Susan's Review of To Tempt A Rebel by Shana Galen

He's a rebel…

It all began so well. When Tristan Chevalier joined the French revolutionaries to fight for brotherhood, equality, and liberty, he was full of hopes and dreams of what the revolution could accomplish. But after several years of serving as the bloodthirsty Robespierre's second, Tristan is having doubts. When Tristan tries to halt Robespierre's Reign of Terror, he inadvertently steps into a trap laid by the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel and orchestrated by the lovely Alexandra Martin. Tristan is no one's pawn, but he thinks by playing along, he might be able to give his superiors information leading to the capture of the League. He could end the Pimpernel's antics once and for all. There's just one problem—no matter how much Tristan despises Alexandra, he can't quite stop wanting her.

She has a cause.

Alexandra Martin is an Englishwoman who has been playing the part of a French actress for years. It's a clever cover for her real role as a member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Alex usually works in the background, but when she manages to snare one of the most important men in Robespierre's government, she's risking it all. So begins a harrowing adventure where Alex's most vile enemy must become her most trusted ally. The fate of a young prince hangs in the balance as two clashing rebels discover enemies sometimes make the best lovers.

To Tempt A Rebel is the fourth book in Shana Galen’s Scarlet Chronicle series. Ms. Galen’s strong descriptive voice shines in this suspense-filled novel. The author transports the reader to the streets of Paris and the corridors of Temple Prison during the French Revolution. I could feel the tension between the rebels and the aristocrats and became immersed in the League of Scarlet Pimpernel plan to rescue young Louis Charles, the King of France. The novel is rich in historical detail and Ms. Galen is able to blend intrigue and romance in a novel set in the French Revolution. I loved the passion that developed between actress and spy Alexandra Martin and patriot Tristan Chevalier. It was the perfect enemies to lovers romance; a perfect blend of great chemistry and sexual desire.

I enjoyed Ms. Galen’s To Tempt A Rebel – the characters, setting and the plan to rescue the child king kept me reading. I am enjoying this series-it’s original, superbly written and the characters believe in their mission. I am looking forward to reading Dewhurst and Ffoukes adventures.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman
Book purchased via amazon

Susan's Review of Taken by the Rake by Shana Galen

Sometimes beauty…

Honoria Blake knows she must have had a moment of madness when she accepted a summons by the Scarlet Pimpernel to travel to revolutionary Paris and help his League. She’s an expert forger and glad her services can be of use, but the violence of the Reign of Terror has her longing for her quiet, unobtrusive life in London. Then a bloody man staggers to the door of the house where she’s hiding, claiming he was sent by the Pimpernel. Recently escaped from La Force prison, the former Marquis de Montagne is sinfully handsome and charming. He’s also desperate enough to kidnap Honoria. So much for her return to the quiet life.

Can be a beast…

Laurent is a consummate rake, but even he is captivated by the beautiful Honoria. Laurent cares almost nothing for his own life, but he was always close to the royal family and the little princess was like a sister to him. He will risk everything to save her from a life of imprisonment and possible execution. His plan is risky and surely doomed, but if he can convince Honoria and the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel to help him, it just might succeed. The only question is how far he’s willing to go and whether he’s willing to risk the life of the only woman he’s ever loved to save a doomed princess.

Taken by the Rake is set in Paris during the French Revolution. The legend of the Scarlet Pimpernel has always appealed to me—love the idea of a group of spies working undercover during the French Revolution.

Shana Galen pairs Honoria Blake, a beautiful, antiquities expert turned forger, with Laurent, a charming rake and former Marquis in this novel. I adored Honoria; she was dedicated to the League and wanted to prove herself. It took me awhile to warm up to Laurent. The author perfectly crafts this character—he oozes charm and believes he is entitled to get what he wants… now! Both characters change during the story. It takes Laurent awhile to accept that aristocratic way of life has ended. Honoria’s decision to help Laurent shows her bravery and dedication to the cause and also her ability to trust Laurent. Honoria understands why it is so very important for Laurent to undertake this rescue mission.

The characters, the setting and the suspense filled storyline kept me reading. Ms. Galen’s descriptive writing style makes this book hard to put down; I felt that I was in Paris witnessing the mobs of people attacking the aristocrats and running through the streets of Paris with Honoria and Laurent. I definitely was absorbed in the characters, their passion and desire to complete their mission.

If you are looking for a historical novel which blends passion and suspense; one click Taken by the Rake. I tried my best not to give away the story and keep my review spoiler free!

I highly recommend this novel—it’s the best one I have read in AGES!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book Purchased on Amazon.

Taken by the Rake by Shana Galen

Taken by the Rake

by Shana Galen

☆☆☆☆☆

The latest story in The Scarlet Chronicles series

by Shana Galen.

Taken by the Rake is non stop action. It takes place

during one of the most violent times in history.

The Reign of Terror.

During this time, money, stature, titles, none of it

meant anything. Nothing could protect anyone. 

But when children need to be taken care of,

some people will take the mission.

Laurent Montagne and Honoria take up the cause.

In the midst of chaos, there is romance.

There is love.

Once you start this story, you will be

drawn in until you finish the book.

 

Review by Lisa Hutson

 



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

Traitor in her Arms by Shana Galen

Traitor in Her Arms

by Shana Galen

The Scarlet Chronicles - Book One

5 Stars

★★★★★ 

When I start reading a new story, I can usually pick out pretty

quickly who is going to wind up with who. I can usually tell who

is the good guys and the bad guys. Then the writer has to fill in

the blanks after that. But every once in awhile, you run across

a story that throws you a little off the general path.

From the very beginning, I really was not sure who was the

good one. It has kind of a fun surprising beginning. And from

that first interaction, you just are not sure!!



How? How in this crazy story can you figure out who is good?

Who is not to be trusted? 

Who will do the betraying? Who will be betrayed?

In the time of madness, no one can be trusted. 

And yet, in order to survive, you must trust someone.

Lady Gabrielle McCullough and Ramsey Barnes are on a

journey together. In the most terrifying of places.

The French Revolution. When no one and nowhere is safe.

The guillotine is working over time and looking for more

necks to slice. Truth and right will not necessarily save

you from the vicious crowds or the dropping blade.

What a time to fall in love!! When you cannot possibly

trust the person you are in love with. And yet, you

must put your life in their hands. When you are

trying to save a life or two besides your own. You must

find a way to trust. Even if you have to trust a

traitor in your arms.

I was given a copy of this book
in exchange for an honest review.
Review by Lisa Hutson