You Had Me at Heist

Wimpole Street Widows Society #2

by Christina Britton

A scandalous romance blooms between a widow and her adversary in this delightful, sensual romance perfect for fans of the Bridgerton series!

Widow Iris Rumford has faced her fair share of hardships. Joining the Wimpole Street Widows Society has helped her start to heal—until she learns that her late mother's groundbreaking botanical work was stolen by her greatest adversary, who is about to publish the findings as his own.

Determined to stop the thief at all costs, Iris refuses to let the dashing guard protecting the research threaten her plans. Even if he does tempt her in new, intriguing ways ...

After a scandal cost Oliver Beckett his job as a Bow Street Runner, he’s spent the last year struggling to provide for his mother and sister. Guarding a lord's precious botanical collection seems too good to be true—who would steal a bunch of plants? But the appearance of a beautiful, maddening woman throws his hopes for a quiet future right out the window.

As the two find themselves constantly thrown together, their resolve is tested—and so are their hearts.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 16, 2026

About the author

Christina Britton developed a passion for writing romance novels shortly after buying her first at the impressionable age of thirteen. Though for several years she turned to art and put brush instead of pen to paper, she has returned to her first love and is now writing full time. She spends her days dreaming of corsets and cravats and noblemen with tortured souls.

She lives with her husband and two children in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find her at www.christinabritton.com.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Britton’s You Had Me at Heist officially confirmed that I will apparently read absolutely anything if you hand me a morally decent man in a waistcoat, a brilliant woman everyone underestimates, and a slightly chaotic group of widows quietly committing crimes for justice while sipping tea and plotting revenge. Forever and NetGalley, thank you so much for the gifted ARC because this book felt like someone took Bridgerton, mixed it with an Ocean’s Eight energy board, added stolen botanical research, yearning in greenhouses, female rage, neurodivergent representation, and soft emotional devastation, then wrapped the entire thing in velvet ribbon and candlelight.

And honestly? I ate it up with the enthusiasm of a Victorian woman seeing indoor plumbing for the first time.

This is technically a historical romance, but it’s also a story about grief, identity, belonging, and finally finding people who truly see you instead of trying to make you smaller. Iris Rumford absolutely stole my heart from the beginning. She’s awkward, anxious, deeply intelligent, and carries years of loneliness and self-doubt after being dismissed by society for simply existing differently than everyone expects her to. After losing her beloved mother and discovering that her mother’s groundbreaking botanical research was stolen by a pompous aristocratic fraud determined to claim it as his own, Iris decides she’s done being quiet about injustice.

And honestly? Good for her. Burn the patriarchy and steal the journals back, queen.

Watching Iris work alongside the Wimpole Street Widows Society was one of my favorite parts of this book. These women are messy, loyal, determined, loving, and willing to risk absolutely everything for one another. The found-family dynamics here felt warm and lived in, like stepping into a drawing room where everyone’s emotionally damaged but still bringing snacks and emotional support. Their friendship gave the story so much heart underneath all the tension and romance.

Then we have Oliver Beckett, who immediately walked onto the page carrying the exhausted energy of a man who’s been punished for doing the right thing one too many times. Oliver is a disgraced former Bow Street Runner who lost his career because of corruption and now spends most of his time trying to support his mother and sister while swallowing his pride to survive. When he takes a job guarding the estate of the very man who stole Iris’s mother’s work, things obviously spiral from there because fate said, “What if we made two good people emotionally suffer for 350 pages first?”

The chemistry between Iris and Oliver was exactly my kind of slow-burn torture. Every encounter felt layered with tension, suspicion, attraction, and mutual admiration neither of them quite knew what to do with. And what made their relationship so beautiful was that Oliver never treated Iris like she was “too much” or strange or difficult. He saw her exactly as she was — brilliant, loyal, passionate, vulnerable — and loved her harder because of it.

There’s one moment involving a wrist pad he makes for her that genuinely made me stop and stare at the wall for a minute because apparently acts of practical care are now my Roman Empire.

“Iris, I would burn the world down for you if you asked me to.”

Sir. PLEASE. Some of us are trying to behave responsibly in public.

What Christina Britton does so well here is balance tenderness with intrigue. Yes, there’s romance. Yes, there’s longing. Yes, there’s enough yearning to fuel an entire Regency ballroom for a decade. But there’s also this deeply satisfying undercurrent of justice running through the story. Iris fighting for her mother’s legacy mattered. Watching women support one another in a society designed to silence them mattered. Oliver choosing integrity over convenience mattered.

And somehow the entire book still manages to feel cozy.

The pacing starts softer and more character-driven before slowly building into something sneakier and more emotionally gripping. The actual “heist” element leans more emotional intrigue than full-blown action chaos, so if you’re expecting explosions and elaborate criminal masterminds, this isn’t that kind of story. But if your favorite romances are the ones built on trust, emotional safety, mutual respect, and that aching kind of yearning where two people slowly become each other’s safe place? This book absolutely understands the assignment.

I also loved how much care was given to Iris as a character. So often women who are socially anxious, awkward, or coded as neurodivergent in historical romance are treated like they need to transform before they’re worthy of love. That never happens here. Oliver doesn’t fall for some polished version of Iris. He falls for the real woman standing in front of him — passionate, fiercely loyal, occasionally overwhelmed, endlessly intelligent, and braver than she realizes. And honestly? That made this romance hit even harder emotionally.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars

“She wanted justice. He wanted to protect her. Unfortunately for both of them, love arrived first.”

By the end of this book I was fully ready to join the Wimpole Street Widows Society myself despite the small issue that I would absolutely fail every stealth mission because I trip over flat surfaces and cannot whisper. But emotionally? Spiritually? I’m there.

Tell me your favorite historical romance couple because apparently I’m entering my “emotionally attached to fictional people in waistcoats” era and there may be no return. 💐✨

#YouHadMeAtHeist #ChristinaBritton #HistoricalRomance #RomanceBooks #BookReview #Bookstagram #NetGalley #ForeverPublishing #SlowBurnRomance #FoundFamily #HistoricalFiction #BridgertonVibes #ReadersOfInstagram #BookishLife #RomanceReader #FemaleFriendships #CozyReads #MustReadRoma

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Had Me at Heist is the second book in Christina Britton’s charming Wimpole Street Widows Society series, and once again, she delivers a delightful blend of romance, intrigue, and heart. This series follows a sisterhood of widows who band together to seek justice and right the wrongs life has thrown their way. Beyond their shared losses, they provide each other with friendship, courage, and the hope of finding a happily ever after of their own.

This installment is Iris Rumford’s story. Iris hasn’t had an easy life—her marriage was far from happy, and society sees her as a little odd. Yet joining the Wimpole Street Widows Society has given her a sense of belonging and the first steps toward healing. After her mother’s death, Iris is determined to complete her mother’s lifelong work in botany and secure the recognition she deserves. But tragedy strikes when a fire destroys her home, and her mother’s precious journals are stolen. When she discovers that the despicable Lord Durand plans to claim her mother’s groundbreaking studies as his own, Iris resolves to expose him and protect her mother’s legacy at all costs.

Enter Oliver Beckett, a man of integrity and quiet strength. Once a Bow Street Runner, he’s now struggling to support his mother and sister after losing his job. When Lord Durand offers him a position guarding his estate and botanical collection—plus a small cottage for his family—Oliver readily accepts. He expects a simple job. After all, who would want to steal plants? Certainly not someone like Iris Rumford… or so he thinks. Their first encounters are filled with suspicion and sparks, as Oliver is determined to do his duty, and Iris is equally determined to reclaim what’s rightfully hers.

The chemistry between Iris and Oliver unfolds beautifully. Iris is a wonderfully nuanced heroine—determined, honest, and vulnerable, with subtle social anxiety that Christina Britton portrays with warmth and authenticity. Oliver’s journey is equally satisfying as he sheds his initial doubts and comes to see Iris not as an oddity but as utterly fascinating. The slow-burn romance is tender and earnest, and moments like Oliver crafting a wrist pad for Iris will make your heart melt.

Supporting characters, from Oliver’s loving mother and spirited sister to the loyal Wimpole Street widows, enrich the story and provide humor, comfort, and heart. There’s just the right mix of tension, romance, and adventure to keep the pages turning.

In short, Christina Britton has crafted a lively, heartfelt, and utterly charming romance. You Had Me at Heist is a story of love, trust, and the courage. Fans of historical romance with a dash of intrigue—and anyone who loves seeing two deserving souls find their happily ever after—will be absolutely enchanted.

A charming, heartfelt, and delightfully romantic success. Christina Britton once again showcases her talent for crafting historical romances that are captivating, full of warmth, and a must-read for fans of the genre.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for this free advanced copy, this is my honest and voluntary review; all opinions are my own.

[Visionary Druid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris Rumford is a member of the Wimpole Street Widows Society, a group of widows who covertly rectify injustices. She has been searching for the one responsible for stealing her late mother’s botanical works. Iris is shocked to discover the thief intends to take credit for her mother’s ground-breaking research. When she and the widows try to reclaim the stolen journals, a lone guard thwarts their every attempt. Can Iris keep the culprit from publishing her mother’s works as his own?

Oliver Beckett is a former (and disgraced) Bow Street Runner. He struggles to find employment to support his widowed mother and younger sister. Oliver accepts a position to safeguard a noble’s botanical collection. He senses something suspicious about his new employer, but he chooses to ignore his instincts. Oliver spots a mysterious yet beautiful stranger near a glasshouse he guards. Her presence threatens his job. Will Oliver continue to put his family’s safety over his instincts?

I could not help but connect with Iris in the prior book. She is different from the heroines I generally prefer. Her idiosyncrasies are what made Iris stand out to me. I understand why some people would find them off-putting or odd to deal with. Not me, I thought they added to her charm. What I love the most about Iris is her steadfast determination to reclaim her mother’s stolen work. She wants her mother to receive the recognition, especially in her field, that she rightly deserves.
I admit that I am a little disappointed that Iris was not paired off with Parsons. However, I do feel that Oliver is a better fit. This generally does not happen to me. Once I get stuck on wanting a certain pairing, I tend to lose enthusiasm for the story if it does not happen.

My heart went out to Oliver. He is the unfortunate victim to the corruption within his previous job’s hierarchy. I understand the dilemma that Oliver faced. He made the difficult decision to swallow his morals for his mother and sister’s benefit. I imagine Oliver despised himself for that. What I love the most about Oliver is how easily he accepted Iris. He did not find her odd but refreshing. Oliver also got outraged on her part whenever someone disparaged her.

YOU HAD ME AT HEIST is the second installment in Christina Britton’s historical romance series, WIMPOLE STREET WIDOWS SOCIETY. This story can easily stand alone. I do recommend starting with TO HEIST AND TO HOLD before starting this book. What I adore the most about this series is that most of the characters (save for one) belong to the working/middle class than aristocracy. It is a nice change of pace for me, especially in this genre. Yeah, I am still not fond of the widow aspect, but that is my own personal quirk.

Heloise and Ethan, the couple from the prior book, do make an appearance. Though Heloise appears more in the story than her husband. I am a little bummed that Ethan’s business partners did not have a role in the story. Perhaps the author will consider writing a spin-off series about them. Teagan and Parsons deserve a book!

[Whitney Theresa June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Britton had me at the meet cute between Iris & Oliver! Seriously, I was just as shocked (& pleased) as Iris at the first employment of her self defence training.

Oliver, a former Bow Street Runner, lost his position when he decided to do the moral thing. A year later, he is finally hired to guard (predominantly) the greenhouses & grounds on an estate by a very powerful lord. What Oliver doesn’t reckon on is finding a woman peering into a greenhouse late one night. A woman who takes him down in one fell swoop, then proceeds to be so shocked she rolls him on his side to pat his back in hopes of aiding in him catching his breath.

Iris Rumford not only lost her mother five years prior, but her mother’s botanical research when just a week after her mother’s death, their house goes up in flames. With her mother’s research appearing to disappear just prior to the fire. Now after all this time with no leads, Iris overhears that the research her mother worked so hard on is being published by a man who loathed her mother. Iris now has a place to start the search for her mother’s missing notebooks & nothing will stand in her way in uncovering them, not even falling for the man who unknowingly is hired to guard them.

I love how Britton wrote Iris’s neurodiversity. Iris’s battle between not believing in herself & her talent’s in botany & lock picking. Of the Wimple Street Widows, I loved Euphemia’s ability to see Iris’s non verbal struggles & to try her best to aid in whatever way Iris needed. I love this band of women, who will not let anything stand in their way of solving the problems set forth before them. Iris’s candid honesty, well beyond her attempts to conceal why she was there, made for such a refreshing communication style between her and Oliver. I adored her reactions & how she interacts with Oliver throwing him off balance.

Oliver. Oh this fictional man had my heart. When he notices how Iris when upset scratches at her wrist, not only does he take her hands in his to cease her self-harm, he creates one of the most beautiful gifts for her. It made me very emotional, seeing him truly see her, even in such a short amount of time. His struggle between his morals & the safety of his own family made me love him all the more. How he may have needed a push by his mother to allow himself to do what he wanted to all along & aid Iris even after he finds out the suspicions he had of her were well founded. Putting not only Oliver at risk but his mother & sister.

From Britton’s author’s note it appears that this may be the last book she publishes with Forever, which is very disheartening. With HR being on the decline in traditional publishing, I truly hope Britton continues writing historical romance as her writing style truly calls to my heart. I was really hoping for Euphemia to have her own story. Keeping my fingers crossed that it might eventually happen.

I received a gifted eARC.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the second story in the series, and does feel like it can be read as a stand alone story.

Iris Rumford had lost the person she cared for most in the world when she lost her beloved mother. She had already been abandoned long before by her father, and her marriage had been a disappointment to say the least. And now she has lost the person who gave her the most love, influence, and support in her life, her talented, loving, dedicated batonist mother. But if that was not enough, shortly after losing her mother, Iris loses her childhood home to a terrible fire. Determined to ensure that her mother's research is not lost, Iris makes her way through the fire to try to save her mother's journals, only to discover they have been stolen and the fire was likely set to hide the theft.

Heartbreaking. But luckily she does have the support of her godmother, and found a home with her, and her fellow widows at the Wimpole Street house. And when it is discovered that a fellow botanist, Lord Durand, is about to publish the research of her mother's, claiming it as his own, Iris and the widows must take action to regain the stolen journals, and preserve her mother's name and legacy.

But standing in their way is a disgraced Bow Street Runner, hired by Durand to protect what he claims is his work, until his grand reveal. Oliver Beckett is a man of integrity and a talented investigator turned whistleblower, but punished and shunned for his actions. In order to provide income and security for his mother and sister, he is forced to take on a job as a private duty guard for Durand. He is deeply suspicious of the mysterious widows who suddenly show up at Durand's, especially after he has already caught Iris sneaking about the property. He is determined to keep and eye on the women, especially Iris, but also determined to stay away from her because of his inconvenient attraction to the woman. However, his rebellious sister also strikes up an unexpected friendship with Iris and Oliver finds himself caught between a growing attraction and friendship with Iris, and his duty to Durand.

Enemies to lovers historical romance with humor and heart. I enjoyed the appealing earnest awkwardness of the character of Iris as she grapples with her role in the heist, and balancing that with a growing friendship with Oliver and his family. Oliver knows there is something Iris is hiding from him, and finds himself caught between his duty to his employer, his duty and concern for his family, and his growing trust and relationship with Iris. I also quite enjoy the friendship and buddy component of the story with the dynamic between the widows. It has an Ocean's Eight feel to the story for me that I rather enjoyed.

4 stars out of 5

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 3 out of 5]

You Had Me at Heist is a charming historical romance with a strong premise and a wonderfully atmospheric setup, but it didn’t fully land for me the way I wanted it to. HOWEVER! And that is a very strong however. I think it’s a me issue, not a book issue.

Iris Rumford is definitely the highlight of the book. She feels layered in a very grounded way. She’s grieving her mother, underestimated by society, and quietly furious about the theft of her mother’s botanical work. Her decision to stop being polite about injustice gives the story its spark, and I really enjoyed watching her step into herself, especially with the support of the Widows Society. The found family dynamic among the widows is honestly one of the strongest parts of the book; they bring warmth, chaos, and solidarity in a way that makes the story feel cozy even when the stakes are personal and tense.

The romance between Iris and Oliver has a lot of potential. The slow burn tension is there, and there are moments of real softness between them that worked well especially when Oliver sees Iris as she is rather than trying to reshape her into something more socially acceptable. That emotional safety and mutual respect is probably the best part of their connection.

That said, Oliver felt a bit underdeveloped compared to Iris. I understood his motivations on paper, but emotionally he didn’t quite come into focus in the same way, which made the central romance feel uneven at times. I also found the pacing a little flat in the middle. It was more introspective than propulsive which worked for the character work but dulled the momentum of the “heist” storyline. The “heist” element itself is more emotional and investigative than high-stakes or twist-heavy, so in the end, it’s really more about grief, justice, and reclaiming agency than elaborate plotting.

Overall, I appreciated what this book was trying to do: a tender, feminist-leaning historical romance with found family, emotional healing, and a morally satisfying core conflict. I just wished the romance and pacing had a bit more sharpness to match the strength of Iris’s storyline. I also think I’m just not a huge regency or historical romance kinda girl…. which again, is a ME issue.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for this eARC!

[Southern Lady Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a historical romance that feels equal parts charming, tender, and quietly swoony, *You Had Me at Heist* by Christina Britton absolutely delivers.

This one centers around a brilliant lady botanist (we love a woman in STEM — especially in a corset 💐) and a hero who carries far more responsibility on his shoulders than most people realize. From the start, I loved the balance between her intelligence and independence and his steady, selfless nature. He works so hard, often without recognition, and there’s something deeply attractive about a man who doesn’t need applause to do the right thing.

What really makes this story shine, though, is the hero’s humility. He isn’t flashy or arrogant — he’s thoughtful, humble, and quietly devoted. And when you get to the ending? You’ll *know* exactly what I mean. There’s a particular moment that just seals the entire story in the sweetest, most satisfying way. It’s one of those romantic gestures that doesn’t scream for attention but instead whispers something meaningful — and somehow that makes it even more powerful.

The romance itself is soft and steady — the kind that builds through shared purpose, mutual respect, and stolen moments rather than dramatic fireworks. It felt easy to read in the best way, like settling into a cozy afternoon with tea and a story you know will treat your heart kindly.

If you love historical romances with intelligent heroines, hardworking (and humble!) heroes, and a romance that feels sincere and sweet, this one is such a lovely pick.


**Thank you to Forever for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR🖤

Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🖤

[Holli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Iris and Oliver's story! While this can work as a standalone if you're willing to let go of some minor references to the first book, I think it's better if you have read the first book. I found the setup of the first book to be a little confusing and chaotic, but this one was clear and straightforward: A bad guy has stolen the life's work of Iris's late mom (a botanist) and set fire to Iris's house (with Iris in it!) to cover up the crime. The bad guy plans to claim credit for the work. Iris and the other widows are determined to identify and unmask the bad guy by any means necessary. After five long years, Iris discovers the identity of the thief (Lord Durand) and the fact that he plans to announce his "discovery" in the next few weeks. The widows all move next door to Lord D's country house and plan to infiltrate it and steal back Iris's mom's journals and documentation.

Meanwhile, Oliver used to be a Bow Street Runner but taking a noble stand ended up with him losing his job and being blacklisted for any other. Desperate to take care of his mom and sister, he takes a job providing security for Lord D. It isn't long before he finds Iris skulking about Lord D's greenhouse, and sparks immediately fly.

What follows is an utterly charming story about two outcasts falling in love while battling each other and their respective positions on the science theft. The secondary characters are delightful, especially Oliver's mom and sister. The pacing is smooth, the characters are well developed, and the explanations of the botany are clear without getting overwhelmingly scientific.

If you like found families, bio families, intrigue, lockpicking, botany, country houses, and close female friendships, this one's for you!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Aamira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This series has been such a hit for me so far! Britton has written such lovely, fully realized characters you can’t help but fall in love with.

I really appreciated the representation in this novel. While not explicitly said, and perhaps this will appear in the content notes once the book is published, I thought that Britton portrayed what I believe to be a character on the spectrum with tender care and sensitivity.

When her mother’s lifelong work is stolen shortly after her death, Iris sets about finding the culprit. The trail runs cold, but five years later she’s finally found the person responsible for the theft. Not only has he stolen her mother’s work, he has also been defaming her character. With the help of the Wimpole Widows, Iris sets up about restoring her mother’s name and finally getting the justice she deserves.

I absolutely love the found family trope and tie that in with a group of strong, vigilante women, and I’m totally there for it. The strong bond between the women is so lovely to see. I enjoyed the scenes in which they work together to take the nefarious Lord Durand down.

I really loved Iris as a character. Despite her fears, she pushes through to get justice for her mother. The relationship between her and Oliver. It was loving and supportive and wonderful to watch them fall in love. Oliver fully accept Iris as she was and truly saw her. When he created the wrist pad for her I fell in love with him. This was an enjoyable, low angst read with likable characters and a sweet romance.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of a series but it reads very much like a stand alone novel for how much it centers the two main characters. That focus also means it feels more relationship and character-driven than the prior novel. And these are stellar characters with emotional depth. Iris’s neurodivergence (never explicitly said and repped all the better for it) is accepted and appreciated. Oliver is a man of honor and integrity who finds himself in a difficult situation after being punished for doing the right thing. They are both good and kind, treating others with tenderness and respect. I wanted to protect them at all costs, both individually and as a couple.

The heist provides a solid backdrop for their developing relationship. With Iris and Oliver on opposite sides of the quest to recover stolen property, we are rewarded with plenty of entertaining action, banter and yearning. It did start a bit slowly for me, but it picked up quickly and moved right along, building to a satisfying conclusion. All of this, plus lovely supporting characters and a despicable villain, delivers another thoroughly charming and entertaining historical romance from Christina Britton.

I read this ARC thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley. I appreciate the opportunity to read and share my views of this novel [which is set for publication on June 16, 2026].

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the death of her mother, Mrs Iris Rumford vows to carry on her mother’s passion and eagerness of botany. When an awful fire breaks out and her mother’s life work is stolen, she knows she needs to seek out the man responsible trying to pend off her mother’s work as their own. Her plan to spy on the man is thwarted by Oliver Beckett - the new guard stationed at the thief’s estate to protect his stolen collection.

Book 2 in the Widows Society series can be read alone, but I encourage you to read Book 1 as an introduction to the widows. This was a great second novel in the series - I loved our FMC Iris. She was so real and authentically herself; her struggles with anxiety beautifully written for the reader to grasp. I also loved how Oliver was endlessly described as strong and ultra masculine - but he was really just so loyal hearted and a wonderful man. The romance is sweet and beautiful, but their attraction is sexy and thrilling.

Really enjoyed this one! Great for historical romance fans!
🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written, full of society, drama, loneliness, crimes, widows, humor, emotions, mystery, love, chemistry, truth, adventure and action. What a group of women in the Wimpole Street Widows Society. They all work together to prove what needs to be correct and fair in society to women who thinks they are crazy. Iris Rumford finds out that her mother's botanical research has been stolen years earlier before the fire that destroyed her home and now wants it back. She had hoped to finish what her mother had started working on in her journals before they disappeared. She finds that a Lord Durand has the journals and is trying to claim them as his own. She heads to his greenhouse but finds it watched by Oliver Beckett. He is there as he was disgraced at Bow Street as a runner, only he really did nothing wrong there. After a tumble and roll, they seem to know that all is not what it seems. She proves that Durand stole the journals when Oliver's sister makes friends with Iris. Has lots of action and excitement to keep you turning the pages. Would recommend to others.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Cara Niehoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical romance follows Iris and her friends, the Widows, on their mission to prove her mother’s botany work was stolen after a lord is attempting to claim it as his own. Oliver is the guard hired to protect this lord’s glasshouses and is between them and their plan.

The romance storyline in this book was so sweet! Both Iris and Oliver are torn between their feelings for each other and doing what they must. Their romance is definitely a slow burn and I loved every minute of it!

Having a female botanist character was super interesting and I love when women have unique hobbies or careers in historicals! Iris and the Widows have such amazing backgrounds and I loved reading their heist scenes.

I have not yet read the first book in this series, but this can definitely be read as a standalone! After reading, I can’t wait to go back and read Heloise’s story and anything else that comes out next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, intellectual romance

I loved Oliver and Iris together! She's a botanist like her mother was, determined to find the villain who stole her mother's work and set fire to their home. Oliver is a protector to his bone, and there's nothing he wouldn't sacrifice in the care of his mother and sister.

Iris is a little bit neurodivergent, which Oliver sees as incredibly charming, and he can't resist coming to her aid, even though his job is explicitly the opposite. This entertaining caper is filled with action and extraordinary characters, and the romance develops authentically as both Iris and Oliver pursue the truth.

I loved the relationships across the board, especially between Iris and Oliver's family. The final comeuppance was very satisfying, and the triumphant HEA was everything I could have hoped for. Another winner from a very talented author who is always at the top of my favorites list.

[Tami Fidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an unexpected delight. This was a fantastic story with strong and capable characters. I was enchanted from the beginning with Iris. She was forthright and clever, possibly neurodivergent, but that only increased her charm. Then Oliver was the best of men. He was someone who acknowledged his faults and cared deeply for the women in his life. Together, Iris and Oliver had outstanding chemistry. Plus, the additional characters in this engaging story created a lovely found family. This book was so much fun, I devoured it as quickly as time would allow. I highly recommend this story for anyone wanting to read a book about strong women, the men who support them, and getting a little bit of revenge against those who take advantage. Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

[maddie's reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the arc!

This was such a fun historical romance! I haven't read any historical romance for a while, and this reminded me why I love it so much. The plot was so much fun, super fast-paced, and interesting! The eclectic group of characters was fabulous, and they all had their own distinct personalities. I always love it when books have a fun, somewhat chaotic female friend group, and Christina Britton always does it so well. The romance in this was very cute, and I liked how the tension and yearning were kept up with Oliver and Iris on different sides of the central conflict. I also really enjoy books with an academic theme (especially female academics in historical romance!), so I really enjoyed this! Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to those who love historical romance, and Christina Britton continues to be one of my favourite historical romance authors to pick up a book from! :)

[Samantha Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Had Me at Heist
By Christina Britton
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When a wrong must be righted, sometimes the only answer is a heist. Mrs. Iris Lumford’s late mother’s botanical research has been stolen and she is determined that her mother receive the credit she is due. Iris didn’t plan on the scheming lord’s greenhouse to be guarded by a former Bow Street Runner who is also very handsome. Cue the sparks! Mr. Oliver Beckett is sympathetic, but needs to provide for his mother and sister. The romance is sweet and full of on page consent (a couple of bedroom scenes). Iris proclaims she is “odd” but Oliver only sees her kindness, loyalty, and beauty. A fun read where the good guys win—or rather, the good widows.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

You Had Me at Heist, is, by all measurements, a rather good historical romance. It has banter! It has balls! It has angst and yearning! Even better—it has neurodivergent rep! (Not explicitly diagnosed/said, implied and written well) It has metal health rep! The heroine isn’t a shy, submissive virgin! Honestly it was a great read and Britton is a really solid author.

I’m just mad that while yes, it was technically a heist, but it wasn’t a full *heist novel*. There was more yearning than heisting. There was more plants than plotting. I know it is the most nitpicky of nitpicks, but.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) of the opportunity to review this DRC. All opinions are mine alone.

[Kimberley Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You Had Me at Heist” is the second entry in the Wimpole Street Widows Society, and a very good entry indeed. This is a story about familial obligation and how you follow through when the odds are against you, and love suddenly intervenes.

Christina Britton writes a good historical romance with yearning, villains, found family, and a lot of love. Oliver and Iris are lovely characters. Iris has many characteristics of someone on the autism spectrum, but is not shamed for it by anyone (except herself).

I really enjoyed “You Had Me at Heist” and I hope to read more from the author in the future.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are solely my own.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iris is desperate to expose the man who stole her mother’s life work and is boldly passing it off as his own.
Oliver desperately needs the job of guarding a pompous lord’s botanical collection as he is the sole provider for his mother and sister.
Iris and Oliver think their aims are at odds with one another but circumstances and close proximity begin to show they are in agreement with what is right and just. Steamy romance occurs along the way.
You Had Me at Heist was entertaining with such appealing main characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t read the first in the series and honestly didn’t need to as this works perfectly as a standalone.
I was in the moment i noticed that a group of chaotic widows pulling off a botanical heist were reclaiming stolen research. This was such a fun, fast-paced read with strong found family vibes and a heroine I really loved, awkward, determined, and fighting hard to protect her mother’s legacy.
The romance is a soft slow burn with just enough tension also loved the little academic touches, as women in science in historical romance will always win me over.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Taylor Boardman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Iris, I would burn the world down for you if you asked me to.”EXCUSE ME IM BUSY SWOONING. 😍

This felt like Bridgerton collided with a chaotic little heist, sprinkled in some spice, and wrapped the whole thing in gorgeous botany vibes…and somehow it all WORKED quite flawlessly. Such a fun, addictive, palette-cleansing read that had me engaged the entire time.
The best thing a book can do is make me immediately want to backtrack and find the rest of the series, and congratulations to this one, because now I’m officially on a mission to hunt down Heloise’s story next. Consider me invested in anything this author writes from here on out. ✨

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series! I love this group of women that get a second chance at life and love!

Iris has been married and her husband was so awful that she went home to live with her mom who is a talented botanist. Iris is devastated when her mom passes away but then her mom’s life work is stolen and her house burnt down.

Now Iris is trying to get her mom’s work back from the man who stole it only problem, there is a dude guarding the house. Not to worry Iris and her friends will find a way. And while Iris doesn’t plan to seduce the guard (Oliver) she can’t help it if he falls for her.

[Anna Yi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spice: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Slow Burn: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Writing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Plot: ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐
Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Satisfying read: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

You Had Me At Heist was a fun, immersive and satisfying read with so much heart.
This is my first Britton book and I can't wait to see what else she comes out with!

Expect to find
✅ Main characters that feel real, are likeable, and speak their minds
✅ A neurodivergent protagonist who is loved for her uniqueness
✅ Grieving FMC comforted by MMC's Mom
✅ Found family
✅ A slow beginning that becomes a page turner after the meet cute

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Both Oliver and Iris are on their own individual journey, yet they directly intersect. Like magnets drawn to each other, they try to repel their attraction to each other, only to be pulled back into each other’s orbit time and again. Fantastic depth of characters! Looking forward to the next book!

I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When widow Iris learns that someone is going to present her late mother's botanical research as his own, she is furious. Iris consults with her Widow Society and they decide to steal the research back. Oliver, a disgraced former Bow Street Runner, is tasked with protecting the home of the man who stole the research. Despite being on opposite sides, they cannot deny their feelings. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever for my honest review.

[April Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this more as Iris as a character was very interesting. But Oliver fell kind of flat for me and I think it threw the whole relationship. Also, this is likely just a me thing but I'm starting to be uninterested in stories where it's very clearly man hating. i get it. Men suck. I do think the writing of this book is brilliantly done, the story is very unique and interesting and the group of widows are fun. Definitely try this out if you love historicals.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a 10/10 for me…no notes. This book had the perfect FMC and MMC. This was one of the lines in the book so I don’t need to add anything more to convince you to read it:

“Iris, I would burn the world down for you if you asked me to.”
*cue squeal*

I have also added Christina Britton’s other books to my TBR because this one was sooooo good.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Pat Dupuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful! I loved how flummoxed Oliver becomes around Iris and her plain-speaking ways. At times he literally loses his breath when she's around. Too funny. Iris the botanist loves Oliver's family so much, and him even more. She can hardly believe he thinks so highly of her. Iris and the Widows are there to retrieve Iris's mother's botany research from the villain. Of course, Oliver stands between them and their goal. What to do?

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent new story from Christina Britton. I love that the main characters are somewhere between working class and gentry - a nice change of pace from “my lord”-ing all over. I’m loving this Widows series, and can’t wait for more!