“Queen of love and laughter Chase returns with a laugh-out-loud novel destined for the keeper shelf. There’s hardly time to breathe between giggles and guffaws...The result is perfection.” — Romantic Times, TOP PICK “Two refreshingly original, superbly matched characters clash with splendidly sexy results in the always inventive Chase’s latest deliciously witty and satisfying romance.” — Booklist (starred review) on Don't Tempt Me Quinn of love and laughter Chase returns with a laugh-out-loud novel destined for the keeper shelf. There’s hardly time to breathe between giggles and guffaws as a delightful cast of characters romp through the countryside to an ancient Scottish castle inhabited by ghosts. The result is perfection. — Romantic Times TOP PICK “There’s something so enchanting about the story, the characters and their relationships that makes Vixen in Velvet more than a love story; it’s joyous.” — Romantic Times BOOKclub, 4.5 stars Chase moves beyond the couture Noirot sisters in her historical Dressmakers series, and the unconventional pairing of an aristocrat and a barrister, plus an exploration of London poverty and the well-intentioned “ragged schools,” adds fascinating social and historical texture. Chase retains her well-earned star status. — Kirkus Reviews, praise for DUKES PREFER BLONDES “In addition to the powerful social commentary on women’s role in society and the life of youth in London’s poverty-ridden back alleys and schools, Chase’s tongue-in-cheek tone captures tender and humorous nuances in character descriptions and actions, creating fully realized characters and a rich plot.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review), praise for DUKES PREFER BLONDES RITA Award-winning Chase...deftly stitches together superbly nuanced characters, a captivating plot that realistically deals with both the glitter and grime of the Regency era, and a graceful writing style fueled by a resplendent sense of wit to create a romance to cherish. — Booklist (starred review) for DUKES PREFER BLONDES With flawless research, exquisite sensuality, and brilliant repartee that extends to the bedroom, this is another unforgettable winner from the impeccable Chase. — Library Journal (starred review) for DUKES PREFER BLONDES “One of the best writers in the genre...This is romance as it should be: a lush tale that is really about much more than love - it’s about womanhood, social issues and happiness.” — All About Romance praise for DUKES PREFER BLONDES As always, Chase crafts an intelligent, witty, sexy romance with two well-matched characters ... The tinge of mystery that thrusts the storyline forward - along with the sharp repartee, laugh-out-loud humor and steamy sexual tension - make this a stand-out read. — Romantic Times BOOKclub, 4 1/2 stars, Top Pick, praise for DUKES PREFER BLONDES “...a lingering, sensual romance set against a rich backdrop of pre-Victorian London in all its glamour and grime. This is romance as it should be: a lush tale that is really about much more than love - it’s about womanhood, social issues and happiness.” — NYT bestselling author Sarah MacLean in the Washington Post Biweekly marriage proposals from men who can't see beyond her (admittedly breathtaking) looks are starting to get on Lady Clara Fairfax's nerves. Desperate to be something more than ornamental, she escapes to her favorite charity. When a child is in trouble, she turns to tall, dark, and annoying barrister Oliver Radford. Though he's unexpectedly found himself in line to inherit a dukedom, Radford's never been part of fashionable society, and the blonde beauty, though not entirely bereft of brains, isn't part of his plans. But Clara overwhelms even his infallible logic, and when wedlock looms, all he can do is try not to lose his head over her . . . It's an inconvenient marriage by ordinary standards, but these two are far from ordinary. Can the ton's most adored heiress and London's most difficult bachelor fall victim to their own unruly desires? Loretta Chase has worked in academe, retail, and the visual arts, as well as on the streets—as a meter maid—and in video, as a scriptwriter. She might have developed an excitingly checkered career had her spouse not nagged her into writing fiction. Her bestselling historical romances, set in the Regency and Romantic eras of the early nineteenth century, have won a number of awards, including the Romance Writers of America’s RITA®. For more about her past, her books, and what she does and doesn’t do on social media, please visit her website. LorettaChase.com Read more
Features & Highlights
USA Today Bestseller
Biweekly marriage proposals from men who can't see beyond her (admittedly breathtaking) looks are starting to get on Lady Clara Fairfax's nerves. Desperate to be something more than ornamental, she escapes to her favorite charity. When a child is in trouble, she turns to tall, dark, and annoying barrister Oliver Radford.
Though he's unexpectedly found himself in line to inherit a dukedom, Radford's never been part of fashionable society, and the blonde beauty, though not entirely bereft of brains, isn't part of his plans. But Clara overwhelms even his infallible logic, and when wedlock looms, all he can do is try not to lose his head over her . . .
It's an inconvenient marriage by ordinary standards, but these two are far from ordinary. Can the ton's most adored heiress and London's most difficult bachelor fall victim to their own unruly desires?
Customer Reviews
Rating Breakdown
★★★★★
30%
(488)
★★★★
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★★★
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★★
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23%
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Most Helpful Reviews
★★★★★
5.0
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Big Brain "Raven" Meets Gorgeous, Golden Clara
Lady Clara Fairfax gets a man worthy of her at long last! We were first introduced to Clara in [[ASIN:B004MMEIXM Silk Is For Seduction (The Dressmakers Series Book 1)]] as the young woman who had been betrothed to the Duke of Clevedon from the time they were both children. I've always admired Clara for the manner in which she dealt with Clevedon's falling hard in love with another woman just as he was coming home from his years of living a bachelor life on the Continent with the intention of finally marrying Clara. If you've not read that book, it will shed light on the Clara in this book.
Clevedon was awesome, but in my opinion our hero in this book is absolutely spellbinding. Barrister Oliver Radford aka Raven is known for his “large” brain. He’s brilliant to the point of being a bit “otherworldly” which suits Clara to a “T” – yes, indeed.
When Clara decides to help one of her protégées from the Milliners’ Society Girls find her missing brother, she goes to the best of the best – Barrister Oliver Radford to gain his assistance. Raven doesn’t immediately recognize Clara as the little girl who once helped rescue him from his dastardly little cousin, Bernard, when he was visiting the Fairfax home as a guest of Clara’s brother – at that time Radford was 15 to Clara’s “8 and 9/12ths.” So, we'll forgive Radford for not connecting the lovely grown-up Clara with the feisty little Clara who wanted to tag along with the older boys all those years ago.
Clara is bored senseless with her life as the “most beautiful and sought after girl in London” and the life accompanying one with such a title – more marriage proposals than she could ever want and the undying attention of nearly all the single gentlemen – such a hard life. However, once Clara becomes involved with Radford, the intelligence behind the beauty comes to the forefront as we are treated to some of the most delightful banter ever set down in one of these “fluffy” romance novels. And, dear readers – all this serves to frame the genius mind of Loretta Chase.
This storyline is interesting, engaging, sexy, thrilling, intelligent and pure delightful. I loved the Raven and his big brain which encompasses two selves that finally come together to provide him with his true destiny – Clara. During the course of the chase, we are given glimpses into the lowest dregs of London, including a new find for me – “ragged schools.” Yes, we have villains aplenty and Clara’s allowed to participate along with her Raven. We also get a revisit to Bernard – now a duke – it seems this side of the Radford family is dying off faster than the blink of an eye which gives one a clue as to how and where this story will wind up. However, it’s not the main thrust of the book which makes the story all the better.
Five golden stars for this book.
7 people found this helpful
★★★★★
4.0
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4 “Smart Love” Stars!
Fans of Loretta Chase know that she loves to write romantic tales concerning highly intelligent couples that are attracted to one another, first and foremost, by their complementary intellect. Dukes Prefer Blondes definitely delivers on this front. You will not be at a loss for witty repartees, even if at times you may want to throttle the hero for some of his seemingly less than complimentary views of women. Fortunately, the heroine in Dukes Prefer Blondes knows just to how to put him in his place with her quick verbal sparring which always seems to position her with the upper hand and ultimately works to benefit them both with a match made in academic heaven!
Lady Clara Fairfax has been raised to marry a man of the upper echelons of society, preferably a duke. Unfortunately for her, while many others would greatly envy her position of fending off marriage proposals left and right, Clara can’t help but feel stifled and as if she is drowning in all the luxurious coddling that women of her rank are inevitably constantly treated to. Even more detrimental to her state of mind is the constant disregard for her mental acuity. Ladies of her station are just not supposed to be rational and logical or really of much use at all except in certain domestic and fashionable regards.
Imagine her surprise then when the first man to actually pay her any heed also happens to be one of the most satisfyingly complex and yet equally frustrating men she has ever met. Oliver “Raven” Radford, a barrister who although he comes from a good family (he is the cousin of a duke), has always been a member of the family’s working class arm. The more he gets entangled in her plan to save a brother and sister that Clara met at her favorite charity and whom Clara has taken it upon herself to save from a dangerous street gang, the more she begins to appreciate Raven’s willingness–even if begrudgingly given–to see her for more than a damsel in distress with no ability to fend for herself.
Amidst this danger, and in between constant parleys that are as sharp as any sword, Clara and Raven begin to ignite under the intense passion they share. However, this inevitable attraction to one another only highlights society’s harsh rules which no doubt will never allow room for a union of such disparate ranks.
Will Raven be able to keep Clara safe from the imminent danger that she courts in her quest to save the brother and sister that she has taken under wing? Moreover, even if he can, is he not just setting them both up for the inevitable heartbreak that is sure to follow their attempt to break with society’s conventions?
If you are looking for a romance to challenge your mind and your heart, then look no further, Dukes Prefer Blondes is sure to fit your need.
Source: Review copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
3 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Best witty dialogue, sweet and funny.
I love this author, she's brilliant. Appreciated the fast talking and witty dialogue! The hero was like a kinder, warmer version of Sherlock, especially when he was imperiously ranting. Clara turned out to be quick and smart, and easily kept up with him. Despite being very beautiful, he admired her bravery and intelligence too. He wanted to give her the freedom to be herself, which was touching and romantic. I loved the beginning when they met as children. What a great set up to a funny, heart warming story.
2 people found this helpful
★★★★★
4.0
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Good
I will read anything by Loretta Chase just because I love her writing style. I thought this was a fun story but lacked the emotional punch of some of her others in both this series and also in her earlier works. That said, a 4 star Chase novel is a 5 star for most other historical authors.
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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One of 2016's Best Romances - Nick and Nora in the Regency
Short Version: I adored the hero and heroine and can’t remember another time I liked both protagonists so much. The plot was very good, but not quite great, so read it for Clara and Oliver, their every moment together is a delight.
Long Version: Looking forward to Clara’s book in Loretta Chase’s Dressmaker’s Series, I was not disappointed. You have to love it when it feels like a book was written with you in mind. Dukes Prefer Blondes featured a Nick and Nora Charles style courtship but, as it is a historical romance, in the Regency. Chase uses the narrative structure incredibly effectively to both maintain the brittle, consciously closed-off outward appearances of the main characters while still sharing their true feelings and the effect they have on one another. All books with an omniscient narrator can do this, but this genre really lends itself to it, and few novels have done it quite so well as Dukes Prefer Blondes.
Clara is beautiful and rich which is hard to feel sorry for, but she is also considered the top marital prize of her season and her time as a trophy is wearing on her. Men pursue and propose to her, but only for the potential notoriety of being the man who gains her acquiescence. They don’t really see her; they talk at Clara, not to her. She is “wrapped in cotton wool” and stifled in every attempt to assert, not even her independence, but her brainpower and energies in anything other than the most safe and stultifying activities. Her mother is very concerned about social status and any notion of womanhood which maintains it, so Clara is allowed to participate in charity work and her efforts bring her into contact with an impoverished young woman looking for her missing brother. When Clara needs someone to help her locate the boy, she is brought to barrister Oliver “Raven” Radford.
Having embraced a nickname originally intended as an insult, Raven is the cousin of a duke and the son of a younger son who made good practicing law. He’s not touched by scandal, but his family is, though they don’t care – at least not until he falls for Lady Clara. A man of searing intellect and deficient in tact, he is startled and fascinated by the goddess who has appeared before him and appears to have wits on par with her beauty, not that he will admit that out loud, although occasionally his powerful reaction to his magnificent equal overwhelms him long enough for some imprudent physical contact. Raven helps Clara out and she plagues him until he marries her. He knows they are a bad match on paper, as deeply as he may want her, but he cannot resist and she does not play fair. In the end, they find a surprising way forward and Clara gets the freedom she hoped for, but not in the form she expected.
The sub-plots about Raven’s contentious relationship with London’s underworld did not work as well for me as the love story, but as long as Raven and Clara were in the same room, I didn’t need anything else. Dukes Prefer Blondes had all the smart banter I love and managed to convey true depth of emotion without any flowery speeches and dramatic declarations which would make people trained not to express emotion uncomfortable.You want to read this book, you’ll want to re-read it, too.
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Funny dialogue with a different type of hero
I give this book 5 stars because there was a slightly different twist on the hero (not typical) and because there were times I laughed out loud at some of the humor between the two main characters. Early on, I found the writing a bit hard to follow but then I got the hang of it. A bit different, for sure. Stick with it, if you find yourself in the same situation. It's worth it.
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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4.5 stars
Loretta Chase is an established historical romance writer, and I’ve loved her books. This one isn’t my favorite (that would be Lord of Scoundrels) but I did enjoy it quite a bit! The atmosphere is intoxicating, and the characters are always original and quite interesting to get to know and watch grow throughout the book. In fact, that’s usually the best part of her books–the character development. And this one was superb!
Lady Clara Fairfax met Oliver “Raven” Radford when she was not quite nine years old. He was fifteen and had come home with her brother Harry from Eton for the holidays. They were visiting Vauxhall for a fête and somehow, Raven ended up babysitting her. When his cousin Bernard, who’d made it his lifelong mission to hassle Raven, sprang out and started hitting him, Clara jumped onto his back and started whaling on him. The confusing scramble ended with Clara the proud owner of a chipped front tooth, forever marked by their first meeting. And that’s how he recognized her, years later on the streets of London.
Clara is quite different from most of the young ladies of her station in life. She wants to be valued for her intelligence, not her looks. She’s very interested in doing things and is frustrated by the encumbrances society places on her. When Bridget Coppy, one of the girls that is employed at the charity she currently patronizes, The Milliner’s society for the Education of indigent females, is concerned about her missing brother Toby and confides in Clara, she wants to help her. But “ladies” aren’t allowed to do much of anything–only men can. When Bridget’s concern about her brother causes her to get unwanted attention from the miscreants who ‘ve gotten him in their clutches, it becomes even more imperative that something be done. Luckily for them, Raven Radford is on the scene and already heavily engaged in battle with the groups who are causing harm to young Toby. With his help, they’re quickly able to find and return Toby to his sister as well as stop the thievery ring.
Raven Radford had grown up knowing that while he was part of an aristocratic family, the likelihood of ever being the Duke was slim. His innate intelligence and his odd looks as a young man had gotten him lots of ridicule from his titled relatives. His father George was a younger son of the Duke of Malvern, and had worked as a solicitor for many years, marrying late in life–unfortunately, to a divorced woman! Scandalous! But why not when you’re a younger son? Raven had attended all the correct “public” schools but had followed his father’s footsteps into the law, always assuming he would never be called upon. Even when he was helping Lady Clara, he was always aware of their differences–he was in trade, she was of the aristocracy. But what happens when you fall in love with a Lady?
It’s a little like watching Lady and the Tramp. You’ve got the guy who’s really from a good family but is firmly in the trades. You’ve got the wealthy aristocrat who’s longing for something more. Put them together and MAGIC! There are lots of things standing in their way, but hopefully, true love will win the course. And then, fate lends a hand and we see why being trained to be a Duchess might come in handy…
Chase mixes societal issues like ragged schools in with women’s rights and yet still nods in deference to the elegance of the age with her historical romances that bridge the gap between educating and entertaining. As always, a delicious read! Thanks!
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
4.0
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Clara Finds her Man
I knew that Clara and Raven’s story would appear on my kindle at 12:01 A.M. and I almost set the alarm for it; that’s how much I wanted to read Loretta Chase’s latest story from the dressmaker series. I’m glad I waited until morning.
No doubt Loretta’s dialogue between the h and H is still chock full of excitement, fun and laughter. The beginning seemed to drag a little and I admit to skipping some pages looking for that spark, but the end of the story was terrific as it was full of excitement, fun and laughter too. Do I have some I wishes? Of course I do. Since I wasn’t writing and rewriting this book, I wanted a little more.
1. Wanted to hear the Duke of Clevedon say something like, “my dearest girl, how happy I am for you now that you have found someone to love” or something as maudlin as that.
2. How about Thomas, her brother checking up on her when she was so ill. So hard to suspend all rational thought and think that Raven and her maid were the only two taking care of a sick Clara.
3. Wanted to hear from those Noirot sisters, just their individual voices. How does the Dutchess of Clevedon feel as she approaches motherhood for example? I missed hearing their voices.
Although the romance was there for me to read and the writing was as usual, par excellence, I missed some of the interactions that might have occurred with the rest of the family. It was as though the previous characters were paper dolls and not part of the family at all.
I could picture Clevedon and Clara’s brother helping or assisting with the rescue I missed the Noirot’s scheming up something to help Clara achieve her desire to wed Raven or helping with the planning of the plot to get the villain. I guess I’ll have to let my imagination recreate parts of the story as I now have to wait a full year before I read one of Loretta’s masterpieces again. Thanks for all the great reading moments, Loretta.
1 people found this helpful
★★★★★
5.0
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Dukes Prefer Blondes
You know, the one thing that was bugging me the most abut this book was the word Duke in the title. The blurb mentions something about Oliver inheriting, but for a little more than half of the book Oliver's cousin is alive and kicking. And I had forgotten the blurb so I was wondering what was going to happen. That was the thing that bugged me. The rest of the book was my cup of tea and I had plenty of fun reading it. The romance and the action have equal parts and nothing was missing out. Clara wasn't spineless and I liked her. She fought for what she wanted and I liked how well she played Oliver and made him do what his male brain wouldn't let him.
The rest of the books in the series are on my to-read list and this book gave me the motive to begin the series which I wanted to read for a long time. I am definitely going to recommend to read this book even if you haven't read the other three books in the series.
