Cover Image: The Duke Heist

The Duke Heist

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The Duke Heist is certainly not like any other book I have ever read. The Wynchester siblings are certainly the most diverse and interesting family, and their individual stories promise to be a wild ride! There was a strong fairytale feeling to the book, and what I liked most was that although there was angst, it was not drawn out. A charming, fun read.

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I absolutely adored this book! Fans of historical romance this is a must read full of adventure and swoon. Very excited for the rest of this series of books by Ridley.

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The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley is a new series that I am here for! I recommend reading a short prequel first, The Governess Gambit to give you all the background you need for this book. Though Ridley expertly fills us in, so can be a stand alone. The series is called The Wild Wynchesters and we so much to look forward to with this big, madcap family who loves to help others.

The Duke Heist is about the Wynchester children getting back their beloved painting. They all have their parts to play, but taking the lead is the eldest Chloe. She is something of a leader, loves politics and has the talent of being forgettable.

This leads her to Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe. Faircliffe’s Father was known to have the painting before his death. The Winchesters have written to him and visited his home only to be turned away. Lawrence is grieving the death of his father but also trying to salvage the title from extreme debt. He has decided he must marry an heiress or a large dowery to save his estate.

There is so much action out of a screwball comedy in the novel. I also love that there is a bit of a mystery and puzzle to solve (my personal catnip!). The characters have so much layer that is built throughout the story. Chloe is so endearing and I wanted more of Lawrence! I can't wait for the next in series!

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for a fair review. #Erica Ridley #WildWynchesters #NetGalley

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This book shows you how wonderful and loving an adopted family can be. How easy it is to stick up for and be there for each other. Chole and Lawrence learn that it’s better to be ones self then try to be what someone else thinks you should be.

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4/5 stars!

The heroine and her siblings wanted a beloved painting back that the hero's late father stole from them. To get it back, the siblings enacted a plan to attend get closer to the woman who the hero was planning to ask for marriage. But after excruciating circumstances, the hero and the heroine becomes closer, even as each struggle with their own personal secrets and society norms.

Ms. Erica Ridley has such a refreshing voice. It shows in her writing style, her characters, and how the story flowed, even though I would have liked some more details in certain parts of it. I liked the integrity of the hero, the yearning of the heroine, the closeness of the siblings, and the new friendships that began in this book. I liked the couple together and as individuals, recognizing the chemistry that links them together. The premise of the next book is intriguing and I look forward to reading more Erica Ridley books.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy.**

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Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe, finds himself in desperate need of a rich wife to pull himself out of the debts his father has accumulated. After a chance encounter with one of the infamous Wynchesters, he starts wondering if he will be able to forsake his duty and instead follow his heart…

Chloe Wynchester and her rag tag bunch of siblings adopted by a wealthy baron, vow to uphold his dying wish…get back a painting that was stolen from them by the now deceased Duke of Faircliffe. Seeking out his son, Lawrence, the Wynchesters devise a plan to steal back what is theirs, but there is just one problem…the new Duke of Faircliffe is slowly stealing Chloe’s heart…

In Erica Ridley’s first installment to her The Wild Wynchesters, she’s introduced a host of interesting characters. While I’ve fully enjoyed her previous books, this one left me a little flat…I just couldn’t feel any chemistry between Lawrence and Chloe, and found myself skimming across the pages to finish. As with all stories, some characters readers connect with, and some they don’t. That being said, if you are a fan of this genre, give it a read! It could very well be your next fav!


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

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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 six 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
This is the start of a new series & a lovely start it is. The Wynchesters are a refreshing delight, six orphans who are as close as siblings ,in fact they see themselves as one tight knit family & woe betide any one who hurts or maligns one of them. They each have a different speciality, which we discover as we get to know them throughout the book & I can't wait for them each to find love. I loved Chloe from the start, she only wanted to be seen & Lawrence was the first person, outside of the family, to do this. I liked Lawrence from the start but fell in love with him after he visited a milliners. The pair were attracted from the start but this slow burn romance had them gradually falling in love as they spent more time together & came to like & respect each other. I loved every page, a totally engrossing read
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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I really enjoyed this story.
The Wynchesters are a group of adult orphans that were brought together to make a family. When a painting of theirs is stolen, they attempt to negotiate it's return from the Duke of Faircliffe. When he refuses to even acknowledge them, the siblings develop a plan to steal it back.
I love the main characters in this book, Chloe and Lawrence. She is often not seen, and wants to be noticed. I love how she develops and gains confidence. Lawrence is desperate to marry someone with a large dowry to save his holdings. But when sparks fly can he walk away from the wealth he needs for love?
I enjoyed the interaction of the siblings and look forward to the next book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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This is the first in the new series by Ms Ridley although there is a prequel The Governess Gambit which brings all the characters together. Wow oh wow, what a wonderful read. The characters are so different, each with their own unusual talents. In this story, Miss Chloe Winchester is invisible to most people which is a talent she used often until she wants to be seen by the Duke of Faircliffe. The story grips you from page one and has you turning quickly to see what is going to happen. The emotions were a real roller coaster. I loved this book and look forward to seeing how each of the siblings get their own HEA with their unusual talents. There was a couple of sex scenes in this book which this reviewer as usual skipped. I received this book as an ARC and freely give my review.

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Erica Ridley's The Duke Heist introduces a motley crew of characters, a late baron's colorful adopted family that has weird and wonderful talents. One of them is Chloe who feels invisible and often gets forgotten in social situations. She meets a duke who is trying to woo a heiress, wanting to wed to avoid bankruptcy. The heiress in question does not seem very enthusiastic. The duke finds himself drawn to Chloe, and vice versa, somewhat against their better judgment. Chloe really isn't what everyone expects a duchess to be, and they are going to have to decide whether feelings or social expectations matter more.

I wasn't sold on The Duke Heist from the beginning because it felt a little far fetched but eventually the book grew on me. Some passages are quite funny and after getting past my initial scepticism, I enjoyed the antics of Chloe's family and the interactions between her and the duke. I also liked the way the heiress was treated.

I got an ARC from Netgalley and I'm happy to have been introduced to Erica Ridley's works.

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What a wonderful way to end 2020....by reading this book written by the very talented Erica Ridley! Such a riveting story and one that went straight to my heart. The very interesting individuals who make up the "Wynchester" family are such a lively bunch and I just adored them all. This is Chloe and Lawrence's story.

All Chloe has ever wanted was to be "seen" by other people, she's tired of always being dismissed or forgotten as no one of particular interest. When she catches Lawrence's eye, she is overwhelmed that he actually notices her!!! Unfortunately, Lawrence is a Duke and needs to marry a lady with a large dowry and of social standing. Everything Chloe is not. Can he accept her for who she is or will he ignore love for duty...that is the question!!!

Well written with lots of humour, some angst, passion and daring to be different! I have to mention Tommy when she acts as Chloe's great aunt....she's absolutely hilarious:)

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

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This book was delightful! Great characters, a fun plot and interesting twists and turns make this a series to watch.

While the main characters were great, I do have to say that what makes this really stand out is the Wynchester family. I've never read a romance novel where I wanted less of the couple and more of the family, but in this one I did. They're great! I can't wait for the next one.

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The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley is the first book in a new series called the Wild Wynchester. The Wynchesters are a group of orphans that were adopted by Baron Vanderbean. While they were treated like the loved children (which they were), the fashionable tonne, did not and would not embrace them. The group didn’t care and between them all tried to find ways to help other children who were in their position.

Chloe and her siblings have had a horrid loss in their life. Their father, Baron Vanderbean died leaving the Wynchester Siblings without his guidance. Before his death, another lord had visited and took one the paintings that meant so much to them. The family is determined to get it back at all costs. Little did they expect the costs to include kidnapping (accidently) a duke and becoming part of the tonne. Chloe is interested and not interested in Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe. He needs to marry for money to save his people and property. Chloe seemingly has none, so he needs someone else.

This newest series is going to be interesting. Many of the Wynchesters have different abilities and each of those help or augment the others. I enjoyed meeting the group and learning more about them. The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley is a quick read that does have a lovely romance.

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This was unlike any regency romance I’ve read—and in a good way. Suspend your disbelief and just go with the plot and enjoy the motley crew of characters, the swoony romance. Very interested to read the author’s following works!

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One of the eccentric Wynchester’s, Chloe’s specialty is to blend in the background as plain Jane Brown. When her family discovers that Lawrence has their stolen family painting and won’t give or sell it back to them, plans are made to take it back. Lawrence is a duke desperate to marry an heiress. Chloe and Lawrence must fight their attraction to each other to get what they want. Or do they? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever for my honest review.

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This was a fun introduction to a new series, the Wild Wynchesters (Wyld Wynchesters? Wyld Stallyns? ;). They are a family of now-grown orphans adopted by an eccentric baron, who now live in style and indulge their interests. Chloe enjoys attending parliamentary sessions, where she listens to her sworn enemy, the Duke of Faircliffe, from whom the Wynchesters also want to steal back a purloined painting. Lots of hijinks ensue, as well as some steamy scenes between the thief and the duke. I'm looking forward to more from Ms. Ridley!

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

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This sounded like a very fun book and I couldnt wait to read it. But I felt really confused in the beggining of the story and as I read I found all the different Wynsters, it was hard to keep them straight. The plot was fun and I enjoyed the authors writing. I just had a tough time keeping all the Wynchesters straight.

In this story Chloe Wynchester is one of six adoptive siblings and she once was a pickpocket. A painting is missing, she runs into Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe when she goes afte the painting. And tahts when the book gets fun. They are very different characters and I enjoyed getting to know them

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3.5 stars

This is my first Erica Ridley book and I was hoping it wouldn’t be my last. I don’t believe this will even though I had some issues with this book in particular.

Chloe Wynchester is one of six adoptive siblings who are infamous for being eccentric. Once their beloved painting is stolen, Chloe is in charge of finding the painting and retrieving it. The painting is in the possession of Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe who needs to marry and heiress in order to have the funds to keep his household and redeem his family’s name after his father ruined it before his death. Faircliffe is all about his duties in marrying for money. He is all prim and proper so when he is kidnapped by Chloe the two are thrown together in an unexpected adventure, heist and romance.

I really liked the Wynchester siblings and how they are all different. Chloe’s skill is being unnoticeable. She is great at being ordinary and not standing out or being remembered. Of course this has a downside as well. She has meet Faircliffe before but he doesn’t remember her at all. It’s obvious she has a crush on him but in case she believes he has their stolen painting, she tries to bury any attraction she has for him. Faircliffe has a reputation he is rebuilding and doesn’t want any association with a Wynchester. Their romance is sweet. I did enjoy the banter and playfulness between them. Chloe does want to be remembered for once. Just having Faircliffe remember her name is a big deal to her. Both a bit judgmental when they meet but learn to love and accept each other for who they are.

I liked the romance but there were times when I was kind of skimming the book. The middle of the book was slow. There was a lot of what I felt was filler plot points. It just felt like it was dragging on too much. I liked the beginning and end but around the middle I was losing interest.

I think the next book will be about Tommy, Chloe’s sister and Philippa and I’m excited for that book.

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Chloe Wynchester just wants her family's painting back. She has tried talking to the owner several times, but had no luck in that area. Chloe and her family devise a plan to get it back. All they need to do is steal it from the woman Lawrence, the Duke of Faircliffe, is interested in marrying. However, things don't go as planned.

Lawrence only agrees to help Chloe because he owes her a favor for not trapping him into marriage with her. All he has to do is help make her noticeable in society so that she can find a husband. Should be easy, right? What Lawrence isn't counting on is falling for Chloe himself.

Author Erica Ridley's WILD WYNCHESTERS series is a breath of fresh air. I've always been drawn to series centering around families. The fact that they were all orphans taken in by the same generous and loving man, is just icing on the cake. I loved how eccentric they all are. THE DUKE HEIST is Chloe's story and I give it 4.5 stars. I couldn't put it down. It was such an adventure. I will be patiently awaiting the next installment.

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This was a delightful fun read by Erica Ridley. I enjoyed the story line and the characters in the book were interesting. I definitely recommend this book.

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