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Garrick #3
Devil's Prize
They 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, his 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!
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, his 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!
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 1995
48 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
188 books3,169 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 21, 2011
That was just...excuse my language but Kat Martin just mindfucked me. Hard. Over a table. In the butt. O_O The lessons I learned from Devil's Prize:
1. Women are stupid. Seriously stupid. It's a wonder we can pee without help.
2. Women are irrational. Things like common sense & decency are inconsequential. Why use our minds when we can marry men who'll do our thinking for us?!?
3. The best way to a woman's heart is through her coochie. You can be a murderer. You can be a rapist. You can have wet dreams about boning Barney. It doesn't matter as long as you know how to lay down the pipe. What would normally be considered psychotic turns into "tortured & dark-but forgiveable" if you know how to use your magic stick.
And the most important thing I learned from this book?
4. Do NOT re-read those bodice rippers hiding in your closet. I thought this shit was cute when I was 14. Then again, I didn't even know where my clitoris was at that age. I thought it was hiding from me. Leave the past in the past!
ETA 6/20/11: I just had a thought. I know, dangerous things those thoughts are when we womenfolk think them. Anyway, I figured I should write a synopsis. Anyone who's read a bodice ripper knows these books are almost always the same but why not?
Alexa meets Damien at a shindig. He's so bad! He has a bad rep! He's a rake, a cad, a BAD person! But he's just so freaking hot! *boobies palpitating* Damien blames Alexa for the death of his little bro & he wants to make her PAY! Pay hard & fast against a wall! So he decides to bone her & ruin her because we all know the best revenge is the kind that makes your toy soldier weep. O_o Of course they get married & lust forever & ever...until Damien betrays Alexa. Or at least she thinks he did. Then she makes dumbass decisions. Gets D-man shot up to hell. Almost becomes a French prostitute. Has sex with D-man on a boulder, because you know he's hard like a rock. Makes more stupid decisions. And then they live happily ever after because semen & girl cooties conquers all. *tear*
Now excuse me. I'm going to go bake a cake & iron my man's underwear. I'll even put a crease in the peek-a-boo hole...because I'm stupid like that. ☺
1. Women are stupid. Seriously stupid. It's a wonder we can pee without help.
2. Women are irrational. Things like common sense & decency are inconsequential. Why use our minds when we can marry men who'll do our thinking for us?!?
3. The best way to a woman's heart is through her coochie. You can be a murderer. You can be a rapist. You can have wet dreams about boning Barney. It doesn't matter as long as you know how to lay down the pipe. What would normally be considered psychotic turns into "tortured & dark-but forgiveable" if you know how to use your magic stick.
And the most important thing I learned from this book?
4. Do NOT re-read those bodice rippers hiding in your closet. I thought this shit was cute when I was 14. Then again, I didn't even know where my clitoris was at that age. I thought it was hiding from me. Leave the past in the past!
ETA 6/20/11: I just had a thought. I know, dangerous things those thoughts are when we womenfolk think them. Anyway, I figured I should write a synopsis. Anyone who's read a bodice ripper knows these books are almost always the same but why not?
Alexa meets Damien at a shindig. He's so bad! He has a bad rep! He's a rake, a cad, a BAD person! But he's just so freaking hot! *boobies palpitating* Damien blames Alexa for the death of his little bro & he wants to make her PAY! Pay hard & fast against a wall! So he decides to bone her & ruin her because we all know the best revenge is the kind that makes your toy soldier weep. O_o Of course they get married & lust forever & ever...until Damien betrays Alexa. Or at least she thinks he did. Then she makes dumbass decisions. Gets D-man shot up to hell. Almost becomes a French prostitute. Has sex with D-man on a boulder, because you know he's hard like a rock. Makes more stupid decisions. And then they live happily ever after because semen & girl cooties conquers all. *tear*
Now excuse me. I'm going to go bake a cake & iron my man's underwear. I'll even put a crease in the peek-a-boo hole...because I'm stupid like that. ☺
January 10, 2016
Summary
Damien, Lord Falon, is after a young woman of the Ton, Lady Alexa Garrick. Damien has been on the hunt for Alexa, for personal reason and will do anything to get her. Alexa, is daring and bold, but conservative when she needs to be. But she has a weakness for being reckless at the worst times. When Lord Falon, dares her at the gaming table, she takes him up on it, but she loses her hand and must either pay up a fortune which will only raise questions from her brother or spend a night in Damien’s bed. Alexa is cunning and crafty at certain times, so she leads Damien along. But Damien is no fool and gives her an ultimatum. When her brother finds the truth, and a duel is about to happen, Alexa reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience. She knows she has little choice, if she wants both men to live. She feels desire with Darien, so she hopes her marriage won’t be terrible. But soon she is drawn into a game of spies between the English and the French and she may have to choose who she trusts more….the British or her husband because their lives may depend on her future actions.
The Hero
Damien, Lord Falon, has been away from home for quite a while. Damien having traveled and battled, he has come home but not for the most noble of reasons. His brother was killed and he blames Alexa Garrick. He believes she is the reason behind his brothers death, and has come back for revenge. But little does Damien realize, that not everything is as it seems. Alexa is a far cry from the conceited girl he was expecting to find. Alexa is bold, reckless, and gorgeous. His plan is to seduce her and drop her and destroy her reputation. But his emotions are coming close to the surface for this unique woman he can’t seem to get out of his mind. Damien is a alpha male that is for sure. And boy do I love heroes like Damien. Brooding, arrogant and commanding. What was most unique about his character was seeing the way he changes throughout the story. From a man out for revenge to a man with a heart and willing to protect those he loves the most.
The Heroine
Alexa Garrick, is quite a spoiled by her brother and tends to get away with many things. At first, I liked her…she is spontaneous, has a spirit for adventure but is way too reckless for her own good. She never thinks before acting and quite frankly it got a bit old. There were many likable traits about this heroine, but in all honesty, I couldn’t really love her character because she tended to have this mindset that nothing would go wrong with the decisions she made. There were some actions that she takes that I didn’t agree with at all, and I couldn’t see why she would do them. And she makes the same mistakes over and over again. However, there were some unqiue qualties to her character that I couldn’t help but find endearing in the end. Even when she makes mistakes, she owns up to them. Deep down, she has a heart of gold, and feels emotion in its barest of forms.
Plot And Story Line
Devil’s Prize was quite a unique story and one that I just couldn’t gobble up fast enough to my liking. Kat Martin has always been a fun author to read, and I can’t believe I haven’t read her more especially after reading Devil’s Prize. I always love the set of a gambling game gone wrong, especially when the heroine has to pay up. It adds delicious complexities you don’t see coming at first but I always have fun with the after effects of certain choices that are made.
In Devil’s Prize we have a story that have certain twists that blew me away. I mean honestly, I really tried to make sure I didn’t reveal much as far as the actual plot because I want my readers to be surprised when and/if they pick this one up. Because WOW…..did Kat Martin really shock me to the core of a twist of events and plot lines. I didn’t expect to see what happens…but does and this story really rocked my world. We also see quite a bit of challenge that these two characters end up facing. Because quite frankly, their relationship is quite unsteady in the beginning. There is hardly an trust (no surprise really) but then they are both tested of their loyalties…..and if they don’t prove themselves in the right way they might end up dead. So there is tension, suspense and quite a bit of drama from beginning to end. But the type of story I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I was warmed by the secondary characters….characters that have a story in this trilogy that I HAVE to get a hold of as soon as possbile, because if its as good as this one turned out to be, I am in for a wild ride of adventure and mystery.
The romance starts off with powerful chemistry, these two know how to connect on a primal level and Kat Martin displays this side of their relationship in a way that gives you goosebumps. Then we see a turn of events, that challenges them in a almost brutal way. My heart just about broke apart with these two. And despite some misgivings I had about the heroine at times, I really loved this story and every twist and turn the authors gives us. What was most intriguing was having two settings in the story equally. I didn’t expect that and I just soaked it all up because I found the flow to be gentle and smooth and the transitions to be well written that I found no off kilter discrepancies.
What a wonderful story Kat Martin has given us, and I would highly recommend to any historical romance lover.
The Cover
What a gorgeous cover. There are two covers, this one is the most latest and was the actual cover of the book I obtained. I love the vibrant reds in this, it adds that sense of passion and danger that the story is full of.
Overall View
Devil’s Prize is a magnificent story that takes us from the streets of london, to the countryside of England and to the beautiful city of Paris. Vibrant, sizzling, and dramatic….romance lovers won’t be able to get enough of Devil’s Prize
Damien, Lord Falon, is after a young woman of the Ton, Lady Alexa Garrick. Damien has been on the hunt for Alexa, for personal reason and will do anything to get her. Alexa, is daring and bold, but conservative when she needs to be. But she has a weakness for being reckless at the worst times. When Lord Falon, dares her at the gaming table, she takes him up on it, but she loses her hand and must either pay up a fortune which will only raise questions from her brother or spend a night in Damien’s bed. Alexa is cunning and crafty at certain times, so she leads Damien along. But Damien is no fool and gives her an ultimatum. When her brother finds the truth, and a duel is about to happen, Alexa reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience. She knows she has little choice, if she wants both men to live. She feels desire with Darien, so she hopes her marriage won’t be terrible. But soon she is drawn into a game of spies between the English and the French and she may have to choose who she trusts more….the British or her husband because their lives may depend on her future actions.
The Hero
Damien, Lord Falon, has been away from home for quite a while. Damien having traveled and battled, he has come home but not for the most noble of reasons. His brother was killed and he blames Alexa Garrick. He believes she is the reason behind his brothers death, and has come back for revenge. But little does Damien realize, that not everything is as it seems. Alexa is a far cry from the conceited girl he was expecting to find. Alexa is bold, reckless, and gorgeous. His plan is to seduce her and drop her and destroy her reputation. But his emotions are coming close to the surface for this unique woman he can’t seem to get out of his mind. Damien is a alpha male that is for sure. And boy do I love heroes like Damien. Brooding, arrogant and commanding. What was most unique about his character was seeing the way he changes throughout the story. From a man out for revenge to a man with a heart and willing to protect those he loves the most.
The Heroine
Alexa Garrick, is quite a spoiled by her brother and tends to get away with many things. At first, I liked her…she is spontaneous, has a spirit for adventure but is way too reckless for her own good. She never thinks before acting and quite frankly it got a bit old. There were many likable traits about this heroine, but in all honesty, I couldn’t really love her character because she tended to have this mindset that nothing would go wrong with the decisions she made. There were some actions that she takes that I didn’t agree with at all, and I couldn’t see why she would do them. And she makes the same mistakes over and over again. However, there were some unqiue qualties to her character that I couldn’t help but find endearing in the end. Even when she makes mistakes, she owns up to them. Deep down, she has a heart of gold, and feels emotion in its barest of forms.
Plot And Story Line
Devil’s Prize was quite a unique story and one that I just couldn’t gobble up fast enough to my liking. Kat Martin has always been a fun author to read, and I can’t believe I haven’t read her more especially after reading Devil’s Prize. I always love the set of a gambling game gone wrong, especially when the heroine has to pay up. It adds delicious complexities you don’t see coming at first but I always have fun with the after effects of certain choices that are made.
In Devil’s Prize we have a story that have certain twists that blew me away. I mean honestly, I really tried to make sure I didn’t reveal much as far as the actual plot because I want my readers to be surprised when and/if they pick this one up. Because WOW…..did Kat Martin really shock me to the core of a twist of events and plot lines. I didn’t expect to see what happens…but does and this story really rocked my world. We also see quite a bit of challenge that these two characters end up facing. Because quite frankly, their relationship is quite unsteady in the beginning. There is hardly an trust (no surprise really) but then they are both tested of their loyalties…..and if they don’t prove themselves in the right way they might end up dead. So there is tension, suspense and quite a bit of drama from beginning to end. But the type of story I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I was warmed by the secondary characters….characters that have a story in this trilogy that I HAVE to get a hold of as soon as possbile, because if its as good as this one turned out to be, I am in for a wild ride of adventure and mystery.
The romance starts off with powerful chemistry, these two know how to connect on a primal level and Kat Martin displays this side of their relationship in a way that gives you goosebumps. Then we see a turn of events, that challenges them in a almost brutal way. My heart just about broke apart with these two. And despite some misgivings I had about the heroine at times, I really loved this story and every twist and turn the authors gives us. What was most intriguing was having two settings in the story equally. I didn’t expect that and I just soaked it all up because I found the flow to be gentle and smooth and the transitions to be well written that I found no off kilter discrepancies.
What a wonderful story Kat Martin has given us, and I would highly recommend to any historical romance lover.
The Cover
What a gorgeous cover. There are two covers, this one is the most latest and was the actual cover of the book I obtained. I love the vibrant reds in this, it adds that sense of passion and danger that the story is full of.
Overall View
Devil’s Prize is a magnificent story that takes us from the streets of london, to the countryside of England and to the beautiful city of Paris. Vibrant, sizzling, and dramatic….romance lovers won’t be able to get enough of Devil’s Prize
August 10, 2015
Shockingly Good
I feel my first statement must be, "Don't be fooled by the stereotypical romance novel cover and hokey title", this is actually a pretty good Historical fiction romance. I was a little surprised. Don't get me wrong it doesn't stand up to some of the best of the best literary authors but it's not bad at all. I was in the mood for something lite and ok, maybe a little mushy before I head back into the world of heavy serious books that I seem to have a lot of on my shelves. I actually was in the bookstore looking for another go-to author I like in this genre and when that couldn't be found I started exploring others. This book's synopsis drew my attention. Not that cover, it quite annoys me. I found myself folding it over when I read in public. Not necessarily for its provocativeness but more for the fact that I'm such a book snob I felt self conscious of my being seen to read this genre vs something more serious. All that aside, I liked it.
Lord Damien Fallon is thought to be a damnable rake in the eyes of all proper society. He skillfully trapped the young unmarried Alexa Garrick in his schemes and cheats his way into her affections. But Damien isn't a rake after all Alexa slowly finds out. He's a loyal military man but to who's army? British Alexa finds herself in the middle of a trust battle involving her English loyalty and her suspicions against her newly wed half French, half British husband. Does she trust him? Do his actions speak loud enough? Is their love true?
Ok so it is a bit of classic romance novel. The intimate moment are there but thankfully there was more to it. I'm glad there was a story here. Alexa did get on my nerves with her trust issues. I yelled at her a few times for her affinity for trouble. This took place during the Napoleonic war. It was a nice touch for the author to include little bits concerning this. It was good for this genre. There were some parts however that became boring and I did do a little skimming. I guess I feel it was too long.
I'll give this 3 Romance novel stars. In this genre it's a 3. I couldn't compare it to the other genres I read as a whole because it wouldn't stand up, in my opinion but within its own genre, I liked it. Yes, sure if your in the mood for a romance, try it out. I may look at other books by this author but apprehensive that it might be repetitive as some in this genre tend to be.
I feel my first statement must be, "Don't be fooled by the stereotypical romance novel cover and hokey title", this is actually a pretty good Historical fiction romance. I was a little surprised. Don't get me wrong it doesn't stand up to some of the best of the best literary authors but it's not bad at all. I was in the mood for something lite and ok, maybe a little mushy before I head back into the world of heavy serious books that I seem to have a lot of on my shelves. I actually was in the bookstore looking for another go-to author I like in this genre and when that couldn't be found I started exploring others. This book's synopsis drew my attention. Not that cover, it quite annoys me. I found myself folding it over when I read in public. Not necessarily for its provocativeness but more for the fact that I'm such a book snob I felt self conscious of my being seen to read this genre vs something more serious. All that aside, I liked it.
Lord Damien Fallon is thought to be a damnable rake in the eyes of all proper society. He skillfully trapped the young unmarried Alexa Garrick in his schemes and cheats his way into her affections. But Damien isn't a rake after all Alexa slowly finds out. He's a loyal military man but to who's army? British Alexa finds herself in the middle of a trust battle involving her English loyalty and her suspicions against her newly wed half French, half British husband. Does she trust him? Do his actions speak loud enough? Is their love true?
Ok so it is a bit of classic romance novel. The intimate moment are there but thankfully there was more to it. I'm glad there was a story here. Alexa did get on my nerves with her trust issues. I yelled at her a few times for her affinity for trouble. This took place during the Napoleonic war. It was a nice touch for the author to include little bits concerning this. It was good for this genre. There were some parts however that became boring and I did do a little skimming. I guess I feel it was too long.
I'll give this 3 Romance novel stars. In this genre it's a 3. I couldn't compare it to the other genres I read as a whole because it wouldn't stand up, in my opinion but within its own genre, I liked it. Yes, sure if your in the mood for a romance, try it out. I may look at other books by this author but apprehensive that it might be repetitive as some in this genre tend to be.
April 8, 2014
I liked the beginning. The play between Alexa and Lord Falon (Damien) was exciting. But about 1/3 of the way through it was like the entire premise changed. The self-confident woman who took risks and didn't care what anyone said about her turned into a simpering eavesdropper who wouldn't trust anyone, trusted the wrong people repeatedly, and acted impetuously based on rumor. By the end of the book things were looking up, but that is the usual expectation with a romance like this. It was just SO hard to get through that middle part. I kept wanting to shake Alexa and toss the book across the room in frustration.
November 3, 2011
I normally really like Kat Martin books, but this one just pissed me off. Alexa is an idiot who makes lots of dumb decisions. The plot drug about half way through to the end. It seemed like Martin got bored writing this one and just started repeating the same plot points over and over. Definitely not her best work!
August 29, 2025
Books I Own. Mad About Series HRBC Challenge 2025. Tropes: Regency Romance, Marriage of Convenience, Heiress, Family/Friends, Revenge.
MC's h. Lady Alexa Garrick, 19, brother Rayne Garrick, Viscount Stoneleigh (Jocelyn & son), father and brother Christopher deceased. Best Friend Jane, a Duke's daughter.
H. Earl of Fallon, Damien, 30+, a mother and sister still alive. His father passed when he was 11 and his brother Peter committed suicide because Alexa Garrick rejected him.
The marriage was one of convenience, really a forced marriage instead of a duel over Alexa Garrick being ruined by Lord Fallon. Damien had planned his family's vengence over Peter's death two years before with thought, malice and manipulation bating her with mystery, intrigue and tempation luring her into his trap. However he offered marriage and planned to use her large dowry to fix up his Castle on the coast and use her body to his content. Basically control and ruin her life for vengence for his brother.
Things changed after Alexa showed remorse and guilt over Peter's death. Damien's mother and sister came to visit to torment and plague Alexa and Damien over Peter's death. Alexa and Damien both needed forgiveness. Damien aka Lee asked his mother and sister to leave after they wouldn't forgive Alexa.
One day some French visitors arrived by boat to visit Damien. She listened in. She discovered Damien was a French spy. Damien went to London on business and while he was away, Alexa also went to London to see General Strickland but he wasn't in so she talked to Lt. Bewicke? The night the english were to arrest Damien and the other Frenchmen, Alexa ran to Damien to save him. Damien got her on the boat and Alexa was taken to France. Damien was captured and tortured by the British.
He made a deal to have Alexa exchanged for him. He would go to France and she back to England. There was a double deal, ambush and neither of them were exchanged. There was shooting amongst the French and English and unfortunately Alexa was shot. The soldiers thought since Alexa had betrayed Damien as a English traitor they could sell her to a local Madame and they lied about her living. When Damien heard the news he was desolated and drank heavily. His friend and employee (valet) Claude Martin ( a former aristocrat) learned from sources that Alexa was still alive and was to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. He made sure he was the highest bidder. When it was safe they helped Alexa escape and he took his wife to his home in France.
Alexa and Damien had a joyous reunion but Alexa still didn't trust him. He eventually told her he was a double spy. His butler was an informant to General Moreau and they came to Damien's home to confront him. He laughed it off telling them he told his wife a lie so she would sleep with him. After this they were watched very carefully.
They were invited to a ball at the General's mansion and Alexa attempted to steal some papers from a secret compartment in the General's desk. She was discovered by Damien and then the General also came into the room. Damien slapped Alexa hard across the face and chastised her in front of the General and told the General he would keep her under lock and key. The General made sure to watch them both very carefully after this. Now Alexa didn't know if she could trust Damien or not. She no longer fully trusted him but knew she loved him and wouldn't leave him. Damien told her he loved her too and would get her home to England somehow.
The last 3 chapters of the book really put this book over the top for writing a suspense, espionage historical romance. I gave this 4.5 stars.
MC's h. Lady Alexa Garrick, 19, brother Rayne Garrick, Viscount Stoneleigh (Jocelyn & son), father and brother Christopher deceased. Best Friend Jane, a Duke's daughter.
H. Earl of Fallon, Damien, 30+, a mother and sister still alive. His father passed when he was 11 and his brother Peter committed suicide because Alexa Garrick rejected him.
The marriage was one of convenience, really a forced marriage instead of a duel over Alexa Garrick being ruined by Lord Fallon. Damien had planned his family's vengence over Peter's death two years before with thought, malice and manipulation bating her with mystery, intrigue and tempation luring her into his trap. However he offered marriage and planned to use her large dowry to fix up his Castle on the coast and use her body to his content. Basically control and ruin her life for vengence for his brother.
Things changed after Alexa showed remorse and guilt over Peter's death. Damien's mother and sister came to visit to torment and plague Alexa and Damien over Peter's death. Alexa and Damien both needed forgiveness. Damien aka Lee asked his mother and sister to leave after they wouldn't forgive Alexa.
One day some French visitors arrived by boat to visit Damien. She listened in. She discovered Damien was a French spy. Damien went to London on business and while he was away, Alexa also went to London to see General Strickland but he wasn't in so she talked to Lt. Bewicke? The night the english were to arrest Damien and the other Frenchmen, Alexa ran to Damien to save him. Damien got her on the boat and Alexa was taken to France. Damien was captured and tortured by the British.
He made a deal to have Alexa exchanged for him. He would go to France and she back to England. There was a double deal, ambush and neither of them were exchanged. There was shooting amongst the French and English and unfortunately Alexa was shot. The soldiers thought since Alexa had betrayed Damien as a English traitor they could sell her to a local Madame and they lied about her living. When Damien heard the news he was desolated and drank heavily. His friend and employee (valet) Claude Martin ( a former aristocrat) learned from sources that Alexa was still alive and was to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. He made sure he was the highest bidder. When it was safe they helped Alexa escape and he took his wife to his home in France.
Alexa and Damien had a joyous reunion but Alexa still didn't trust him. He eventually told her he was a double spy. His butler was an informant to General Moreau and they came to Damien's home to confront him. He laughed it off telling them he told his wife a lie so she would sleep with him. After this they were watched very carefully.
They were invited to a ball at the General's mansion and Alexa attempted to steal some papers from a secret compartment in the General's desk. She was discovered by Damien and then the General also came into the room. Damien slapped Alexa hard across the face and chastised her in front of the General and told the General he would keep her under lock and key. The General made sure to watch them both very carefully after this. Now Alexa didn't know if she could trust Damien or not. She no longer fully trusted him but knew she loved him and wouldn't leave him. Damien told her he loved her too and would get her home to England somehow.
The last 3 chapters of the book really put this book over the top for writing a suspense, espionage historical romance. I gave this 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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February 4, 2022I love all of Kat Martin's historical books. That said, it started bothering me every time Alex said Oh God, Oh Dear God etc. all through the book. Next, she must have been horny when she wrote it. Every time Alexa and Damien had sex, (many many times) it was described in major detail. You know, after a while, that gets old! I did enjoy the story and plenty of action!!
April 28, 2014
I loved Damien! He was a wonderful character even if a little predictable and static. However Alexa is one of the most annoying characters I've ever read! she was whiny, immature, and stupid! She admitted that she didn't understand the "world of spying" and yet she still couldn't defer to her husband which she admitted over and over was a brilliant spy and actor! He told her the truth over and over again and yet she didn't have the wisdom or foresight to trust him! Her courage at the end just barely made the story worthwhile even tho the whole situation was of her own making because again she couldn't trust her husband the spy to work out all the spy issues.
May 11, 2017
Just bad. Just all bad
January 8, 2021
Not as good as "Sweet Vengeance ". It fell a little flat....still it's a kat Martin book so we ffg forgive.
December 13, 2023
La historia de Alexa, hermana de Rayne, no me llamó demasiado la atención más allá de ser el último libro de una trilogía q por lo menos en los dos primeros, estuvo más q bien escrita y desarrollada la acción. Lo de Alexa pasaba x ser otra trama de lo más normal, en histórica romántica, de una niña bien de sociedad q se cruza en el camino de un libertino reformable. Y por lo menos hasta la mitad de la novela, esa es la temática, sazonada con el juramento de venganza de Damien.
Obviamente Damien&Alexa no plantean demasiadas sorpresas como pareja, aunq hay un buen tire y afloje previo entre ambos q hace q sus primeras interacciones sean bien interesantes. Pero llegamos a la mitad de la historia y de golpe y plumazo resolvimos el conflicto de la venganza y parecía q tendríamos q arreglarnos con algunas escenas almibaradas y más encuentros de cama, como suelen hacer algunas autoras, xq no se veía venir ningún otro conflicto, aunq eso es exactamente lo q vino después. Un conflicto q no me esperaba y q no tuvo nada q ver con el anterior, y q nos mantiene en vilo toda la segunda mitad del libro, sin saber quien es quien, y donde esta la lealtad de cada uno; mientras corremos por las calles y las catacumbas de la hermosa París, en los tiempos en que Napoleón Bonaparte quiso ser emperador del mundo.
Tengo q decir q este golpe de tuerca ha sido de lo más acertado para hacer la lectura más entretenida pero sobre todo para llevar la trama mucho más allá de la simple historia de amor y convertirlo casi en un thriller político de comienzos del siglo XIX.
De hecho, la única razón x la cual no le doy más estrellas es xq me ha parecido q la intriga era demasiado buena y se podría haber explotado mejor, y el epílogo definitivamente me ha resultado corto. Por lo demás, muy buena trama y sobre todo muy buena trilogía.
Obviamente Damien&Alexa no plantean demasiadas sorpresas como pareja, aunq hay un buen tire y afloje previo entre ambos q hace q sus primeras interacciones sean bien interesantes. Pero llegamos a la mitad de la historia y de golpe y plumazo resolvimos el conflicto de la venganza y parecía q tendríamos q arreglarnos con algunas escenas almibaradas y más encuentros de cama, como suelen hacer algunas autoras, xq no se veía venir ningún otro conflicto, aunq eso es exactamente lo q vino después. Un conflicto q no me esperaba y q no tuvo nada q ver con el anterior, y q nos mantiene en vilo toda la segunda mitad del libro, sin saber quien es quien, y donde esta la lealtad de cada uno; mientras corremos por las calles y las catacumbas de la hermosa París, en los tiempos en que Napoleón Bonaparte quiso ser emperador del mundo.
Tengo q decir q este golpe de tuerca ha sido de lo más acertado para hacer la lectura más entretenida pero sobre todo para llevar la trama mucho más allá de la simple historia de amor y convertirlo casi en un thriller político de comienzos del siglo XIX.
De hecho, la única razón x la cual no le doy más estrellas es xq me ha parecido q la intriga era demasiado buena y se podría haber explotado mejor, y el epílogo definitivamente me ha resultado corto. Por lo demás, muy buena trama y sobre todo muy buena trilogía.
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December 12, 2020I had the weird feeling while reading this that I was enjoying the ride I was on, but then I put it down and forgot about it. I had a good run of books I REALLY enjoyed, so I was probably due, but still.
The repeating pattern of this book is that the author is great at building tension, creating this sense of dread that everything is about to go terribly, but then the situation creating the tension is resolved fairly easily, and it's anticlimactic. Like, the blurb indicates that Falon seduces and compromises Alexa for revenge because he blames her for his brother's death, so as a reader you think, "Ooh, this should be a good conflict!" but then after one conversation, he's over it and forgives her. And that's just in the first third of the book! And then there's the push and pull of the spy plot and who Falon is really loyal to, and by the third time Alexa gets confused about where his loyalty lay, I was over it.
I've got a few more books by this author in the great Box 0' Romance I received from my friend, so I'll probably read them because the writing is solid (if a bit florid) and this book was still very entertaining, but didn't totally work for me.
The repeating pattern of this book is that the author is great at building tension, creating this sense of dread that everything is about to go terribly, but then the situation creating the tension is resolved fairly easily, and it's anticlimactic. Like, the blurb indicates that Falon seduces and compromises Alexa for revenge because he blames her for his brother's death, so as a reader you think, "Ooh, this should be a good conflict!" but then after one conversation, he's over it and forgives her. And that's just in the first third of the book! And then there's the push and pull of the spy plot and who Falon is really loyal to, and by the third time Alexa gets confused about where his loyalty lay, I was over it.
I've got a few more books by this author in the great Box 0' Romance I received from my friend, so I'll probably read them because the writing is solid (if a bit florid) and this book was still very entertaining, but didn't totally work for me.
July 3, 2018
This was my first Historical Romance.
And oh man was I NOT disapointed!
I loved it!!! It was the perfect mix of everything I look for in a good read.
Kat Martin has a way with words. I was able to be back in 1809.
I could hear the accents, I could imagine the buildings and the people. I laughed, I cried, I blushed, and I cursed. It was the perfect blend of emotions. I adored this book from page one.
Needless to say I will miss Lord Falon.
And oh man was I NOT disapointed!
I loved it!!! It was the perfect mix of everything I look for in a good read.
Kat Martin has a way with words. I was able to be back in 1809.
I could hear the accents, I could imagine the buildings and the people. I laughed, I cried, I blushed, and I cursed. It was the perfect blend of emotions. I adored this book from page one.
Needless to say I will miss Lord Falon.
June 15, 2020
This was a decent "brain candy" book. I didn't realize until I was part-way through the book that it was a reprint of an earlier edition. I think I might've already read it several years ago, so that might influence why I only gave it 3 stars. I felt like the book could've ended several times, so maybe there was too much going on with the plot? It made me wonder if it was originally written as a novella and then the author expanded it into a longer book.
June 6, 2019
Kat Martin has better books than this one. h was quite an idiot with her distrust of the H all along the book. It should have been beariable if only us (the readers) didn't know that he was innocent all along.
Plot had several discourting leads (e.g. revenge theme at the beginning and good spy or bad spy later) that were too quickly resolved and lost being the exciting elements of the story.
Plot had several discourting leads (e.g. revenge theme at the beginning and good spy or bad spy later) that were too quickly resolved and lost being the exciting elements of the story.
January 18, 2023
Too, Too Much Erotica
The basic plot was good. However there were too many sexual encounters that were explicitly described. Leave a little to the imagination. The constant trust issues between Damien and Alexa was overdone in its description. This book was too wordy. It’s the first time I practiced speed reading to the end. Mrs Martin needs to revise this story.
The basic plot was good. However there were too many sexual encounters that were explicitly described. Leave a little to the imagination. The constant trust issues between Damien and Alexa was overdone in its description. This book was too wordy. It’s the first time I practiced speed reading to the end. Mrs Martin needs to revise this story.
September 9, 2025
Fantastic book.
I really loved this book and didn’t expect to cry so much. Damien marries Alexa as revenge. There’s a lot of trust issues and I did stay on edge. Who can she trust? Is her husband a spy? Thankfully they finally got their happy ever after. This book is worth re reading. I highly recommend this book.
I really loved this book and didn’t expect to cry so much. Damien marries Alexa as revenge. There’s a lot of trust issues and I did stay on edge. Who can she trust? Is her husband a spy? Thankfully they finally got their happy ever after. This book is worth re reading. I highly recommend this book.
January 1, 2018
This book was all over the place and the heroine was a naive idiot.
February 22, 2018
Exciting romance in Napoleonic era, but perhaps a few too many reversals in the romance as the heroine keeps making the same mistake of not trusting her husband. Good read.
December 3, 2021
The essence of romance: love conquers all.
August 26, 2023
A fun bodice ripper.
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January 24, 2024Awesome Adventure.
I Loved the adventure. Felt like I was there. Had me emotional right along with the characters. Beautiful happy ending
I Loved the adventure. Felt like I was there. Had me emotional right along with the characters. Beautiful happy ending
December 17, 2025
FMC is extremely annoying. Loved the fighting and action portions of the book.
February 24, 2017
I loved this book! Loved the whole spying scenario. You can feel his wanting to tell her about his double life but also knowing how much he is endangering her by doing so. My heart broke for both of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2014
Loved this book. Action, adventure, romance!!! A great book to lose yourself in for awhile.
Lady Alexa has been away from society for the last two years. A friend of hers had committed suicide and it looked like he had done it because her feelings for him were not the same as his were for her. She came back no longer the same dreamy young woman she had been. And she was still feeling guilt over the whole situation with Peter.
Damien, Lord Falon, from the moment he laid eyes on Alexa he was was determined to have her and after a night at the gaming table he tells Alexa that he will discharge her debts to him if she will spend one night with him. His little game is a bit more than what it appears though. Damian was Peter's older brother and we learn that from the very beginning he had actually sought Alexa out and determined to destroy the young woman that was responsible for the death of his beloved brother.
With a twist of fate however, the two quickly find themselves married. Alex learns that there was truth about the circulating rumors in regards to her new husband and there is more to him than she could have dreamed. She discovers that he has a lot of secrets, and retains her own when she finds he has connections to smugglers, and French soldiers that carry English secrets back to the French govt. Though she finds herself falling deeper in love with him, she also has to discover what is truth if she's ever going to find any real happiness in her life. But to discover that truth is going to take Damian and Alexa on a path of danger.
Lady Alexa has been away from society for the last two years. A friend of hers had committed suicide and it looked like he had done it because her feelings for him were not the same as his were for her. She came back no longer the same dreamy young woman she had been. And she was still feeling guilt over the whole situation with Peter.
Damien, Lord Falon, from the moment he laid eyes on Alexa he was was determined to have her and after a night at the gaming table he tells Alexa that he will discharge her debts to him if she will spend one night with him. His little game is a bit more than what it appears though. Damian was Peter's older brother and we learn that from the very beginning he had actually sought Alexa out and determined to destroy the young woman that was responsible for the death of his beloved brother.
With a twist of fate however, the two quickly find themselves married. Alex learns that there was truth about the circulating rumors in regards to her new husband and there is more to him than she could have dreamed. She discovers that he has a lot of secrets, and retains her own when she finds he has connections to smugglers, and French soldiers that carry English secrets back to the French govt. Though she finds herself falling deeper in love with him, she also has to discover what is truth if she's ever going to find any real happiness in her life. But to discover that truth is going to take Damian and Alexa on a path of danger.
July 9, 2015
I'm a sucker for a story with a bad boy rogue and a sweet, wonderful girl with a fiery attitude. The characters in this book (Damien and Alexa) really brought me into the story. Fraught with suspense and mystery, intrigue and romance, I devoured this book. Their romance is completely unlikely and I wasn't even sure I would like the book, to be perfectly honest. Damien didn't really seem to be the caring man he is deep down. The whole thing that went on between the two was very vengeful and cold. The glimpses into Damien's true self and Alexa's guilt was what drew me in from start to finish. It's not just a romance - also a suspenseful mystery. I really loved this novel's twists and turns and would love to read more Kat Martin just because of her innate ability to develop characters and plots to the whims of a historical reality and the pure romantic bliss that she eventually allows her characters. I loved it!
July 26, 2011
Lord Falcon, Damien, made his ruthless proposal to Alexa Garrick at the gaming table where he'd cheated the expquisite young heiress out of a fortune--one night with him would discharge her debt. Yet, as he claimed his prize, the handsome earl fought a desire for more than Alexa's body and when a twist of fate turned seduction into marriage, rapture and rage warred within him. How could he love the woman whose flirtations had destroyed his own brother?
Alexa knew of Damien's scandalous liasions, and the whispers that branded him a smuggler. Though she was playing with fire, his devilish embrace plucked at her heartstrings with a song of desire. But was Damien spinning a web of deceit and treason, as he carried her to his castle?
Good read.
Alexa knew of Damien's scandalous liasions, and the whispers that branded him a smuggler. Though she was playing with fire, his devilish embrace plucked at her heartstrings with a song of desire. But was Damien spinning a web of deceit and treason, as he carried her to his castle?
Good read.
March 5, 2014
The Devil's Prize is the last in Garrick series, Alexa Garrick and Damien Falon story is fabulous. Alexa is a strong and stubborn heroine whom making some unwise and wise decision through out the story and Damien is strong and secretive. This book has it all adventure , danger , secret , revenge, romance. When I read Mrs. Kat Martin 's book , I could never guess what happen in the book every page keeps you reading with excitement and unexpected event. The ending is so sweet and unexpected too.Thank you Mrs. Martin
September 1, 2016
4.3 rating
Captivating tale with romance, adventure and the lore of danger at every turn. Who can you trust and who will betray you? Is revenge worth it in the end even if you think it's the right choice? With hard decisions and even harder choices to be made when a second life is on the line can you make the right call and stay alive? Yet another plan is in effect but goes awry, that's when you learn fast, keep a close watch and hope you can keep ahead of the pursuers. Great read, loved it.
Captivating tale with romance, adventure and the lore of danger at every turn. Who can you trust and who will betray you? Is revenge worth it in the end even if you think it's the right choice? With hard decisions and even harder choices to be made when a second life is on the line can you make the right call and stay alive? Yet another plan is in effect but goes awry, that's when you learn fast, keep a close watch and hope you can keep ahead of the pursuers. Great read, loved it.
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