Series: The Dressmakers, #1
Traits & Tropes: class difference; titled hero; he's engaged to someone else; working heroine; single mom; widow
Publication Date: 06.28.11
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London/Paris, March 1835
Heat Level: 3
Rating: 4/5
Narration Rating: 5/5
Marcelline Noirot is a gifted designer and is determined to be acknowledged as the greatest dressmaker in the world. She’s worked out that the next step in her plan is to dress the next Duchess of Clevedon. Sure, the duke is not yet married but everyone knows who his intended bride is. Earning the future duchess’ patronage would provide security for Marcelline, her daughter, and her two younger sisters, but to get to her, she must first win over Clevedon, a man of high standards and questionable morals.
Marcelline has determined that the risk is worth the potential reward, but she’s met her match in the duke. Clevedon can’t help but seduce Marcelline, but he soon can't imagine life without her, and he doesn’t care how much of a scandal that may cause.
I was very unsure about this story’s premise because the hero has an understanding with another woman, not the heroine, but this woman turns out to be a childhood friend whom he views more as a sister, and this was handled well enough that it didn’t bother me. I think this was also helped by the fact that I just read that lady’s story and knew she was better off finding her own love. Marcelline and Clevedon (annoyingly his given name was never mentioned) made for a slightly odd pairing, but I think she brought out the best in him, making him want to settle down and take up his responsibilities while also healing from his childhood traumas and creating a family of his own. I think he also brought out the best in Marcelline, reminding her that there is more to life than her business and showing her that she wasn’t nearly as blackhearted as she believed. I loved all the kind things he did for her, both small and large, without regard for what the gossips might say about him, I only wish his understanding had been broken off a bit sooner and his relationship with Marcelline given more firmness; perhaps one more intimate scene between them or one that was less rushed to show that they truly loved one another and acknowledged that, rather than just stealing moments together. Other than that complaint, I did enjoy this story and will plan to read the rest of the series.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1905264011
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4446945313
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