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Switching Places #1
Scandalous Again
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.
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.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 25, 2003
94 people are currently reading
1137 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dodd
103 books5,914 followersUpcoming:
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 19, 2010
This is the second book I've read by this author. Luckily it wasn't the first one I read! The book was a complete disappointment for me. It started out promising which is what makes the ultimate decline all the more hard to take.
I was pretty excited by the premise of this book. I love, love, love second chance romances. I love seeing two people try to work out their issues enough to be together despite being burned once before. I don't love all second chance romance stories--some people are just better off apart--but I am drawn to the idea of them. So it was with regret that I concluded that this story just wasn't for me.
It wasn't the actual writing or even the storyline that made this one hard to read. It was the characters and their behavior. So I think opinions on this will vary widely. It all depends on if you like Madeline and Gabriel.
I really, really didn't like Madeline. At first she wasn't so bad, but the more I came to know her the more arrogant and spoiled she seemed. She had a lame father, I get that. I GET IT! But that didn't seem like a very good excuse for her to be the way she was. I didn't understand how Gabriel supposedly fell so in love with her when she was so managing and arrogant. She seemed to want a man who would be nothing more than arm candy. Gabriel couldn't stand it, so how did he see past it enough to fall in love with her in the beginning? No real explanation was ever made for why these people fell for each other. It seemed to be presented as animal magnetism and nothing else.
What was the deal with Gabriel and Madeline both being so hung up on her breaking her word when she broke their engagement? What if he had been a cheater or a beater? Would she have agonized over her stupid honor so much then? I doubt it. But because he's the hero I'm supposed to feel bad that she didn't go through with a marriage she didn't want anymore just because she said she'd marry him? I didn't. I just found it irritating.
Also, I didn't really understand why Madeline was cast in the wrong for the breakup. Gabriel chose to participate in an activity that he knew she hated. I don't care if he thought her loathing of it was unreasonable or not. They're her feelings regardless. The fact that he ignored her feelings and did what he wanted made him the one that needed to apologize, not her. I'm irritated that it was presented the other way around.
I was extremely irritated by the way everyone "Your Grace"-ed Madeline. She was not a duchess yet!!! She kept referring to herself as the duchess and everyone else kept calling her it too, but she WAS NOT A DUCHESS. Argh! Extremely irritating. Her father, the duke, wasn't even dead. Never have I seen it where the heirs are called by their future title before they actually inherit.
I was lucky I had read That Scandalous Evening first. I really enjoyed it and have high hopes for my future with this author. I've heard that the connected book, One Kiss From You, featuring Madeline's companion cousin, is a better read so I'll probably give it a try.
I was pretty excited by the premise of this book. I love, love, love second chance romances. I love seeing two people try to work out their issues enough to be together despite being burned once before. I don't love all second chance romance stories--some people are just better off apart--but I am drawn to the idea of them. So it was with regret that I concluded that this story just wasn't for me.
It wasn't the actual writing or even the storyline that made this one hard to read. It was the characters and their behavior. So I think opinions on this will vary widely. It all depends on if you like Madeline and Gabriel.
I really, really didn't like Madeline. At first she wasn't so bad, but the more I came to know her the more arrogant and spoiled she seemed. She had a lame father, I get that. I GET IT! But that didn't seem like a very good excuse for her to be the way she was. I didn't understand how Gabriel supposedly fell so in love with her when she was so managing and arrogant. She seemed to want a man who would be nothing more than arm candy. Gabriel couldn't stand it, so how did he see past it enough to fall in love with her in the beginning? No real explanation was ever made for why these people fell for each other. It seemed to be presented as animal magnetism and nothing else.
What was the deal with Gabriel and Madeline both being so hung up on her breaking her word when she broke their engagement? What if he had been a cheater or a beater? Would she have agonized over her stupid honor so much then? I doubt it. But because he's the hero I'm supposed to feel bad that she didn't go through with a marriage she didn't want anymore just because she said she'd marry him? I didn't. I just found it irritating.
Also, I didn't really understand why Madeline was cast in the wrong for the breakup. Gabriel chose to participate in an activity that he knew she hated. I don't care if he thought her loathing of it was unreasonable or not. They're her feelings regardless. The fact that he ignored her feelings and did what he wanted made him the one that needed to apologize, not her. I'm irritated that it was presented the other way around.
I was extremely irritated by the way everyone "Your Grace"-ed Madeline. She was not a duchess yet!!! She kept referring to herself as the duchess and everyone else kept calling her it too, but she WAS NOT A DUCHESS. Argh! Extremely irritating. Her father, the duke, wasn't even dead. Never have I seen it where the heirs are called by their future title before they actually inherit.
I was lucky I had read That Scandalous Evening first. I really enjoyed it and have high hopes for my future with this author. I've heard that the connected book, One Kiss From You, featuring Madeline's companion cousin, is a better read so I'll probably give it a try.
December 14, 2020
"Scandalous Again" is the story of Madeline and Gabriel.
Effing fantabulous.
A story of a fiesty heroine and a smitten hero. Years ago, the heroine had been engaged to the hero- until he broke her trust. She then slapped him, he retaliated by kissing her passionately, they have wild sex and she runs away from the continent.
Now she is back, and realizes her father has sold her in a wager. Planning to stop him from getting into further trouble, she exchanges identities with her companion and pretends to be a lady's maid to sneak into a party where wagering is frequent. She soon encounters the hero, and passion ignites. It was fun seeing the heroine masquerade as her meek cousin- and fail every time. Ofcourse, we had loads of drama thanks to a psychotic villain, but it was the MCs story that kept me hooked from starting to the end.
Insanely sexy, filled with emotions and a very obsessed, celibate hero. Lovemaking as well as emotional scenes were very well written- and I loved the heroine's surrender at the end.
The heroine kisses some frogs in the separation, but could not get rid of her feelings for the hero. I cannot wait to read book 2 as this was GREAT!
Safe for me/ SWE for some
4.5/5
Effing fantabulous.
A story of a fiesty heroine and a smitten hero. Years ago, the heroine had been engaged to the hero- until he broke her trust. She then slapped him, he retaliated by kissing her passionately, they have wild sex and she runs away from the continent.
Now she is back, and realizes her father has sold her in a wager. Planning to stop him from getting into further trouble, she exchanges identities with her companion and pretends to be a lady's maid to sneak into a party where wagering is frequent. She soon encounters the hero, and passion ignites. It was fun seeing the heroine masquerade as her meek cousin- and fail every time. Ofcourse, we had loads of drama thanks to a psychotic villain, but it was the MCs story that kept me hooked from starting to the end.
Insanely sexy, filled with emotions and a very obsessed, celibate hero. Lovemaking as well as emotional scenes were very well written- and I loved the heroine's surrender at the end.
The heroine kisses some frogs in the separation, but could not get rid of her feelings for the hero. I cannot wait to read book 2 as this was GREAT!
Safe for me/ SWE for some
4.5/5
November 15, 2023
2'5 Estrellitas. Un aprobado muy raspadísimo, porque lo lees, fácilmente, pero no es nada memorable. La trama es un embrollo ridículo e inverosímil, que no eres capaz de creerte.
Son varios los libros que he leído de Christina Dodd y creo que tiene de todo, buenos y malos y este es de los segundos.
¿Qué ha pasado con éste primer libro de la serie Switching Places? Son solo dos libros, donde tenemos como protagonistas a Madeline y Eleanor de Lacy, ambas primas.
Madeline de Lacy es duquesa por derecho propio, una rara avis dentro de las leyes de primogenitura británica. Bueno, todavía es marquesa, porque su padre aún vive, pero en algún momento será duquesa. El problema con Madeline es que su padre juega, y mucho. Los tiene completamente arruinados, y acaba de apostar y perder a su hija a un caballero americano.
Por si fuera poco, el padre de Madeline va a participar en la Partida del Siglo, un evento que ha organizado un misterioso caballero llamado Rumbelow en una casa de campo, donde cada participante pagará 10.000 libras por la entrada y apuesta inicial.
Mientras, Madeline parte hacia Londres con su prima Eleanor como acompañante, para convencer a su nuevo prometido, el caballero americano llamado Knight, de romper el compromiso. En una posada se encuentran con una familia que participará en la Partida del Siglo, y Madeline ve una oportunidad de oro para parar a su padre. Ambas primas intercambiarán sus papeles, Eleanor irá a Londres para enfrentarse a Knight, y Madeline se hará pasar por la acompañante de Thomasim, la hija de los condes de Tabard, y acudirá a la Partida del Siglo.
Pero las cosas no serán tan fáciles para Madeline, al llegar a la casa de campo de Rumbelow, Madeline se encontrará con Gabriel, el conde de Campion, y su antiguo prometido.
Madeline y Gabriel estuvieron prometidos hace cuatro años, pero Madeline rompió el compromiso cuando vio que Gabriel no era muy distinto a su padre en cuanto a su adicción al juego. Y la manera de acallar el escándalo fue huir al Continente con su prima Eleanor.
Esta es una de las cosas que no me ha quedado clara, Madeline y su prima se van solas junto con un criado, a recorrer Europa. Primero, ¿quién o cómo costean ese viaje si Madeline está arruinada por culpa de su padre? ¿Cómo es posible que viajen solas con solo un criado y sin un familiar varón para velar por ellas? Y lo más crudo, el libro empieza en 1806, ¿cómo pueden recorrer Europa, en plena guerra contra Napoleón sin que las ocurra nada?
Esto solo lo pasa superficialmente, porque todo eso ocurrió cuatro años antes. Ahora, Madeline y Gabriel se vuelven a encontrar, y por mucho que les pese, ninguno ha olvidado al otro.
Gabriel tiene un plan, y es destruir a Rumbelow, la persona que ocasionó la muerte de su hermano. En ese plan no entraba reencontrarse con Madeline de Lacy, la mujer que no ha podido olvidar.
Madeline está allí para detener a su padre, para parar su ruina absoluta. Pero una estancia en una casa de campo, donde hay muchos más ricos nobles, y donde Madeline debe vigilar a la joven Thomasim, habrá todo tipo de oportunidades donde Gabriel y Madeline podrán volver a encontrarse, y continuar con lo que dejaron atrás.
El libro es verdad que se lee fácil y rápido y engancha, pero la historia es mala, es inverosímil, y muy embrollada. Igual de embrollada es la sinopsis del libro, donde no te enteras de nada hasta que empiezas a leer el libro y atas cabos.
Desconozco si este es uno de sus primeros libros, pues Christina Dodd tiene de todo, pero este la verdad que me ha dejado indiferente. El romance podría haber estado mejor si no hubiese sido por la crudeza con que está tratado, pues he visto más pasión que amor, además se ve mucho rencor entre los protagonistas y no entiendes la actitud de Madeline sin conceder el beneficio de la duda, o una mínina confianza.
En general, se puede leer, pero creo que lo voy a olvidar tan pronto como acabe esta crítica. De todos modos, no lo olvidaré mucho, porque tengo el segundo libro esperando para leerlo, quizás en unas semanas, y veremos si la historia de Eleanor y Knight merece la pena.
Son varios los libros que he leído de Christina Dodd y creo que tiene de todo, buenos y malos y este es de los segundos.
¿Qué ha pasado con éste primer libro de la serie Switching Places? Son solo dos libros, donde tenemos como protagonistas a Madeline y Eleanor de Lacy, ambas primas.
Madeline de Lacy es duquesa por derecho propio, una rara avis dentro de las leyes de primogenitura británica. Bueno, todavía es marquesa, porque su padre aún vive, pero en algún momento será duquesa. El problema con Madeline es que su padre juega, y mucho. Los tiene completamente arruinados, y acaba de apostar y perder a su hija a un caballero americano.
Por si fuera poco, el padre de Madeline va a participar en la Partida del Siglo, un evento que ha organizado un misterioso caballero llamado Rumbelow en una casa de campo, donde cada participante pagará 10.000 libras por la entrada y apuesta inicial.
Mientras, Madeline parte hacia Londres con su prima Eleanor como acompañante, para convencer a su nuevo prometido, el caballero americano llamado Knight, de romper el compromiso. En una posada se encuentran con una familia que participará en la Partida del Siglo, y Madeline ve una oportunidad de oro para parar a su padre. Ambas primas intercambiarán sus papeles, Eleanor irá a Londres para enfrentarse a Knight, y Madeline se hará pasar por la acompañante de Thomasim, la hija de los condes de Tabard, y acudirá a la Partida del Siglo.
Pero las cosas no serán tan fáciles para Madeline, al llegar a la casa de campo de Rumbelow, Madeline se encontrará con Gabriel, el conde de Campion, y su antiguo prometido.
Madeline y Gabriel estuvieron prometidos hace cuatro años, pero Madeline rompió el compromiso cuando vio que Gabriel no era muy distinto a su padre en cuanto a su adicción al juego. Y la manera de acallar el escándalo fue huir al Continente con su prima Eleanor.
Esta es una de las cosas que no me ha quedado clara, Madeline y su prima se van solas junto con un criado, a recorrer Europa. Primero, ¿quién o cómo costean ese viaje si Madeline está arruinada por culpa de su padre? ¿Cómo es posible que viajen solas con solo un criado y sin un familiar varón para velar por ellas? Y lo más crudo, el libro empieza en 1806, ¿cómo pueden recorrer Europa, en plena guerra contra Napoleón sin que las ocurra nada?
Esto solo lo pasa superficialmente, porque todo eso ocurrió cuatro años antes. Ahora, Madeline y Gabriel se vuelven a encontrar, y por mucho que les pese, ninguno ha olvidado al otro.
Gabriel tiene un plan, y es destruir a Rumbelow, la persona que ocasionó la muerte de su hermano. En ese plan no entraba reencontrarse con Madeline de Lacy, la mujer que no ha podido olvidar.
Madeline está allí para detener a su padre, para parar su ruina absoluta. Pero una estancia en una casa de campo, donde hay muchos más ricos nobles, y donde Madeline debe vigilar a la joven Thomasim, habrá todo tipo de oportunidades donde Gabriel y Madeline podrán volver a encontrarse, y continuar con lo que dejaron atrás.
El libro es verdad que se lee fácil y rápido y engancha, pero la historia es mala, es inverosímil, y muy embrollada. Igual de embrollada es la sinopsis del libro, donde no te enteras de nada hasta que empiezas a leer el libro y atas cabos.
Desconozco si este es uno de sus primeros libros, pues Christina Dodd tiene de todo, pero este la verdad que me ha dejado indiferente. El romance podría haber estado mejor si no hubiese sido por la crudeza con que está tratado, pues he visto más pasión que amor, además se ve mucho rencor entre los protagonistas y no entiendes la actitud de Madeline sin conceder el beneficio de la duda, o una mínina confianza.
En general, se puede leer, pero creo que lo voy a olvidar tan pronto como acabe esta crítica. De todos modos, no lo olvidaré mucho, porque tengo el segundo libro esperando para leerlo, quizás en unas semanas, y veremos si la historia de Eleanor y Knight merece la pena.
September 1, 2020
La premisa del padre que te juega a las cartas aunque ya está vista, me parece interesante. Pero el modo en que la protagonista se comporta en el pasado y en el presente con el prota, lo enrevesado de la trama y algunas escenas de soberbia... me han dejado un poco a cuadros.
Creo que el argumento es creíble, pero le falta´ria un poquito más de profundidad. Porque personalmente que todos los hombres tengan que pagar los pecados de tu padre, pues no me parece, más cuando con su padre no es ni una décima parte de borde que con él. A VER CHATA.
Eso sí, nada como que me he quedado con unas ganas LOCAS de leer la segunda parte, en serio, desde el primer minuto me caía mejor la prima que la protagonista y con ese final, es que se te queda una cara de gilipollas... que cuidao.
Creo que el argumento es creíble, pero le falta´ria un poquito más de profundidad. Porque personalmente que todos los hombres tengan que pagar los pecados de tu padre, pues no me parece, más cuando con su padre no es ni una décima parte de borde que con él. A VER CHATA.
Eso sí, nada como que me he quedado con unas ganas LOCAS de leer la segunda parte, en serio, desde el primer minuto me caía mejor la prima que la protagonista y con ese final, es que se te queda una cara de gilipollas... que cuidao.
September 8, 2025
4/5
A pleasant start to the series. 😺
An interesting story about second chances and revenge, with two well-drawn protagonists. The pacing was fairly quick, the characters were likable, and one of the two cousins plays with fire (the other gets her story in the next book). The passion, seduction, and love scenes were well written. There were moments when Madeline was a bit annoying, but overall she was fine. Gabriel, on the other hand, was an unpredictable character in many ways. 🤭
I’m curious about Eleanor’s story with Mr. Knight, it’s next on my reading list 😊
A pleasant start to the series. 😺
An interesting story about second chances and revenge, with two well-drawn protagonists. The pacing was fairly quick, the characters were likable, and one of the two cousins plays with fire (the other gets her story in the next book). The passion, seduction, and love scenes were well written. There were moments when Madeline was a bit annoying, but overall she was fine. Gabriel, on the other hand, was an unpredictable character in many ways. 🤭
I’m curious about Eleanor’s story with Mr. Knight, it’s next on my reading list 😊
October 17, 2012
I never really more than admired Madeline. She is a good person to have at your back, however. If you want control over your own life, then you don't want her anywhere near. I understand how she got to be that way, though, with a father she couldn't ever depend on. This is a story about what it REALLY means to trust someone and trust is necessary to maintain love when life gets rough.
There's very strong chemistry between Madeline and Gabriel. He needs to be in charge though and he needs to be needed, even by a woman who doesn't seem to need anyone. This is not a story where the guy needs to be convinced he loves the lady. He knows he loves her, he wants only her, but he wants her on his terms.
I only gave three stars because I struggled to stay interested in the story even with two very strong lead characters. So it was worth finishing, I just wasn't dying to get back to reading.
Am looking forward to reading about what happened to Madeline's cousin next.
There's very strong chemistry between Madeline and Gabriel. He needs to be in charge though and he needs to be needed, even by a woman who doesn't seem to need anyone. This is not a story where the guy needs to be convinced he loves the lady. He knows he loves her, he wants only her, but he wants her on his terms.
I only gave three stars because I struggled to stay interested in the story even with two very strong lead characters. So it was worth finishing, I just wasn't dying to get back to reading.
Am looking forward to reading about what happened to Madeline's cousin next.
December 28, 2017
Leído en Marzo 2012
Sinopsis:
Inglaterra, 1806, en tiempos de la Regencia. Madeline de Lacy, la duquesa de Magnus, debe luchar por mantener unida a su familia después de que su padre, un jugador empedernido, perdiera sus propiedades en una partida de cartas... y a la misma Madeline, al prometer su mano a un desconocido. Para colmo de males, su padre piensa embarcarse en el "Juego del Siglo", lo que seguramente significará la pérdida de una valiosísima joya familiar.
Decidida a salvar lo que queda, Madeline cambia de lugar con su prima Eleanor, a quien envía para que haga frente al hombre que ha ganado su mano. Madeline queda libre de entrar en la casa de un conocido jugador, donde tendrá lugar la partida. Se ofrece como dama de compañía y se muestra dócil y humilde. No es ni lo uno ni lo otro, claro está.
Justo cuando Madeline piensa que las cosas no pueden ir peor de lo que van, en medio de una fiesta en la casa vuelve a encontrarse con Gabriel Ansell, el conde de Campion. El hombre con el que estuvo comprometida y que la traicionó. Gabriel, l único hombre al que ha amado jamás.
Sinopsis:
Inglaterra, 1806, en tiempos de la Regencia. Madeline de Lacy, la duquesa de Magnus, debe luchar por mantener unida a su familia después de que su padre, un jugador empedernido, perdiera sus propiedades en una partida de cartas... y a la misma Madeline, al prometer su mano a un desconocido. Para colmo de males, su padre piensa embarcarse en el "Juego del Siglo", lo que seguramente significará la pérdida de una valiosísima joya familiar.
Decidida a salvar lo que queda, Madeline cambia de lugar con su prima Eleanor, a quien envía para que haga frente al hombre que ha ganado su mano. Madeline queda libre de entrar en la casa de un conocido jugador, donde tendrá lugar la partida. Se ofrece como dama de compañía y se muestra dócil y humilde. No es ni lo uno ni lo otro, claro está.
Justo cuando Madeline piensa que las cosas no pueden ir peor de lo que van, en medio de una fiesta en la casa vuelve a encontrarse con Gabriel Ansell, el conde de Campion. El hombre con el que estuvo comprometida y que la traicionó. Gabriel, l único hombre al que ha amado jamás.
May 14, 2019
A second chance romance for Madeline, a duchess who pretends to be a companion in order to keep her father from gambling away the last of the family's treasures, and Gabriel, the earl with whom she was engaged years ago before she run away.
The two meet again unexpectedly at a house party where Madeline pretends to be a companion and Gabriel is .
Neither is over their break up, and while Gabriel keeps Madeline's secret, he is determined to get some answers out of her, and show her that she can't run away from him again. Gabriel .
An engaging story with a couple that grows and becomes stronger through their struggles before finally getting their happily ever after.
The series continues with Madeline's cousin Eleanor's story, who is pretending to be the duchess in One Kiss From You.
The two meet again unexpectedly at a house party where Madeline pretends to be a companion and Gabriel is .
Neither is over their break up, and while Gabriel keeps Madeline's secret, he is determined to get some answers out of her, and show her that she can't run away from him again. Gabriel .
An engaging story with a couple that grows and becomes stronger through their struggles before finally getting their happily ever after.
The series continues with Madeline's cousin Eleanor's story, who is pretending to be the duchess in One Kiss From You.
October 27, 2015
I have read both books in this series many years ago and recall that I liked the 2nd book in the series better and thought I much preferred Eleanor, the cousin, to Madeline, the duchess.
And I have to say that impression still is correct. I just like the cousin's character better.
Madeline, the duchess or future duchess, was born into nobility and knew that she was "better" than everyone else. She met Gabriel, a lord without a fotrune to go with his title and they fell madly in love. Madeline was the managing type because she had to with her irresponsible father and by nature she was the managing sort. Gabriel a proud man that he was did not want to be managed by his rich wife-to-be so he gambled big to win a fortune, thus gaining himself more bargaining chips in the relationship, or so he thought. Madeline hated gambling because of her father. And because of Gabriel's gambling, reason be damned, she broke off the engagement and ran off to the continent with her cousin Eleanor. 4 years later, they returned to England. And so the story begins.
Typical of Christina Dodd, or typical of how I usually view her books, I like her characters and enjoy her writing immensely, but the plots sucked big time. She created 2 headstrong characters with Madeline and Gabriel, their relationship a volatile and therefore passionate one. Both needed the control and had pride enough to fill the atlantic ocean. I appreciated that. Madeline is not my usual favorite but while being strong and opinionated, she was not a shrew. For Gabriel and Madeline, it is a battle of will. Gabriel must "conquer" Madeline and Madeline while fighting admirably and adequately, was secretly hoping to be conquered. I imagine this type of relationship is not for everyone but I at least could respect both characters. I like whenever Gabriel and Madeline were together in the book. The scenes sizzle with heat.
But the plot....the "changing places" plot on Madeline's part, and the secret revenge plan Gabriel had on a "villlain" for his brother's death were both failing attempts. They provided the backdrop for the story but did very little for the relationship. In essence, the relationship is a by-product of the plots. For a romance novel, it should be the other way around: the ultimate goal is to bring the lead characters together. And the plots are there to faciliate the relationship. I was able to skim-read the book at lightening speed because there is no need to read about the revenge or the changing place bits. They were just not relevant. And for this, the book can only be a mediocre 3 stars read. Quite a shame, knowing how easy and enjoy a read Christina Dodd can actually be, and quite a waste of a pair of good leads.
And I have to say that impression still is correct. I just like the cousin's character better.
Madeline, the duchess or future duchess, was born into nobility and knew that she was "better" than everyone else. She met Gabriel, a lord without a fotrune to go with his title and they fell madly in love. Madeline was the managing type because she had to with her irresponsible father and by nature she was the managing sort. Gabriel a proud man that he was did not want to be managed by his rich wife-to-be so he gambled big to win a fortune, thus gaining himself more bargaining chips in the relationship, or so he thought. Madeline hated gambling because of her father. And because of Gabriel's gambling, reason be damned, she broke off the engagement and ran off to the continent with her cousin Eleanor. 4 years later, they returned to England. And so the story begins.
Typical of Christina Dodd, or typical of how I usually view her books, I like her characters and enjoy her writing immensely, but the plots sucked big time. She created 2 headstrong characters with Madeline and Gabriel, their relationship a volatile and therefore passionate one. Both needed the control and had pride enough to fill the atlantic ocean. I appreciated that. Madeline is not my usual favorite but while being strong and opinionated, she was not a shrew. For Gabriel and Madeline, it is a battle of will. Gabriel must "conquer" Madeline and Madeline while fighting admirably and adequately, was secretly hoping to be conquered. I imagine this type of relationship is not for everyone but I at least could respect both characters. I like whenever Gabriel and Madeline were together in the book. The scenes sizzle with heat.
But the plot....the "changing places" plot on Madeline's part, and the secret revenge plan Gabriel had on a "villlain" for his brother's death were both failing attempts. They provided the backdrop for the story but did very little for the relationship. In essence, the relationship is a by-product of the plots. For a romance novel, it should be the other way around: the ultimate goal is to bring the lead characters together. And the plots are there to faciliate the relationship. I was able to skim-read the book at lightening speed because there is no need to read about the revenge or the changing place bits. They were just not relevant. And for this, the book can only be a mediocre 3 stars read. Quite a shame, knowing how easy and enjoy a read Christina Dodd can actually be, and quite a waste of a pair of good leads.
January 19, 2011
Another great read from Christina Dodd! Madeline, future duchess by her own right, returned with her cousin/companion after 4 years traveling the globe. She left England 4 years ago because she scandalously ended her engagement with Gabriel after he won a fortune gambling. She hates gambling because her father has made her life very difficult as he is a gambler. When she returns home, she finds her father has wagered her hand in a game and has lost. She is now supposed to marry a Mr Knight whom she has never even met. She and her cousin switch places so she can go to this party that she thinks her father will be at, and her cousin goes to hold off Mr King. At the party she sees Gabriel, and its obvious they still are very much in love, but of course neither will admit that. Lots of pride and fighting, but the sparks between them and the sexual electricity is there. I can't wait to read the second book to see how the cousin made out with Mr. Knight!!
February 18, 2009
I absolutely adored this book. I had gone years without picking up a Christina Dodd book, and now I am irritated with myself for it. She is truly an amazing author, and she did an amazing job with this book.
I thought that the characters had perfect chemistry! The blend of suspense and romance is what really makes this book. I definately recommend reading this.
The first sex scene in this book is also unique! It does not follow the normal routine, but instead follows a set of rules all it's own.
I thought that the characters had perfect chemistry! The blend of suspense and romance is what really makes this book. I definately recommend reading this.
The first sex scene in this book is also unique! It does not follow the normal routine, but instead follows a set of rules all it's own.
June 24, 2022
This book is ridiculous. The heroine dumped the hero because he gambled and won a fortune from a horrible man. Then her father gambled her away to another man. Then she switched places with her cousin, who is her companion, and goes to a gambling house party in order to convince her father not to gamble away her tiara heirloom. Then she asked the hero to gamble and win her the tiara, even though she dumped him for gambling in the first place. The blackguard hero basically tells her to be his whore and he will win her the tiara. She basically tells him no and kiss my ass and tries to steal the tiara herself. Then they both get caught trying to steal the tiara and she ends up being his whore anyway. There is a whole bunch of crap going on in this book. There are 35 chapters, I only made it to chapter 18. I did plan on reading book #2, which is about the cousin, but I think not bloody likely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
3🌟 just a flat book. Boring after a great start. The h is a tstl female.
Safe
Both celibate during their 4 yr separation.
Safe
Both celibate during their 4 yr separation.
January 15, 2019
I wanted to like this. I really did. I read "One Kiss From You" years ago. I didn't realize it was the second in the series at first. But as soon as I realized that Madeline and Gabriel had their own story, I really wanted to read it. I liked their characters as they appeared in "One Kiss From You," so I thought I would like their story. Wrong.
The major conflict in the story has to do with the broken engagement between Madeline and Gabriel from years earlier. It comes down to Gabriel choosing to gamble, which Madeline hates, and she broke off the engagement and ran away on a world-wide trip. Gabriel was angry because he feels like Madeline should have trusted him, and kept her promise to marry him. All of this is against the background of a sinister gambling party that Madeline is hoping to save her father from.
At first I was on the side of Gabriel. When Madeline found out Gabriel was gambling, she threw a public tantrum, which was extremely immature. Gabriel was furious that she didn't trust. However, as the story went on, I realized that Madeline shouldn't trust him. Ever. The reasons for this involve spoilers.
Due to all the reasons I posted under the spoiler tags, I just didn't believe in their happy ending. Madeline will continue to be managing, unless he blackmails or manipulates her into doing what he wants, and that to me does not sound like an ending I want for any heroine, but especially not one I liked as much as I liked Madeline. She was far from perfect, but I liked her flaws. They were realistic, and not things that a person is going to get over just because their lover insists on it.
Just skip this one. Christina Dodd has written some much better books. But this one was just terrible.
The major conflict in the story has to do with the broken engagement between Madeline and Gabriel from years earlier. It comes down to Gabriel choosing to gamble, which Madeline hates, and she broke off the engagement and ran away on a world-wide trip. Gabriel was angry because he feels like Madeline should have trusted him, and kept her promise to marry him. All of this is against the background of a sinister gambling party that Madeline is hoping to save her father from.
At first I was on the side of Gabriel. When Madeline found out Gabriel was gambling, she threw a public tantrum, which was extremely immature. Gabriel was furious that she didn't trust. However, as the story went on, I realized that Madeline shouldn't trust him. Ever. The reasons for this involve spoilers.
Due to all the reasons I posted under the spoiler tags, I just didn't believe in their happy ending. Madeline will continue to be managing, unless he blackmails or manipulates her into doing what he wants, and that to me does not sound like an ending I want for any heroine, but especially not one I liked as much as I liked Madeline. She was far from perfect, but I liked her flaws. They were realistic, and not things that a person is going to get over just because their lover insists on it.
Just skip this one. Christina Dodd has written some much better books. But this one was just terrible.
November 7, 2015
So I pulled this book out of a box and after a couple pages thought to myself, "Hmmm, this seems familiar." So I read a little bit more and a few pages later I realized that it wasn't just familiar, I had indeed read this book before. But since I couldn't really remember what happened I decided to read it again.
This book focuses on Madeline de Lacy and Gabriel Ansell the earl of Campion.
Madeline comes back from 4 years abroad with her cousin Eleanor to find that her father has lost everything in a card game. Everything including her hand in marriage. Madeline and Eleanor set out to talk to Mr. Knight, her future husband. On the way there Madeline hears about The Game of the Century. An impressive card game where a lot of money is on the line. Madeline fears that her father will be there placing the last of the family heirlooms; the queen's tiara, up as collateral. With this fear she convinces Eleanor that they must switch places. Eleanor will continue on to meet Mr. Knight and Madeline will act as a companion to Thomasin so she can convince her father to leave without gambling.
The party arrives at Chalice Hall where Madeline meets Mr. Rumbelow, the man who is hosting this Game of the Century. This also when she comes face to face to the very reason for her prolonged trip away, Lord Campion. They used to be engaged but Madeline broke the engagement when she discovered Gabriel had been gambling.
The book then goes on about how Madeline isn't a great companion as she can't care for dresses, do hair, or other little things. Her and Lord Campion fight their attraction to each other. This is also the time that you find out why Gabriel is there to gamble. This was the part of the book that brought the book from 4 stars down to 3 stars. The author could have really pounded in the suspense but instead she reveals all. It bummed me out.
I don't want to get to detailed about the last part of the book because of spoilers but overall this was a very enjoyable book to read.
This book focuses on Madeline de Lacy and Gabriel Ansell the earl of Campion.
Madeline comes back from 4 years abroad with her cousin Eleanor to find that her father has lost everything in a card game. Everything including her hand in marriage. Madeline and Eleanor set out to talk to Mr. Knight, her future husband. On the way there Madeline hears about The Game of the Century. An impressive card game where a lot of money is on the line. Madeline fears that her father will be there placing the last of the family heirlooms; the queen's tiara, up as collateral. With this fear she convinces Eleanor that they must switch places. Eleanor will continue on to meet Mr. Knight and Madeline will act as a companion to Thomasin so she can convince her father to leave without gambling.
The party arrives at Chalice Hall where Madeline meets Mr. Rumbelow, the man who is hosting this Game of the Century. This also when she comes face to face to the very reason for her prolonged trip away, Lord Campion. They used to be engaged but Madeline broke the engagement when she discovered Gabriel had been gambling.
The book then goes on about how Madeline isn't a great companion as she can't care for dresses, do hair, or other little things. Her and Lord Campion fight their attraction to each other. This is also the time that you find out why Gabriel is there to gamble. This was the part of the book that brought the book from 4 stars down to 3 stars. The author could have really pounded in the suspense but instead she reveals all. It bummed me out.
I don't want to get to detailed about the last part of the book because of spoilers but overall this was a very enjoyable book to read.
September 3, 2010
I picked this one up cheap at Goodwill, mostly because I used to glom C. Dodd's books years ago, and this was one I hadn't read. I was not disappointed. I liked this story of an outgoing duchess, and I really liked Gabriel. He knew he loved her and wanted her, and he always knew, it was just hard to make her realize that fact. It was a nice change from the usual "man doesn't realize his affections, only his lust, until the last chapter" scenario I've read so much of lately. I found myself with the characters, trying to figure out what the nefarious Mr. Rumbelow was up to. Also, throughout the whole story, I was wondering what was happening to poor Eleanor, so I can't wait to find the sequel so I can find out.
May 21, 2016
Good story and good narration by Justine Eyre (audible review)
I enjoyed this story a lot. I liked the heroine very much she was strong, smart and didn't take any crap. I liked the hero too he was great. They had some great chemistry together and a couple very nicely written sex scenes.
The story line and plot was good. The switching identities story line was fun. There was a villain and gambling plot too. There is lots of dialogue throughout the entire book.
As for the narration, it was good. The men sound like men and everyone gets their own distinct voice. Justine Eyre has a nice reading voice too.
I enjoyed this story a lot. I liked the heroine very much she was strong, smart and didn't take any crap. I liked the hero too he was great. They had some great chemistry together and a couple very nicely written sex scenes.
The story line and plot was good. The switching identities story line was fun. There was a villain and gambling plot too. There is lots of dialogue throughout the entire book.
As for the narration, it was good. The men sound like men and everyone gets their own distinct voice. Justine Eyre has a nice reading voice too.
February 24, 2013
What a great story! I laughed and cried many times! Such wonderful writing and really engaging characters!! I love this authors work!!
The switching cousins was a great angle I loved seeing how both tales evolved! Bold and brash Madeline and sweet shy Eleanor. Terrific stories!
I am currently on a Regency kick and this one was awesome!!
The switching cousins was a great angle I loved seeing how both tales evolved! Bold and brash Madeline and sweet shy Eleanor. Terrific stories!
I am currently on a Regency kick and this one was awesome!!
January 3, 2015
Important note about the title: Scandalous Again has a sequel, but it's NOT THAT Scandalous Evening, which is unrelated. The book that follows Scandalous Again is One Kiss From You.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2019
Suffolk, England, 1806: Madeline de Lacy, duchess of Magnus, is handed over to a stranger via her father's lost poker wager. Madeline's hand in marriage --- and, in turn, the family estate itself --- is given to newly wealthy American businessman Remington Knight. Having no intention of giving everything up so easily, Madeline makes the appearance of traveling to meet with Remington, her meek cousin Eleanor along as escort.... but en-route puts forth her plan that Eleanor present herself, posing as Madeline, to Knight --- just temporarily, she assures Eleanor! Meanwhile, the real Madeline intends to crash another high stakes poker game in hopes of finding a way to win back her family's fortune.
Her plan isn't as easily executed as she'd hoped. Madeline finds a way into the poker game while maintaining her disguise, but it means she has to pose as the companion to Lady Thomasin, stepdaughter of Lady Tabard. Tabard is trying to get Thomasin married off to Thurston Rumbelow, the host of the poker tournament. (Sidenote: there is a proposal scene involving Thomasin and another man, that the way it's set up, the dialogue... it almost definitely pulled inspiration from the ick-laden proposal scene between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Collins in Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Just sayin'.)
Madeline nearly blows her cover quite a few times, being that she is actually a woman of noble birth, and accustomed to being catered to; her tendency to be strong-willed and outspoken tends not to mesh well with the expected decorum of a servant.
Madeline's plotting also brings an unexpected reunion with her ex-fiance, Gabriel Ansell, Earl of Campion. He recognizes her immediately, but intrigued by what she's up to with the disguise, chooses not to let on to anyone else. He also still has a bit of a flame for her, so the environment proves advantageous for him possibly winning her back. It'll be tough going for him though, since things didn't end great between them and Madeline is still sore about it.
Gabriel also has his own secret plot he's working on. It's believed that Rumbelow is actually a thief / spy hoping to win the favor of Napoleon, and that he has some connection to the suspicious death of Gabriel's younger brother. Gabriel intends to both win Madeline again AND avenge the loss of his brother. Oh, and yeah, win the poker game of course!
Scandalous Again has a nice blend of everything you want in a good light-hearted romance. Madeline and Gabriel's interactions are a hoot to read, very reminiscent of Rhett and Scarlett from Gone With The Wind. And as far as chemistry, they are perfectly suited to each other. There's also extra comedy brought in the form of Gabriel's opinionated, grumbly valet, MacAllister. MacAllister and Madeline aren't on the best footing most of the story, but it's fun to see their bond progress once they iron out their differences.
There's also a healthy dose of action and suspense near the end!
If you get to the end of this one and wonder how things fared for Cousin Eleanor, her story is addressed in the follow-up novel, One Kiss From You.
Her plan isn't as easily executed as she'd hoped. Madeline finds a way into the poker game while maintaining her disguise, but it means she has to pose as the companion to Lady Thomasin, stepdaughter of Lady Tabard. Tabard is trying to get Thomasin married off to Thurston Rumbelow, the host of the poker tournament. (Sidenote: there is a proposal scene involving Thomasin and another man, that the way it's set up, the dialogue... it almost definitely pulled inspiration from the ick-laden proposal scene between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Collins in Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Just sayin'.)
Madeline nearly blows her cover quite a few times, being that she is actually a woman of noble birth, and accustomed to being catered to; her tendency to be strong-willed and outspoken tends not to mesh well with the expected decorum of a servant.
Madeline's plotting also brings an unexpected reunion with her ex-fiance, Gabriel Ansell, Earl of Campion. He recognizes her immediately, but intrigued by what she's up to with the disguise, chooses not to let on to anyone else. He also still has a bit of a flame for her, so the environment proves advantageous for him possibly winning her back. It'll be tough going for him though, since things didn't end great between them and Madeline is still sore about it.
Gabriel also has his own secret plot he's working on. It's believed that Rumbelow is actually a thief / spy hoping to win the favor of Napoleon, and that he has some connection to the suspicious death of Gabriel's younger brother. Gabriel intends to both win Madeline again AND avenge the loss of his brother. Oh, and yeah, win the poker game of course!
Scandalous Again has a nice blend of everything you want in a good light-hearted romance. Madeline and Gabriel's interactions are a hoot to read, very reminiscent of Rhett and Scarlett from Gone With The Wind. And as far as chemistry, they are perfectly suited to each other. There's also extra comedy brought in the form of Gabriel's opinionated, grumbly valet, MacAllister. MacAllister and Madeline aren't on the best footing most of the story, but it's fun to see their bond progress once they iron out their differences.
There's also a healthy dose of action and suspense near the end!
If you get to the end of this one and wonder how things fared for Cousin Eleanor, her story is addressed in the follow-up novel, One Kiss From You.
April 12, 2019
At breakfast one morning, her father, the Duke of Magnus, confesses to Madeline that he has lost their fortune and her to an American gambler. The only prize left is the Queen’s Tiara, bequeathed to Madeline, and so far, untouched. Madeline foists off her companion, Cousin Eleanor, to make excuses to Mr. Knight, the winner, and rushes to ‘the game of the century’ to head off her father from losing the tiara as well.
When she arrives at the house party in Suffolk masquerading as a companion to young Lady Thomasin Charlford, Madeline discovers that she needs help from the fiancé she rejected and embarrassed four years before. Gabriel, the ex fiance, is more than willing to extract his pound of flesh in return. In a few days, Madeline and Thomasin discover that the gamblers and their families are virtual prisoners at Chalice House. Mr. Rumbelow is running a scam, and his employees are roughnecks and criminals not the house servants they usually meet.
There are plots, subplots, and history among the characters driving the story. Madeline’s eyes are opened to life as a companion, and to her lack of trust in others as well. The romance works out in the end with a cliff hanger to the next in the series.
Readalikes:
Eloisa James Desperate Duchesses and Desperate Duchesses by the Numbers series; Katharine Ashe – The Prince; Jane Feather – A Valentine Wedding; Sabrina Jeffries – The Pleasures of Passion; Brenda Joyce – Persuasion; Loretta Lynda Chase – Lord of Scoundrels; Jo Beverley – Devilish; Mary Jo Putney – Once a Scoundrel;
Pace: Moderately paced
Characters: Good secondary characters; unconvincing primary characters
Story: Plot-driven
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Quite steamy
Frame: Suffolk, England; 1806
When she arrives at the house party in Suffolk masquerading as a companion to young Lady Thomasin Charlford, Madeline discovers that she needs help from the fiancé she rejected and embarrassed four years before. Gabriel, the ex fiance, is more than willing to extract his pound of flesh in return. In a few days, Madeline and Thomasin discover that the gamblers and their families are virtual prisoners at Chalice House. Mr. Rumbelow is running a scam, and his employees are roughnecks and criminals not the house servants they usually meet.
There are plots, subplots, and history among the characters driving the story. Madeline’s eyes are opened to life as a companion, and to her lack of trust in others as well. The romance works out in the end with a cliff hanger to the next in the series.
Readalikes:
Eloisa James Desperate Duchesses and Desperate Duchesses by the Numbers series; Katharine Ashe – The Prince; Jane Feather – A Valentine Wedding; Sabrina Jeffries – The Pleasures of Passion; Brenda Joyce – Persuasion; Loretta Lynda Chase – Lord of Scoundrels; Jo Beverley – Devilish; Mary Jo Putney – Once a Scoundrel;
Pace: Moderately paced
Characters: Good secondary characters; unconvincing primary characters
Story: Plot-driven
Writing style: Engaging
Tone: Quite steamy
Frame: Suffolk, England; 1806
April 2, 2021
This book had a lot of things going for it - a great premise with a multi day house party, a bit of a mystery, some good stakes established quickly, switched identities, and some really great side characters. What it also had are a hero and heroine that will be engaging for some readers and not, unfortunately, for me.
If you like a couple with an intense chemistry but no (in my opinion) ultimate compatibility, you will love this book. They both are stubborn, convinced they know better than anyone about all things, and unwilling to listen to anyone's advice, no matter how reasonable. The first sexual scene is under such ridiculous circumstances I literally screamed. There were stakes involved that I thought were really great for the story, and the two MCs could not have cared less about them. I could not take either one of them seriously as a grown up adult.
However, despite my personal feelings towards the two (and truly, I am aware that this is a personal preference for my heroes/heroines - someone else is going to read the same pages and squeal with delight) I kept reading because I really did enjoy everything else. And I am already looking for a couple of the second book in this series. I hope Lady Thomasin also gets a story, because I thought she was delightful. I could see this being made as a movie.
If you like a couple with an intense chemistry but no (in my opinion) ultimate compatibility, you will love this book. They both are stubborn, convinced they know better than anyone about all things, and unwilling to listen to anyone's advice, no matter how reasonable. The first sexual scene is under such ridiculous circumstances I literally screamed. There were stakes involved that I thought were really great for the story, and the two MCs could not have cared less about them. I could not take either one of them seriously as a grown up adult.
However, despite my personal feelings towards the two (and truly, I am aware that this is a personal preference for my heroes/heroines - someone else is going to read the same pages and squeal with delight) I kept reading because I really did enjoy everything else. And I am already looking for a couple of the second book in this series. I hope Lady Thomasin also gets a story, because I thought she was delightful. I could see this being made as a movie.
March 28, 2025
Scandalous Again was my very first Christina Dodd and I absolutely loved the idea of it. Switching places is always a plot I want to read. The execution was a little bit of a let down, though. I felt it was quite underwhelming. That being said, I did manage to enjoy my time with Madeline and Gabriel who had good chemistry.
Now, I must admit that I'm way more excited to read book two, One Kiss From You. This second book is the reason why I decided to read Scandalous Again at first. I can't wait to see what will happen between Eleanor and Mr. Knight. Hopefully, it won't be as disappointing as this one.
Now, I must admit that I'm way more excited to read book two, One Kiss From You. This second book is the reason why I decided to read Scandalous Again at first. I can't wait to see what will happen between Eleanor and Mr. Knight. Hopefully, it won't be as disappointing as this one.
Read
August 21, 2022I hadn't read a book by Dodd in a very long time... although this has been ignored on my shelf for a long time too. For some reason I didn't think I had the first in the series, so was glad to find it.
This was quite steamy, with a lot of action. Some of the scenes are surprisingly evil for a historical romance, reminding me somewhat of some of Jo Beverley's books.
The main character has something of a temper, which gets a bit old, but it was all in all a good read. I do have the next, we'll see where that goes.
This was quite steamy, with a lot of action. Some of the scenes are surprisingly evil for a historical romance, reminding me somewhat of some of Jo Beverley's books.
The main character has something of a temper, which gets a bit old, but it was all in all a good read. I do have the next, we'll see where that goes.
April 17, 2019
If your kind of stressed with life and want a good read then this book won't be that helpful... It's not that bad or sad at all it's just the heroine's attitude will add to some of readers' stress.... Totally annoying and stressful character and her past is also stressful... everything about her is making me so stressed
June 28, 2020
I had to force myself to read this, as I did not have something else to read.
The heroine seemed very childish and impulsive and was overally very irritating.
The hero was too overbearing and too secretive.
The plot was rather less interesting.
But in the end I managed to finish it.
Oofff......
The heroine seemed very childish and impulsive and was overally very irritating.
The hero was too overbearing and too secretive.
The plot was rather less interesting.
But in the end I managed to finish it.
Oofff......
January 13, 2021
I mostly liked the book because for Madeline was very unique in that unlike other regency period romances Madeline was in charge of everyone and she in her own right was inherit a title. In many respects her taking of everyone and everything is the very problem she has with her own love interest. I loved watching how she learned to truly trust.
January 28, 2020
This is the kind of historical romance I love. I thought I had read the book before, but while the beginning was similar that's where the similarities ended.
Now I need to find more of the series. What happens to Eleanor?!!!
Now I need to find more of the series. What happens to Eleanor?!!!
June 26, 2024
Ni idea si es tan bueno pero cuando era más chica lo leí como 5 veces así que lo amo y por ende esto es extremadamente subjetivo y probablemente exagerado pero serán 5 ⭐ pq quiero pq puedo y pq se me da la gana. Gabriel te amo fuiste mí primer amor de libro ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2018
This book was just okay for me. I’m going to read the 2nd in this series. Hopefully Dodd will redeem herself.
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