The Duke Heist
Refreshing
Predictable
Dry

The Duke Heist

Erica Ridley2021
A NYT bestselling author kicks off a new Regency series of "irresistible romance and a family of delightful scoundrels" as a woman looking to recover a stolen painting accidentally kidnaps a duke instead. (Eloisa James) 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? "Erica Ridley is a delight!" --Julia Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series
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Reviews

Photo of Heather Harrington
Heather Harrington@nerdybynatureblog
3.5 stars
Apr 4, 2023

I wish I were a Wynchester so much. I adore the relationship between all the siblings. It's so fun watching them interact and all the crazy antics they get up to. This is only the second book in the series I've read so far, but I can already tell it'll be one of my favorites. I did find the beginning of it a bit slow, and it took me a few chapters to get into the story, but it was so entertaining. I loved the heist element. The relationship between Chloe and Lawrence was fine, but it didn't blow me away. They had some cute moments, but I couldn't help wanting a little more. For me, this series is more about sibling dynamics, and the romances are more of an extra treat, and I can't wait to pick up the rest of the books.

Photo of Lover of Romance
Lover of Romance @addictedtoromance
4 stars
Jan 1, 2023

This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI 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 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 HEAThe 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!

Photo of Yvette
Yvette@yvette
1.5 stars
Oct 8, 2022

Would not reccomend lmao

+4
Photo of Dawy
Dawy@dawyrk
5 stars
Jan 30, 2022

This book has me so excited for the rest of the series because FOUND FAMILY IS THE BEST TROPE OF ALL TROPES. I love the Wynchester family already and can't wait for the others' stories. All of the siblings have their own little quirks, and I love how tight-knit they are. Chloe is also such a badass and it was refreshing to see her put Lawrence in his place whenever he would say well-meaning, but ultimately problematic things in his political arguments. I also really like that she strikes a friendship with Philippa, and how we're already getting a good introduction to Philippa and Tommy's story in the next book. Overall, such a fun, feel-good story with some very heartwarming moments.

+8
Photo of danielle bush
danielle bush@daniereads87
5 stars
Nov 29, 2021

I absolutley Love Chloe and the rest of the Wynchester family.. All of the siblings were adopted by Baron Vanderbeen, and brought together into a family.. They all love each other, and they all loved Bean.. They are amazing, funny, super smart, and they all have their own talents. Like being able to reinvent your self over and over because nobody can remember you.. This is Chloe's talent/curse.. As no one in the Ton wants anything to do with the Wynchesters Chloe comes up with different personas, and infiltrates parties and teas and even parliment.. When the family finds out where a missing family heirloom is located the only option is to steal it back.. When things go slightly wrong and in the process of leaving the house Chloe accidentally kidnaps Lawrence the Duke of Faircliff.. I loved watching Chloe show who she really is to Lawrence and have him actually see and remember her and things that she likes. Also watching Lawrence pull that giant stick out of his butt and realize that he can be happy and do what he wants without turning into his father.. and putting his own fears aside and loving Chloe.. I think this is definitely going to be one of my favorite reads of the year.. and I would totally love to be apart of the Wynchester family.. I did receive a copy of this book from the author, but all opinions are my own.. I loved this book, and this family, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!! Ill definitely be diving into her backlist of books.

Photo of b.andherbooks
b.andherbooks@bandherbooks
4 stars
Oct 9, 2021

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! Thank you to Forever for the ARC.

Photo of Kim
Kim@kimberlyfayereads
5 stars
Oct 6, 2021

I’ve just 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.

Photo of Kaylee Z
Kaylee Z@theenchantedlibrary
3 stars
Aug 21, 2021

3.5*

Photo of Rina
Rina@rinareads
4 stars
Jun 23, 2023
+5
Photo of ausra
ausra@ausragi
4.5 stars
Nov 19, 2022
Photo of Kristina Sanders
Kristina Sanders@ksanders013
4 stars
Oct 6, 2022
Photo of Tate
Tate@tateslittlebookcorner
5 stars
Aug 31, 2022
Photo of Rebecca
Rebecca@bexx
3 stars
Jan 16, 2022
Photo of Bee
Bee@fangirlingmess
4 stars
Jan 3, 2022
Photo of M
M@dinomar
3 stars
Dec 18, 2021
Photo of Neva Davies
Neva Davies@booksofunknownorigin
4 stars
Nov 18, 2021
Photo of Anna Agarwal
Anna Agarwal@annabeth837
5 stars
Nov 18, 2021
Photo of Genny Santellan
Genny Santellan@gennysreadingroom
5 stars
Nov 17, 2021
Photo of Isabela L.
Isabela L.@spookandswoon
3 stars
Nov 16, 2021
Photo of Karli P
Karli P@tiredbookish
5 stars
Sep 25, 2021
Photo of Lacey
Lacey@laceybooklovers
4 stars
Aug 26, 2021