Augustine - Gus - has her best friend, Amber, missing. When looking for help, she is surprised to find the gentleman who years before had turned her mind upside down. However, now was the time to help Amber, and any feelings Gus felt for Kane would have to stay hidden.

Kane had met Augustine years earlier in Paris. He was part of a group whose plot was to assassinate Napoleon.
Years later, now as Earl of Ashley, despite having lost dear companions, he has a new chance to help. And he ends up meeting the lady whose kiss he never forgot.
With the right alibi, he could not only help with this rescue, but also be close to and definitely woo the woman he discovered he loved.
3,5 stars

Historical Romance with Mystery and Intrigue

They first met on the road when Kane was on his way to participate in a mission to abductNapoleon. That mission failed, and one of Kane’s friends died a brutal death. Kane was back in France, on a mission to find a British spy that disappeared. He was in France under the guise of a merchant. He would meet Augustine again. Their first meeting during his ill-fated mission ended with a kiss, so Gus was wary. However, it turned out they were working for the same goal. Could they find the spy they were seeking? Their journey would be fraught with adventure and danger. I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with mystery, suspense, and intrigue.

This is one of the most intense and dramatic romantic suspense novels I have read in a long time. From the French courts to the out lying countryside, it is rich in intrigue and French culture. The two main characters have a chemistry that inspires poems and odysseys be written about them. Their bravery and courage in the French courts of Napoleon take them far along with a love that will last a life time.

I'm a big fan of romance and historic fiction and historical romance and I really like this book. It was very immersive. He almost felt like you were right there with them with the characters through their triumphs and sadness and happiness. Definitely give his book a read

I enjoyed it was a very cute historical romance to pass the time
Even if it was shot i had fun reading it
Thank you netgalley for the arc🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

Kane is on a dangerous mission but this time his heart is on the line. Can these two spies complete their missions while claiming true love or will it all come crashing down? Lord Ashley’s Beautiful Alibi is book one in a thrilling new series by Cerise DeLand. Blending a complex spy network, dangerous missions, a love affair, plus a hero and heroine worthy of each other, Lord Ashley’s Beautiful Alibi will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Let’s start with the characters. Kane is a decorated spy who’s suddenly Lord Ashley after the untimely death of his father and older brother. He’s tasked with a mission in France to find a missing British spy. It’s a treacherous game, only made more daring when he falls in love with a fellow spy named Augustine. Together, they form a powerful team, but neither is prepared for what happens next.

The characters are visually stunning with depth, character, and motives. Who is playing which side drives the story. I connected with many of the characters. They flew off the page and into my heart.

The historical accuracy is flawless, but I’ve come to expect that from this author. Every detail resonates with the reader and draws them in. I immersed myself in this high-action Regency romance and couldn’t stop reading.

If you like suspense with your Regency romance, this is your next must-read. I can’t wait for book two.

My Rating: 5+ stars

This is so much more than your average ballroom romance. This one is filled with spies and espionage. Our hero is an Earl, never expecting to inherit the title, but he is also a spy for the crown. As such, he is sent to France on a dangerous mission to find a missing female agent . A real page turner with intrigue and danger amongst the back drop of the Napoleonic wars.

This is the first book in what promises to be a captivating series. Kane, who is dealing with his recent inheritance in England is sent back to France to help find a missing English woman from Josephine’s ladies. He meets (again) Gus who is a friend of Amber, the missing woman. The story follows their travels and search through the countryside in France. Their journey is rife with adventure, intrigue, suspense, spies, danger, and a sizzling romance. The book is beautifully written. The interesting story, engaging characters, and the descriptions of the country and their travels draw the reader in. I look forward to more in this series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion...

This is the first book of a new series and if you read the blurb, this is going to be an EPIC series and quite a commitment. But I am excited about it after reading this first book because it will have elements of intrigue, romance, and adventure. This first story is the meet cute and later development of a friendship, partnership, then love affair of Kane Whittington and Augustine Bolton, but also lays the framework of an independently run spy network that is working for the British, during the era of Napoleon, the woman managing the network, and some of the people involved. So far this is a lot of heavy carrying for one wee historical romance, and it implies quite the commitment on the part of the reader too (SIXTEEN BOOKS PROPOSED!!!!!)

Kane and Augustine first meet in 1800, when Kane is in France as part of a group planning the assassination of Napoleon, in a plan that goes severely awry. But during his part in the plan, he confronts a young woman riding on the road during his watch and steals a kiss from the beautiful stranger he has grabbed. She takes offense at his stolen liberties and fights back, escaping from him. It was a brief, but memorable interlude.

Two years later, Kane finds himself inheriting the title of Earl, of an impoverished estate. After his failed mission in France two years prior, he has kept himself to missions that do not involve murder, and he is traumatized by the loss of others of his cadre. But he also is haunted by the memory of the girl he waylaid. He is chosen by the leader of the spy network to take on a new mission, one that sends them deep into France, and involves a deep and long committment, with high risk. But he cannot refuse because the rewards are too high.

He is to take on the role of arranging trade contracts throughout France, but working to find a vital link to the network's information web, who has been missing for months. Kane needs to inveigle his way into French Society, including the French and ex-pat Brits who are close to Josephine and Napoleon and those in power around them, and he and his compatriots need to track the last known movements of their missing member, as she is a part of that society.

This brings Kane face to face with the woman he kissed two years ago on that empty stretch of French road. Augustine; Gus, is the niece of a noted French beauty and socialite, and also the best friend of the missing woman. Kane and Gus, as they cross in Society, have some idea of what the other may be involved in, but are also suspicious of each other. Initially they use each other because they find they have some shared goals. Gus is at risk of being discovered for her secrets, and is a target for the lascivious desires of one of Napoleon's heads of police. To find her friend and hide from him, she agrees to travel with Kane in the guise of helping him make trade contacts. As they travel together, they grow closer and grow to trust each other, revealing their secrets to each other, and confronting their challenges together.

Kane essentially fell in love with the woman when he first met her on that road, and likewise Gus never forgot Kane either. Their meeting again later and sharing a common goal seems to be an act of Fate bringing them back together again.

This is a good beginning to a potentially thrilling new series and I am excited to see how the story goes as we are introduced to numerous intriguing characters and set ups. This also gives some very interesting history to how France and Britain were in the early 1800s, and some of the various characters in European history at that time.

I am very intrigued, but am a bit intimidated by how many books are proposed, hoping that this does not drag on or peter out in energy (as was my experience with other epic sagas in the past)...

4.25 stars out of 5

Kane is suddenly in the position of being the Earl of Ashley. He was never given any training by his father to take the position. He is also a spy for the King of England. He has an assignment he must complete in France. He has no time for romance. Gus is a British citizen that has grown up primarily in France in her Aunt's household. She is very good at working within the upper echelon of French high society. She is on a desperate mission to find her missing friend and she realizes Kane might be her best way to do that. The two of them embark on a dangerous game of intrigue that just might end very badly for them but will they find love along the way?

Kane is an interesting character. His entanglements mean he is always busy, and he must always be on the lookout for information for his employer. I like that Kane manages to be the Earl of Ashley and a spy at the same time. I was concerned the author would make it unbelievable, but it made perfect sense that the Earl would go to France to set up trade to England. I was happy that his spy work fit in with his cover story of trade. It was also nice that he was a confident spy but not a confident Earl. It's nice when a character has a chance to grow into something during the story. Gus has no intention of ever getting entangle with a man. Meeting Kane is a revelation. I like how she slowly allowed herself to trust him. There are some good side characters that I hope get stories of their own.

My one burning question is how Gus wasn't ruined in the eyes of society. She travels with Kane and they spend inordinate amounts of time together. I decided in my head that the author skipped over that in favor of pointing out how debauched the French court was during this time. It was pretty darned debauched!

This story takes place in London and France in 1802. This is part of a series and introduces a whole world of espionage and intrigue. I will read more from this author in the future.

There's romance, spies and suspense in this series beginner of Cerise DeLand. Incredible sexual tension between Gus and Kane. This book reminded me of Joanna Bourne and Shana Galan. A little bit of the spying plot was hard to keep up with, but I believe that's my issue and not the author's fault.
I'll tell you who needed more screen time in this book was Friendly, Kane's elderly London butler. The adorable fella only got a cameo's worth and I wish he got more. What a precious guy!!!
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

A perfect combination of romance and intrigue

I enjoyed the excellent start to this new series. It is a perfect blend of romance and espionage story including road trip, spy story, fake liaison, forced proximity tropes.
The life after the terror of the French Revolution, the rise of Napoleon and the loose morals of Parisian Society were wonderfully conveyed in this story.
There are not many action scenes, rather it is the uncertainty of who to trust, the fear of being watched or denounced at every turn, and the danger of getting involved with the wrong people that keeps the tension high.
The characters are very likable. The romance between them is sweet and slow burning but full of longing and anticipation.
Both are immediately attracted to one another but need to hide their own secrets. Even when they work together, they don't know if they can truly trust each other and what the future holds, but neither of them wants to risk their friendship and companionship.

When Kane and Augustine first met two years ago for the first time, he and his team tried to assassinate Napoleon. Gus unintentionally interrupted him and saved his life. Kane was the sole survivor of the coup and could never forget Gus.
Now, Kane is assigned a new mission by his spymaster Scarlett which brings him back to France. He is to infiltrate the highest echelon of Paris of the French Consulate under the guise of securing trade agreements while searching for information about their missing connection Amber and her informants.
At one of the balls Kane and Gus meet again.
Gus and her best friend Amber were both raised by her aunt, a former royal mistress in England and France and now one of the leading ladies in Society, being a good friend of Josephine Bonaparte. Gus knows how to navigate the intricacies of the Parisian ton. Being part of Amber’s spy network, she is worried when Amber disappears and desperate to find her friend again. Furthermore, Gus is pressurized by an influential man who had already pursued Amber and now wants to make Gus his mistress.
Kane wants to protect her and they form a partnership. Together, they navigate the dangerous French Society, pretend to have a liaison and set off across France in search of Amber…

If you like historical romance novels with medium steam level and suspense, you will enjoy this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

a wonderful romantic intriguing story filled with interesting complex characters twists and turns, making this a wonderful page turner and a must read!

This historical romance is set in a treacherous era for France, between the death of the aristocracy and the start of Napoleon's war with the rest of Europe. Spies abound, secrets and deals are like coin to those in power. Our hero is a man who has been working secretly for years. This latest mission could easily cost his life. Our heroine is considered part of the new French elite. Her connections can be helpful or treacherous. Knowing who to trust in this volatile time is a problem for all of them.
An action packed story with great characters, lots of danger and surprises galore.
Good fun.

I’ve only ever read one of this authors books before and I throughly enjoyed it.
So as this is a new series (one book so far, but lots more promised) I thought I’d give it a go…

Kane needs a way into a spy network, and by finding the head of the network will get him where he needs to be. But finding her proves tricky, he needs a cover story……

Augustine (or Gus to her friends) needs to find and rescue her best friend before she becomes a target of the chief of police (he’s got more than his eye on her friend!!) the help she needs requires stealth and guile. But where will she find the help she needs?

Their first meeting was years ago, a stolen kiss and a fond memory of one another. But they need to work together to find Amber, and get her back. But chemistry and sneaky looks at one another soon have the mission hanging in the balance! They are only suppose to play at being in love, it’s only suppose to be a cover! Try telling that to Gus and Kane 😝

An action/adventure story set in the past with a romance thrown in for good measure. A fast paced book that had me reading late into the night, couldn’t put it down! I needed to know what went on next…
Lots of twists and turns, with a few double deals and betrayals thrown in as well.
Can Gus and Kane really trust one another? Or are they the only ones they can trust?

Liked how the author spent time on details. Set just before the Napoleonic war. The couple have to decide on wether they can trust one another. Kane is thinking of using Gus to extract the information he needs. It’s nothing personal at first. But spending more and more time with her, Kane struggles with his conscience and his growing admiration and affection for this young woman who isn’t afraid of going against society.

I did like Gus. Her attitude although in the past was very modern in those times. Marriage was basically slavey for the women. And powerful men could do what they liked! So marriage was never going to be on the cards for her.

History mixed with fiction, spies and intrigue. Lots of detail. Beautifully written and well thought out.

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.


🦋

A truly wonderful story wrapped around French history during the rise of Napoleon. Interwoven into this spy story is a romance between Kane and Raven. What was most Intriguing was the spy plot. The blend of characters was a perfect foil for the spies and the depth of the story fully engaging. A nice blend also of historical and fictious facts. The first of a series with more adventures to follow. This is one series worth following.

I must say that normally I enjoy this author’s books but I’m afraid the pace was too slow for me, particularly during the first 60% of the book. The prologue had plenty of action but then it really slowed down. The latter parts were full of action and I really enjoyed this part. Gus was young in some ways but very aware in others. She didn’t seem to know quite what she wanted. Ashley was very sophisticated and suave when he needed to be but also strong and protective when necessary. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In a well-written and suspenseful novel, set in France before the Napoleonic Wars, Kane Whittington, already burned by his activities for the Crown, comes face to face with the woman he calls Raven with whom he had an encounter a year prior to his latest assignment in France. Paris seethes with political intrigue and there are those who would use the crisis for their own ends to ensure their dominance over the enemy. One generally only hears about spy-masters and the men who faced extreme dangers to rout out the plans of their enemies, but so often it is the women who are successful in gathering information and secrets, but who are even more vulnerable. Kane has been given the task of finding a missing female operative, but to reach her he has to depend on Gus, who in turn needs Kane to help her find her closest friend. Inexplicably drawn to each other, they fight their attraction whilst tracking down the movements of Gus's friend. This novel is the start of a new series that promises to be both exciting and suspenseful, with characters that give no quarter when it comes to passion and romance. I received a copy of this intriguing book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Alibi's and spies...

Complicated spying, alibi's and history.
Set in a tempestuous time, Gus needs to rescue her friend.
Since she's in over her head, she gets help in the form of Kane.
Kane is too sweet to be a spy. Kane and Gus are great together.
Intrigue abounds.
Recommend.
4.5

Lord Ashley’s Beautiful Alibi by Cerise Deland is the first book in a new series entitled Scarlett Affairs and is about English spies in France at the time of Napoleon. Kane (Earl of Ashley, Viscount Marl, Baron Dayton), sho reports to Scarlett, the spy mistress, had discovered during his last mission that murder was not for him. Not that he didn’t think it was necessary sometimes, just not for him. His forte was more listening and learning. During that last mission, which had been a colossal failure, he had pulled a woman off a horse, and what a revelation that had been. She was soft, her mouth was soft. It had been a very short interlude but she had marked him. Now he was to be sent into France again. This time he would act on the part of the crown as a procurer of goods: wines, grains, fabrics, whatever he could obtain, to ship to England. He was also tasked with finding a woman who had been lost, one of their other spies. That would be the first goal of many, as this was possibly a multi-year mission. Then he saw her again.

This plot was fabulous. Very based in history in many ways and very intricate, as spy novels tend to be. Kane had never considered marriage for himself. Now he did. But his Raven would never consider it for herself. She considered it slavery and she would have none of it. Plus, it was her friend who was missing, the next link in the spy network she had become involved with. France was an ugly time, much like Nazi Germany. Men in power could pretty much do as they pleased and it was dangerous to be in their sights. This story showed us the reality of this statement. Raven was really Augustine Bolton, niece to Cecily, former mistress of of several powerful men, both in England and in France, and a part of Josephine’s inner circle. Quite wonderful characters. So interesting. What a good book. Thanks Deland for this.

I was invited to read Lord Ashley’s Beautiful Alibi by Dragonblade. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #CeriseDeland #LordAshleysBeautifulAlibi