The one where I review Lady Thief

Lady Thief (Scarlet #2)
by A. C. Gaughen
Source: Netgalley
Format: e-book
Pages: 304

Release Date: Available Now

Spoilers for book 1! Ye have been warned!
Review for 1st book here: Scarlet 

Goodreads summary:

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.

My Feelings:

Oh, sweet Lady Thief. Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? 

Heck no. Because summer days are all nice and pretty and evoke lots of happy feelings of puppies frolicking in the summer grass. I want the puppies. This book does not have the puppies. 

Loved it anyways.

Let's get this straight - this book isn't all cupcakes and roses. Things don't just conveniently appear to make the situation a little less sucky. No timely tunnel appears to give an easy way out for the characters. There is no prince charming that swoops in and saves the day. This book is real. Crappy things happen (lots of crappy things) to Scarlet and our boys and they take it in stride like the bosses they are. 

  Scarlet is just trying to make it in this dog-eat-dog world. She's got such a heart and is loyal to a "t". Her tenacity and fierce can-do attitude, even when she's afraid, is something to be admired. But what never ceases to amaze me is her underlying belief in hope and faith. She may not be perfect, something which she readily admits (and yet another inspiring trait), but she continues to strive to be the best she can be. She is selfless and even when incredible hardships come, she retains hope in the belief that one day, it will be better. 

And Rob. Oh, how I feel for you. Rob is suffering from PTSD (something close to my heart and a reason for me studying psychology), and it's taking it's toll. He's having a hard time being the hero everyone wants/needs him to be, and it doesn't help any that his lady love can't be there to help him. And yet, though he is suffering, he never waivers in his determination to help the people of Nottingham. It is this selfless attitude and utter loyalty that makes Scarlet (and me) swoon. 

John and Much are as awesome as ever. Though I wanted to punch John in the face, the choice he made was totally understandable and even incredibly admirable. Still wanted to punch him though. And Much! So adorable and wise well beyond his years and always there with a helping hand (HA! see what I did there? I'm funny.). 

And the stakes are as high as ever in this sequel. This book focuses more on Scarlet in a court setting. Gisbourne is holding bait in front of her: he'll annul the marriage if she acts as his wife while the (annoyingly childish) Prince is there. Sound all kinds of sketchy to me, and Scarlet too, but she's willing to try if it means she ends up with Robin (which, believe me, we all want). 

And the ending?! GAH! As soon as the "secret" was hinted at, I knew. But I didn't know for sure so I waited with baited breath. SERIOUSLY!? And then the ending? WHAT?! You can't do that!!!!! And, no offense, that was an idiotic move on Scarlet's part. What did she think would happen? Normally she's relatively smart and always has a plan, but I was definitely questioning her plan on that one.
But, I don't want to say too much more because I'll give things away but here's the rundown:

Scarlet: Knife-weilding, smart-talking girl determined to save the day.
Rob: A PTSD suffering fella who's determined to make it through anyways.
John: Big brother, big annoyance, big heart.
Much: Always there with a few wise words and a helping hand (ha! Seriously, I'm incredibly funny. Punny?). 
Gisbourne: Ahhhh, I see that you try to make us feel some empathy for him Gaughen. Failed! Well, maybe not completely.
Prince John: I'd like to kick him so hard where it hurts that he'll be singing soprano for a month.
Eleanor of Aquitaine: Awesomeness. She wields people like they're part of a chess game. 
Ending: SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!!! CLIFFHANGER! THE FEELS! 

Overall: This book sucker punches you in the throat then gives you a big ol’ hug while saying everything is going to be okay. Hopefully. 

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Review: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Scarlet 
by A. C. Gaughen
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Pages: 304
Format: e-book
Source: ARC via Netgalley
★★★★★







Goodreads: 
Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance. 

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in. It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.



My Review:
*I had such a hard time trying to find the words to write this review. Why? I don't know. Perhaps I loved it so much I just couldn't find the words for it! Whatever the reason, here it is :) 


Everybody's heard the story of Robin Hood. Steals from the rich, gives to the poor. Its been done many, many times with slightly different takes. However, its never been told like this before. You know that guy Will Scarlet? Yeah, well "he" happens to be a "she" which makes for a pretty freakin awesome story! 


Characters really make the story for me and these characters were amazing. Their all loyal, honorable and noble and would do anything for each other. 


Scarlet is one kick-butt girl...literally. I would be absolutely terrified if I ever made her angry. She's a rough and tough girl a la Alanna from Tamora Pierce's Tortall Series and I absolutely loved her. I loved her independence, determination and spirit. Scarlet is living in a time when all women were good for was birthin babies and this is NOT what she wants. Therefore, she feels the need to prove herself and doesn't want to show her girl side because she thinks the men won't take her seriously.


   Although I loved her determination to prove herself, these were sometimes the instances that she bugged me. She didn't realize that the band liked her for who she was, woman or not. The band was a brotherhood that would do anything for each other, Scarlet included. However, she always tries to put on a face and prove herself and her independence, when deep down, she really cares about the band and is very honorable and incredibly loyal. I would want her to have my back any day. But she's a girl with secrets...big secrets. These secrets actually make her who she is today. I can't say to much without giving stuff away, but her past truly was heart-breaking and I felt all the emotions right along with her.


Robin....*swoon*. This guy is hot by default. He's honorable, loyal, caring, and did I mention HOT? Robin is the leader of the group, but not the dictator. He listens to others in his group and they all come up with plans together. However, perhaps one of his most honorable aspects is that he sees the good in people, especially Scarlet. Rob just wants to show her how good she is, even when she can't see it herself (which is quite often). 


The band was a brotherhood that would do anything for each other which is extremely honorable (yeah, I know I've used that word a hundred times, but whatever works, right?). They've all seen death and destruction in their lives, they've even done it themselves, and they do what they do to atone for what they've done. 


And Gisbourne?! This guy is CRAZY! I'm not even sure what words I can use to describe him. Cruel? Vile? Just plain freakin crazy? Like seriously dude? Your gonna go through all that trouble for that reason? I know your pride was hurt but come on!! (Read the book to find out what I'm talking bout :P) 


Warning now: the writing is kind of weird. As in, its not proper English. But what do you expect? They're thieves! So personally, it didn't bother me. It became second nature after a while and added to the story to make it more authentic.


I absolutely love Gaughen's interesting new take on an old tale. It was creative and brilliant. Her version of this story made me fall even more in love with the tale of Robin Hood. While definitely staying true to the heart of the story, she gave it her own dash of spice. It was both beautifully romantic and action packed at the same time. She made my emotions run high right along with the characters, which is something I truly treasure in a book. 


This book is filled with action, romance, secrets, and kick-butt but loyal and honorable characters that are all special in their own way. Not to mention a pretty crazy bad villain. This book takes an old tale and gives it a new twist that makes it even better than the original in my book. Fans of the old tale, historical fiction, and tough female characters will truly enjoy this, though I'll recommend it to anyone that will listen :) 


P.S. I LOVE that cover! 

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