What I liked most about this book was the feeling of the close family bond the Winchester siblings had. Clhloe, the oldest, often felt overlooked and although this suited her at times, at others she longed to come out of the shadows. Lawrence, Duke of Faircliffe, needs to marry an heiress, to pay his father’s debts and to provide for his tenants. Chloe and Lawrence were very attracted to each other. I was glad that Lawrence began to see and value Chloe for who she was, but he was still needing a very good dowry from his future bride. The story did lack pace at times for me but I look forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

With the exception of her family, people find Chloe Wynchester forgettable which is fine when she and her siblings are on one of their adventurous missions but less flattering in social situations. Trying to speak with the Duke of Faircliffe, who she has long admired, is particularly galling when he looks straight through her. If the Duke won’t listen to any of the Wynchester’s they’ll just have to steal their painting back. In so doing she unexpectedly abducts the Duke himself and suddenly she is no longer invisible. Loved this story filled with humour and colourful characters. Looking forward to the next book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book wholeheartedly. From my own experience, I recommend keeping the tissues handy, because my tender heart turned into a weepy, bawling mess over this story. It was so easy for me to connect with Chloe and her desire to be seen for herself. My heart broke for Lawrence and every ounce of his personal happiness he was prepared to sacrifice to do what was best for his people. This pair have so much in common even though they’re coming at the problem from different directions. The story sucked me in and kept me reading. And the biggest force behind that was how badly I needed to know how the author was going to get them to the ending I so desperately wanted them to have.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Netgalley.

I enjoyed this one. A type of dynamic family I haven't read about in awhile being that the siblings were all orphans. The beginning was interesting. While the story had a few slow parts, I still liked it and all of the characters are so different. Marjorie's story is one I look forward to. I love this cover!

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This was the first time I’ve ever read Erica Ridley & I really enjoyed her book! I know I will be reading more from her! First let’s talk about how amazing the cover is!! I can’t get over how wonderful it is! Ok so the actually story.....it was so sweet and light hearted! Chloe & Lawrence have quite the meet cute....I mean stealing a painting & Duke seems like quite the accomplishment to me;) Chloe is a wallflower with a forgettable face. But this actually serves her for what she’s planning to do for her family! Lawrence, the Duke, like order and is trying to makeup for what his father has left him. He wants a wealthy wife. These two have good chemistry even though they don’t get along at first. And all the wittiness I love!!! I’m so happy they finally go to their HEA! I also enjoyed the family dynamic of Chloe’s siblings! I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Very riveting story with well developed story line and characters. Erica Ridley writes a nice in-depth story of how people can be a family even if they are not connected by blood, and how a Duke is made to understand how this is possible. Truly a very intense read, very impressive.

The first book in Erica Ridley’s new series, The Wild Wynchesters introduces the the Winchester family and hooks you in for a fun and fiesta ride!

Chloe Wynchester is the unofficial leader of the Wynchester family, that consists of 6 orphans that were adopted buy the Baron Vanderbean and given all their hearts desires and the freedom to live life as they see fit…

And the Wynchester’s are bound and determined to retrieve a painting that the family purchased together and was stolen from them by the Duke of Fairfield. The original duke os gone and his son the new Duke has not been amenable to a fair trade or purchase of their painting since the Wynchester are beneath his notice.

Chloe gathers the family together in order to use everyones unique skills to infiltrate the Dukes home and confidence in order to find their painting and bring it home.

Too bad that infiltrating the Duke’s confidence will leave both him and her open to each other, showing their true selves and being seen as never before. Can Chloe exact her plan after falling for Lawrence, the Duke?

I really appreciated the time taken by Erica Ridley to expose the many layers of the Chloe and Lawrence characters. Both were not as they appeared and I got a good Pride and Prejudice vibe from their initial impressions of each other! The story along with the hero and heroine had so many interesting facets that that made reading this book such a fun treat.

Lastly, can I just say, what an excellent start to a new series! I absolutely loved all of the Wynchester siblings and I’m ready to following along on all of their HEA’s! The siblings really stole the show when they were on the page- there will be some interesting stories to come and I can not wait!

The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley is scheduled to release February 9th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley and the physical copy from Erica Ridley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheDukeHeist #EricaRidley #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

I really want to be a Wynchester! I love this family and I love the message of Love, Hope, and found family that permeates every page! This story is set up in the freebie novella called the Governess Gambit.

The Wynchesters are a family of orphans brought together by a rich nobleman. They each have unique skills that served that are put towards the benefit of the impoverished communities. In this first volume we meet Chloe who is a master of not being noticed. This helps her in her plan to recapture a painting stolen from her family but the danger starts when the Duke who is her target begins to see her for who she she really is. This risks Chloe's goals and her heart because how could a Duke desperate for a dowry marry an orphan without one? Ridley is a master at romantic conflict and making you stress a little over the HEA. This book was a joy and I cannot wait to read the rest of the Wynchesters stories.

Chloe Wynchester Can be completely unseen in a group. She has met the Duke of Faircliffe several times but he never remembers her. Just the way she wants it. Now she has taken a coach thinking it is hers and he is inside. From now on he will remember her and think more about her the more he sees her. He thinks he has to be the proper duke and since he is broke, marry for money. But he cannot stop thinking about her. How do the correct the wrongs of the past and make each other happy in the future, that is the question.

Thank you to the author Erica Ridley for sending me a physical copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and not influenced by this fact.

This historical romance was a lot of fun for me! I enjoyed the fact that there were different classes, and the heist of the painting. I do wish that our heroine, Chloe had been a little more forthcoming with some of the information within the story though.

Both characters had a lot to offer the story, and I loved the time spent with them. I hope we get more stories with Chloe's family, because their dynamic was such a lovely addition to a fun story.

This was a great story and I'm glad I got a chance to read this book. I laughed so many times. Chloe and her siblings were hilarious. At first I didnt think Faircliffe was a good match for Chloe but once he loosened up I could see the attraction Chloe had for him

Absolutely brilliant book. The characters were marvellously written and the story was fantastic. The book made me tear up and it made me laugh out loud. The book is about the Winchester family - specifically Chloe - who are made up of children adopted by the late Baron "Bean" Vanderbean. After finding their beloved "family portrait" painting being stolen by Duke Faircliffe and replaced with a vase, the siblings decide to steal it back. Cue the adventure.. This book has so much heart and love and happiness and sadness and family - it's perfect for anyone who loves a Historic Romance (or even someone like me who just plain likes them). I am so excited for more books by Erica Ridley!

This was my first book by this author and I ADORED it! A found family, unique characters, and an awesome romance? Sign me up.

Chloe Wynchester is an orphan, who was taken in by a rich, titled man when she was a child. She and her siblings are not blood related, but they're closer than most families. Chloe has a bit of a blessing/curse situation. She's a spectacular pickpocket. But also, she is utterly forgettable. She has average height, and average brown hair, and eyes, and she wears colors that help her blend into the background. It's come in handy a million times in the schemes she runs with her siblings, for her to basically be invisible. But, it also hurts her every time she has to be reintroduced to someone she's met before. Even when she's meeting them as a character she's playing, and not as CHLOE. When she and her siblings form a plan to steal back a family heirloom that was stolen from them, she makes a huge mistake when she escapes in the carriage, as it also has the Duke of Faircliffe inside!

Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe is in a bind. His father died and left him with a title, and a mountain of debt. He needs to marry a woman with a fat dowry ASAP, or he'll lose everything. He decides to court an heiress named Miss Phillipa York, and he gives her a piece of art as a gift, that she had shown an interest in previously. Little does he know that piece of art was stolen from the Wynchester family by his father, prior to his death. When he finds himself in a carriage leaving Phillipa's house, driven by a Wynchester woman, he knows he's in trouble, but he has no idea what will result from that day's actions.

Lawrence & Chloe were drawn to each other from the start, basically against their wills. They each had other plans for their lives, but they couldn't stay away from each other. It was so sweet watching them realize they just couldn't live without each other, and didn't want to. They really had a surprising amount in common, even though they had led such different lives, and it was delightful watching them discover each other, bit by bit.

Chloe's siblings were wildly wonderful, especially her sister Tommy (aka Great Aunt Wynchester). They really loved each other, and were always there for each other. I loved each of their particular talents, and how they employed them in their schemes. They were a lot of fun, and I can't wait to learn more about them in future books!

I found this entire story to be a delight, and I loved every minute of it. It was funny, and sweet, and steamy, and heartfelt. I adored the characters, and I'll be anxiously awaiting the next story!

I have loved Erica's writing after reading the 12 Dukes of Christmas series and this was no change. I love her writing and is becoming on my favorite HR writers. This one is also super special as I think we are going to get another big series out of it- with the Wynchester siblings who were all adopted from an orphanage by a rich made who made them his family. They are all a delight and also brings many LOL moments to the book.

Chloe is a bit of the elder and after get in with a group of girls she also meets Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe who is trying to fix his father's mistakes one of which is stealing Chloe's family's favorite painting and they are all on a mission to get it back. Along the way Lawrence and Chloe find they like each other more than just to help each other. Loved this ended with Chloe gaining a group of friends as well as a HEA.

Can't wait for more of this series!!
4 stars
2 steam

This book definitely has a slow start and it took me a bit to warm up to the characters. Chloe is trying to get close to Lawrence so that she can steal back a painting that belonged to her family. Chloe and Lawrence take a some time to warm up to each other after Chloe accidentally kidnaps Lawrence and then blackmails him into helping her become more accepted in society. Really, Chloe is just trying to get close to him to get the painting. Of course, they start catching feelings and it was really cute how Lawrence is trying to court someone respectable while falling for Chloe.

I will say, I was waiting and waiting for Chloe to tell Lawrence the truth of why they were spending time together and for Lawrence to get mad and doubt all of the feelings that developed. While that does happen, it wasn't all drawn out how I thought it was, which made me very happy. I really loved the second half of this book and watching Lawrence struggle with his need for money versus his desires for Chloe and a loving family. I just wanted to give Chloe and Lawrence a big hug because he's never had a loving family and she's afraid of being forgotten. This one just gave me all the feels and I really ended up enjoying the romance!

After inheriting his fathers debts and having a horrible year with his crops, the only way Lawrence can save his dukedom is to marry a woman with a sizable dowry. Chloe was adopted from an orphanage and society turns their nose up at her. When a mishap occurs, Lawrence ends up owing Chloe a favor. While fulfilling the favor, disdain turns into interest but will interest be enough?
Opinion
I am not one to turn down an Erica Ridley novel. If I’m not mistaken, she is my most read author of the past year. I am not quite sure how she manages to turns books out so fast but she does it in style.
The book does not disappoint. It brings out all the feelings and leaves you almost exhausted. I know that I will enjoy this series as much as her others.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

Content warnings: death of father figure (not recent, but central to heroine’s motivation).

The Wild Wynchesters is a family made up of six orphans, recovering from the death of their adopted father, Baron Vanderbean, whom they call Bean. He rescued them from poverty and made them his heirs, and though they aren’t quite accepted in society, they’re fiercely loyal to one another and talented enough to get everything they need. Chloe, our heroine, has a talent for disguise – so much so, in fact, that she feels like no one ever sees the real her behind the ‘acceptable’ persona she’s created. Bean’s dying wish was for the siblings to recover a painting they all loved from the son of the man who stole it from him, and Chloe is the natural choice to undertake the heist – except the mark is Lawrence, the new Duke of Faircliffe, who is a very different man to his villainous father. Chloe was only meant to steal the painting, not abduct the duke – but it turns out, he might be exactly the right person to finally see the true her…

This is the kind of book you pick up when you want pure escapism – I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty silly, and not for those who value historically accurate behaviour in their characters. But it’s extraordinarily good fun, a real romp of a romance, and the Wynchesters are just so entertaining! Every single one of them seems to be an eccentric genius, and even while you might be thinking ‘this is ridiculous’, you’re racing ahead to watch them set the ton on its ear. From their ‘Planning Parlour’ to their various talents (animal training, voice throwing and mimicry, inventions and more), they are more akin to a family of supervillains or spies than young Regency ladies and gentlemen! Their interactions are some of the funniest and most enjoyable of the book, and I can’t wait to see more of them, particularly since there are hints here that the next sister to be focused on, Tommy, is sapphic, and the book will be f/f!

The family being a highlight doesn’t mean that I didn’t love the romance too. I really did! The budding relationship between Chloe and Lawrence is exactly the kind of dynamic I like, with plenty of banter and challenge in it. I enjoyed Lawrence’s journey from doing everything ‘right’ to finding a way to be himself – the more time he spends with Chloe, the more he kind of absorbs freedom from seeing how much she refuses to play by the rules. I also really liked Chloe’s smarts – her ability to blend into any situation is very powerful and requires a lot of work – and the fact that he was rather in awe of them, which in turn let her appreciate them! Her journey is equally about becoming able to be her true self, but in a very different way to Lawrence. The two of them really bring out the best in each other, and that’s all I really ask for as a reader to make me smile.

As I say, if you’re a stickler for historical accuracy, maybe give this one a swerve, as the characters and situations are anachronistic as hell – but if you’re up for a joyously fun romance with its tongue firmly in its cheek, then The Duke Heist will be perfect. Four out of five cats!

Oh my goodness, fabulous escapade with interesting and charming characters. This is a page turning read and i couldn't put it down.

ERICA RIDLEY IS BECOMING ONE OF MY FAVOURITE HR WRITERS

After having read Ridley's 12 Dukes of Christmas, I was really psyched to have been approved for this book on Netgalley. Ridley has an unassuming and straightforward way of writing Historical Romance that I really enjoy, but with this book I felt like she went a little further. She added some mystery and intrigue. But my favourite part about this book - and most of Ridley's books - are her fun and original characters. You'll find no one like them anywhere else!

👍 What I Liked 👍

The Wynchesters: The Wynchester siblings are the main attraction for this book - and what makes me want to continue as soon as the next one is released. I loved how each of the siblings had a unique feature that was all their own - and that was very original! I liked how they set themselves apart from polite, London society and didn't particularly care what others thought of them. They had each other and that was enough for them.

Attraction: Lawrence and Chloe are our main characters in book and they were adorable. Lawrence works to show London society that he is a respectable gentleman - unlike his father. Chloe does what she can to blend into the shadows and stay out of sight, even though she longs to stand out. The attraction that these two had was wonderful and romantic.

👎 What I Disliked 👎

Pacing: Usually Ridley's books are a bit shorter than this one, and I actually feel like that works better for her. The pacing here felt a bit dragged out and the story moved a bit too slow. That might just be because I am used to something else from Ridley's hand, but still.

This is the 1st book in a new Wild Wynchesters series. Since this is the first book you get introduced to all the characters in this wonderful family. This series is about 6 adopted children. They are not blood sibling but have become a true family, none the less. The Duke Heist follows Chloe Winchester, a quirky, smart, interesting heroine and Lawrence, The Duke of Faircliff, who is looking for an heiress to fill his diminishing coffers. This HEA had laughter, tears, and so much love! recommend!