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In the Arms of the Enemy
Isabella Ricci has pledged her life for the cause - to free Italy from Nazi oppression. Her mission for the Resistance, to seduce a German officer into revealing military secrets, could be deadly. Can she complete her assignment before losing her heart...or her life? Massimo Baricelli, commander in the Resistance, and Isabella's ambitious lover, charges her to uncover intelligence that the Allies need to vanquish the Nazis. But can he hold onto his woman while sending her into the arms of another man? Günter Schumann is handsome, chivalrous, romantic...and a captain in the Army of the Third Reich. When he meets Isabella, he falls for her instantly, never imagining that she is a spy and he her unwitting target. What will he do when forced to choose between love and duty? How much must be sacrificed for the cause of freedom? Will love survive the cruelest betrayal?
522 pages, ebook
First published September 3, 2010
22 people are currently reading
859 people want to read
About the author
Lisbeth Eng
1 book6 followersLisbeth Eng is a native New Yorker whose love of literature, history and romance led her on the rewarding path to romance writing. An English major in college, Lisbeth has also studied Italian, German and French. Besides writing, world travel is her passion, and trips to Italy and Germany have lent authenticity to her European-set World War II romance novel, IN THE ARMS OF THE ENEMY, due for release by The Wild Rose Press (as an e-book and in paperback) at www.thewildrosepress.com on October 1, 2010. Lisbeth currently lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, a stones throw from Central Park and Lincoln Center, and loves the fascinating pace of life in the Big Apple.
Please visit her at www.lisbetheng.com and at www.lisbetheng.blogspot.com
Please visit her at www.lisbetheng.com and at www.lisbetheng.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 26, 2015
Lisbeth Eng's debut novel about a German soldier and an Italian partisan, set in World War II Italy, is a solid, compelling romance with fully-fleshed out characters and some nice action and suspense sequences. I was genuinely concerned about the heroine Isabella's well-being, and for a while it seemed that the ending of the story was headed for tragedy; but fortunately it doesn't, but the HEA isn't contrived either. The ending was really great.
All in all, both Isabella and Günter (the hero) were really well-developed characters with their own interests and backgrounds and families. The narrative really allowed them to breathe and be themselves, which was lovely. I definitely got a sense of them as people, and they acted like mature, sensible adults: Isabella doesn't lapse into hysteria, and Günter never joins the partisans, thank God. Reading this, I definitely got a sense of daily life in Italy and Germany during the wars, and what a miserable experience it was. It had this really... amazing sense of living on the edge of an epic, which I don't think I've ever seen done that well before in a romance novel.
A few nits: the sex scenes felt a bit generic (I tend to like a touch more detail, for my tastes). I also noticed that Isabella is pretty sexually active for a convent girl in rural Italy in the 1940s. I didn't have an issue with that, but I would think (as a Catholic) she'd experience a lot more conflict from her lifestyle decisions. This was hinted at a bit, but I would have liked to have seen it more fully explored.
It's not often I can say I was sad to see a romance end, but I missed hanging out with these people, and I want to see more of them. I hope there's a sequel, or that Ms. Eng will come out with a second novel soon!
All in all, both Isabella and Günter (the hero) were really well-developed characters with their own interests and backgrounds and families. The narrative really allowed them to breathe and be themselves, which was lovely. I definitely got a sense of them as people, and they acted like mature, sensible adults: Isabella doesn't lapse into hysteria, and Günter never joins the partisans, thank God. Reading this, I definitely got a sense of daily life in Italy and Germany during the wars, and what a miserable experience it was. It had this really... amazing sense of living on the edge of an epic, which I don't think I've ever seen done that well before in a romance novel.
A few nits: the sex scenes felt a bit generic (I tend to like a touch more detail, for my tastes). I also noticed that Isabella is pretty sexually active for a convent girl in rural Italy in the 1940s. I didn't have an issue with that, but I would think (as a Catholic) she'd experience a lot more conflict from her lifestyle decisions. This was hinted at a bit, but I would have liked to have seen it more fully explored.
It's not often I can say I was sad to see a romance end, but I missed hanging out with these people, and I want to see more of them. I hope there's a sequel, or that Ms. Eng will come out with a second novel soon!
July 8, 2013
Recommended to read this book from my sister, and so glad I did. I loved both the characters so much, and the way this story was told. It is a beautiful, realistic feeling, compelling story of a romance set at the end of WWII. The plotting was fast paced, and kept me reading late into the night. I thought the depiction of a German soldier, as a hero we could love was surprising and extremely well done. I cared so much about the heroin and felt her anxiety as she was spying and sleeping with the enemy, who soon became far from her enemy. I loved the added layer of her relationship with Massimo, and how she truly started her assignment as a spy with no intention of developing feelings for her mark. WWII is not an easy setting to create a sweet, believable and compelling romance against, but this author succeeded in giving us that, while giving enough detail to remind us of the full-scale horrors of the war raging around them, but without overwhelming the reader. I truly loved this book and it will stay with me for a long time.
June 30, 2017
Much too facile and simplistic. Everything was black or white. No shades of gray. Some Nazis were caricatures, except of course for Gunter [insert eyeroll].
Story telling was a little weak, and the plot was better in the similarly written “The Kommandant’s Girl”.
The only part I can applaud is the history is decently presented, if only briefly. If you’re looking for a story set in World War II involving a spy character who infiltrates the Nazis, either read “The Kommandant’s Girl” or watch the Dutch film “The Black Book”. Both are superior to this outing.
Story telling was a little weak, and the plot was better in the similarly written “The Kommandant’s Girl”.
The only part I can applaud is the history is decently presented, if only briefly. If you’re looking for a story set in World War II involving a spy character who infiltrates the Nazis, either read “The Kommandant’s Girl” or watch the Dutch film “The Black Book”. Both are superior to this outing.
February 15, 2011
Eng pens a suspenseful tale of love, betrayal, desperation and hope with "In The Arms of the Enemy." Isabella Ricci is a spy for the Italian resistance. When she's told to make a German mark, Isabella doesn't realize how dangerous the assignment is, not only to her person, but to her heart.
Set in Verona, Italy in 1944, the Nazis have established a base. The Italian resistance is alive and thriving. Isabella Ricci belongs to the Verona branch. With the encouragement of her lover and fellow resistance leader, Massimo Baricelli, Isabella meets an old friend, Sylvia, who introduces her to the world of social parties where Germans and Italians mingle. At one of these parties, Isabella meets Captain Günter Schumann. He works in supply and is a linguist.
Günter is immediately smitten with Isabella. The young Italian is beautiful and carries herself humbly, unlike most of the women he's met. He takes Isabella on several romantic dates. Despite herself, Isabella is charmed by Günter and becomes his lover.
As Isabella dates Günter, she learns more about the Nazi occupation. She makes a copy of his keys and begins copying documents for the resistance. All the while, the duplicity is weighing on her soul. Günter's lovemaking is intense, as well as soulful, while all Massimo cares about is Isabella's ability to slip him information useful to the resistance.
When Isabella is caught, what choice will her heart make - Massimo or Günter?
Eng's plot is complex, yet smooth and easy to follow. She brings a rich authenticity to the locale and setting with vivid descriptions that are easy to visualize and don't weigh down the writing. Eng's style of writing is nice to follow.
Günter, Massimo, and Isabella are interesting characters. Massimo is dedicated, but it is clear his heart comes second. Günter is sensitive and soulful, yet not afraid to do what he knows must be done. Isabella is daring and brave, but her heart becomes a battleground for two men's love. The supporting cast is strong and a delight to read about.
The story is sophisticated for romance readers with love scenes that are tasteful, yet a bit tame. As a reader, I would have liked Isabella and Günter's love scenes to be a bit more steamier, since theirs is the love that endures, but honestly, that's a small thing in the overall novel.
"In The Arms of the Enemy" will run the reader though a gambit of emotions that will invoke happiness, frustration, and nervousness, but ultimately will leave them believing in the power of love.
Set in Verona, Italy in 1944, the Nazis have established a base. The Italian resistance is alive and thriving. Isabella Ricci belongs to the Verona branch. With the encouragement of her lover and fellow resistance leader, Massimo Baricelli, Isabella meets an old friend, Sylvia, who introduces her to the world of social parties where Germans and Italians mingle. At one of these parties, Isabella meets Captain Günter Schumann. He works in supply and is a linguist.
Günter is immediately smitten with Isabella. The young Italian is beautiful and carries herself humbly, unlike most of the women he's met. He takes Isabella on several romantic dates. Despite herself, Isabella is charmed by Günter and becomes his lover.
As Isabella dates Günter, she learns more about the Nazi occupation. She makes a copy of his keys and begins copying documents for the resistance. All the while, the duplicity is weighing on her soul. Günter's lovemaking is intense, as well as soulful, while all Massimo cares about is Isabella's ability to slip him information useful to the resistance.
When Isabella is caught, what choice will her heart make - Massimo or Günter?
Eng's plot is complex, yet smooth and easy to follow. She brings a rich authenticity to the locale and setting with vivid descriptions that are easy to visualize and don't weigh down the writing. Eng's style of writing is nice to follow.
Günter, Massimo, and Isabella are interesting characters. Massimo is dedicated, but it is clear his heart comes second. Günter is sensitive and soulful, yet not afraid to do what he knows must be done. Isabella is daring and brave, but her heart becomes a battleground for two men's love. The supporting cast is strong and a delight to read about.
The story is sophisticated for romance readers with love scenes that are tasteful, yet a bit tame. As a reader, I would have liked Isabella and Günter's love scenes to be a bit more steamier, since theirs is the love that endures, but honestly, that's a small thing in the overall novel.
"In The Arms of the Enemy" will run the reader though a gambit of emotions that will invoke happiness, frustration, and nervousness, but ultimately will leave them believing in the power of love.
April 3, 2019
Ugh. That’s what I thought about this book. It popped up as a recommendation after I finished “The Last Innocent Hour” by Margot Abbot and I had high hopes that it would be similar. It IS NOT. To be blunt, people that have found this book to be a literary masterpiece have clearly never read a good, truly good, book in their lives. This was NOT a good book, it was not well written. The Nazi with the heart of gold was unbelievable, Isabella was insufferable and everything in between left me void. The love story between Gunter and Isabella was so cheesy that i could have easily put it on top of a burger patty. I don’t recommend this book, and I’m actually sad that I wasted $6 on it from Amazon. Wish I could get that money back.
February 28, 2023
I'll be honest: I was very excited about this book. However, once I read it, I felt very disconnected from the characters and places. I feel like the characters were well written, as all of them kept their traits as stable as possible and each one of them was different from the other. However, the way they relationed between each other? It was a mess. In exception of some short passages, I felt as I could never see how it was possible for the main to fall in love with the soldier. I'm sorry but they barely even spoke! Even the sexual scenes were badly written and reminded me of wattpad stories I just to read when I was 12.
November 19, 2025
I was in the mood for a WW2 romance and while this does fit that bill, it's pretty light on the war part. Our Nazi hero isn't a Nazi thankfully, but he is a bit naive and doesn't seem to know his Nazi party is as evil as they are. He is also easily duped by our partisan heroine, Isabella who spends the majority of the book lying to him but also falling in love with him. Massimo was a jerk but ended up being more helpful to Isabella than anyone else. The book is ok. The writing style is not at all detailed and comes across as brief and simplistic.
September 6, 2020
Was excited about the story plot but, it was like watching a movie with bad actor's. Disappointed
May 16, 2021
loved it! the relationship between Isabella and Gunter is super sweet
April 19, 2013
World War II romances and romantic suspense novels are few and far between (though getting more popular thankfully) and the dearth of them is wonderfully alleviated by In The Arms of the Enemy. This novel is so rich, so full of complex characters, wonderful conflict, and packed with the terrific details of the conflict in Italy after Mussolini's fall and the invasion of the American army.
The Italian people who lived through the war, their ill-fated participated, the surrender and the battles and the occupation are embodied wonderfully in heroine Isabella Ricci. Her motivation to take on the German army is a potent one. A tragic murder convinces her that it is worth any danger to do her part to save her friends, her family, and her beloved country. Even if she has to risk her life.
Her lover, Massimo, is a leader of the Italian resistnce and he is eager to use her to gain information on the local German unit. And despite their passionate romance, if it means she needs to seduce a German officer, he's willing to make that sacrifice - and have her make it as well.
When Isabella meets Gunther, an officer and a gentleman and not a Nazi, she is struck by him but doggedly pursues her agenda. Seduce him, sleep with him, get information to help the resistance drive the German army out.
But Gunther is a man with a heart and soul that speaks to Isabella and forces her to ignore her heart as she delves deeper into the information for her lover Massimo. Danger at every turn does not deter her and there is action, torment, as well as passion and love throughout the novel until the supremely satisfying climax and conclusion of a story that was no doubt played out for real during the War.
Eng's facility with words is a marvel and her eye for the beauty amid the chaos equally eloquent as art, music and passion are layered upon the suspense and conflict. This is a novel for anyone who wants their romance rife with tension and complexity, great secondary characters and a terrifc, dramatic backdrop. HIGHLY recommended and most assuredly a "keeper".
The Italian people who lived through the war, their ill-fated participated, the surrender and the battles and the occupation are embodied wonderfully in heroine Isabella Ricci. Her motivation to take on the German army is a potent one. A tragic murder convinces her that it is worth any danger to do her part to save her friends, her family, and her beloved country. Even if she has to risk her life.
Her lover, Massimo, is a leader of the Italian resistnce and he is eager to use her to gain information on the local German unit. And despite their passionate romance, if it means she needs to seduce a German officer, he's willing to make that sacrifice - and have her make it as well.
When Isabella meets Gunther, an officer and a gentleman and not a Nazi, she is struck by him but doggedly pursues her agenda. Seduce him, sleep with him, get information to help the resistance drive the German army out.
But Gunther is a man with a heart and soul that speaks to Isabella and forces her to ignore her heart as she delves deeper into the information for her lover Massimo. Danger at every turn does not deter her and there is action, torment, as well as passion and love throughout the novel until the supremely satisfying climax and conclusion of a story that was no doubt played out for real during the War.
Eng's facility with words is a marvel and her eye for the beauty amid the chaos equally eloquent as art, music and passion are layered upon the suspense and conflict. This is a novel for anyone who wants their romance rife with tension and complexity, great secondary characters and a terrifc, dramatic backdrop. HIGHLY recommended and most assuredly a "keeper".
May 19, 2015
Favorite aspect of this book for me was the romance, no surprise there given it’s a historical romance mainly. Gunther is a dream (I need to find me a Gunther pronto!!!), with the right balance of courage, sweetness, and gentlemanly manners along with his misguided devotion to the Fatherland and hard time with forgiveness. And I adored Isabella. She’s a strong woman who’s devoted to her ideals yet still has the capacity to find herself blindly in love with a man who’s her enemy. Together, they form a romantic connection that will leave you sighing in happiness.
I also enjoyed the intense Resistance storyline and the fight against the Nazis. Isabella’s struggle to balance out her emotions and her mission was heart wrenching and kept me reading. I also really enjoyed the opening of Gunter’s eyes to what his country’s leaders and military is capable of in regards to its brutal occupation. The dashing of his rose-colored glasses view of the world was a nice complement to Isabella’s struggle.
The author also took the time to explore the aftermath of WWII and give us a window into how Germany was ultimately affected, the impact of the regular Joe German as they try to rebuild their lives and the developing power of the partisans as Europe rolled towards peace. I also enjoyed how Gunther and his fellow serviceman like Kurt and Klaus showed us that all Germans weren’t automatically Nazis; some were just men who were serving in the army to the best of their abilities.
With a heavy focus on romance, this is a winner of a historical romance. It’s got great emphasis on emotions and a fantastic story to back it up. With some nice historical tidbits and heavy subjects to give the setting/story some weight, I’d highly recommend this book to any lover of WWII historical romances or novels from the genre in general.
I also enjoyed the intense Resistance storyline and the fight against the Nazis. Isabella’s struggle to balance out her emotions and her mission was heart wrenching and kept me reading. I also really enjoyed the opening of Gunter’s eyes to what his country’s leaders and military is capable of in regards to its brutal occupation. The dashing of his rose-colored glasses view of the world was a nice complement to Isabella’s struggle.
The author also took the time to explore the aftermath of WWII and give us a window into how Germany was ultimately affected, the impact of the regular Joe German as they try to rebuild their lives and the developing power of the partisans as Europe rolled towards peace. I also enjoyed how Gunther and his fellow serviceman like Kurt and Klaus showed us that all Germans weren’t automatically Nazis; some were just men who were serving in the army to the best of their abilities.
With a heavy focus on romance, this is a winner of a historical romance. It’s got great emphasis on emotions and a fantastic story to back it up. With some nice historical tidbits and heavy subjects to give the setting/story some weight, I’d highly recommend this book to any lover of WWII historical romances or novels from the genre in general.
January 2, 2011
Clare's Review
Isabella is a partisan, fighting for the Italian resistance. Gunter is a Nazi. Told by her lover to extract information from the Germans by any means necessary, Isabella is hesitant in doing so. Surely he doesn’t mean giving herself to the Nazi’s if need be. However, falling in love defiantly wasn’t something she planned on. What kind of a life would they ever have if things were different? How will she complete her mission and what will Gunter say when he finds out the truth?
This book thrusts you completely into the danger underground life of the Second World War resistance fighters, with characters that don’t just come to life, they leap from the pages. Gripping from cover to cover this story pulls you in and holds you. In the vein of Secret Army and The Enemy at the Door, it’s WW2 drama and romance at its best.
5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!
Isabella is a partisan, fighting for the Italian resistance. Gunter is a Nazi. Told by her lover to extract information from the Germans by any means necessary, Isabella is hesitant in doing so. Surely he doesn’t mean giving herself to the Nazi’s if need be. However, falling in love defiantly wasn’t something she planned on. What kind of a life would they ever have if things were different? How will she complete her mission and what will Gunter say when he finds out the truth?
This book thrusts you completely into the danger underground life of the Second World War resistance fighters, with characters that don’t just come to life, they leap from the pages. Gripping from cover to cover this story pulls you in and holds you. In the vein of Secret Army and The Enemy at the Door, it’s WW2 drama and romance at its best.
5 Tea Cups and a Recommended Read!
August 10, 2013
after seeing this book (and it's unusual hero) mentioned on an All About Romance board I decided to give it a try and I'm very glad I did. The author does a great job of creating a couple we care about and placing them in a situation fraught with conflict. I especially liked Gunter, who came across as a good man torn between duty to his country and serving a leader he hates. I wish this had been developed more, along with his feelings about Isabella having the courage to risk her life for what she believes in, while his approach is to lay low and keep his feelings to himself.
Though not a perfect book, it's a very good one, with characters that linger long after. recommended!
Though not a perfect book, it's a very good one, with characters that linger long after. recommended!
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June 8, 2016This book ‘seems’ like a self-published book. It doesn’t seem to have the smooth transitions of a traditionally published book with an editor and the works.
However, it is interesting enough to make me want to find out what happens. But then, I love WWII stories, so it doesn’t take much to make me want to find out what happened during that era.
Now that I’ve finished reading it, it feels like it is a rough draft, and even though the author description says she is a native NYer and has a degree in English, the writing seems like English isn’t her first language.
I enjoyed the story, but I wouldn't keep it on my re-read shelf.
However, it is interesting enough to make me want to find out what happens. But then, I love WWII stories, so it doesn’t take much to make me want to find out what happened during that era.
Now that I’ve finished reading it, it feels like it is a rough draft, and even though the author description says she is a native NYer and has a degree in English, the writing seems like English isn’t her first language.
I enjoyed the story, but I wouldn't keep it on my re-read shelf.
September 10, 2015
Hard to put down WWII romance between Partisan Italian spy Isabella who must befriend and become lover to a young German captain in Verona, Italy near the later months before the end if the war. I liked it but did find it hard to come to terms with her sleeping with two men, despite her reasons. Still good, though and new to me locale.
3.5/5
3.5/5
October 22, 2013
I've never read a World War II romance with an Italian point of view so I learned something. Isabella and Gunter had great chemistry together and had some steamy scenes which is always a bonus. There are still some WWII love stories I've liked better but this one certainly has merit. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could.
November 15, 2014
I love historical fiction, and I especially have a soft spot for books set during WWII. In the Arms of the Enemy is an interesting mix of both of those things, and it's presented in an almost New Adult wrapper. I never knew that this is something that I wanted until I read it. The romance was studded with wonderfully sweet moments, the intrigue was thrilling, and the betrayals were sharp.
September 29, 2012
While the book was well written it just didn't grab me. I couldn't root for the leading lady and couldn't respect the leading man. It was more like watching the News when it's all depressing.
February 9, 2014
A good historical fiction. Different in a way that the german in the story was not a cruel nazi. Easily could relate to the characters
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews