Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase

Reading Romances Challenge for April:
TOPICS: Alternate Realities Month!
1) Read a contemporary book where something is different in the world than what reality reflects. (vampires, magic etc)
2) Read a book set in the future or a historical with an alternative reality (i.e. steampunk).
THEMES:
3) Read one book that was nominated for the RITA or Golden Heart award!
SPECIAL EVENTS:
4) Read an LGBT book, a book with at least 3 of the 7 colours of a rainbow (violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange, red) on it’s cover, or a book with a title that includes the word: dream/s, wish/es, or rainbow.
5) Read a book with an accountant/book-keeper character, or due to a shortage of funds, read a free or borrowed (library, friend etc) book.

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Marcelline Noirot's family history involves a lot of swindling, smooth talking, finding marks and taking their money. And she's no different. (Minus the swindling) -- She's a dressmaker with great ambition and she doesn't hesitate to do what she can to take her business to the next level.

And entry to that level involves being the exclusive dressmaker to the future Duchess of Clevedon. But clever Marcelline knows that the way to her success is through the Duke.

When Gervase Angiers, the Duke of Clevedon, sees a new face among the crowd in the Paris Opera House, a new face who has boldly positioned herself in his line of sight, he knows he needs to meet this woman.

And so begins the contest of wits and desires --

Marcelline struggles to maintain her professionalism as she tries to convince the duke of her skills and worthiness. She plays a dangerous game of cat and mouse with him as his interest in her grows.

But Gervase isn't just interested in Marcelline as a dressmaker, he's interested in her as a woman. A woman who has inflamed his senses and makes him defy convention.

This novel is about seeking our heart's desire. For Marcelline, she has focused her whole being on making sure her livelihood prospers. She has mouths to feed and a house to make a home. And she's done a good job of doing so -- until she meets the Duke. And Marcelline isn't sure if she loves him or hates him for letting her see that there's something more to life to aspire for.

Our heroine walks the fine line between professionalism and impropriety. It's terrifying seeing her teeter over the edge of either side -- does she cut ties with the duke and dress only his duchess? or does she surrender to what her heart tells her to do?

For Gervase, he is content to give his heart to Clara's keeping. He's known her and loved her all his life. He knows what to expect from her and knows that she will not disappoint him. But he cannot make sense of what he feels for Marcelline. Is it a passing fancy? Or something more?

It's hard for me to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Loretta Chase has created very unforgettable characters: Marcelline, Gervase, and Clara. Usually, in love triangles, one party is always the weaker side -- but Clara is amazing. A force to be reckoned with. As a reader, I could not decide between Clara and Marcelline -- because they are both exceptional women. (I hope Clara gets her own book!)

This is my first Loretta Chase book, but it won't be my last. (She's now part of my auto-buy list.)

I especially loved this line:

It was no surrender, but a slap in the face of a kiss.
- p. 60

This is the first book in Chase's new series about the Noirot sisters. The second book, Scandal Wears Satin, features Sophy and is due out this July 2012.