same problem with LORD OF SCOUNDRELS .Jessica was less cold but never passionate

Maybe it is a matter of preference .But I prefer heroines who go through emotional turmoil and I want to SEE HOW she is falling for him .

I was told that she loves him I never felt it was true.I felt she was lying to us !

I like passionate heroines like ..take for example Lisa Kleypas heroines like Lillian Bowman she was yes little manipulative but I loved her ! Cheered for her and Westcliff.

On the other hand Marcelline was cold and calculating .And she kept emphasizing the fact that she is black hearted !

I felt she was and she left me cold and uneasy .

And by the way haven't u guys notice sth about Loretta chase's males and females?

There is a certain formula

Her heroine are more masculine than the heroes !

I mean her heroines are portrayed as resourceful and intelligent And TOO STRONG AND INDEPENDENT and of course cold and emotionless.

I mean the hero thinks of her as Noirot and never Marcelline till the last quarter ! How masculine is that ?

We are never told ANYTHING about her till the end

I know LC wanted to keep secrets but from us readers but still..she never even THOUGHT of her life with Charlie?

As for the males lead ..

Chase's men are immature and childish and ridiculed and patronized by the heroine who is vastly superior in intellect .

I mean see how Dain in LOS was portrayed I felt he was a big child and Jessica was tolerant and indulgent like a mother !

Here I felt the same which brings us to the hero !

First I felt nothing for him .Usually I like to identify and LOVE the hero and wish to have him for one night !

Take for example Damian Knight from Lord of Ice by Gaelen Foley .I knew him like I knew myself I sympathized I swoon when he speaks or smiles or laughs or groans or kisses! I want to read MORE about him !

Here Clevdon was not even called by his first name !

By the way,being called by family names or titles creates a DISTANCE bw us and the characters.

We want to love them care about them share them !!

Here Clevdon was like a puppet I felt sorry for him !

I mean Ms.Chase seems to think men are less intelligent .I mean how many times did Marcelline called him thick in the head ?

She annoyed me I wanted to STRANGLE her !

She kept saying "don't be stupid " and "You r thick in the head "and "you never think "

She kept emphasizing that he NEVER THINKS and he is Thick !!and I laughed when she mentioned he is intelligent !Well I never felt he was intelligent !

I mean ALL his actions were taken WITHOUT THINKING !!

He brings her to his house WITHOUT THINKING !!

He brings her to the great ball in Paris WITHOUT THINKING !!

He does every thing WITHOUT THINKING !!

And he was a DUKE I have never met a duke who was not powerful politically speaking.

Come on a duke who had NO RESPONISBILITIES ?

No estates?No tenants ?No seats in the Parliament?and u expect us to believe he was a duke ?

U want a real Duke who is responsible and powerful ? Read The Duke by Gaelen Foley ,Wicked Angel by Julia London ,or Never a Lady by Barbara Dawson Smith

I felt sorry for him .I felt he should have ended up with Clara whom I knew more about than the heroine herself !

We were allowed to see how Clara felt and thought and dreamed and wanted more than the cold statue Marcelline !Clara should have been heroine not this mercenary Marcelline !!How suitable to call her Mercenary instead of Marcelline !

All what she thinks about is her business .Even her sisters were bricks of ice .Usually I enjoy family antics but they never even feel or laugh of show fear or pity or anything !

Look at the relationship between the Hathaways in Lisa Kleypas Hathaway series .Each was unique in her personality and even if it was not her story .I knew Beatrix very well when I read her sisters' stories before I read hers !!

I actually will avoid any book by Loretta Chase I knew what I exprect ;

Perfect plot.Cold emotionless calculating schemer of a heroine,

Hero flat immature and patronized by heroine and puppets for minor characters !

I will avoid her stories like the plague

too much filler, this book could and should have been much shorter. I often got the impression the duke was child like and immature and then mature the next minute. I dont know about everyone else but I like my heros to be manly allllll the time and not act like a petty child. the beginning of the book was interesting the middle of book boring and then the ending of the book was good. someone go dump a bucket a water on her editors head.

This is one of the most romantic historical romances I have ever read. There were also tears and laughter. This entire series is an emotional, heartfelt and not to be missed.

Marcelline Noirot is a strong woman, a wonderful mother and the perfect compliment to the Duke of Clevedon. When she realizes she has fallen in love with him, she acts in a way that is unfiltered and defenseless. She lives in the present moment without consideration of the past or future, and her bravery will take your breath away. “But for this night,” she said, “I love you."