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An Improbable Scheme

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2025 Readers' Favorite Honorable Mention in the Fiction - Mystery - Historical genre

Some secrets are worth stealing. Some hearts are harder to escape.

Lady Elsbeth Caldwell has long suspected that her stepfather is hiding something far more sinister behind his polished façade. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on an investigation that leads her to take desperate measures, including robbing a passing coach under the cover of night. Unfortunately, the coach belongs to Niles Drayton, Earl of Westcott—a man with a sharp tongue, a sharper wit, and a maddening ability to remain amused in even the most scandalous circumstances.

Niles has no patience for matchmaking schemes, particularly those orchestrated by his well-meaning aunt. But when he’s introduced to the opinionated and undeniably intriguing Lady Elsbeth, he is determined to keep her as far away from his sister—and himself—as possible.

As threats begin to close in around Elsbeth, Niles is pulled deeper into her world. What begins as a reluctant association soon becomes an uneasy alliance, and then something far more a fragile, undeniable connection. When long-buried secrets come to light and the true extent of the deception surrounding Elsbeth is revealed, the two must trust each other if they hope to survive.

Because this time, it isn’t just Elsbeth’s heart at risk—it’s her life.


As the first novel in the series by author Laura Beers, An Improbable Scheme starts the Courting the Unconventional series. This is a light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era. All books in this series have their own Happily-Ever-After and are best enjoyed in proper order.


Other series by Laura Beers include The Beckett Files, Regency A Promise of Love, Proper Regency Matchmakers, Regency Spies & Secrets, Gentlemen of London, Lords & Ladies of Mayfair and The Lockwood Family.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

159 people are currently reading
62 people want to read

About the author

Laura Beers

74 books480 followers
Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.

Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.

You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.

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5 stars
156 (51%)
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87 (28%)
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42 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
711 reviews300 followers
June 26, 2025
This author’s books never disappoint! And this book is no exception! I loved it! Niles and Elsbeth are the stars of the show. I loved their banter, arguing, learning to trust each other and of course romance! Elsbeth thinks her new stepfather Alfred is hiding something. She is determined to find out what it is. But she doesn’t realize how dangerous that will become. And we as readers have to figure out if anyone can really be trusted in this story just as Elsbeth does. There are other characters that are great part of the story, Elsbeth’s cousin Charles, who is suspicious. And Eugenie, Niles sister, who is an absolute delight. I love how the siblings are together. This is a great clean romance with some humor, mystery and danger. I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Content: One use of arse.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
549 reviews67 followers
June 11, 2025
“𝑰’𝒎 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔— 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔— 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒕. 𝑩𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈.”

Absolutely loved this one and I’m so excited for the rest of the series. I knew right away who the next book would be about, and I seriously can’t wait.

Elsbeth is convinced her stepfather isn’t who he claims to be, so she takes matters into her own hands, by becoming an undercover highwaywoman. When she accidentally robs the wrong coach, she meets Niles. At first, they clash, but a reluctant friendship starts to form. Niles ends up helping her in her mission to uncover the truth, and while they grow closer, feelings start to build. The timing couldn’t be worse, with suspicious people all around and a difference in station that makes a future between them impossible. But when Elsbeths life seems to be at risk, Niles may have to admit to the feelings he's been denying all along, and decide if it's worth the risk.

The mystery really drove this one, and the slow burn romance made it even more engaging. Once the romance picked up, I was hooked. Now I’m counting down to Eugenie’s story, she has such fun, Elodie-like energy and I’m all in.

I rate this one 4.5, rounded up to 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Shayla Riley.
512 reviews14 followers
June 29, 2025
An Improbable Scheme
(Courting the Unconventional Book 1)
by: Laura Beers
@author_laura_beers

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚-Book Release Date: July 1, 2025!-📚

~Some secrets are worth stealing. Some hearts are harder to escape...

“Love is as essential as breathing. It doesn’t always come when it’s convenient or when you expect it, but that’s what makes it so precious.”

-An Improbable Scheme, is a delightful light-hearted, clean and wholesome romance set in the Regency era. It is a great beginning book one in the Courting the Unconventional Series! I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter, sparks of chemistry, humor, adventure, mystery, unexpected twists and turns, and dear characters who stand and hold on to what’s important. I loved seeing characters learn and realize who will choose them over anything else, and what it’s like to truly live and change more for the better. There is such relief in joy in finding and holding on to truehappiness. This is a great story with a happy ending as well. I am looking forward to more to come in this fun series. Well worth the fun read!🙌🏻📚🩷

“Being with you, caring for you, has been worth everything.”

•Content: secrets, gun shots, poisoning, betrayal, death of a family member mentioned throughout, mild danger/violence, some drinking, language: use of the word “arse,”1 time; kisses only.

“I only care about you. I just want you.”

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

“Nothing you say will change my mind. I am
so hopelessly in love with you that I cannot imagine a future without you.”

#animprobablescheme

NEVER BE ASHAMED FOR LOVING THE WAY YOUR HART KNOWS."

#authorlaurabeers

“Strength does not mean running away from what scares you. Sometimes, it means staying and facing it.”

#allaboutthebestreads

“What matters is that you’re safe, my dear. And that you have found happiness.”
Profile Image for Emma | meadowroselibrary.
190 reviews13 followers
July 8, 2025
"𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥. 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘣𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺, 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥."

What a wonderful start a brand new series!
This one is so captivating immediately, and so hard to put down!

Elsbeth is determined to find out what her stepfather's secrets are, even though no one else believes there's anything hidden. Until Lord Wescott comes in, (if you've read @author_laura_beers prior series, The Lockwood Family, then you'll remember him). From the beginning he believed in Elsbeth, and never left her side. This is so full of mystery, secrets, healing...all in a wonderful way. 🩷

I highly recommend this if you enjoy clean, closed-door regency romance!

*I received an e-ARC copy for review, all opinions are my own
Profile Image for Courtney Pityer.
383 reviews14 followers
June 1, 2025
A huge thank you to Laura Beers giving me the opportunity to be apart of her launch team for this new release. Now if you are looking for a regency novel filled with adventure, comedy, romance, and everything else you can think of then this novel is the one for you. I was hooked from this novel from start to finish.
Our main focus on the novel is on a young lady named Elsbeth who has strange suspicions about her stepfather Alfred. She orginally disguises herself as a higheay woman to rob his carriage to get the key to his desk. However, she ends up stopping the wrong carriage and we are introduced to a visiting Lord Niles who views her as the most hilarious highway woman he's ever encountered.
However, despite the hilarious moments of the story there becomes the serious things. After the arrival of her cousin Charles strange assassination attempts on Elsbeth's life start happening. She starts to fear that her stepfather and her mother have something to do with it. Will she get to the bottom of this mystery or will she let this vendetta she has against her mothers new husband cloud her judgement.
I adored this novel so much. The characters were well played out. I will admit I was starting to think that almost everyone was the enemy but thankfully that ended up not being the case. Again thank you to Laura Beers for giving me the opportunity to be apart of her Launch team.
Profile Image for Shauna Jones.
661 reviews14 followers
May 31, 2025
This book is full of unexpected twists and turns
Just when I thought I knew where this book was going, another twist popped up to pull me in farther. Lady Elsbeth is convinced her stepfather is hiding something, so she decides to pose as a highwayman and rob him to get information. Unfortunately, she stops the wrong carriage and ends up meeting Niles, Earl of Westcott. The next day when she meets him officially, as herself, she can’t help but wonder if he recognizes her. Later when he realizes that she is the highwaywoman he has not been able to forget, he joins forces with her to uncover the secrets. When someone starts threatening Elsbeth’s life the stakes and pressure build to discover who is at the person behind the threat. A wonderful book. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kaitlin M.
76 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2025
An Improbable Scheme is the first book in a new series by Laura Beers

Lady Elsbeth is suspicious of her step-father. Her mother married him too quickly after her father passed and he must be hiding something. Elsbeth plans to find out.

Lord Westcott (Niles) is traveling to visit his aunt in the countryside when his carriage is stopped by a highwaywoman.

Intent on discovering her stepfather’s secret, Elsbeth posesas a highwaywoman and plants to rob his carriage, stealing the key to his study desk. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the carriage she stops is not her stepfather’s, but Lord Westcott’s.

After this meet-awkward (this was quite entertaining to me),the two meet officially and through a series of events end up agreeing to work together to discover what Elsbeth’s stepfather is hiding.

Elsbeth is a strong and determined young woman who is struggling with her mother’s new marriage so quickly after losing her father. When she sets her mind to something, she will not give up until she is satisfied with her results.

Lord Westcott is strong, loyal, and protective and is immediately intrigued by Elsbeth. He wants nothing more than to understand and protect her, without any feelings getting involved.

Watching these two stubborn people learn to work together and support each other even when they didn’t see eye-to-eye was a treat. Elsbeth needed someone to trust and to believe in her and she got exactly that in Lord Westcott.

These enemies quickly turn to friends and finally lovers in this mystery ridden love story.

If you are a fan of romantic suspense, especially historical, then you should definitely check out this book!

Thank you to the author for including me on her ARC team! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Content: Potential spoiler warning starting here
Clean kisses
Toxic family member
Shooting (non-fatal, non-graphic)
Attempted murder (non-graphic)
Language: godforsaken (2x), hellbent (1x), arse (1x)
No innuendo
Profile Image for Alexis (IG: lexislimitlesslibrary)  Anderson.
94 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2025
“…love is as essential as breathing. It doesn’t always come when it’s convenient or when you expect it, but that’s what makes it so precious.”

Oh, what an enjoyable, page turning read!! Laura has true talent when it comes to writing regency romances with mystery and intrigue!! From the main characters to the aunt, sister, mother, stepfather, and Shadow- the cat, each character adds so much banter, joy, and delight to this story!!

“Because I wasn’t ready for you, Elsbeth. But here you are, and somewhere, at some moment, you became my favorite coincidence.”

I am so thrilled we get Lord Westcott’s story! He is intertwined with the Lockwood Family series and the glimpse we saw of him was not enough!! Lord Niles Westcott believes marriage to be for the sake of practicality; he will never find what his parents had, and needs a wife free and clear of scandal.

Lady Elsbeth has faced scandal, abandonment of her friends, and falling from society due to her father’s gambling and frivolous behavior. After her father’s death, her mother marries a merchant and they move to a quaint village. Her stepfather is harboring secrets; and Elsbeth is determined to get to the bottom of them. Even disguising herself as a highwayman and robbing her stepfather’s carriage. Her plan goes awry and she ends up stopping the carriage of Lord Niles Westcott, who finds himself utterly fascinated with the woman robbing him at gunpoint…

“Quite frankly, she loathed everything about him. His clothing. His face. She loathed it all.”

The tension between Niles and Elsbeth is instant! The mystery and secrets being discovered will have you turning pages as fast as you can read!! The plot is plotting… 👀🕵️🤫 and the plot twists are ah-mazing!! An absolute must read!!

“You can't alter the past or foresee the future, but you can ruin the present by worrying about both.”

Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
629 reviews5 followers
July 6, 2025
What a wonderful start to this new series with one of the characters from a past series. This has all of the things that makes me enjoy a story from Laura Beers. A strong female character who is not afraid to take care of herself, a threat that needs to be exposed and a growing relationship between the two main characters.

Lady Elsbeth Caldwell has been forced to leave her life in London with all of the things she loved to move to an estate far removed from her previous life. When her father was killed the scandal attached to him made all of her friends turn away from her. Now her mother's marriage to a merchant has destroyed more of her reputation. Her mother is very happy with her new husband but Elsbeth doesn't trust him and is out to prove that he is not what he says. She needs to get the key to his study to help her prove what she believes. So she decides to masquerade as a highwayman to hold him up to steal the key. When she stops the wrong coach she robs the watch of Niles Drayton, Earl of Westcott. She never expected to meet him again but he is the nephew of a woman who frequently visits their home. At her next visit she brings Niles and his sister to meet Elsbeth.

Niles Drayton, Earl of Westcott— has come to visit his aunt. He wants nothing to do with her matchmaking schemes and when he first meets Elsbeth, he takes an instant dislike of her. He makes sure that she knows he wants nothing to do with her. Niles is still thinking about the woman highwayman that he met. He wants to know more about her because he is concerned about her. Soon he puts the puzzle together and realizes that Elsbeth is that woman. When someone is trying to kill Elsbeth, Niles will step in to protect her. His opinion about her begins to change as he tries to help her discover if her stepfather is the one trying to kill her. As his feelings begin to grow for her, will he also change his mind that marrying her with her reputation will hurt his sister's chances at marriage?

I enjoyed meeting that characters in this first story and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Profile Image for sassygirlreads.
85 reviews
August 5, 2025
An Improbable Scheme was a charming and sweet regency romance filled with mystery, intrigue, danger, witting banter, and moments that kept me guessing. Lady Elsbeth Caldwell is suspicious of her stepfather’s secrets. Elsbeth’s determination to figure out what her stepfather is involved in puts Niles Drayton, Earl of Westcott, in Elsbeth’s path when she accidentally robs his coach in search of the truth about her stepfather. As threats on Elsbeth start occurring, Niles can’t help but get involved and try to help her solve the mystery. What starts out as curiosity and annoyance slowly starts to become more as they work together.

An Improbable Scheme was a great start to a new series by Laura Beers. I was excited to see Niles again as he was introduced in readers in A Lady’s Mishap. I adored Elsbeth – she is strong, intelligent, determined, and quite witty. I loved Niles and his dry humor, protectiveness, and gentlemanly ways. The dynamic and chemistry between Elsbeth and Niles was a delight, and I was rooting for them the whole time. Their interactions had me laughing at times and at other times their tenderness and thoughtfulness was so touching. The side characters in this story are also lovable from Eugenie, to Aunt Margaret, to Charles. If you like a good regency romance with a touch of danger and mystery, An Improbable Scheme is for you!

My favorite things:
- Both meet cutes
- The pocket watch
- Eugenie and Aunt Margaret
-Niles’ protectiveness
-The rivalry between Niles and Charles
-The first kiss

Tropes:
- Regency romance
- Protective gentleman
- Clever heroine
- Fun banter
- Secrets & schemes
- Full of mystery
- Sweet kisses
- Dual POV

Happy reading!



Profile Image for Kristi W - Book Love By Kristi.
294 reviews14 followers
June 4, 2025
“I want to marry you because I found a piece of my soul in your eyes and I don’t want it back.”

Do you love a book full of family secrets, mystery, danger, witty banter, and sweet romance? This one has all of that and more!

Elsbeth and Niles have one of the best meet cutes! The banter in this book is top notch. I love that the banter isn’t just between the main characters. I enjoyed EVERY character in this story (even when they were under suspicion 😉).

Elsbeth is intelligent, feisty, and determined. Oh and maybe a little fearless. The danger and mystery she faced while trying to discover the family secrets was fantastic. I loved her quick friendship with Niles! Niles is witty, protective, and committed. I loved his determination to believe Elsbeth and help her as much as he could. He had quite the struggle with his responsibility for his sister and the family name versus his feelings. I absolutely loved his interactions with his sister and aunt, quite hilarious at times. I am so excited for Eugenie and Charles’ story!!

A few more quotes:
“You have brought me to life in ways I didn’t realize I needed. You’ve reminded me there’s more to living than managing accounts and fulfilling duties. I can’t stop thinking about you.”

“You can pretend you don’t need or want love, Niles, but love is as essential as breathing. It doesn’t always come when it’s convenient or when you expect it, but that’s what makes it so precious.”

This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mara.
1,428 reviews102 followers
July 16, 2025
I'm always excited when Laura Beers starts a new series. Suspicious about her stepfather’s secret dealings, Lady Elsbeth Caldwell isn’t afraid to take matters into her own hands—even if that means robbing a coach in the middle of the night. Unfortunately for her, the coach she stops belongs to Niles Drayton, the Earl of Westcott—a man who is charming, exasperating, and entirely too amused by the situation.

When Elsbeth crashes into his world, Niles finds himself drawn into her quest for answers, despite his best efforts to keep his distance. Their partnership starts off prickly, but as the danger around them grows, so does their connection—and watching that reluctant alliance turn into something deeper is one of the best parts of the book.

Elsbeth is the kind of heroine I love to root for—strong, independent, and willing to fight for what’s right. Niles is a great match for her with his dry humor and quiet protectiveness. Together, they face down secrets, schemes, and unexpected feelings that neither of them quite knows what to do with. The author balances the mystery and romance well, without one overshadowing the other. I kept changing my mind on who the bad guy was—Elsbeth stepfather or her cousin—as their was evidence pointing to both men.

If you love a slow-burn romance with a dash of danger and a healthy dose of witty banter, An Improbable Scheme is definitely one to check out. I'm already looking forward to the next book in this new series.

I received a copy from the author but also bought an ebook for my digital library. All opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Megan | Reads Alotl Books.
257 reviews7 followers
July 3, 2025
“But strength does not mean running away from what scares you. Sometimes, it means staying and facing it.”

I will always jump at a chance to read Laura’s books because they are wonderful. This book, a start to a new series is no exception. It has the mystery, wit, humor and lovely characters you want in a Regency book.

“It felt like magic, they way you came into my life and made everything brighter.”

The meet-cute (both times) might be my favorite by far. I was giggling and cheering for both of them the entire time. I simply love Elsbeth and her strong sense of self, courage and determination. I loved those same things about Niles, plus a little side of grumpy cinnamon roll. Their snark and banter made the story. I loved Eugenie, his sister. She is my hero and a book lover….I can’t wait for her story.

“You have brought me to life in ways I didn’t realize I needed.”

After a disastrous first few meetings, Niles agrees to help Elsbeth solve a family mystery. Neither expects the danger, more mystery or the romance that blooms between these two. They agreed to be friends instead of annoying each other, but there is a lot going on and reputations at stake and maybe love in the air.

“You can pretend you don’t need or want love, Niles, but love is essential as breathing. It doesn’t always come when it’s convenient or when you expect it, but that’s what makes it so precious.”
72 reviews5 followers
July 7, 2025
4.5 rounded up! This was my first Laura Beers book, and I absolutely loved the Regency vibes, mystery and suspense.

“Lady Elsbeth Caldwell tightened her grip on the pistol, her gloved hands steady despite the chill that seeped through her wool coat.” Talk about a great first line! From the get go, we’re introduced to our lady highwaywoman, who has resorted to desperate measures to try to expose the scandal she is sure is hiding behind her stepfather’s pleasant facade. That first meet cute with her and Niles was absolute perfection and really pulled me into the story.

From there, the suspense, humor, and romance continued to ramp up. I was kept guessing who the villain was until the very end, and I loved seeing the character development of Elsbeth as she goes from a melancholy Society cast off to a more content and less suspicion lady. Niles was also loveable, and the dynamic between him and Charles was hilarious! I was glad he finally started to care less about what society thought at the end.

I also enjoyed the many side characters: Nile’s’ bookish sister Eugenia, Elsbeth’s overprotective and possibly suspicious cousin Charles, and perceptively honest Aunt Margaret.

Definitely recommend!
433 reviews8 followers
June 29, 2025
"I wasn’t ready for you, Elsbeth. But here you are, and somewhere, at some moment, you became my favorite coincidence.”

I am loving this new series from Laura Beers that combines Regency romance with some adventure and intrigue! What would cause a daughter of an earl to become a highway woman (and a terrible one at that)? And what would cause her unintended victim, and self-proclaimed bachelor, to fall for her against his every desire? When Elsbeth and Niles work together towards a common goal, this duo becomes unstoppable!

With plenty of twists and turns, red herrings, and near attempts on lives, I didn't know what was happening or who was involved. Let's just say I was wrong! I was grateful that all became clear and my new favorite couple got the ending they deserved.

We also got to know Eugenie, Niles' sister, who will be the heroine of the next in the series, and Charles, Elsbeth's cousin, who may or may not be her dashing hero. One can hope! I'm already hooked, and I can't wait until the next one!

I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.
Profile Image for Liz Jones.
17 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2025
This is probably top 10 for me. I was hooked so fast! It was hilarious, witty, romantic, adventurous! Elsbeth is definitely unconventional, and I love that about her. She is out to find what nefarious secret her step father is hiding, and in the process she meets Niles who disrupts her plans. He is drawn to her and supports her as she learns about a painful past and hopeful future.

Things I loved:
🌷When she steals his pocket watch 😂⏱️
🌷The side characters
🌷His support
🌷The Banter
🌷Her mom’s story
🌷The suspense…🗝️📰
🌷ALL the swoony lines… and there are some good ones!!
🌷The hunting scene 🫣
🌷When he finally gets to hold her. 🫠😍

Quotes I loved:

"You are truly the worst highwaywoman ever. Would you care for some pointers?"

"How can you make jokes at a time like this?" "It's rather easy considering I'm not the one who was shot."

"I don't think she is desperate. If anything, she is determined."

"You're a beautiful, intelligent young woman who has a great deal to offer the right man."

"You can't alter the past or foresee the future, but you can ruin the present by worrying about both."
Profile Image for MK.
442 reviews12 followers
July 1, 2025
Lady Elsbeth’s life has been severely altered due to the decisions her father made before he died. If her reputation is already damaged, is it so much of a risk to act as a highway woman in an attempt to uncover secrets she suspects her stepfather is keeping? Things get a little tricky when she accidentally holds up the carriage of Niles, the Earl of Westcott.

Niles is intrigued by the highway woman who robbed him. As he digs deeper into uncovering who she is, he is also being coerced into become friends with his aunt’s neighbor- Lady Elsbeth. A woman he does not want damaging his sister’s reputation.

I loved the push and pull between Elsbeth and Niles. Society may find them ill suited, but their reluctant friendship to more leads to an enjoyable mystery to uncover and surprises at every turn, including surprises of the heart.

If you love regency romance, strong female leads, a mystery to solve, and enemies to friends to lovers romance, this one is for you. It’s the first in a series and I can’t wait to read more of this series!
1,159 reviews10 followers
June 20, 2025
The beginning of this story is so fun and entertaining. Elsbeth is sure that her stepfather is up to no good and she is determined she’s going to find out what he’s doing. When she decides to disguise herself as a highwayman and rob his coach, she doesn’t realize until it’s too late she chose the wrong coach.
Niles is quite put out that a highwaymen is stopping his carriage, but when he gets out he doesn’t know whether to be shocked or amused, especially when he is told to get back in the carriage without having to handover anything.
This is just the best beginning to the story and it just gets better as you go along. There’s many twists and turns and a mystery to be solved, lies to be discovered and a charming romance to bloom. The characters are all well defined and intriguing. The setting in regency era is one of my favorite timelines. It is a clean sweet story and a wonderful beginning to the series, I’m so excited for next installment with Eugenia and Charles.
Profile Image for Hannah Crawford.
207 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2025
Laura Beers’ newest book is as delightful as expected! The banter was spot on, the first meeting was fantastic, and the mystery elements kept me guessing. I can’t wait to see where she takes the series!

After an unconventional first meeting, Niles and Elsbeth are at odds with each other. Their families bring them together a lot, and as they gradually learn to trust each other then Niles offers to help Elsbeth figure out her stepfather’s secrets.

Highlights:
The first meeting and the pocketwatch 😂
Niles’ interactions with his sister
The first kiss 🥰

I love Elsbeth because she is bold and feisty. I love that she is determined and loyal.

I love Niles for being protective and trusting of those he cares about.

““Because I wasn’t ready for you, Elsbeth. But here you are, and somewhere, at some moment, you became my favorite coincidence.”
This was an ARC, all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Rebecca Curtis.
513 reviews59 followers
July 2, 2025
Lord Westcott and his sister travelled together after an unsuccessful London season to stay with their aunt, as their coach is stopped en route unceremoniously; Niles discovers that it is not a dangerous highwayman, but a highwaywoman who has incorrectly identified their carriage…what ensues is laughable and ridiculous but leaves both parties unsettled, unnerved and having lost something of value…perhaps their hearts?


This is the first of a new series by said author and it delivers in every way possible! Is there anyone who writes romantic intrigue like Laura Beers? I think not. Came for the era, stayed for the story. Well done indeed…I am already counting down for Lady Eugenie’s story!
Profile Image for Carissa.
403 reviews4 followers
August 20, 2025
First book in a new series! Always fun and exciting. I can’t wait to get to know this group of characters better!

As always with a Laura Beers book, we have a sweet romance mixed with a bit of mystery and intrigue. I always enjoy trying to guess who the culprit is! Elsbeth suspects her stepfather of not being who he appears to be and hiding many secrets… she soon discovers just what those secrets hold. With the help of a neighbor’s visiting nephew, plots unfold and mysteries are solved, love’s seed is planted and grows. I think this was a good start to a new series!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
189 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2025
I wasn't sure when I started this one quite what to expect. I've read enough of Beers' stories by now to have a basic idea of what to expect with her writing and yet she always manages to surprise me along the way. This one was a pleasant surprise, and actually reminded me a bit of the first story I read by her, Secrets of a Lady. It's different, but similar in ways too, and I loved it for both reasons!

Elsbeth and Niles were surprisingly similar, and yet delightfully unique characters at the same time. I loved seeing them work through the various challenges, and for once the twist actually took me considerable time and effort to work out. I often guess the twists in stories early on, but this one took a bit of considering, and I loved that! I also loved seeing the different elements and pieces falling into place as the story goes on. This is a delightful start to the new series.

*I read an early copy from the author. This does not affect my review and these thoughts are my own. This review is voluntary.*
Profile Image for Savannah M.
331 reviews
August 4, 2025
This is such an exciting series starter! I was so exited to learn we would Niles' story after we first meet him in A Lady's Mishap. Honestly, this might just be my new favorite book by @author_laura_beers
I loved the variety of tropes and the layers to this book!
There was mystery, suspense, romance, and the chemistry was fantastic!! Niles and Elsbeth were cute together and their push-pull dynamic was so fun to read! The way they learned to trust each other was so sweet!
I also loved the rivalry between Charles and Niles. They had me laughing several times and I hope we get to see them develop a friendship in future books!
Now, I just can't wait to read Eugenie's story!
49 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2025
An Improbable Scheme is about Lady Elsbeth who thinks stepfather is hiding something, and she is determined to find out what. No matter what it takes. And Lord Westcott who wants nothing to do with Lady Elsbeth but his aunt has other plans.
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The banter in this book was 10 out of 10! Laura writes some of the best banter I've ever read! I love her characters!
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Some secrets are worth stealing. Some hearts are harder to escape.
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I received this book from the author, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
930 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2025
clean romance

This story grabbed me from the start and held me throughout!
There is danger, a mystery, secrets that could cause more damage.
A strong hero who struggles to believe love is something he can have verses duty.a strong heroine who is determined to find answers to the questions.
There is a wonderfully written plot with characters that are realistic.
I highly recommend this book if you like mystery and suspense with a romance to round things out.
I look forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Julie.
732 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2025
I loved this book. I loved that it kept me guessing on who was the real villain. Niles and Elsbeth are great characters. I also really liked the side characters and look forward to their story...I am hopeful it is a story and not stories between two of the side characters. There are a lot of secrets not being shared amongst all the characters, it was fun to try to figure them out. I would highly recommend it.
1,547 reviews7 followers
June 12, 2025
I'm so excited for this newest series by Laura! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Elsbeth and Niles! So much push and pull between them! A delightful read that will keep you guessing until the end! Excited to see what comes next in this series!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Taylor Wright.
47 reviews
June 17, 2025
When a book has me laughing out loud in chapter 1, you know it's going to be good! This was a great read, with many twists and turns and secrets throughout. I absolutely loved Elspeth and Niles' meeting and their banter was so fun to read! Both of them are stubborn, almost to a fault, but they complement each other so well. I can't wait to read Eugenie's book next!
Profile Image for Gina.
2,325 reviews27 followers
June 25, 2025
Lady Elsbeth will do whatever she can to prove her stepfather is up to no good. A neighbor introduces her to an Earl named Miles. They instantly dislike each other. When danger appears for Elsbeth he steps in to help. This is a romance that takes its time to be revealed, a mystery to be solved, unexpected suspects and a surprise ending. It was enjoyable.
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