A blue-eyed innocent on the outside and a shark on the inside, dressmaker Sophy Noirot could sell sand to Bedouins. Selling Maison Noirot's beautiful designs to aristocratic ladies is a little harder, especially since a recent family scandal has made an enemy of one of society's fashion leaders. Turning scandal to the shop's advantage requires every iota of Sophy's skills, leaving her little patience for a big, reckless rake like the Earl of Longmore. The gorgeous lummox can't keep more than one idea in his head at a time, and his idea is taking off all of Sophy's clothes.

But when Longmore's sister, Noirot's wealthiest, favorite customer, runs away, Sophy can't let him bumble after her on his own. In hot pursuit with the one man who tempts her beyond reason, she finds desire has never slipped on so smoothly . . .

Review

The ultimate saleswoman can ensure any purchase, even a heart…

Sophy Noirot is determined to save her sisters dress shop from ruin and will do it any which way she can—lying, spying, conniving, nothing matters as long as things work out. What she doesn’t plan to do is to give into the reckless nature, typical of her family line, but it’s hard to stick to plans when a gorgeous man is bent on ruining them.

Harry, the Earl of Longmore, is fascinated with Sophy. She’s refreshing, and mysterious with 100-in-1 disguises to get in her in and out of all ton events. The attraction isn’t just her gorgeous blond hair, delectable figure, and sea-deep blue eyes but her ability to be anything but a bore. When Longmore’s sister gets herself into an unmanageable position who, but the object he desires to seduce, volunteers to fix the problem, Sophy. As they wind their through London and it’s outskirts in close proximity Longmore must determine if everything is an act or the truth; when he’s not sure if he wants to know.

Chase has created a wonderful anti-hero in Longmore. He’s more brawn then brains, doesn’t care for ‘feelings’, and enjoys just living life. He’s a straightforward fellow used to solving his problems either by avoiding them or using his fists. In retrospect he’s more like a barbarian in lord’s clothing, and with a bit more tact. Surprisingly he’s also more intelligent then he lets on, easily working with and picking up on Sophy’s ideas and schemes. They make the perfect pair for mischief and for saving people, and I enjoyed the opposites attract trope.

Sophy is the opposite of Longmore, filled with a flair for drama and extravagance. She’s an advertising queen with a great imagination, which Longmore would prefer to avoid. But he can’t help himself and Sophy is very good at reeling in the object she seeks to ensnare. Longmore honestly never stood a chance, with the illustrious Sophy being a master at manipulation. I like this character too because she’s experienced in so many ways, but at the same time not experienced in others;  street smart woman meet innocent virgin.

Secondary characters including Longmore’s mother, Lady Warford, and the little pick pocket turned help who says ‘finks’ instead of ‘thinks’ are a delight. You have the swooning overbearing mother who reminds me very much of Mrs. Bennett from Pride and the Prejudice; except Lady Warford has a bit more intelligent and humility (just a bit). Fenwick the pickpocket is hilarious, especially any part where he’s speaking. I got a case of the giggles a couple of times when he kept calling Longmore ‘yer majesty’.

My only caveat is I felt the interactions between Longmore and Sophy were manufactured at the beginning. They seemed all too convenient, especially the circumstances leading to intimate moments.  I was also disappointed to see Dowdy’s, the dressmaker’s competition, left standing and I hope more is to come in future books. Finally Chase brings up the subject of the DeLucey’s, a family name to which Sophy and her sisters are related to, but there’s no explanation of who they are or were. All we get is this little snippet of some sort of family with the common ability to cause scandals. Mrs. Chase you’ve peeked my interest I need more info on these DeLucey’s.

Overall, this is a good secondary book for a series. Chase does a wonderful job with characterization and keeping our minds focused on the couple in front of us. Conveniently I saw very little of our last, still single sister, Leonie. I can only wonder what Chase has in store for her, and whether it is rakehell or knight in shining armor I’m sure it will be a fun read. For fans of Carolyn Jewel, and Isabella Bradford.

Reviewed by Landra

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