Silk Is For Seduction (The Dressmakers, #1) by Loretta Chase

May 10, 2012 Dija rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who trusts Ilona Andrews.

Recommended to Dija by: Samina ~ Escapism~

Shelves: 2011, buddy-slash-group-read, authors-i-stalk, awww, cotton-candy-fluff, favorites, hr, lollercoaster, my-reviews, read-in-2012, surprisingly-good, wow, reread-worthy, first-in-series

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 engr...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Tom rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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...more 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.
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Jan 21, 2012 Wicked Incognito Now rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: one-of-my-favorite-authors, i-hate-cross-class-historicals, predictable, too-sentimental, skimmed-the-end, wallpaper, 2011, meh, over-rated, fluff

This is a cross-class romance.
Pretty Woman poster

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 fema...more

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Apr 21, 2013 Sababa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: best-ending-books, best-female-characters, best-male-characters, best-romance-novels-i-ve-read, books-bound-to-make-you-laugh, books-etched-on-my-memories-forever, books-with-well-balanced-charecters, my-future-athenaeum, ebook-collection, own-already

This is Loretta Chase at her best. This is a novel every romance reader should read at least once.

Of course this is about a duke.. a duke who falls in love with a debutantes?? Commoner?? No and no. Our Duke here falls for a dress maker who wanted his attention only to gain control of the wardrobe of the future Duchess of Cleveland. Our dressmaker is not just any ordinary girl. She is the descendant of a disreputable blue-blood family who now has to work for her living. She has sisters and a daug...more

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Oct 04, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historical, european-historical, victorian-era, 5-stars, favorites, reviewed-on-blog, autobuy-authors, books-i-own, experienced-heroines

Loretta Chase is one historical romance author who needs no introduction. Her books are constantly bestsellers and many of them have been placed on all-time romance novel lists. Therefore, I was stoked to read her newest series about a set of dressmaker sisters. In two of Ms. Chase's earlier books Lord Perfect and its "sequel" Last Night's Scandal, we learned about the Dreadful Delucey family. The Deluceys are a notoriously scandal-ridden family that specializes in a variety of activities such a...more Loretta Chase is one historical romance author who needs no introduction. Her books are constantly bestsellers and many of them have been placed on all-time romance novel lists. Therefore, I was stoked to read her newest series about a set of dressmaker sisters. In two of Ms. Chase's earlier books Lord Perfect and its "sequel" Last Night's Scandal, we learned about the Dreadful Delucey family. The Deluceys are a notoriously scandal-ridden family that specializes in a variety of activities such as gambling and cons. This new series introduces us to three sisters from the Delucey line.

Marcelline, Sophie, and Leonie are daughters of Catherine Delucey and Edward Noirot (also a notorious family). They have broken family tradition by attempting to make honest livings through their dress shop. They have divided up the workload for the shop with Marcelline in charge of designing.

Marcelline Noirot is the eldest and her story is the first in the series. In addition to her scandalous family, Marcelline also deals with a young daughter from an earlier marriage. Therefore, she is dependent on the dress shop to help her sisters and her daughter, Lucie, survive.

I found Marcelline to be one of my favorite Chase heroines, right up there with Olivia from Last Night's Scandal, Daphne from Mr. Impossible, and Jessica from Lord of Scoundrels. She is a true "middle-class" heroine with a valid occupation that she relies on. There is no mysterious inheritance that will aid her and her family or any other type of saving grace that sometimes appears in historicals. Marcelline is intelligent (academics and business-like) as well as ambitious especially when it comes to her store. Because of its importance, she will do anything to make sure her shop is a success even if it means persuading one of the most powerful noblemen to allow her to dress his future wife. Even when she begins to fall in love with Clevedon, Marcelline understands how unrealistic an open relationship would be and strives to protect her reputation and that of her family.

Gervaise Angier is the Duke of Clevedon and, as I mentioned earlier, one of the most powerful men in England. Clevedon has been living in Paris with his best friend, Harry, for many years. Meanwhile, Harry's younger sister, Lady Clara Fairfax, has been living in England waiting for Clevedon to honor their marriage agreement. He is attracted to Marcelline from their first meeting when she tries to convince him to let her dress his betrothed back in England. While Marcelline flirts with him, Clevedon is surprised when she refuses his attempts at seduction to the point of fleeing Paris for England. Since Clevedon is halfway to falling in love with Marcelline, he follows her and is forced to uphold his promise to Lady Clara.

At first, Clevedon appears to be a typical English rake. He's obviously spoiled, self-centered, and completely unaware about the difficulties that the lower classes face on a daily basis. But, as his interest in Marcelline grows, so does his awareness of the world beyond the nobility. He learns how important the sisters' dress to their survival as well as their pride. Clevedon also develops a quick relationship with Marcelline's daughter, Lucie, which alters his viewpoint as well.

I really enjoyed Marcelline and Gervaise as a couple. They had the patented Loretta Chase sexual tension along with some fabulous dialogue. I enjoyed seeing Gervaise change his thoughts and beliefs as he pursues Marcelline's affection. It was also nice to see some realistic obstacles to their HEA such as class and family obligations. No Big Misunderstanding in this book!

The secondary characters are just as richly drawn as the main ones. I love the relationship between the Noirot sisters. I also liked seeing the evolution of Lady Clara Fairfax, Gervaise's betrothed. There was very little of her viewpoint in this story, but what there was made me eager to find out more about her. Speaking of wanting more, I am interested in the relationship between Clara's brother Harry and Sophie Noirot. I am assuming that their's is the next in the series and I can't wait!

All in all, this was another fabulous historical by Loretta Chase. Many of her books have made it to my keeper shelf. Well, now they need to move over for Silk is For Seduction!

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Jul 03, 2011 Hirondelle rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

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...more

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Apr 18, 2012 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical

Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

He lifted his mouth an inch from hers. “I’ve been wretched,” he said.

"I’ve been wretched, too,” she said. “I’m no good at being good.”

“I don’t want you to be good,” he said. “I want you to be you. Marcelline…”

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 kn...more Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads

He lifted his mouth an inch from hers. “I’ve been wretched,” he said.

"I’ve been wretched, too,” she said. “I’m no good at being good.”

“I don’t want you to be good,” he said. “I want you to be you. Marcelline…”

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 are 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.(less)

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Jul 04, 2011 LuvGirl rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: hero-engaged-to-someone, rake-playboy, historical, kindle, 2-half-star, cheating-with-each-other, drop-dead-gorgeous-hero, fluff, over-rated, kindle-buys-from-amazon

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...more 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.
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Jul 29, 2011 Jan rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, z-2011, historical-romance

I looked forward to this a lot, since Mr. Impossible is one of my absolute favorite Historical Romances. (Rupert, please come and take me away some day). Alas, for me, the book didn't quite deliver.

For the first quarter of the book I didn't relate to either of the characters. There was witty banter, attraction, wagers and waltzes, but the story didn't grab me, mostly because I didn't get a hold on who they were.

Marcelline seemed a shallow modern single mom who needs financing by a big tycoon. Ex...more I looked forward to this a lot, since Mr. Impossible is one of my absolute favorite Historical Romances. (Rupert, please come and take me away some day). Alas, for me, the book didn't quite deliver.

For the first quarter of the book I didn't relate to either of the characters. There was witty banter, attraction, wagers and waltzes, but the story didn't grab me, mostly because I didn't get a hold on who they were.

Marcelline seemed a shallow modern single mom who needs financing by a big tycoon. Except for the setting, there isn't at all that much historical to the beginning of the book. Her characterization seemed off as well. For instance, she doesn't spare a thought to her child for the entire first quarter of the book, which is especially strange because the daughter is so important later on. Her way of thinking seems that of a woman of loose moral who enjoys sex quite a lot (and has affairs her and there). Later we learn that Noirot is a widow and Lucie isn't the implied bastard child, but that isn't clear at all from the start of the book.

Clevedon was the classic HR 'nobleman suffering from ennui' hero, and even with all his similarities to Rupert, I didn't find him captivating at all.

So the start seemed like a mix between Historical Romance clichés and anachronisms. But then the stakes went up by a whole lot, and suddenly the book turned into an emotional roller-coaster, and I though "YES! It'll be amazing after all". And for a while it was, because we slowly got more details about the hero and heroines past, and they finally started to communicate on more than the physical level.

And then... I'm not sure what happened, it all kinda sizzled out like a dieing candle. Clevedon had to be hulk smashed by humiliation to get some sense into him, Noirot did the Big Reveal Of Who I Really Am, and weehee, there was the HEA. Fortunately both realized it would be hard, and a HEA they would have to work for. Neither counted on the entirely unbelievable Epilogue of Bliss, which even included admiration from Princess Victoria and King William.

Seriously, epilogues have to stop being so over the top blissfully perfect.

So yeah, the amazing middle section alone wasn't enough to make me love this book, and it's a shame, because I think this could have been amazing, only somewhere it went wrong.

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Jan 31, 2012 Carol *Young at Heart Oldie* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-star-books

When I pick up a Loretta Chase book, I am always assured of an outstanding historical romance. Her new book SILK IS FOR SEDUCTION, the first in her new Dressmakers series, is a perfect blend of engaging story, fascinating characters, witty dialogue and sizzling passion.

Despite the fact that they are members of the Dreadful Delucey family, renowned rogues and swindlers, the Noirot sisters, Marcelline, Sophia and Leonie have succeeded in earning an honest living as dressmakers, running the Maison...more

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May 10, 2012 Anzu The Great Destroyer rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: chicks who are into historical romances, obviously

Recommended to Anzu by: Ilona Andrews - grrrr!!!

Shelves: buddy-or-group-read, dropped-in-the-toilet, wtf-am-i-doing, dafuq-did-i-just-read, fat-kitty-judges-you, is-it-just-me-goddammit, kill-it-with-fire, reviewed-2012, lust-at-first-sight, romance-historical, zzzzzzz, facepalm, i-deserved-it, blame-the-darksiders

Silk Is For Seduction was supposed to be the historical romance book that will make me forget all the crap I’ve gotten from this genre in the past and make me see that there are still good stories belonging to this genre out there.

Oh I’m sorry Mrs. Chase, was there supposed to be a plot there? I seem to have missed it with all the growing erections popping up like mushrooms in a forest after heavy rain.

What was this book all about? Making dresses for stuck up aristocrats? Or more likely about th...more

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Oct 30, 2011 Mai rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

“Wooden “heroine ! “less than intelligent “ hero !!
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 p...more

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Apr 09, 2012 Jess the Romanceaholic rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-read

This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.

Expected Release Date: June 28, 2011 (Available Now)
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Author’s Website: http://lorettachase.com/
My Source for This Book: Library
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, The Dressmakers
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy

Marcelline Noirot is the world’s greatest modiste. Now, she just needs the upper crust of the ton to realize it. Needing to draw in a prestigious new client who can...more

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Jun 13, 2012 Diana~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-loretta-chase, historical-romance, amazon-kindle, 2011-reads, regency-romance

I'm not sure about you, but I adored Silk Is for Seduction. Some of you may think that the hero, Clevedon is cheating on his intended fiancee, Clara... but I don't think so. It was kind of obvious that all they ever felt for one another was a brotherly and sisterly type of friendship. This book had everything that I ever wanted in a historical romance novel: a witty and awesome heroine, a romance full of heart, and lots of bickering between Marcelline and Clevedon! At first, I thought that this...more

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Dec 15, 2011 Kelly22 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of sweet fluffy love-hate romance plots with witty banters leaving a smile on the face!

Recommended to Kelly22 by: Sababa

Shelves: 1st-marriage-or-lover-was-disaster, alpha-hero, bad-boy-rake-rogue-casanova, commoner-heroine, dukes, enemy-to-lover, family-moments, favorite-heroine, favorite-story, gorgeous-handsome-attractive-hero, hero-arrogant-autocratic, hero-good-boy-gentleman, heroine-wild-child-unconventional, hidden-or-mistaken-identity, historical-romance, love-triangle, made-me-cry, traumatized-abused-heroine, hero-merchnt-indstrialist-uber-rich, widow-widower-divorcee, witty-humerous-funny-comedy, working-class-heroine, cheating-elements, hh-aristocrat-peer-royal-nobel

4.00 Stars - Historical Romance!

I loved this book and was glad to pick this up thanks to Sababa’s recommendation. This first installment in the series promotes the good old ‘love-hate’ romance theme of a snarky heroine and a reluctantly obsessed (with her) hero whom she manages to wrap up in her fingers and roams about the whole book only to end up in a beautiful romance story with a refreshing setting.

Marcelline came about as an ambitious 19th century dressmaker who is trying to establish her...more 4.00 Stars - Historical Romance!

I loved this book and was glad to pick this up thanks to Sababa’s recommendation. This first installment in the series promotes the good old ‘love-hate’ romance theme of a snarky heroine and a reluctantly obsessed (with her) hero whom she manages to wrap up in her fingers and roams about the whole book only to end up in a beautiful romance story with a refreshing setting.

Marcelline came about as an ambitious 19th century dressmaker who is trying to establish her mark in London’s fashion scenery. She is incredibly intelligent with a keen business mind and knows what she wants and has means to go to lengths to achieve it. In addition to be surreptitiously witty and outspoken when she needs to be, she has a tactical strategy to go about in order to ensure her latest objective in achieving the contract of the future duchess of Clevedon’s trousseau and a completely new wardrobe befitting a duchess’s position. She decided to approach the Duke himself, and seal the deal once in for all. Hence she sets off to execute her expedition.

The Duke of Clevedon, who is out in the continent to sow his wild oats in his ‘gap years’ to marry and settled down, is betrothed to a Lady Clare of whom he knew all his life. A very rich man with a very powerful title, the duke spends his regular days with Paris merriments, gambling, wagering and a bit of skirt chasing here and there. When stumbled upon Marcelline on an event he finds her mysterious and extremely attractive and believes the favor is returned as well. He decides to bed her and henceforth chases her about until suddenly he gets dumbstruck on hearing the true reason of Marceline’s attention towards him.

He is outrageous of the blasted woman who is so determined in having her way with him and not shying away to constantly dictating him about! He chases her about and lusts for her and reluctantly finds himself obsessed with her as much as she was which neither was ready to accept. However, he decides to swallow (vainly) his lust and fascination of her and vows not to let her have her way in ensuring her precious wish to dress his future duchess. Marcelline on the other hand, who is not immune (much to her grudge) to the devastatingly handsome Duke’s charm, would go to any length to go about her business as previously planned. Hence, the battles of wills begin!

As long as the story goes, we wait to see whether Cleveland succeeds his intention to ignore his blazing attraction to Marcelline and marry his intended as decided. Also, how long it takes, for a woman to give in or not give in to the seductive pull of a powerful man about town, who is clearly attracted to her and helping her whenever she needs him. Will the duke accept her and see the woman Marcelline truly is after learning her secrets? Will Marcelline have her HEA with the duke with so many obstacles in the boundary?

The romance between Clevedon and Marcelline was executed beautifully. The sharp banter, the tension between the two protagonists, their constant amusing fights and anguishes was the highlighting factor of this book which helped it to stand out from other clichéd historicals. The conversation exchanges among the hero and the heroine were adeptly put together by Ms Chase and I would say proved to be one of the pivotal factors to make the book a conspicuous piece of gem among others.

However, I failed to like the hero as much as I should have and didn’t understand why Marcelline fell in love with him so much. I can’t really place a finger at why I didn’t like the hero. I found him secondary even if he was the protagonist and let’s not forget that he was after all a downright cheater. He was kind of betrothed with Clara when he chased down other women or intended to sleep with Marcelline, was he not? I found him juvenile for a man in his station and lacked the formidable potent edge that a duke who have seen the world should have. Also, I find his departure of England and passing his time in unproductive pursuits very irresponsible and unappealing in his given circumstances. He took a major character change however with the progress of the book which was too drastic and too quick for my senses and hence wasn’t convincing. So why give it a 4-star rating if I didn’t like the hero himself for god sake!?? Because, the book itself was THAT good to hold its own ground with a shining-star heroine, a pick-me-up storyline and loveable secondary characters! So the hero can surely be forgiven! :)

Recommended for all historical romance lovers. Will definitely wish to read the next book!
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Jul 12, 2012 .þµŋψà. [Punya Reviews...] rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: loretta-chase, frustration-alert, i-cried-like-a-baby

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 23, 2011 Mandi Schreiner rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, favorite-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 Cle...more 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(less)

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Jun 03, 2012 Richa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical

4 stars : All for Marcelline !
I would say one usually expects a good book from Ms Chase.
This one delivered!
It is a pretty good book with a remarkable heroine.
Despite some harrowing circumstances in life she takes on the world with her head held high.
The book has great dialogues, great love scenes, and a decent plot as well.
It makes for a well paced read. The scenic setting of Paris and London just add to the beauty.
20 pages in and the hero is already in love.
My only gripe : The heroine outshines...more

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Mar 14, 2013 Amylynn Bright rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 fo...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Laksamee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

Loretta Chase, you never fail to fulfill my historical romance cravings. You make me forget the biology behind a trio of sisters with, brown, blonde and red hair and get swept up in the story of strong willed, smart, sassy and every delicious adjective applicable, heroines with gumption. I read this in one sitting and loved every second of it. I gave it 4 stars only because A) I like more sexy time in my romance and B) the "problem" holding the hero and heroine apart really went on for too long...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Dorothea rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

I reread this because I'm about to read the recently-released sequel (Scandal Wears Satin) and wanted to remind myself of the background.

I suspect the Dressmakers series of which this is the first will be a trilogy -- one book for each of the Noirot sisters who run Maison Noirot, a London dressmaking establishment in the 1830s. Silk Is for Seduction is about the eldest sister, the one who designs the dresses -- Marcelline Noirot.

Born to a reckless family of itinerant, impoverished, aristocratic...more I reread this because I'm about to read the recently-released sequel (Scandal Wears Satin) and wanted to remind myself of the background.

I suspect the Dressmakers series of which this is the first will be a trilogy -- one book for each of the Noirot sisters who run Maison Noirot, a London dressmaking establishment in the 1830s. Silk Is for Seduction is about the eldest sister, the one who designs the dresses -- Marcelline Noirot.

Born to a reckless family of itinerant, impoverished, aristocratic swindlers, Marcelline has become the mistress of a respectable establishment by taking a series of extraordinary risks, at which she has succeeded by a combination of dogged determination, supreme confidence in herself, and real skill at dress design. Her latest scheme is to take advantage of the news that the Duke of Clevedon will finally come home from abroad and wed. She sets off to Paris to intercept him and force him to acknowledge the obvious: that the new Duchess must become a leader of fashion by patronizing Maison Noirot.

Given that the identity of the intended future Duchess is as well known as the fact that the Duke will wed, I'm not entirely sure why the Noirots' target is the Duke instead of his intended, Lady Clara Fairfax. Perhaps it's that Lady Clara is more sheltered and less accessible to persuasive, intimate communications from confident tradeswomen than the womanizing Duke? I rather wish Chase had spent a bit more time establishing the reasons behind the Noirots' strategy, because without those reasons, it's easy to read Marcelline's essay into Paris as merely a creative excuse for Heroine and Hero to encounter excitingly. Thereafter are many charged incidences in which Marcelline insists that she is not trying to seduce the Duke, but is only interested in his bill-paying abilities: I found her bluntness charming, but also a reminder of the inadequately answered question of why Marcelline is pursuing Lady Clara in such an indirect way that several times she almost destroys her own plans by creating a scandal about herself and the Duke.

What I did really like was Lady Clara herself. Chase allows her to be a sensible person who has understandably conflicting feelings about the Duke and who refuses to behave as though she were the victim of Marcelline's relationship with her intended husband. (I think there will be more about Lady Clara in the next book of the series and I'm very pleased about that.)

I also enjoyed how the Duke became more and more enthusiastic about the dressmaking business over the course of the book. I can imagine a brief scene in which he (having read a few fashion magazines and observed Maison Noirot in operation) attempts to mansplain some point of dressmaking or business to the Noirot sisters, who handily rebuke him. But he's really pretty charming.(less)

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Jul 16, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historical

I liked this book! It seems silly to say, but that's exactly what it was - I just flat out liked it. I liked the Noirot sisters, and I thought Marcelline was a fun and interesting character. I loved the juxtaposition of her role as a milliner and Gervase's role as a duke, and through the entirety of the book I wondered how on earth Loretta Chase was going to get these two characters together. Not only was there the trouble between their social roles, but the duke's honest fondness for and friend...more I liked this book! It seems silly to say, but that's exactly what it was - I just flat out liked it. I liked the Noirot sisters, and I thought Marcelline was a fun and interesting character. I loved the juxtaposition of her role as a milliner and Gervase's role as a duke, and through the entirety of the book I wondered how on earth Loretta Chase was going to get these two characters together. Not only was there the trouble between their social roles, but the duke's honest fondness for and friendship with his almost-fiance, Clara, was a real roadblock.

I thought the characters were definitely what propelled this book forward - I really, honestly cared about them, and I understood all their motivations and their troubles. I even loved that the duke falls so in love with Marcelline's little daughter Lucie, who was a pip - I don't want to spoil anything for an unwary (and unlikely) reader of this little review, but I actually teared up at one point. Marcelline and Gervase had such an honest time of it and I really couldn't wait to find out how everything would resolve itself. I also loved, loved, loved the Noirot shop and Marcelline's sisters. I also loved the idea of their background, and the way they brazen out all the troubles and hardships they come across. And I thought the development of the relationship, particularly and maybe even especially on the side of the duke, was so completely genuine and well-done that I had absolutely no trouble believing that those characters should be together despite their difficulties (sometimes I find the hero/heroine difficulties so annoying I almost wish that romance novels didn't have a guaranteed ending).

I think the only reason I'm not giving this a five star rating is because I'm onto the next book, Scandal Wears Satin, and I'm enjoying it so, so much that in comparison this one pales a little (I love LOVE Sophy and Harry, who are possibly up there with my top five favorite romance novel couples of all time. I should make a formal list somewhere for myself). I bought this on a kindle-binging whim ($4.99 and under is a real weakness for me) and I'm so, so glad I did because I feel like in a world where you get the same three-star romance novels over and over, to find one that exceeds your expectations like this book did for me is definitely a great surprise. (less)

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Feb 02, 2012 Mara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, romance

The heroine made the book.

She had no morals to speak of, but her survival instincts were acute.

She was smart and sexy and daring, just what any heroine worth her salt should be.

She walked quickly as they left the box, thinking quickly, too, as she went. She was aware of the clusters of opera-goers in the corridor making way for her. That amused her, even while she pondered the unexpected problem walking alongside.

She’d known the Duke of Clevedon was a handful.

She’d vastly underestimated.

Still

...more

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Jan 01, 2012 Candice Hern rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have to preface this review by saying how much I despise the fashion of the 1830s. I'm a Regency girl at heart, but there are other periods of fashion that I like. But the 1830s, IMO, represents the absolute nadir of female fashion.

Having said that, I must confess that Loretta Chase has done the impossible. In this book, she made me feel as though the fashions of 1835 (the peak of 1830s hideousness) were actually beautiful. Her glorious descriptions of the dresses, the loving detail given to e...more

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Dec 28, 2011 Meg rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have a slowly flourishing love affair with Loretta Chase's novels. The first one I read was Lord Perfect. I thought it was okay, but I didn't love it. It didn't quite make it to the Keeper's Shelf. However, repeated recommendations brought me back to her and I'm so glad they did. I gobbled up Mr Impossible, the Last Hellion and Lord of Scoundrel's and I realised that Chase is an author who does comedy, exquisite detail, wit and romance.

When I saw the plot for Silk is for Seduction I was intri...more I have a slowly flourishing love affair with Loretta Chase's novels. The first one I read was Lord Perfect. I thought it was okay, but I didn't love it. It didn't quite make it to the Keeper's Shelf. However, repeated recommendations brought me back to her and I'm so glad they did. I gobbled up Mr Impossible, the Last Hellion and Lord of Scoundrel's and I realised that Chase is an author who does comedy, exquisite detail, wit and romance.

When I saw the plot for Silk is for Seduction I was intrigued. Anyone who loves historical romance has a soft spot for the dresses. Who wouldn't? It was a great period for dresses. And knowing Chase's passion for exquisitely placed historical detail I knew it was going to be good.

And it is.

In my opinion Chase has excelled herself with this novel and taken a leap beyond even her excellence in Mr Impossible etc. Marcelline, our fiercely determined and quick-witted heroine, keeps the hero on the back foot from the get go. Chemistry and tension sizzle throughout every page and the secondary characters are hilarious and beautifully imagined. It does take some wild leaps of fancy (a modiste setting up shop in a Duke's house) but such bouts of outlandishness is acknowledged and frankly, it is a novel. Twists, turns and unexpected events are what it's all about - so long as they are backed up with real romance. And in this book, they are.

And the dresses are beautifully imagined. I found myself standing in the shoes of the haut monde that crowded Marcelline's shop. Damn it, I wanted to see that dress too!

But it doesn't detract from the romance one bit. It would have been so easy to make Marcelline a cinderella character being rescued by the Duke. In fact, she is as hard as nails (in a graceful, witty and warm-hearted ways) and holds her own every step of the way. They are a perfect match and it's an enormously satisfying book.

Up there as one of my top two historical romances of 2011, along with Joanna Bourne's Black Hawk - a very different, but equally wonderful novel.(less)

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Sep 28, 2011 Regina Eckes rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I thoroughly enjoyed so many things about this book! Right off the bat I loved how the hero and heroine met and interacted (because of her beauty and confident and sensual nature, he believed she was a noblewoman, and was quite flummoxed to discover shortly after that he had been flirting with mere shopkeeper!); The heroine, Marcelline, was not a prim and proper miss, but a schemer and cheater--nearly as much of a scoundrel as the hero! He was the typical arrogant, self-entitled duke who truly b...more

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Jul 31, 2011 Kathy Martin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When I picked this up, I was looking for a light and fluffy book of historical fiction to use as a palate cleanser between more meaty books. That was not what I got! This story was wonderful. It was filled with intense emotion. It was also a very good look at what a rigid class structure is like.

Marcelline is in trade. While she has aristocratic ancestry, they were not the upstanding, honorable type of aristocrats. They were the black sheep of their families. She has been raised without moral c...more

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Jul 29, 2011 Book Binge Blog rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: avon, for-review, historical

I haven't read all that many books by Loretta Chase but when I do read her books, I'm not disappointed. Chase has a way of telling a story that pulls the reader into the thick of it all and I'm always entertained. This book wasn't any different.

This story tells the story of the Duke of Clevedon and Marcelline Noirot and what a story it was. I thoroughly enjoyed the book from the beginning all the way to the end. The chemistry between Clevedon and Marcelline was off the charts and it was such a d...more I haven't read all that many books by Loretta Chase but when I do read her books, I'm not disappointed. Chase has a way of telling a story that pulls the reader into the thick of it all and I'm always entertained. This book wasn't any different.

This story tells the story of the Duke of Clevedon and Marcelline Noirot and what a story it was. I thoroughly enjoyed the book from the beginning all the way to the end. The chemistry between Clevedon and Marcelline was off the charts and it was such a delightful treat to read about these two. Watching their attraction grow and then seeing Clevedon unable to stay away from Marcelline and watching Marcelline melt under Clevedon's charm was delicious.

Marcelline and her sisters own a dress shop and they're trying to make a name for themselves in London. They're also trying to nab some big clients and since they come from a family of thieves and con artists, they know exactly how to go about making all of their dreams come true. Each sister (there are three) has a job to complete and Marcelline's job is to go to Paris where the Duke of Clevedon is and capture his attention so that he'll bring his duchess to their shop and they'll nab her as a client. Marcelline wasn't expecting to be captured in a tug of war of lust with the Duke but she was and watching her ride it out made for some great reading.

Both the hero and the heroine were great characters in their own right and I loved how Marcelline was up front and honest with Clevedon right from the very beginning. I also adored how she was quick to tell Clevedon when he was being an ass and I enjoyed that despite how much of an idiot she thought Clevedon could be, she loved him anyway. Their romance was wonderfully entertaining and I'm really looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.

I loved Erroll/Lucie and I loved the relationship that blossomed between Clevedon and Lucie. The way that he went out of his way to not disappoint Erroll was too adorable and made me love Clevedon so much more. I thought he was being such a dumb ass where Lady Clara was concerned but I knew that he meant well and like Marcelline, I loved him anyway.

the one thing that I could have done without was the whole stealing my designs thing. If it was a bigger part of the story then it would have made sense but it wasn't and I just didn't see the point of it all since there was plenty to keep the storyline going without it but that's just me. Overall, I adored this book. I adored the main characters, the secondary characters and really, I can't wait for more.

Grade: 4.75 out of 5

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Rowena.
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Jul 28, 2011 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Pardon me while I squee.

I *adored* this book-- it was a fun, clever, and passionate read from beginning to end. It was refreshing to have a heroine who was supremely confident-- even audacious-- in her allure, for a change (a rare bird in the world of virginal Regency misses). I thought the chapter headings, taken from period fashion magazines, newspapers, and travelogs, were a particularly deft touch.

The plot, briefly (as I don't think the jacket entirely does it justice): Marcelline Noirot, ha...more Pardon me while I squee.

I *adored* this book-- it was a fun, clever, and passionate read from beginning to end. It was refreshing to have a heroine who was supremely confident-- even audacious-- in her allure, for a change (a rare bird in the world of virginal Regency misses). I thought the chapter headings, taken from period fashion magazines, newspapers, and travelogs, were a particularly deft touch.

The plot, briefly (as I don't think the jacket entirely does it justice): Marcelline Noirot, half-French, half-English descendant of morally and financially bankrupt nobility and self-proclaimed greatest modiste in the world (certain in England, at least), is determined to make a success of the family dressmaking business. After a childhood of largely neglectful (and wholly unprincipled) parents and a history of hardscrabble adversity and loss, she is determined to build a better life for her two younger sisters and her only daughter. (Her husband-- all their family, in fact-- succumbed to the Parisian cholera epidemic several years before, which had prompted their flight to London.)

Despite the talent (and sheer mercenary cunning) of the three sisters, success is not assured. There are many cutthroat rivals in the business of women's fashion. Their shop is not very well-known, and the ladies of London's haut ton tend to have conservative and, for the most part, sadly unrefined tastes. But as Marcelline herself says, "no one in her family had ever been accused of dreaming small."

Hearing a rumor that the Duke of Clevedon is finally returning from three years of wild-oat-sowing on the Continent to claim his intended, the Noirot women hatch a daring plot to snag the fashion coup of the season, the client that will guarantee the success of their shop: the future Duchess of Clevedon's wedding gown and trousseau. All they have to do is convince Clevedon (who must have taste-- he's been living in Paris, after all) that they're the women for the job. Marcelline travels to Paris to hunt down the Duke himself and win his patronage BEFORE he returns to pop the question. (Yes, this is a deeply amusing twist. Noirot (as she's called throughout) doesn't want Clevedon for his body. She wants him for his FIANCEE's body. :D )

Get in, entice him, flirt, wow him with her fashion sense, pitch their business scheme, and go home. Oh, and stay out of his bed-- women don't want dressmakers who seduce their menfolk. That's the plan. You know what they say about the best-laid plans, though... and that last bit, Noirot discovers, MAY be more difficult than she ever imagined. As a side note-- the jacket copy makes Clevedon out to be some kind of haughty, womanizing cad. I didn't get that impression of him *at all.* He's a DUKE. He's accustomed to privilege and the finest things, yes, but if he usually gets his way with women it's because he's smart, rich, charming, and all that AND a bag of chips. Noirot and her family are the one generally lacking in scruples-- not that this is a bad thing.

Anyway, this could be the typical chase-flirt-resist-his-wiles kind of book. What really kicks this plot up a notch, though, is the presence of Clara. Clara, Clevedon's almost-fiancee, is lovely, smart, fair-minded, and has been EXCEEDINGLY patient. And you absolutely can't hate her (believe me, I wished I could.) She and Clevedon don't just have an "understanding," they've been good friends for most of their lives. They've corresponded the entire time he's been abroad. (And if ANY girl deserved herself a duke, it's Clara-- she's been home putting up with her mother and giving Clevedon room to go let off steam in Paris.)

Clevedon *wants* to marry Clara (once he's worked all those oats out of his system), and he certainly doesn't want to shame or hurt her-- which is what would happen if he had an affair with Noirot. (Clara is NOT stupid.) Clara wants to marry him, and although she's appreciated the reprieve as much as he did, she's getting a bit impatient to move forward. She trusts him to a certain extent, but she's understandably worried. *Noirot* wants Clara to marry him-- her family's future depends on this match, and she is extremely devoted to her family and determined NOT to repeat her parents' selfish mistakes.

Instead of the inevitability that Noirot and Clevedon will wind up in bed together, you're faced with the inevitability of Clevedon and Clara's marriage... and if you're me, you find yourself wondering how the HELL the author is going to pull an HEA out of this. And you're going to KEEP wondering, until you get to the VERY VERY end. The suspense and anguish this odd, uneven triangle creates is *intense,* and exceedingly well-played, but it doesn't bog down into melodrama-- the characters are too clever for that. Noirot (AND her sisters, and even her daughter) were simply brilliant in their audacity, and Clevedon was her perfect foil (and downright delicious, besides). The secondary characters are great and real, too (there was even a bit of an unexpected cameo by a character from another book). I'm VERY glad this is the first in a series, because I can't wait to see what happens to the other sisters.(less)

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Jul 28, 2011 Ilona Andrews rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dear Readers,

On Tuesday Lady I__, who as we all know, loves swimming for it is the only sport besides badminton in which she ever showed a passable proficiency, could be seen within the crystal clear waters of her backyard pool. However, instead of swimming side to side and floating upon the water in the manner usual to her, Lady I__ instead perched upon the pool steps with a paperback and remained stationary. It is said that she giggled in the most silly manner and all attempts to distract her,...more Dear Readers,

On Tuesday Lady I__, who as we all know, loves swimming for it is the only sport besides badminton in which she ever showed a passable proficiency, could be seen within the crystal clear waters of her backyard pool. However, instead of swimming side to side and floating upon the water in the manner usual to her, Lady I__ instead perched upon the pool steps with a paperback and remained stationary. It is said that she giggled in the most silly manner and all attempts to distract her, including ones by Miss K___, who is indeed a superior expert at guilt tripping her parents, were unsuccessful.

Occasionally Lady I___ would put down her prize and swim to the opposite side of the pool and back, presumably to mitigate the sun’s damaging effects upon her exposed shoulders. She continued this pattern until the book was completed, after which she sighed happily and went inside. We have it on good authority that Lady I___ did indeed incur a mild sunburn, for the following evening she was heard complaining of itchiness on her shoulders and back. Lord G___, who is most patient with Lady’s antics, offered to apply an aloe cooling gel to her skin.

One wonders what could have captivated Lady I____’s attention so thoroughly? After all, she had just delivered an edited manuscript to her editor, which typically leaves her in a state of mental inertia, unable to concentrate on anything but television programs requiring only the slightest focus. In addition, Lady I___ is tragically picky in her choices of printed entertainment and is famous for issuing cutting remarks about the book’s content should the title displease her, which it does most frequently. It is said that she “hates everything,” so much so that even the notorious Lady J___ has difficulty recommending works that may meet with her approval.

Never fear, gentle readers, through using our modest skills we have ascertained that the title in question was this one.

Apparently Lady I__ acquired it through the indomitable Lady N___, who as we well know, looks after Lord G___ and Lady I___ literary career. Lady N___ has sent Lady I____ this marvelous title as a gift in an attempt to take Lady I___’s mind off her recent and numerous appliance failures and stress induced by her punishing deadlines.

We are reasonably sure that more information about this title can be found at http://www.lorettachase.com/. Dear Readers, we have surmised that this book must be a remarkable piece of entertainment and therefore shall acquire it en toute hâte.
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Silk Is For Seduction (The Dressmakers #1)

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