This was my first Erica Ridley book and I enjoyed it but didn't love it. I think it was because it was somewhat hard to keep straight all the brothers and sisters. I'm hoping as I read more in this series those names/characters will stick a bit better.

I love the premise of this one - a rich aristocrat adopts a menagerie of children in need and I do enjoy found family stories.

Chloe was an interesting character - of the bunch, she is the one who blends into a crowd and no one notices her. So when a family treasure, a painting, is taken her family decides she is the one who should be the one to retrieve it!

Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe has been left a dukedom that is crumbling and has no money. His only solution is to marry for money.

While reading this I found I was only semi-interested in their story. I wasn't grabbed by either's predicament nor did I feel any tension or believable romance happening here and I hated the Duke's reaction to something Chloe discloses when the drama comes to a head, AND while I'm all for realizing your mistakes, how he treated her was pretty crappy. I know he comes to his senses, and he had a lot of weight on his shoulders (and people) but man it was hard to digest.

I will continue this series for sure just to see how these stories evolve.

Thank you for the early copy!

Chloe Wynchester’s best skill is her ability to blend in and go unnoticed in any crowd, but this also means most people find her completely forgettable. When a beloved painting is stolen from their home, she and her adoptive siblings know Chloe’s skills are the ones needed to retrieve it. Things don’t go quite as planned, however, and she winds up kidnapping a handsome duke along with the painting.

Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe, has spent his life trying to live down his father’s terrible reputation by keeping his own spotless. Thanks to his father’s profligate tendencies, Lawrence is buried under a mountain of debt and the only way out he can see is marriage to an heiress. But when he finds himself owing favors to a carriage stealing termagant, she’s soon well on her way to stealing his heart as well. The more time they spend together, the more Lawrence wants to be with her permanently, but he knows he can’t possibly sacrifice his family legacy, or the well-being of those dependent on him, to follow his heart.

This story was much more light-hearted and whimsical than I’d initially anticipated but I found it rather refreshing. I loved the dynamic and open acceptance among the Wynchester siblings. It took Lawrence a bit too long to come to his senses for my liking, but his longing for love and companionship made him likeable despite his stuffy nature and continued insistence upon emphasizing appearances. Really, that made it all the more satisfying when he finally learned to make his own rules. The time Chloe and Lawrence spent getting to know one another on a different level than they’d ever allowed anyone else before was lovely and I enjoyed their banter. This was a strong start to what promises to be a fun new series full of eccentric adoptive siblings. If you’re looking for a rather fresh spin on Regency romps, this is it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Wynchester siblings are on a mission to restore a family heirloom – a painting of Puck with 6 sprites – a painting the Wynchester siblings treasure above all else – as they view it as a family portrait of sorts. Purchased years ago, from the Duke of Faircliffe, it was the first thing they bought as a “family”. Chloe is one of the six children adopted by Baron Vanderbean “Bean”. But 8 months ago, the duke wanted it back and when they refused, he stole it – leaving a hideous Angel vase in its place, then to complicate matters, the duke died days later and his son, the new duke refused to see Bean and ignored all attempts to contact him. Sadly, Bean himself died a few weeks later and it seemed as if the painting was gone for good. But recently the siblings have learned that the new Duke is courting a Miss Philippa York and is planning on giving the painting to her as a courting gift.

Each of the six siblings has a “talent”, Bean loved each of the children and encouraged them to perfect and use those talents. He also and they mean to use those talents to restore the painting to its rightful place, even if they have to steal it! Chloe’s talent is the ability to go unnoticed, she is selected to go to the York’s house and swap out their painting with a forged painting created by their sister Marjorie. A mission she glad accepts for the family. Chloe forms a plan and attends Miss York’s book club meeting ready to make the exchange, she thinks she is prepared for every possible scenario – but what she didn’t anticipate is the duke!

Lawrence Gosling, the new Duke of Faircliffe has inherited a bankrupt estate and needs to marry for money as soon as possible, which is why he needs to impress Miss York. Her dowry is massive and enables him to save his dukedom from ruin. He arrives and presents the painting to a very unimpressed Miss York. When they all go to partake in refreshments, Chloe sets her plan in motion, exchanging the paintings and bolting from the house to her waiting carriage – which she drives herself when her brother is nowhere to be found, she sets out and then hears a voice from inside the carriage – Faircliffe! She is shocked, how did she end up abducting the duke? She manages to ditch him, but neither of them will be able to forget the encounter. Especially as she needs to return his Angel vase and keep him from learning the truth about the Baron’s heir.

This was a well-written, unique, and fun story. I really enjoyed the interaction between Faircliffe and Chloe, as well as the bond between the siblings. The plot of the story is a bit over the top and somewhat flamboyant and there is a lot of “setup” for future books, but in general it was fun without being fluffy and light without being silly. The book is chocked full of secrets, deception, surprises, wonderful secondary characters, warm love scenes, emotion, and of course a HEA. This is the first book in a series that promises to be anything but your typical historical romance read. I am happy to recommend this title as I really enjoyed this book and am eagerly awaiting the next installment!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. *

I wasn't sure what to expect from the Duke Heist. I have seen Erica's books around instagram and have wondered about them, so when I got this book from my friends at Forever, I was very excited. This story was so fun. It has a little bit of an Umbrella Academy vibe with a mish mash family of fierce siblings with a very special set of skills. Chloe is the oldest and is tasked with stealing a painting beloved by the whole family of Wynchesters. The Duke who has the painting has his own set of struggles and self worth issues that leads to high tension, hijinks and a story of love and family that was too fun to stop reading. I am super excited for the next book in this series!

An absolute wonderful tale of a family of seven. Six orphans and the man who adopted them. Each child has a special gift. In this story, their dad has died and they are older. They are not really accepted by the ton. Chole has the gift of never being remembered. She melts into the background.
Tommy (Thomasina) is great with disguises while Marjorie is an extraordinary painter. Graham's gift is acrobatics and trick riding. Jacob has a gift with animals. Elizabeth can project her voice anywhere and it will sound like the person is talking in their own voice. Their family is loving to each other, they support each other and work on projects as a group.
Lawrence Gosling, eight Duke of Faircliffe, his father died and left him so bound in debt. He needed to marry an heiress. He was looking for a wife.
The story is witty, intelligent, and thoughtful. So many things happen, paintings are gone, and vases disappear. The characters are wonderful and kind. It keeps your attention and guessing from page to page. I highly recommend this book, not only is there love but some problems that need to be solved.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

The Duke Heist
Book 1 in the Wild Wynchesters series
Rating: 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

The Duke Heist introduces us to the wild Wynchester siblings. Each sibling has a special talent that they have used to help those that are most in need. They once were those who were in need but a nice man all brought them together to be a family. It is in the novella before this book that we learn of the baron's passing and along with the loss of their father, a painting that is loved by them is stolen by a gambling duke. It is when this duke dies because of a tragic accident that the siblings are determined to get that painting back from the heir.
This is how we find Chloe Wynchester at the beginning of the story. She's one to blend in to surroundings and call the least attention. She, along with her siblings, plan on how to get the painting back from the Duke of Faircliffe. They all plan how she will approach him and ask for it back even if they have to resort to stealing it.
Faircliffe is in need of lots of money for his dukedom to survive. He is determined to marry an heiress. He is willing to sacrifice finding love in order to help those families and employees that depend on him. Sadly, his plans don't go that smoothly because the Wynchester's plan to be a nuisance in his life.
I want to say that I really enjoyed this book!! I have read quite a few of Ms Ridley's books and I have to say that this one has been my favorite one. Both leads where wonderful and had so much heart for those that were close to them. They were attracted to each other and I liked the slow built up of their attraction. Their story made me laugh and cry. I was really worried on how the author would resolve their conflict since them being together seemed impossible for most of the book. Faircliffe and Chloe complemented each other in that they saw each other for who they really were. They saw through that persona that they were hiding behind.
I highly recommend this book and I'm looking forwards to reading more about the Wynchesters.
I would like to recommend reading the novella The Governess Gambit because it sets up what will happen in this one.

Bonus: Book cover review: I loved the gold tones used! 4 stars

The Wynchesters, a group of orphans brought together by the Baron Vanderbean. Under his care though not related by blood, they became a family. A family encouraged by their beloved Bean to hone their unique talents. One is a master of disguise, another an animal trainer, an artist, among other useful aptitudes. ThIs extraordinary family was introduced in the novella, The Governess Gambit. Although it is not necessary to read it first, it very nicely gives the reader the Wynchester family background and sets up this book. The Duke Heist is Chloe's story. Her talent? Being able to be forgettable! She is drab with an unremarkable face. What happens when she is finally noticed? Lawrence, the Duke of Faircliffe, is an arrogant, cold fish or is he? He definitely is on the Wynchesters' not favored list. When he and Chloe get to know each other better, they find what you see is not necessarily all there is. I absolutely loved this book. I have read just about all of Erica Ridley's books and this one is my very favorite. I can't wait to see what the other Wynchesters have in store for them.

I received a copy from NetGalley via the author; this is my honest review.
-I loved Jacob and his ideas of a diversion with his menagerie.
-I thoroughly enjoyed the codes at the inn. It's perfect and so easy. It did not deter the Duke from following Chloe, though.
-I aimed to solve the mystery of the painting; alas, there was no way of doing so and the answer just presented itself.
-So many times I palmed my forehead about Mrs. York; she has no manners at all, not at all. She's loud, she's overly expressive, she's dramatic, she's excitable, she loves making scenes, her staff is always the best there is, no compunction at telling a Duke he didn't bring what she wanted. I can't wait to see her face when Philippa tells her who's her choice in a life partner!
-The saddest moment when Lawrence says "I know" and repeats it, then Chloe answers "then go". It explains all the pain they have.
-Great-Aunt Wynchester is a hoot, especially when she starts tales of Chloe's childhood by recounting fairy tales - those that were just being translated in English.
-Chapter 30 was a complete torture to the senses and fun but I cried nonstop in chapter 34.
-I was surprised by the epilogue - I think it's a first in Ridley's book.

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

This is Erica Ridley's best work to the date. I guess. I haven't read all her books, but I read like ten so it still counts. Anyway, it was perfection.
The Wynchesters are my new favorite fictional family (sorry, Bridgertons and Winstons). Each one is unique and interesting and has a sense of social justice beyond law and conventions. This is the fictional family for 2021, people!
And the plot was exquisitely developed, without feeling repetitive or redundant, it took so many twists and turns. When I read Romance, I know it's going to have a happy ending. What's intriguing is how would the author play it, how is the author going to make me doubt that happy ending and keep me hooked and unable to stop reading (even though I'm with allergies and have to wake up early and it's 4 in the morning already!).
So, yes, this book was wonderful, the world it creates is stunning, the characters are really engaging, and I really want to live in the Wynchester house.
I can't wait for Tommy's story!

I loved the Wynchester siblings and can’t wait to read more about this unique, quirky family!

I especially like the hero and his transformation throughout the book. Lawrence starts out icy and seemingly unfeeling. He wants to be the best at everything or not do it at all. With the help of Chloe and the Wynchesters, he is able to explore his love of the arts and desire to paint.

Chloe is more of a mystery to me. I really didn’t understand her need to dress plainly in public while she owned scores of beautiful gowns and practiced at styling her hair and her outfits in private. But the hero gets her, so I guess that is all that matters.

I do think the underlying premise was a bit convoluted. I think it was supposed to be an enemies to lovers, but I just didn’t buy the painting/vase mix-up issue. I was waiting for the big reveal that the Baron and the Duke’s father had conspired to get the two together by originally swapping the painting and the vase. Also, just how many copies of the painting are there?

As is the case in romance novels, there is an underlying conflict to this couple’s happiness. However towards the end, this conflict just seems to disappear. It was easily overcome and made me wonder why they just didn’t do it in the first place.

This book is full of funny exchanges and witty dialogue. Some of the funniest exchanges involved the Wynchester siblings. I am excited to read Tommy’s story since she is up next in the series. 3.5/5

The Duke Heist (The Wild Wynchesters #1) by Erica Ridley
The is Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe and Chloe Wynchester's story. We first met them in the prequel THE GOVERNESS GAMBIT. If you didn't read it I strongly advise that you do. It is not necessary but it explains a lot. The book shows you more of of the siblings lives and is full of laughs, tears, angst, some hurt feelings, lots of love and plenty of steam to get us to a very HEA. I cant wait for the next book in this series which I hope is Tommy's story.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining Wonderful characters Informative Action-packed Easy-to-read Tear-jerker Funny

I adore the Wynchesters! There is so much going on in that family and keeping them straight will basically require a family tree at some point. Chloe's "talent" for lack of a better term is her ability to blend into a crowd and be forgettable. Imagine meeting someone multiple times, they have conversed with your spouse on several occasions (with you present) so its safe to say that you are acquainted. Then, at a dinner party you congratulate them on their promotion only to have them turn, take a solid 5 seconds to look at you and then ask "Do I know you?" Good news: You'll probably identify with Chloe like I did.

I loved Chloe's fierce loyalty to Bean and her siblings. My heart-ached with her simultaneous desire to be seen and also invisible. Lawrence, while he has a reputation for being cold and a bit of a superiority complex, is just a sweet cinnamon roll hero trying to undo all the damage his father wrought on the dukedom. The romance between Chloe and Lawrence was adorable, tooth-achingly sweet. A low-key enemies to lovers, their admiration for each other grows in leaps and bounds with each interaction based on solid personality and abilities rather than physical appearance (though there is a bit of that too).

As much as I enjoyed the characters, I think the story dragged on for me. I don't typically say that the third act obstacle lacked tension and angst, but the pacing felt off and everything resolved too quickly for me.

Highlight: I loved all of the characters, but honestly my favorite has to go to Great Aunt Wynchester. I was giggling non-stop whenever she was on scene. I seriously hope she returns in the future because I need more inappropriate grumbles about the peerage.

Overall, I'm excited to see the rest of the Wynchesters get their stories! It feels like Thomasina's (Tommy's) story is coming next and I'm super excited that we have rumblings of an LGBTQ+ romance. This was an adorable romance, and the romantic overtures on Lawrence's part were the sweetest. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a sweet, lower steam (2-3 shorter scenes).

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I have only recently started reading Erica Ridley, but the more I do the more I appreciate her writing style and her quirky characters. This book was no different.

Chloe Wynchester is from a family of misfits stitched together by Bean, most of whom consider their father, and they all have equally crazy talents. Chloe's is blending in, and becoming completely forgettable. This talent of hers comes in handy when they must steal back a piece of art that they feel like is family from Lawrence Gosling, Duke of Faircliffe, who refuses to give it back to them. Hilarity ensues after Chloe steals what she believes is the painting, and escapes from the scene of the crime with the Duke's carriage in tow.

Firstly, this book had the zaniest characters. They did and said the most outlandish things, but it was so endearing and so fun. I really enjoyed this book. Chloe always felt like she didn't get noticed, and no one paid attention to her. She hid behind her plain clothes and her plain hair, but she had so many different sides of her personality. She wasn't plain, boring, or forgettable. Tommy and her antics as Aunt Wynchester had me rolling with laughter. Lawrence was a complete cinnamon roll hero even though they called him cold and icy. He does the sweetest gesture for Chloe that I have ever seen in a book, and it just had me rooting for their happily ever after.

I'll also tell you that thank the lord Chloe does things that ensures someone chooses her for her and not for her money. She just wants someone to see her for who she really is: not the clothes that she wears, or the way she wears her hair, or the fact that she has money. Lawrence really made a sweet gesture at the end of the book too.

Overall, I just adored it like I have most of Erica's books I have read. She continues to impress me with her writing ability, her fun characters, and her somewhat outlandish plots. It lets you suspend reality for a little while, and just enjoy being in that moment in that book. it's a pretty rare talent.

The Duke Heist is a fun, whimsical book. Lawrence is a duke literally accidentally kidnapped by a woman who has been repeatedly shunned by society for her origins. Chloe is one of six orphans raised together by a beloved baron and simply want a beloved keepsake back after having been stolen by the Duke's father. Lawrence is focused on finding and marrying a society heiress to save his destitute dukedom. He has it all planned out until he winds up in Chloe's runaway carriage and everything goes sideways.

I really enjoyed this book. I'm a sucker for a found family and the Wynchester clan are just that. Chloe and Lawrence definitely have chemistry. Chloe's being shunned by society paired with Lawrence's financial troubles lead to a ton of angst. Chloe's siblings are unique and fun. It was refreshing to read about a family that not only rejected society's expectations but also applauded one another for each other's unique qualities. I liked the theme that money isn't everything and being true to oneself may be most important of all.

This book is the first in a new series for Ridley. I am excited to read about more of the Wynchester siblings and would recommend to anyone who is a fan of historical romance with a comedic feel to them.

The title of this series is very appropriate. The diversity, the love, and unity of the orphaned siblings are commendable.

In the first book of the series, Chloe is the lead Winchester. She is responsible for retrieving their most treasured family heirloom stolen by an unscrupulous Duke.

Lawrence is the son of said Duke who is now deceased. His ulterior aim is to honour the duty of safeguarding his estate. By doing so, he will be able to give his prospective heirs a better life than the one he had. The problem is, he is penniless. His title entitles him to marry a rich heiress for her dowry. Anyone of the stuck up members of the ton would welcome such an opportunity. He doesn't have far to go to the start his hunt. It's at the tip of his fingers. Is it as easy as that?

Chloe is loved by her siblings, but she has her own dreams, and insecurities. Lawrence finds it hard to remove his blinkers. So much so that it's ennerving. It takes a lot for him to realise what he might lose. Their interactions are comical, especially when he doesn't have a comeback. Although their love is mutual, neither of them is willing to compromise. Until the hearts win out! Then everything falls into place. It's a light read. Long winded in places, but pleasant.

I received a complimentary eARC from Netgalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

Chloe Winchester has spent most of her life blending into the crowd, sometimes by choice, sometimes not. She's somehow captured the eye of the Duke of Faircliffe. Lawrence, the Duke of Faircliffe, is trying to right his father's wrongs and is on the verge of losing everything. Chloe Winchester is the exact opposite of what he needs to regain his standing in society, but there's just something about her he can't ignore.

The Duke Heist was such a beautiful and welcome escape from life. The pictures that Erica Ridley, I hate to say painted with her words, but really that's what happened, were so vivid. I adore big "chosen" families as a plot point. I loved Chloe and her devotion to her siblings, and how they're all so different. Lawrence was a good mix of frustrating and ridiculously sweet. It's funny, warm and fuzzy, steamy, and has amazing side characters. I'm so looking forward to the rest of the series and reading Tommy and Phillipa's story next.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley.

This new series is about the Wynchester’s, a family of siblings with unique talents.

Chloe and her siblings want to get their stolen painting back. They come up with a scheme that goes awry when Chloe inadvertently kidnaps the Duke of Faircliffe.

I loved how the romance between Faircliffe and Chloe develops. Both Faircliffe and Chloe have to work past their preconceived notions about the other. They each helped the other see themselves in a different way.

I especially enjoyed Chloe’s sister, Tommy’s character in this book.

This is an entertaining story and I look forward to reading more of this series.

Loved this book and the entire Wynchester family.. family doesn't always mean by blood sometimes you are lucky enough to either be chosen or to pick someone that makes your life better in every way and that is what the Wynchesters have While trying to reclaim a picture Chole the oldest of the 6 siblings trick the Duke of Faircliffe into helping her find a husband, but she is really looking to get her family's picture back. The family gives the Duke a merry run around with their very unique skills. I can't wait for the next book...

This was such a fun book to read and a great escape novel. The characters were great and I loved the wit throughout.
Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion b