Member Reviews

Spy romance, with hijinks! I had great fun breezing through this, and enjoyed it as I do all of Erica Ridley's books. Unfortunately, I didn't find the chemistry or relationships between the leads as well-developed or compelling as in some of her other books. Still, an entertaining romance!

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I think this book is a testament to Erica’s beautiful writing because I don’t identify with the heroine’s drive and sense of duty in that way, but I was still completely invested and cared so much about the outcomes of these characters. Loved reading Graham’s story and background. I loved how much Kuni clicked with the sisters. The ending was intense!! I couldn’t put it down until it was all resolved!

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Felt there was equal weight between the historical fiction and the romance plot. Really enjoyed the banter between the two love interests.

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Review is coming so late, sorry, but this is great historical fiction! I love this entire series (really love everything by Eric Ridley). Definitely recommend,

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Erica Ridley never disappoints. I can't believe how much I loved this book. I was very excited for Graham's book, but I really fell in love with Kuni. She was such a badass character and felt like a perfect fit with the Wynchester family. I feel like Ridley handled the aspects of diversity so well and didn't shy away from them but rather embraced it. These books just get better with each addition, but this one might be my new favorite.

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This was cute. I really liked the plot as well as the characters. I didn't expect that it would be the good, and much more. I'll definitely be looking more from this author.

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I really didn't love this title. I never felt the connection between the characters, which is a shame because Graham is delightful. The problem is that his love interest isn't any fun at all. She was so dry and not in a shy, going to open up once she has the right reason, way. I ended up skimming to the end.

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I love a book with a fiery heroine and a hero who gets put in his place, respectfully. I also appreciate the normalcy that the author treats each character’s unique traits - it’s not a disability or disadvantage, it’s part of what makes them who they are. Being a woman is not a handicap, but rather part of who the person is, and changes the way one must navigate through society. Through normalizing our differences, the author has created an inclusive series that honors characteristics of individuals. This book is not preachy, but it is relevant and a fine romance.

I received an ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

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Oh boy, it's finally Graham's turn. I adore this series. How much fun it is to watch as Graham, intent on rescuing a damsel in distress, is rejected and bested by said damsel. Loved this one!

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Another interesting, intriguing,fascinating story in this series. All of the characters are so multifaceted and engaging, it’s no wonder that Kuni fits in and is welcomed from the start. The romance is a very slow build, there’s a connection and sizzle, but it’s not acted on for some time, building layer upon layer of a strong relationship between this couple. I enjoyed reading about their work to fight against the work place conditions and their antics were fun to read.

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I had high hopes for thsi since I love the series aquite a lot but it wasn't my favorite. The characters weren't as well developed as the previous books.

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4.5 rounded up! I ADORE the Wynchesters, and Kuni is such a lovely addition to the family. The plot on this one took awhile to get rolling and the book focused more on it than on her and Graham’s relationship. But it was a really fun ride and I loved every moment of it. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was so wonderful. I can’t wait to read Marjorie’s book next!! And dang would this make a good TV show.

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Another historical to add to my favourites. Erica Ridley never fails to fill the void my historical romance loving self is constantly seeking in terms of representation. Just a stunning book!!

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This book is the third in the Wynchester adventure series and features Graham Wynchester, who is obsessed with royalty, and Kuni, a princess' companion. The two set out to rescue a princess and work together. The book continues the series' themes of anti-capitalism, dress-up, and hijinks.

The romance between Graham and Kuni is instalove and lacking in heat and depth compared to the other relationships in the book. I loved its representation of diverse characters and political commentary, but this book is the weakest romance in the series so far.

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Maybe this just wasn't for me. It fell flat and I couldn't get into it. I picked it up over and over but it felt like a chore to read.

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Graham Wynchester is obsessed with royalty, so when he suspects a princess is using advertisements to communicate in code, very possibly because she is in need of rescue, Graham sets out to be her knight in shining armor. In fact, the messages pertain to Kunigunde, not a princess of Balcovia but a princess' companion who aspires to be a royal guard like her forefathers. Kuni begrudgingly accepts Graham's help in evading her brothers while on a mission to prove herself to her king. If she can outperform her guard brothers in acquiring intelligence before a royal visit to England, the king will be hard-pressed to ignore her well-suitedness to the job, regardless of gender. However, her single-minded goal starts to feel less perfect once she's experienced the Wynchester brand of protecting and elevating those in need. We love the Wynchester brand, and so does Kuni.

This is the third Wynchester adventure, and highlights of this particular excursion include dressing up like royalty for a con and completely destroying a cotton manufactory using legal but horrendous labor practices. It's satisfying for the anti-capitalist result ~and~ the theatrics and hilarity. The hijinks are on par with the magnificence I expect from this series.

On the other hand, the romance is a bit instalove. Graham and Kuni admire one another and have mutual attraction, but the feelings just sort of happen. They share the details of their pasts and futures closest to their hearts, but the book doesn't express the attendant emotion we are to assume they experience. It felt like "talked about feelings" was crossed off a task list pointing to true love rather than demonstrating how their connection grows. Also, it's open door, but I felt their interactions lacked heat. So while I took no issue with the love story, I wasn't particularly excited about it. They're perfectly excellent as a pair, and I like them both individually, but it didn't hit me in the feels as I would prefer from a romance novel. I WILL say that the concept of a romantic snack instead of a dinner gets a 10/10 from this reader, so thank you to Graham and Kuni for planting that idea in my head.

That's not to say the book lacked warm, fuzzy feelings. Kuni feels invisible to her brothers, so her moments with the Wynchester siblings are extra sweet. Whether getting up to mischief with Elizabeth or trading language lessons with Marjorie, her company is appreciated, filling a hole in her lonely heart. I just feel weird when a romance novel does more with its non-romantic relationships, highlighting the love story's weak points.

I love the Wynchesters and all their derring-do. I love the social/political commentary in the series as well as the lovely variety in the family, including queer and disability representation. This book features two Black leads, so conversations about race in regency England are at the forefront. I love this found family of misfits who chart their future together. I just think this is my least favorite romance in the series so far, and that's ok. It's still a loveable book I'd recommend from a series I adore. Thanks to Forever for my copy to read and review!

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Synopsis: Kuni is eager to prove herself as a royal guard so has assigned herself a reconnaissance mission on the streets of London. When she catches the eye of Graham Wynchester who offers help from his own network of informants and shelter from her brothers who are eager to stop Kuni’s mission, she must reluctantly accept. Soon, Kuni finds kindred spirits in the Wynchester family and maybe something more with Graham.

Review: I was so intrigued by the idea of a regency spy novel that’s also a romance, but I unfortunately found Kuni to be overly repetitive as she continued to insist she’s not a princess and all the reasons she wants to be a royal guard. The story was also predictable and really slow. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a win for me.

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Another pretty good entry in this series. I really enjoyed both Graham and Kunegunde as characters and the Wynchesters are a delightful bunch. I enjoyed them giving a gross capitalist his comeuppance and trying to make changes in Parliament. This series is good for fun escapist reading. 3.5 stars rounded up.

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Really enjoyed this highly entertaining journey from beginning to end. This is an action packed, dangerous and heart racing adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, emotionally thrilling twists and heart racing turns. Could not put it down.

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I am withholding my honest review until the Harper Collins Union strike has been resolved. I will edit my review once a resolution has been made.

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