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The Scarlet Chronicles #3
Taken by the Rake
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.
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.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2019
35 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Shana Galen
98 books1,547 followersShana Galen is three-time Rita award nominee and the bestselling author of fast-paced, witty, and adventurous Regency romances. Kirkus says of her books, "The road to happily-ever-after is intense, conflicted, suspenseful and fun," and RT Bookreviews calls her books “lighthearted yet poignant, humorous yet touching." She taught English at the middle and high school level off and on for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston's inner city. Now she writes full time. She's happily married and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance heroine in the making.
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
Want to know more? Visit Shana's website at http://www.shanagalen.com and sign up to be notified when Shana has a new release http://bit.ly/ShanaGalenNews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 5, 2019
I've given this a B at AAR.
Shana Galen continues her Scarlet Chronicles series of novels set in the early days of the French Revolution with Taken by the Rake, in which a young Englishwoman - who happens to be a talented forger – working with the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel in order to provide suitably ‘authentic’ documentation for the aristocrats being smuggled across to England, becomes caught up in one man’s personal crusade to rescue the children of the King and Queen of France. Ms. Galen’s familiarity with the Parisian locations and the politics and history of the period shine through, and she really knows how to pull the reader in, crafting an exciting opening set-piece in which the League orchestrates the escape of the former Marquis de Montagne from prison as part of their plan to rescue the doomed French Queen.
Laurent Bourgogne has spent the last five months incarcerated in La Force, expecting every day that his name would be on the list of executions scheduled, wearily resigned every day when it was not. Escape is an impossibility and he knows it’s just a matter of time - until is literally dragged from the prison courtyard by a large man who thrusts a piece of paper into his hand which bears the symbol of a small, red flower and directs him to an address – 6 Rue du Jour.
Honoria Blake followed in her late father’s footsteps, becoming an expert on Roman antiquities and then taking up a position at the newly founded British Museum, spending most of her time there identifying and cataloguing pieces acquired for the museum’s various collections. But she began to feel restless with the smallness of her world and wanted adventure, to do something to make a difference – which is how she comes to be residing in Paris, at a safe-house used by the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, forging papers and passports for the people they rescue from Madame la Guillotine.
Even in a city in as much uproar as Paris, the last thing Honoria expects is to find a man covered in blood standing on the doorstep. Recognising he must be a nobleman on the run, she pulls him inside, and sets about tending his wounds and offering him a place to rest – even though he seems to be just as arrogant and undeserving as all the aristos who have not been so fortunate as to keep their heads.
When news comes that Marie Antoinette has been removed from the Temple Prison – where she was housed along with her sister and her children – Laurent is dismayed. He knows that the reason he was freed from La Force was because of his specialist knowledge of the Temple; he grew up alongside the royal family and has a detailed knowledge of the Temple and its grounds and the League had planned to have him draw up some plans of the place that they could use to effect a rescue. With the Queen’s removal, however, their plans have changed and instead, Laurent is to be shipped off to England straight away – but he adamantly refuses to go. He’s known the ten-year-old Madame Royale (the queen’s daughter) since she was a baby, and he is most certainly not about to allow her to remain in prison and then to take her place in the tumbril. It might be too late for her mother, but he is determined to rescue the little girl and her brother, the Dauphin, and transport them to safety.
When the League refuses to accede to his plan, Laurent, in desperation, grabs Honoria and with a knife to her throat, drags her to the secret passage he’d noted the night before and out into the city. With nothing more than the clothes on their backs, and most importantly, without the red, white and blue cockade that would mark them as loyal republicans, they are alone in a hostile city where danger and betrayal lurk around every corner. Needless to say, Honoria isn’t best pleased at his having used her as a hostage and at first, does everything she can think of to escape or persuade him to return to the safe house. But over the couple of days they spend together in hiding while Laurent formulates a plan, Honoria comes to realise that perhaps he’s not the pompous, spoiled and vain man she’d originally supposed him to be, and that he genuinely loves the young Dauphin and his sister and would do anything – even sacrifice his own life –to ensure their safety.
There’s no question Shana Galen knows how to write an adventure yarn, and she paces her story well, juxtaposing moments of peril with moments of quiet and introspection – but I have to admit that I found some of the latter sections – that usually happen after Laurent and Honoria have been almost captured or have had to wend their way carefully from one location to another – to be a little repetitive. I appreciated the time the author spent on developing the characters – mostly Laurent – and their relationship, but the pace still flagged somewhat in those portions and I found myself wishing for things to move on. And speaking of Laurent, he’s more rounded-out than Honoria, and one of the things I liked most about the book was his coming to realise the degree of privilege he’d enjoyed and how little he’d done with it:
By contrast, Honoria is a bit of an historical romance staple; a quick-witted, intelligent and practical heroine who is a good foil for the hero but who never really transcends that role. Still, she and Laurent both want to be seen for more than they appear on the surface, and Ms. Galen handles this aspect of their relationship admirably, clearly showing their growing appreciation for each other’s strengths and abilities.
A well-written, sensual romantic adventure story featuring two engaging protagonists, Taken by the Rake is an enjoyable addition to the Scarlet Chronicles . It’s the third book in a series, but works perfectly well as a standalone, so if you like the sound of it, you can jump right in!
Shana Galen continues her Scarlet Chronicles series of novels set in the early days of the French Revolution with Taken by the Rake, in which a young Englishwoman - who happens to be a talented forger – working with the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel in order to provide suitably ‘authentic’ documentation for the aristocrats being smuggled across to England, becomes caught up in one man’s personal crusade to rescue the children of the King and Queen of France. Ms. Galen’s familiarity with the Parisian locations and the politics and history of the period shine through, and she really knows how to pull the reader in, crafting an exciting opening set-piece in which the League orchestrates the escape of the former Marquis de Montagne from prison as part of their plan to rescue the doomed French Queen.
Laurent Bourgogne has spent the last five months incarcerated in La Force, expecting every day that his name would be on the list of executions scheduled, wearily resigned every day when it was not. Escape is an impossibility and he knows it’s just a matter of time - until is literally dragged from the prison courtyard by a large man who thrusts a piece of paper into his hand which bears the symbol of a small, red flower and directs him to an address – 6 Rue du Jour.
Honoria Blake followed in her late father’s footsteps, becoming an expert on Roman antiquities and then taking up a position at the newly founded British Museum, spending most of her time there identifying and cataloguing pieces acquired for the museum’s various collections. But she began to feel restless with the smallness of her world and wanted adventure, to do something to make a difference – which is how she comes to be residing in Paris, at a safe-house used by the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, forging papers and passports for the people they rescue from Madame la Guillotine.
Even in a city in as much uproar as Paris, the last thing Honoria expects is to find a man covered in blood standing on the doorstep. Recognising he must be a nobleman on the run, she pulls him inside, and sets about tending his wounds and offering him a place to rest – even though he seems to be just as arrogant and undeserving as all the aristos who have not been so fortunate as to keep their heads.
When news comes that Marie Antoinette has been removed from the Temple Prison – where she was housed along with her sister and her children – Laurent is dismayed. He knows that the reason he was freed from La Force was because of his specialist knowledge of the Temple; he grew up alongside the royal family and has a detailed knowledge of the Temple and its grounds and the League had planned to have him draw up some plans of the place that they could use to effect a rescue. With the Queen’s removal, however, their plans have changed and instead, Laurent is to be shipped off to England straight away – but he adamantly refuses to go. He’s known the ten-year-old Madame Royale (the queen’s daughter) since she was a baby, and he is most certainly not about to allow her to remain in prison and then to take her place in the tumbril. It might be too late for her mother, but he is determined to rescue the little girl and her brother, the Dauphin, and transport them to safety.
When the League refuses to accede to his plan, Laurent, in desperation, grabs Honoria and with a knife to her throat, drags her to the secret passage he’d noted the night before and out into the city. With nothing more than the clothes on their backs, and most importantly, without the red, white and blue cockade that would mark them as loyal republicans, they are alone in a hostile city where danger and betrayal lurk around every corner. Needless to say, Honoria isn’t best pleased at his having used her as a hostage and at first, does everything she can think of to escape or persuade him to return to the safe house. But over the couple of days they spend together in hiding while Laurent formulates a plan, Honoria comes to realise that perhaps he’s not the pompous, spoiled and vain man she’d originally supposed him to be, and that he genuinely loves the young Dauphin and his sister and would do anything – even sacrifice his own life –to ensure their safety.
There’s no question Shana Galen knows how to write an adventure yarn, and she paces her story well, juxtaposing moments of peril with moments of quiet and introspection – but I have to admit that I found some of the latter sections – that usually happen after Laurent and Honoria have been almost captured or have had to wend their way carefully from one location to another – to be a little repetitive. I appreciated the time the author spent on developing the characters – mostly Laurent – and their relationship, but the pace still flagged somewhat in those portions and I found myself wishing for things to move on. And speaking of Laurent, he’s more rounded-out than Honoria, and one of the things I liked most about the book was his coming to realise the degree of privilege he’d enjoyed and how little he’d done with it:
He hadn’t ever appreciated that luxury. He hadn’t appreciated anything at all… He hadn’t needed three-fourths of what he’d had, and yet it had never been enough. If coats and art and jewelled shoe buckles could have made a man happy, he would have never ceased smiling.
But he hadn’t been happy, and he’d spent countless nights in La Force, lying awake, listening to the snores of the men around him and wishing he could have another chance.
By contrast, Honoria is a bit of an historical romance staple; a quick-witted, intelligent and practical heroine who is a good foil for the hero but who never really transcends that role. Still, she and Laurent both want to be seen for more than they appear on the surface, and Ms. Galen handles this aspect of their relationship admirably, clearly showing their growing appreciation for each other’s strengths and abilities.
A well-written, sensual romantic adventure story featuring two engaging protagonists, Taken by the Rake is an enjoyable addition to the Scarlet Chronicles . It’s the third book in a series, but works perfectly well as a standalone, so if you like the sound of it, you can jump right in!
March 5, 2020
I will not be finishing this series. It just isn't for me
January 8, 2019
Series: The Scarlet Chronicles #3
Publication Date: 2/12/19
Number of Pages: 269
It was the worst of times – literally. Can you picture yourself living in the time of the Reign of Terror in France? A time where anyone, noble, merchant or peasant could have their heads lopped off just because someone else accused them of something – no proof – just guilty until proven innocent. But then, proving innocent wouldn’t do you any good because you’d already be dead. Nobody can be trusted. The King has been beheaded and the Queen will be next. Armed mobs roam the streets and there is no safety. That is the setting for this series of books and the author does an outstanding job of making you feel the tension and terror of the time. She takes you right there so you feel, taste, hear, and see what was going on in Paris. She made it so interesting that I had to go out and do some research into the times myself. It makes a person shiver to think about what those people went through.
This book focuses on the Scarlet Pimpernel’s group attempting to rescue the king's young children from the tower in Paris where they are imprisoned. There is the young son who, technically, is now king, and his older sister. They are separated and imprisoned with no idea what their fate might be. Those children must have been terrified.
Laurent, former Marquis de Montagne, begins to slowly come-to-grips with the fact that his wealth, title and position in society are gone and he is a hunted man. His growth throughout this book is a sight to behold. He slowly realizes that he has squandered his wealth and privilege by living the life of a debauched, unappreciative rake. He’s arrogant, self-centered and reckless – and you will fall in love with him! He’s also determined to rescue the king’s children or die trying.
Honoria Blake is the daughter of a gentleman, but she has no means and has to support herself by working as an antiquities expert at the British Museum – and – well – she also does expert document forgeries. Honoria was orphaned at fifteen and her stunning beauty has brought her nothing but problems her entire life, so she does her best to hide it by wearing clear gasses, dull clothes, and severe hairstyles. She desperately wants to be appreciated for who she is and what she can do rather than her beauty. She also distrusts men – all men – and she has no intention of ever letting one use her again. She really wants to work for the Scarlet Pimpernel and quickly heads to Paris when he asks her to help.
Although they don’t know it, the Pimpernel’s goals match those of Laurent. They rescue him from La Force prison where he is in the process of being beaten and murdered by a mob in the courtyard. He is quickly handed a note and told to go to the address and he’ll be safe. The difference between the two is that the Pimpernels want to plan and execute the rescue with the highest chance of success and Laurent wants to move quickly with little or no planning.
There is a knocking at the front door of the safe house and when she answers it she finds a bruised and beaten man there. Things quickly go downhill and Laurent ends up kidnapping Honoria because the Pimpernel group won’t help him quickly enough (I did say he was reckless). Their trip across Paris to Laurent’s rented flat is fraught with danger and your heart will be pounding by the time they get to their destination. That is just the beginning to an exciting, heart-pounding, romance and adventure – read the book to see it in all of its glory!
It is heartwarming to watch Laurent grow and learn to love and to see Honoria learn to love and trust. Their romance is lovely and you truly believe they are in love.
The story is well-written, well researched, tightly plotted and fast-paced. The author owns this period and place! I highly recommend the book and the series.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 2/12/19
Number of Pages: 269
It was the worst of times – literally. Can you picture yourself living in the time of the Reign of Terror in France? A time where anyone, noble, merchant or peasant could have their heads lopped off just because someone else accused them of something – no proof – just guilty until proven innocent. But then, proving innocent wouldn’t do you any good because you’d already be dead. Nobody can be trusted. The King has been beheaded and the Queen will be next. Armed mobs roam the streets and there is no safety. That is the setting for this series of books and the author does an outstanding job of making you feel the tension and terror of the time. She takes you right there so you feel, taste, hear, and see what was going on in Paris. She made it so interesting that I had to go out and do some research into the times myself. It makes a person shiver to think about what those people went through.
This book focuses on the Scarlet Pimpernel’s group attempting to rescue the king's young children from the tower in Paris where they are imprisoned. There is the young son who, technically, is now king, and his older sister. They are separated and imprisoned with no idea what their fate might be. Those children must have been terrified.
Laurent, former Marquis de Montagne, begins to slowly come-to-grips with the fact that his wealth, title and position in society are gone and he is a hunted man. His growth throughout this book is a sight to behold. He slowly realizes that he has squandered his wealth and privilege by living the life of a debauched, unappreciative rake. He’s arrogant, self-centered and reckless – and you will fall in love with him! He’s also determined to rescue the king’s children or die trying.
Honoria Blake is the daughter of a gentleman, but she has no means and has to support herself by working as an antiquities expert at the British Museum – and – well – she also does expert document forgeries. Honoria was orphaned at fifteen and her stunning beauty has brought her nothing but problems her entire life, so she does her best to hide it by wearing clear gasses, dull clothes, and severe hairstyles. She desperately wants to be appreciated for who she is and what she can do rather than her beauty. She also distrusts men – all men – and she has no intention of ever letting one use her again. She really wants to work for the Scarlet Pimpernel and quickly heads to Paris when he asks her to help.
Although they don’t know it, the Pimpernel’s goals match those of Laurent. They rescue him from La Force prison where he is in the process of being beaten and murdered by a mob in the courtyard. He is quickly handed a note and told to go to the address and he’ll be safe. The difference between the two is that the Pimpernels want to plan and execute the rescue with the highest chance of success and Laurent wants to move quickly with little or no planning.
There is a knocking at the front door of the safe house and when she answers it she finds a bruised and beaten man there. Things quickly go downhill and Laurent ends up kidnapping Honoria because the Pimpernel group won’t help him quickly enough (I did say he was reckless). Their trip across Paris to Laurent’s rented flat is fraught with danger and your heart will be pounding by the time they get to their destination. That is just the beginning to an exciting, heart-pounding, romance and adventure – read the book to see it in all of its glory!
It is heartwarming to watch Laurent grow and learn to love and to see Honoria learn to love and trust. Their romance is lovely and you truly believe they are in love.
The story is well-written, well researched, tightly plotted and fast-paced. The author owns this period and place! I highly recommend the book and the series.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
February 8, 2021
Love love loved this one!
Honoria Blake sought adventure when she joined the Scarlet Pimpernel's League to help others using her skill at forging documents in Paris during the Reign of Terror. Soon the sheer violence and uncertainty she faces has her longing for her quiet life as an antiquarian in London. When a bloody, barely conscious man claiming to have been sent by the Pimpernel staggers into her safe house, Honoria is most definitely not safe. Laurent Bourgoyne, the Marquis of Montagne, has just escaped La Force prison and the handsome aristocrat is desperate. He just needs a bit of rest before he attempts to rescue the princess Marie-Therese, who is like a sister to him. The League needs Laurent's knowledge of the Temple, the medieval fortress where the dauphin is being held prisoner as well, but Laurent has no time for the Pimpernel's plans and hopes only to rescue the royal children. When the League's initial plans fall through and it becomes apparent they will not be helping him rescue the Madame Royale, Laurent takes matters into his own hands by kidnapping Honoria so he can use her skills and keep her fellow Englishmen at bay. Soon Laurent must decide if he can bear to risk the safety of the woman he has rapidly come to love.
Laurent is arrogant and transforming from the selfish, debauched noble he used to be to the brave and caring man he truly is. He needed to be taken down a peg or two from his high handed ways, but the horror of the Revolution has truly hit home for him and for the first time since his sister's death, he truly cares about something-- someone-- other than himself. He was lovely.
Honoria has always tried to hide her stunning beauty, as it makes her vulnerable around men and hated by women. She came to Paris looking to help the victims of the Revolution, but also to have some excitement away from her quiet life. Honoria immediately puts Laurent in his place and he finds he likes it, once he gets over the initial shock. The connection between the two is strong from the start and is sharpened by the perils they face together.
This book was intense and kept me engrossed the entire time, just from the general stress of their position in a very volatile France. I enjoyed this one even more than its predecessor and could not put it down. Now I can hardly wait for the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Honoria Blake sought adventure when she joined the Scarlet Pimpernel's League to help others using her skill at forging documents in Paris during the Reign of Terror. Soon the sheer violence and uncertainty she faces has her longing for her quiet life as an antiquarian in London. When a bloody, barely conscious man claiming to have been sent by the Pimpernel staggers into her safe house, Honoria is most definitely not safe. Laurent Bourgoyne, the Marquis of Montagne, has just escaped La Force prison and the handsome aristocrat is desperate. He just needs a bit of rest before he attempts to rescue the princess Marie-Therese, who is like a sister to him. The League needs Laurent's knowledge of the Temple, the medieval fortress where the dauphin is being held prisoner as well, but Laurent has no time for the Pimpernel's plans and hopes only to rescue the royal children. When the League's initial plans fall through and it becomes apparent they will not be helping him rescue the Madame Royale, Laurent takes matters into his own hands by kidnapping Honoria so he can use her skills and keep her fellow Englishmen at bay. Soon Laurent must decide if he can bear to risk the safety of the woman he has rapidly come to love.
Laurent is arrogant and transforming from the selfish, debauched noble he used to be to the brave and caring man he truly is. He needed to be taken down a peg or two from his high handed ways, but the horror of the Revolution has truly hit home for him and for the first time since his sister's death, he truly cares about something-- someone-- other than himself. He was lovely.
Honoria has always tried to hide her stunning beauty, as it makes her vulnerable around men and hated by women. She came to Paris looking to help the victims of the Revolution, but also to have some excitement away from her quiet life. Honoria immediately puts Laurent in his place and he finds he likes it, once he gets over the initial shock. The connection between the two is strong from the start and is sharpened by the perils they face together.
This book was intense and kept me engrossed the entire time, just from the general stress of their position in a very volatile France. I enjoyed this one even more than its predecessor and could not put it down. Now I can hardly wait for the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
February 11, 2019
Honoria Blake had lived a quiet, boring life in London; she had hoped it would change the moment her services were requested by the League of the Pimpernel, and that she could make a difference. Her natural talent at forgery is essential to help the French who want to make it out of Paris alive. Her adventures begin when Laurent, the Marquis de Montagne, covered in blood and grime, knocks on the door of the flat she occupies with her friend Alexandra, which also serves as a safe house for the Pimpernel’s agents. Laurent is on a mission, he intends to proceed his way, and it’s not the men from the League who will stop him from rescuing Marie-Thérèse, Queen Marie Antoinette’s daughter.
Honoria didn’t have to wait long for some excitement, as the action begins almost immediately in TAKEN BY THE RAKE. Shana Galen’s extraordinary romantic fresco set during the French Revolution has not a single boring moment, as Laurent and Honoria run for their lives while trying to find the little French princess. The author’s research is so extensive and thorough that you can google the facts, and you’ll see they’re all accurate. Seldom has a fictionalised moment in history felt so real, particularly in a romance novel. I adored Honoria! She is extremely beautiful, but because of her past, focuses on her talents, with which she earns an honest living; she is bright, quick-witted, and practical. Laurent is precisely how we imagine a French aristo to be: a consummate rake who, upon seeing Honoria, can only think about bedding her; he’s condescending, smug, and doesn’t seem to quite realise that not everyone is at his beck and call, like it was before the Revolution. I took a long time for me to somewhat warm up to him; his intentions were noble, he behaved honourable towards Honoria, but I found his arrogance grating, but in the end, Ms. Galen won me over.
The Scarlet Chronicles are an extremely bold endeavour, and Shana Galen has again written an epic romance while doing justice to a most tumultuous period of history. In TAKEN BY THE RAKE, Shana Galen demonstrates that a novel can have a very romantic love story that shines as brightly as the historical events it portrays.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Honoria didn’t have to wait long for some excitement, as the action begins almost immediately in TAKEN BY THE RAKE. Shana Galen’s extraordinary romantic fresco set during the French Revolution has not a single boring moment, as Laurent and Honoria run for their lives while trying to find the little French princess. The author’s research is so extensive and thorough that you can google the facts, and you’ll see they’re all accurate. Seldom has a fictionalised moment in history felt so real, particularly in a romance novel. I adored Honoria! She is extremely beautiful, but because of her past, focuses on her talents, with which she earns an honest living; she is bright, quick-witted, and practical. Laurent is precisely how we imagine a French aristo to be: a consummate rake who, upon seeing Honoria, can only think about bedding her; he’s condescending, smug, and doesn’t seem to quite realise that not everyone is at his beck and call, like it was before the Revolution. I took a long time for me to somewhat warm up to him; his intentions were noble, he behaved honourable towards Honoria, but I found his arrogance grating, but in the end, Ms. Galen won me over.
The Scarlet Chronicles are an extremely bold endeavour, and Shana Galen has again written an epic romance while doing justice to a most tumultuous period of history. In TAKEN BY THE RAKE, Shana Galen demonstrates that a novel can have a very romantic love story that shines as brightly as the historical events it portrays.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 12, 2019
I loved this book! This was a particularly good historical romance because the time period was such an integral element in the romance. Plus, it has not only a spy storyline but The Scarlet Pimpernel League!
I especially enjoyed the main characters, Honoria and Laurent, and their relationship's journey. Laurent is now one of my favorite heroes. As a displaced member of the French aristocracy, he started out as a bit arrogant, although charming, and Honoria was up to the task of bringing him off his high horse so his truly decent and honorable core could shine.
I also appreciate that this story immersed me in the French Revolution in a natural way. There is a true element of suspense and danger in this book. This is an excellent installment in a wonderful series. It can be read as a standalone, but I believe readers will want to stay tuned and find out what happens next in the series. I highly recommend this for lovers of historical romance, especially if you enjoy a spy element or are a Scarlet Pimpernel fan.
I especially enjoyed the main characters, Honoria and Laurent, and their relationship's journey. Laurent is now one of my favorite heroes. As a displaced member of the French aristocracy, he started out as a bit arrogant, although charming, and Honoria was up to the task of bringing him off his high horse so his truly decent and honorable core could shine.
I also appreciate that this story immersed me in the French Revolution in a natural way. There is a true element of suspense and danger in this book. This is an excellent installment in a wonderful series. It can be read as a standalone, but I believe readers will want to stay tuned and find out what happens next in the series. I highly recommend this for lovers of historical romance, especially if you enjoy a spy element or are a Scarlet Pimpernel fan.
February 13, 2019
Don’t start reading this book unless you have nothing pressing to distract you. It is fast paced and so riveting that once you start you won’t be able to put it down. There are twists and turns, danger around every corner and two beautiful, passionate people caught up in the bloodbath that is the French Revolution. The story is messy, realistic and at times will have you on tenterhooks biting your nails! This very scary period in French history comes vividly to life and if you are a fan of historic romances that include details and facts about the period, this series is for you. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
February 1, 2019
Honoria Blake is a great beauty and wants to be seen as more than just a pretty face. She longs for adventure and her talents in forgery brought her to the attention of the Pimpernel. So she traveled to Paris to work with the members of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. So far she has not seen much, her beauty is a hinderance and makes her too noticeable, but all that changes when she meets Laurent Bourgogne, the former Marquis de Montagne.
The league has freed Laurent from La Force, they need information that he has regarding the Tower and hope that he will agree to help them. Laurent is surprised to be alive, after being beaten and left for dead. He makes his way to the safe house and does not make a good first impression on Honoria.
When the other members of the league return, Laurent makes it clear that he will only help them if they agree to help him rescue the dauphin and Madame Royale from the tower. He is friends with the royal family and promised Marie Antoinette that he will help her children if anything happened to her. Laurent is a rake, he is arrogant, entitled and unaccustomed to asking for help. When the members refuse to rescue the children, Laurent takes matters into his own hands and takes Honoria hostage, escaping the safe house and determined to honor his vow to the Queen.
Honoria does not go quietly and fights him every step of the way - when they finally make it to his secret apartment, she tries to reason with him and after hearing his story, agrees to help him, IF he will return her to the safe house and let her talk to the members. He is reluctant, but agrees.
Their return is fraught with peril and has them running for their lives, but the battle is far from over, they still have to convince the members to help him rescue the children, which could end up being a suicide mission. But Honoria champions his cause and makes it clear, that she will help him, with or without their assistance. They agree and a plan is formed, Laurent is awed by Honoria, he knows that nothing can come from their mutual attraction - she will be returning to England and he to Austria with the children - assuming they are not killed first - but that doesn't stop him from wishing circumstances where different, which shocks him, he has never wanted a woman to be a permanent fixture in his life. But the more time he is with her, the more he wants.
This was a very well written, complex tale of two people finding love during the horrific Reign of Terror in revolutionary France. It is an exciting non-stop adventure, with lots of action, near death moments, steamy love scenes and wonderful secondary characters. I highly recommend this series, it is amazing and is not your run of the mill Historical Romance! This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title without any problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*
The league has freed Laurent from La Force, they need information that he has regarding the Tower and hope that he will agree to help them. Laurent is surprised to be alive, after being beaten and left for dead. He makes his way to the safe house and does not make a good first impression on Honoria.
When the other members of the league return, Laurent makes it clear that he will only help them if they agree to help him rescue the dauphin and Madame Royale from the tower. He is friends with the royal family and promised Marie Antoinette that he will help her children if anything happened to her. Laurent is a rake, he is arrogant, entitled and unaccustomed to asking for help. When the members refuse to rescue the children, Laurent takes matters into his own hands and takes Honoria hostage, escaping the safe house and determined to honor his vow to the Queen.
Honoria does not go quietly and fights him every step of the way - when they finally make it to his secret apartment, she tries to reason with him and after hearing his story, agrees to help him, IF he will return her to the safe house and let her talk to the members. He is reluctant, but agrees.
Their return is fraught with peril and has them running for their lives, but the battle is far from over, they still have to convince the members to help him rescue the children, which could end up being a suicide mission. But Honoria champions his cause and makes it clear, that she will help him, with or without their assistance. They agree and a plan is formed, Laurent is awed by Honoria, he knows that nothing can come from their mutual attraction - she will be returning to England and he to Austria with the children - assuming they are not killed first - but that doesn't stop him from wishing circumstances where different, which shocks him, he has never wanted a woman to be a permanent fixture in his life. But the more time he is with her, the more he wants.
This was a very well written, complex tale of two people finding love during the horrific Reign of Terror in revolutionary France. It is an exciting non-stop adventure, with lots of action, near death moments, steamy love scenes and wonderful secondary characters. I highly recommend this series, it is amazing and is not your run of the mill Historical Romance! This is the third book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title without any problems.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me*
March 16, 2019
So many great and amazing things about this book! The story takes place during the Reign of Terror in France, a time when being wealthy or a peer of the French Realm meant certain death. Honoria and Laurent meet in the most unexpected circumstances and their romance takes flight in even worst conditions.
An enemies to lovers of sorts, this story kept me engrossed from page one. The fact that is loosely based on true events made it even more intriguing. The romance is believable even if it happened in a short span. Their initial antagonism was well depicted and made the HEA even more delectable. She was compassionate, caring, and kept her cool at critical moments. I love me an intelligent woman who acts on par to that intelligence and Honoria was that woman.
I’ve read book where the romance takes central stage and others where the suspense/non-romance aspect takes the spotlight away from the romance but this book has a good balance of both. Totally worth a re-read. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
** I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher **
An enemies to lovers of sorts, this story kept me engrossed from page one. The fact that is loosely based on true events made it even more intriguing. The romance is believable even if it happened in a short span. Their initial antagonism was well depicted and made the HEA even more delectable. She was compassionate, caring, and kept her cool at critical moments. I love me an intelligent woman who acts on par to that intelligence and Honoria was that woman.
I’ve read book where the romance takes central stage and others where the suspense/non-romance aspect takes the spotlight away from the romance but this book has a good balance of both. Totally worth a re-read. 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
** I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher **
January 30, 2019
Honoria Blake is an expert in Roman Antiquities and forgeries. She has left her job at the British Museum to help the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel in Paris. Her main job is to provide legitimate looking papers for French citizens, mostly the aristocracy, to leave the country.
The League has helped Laurent, Marquis de Montagne, escape from prison and taken him to a safe house where Honoria will make him new papers. He refuses to leave Paris without rescuing Marie Antoinette’s children. After much discussion, the League will help him retrieve the Princess, Marie-Therese, as it is too dangerous to take both children. They will try to rescue the prince at another time. The King’s natural daughter, who the king and queen adopted when her mother died, wants to help them. She resembles her half-sister and is willing to stay in prison to save her siblings. Then fireworks!
I don’t like spoilers, so you’ll have to read this! It’s a wonderful story with great characters and history. As in all good romances, Laurent and Honoria, are together and will continue their work for the S.P. This has been a great series so far and I look forward to the next book!
The League has helped Laurent, Marquis de Montagne, escape from prison and taken him to a safe house where Honoria will make him new papers. He refuses to leave Paris without rescuing Marie Antoinette’s children. After much discussion, the League will help him retrieve the Princess, Marie-Therese, as it is too dangerous to take both children. They will try to rescue the prince at another time. The King’s natural daughter, who the king and queen adopted when her mother died, wants to help them. She resembles her half-sister and is willing to stay in prison to save her siblings. Then fireworks!
I don’t like spoilers, so you’ll have to read this! It’s a wonderful story with great characters and history. As in all good romances, Laurent and Honoria, are together and will continue their work for the S.P. This has been a great series so far and I look forward to the next book!
January 20, 2019
Another great novel in The Scarlet Chronicles series by Shana Galen! I have learned so much about the French Revolution because of this series. It is hard to picture how things were at that time but reading this series puts me right there in the thick of things. I even researched some of the locations because I wanted to know more. The intensity of the situation makes the connections between the characters more intense as well. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
February 12, 2019
Fantastic read! The author engages all the senses in the story. She creates a vivid picture in words by allowing the reader to hear, smell, see and be able to clearly imagine what would have been taking place on Paris as she describes it. Honoria and Laurent are both hiding secrets and trying to compensate by fighting for the people of France. They are both beautiful people on the outside looking for people to also see the beauty inside them as well. They embark on a rescue mission that is fraught with danger, but brings them to being able to support and rely on each other. When it comes right down to the line they are a perfect match to love each other and see the beauty they they both are. They gang of Scarlet Pimpernel acquires two more members and the missions proceeds.
February 11, 2019
Stories of the Scarlet Pimpernel and rescuing innocent during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror. This is an ambitious undertaking for a romance author. It was such a violent era in history and difficult to write about. But it's the setting for Shana Galen's Scarlet Chronicles, her take on the legend of the Scarlet Pimpernel. She's set up a League that was actually the Scarlet Pimpernel and they set about rescuing innocent people out of Paris and off to safety elsewhere. Such a group of brave souls.
This edition is about Honoria Blake an expert in roman antiquities who works for the British Museum who volunteers to forge papers for those who escape. She has unique skills being a perfectionist whose parents were natives of Brussels so french was her first language. She finds herself in the safehouse in Paris making forged official looking papers with the league members currently in Paris. She can't leave because she's been cursed with extreme beauty and has been on her own since she was 15.
Laurent Bourgogne, Marquis de Montague, has been rescued from La Force prison by the league sending him to the safehouse and Honoria. He has vital information about The Temple where the Queen, the queen's sister Madame Elisabeth, princess Marie-Therese and her brother dauphin Louis Joseph. He used to play in The Temple as a child so he knows it and all the hidden passages.
This story is about the rescue of Marie-Therese and the love story of Laurent and Honoria. It was full of adventure, risks, violence and passion. This is not my favorite era in history to read about but Ms. Galen weaves a rich story of love, rescue and friendships. She is at her best storytelling. There were times I could identify with Honoria and I found myself growing frustrated by Laurent's impulsive impatience. She does a good job with maturing Laurent's character throughout this book as his world is not the same as it was. He's struggling to be an everyday man rather than a rich, titled favorite of the Queen. Honoria gets the adventure she's yearned for and finds she's more courageous than she thought.
This edition is about Honoria Blake an expert in roman antiquities who works for the British Museum who volunteers to forge papers for those who escape. She has unique skills being a perfectionist whose parents were natives of Brussels so french was her first language. She finds herself in the safehouse in Paris making forged official looking papers with the league members currently in Paris. She can't leave because she's been cursed with extreme beauty and has been on her own since she was 15.
Laurent Bourgogne, Marquis de Montague, has been rescued from La Force prison by the league sending him to the safehouse and Honoria. He has vital information about The Temple where the Queen, the queen's sister Madame Elisabeth, princess Marie-Therese and her brother dauphin Louis Joseph. He used to play in The Temple as a child so he knows it and all the hidden passages.
This story is about the rescue of Marie-Therese and the love story of Laurent and Honoria. It was full of adventure, risks, violence and passion. This is not my favorite era in history to read about but Ms. Galen weaves a rich story of love, rescue and friendships. She is at her best storytelling. There were times I could identify with Honoria and I found myself growing frustrated by Laurent's impulsive impatience. She does a good job with maturing Laurent's character throughout this book as his world is not the same as it was. He's struggling to be an everyday man rather than a rich, titled favorite of the Queen. Honoria gets the adventure she's yearned for and finds she's more courageous than she thought.
January 30, 2019
Miss Honoria Blake has tried hard to downplay her beauty especially after a terrible experience with a family member. She is recruited by the Scarlet Pimpernel to forge documents for French nobility trying to flee the Revolution and for the first time, her skill is appreciated and not just her beauty. When Laurent, Marquis de Montagne, shows up at the safe house in Paris, Honoria finds him arrogant and selfish. Laurent was rescued by the League because of his knowledge of the prison that houses the royal children. After spending a month in prison himself, he is hell-bent on rescuing the children whether the League helps him or not. He's willing to die in the attempt. Honoria's opinion of him starts to change when he rescues her from a mob. They are then sent to a safe house together that overlooks the prison to watch and learn schedules of the guards, maids and anyone else who enters the prison.
This is another well-written story about the horrors of the French Revolution, but I wasn't really a fan of Laurent. He was selfish in changing the plan to rescue of the children at the last minute when it was not what had been planned by the League. He put everyone at risk and Honoria paid the price. The romance between the two felt a little too much like insta-love to me. They'd only known each other a few days and yet Honoria loved him? If you like reading about the French Revolution, this is the story for you.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not obligated to leave a review.
This is another well-written story about the horrors of the French Revolution, but I wasn't really a fan of Laurent. He was selfish in changing the plan to rescue of the children at the last minute when it was not what had been planned by the League. He put everyone at risk and Honoria paid the price. The romance between the two felt a little too much like insta-love to me. They'd only known each other a few days and yet Honoria loved him? If you like reading about the French Revolution, this is the story for you.
I received a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review and was not obligated to leave a review.
February 8, 2019
Honoria Blake is in Paris to assist the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, using her skills as an expert forger to produce documents for the people they’re helping to escape France and the Reign of Terror. When the League helps Laurent, the former Marquis de Montagne, escape from La Force prison in order to use his knowledge of the Temple prison, he repays them by kidnapping Honoria, hoping to buy himself time to come up with a way to rescue the royal princess. After dangerous and terrifying adventures trying to travel around Paris together, Laurent realizes he’ll need to work with the League to accomplish his goal. This was an unlikely couple at first, with Laurent showing himself as a great example of the proud, arrogant aristocrat that provoked the trouble in France, and then kidnapping someone who was trying to help him, I thought he was pretty unlikable. Honoria was a well meaning young woman who wanted to help people and escape a safe but dull life, but she got more excitement than expected once she met Laurent. After they began working together and sharing more of their backgrounds and motivations, I could see why they would come to care for each other - and I began to like Laurent much more. A terrifying and dangerous time reveals the best in some people and I look forward to reading more adventures.
February 13, 2019
Another thrilling tale of the League of the Scarlett Pimpernel!
This series just gets better and better with each book! In Taken by the Rake Honoria proves to herself and the entire league that she is more than a pretty face while Laurent proves he’s not the spoiled noble he once was.
Set against the back drop of the French Revolution’s Region of Terror, every chapter is full intrigue and danger that has you desperately turning the page to find that Honoria and Laurent have won the day and each other’s hearts.
Impatiently waiting for Alex’s story!
This series just gets better and better with each book! In Taken by the Rake Honoria proves to herself and the entire league that she is more than a pretty face while Laurent proves he’s not the spoiled noble he once was.
Set against the back drop of the French Revolution’s Region of Terror, every chapter is full intrigue and danger that has you desperately turning the page to find that Honoria and Laurent have won the day and each other’s hearts.
Impatiently waiting for Alex’s story!
January 8, 2019
In Taken by the Rake we meet Honoria, a stunningly beautiful forger and Laurent, an arrogant French marquis. Laurent has always been a rake, caring only for his own pleasures. He manages to escape France but after the King loses his head he comes back to help his friend Marie Antoinette and her children escape knowing it is a suicide mission. He promptly gets put in jail and has been there for 5 months when the book begins. The league is rescuing him for their own purposes and there he meets Honoria who came to France to help people escape and for adventure. Unfortunately she has not had much adventure up until this point. That all changes when Laurent kidnaps her and talks her into helping him rescue the royal children who are imprisoned. It’s a dangerous task and they find themselves on the run through Paris and attempting a daring rescue and of course falling in love.
This was an excellent story about 2 beautiful people who need someone to see below the surface into the smart, kind, good people they are inside. Honoria hates her beauty and wants to be seen for more than her looks. And Laurent has been a rake and quite selfish and doesn’t feel he is a good person but his time in jail has made him reconsider his priorities. There was a lot of character development for such a fast moving book. The adventure trope is one of my favorites and this one did not disappoint.
This was an excellent story about 2 beautiful people who need someone to see below the surface into the smart, kind, good people they are inside. Honoria hates her beauty and wants to be seen for more than her looks. And Laurent has been a rake and quite selfish and doesn’t feel he is a good person but his time in jail has made him reconsider his priorities. There was a lot of character development for such a fast moving book. The adventure trope is one of my favorites and this one did not disappoint.
February 12, 2019
This is the third book in this series centered around the French Revolution.
This one is my pick of the series so far for three reasons: more in-depth characterization for the leads and more growth of the same (shown especially well in the hero, Laurent); more daring adventure with interesting locations/historical tweaks; good chemistry between the leads (and especially well-written love scenes❤️🔥).
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. However the opinions are strictly my own.
This one is my pick of the series so far for three reasons: more in-depth characterization for the leads and more growth of the same (shown especially well in the hero, Laurent); more daring adventure with interesting locations/historical tweaks; good chemistry between the leads (and especially well-written love scenes❤️🔥).
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. However the opinions are strictly my own.
January 8, 2019
Wonderful. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 12, 2019
Some stories are written because the author has a passion for the subject matter and others are written just to sell a book. It’s obvious from the first page of TAKEN BY THE RAKE that Ms. Galen has a true passion for the French Revolution. She has brought this difficult time in history to life with her masterful storytelling and vivid characters.
Honoria Blake was an expert in forgery. She was sent to France at the request of the Scarlett Pimpernel to help create documents that would allow the persecuted nobility to flee the country. Laurent, the former Marquis de Montagne, was given the address of the safehouse where Honoria was staying after he escaped from prison. He had been very close to the royal family, and instead of seeking his own safety in another country, he wanted to save the life of the little princess. In order to do so, he needed Honoria’s help which he obtained by kidnapping her! Not the usual beginning for a relationship, but one that hooked this reader completely.
The two main characters play off each other very well. Honoria is very strong and can hold her own with Laurent who is totally mesmerized by her beauty. As their relationship develops, he struggles knowing that he has clearly put her in danger by his determination to save the princess.
The story, as I have come to expect with a Shana Galen novel, is fast paced and filled with twists and turns. The attention to historical detail is meticulous, and everything plays out logically and realistic to the satisfying conclusion.
So far, this has been a great series! Another five stars for Ms. Galen!
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
Honoria Blake was an expert in forgery. She was sent to France at the request of the Scarlett Pimpernel to help create documents that would allow the persecuted nobility to flee the country. Laurent, the former Marquis de Montagne, was given the address of the safehouse where Honoria was staying after he escaped from prison. He had been very close to the royal family, and instead of seeking his own safety in another country, he wanted to save the life of the little princess. In order to do so, he needed Honoria’s help which he obtained by kidnapping her! Not the usual beginning for a relationship, but one that hooked this reader completely.
The two main characters play off each other very well. Honoria is very strong and can hold her own with Laurent who is totally mesmerized by her beauty. As their relationship develops, he struggles knowing that he has clearly put her in danger by his determination to save the princess.
The story, as I have come to expect with a Shana Galen novel, is fast paced and filled with twists and turns. The attention to historical detail is meticulous, and everything plays out logically and realistic to the satisfying conclusion.
So far, this has been a great series! Another five stars for Ms. Galen!
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
February 21, 2019
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 fabulous
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 fabulous
February 20, 2019
This series just gets better and better and you feel like you are there in the thick of the revolution. I knew they were going to be an interesting couple as soon as he kidnapped her. I loved every moment of them alone because they really got to know each other and develop into an awesome couple. They could be at each other’s throats at times, but it didn’t last long. The plan to save the princess kept me on the edge of my seat especially when it came to time to do it.
Honoria is one of the sweetest people and she sees the real Laurent. I loved her right away because she listened to him. Her reason for not liking male attention was heartbreaking, but she wasn’t going to let it hold her back anymore.
Laurent comes off as an arrogant man at first, but once you get to know him he will win your heart. I loved how he was willing to die for those he loved and would do anything to save them. He had a huge heart and when he loved someone it was with his full heart.
I’ve got major book hangover after this one and didn’t want it to end. I also learned some lovely words that my French lessons haven’t taught me. I can’t wait for the next one!
copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
Honoria is one of the sweetest people and she sees the real Laurent. I loved her right away because she listened to him. Her reason for not liking male attention was heartbreaking, but she wasn’t going to let it hold her back anymore.
Laurent comes off as an arrogant man at first, but once you get to know him he will win your heart. I loved how he was willing to die for those he loved and would do anything to save them. He had a huge heart and when he loved someone it was with his full heart.
I’ve got major book hangover after this one and didn’t want it to end. I also learned some lovely words that my French lessons haven’t taught me. I can’t wait for the next one!
copy provided for an honest and voluntary review
February 12, 2019
The Scarlet Chronicles series continues with another intriguing story with danger, mystery and plenty of romance.
I also liked the chemistry and pull and push of the romance between Honoria and Laurent.
Ms. Galen continues to successfully combine fiction, history and romance in this series and I highly recommend this fast-paced adventure and toe curling romance!
Melanie for b2b
Gift ARC provided by the publisher
I also liked the chemistry and pull and push of the romance between Honoria and Laurent.
Ms. Galen continues to successfully combine fiction, history and romance in this series and I highly recommend this fast-paced adventure and toe curling romance!
Melanie for b2b
Gift ARC provided by the publisher
February 7, 2019
Honoria Blake is an expert forger and is recruited by The Scarlet Pimpernel, she travels to Paris & there forges papers for the League. Then a bloody man staggers to the door of the safe house where she’s working, claiming he was sent by the Pimpernel. Recently escaped from La Force prison, the former Marquis de Montagne is sinfully handsome and charming. 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 Marie Therese was like a sister to him. He will risk everything to save her from a life of imprisonment and possible execution.
The book takes place in October 1793 & Paris wasn’t a place you wanted to be let alone trying to rescue the Dauphin & his elder sister. I found this book to be totally enthralling, captivating & like the previous two books in the series brilliant. The pace is fast & at times breakneck speed, the characters are very well portrayed. I loved how the author conveys the horrors of life in Paris, being caught up by a mob & the bravery of the League members. I really had to stop myself from flicking to the end to read the ending & I’m pleased that I didn’t. I also loved Laurent & Honoria, the road to them falling in love wasn’t easy but it was very touching & very believable. Laurent the arrogant aristocrat who had a heart of gold & was so honourable that he would put others before himself. Honoria an intelligent woman also willing to help others. The pair of them made me feel quite humble. Whilst this book could easily be read on its own I'd strongly recommend reading the series in order because it’s so very very good
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The book takes place in October 1793 & Paris wasn’t a place you wanted to be let alone trying to rescue the Dauphin & his elder sister. I found this book to be totally enthralling, captivating & like the previous two books in the series brilliant. The pace is fast & at times breakneck speed, the characters are very well portrayed. I loved how the author conveys the horrors of life in Paris, being caught up by a mob & the bravery of the League members. I really had to stop myself from flicking to the end to read the ending & I’m pleased that I didn’t. I also loved Laurent & Honoria, the road to them falling in love wasn’t easy but it was very touching & very believable. Laurent the arrogant aristocrat who had a heart of gold & was so honourable that he would put others before himself. Honoria an intelligent woman also willing to help others. The pair of them made me feel quite humble. Whilst this book could easily be read on its own I'd strongly recommend reading the series in order because it’s so very very good
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 19, 2019
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Taken by the Rake is the third novel in The Scarlet Chronicles and one of the best so far.
The heroine, Honoria Blake has travelled to Paris to provide better assistance to the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. While her artistic talents could be easily used from London, she travels to Paris only to wish she never left her uninteresting life in England. Until she meets the former Marquis de Montagne, who comes knocking on her door, bleeding, as directed by the Pimpernel after being rescued from La Force.
Laurent is at first portrayed as an egoistical nobleman who thinks only of his agenda. Ever the quintessential reprobate, he immediately notices Honoria’s beauty, although she tries to minimize her looks. However, it is desperation that makes Laurent kidnap Honoria, in order to set a plan in motion and rescue the Princess and Prince from imprisonment and possible execution. It is only a matter of time until Honoria and the league agree to Laurent’s risky rescue. However, when the situation gets perilous, will Laurent leave Honoria as planned to lead Madame Royale to safety or will he risk all to save the only person he has loved since his sister’s death?
Once again, Ms. Galen’s presents a novel which feels authentic through her play of words and larger than life characters. I love the fact that the heroine perceives herself as flawed and is ready to do all in her power to save a stranger because she is dear to the person she loves. Laurent is the epitome of a French nobleman – arrogant and proud, sometimes too proud which leads him in trouble. The way the novel is written keeps the reader entrenched in the story until the end. Thanks for a wonderful read!
The heroine, Honoria Blake has travelled to Paris to provide better assistance to the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. While her artistic talents could be easily used from London, she travels to Paris only to wish she never left her uninteresting life in England. Until she meets the former Marquis de Montagne, who comes knocking on her door, bleeding, as directed by the Pimpernel after being rescued from La Force.
Laurent is at first portrayed as an egoistical nobleman who thinks only of his agenda. Ever the quintessential reprobate, he immediately notices Honoria’s beauty, although she tries to minimize her looks. However, it is desperation that makes Laurent kidnap Honoria, in order to set a plan in motion and rescue the Princess and Prince from imprisonment and possible execution. It is only a matter of time until Honoria and the league agree to Laurent’s risky rescue. However, when the situation gets perilous, will Laurent leave Honoria as planned to lead Madame Royale to safety or will he risk all to save the only person he has loved since his sister’s death?
Once again, Ms. Galen’s presents a novel which feels authentic through her play of words and larger than life characters. I love the fact that the heroine perceives herself as flawed and is ready to do all in her power to save a stranger because she is dear to the person she loves. Laurent is the epitome of a French nobleman – arrogant and proud, sometimes too proud which leads him in trouble. The way the novel is written keeps the reader entrenched in the story until the end. Thanks for a wonderful read!
February 6, 2019
4.5 Stars!! I really loved this book! It’s got romance, mystery, danger, surprises, daily killings, history and so much more! I read the first book, “To Ruin a Gentlemen”, in this series, ‘The Scarlet Chronicles’, but never read the 2nd book, ”Traitor in Her Arms”. This series is all standalone books though, so missing one won’t make understanding the other books difficult! The main characters in this book, Laurent and Honoria, are pretty much complete opposites on the inside but very similar on the outside! Both are extremely good looking - not that I’m jealous or anything!! Anyway... besides that, they couldn’t be more different! He’s noble, she’s a commoner. She hates her beauty, he used his to get what he wanted! He’s arrogant while she isn’t! She’s intelligent & worked for a living & he came from a wealthy family and the only work he seemed to do was eat, drink, shop and have fun! So, you get the picture! I didn’t know if I liked him at all at their first meeting. As the book went on, he seems to change a bit. This was a great book & I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! This book made me wonder about the French Revolution & if anything in this book ever really happened, I hope not because it seemed really awful!
*I received this book at no charge from the publisher.*
*I received this book at no charge from the publisher.*
February 12, 2019
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Honoria Blake longed to make a difference, which brought her to France at the height of the Reign of Terror. There she became a most trusted asset of The Scarlet Pimpernel.
When her path crossed with that of the Marquis de Montagne - literally bleeding on her doorstep - she is drawn to him, and ultimately his cause: to save the Royal children who are being kept imprisoned by the Revolutionaries.
What starts as a kidnapping ended up a partnership - both in and out of bed. Honoria & Laurent’s chemistry fairly sizzled off the pages, and when they finally gave into temptation it was everything we’ve come to love and expect from Shana Galen - smoldering, sexy and filled with passion.
This is the third book of the series and is my favorite so far. I’m looking forward to the rest, and learning more about the mysterious Pimpernel.
Honoria Blake longed to make a difference, which brought her to France at the height of the Reign of Terror. There she became a most trusted asset of The Scarlet Pimpernel.
When her path crossed with that of the Marquis de Montagne - literally bleeding on her doorstep - she is drawn to him, and ultimately his cause: to save the Royal children who are being kept imprisoned by the Revolutionaries.
What starts as a kidnapping ended up a partnership - both in and out of bed. Honoria & Laurent’s chemistry fairly sizzled off the pages, and when they finally gave into temptation it was everything we’ve come to love and expect from Shana Galen - smoldering, sexy and filled with passion.
This is the third book of the series and is my favorite so far. I’m looking forward to the rest, and learning more about the mysterious Pimpernel.
February 13, 2019
Taking chances
Taken a Rake
Honoria was living a boring life in London, when she was approached by Scarlet Pimpernel to use her forgery skills to help forge documents to get people out of France during the Reign of Terror.
Her job was to make perfect copies of signatures of Robespierre and his associates sign visa and documents to get out of Paris.
Honoria lived a safe house in Paris working with The League forgering documents when a man came bloody and wounded saying Scarlet Pimpernel sent him to safe house for help.
Recently escaped from La Force prison, the former Marquis de Montagne is sinfully handsome and charming. Laurent was raised in palace and tutored the royal children.
Laurent made a promise to Madame Royale that he protect the princess and the dauphin, children as dear to him as any sibling of his own, he would never leave them. He hadn’t forgotten that promise.
Laurent needed the League's help to get back into the palace to rescue the princess and the dauphin. With the king killed and Queen on trial for treason he knew it was only a matter of time to save the children.
Laurent needed Honoria forgery skills to get documents for the princess and the dauphin so he could get them out of country and to safety in Austria.
Laurent kidnapped Honoria to escape the safe house and get back to palace after the League was determine to only get the princess out and left the dauphin behind. Honoria knew she had to help to Laurent and find away to be part of the rescue.
Working together Laurent and Honoria found a way into the palace only thing was they needed the League help to get the children out safely.
Going back to the safe house Laurent and Honoria made plans with the League to get the princess out. Laurent planned on going behind the League back once inside to get the dauphin too.
Laurent and Honoria found love during the struggles and dangerous of the mission.
Taken a Rake
Honoria was living a boring life in London, when she was approached by Scarlet Pimpernel to use her forgery skills to help forge documents to get people out of France during the Reign of Terror.
Her job was to make perfect copies of signatures of Robespierre and his associates sign visa and documents to get out of Paris.
Honoria lived a safe house in Paris working with The League forgering documents when a man came bloody and wounded saying Scarlet Pimpernel sent him to safe house for help.
Recently escaped from La Force prison, the former Marquis de Montagne is sinfully handsome and charming. Laurent was raised in palace and tutored the royal children.
Laurent made a promise to Madame Royale that he protect the princess and the dauphin, children as dear to him as any sibling of his own, he would never leave them. He hadn’t forgotten that promise.
Laurent needed the League's help to get back into the palace to rescue the princess and the dauphin. With the king killed and Queen on trial for treason he knew it was only a matter of time to save the children.
Laurent needed Honoria forgery skills to get documents for the princess and the dauphin so he could get them out of country and to safety in Austria.
Laurent kidnapped Honoria to escape the safe house and get back to palace after the League was determine to only get the princess out and left the dauphin behind. Honoria knew she had to help to Laurent and find away to be part of the rescue.
Working together Laurent and Honoria found a way into the palace only thing was they needed the League help to get the children out safely.
Going back to the safe house Laurent and Honoria made plans with the League to get the princess out. Laurent planned on going behind the League back once inside to get the dauphin too.
Laurent and Honoria found love during the struggles and dangerous of the mission.
February 23, 2019
If you are looking for light reading, this isn't it but...
If you want a story with grit and guts , here you are. The book is set for the French Revolution and gives you pieces of what it must have been like. I was intrigued enough to go further into the history and stories after I finished this book. The two main characters are opposites. He's spoiled aristo that has been wasting in prison and then the horrors of the mobs. And Honoria tries to blend into the background. No matter that she's too pretty for her not to be noticed.
I'm a history buff and this story led me to go deeper. And I pre-order Alex' story next. I thought she would be paired with one of her partners but she is on another mission.
If you want a story with grit and guts , here you are. The book is set for the French Revolution and gives you pieces of what it must have been like. I was intrigued enough to go further into the history and stories after I finished this book. The two main characters are opposites. He's spoiled aristo that has been wasting in prison and then the horrors of the mobs. And Honoria tries to blend into the background. No matter that she's too pretty for her not to be noticed.
I'm a history buff and this story led me to go deeper. And I pre-order Alex' story next. I thought she would be paired with one of her partners but she is on another mission.
January 16, 2019
I must admit I'm beginning to be a bit fed up with the French Revolution in Shana's books, especially when the hero is one where the heroine ends up in love with him despite him being a prat at the beginning who, in my opinion, is still pretty much a prat at the end, which this one was. With my usual reminder to myself that it has always been worth the effort before, however, I kept going and I did in the end enjoy the book - as usual, with Shana's excellent writing and storytelling winning the day. You won't regret reading this book, although if you enjoy reading of war, specifically the French Revolution you'll love it much more!
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