Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for this ARC!

I've read the first of the Wynchester series, based on a good review on r/romance Reddit and was not disappointed - as someone who greatly enjoys historical romances that have just a little bit more going for them, Erica Ridley's series is right up that alley! And I have to admit, I personally am favored towards the illustrative covers, rather than the big hulking men on most historical romances - so I hadn't even realized this was the same series until after picking it up.

We're back with Elizabeth Wynchester, the warrior of the siblings, while also suffering from a chronic illness that impacts her whole body - the medical doctor in me really wanted to diagnose, but an anthropology class once taught me that diagnosing into the past was not always the fairest placement of labels. (I vote autoimmune-y). Our MMC is one of my favorite tropes, a hot nerdy inventor, who is a little bit grump and a lot of bit adorable. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, Stephen has built a ton of traps and inventions into the castle that are actively working against her body. And their individual philosophies put them at inherent odds. The two are overt flirters - this is not one of those regency romances where they simper around passions for chapters. Elizabeth is always to the point, and I, like many other romance readers, love a woman who wants sex and is willing to say so. All in all, a fantastic new release to an already quite original Victorian romance series that I devoured rapidly - and reminds me to go back and read up on our other siblings' love stories.

Fun-loving story which held my interest from start to finish. The banter between Elizabeth and Stephen is often hilarious and had me laughing out loud. Elizabeth is outgoing and determined, while Stephen is shy and prefers his solitary life and this is definitely a story where opposites attract! I enjoyed following the development of the relationship between the main characters and loved the final chapters. This is a wonderful addition to the Wynchester saga.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This series - the Wild Wynchesters - has been a bit hit or miss for me. I've liked all of the books that I've read, but I haven't *loved* all of them. But oh, did I love this, the story of the Wynchester I'd been waiting to see take center stage. Elizabeth Wynchester is a masterful swordswoman and a brave, bold, somewhat outrageous character. She also self-identifies as a person with a disability, which isn't called an autoimmune disease in this book (because this predates the concept by about a century) but appears to me (a person with a disability that looks a whole lot like Elizabeth's) to be some kind of autoimmune disease with a chronic pain component. I'm not sure that I have ever felt so represented in a book as I felt with this one, just because Elizabeth's experience as she describes it (particularly her use of percentages to express how she feels at a given moment and her borderline obsession with not being defined by her disability) is so much like mine. Ridley does something masterful here, because every time I was getting a little too emotional about Elizabeth's pain, something totally ridiculous would happen. Elizabeth has been dispatched on her own (her first solo Wynchester mission - they're getting too popular!) to try to help deal with a dispute over a castle. The lord who ostensibly owns the castle gave it away in a card game, but according to the woman who retained the Wynchesters (the earl's maternal aunt), it was promised by her late sister to her to be used as an orphanage. Instead of the actual lord of the manor, she finds Stephen Lenox, a brilliant but reclusive inventor who was asked by his cousin, the earl, to impersonate him against any claims from their neighbor - a military re-enactor who happens to be the one who won the castle in a card game. From the moment that Elizabeth takes her battle-axes to the door of the castle, she and Stephen have a connection that just grows along with their friendship and their adventure to protect the castle. This was fun and often silly and I loved Elizabeth and Stephen and how delightfully weird they were and how vulnerable they decided to be with one another. I'm so glad to have read Elizabeth's book!

I want to start off this review saying I think that the title was hilarious.

This is the fifth book in a series, but it seems like you can read each one as a stand alone if you wish, as it focuses on one of the six Wynchester siblings. I have not read any others in this series.

Elizabeth Wychester is sent to the Earl of Densmore’s castle by his aunt Ms Oaks to help retrieve the will of her late sister, and the deed to the castle. Ms Oaks sister bequeathed the castle to her in the will so that she may realize their dream of opening an orphanage. However the will is hidden and a series of clues need to be uncovered as well as solved to find the document. Also the Earl of Densmore gambled the castle away to his neighbor, “His Grace” Reddington. Now with enemies closing in, Densmore flees and asks his cousin, Stephen Lenox, to pose as him in his absence. While Stephen is hiding in the castle, Miss Oaks seeks the help of the Wynchesters to retrieve the missing documents and protect it from Reddington’s wrath. Along the way Elizabeth and Stephen start to fall for one another and begin to contemplate if their independent lifestyles are actually what they want.

Both Elizabeth Wychester and Stephen Lenox have backstories of feeling useless, unloved, and unwanted. I truly felt bad for both of these characters with their respective struggles. Elizabeth struggled with chronic pain and not wanting to be viewed as weak. I had a hard time getting past Elizabeth’s cartoonish behavior and her bloodlust, the bloodlust was a bit much honestly. Stephen struggled to be accepted for who he is, instead of what others want him to be. I liked Stephen more than Elizabeth, but his dialogue was cringey at times.

This book just missed the mark for me. I am a huge fan of historical romance, but I had a hard time getting past the cartoonish characters and the dialogue bordered on absurd. I liked the mystery/puzzle solving element of this story and honestly that is what kept my attention and kept me reading the book. I also thought some parts of this book dragged, it seemed to take awhile to get to the battle and then the battle itself took a long time. I honestly thought this section could have been cut down by about 70 pages and it would have still gotten the point across that the battle was strenuous and lengthy.

I give this a 3/5, I was excited to read this based on the description, but found it lackluster.

I thought this was a fun book! Stephen is a tinker/ inventor who’s making sure no one enters his cousins castle while he’s away. Then Elizabeth literally takes an axe to the door to get in! That’s a fun way to have the characters meet! Elizabeth is at the castle trying to find Stephen’s aunts will and deed to the castle so it can be turned into an orphanage. All the while the neighbor next door is laying siege to fight for the castle. And let’s not forget the romance which I found the characters to be straight forward about which is refreshing in an historical romance. A must read!

I love the Wynchester series and was extremely excited about this book, but unfortunately, it was a bit of a letdown for me. I didn’t really believe the romance between. Elizabeth and Stephen, mostly because Stephen was not a well-developed character. Until about 50% into the book, the basis for the relationship seemed to be his abs. That was it. His personality was pretty flat, and all Elizabeth ever talked about was his body.

Things did pick up around the 50% mark, though I still found myself skipping chapters because they seemed repetitive. Stephen’s personality finally started to emerge, and it felt like there was more to their relationship than great abs. It wasn’t until 70% that things were really cooking, though, and that was when the rest of the Wynchesters arrived. I don’t think it worked well to have the rest of the family missing for so much of the book. I know it’s a romance, but a big part of the appeal of this series is the family, and they were MIA for too long. Once they arrived, I flew through the rest of the book. The battle was glorious, and I liked how Elizabeth had to come to some realizations and make a grand gesture. This book would have been three stars from me, but the last 30% bumped it up to four.

Thanks to the author for providing an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Long live the Wynchesters! Erica Ridley’s ’Hot Earl Summer does not disappoint. I was so excited to read this book. The family of the Wynchesters in a daring group of orphans that grew up together adopted by an eccentric rich man. They work together to right wrongs. Like a Victorian ATeam. This particular story has Elizabeth, the swashbuckling sister (who has some physical limitations, the she hates) and Stephen genius tinkerer with a hot body. They band together to save his cousin’s castle from the evil neighbor, so the Wynchesters’ client can start an orphanage. There is banter and sexy times. And it is impossible not to want one of the MC to be your. (Book boyfriend, book girlfriend, I couldn’t decide). Love love love it. Can’t wait for the next one. (I read an ARC)

A tinker! How cool is that for a new character. Love all his gadgets and inventions. But this is Elizabeth's story. She is embarking on a solo mission to find a deed and will. How hard can that be? The first challenge is to gain entrance to the castle. She meets Stephen, the tinker. And the neighbor who insists he owns the castle. Let the fun begin. Love the romance, the swords and the big battle. Fun from begin to end! Why can't every family be like her family.

Erica Ridley provides another one-of-a-kind quirky Regency Romance with unforgettable characters in a unique setting. This is book 5 in The Wild Wynchester series, you don't have to read them in order but this family is very loveable so you might want to. Elizabeth Wynchester is over thirty and suffers from a disability that causes chronic pain. Desperate not to show any weakness, Elizabeth wields swords at the slightest provocation. Especially for the cause of justice and orphans and castle that's supposed to become an orphanage. Stephen Lenox is shy, anxious man who just wants to be left alone with his tinkering inventions. Elizabeth literally breaks down his doors (and personal walls) with her battleaxes and her berserker personality. Together they fight for justice, family, and even love. This is definitely a case of opposites attracting! Spicy and surprising, this book reinvents the Regency Romance genre.

I really loved this book. But it was a little bit repetitive. I loved the banter in this book and the romance was very well written. The story was also interesting.

Miss Elizabeth Wynchester, the swashbuckling sword Caroline sister with the movement issues, is my favorite out of all of them. I have been waiting for this story from the start. I love her multifaceted abilities. Besides swords, she is able to recall details, throw her voice, as well as copy others voices, strategize with the best of them and do improve on a split second notice to get the job done.

She wants to have someone she can not only talk to but who can accept her limitations on her terms. Someone who won't change her but compliment her abilities, plus is that person happens to be a sword wielding knight more the better.

In the meantime she plugs along helping anyway she can with righting injustices.

Richard Reddington, son of Viscount, thinks he is "Wellington" reincarnated. He does recreation battles as pantomimes.


Miss Oak and her sister Counters of Densmore, spent the past ten years planning to turn the property into an orphanage, for Castle Harbrook the family land. Her nephew the current Earl of Densmore, won't release the property to her.

Steven Lenox, cousin to the current Earl, is An inventor and has 127 patents he earns leases from to use his inventions. He is also a tinker to stave the boredom. He is currently posing as the earl since they are cousins and look alike.

With the others all working different cases and her latest just finished, she is off to retrieve the will and deed for Castle Harbrook, even if she gets to cross swords with someone all the more fun for her. When she arrives, you will LOVE this entrence, she manages to breech the front doors and meets Steven. Only to find out the Earl is nowhere to be found.

Elizabeth now has to solve the clues to find the hidden will and the deed. Can she do it in time before the "Battle Royale" starts? What happens between these two independent, strong willed people that turns their world upside down. What antics does Redding ton get up to? What does Elizabeth do to Winn the day? Or does she? How does Steven's tinkering help?

Come join the search for the will as Elizabeth finds out more about she strengths, abilities, and heart. See how Steven opens his eyes to new possibilities and his world.

To say more would give too much away but let me say this, out of all the siblings, Elizabeth is the one that will have you devouring her story and bringing love, cheer, laughter, and reality to life. She puts her heart and sole into everything she does.

I received a copy from NetGalley and I'm willingly leaving a review
Worth 5 stars but too many repeats, sometimes not just once or twice but multiple times and it was too much. I'm not even finished the first two pages of the first chapter and I'm already laughing at everything that is going on in the carriage. The way Stephen and Elizabeth flirted with numbers and sheer force was ridiculously funny all the way through. I loved all the probabilities. I was wondering where the staff was during the battle royal and what were they doing. The end brings you to the next and last story of the series.

I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of Hot Earl Summer from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Elizabeth Wynchester is the wonderful heroine in this story, along with Stephen Lenox. Both characters are eccentrics ,and absolutely delightful. They are both weary of others, guarding their hearts and true feelings. Their mission is to protect the castle they are presently in, while finding the will and deed that prevents a phenomenonally self important character called Reddington from invading and claiming it. I am in awe of Erica Ridley for constantly writing stories that are unique, enchanting and enthralling. I can't wait to read the next Wynchester's story.

I love all the Wynchesters, but Elizabeth has to be my favorite. Independent, strong, feisty and more than a little bloodthirsty. Stephen is brilliant and lovably awkward. Yet, they just worked. Loved it.
Thank you Erica Ridley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

Due to their increased fame, cases for the Wynchester family are beginning to snowball. With everyone else committed elsewhere the family reluctantly send Elizabeth Wynchester on a diplomatic mission, which true to form sees Elizabeth becoming a berserker. However all is not what it seems and blood thirsty, sword swirling Elizabeth finds in inventor extraordinaire Stephen Lennox a kindred spirit, even if he is totally unlike the mate she thought she wanted.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Let me start with my appreciation for Erica Ridley's body of work. So many books to choose from! Her talent at writing is consistent. That being said, this particular story was a difficult read for me. The backstories, characters, and plot incredible, yet I stayed the course and am conflicted in my final estimation. Perhaps it is that this story is not geared towards your usual Historical Romance reader? But I admired the strong females, sensitive males and mutual respect demonstrated throughout the story. I was able to laugh too! The word 'madcap' came to mind.
I do recommend this book for adult readers of all ages who have an open mind and are tired of the typical tropes that fail to keep us guessing.

This book had really great chronic pain representation. Loved the characters and the plot. Thank you to netgalley for an advanced readers copy.

Wonderful Story!
Oh Elizabeth! You are just so ... strong, wily, sharp, adorable and above all, the very best!
Stephen is so creative and he couldn't do enough for her as she proved that she was a force to be reckoned with and absolutely part of the Wynchester team.
I loved both of these main characters so much. Their story was absolutely wonderful and un-put-downable and having just read an advance copy, I am more than willing to leave my voluntary review of it.

No sabía que era parte de una serie, pero se puede leer en solitario sin ningún problema. En definitiva leeré los libros anteriores y estare esperando para el libro de Jacob.

¡Vivan los romcoms!

Stephen es un inventor, sus padres creían que era un fracasado, lo trataban mal por lo que decidió irse y vivir una vida solitaria hasta que tiene que hacerse pasar por su primo y conoce a Elizabeth

Elizabeth es una solucionadora (no encuentro una mejor palabra para describir a que se dedica) y guerrera, le encanta lo que hace, pero tiene una enfermedad en donde su cuerpo a veces le falla y eso hace que piense que nadie que no sea su familia la querra.

Ambos se unen para encontrar un testamento y evitar que Reddington los mate. No se que más decir sin hacer spoilers: me divertí, me gustó el romance y me encantó el found family.


“Look,” she said. “I’m sorry about the door. I’m supposed to avoid unnecessary property damage, because I promised my siblings I’d only use my weapons to kill people.”
He took a hasty step back. “What?”. 🤣 Este fue su primer encuentro.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Love the title and cover of this book. I really like this author too but found this book to be not my thing. I couldn't get interested in the story and found the characters lackluster.