Elizabeth Miles is preparing for her wedding to Gideon Bates, when a menacing shadow from her past threatens to destroy the life she has built for herself in this all-new Counterfeit Lady Novel from USA Today bestselling author Victoria Thompson.
The Great War is over, and Elizabeth and Gideon are busily planning their wedding and welcoming home old friends now discharged from the army. One of them, Captain Logan Carstens, the son and heir of a wealthy family, seems less than happy to be home and with good reason. While Logan was in France, he fell in love with a beautiful French woman named Noelle. He desperately wanted to propose, but he was already engaged and felt bound to honor his commitment.
When Logan receives a letter supposedly from Noelle begging for money to help her flee the terrible conditions in France and come to America, Elizabeth is suspicious. There is no way to verify the letter is actually from Noelle, and she fears that a con man or woman might be trying to take advantage of Logan in his vulnerable state.
But that is not all Elizabeth has to worry about. Vicious thug Oscar Thornton has gotten wind of her wedding announcement and realizes the woman who conned him is still alive and well. Gideon and Elizabeth have to figure out a way to help their friend while making sure their worst enemy does not destroy their future. . . .
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ASIN: B084GS4142
Publisher: Berkley
Publication date: January 5, 2021
Print length: 316 pages
My Review:In City of Schemes, book four in the Counterfeit Lady series by Victoria Thompson, it's wedding time for our favorite con woman and her law-abiding fiancé. Elizabeth and Gideon are busy with the planning, along with welcoming back Gideon's friend Logan from war. Logan isn't as relieved to be back on American soil as one would expect but he has a lot on his shoulders. Besides attempting to fit back into civilian life, Logan reveals he fell in love with a French woman, despite being engaged to someone here at home. I've never been a fan of marrying someone out of obligation, but back during the time period this book is based, breaking an engagement was poor form. If an engagement is broken by a man, the action attached incorrect and unflattering labels to women. Therein lies Logan's problem - he doesn't want to ruin the reputation of his betrothed, Rosemary.
In the meantime, Logan receives a letter from his love in France, Noelle, indicating conditions in France have gotten considerably more terrible, and she request money from in order to aid her in fleeing Europe. Gideon immediately involves Elizabeth, who expresses her disbelief and her suspicions regarding the letter. No one can prove it's from Noelle, and if it's someone running a con, Logan will be left without the money or the presence of his love by his side. Elizabeth knows it's time to intervene and see exactly what's going on with these letters and the so-called author.
While aiding Logan, Elizabeth is put in a jam when a previous foe, Oscar Thornton, discovers she's still alive and well. Now, Oscar is on her tail, putting her mind on other things, as she should be preparing to marry Gideon, while helping Logan not become a victim of a con. It's up to Gideon and Elizabeth to protect Logan, help him find happiness, and keep Elizabeth out of harm's way before Oscar can make good on any of his threats.
City of Schemes is a wonderful book filled with realism and emotion from start to finish. The author’s world building in the book is vivid and descriptive. The author did a great job with the continued character development in City of Schemes. Elizabeth is s a strong character but you must be if the art of the long con is your way of living. She’s also compassionate especially towards Logan and his situation. It is easy to identify with Elizabeth, feel her emotions and the emotions of others, and fit right into the story. All the characters were written well, and I enjoyed each one of them.
This book is rich in emotional content and I was engaged in the story from the very beginning. There are so many twists, turns, and double-crosses and it was all wonderful. I couldn't put the book down. The story is fast paced and truly set up and executed well. I can’t wait to see what the author has instore for Elizabeth and Gideon next.
I was provided a copy of this book to read.
My Rating:
Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it.
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