Month: January 2021

The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Duke Heist (The Wild Wynchesters #1)The Duke Heist by Erica Ridley

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Wild Wynchesters, #1

Release Date: February 9, 2021

The Wynchester siblings are on a mission to restore a family heirloom – a painting of Puck with 6 sprites – a painting the Wynchester siblings treasure above all else – as they view it as a family portrait of sorts. Purchased years ago, from the Duke of Faircliffe, it was the first thing they bought as a “family”. Chloe is one of the six children adopted by Baron Vanderbean “Bean”. But 8 months ago, the duke wanted it back and when they refused, he stole it – leaving a hideous Angel vase in its place, then to complicate matters, the duke died days later and his son, the new duke refused to see Bean and ignored all attempts to contact him. Sadly, Bean himself died a few weeks later and it seemed as if the painting was gone for good. But recently the siblings have learned that the new Duke is courting a Miss Philippa York and is planning on giving the painting to her as a courting gift.

Each of the six siblings has a “talent”, Bean loved each of the children and encouraged them to perfect and use those talents. He also and they mean to use those talents to restore the painting to its rightful place, even if they have to steal it! Chloe’s talent is the ability to go unnoticed, she is selected to go to the York’s house and swap out their painting with a forged painting created by their sister Marjorie. A mission she glad accepts for the family. Chloe forms a plan and attends Miss York’s book club meeting ready to make the exchange, she thinks she is prepared for every possible scenario – but what she didn’t anticipate is the duke!

Lawrence Gosling, the new Duke of Faircliffe has inherited a bankrupt estate and needs to marry for money as soon as possible, which is why he needs to impress Miss York. Her dowry is massive and enables him to save his dukedom from ruin. He arrives and presents the painting to a very unimpressed Miss York. When they all go to partake in refreshments, Chloe sets her plan in motion, exchanging the paintings and bolting from the house to her waiting carriage – which she drives herself when her brother is nowhere to be found, she sets out and then hears a voice from inside the carriage – Faircliffe! She is shocked, how did she end up abducting the duke? She manages to ditch him, but neither of them will be able to forget the encounter. Especially as she needs to return his Angel vase and keep him from learning the truth about the Baron’s heir.

This was a well-written, unique, and fun story. I really enjoyed the interaction between Faircliffe and Chloe, as well as the bond between the siblings. The plot of the story is a bit over the top and somewhat flamboyant and there is a lot of “setup” for future books, but in general it was fun without being fluffy and light without being silly. The book is chocked full of secrets, deception, surprises, wonderful secondary characters, warm love scenes, emotion, and of course a HEA. This is the first book in a series that promises to be anything but your typical historical romance read. I am happy to recommend this title as I really enjoyed this book and am eagerly awaiting the next installment!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. *

The Virgin Who Vindicated Lord Darlington by Anna Bradley

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Georgian Era (1714-1837)1 Comment

The Virgin Who Vindicated Lord Darlington (The Swooning Virgins Society, #2)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The Swooning Virgins Society #2
Publication Date: 2/2/21
Number of Pages: 265
****4.5 Stars Rounded Up ****

This is a wonderful addition to the series featuring the ladies from the Clifford Charity School for Wayward Girls. This book isn’t quite as on-the-edge-of-your-seat exciting as the first book in the series, The Virgin Who Ruined Lord Gray, but it doesn’t need to be because the character’s makeup and backgrounds are different. The story is well-written, well-plotted, and populated with characters you will love – all of them. Just so you know – not that it makes any difference to the story – the Book Blurb says Cecilia goes undercover as a governess. She does not – she goes first as a housemaid and then moves into the nursery as a nursemaid.

Gideon Rhys, Marquess of Darlington, is known as the Murderous Marquess because everyone believes he murdered his wife. That rumor didn’t start for a while after his wife died, but when it did start, it spread with a vengeance. Gideon has spent the last year inside Darlington Castle, mourning his wife and trying to come to grips with the multiple tragedies in his life. Now, he owes it to his title and to his niece Isabelle to marry again and have children. He’s certainly not looking for love a second time, he’s had that and the loss of it has broken him. When he meets Miss Fanny Honeywell, he decides to offer for her – not because he loves her, but because she is graceful, lovely, biddable, and would probably make a good mother for Isabella. After the betrothal, he heads back to Darlington Castle because he’s heard the rumors of the White Ghost who is making appearances around Darlington Castle. He believes it is just a rumor, but, if it isn’t, he has to find out what is going on. Shortly after his arrival, he finds a woman by his lake – throwing stones into it. After he confronts her, she identifies herself as a new housemaid. He knows she is lying to him – he just doesn’t believe her – and so he dismisses her. You’ll find he dismisses her several times – none of them stick.

Cecilia Gilchrist doesn’t understand why Lady Amanda Clifford chose her to go undercover at Darlington Castle. She’s not as skilled as the other ladies at the school mostly because she is too soft-hearted and always believes the best of everyone. She just doesn’t feel she has the skills she needs to deceive the Darlington household and uncover the real facts behind the death of the last Lady Darlington. As her investigation continues – and she manages to keep herself employed there – she finds herself more and more attracted to the Marquess. One moment she believes he must be guilty because all of the facts say so – and the next moment her heart tells her it just can’t be true.

I love the slight gothic feel to the story. As you read, you come to feel as if you know what happened, but there are no facts to say so – and then there is the big reveal and you know all. The revelation might surprise – and it might not – but it is exciting to read. While it took Gideon a bit to come to his senses, we finally get our HEA – and the epilogue is sweet and romantic.

I definitely recommend this book. You’ll love Isabella who is Gideon’s four-year-old niece. I also enjoyed the staff, Mrs. Briggs, Amy, and Duncan, but my favorite was Gideon’s friend, Lord Haslemere, who I believe will be featured in the next book of the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.