Lady Lazarus Historical Spy Romance

by Faberge Eastern

Rome's clerics tremble under Napoleonic rule. Cardinals fear following the Pope into prison, or worse. The feared name of Lazarus lingers after every calamity.

As England's representative in Rome, Lord Sebastian Buckingham understands how to navigate political peril with composure. Yet his wife longs for him to cast aside diplomatic reserve—desiring that he share his every secret and danger with her.

Lady Francesca Buckingham refuses to be an ornamental wife, refuses to be protected, refuses—most of all—to be a burden to her husband. Beneath Rome's elegance, she senses danger gathering, quiet and deliberate.

As political tensions rise and loyalties grow uncertain, Francesca and Sebastian find their greatest test is not the French Republic, but the devastating truth that love can be used against you. In this clean historical romance of marriage, espionage, and political intrigue, devotion may prove the bravest act of all.

290 pages, ebook

Published January 1, 2026

About the author

Faberge Eastern writes clean, witty Regency and Georgian historical romances filled with intrigue, slow-burn affection, and the sparkling tone of traditional British storytelling.

Reviews

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This is a sequel to Bonjour Agent, so I definitely recommend reading that before reading this one since it involves the same characters. Sebastian and Francesca are back again and married now. I loved seeing them again and of course danger always seems to follow them. This time in the form of a ticking bomb, like literally it’s a clock with a bomb. I really enjoyed this story and liked watching them figure out who the villain was and how to stop them. Francesca really knows how to fight for herself and I love that! Sebastian and Francesca are just the sweetest couple. There is not much else to say as I am trying to avoid spoilers. But the writing is great and the story very enjoyable! I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[GrabaBookBookClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Lazarus by Faberge Eastern

Review by Grababookbookclub ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lady Lazarus is a beautifully layered historical novel that weaves together mystery, resilience, redemption, and hope into a story that is impossible to forget. Faberge Eastern has once again created characters who feel remarkably real, placing them in a richly imagined world where every choice has consequences and every secret has the power to change a life.

From the opening pages, I was completely immersed. The story unfolds with just the right balance of suspense and emotion, revealing its mysteries piece by piece while keeping me invested in the lives of its characters. There is an underlying tension throughout the novel that makes it difficult to put down, yet it also allows quiet moments of reflection that add depth and heart to the narrative.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its character development. The protagonists are resilient, intelligent, and wonderfully human. Their emotional journeys are as compelling as the unfolding plot, and I found myself celebrating their victories while feeling the weight of their struggles.

Faberge Eastern’s writing is elegant and atmospheric, bringing the historical setting vividly to life. Every location, conversation, and detail feels carefully crafted, allowing the reader to become fully immersed in the period. The blend of historical authenticity with mystery and emotional storytelling makes this a thoroughly engaging read.

What I appreciated most was the novel’s exploration of resilience and second chances. It reminds us that our past may shape us, but it does not have to define our future. Those themes linger long after the final chapter.

If you enjoy historical fiction with compelling characters, intriguing mysteries, emotional depth, and beautifully researched settings, Lady Lazarus is a book that deserves a place on your reading list.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Faberge Eastern has delivered another captivating and memorable novel that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end.

[Gabrielle East · Rating 5 out of 5]

It isn't often that I take the time to write reviews, as you may see by the number of reviews noted, but I read a lot of (mostly Regency) novels.

This is the third novel by this author I have read. I was quick to put up my hand to pre-read this book, number two in the series. As it had been two years since reading book one, Bonjour Agent, I thought that I had better re-read the first book before reading number two. I have written a review for that one as well.

The main female character is Francesca, a smart, strong-minded woman finding her place in a new marriage to a man she hadn't known for very long. Trust is earned and takes some time to settle into a marriage, but both she and her husband, Sebastian, are smart people and maybe not given the full recognition that they both deserve by the other.

So much is happening in the novel that I had to make sure that I didn't get lost as the story progressed. Francesca is bored; she isn't content with just being the wife of a dignitary; she needs some of the excitement that brought these two together via the espionage story in book one (you really should read this one, it's exciting). So she learns to fence! Oh, I do wish I lived somewhere where I could have also learned. How fit would she be? And great reflexes. It would definitely help me in my Pickleball games lol.

They had to move to Rome rather suddenly for her husband Sebastian's new role. He is dealing with more than she realises. France is infiltrating Rome, and those close to the Pope are being bombed. The whispers suggest that Lazarus has resurrected. But who is this Lazarus? And how are these men being bombed in their own homes? That is what Sebastian has to find out and stop before any more of them die. But it all goes wrong when his loved ones are the ones suddenly being targeted, both Francesca and his family back in England, meanwhile, the English are all being told to leave the country now! Sebastian is tested to his limits.

I must add that I tend to get a little anxious with nail-biting scenes, but the author keeps you safe while watching what transpires. I appreciated the insight into what was happening so that I could continue reading because I wanted to, not because of anxiously needing to know the outcome. I knew that at some point, Francesca's sword skills would come in handy, and some light-hearted scenes make you laugh a long with the locals.

Again, I found this author is a delight to read, and I was blessed to be given the opportunity to be an ARC reader.

[Alexis (IG: lexislimitlesslibrary) Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Step into the past, where romance and danger collide… ✨

“You are the only thing in Rome I cannot afford to lose. Can’t you understand that?”

If you’re looking for historical romances that completely immerses you into another time period, Faberge Eastern is an author you need to add to your TBR! Her ability to weave rich historical details, captivating multiple POVs, and vivid storytelling creates a reading experience that pulls you fully into the world of the characters.

Lady Lazarus picks up after book one, so I highly recommend reading Bonjour Agent first to fully appreciate the story. This book is packed with mystery, suspense, political intrigue, and characters who must discover their strengths, face challenges head-on, and fight for what matters most.

I absolutely loved the romance between Sebastian and Francesca! Sebastian understands just how fierce and determined Cheska is and never tries to dim her light. Instead, he loves her wholeheartedly and supports her in every way possible. But keeping her safe puts him to the ultimate test, and watching their relationship navigate those challenges was one of my favorite parts of the story.

The political intrigue kept me hooked from the very first page to the last. I loved how every thread came together, how the loose ends were tied up, and how satisfying the conclusion was. I am keeping my review vague to avoid any spoilers, but this is a stand out read for me!

If you love historical romances filled with multiple POVs, mystery, suspense, political intrigue, and a tender, deeply devoted romance, this series needs to be on your TBR!

“I might have pledged to obey you, but I also vowed to hold you in the worst of times. By your side I shall remain. I beg you not to look at me as if I were porcelain,”

I received an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content: Closed door, assassination attempts, peril, suspense, no graphic or explicit content.

[Kim Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Lazarus is a beautiful historical book filled with suspense, romance, and sword fighting. From page one I felt like I was transported to Rome during the time of the French Revolution. Faberge Eastern has a way of creating an old world feel with her vivid descriptions and dialogue. This is the second book in this series and it’s fun to see the two main characters, Lady Francesca and Lord Sebastian Buckingham, again in different circumstances after their marriage.

Lord Sebastian has supposedly given up his spying ways from when he worked for the British government, yet he finds himself pulled in again. Lady Francesca struggles to keep her strong willed and independent self alive within the Regency constraints of expectations on women within marriage. It was fun to watch the two of them learn throughout the book that marriage means you are both 100% for the other person and yes, some things do change because you love that other person.

Faberge’s third person omnipotent point of view adds to the old world feel and reminds me of many classics I love. This book doesn’t have a faith arc, like most of the books I read and review, but it is clear that the main characters have a Christian worldview. I enjoyed reading this story and recommend it if you love clean stories with a classic feel that include romance, intrigue, and lots of action.

[Kortnee - The Closed Door Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overview:

Language 🤐: mild (mostly the Lords name used)

Romance ❤️‍🔥: LV 1 kisses only (non descriptive)

Violence ⚔️: PG-PG13 attempted murder, on page death

⚠️Assassinations, War, Grief, Lord’s name used in vain⚠️

Tropes/Micro tropes
- Multiple POV
- Hidden Identity
- Mystery
- Suspense

My Thoughts:

This was such an enjoyable story! I truly devoured this story! I feel like you could definitely read this one without having to read the first book, you will get more of Sebastian and Francesca story of how they ended up together, there are snippets mentioned in this book but you’d need to read the first book to get that whole story.

I enjoyed the different POVs that I felt like added great depth to the story. The timelines along with the few flashbacks were really interesting and flowed well in my opinion. I enjoyed seeing how everything came together and how the crisis came to an end.

This story is packed with wonderful characters, danger, adventure, hilarious family relations. I really enjoyed it so much!

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Katelyn Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy release day! 🎉 I received a free copy of this book and had the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this author and I loved it!

Lady Lazarus is book 2 in the Historical Spy Romance series. While it can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with book 1, Bonjour Agent, for the full effect.

Set during the Napoleonic era, this one is packed with political intrigue, espionage, and vivid historical detail. I especially adored Lady Francesca Buckingham, her spunk, bravery, and tenacity make her impossible to ignore. And Lord Sebastian Buckingham? A stern, gallant hero with major “sweet teddy bear for his wife” energy (hello, Darcy vibes).

With their lives constantly being thrown into danger, trust becomes complicated when hidden identities and agendas come to light. This whirlwind mystery will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next shoe to drop. The witty banter and well written dialogue had me glued to the pages.

If you enjoy clean historical romances and authors like Nichole Van, Elizabeth Johns, and Sarah E. Ladd, you’ll want to read this one. Happy reading!

[M. K. Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 stars: This was a high stakes historical romance featuring a married British couple finding danger in Rome and making it back to London, with difficulty. I really wanted more from the romance; they were already married when the book started and nothing much changed in their relationship by the end, even they went through some extreme hardships. I wanted more shown and less told, especially about their relationship but also in general for the plot; sometimes the narrator felt a little heavy-handed for my taste. I will say that I thought the unique setting was interesting and done fairly well. The clocks were explained with sufficient depth to make their function clear, which made the scenes with them feel real. I had a fun time reading about their adventures and seeing reactions to the events. Overall I really enjoyed this!

Thank you to the author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian and Cheska Buckingham are on a diplomatic assignment in Rome to discover and stop a person who is using a past moniker of Lazarus to kill the higher authority of the Catholic Church. Sebastian wants to keep Cheska and not involve her in his covert work, but trouble and danger have a way of finding her.

I loved this sequel to the first book in the series! Seeing Cheska help find and bring the killer to justice was original and so satisfying. I highly recommend reading this series.

I received a copy of the book from the author. I was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Hannah Asire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book.


Although I didn't read the first book, I found that the main protagonists made it easy to get sucked into their world and care about their lives. The action picked up immediately, and it only got better as I read on.

The ending itself is worth the read and I found myself feeling heartbroken, happy, and laughing all throughout.

I would recommend picking up the first book before reading this one if you want more background and to feel more attached to the characters, but this book reads well as a stand alone.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these characters. Sebastian and Francesca are so strong, good, smart and in love. I loved how they leaned on each other but were also separately strong.

I loved the danger, friendship and love of family shown throughout the book. I loved it all.