Chloe Wynchester is an orphan adopted into a family of orphans. Their "father" Bean gathered each orphan and created a family taking care of them even after his death. The only thing missing was a portrait that the whole family considered as their own. The only problem was that the last Duke of Faircliffe had taken their portrait and refused to return it. Now that he is dead, the new Duke is looking for a bride to save him from losing everything.
Chloe manages to be an invisible person. She's so unnoticeable that people don't even remember her. Until she meets the Duke, he actually sees her. The only problem is that she is trying to get the family painting back
These two are not the usual historical romance characters and so they add a nice change of pace to the story.
I received an advanced copy of this book.

I really loved the interactions between the Wynchester siblings. Their madcap adventures were a joy to read. But given their background of being orphans, I was surprised they didn’t have more to do with orphanages once they came into their inheritance. I liked Chloe’s strength of character although her lack of self worth got a little trying. Lawrence was your typical stuck up elitist who had a secret longing for love and family. While I liked his character, he did say some things to Chloe that, for me, were quite hurtful. Chloe did forgive him but too quickly in my opinion. I always like a torturous suspense to the HEA.

*4.5 stars*

I've been reading Erica Ridley for years, but The Duke Heist is next-level. I'm THRILLED to see what this series has to offer.

Erica Ridley usually writes sweet, low-steam romances, so it was exciting for me to find out that The Duke Heist was a longer, fast-pace whirlwind with plenty of steam. First of all, can we talk about Chloe's family?? I adored the motley band of multi-racial, talented adopted former orphans who are upending high society. They kept me on my toes and made me want to read everything and anything about them (and we are getting a F/F book next in the series- I CAN HARDLY BREATHE).

Lawrence was very interesting too, and I connected with him and his struggles immediately. I think he made a number of missteps, especially towards the end, but I liked his sweet and romantic relationship with Chloe and his love of children and pets. He was cool on the outside and melty on the inside, just how I like them.

I think the book's only flaws are in the way that Erica Ridley resolves conflicts too easily. This is something I've noticed in a lot of her books in the past, and it made everything feel a bit rushed in the end as well in this book. However, it still didn't dampen my enthusiasm for this lively, exciting story.

The Duke Heist is an exciting start to what is shaping up to be an excellent historical romance series. Book two can't come fast enough.

I was immediately drawn to this Regency romance thanks to its fun synopsis - a fun band of siblings, scheming to get a piece of art back and it goes wrong. And I did end up enjoying those elements of the story, particularly the focus on a found family in the Wynchesters - they were all so unique and entertaining in their own ways. However, it ended up falling a bit flat for me. I found the beginning to be a bit slow and some things felt a bit muddled, like there was too much I was trying to keep up with; that got a bit better as it went on and fell into more of a groove. Another element that I really enjoyed was that both Chloe and Lawrence were wanting to be more than what people judged them as, but also wanted to be free to be themselves, and they helped each other accomplish that. Overall, I thought it was a quick fun story, but it was just okay for me in the end.

Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

I Loved It! The Wynchester family is a group of six orphans adopted by Baron Vanderbean (aka Bean) and they help those in need. In the prequel, The Governess Gambit, a painting is stolen and a promise is made to retrieve the painting. Chloe and her siblings, The Wild Wynchesters, decide to steal back the painting and so starts this lighthearted romp. "Great-Aunt Wynchester" said the most hilarious and outlandish things that you can't help but laugh over her grumblings. The Duke Heist is well-written and heartwarming with each and every character well developed, you feel every emotion that they are feeling throughout their story and each and everyone of them are head-strong individuals who become embedded in your heart, with witty banter and one zany plot. The Wild Wynchesters will bring laughter, tears, secrets to be told, twist and turns, intense emotions from despair and grief to love and sweet ecstasy but most importantly...the meaning of what family love means and the strength to face overwhelming odds together. Erica Ridley has a way of making you fall in love with her characters and she leaves you waiting for the next in the series!

This was my first ER read and now I am delightedly planning to dive into her blacklist. This was a fantastic read. It gave me Ocean's movie meets Umbrella Academy feelings, minus the terrible father and the super powers. An eccentric group of adopted siblings ruffling feathers throughout the ton with inappropriateness and disreputable hijinks. Goooood times.

Chloe was a girl after my own heart in her longing to be seen but forcing people to come to her (she's almost certainly an Enneagram 4, by the way) and then I am a puddle for any uptight hero trying to be proper and failing because LOVE. Highly recommend!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I surprisingly have never read an Erica Ridley and wow what a regret! This book was awesome and I really enjoyed the whole Wynchester dynamic! Can't wait to read the next one!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

Plot

I really think the reason why I didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted to is because I ended up having so much hope for this book.

Honestly, the start didn't catch me. It was pretty much talking and planning- although that's the point of the story is to plan on something- but the plot really bored me to the point I just wished this was shorter.

The pacing wasn't really that fast and at the same time the writing on this book isn't to my liking.

Like I said above, I felt that the plot was being stretch far too much just for the sake of making it longer and the same time to work on the romance of the leads which isn't working for me.


Characters

The only good thing this book had is the Wynchester siblings. I love them all. I was pretty much attach to each one of them and really want to be part of there loving, smart and talented family.

As for the leads, Chloe and Lawrence, I was able to see their chemistry, however, I really was not fond of it.


Overall

This was pretty much a good read. I'm looking forward for Tommy and Philippa's book. 3.5 ⭐

Chloe is determined to get back the painting that was stolen from her family. The person who currently has it, has plans to give it away. The family comes up with a plan to get it back, but they didn't count on Chloe abducting a duke in the process.

Lawrence can't believe that his carriage has been hijacked by a woman. Could she be trying to compromise him into marriage? She claims that she isn't and he gives her a promise of helping her become noticed amongst the ton so she can marry someone other than him.

But the more time they spend together, the harder each of them is falling. Lawrence needs money to save his estate and Chloe has no dowry. Chloe never had plans to marry. Are they willing to sacrifice to find an everlasting love?

I adored Chloe and Lawrence's story!! I really enjoyed meeting Chloe in The Governess Gambit and couldn't wait to see her get the HEA she deserved. Ridley did not disappoint! I just loved watching these two together!

The Wynchester clan is wonderful and I'm excited for this series! I can't wait for the next book, The Perks of Loving a Wallflower, which stars Chloe's sister Thomasia!

Chloe is among six orphans who were brought together as a family by a rich Baron twenty years ago. The Wynchester family is looked down on by society for being from an orphanage without the proper bloodlines. Each sibling has a unique talent, Chloe's is being able to go unnoticed. Other's are throwing their voice, disguises, unusual animals, acrobatics.... A painting that represents the Wynchester family is stolen by Lawrence's father who is now deceased. The family decides to steal it back and thinks up various ways to enter his house. Lawrence must marry a wealthy woman to restore the estate his father bankrupted and she must also have a pristine reputation in order for him to recover the good name of his family's Dukedom. A Wynchester would ruin him in society and besides, he needs a wealthy wife. I thought the whimsical family was just a little too much with a homing kitten the cherry on top. My favorite character was Lawrence. Growing up with a hateful, scandalous father made him a target for bullies and a childhood of loneliness. His attempt to appear perfect, battling the anxiety of going broke while wanting a large family and to be an artist made him the most relatable.

“I may be the tree but you’re the wind. Strong enough to shake the dead leaves from my branches, to carry pollen to the spring flowers. Air is invisible, but essential.” He met her eyes. “Without air, I can’t breathe.”

This. Book. THIS BOOK! Dare I claim this as my favourite historical romance? I think so👀

This had everything I love in a book— sexy, fun banter, a charming yet reserved and awkward and shy love interest, a badass, independent woman main character and a cast of the most wonderful, diverse found family.

The family aspects in this novel really are what prompted my love. There is a prequel that is (I believe) still free for Kindle and I read it before this one. It introduces you to our main character, Chloe and all of her adopted siblings. The found family trope is so near and dear to my heart and this is by far one of the best examples of it. All of these siblings each had their own personalities and joy de vivre. They all cared for and supported each other in every situation and moment. I cannot wait to read each of their separate stories! The next book follows Tommy and I’m pretty sure her book will be sapphic!!!!

The romance in this one also just took the cake for me. We started out with Chloe and Lawrence as enemies to forced allies to friends and ultimately to lovers. Their journey felt so realistic and flawed but also just stole my heart with how well they fit together. Their love didn’t come easy but it was so worth it.

Chloe really shone as a main character. She’s described as being very plain, as having a face that you instantly forgot. Which worked out in her favor during missions with her siblings but at the end of the day, she still wanted to be remembered. So seeing her journey as she let herself, truly be herself, it was mesmerizing and inspirational. I loved that yes, Lawrence and her family helped her come out of her shell but at the same time, she did it on her own. Chloe will forever be a favourite main character for me.

If you couldn’t tell by now, I adored this book and cannot wait to see what else Erica Ridley has in store for us! Highly, highly recommend. This book is a perfect introduction to historical romance.

4.5/5⭐️

TW: death of a parent

The Duke Heist was such an exciting and entertaining read. The Wild Winchesters are wild indeed! I enjoyed getting to know Chloe and Lawrence and watching them fall in love. It was outrageous fun and I had a blast reading it!

I really liked Chloe and Lawrence and how they meet. Chloe kidnapping him was hilarious. Lawrence seemed so uptight and arrogant in the beginning but I loved getting to know him and why he had his guard up. I loved seeing him open up, how sweet and caring he really was and I loved those moments when he was truly himself. I really liked Chloe and loved learning her history. It was interesting how she saw herself and I loved watching her really emerge, be seen, and gain confidence. I loved the attraction between them and the playfulness and flirting, as well as the conflicts that were keeping them apart. There were really wonderful interactions and dialogue between Chloe and Lawrence. I loved that building chemistry and them coming together.

The siblings are all fantastic with distinct personalities. Sometimes things felt a bit chaotic when it was all of them in a scene but it was 100% fun and adventurous. I love how they made a family of their own and how supportive they were of one another. There were some really stand-out scenes with Chloe’s sister Tommy that totally had me laughing. I loved Lawrence with his staff and how they seemed to form a bond of their own. I love how the Wynchester’s embraced Lawrence and how perceptions were changed for all of them.

This was a totally entertaining and witty story with a nice flow and details and an awesome build. It wasn't super in depth but gave me just what I needed to keep me thoroughly engaged. I loved the dual POVs and getting the different perspectives of what Chloe and Lawrence were feeling and going through. It was fast-paced, light, and enjoyable, and a really good way to kick of a new series. A totally delightful read with charming and clever characters that made for a great escape!

There were so many witty and adorable moments in this book that I wish I had enjoyed it more. I enjoyed Chloe's character and the way she called Lawrence "His Arrogance", or "His Infuriating Loftiness" if only in her own thoughts, made her endearing in a way that I did not expect.

I just wish that I could say the same for Lawrence. No, instead he is one of those stereotypical dukes whose estate as broke, and who needs to marry a wealthy woman "the sooner, the better" in order to keep his estates from crumbling. And while he does show signs of the person he is meant to be underneath all of that (the hat thing was hands down one of the funniest and most romantic things I have read in awhile), then he goes an ruins it all by not using Chloe and telling her that his plan was always to marry a rich "more appropriate" wife, but he also takes something she says and completely blows it out of proportion even though he was partially to blame for the way things came about. Of course, he comes to his senses, but I would have liked to have seen Chloe show some of her backbone instead of just forgiving him right away.

One thing that consistently threw me were the constant references to "Tommy" as I had to keep reminding myself that this was in fact NOT Chloe's brother, but in fact her sister Thomasina. I also was confused as to who the actual heir to their adopted father's fortunes and estates were as I don't think a name was ever mentioned other than an "imaginary heiress" that mentioned early on. This was made all the more confusing near the end of the book when it is mentioned that the late Baron's "son" inherited everything, but his "adopted children" were also left money. Who owns their house then? Is one of the Wild Wynchster males the legitimate heir?

Despite the things I mentioned above, there was much to recommend this story, and I do think I would have enjoyed Lawrence a whole lot more just because of the gentle care he showed Chloe and the way he helped her "become herself" if not for the fact that he was so callous towards her other times. I will continue to read more of this series, because I can just tell the other siblings have exciting stories of their own to tell.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I loved the Winchesters and their unorthodox ways. I loved how Chloe blossomed and became less and less forgettable as time went on. I even loved the duke's stuffiness and it was a joy to see him unfurl his wings and fly. The banter between Chloe and her duke made the story so much fun.

This book was an absolute delight to read from beginning to end. I was so sad when I reached the last page. I can't wait to read more about this crazy family.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As always Erica Ridley has delivered a truly enjoyable book awash with quirky but lovable characters. I struggled a bit with the initial description of the hero but he wiggled his way into my heart at the end. I have to admit the story line is a bit far fetched and quite ridicules. But I do read her books because they are a retreat from reality, so it’s a match made in heaven. Cannot wait for more parts to this series.

I have been slowly finding that I am more interested in historical romance novels than I had previously thought.

Especially when you add in some steam.

This book delivers in that subject but also in many others. I really loved that the familial aspect was so heavily guarded. Chloe's family means everything to her even though they are seen as lowly people in the ton.

Lawrence is a Duke but so very lonely.

A theft brings them together, and even though they shouldn't fit together....they certainly do!

I adored that this story included so much aside from steamy eyes. Don't get me wrong I LOVE q good love story. I really appreciated the depth that Ridley added to this.

Thank you Forever Pub and Netgalley for the advanced review copy of this novel. All thoughts are my own.

This was a bit longer than I'm used to when talking about Erica Ridley's books but that doesn't mean it was not enjoyable. The Wynchesters are a bunch of misfits that are trying to do all the wrongs.

Chloe is the leader of the pack and I loved her. She is a strong female character and knows what is at stake. Now Lawrence was a bit tough to get to like. I like my men in HR to be a strong I-get-what-I-want type of men. He came a cross like someone who give the Ton too much insight and right into his life. I spent half this book wishing Chloe didn't fall for him but Erica Ridley proved she is a master of craft because he managed to redeem him and by the end of the book I loved him for her.

Over all this promises to be another fun series and I'm here for it.

***Review copy received by the author for an honest review***

The Duke Heist was just what I needed - a romp of a Regency with a caring beta hero who melts my heart.

The good:

- Chloe's siblings are all orphans, brought together by a rich baron, and I am sold on the found family. Each brother and sister has their own skills, from painting to training animals to disguises, and they prove valuable when trying to steal back a painting that's rightfully theirs.

- There is a range of rep within the secondary characters - people of color, chronic pain, what appears to be a nonbinary or trans character (no label is given on the page), and perhaps one more queer character (again, no label).

- Laurence is a titled member of society who gives speeches in Parliament, but I would classify him as a beta hero. He is fully aware of his responsibilities, almost to the point of them being painful, and he considers and puts the needs of others first, regardless of their class or station. The care he takes with Chloe is meltworthy.

- Servants are people with names and personalities - everyone, not just the butler or a token ladies' maid. We get a scene of them sitting around a table with the duke and it's fun and heartwarming, as well as something I'm not sure I've ever seen in a Regency before.

- While the conflict appears to be enemies to lovers, I would categorize it as two people who have bad impressions of each other from a distance without actually knowing each other. Get them in the same room though....

- I love flipped tropes and we have a couple, including a semi-flip of "the hero buys the heroine a wardrobe" trope.

- I cannot wait for the next book - it appears to be a queer relationship and the heart eyes. I can't stop with the heart eyes.

The not-so-good:

- The opening came on a bit strong for my liking. It's like romp! Tons of characters! In your face! and I wasn't ready for it. Your mileage may vary.

- The plot gets pulled to and fro in a couple of places. It's been a few days since I finished and while the emotional moments stick with me, the story feels more jumbled the more I think about it.

...but that's it. A strong start to a series I'm looking forward to continuing - there's five more Wynchesters who need a happily ever after!

This book was a joy to read! The characters were vibrant, quirky, and engaging. Although the premise and some of the character's quirks were objectively over-the-top, they worked so seamlessly with the story and the more serious themes that it only added to my enjoyment. Each sibling in the large family unit (that I believe will be central to the series) has their own big personality that would make them outcasts in "polite society". The way they support and admire each other is touching and aspirational. Our heroine is the unknowing leader of the pack, and though her past has taught her that it's better to blend in she longs to stand out and be noticed. I loved the blend of characteristics in these characters: a heroine that is both uncomfortable standing out and greedy for recognition, a hero who is unwilling to make mistakes or be seen as anything less that perfect while simultaneously longing for connection. These characters felt nuanced and layered. My only complaint on that front would be that a couple of the characters interests seemed to disappear partway through the story. But that is a tiny gripe in a story that won me over with its sweet and sensitive handling of the terrors and joys of being fully yourself. I am looking forward to the next story in this series!

The Duke Heist is a seriously excellent start to what will undoubtedly be an awesome new historical series!

Chloe Wynchester is completely forgettable, at least her knack for being able to blend into any crowd has been a craft she's honed for many years now. A painting was previously stolen (go read Governess Gambit) by the Duke of Faircliffe that was so much more than a valued family painting As the Duke was making his great escape, he was fatally wounded when his carriage crashed. Chloe and her family of foundling misfits must try to convince the new Duke of Faircliffe to relinquish their dear family portrait. But the icy Duke refuses to even speak or reply to their missives. Chloe must yet again don her cloak of invisibility in plain sight to help her brothers and sisters steal the portrait back.

Lawrence Gosling, the new Duke of Faircliffe, is in dire straights. His father's penchant for gambling has left the Dukedom in near collapse. With near to no money left in the coffers, he comes to only one solution. He must marry Miss Philippa York as she's the only one with a large enough dowry to cover all this father's debts. Only he gets caught in the crossfire of the Wynchester's shenanigans and suddenly Chloe Wynchester with her intelligence and wild spirit concealed in drab forgettable clothing is all he can see. How can he reconcile his duty with the wildfire that Chloe has sparked?

I very seriously enjoyed The Duke Heist. If you haven't read the prequel, The Governess Gambit, you totally should as it will help you with a bit more of the back story. I loved each and every one of the Wynchesters. Each sibling had such a unique character and backstory it was almost sad to turn the last page. Lawrence, once he got out of his stifling upper-crust snobby-snobbykins way he ended up being fun and a true honorable gent. I love how Chloe has a closet of the finest clothes and fripperies that she only wore in her room. It was weird, but I'm weird, so I thought it was cute. The chemistry between Chloe and Lawrence was there and I loved the developing steamy-burn as they progressed from strangers to lovers (er.. just love). I did get more than a little irritated with Lawrence and his snobby-snobbykins ways but I breathed through it and I'm much better now.

The siblings were completely awesome. They each had separate talents that worked well with the illusion of them being like a crazy house of covert spies. Tommy with her 'characters' was just awesome. (.I think she's my fav Wynchester!...shhh!) I believe the next book is an F/F with Tommy (Thomasina) and her current obsession, Phillipa. And I am so down for all that. I love that Erica Ridley is branching out in a more love is love is love kind of way. I also believe that one of the siblings may be on the spectrum, but her on-page time was small so I will wait before I out anything.

Super excited for The Wild Wynchesters series to continue. I really enjoyed this one and am eager for The Perks of Loving a Wallflower (Tommy's story) next.

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*