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Viennese Waltz #2
The Forbidden Waltz
A Forbidden Love. A Secret Identity. A Royal Scandal.
In the dazzling courts of Vienna during the Congress, love defies an empire. When the emperor's charming son falls for a spirited English commoner, their secret romance must be kept hidden at all costs. Join Pippa and Klemens in The Forbidden Waltz—a tale brimming with wit, charm, and passion.
This sweet and clean Regency romance is the second book of the Viennese Waltz Series but can be read as a standalone.
Set against the backdrop of Vienna’s 1814 elegance, diplomacy, and intrigue, this series twirls through the entwined destinies of friends, enemies, and lost lovers in charming tales of love, desire and courtship.
My Lady, Will you Dance?
Book 1: The Forgotten Duke
In the dazzling courts of Vienna during the Congress, love defies an empire. When the emperor's charming son falls for a spirited English commoner, their secret romance must be kept hidden at all costs. Join Pippa and Klemens in The Forbidden Waltz—a tale brimming with wit, charm, and passion.
This sweet and clean Regency romance is the second book of the Viennese Waltz Series but can be read as a standalone.
Set against the backdrop of Vienna’s 1814 elegance, diplomacy, and intrigue, this series twirls through the entwined destinies of friends, enemies, and lost lovers in charming tales of love, desire and courtship.
My Lady, Will you Dance?
Book 1: The Forgotten Duke
- GenresRomanceHistorical
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2025
89 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 24, 2025
When Pippa's father dies, she's left alone and virtually penniless - and with a fiancé, Klemens, who's vanished. So she goes to Vienna to look for Klemens, whom she believes to be a penniless student. But things get worse when her documents and remaining money are stolen before she even enters Vienna, she's unable to find Klemens, and she's arrested for not having a passport. The only way to escape prison is to agree to spy for the Secret Police, so she ends up as a maid in the palace - only to recognise 'Klemens' in the emperor's youngest son. He swears he'll find a way for them to be together; she feels betrayed and certain they can't possibly have a future together despite his promises. Can they find trust and a solution amid the insanity of the Vienna Congress?
I've never yet been disappointed by one of this author's books, despite my high expectations, and this was no exception. It pulled me in from the start, kept me guessing as to what would happen next, had me alternately laughing and feeling sympathy for Pippa and Klemens, and left me feeling happy and satisfied (even though I was sorry to say goodbye to them). Throw in the odd touch of spying suspense (very little), occasional meetings with characters from previous books, some quirky characters who made things still more interesting, and a main character who uses maths to keep her temper under control, and this is not just your standard Regency/historical romance - it's a book I can see myself coming back and rereading. Waiting eagerly for the next book! Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I've never yet been disappointed by one of this author's books, despite my high expectations, and this was no exception. It pulled me in from the start, kept me guessing as to what would happen next, had me alternately laughing and feeling sympathy for Pippa and Klemens, and left me feeling happy and satisfied (even though I was sorry to say goodbye to them). Throw in the odd touch of spying suspense (very little), occasional meetings with characters from previous books, some quirky characters who made things still more interesting, and a main character who uses maths to keep her temper under control, and this is not just your standard Regency/historical romance - it's a book I can see myself coming back and rereading. Waiting eagerly for the next book! Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 29, 2025
I just love this series with all of the history of the courts of Vienna during the Congress, just after the Napoleonic Wars. Each book in this series probably can be read in any order as the books seamlessly overlap. The characters are wonderful and the story is well written. This one is about the son of the emperor who has fallen in love with a commoner. As his father is preparing an arranged marriage for him it seems like there is no solution for this couple to be together.
Philippa Cranwell arrives in Vienna to find her fiance who has not answered her recent letters. With the death of her father and the loss of her home she arrives just as the delegates from many countries are coming for the Congress. When her purse with all of her money and identification papers is stolen, she is brought to the police who make a deal with her to keep her out of jail. She must get a job as a maid in the emperor's palace and spy for them. With her days so busy it seems it will be impossible to find her lost fiance, Klemens Lidenstein.
Archduke Leopold Klemens of Austria, the emperor's scandalous youngest son and the court's most whispered-about rake: Prince Lucifer has been keeping his relationship with Pippa a secret for years. He would sneak away form the palace in the summer to become a student of Pippa's brilliant father under the name Klemens Lidenstein. He fell in love with Pippa and promised to marry her but now he has no clue where she has gone. He has no idea that she is actually living in the palace working as a maid. When he finally realizes she is safe in his household, he will have to regain her trust and find a way to finally make her his wife in the midst of all the palace intrigue.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Philippa Cranwell arrives in Vienna to find her fiance who has not answered her recent letters. With the death of her father and the loss of her home she arrives just as the delegates from many countries are coming for the Congress. When her purse with all of her money and identification papers is stolen, she is brought to the police who make a deal with her to keep her out of jail. She must get a job as a maid in the emperor's palace and spy for them. With her days so busy it seems it will be impossible to find her lost fiance, Klemens Lidenstein.
Archduke Leopold Klemens of Austria, the emperor's scandalous youngest son and the court's most whispered-about rake: Prince Lucifer has been keeping his relationship with Pippa a secret for years. He would sneak away form the palace in the summer to become a student of Pippa's brilliant father under the name Klemens Lidenstein. He fell in love with Pippa and promised to marry her but now he has no clue where she has gone. He has no idea that she is actually living in the palace working as a maid. When he finally realizes she is safe in his household, he will have to regain her trust and find a way to finally make her his wife in the midst of all the palace intrigue.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Forbidden Waltz by Sofi Laporte is a gripping story of forbidden love and secret identities.
Sofi Laporte gripped me into her genius story telling once again. From a secret identity, an inspiring love tale, secrets, glitter and glam from page one, I was hooked. What would it mean for someone’s world to turn completely upside down, the people you thought would always be there for you mysteriously disappear… What choices one is forced to make during desperate circumstances… We go through together all of these choices with Pippa as she goes throughout the story. Her world view is turned upside down, she is battered on all sides with difficult choices, and doing what she thinks is right.
🎶 Regency Romance
🎶 hidden identity
🎶 friends to lovers
🎶 social divide
🎶 lost love
The author as always create a beautiful atmosphere throughout the story, with writing a variety of different accounts on the complex diplomacy with Russia, England, and Austria and more. I was thoroughly swept through the political climate of the time, and it was quite exciting to read about the antics one would get up to during that time. Secrets, love stories, and complicated intrigue you can’t go wrong with this story.
You’ll never go wrong with a Sofi Laporte story. I recommend every single one of her books.
Thank you Sofi Laporte for the free book.
Sofi Laporte gripped me into her genius story telling once again. From a secret identity, an inspiring love tale, secrets, glitter and glam from page one, I was hooked. What would it mean for someone’s world to turn completely upside down, the people you thought would always be there for you mysteriously disappear… What choices one is forced to make during desperate circumstances… We go through together all of these choices with Pippa as she goes throughout the story. Her world view is turned upside down, she is battered on all sides with difficult choices, and doing what she thinks is right.
🎶 Regency Romance
🎶 hidden identity
🎶 friends to lovers
🎶 social divide
🎶 lost love
The author as always create a beautiful atmosphere throughout the story, with writing a variety of different accounts on the complex diplomacy with Russia, England, and Austria and more. I was thoroughly swept through the political climate of the time, and it was quite exciting to read about the antics one would get up to during that time. Secrets, love stories, and complicated intrigue you can’t go wrong with this story.
You’ll never go wrong with a Sofi Laporte story. I recommend every single one of her books.
Thank you Sofi Laporte for the free book.
December 24, 2025
The Forbidden Waltz is, at its heart, a love story. At the same time, our heroine finds herself deeply involved in mysterious and potentially dangerous circumstances in a lavishly detailed and vastly engaging story that carries the reader along through the many twists and turns of an exceptionally well-written tale. The author’s finely-honed skills for description and careful plotting are in full evidence, making The Forbidden Waltz a very enjoyable reading experience. As is always true with this author’s charming stories, I was rooting for the heroine from the first page; she was both inventive and resilient, traits to be admired.
Once again we are visiting the Congress of Vienna (September 1814–June 1815), which serves as the dramatic backdrop of the Vienna Waltz series. This time we view the scene from a very different vantage point: that of a palace maid. Our heroine, an educated young woman who has reluctantly, but necessarily, accepted the job, has also been forced into spying on Congress participants. The Vienna Congress was famous for the vast numbers of spies working on behalf of the major powers involved, and in this book we get a look at that facet of the Congress, and get a sense of what life was like for those who worked behind the scenes. In other words, we learn a bit about history while reading a beautifully written story. Wonderful!
Once again we are visiting the Congress of Vienna (September 1814–June 1815), which serves as the dramatic backdrop of the Vienna Waltz series. This time we view the scene from a very different vantage point: that of a palace maid. Our heroine, an educated young woman who has reluctantly, but necessarily, accepted the job, has also been forced into spying on Congress participants. The Vienna Congress was famous for the vast numbers of spies working on behalf of the major powers involved, and in this book we get a look at that facet of the Congress, and get a sense of what life was like for those who worked behind the scenes. In other words, we learn a bit about history while reading a beautifully written story. Wonderful!
December 27, 2025
It's impossible to list all the things I loved about The Forbidden Waltz without giving spoilers, so I'll just mention a few of the main things:
I loved absolutely everything about this book! The world building, the descriptions, the historically accurate details (with a little bit of creative license thrown in to make the story better), the crossover characters from the other books in the series, but most of all Pippa's spunk, cheekiness and friendly but spitfire personality. I loved how resourceful and determined and outspoken she was and her banter with Klemens was fabulous!
I loved how Pippa managed to overcome her dire situation in the beginning of the book through hard work and determination (and watching her try to be a servant was incredibly entertaining!) and the second chance romance was everything I'd hoped it would be! The twists near the end of the book were amazing, the writing was incredible and as usual with anything written by Sofi, the story was utter perfection! Can't wait for the next one!
I loved absolutely everything about this book! The world building, the descriptions, the historically accurate details (with a little bit of creative license thrown in to make the story better), the crossover characters from the other books in the series, but most of all Pippa's spunk, cheekiness and friendly but spitfire personality. I loved how resourceful and determined and outspoken she was and her banter with Klemens was fabulous!
I loved how Pippa managed to overcome her dire situation in the beginning of the book through hard work and determination (and watching her try to be a servant was incredibly entertaining!) and the second chance romance was everything I'd hoped it would be! The twists near the end of the book were amazing, the writing was incredible and as usual with anything written by Sofi, the story was utter perfection! Can't wait for the next one!
December 30, 2025
Pippa Cranwell has fallen in love with one of her father‘s students. The young man, Klemens, asked her to marry him and even gave her a ring to seal their arrangement. Niw, however, her father has died, she’s lost her house and money, and Klemens us nowhere to be found. Not knowing what else to do, Pippa heads to Vienna in the hope of finding him. What she discovers there is a world apart from what she was expecting.
When her purse and papers are stolen, Pippa finds herself in a dire situation. The police become involved and arrange a job for her at the home of the Emperor. It’s a lowly position, and it comes with strings attached. What Pippa discovers at Hofburg Palace shocks her.
Will Pippa and Klemens find each other, again? Will he keep his promise to marry her? There’s a great deal that goes on in this book that will answer the questions by but necessarily in a straight line.
I enjoyed this book very much and I recommend it.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
When her purse and papers are stolen, Pippa finds herself in a dire situation. The police become involved and arrange a job for her at the home of the Emperor. It’s a lowly position, and it comes with strings attached. What Pippa discovers at Hofburg Palace shocks her.
Will Pippa and Klemens find each other, again? Will he keep his promise to marry her? There’s a great deal that goes on in this book that will answer the questions by but necessarily in a straight line.
I enjoyed this book very much and I recommend it.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
December 26, 2025
This mostly takes place in courts of Vienna during the Congress, just after the Napoleonic Wars, but it really begins back in England when a scholar’s daughter and one of his pupils fall in love and become engaged. When she is orphaned she goes to Austria to find her fiancé, only for her money and papers to be stolen. She finds work in the emperor’s palace and discovers that her fiancé is actually the emperor’s youngest son. There is some intrigue as she has been forced to spy in the palace. He must work to regain her trust and find a way for their HEA. It was nice to have the setting in an other country. Some of the characters from previous books in the series make an appearance, but the books don’t have to be read in order.
December 22, 2025
Having been to Vienna and the Schönbrunn Palace, I was intrigued with this glimpse into the Viennese court, political intrigue, and all the delegations present for the congress. My heart went out to Pippa for the impossible position she was put into and the double life Klemens lived, all while longing for a simple life with their true loves. Without giving anything away, suffice it to say the fairy tale ending was every girl’s dream. Make sure you read the authors notes for more fascinating historical details. Thanks to the author, I receive an ARC with no obligation, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Captivating start to this stand alone (but why limit to just one?) second book in the series. A robbery, lost person and spies!
The author does a magnificent job if weaving fictional characters within historical context. She does such a good job that the reader is challenged to remember which is real vs fictional.
I enjoyed the development of the heroine as she struggles with the challenges life throws at her.
The hero is complex and caught in his life as well.
I recommend this book, series and author highly. I look forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next.
I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.
The author does a magnificent job if weaving fictional characters within historical context. She does such a good job that the reader is challenged to remember which is real vs fictional.
I enjoyed the development of the heroine as she struggles with the challenges life throws at her.
The hero is complex and caught in his life as well.
I recommend this book, series and author highly. I look forward to the next book in the series to see what happens next.
I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.
December 24, 2025
In The Forbidden Waltz, you really want to know what is going to happen in this historical romance set in an exciting place and time. I read the story in one sitting. The glimpse of palace life is compelling, and Pippa makes a friend who helps her navigate life pretending to be a maid.
Pippa and Klemens defy the odds. The idea of a normal woman and an archduke is a bit hard to imagine, but Laporte convinces us.
I appreciated the author bringing to life Vienna of the 1814 Congress and all the intrigue along with the appearance of the crafty spy chief Metternich.
Against all odds the two lovers make a go of it in a tale set in a lofty palace at a momentous point in history.
Pippa and Klemens defy the odds. The idea of a normal woman and an archduke is a bit hard to imagine, but Laporte convinces us.
I appreciated the author bringing to life Vienna of the 1814 Congress and all the intrigue along with the appearance of the crafty spy chief Metternich.
Against all odds the two lovers make a go of it in a tale set in a lofty palace at a momentous point in history.
December 23, 2025
Another fabulous book by Sofi Laporte! Her ability to draw the reader in from the very first page is magical. In this book, the two MC must maintain their secret to stay together. I love that Sofi’s book always have a hidden identity theme and secrets.
I loved Pippa in that she maintained her strength and resolve thru out the book. She didn’t become a simpering female. She did what she thought was right with all her hard choices.
I love all Sofi’s books and once you read one, you’ll devour every one of them.
I loved Pippa in that she maintained her strength and resolve thru out the book. She didn’t become a simpering female. She did what she thought was right with all her hard choices.
I love all Sofi’s books and once you read one, you’ll devour every one of them.
December 30, 2025
Yeah, I didn’t love this one. The political and spy aspects are dry and boring, and the relationship unromantic and underdeveloped. The ending gets a little better, but I still had to force my way through it. I loved the first book of the series, so was disappointed to not enjoy this one.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There are scenes of revelry, but it’s not graphic and the MCs do not participate. There are many mentions of mistresses and affairs. There is no mention of faith or God.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There are scenes of revelry, but it’s not graphic and the MCs do not participate. There are many mentions of mistresses and affairs. There is no mention of faith or God.
January 5, 2026
well written and developed
Really enjoyed this story. SoFi does a nice job in her story telling.
This was a fun story, love coming across the previous characters from her other books.
The main thing that didn't seem realistic since she was so intelligent, was her talking to the gardener when she had no clue who he was.
With spies everywhere, it would have not been wise to tell so much about herself. Although I was pretty confident I knew who he was she didn't.
Though it was definately a fun story.
Really enjoyed this story. SoFi does a nice job in her story telling.
This was a fun story, love coming across the previous characters from her other books.
The main thing that didn't seem realistic since she was so intelligent, was her talking to the gardener when she had no clue who he was.
With spies everywhere, it would have not been wise to tell so much about herself. Although I was pretty confident I knew who he was she didn't.
Though it was definately a fun story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Finding herself in dire situation, she adeptly adapted. His love is constant even with their seemingly insurmountable social gap. Amid political intrigue, manipulations, maneuvers and spying, they found a way to their HEA. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
December 30, 2025
What I like most about this series is the change of scenery from the typical locations that we generally encounter in a historical regency romance. I appreciated especially the cast of characters at the beginning, which allowed me to look up details on some of the ones based on real historical figures.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well-written with a gripping opening, a satisfying ending, and hard to put down. Not as light-hearted as some of Sofi Laporte's other books, but still sprinkled with laugh-out-loud moments.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a second chance romance and has a lot of politics too. It would be interesting to study the congress and then reread the book. It was fun to watch the twists and see how a forbidden romance could become reality. Enjoyable read.
December 29, 2025
Absolutely fascinating!
This tale was so intriguing I could not put it down. I love Sofi ‘s style of writing as it keeps you in suspense with all the twists and turns. Both suspense and love; an unbeatable combination.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
This tale was so intriguing I could not put it down. I love Sofi ‘s style of writing as it keeps you in suspense with all the twists and turns. Both suspense and love; an unbeatable combination.
I can’t wait to read the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wonderful historical romance.. Clever, interesting, and romantic.. Lovely characters!
January 20, 2026
Enjoyed many of this author's regency romance books, but this book is boring. Didn't like the first book in the series and this one is even worse.
January 21, 2026
2.5 stars. It was okay, but a little over the top.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews