From Publishers Weekly
Dodd, author of the bestselling Governess Brides series (My Favorite Bride, etc.), is back with the first Regency-era romance in her two-part Changing Places series. Lady Madeline de Lacy, one of the most powerful women in England, is struggling to hold her family together following her gambler father's catastrophic loss at cards. When she learns that he has gambled away her hand in marriage and is planning to stake her most precious heirloom in the Game of the Century, she takes drastic action. She switches places with her cousin and companion, Eleanor, and heads to The Game disguised as a companion herself. Eleanor, in turn, agrees to see Madeline's new fiance and break the engagement. Madeline is accustomed to running her life and the lives of those around her, so posing as a lady's maid proves to be a challenge, especially when she discovers her former fiance, Lord Gabriel, at the party. Now she must maintain her ruse even as she's drawn to the man she jilted four years earlier. Dodd is known for crafting spicy romances with a touch of humor, and this book is no exception. Less appealing, however, is her alpha-male hero, who spends most of the book punishing Madeline for her past behavior. Still, the story moves along at a bright clip and will likely please Dodd's fans despite a hasty denouement. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
Two exquisite cousins must exchange identities in a scandalous deception.
Madeline de Lacy, the duchess of Magnus, prides herself on being one of the most sensible young women in England, which is why she can't believe that, in a turn of the cards, her noble father has lost his entire estate -- and her! -- to a stranger.
On a mission to salvage her family fortune, she changes places with her cousin and companion, sending the meeker Eleanor to confront the man who had won Madeline's hand. Now, Madeline is free to enter the home of a notorious gambler, and pretends to be meek, humble, and competent with an iron. She is, of course, none of those things; she simply is resolved to win her family's fortune back. Just when she thinks matters can't get worse, she meets Gabriel Ansell, the earl of Campion, and they do. Horribly worse.
Four years ago, Madeline was engaged to Gabriel, and worshipped his arrogant kisses. Now, being forced to marry a man she doesn't know pales in comparison to the ordeal of facing Gabriel again, the man who betrayed her -- Gabriel, the only man she ever loved.
Download Description
In a turn of the cards, Madeline's freedom and fortune are lost to mysterious blackguard Remington Knight. Now only her hated ex-fiance Gabriel can help salvage the family pride. But he has a mission of his own: to win back the only woman he could ever love.
About the Author
Christina Dodd is the author of twenty romances that made regular appearances on the bestseller lists. She has won numerous awards including Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart and RITA Awards.
Scandalous Again FROM THE PUBLISHER
Two exquisite cousins must exchange identities in a scandalous deception.
Madeline de Lacy, the duchess of Magnus, prides herself on being one of the most sensible young women in England, which is why she can't believe that, in a turn of the cards, her noble father has lost his entire estate -- and her! -- to a stranger.
On a mission to salvage her family fortune, she changes places with her cousin and companion, sending the meeker Eleanor to confront the man who had won Madeline's hand. Now, Madeline is free to enter the home of a notorious gambler, and pretends to be meek, humble, and competent with an iron. She is, of course, none of those things; she simply is resolved to win her family's fortune back. Just when she thinks matters can't get worse, she meets Gabriel Ansell, the earl of Campion, and they do. Horribly worse.
Four years ago, Madeline was engaged to Gabriel, and worshipped his arrogant kisses. Now, being forced to marry a man she doesn't know pales in comparison to the ordeal of facing Gabriel again, the man who betrayed her -- Gabriel, the only man she ever loved.
SYNOPSIS
In a turn of the cards, Madeline's freedom and fortune are lost to mysterious blackguard Remington Knight. Now only her hated ex-fiance Gabriel can help salvage the family pride. But he has a mission of his own: to win back the only woman he could ever love.
FROM THE CRITICS
Romantic Times
Fast-paced, humorous, poignant, adorable and just plain fun, this first title in the Changing Places duet is a surefire winner.
Publishers Weekly
Dodd, author of the bestselling Governess Brides series (My Favorite Bride, etc.), is back with the first Regency-era romance in her two-part Changing Places series. Lady Madeline de Lacy, one of the most powerful women in England, is struggling to hold her family together following her gambler father's catastrophic loss at cards. When she learns that he has gambled away her hand in marriage and is planning to stake her most precious heirloom in the Game of the Century, she takes drastic action. She switches places with her cousin and companion, Eleanor, and heads to The Game disguised as a companion herself. Eleanor, in turn, agrees to see Madeline's new fiance and break the engagement. Madeline is accustomed to running her life and the lives of those around her, so posing as a lady's maid proves to be a challenge, especially when she discovers her former fiance, Lord Gabriel, at the party. Now she must maintain her ruse even as she's drawn to the man she jilted four years earlier. Dodd is known for crafting spicy romances with a touch of humor, and this book is no exception. Less appealing, however, is her alpha-male hero, who spends most of the book punishing Madeline for her past behavior. Still, the story moves along at a bright clip and will likely please Dodd's fans despite a hasty denouement. (Mar.) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.
Library Journal
When her noble but irresponsible father carelessly loses her to a wealthy American in a game of piquet, Lady Madeline de Lacy and her gentle, lookalike cousin Eleanor set out for London to meet her "intended" and set things straight. But when she learns that her father plans to rectify the situation by wagering the family's heirloom tiara at the exclusive Game of the Century, Madeline convinces the reluctant Eleanor to go to London in her stead while she tries to stop her father. In a bizarre turn of events, Madeline arrives at the game dressed as a lady's maid and encounters the ruthless man she jilted four years earlier and has never forgotten. Despite the clich d "trading places/hidden identity" device, readers will enjoy the lively pace, sassy humor, and fascinating characters. The first in a two-part Regency series titled "Changing Places," this book will be followed in November by Eleanor's story, One Kiss from You. Fans of Dodd's earlier "Victorian Governess Brides" series will be waiting for this one. Dodd, a popular writer of sensual historicals, lives in Texas. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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