To Ruin a Gentleman by Shana Galen
#1 of The Scarlet Chronicles series
5/5 Stars
The entire time I was reading this book I kept thinking about our
heroine, Angelette, the Comtesse d'Avignon. She was so brave! Recently
widowed she lived alone to begin with. The Scarlet Chronicles' series
starts with this book, and with the beginning of the French Revolution and the
story of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Angelette is somewhat naive starting
out, but once she realizes the truth about the revolution her courage shines through. She is
forced to leave her home and go on the run. The strength she exhibits is
phenomenal. She also refuses to leave her country without helping
whomever she can.
Our hero, Hugh Daventry is in France often to
transport wine. This time he has heard of the unrest in Paris and stops
to meet Angelette at the request of her family. He persists that he must
return to England before the uprising of the French citizens. She will
not leave with him and no matter how many times he tries, he cannot make
himself leave without her.
I liked this book, but in my
opinion, the heroine stole the show! Although this book was written as a
novella, it never felt like it while reading. The story was well
written and the characters were full of depth. I cannot wait to see what
happens during the rest of the series. I cannot remember reading many
novels that include the Revolution and Scarlet Pimpernel.
