Loretta Chase certainly a master of the contemporary historical romance genre.

This audiobook was a little long but a rollicking tale, and thank goodness for the HEA! as there was a long period of stress for the leads and the listener before that was accomplished at the novel's denouement...needless to say!

Marcelline is an incredible character, in her ambition, her self-confidence, her energy - no wonder she draws Lord Clevedon in. She shows him a post-industrial life of business and a passion to succeed, to be the best. The two are a great match. He learns so much through the arc of the story, so he is perhaps even more interesting than her, but for once, both are great characters. And the barriers to the HEA are not just misunderstanding or miscommunications. They are genuinely things to be overcome but growing into a new way to live.

Being lobbed into the world of gown creation and hype was a fascinating context. ( )

Marcelline, the heroine, is a remarkably well-drawn character. I loved the interplay between her and the Duke of Clevedon. I felt like I was watching a movie especially the scenes during and after the fire. This novel would make a great romantic over-the-top movie, with lush costumes and sets. I loved the backstory, how it came out near the end of the book. ( )

I chuckled and grinned through large portions of this book. Witty banter, interesting characters, a fairly realistic plotline. I just really enjoyed it. And perhaps for the first time in a historical romance, a few tears welled up in my eyes, and from a *happy* event no less! Very sweet but not overly sugary.

2nd read- I enjoyed this just as much the second time, even though I remembered quite a bit of the plot (which is really quite notable in itself, because I've read *literally hundreds* of historical romances in the three years since I first read this one). lol. It has a good reason why they can't just get together three chapters in, so the characters aren't having to constantly get in their own way to add drama. And there's an 'other woman' who isn't secretly an evil villain or anything, which I appreciate. I can easily buy how events play out. The heroine is very smart and capable, and there's good tension between the characters. I like it. ( )

Silk is for Seduction
3 Stars

Determined to solidify her position as London's most gifted and creative dressmaker, Marcelline Noirot sets her sights on designing the wedding trousseau of the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride. All she has to do is convince the duke, which is no easy task given both his reluctance to marry as well as his penchant for seducing beautiful women. When the two meet, however, sparks fly and Marcelline realizes that her ambition might just be her downfall.

Not the strongest beginning to a series. The basic premise requires a great deal of suspension of disbelief; the details on the characters backgrounds are too slow in coming and the romance is bland.

Marcelline's wit and intelligence are very engaging, and her honesty with regard to her intentions thankfully prevents the annoying keeping secrets and silly misunderstanding tropes. Nevertheless, she also comes across as self-aggrandizing and materialistic, and her relationship with Clevedon is problematic. He is pompous, self-absorbed and superficial, and the undercurrents of cheating in their romance is a turn off.

The secondary characters are far more appealing and the hints at a love/hate connection between Longmore and Sophy are intriguing. Lucie is also a sweetheart and the scenes with her shenanigans are some of the best in the book. The "industrial espionage" subplot adds an extra element of suspense and tension that is quite enjoyable.

All in all, the characters are not all that likable, but Chase's writing style is entertaining and the premise for the next book is compelling enough to continue.

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This book reminds me of Lord Perfect, especially because Lucie is so much like Olivia. The story itself is different though, and I enjoyed it a lot. Can't wait for the rest of this series. ( )