Lady Thief by AC Gaughen | Book Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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.

I will always love a good Robin Hood story, forever and for always. Of course when everyone was really into Scarlet by AC Gaughen like a few years ago, I was a day late to the party and was like oh that sounds cool but never pursued reading it. At least, not until everyone was losing their collective shit over Lady Thief, the sequel, and then I was like OKAY WORLD AND UNIVERSE I WILL READ THIS BOOK. Because that’s what hype does, it makes me get serious about reading all of the things. Last year I read Scarlet and I thought it was kind of awesome but I am not so much in the fandom that I immediately read Lady Thief right after. INSTEAD I waited until this year and y’all, I actually really liked a lot of what I read in Lady Thief.

Right after this sentence there’s going to be spoilers for Scarlet so stop reading right this very second if you don’t want to be spoiled. Okay, so, Scarlet, or Marian for those of you who don’t remember, made this promise to Gisborne that she would marry him if he would pipe down and leave everyone alone, pretty much that’s what I remember. Anyways, this book, Lady Thief, is about how Scarlet is forced to make good on that promise. Well, actually no, she was married to Gisborne before Scarlet but that’s like a big reveal. Anyways, Scarlet, is forced to act like a lady and not a thief, so she goes to court to satisfy Gisborne. Anyways, the Sheriff of Nottingham is dead and Prince John is looking for a new Sheriff and being a total douche about it, so he sets up this contest, which of course Gisborne sets his cap to win. Scarlet, however, wants Rob to win because he would be WAY better for the people.

I’m not sure how I feel about Scarlet aka Marian. Like, there’s moments in this book where I feel like she’s being difficult on purpose and it just leads her into trouble – but perhaps that is my DO NOT GET INTO TROUBLE EVER side coming out. Like, she refuses to act noble while she’s at court and then acts shocked when the other bluebloods just aren’t into that behavior. Girl, what? You don’t just waltz into court and act like riffraff, this isn’t an Amanda Bynes movie. Alas. Aside from that, I liked that she was quite determined and that she believes so much in Rob. She’s such a loyal, down heroine, that I couldn’t help but be a fan.

As for the romance, like, Rob is having all of these nightmares from when he was tortured and so he acts out in his sleep and hurts Scarlet. That’s not cool. It’s actually kind of uncomfortable to read. However. Getting past all of that, I think they are a good couple. It just sucks that circumstances get in their way. I am actually kind of excited though to see how these circumstances unfold and how the ship ends in the final book of the trilogy, Lion Heart.

Probably the greatest thing about this book is Eleanor of Aquitaine. She is my favorite historical figure ever so her being in this book just elevates it to the next level. She’s a total bad ass and Prince John doesn’t quite act out when she’s around because like everyone else he’s afraid of her — but sort of in a good way. And yes, I just needed a paragraph to proclaim my love.

Finally, there’s some OMG she went there plot twists and a giant reveal and I am actual wicked excited to read Lion Heart now. So, 10/10 will read the next book as they say.

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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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