Well, this was an absolute delight.

I loved Chloe. She’s smart and resourceful and loyal. Lawrence is uncertain and maybe a bit standoff-ish and unknowingly charming. Together they have loads of fantastic moments that slowly blossom from friendship to more.

Plot wise, it was good. I loved the organic progression of Chloe and Lawrence’s relationship. I loved the ladies book club (and hope to see more of them) and I love love loved the siblings and how supportive they were of each other. There is a tiny bit of angst, but not nearly as bad as I was expecting and resolved quickly. Oh, and the epilogue is perfection.

Overall, this was a phenomenal start to a new series. I’m excited to see who gets the next story and can’t wait to get my greedy eyeballs on it.

**Huge thanks to Erica Ridley for providing a finished copy free of charge**

3 1/2 rounded up- just because I can always rely on Erica Ridley for a quick, enjoyable read. This one was especially clever with the characters and their interactions.

The Wynchester family is a pariah in the circles of the bon ton. Chloe Wynchester is a master of disguise, as well as adept at disappearing in plain sight with her forgettable clothes and hair. When her adoptive father dies and the family's favorite painting goes missing, she is out to recover this cherished gem.

Duke Lawrence Gosling has been tainted by his father's gambling habits. His estate is being sold off little by little to keep paying the bills. The only way to save his home and reputation is to marry well. He goes about courting a young woman with an impressive dowry. Duke Faircliffe's father is the one who stole the Wynchester painting.

When these two come across each other, we see banter, deceit, hope, love, and some pretty clever dialogue. There are two steamy scenes, but otherwise a very fun read.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4 1/2 STARS****
The continuing story of the orphans known as the Wynchesters trying to get their painting back from His Haughtiness the Duke of Faircliffe. When he refuses to negotiate, they decide to steal it. Working out a plan, Chloe decides to play the Duke to help her find a husband. Using guile and wit, Chole eventually realizes that Lawrence is not what he seems. If Chole can convince him to be himself, maybe he will return the painting. Adding love may be the answer. Six unique Wynchesters give a little laughter and tears for a very entertaining book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I don't normally do Historical, but since I've fallen in love with Bridgerton I've had the urge to fill my days...and nights...with a Duke. :)

I'm so glad I dived into The Duke Heist. Lawrence and Chloe were so cute and so much fun! Especially Chloe Wynchester! Ridley wrote her in the most unconventional way for this time period. She was so unapologetically herself. Perfectly flawed with a mind of her own. So scandalous. I absolutely loved this about her! Lawrence didn't always deserve this gem of a woman. There was one particular scene I wanted to give him a swift kick in the junk. He made my heart hurt right along with Chloe's. I cried with her. Damn men and their stature. Money isn't everything Lawrence!! Ugh!

I know it sounds like I didn't like Lawrence but I did. :) I was just perturbed with him at certain points in the book. All the other times, his character was so loving and I could feel how much he really cared for Chloe. Lawrence was a whole different man with Miss Wynchester. He made me smile when he was around her. He made my heartbeat faster when he went against societal grain to show Chloe she wasn't as invisible as she thought. Lawrence proved that he regretted his one asinine move. That he was totally worthy of getting his girl.

The Duke Heist is a quick, light-hearted, whimsical journey. One filled with quirky characters and plenty of adventure. A journey where love is built from friendship and family is not based on blood but those you choose.

This is my first book by Erica Ridley and it won't be my last. Chloe and her family were the absolute perfect characters. I can't wait for their stories! I'm hopping Tommy is next. I'm excited to see if Ridley is going to step outside the box of these times and go where I think she is going with her story.

I fell in love with the Wild Wynchesters when I read The Governess Gambit. The prequel set the stage for the series perfectly. We meet all the Wynchester siblings and learn how they came to be a family. When Bean (Baron Vanderbean), their adoptive father dies, the siblings are determined to retrieve a painting stolen from them by the Duke of Faircliffe. The old duke has died in an accident, and they must deal with Lawrence, the new duke. When Chloe accidentally kidnaps him, the adventure begins.

This is a wonderful story with a duke over-obsessed with propriety and the need to marry an heiress, and Chloe Wynchester, the defacto leader of the Wynchester family and a girl whose special gift is to be unnoticed and forgettable. Lawrence is brilliant and influential in Parliament, but completely adrift in social and romantic situations. Chloe uses this to her advantage, a way to get close enough to him to find the painting. Now of course they fall in love. Lawrence still can’t get past his obsession. Maybe a good smack in the back of his head would help. In addition to problems in the romance department, Lawrence discovers a horrible secret about his father.

Twists, turns, secrets, mistakes and misunderstandings, humor, romance, and most importantly acceptance make Chloe and Lawrence’s story engaging and entertaining. Along with our wonderful hero and heroine, the other characters are amazing. The members of the Ladies of Lusty Literature Book Coven are delightful. Great Aunt Wynchester (Tommy) is hilarious. This is a great beginning to what promises to be a fantastic series. I look forward to the next story. The Wynchesters are indeed wild, but more than that they are wonderful!

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary

A wonderful, entertaining story that intrigued me from start to finish.

As always with books from this author, I found this story to be a really well written, fully enjoyable story.

It is the first in a series about a group of 6 people who although not blood relatives consider themselves siblings. Their bond is unbreakable. They had all been adopted by Baron Vanderbean and he encouraged them to use their special talents, which you will read about over the series, rather than stop them. The family owned a very special painting which they interpreted as being their characters. It is of Puck and sprites. It had originally belonged to the Duke of Faircliffe, he lost it to 'Bean' in order to cover gambling debts. The Duke wanted it back and stole it. When Bean passes away the siblings are determined to retrieve the painting no matter what it takes. Unfortunately, the Duke of Faircliffe has also died, and the new Duke won't even talk to the Winchesters. Chloe Winchester tries her best to talk to the Duke when he ignores all the missives that have been sent. He gives her the cut direct more than once. When they discover that the Duke is going to make a gift of the painting to the woman he hopes to marry the family finally decide they will get the painting back by whatever means necessary, even if it means stealing it.

This book really has it all, twists, turns, laugh out loud scenes, sad scenes, and of course romantic love scenes. I really enjoyed Chloe and Faircliffe's story and am very much looking forward to reading the other siblings' stories in upcoming books.

This charming Regency romance is the first book in the Wild Wynchesters series by one of my favorite romance authors, Erica Ridley. While the stories interconnect, each book focuses on one couple and can be enjoyed on its own.

The Wynchesters are a delightful family of memorably quirky characters, all orphans adopted by a baron from a small foreign country. The main characters of this story are Chloe Wynchester and Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe. Chloe feels as though no one really sees her, while Lawrence fears too much scrutiny as a duke trying to restore the honor and finances of his family after his immoral father squandered the family’s fortune and reputation.

I found both main characters smart, kind, and sympathetic, but my heart really went out to Lawrence. He has never known unconditional love; he believes it’s a luxury he can’t afford because of his ducal duties, which he takes very seriously. Despite his own relative poverty, he sells many of his own possessions to do nice things for others. Chloe had a very difficult childhood and has been treated very poorly by society, but she has money, independence, and the unconditional love, acceptance, and support of her siblings. I enjoyed seeing these two overcome their preconceptions and fall in love, although at times, each makes unfounded assumptions and treats the other poorly.

I think I enjoyed the other relationships in this book even more than the romance. The loving bonds among the Wynchesters, the close relationship Lawrence has with his servants, and the friendships that Chloe develops with the members of her book club were all heartwarming, and the banter among these characters was often quite amusing. Also, kudos to the author for including LGBTQ representation, which I don’t see very often in Regency romances.

The story is told in chapters alternating between Chloe and Lawrence’s perspective, which worked well. The plot is predictable, but it’s fun to watch how it unfolds. Note that there are explicit scenes of premarital sex.

I recommend this book for fans of Regency romance or romantic comedy.

I was provided an unproofed ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.

<i>"Life had taught them to be mistrustful and careful. Coming together as a family had been the most pivotal moment in their lives."</i>
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So, The Duke Heist is a story about a band of misfits who are trying to aquire back a treasured possession that was taken from them, while trying to not be obvious about it. It's a story about finding what you deem important, found family love and some amazing banter that will last you a while!
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My Rating [🌟🌟🌟🌟]
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Instead of writing a review , I'm going to try something different. Don't worry, I'll nost probably update with a good ole' Review soon enough.
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🐙Reasons you should read The Duke Heist
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-Spirfire Heroine✅
-Amazing Found Family love✅
-Band of rowdy misfits ✅
-Tommy✅
-Disguises you might need✅
-Adorable little kitten✅
-Cinnamon roll Hero (Sometimes)✅
-Amazing banter✅
-Characters having intellectual conversations✅
-Ostrich feathers✅
-Tommy aka The Aunt✅
-Some kidnapping and Mayhem✅
-Honorary Wynchester position✅
-An ending that makes you wang to both trangle the guy and kiss him better for his efforts ✅
-And an adorable epilogue!!!!!! ✅
-TOMMY ! ✅
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Have you figured it out? Tommy was my favourite character from the book 😂😂When I first read the blurb, it screamed like X-Men and Batman had an affair, and birthed this love child. But it's so much more than that. Although I definitely wanted more grovelling and falling on one's knee during those last few chapters. My baby Chloe definitely deserved that much. BUT it was such a good read and I can't wait for the next book!! Omg the wait is going to be bad!!!
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<b>Favourite Lines from the Book :</b>
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<i>"The strict Wynchester code of honor meant no sibling would ever snoop or pry into another’s private affairs. They did not know her secret wish to one day be more than a blank canvas. To be unmissable."</i>

<i>"It occurred to him how brave she was being: not just by admitting the obvious failures in her upbringing but by putting herself in situations again and again where she might be ridiculed or rejected outright. Whatever her faults, Miss Wynchester was willing to try. Willing to be wrong as many times as necessary in order to become right." </i>

<i> "Of course they would accept her, just as they always had done. They didn’t care if she wore diamonds or a burlap sack. She had never been invisible to them. They were a family." </i>

<i> “I imagine it was everything,” he replied. “You see yourself as powerless, but you were powerful. Then and now.”“Invisible,” she corrected. “You have a storied family, and roots.”“I may be a tree, but you’re the wind. Strong enough to shake the dead leaves from my branches, to carry pollen to the spring flowers. Air is invisible but essential.” He met her eyes. “Without air, I can’t breathe.”</i>
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@ericaridley was so sweet to just send a copy as an arc a few days back! And it reached me on time!!! Thank you so much Erica for this !
Kindle/ Netgalley Arc/ February 2021

Is true love a real thing? Chloe Wynchester and Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe are about to clash and surprises shall abound! Chloe and her adopted family make a binding agreement to their dying adopted father to retrieve a missing item from the present Duke of Faircliffe. He is having to make all kinds of reparations because his father and grandfather have ground the estate to almost ruin, but the worst thing is that they have become social pariahs. His social apparitions is to marry money and title.

Will true love put a snag into the Duke’s plans and will love stymie Chloes plan to retrieve the item from the Duke that is not so bad after all!

The author has given us a great cast of characters and guided us on a path of growth towards inner discovery of beauty and what matters most to a person, love or social status or money? The book is full of surprises and little hints of new discoveries for the next book.

I would recommend this book to a friend.
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions

The Duke Heist is the first book in The Wild Wynchesters series by Erica Ridley. A wonderful historical romance where a chameleon and a Duke meet accidentally. They quickly fall in love while she is trying to steal a painting from him—lighthearted, funny, punny, romantic, and fantastic characters in this fast-paced steamy romance.

"The Duke Heist' takes place in 1817 England.

Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe is determined to all that his father was not and bring honor and respectability to the Faircliffe name. He is known as the 'Ice King of Parliament.' The Duke's father left the estate in dire straits and he must find a wife with a large dowry to save everything.

Chloe Wynchester was an orphan, a 'Whitechapel foundling,' adopted by Baron Vanderbean. She's a chamelion, able to blend anywhere and be forgotten. Always unseen, her deepest wish is to not only be seen, but to be remembered and recognized.

Baron Vanderbrean adopted six children over one summer. Those he adopted become known as the Wynchesters and they are an eclectic group, fiercely devoted to each other. Each have unique talents they utilize for various schemes.

When the old Duke of Faircliffe stole their beloved family painting, the Wynchesters plot and plan to steal it back after the current Duke refuses to speak with them.

The Duke struggles to keep him estate afloat, keeping to a rigid set of rules to maintain respectability and to garner a wealthy wife. He is totally unprepared for Chloe Wynchester to enter his life and take it by storm.

When the Duke wasn't being a prat, I really enjoyed watching them together. Seeing the Duke allow himself to embrace himself while encouraging Chloe to not only be seen but to be herself as well, makes for a feel good historical romance. There were also many times I disliked the Duke and wanted to see Chloe toss him on to his backside. Love and humor with a message to be true to oneself.

I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

There are so many wonderful tropes to fall in love with within this book. It's just one thing after another wrapped up in an adorable love story full of interesting characters and solid plot development.
Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe, is lovable even when he's trying to be cold and calculating. And Chloe is relatable and fully formed in her own right. I would have read a book just about her finding her self-confidence even without the great romance story it came wrapped up in.
Add to that the fact that the entire Wynchester family is eccentric and wonderful, and I think I have a new series to follow from beginning to end.

Many happy thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the early read!

Wonderful characters. Interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Simply a GREAT read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley is the first book in what looks to be a delightful new series The Wild Wynchesters. Except for her family, most people tend not to notice Chloe Wynchester which makes her the ideal person to retrieve a family heirloom that was stolen, until she accidentally kidnaps Lawrence Gosling, Duke of Faircliffe in the process. He definitely notices her then.
A very lonely Duke who needs to marry for money meets the most intriguing and exhilarating woman who has everything he’s ever wanted except perhaps the money means that he must chose between love and preserving his families legacy. This is a lighthearted fun romp of a book and I highly recommend reading it. Nice balance of angst, humour and steam. Steam Level: Medium. Publishing Date: February 9, 2021. #TheDukeHeist #EricaRidley #HistoricalRomance #NetGalley #RomanceSeries #ForeverGrandCentral #bookstagram #bookstagrammer

An accidental abduction is only the beginning of the fun in The Duke Heist. Erica Ridley’s first Wild Wynchesters book is wonderful, filled with characters who will grab your heart and make you impatient to see what’s next for the delightful Wynchester family.

Chloe Wynchester is one of six adopted siblings who were raised by a loving baron who encouraged them to be themselves and to do what’s right. In the wake of his death, the siblings are determined to recover a very special painting from the Duke of Faircliffe. The icy duke won’t give them the time of day, but the siblings are determined to get back what Faircliffe’s father stole from them. Except their recovery plan goes awry and lands Chloe in the unexpected position of being an accidental duke-napper.

What follows I’ll leave readers to discover, but the titular heist is only the beginning of the adventure for Chloe and Lawrence. Chloe has the talent of being forgettable, which is useful when she needs it to be, but heartbreaking at other times. Chloe longs to be loved by someone other than her siblings. She also desperately wants to be seen for all that she is. Chloe is quick and clever, but her hidden vulnerabilities wrapped around my heart. I wanted to see her get all that she wanted and Erica Ridley did not let me down. Lawrence truly sees Chloe. The icy duke isn’t coldhearted at all, but rather a man struggling to save all that his father destroyed. Lawrence is a flawed hero who sticks his foot in his mouth more than once. But even when he screws up you can tell he has a good heart. More importantly, he learns from his mistakes and tries to do better. Lawrence has hidden vulnerabilities and secret yearnings as well. There’s a loneliness to him that made me want to give him a hug. I loved watching both he and Chloe open up and be their true selves with each other. Though Lawrence’s mission to restore his family legacy threatens to keep he and Chloe apart, it’s clear they’re made for each other. Their friendship and romance kept me glued to the pages of their story. Ridley manages to balance sweetness with sensuality, humor with heart, and drama with character growth extremely well.

As I previously mentioned, The Duke Heist is the first book in the Wild Wynchesters series. Chloe’s siblings all play supporting roles and they are unique, intriguing characters I can’t wait to learn more about. Their absolute love for each other and the way they work as a team stole my heart. They’re the kind of family you read about and immediately want to be part of. I finished Chloe and Lawrence’s story a well-satisfied reader, but I absolutely cannot wait to see the rest of the Wynchesters find their happily ever afters!

A uniquely fun historical romance novel with endearing + quirky characters that had me simultaneously swooning and laughing out loud!

Chloe Wynchester’s goal is to get back the painting that was stolen by the Duke of Faircliffe. She promised the only father she ever knew as his dying wish is that it would be restored to its esteemed place once again. The Duke suffered severe injuries from an accident that occurred on his way home for the thief and died shortly thereafter. As the Wynchester’s have tried to contact his son, Lawrence Gosling, the new Duke, he won’t see them; he won’t answer their letters; and totally walks by them as not even seeing them. Lawrence has a lot on his plate as his father gambled and there is so much debt that he needs to find an heiress and quickly. When his carriage ends up being driven like crazy by Chloe, they end up in a situation that neither want to be in but what happens when after seeing her at different times lets him realize he is crazy about her. Can he choose between love or saving his family’s estate. I received an free from Netgalley/St. Martins and this is my honest review.

Books where the leads reform are fun, but I genuinely enjoy books where none of the leads are jerks and just you know fall in love in difficult circumstances and this is where Erica Ridley shines. Her leads are so relatable, real, full of warmth and oh I did enjoy watching Chloe and Lawrence fall in love sooo much.

Read this to experience all that plus adorable pets and the most awesome family ever. Plus LGBTQ representation!

Recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Erica Ridley for the ARC

After their family portrait it stolen, the Wynchester family will do whatever it takes to get it back, including inadvertently kidnapping a duke. The duke in question, Lawrence Gosling, just wants to repair the damage his father has done to their family name and marry an heiress in order to fund his crumbling estate. But when he starts falling for Chloe, will he risk his title and reputation to be with her?

This book was so much fun! I love the Wynchesters and all of their quirky hobbies and how much they love each other. Lawrence is the sweetest and watching him yearn for a family and then find the Wynchesters was amazing. Chloe was a great main character. I love that she learned to stand up for herself and to be true to herself no matter what.

I can't wait for Tommy and Phillippa's book!

The Duke Heist is exactly what I needed right now. You have a hero that is hard on the outside and gooey on the inside. I love the heroine’s family dynamics. Again, it was just exactly what I didn’t know I needed. You can tell this book is just the start of a fun series. I look forward to enjoying every bit of it.

I voluntarily read an early copy.