I received this book for free from Forever in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley Series: The Wild Wynchesters #1
Published by Forever on February 9, 2021
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 353
Format: eARC
Source: Forever
Chloe Wynchester is completely forgettable—a curse that gives her the ability to blend into any crowd. When the only father she's ever known makes a dying wish for his adopted family of orphans to recover a missing painting, she's the first one her siblings turn to for stealing it back. No one expects that in doing so, she'll also abduct a handsome duke.
Lawrence Gosling, the Duke of Faircliffe, is tortured by his father's mistakes. To repair his estate's ruined reputation, he must wed a highborn heiress. Yet when he finds himself in a carriage being driven hell-for-leather down the cobblestone streets of London by a beautiful woman who refuses to heed his commands, he fears his heart is hers. But how can he sacrifice his family's legacy to follow true love?
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
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 its 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 its 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 a 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 the 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. 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 perfection 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 its these moments that I live for in 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 its a wild ride of laughs and shenanigans which made the journey worth the experience of it. Overall I found The Duke Heist to be a 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! |
About Erica Ridley
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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