A Twist of Fortune — Josephine Blake

Melaina Hartley was happy. As the daughter of a wealthy explorer and spice merchant, she lived a perfect life in the small town of Carth, a town in Pennsylvania owned almost exclusively by Mr. Ashwood of Carth industries. When Melaina's father falls on hard times, his partner in business, Mr. Ashwood, offers Melaina a unique proposition -- accompany his wayward daughter to London and see her safely married to the Duke of Westmire. Only then will he forgive her father's debts. But Blanche Ashwood is more than a handful for poor Melaina. On the eve of her introduction as the Duke of Westmire's fiance, the spice heiress commits a horribly dishonorable act that could bring scandal down on the Duke's entire household AND land Melaina's father in debtor's prison… unless Melaina takes her place. With her life spinning out of control, Melaina steps into Blanche's shoes and is introduced to the London society as the Duke of Westmire's bride-to-be. Luca Deval is content with his life in the shadows. He has finally found a place in the Cirque De Straniu, a traveling show made up of a band of miscreants and thieves. He is not about to let some far-fetched scheme drive the Cirque into the ground, or end them all up in prison (again.) The Cirque is his family. He has to keep them safe. So when the leader of the Cirque announces his plans to kidnap the Heiress of Carth and hold her for ransom, Luca plays his part well. It is only his cool head that keeps the people of the Cirque from landing themselves in a whole lot of trouble… But the so-called Heiress is nothing like he expected her to be, and before Luca realizes what has happened, the woman has enthralled him. Will he be able to let her go when the time comes? Or will the woman that Luca has kidnapped capture his heart instead?