This is the Sixth and final book in the Wild Wynchester series. I love the parts that include all of the members of this zany family interacting with each other. Vivian came across as a very overbearing and abrasive character to me. I think her ability to “know it all” was supposed to be her super power or something, but it made me not like her very much. I felt like Jacob’s backstory could have been developed a bit more as well. Still, this was a satisfactory ending to the Wild Wynchester series.

Romantic, clever, and quietly radical—Ridley delivers a finale that’s as emotionally resonant as it is wildly entertaining.

Erica Ridley brings the Wynchesters to a satisfying and emotionally intelligent conclusion with A Waltz on the Wilde Side—a Regency romp that blends adventure, sharp wit, and tender romance with contemporary resonance.

Vivian Henry, a fiercely independent columnist and former enslaved woman, is a heroine with bite and brilliance. Her reluctant alliance with Jacob Wynchester—an animal trainer with a poet’s soul—sparks an enemies-to-lovers arc layered with mutual growth and emotional nuance. Ridley doesn’t shy away from themes of privilege, trust, and identity, grounding her romance in something deeper than banter or longing gazes.

The chemistry is slow-burning but deeply felt, and the payoff is both swoony and earned. With her signature blend of humor, heart, and social consciousness, Ridley proves once again why the Wild Wynchesters series continues to charm readers and critics alike.

Thank you Forever and Erica Ridley for the eARC!

Erica Ridley has once again done it in the long awaited finale to the Wild Wynchesters series, A Waltz on the Wild Side.
Following the last Wynchester sibling, Jacob, as he and aspiring play-write, Vivian, set out to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of Vivian's cousin.
The Wynchesters are everything Vivian hates about society, and Vivian is everything Jacob has ever wanted in a partner; the dynamic making it all the more satisfying to watch them tumble into love together.
This final book has brought back all of the beloved characters from the previous books, giving a sweet and satisfying conclusion to their stories, while also not taking away from Vivian and Jacob's story. Even with all the returning characters, this book could easily be read as a stand alone if desired.
Vivian is so unlike any of the previous characters that it's almost jarring, in an endearing way, to read from her perspective. She has no problems calling everyone and anyone out for their actions and shows that she is possibly the most Wynchester of them all.
There are mentions of slavery, whipping, death and kidnapping in the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review.

This was a fun historical romance novel, and I enjoyed it a lot. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

A Waltz on the Wild Side is shaping up to be a spirited and heartfelt Regency romance that balances a clever mystery with emotional resonance. If you’re drawn to witty heroines, poetic heroes, and adventure-laced love stories, this one is definitely worth a preorder.

This was a fun and satisfying read. Vivian and Jacob are complete opposites, which made their every interaction feel like a little spark waiting to catch fire. I enjoyed the way their connection unfolded with tension, humor, and just enough softness to keep me hooked.

Vivian is not afraid to speak her mind, and Jacob is the kind of quiet thinker who surprises you when he finally does. Their banter felt natural and their growth as a duo kept me turning the pages. I would have liked just a little more heat or emotional depth between them, but overall, it delivered on what I came for.

It is clever, entertaining, and full of moments that made me smile. Definitely worth picking up if you love a romance that is equal parts wit and heart.

vivian’s character is so caring, especially for what’s going on during this time period. i adored her for that reason.

jacob was a quiet and a bit timid. and the character just fell flat for me.

both characters bring out what the other needs to work on or what they lack.

this was a book for those fans of jane austen but also know that these characters in this story can be a bit just lacking.

A Waltz on the Wild Side is the final book in Ridley's Wild Wynchesters series, and while I've only read one other Wynchester book (The Perks of Loving a Wallflower) I was excited to read this one based on the synopsis. The family Ridley has created in the Wynchesters is so fun and progressive. Even having not read the rest of the Wynchester books, it was easy to follow along with who the rest of the family was and how they fit together, so this could very much be read as a standalone.

This romance is between Vivian, an aspiring playwright and formerly enslaved person, and Jacob Wynchester, a poet and animal trainer. Vivian is extremely strong in her beliefs, but her hatred of the Wynchesters - while valid! - went on too long for me as she was proven wrong multiple times yet immediately would jump to an uncharitable interpretation of what was happening. She was otherwise flawless, and even her strong will wasn't treated as a flaw. She didn't startle at animals and carried a pet tarantula, could hold her own in a sword fight and was also such a wordsmith that a duke wanted her assistance for a speech? Pick a lane.

Jacob on the other hand was quiet and unwilling to take credit or be recognized for his own poetry talents. Yet when he did among his writing group, it was something of a non-event. He is also Black, but it didn't come up in his character as often as it did with Vivian. Overall he felt a bit flat as a character.

The overarching plot that brings them together was both over-complicated and simplistic, and often felt that it was taking more air in the story than Vivian and Jacob's relationship. I wish I'd seen a bit more of the relationship development beyond each of them thinking the other is wildly attractive - once Jacob showed his understanding of Vivian it was so honest and true to HER, it was evident he loved her. I just wanted to see it happen more.

Overall this was a satisfying read and I imagine a good closure for the series, with plenty of appearances from the rest of the siblings.

3.5

Ok. On the one hand, I am so sad that this series is completed. On the other, I have been WAITING for Jacob to get his HEA. And who better for him than a woman who hates his family and what they stand for with every fiber of her being? Watching Vivian's anger turn to understanding and then love was an absolute joy, with so many moments of joy and laughter. I also loved Vivian's writings and determination to make her own way by writing about what she is passionate about - even if it is about how horrible the Wynchesters are!! I read this in one fell swoop and loved every minute of it!

This series has so much deep familial love and it’s my favorite part. Seeing the past characters continue to grow and love each other is so satisfying for me as the reader.

Jacob is the least known of all the Wynchesters going into this book and I liked him more as I got to know him. I do wish a little more of the story had been relevant to his passion of animals but what can you do. Viv isnt an instantly likeable character but I did like her offering essentially the only pushback on the family that we’ve seen. It was an interesting perspective and her background being darker than most of the others made it make sense.

Overall, not my favorite of the series but a solid conclusion.

Jacob gets his own story told and it is a good one. Jacob is the animal handler of the family. So he is a quieter member of the group. The family is overwhelmed with cases. But Vivian Henry needs help. Her cousin is missing. Quentin has created a group of friends that want to become another Wynchesters group. When Quentin goes missing his friends don't take it serious. Vivian has an opinion for everything. She decides she won't be pushed aside in the hunt for her cousin. This story felt longer and more involved than other books of this series. Vivian is vocal and has no problem stating them. She adds a new voice that demands to be heard. A good book.

The finale to the Wild Wychesters series. All the siblings have found their mate, except for Jacob, who isn't sure that he wants one, until he lays eyes on Miss Vivian Henry. Viv was born a slave in a Caribbean plantation, Her mother was executed in front her eyes, after she attempted an uprising. Seven years later, Vivian almost met the same fate, but was rescued by her dying aunt in London, to become companion and later guardian to her young cousin, Quentin, ten years her junior. Aside from Quintin's trust, Vivian supports them with her advice column. She also is a playwright, but none of the plays make it into the hands of a producer, because she is a black woman. Quintin and several of his friends have become obsessed with the Wynchesters and have started clubs emulating them. Viv has nothing but distain for the Wynchesters, because with their infamy, they can get away with anything, but their young followers can not. One morning, after an argument, Quintin does not come back and after a few days of looking for him and getting rejected by the authorities, she is forced to turn to the Wynchesters. With all the madcap plans to help all who can't help themselves, the Wynchesters are overwhelmed and Viv's skills are just what they need.

Good character development, lively banter and humorous planning sessions are some of the things, that make this riotous book enjoyable. I was gifted with an advanced readers's copy. All thoughts and options are my own.

I loved this Wynchester installment, and I’m very sad that’s it’s over now. My favorite historical romance series, and this ending I think was a great way to tie everything together. I appreciated Viv also bringing some level-headedness to this ridiculous (affectionate!) family. I also appreciated learning more about Jacob and the things he cares about. I will miss this series!

The last of the Wild Wynchesters finds his match. I have been looking forward to reading Jacob's story ever since reading an ARC of the first book in the series.

I liked the story and the characters. Jacob had been one of my favourite Wynchester from the start and I knew he'd eventually meet an extraordinary person and fall in love with them. Advice columnist Vivian Henry is basically dragging her feet to Islington to knock at the Wynchesters' door; she's not a big fan of the family and only asks for help in finding her cousin because she has nowhere else left to ask. Soon Vivian is helping, albeit grudgingly, the Wynchesters in their investigations as this is the only way to guarantee they concentrate their efforts on finding her cousin.

It was so much fun seeing more of Jacob, learning more about what kind of animals he is hiding in his barn. But it was also fun to see how Vivian might fit into the family and see her slowly change her mind about the terribly privileged Wynchesters.

Thank you Erica for offering me a chance to read an early copy of the novel. Also, I kicked my feet and giggled when I read "polecat".

The tension and banter in this...! Incredible! It made me sad that this is the (potential) conclusion to the series. This is perfect for fans of Bridgerton, and the diversity really stands out for a regency era book.

Loved reading the engaging and amazing story. When Vivian's cousin goes missing, she has to ask the Wynchesters for help, and Vivian meets Jacob Wynchester, the animal trainer and poet. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of captivating characters, and another must read riveting story by the awesome author, Erica Ridley.

While I hope we still get more Wynchester adventures even with none of the siblings left to find their true love, A Waltz on the Wild Side is a lovely likely conclusion to the series. I loved seeing the Wynchesters through our skeptical heroine Vivian and how the entire family sees exactly how she will fit into their crew. Vivian and Jacob's chemistry was great and I loved how they challenged each other and helped each other grow over the course of the book. The central mystery was also compelling and kept me intrigued as our hero and heroine worked together to figure it out and find Vivian's cousin. Highly recommend this book and the entire Wild Wynchesters series. I look forward to see what Erica Ridley works on next!

Ok I mean it - this one is probably my favorite now. I love Vivian!! She’s a wonderful character and is the perfect fit for the Wynchesters. Jacob has always been such a good character and it was great to spend more time with him and his animals. Vivian’s backstory and tenacity and fierceness made me hope for nothing but pure happiness for her and her cousin.

I loved how human the Wynchesters are in this book. I liked how Vivian questioned them and wasn’t fawning all over them because they were forced to address reality and it grounded them all a bit.

Even though everyone’s coupled up, I hope we see more Wynchester adventures!!

Thank you Erica Ridley and Netgalley!

This next instalment of a delightful series does not disappoint. I love the heroine! Vivian is as Wynchester as the originals and then some! And perfect for Jacob as they share similar skills and interest. She also brings a valuable perspective to the group.

I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this conclusion(?) to the Wynchester novels. I love love love the Wynchesters. Every book has been such a delight, with loveable characters that feel real and mischief and antics all to right wrongs in society.

However, this book felt a little lacking to me in some areas in comparison to the previous books. I feel like the writing quality was not quite up to par with the others, and Vivian and Jacob are harder to like and really care about than the other Wynchesters.

I did really appreciate how much Vivian cares about suffrage and the poor and the plight of slaves and former slaves and Black people. She spends so much of the book with a chip on her shoulder and convinced that the Wynchesters are terrible that it took awhile for me to really come around to her side. However, her brilliant analytical brain is very attractive and I loved when she put it to use helping the Wynchesters with their cases.

Jacob also feels a little too passive and clueless and does a lot more apologizing and course correcting than Vivian does over the course of the novel. However, I really felt for him in his angst over whether to reveal his secret poetical identity, and seeing him working with all the animals for their missions was delightful.

The sex scene near the end was a little abrupt and jarring, and felt unnecessary. I don't think it added anything to the story and it was written rather awkwardly. To be fair, this could be a me issue, as I generally don't like sex scenes in books, but I don't mind them when they're done well and add emotional weight to the story and I feel like this one really wasn't and didn't add anything.

The ending scene, where everything is revealed and tied together, was beautiful and one of the best scenes in the book. I had so many emotions while reading that scene, and it felt like a beautiful and perfect end to the Wynchester series.

I do hope we get a spinoff series with Quentin's gaggle of Wynchester copycats (and many cameos by the original Wynchesters) because that would be amazing. I am very sad to see this world and these characters go.

I feel like with any other book series I would give this book 4 stars, but because it's a Wynchester book - and because the familiar Wynchester parts of it were done SO well - that I have to give it 5. But it's like, a 5 where most of the other Wynchester books would get 6 stars (if there were such a thing).

*Thanks to Forever for providing an early copy for review.