BOOK REVIEW: Silk Is For Seduction By Loretta Chase

Avon Historicals June 28, 2011


384 pages By Loretta Chase


BLURB ON BACK OF BOOK:

From the Design Book of Marcelline Noirot:
The allure of the perfect gown should be twofold:
ladies would die to wear it . . .
and gentlemen would kill to remove it!

Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London's rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in the ton, the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride? Winning the future duchess's patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her sisters. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are . . . not.
The prize seems well worth the risk—but this time Marcelline's met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno . . . and a blazing scandal.
And now both their futures hang by an exquisite thread of silk . . .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I adored this book, it could be called 'The Duke and The Dressmaker." Utterly charming and seductive, the characters sparkle.

The handsome Duke of Clevedon is on an extended visit to Paris, over three years to be exact. He has an impending marriage in his future, something he doesn't seem to anxious to finalize.

Marcelline Noirot is an over ambitious dressmaker, she has heard the whispers of the Duke's coming nuptials to Lady Clara Fairfax. Her scheming brain begins to turn, as Clara is a rather dowdy specimen of the ton, fashion wise. Why not go to Paris and worm her way into the Duke's good graces, a perfect solution for securing the business of his future duchess.

Things are off to a good start as Clevedon notices the stark and potent beauty of Noirot at an Opera, just as she planned. He cannot tear his eyes away. He immediately introduces himself and the sexy banter and sizzling attraction is off to a heated start. Clevedon is struck with lust at the luscious Noirot, so much so, he follows her back to England.

Loretta Chase immerses us fully into the world of dressmaking, I was thoroughly enchanted. Marcelline and her sisters were very strong characters and I look forward to the other dressmaker's stories. Really, a dressmaker is not the type of woman for a Duke, but Clevedon finds he cannot stay away. Imagine his shock when he finds out Noirot is not only a widow, but has a little girl, Lucy. He becomes enamored not only of Noirot, but her darling daughter, who reciprocates in kind. Lucy sits at the window waiting for 'her Duke' to arrive. It was a heart warming subplot to see Clevedon succumb to the little girl's charms.

Clevedon tries to stay away from Noriot but fate takes a hand and he is pulled into her life, much to the detriment of Noirot's business and personal reputation. Also, he is under an obligation of sorts to Lady Clara. Duty insists he marry her. He is torn. He is genuinely fond of Lady Clara, doesn't want to hurt her. I loved his inner conflict. Clevedon is not really the rake he is reputed to be. He was a wonderful hero, passionate, caring and sexy as hell.

Marcelline Noirot was a fascinating heroine, strong, passionate, intelligent, not intimidated by the Duke and his overpowering aura and presence. She also had a few secrets of her own that may threaten to keep her and the Duke apart.
A stunning narrative, everything clicked, the interesting backdrop of a seamstress/dressmaker's life in Regency London, the sexy and spirited banter between Noirot and Clevedon, and the passion and ultimately the love. Romantic and lush, I heartily recommend Silk for Seduction.

3.75 stars out of 4