From Publishers Weekly
Determined to match wits with Damien, the scandalous Earl of Falon, Alexa Garrick recklessly consents to meet him at the whist table. More than #90,000 in losses later, Alexa discovers that money isn't what Damien has in mind. Convinced that his brother Peter killed himself because Alexa had spurned the attentions of a "penniless second son," Damien is determined to see that Alexa pays for his family's loss. The earl's suggestion that they meet privately to discuss her debt intrigues Alexa, as does the handsome earl himself. But when their meeting is observed and Alexa's reputation ruined, as he planned, Damien offers to marry her to protect her honor, deluding himself into thinking that a loveless marriage will be but another form of revenge. Martin's (Bold Angel) story is delightful and her character insights astute. Though Damien might easily have slipped into villainhood, the author rescues him with scenes that ring true-as when he visits Peter's grave with his mother. Martin also deftly manages the sometimes tricky task of injecting humor without compromising her characters or making them jokey. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Literary Times
Seeking revenge for his brother's death, Damien Falon sets a trap for the beautiful young heiress, Alexa Garrick. Winning a fortune from her at the gaming tables, Damien demands payment immediately. When she cannot pay, he tells her that spending one night with him will settle her debt and also ruin her. He expected Alexa to be a spoiled, pampered socialite, but when he realizes he has been wrong about her, Damien abandons his plan and tries to protect her reputation. Alexa is intrigued by the handsome Lord Falon. After her friend Peter died, she went into seclusion and has only just come out for the Season. Damien pursues her relentlessly, making Alexa feel things she's never felt before. But Damien is a man of many faces and Alexa isn't sure what he wants from her. When they are caught in a compromising situation, Damien offers to marry Alexa and avoid a duel with her brother. Believing Damien only wants to marry her for her money, Alexa is shocked to find out he is Peter's brother. Damien no longer wants revenge, but realizes they must stay married to protect Alexa. They agree to make the best of their marriage, despite the wishes of Damien's family. Damien and Alexa are only just beginning to get to know each other when Alexa discovers Damien has been hiding a dangerous secret a secret that threatens to destroy their fragile new relationship. Not knowing what to do, Alexa makes a decision that may cost Damien his life and end their chance for love.Dazzling! Kat Martin once again delivers a sensual romance her readers will love! Passion, romance, intrigue, and Revenge! Devil's Prize has it all a well-crafted story of the highest caliber! Kat Martin continues to prove herself as a storyteller, weaving all the elements of good fiction into a wonderfully satisfying book! Fans of historical romance will love this book!Kristina Wright -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved


Book Description
The Played For High Stakes--Passion, Honor, And Revenge...

Damien, Lord Falon, made his ruthless proposal to Alexa Garrick at a gaming table where he'd cheated the exquisite young heiress out of a fortune--one night with him would discharge her debt. Yet, as claimed his prize, the handsome earl fought a craving for more than Alexa's body..and when a twist of fate turned seduction into matrimony, rapture and rage warred within him. How could he love the woman whose flirtation had destroyed his brother?

Alexa knew of Damien's French blood, scandalous liaisons, and the whispers that branded his a smuggler. Though she was playing with fire, the dark, devilish earl's hungry embrace plucked at her heartstrings with a haunting song of desire. But was Damien spinning a web of deceit and treason, as he brought her to his surfswept castle?

From London's glitter to the dangerous decadence of Napoleon's Paris, Kat Martin will dazzle you with her riches, most sensuous romance ever!



About the Author
Kat Martin is a graduate of the University of California, where she majored in Anthropology and History. She says her schooling helped to develop her interest in the past.

"I love anything old," Kat says. "I especially love to visit the settings for my books." She and Western writer husband, Larry, often do research in the areas where their novels take place. "We like to say in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a bygone era."

Kat's books have won numerous awards and been published in a number of foreign countries. She is currently working on her next historical romance.

ANNOTATION

Set in England during Napoleon's brutal attempt at conquest, this is the story of Alexa Garrick, a beautiful young heiress with a disturbing past, and Damien Falon, the mysterious dark earl bent on her destruction. Alexa was the toast of London--until her brash, flirtatious ways led to the death of one of her lovestruck admirers. Original.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Set in England during Napoleon's brutal attempt at conquest, this is the story of Alexa Garrick, a beautiful young heiress with a disturbing past, and Damien Falon, the mysterious dark earl bent on her destruction. Alexa was the toast of London--until her brash, flirtatious ways led to the death of one of her lovestruck admirers.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Determined to match wits with Damien, the scandalous Earl of Falon, Alexa Garrick recklessly consents to meet him at the whist table. More than 90,000 in losses later, Alexa discovers that money isn't what Damien has in mind. Convinced that his brother Peter killed himself because Alexa had spurned the attentions of a ``penniless second son,'' Damien is determined to see that Alexa pays for his family's loss. The earl's suggestion that they meet privately to discuss her debt intrigues Alexa, as does the handsome earl himself. But when their meeting is observed and Alexa's reputation ruined, as he planned, Damien offers to marry her to protect her honor, deluding himself into thinking that a loveless marriage will be but another form of revenge. Martin's (Bold Angel) story is delightful and her character insights astute. Though Damien might easily have slipped into villainhood, the author rescues him with scenes that ring true-as when he visits Peter's grave with his mother. Martin also deftly manages the sometimes tricky task of injecting humor without compromising her characters or making them jokey. (June)

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