Disclaimer: I received an eARC for review consideration through NetGalley, on behalf of the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This historical romance is full of all sorts of humor and hijinks, with two groups pretending to be other people. And a sinister plot underway that could destroy them all.

Ruby and her friends are all outcasts of society because they don’t fit the the norms or were socially awkward. Together they came up with the plan to pretend to be ladies in waiting for a foreign princess who never visits her Cornwall mansion to allow themselves freedom away from society.

Malcolm Archer’s position is real at the mansion, but that’s about the only thing that is. His past and present are both a bit murky, but everything he does is to protect his crew, who are pretending to be staff when Ruby and her friends arrive.

Ruby doesn’t have a lot of confidence in herself socially, though she is very confident academically. She adores her friends and will do anything for them.

Malcolm blames himself for things that weren’t his fault and stresses about keeping his crew safe, believing they gave up everything for him. And while his actions make it seem like he’s a villain, he has a hero’s heart.

Ruby and Malcolm are drawn together and fall in love, and tell each other the truth about everything.

And then a new problem arrives… the princess.

The second half of the book is filled with more humor, adventure, betrayal, and revelations. But through it all, Ruby and Malcolm and their friends support each other and the princess.

I enjoyed the story, especially the various romances (and the antics of the dogs) and especially enjoyed seeing everyone get what they truly deserved.