Scarlet by AC Gaughen | Book Review

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.

No matter how much you read, there will always be that one book that everyone except for you has read. For me, that’s several books, Scarlet by AC Gaughen being one of those books. Lucky me, Scarlet was on sale like a year or so ago for under $5 on Kindle so I impulsively bought it and it just sat on my Kindle. THEN all the hype for Scarlet‘s sequel, Lady Thief started popping up on the blogs I read and that was the final shove that I needed to buck up and read Scarlet. YOU GUYS THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING I LIKE. For serious, why on earth did I wait so long to read it especially when it was in my possession this entire time, like in my possession before Lady Thief. I mean, what even am I doing with my free time that I have not read Scarlet. Gaughen breathes new life into the mythos of Robin Hood, with the addition of a thief named Scarlet who is indeed one kickass lady.

Considering that I read Scarlet back in March and it is now August 30 as I type this review, note the lack of super details, my brain is totally foggy on the details of Scarlet by AC Gaughen. Here’s what I remember: main character Scarlet is a thief and a member of Robb Hood’s gang who essentially live in Sherwood Forest. Scarlet is totally kick ass and all about helping the people of Nottingham. Unfortunately, there’s a new lawman in town, Lord Gisborne who has been hired to capture Robb Hood’s gang. He has this history with Scarlet who has this mysterious background as you will see when reading the book. So, the book is sort of an introduction to Scarlet, the gang, and a set up to a romance.

Hmmm, so this review is going to be mad short, so here’s what you need to know: I liked Scarlet. I thought she was a strong heroine and I liked how she continuously put herself at risk. I also liked that she was pretty clear with one of the guys in the merry band of thieves that she liked him, just not in that way. She’s the sort of girl who had this easy life, but then left it when something really horrible happened and has made her way as this awesome thief and you’d never connect her to her former life. Also, Scarlet is disguised as a boy and hilarity ensues when she is hit on by local maids.

Okay, so what I remember the most about Gaughen’s Scarlet was the romance. Oh, yes. There’s this definite attraction between Scarlet and Robb Hood. Yet, they both fight it, even though they risk themselves to save the other. Still, both Scarlet and Robb deny their feelings for each other even as they keep orbiting around and around. It does make the kiss worth it though, because it is hard earned. Let’s just say there’s jealousy and hilarity and lots of slow burns. I was into it heart and soul.

From what I remember, I really enjoyed reading Scarlet and will certainly read the sequel, Lady Thief. Granted, it was not quite the best book ever that I expected from all the hype, but I was not disappointed. It did have all the elements that I love and typically connect with — and I totally connected and would totally recommend this book. Also, I am excited to read more of Scarlet’s story at this point, thinking back on Scarlet.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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