Member Reviews
The Duke Heist was the last book I read for the "HRREADATHON" and I wasn't sure how this book would go down for me. I know it's been so well received by much of the romance community, but hyped books tend to not always work out for me. But I knew that I wanted to see what all the hype surrounding this book was all about and I was highly impressed with this story. This is my first time reading Erica Ridley and I am wondering what it took so long in reading her. This story was a laugh-out-loud romantic fun and I just wanted more in the end and I am eager to see where this author plans on carrying this series and this amusing family of the Wynchesters.
The Duke Heist begins with our heroine, who is determined to get their family painting fully returned to them even if that means she grabs it herself. It is a vow she and her siblings have made to each other and they won't feel peace of mind until it's done. Chloe, has always been unnoticeable by those around her in society, never truly making an impression until she arrives at a house party, And surprisingly there is instant chemistry between herself and Lawrence, the Duke of Faircliffe. Lawrence is having to pay for his father's indiscretions and scandals. Lawrence has worked hard in trying of becoming honorable and respectable. But he needs funds in order to do so, and he is on the hunt to marry an heiress and restore what his father took from so many. Until he meets Chloe and then finds himself kidnapped by the impressionable young woman. He wants the taste of the forbidden even knowing there is no future together. But Chloe and Lawrence will find that fate has other plans for them, but will there be a way for them to reach their HEA
The Duke Heist was a superb story in just about every way, and while it didn't quite reach the top mark of a rating for me, it was such a lively read that I couldn't put down. I honestly couldn't stop laughing, the sharp-witted humor that is displayed in this book entertained me. I was actually surprised by how drawn into this book I actually was. It normally takes a while with regency romance especially to find myself drawn into the story but I couldn't put this down. Now, of course, the story wasn't perfect and had its flaws at times. The humor didn't extend all the way to the end for me, but I was so drawn into this romance, I didn't mind it. The chemistry that builds between Lawrence and Chloe was so captivating, almost as if time stood still in certain moments. And it's these moments that I live for in a reading romance. While their love seems to be forbidden, they can't seem to stay away from each other. There are some unconventional moments in this story, so at times it doesn't have the realistic authenticity of historical context, but it's a wild ride of laughs and shenanigans which made the journey worth the experience.
Overall I found The Duke Heist to be pure pleasure, a story of charm balanced with intense chemistry. A combination of fierce family ties, redemption, finding your place in the world, and embracing the beauty of love. FIERCELY A FIGHTING LOVE!
What a great concept! A made family of orphans, each with their own individuality and talent. I loved them all!
Fantastic slow burn romance between a woman who is just so ordinary, no one notices her and a Duke who finally does.
The kidnapping, hijinks with the family, the friendship that developed between the main characters while they fell in love....just perfection.
I CANNOT wait for the next book because she is my favourite of the Wynchesters. I love her many 'faces' and want to learn which one is truly her.
I’ve finished my newest favorite book – both for #MassMarketMay and just generally speaking – and I’m ready to sing its praises from the rooftop. If The Duke Heist isn’t on your TBR, you must add it immediately. What an absolute delight. Chloe and the rest of the Wynchester clan were completely charming and I must have more of them immediately. And the romance between the Duke and Chloe?! It was a delightful push/pull with a slow burn that hurt so, so good. This book had both steam and oodles of feels and it was utterly perfect.
Thank to NetGalley for this ARC. As someone who loves a good heist, I was really looking forward to reading this one. Would a duke be stealing? Would a duke be stolen? So many possibilities!
Unfortunately, it was pretty light on the heisting, but at the same time, it was still satisfying and a lot of fun. Found family was definitely the strongest theme. It was all very sweet, both the core relationship and the surrounding ones. And, unsurprisingly, it sets up a series, presumably starring the motley siblings, very well. I also suspect they will be somewhat unconventional romances, so I am here for it. The more the siblings can showcase their various talents, the better it will be. (Unfortunately, Chloe didn't really get to show off hers all that much.)
I found the Big Conflict was a bit too easily solved, though the significance of the gesture was literally explained in detail on the page. But given what had been said, I didn't buy just handing over forgiveness that quickly or easily. Perhaps I'm joining the hardcore grovelling club in my old age.
The Duke Heist is a perfect example of a fun romp romance. The heist part involves a painting and an accidental kidnapping, there's a huge, delightful found family of former orphans, and the Duke himself is a lonely boy who just wants an heir (but really a family too). I appreciated that the woman the Duke was planning on making his Duchess wasn't a villain, and actually befriended the heroine. I hope she gets a story someday soon too!
I reviewed this title for All About Romance. It can be found at: https://allaboutromance.com/?s=The+Duke+heist
Chloe is known for being able to blend into any crowd, she's a bit forgettable so she's naturally the one her siblings turn to to steal a painting at the deathbed wish of her adopted father.
But in doing so she inadvertently kidnaps a Duke, Lawrence who is on a mission to restore his family's fortune and good standing in society by marrying an heiress. Which is definitely NOT Chloe.
I enjoyed the overall premise of this book, the zany side characters, the sweet longing and slow burn romance, and I do love a good heist.
This did fall a bit short for me in the ending, things were wrapped up way too quickly, and it was a very slow start too. I was over halfway done before I was really invested in this story.
But the writing was solid and I think this author has a ton of potential. I'm interested in picking up her future books.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an arc in exchange for my honest review.
Enter the world of the Wynchesters and be thoroughly entertained! A truly unique set of individuals who one can only fall in love with as each of their stories comes to light!
Chloe Wynchester just wants to be noticed for herself. Of course the one person that should not be right for her is Lawrence, a Duke none the less. She definately catches his notice, but what could come of it? He needs to marry a lady of the ton, wealthy and socially equal.
But can true love be stopped? Humor and laugh out loud moments along with anxious moments and a passion that sparks off the page. The story reinforces why I adore this author so much!
2.5-3/5
I think this is a case of me overhyping the book for myself. I liked the concept of the adopted siblings being involved in a heist. What didn't entirely work for me was the romance. I wanted more romantic tension and more angst between the couple. There are a lot of characters here to keep track of and I don't think I fully distinguished between them. I think the premise overall is great - it's just not executed to my personal liking.
Awesome beginning for a new series. Lots of emotional turmoil setting the scene for more awesome stories to come.
Erica Ridley has started a smashing new series. It is a family of unusual siblings that is going to provide hours of entertainment. This is Chloe’s story. She is an enigma. A puzzle that the Duke has to solve before he can deserve her love and join the family. She is multifaceted and multi talented. She manages to bring out the true Lawrence without him even realizing what is at play. There is so much wit and hilarity at play. Each page is a new adventure as you discover this precocious family and fall in love with each of them.
I struggled with the beginning of this book and ended up DNF'ing! It was slow to start and I just couldn't get into the characters, even though I found Chloe's family super engaging.
The beginning of a family series with a family that is not what you expect. From all sorts of different backgrounds, the Wynchesters are a mottled group of orphans adopted by a baron and saved from lives in danger or crime. And they take over the story as their 'leader' Chloe tried to steal back an important painting but kidnaps a duke instead.
And it's a duke who needs to marry a wealthy woman to save his lands and undo the mistakes his father made.
There's a lot of wit/humorous bits in this story, Actually it's a light-hearted humorous romance that will make you smile!
I am a big fan of Romance books and I found this one to be a very enjoyable read. I will be looking for more books from this author.
Unfortunately, I ended up dnf'ing this one. The premise was just not one I could buy into and it ended up not working for me.
3.5
I love trying out new-to-me historical romance authors more than any other genre. Maybe that’s because I somehow generally end up liking what I read. And that was the case with THE DUKE HEIST.
I admit I’ve had my eye on Erica Ridley’s books for some time but never took the plunge until I saw this beautiful cover. I just couldn’t resist it. Even though the writing style is goos, this book does have a bit of a slow start. But I was intrigued by the premise.
The heroine comes from a family that is not seen kindly by society. She’s decided to cozy up to our hero, a duke with no money looking to marry someone and trade title for fortune, because his family stole a painting from her family and she wants to steal it back.
As you can see, both of them have their issues and their relationship shouldn’t work on paper. But as they get to know each other and let their guards and façade down, I thought they were just perfect for each other.
The romance certainly has more of a slow burn quality and for me the pacing was a little affected by that.
In the end, THE DUKE HEIST is a light hearted and fun romance. It’s also left me incredibly intrigued to see the books about the rest of the Wynchester siblings because I just know they’ll be a lot of fun.
I am a big fan of Erica's books and this new series, The Wild Wynchesters, looks to be a wonderful addition.` I enjoyed reading Chloe's story and can't wait for the other siblings' stories.
Thank you Erica Ridley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.
Many thanks to the publisher Forever and Netgalley for an e-arc of the book. Even though this book was kindly gifted all thoughts and opinions are my own. This was a fun and fabulous tale. The romance was swoon-worthy and adorable. But what made this so enjoyable was the entire family of the Wynchesters. They were an adorable unit of mismatched siblings. All adopted by a Baron many years before this story take place. They truly are the heart and soul of the novel. I enjoyed the heist part of the story. Cannot wait for the 2nd book later in the year.
If you enjoyed the Bridgertons by Julia Quinn, then I highly recommend this series.
The Duke Heist is a wonderful start to a new series. The book moved slow at times, but that felt necessary in order to set up background and establish world building for the series. I loved the plot and characters.
. This was a new spin on opposites attract that included a con that ended up ensnaring both the Duke and Miss Wynchester. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
This is by far my favorite Erica Ridley book! I love the Wynchesters and cannot to read more of the siblings. This was a really sweet Cinderella story and very believable from mischievous siblings to a duke who cannot forsake his duty.
Dislikes -At times I will admit that I found Lawrence to be a bit too stuffy with his nose too high and lofty and after he slights Chloe over and over, I really did not think she would give him the time of day. Another part I found disturbing was his fixation on money, especially when he finds out about Chloe and her inheritance.
Likes- The great aunt character was a hoot! Strong female lead, sibling love, sweet romance. Strong writing, great story line, memorable characters.
Cannot wait for more from the Wynchesters! I highly recommend this novel.
I received an advance copy in exchange for a review.