Customer Reviews

Scandalous Again

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I always await Christina Dodd's books with great anticipation. For the first time I can say I was sorry that I even read one. The behavious of both of the main characters left a lot to be desired - but the repeated humiliation and put downs of Madeline by Gabriel and his manservant left a bad taste in the mouth. Not only did she accept everything at the hands of Gabriel - she accepted it as her due which came across as warped. Well - she wasn't perfect, but neither was his behaviour - yet somehow all of his atrocious behavious was ok because she LOOVED him. YUCK. Unlike other books by Christina Dodd there was no balance in this book at all. The ending seemed to be put together in haste, ending the story in a very unsatisfactory way. I would recommend giving this one a pass. I will think twice before rushing out to get the next in this series.

As a fervent fan of Christina Dodd, I was heartily disappointed with the pacing and storyline here.

The plot points are a bit thin, and for the first time in my recollection, so are the characters. Maddie is stumbling around being pompous and self-righteous, refusing to use common sense logic in the listening to the reason's behind his gambling, much less bothering to take note that he's stopped... *Yawn*. The usual humor and candor of the characters was missing, and frankly, the love scenes were dry.

But MOST of all, the abrupt ending was irritating, and though I can only assume that this is a launch to a sequel, I felt jilted at the end with relatively little closure of the situation/adventure.

Read as if Ms. Dodd churned this out in an afternoon, leaving open threadlines, mistaken clues, and diluted dialogue. Boo.

Still a fan to the end, but truly was disappointed in this unmemorable adventure.

I have read all of Christina Dodd's books, and this one is, by far, her best to date! Scandalous Again is the tale of Madeline de Lacy, the future duchess of Magnus, and her x-fiancee, Gabriel Ansell. This is the first book in a while that I have read that the characters were so well balanced, with believable personalities and character flaws. Most times you will find in historical romances that the female is always putty in the male's hands. Not so in Scandalous Again. Maddie is very independant, and headstrong due to her fathers gambling problem, and she has a big problem trusting anyone, especially Gabriel, who is also a notorious gambler. Thoughout the story Gabriel is trying to gain Maddie's trust, and avenge his little brothers death, all the while trying to keep Maddie's secret, that she is really a duchess posing as a companion, at one of the biggest parties of the ton!! All in all, I believe anyone that reads this book will be happy they did. The little foibles that Dodd puts our heroine in make for a great read alone. Just imagine a Duchess trying to iron!

I really enjoyed this book by Christina Dodd but then I haven't read any book written by her that I haven't enjoyed. I think she puts a lot of thought into her characters. I would like to see a third book to find out what happens to Lady Thomasin.

I have always loved Christina Dodd's books--until now. I couldn't really grow attached to any of the characters, the setting for the story was unpleasant, a lot of the pages were just fillers,(this could have easily been a short story instead of a book) and--to add insult to injury--it ends with a cliffhanger which will need to be resolved in the next book. The least Dodd could have done for a reader who struggled to get to the last page is to finish the book in a satisfying way. The only positive thing I can say is that the next book in the series HAS TO BE better.

I have to agree with the reviewer who wrote "not up to par." My sentiments exactly! Ms. Dodd writes about a couple who were romantically involved in the past and broke up. We meet up with them four years later. It just didn't work in this case. I think their earlier story would have been more interesting. The book ends with a strong suggestion of a sequel. Let's hope it's an improvement.

As a HUGE fan of Christina's books, I was very disappointed with this one. It was the first Christina Dodd book which took an effort to finish (usually I gobble them up in one sitting). All of the wit and charm of the "Governess" series was missing here. I found the main characters unlikeable (except perhaps to each other), and the plot line was ludicrous and unbelievable even by the standards of romance fiction. Like the reader above, I thought the quality of the editing was lacking as well. I actually checked the publishing date to see if it was perhaps a reissue of an early book, as the writing seemed very amateurish in comparison to her other books. On the plus side, the love scenes were fun to read, though it's not enough to allow me to recommend this book.

Madeline de Lacy, the Marchioness of Sheridan and future Duchess of Magnus, has barely set foot back in England after four years when she is blithely told by her disaster-prone papa that he has wagered her in a game of piquet...and lost. Composed and practical -- she's had to be to deal with her father's fiascos for the last seventeen years since her mama's death -- Madeline sets out for London with her companion and cousin, Eleanor, to deal with this would-be fiancé.

However, the two cousins' plans change course when they find out that "the Game of the Century" is about to commence at a country estate. Knowing this is just the sort of rig her father would love to participate in, Madeline is convinced he will show up with a prized family heirloom in tow. Unable to be in two places at the same time, Madeline convinces her cousin Eleanor to switch places with her. Eleanor will go on to London and keep the fiancé at bay, while Madeline will head for the country estate where the Game is being held. Hiring on as a companion to a family heading to the event, Madeline prepares herself for her father's arrival. Unfortunately, all the preparation in the world does not prepare her when she encounters Gabriel Ansell, the Earl of Campion. The man she jilted very publicly four years ago.

Gabriel Ansell has waited four long years for Madeline de Lacy to return to England. Instantly recognizing his former fiancée in her "disguise," Gabriel is determined to find out her reasons for the charade and get her back in his arms where she belongs. Unfortunately, his beloved is as headstrong and stubborn as ever so the Earl decides the best way to keep an eye on her is to help her. Soon the two are up to their ears in intrigue, villains and kisses.

The first in Christina Dodd's Changing Places duet, SCANDALOUS AGAIN is an exhilarating romantic battle of wills. Imagine the best of the classic Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn movies with a dash of The Parent Trap and a dose of Jane Austen (for the historical setting, of course), and you'll get a sense of what a delicious romp this story is. Shaped by her family history, pragmatic Madeline is a woman afraid to let her guard down even to the man she loves. Gabriel is a special hero. Patient and stubborn in his own way, he is a perfect match for Madeline and their unforgettable encounters run the gamut from amusing to poignant.

Note: Eleanor's story is told in ONE KISS FROM YOU.

TheSchemer

The duke has lost his daughter, Madeline de Lacy, the future duchess of Magnus, to a total stranger in a card game. Madeline's betrothed has urgently requested her presence at his home. While en route, Madeline, accompanied by her companion and cousin, Eleanor de Lacy, make a stop at the house of a notorious gambler. Madeline is sure her father must be there, for what is taking place is being dubbed "the game of the century". Trading places with her look alike cousin Eleanor, Madeline poses as a companion while attempting to keep her father from gambling away their remaining family fortune. If matters weren't bad enough, also at this game is Gabriel Ansell, the earl of Campion. The man Madeline was engaged to four years ago. She's never forgotten how he betrayed her. He's never forgotten how she ran out on him so easily. But the increasing danger present at this gambler's house just may pull them together again.

This is the first installment in the trading places series. I'm a huge fan of Ms. Dodd's work, and have read most everything she's written. While all of it is good, this particular book was not one of my favorites. There is a dark, almost brooding mood to this story, and it lacks the humor she does so well. Overall, the story is good, the writing wonderful, and the love scenes steamy. I really liked the supporting character of Gabriel's valet, MacAllister, because he did add a note of humor to the story. The sequel, "One Kiss From You", which is Eleanor's story, is the better of the two. So while this is not Ms. Dodd's best work, it's still a worthwhile read. And if you're like me - if it has her name on it, you just gotta' read it!

I enjoyed this book, as I do with all Christina Dodd novels. Her novels flow so well and keep me interested in reading. I liked the main characters and like how she lead into a sequel by just giving you enough to be interested. I did think there was some loose end that I hope may be tied up in the next novel which I will read soon. What a father! To loose his daughter gambling. I think it's a good overall book for those who like historical romances with a little spice.