To Ruin A Gentleman

The true story of the Scarlet Pimpernel . . .

Angelette, the recently widowed Comtesse d'Avignon, only invited Viscount Daventry to her country house party as a favor to her sister. When the handsome British lord arrives—two days late—he's full of unnerving tales of unrest and violence in Paris. Angelette assumes it's all exaggeration...until her chateau is attacked and her life threatened. Daventry rescues her, and the two are forced to run for their lives. But when danger closes in, will the viscount stand at her side or save himself?

Is not the one you've been told.

Hugh Daventry visits France frequently to import wine for the family business. On his way out of the country, he stops at the comtesse's house party out of obligation. But after meeting the raven-haired beauty, he tries to persuade her to leave France with him. When the peasants attack, he realizes he's already too late, and now he must protect Angelette, whose sharp tongue is far from angelic. Too soon the couple is caught up in the rising revolution, dodging bloodthirsty mobs, hiding from soldiers, and embroiled in the attack of the Bastille. Hugh wants nothing but to leave tumultuous France for the calm of England. He knows Angelette is intelligent and resourceful—a survivor. But can Hugh survive without her?

Shana Galen has crafted a suspenseful story with captivating characters in To Ruin A Gentleman! The novella takes place during the French Revolution and is the prequel to A Traitor In Her Arms. I was drawn to the characters and the drama in this fast- moving story and read it in one afternoon.

Viscount Thomas Daventry has travelled from London to Paris on business. He has promised his friends that he would visit Angelette, the Comtesse D’Avignon after his meetings. He tries to tell Angelette and her house guests about the growing hostility in Paris. He is ignored until Angelette’s chateau is taken over by her servants and a group of peasants and burned to the ground.

Shana Galen has a rich, descriptive voice and it is showcased in this novel. She is able to shine a light on the decline of power and priveledge in French society in this suspenseful, sensuous story. Daventry and Angelette narrowly escape the attack on her chateau and decide to head towards Paris. Their journey is filled with intrigue, love and surprises. I loved that Daventry was a perfect gentleman and just a little bit in love with the headstrong, clever Angelette. Their romance is woven into this story centered on the fall of the Bastille. Ms. Galen creates a sense of danger as well as a thrilling plot as Angelette and Daventry experience firsthand the violence and unrest between the peasants and the aristocrats.

If you enjoy historical fiction with appealing characters and a dash of suspense—To Ruin A Gentleman is for you. Loved the many unexpected plot twists and turns in the storyline and the ending was fabulous!! I enjoyed every word of this novella and cannot wait for the next book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Edited by Brian McGee
Book purchased through Amazon