A NYT bestselling author kicks off a new Regency series of “irresistible romance and a family of delightful scoundrels” as a woman looking to recover a stolen painting accidentally kidnaps a duke instead. (Eloisa James) Chloe Wynchester is completely forgettable — a curse that gives her the ability to blend into any crowd. When the only father she’s ever known makes a dying wish for his adopted … known makes a dying wish for his adopted family of orphans to recover a missing painting, she’s the first one her siblings turn to for stealing it back. No one expects that in doing so, she’ll also abduct a handsome duke.
Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe, is tortured by his father’s mistakes. To repair his estate’s ruined reputation, he must wed a highborn heiress. Yet when he finds himself in a carriage being driven hell-for-leather down the cobblestone streets of London by a beautiful woman who refuses to heed his commands, he fears his heart is hers. But how can he sacrifice his family’s legacy to follow true love?
“Erica Ridley is a delight!” –Julia Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series
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I loved this book wholeheartedly. From my own experience, I recommend keeping the tissues handy, because my tender heart turned into a weepy, bawling mess over this story. It was so easy for me to connect with Chloe and her desire to be seen for herself. My heart broke for Lawrence and every ounce of his personal happiness he was prepared to sacrifice to do what was best for his people. This pair have so much in common even though they’re coming at the problem from different directions. The story sucked me in and kept me reading. And the biggest force behind that was how badly I needed to know how the author was going to get them to the ending I so desperately wanted them to have.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Netgalley.
Fun beginning to a new series. This book was a page turner, with lots of funny moments mixed with the sweet and sexy ones. At times I thought the Wynchesters were a bit too childish for their actual ages, and I felt like the final dark moment didn’t quite fit the hero’s arc, but those were both pretty minor things. Overall, it was a really fun read with a very sweet hero and a fun and unique heroine. 4.5 stars
I want to be a Wynchester! I loved their high-jinks, their animals, and their love for one another. This first offering in a new series was a highly entertaining read full of tongue-in-cheek humor, a stolen painting, an accidental abduction, a Duke hung up on restoring his estate’s tarnished reputation, and the delightful Wynchesters, who are totally non-conforming and unforgettable characters.
I loved the author’s prose and how she was able to make me envision scenes so well. The story flowed well with few slowdowns in what was taking place. It was endearing how she portrayed the Duke later on as he met the Wynchester siblings. He “felt they were astonishing and awe-inspiring…he was flummoxed the siblings accepted one another for who and how they were, disguises, strange pets and all.”
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this work, which has in no way affected my honest and voluntary review. I recommend this book and rate it 4 ½ Stars with a “steam” rating of 3 ½-4 Stars.
I enjoyed this one. A type of dynamic family I haven’t read about in awhile being that the siblings were all orphans. The beginning was interesting. While the story had a few slow parts, I still liked it and all of the characters are so different. Marjorie’s story is one I look forward to. I love this cover!
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Duke Heist features an amazing romance between a bankrupt duke and a woman determined to reclaim her family’s stolen painting.
Chloe Wynchester has the ability to blend into any crowd and be immediately forgotten after meeting someone which are skills that serve her well. After her family’s treasured painting is stolen by a degenerate duke who dies shortly after, Chloe sets out to recover the painting from his son, Lawrence Gosling, the new Duke of Faircliffe. But when all attempts to lawfully retrieve the painting fail, Chloe devises a new plan that ends with her accidentally kidnapping the duke instead.
Chloe and Lawrence’s relationship starts out slowly as initially she just wants to get close to him in order to find her family’s painting and he doesn’t want his family’s name tarnished by association with hers. The pair’s first one-on-one interaction in this book when Chloe accidentally kidnaps him was an absolute delight. Going into this book I was very intrigued by such a premise and the scene did not disappoint. To avoid anyone finding out what happened, the pair strike a deal where Lawrence will help Chloe with society introductions and deportment lessons in exchange for her silence. This deal provided the perfect opportunity to search the duke’s residence for the painting, as well as for some great scenes between the pair. Ultimately I liked that the reveal about Chloe’s search for the painting wasn’t turned into this huge thing between them and they actually handle it maturely.
The gradual build-up in the pair’s relationship was great as it allowed them to become friends first before it developed into something more. Plus I liked watching them open up to each other about things they never tell anyone else. The chemistry between Chloe and Lawrence really is fantastic and I loved how during their lessons they were unable to keep away from each other. Those lessons definitely led to some very steamy moments between the two which were very well done. With Lawrence’s dukedom on the verge of bankruptcy, he does intend to offer for the daughter of a wealthy colleague. I thought that situation was handled well and it didn’t detract from Chloe and Lawrence’s romance. Overall I was very happy with the romance in The Duke Heist.
The Wynchesters are a very unique family, six orphans adopted by a foreign baron and taught unusual skills. After the loss of Bean, their adoptive father, the siblings are closer than ever with their common goal to retrieve their stolen painting. Throughout the book, each of the siblings plays a part in trying to recover the painting, with Chloe and Tommy playing the largest roles. I like how well all of their skills and talents complement each other’s allowing them to execute their plans. Of the siblings, Tommy is definitely my favorite as she’s such a delightful character. I can’t wait for book two in the series which looks like will be her romance with Phillipa, Lawrence’s original intended in this book.
Overall The Duke Heist was a fantastic read and I will definitely be continuing on with the series. I definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun, new historical romance.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
,What I liked most about this book was the feeling of the close family bond the Winchester siblings had. Clhloe, the oldest, often felt overlooked and although this suited her at times, at others she longed to come out of the shadows. Lawrence, Duke of Faircliffe, needs to marry an heiress, to pay his father’s debts and to provide for his tenants. Chloe and Lawrence were very attracted to each other. I was glad that Lawrence began to see and value Chloe for who she was, but he was still needing a very good dowry from his future bride. The story did lack pace at times for me but I look forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In the prequel (The Governess Gambit) we were introduced to each of the Wild Wynchesters but you don’t need to read it first as you get to know the family in book one. We got to meet Baron Vanderbean “Bean”, who rescued & adopted the six children from the orphanage – Chloe, Graham, Tommy (Thomasina), Jacob, Marjorie, and Elizabeth. The children each had a special skill and with Bean in leadership they succeeded in many good deeds.
In Book 1, we will learn more about Chloe Wynchester, who has the ability of never being noticed. She can blend into any situation or even meet someone several times & they will not remember her. After a painting was stolen from them, the dying wish from Bean was for the family to find & bring the painting of Puck & the Six Sprites home where it belonged. It was stolen by the Duke of Faircliffe eight months ago & then the duke died – his son, Lawrence Gosling, the new duke has refused to see any of them so Chloe must figure a way to infiltrate his home so she can steal their painting back from him. That was her first & most important endeavor but her second desire was to be accepted by society & not turned away as one of the “Wild Wynchesters” – perhaps, she could collect her favor from the duke.
Lawrence Gosling, the new Duke of Faircliffe is handsome, serious, brooding & is looking for a rich, highborn heiress with a large dowry that he can use to bring the dukedom back to solvency after his wastrel father left him owing many debts. He will find a bride from a good family that is looking for a title for their daughter & both parties will succeed in their needs.
When Lawrence & Chloe get together, (the nefarious reasons for her to find the family’s painting & him owing her a favor) the chaos, hilarity (especially with Tommy dressed as Great Aunt Wynchester, Chloe’s chaperone), humor & romance begins – but it is not an easy road to a HEA. You will love this family, all their hijinks, the close relationships among the six adopted orphans, creates an emotional & entertaining book. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
This was a very fun read. The well crafted and extremely clever storyline grabbed my attention with its blend of romance, emotion, drama and adventure. I was totally charmed by Chloe and Lawrence. I thought that their quirks and foibles made them immensely likeable and I adored them as a couple. I felt that they kind of needed each other to give them some balance in their lives. This book of course introduces the reader to Chloe’s siblings and I am intrigued and excited for future books in this series. Absolutely delightful! This is my unbiased, unsolicited review.
A new Erica Ridley series! I’m always amazed at what she can think up and bring words to paper to amuse the reader.
This series is set around the daring Wynchester family, each “sibling” has a special talent. I’d classify this as a romp with some “suspend belief” elements. There are some unexpected twists for both the reader and the Wynchesters. To sum it up in one word: fun.
I read a free advance copy and voluntarily post this review.
This is an entertaining read filled with humor, mischief, and a wonderful cast of characters. The Wynchesters are such a fantastic family filled with unique characters that exhibit different, and unusual, abilities. I love this group of siblings! They are an incredible unit and very loyal to each other, and I love the scenes when they are together. You can tell how much they love and trust each other, and their conversations are fantastic! I also love that they stand by each other no matter what.
Chloe, the leader of this found family, is used to blending in and being invisible, yet she is strong, smart, and capable. She is a well-developed and likable protagonist. Lawrence, Chloe’s love interest and the man she intends to steal from, is also a fascinating character. He seems so proper and formal, and he values his reputation, yet as Chloe gets to know him, she realizes there is so much more to him. Trying to repair the financial mistakes his father made, Lawrence has a heavy burden to bear. He is humble and honorable and acts in the best interest of those who depend on him.
Lawrence and Chloe are such well-developed, dynamic characters, and their character growth throughout the story is exceptional. Plus, their romance is fun, cute, and fantastic, and they have amazing chemistry! From the moment they meet, which is under very unconventional circumstances, it’s clear there is a connection between Chloe and Lawrence, and I loved seeing their relationship bloom.
A great story about family, duty, and falling in love, The Duke Heist is a fun and romantic read. I look forward to reading future books in The Wild Wynchester series and thank Netgalley, Forever, and Erica Ridley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley
The Wild Wynchesters #1
The Wynchesers are a family built by Baron Vanderbean and known to his adopted children as “Bean”. In this book he is not longer with his now adult children and they are hoping to retrieve a family treasure that was stolen from them. The six siblings are as different one from the other as can be and each one is special in his/her own right. I can hardly wait to read all of their stories! But, this is the story of Chloe Wynchester and what a story it is!
What I liked:
* Chloe: a woman that has hidden depths. She is a woman that manages to blend in though she is so much more than the plain person she presents to the world. I liked her and loved how she drew Lawrence out but also grew too.
* Lawrence: a bit stuffy and rigid though he, too, had hidden depths and interests that when they began to emerge showed a man that might be perfect for Chloe. He saw her as nobody else ever had and that was rather special.
* Chloe and Lawrence together…in all ways always…mostly…there were some rough moments on second thought
* The siblings…as mentioned above…really want to get to know all of them better!
* Lawrence’s staff and how they and he interacted.
* The way the siblings worked together and were there for one another.
* Philippa: I think there is more to her than met the eye…and am eager to read about her and Tommy next.
* The twists and turns
* All of it really except…
What I didn’t like:
* The upper class treatment of those “beneath” them
* Knowing that the poor lived horrible lives back then…and no doubt still do
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!
Thank you to the author for the ARC – this is my honest review.
5 Stars
This was my first book by this author and I ADORED it! A found family, unique characters, and an awesome romance? Sign me up.
Chloe Wynchester is an orphan, who was taken in by a rich, titled man when she was a child. She and her siblings are not blood related, but they’re closer than most families. Chloe has a bit of a blessing/curse situation. She’s a spectacular pickpocket. But also, she is utterly forgettable. She has average height, and average brown hair, and eyes, and she wears colors that help her blend into the background. It’s come in handy a million times in the schemes she runs with her siblings, for her to basically be invisible. But, it also hurts her every time she has to be reintroduced to someone she’s met before. Even when she’s meeting them as a character she’s playing, and not as CHLOE. When she and her siblings form a plan to steal back a family heirloom that was stolen from them, she makes a huge mistake when she escapes in the carriage, as it also has the Duke of Faircliffe inside!
Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe is in a bind. His father died and left him with a title, and a mountain of debt. He needs to marry a woman with a fat dowry ASAP, or he’ll lose everything. He decides to court an heiress named Miss Phillipa York, and he gives her a piece of art as a gift, that she had shown an interest in previously. Little does he know that piece of art was stolen from the Wynchester family by his father, prior to his death. When he finds himself in a carriage leaving Phillipa’s house, driven by a Wynchester woman, he knows he’s in trouble, but he has no idea what will result from that day’s actions.
Lawrence & Chloe were drawn to each other from the start, basically against their wills. They each had other plans for their lives, but they couldn’t stay away from each other. It was so sweet watching them realize they just couldn’t live without each other, and didn’t want to. They really had a surprising amount in common, even though they had led such different lives, and it was delightful watching them discover each other, bit by bit.
Chloe’s siblings were wildly wonderful, especially her sister Tommy (aka Great Aunt Wynchester). They really loved each other, and were always there for each other. I loved each of their particular talents, and how they employed them in their schemes. They were a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to learn more about them in future books!
I found this entire story to be a delight, and I loved every minute of it. It was funny, and sweet, and steamy, and heartfelt. I adored the characters, and I’ll be anxiously awaiting the next story!
What an intriguing and different tale of Regency England, The title grabbed me from the first moment. It does indeed start out with the unusual heroine who is on the fringes of society accidentally taking a Duke on a joy ride after stealing a painting he just gifted to his intended fiancé. Opps! I found both of these characters interesting and I was delighted to read their unique journey to love.
Chloe Wynchester is the leader of 6 orphan foster siblings. Their beloved and rich foster father Baron Vanderbean passed away from smallpox before the story opens. Bean purchased a painting from the Elder Duke of Faircliffe that came to represent the family. It was Puck and 6 fairies dancing in a field which the family saw as representative of them and Bean. In the prequel story the elder Duke exchanges the painting for a vase without their agreement and proceeds to die in a carriage accident during his get-away. He left his estate debt ridden from his excessive gambling. His son, Lawrence Gosling has inherited a title and all the debts he cannot pay. He dodges everyone trying to collect what’s due them as he tries to come up with a plan. Meanwhile the Wynchesters have been trying to get his attention so they can get their painting back. Being Wynchesters who won’t take failure as an option they devise a plan to steal the painting back. And this begins a very twisted and fun journey of how they retrieve their painting and Lawrence becomes part of a family he always dreamed of.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Delightful, madcap romance
Chloe is a charming and enterprising young woman, and she far outshines Lawrence, the new Duke of Faircliffe. Lawrence is, thankfully, nothing like his father, which forces him to focus almost entirely on trying to right his father’s wrongs. The painting in question brings them together, but it is their undeniable chemistry that fuses them together to work through an assortment of obstacles.
I love the quick-witted dialogue, the lighthearted comedy, and the heartfelt emotional insights. The overall story was terrific with a wonderful HEA, but the wildly diverse cast of characters made the story feel a bit disjointed and at time difficult to follow. Still, this author knows how to write steamy historical romances, and this one delivers on that promise. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Chloe may be unforgettable in most settings but when she comes into the Duke of Faircliffe’s orbit, he not only notices her but sees the woman behind the facade. The problem is that no matter how alluring Chloe might be, Lawrence has a duty to fulfill and Chloe is not going to help him reach his goals. This comedy romance is fast-paced and at times a bit confusing as the Wynchester siblings create chaos wherever they go. While I did enjoy this novel and found it entertaining, I sometimes found the humour difficult to follow. Lawrence is an inexperienced hero who tries to follow the rules of society but is nevertheless a gentle man who is able to see beyond his own needs. Chloe is vivacious and outrageous, as are her siblings and I found myself wanting to give her a big hug. The novel is well written and entertaining and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe, is trying to fix the mistakes and pay the debts of his late father, but that takes money, the one thing the dukedom doesn’t have. He needs to wed a wealthy widow if he wants the title to be on stable grounds again. His plan is set, that is, until he is accidentally kidnapped by Chloe Wynchester. Once Chloe realizes her mistake, she asks Faircliffe for an invitation to a tea and he agrees to greet her, but nothing more. Deal made they both expect nothing more to come of it, except the more time they spend in each other’s company, the more they realize how good they are together. Unfortunately for Faircliffe Chloe is not a suitable future duchess and she has no dowry and he has to walk away from her.
I love Ms. Ridley’s stories although it took me a bit to get into this story. I understand things would have been clearer if I had read the prequel which tells the story of how how the Wynchesters came together. Chloe was such an interesting character and poor Faircliffe never stood a chance. Once he dropped his icy ducal facade, he loved being in her company. I really enjoyed the family with all their quirkiness and can’t wait to read each siblings future story.
I voluntarily read this advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
The Duke Heist
The Wild Wynchesters Series #1
Erica Ridley
https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley
Release Date 02/09/2021
Publisher Hachette / Forever
A NYT bestselling author kicks off a new Regency series of “irresistible romance and a family of delightful scoundrels” as a woman looking to recover a stolen painting accidentally kidnaps a duke instead. (Eloisa James)
Chloe Wynchester is completely forgettable — a curse that gives her the ability to blend into any crowd. When the only father she’s ever known makes a dying wish for his adopted family of orphans to recover a missing painting, she’s the first one her siblings turn to for stealing it back. No one expects that in doing so, she’ll also abduct a handsome duke.
Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe, is tortured by his father’s mistakes. To repair his estate’s ruined reputation, he must wed a highborn heiress. Yet when he finds himself in a carriage being driven hell-for-leather down the cobblestone streets of London by a beautiful woman who refuses to heed his commands, he fears his heart is hers. But how can he sacrifice his family’s legacy to follow true love?
When torn between feelings and duty, which path will he decide to follow …
I have read the author for some years now and her latest series Twelve Dukes of Christmas was so much fun, I could not pass this new one.
Everyone of the Winchesters siblings is a delight, they all love each other unconditionally, accepting everyone’s difference, even praising them for them.
And do not miss The Governess Gambit, the prequel as it is actually free. It introduces the siblings and how the family’s portrait was stolen.
Chloe, while the glue of this patched up family, is also the mouse of the household, she is the one who can enter everywhere as she leaves no marked imprint of her visit, she is like the invisible man, she is seen but not noticed. Her ability at being forgettable is her very talent. But from time to time, it hurts to leave no mark in people’s mind.
Why she so longs to be acknowledged outside the wall of their home, yet she is a Wynchester, and it comes with a price as people believe them as being a bunch of misfits up to no good. In some way they are wrong but also right, the Wynchesters are different, and when they take matter in hands, it is to help others in a very unconventional way.
And while I was sad at time for Chloe and the first part of her childhood, she then has won a wonderful family and is truly loved. And whatever her doubts, she is cherished for whom she is.
Which is very different of what I felt for Lawrence, I quite pitied him. As in fact he is the one who has the most to loose. Because Chloe is assured of the love of her siblings. When all he has is the mask he presents to the world as an upright scandal-free all-duty heir then Duke. He puts so much weight in restoring his family’s name and trying to patch up what is left of his estates, he lost sight of what is important. He believes that a marriage even of convenience will grant him what he truly longs for, to belong and never be lonely again.
And while he makes mistakes after mistakes, his view of those beyond his sight change when in close contact with Chloe why he steps in and stands next to Chloe when people tend to disparage her. Not an easy task when he has to overcome all he had been taught from birth. Lawrence is far from perfect, awkward among crowd, perfectionist to the fault, yet he has so much to forfeit if he chooses the wrong path, I understand he is distraught and a bit lost. He knows what and whom he wants in his life but does not envisage a happy outcome if he goes after his heart’s desire. So scared he is he might lost everything he stood for until now and more.
And while it is a romance novel packed with humor, twists and turns and a real menagerie, it is more than that, it is too a tale of family’s love, not the kind about blood relatives but the family one’s can create with the people one’s care about.
I loved the dynamic of the siblings’ relationship, they are all unique but linked by a shared love for the one man who brought them all together and for one another. They are never alone, always standing up for the others.
5 stars for this first in a series.
onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author and publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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Erica has a different voice in her books. I have read about 99% of them and have enjoyed every single one. They are not written as formulaic stories but with their own idiosyncrasies. That is exactly how The Duke Heist is written. What I most loved about this book was the sense of family. They are not blood related but have become this loving family that would do anything for each other. The storyline is original and brings up close and personal with these not quite legal but not quite illegal siblings. There are a few things that upset me a bit. One is Chloe and her constantly putting herself down by saying she was forgettable. She is caring and whip-smart. Unfortunately, I do feel that some women/girls feel this way and it is very sad to read about it. The duke, he was not a very likeable person at least until the very end. That being said, I enjoyed the banter (quick-witted will drawn me in every time) and the sexy playfulness. The unusual aspects of the story are what makes Erica stand out.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher from NetGalley.
Erica Ridley has yet to disappoint me with any of her stories. “The Duke Heist” is fabulous.
Chloe Winchester wants a painting that her family has had for since she can remember. It is presently owned by the Duke of Fairiffe, Lawrence Gosling who is in dire need of money to save his dukedom, but more importantly, it’s people. Together, they both learn that they are both more than what they seem, or portray themselves to be. The first in a new series that I can’t wait to read.
Entertaining storyline with lighthearted conversations, humorous interactions and a delightful romance. Chloe is a strong character trying to keep her family together and fulfil a dying wish. Lawrence is trying to save his Dukedom and right his father’s wrongs. When the two of them come together all their plans and goals are turned upside down. This is a great book and I am looking forward to reading more about the rest of the family. I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.