Author: A.C. Gaughen (Page 1 of 2)

Lion Heart (Scarlet #3)
by A.C. Gaughen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Only the greatest loves can survive great danger. . .

Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire. After a daring escape, she learns that King Richard's life is in jeopardy, and Eleanor of Aquitaine needs Scarlet's help to free him. For a lifelong thief, this newfound allegiance to the crown-her family-is a strange feeling.

Scarlet knows that helping Eleanor will put her and those she loves back in Prince John's sights. Desperate not to risk anyone's life but her own, Scarlet formulates a plan to help save the king on her own. But fate-and her heart-won't allow her to stay away from Nottinghamshire for long. Even if Scarlet and Rob can together stop Prince John from going through with his dark plans for England, will their love be enough to save them once and for all?

Review:

I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the friends I had found in these pages.  Whether it was the side characters, who I surprisingly teared up for more than once, or Rob and Scar, they all stood out and became unforgettable.  Each of them helped make this trilogy my favorite retelling of Robin Hood ever!  But I do have a warning, that ending left me wanting so much more!  But regardless of the ending, if you’re looking for a series that is filled with action, adventure, love, honor, and friendship then this is your book!

He drew a breath and closed his eyes, his throat working. “There are a million ways this can end badly, Scar.”
I nodded.  “There always were.”

We started out the story with Scar in prison, guarded by a new character David.  Let it be known, that I absolutely adored David!  He accompanied Scar on her journey, after her escape from Prince John’s imprisonment, and his interaction with another character had he laughing so hard!  The banter between David and this other character, who shall not be named, made me feel as though they were falling for each other.  But their conflicts, banter, and secret moments were left unanswered.  And I so wish that it would have been explained and touched upon.

Ruin. Ruin were all around me, and I couldn’t stop it none. I brought it to me like I were calling it down from the sky.

But as their journey progressed, something was blatantly missing.  Rob.  My heart ached for Rob and Scar to meet up and be back together again!  I just wanted them to have another kiss, another stolen moment, another time where they could be happy.  And ohhhhhh what I got was SO much more than I ever could have wanted.  I was beyond ecstatic with how Scar and Rob’s love transformed and those scenes were definitely my favorite moments in this book.  Both of them were brave, fearless when needed, and brought so much good into the world that they deserved each other.  They were the best pairing I have ever seen in a Robin Hood story!

And then he kissed me, and stars flooded through me, glittering and dancing and heating me with their fire as he pulled me to shore. He pulled me up onto the rock, and he kissed me until it were dark.

But even though this is my favorite Robin Hood retelling, and I loved Rob and Scar together, that ending left so much to be desired for.  It felt as though it was rushed, and I was left wanting more resolutions.  Repercussions I wanted handed out didn’t exist, and I was left feeling a little nervous over Rob and Scar’s future.  And then there was a death that was lost in the shuffle, which made me so very sad.  So I closed this book feeling utterly conflicted.  Because Lion Heart was a solid 5 until those last few chapters.

The pains in our love were never far below the surface, like the blood in the bruises they left.

Saying all of that, this series was still phenomenal.  It had a kick ass heroine, a sexy as sin hero, and action that dropped my stomach!  These books were so much fun!  Yet if you’re like me and prefer your endings a little bit more tied up, then just proceed cautiously.  Because knowing what I know now, I’d still read this series all over again!

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
Scarlet #1 Reviews: Jen Chelsea Anna	Lady Thief #2 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Lion Heart #3 Reviews: Jen Chelsea

Lady Thief (Scarlet #2)
by A.C. Gaughen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Scarlet's true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet's love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet's past even she isn't yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman-a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin's cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet's tale will have readers talking once again.

Review:

I have a confession. *deep breath* Lady Thief has become my favorite retelling of Robin Hood.  Ever.  I’m so sorry movies I’ve watched countless times, but this book was absolutely perfect.  But the funny thing is, I started out oh so cautious.  I was beyond nervous that the love triangle would make a reappearance, but thankfully it’s long gone.  In its place are far more sinister things to try to keep Rob and Scar apart, like torturous nightmares and a deranged husband.  Those only added to the list of reasons why I fell so hard for this book.  And here are the rest –

✮ A brave, almost fearless heroine!

“Hurt me if you want, but I’ve felt pain. I know what pain is. And it’s less than love, than loyalty, than hope. You can make me cry, or scream, or whatever else. All that will mean is that I feel the pain, that I’m still alive. And as long as I’m living I can promise I’m not afraid of you, Gisbourne. I’m afraid of sitting quiet while the people that are meant to protect others do their best to hurt them. I’m afraid of people like you and Prince John going by unchecked. That’s what I’m afraid of. I’m stronger than your damn pain, and I do not give up.”

As I said in the first book’s review, it’s a breath of fresh air that Rob, aka Robin Hood, is with a woman that’s his equal!  Scarlet was resourceful, clever, and put herself out there not only to give the townspeople a better life but also to try and give her and Rob a happily ever after.  Her heart and mind always led her on the path to protect others.  Even knowing that she could be the one who had to suffer the consequences.

✮ A book boyfriend that is a true hero.

“These schemes may benefit the people, Scarlet, but I fight for you.” His hands squeezed my waist a little bit, and it made my blood run fast. “I will always fight for you.”

No matter the horrors that Rob had to face, he always fell back into that hero position.  Whether he was the shadow that appeared to help Scar in a situation to protect a child or by trying to win a title against men in power, he was a true hero.  But the way he tried to protect and love Scar shined the brightest to me.  It quickened my heartbeat and made me want to curl into a happy little ball.  I desperately wanted more of those moments.

✮ Side characters who warm your heart with their friendship and loyalty.  John, Mulch and a few new characters that were introduced added the support and commodore that Rob and Scar deserved.  It helped knowing that they had others, besides one another, to help them along the way.  And at times they offered lightheartedness and smiles that were much needed.

✮ Villains who earned their name and then some.

I twisted the gold band on my finger, hating it anew. My time had run out, and my husband were returning to Nottinghamshire.

I thought I only had to be concerned about Gisbourne, but I was dead wrong.  We met an even more sinister man than him.  And between the two of them, I was constantly fearful for Scar and everyone else’s safety!  They didn’t hold back when their wrath was palpable.  Just look to the next point to learn more……

✮ Peril that will gut you like Scarlet’s knife.

“Don’t die, Scar. He doesn’t come back from this if you die.” – Much to Scar

I wasn’t prepared.  Not at all.  Even after learning about the board that was used on Rob, I still didn’t believe things could escalate to the level that they did.  After the scenes had passed, I stared at my kindle in horror.  Yes, nauseating horror rolled around inside of me.  I’m still in shock that some things happened!  But I’m also in awe that Lady Thief was that intense. 

✮ Mystery that appears as tiny little drops of clues that I wanted to crush together to discover the truth.

There were quite a few mysteries in Lady Thief, and I loved every moment of trying to figure them out.  Whether it was the motives of the new characters we met or even the old ones we knew so well, there was always something to analyze.  And I have to say I knew it in regards to Scar!!  And that is all, muahaha.

His arms began to loosen, but I fast whispered, “Kiss me, Rob.”

For Scar and Rob, it seems as though no amount of good can ever come into their lives without the bad.  And after that ending, I’m desperate to see what will happen next.  But till then, just know that Lady Thief was cry worthy, sigh inducing, thrilling, horrifying and epic.  Now I’m off to the final book, and I’m beyond nervous!

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
Scarlet #1 Reviews: Jen Chelsea Anna	Lady Thief #2 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Lion Heart #3 Reviews: Jen Chelsea

Scarlet (Scarlet #1)
by A.C. Gaughen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Posing as one of Robin Hood's thieves to avoid the evil Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only Big John and Robin Hood know the truth-that the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. It's getting harder to hide as Gisbourne's camp seeks to find Scarlet and drive Robin Hood out of Nottinghamshire.

But Scarlet's instinct for self-preservation is at war with a strong sense of responsibility to the people who took her in when she was on the run, and she finds it's not so easy to turn her back on her band and townspeople. As Gisbourne draws closer to Scarlet and puts innocent lives at risk, she must decide how much the people of Nottinghamshire mean to her, especially John Little, a flirtatious fellow outlaw, and Robin, whose quick smiles and temper have the rare power to unsettle Scarlet. Full of exciting action, secrets, and romance, this imaginative retelling of the classic tale will have readers following every move of Robin Hood and band of thieves.

Review:

Scarlet was an adventurous story that was filled to the brim with excitement and hardships at many turns.  I was a little nervous stepping into a book that contained characters that I hold near and dear to my heart, but I loved how Scarlet felt familiar yet was uniquely different at the same time!  While I did have some issues with a love triangle, I can’t wait to see what happens with the rest of this trilogy.  Especially after that fabulous life and death ending!

I swallowed. “We watch each others’ backs.”
He nodded. “Precisely.”

One of my favorite changes to this story is the addition of a female in Robin Hood’s group.  She goes by Will Scarlet, or Scar as their little band call her.  The majority of the townspeople believe that she is a boy, but a select few know her secret.  And it was so much fun seeing the female being painted as the thief within their group!  As someone who loves females with a backbone and can stand on their own, I was ecstatic with Robin Hood’s possible love interest.  In the previous stories, Robin Hood was always paired with a woman who needs to be rescued or taken care of, which always bothered me.  Robin Hood deserves a fighter, a woman who can be his equal and stand by his side!  And while Scarlet is that woman, there’s one small problem.  She really isn’t his.

“…..if you stay, I’ll keep you safe as best I can.” – Rob to Scar

And here lies my struggle with this book and Scarlet.  She tested my patience time and time again by showing interest in both John (aka John Little) and Rob (aka Robin Hood).  I felt as though she toyed with them throughout the story.  BUT toy isn’t the correct word because she is only 18 and doesn’t have any experience with love or relationships.  Yet I was left feeling as though I wanted to shake her while yelling at her to make up her mind.  But I still liked Scarlet because her heart was in the right place so many times.  Not only by protecting the townspeople, but her little group too.  She put her life on the line for so many of them again and again, which made for some amazing perilous situations.

He caught my wrist before I were full out the door. “Scar,” he said, rough, like rocks were running over his tongue. “I have done so many unforgivable things in my life. Don’t let failing to save you be another.”

And while I’m talking about struggles, some may have a few issues with the writing.  But please know that I absolutely adored the way this story was written!  I easily adapted into how the words came across, and it seemed like a unique mix of past, present, and dialect that would easily be found from that time period.

He pressed my cheek with the cloth again, and then his hand touched my cheek, hot after the cold water. “I hate seeing you hurt.”
The air whooshed from my chest but I rolled my eyes ’stead of letting on. “No one gets all bent up over John being bruised.”
He stepped back, looking into my eyes. I felt like my eyes were unprotected without my hat.
“Scar, you walked in here covered in blood. You don’t see how that would upset us?”
“No.”
He caught my chin in his fingers. “Like it or not, Scar, we’re your friends. We care about you. I care about you.”

You know what else I loved?  Rob!  He was quiet yet powerful, and he had a heart of gold.  He tried so hard to take care of others who weren’t able to care for themselves.  And he wore their pain and suffering heavily on his shoulders, while keeping it all to himself.  It even felt as though he purposely contradicted himself so others wouldn’t know how he felt.  He did this multiple times with Scarlet, and I was dying to know the truth and his inner thoughts!  I can’t wait to learn more about Rob as the trilogy unfolds!

He grabbed my arms, bringing me close to his face, and his eyes looked like the ocean, deep and dark and full of things I knew nothing ’bout. “We don’t lie to each other, Scar. Especially not about things that mean I might lose you.”
My breath froze in my chest. Did he just say that?
He let me go. “Because losing one member would put the whole band at risk. Do you understand?”

John and Much rounded out their little group, and the story proceeds with them trying to protect the townspeople from the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.  Their group of four steal and loot all in the name of the greater good, yet twists unfold that take a typical Robin Hood story-line into another area.  Because Scarlet is being hunted by an evil Lord, Gisbourne.  And with him close on their tails, everything is about to spiral out of control.  This is definitely a world you should step into.  And I can’t wait to see what is going to happen after that fabulous, perilous ending!!

P.S. Random fact – I absolutely adore the Disney and Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves movies, so with those story-lines floating around in my head, I dove right into Scarlet.  This story was just as unique as those two movies are from each other.  I’m so very happy about that!

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
Scarlet #1 Reviews: Jen Chelsea Anna	Lady Thief #2 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Lion Heart #3 Reviews: Jen Chelsea

Lion Heart (Scarlet #3)
by A.C. Gaughen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The eagerly-awaited conclusion to the Scarlet trilogy delivers another action-packed and romance-filled adventure.

Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief.

Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire. After a daring escape from the Prince's clutches, she learns that King Richard’s life is in jeopardy, and Eleanor of Aquitaine demands a service Scarlet can’t refuse: spy for her and help bring Richard home safe. But fate—and her heart—won’t allow her to stay away from Nottinghamshire for long, and together, Scarlet and Rob must stop Prince John from going through with his dark plans for England. They can not rest until he’s stopped, but will their love be enough to save them once and for all?

“I’ll never leave you,” he told me, and I felt his arms on me. “As long as you love me, I’ll be here, hidden somewhere in your heart.”

I speak repeatedly of my all time favorite series. They have remained the same three since 2012/2013 and not much has touched them. It probably even gets to the point where people are like, yeah, dude, we get it, stop! But I think it speaks volumes when we can say that no other story touches us after 3 years even after reading, what, 100-120 books a year. Think about that. We meet couple after couple, star-crossed lover after star-crossed lover, see perilous scenarios and heart-breaking stories time and again, and yet those those three stories can’t be touched with a ten foot pole. My point in all this? Nothing has touched my top three favorite series of all time…..except this one. And that, to me, speaks louder than any words could.

What I’m trying to say is that this is now my fourth favorite series of all time. And. That. Is. Huge. You have no idea HOW huge. I don’t give away those spots easily. Something has to really claw into me for those spots to be given away, but my darling Rob and Scar have earned it. From their first tortured story to the final heart-wrenching finale, these two have not had it easy.

“Have you…” I drew a breath, trying to find the words. “When did you last-when did you see him?”
He swallowed. “A few weeks ago.”
I just looked at him.
“He…he would greatly benefit from hearing you’re alive,” he told me.
His careful words stabbed me. “He’s not doing well,” I said.

Book one was the one that got me, if I’m being honest. Actually, the most candid thing I could tell you is that once I finished book one, I was biased beyond compare. I don’t think there could be much that would have knocked this series down a peg. Book two, while so strong, didn’t touch book one-Gisbourne was a bastard who meddled heavily in their relationship, and we didn’t get as much one on one Rob and Scar time. So, naturally, I’d be pissy about that. But it’s more than that. From the moment we met them in book one, they only had eyes for one another…but they sure as hell wouldn’t admit it. Risking their lives to save one another, sacrificing all they had, doing all they could to keep the other alive-Come on, that’s a prime fucking story, guys. Action, conflicted and convoluted feelings, self-loathing, despair, a tortured (And I mean the best kind of tortured) hero, and a non-stop plot, I couldn’t breathe. So, yes, I was hooked from the beginning.

That’s not to say these last two didn’t have strong points, they did, but the first will always hold a very special place deep in my heart-after all, it got me addicted to this series, right?

In this story, Rob and Scar are separated by the hands of Prince John after View Spoiler »he had Gisbourne killed at the end of book two and framed Scarlet for it. « Hide Spoiler I think I had imagined the beginning of this book being different, but by them being apart for a little bit, the love they had for one another grew with each passing page, even as each day became harder than the last. My desperation to see Rob became this obsession, the rumors going around about Scar’s death causing me to panic for dear Rob’s sanity, seeing as he has been through so much and all he wants is her-No matter what. At all costs. He knows, in his heart, that there is no way she’s dead-So, her knowing this, she pulls a Scarlet and tries to make an escape so Little John isn’t lead to Nottingham, where Rob resides as View Spoiler »Sheriff. « Hide Spoiler She knows he would risk life and limb and burn down every town to save her, because his love for her is that strong. But what happens when running only makes things worse?

I pulled away from her.
He will die.
Rob’s face, frozen like View Spoiler »John Little’s « Hide Spoiler, with shock and sudden knowing, like he could see Death creeping toward him over my shoulder.
He will die.
Blood running out of Rob like a swollen spring river gone red.
He will die.
Rob’s blood staining the snow, staining the stones in the courtyard, staining my eyes.

This was a love story through and through. There was a lot of strategizing and tons of destruction, but through it all it was Rob and Scar still fighting and finding a way to ultimately be together. Rob was loyal, self-sacrificing, and perfect in this final installment. He took my breath away with his looks and love for Scar more than once. I was telling a friend yesterday that, yes, no one will ever take my number one BBF spot away, that spot is closed and vacuum sealed, but if these guys were real, and I had to choose one to marry, I really think Rob is that guy. I KNOW. That’s a bold statement coming from ME, but think about it: Heroic, tortured, self-sacrificing, loyal, kind, jealous, protective, and not a supernatural being…though, there’s an argument for those guys, too. And after I said it of course I was like, ‘Wellllll, but what about…’, so I am flighty about that. But, the point is, I said it. I thought it. Rob is a hero first and foremost, but Scarlet is his one and only, and his fierce and undying love and devotion to Scarlet makes it hard to breathe. If the writing isn’t for you in this series, that’s fine, but don’t go through life not meeting my dear, loyal Rob.

I pushed him back with a grin. “Posturing braggart, show-off peacock!” I accused.
“If by that you mean I’m the best damn archer you’ve ever seen and you’d like to reward me with a kiss,” he said, drawing me back to him. “Then I accept. And yes, I will continue to give you generous lessons to achieve my epic-nay, legendary-skill.”

The writing were was the same as always with it’s fun (though, in book one it took some getting used to, I thought it was a typo!) substitutions of ‘were’ instead of ‘was’ with a quick pace and vivid imagery. After I became accustomed to the style of speak in book one, I really came to adore Gaughen’s writing. It is addicting and flows seamlessly from page to page, making this an uputdownable page turner. So, while this style is a shock at first, it immediately becomes addicting in a way you would never imagine. I wouldn’t pass this one up because of that, but who am I to say? I already told you I’m horribly biased.

Even as the words left my mouth, they didn’t feel true. Rob’s and my love had always been made in the cracks, the jagged little edges that came from the ruin of something else. It were a place that weren’t supposed to be filled with love, but that’s how it had always been. Our love filled the broken bits and made us whole again. There weren’t no perfect time to love him, not ever, and it had always been with the threat of death and hurt hovering around us. And we’d love each other anyway. Sure, and true.

So, while this was my least favorite of the series, it still brought tears to my eyes and I gasped more than once. I still got butterflies every other page and the book was like a night-light from all the highlights (Cough, I highlighted most full pages in a rainbow of colors, cough) I used on my IPad. Just because I preferred the first two in no way lessens my affections for this book as a whole, it just had a lot to live up to. Scarlet was still Scarlet, doubting herself and putting the good of the people ahead of herself, and Rob was still Rob, self-sacrificing and all for Scarlet and starting their life together. I adored Much, just as I have from the beginning, and I was obsessed with his role in this final story. And I missed a certain character so much it hurt, and I didn’t realize I would until he/she was gone, forever snuffed from existence. So, I could keep going on and on and on even as I’ve lost many of you one paragraph three (Most likely earlier, but shut up, it’s my send-off to Rob), but that would be redundant. I love this series with my whole heart, and I am about to cry even as I think about posting this review, because I will never read a new story about Rob and Scar again….And I don’t want to say goodbye to all of these wonderful characters. But there’s one thing I’ll never stop doing: Re-reading this wonderful series from beginning to end, forever looping and repeating the moments where Rob and Scar realized they loved one another and risked it all to be together. That sounds like heaven to me.

Nuzzling against his head, I whispered to him, “This is freedom, Rob.”
Using our twined hands to tuck our arms close around my body, he murmured into my hair, “You were always my freedom, Scar.”

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
Scarlet #1 Reviews: Jen Chelsea Anna	Lady Thief #2 Reviews: Jen Chelsea	Lion Heart #3 Reviews: Jen Chelsea

 

**********************

Let me express my displeasure of having to wait….in Sailor Moon GIFs. Girl’s got some super canny facial expressions.

*Cue the lights*

That’s the end of book 2??

Hmph. Okay, I’ll just pick up book three-

WHAT?! 2015!!!!!????!!!!!!

You have GOT to be kidding me

Denial.

Denial.

Denial.

Yeah that’s cool. I’m fine….I’ll just sit over here and wait.

Seriously. I’m fine. Catcha later, Rob.

*And scene*