#Review: THE DUKE AND THE DRESSMAKER by Eva Devon

 

5 of 5 stars

I loved the first book in this series, and this book is as enjoyable as the first one.

American-born shipping captain, James Blakefield, is now, through a complicated family tree, the new Duke of Ashbridge. Unbeknownst to James until he arrives in London is that he's also the legal guardian of Miss Violet Martin, but he has no idea where to find the girl. Just by happenstance, James and his friend are drinking in a bar, and James comes to the rescue of Lily, who is being manhandled. Come to find out, Lily is Violet's sister. He soon learns of the dire circumstances of their living situation and tells them they are to live in his household. Thus begins a complicated relationship between James and Lily and how Society views their relationship.

I loved Lily's strength and perseverance. She had endured so much since she fled France during the revolution and now works her fingers to the bone for a modiste in London, just to keep a roof over her and her sister's head. The love she has for Violet is evident in everything she does. Lily is a talented dressmaker, but her family's name has been riddled with scandal. Her dream of opening her own dress shop has languished for over ten years while she slaved away. Lily is smart, ambitious, and wants to fend for herself and make a name for herself as a premier dressmaker, but as with everything in the world, she doesn't have the funds to accomplish her dream.

James is a more complicated character--abandoned at a young age by the death of his parents--he's taken to the sea and the regiment of a sailor's life as his safe haven. He has worked hard to gain success, and he firmly believes everything runs better on a schedule. He uses this routine to establish a place for Lily and Violet to feel safe and secure. What James doesn't realize is that he cannot just come barging into London Society and expect his goals to be accomplished. He needs allies, and it's through Lily's expert knowledge of the ton that helps James navigate the complicated life and rules of the ton. The two of them make a formidable pair.

Ms. Devon gets to the heart of their insecurities and lets the reader understand how devastating their respective childhoods had been. Both James and Lily have been wounded deeply and are reluctant to love again, even though they cannot resist their mutual attraction. It takes an act of supreme courage on both of their parts to admit their mutual love before they get their HEA.

I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.