He’s a rebel… of Terror, he inadvertently steps into a trap laid by the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel and orchestrated by the lovely Alexandra Martin. Tristan is no one’s pawn, but he thinks by playing along, he might be able to give his superiors information leading to the capture of the League. He could end the Pimpernel’s antics once and for all. There’s just one problem—no matter how much Tristan despises Alexandra, he can’t quite stop wanting her.
She has a cause.
Alexandra Martin is an Englishwoman who’s has been playing the part of a French actress for years. It’s a clever cover for her real role as a member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Alex usually works in the background, but when she manages to snare one of the most important men in Robespierre’s government, she’s risking it all. So begins a harrowing adventure where Alex’s most vile enemy must become her most trusted ally. The fate of a young prince hangs in the balance as two clashing rebels discover enemies sometimes make the best lovers.
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Tristian Chevalier hates the “ancien regime” with good reason, a despicable noble ruined his life and killed his family. So he was eager to join the Revolution and is personal secretary to Robespierre – but lately Tristian has had doubts, the people are still starving and Robespierre seems more interested in gaining power than in healing the country. Tristian makes a very difficult decision that will change his life in ways he could never imagine, he copies letters by Robespierre that wrote, that prove his only concern is power and Tristian gives those copies to a man he only knows as Citoyen Allie – a man he believes can stop Robespierre. But what he realizes too late is Citoyen Allie will use those letters to blackmail Tristian and force him to turn traitor.
Alexandra “Alex” Martin is a member of the Scarlet Pimpernel’s League, she is English, but has lived in Paris for years, working as an actress and joining the league to make a difference. She is not thrilled that the Pimpernel has forced Tristian into helping them – she is sure that he will betray them. But she follows her orders. There is no doubt she is attracted to Tristian, but she doesn’t trust him or even like him.
Tristian is angry, but sees no way out of this mess that will not lead to his death. He meets with the members of the league and is disgusted to learn most of them are nobles. He ends up spending a lot of time with Alex and grudgingly admires her and is even more grudgingly attracted to her. He thinks their plan is doomed and resists at every turn. But once he ventures to the see the young king and is shocked and appalled that the young boy is being treated so poorly, his resolve to bring down the league begins to crumble.
He tries to sort through his feelings and Alex becomes less of an enemy and more of a confidant, he tells her thinks that he has never told a soul. They grow closer and their relationship shifts from enemies to lovers. But much like the league’s plan to rescue the king – he knows their relationship is doomed to end in heartache and most likely death.
This was a well written, riveting tale and while it is a completely fictional story, the details describing the atmosphere in Paris are well done and based in fact. The relationship between Tristian and Alex changes gradually and is believably paced, once they become lovers the steam factor is amped up and you can’t help but hope for the impossible for them. This is the fourth book in the series and I would recommend reading them in order or at the very least reading the previous book [book:Taken by the Rake|43193684]before delving into this one.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
Author Shana Galen has taken the French Reign of Terror, wrapped it in a bow and called it her own. The research is impeccable, the writing is superb and the characters – both male and female – are heroic. Here is a warning though – before you start to read, be sure you have taken care of your personal needs, have plenty of snacks and drinks beside your reading chair and maybe a comfy, snug blanket to wrap up in – because – you will not be able to put the book down once you start reading.
Both the king and queen are dead, their daughter was rescued from the tower in the last book and now, it is time to rescue the young eight-year-old Louis Charles, the new king. He has been horribly abused, he is living in his own filth, he’s emaciated and very sickly. The Pimpernels have to get him out soon or there won’t be any point. Security around Louis Charles’ tower cell is impenetrable and there is no way the Pimpernels can gain entry to rescue him without someone on the inside of the regime helping them.
Tristan Chevalier hates aristos with his entire being. He doesn’t believe any of them have even one redeeming quality. That is one of the main reasons he joined the revolution. Oh, he wanted freedom and equality, but more than anything he wanted revenge against the man who destroyed his family. However, now that Robespierre’s bloodthirst has caused untold thousands of executions, Tristan is having doubts. He still wants the freedom and equality, but he’s seeing that the citizens are neither free nor equal under Robespierre. When he is approached by Citoyen Allie, he reluctantly agrees to turn over documents that will show Robespierre’s perfidy and bring his Reign of Terror to an end. He’s still staunchly loyal to France – just not to Robespierre. He’s also just fallen into the trap set by the Pimpernel’s – and he isn’t going to like what he learns.
We’ve met Alexandra Martin in the previous books. She is an actress, she’s smart, clever, and skilled at both acting and disguises. She believes in the work the Pimpernels are doing with all her heart and she’ll give her life to save any of her fellow members. Alex’s role is usually in the background – using her talents with costumes and make-up to disguise the other members for their various missions. She’s also the ‘visible’ one – the one who openly mixes with the population (as an actress) and who openly rents the safe-house, etc. However, Alex has a new mission that is most definitely not behind-the-scenes. She is to ensnare Robespierre’s second – Tristan Chevalier and convince him to help them rescue Louis Charles.
I absolutely loved both Alex and Tristan. They were a wonderful couple who vehemently fought their attraction every step of the way. Alex’s dedication to the cause was visible in everything she did and I admired her loyalty. I also loved that Tristan wasn’t a pushover – you wondered to the very end if he’d betray the Pimpernel’s – even at the cost of his own life. It is a pure, unadulterated, edge-of-the-seat read.
This is definitely a five-star read, but I would say that I’d love it if there were an Author’s Note section that fills in some of the real history with which the author took poetic license.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.3/5
Another good story for this exciting series centering around a man who yearns for justice and vengeance but finds himself disillusioned with the powers-that-be behind the French Revolution and a spy who would give her life to save those she can.
Tristan & Alex are passionate souls who find that they have more in common than they thought and might just be my favorite couple from this series so far. Alex especially is a stand-out heroine with her bravery, her never-give-up attitude and her push to be seen as an equal to her fellow spies. While Tristan, who is dealing with some traumatic events from his own life, must learn that love means allowing Alex in as an equal and that it’s OK to be vulnerable with the one you love.
A good balance of action and romance with some extra spicy love scenes thrown in as well. Very nicely done.
TO TEMPT A REBEL, the fourth book in the Scarlet Chronicles Series by Shana Galen, continues the saga of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. This time, however, there is a twist. The League needs the help of a very high-ranking rebel in order to rescue the young Prince of France who was orphaned when his parents were killed by the revolutionists.
Alexandra Martin, an Englishwoman who, at the request of the Scarlet Pimpernel, is living in France as a French actress while she helps the League in the background with their various missions. Alex, however, takes the helm of the plan to rescue the young Prince who is imprisoned by the rebels and living in terrible conditions.
Tristan Chevalier, Robespierre’s Second, is finding himself becoming disillusioned by the revolution as he begins to realize that Robespierre’s Reign of Terror was no better than that of the previous regime. Still loyal despite his doubts, when he falls into a trap set by Alex, he sees it as a chance to get information on the League and send it back to the Rebels. Somewhere in the mist of of the double intrigue, however, Tristan and Alex find themselves falling for each other. Can they each carry out their separate mission with this raging attraction between them?
As Always, Shana Galen has masterfully crafted a complex, fast paced plot, with numerous fascinating twists and turns. The two wonderfully written main characters, playing off each other for the good of their own, separate causes, are especially delightful. The constant sexual tension drawing them together is perfectly intertwined with their opposing alliances that are keeping them apart.
The Scarlet Chronicles is proving to be a wonderful series due to Galen’s masterful storytelling and meticulous attention to detail when it comes to the history involved. It is very easy for the reader to be swept away to France during the turmoil of the revolution. To Tempt a Rebel, another five-star read, is the best of the series yet. I can’t wait to see what delightful stories are still coming our way!
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
The ultimate enemies to lovers! At the height of the Reign of Terror, Alexandra Martin is part of the League of the Scarlett Pimpernel and Tristan Chevalier works for Robespierre: Royalist vs Revolutionary and traitor vs traitor!
I’ve loved Alex’s spirit and capability from the beginning and have been eagerly waiting for her story. Never did I imagine it would be so amazing! By far my favorite of the series, To Tempt a Rebel provides a look at both sides of the revolution as France descends ever deeper into madness and terror. Shana Galen does such a wonderful job of balancing the actual history of the revolution with the suspense of her version of the League and their most dangerous mission yet while still creating a love story that will make you melt.
If this is the end of the League it’s a fantastic end but I’m holding out hope for Dewhurst and Ffoulkes to get their HEAs!
Tristian Chevelier joined the brotherhood to fight for equality, liberty and justice for French citizens.
Working for years as Robespierre’s 2nd in command it was his job to maintain order and justice for the French.
Until Robespierre “Reign of Terror” wanting power and riots to stay in charged of Paris.
Tristian realized he needed to do something to help the straving citizens of Paris. Using information he had against Robespierre he met with informant named Allie who was going to help end the terror.
Unknown to Tristian it was trap set by the League to get his help to save The Dauphin and get the little King out of France to safety.
Alexandra Martin worked as an actress professing in Paris as a cover for her work the League. Her job was to get close to Chevelier and convince him to help rescue The Dauphin
The League needed Chevelier’s credentials to get into the palace to get Dauphin out. Chevelier didnt believe he should rescued. Alex needed to convince Tristian to go visit the prison and find out who Dauphin was being treated.
Tristian visit to the palace changed everything he thought was right and justice under Robespierre rule. He knew after seeing the conditions Dauphin was living in things to change.
With Tristian and Leagues knowledge of palace working to save the Daiphin.
While working Tristian and Alex found the love they both were denied they whole life.
Another great book about the French Revolution! In this one, Alexandra (Alex) Martin, actress and British spy manages to meet Citoyen Tristan Chevalier at the theatre where he threatened to close it if they dared put on Julius Caesar. He was a printer prior to the revolution and now does Robespierre’s dirty work. Alex knew the play was not allowed, but she needed to meet him for her current mission, fully aware that he’s good at threats. He’s also intelligent, making him more dangerous and not easily corrupted.
Tristan thinks Robespierre has become a radical fanatic. People are starving in the streets and Robespierre wants to behead them. He meets with a Citoyen Allie to give him papers to help get rid of Robespierre. Alex manipulates him into helping them. He’s attracted to her but will easily put her in prison if he can. He visits the boy king and is appalled at where he is in prison and how thin and cold the child was. He agrees to meet with Alex and her friends.
Was the child king rescued? Did they escape Paris safely? Read this wonderful book and find out. It’s a great series! I highly recommend it.
I enjoyed reading To Tempt a Rebel which is the 4th book in The Scarlet Chronicles series by Shana Galen. It was interesting to see the French Revolution from the side of a revolutionary. This novel was full of the edge of my seat adventures I expected and I loved the evolution of the hero but there were also funny parts with the interactions between all of the characters. I’m looking forward to more great reads from Shana Galen.
Tristan is disillusioned with Robespierre and the revolution. Alexander is tasked to get him to work with the Scarlet Pimpernel in their goals to thwart Robespierre. This is another page turning saga in this movie most enjoyable series. The twists and turns in the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. The detailed descriptions of the settings and characters fills the mind and activates all your senses. Alex and Tristan sparks fireworks in and out of the bedroom and realize that their goals are not that different. The other characters are as vital as ever to the substance of the story and leaves you wanting and waiting to see when they will also get their happy endings.
I enjoyed this story, it was wonderful. The characters were very likeable.
English born actress Alexandra Martin has become a well-known figure on the Paris stage and has managed to retain her position throughout the turbulent times of the French Revolution. Her cover allows her to work with the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel to smuggle French nobles to safety during Robespierre’s Reign of Terror. For her latest mission, Alex has been tasked with getting close to Robespierre’s right hand man, Tristan Chevalier. If there is any hope of saving the young prince, the Pimpernel’s ultimate goal, she must turn Chevalier into an ally for her cause.
Tristan Chevalier joined the revolution because he believed in its core values, but he has become increasingly disillusioned with the violent and bloody turn it has taken and he has decided to try to put a stop to Robespierre and his Reign of Terror. However, in doing so Tristan falls right into the trap Alex has set for him.
Tristan now has the opportunity to, rather than bend to the Pimpernel’s blackmail, expose the entire League by playing along. However, though he loathes her, he is also immensely attracted to the pixie-like Alex. He cannot fathom his reaction to her and has to keep reminding himself that his attempts to get into her good graces are all pretend, and yet his desire is very real. Tristan finds himself admiring Alex, despite the fact that she is a royalist sympathizer and he loathes her cause. As Alex opens Tristan’s eyes to the reality of the violence and fear that cloaks Paris, he is forced to examine of the reality of the revolution and begins to see that it no longer reflects the ideals he believes in. But is this knowledge enough to make Tristan turn traitor against his own country and the revolution he helped create?
Unlike the other books of this series thus far, out hero this time around stands on the opposite side of the Revolution from the League. He hates the aristocracy the League is trying to help, as aristocrats were responsible for the deaths of his family. Tristan is definitely a tortured hero, almost a bit of an antihero at times, but his reasoning was very understandable, as was his inner turmoil and devotion to the ideals of a revolution that has now become corrupted. This installment was very unique in that I don’t believe I’ve ever read a French Revolution set book that features a hero who is not from the aristocracy. This book provides a take on the Revolution from the perspective of not only a common man, but also that of a character who is on the incendiary side of the revolution.
Though part of a series, this can be enjoyed as a standalone, although it may spoil its predecessor for you a bit.
I tore through this book in just one day. I couldn’t put it down and I loved it. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
To Tempt A Rebel is the fourth book in Shana Galen’s Scarlet Chronicle series. Ms. Galen’s strong descriptive voice shines in this suspense-filled novel. The author transports the reader to the streets of Paris and the corridors of Temple Prison during the French Revolution. I could feel the tension between the rebels and the aristocrats and became immersed in the League of Scarlet Pimpernel plan to rescue young Louis Charles, the King of France. The novel is rich in historical detail and Ms. Galen is able to blend intrigue and romance in a novel set in the French Revolution. I loved the passion that developed between actress and spy Alexandra Martin and patriot Tristan Chevalier. It was the perfect enemies to lovers romance; a perfect blend of great chemistry and sexual desire.
I enjoyed Ms. Galen’s To Tempt A Rebel – the characters, setting and the plan to rescue the child king kept me reading. I am enjoying this series-it’s original, superbly written and the characters believe in their mission. I am looking forward to reading Dewhurst and Ffoukes adventures.
4th book in the Scarlet Chronicles, a telling of the legend of the Scarlet Pimpernel set during the French Reign of Terror. This story tells of the escape of the Dauphin Louis-Charles, son of Louis XVI. He’s now the King Louis XVII as his parents have been assassinated by Madame Guillotine.
Tristan Chevalier is the secretary to Robespierre making him a very powerful man in the new regime. He was the son of a printer and knew Robespierre in his youth. The Duc du Merignac and his sons violated and killed Tristan’s family after his dad published some pamphlets the Duc didn’t like. This set Tristan on the road to vengeance against the nobility. The League set out to blackmail Tristan into helping them get to Louis-Charles now in isolation in the Tower and free him. Tristan has become disillusioned with the revolution since it’s turned to gaining Robespierre more power through continued killing. Alexandra “Alex” Martin is an English actress working with the league to free innocents from death. She is the one the league uses in the hopes of gaining Tristen’s help for Louis-Charles, a child who is being beaten and horribly mistreated by his captors. Once Tristan actually visits the prison and sees him, he finds his heart broken.
This was an extremely difficult story to tell. Tristan and Alex hate each other for having very different political loyalties. I wasn’t sure how Shana was going to gain Tristan’s sympathy for the plight of Louis-Charles either. Somehow she did the impossible and we got Louis-Charles out of France and Tristan and Alex safely to England as a happy couple. ~A copy of this story was provided for my honest and voluntary review.
Of all the books in this series, this one was the hardest for me to read as there were many, many triggers. Despite that, I enjoyed the book very much.
The characters have grown over the series, none more than Alex Martin – the heroine of this story. The plucky actress puts her heart and soul into everything she does, including her work for the Scarlet Pimpernel. Tristan Chevalier is a man of strong convictions who is becoming disillusioned with the state of the current ‘government’ in France. His story is heartbreaking, and it takes Alex’s unwavering support to show him how to do the right thing.
Overall this has been an exciting series to read. It’s different from the usual historical romance, and I think it should be on every TBR list.
This is my favorite one in the series so far! Tristan is the second to Robespierre, the leader of the revolution, but he feels that the revolution has gone too far and is looking for a way to stop him. Alex is an actress who is part of the league of the Scarlet Pimpernel. They blackmail Tristan into helping them rescue the young king who is being held in a tower under awful conditions. At first Tristan is angry and plans on turning them in but eventually sees that they are doing the right thing and he and Alex fall in love along the way.
The thing I like most about this series is the adventure. They are always on the run, in hiding and carrying out daring plans. I am very worried about Dewhurst and although I’m looking forward to Ffoulkes and Mackenzie’s stories, I am most looking forward to Dewhurst’s.
5 Stars!! Such a great book! Can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the whole series! Why did I never know how bloody and awful the French Revolution was?! I learned a lot reading this series, more than I did in school! Now I’m looking into learning more about it, it sounds so interesting! I really want to continue reading about these characters that I’ve been reading about in this series!! What happens to everyone!?!!? I NEED to know!! This is a fan-freakin-tastic book & so is the series! Highly Recommended!!
*I received this book at no charge from the publisher.*
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions. To Tempt a Rebel is Shana Galen’s fourth instalment in the Scarlet Chronicles. Ms. Galen sure knows how to ensnare the reader with a “mismatched” couple such as Tristan Chevalier, Robespierre’s second and Alexandra Martin, an agent of the Pimpernel.
Tristan’s past motivated him to fight for the values all revolutionaries wanted – liberty, equality and brotherhood – after suffering grievances by members of the Ancient Régime. However, ever since Tristan started looking deeply into the situation in Paris, he became sceptical about the revolutionaries’ ideals. Where they really looking for a better France, or were higher members driven by greed and vengeance? In a rash moment, Tristan finds himself as a pawn in the hands of the Pimpernel and his agents. Thus, he pretends to go along with the agents’ demands – if he manages to help apprehend the Pimpernel, he will surely get back in Robespierre’s good graces once the whole mishap comes to light. He didn’t counter Alexandra Martin, Alex, who aids the Pimpernel by night while working the stage by day. Ms. Galen is to be commended. The characters are strong opponents who wouldn’t have had a chance to build a relationship on any time of day. The circumstances Ms. Galen brilliantly creates, trust the characters in proximity. The more time they spend together, and subsequently other agents, the more doubts Tristan has on the appropriateness of this revolution. Should he stay true to his cause and destroy his so-called enemies, or should he help save a young boy and possibly, the agents’ lives?
When Tristan Chevalier joined the French revolutionaries to fight for brotherhood, equality, and liberty, he was full of hopes and dreams of what the revolution could accomplish. But after several years of serving as the bloodthirsty Robespierre’s second, Tristan is having doubts.
Alexandra Martin is an Englishwoman who’s has been playing the part of a French actress for years. It’s a clever cover for her real role as a member of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Alex usually works in the background, but when she manages to snare one of the most important men in Robespierre’s government, she’s risking it all.
This book is the fourth in the series & yes it could be read on its own but this series is so brilliant that I highly recommend reading from the start. I loved absolutely everything about this book, the characters & the story. Another extremely well written book that I devoured it was just brilliant. Engrossing, captivating enthralling just WOW. I do so hope the other members of the League have their stories & I much prefer the author’s take on history.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The League of the Scarlet Pimpernel needs Robespierre’s secretary, Tristan Chevalier, to successfully complete their mission; he is privy to information that no one else possesses. The future king of France must be rescued and Tristan’s help is vital. Tristan joined the revolutionaries because he despises the aristocracy, but as time goes by, it becomes clear to him that the new leaders are no better than the hated nobles. Tristan would never willingly betray his country, but when he forcibly joins the League, they leave him little choice but to comply. English actress Alexandra Martin, who works for the Pimpernel, presents him with arguments he is in no position to contest. They hardly agree on anything, they must depend on each other, but how does trust fit into the equation?
The fourth installment of The Scarlet Chronicles is an honest to goodness spy thriller, and I couldn’t be any happier! Everyone knows that Shana Galen can spin a tale like no other historical romance author, but with TO TEMPT A REBEL, she has outdone herself big time. Her painstaking research combined with her legendary descriptive abilities make Paris during the Revolution truly come alive. Tristan is the most complex and fascinating character she has ever written. He is tormented by his past, he wants to see the aristocracy vanquished, but in doing so has he lost a part of himself?
Alex finds Tristan appealing but abhors his political leanings, and he feels the same way towards her. He is mesmerised by her gumption, but in truth, he also fears what she could do to him. The spy story was so exhilarating that I was hoping the romance would not spoil it. The romance succeeds because it happens gradually, and many factors come into play. It takes an enormous amount of talent to weave a believable romance into a spy thriller, and Shana Galen did it again with her unmistakable flair!
Set during the French Revolution in Paris, Alexandra Martin has been playing the part of a French actress and helping the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel to rescue aristocrats and others imprisoned by Robespierre and his Reign of Terror. The League manages to trap Tristan Chevalier, Robespierre’s secretary, into helping them on a very important mission. Of course Tristan thinks he’ll play along and then turn the League in, except the longer he works with them, especially Alex, he begins to rethink his loyalties. Tristan had a good reason for hating the aristos, one of them treated him and his family horrifically before killing his parents and sister, but he begins to realize that he shouldn’t condemn everyone due to one evil man’s actions. As Alex spends more time with the enemy revolutionist, the more she begins to trust him, especially once the kissing starts. Once again, the hero of the story was pretty unlikely and I didn’t see how the League was going to change his thinking, or how he was going to become someone Alexandra could love, but risking your life through terrible danger has a way of making one realize what and who is important. There was such suspense as the deadly dangerous rescue mission is planned and executed, what a relief to have the happily ever after that everyone deserved. (Except for Dewhurst, we all need to find out what happened to him.)