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Viennese Waltz #3
The False Bride
A lifelong betrothal. A chance encounter. And a mistake that changes everything.
Engaged since childhood to the formidable Field Marshal Georg von Hartenberg, Evangeline Stafford-Hill is quite certain her future husband must be cold, humourless, and old enough to be her father. Determined to see the truth for herself, she sets out to find him. For what could possibly go wrong?
Only everything.
Stranded by a storm at a crowded inn, a desperate Evie passes her feverish companion off as "Lady Evangeline" to secure the last available bed. She has no idea she has been overheard by the gentleman himself. Mistaking the invalid companion for his intended bride, Field Marshal Georg von Hartenberg assumes the real Evie is nothing grander than a sharp-tongued lady's maid.
Georg has not survived a war by letting anyone close, least of all a slip of a girl with a quick wit and a gift for turning up where she should not. He has no intention of losing his head to anyone, certainly not to a servant.
Yet behind the waltzes, Vienna plays a deadlier game. When a ruthless, shadowy organisation threatens the people she loves, Evie is forced into an impossible betray the very man she is coming to love, or watch her family fall.
As deception folds into deception, two people armoured against love find themselves perilously outmatched. And when the truth comes out, it will either ruin them both or hand them the one thing they never dared want.
The False Bride is a sweet and clean Regency romance brimming with wit, warmth, and a thread of danger. Perfect for fans of betrothed strangers, mistaken identities, and grumpy heroes.
The False Bride is the third 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
Book 2: The Forbidden Waltz
Engaged since childhood to the formidable Field Marshal Georg von Hartenberg, Evangeline Stafford-Hill is quite certain her future husband must be cold, humourless, and old enough to be her father. Determined to see the truth for herself, she sets out to find him. For what could possibly go wrong?
Only everything.
Stranded by a storm at a crowded inn, a desperate Evie passes her feverish companion off as "Lady Evangeline" to secure the last available bed. She has no idea she has been overheard by the gentleman himself. Mistaking the invalid companion for his intended bride, Field Marshal Georg von Hartenberg assumes the real Evie is nothing grander than a sharp-tongued lady's maid.
Georg has not survived a war by letting anyone close, least of all a slip of a girl with a quick wit and a gift for turning up where she should not. He has no intention of losing his head to anyone, certainly not to a servant.
Yet behind the waltzes, Vienna plays a deadlier game. When a ruthless, shadowy organisation threatens the people she loves, Evie is forced into an impossible betray the very man she is coming to love, or watch her family fall.
As deception folds into deception, two people armoured against love find themselves perilously outmatched. And when the truth comes out, it will either ruin them both or hand them the one thing they never dared want.
The False Bride is a sweet and clean Regency romance brimming with wit, warmth, and a thread of danger. Perfect for fans of betrothed strangers, mistaken identities, and grumpy heroes.
The False Bride is the third 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
Book 2: The Forbidden Waltz
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2026
About the author
Sofi Laporte
36 books365 followersSofi Laporte is a bestselling author of sweet, mischievous Regency romances filled with witty banter and heart-tugging happily-ever-afters. Her clean, closed-door romances are perfect for readers who grew up on Georgette Heyer and never quite recovered.
A globetrotter at heart, she was born in Vienna, grew up in Seoul, studied Comparative Literature in Maryland, and lived in Quito before settling in Europe. When not crafting stories, Sofi enjoys exploring medieval castle ruins, taking leisurely walks with her dog, and embracing the rewarding challenge of raising three multilingual children.
A globetrotter at heart, she was born in Vienna, grew up in Seoul, studied Comparative Literature in Maryland, and lived in Quito before settling in Europe. When not crafting stories, Sofi enjoys exploring medieval castle ruins, taking leisurely walks with her dog, and embracing the rewarding challenge of raising three multilingual children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 11, 2026
3.75 stars
I continue to enjoy this charming series by SL. Nothing groundbreaking in the plot but I find it lighthearted with refreshing characters. In this book, I particularly liked how spunky Evie manages (hilariously) to disconcert rigid Georg at every single turn. I thus enjoyed the first ⅔ of the little game of cat and mouse they had ongoing. The last third slowed down a bit too much, esp. with that skin-deep spy sub-plot that had no resolution. I will continue with the series, if just for its gorgeous covers 😊.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2026
I'm in love with Georg & Evie!!
To say I'm completely awestruck with Sofi's third novel is really an understatement! The sharp, sardonic bantering, the crown of asters prank, hilarious taunting and mistaken identity all made this story beyond spectacular. My ultimate favorite scene involved Hartenburg and Evie sitting down to eat potatoes and fish (goosebumps!) at the overcrowded inn...my shoulders were unmistakably shaking so hard (trying to quietly, hysterically laugh but failing) that my husband asked confusingly why our bed was moving. Oh the happy tears!
Not only do I adore the brilliantly clever Evie and the misleadingly stoic Georg, but Schneider is a funny foil to them both. I found myself wholly disappointed when I finished this book too fast. Can you please write an extended epilogue or novella for Evie and Georg? I don't ever want their love story to end!
To say I'm completely awestruck with Sofi's third novel is really an understatement! The sharp, sardonic bantering, the crown of asters prank, hilarious taunting and mistaken identity all made this story beyond spectacular. My ultimate favorite scene involved Hartenburg and Evie sitting down to eat potatoes and fish (goosebumps!) at the overcrowded inn...my shoulders were unmistakably shaking so hard (trying to quietly, hysterically laugh but failing) that my husband asked confusingly why our bed was moving. Oh the happy tears!
Not only do I adore the brilliantly clever Evie and the misleadingly stoic Georg, but Schneider is a funny foil to them both. I found myself wholly disappointed when I finished this book too fast. Can you please write an extended epilogue or novella for Evie and Georg? I don't ever want their love story to end!
Did Not Finish
July 24, 2026DNF
In the middle of the book, the heroine is forced into action she doesn't want by blackmailing villains. At least, I assumed they were villains. I stopped reading as soon as it happened, about 50% in, because I hate this literary device. I hate it when people are deprived of choices (or can't see the right choices), whether in fiction or in real life. And the story didn't really engage me even before that. So DNF.
In the middle of the book, the heroine is forced into action she doesn't want by blackmailing villains. At least, I assumed they were villains. I stopped reading as soon as it happened, about 50% in, because I hate this literary device. I hate it when people are deprived of choices (or can't see the right choices), whether in fiction or in real life. And the story didn't really engage me even before that. So DNF.
August 7, 2026
The main characters were fun and the story was sweet. I enjoyed their antics. Evie's feistiness and fearlessness with her ideas were fun to read.
I wish the spy plot had been more interesting, and especially wish Evie hadn't Not following directions can be fun or funny sometimes but when people's lives are at stake, it's just a character flaw and a dangerous one.
I think I wish the story had dived more in depth into the characters in general and their relationship. I think there was more potential to be mined in the characters - their relationship was pretty rushed in some ways, and I'm not sure we ever really see what they are like when they are fully relaxed and fully themselves and confident of each other together - we get a glimpse at the end. But it still feels like they have stuff to work through (will they be in continuous cycles of yelling at each other and getting furious with each other throughout their relationship? will they be happy that way - how does it work long term?). I would have liked to see more character growth in Evie also, especially in examining what she could learn from the main guy. However, the depiction of the relationship overall stayed on the lighter side in the book - which could be ok with me, but then in that case, I wish it had compensated with a more complex and interesting plot.
I wish the spy plot had been more interesting, and especially wish Evie hadn't Not following directions can be fun or funny sometimes but when people's lives are at stake, it's just a character flaw and a dangerous one.
I think I wish the story had dived more in depth into the characters in general and their relationship. I think there was more potential to be mined in the characters - their relationship was pretty rushed in some ways, and I'm not sure we ever really see what they are like when they are fully relaxed and fully themselves and confident of each other together - we get a glimpse at the end. But it still feels like they have stuff to work through (will they be in continuous cycles of yelling at each other and getting furious with each other throughout their relationship? will they be happy that way - how does it work long term?). I would have liked to see more character growth in Evie also, especially in examining what she could learn from the main guy. However, the depiction of the relationship overall stayed on the lighter side in the book - which could be ok with me, but then in that case, I wish it had compensated with a more complex and interesting plot.
September 8, 2026
This was another delightful Regency romance by this author. This series has been exceptional. The characters are delightful and the stories are extremely well done. I highly recommend these books! Now I have to wait until next year to read the next book in the series!
Amazon synopsis:
Engaged since childhood to the formidable Field Marshal Georg von Hartenberg, Evangeline Stafford-Hill is quite certain her future husband must be cold, humourless, and old enough to be her father. Determined to see the truth for herself, she sets out to find him. For what could possibly go wrong?
Only everything.
Stranded by a storm at a crowded inn, a desperate Evie passes her feverish companion off as "Lady Evangeline" to secure the last available bed. She has no idea she has been overheard by the gentleman himself. Mistaking the invalid companion for his intended bride, Field Marshal Georg von Hartenberg assumes the real Evie is nothing grander than a sharp-tongued lady's maid.
Georg has not survived a war by letting anyone close, least of all a slip of a girl with a quick wit and a gift for turning up where she should not. He has no intention of losing his head to anyone, certainly not to a servant.
Yet behind the waltzes, Vienna plays a deadlier game. When a ruthless, shadowy organisation threatens the people she loves, Evie is forced into an impossible bargain: betray the very man she is coming to love, or watch her family fall.
As deception folds into deception, two people armoured against love find themselves perilously outmatched. And when the truth comes out, it will either ruin them both or hand them the one thing they never dared want.
Amazon synopsis:
Engaged since childhood to the formidable Field Marshal Georg von Hartenberg, Evangeline Stafford-Hill is quite certain her future husband must be cold, humourless, and old enough to be her father. Determined to see the truth for herself, she sets out to find him. For what could possibly go wrong?
Only everything.
Stranded by a storm at a crowded inn, a desperate Evie passes her feverish companion off as "Lady Evangeline" to secure the last available bed. She has no idea she has been overheard by the gentleman himself. Mistaking the invalid companion for his intended bride, Field Marshal Georg von Hartenberg assumes the real Evie is nothing grander than a sharp-tongued lady's maid.
Georg has not survived a war by letting anyone close, least of all a slip of a girl with a quick wit and a gift for turning up where she should not. He has no intention of losing his head to anyone, certainly not to a servant.
Yet behind the waltzes, Vienna plays a deadlier game. When a ruthless, shadowy organisation threatens the people she loves, Evie is forced into an impossible bargain: betray the very man she is coming to love, or watch her family fall.
As deception folds into deception, two people armoured against love find themselves perilously outmatched. And when the truth comes out, it will either ruin them both or hand them the one thing they never dared want.
July 25, 2026
My Favorite of the Series!
I absolutely adored Evie! She’s such a complex character! On the surface, she appears quite simple and whiny. In some respects she is (haha), but she is so much more! She’s brilliant! I love how she is so quick to hatch a scheme and carry it out. She is often underestimated by those around her, which makes her successes that much more rewarding. I don’t think she even fully understands how amazing her brain is.
I love how EASY things come to her. She is a force to be reckoned with. Georg never stood a chance.
I loved the banter between the characters in this one too! The way they finished each other’s thoughts, stories, and sentences was so fun. They were both so quick on the draw.
Schneider is my absolute favorite! He is just hilarious. Every scene he was in had me cracking up. One of my favorite short-convos was:
Schneider tilted his head. “She does have a point, sir.”
“Silence.”
“Yes, sir.”
The pacing was quick too. I thought it was appropriate and kept my interest all the way through. I was truly surprised by Evie’s actions. Sometimes she did just what I expected, and other times she did the opposite. It was refreshing. I thought she encapsulated humanity well. In some ways she was “dumb,” and others she was utterly brilliant. I liked that she carried both aspects because I found her to be so realistic!
P.S. Our girl has an excellent shot, and I absolutely adored every single mention and moment she talked about guns. The shooting at dolls as a child KILLED me.
I absolutely adored Evie! She’s such a complex character! On the surface, she appears quite simple and whiny. In some respects she is (haha), but she is so much more! She’s brilliant! I love how she is so quick to hatch a scheme and carry it out. She is often underestimated by those around her, which makes her successes that much more rewarding. I don’t think she even fully understands how amazing her brain is.
I love how EASY things come to her. She is a force to be reckoned with. Georg never stood a chance.
I loved the banter between the characters in this one too! The way they finished each other’s thoughts, stories, and sentences was so fun. They were both so quick on the draw.
Schneider is my absolute favorite! He is just hilarious. Every scene he was in had me cracking up. One of my favorite short-convos was:
Schneider tilted his head. “She does have a point, sir.”
“Silence.”
“Yes, sir.”
The pacing was quick too. I thought it was appropriate and kept my interest all the way through. I was truly surprised by Evie’s actions. Sometimes she did just what I expected, and other times she did the opposite. It was refreshing. I thought she encapsulated humanity well. In some ways she was “dumb,” and others she was utterly brilliant. I liked that she carried both aspects because I found her to be so realistic!
P.S. Our girl has an excellent shot, and I absolutely adored every single mention and moment she talked about guns. The shooting at dolls as a child KILLED me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh this is the story I have been waiting for since this series started. Lady Evangeline Stafford-Hill has been an important character in all of the books in this series. Even though she is the sister of a powerful duke, she has a mind of her own and has no problem deciding how to live her life. She has a compassionate heart for the people around her and was instrumental in getting her brother back his life when she discovered his wife was still alive. Her only problem is the lifelong betrothal to a man she has never met. Years have gone by and she is having a hard time going along with the choice her brother made for her when she was a child. When Evie gets a decision in her mind she won't let it go until she acts on it. She has now decided that she will take a secret trip to find Field Marshal Georg von Hartenberg, the man she is supposed to marry. She wants to meet him before their betrothal is announced.
As usual Sofi makes every story have its quirks and fun escapades before the conclusion of the book. This one is no different as Evie sets off on a trip with her two maids. Her brother believes she is visiting an old friend. She is intent on going to find her betrothed. A carriage wheel accident leaves her sopping wet with most of her clothes drenched when they fall out of her suitcases. After the wheel is finally fixed a storm has them finding lodging in a crowded inn with her maid burning up with fever. Passing off her ill maid as "Lady Evangeline" to get the inn keeper to give them a room- a man offers to give up his room and announces he is Field Marshal Georg von Hartenberg. So now he believes the maid is his betrothed. How will Evie get herself out of this predicament even while she gets to know the man she will marry?
Oh and of course there is some intrigue when a shadowy organization threatens the people she loves.
This book is so enjoyable and once started I couldn't put it down.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
As usual Sofi makes every story have its quirks and fun escapades before the conclusion of the book. This one is no different as Evie sets off on a trip with her two maids. Her brother believes she is visiting an old friend. She is intent on going to find her betrothed. A carriage wheel accident leaves her sopping wet with most of her clothes drenched when they fall out of her suitcases. After the wheel is finally fixed a storm has them finding lodging in a crowded inn with her maid burning up with fever. Passing off her ill maid as "Lady Evangeline" to get the inn keeper to give them a room- a man offers to give up his room and announces he is Field Marshal Georg von Hartenberg. So now he believes the maid is his betrothed. How will Evie get herself out of this predicament even while she gets to know the man she will marry?
Oh and of course there is some intrigue when a shadowy organization threatens the people she loves.
This book is so enjoyable and once started I couldn't put it down.
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
July 23, 2026
After years of an arranged engagement to her brother's best friend without ever meeting the man, Evangeline is getting rather tired of being ignored. So, naturally, she decides to go and hunt him up. But when the two meet unexpectedly at an inn and he assesses her on sight as the sort of feeble woman she despises, she impulsively announces her companion to be his fiancée rather than herself. After such a start, can the pair ever form a true relationship among the intrigues of Vienna?
I'm loving this series, and this book was no exception. Both Evangeline and Georg are great characters and the way they play off each other results in both plenty of laughter and real feeling. I loved the way the story kept me guessing and entertained, and satisfied me at the end. The spy side of things added an extra dimension, which was great, and also showed just a bit more of the historical background (though I don't know how much or little is fact). Evangeline is a great mix of saving herself and appreciating Georg's support and help. All in all, a great read and I'm looking forward to the next book! Recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I'm loving this series, and this book was no exception. Both Evangeline and Georg are great characters and the way they play off each other results in both plenty of laughter and real feeling. I loved the way the story kept me guessing and entertained, and satisfied me at the end. The spy side of things added an extra dimension, which was great, and also showed just a bit more of the historical background (though I don't know how much or little is fact). Evangeline is a great mix of saving herself and appreciating Georg's support and help. All in all, a great read and I'm looking forward to the next book! Recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The False Bride by Sofi Laporte is thrilling, action packed novel with spies, royalty, and secrets oh my!
I always admire Sofi's books, her characters are always so fleshed out, so loveable, and so different from each of the main characters of her books. There is always something else to explore, I just never get bored with her. The book from start to finish surprised me in so many ways! Despite the same timeline of the other Viennese Waltz books, we get so many interesting angles of the congress, I can't wait for more.
The characterssssss. Oh these characters are so deciliciously blind to each other, the tension had me squealing. The banter was amazing, the strength of both of FMC and MMC was thrilling, and the antics and battle of wits they had against each other made me laugh out loud. I loved just everything about this book. We also get a beautiful peak into the lives of the other main characters we know and love from the previous books of the series. But oh boyyyyyyy was this one intense!
I recommend anyone to read a Sofi Laporte book. This one was full of ohhhhh so much, I had to finish it in one sitting.
Thank you Sofi Laporte for the free book.
I always admire Sofi's books, her characters are always so fleshed out, so loveable, and so different from each of the main characters of her books. There is always something else to explore, I just never get bored with her. The book from start to finish surprised me in so many ways! Despite the same timeline of the other Viennese Waltz books, we get so many interesting angles of the congress, I can't wait for more.
The characterssssss. Oh these characters are so deciliciously blind to each other, the tension had me squealing. The banter was amazing, the strength of both of FMC and MMC was thrilling, and the antics and battle of wits they had against each other made me laugh out loud. I loved just everything about this book. We also get a beautiful peak into the lives of the other main characters we know and love from the previous books of the series. But oh boyyyyyyy was this one intense!
I recommend anyone to read a Sofi Laporte book. This one was full of ohhhhh so much, I had to finish it in one sitting.
Thank you Sofi Laporte for the free book.
August 14, 2026
Sofi Laporte is my favorite author and I love her books but this one was a disappointment to me.
This story is about Lady Evangeline Stafford-Hill, the sister of Julius, The Forgotten Duke. She has been engaged to Field Marshall Georg Von Hartenberg for 20 years. The marriage was arranged by her brother to his closest friend, Georg. They have never met as he always has some excuse relating to war or his country.
Evie decides she has had enough and sets out to find him and decide if she truly wants to marry this busy man. They meet and he immediately gets on her wrong side so she pretends to be someone else so she can study him and find out what he is truly like.
The story seemed to jump about from place to place and I found myself saying out loud...Oh, come on! That would never happen. One such instance is at his hunting lodge (castle). She is an English lady who not only kept up with him on a hunting trip but managed to outdistance and outshoot his Assistant. She wasn't even short of breath after tramping through the woods and climbing a mountain.
I also did not like the cursing. There were some cute parts but they were few and far between.
This story is about Lady Evangeline Stafford-Hill, the sister of Julius, The Forgotten Duke. She has been engaged to Field Marshall Georg Von Hartenberg for 20 years. The marriage was arranged by her brother to his closest friend, Georg. They have never met as he always has some excuse relating to war or his country.
Evie decides she has had enough and sets out to find him and decide if she truly wants to marry this busy man. They meet and he immediately gets on her wrong side so she pretends to be someone else so she can study him and find out what he is truly like.
The story seemed to jump about from place to place and I found myself saying out loud...Oh, come on! That would never happen. One such instance is at his hunting lodge (castle). She is an English lady who not only kept up with him on a hunting trip but managed to outdistance and outshoot his Assistant. She wasn't even short of breath after tramping through the woods and climbing a mountain.
I also did not like the cursing. There were some cute parts but they were few and far between.
August 10, 2026
[3.5 stars]
Like the last book in the series, this one is full of espionage and political intrigue. I found I liked the first half of the book much better than the second, where it gets increasingly ridiculous and absurd. Though the writing is entertaining and engaging, there is something lacking in the romance, and the FMC makes some perplexing and foolish decisions. I liked the early blind-betrothal and hidden-identity plot, but not so much what it turns into.
The FMC is excessively headstrong and impulsive, in addition to being a habitual liar. Her “love” is shockingly sudden and underdeveloped, and the MC interactions fall far short of romantic. There is certainly entertainment value in the book, just don’t expect a stirring or compelling romance.
Content:
The word “damned” is used once or twice, but otherwise the language is clean. There is no sex and the romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. The violence is minimal. There is no mention of faith or God.
Like the last book in the series, this one is full of espionage and political intrigue. I found I liked the first half of the book much better than the second, where it gets increasingly ridiculous and absurd. Though the writing is entertaining and engaging, there is something lacking in the romance, and the FMC makes some perplexing and foolish decisions. I liked the early blind-betrothal and hidden-identity plot, but not so much what it turns into.
The FMC is excessively headstrong and impulsive, in addition to being a habitual liar. Her “love” is shockingly sudden and underdeveloped, and the MC interactions fall far short of romantic. There is certainly entertainment value in the book, just don’t expect a stirring or compelling romance.
Content:
The word “damned” is used once or twice, but otherwise the language is clean. There is no sex and the romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. The violence is minimal. There is no mention of faith or God.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Once Again we are treated to delightful characters and are reunited briefly with Pippa from book 2 in this series. The intrepid sister of the Duke of Aldingbourne, Lady Evangeline, sets off on a mission, without informing her brother, Julius. She's determined to find the man he had betrothed her to many years ago, a man she'd never met. Needless to say, nothing goes as she had planned. Against their wills, she had included her companion Clara and her maid in this scheme. What follows is laugh out loud fun for the reader, not so much for the participants in this adventure. It is a fast paced, and very enjoyable read, which was hard to put down. So I didn't until I had finished. Looking forward to the continuation of this series.
July 23, 2026
The False Bride is charming, compelling, and hilarious — sometimes all at the same time! — a combination that I have rarely (if ever) seen anywhere other than in this author’s work. At every turn, I was both appalled by and in complete agreement with the main character, which may be a first for me! The author’s very cheeky sense of humor is often in evidence, of course, and this is just one of the many reasons I enjoy her work so much. There is no cheating, no plot turns that depend entirely on some small misunderstanding. This book is wonderfully populated by real, intelligent, fully-realized characters who make mistakes, figure out what’s going on (eventually), and have a delightful and believable happily-ever-after. Thoroughly enjoyable!
July 28, 2026
very well written
I really enjoyed this story, but I have to say the whole part with the Widows organization, getting a list with her brothers name on it really felt like it didn't fit. The blackmail didn't make sense. Why her brothers name was on the list didn't make sense and how it was so easily resolved that his name on there was simply revenge didn't really make sense. What happened to the widow that was shot? What was the purpose the Widows wanted the list?
Maybe it will come up in the next story, which unfortunately I will forget about it by that time.
Otherwise the plot was enjoyable and the story engaging and we'll developed barring the Widows organization.
I really enjoyed this story, but I have to say the whole part with the Widows organization, getting a list with her brothers name on it really felt like it didn't fit. The blackmail didn't make sense. Why her brothers name was on the list didn't make sense and how it was so easily resolved that his name on there was simply revenge didn't really make sense. What happened to the widow that was shot? What was the purpose the Widows wanted the list?
Maybe it will come up in the next story, which unfortunately I will forget about it by that time.
Otherwise the plot was enjoyable and the story engaging and we'll developed barring the Widows organization.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As Evie sets out to meet her betrothed, whom she has never met but been betrothed to her whole life, she encounters him in an unexpected place. A case of mistaken identity allows her to remain anonymous as she tries to get to know him. Georg, a very handsome, masculine Field Marshall of the Austrian army, does not believe in love, thanks to the example of his mother. Mystery, intrigue, even danger, thwart their attempts to come to terms with their relationship. Suffice it to say, the ending is delightful! Thanks to the author, I received an ARC copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
July 23, 2026
Evangeline Stafford-Hill has been engaged her whole life to her brother’s best friend, whom she has never met. Georg, Field Marshall von Hartenberg, doesn’t believe in love, but he’s willing to marry a suitable bride. This is a fun and entertaining story of false assumptions and first impressions. Lots of humor, a mystery/conundrum, and of course, a bit of romance! Great addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to Clara’s story!
I received a free copy from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received a free copy from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
July 25, 2026
Throughly enjoyable read about a couple engaged for most of their lives without ever having set eyes on each other, that is until a chance encounter at an inn where Evie pretends to be her maid so that she can get to know her betrothed. Georg is distrustful of all women as his mother swapped lovers faster than anyone, yet when he meets Evie/Clara he has no idea she is his betrothed. What happens when a distrustful lord discovers that the woman he desires is anything but especially in the backdrop of the Vienna Congress with all it's intigue, deception is anyone's guess.
July 26, 2026
Evangeline and Georg are the main characters and have been betrothed a long time without ever meeting thanks to her brother, the Duke. Now she sets out to meet him and then the trouble and mistaken identity begins. Evangeline is well educated in unladylike areas such as shooting guns. Georg doesn’t know what to do with her, especially because at first he thinks her a maid. I enjoyed the banter between the characters.
July 30, 2026
3.5 Stars
The FL had lot of spunk and liked how she would always outsmart the hero.1st half was terrific.
Th reason for not giving higher rating is because I wasnt convinced of ML's love for the heroine. I found it bit abrupt when he confessed his love but I could still understand that he could fall for her qualities(like her for it).
I also dont know why FL started loving him because he didnt really trust her or did anything special for her. Ending felt rushed to me.
The book was fun when FL was roasting and fooling him.
The FL had lot of spunk and liked how she would always outsmart the hero.1st half was terrific.
Th reason for not giving higher rating is because I wasnt convinced of ML's love for the heroine. I found it bit abrupt when he confessed his love but I could still understand that he could fall for her qualities(like her for it).
I also dont know why FL started loving him because he didnt really trust her or did anything special for her. Ending felt rushed to me.
The book was fun when FL was roasting and fooling him.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The characters in this series have all been wonderful, and those in this book were no exception. It was such a fun read—I had a constant smile on my face.
This is true escapism: a gripping story you can read with the comfortable assurance that it will stay clean and that everything will turn out well in the end.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
This is true escapism: a gripping story you can read with the comfortable assurance that it will stay clean and that everything will turn out well in the end.
I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fun and clever. I very much enjoyed this heroine. Loved her quirkiness, her willingness to flout society expectations and her ability to be loving, loved and loyal. She is a fun one. I anticipate there will be some loud debates in their household since she will not be told what to do by her husband or anyone else. But I liked them as a couple. The story was entertaining
July 23, 2026
Loved the intrigue of the widows, the peek into politics of the time, and the tender chemistry between these characters. Evie is hilarious and spunky. Hartenberg is stoic and immovable, which makes it even more fun when Evie frustrates him so completely. A fun return to the characters from the other books in the series. Delightful!
July 28, 2026
I really loved this book! It was funny and swoony, with a wonderfully brooding hero and a quirky heroine. As always happens with Sofi's books, this one was such a fun read. I enjoyed the lively dialogue and the Viennese setting. Can't wait to read the next in the series Once a promised, Clara's book!
August 23, 2026
Ridiculously entertaining
As always, Sophie Laporte delivers a wonderfully entertaining story. I wish I had reread both books in the series before reading this one. It would have been even more rewarding to remember the love stories of the characters who reappear in this book. I highly recommend reading them one right after the other to get the full experience of each.
As always, Sophie Laporte delivers a wonderfully entertaining story. I wish I had reread both books in the series before reading this one. It would have been even more rewarding to remember the love stories of the characters who reappear in this book. I highly recommend reading them one right after the other to get the full experience of each.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another wonderful, funny, sweet book by Sofi Laporte. I’ve read every single book she has written and loved every one of them.
Mistaken identities is my all time favorite genre and I’ve been waiting for this book to finally come out. I received this advanced copy and couldn’t be happier.
To snag the last bed at a crowded inn, Evie pretends her maid who is sick is Lady Evangeline. Her intended, Field Marshal George mistakens her maid as herself after overhearing them get the last bed.
Here is where the fun begins. There’s so much deception once in Vienna and Evie must decide to betray him or not.
Honestly, I was swooped into the story from the first paragraph and stayed up till 2am finishing it. I LOVE mistaken identity stories that are clean, smart FMC’s who never simpers thank goodness and when you finish the book, you have a smile on your face.
Mistaken identities is my all time favorite genre and I’ve been waiting for this book to finally come out. I received this advanced copy and couldn’t be happier.
To snag the last bed at a crowded inn, Evie pretends her maid who is sick is Lady Evangeline. Her intended, Field Marshal George mistakens her maid as herself after overhearing them get the last bed.
Here is where the fun begins. There’s so much deception once in Vienna and Evie must decide to betray him or not.
Honestly, I was swooped into the story from the first paragraph and stayed up till 2am finishing it. I LOVE mistaken identity stories that are clean, smart FMC’s who never simpers thank goodness and when you finish the book, you have a smile on your face.
September 1, 2026
I laughed several times reading this. The characters are adorable and the story is unique. My only thing, and it’s purely personal taste, is that I am the biggest fan of a slow burn, but this had a more technical nature.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Super historical romance! I loved it so much.. Full of spirit and charm, banter and humor. Fantastic, lively characters!
July 29, 2026
A good easy to read story, well written, with wonderful characters and attention to detail. A romance full of unexpected turns and twist or two with a happily ever afters.
July 31, 2026
So addictive
Just when I think Sofi Laporte surely can't write this one as good as last one, she exceeds my expectations.
You have to read it to appreciate it!!
Just when I think Sofi Laporte surely can't write this one as good as last one, she exceeds my expectations.
You have to read it to appreciate it!!
August 3, 2026
Evie is so fun! And fearless! Because she has been raised by a fearsome duke she has spunk and fortitude and the good humor to hold her own with her betrothed. I love the ending!
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