Traitor in Her Arms: A Scarlet Chronicles Novel

I loved this story so much I was doubly glad that it was a long one because I could enjoy it for more reading hours. Two unlikely people, two thieves, are nonetheless drawn to each other despite their dire circumstances in life. From their first meeting at a ball where they are both attempting to steal jewelry, Ramsey and Gabrielle “play with fire” while dodging creditors and cutthroats in England and Reign of Terror gendarmes in Paris during their daring-do to rescue a couple of citizens from the guillotine. Their experiences along the way are so spectacular and scary they are legendary…and through it all they remained steadfast with each other. This is indeed a swoon-worthy romance. I received a pre-published copy of this book from NetGalley.

Little did they know they would meet again when trying to steal a precious necklace. When her died while saddling her with his gambling debts, Lady Gabrielle McCullough had no choice but to become a thief or she would have to do whatever was needed to stay alive. When trying to get her hands on a valuable piece of jewelry, she comes face to face with the man she thought at one time would be her husband, but he never asked: Lord Ramsey Sedgwick, who has also turned to thieving because he has secrets that could cost him his life. When Ramsey takes off with the necklace, Gabrielle decides that she will get it back, however, the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel has other plans for her. I have loved Shana Galen’s entertaining historical romantic suspense novels for several years. She always has a fresh take on things and fabulous heroines, but with TRAITOR IN HER ARMS she raised the bar so high, she must have touched the sky. Ms. Galen is an immensely talented author, but even so, nothing could have prepared me for the spectacular tale that is TRAITOR IN HER ARMS. It is truly an astounding book set against the French Revolution, and I can hardly imagine the months of research that went into this epic story, which recalls the great French classics albeit with a fabulous romance thrown in. Gabrielle and Ramsey are extraordinarily complex characters and it was never a sure thing that the love that they obviously felt towards each other would ever come to anything permanent; they have to stay alive, first of all. TRAITOR IN HER ARMS is not a cute little romance with a few bits of French history to justify some action scenes: this book has a very solid plot, with so many ramifications and secondary characters that I can see a very long series in the future. TRAITOR IN HER ARMS is Shana Galen’s masterpiece and I cannot wait for the next book already. The Scarlet Chronicles is a daring endeavour and Shana Galen succeeds beyond my wildest dreams with an extraordinary book that kicks off what will be a memorable and very exciting series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

After her late husband leaves her in debt to some dangerous people particularly Mr Pin, Lady Gabrielle McCullough is forced to become a thief. In the intervening years, her skills have not gone unnoticed. After being recruited by the Scarlet Pimpernel, Gabrielle crosses the Channel for the most daring mission of her life to steal the White Sapphire. Accompanying her is the Earl of Sedgwick, a thief in his own right and on his own mission. Ramsey Barnes would not say he is an honourable man. His whole life has been based on a lie. Although it pains him to deceive Gabrielle, he’s working toward an altogether different objective: unmasking the Scarlet Pimpernel. If Ramsey fails, his blackmailer Madame Fouchet will ruin him. This story captured me from the first couple of pages & I was hooked, the plot is fast & never lets up. The picture created of Paris in the time of the Terror is graphically real & had me shuddering at times & I was so caught up in the plot that I was running along with Ramsey & Gabrielle. Gabrielle & Ramsey have depth of character & are both very likeable. Ramsey is a scoundrel but his reasons for his actions are understandable even if I couldn’t condone them. I loved the Scarlet Pimpernel aspect, as I loved the book & of course David Niven will forever be the pimpernel in my mind’s eye. I hope there are more books in the series. If you want just a simple romance then this may not be the book for you but if you want adventure, blackmail, treachery plus romance than I’d strongly recommend the book – you won’t be disappointed. This is definitely a keeper & one to reread. My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read