Review: Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase

Hey everyone!! :) How are you doing all? Recovering from the long week-end? Or too busy reading Demon Marked and Archangel's Blade? LOL, I know, that's me projecting :P Health-wise, I'm feeling better - yay!! And trying to stay that way. I need to find a way to keep my stress levels low. I think that doing nothing in the past few days and reading had helped LOL.

What about you? What's new? Nothing? Well here is a review for you to enjoy :)


Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase
published by Avon (Harpercollins Publisher) in June 2011

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 anexquisite thread of silk...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Dressmakers series, Book #1

The Story: The Noirot sisters are the proprietresses of the up and coming Maison Noirot - i.e. dressmakers. They are confident of their talents; however, London ladies are slow to recognize true fashion and shift their allegiance. In order for their business to more prestige, the Noirot sisters need a coup... and what would be better than the worst-dressed lady, the Duke of Clevedon's fiancée. Especially when rumors have it that the Duke will finally come back from the continent to claim his bride?

In order to accomplish this coup, the eldest sister - Marcelline Noirot - heads for France to catch Clevedon's attention, arouse his curiosity and make him aware of Maison Noirot's fashion... Using all the charms and tricks she got from the Dreadful DeLuceys side of the family. What Marcelline doesn't expect is the sparks and attraction between them, for her game of seduction to go too far. How can Marcelline be Clevedon's mistress as well as his fiancée's modiste?

My Opinion: Ms Chase has a huge fanbase thanks to Lord of Scoundrels which is often voted best romance novel ever. Me, I enjoyed it a lot but I wouldn't say it's the best book I've ever read... I don't know if it's a generation thing or just my personal tastes. Anyway, all to say that I don't gobble up all of Ms Chase's books, I actually pick and choose based on the blurbs the ones that interest me. I skipped Last Night's Scandal based on the reviews... but when I came across Silk is for Seduction's blurb, I just knew I was going to read it. What really caught my interest was the fact that the heroine was a dressmaker. LOL, I know, it doesn't take much... but seriously, it's such a pleasure when an author takes such a small detail and makes it work :) And of course, when a hunch pays off :)

All to say that Silk is for Seduction was a great book, in big part thanks to the heroine, Marcelline Noirot. She was just an awesome character. I love the fact that she was a dressmaker, that she was artistic with a temperament, but also ambitious. Also loved her wits and cunning ways. Truth is, Marcelline comes from a family of charlatans/conmen and she along with her sisters have been taught to use their wits and charms to manipulate, to get what they want... and while they're trying to step away from the Noirots' ways and become legitimate, they're not above using whatever is at their disposition to get what they want :) All this made for a very complex and also very charismatic heroine :) And as I said, pretty awesome :)

While I didn't get as much of a feel for Clevedon, I thought he was also pretty interesting. I think it's because he's not your typical duke. He's not the stuffy type nor the ultra-authocrative duke nor the debauched rake. He doesn't really fit any of the stereotypes that we're used to. He's just a man who has spent the couple last few years on the Continent, most specifically France, avoiding his ducal responsibilities and marriage... mostly because he doesn't think he'll measure up to the expectations imposed. However, his time is coming to an end. Even by the end of the book, he didn't act that "dukely" :P That made him different, refreshing... but not as likable as Marcelline. In comparison, he was a bit bland. Interesting, but not totally exciting.

I really liked the first part of the book that took place in France where it was only Marcelline and Clevedon. I liked the seduction game, the battle of wits. I felt it's really where Marcelline and Clevedon could be themselves and I really enjoyed their interactions. Once they were back in London, hmmm, the romance cooled down a little. Of course, there was the ton, Marcelline's family and daughter to consider, oh and the fiancée and their reputations, etc. Understandably, it was due to circumstances... but I thought it was unfortunate. I was a bit disappointed as well because given Marcelline and Clevedon's personalities, I was expecting them to be a bit more assertive, to really go after what they want no matter what others think.

I think that romance novels where the hero already has a fiancée is always tricky to handle. You'll notice when it's the heroine who has a fiancé, then the guy tends to be a jerk and it's easy to get rid of him... But with a hero, well the fiancée usually tends to be a nice, naive girl. So all the characters are really walking a fine line, because there's always the potential feeling that the hero is cheating... That's why I would have liked Marcelline and Clevedon to step up earlier. Ah well, at least Marcelline wasn't pining for Clevedon which is a good thing... and I have to say, I liked how Clevedon's fiancée stood up for herself at the end. To call Clevedon's out for his action, but also to not settle for someone that doesn't suit her just because that's what her parents want. So all in all, while it's not the way I wanted it to be handled, I think Ms Chase did a good job and resolved this conflict in a satisfactory manner which made for a good romance.

After reading Silk is for Seduction, what stay with the readers are the characters and romance. However, Silk is for Seduction did have a storyline and it was one that was interesting and one that worked. The secondary characters made for a better book and so did the details about the dressmaking business... and all of this, wrapped with engaging writing :) Hard to ask for more :P

My Grade: A-. I devoured Silk is for Seduction because it was an excellent read :) I love the characters, but also the originality of the book. I'm looking forward to the next book, because I'm definitively picking it up :)

Review: Don't Tempt Me by Loretta Chase

Loretta Chase, Loretta Chase, Loretta Chase.

It's always such a dilemma when she has a new release, because I never know if I should get it or not ^_^; It's not exactly a love-hate relationship that I have with her... More like hit and miss. The first book I picked up by Ms Chase was Lord of Scoundrels because everyone raved about it. While it was enjoyable, I didn't think it lived up to its hype and buzz... probably for two reasons: 1) this was published in the 1980s and at that time, I do think the plot was refreshing. Hell, the heroine shoots the hero! LOL :) But many books with similar plots have come out in the meantime and having read them before Lord of Scoundrels, the newness and freshness that made this book wasn't there for me. 2) I don't do well with hyped books. I don't know if it's my subconscious, but many books that people have raved about hadn't work for me ^_^; I guess I'm just that way.

But back to the subject at hand... Loretta Chase. I almost didn't buy Don't Tempt Me. Almost... I was waddling, but the back blurb was the deciding factor. It sounded fun :) So the big question is: Was it really?


Don't Tempt Me by Loretta Chase
published by Avon in June 2009

Spunky English girl overcomes impossible odds and outsmarts heathen villains.

That’s the headline when Zoe Lexham returns to England. After twelve years in the exotic east, she’s shockingly adept in the sensual arts. She knows everything a young lady shouldn’t and nothing she ought to know. She’s a walking scandal, with no hope of a future...unless someone can civilize her.

Lucien de Grey, the Duke of Marchmont, is no knight in shining armor. He’s sarcastic, cynical, easily bored, and dangerous to women. He charms, seduces, and leaves them--with parting gifts of expensive jewelry to dry their tears. But good looks and charm, combined with money and rank, make him welcome everywhere. The most popular bachelor in the Beau Monde can easily save Zoe’s risqué reputation . . . if the wayward beauty doesn’t lead him into temptation, and a passion that could ruin them both.

Genre: historical romance
Series: none

The Story: At the age of 12, while visiting Egypt with her parents, Zoe Octavia Lexham was kidnapped and then sold into a harem. Twelve years longer, she successfully escapes and finds a way home. However, having spent the most important years of her life in a harem, there is no way that she'll ever be respected and accepted by the ton. Her only hope is to marry extremely well.

Lucien de Grey lost his parents at the age of 10 and was taken in by Lord Lexham. Then, a few years later, his older brother died, leaving Lucien alone... finally, Zoe was kidnapped. With each loss, Lucien's heart died a little... to the point where he didn't care about anything anymore... He simply was. When he hears about Zoe's return, he is sure that she's a scam artist and he is determined to run her off to protect his guardian from heartache... That is, until he sets eyes on her... because the Bolter is indeed back. Then the most surprising happens... while he helps her achieves respectability... Lucien starts to feel again...

My Opinion: I have to say thank you to Hilcia for reviewing Don't Tempt Me and making me pick up this book! Although I bought this book, didn't mean I picked it up to read it... It would probably have languished in my TBR pile for a long time if it wasn't for Hilcia's review... and I have to say, I agree with her. Don't Tempt Me was a fun and enjoyable read. I liked the H/H very much and I thought they made the book.

I really enjoyed Zoe and Lucien's characters. I like their attitude and personality. I thought Zoe was a fun character. She was a great mix of knowledge and innocence. She has no idea what is proper and not and she doesn't much care... however, she'll go along in order to integrate and be able to stay in her homeland. She's persistant, know how to bide her time and resourceful. She also had a lot of mental strength. Personally, to be treated the way she was by her sisters, I would probably have broken down... but I guess she was simply happy to be home. As for Lucien, well there's nothing better than to see a man not care about anything... suddenly care for something. I really liked his backstory, I thought it made sense and explained his attitude very well. Losing people you love to death affects you. To deny it is stupid. In Lucien's case, he just stopped caring - he didn't live, he simply was. Going through the motion, day to day. Doing what is expected of him simply because. The only person he cares about is Lord Lexham who was his guardian and savior. Then, suddenly, Zoe is back... he doesn't change in an instant... he slowly re-awakens, but he does. He starts feeling and caring and I really liked that part.

What I liked most about these two characters is that they were smart and were reasonable. Of course, readers don't like weak characters. However, there are instances where characters are too stubborn... to the point where they argue too much, become irrational, unreasonable... and they are not more likeable than weak characters. As a result, I really liked Zoe and Lucien because they were reasonable and they also communicate. The scene where Lucien forbids Zoe to go out of the house and she's about to argue... but finally chooses to obey, I thought that was great of Zoe. When she realizes how much her disappearance has impacted everyone - her parents, her siblings and Lucien... That was also a good scene.

I found Don't Tempt Me highly enjoyable. It was a great mix of fun and touching scenes. I went awwww many times in the second half of the book. I'd say my favorite scene is when Lucien admits to Zoe that she is all he has left. That all his loved ones have died and he thought he lost her as well, but she came back... and she was all he had left. That scene was very touching. The scene where he gives her the engagement scene was also very cute and the meaning behind - awww. I think that Zoe and Lucien had this complicity and understanding since they were kids... and it just took time for them to find each other again, under the grown-up layers. They had great chemistry and were just fun to read.

Another point that I enjoyed about this book is the villain - the house steward. I thought it was refreshing to see bad servants and one that was mentally deranged. Too often, the villain is a poor relation or another aristocrat or nobility. People who think they are above the law because of their status... and quite frankly, it's getting old. Too often, you read about loyal servants and they provide some comedic relief... So it was fun to read about a servant being a villain. I feel that servants have been very invisible in books, that they are taken for grant - and according to Zoe, they should be. That's their job... but really, if you had loyal servants, you're bound to have bad ones as well and reading about it is fun. Sometime :P

While Don't Tempt Me was good, I do have a few complaints. First, I'd have liked to read a little bit more about Zoe's experience. We're given the basic story and there are many references of her life in the harem... but how was it really? Is there anything that was good? I thought it was glossed over and since it was such an important element... I'd have liked it to be expanded upon. Also, I would have liked to see a lot more interactions between Zoe and her family, especially her father (okay, so aside her sisters). She's been gone for 12 years and suddenly re-appears... and all the sisters worry about is how her reappearance affects their social status? That is just wrong. Her father never gave up hope of finding her, but when he finally gets her back, they barely spend time together. That doesn't make sense either. I don't feel like she got reacquainted with her family and although her relationship with her sisters seem to get better, I'd have liked to see her interact with her brothers and parents.

My Grade: While not perfect, Don't Tempt Me was definitively a good book. My favorite Loretta Chase so far :) Totally deserves B+! :)

Loretta Chase's Scoundrels

As I promised yesterday, here is my review of the much acclaimed Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. In addition to it, I'll add in a bonus: The Last Hellion, that I went to look for on Laura's recommendation and luckily was able to find at the library :D

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase: 4.5/5

Hmm, a lot of you already know the story and if not, you can always ask Kristie and Mailyn, I'm sure they'll be delighted to tell you :D or more like urge you to go read the book :D But then, I did promise you a review right?

So Sebastian Ballister is the 4th Marquess of Dain and was born late into his father's life. In fact, it is only after the 3rd Marquess of Dain lost his wife and heirs that he had to marry again to produce an heir, but also to get some money. Unfortunately for Sebastian, he wasn't the cutest child ever and didn't fit the Ballister's beauty standard and in addition, his mother ran away and so, the child was exiled away. Thus, Sebastian grew up thinking that he was a monster, that he was ugly, unlovable and repugnant.

As a result, Dain doesn't believe in love and is very cynic and tortured. He has his own views on the world and his own dictionnary of definitions... Then enters Jessica Trent who's come to rescue her little brother, Bertie Trent, from Dain's clutches. Attractions flared between the two and misunderstandings ensued. Basically, Jess' got her reputation ruined by Dain and after much quarrels, Dain marries Jess. Little by little, Dain learns what love is, but the return of his bastard son in his life might just have ruined all of Jess' efforts, as Dain sees himself (the monster) in what he calls, his Demon Seed.

So where to start? All right, the characters. Wow... I think that this book is really well-written and has a solit plot, but it really wouldn't be the same if it wasn't for the characters. Dain is tortured indeed and he's a bad boy too... but what I like the most about him is that he's not a bad boy wannabe... What I mean is that you know, he doesn't do good deeds behind people's back and doesn't maintain a bad reputation for a facade. He doesn't show a gentle side of him at all (well except when it comes to their first sexual encounter, but that's different). I don't think he has affection to anyone and that's because he doesn't understand nor believe that he can be loved like any other person... I liked it when he was in the bath and he just learnt that his wife was attracted to him and that she liked him... He was all like: Here are the possible reasons she might like me, a) she has bad eyesight, b) she's not sane, c) etc... Later, in Last Hellion, although you see that he's softened, he hasn't changed that much either and I'm like good... I'm getting a bit tired of all those reformed rakes. What about Jessica? Well wow, the girl's tough but not bitchy. She also has lots of guts :D She knows what she wants, she knows what she likes, basically and she's determined to get it. You have to respect a woman like her. I enjoy seeing her shoot her husband (actually, before the marriage).

So anyhow, I thought it was a good book, but a little something was missing. It's like yes, I could read the book and enjoy it, but it didn't seem I could get involved in it. I don't know how to explain this feeling... which is why the book didn't get a perfect grade. Highly recommended book indeed :D

The Last Hellion by Loretta Chase: 3.5/5

The Last Hellion is the story of Duke of Ainswood, Vere Mallory, that you get to meet in Lord of Scoundrels. Surprisingly, Vere wasn't born as the heir to the title, but instead inherited it after his uncle, all his cousins and the 9 year old Robin (current Duke) died. It's a title he never thought he get, but he got it and isn't too happy. In the past 10 years, so many of his family have died, but for Vere, Charlie (Robin's father and Vere's fav. cousin) and Robin's deaths were the hardest on him because he felt like they were deserting him. So instead of setting a good example as a duke, Vere sinks even lower in debauchery...

Then he meets Lydia Grenville who is a journalist for Argus and whose articles on prostitution has made lots of ennemies. Basically, Lydia's mother died when Lydia was much younger, but from her diary, Lydia learns that her mother used to be a Lady, a Ballister actually. Although she doesn't try to re-contact the Ballister, Lydia has moved nonetheless to London to get a better life.

Anyway, I know it's not that clear, but Lydia and Vere's story is actually quite complicated. Basically, I didn't like it as much because a lot was going on and I thought the story didn't really focus enough on the couple. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book, where we saw that Vere was unhappy at inheriting the title and I thought the book would focus more on his anguish... but instead, it focus much more on the demantling of a prostitution ring.

So what I liked: Vere's character, the appearances of Dain, his wife and Bertie Trent. Surprisingly, I actually quite enjoyed Bertie. In LoS, he appeared immature and quite pompus, trying to show Dain that he was a peer, a scoundrel. In this book, well he doesn't sound so immature. Right, he's not the brightest light, but he's a good fellow. It's actually funny that everyone's looking down on him, esp. Dain and his comments.

What I liked less: Lydia annoyed me a bit. You know, she's one of those heroine that is so tough and independant that she doesn't need a man's help. I also thought that she judged ppl a bit too rapidly.

Not a bad book all in all, but it can't compare to LoS... and if LoS was missing the little zing, The Last Hellion didn't find it either.

I'm actually not a fan of regency... I mean, I'll read it, but I still prefer contemporaries and paranormal... However, Loretta Chase's romance seems to be less fluffy as the others and actually, (don't throw stone at me for saying this) but almost dry. It's quite direct and to the fact. Not a bad thing, but different and that's a nice change in pace.