"A dressmaker sets out to win the opportunity to dress a future Duchess"
Reviewed by Leanne Davis
Posted August 2, 2011
Romance Historical
Marcelline Noirot and her sisters are building up a
clientele for their dress shop in London. They've led a
chaotic life as their parents dragged them across Europe
outrunning the bailiff. Marcelline wants more for her
daughter, thus the dress shop. When they hear a rumor that the Duke of Clevedon is finally
ready to return to London and honor the agreement to marry
his best friend's sister, they hatch a daring plan to
attract his interest so that they can dress his future wife. Stunningly attractive, her ancestry and large dowry have
prompted proposals from many men but the Noirot sisters know
that they could improve her image if they had the dressing
of her. Lady Clara Fairfax has always bought her dresses
from their chief rival, Hortense. A woman who has no sense
of style, Hortense is only able to imitate other designers. Marcelline sets off to Paris to meet the Duke and draw his
attention to their innovative clothing designs. What she
doesn't expect is that he will epitomize everything she
could ever ask for in a man. The Duke of Clevedon has enjoyed his time in Europe. When
his friend Harry reminds him that it is time to step up and
honor the old agreement between Clevedon and Clara, he
agrees reluctantly to return. He has plans for the
evening, when he first spots Marcelline those plans
disappear. Marcelline will challenge him in ways that he
least expects. When they both return to London, Clevedon has difficulty
proposing to Clara. All his years away, he corresponded
with her but he realizes that he loves her like a sister.
He spends more time thinking of Marcelline and aiding her
when problems arise than he ever thought about Clara. His
life has become more interesting in so many ways since he
met the Noirot ladies. Ms. Chase has written another winner. Although, I missed
some of the humor that so entertained me in Mr. Impossible,
the story was so well-written that it kept me glued to the
pages. The intriguing twists to the story will keep the
reader enthralled. I can't wait for the next two books.
SUMMARY
Skilled in the art of dressmaking, Marcelline Noroit dreams
of building a fashion empire that will flourish among London
top boutiques. Working alongside her sisters Sophia and
Leonie, strong-willed and independent Marcelline has never
needed a man’s help. She’s been able to rely on her wit and
will to get ahead, even if it means using flirtation for
business purposes--until she meets Gervase Angier, the Duke
of Clevedon. More suited to a Parisian society tolerant of his ways of
giving and taking pleasure freely, Clevedon finds himself in
a new world upon meeting Marcelline. Caught up in a desire
for her he can’t explain, he sees a challenge he hasn’t
encountered in years. In a battle of sharp wits and
undeniable attraction they give into the heat between them.
But as the rules of the ton threaten their budding passion,
a fire threatens to destroy all Marcelline’s worked for and
she’s determined to hold on to her true passion...and the
man who reawakened her heart...
What do you think about this review?
Comments
No comments posted.
Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!
|
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy