Member Reviews

If you like your historical romance with a strong dose of history, Traitor in Her Arms may appeal.

Set in the France’s days of Madame Guillotine, this is the story of an English couple who travel to Paris to play a part in the escape of French royalty from the Revolution. There is plenty of fast and bloody action to accompany the love story, but a love story there is indeed, and it is a believable and entertaining one.

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I've read all of Shana's books, enjoyed them all, and this is her very best. The story is riveting; I couldn't put it down, and the characters are so well-developed within the intensifying emotion of the unfolding plot. My congratulations to the author. I remain a fierce fan!

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Only read this book about half way. Could not get into the story or the characters. Topic was good but the author just didn't coalesce all the parts together.

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For all of you readers that do not mind the plot being center instead of the romance ... then this is a good read. however, for those of you like myself that would like the romance to be in focus..... this is a skip. I have read this author before and have truly enjoyed the stories. However, with this book it is more about being a thief then being in the middle of a romance that was twisted. I just could not get into this story. I struggled to finish it. I was given this book in return for an honest review.
Regards,
Anna

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- I received a free copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review.
- The main and secondary characters are all likable, even the bad ones, because you understand why they do what they do and some are just desperate in their own hell.
- The suspense starts early and doesn't let go until the end; once, you think you're done with the fast palpitations of your heart but no, you're wrong, the author brings yet another twist and there you go again.
- There are lots of description about everything: senses (the smells will bother your nose), emotions (the fear will rise goosebumps on your arms), buildings (how beautiful or dark they are), outdoors (the noise in the streets, the people, etc.), scenes (some to the point of gory leaning to a horror show which I could have done without, quite frankly).
- If one would like to follow these chronicles, it would probably be better to read the series in order even though they each have their own HEA as the sideline story will continue in the next one.

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While I loved the concept of this novel (Scarlet Pimpernel!), jewel thieves (!), ladies getting it done for themselves (!), the gruesome, grisly, and gory details of revolutionary France were simply jarring and took me out of the narrative too quickly (as did the more passionate scenes so shortly after the darker moments. While I thought the romance was intriguing (and enjoyed some of the supporting cast), I thought the backdrop of Paris too much to overcome.

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This book is a complete page turner and filled with adventure right from the first page. It is really heartbreaking to read about the tortures that nobility went through during the French Revolution. The part about France is ghoulish and heartbreaking. I liked how the author has kept our interest in the story without making it too macabre. I really liked the well-written characters of the hero and heroine. They are not perfect and each one of them has their own selfish reasons for working with Scarlet Pimpernel, the mysterious do-gooder, that is helping nobles escape the horrors of France. But the story and romance are so gripping, you just don't want to put it down and ended up reading this one through the night. This is the first book in the series, "The Scarlet Chronicles" and I cannot wait for the rest of the series.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

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I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. This is a well written story with several plots that lead to suspense filled moments. The French Revolution is worked into the storyline along with the appearance of the Scarlet Pimpernel. The book has numerous stories; gambling debts of a dead spouse, a man impersonating an Earl and the rescue of an aristocrat and baby from war torn France. Last but not least, the love story between Gabrielle and Ramsey is a big part of the story. I would highly recommend this book.

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Bit slow. Thanks to the Publisher for the review copy.

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It was boring and I just couldn't find anything about it interesting or compelling. Didn't waste time pass the first 30%. Other than being well written, not worth the time I spent.

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Shana Galen has written another winning historical. Good solid plot. Unique and romantic.

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I tend to like Ms. Galens books, this one was not for me. I love romance books, and even though this was one, the romance was not center stage, it was more about thievery. Gabrielle had to resort to being a thief, because her late husband leaves her in debt. Ramsey has secrets he needs to keep no matter what. They are both tasked with stealing the same item, but thru it they have an affair. But what is more important for Ramsey, Gabrielle or the necklace. The book is suspenseful and intriguing.

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Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I waffled between 3 and 4 stars. I requested this ARC because I've read a few of Shana's novels before and enjoyed them. Her settings are somewhat new to me, and this was no exception. I don't think I've ever read a romance novel where the setting was during the Reign of Terror, although the romance definitely takes a back seat to the action. This time period and setting definitely added to the dangerous atmosphere. The chemistry between the main two character was wonderful and the cloak and dagger element was spot on.

Upon her husband's death, Gabrielle McCullough is left with an overwhelming amount of debt due to her husband's penchant for gambling. With no other recourse, she beings stealing jewelry and other heirlooms from the ton. Ramsey Barnes, Earl of Sedgewick, is being blackmailed to keep a secret. When the two meet again while trying to steal the same necklace, their relationship is rekindled and things get interesting!

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One of my absolute favorite historical romance writers! She never fails to entertain me and this book is no different. She is a go-to author for me. I recommend her work to anyone who loves a good historical romance.

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"Traitor in her Arms" is more suspense and intrigue than a straight romance. Usually the romance takes center-stage while the setting is secondary. Not so in this book. Gabrielle McCullough has been left in debt by her deceased gambling husband and is forced to thievery to raise cash. Ramsey Barnes has a secret that he will do anything to keep, including stealing a priceless necklace. When these two cross paths trying to steal the same item, their long-ago passion for each other sparks again. When Gabrielle is recruited by the Scarlet Pimpernel for a dangerous mission in Paris, Ramsey follows with the intent of unmasking the Pimpernel, his final task for his blackmailer.

What happens next to these two during the Reign of Terror is spine-tingling, edge of your seat action. No one is safe and because they could be sent to the guillotine at any moment, they allow their past feelings to surface once again. Their love-making is as intense as the times and so there is no slow build-up to romance. There were twists and turns in the book that will keep you turning the pages to the end. If you're looking for a romantic love story, this isn't it, but if you like to suspense and intrigue, you'll thoroughly enjoy this book.

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Net Galley Kindle Copy for Review

Lady Gabrielle McCullough finds herself in debt from her deceased husband’s gambling debt. She turns to stealing in order to survive as she realizes that she has at she is caught talent foe picking locks. But one night by her dead husband’s friend who steals the piece of jewelery she stole.

Ramsey Barnes is also in need of money as he is being blackmailed. Unfortunately, he still has feelings for Gabrielle who he met before her marriage to his friend. Soon their paths keep crossing, as the chemistry heats up between them.

What will happen to them as they face danger in the night? Will they take a chance on love? A sweeping storyof romance and danger all roll in one.

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Another wonderful read by Shana Galen. The suspense in this story kept me enraptured and begging for more. I couldn't put it down. The hero and heroine had me laughing and crying all throughout the story. Look forward to the next one

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Shana does it again, A horrible time in French History, she makes it clear, there is no excuse for the bloodlust of the Revolution! The heroine Gabrielle is put in a heart pounding situation, as is our hero,. Our hero is very questionable, however, one thing is absolutely certain, he will do anything for our heroine! My heart pounded all night as they are in the midst of the horrible people willing to turn on, the innocent , just to watch , or take part in the murders of people they don't like, or whose only crime is being born into the aristocracy. Shana does a great job of dropping us into a horrid nightmare, and you just want to wake up, only the nightmare is real! I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!

Carolintallahassee

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Traitor in Her Arms by Shana Galen is a jewel thief book. I didn't realize that the entire book would be surrounded by this plot. I much prefer a romance book to place the romance first and other plot objectives secondary and therefore this book was just not for me, but luckily many readers prefer the opposite and if you are one of those, then you'll absolutely love this story. I wanted to like it more than I did. Thanks to Netgalley and Loveswept for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

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This novel has multiple intriguing aspects to it. The seduction, the danger, anticipation, mystery, and adventure.
With such an intense story line it makes for a fascinating read, ultimately leaving the reader on the edge of their seat awaiting what's to come next. The typical case of a bad boy turning good for the sake of love. It is a captivating story and I would highly recommend it to those who like to be drawn in and enjoy taking an adventure as the consumer of this novel.

I enjoyed reading this novel. I would rate it a 5/5 so people should definitely have a read,

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