To Ruin a Gentleman by Shana Galen

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.