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 traveling 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!

If you are looking for a passionate, suspenseful historical novel—TRAITOR IN HER ARMS is the book for you!