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 by Shana Galen

☆☆☆☆☆

To Ruin a Gentleman

by Shana Galen

It's a short book. But a lot of story!

These are terrifying times. It's impossible to know

who to trust. But Angelette is determined.

Her personal loyalty will not let her run for her

own safety. She feels like she must stay to

protect friends and family.

Hugh Daventry falls head over heels for

Angelette at first sight. Though he cannot find a

way to protect her. She will not leave the

incredibly dangerous area. And he cannot leave her.

Will he flee and hope she can find

a way to protect herself? Will she come to

her senses and leave? So many questions.

But the first question of all,

have you ever heard of the Scarlet Pimpernel?

Review by Lisa Hutson

Excerpt from To Ruin a Gentleman

Little angel, indeed, Hugh thought that afternoon as he waited for his turn with bow and arrow. He'd never met a person so misnamed. She should have been named little devil. Unfortunately, he couldn't quite work out the French for that. He watched the comtesse raise her bow and narrow her eyes along the shaft of the arrow at the painted hay target. He had to admit, she looked angelic enough. Her dark curly hair had been arranged in an artful style and swept back and up. Her straw Bergère hat, worn on the crown of her head and tilted down over her forehead, was adorned with pink silk ribbon and an assortment of pink and white silk flowers. Tendrils of her dark hair spiraled down about her neck and blew across her pale cheek when the breeze rustled the trees. He couldn't help but notice that in the dappled sunlight her dark hair seemed to be infused with strands of red and gold.

Click here to read the whole excerpt at Shana Galen's website.