Relations with Bonaparte and Britain are breaking down. A network of spies have been gathering information for Britain concerning Bonaparte's production of arms and his allies. Amber St. Antoine is one such spy, but her connections are disappearing. Godfrey duClare, Viscount Ramsey, is Amber's protector. He will never leave her side. Trying to stay professional in their quest for information, breaks down as they spend more time together. But Amber makes a drastic decision that will have painful consequences. History and romance combine for a captivating read.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

This is a captivating historical novel that combines romance, espionage, and political intrigue, set against the tumultuous backdrop of post-Revolutionary France. Amber's life has been shaped by the violent political upheavals of her time. Once a spy for the French resistance against Napoleon, she now finds herself fleeing Paris to escape the clutches of the corrupt and power-hungry deputy chief of police, Vaillancourt, who wants to control her both personally and professionally. Godfrey duClare, Lord Ramsey, is a British diplomat sent to protect her. Their meeting, which begins with an agreement to pose as a married couple, quickly evolves into a passionate and complex relationship. As Amber and Ramsey travel across France, their attraction grows and real feelings begin to develop.
The novel is well-written, building tension with each new twist in the plot. Amber’s involvement in espionage and her knowledge of Napoleon’s military plans add an intriguing layer of political thriller to the romance. Her journey is one of self-discovery and empowerment, and the love story serves as a powerful vehicle for these themes.
This is a thrilling read with a strong, independent heroine, a passionate love story, and the ever-present danger of the political machinations of the past. The story is a page-turner and will leave you captivated long after turning the last page.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.

This is book 2 of the Scarlett Affairs series, and continues the story started from book 1 of British peers engaging in espionage in France, with the focus of the story on the missing French spy, the widowed Amber St. Antoine, and her struggles to evade her nemesis the focus of this story. Godfrey duClare, Lord Ramsey, also known as Ram, is sent to find and protect her. Amber has been able to evade Vaillancourt, who is seeking Amber and wants to make her his mistress, by abandoning her spy network, disguising herself, and hiding quite deeply, avoiding all her former connections in French Society. Despite her fear of Vaillancourt, and for herself, she feels guilt and regret for abandoning her important work.

Ram runs Amber down and compels her to partner with him, so he can watch over and protect her, and they travel through France disguised as a married couple. Initially Amber seeks to stay safe with no intention of returning to Paris. Godfrey's primary directive is to keep Amber safe, but through the course of their travels, they unearth information about Napoleons plans, and they are conflicted about what to do with it, especially with Amber's fears of being found by Vaillencourt.

During their time of forced intimacy and proximity, they grow to appreciate and respect each other. Both have a strong attraction to each other as well. Ram valiantly tries to be honorable and keep their relationship platonic, until Amber gives into her desires and seduces him, and they grow to care for each other greatly. Ram tries to convince Amber to leave France for her safety, and their future.

But Amber, especially when confronted with the knowledge that her enemy is not willing to give up his search for her, and has become an active threat to her friends and acquaintances. Amber decides to go back to Paris and make herself a martyr by returning to Parisian society, and succumbing to Vaillencourt, in order to find out how much he knows about their spy network.

A love story that has a lot of thriller tension because of the underlying spy story, and lots of tension and chemistry between Ram and Amber.

4 stars out of 5

On the run from a devious man, Amber risks life and limb for freedom. When handsome Ramsey finds her, he proposes a plan of escape and a little spying under the guise of a married couple. Will they escape detection, or will Amber be forced to surrender to her enemy to save the man she’s come to love? Lord Ramsey's Red-Headed Ruin is book two in an exciting series by Cerise DeLand. Blending a dangerous mission, international intrigue, and a hero and heroine worthy of each other, Lord Ramsey's Red-Headed Ruin will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Let’s start with the characters. Ramsey is a decorated spy who’s tasked with a mission in France to find a woman living underground, Amber. It’s a treacherous game, only made more daring when he falls in love with her. Together, they form an alliance, but neither is prepared for what Amber will risk for freedom.

The characters are visually stunning with depth, character, and motives. Danger stalks their every move. I connected with several of the characters, especially Ramsey and Amber. They flew off the page and into my heart.

The historical accuracy is flawless, but I’ve come to expect nothing less from this author. Every detail resonates with the reader and draws them in. I immersed myself in this high-action historical romance and couldn’t stop reading.

If you like suspense with your historical romance, this is your next binge-read. I can’t wait for book three.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

I found this Historical Romance on NetGalley. I used to love Cerise DeLand’s books. Plus the cover was so entriguing. I had to try it. I loved the storyline and the characters were fascinating. The plot totally had me involved from the very beginning. My big complaint was it was too tedious for my tastes. I love when an Author can find the words to plant the scene in my mind so well that i feel like I’m there. Ms DeLand does an excellent job. However there’s a point of no return in my book. I’m reluctantly giving this a four, even though it was way too involved in everything else that was going on.and not enough on the intricacies of the main characters.. i had to keep putting it down and later trudging on. I’m afraid, for me, that Ms DeLand’s books are going back on the shelf.

captivating story that beautifully describes life and the mood in France, of the Beau Monde and foreign visitors between the Terror and the outbreak of war between France and England, taking the reader into a world of intrigue, espionage, danger and the glamorous life of high society. The well written plot changes pace several times and, by and large, takes place parallel to the first part of the series. It has spy, close proximity, fake marriage and „he falls first“ tropes, very interesting historical tidbits, beautiful descriptions of actual places, emotions, suspense, romance and some spice. I already knew the protagonists, their backstory and some of the supporting characters from the previous book and found Amber and Ram very likable. The chemistry between them was great from the start and they were a wonderful couple despite all adversities and circumstances. Ram is a protective cinnamon roll hero and Amber a strong heroine who is willing to sacrifice her happiness for the good of others
I recommend reading the series in order to better understand the backstory and interactions.

Godfrey „Ram“ DuClare, Viscount Ramsey works for Scarlett Hawthorne’s spy ring and is sent to France with some of his colleagues. His task is to find the missing spy master, the widowed Amber St. Antoine, and protect her.
After traumatic experiences in her youth, Amber dedicates herself to her espionage activities in order to infiltrate the regime as a respected member of the highest social circles. For years, she built up her network at all levels and became one of Scarlett's most important sources of information, but when the vile deputy chief of police threatens her and wants to make her his mistress, she has no choice but to flee Paris, give up her network and go into hiding.
After weeks of searching, Ram manages to track down Amber and they decide to pose as a married couple and spy together in the provinces. Their relationship intensifies, but when they discover vital information about an imminent outbreak of war, Amber and Ram have no choice but to return to Paris. To protect her friends and her network, Amber decides to return to her previous life and Ram, who is in love with her, soon realises that he cannot protect Amber from herself...

I recommend this book to anyone who likes a perfect mix of historical facts and emotional romance.

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

Amber and Ram are two spies on the run in Paris. I always love the fake relationship trope. This book is very open door and the relationship between them is smoldering!
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

With a mixture of fact and fiction woven so cleverly together, it made a book that was hard to put down.

A new series (second book in a promised sixteen book series) the first book in the series I did read. I’d also recommend reading in order, they can stand on their own, but with an ongoing story in the background it seemed better to continue rather than dip in and out. (But that’s only my opinion)

Widowed Amber is fleeing Paris. A man with no qualms about making her his mistress and making her spill all of her secrets is on her tail! Fortunately a group of friends are desperate to make sure Amber escapes. So they send someone to “rescue” her!

Lord Ramsey is tasked with aiding a damsel in distress! But he’s got to find her first! If Amber doesn’t want to be found, it’s going to be hard to find her!

Chemistry between these two simply sets my kindle on fire. I couldn’t put the book down! Add in the facts blended with fiction and you have a spellbinding story.

Danger lurks within these pages. Along with passion and intrigue.

Pretending to be married seems to be the only way to travel through the Parisian countryside. Although Amber isn’t the docile and quiet wife that Ramsey thinks she should be 😝

And with our villain close on their heels, what will Amber and Ram do?

Amber I felt was both brave, but incredibly foolish! Her actions sometimes had bad consequences for both herself and Ram! Ram made me chuckle, you could see him pulling his hair out at the antics of Amber.

It’s a very well thought out book, well researched and cleverly written. I’m definitely interested in reading the next book.

🦋

A breathtaking plot.

Amber and duClare are so perfect together; the chemistry between them is so explosive, it's hard to put the book down.

The research part also brings valuable information (for those interested in that side of the story), and seeing two such determined people gradually trust each other and let their guard down is electrifying.
5 stars

The first part of the story tells of how Amber and Ramsey first met and how they got to know each other and how their feelings developed. This moved along at a slower pace. Then from halfway through the book, the pace changed and there was much more action. Amber was definitely brave but I couldn’t decide if she was stubborn and foolish as well. I know she had good intentions for her actions. I loved the strong bond between Amber and Ramsey. The latter part had me wondering how everything would work out for the best. This was an engaging read, it was good to hear about previous characters as well. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

While you were spying...

These two spies are engaged in a game with a dangerous man and a sinister plot.
I really liked Amber, who had very clear principals which led her to become a spy, Also, she had a hard upbringing.
Of course there's a villain who wants her and a Godfrey "Ram" who wants to save her and also save her from herself.
Lot's of spy games.
Recommend.

I found the tension kept ramping up in this suspenseful novel as widowed Amber St. Antoine flees Paris and the odious man who would like to keep her as his mistress and extract her secrets by whatever means possible. Fortunately Amber has friends who are concerned for her and set in motion her rescue from her pursuers. Godfrey duClare, Lord Ramsey is tasked with her safety, but first, he has to find Amber, especially as she effectively covers her tracks. Catching up with her is a victory in itself, but convincing her to allow him to protect her is not that simple. Amber and Ram, as he is known to his friends, make a formidable couple as they track down the movement of weapons and their destination. Unfortunately, that means they have to return to Paris where Amber once again falls prey to her enemy. The attraction between Ram and Amber escalates, especially when the tension is at its highest, and they make an incredibly well-suited pair - that is if they can live long enough to enjoy a future together. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Both our lead characters in this historical romance are spies in Napoleonic France. Our heroine had been at the highest reaches of the regime, but attracted the wrong man's attention. Our hero has been sent to help her. He is particularly sensitive to the needs of his partner. Obviously, they are always in danger, but our heroine is very determined to fulfil her mission.

A very interesting story is set in unusual circumstances and full of intrigue.

Good fun.

What a wonderful and amazing story! This is the second story in a 16 book series about specific people in the early 1800's who lived through the French Revolution and helped spy on Napoleon as he attempted to take over most of Europe. The characters are exceptional, deeply devoted to doing what is best for all people, not looking to be powerful but genuinely wanting freedom and peace for all. Ram and Amber find that their paths are interwoven even though their original goals were different. A moving story with great authentic information on France, it's history, locations and more. This author captures the readers attention from the first sentence to the very last period. Now you can read it as a stand alone, but I don't recommend it as the background of the characters are woven together in such a manner that you won't want to miss any of the connections. If you like historical romance that doesn't fit the standard out of the box balls, social differences, house parties, etc., then rush right out and get this and all the series. You won't be disappointed. A 10+

This story kept me glued to the pages with their drama and had me cheering them on to finding their happiness! I would recommend this book to all my friends and family.

Amber St. Antoine flees Paris and her role in spying on Bonaparte as the deputy chief of police, craves Amber as his mistress & he’ll do anything to achieve this. Godfrey duClare, Lord Ramsey, comes to Paris as part of the British diplomatic mission now that peace exists between his county and France. His first assignment by his superior Kane, Lord Ashley, is to find the elusive agent Amber St. Antoine and keep her safe. Following gossip and logic, Ram finds the stunningly beautiful woman deep in the French countryside. He declares she needs his protection, especially since she refuses to leave France. Defiant, Amber agrees to his company, even if they must pretend they are married. The two travel France, discovering in each other, each day, a delight that leads to a passion neither can deny. Then they find new evidence of Bonaparte’s warlike plans.
The second book in the series & it could be read on its own but to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. I loved both Ram & Amber, both strong willed, intelligent & brave. The chemistry between them sizzled but they also became friends & partners, as they gradually fell in love. All the time they court being caught as they try to find information about the making & deployment of arms. The pace racks up when they return to Paris & I was on the edge of my seat hoping they would not only be together but would escape as war was declared between England & France. I loved the mix between fact & fiction in this very well researched book & how the author seamlessly meshes them together. An engrossing romance with intrigue, spies & a road trip all against the growing power of Bonaparte
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Spying on Bonaparte, Amber realizes that she is soon to be caught and flees Paris. She meets British spy Ram who is immediately attracted to her and suggests they travel together as a couple to avoid detection. Traveling the French countryside they become very comfortable with each other. They dangerously travel back to Paris, exposing themselves to capture, in order to further their cause. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.