“One of the finest romance authors of all time.” —Julia Quinn “[Loretta Chase has] a rare talent for creating crackling sexual tension and characters so fresh and compelling that readers won’t be able to forget them.” —Susan Elizabeth Phillips One of the most beloved authors in the field of historical romance, the remarkable Loretta Chase proves that Silk is For Seduction. The acclaimed New York Times bestselling author brings readers the first in a very sexy, emotionally rich new series in which sisters from a rather scandalous aristocratic family—the purveyors of the most fashionable shop in Regency London—discover passion and love as sumptuous as the exquisite gowns they create. Stephanie Laurens fans will adore this sensuous love story, as ambitious dressmaker Marcelline attempts to win the patronage of a future duchess…and ends up inadvertently enchanting the Duke!
"I want to be swept away into a beautiful romantic world, where men are heros and there really is such a thing as true love. This book did that . . . A Page turning sizzler packed full of fun!" ~Cindy Fegan, Reader Lord Arcenbryght Malloren is done with love. If he marries it will be for money to invest in his favorite scheme—canal building. Then he meets the impoverished Portia St. Claire, and is soon entangled in her and her family's ruinous affairs. It doesn't take Bryght long to decide that Portia is the woman for him. But can he persuade Portia to trust a rich, devastatingly handsome nobleman who appears to be a reckless gamester? From The Publisher: Author Jo Beverley is known for her consumate attention to historical detail that wisks the reader back in time to a near first-hand experience. Fans of Regency romance and historical British fiction set in the 19th century, as well as readers of Jess Michaels, Mary Balogh, Christi Caldwell, Stephanie Laurens, Madeline Hunter and Mary Jo Putney will want to read every book by Jo Beverley. "Romance at its best . . ." ~Publisher's Weekly "Intricately plotted, fast-paced, and delightfully wicked . . ." ~Library Journal "A fantastic novel. Jo Beverley shows again why she is considered one of the genre's brightest stars." ~Affaire de Coeur
The first book-length English-language study focusing on the early modern export of Chinese silk to New Spain from the sixteenth to the seventeenth century, An Object of Seduction compares and contrasts the two regions from perspectives of the sericulture development, the widespread circulation of silk fashion, and the government attempts at regulating the use of silk. Xiaolin Duan argues that the increasing demand for silk on the worldwide market on the one hand contributed to the parallel development of silk fashion and sericulture in China and New Spain, and on the other hand created conflicts on imperial regulations about foreign trade and hierarchical systems. Incorporating evidence from local gazetteers, correspondence, manual books, illustrated treatises, and miscellanies, this book explores how the growing desire for and production of raw silk and silk textiles empowered individuals and societies to claim and redefine their positions in changing time and space, thus breaking away from the traditional state control.
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER! "A powerful debut that proves the threads that interweave our lives can withstand time and any tide, and bind our hearts forever."—Susanna Kearsley, New York Times bestselling author of Belleweather and The Vanished Days A historical novel inspired by true events, Kelli Estes's brilliant and atmospheric debut is a poignant tale of two women determined to do the right thing, highlighting the power of our own stories. The smallest items can hold centuries of secrets... While exploring her aunt's island estate, Inara Erickson is captivated by an elaborately stitched piece of fabric hidden in the house. The truth behind the silk sleeve dated back to 1886, when Mei Lien, the lone survivor of a cruel purge of the Chinese in Seattle found refuge on Orcas Island and shared her tragic experience by embroidering it. As Inara peels back layer upon layer of the centuries of secrets the sleeve holds, her life becomes interwoven with that of Mei Lein. Through the stories Mei Lein tells in silk, Inara uncovers a tragic truth that will shake her family to its core—and force her to make an impossible choice. Should she bring shame to her family and risk everything by telling the truth, or tell no one and dishonor Mei Lien's memory? A touching and tender book for fans of Marie Benedict, Susanna Kearsley, and Duncan Jepson, The Girl Who Wrote in Silk is a dual-time period novel that explores how a delicate piece of silk interweaves the past and the present, reminding us that today's actions have far reaching implications. Praise for The Girl Who Wrote in Silk: "A beautiful, elegiac novel, as finely and delicately woven as the title suggests. Kelli Estes spins a spellbinding tale that illuminates the past in all its brutality and beauty, and the humanity that binds us all together." —Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author of The Beekeeper's Ball "A touching and tender story about discovering the past to bring peace to the present." —Duncan Jepson, author of All the Flowers in Shanghai "Vibrant and tragic, The Girl Who Wrote in Silk explores a horrific, little-known era in our nation's history. Estes sensitively alternates between Mei Lien, a young Chinese-American girl who lived in the late 1800s, and Inara, a modern recent college grad who sets Mei Lien's story free." —Margaret Dilloway, author of How to Be an American Housewife and Sisters of Heart and Snow
Lady May is back. And so is the scandal that sent her tumbling from her position as the toast of London, when her husband, the Earl of Maybury, was killed in a duel. Even a year of mourning hasn't quieted the rumors of her infidelity. Georgia Maybury is determined to regain her position in the beau monde, but a scarred ex-naval officer threatens her plans...
“One of the finest romance authors of all time.” —Julia Quinn New York Times bestselling author Loretta Chase follows her historical romance gem, Silk is for Seduction (nominated for 2011 Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Regency-Set Historical Romance) with yet another winner. This time, Scandal Wears Satin, as the second sister from a somewhat scandalous aristocratic family—the purveyors of one of London’s most fashionable shops—finds passion and a love as sumptuous as the gorgeous gowns she creates. Superstar romance author Susan Elizabeth Phillips says Loretta Chase has “a rare talent for creating crackling sexual tension and characters so fresh and compelling that readers won’t be able to forget them.” Chase fans, as well as Stephanie Laurens and Julia Quinn readers, will most assuredly agree—especially when they meet feisty Sophy and the rakish earl whose help (and heart) she enlists in order to win the patronage of a dowager lady.
Ordered by the king to escort the fiery, willful Countess of Arradale to London, Lord Rothgar finds his own famous willpower tested by the lovely temptress. Original.
After leaving the army and falling out with his family, the Honorable Catesby Burgoyne is drowning his sorrows when he comes across a woman being attacked by thugs. A fight is just what he needs, but little does he realize the lady he rescues will change his life. For Prudence Youlgrave is not just the victim of ruffians. Her life has been made a shambles by her selfish brother and brutish fiancé. But she has a bold and courageous spirit Catesby can’t resist, and before he knows it, he finds he has rescued her again by marrying her himself. A reckless adventurer may be forgiven for such an impulse. But when Catesby’s older brother suddenly dies, he finds himself Earl of Malzard, and Prudence is suddenly a most unlikely countess. Neither she nor Catesby are prepared to face the shock of his family. Still almost strangers, they have no one to turn to but each other, and it is in each other’s arms that they find a love neither ever expected. "Another jewel in Beverley’s heavily decorated crown."—The Romance Reader "A delightful blend of wit, intrigue, and emotional victories."—The State (Columbia, SC)
Dangerous Seduction Maryanne Hamilton had expected to be shocked, but the wanton orgy she finds in Mrs. Master's salon makes her wonder if she has walked into hell. Desperate to escape, she comes upon the master of sin himself--Lord Swansborough. Fascinated by his nakedness, she longs to touch every inch of his long, hard body. And when he bids her come near, she quickly surrenders to his wicked promises of carnal pleasure and sensual ecstasy. . . Praise for Sharon Page and her novels. . . "Strong, character-driven romance. . .touching and emotional. . .extremely sensual and erotic." --Romantic Times "How do you have an orgasm without sex? Read Sin by Sharon Page. . .delicious, delightful, decadent, and dazzling."--Just Erotic Romance Reviews (Gold Star Award) "Sinfully delicious. Sharon Page is a pure pleasure to read."--Sunny, New York Times bestselling author of Over the Moon (anthology) and Mona Lisa Awakening "Blends history, emotion and hot, hot, hot sex. . .blazing erotica within an amazing love story." --Kathryn Smith, USA TODAY bestselling author of Night of the Huntress "Scorching love scenes to make you sweat and an intriguing plot to hold it all together." --New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell
