Two morally compromised souls wage a battle of wits—and seduction—against the backdrop of the French Revolution in this slow-burn romance from bestselling author Shana Galen. After her late husband leaves her in debt to some dangerous people, Lady Gabrielle McCullough is forced to become a thief. In the intervening years, her skills have not gone unnoticed. After being recruited by the Scarlet … by the Scarlet Pimpernel, the mysterious do-gooder spiriting aristocrats out of revolutionary France, Gabrielle crosses the Channel for the most daring mission of her life. Accompanying her is the Earl of Sedgwick, a thief in his own right and an enticingly masculine presence. The man is not to be trusted—nor is Gabrielle’s body when he’s near.
Ramsey Barnes would not say he is an honorable man. His whole life has been based on a lie; why change now? Although it pains him to deceive the tantalizing Gabrielle, he’s working toward an altogether different objective: unmasking the Scarlet Pimpernel. If Ramsey fails, his blackmailer will ruin him. But when Ramsey’s confronted with the carnage of the Reign of Terror, he seeks refuge in Gabrielle’s heated embrace. Now he faces a terrible choice: betray the woman who’s stolen his heart—or risk losing everything.
Praise for Traitor in Her Arms
“If you are looking for a fast-paced adventure combined with a passionate romance, then you will enjoy Traitor in Her Arms.”—Rakes and Rascals
“No one writes historical suspense like Shana Galen and Traitor in Her Arms may be her best yet. She brings breathtaking excitement and a fabulous romance between a pair of smart and appealing adventurers. You’ll adore Gabrielle and Ramsey as they face the perils of Revolutionary Paris and the world of the Scarlet Pimpernel.”—Miranda Neville
“Wow. Shana Galen’s latest has it all. The adventure is raw, the danger is real, and the stakes cannot be higher. The intensity of Traitor in Her Arms reaches out and grabs you from the opening page and does not let up until the thrilling climax.”—Ashlyn Macnamara, author of What a Lady Requires
“[Shana] Galen has successfully created a touching love story, rife with rich descriptions and fascinating facts.”—Publishers Weekly
“I loved everything about this book. Traitor in Her Arms is the perfect romance: sexy, smartly-written, and utterly unforgettable.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne
“Those who love historic intrigue, espionage and literary classics will find a good deal to savor in this well-plotted tale.”—RT Book Reviews
This standalone novel includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
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This book is set during the Reign of Terror in France and features Gabrielle, Viscountess McCullough and Ramsey, Earl of Sedgwick. Gabrielle and Ramsey have a history, before she married her husband, she was attracted to Ramsey. Ramsey was also attracted to her, but for reasons unknown to the reader, he let her go and watched as she married his best friend George, Viscount McCullough.
When George died and Gabrielle learned the extent of his debt, she turned thief to save herself and as it turns out, she is extremely good at it. She is reunited with Ramsey when they both are intent on stealing the same necklace. Unfortunately, Gabrielle is bested by Ramsey, who needs the necklace for his own reasons. Desperate, Gabrielle agrees to a dangerous plan presented to her by the Scarlet Pimpernel. She will go to France, steal a priceless bracelet and use it to negotiate the release of a condemned Aristocrat and her daughter.
Ramsey has secrets, secrets so great that if revealed will mean certain death. He had hoped the necklace would finally release him from his blackmailer, but she now demands that he perform a final task. Venture to France and uncover the name of the Scarlet Pimpernel. She assures him that if he succeeds, he will be free from her forever, fail and she will ruin him.
By chance, Ramsey and Gabrielle meet on the crossing to France, he is convinced she is working for the Scarlet Pimpernel and will use her to complete his mission. Gabrielle does not trust Ramsey, but after they arrive in France and she witnesses the horrors of the “terror” firsthand, she admits that she feels safer with Ramsey than she does on her own.
This book is amazing and while I agree with other reviewers that it is not “romantic”, given the setting that is just not possible, but it definitely has a powerful romance. The historic details of the terror are graphic and at times disturbing, I was appalled and fascinated at the same time, more than once I was reduced to tears and wondered what could drive a person to the extremes described in this book.
The book is a well written, action packed, nail biting, on the edge of your seat, page turner from the first page and doesn’t let you out of it’s grip until the final word. It is steamier than I recall Ms. Galen’s previous books to be (no complaints here), but the love scenes are well placed and well done, the secondary characters contribute to the story, but never over shadow the story of Gabrielle and Ramsey.
I am highly recommend this book and look forward to the next installment!
Traitor in Her Arms by Shana Galen is a perfect combination of history, romance and intrigue. The novel takes place in France during the height of the French Revolution. Ms. Galen’s rich descriptive voice perfectly conveys the bloody conflict between the aristocrats and the revolutionaries and the overwhelming sense of uncertainty during this time period. The setting, suspenseful plot, and the passion and conflict between the hero and heroine captivated me.
Lady Gabrielle McCullough’s husband died and she inherited his gambling debts. She has resorted to stealing jewelry and objects d’art to keep his creditors at bay. Gabrielle attends a ball given by the Duke of Beaumont with the intent to steal an expensive necklace. Gabrielle is startled by a familiar voice as she opens the jewelry box; her husband’s friend the Earl of Sedgwick is also in the Duchesses’ bedroom! Sedgwick has the necklace! The chemistry between the couple is apparent from this meeting and the passionate kiss they share in the hallway.
Gabrielle is approached by a man, that she assumes is the famous Scarlett Pimpernel, who asks her to join his league. This man is aware of her secret skill set and asks her to steal a bracelet and assist the Comtesse de Tonnerre and her child out of France. Gabrielle meets with Comte de Tonnerre and decides to accept the dangerous mission. Sedgwick is being blackmailed and has been tasked with uncovering the identity of the Scarlett Pimpernel. I loved these scenes in as they showed Gabrielle’s bravery and compassion and Sedgwick’s desire to keep his family safe.
Gabrielle is accosted by Mr. Pin, one of her late husband’s creditors, as she boards a ship destined for France. Sedgwick grabs Gabrielle and they board the ship; he lifts the gangplank and sends Mr. Pin into the water. Sedgwick announces to Gabrielle that they are travelling to Paris together. The scenes by the entry gate to the city of Paris were superbly written; each word added to the suspense and drama as Gabrielle and Sedgwick waited in line to enter the city. I could see the crowds, hear the screams and feel the danger. The suspense intensifies in the novel as Sedgwick accompanies Gabrielle to a ball at a cemetery and Gabrielle’s mission begins.
I enjoy Ms. Galen’s novels because of the elements of suspense and intrigue that she weaves into each story. Traitor in Her Arms is the most complex novel she has written. Just when I thought Gabrielle was safe; an expected obstacle was introduced into the storyline. It was challenging to determine who the traitors were in the story as not one character‘s true identity or motives were apparent. Gabrielle and Sedgwick learned to trust each other during this chilling cat and mouse game with the French soldiers. The novel’s ending is superbly written and kept me reading past my bedtime. I couldn’t put the book down.
When Lady Gabrielle McCullough’s husband dies and leaves her with nothing but debt, she resorts to thievery to pay the thugs hounding her to collect on those debts. When she’s recruited by the Scarlet Pimpernel to steal an item that will enable a noblewoman and her young child to escape the French Reign of Terror, she accepts since it will get her out of town and away from the debt collectors. She has no idea what she’s getting herself into until she arrives in Paris and sees the absolute horror that is occurring at every turn. Luckily, she had run into the Earl of Sedgwick on the ship and he helps her navigate through the danger. Sedgwick is a cunning thief as well and he’s a man Gabrielle has always been attracted to, but she doesn’t trust him at all. Ramsey’s in Paris because he’s being blackmailed to find the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel and if he doesn’t, a secret that will ruin his life will be revealed. They join forces and that works out well for a while, but then Ramsey’s blackmailer begins to interfere in the worst way. There are a good many instances of the terrible actions that humans can perpetrate on each other, but also the courage and kindness that come out during such dangerous and terrifying times, as Gabrielle and Ramsey have to figure out a way to escape France and get back to the safety of England. With the French Revolution as a backdrop, the story had plenty of suspense and danger, but there was also an intense and heated attraction between two people caught in a nightmare and clinging to the only good thing in sight. I loved how the conclusion wrapped up nicely. Since I couldn’t see how it could ever work out, I thought the author’s clever solution was delightful. I’m looking forward to seeing where this new series goes next, I’m sure there are lots of missions that will need to be carried out during that dangerous and terrible time.
My early copy of the book was received from NetGalley.
Galen’s captivating descriptions paint a picture of Paris during the French Revolution that just sucks you right into the time and place. Breath coming fast, heart pounding, blood racing – you won’t be able to put it down once you start reading.
I’d like to address one thing right from the start. I have read several reviews that complained that the romance wasn’t front and center in this book. I sort of thought so too – at first. Then, I thought about it awhile and realized that there can’t be anything much more romantic than a man braving the horror that was Paris during the revolution – because he wanted to keep a woman safe. Yes, there were other factors involved, but keeping her safe and protected was at the front of everything he did. So, to me the romance was as front and center as the intrigue and danger.
Lady Gabrielle McCullough is a childless widow who is now hounded by some very nasty creditors trying to collect on massive debt left by her gambling husband. She has no money and no way of paying these creditors – one of whom wants to sell her into prostitution to recoup his debt. Gabrielle turns to theft in order to stave them off and she has become a very adept lock picker and thief. When she is approached by the Scarlet Pimpernel to take on a rescue mission in Paris, she decides to do it.
Lord Sedgewick is living a lie and he’s being blackmailed to keep that lie a secret. His blackmailer is a sleazy lady with tentacles everywhere and she wants to know the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel. She tells Ramsey that she’ll turn over all of the incriminating documents to him if he will go to Paris and uncover the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Ramsey feels he doesn’t have a choice because the lives of his family, tenants and the local village depends on him.
Gabrielle and Ramsey are drawn to each other in the backdrop of the intrigue, suspense, danger and ghoulishness of the Reign Of Terror during the French Revolution. They learn to love and trust each other, but that love and trust are hard won because they are both very flawed individuals dealing with extremely stressful times. The descriptions of the streets of Paris, the prison conditions, the mob rule and blood thirst are so captivating that you will shiver with dread of what might come next. How can they survive this ordeal, escape Paris and stay in love? You’ll have to read it to see.
One thing I question is the reason for Gabrielle having to be responsible for her husband’s debt. Her husband was a viscount and he had no sons. So, some other male heir would have inherited the title and the debts along with it rather than the widow. That male heir would also have inherited responsibility for seeing after Gabrielle. Anyway – that didn’t really bother me because the story was so good – but – I did question it!
“I requested and received this 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.”
Just finished up this ARC. The hero and heroine (Ramsey and Gabrielle) are both flawed characters who find redemption in each other. Some secret agent intrigue, some French Revolution stuff, lots of passion and a very steamy love scene….what’s not to like?!
This review does not contain any spoilers.
The story opens in London, during the time of the Scarlet Pimpernel and his daring exploits in saving French emigre’s from the guillotine.
Our two main characters are Gabrielle, Lady McCollough and Ramsey, Lord Sedgwick.
Our heroine and anti-hero meet at a ball, which would be typical in a Regency romance, except for two tiny facts–they meet in the hostesses bedroom, and they are both trying to steal a very valuable necklace!
The story continues on a boat to France, with Gabrielle spying FOR the Scarlet Pimpernel, and Ramsey spying to unmask the Pimpernel’s identity, all while fighting their attraction to each other.
Questions abound;
Why do two aristocrats need to resort to thievery?
Will Lord Sedgwick find his inner hero before Gabrielle is introduced to Madame Guillotine?
Come along with Ms. Galen as she takes us on a thrill ride of adventure, intrigue and romance in Traitor in Her Arms.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review (less)
Shana Galen has done it again. Another amazing spy novel and incorporated the famous Scarlet Pimpernel into a breathing romance.
Ramsey Barnes, Lord Sedgwick had a secret which could destroy him. He wasn’t the rightful heir of Earl. When the old Earl died without an heir Ramsey knew the land and tenants would be harmed. So he found someone to forge the documents to make him the legal heir to Earl of Sedgwick.
A ruthless Madam find out his secret and used the information to blackmail Ramsey do her bidding and steal a Queen Cleopatra Lapis diamond necklace and find out the identity of The Scarlet Pimpernel.
Gabriella McCullough was trying to keep the creditors from taking everything she own. Her housekeeper taught her to become a thief. Gabriella used her skills to steal from the wealthy to pay the creditors. She went to Duchess party to steal the priceless diamond necklace. Only to find Ramsey there trying to find the necklace as well.
Gabriella had a secret too she worked for Scarlet Pimpernel and asked to go to France to save A countess and her daughter from being killed as a traitor to France.
Ramsey and Gabriella worked together and went France to find countess before they were killed by the guillotine. They traveled to France and encountered the worse of Paris during the Revolution.
During their travels they fall in love. But neither were willing to let their emotions come into play.
Gabriella was arrested and thrown into prison awaiting the guillotine. She found out Ramsey was supposedly signed her arrest warned. Ramsey was determined to save Gabriella even if it meant he was go to prison as a fraud.
Even though I’d read only one of Galen’s books, Sapphires are an Earl’s Best Friend, I knew I was in for a treat.
I know a book has been successful in teaching me something when I highlight certain terms and later look them up. Author Shana Galen has done her homework about the Reign of Terror. She paints an accurate and bleak picture of the life of its nobility, or perhaps better said, the destruction of it.
The guillotine was a despicable killing machine. In Paris alone, it is estimated between 2,600 to 3,000 people were beheaded by Madame Guillotine. An estimate of 17,000 people throughout France were beheaded, or as the people would say, so-and-so ‘sneezed into the basket’ or ‘poking through the window’. These terms are used in the story and they are historically accurate.
Scarlet Pimpernell is very much part of this story. I’m not sure he actually existed, but there is a novel written by Baroness Orczy, published in 1905 who speaks of an Englishman who rescues aristocrats from Madame Guillotine. Perhaps, he is legend. But in this story, he’s real.
I was transported to the fear and terror of that time. I could smell the people and filth of the streets, catacombs and sewers. I could feel the hatred of the common people for the gentry who represented the reason they had almost nothing.
With this backdrop, Lady Gabrielle McCullough, an English woman is also living in a situation she needs to escape. Her dead husband left her in debt and the creditors are demanding their due. She takes up thieving and is rather good at it. When she thinks she’s obtained a highly valued piece of jewelry, it is stolen from her by the only man who has had her heart flutter, Earl of Sedgwick.
The situation is quite comical even though it’s dangerous. Sedgwick is also a rather accomplished thief. It appears he has troubles of his own. He’s being blackmailed and needs the item to keep his secret, secret.
Sedgwick has always liked Gabrielle. In his own way, Sedgwick is honorable. I really enjoy this character. He’s honorable, yet is driven to do dishonorable things. In that direction, he accompanies Gabrielle to France. She’s there to save two aristocrats, a duke’s wife and daughter, a request by the duke and Scarlet Pimpernel himself. She must acquire a precious and most difficult-to-procure jewel for a warden in the prison, who then has promised to release the woman and child. But has she jumped from the frying pan in England into the fire in France?
In such a climate the streets were not safe. Gabrielle is relieved to have Sedgwick along. He has told her he isn’t trust worthy. So at what point does she find he may be trusted? This trip to France has not only changed the hero and heroine, it has given me a true insight into this catastrophic time in history.
I loved how the story began—with a scene we eventually get to with the telling of the tale. Galen repeated the scene. With the acquired backstory, the scene is now fully emotional and dreadful for me, making me amazingly sympathic. Excellent writing.
I liked the extremes of the story. Side-by-side, I experienced the evil of man, done out of revenge, the good of man to help people from certain death, the greed of man to better himself, and the selflessness of others.
Needless, to say, I love the way the events and environment were portrayed through Gabrielle and Ramsey’s journey. They were flawed, Ramsey more so than Gabrielle, yet noble in their actions. Can Gabrielle forgive Ramsey’s duplicity?
Galen keeps the story running at a fast clip. I was totally engaged with it all. The overall arc of the story is spot-on. I could not be more pleased with this read.
A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Shana Galen never disappoints so I am always happy to read a new book from her. The story of Lady Gabrielle McCullough and the Earl of Sedgwick interwoven with the drama of the French Revolution and the Scarlet Pimpernel took me on a wild ride through that period in history. I learned so much about what was happening during that time. It was shocking but gripping to read what people lived through and I was left in suspense as to how the story would unfold. I look forward to more books in The Scarlet Chronicles!
Wow!! pretty much sums up my feelings about this book. From the opening words, I lost myself in the story. The twists, the turns, passion, mystery, adventure and intrigue kept me flipping through the pages. At times, I found myself gasping. It was such a wild ride.
I was never one for history yet I was fascinated with the French Revolution. While this was not full of the glittery balls and rakes and debutantes that I am use to reading about, I was drawn into the story and did not want to put it down.
My heart was sad for Gabrielle and the life she had to turn to as she satisfied her deceased husband’s debts. Ramsey has his own burden to bear and also turn to a life of thieving. Together, their chemistry was sizzling. And then there is Scarlet Pimpernel. The name alone should bring a smile to you.
I highly recommend this adventurous tale.
This is a well written, passionate, sometimes difficult to read story set during the Paris Reign of Terror of the French Revolution. It’s an interesting take on the Scarlet Pimpernel, the “Robin Hood” of rescuing nobility out of Paris from under the judgment of the guillotine.
Viscountess Gabrielle McCullough, widow of Ramsey’s best friend George, and Lord Ramsey Barnes, Earl of Sedgwick, meet once again in the most unexpected place, the bedroom of a duchess during a ball. Both thieves after the same necklace, even if they hold titles. Gabrielle is a widow in a great deal of debt thanks to her late husband’s gambling and Ramsey is being blackmailed! Oh the things one will do when desperate! And so we begin a twisted tale of rescue, redemption and reward with the violence of Paris in the mix. I now know why I’ve avoided reading this period in history. The Reign of Terror was truly horrible and difficult to read for me. BUT I adored the telling of Gabrielle’s bravery, Ramsey’s awakening to his true character even if it surprises him and the intricate maze of rescues. This clues you into Ramsey: “He really did want to leave her alone. Forever. Every time they crossed paths he became more and more entangled. He didn’t know why. It wasn’t as though she was charming or pleasant. But she was beautiful and seductive as hell. Damn it!” Chapter 7
Shana tells a very believable tale of the legend of the Scarlet Pimpernel and who two desperate individuals help others even more disparate than themselves. Thank you for the ARC of this fabulous story!
When I read Historical Romance, I have things I MUST have and Shana Galen provides my prerequisites and then some. I loved this book and can’t wait to read it again.
I have been a Shana fan for some time. While I have always liked her books, I keep feeling like she is becoming a better story teller. A better writer.
Her writing is wonderful.
I loved Traitor. What a great story. You cannot really be sure of so much until the very end.
I loved it and I hope you will too.
After her late husband leaves her in debt to some dangerous people particularly Mr Pin, Lady Gabrielle McCullough is forced to become a thief. In the intervening years, her skills have not gone unnoticed. After being recruited by the Scarlet Pimpernel, Gabrielle crosses the Channel for the most daring mission of her life to steal the White Sapphire. Accompanying her is the Earl of Sedgwick, a thief in his own right and on his own mission.
Ramsey Barnes would not say he is an honourable man. His whole life has been based on a lie. Although it pains him to deceive Gabrielle, he’s working toward an altogether different objective: unmasking the Scarlet Pimpernel. If Ramsey fails, his blackmailer Madame Fouchet will ruin him.
This story captured me from the first couple of pages & I was hooked, the plot is fast & never lets up. The picture created of Paris in the time of the Terror is graphically real & had me shuddering at times & I was so caught up in the plot that I was running along with Ramsey & Gabrielle. Gabrielle & Ramsey have depth of character & are both very likeable. Ramsey is a scoundrel but his reasons for his actions are understandable even if I couldn’t condone them. I loved the Scarlet Pimpernel aspect, as I loved the book & of course David Niven will forever be the pimpernel in my mind’s eye. I hope there are more books in the series. If you want just a simple romance then this may not be the book for you but if you want adventure, blackmail, treachery plus romance than I’d strongly recommend the book – you won’t be disappointed. This is definitely a keeper & one to reread.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another great book in the series! The author’s descriptions of the French Revelation does a great job setting the background for the story. The book combines history and romance together. I really liked the characters and how their past history affects their interactions in the story. It is a well written book and defines must read!
Out of the three books I’ve read from this series, this is the only one that feels the most like a typical romance novel. Yes, there are still frightening images of the French Revolution, but they almost seem to take a back seat to the budding love story. Because of that, I feel like this could almost be a stand-alone book rather than part of the entire series.
I enjoyed the back and forth of the main characters, and the resourcefulness they showed when faced with bleak odds. The story was pretty non-stop with both action, and romance – making it hard to put down. A great read, either on its own or as part of the series.
Shana Galen is the master of the Regency spy storyline,. Although this tale does not quite have a spy storyline, it is close. The author gives us a taste of the end of the book in the beginning so we know the heroine, Gabrielle is in trouble. Just who is Ramsey? How does he figure into her predicament? What does the Scarlet Pimpernel have to do with it? All of these questions and more are answered as you read this fast paced book, full of action, danger, intrigue, and more than a few villains. Ms. Galen keeps the reader guessing until the very end when we finally have a resolution. I love books like this where the ending is not easily figured out by mid book. Great reading!
Not my favorite, but a series might be interesting
An outstanding book that goes on my reread list. The story stays with you.