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The Wild Wynchesters #0.5
The Governess Gambit
An exciting prequel to THE DUKE HEIST.
Meet the Wild Wynchesters: This fun-loving, caper-committing family of tight-knit siblings can’t help but find love and adventure!
Years ago, Chloe Wynchester and five other uniquely talented orphans were adopted by a wealthy baron with a secret mission: The motley Wynchester family fights for justice from the margins of high society. And the handsome, clever duke Chloe has long admired proves to be her worst enemy…
An unscrupulous boarding school is exploiting orphans in a secret workhouse. Baron Vanderbean plots a daring rescue. When illness befalls him, Chloe must take the reins. But how can a lifelong wallflower lead the charge to save the children?
Meet the Wild Wynchesters: This fun-loving, caper-committing family of tight-knit siblings can’t help but find love and adventure!
Years ago, Chloe Wynchester and five other uniquely talented orphans were adopted by a wealthy baron with a secret mission: The motley Wynchester family fights for justice from the margins of high society. And the handsome, clever duke Chloe has long admired proves to be her worst enemy…
An unscrupulous boarding school is exploiting orphans in a secret workhouse. Baron Vanderbean plots a daring rescue. When illness befalls him, Chloe must take the reins. But how can a lifelong wallflower lead the charge to save the children?
202 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2020
1742 people are currently reading
2666 people want to read
About the author
Erica Ridley
130 books2,196 followersGet freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip
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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 332 reviews
February 5, 2021
The Governess Gambit is the prequel to The Duke’s Heist, the new The Wild Wynchesters series by Erica Ridley and what a delicious prelude the beginning turned out to be.
With the colorful set of characters that the author has introduced in this prequel, I can’t wait for the release of book #1 next month.
Baron Vanderbean is a man with a heart of a gold. The six children he has adopted, each of them talented in their own ways helps Bean in multiple ways to achieve tasks that may seem impossible. This short story introduces Chole and her siblings and their rescue mission to save orphan children.
The Duke of Faircliffe is once again just introduced into the story and looking forward to the joyful tale of Chole and Faircliffe.
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India and Twitter.
With the colorful set of characters that the author has introduced in this prequel, I can’t wait for the release of book #1 next month.
Baron Vanderbean is a man with a heart of a gold. The six children he has adopted, each of them talented in their own ways helps Bean in multiple ways to achieve tasks that may seem impossible. This short story introduces Chole and her siblings and their rescue mission to save orphan children.
The Duke of Faircliffe is once again just introduced into the story and looking forward to the joyful tale of Chole and Faircliffe.
This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India and Twitter.
November 12, 2021
The Wynchester siblings didn’t just talk about doing good works. The Wynchester siblings delivered.
2.5 stars. A cute little adventure/caper, prequel to a historical romance series. I'm very transparently reading this novella just so I have some background knowledge before eventually delving into The Perks of Loving a Wallflower. (I don't think it's necessary to do so, but I wanted to.) While this was fun, and I don't regret reading it, I didn't really get much out of it? There's something that I can't pin down about the writing style that just... did not work for me. Idk! The plot was an interesting one (trying to take down the unscrupulous owner of a boarding school, while the Wynchester siblings deal with a theft and their adopted father's illness) but was a bit forgettable? It just didn't delve deeply enough for me. There were hints at upcoming romances, but no actual romance in the book.
But again, I'm happy I read it, to get a good grasp on the characters. Found family is my favourite trope, and I think I'll really like this one. I'll probably skip The Duke Heist but I'll give the other little novella a try.
Content warnings: .
March 20, 2025
The Governess Gambit by Erica Ridley
The Wild Wynchesters series #0.5. Historical romance prequel novella.
Baron Vanderbean created a tight-knit family by adopting six orphans, teaching them, loving them, and giving them a lifelong goal to save and help others. Each of the six are unique, and special in numerous ways. They work as a team to help save others and fight for justice.
In this prequel the siblings are introduced with some of their abilities and an example of their missions. Unfortunately an illness befalls the Baron so the planning falls to Chloe. He’s trained them to succeed and they have the finances to support their work.
A grand adventure. A sad ending. A successful caper.
I’ve read a few books from this series and love the zany antics, skills, and the characters overcoming any supposed limitations (health and mental afflictions) without any fanfare.
Brilliant and enjoyable.
The Wild Wynchesters series #0.5. Historical romance prequel novella.
Baron Vanderbean created a tight-knit family by adopting six orphans, teaching them, loving them, and giving them a lifelong goal to save and help others. Each of the six are unique, and special in numerous ways. They work as a team to help save others and fight for justice.
In this prequel the siblings are introduced with some of their abilities and an example of their missions. Unfortunately an illness befalls the Baron so the planning falls to Chloe. He’s trained them to succeed and they have the finances to support their work.
A grand adventure. A sad ending. A successful caper.
I’ve read a few books from this series and love the zany antics, skills, and the characters overcoming any supposed limitations (health and mental afflictions) without any fanfare.
Brilliant and enjoyable.
August 30, 2023
Where it all began.
December 12, 2020
This story provides a good introduction to the characters in this series. Chloe Wynchester is the main character but her siblings all play a part. They work to righting wrongs, especially where children are involved. They also have their own mission to retrieve their property from the Duke of Faircliffe. Chloe had found him handsome and approved of his championing of the less fortunate but since he became the duke, she is less enamoured of him. One of their missions is not concluded and I look forward to reading more about this and learning more about Chloe’s siblings. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 4, 2024
I definitely went out of reading order, but, oh well, I'm ready for the next book with this crazy family.
Read
November 12, 2022As a romance novella, this is not my favorite. Romance novellas take two forms: a prequel to a romance in a full-length novel OR a short romance between two characters who won't be getting a novel. I'm not a huge fan of the former, because you don't actually get a romance, and that's what this was. The genre on the novella is actually mystery. It's about that and also the death of their father. So it's kind of a bummer honestly, and you get the pertinent details from The Duke Heist. It's not bad, but it's also not really necessary.
December 30, 2020
The Governess Gambit
A Wild Wynchesters Prequel
Erica Ridley
https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley
Release date 12/18/2020
Publisher Webmotion
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
An exciting prequel to THE DUKE HEIST.
Meet the Wild Wynchesters: This fun-loving, caper-committing family of tight-knit siblings can’t help but find love and adventure!
Years ago, Chloe Wynchester and five other uniquely talented orphans were adopted by a wealthy baron with a secret mission: The motley Wynchester family fights for justice from the margins of high society. And the handsome, clever duke Chloe has long admired proves to be her worst enemy…
An unscrupulous boarding school is exploiting orphans in a secret workhouse. Baron Vanderbean plots a daring rescue. When illness befalls him, Chloe must take the reins. But how can a lifelong wallflower lead the charge to save the children?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When their life is turned upside down, will they find the strength to go on ...
I confess I have been surprised when I saw this novella delivered in my kindle nearly two weeks early. With my reading schedule packed to the rafters, plus the end of the year celebrations and my work, I decided to follow my initial schedule.
This is no romance, but a long chapter to introduce the main character of a new series and the siblings who will be starring in the books to come.
Chloe is one of six orphans adopted by a wealthy foreigner, as the first one, she is often seen as the elder, even if they are all close by age. Why she is often the substitute head in their many rescue missions as the Winchesters siblings are no ordinary people, each has its own talent and is accepted for its peculiarities.
This prequel portrays them at a turn in their life, having to face a hardship they refused to conceive and at the same time continue the miracle they were raised to do.
Chloe is a camelon, she blends with her environment like a wallflower with the fabrics in a ballroom. And while it hurts her at time to be so forgettable, it is much useful in their line of actions.
A good introduction to what looks like a promising new series.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 : none
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
A Wild Wynchesters Prequel
Erica Ridley
https://www.facebook.com/ericaridley
Release date 12/18/2020
Publisher Webmotion
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
An exciting prequel to THE DUKE HEIST.
Meet the Wild Wynchesters: This fun-loving, caper-committing family of tight-knit siblings can’t help but find love and adventure!
Years ago, Chloe Wynchester and five other uniquely talented orphans were adopted by a wealthy baron with a secret mission: The motley Wynchester family fights for justice from the margins of high society. And the handsome, clever duke Chloe has long admired proves to be her worst enemy…
An unscrupulous boarding school is exploiting orphans in a secret workhouse. Baron Vanderbean plots a daring rescue. When illness befalls him, Chloe must take the reins. But how can a lifelong wallflower lead the charge to save the children?
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
When their life is turned upside down, will they find the strength to go on ...
I confess I have been surprised when I saw this novella delivered in my kindle nearly two weeks early. With my reading schedule packed to the rafters, plus the end of the year celebrations and my work, I decided to follow my initial schedule.
This is no romance, but a long chapter to introduce the main character of a new series and the siblings who will be starring in the books to come.
Chloe is one of six orphans adopted by a wealthy foreigner, as the first one, she is often seen as the elder, even if they are all close by age. Why she is often the substitute head in their many rescue missions as the Winchesters siblings are no ordinary people, each has its own talent and is accepted for its peculiarities.
This prequel portrays them at a turn in their life, having to face a hardship they refused to conceive and at the same time continue the miracle they were raised to do.
Chloe is a camelon, she blends with her environment like a wallflower with the fabrics in a ballroom. And while it hurts her at time to be so forgettable, it is much useful in their line of actions.
A good introduction to what looks like a promising new series.
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 : none
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
February 19, 2021
This prequel novella certainly sets the reader up for reading more. This book introduces the family that will spin out from this series (I think). It's an endearing tale of sadness, family, loss and survival. I was mostly engaged and I definitely feel the bite for the next book which I have. This isn't a romance, it's a family tale.
January 14, 2021
Coyer Readathon: Read a Book from a Friends TBR: This book is on Ann F's TBR
This novella is the kick off to the new series from Erica Ridley and I'm so excited for this series. The Wynchesters are group of orphans made a family by a wealthy patron who adopted them. The families mission is to help those in need and they use a variety of skills to accomplish their goals.
This novella is the kick off to the new series from Erica Ridley and I'm so excited for this series. The Wynchesters are group of orphans made a family by a wealthy patron who adopted them. The families mission is to help those in need and they use a variety of skills to accomplish their goals.
July 13, 2021
I am reading this backward - I finished The Duke Heist first then backtracked to this one. It was an enjoyable novella, with the main plot of the Wynchesters siblings try to save unwanted girls from being mistreated by a greedy headmistress
On one hand, I was SO HAPPY to be able to read about Baron Vanderbean, or "Bean", the father of the Wynchesters siblings. Duly noted this novella only captured the last days of his life, but his presence was important to set the tone and to show what he meant to the siblings, including the painting that become the main object that started Chloe and Lawrence's story. I shed tears during his funeral scene.
On the other hand, now that I read how Lawrence dismissed and scoffed at Chloe (and her siblings) in this book, not giving them a time of day, I wanted him to grovel a WHOLE LOT MORE in the novel!! Grumbles, grumbles.
On one hand, I was SO HAPPY to be able to read about Baron Vanderbean, or "Bean", the father of the Wynchesters siblings. Duly noted this novella only captured the last days of his life, but his presence was important to set the tone and to show what he meant to the siblings, including the painting that become the main object that started Chloe and Lawrence's story. I shed tears during his funeral scene.
On the other hand, now that I read how Lawrence dismissed and scoffed at Chloe (and her siblings) in this book, not giving them a time of day, I wanted him to grovel a WHOLE LOT MORE in the novel!! Grumbles, grumbles.
January 17, 2021
DNF because this family was TSTL.
1. Why brag to an inveterate gambler how about how much money the painting he sold you years ago is now worth?
2. Why not give instructions to the butler to never let this person in?
3. Why leave the gambler alone in the room with the painting he begged you to return to him?
So that is where I quit reading. Maybe in the next book they can leave $10,000 in cash on their dashboard and then be shocked someone broke into their car.
1. Why brag to an inveterate gambler how about how much money the painting he sold you years ago is now worth?
2. Why not give instructions to the butler to never let this person in?
3. Why leave the gambler alone in the room with the painting he begged you to return to him?
So that is where I quit reading. Maybe in the next book they can leave $10,000 in cash on their dashboard and then be shocked someone broke into their car.
February 17, 2022
Nando's Spice Rating: Plain...ish
Ok I was expecting this to have sort of introduction of romance but there was nothing. Overall, I am not sure what this added to the story beyond just explaining the family dynamic but I feel this was achieved in The Duke Heist. This whole prequel was confusing.
Ok I was expecting this to have sort of introduction of romance but there was nothing. Overall, I am not sure what this added to the story beyond just explaining the family dynamic but I feel this was achieved in The Duke Heist. This whole prequel was confusing.
February 23, 2021
2.5 stars, because there's nothing wrong with it, but it really is very much a prequel. Still debating how invested I am in the series at this point...
November 10, 2021
After I read book #2 in this series (recommended by a friend), I just had to read all the preceding books. In order.
About 18 years ago, Baron Vanderbean of Balcovia (a small foreign principality in the Low Countries) had adopted six orphans, between 8 and 11 years old, over the course of a single summer. This found family has grown up to be a splendid and talented group, dedicated to doing good for those that cannot get help from other channels. Their talents include lock picking, disguise, forgery, and all sorts of things that might be useful for carrying out schemes that might be of questionable legality. Hence, a lot of what they do might fall into the "heist" or "caper" category.
Several such, in this book. How to rescue a school-full of mistreated young girls from the clutches of a criminally unscrupulous headmistress, and how to recover a beloved painting of theirs after it was stolen by the Duke of Faircliffe, who is busily ruining his fortune through gambling debts.
I will say no more of the plot, save that it directly sets up Book #1 in the Series - The Duke Heist - and introduces us to both Lawrence Gosling, Marquess of Lanbrooke (the Duke's heir) and to Miss Philippa York, wealthy commoner and bluestocking extraordinaire, both characters of importance in the rest of the series.
I loved Bean and the Wynchester orphans. Every one was introduced and developed such that I felt I understood them all. Chloe, most of all - the first orphan recruited (along with Tommy, her best friend.) We see the Wynchester clan working together, but this is especially Chloe's story.
This is a must-buy series for me. I have already sent email to Erica Ridley with Encouragement. :)
About 18 years ago, Baron Vanderbean of Balcovia (a small foreign principality in the Low Countries) had adopted six orphans, between 8 and 11 years old, over the course of a single summer. This found family has grown up to be a splendid and talented group, dedicated to doing good for those that cannot get help from other channels. Their talents include lock picking, disguise, forgery, and all sorts of things that might be useful for carrying out schemes that might be of questionable legality. Hence, a lot of what they do might fall into the "heist" or "caper" category.
Several such, in this book. How to rescue a school-full of mistreated young girls from the clutches of a criminally unscrupulous headmistress, and how to recover a beloved painting of theirs after it was stolen by the Duke of Faircliffe, who is busily ruining his fortune through gambling debts.
I will say no more of the plot, save that it directly sets up Book #1 in the Series - The Duke Heist - and introduces us to both Lawrence Gosling, Marquess of Lanbrooke (the Duke's heir) and to Miss Philippa York, wealthy commoner and bluestocking extraordinaire, both characters of importance in the rest of the series.
I loved Bean and the Wynchester orphans. Every one was introduced and developed such that I felt I understood them all. Chloe, most of all - the first orphan recruited (along with Tommy, her best friend.) We see the Wynchester clan working together, but this is especially Chloe's story.
This is a must-buy series for me. I have already sent email to Erica Ridley with Encouragement. :)
February 25, 2022
3.5 stars
This was nice. It was really fun to get to see some of the times when Chloe had seen or 'met' Lawrence before they properly met in The Duke Heist. I loved getting a little more of an insight into Chloe's already existing interest in him because of her spying on the House of Commons all the time. And then having him crush all her positive opinions about him by being rude and dismissing her over and over.
Basically, this was a villain origin story while the villain was simultaneously being the hero, trying to save orphans. It was a lot of fun to see a bit more of the way the Wynchesters handle their missions. I especially loved that it wasn't easy. They clearly struggled a lot and had to call in plans B and C (maybe even D or E, I don't even know how many revisions they did to the plan if I'm being honest). It made it all more interesting and exciting to read.
This was nice. It was really fun to get to see some of the times when Chloe had seen or 'met' Lawrence before they properly met in The Duke Heist. I loved getting a little more of an insight into Chloe's already existing interest in him because of her spying on the House of Commons all the time. And then having him crush all her positive opinions about him by being rude and dismissing her over and over.
Basically, this was a villain origin story while the villain was simultaneously being the hero, trying to save orphans. It was a lot of fun to see a bit more of the way the Wynchesters handle their missions. I especially loved that it wasn't easy. They clearly struggled a lot and had to call in plans B and C (maybe even D or E, I don't even know how many revisions they did to the plan if I'm being honest). It made it all more interesting and exciting to read.
September 30, 2022
The Wild Wynchesters are a group of adopted orphans that assist a wealthy baron in fighting for justice for those people who need their help. After learning of a boarding school exploiting orphans, the family vows to rescue the children, but the illness of Baron Vanderbean (or Bean), their adopted father, makes the job difficult, since the family find it hard to concentrate on their mission without Bean there to guide them. It was fun seeing the different skills each member of the family has that contribute to the caper, and I look forward to reading more adventures for this interesting, talented family.
January 24, 2021
The Governess Gambit was an excellent start to the The Wild Wynchesters series that wonderfully sets up the characters and the events to come.
Chloe Wynchester and five other orphans were adopted as children by a wealthy baron with a noble purpose. Using his status in life, Baron Vanderbean works to right wrongs and fight for justice. Each of the Wynchesters has their own unique talents to aid in this quest. When the family learns of a unscrupulous headmistress exploiting orphans, the group put their skills to use to rescue the children.
Each of the Wynchesters is unique in their own way with skills that most would consider unusual. This novella, as well as the first full-length book, focuses on Chloe who has an uncanny ability to go unnoticed. Her ability to move about sight unseen allows her to infiltrate places forbidden to her. It's definitely a skill that comes in handy throughout this story. Chloe is a fascinating character and I'm looking forward to learning more about her in the next book. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the siblings, it's clear they all care for one another and they've developed a great routine for their work.
The primary focus of this novella is the Wynchesters working to discredit a school headmistress who is forcing orphans to work under the guise of giving them an education. I enjoyed watching the Wynchesters work and getting to see them show off their unique talents. The school storyline was quite interesting and I liked the way it wrapped up. A side plot in this novella is the theft of a painting belonging to the Wynchesters by a duke and the family's subsequent attempts to get the painting back from the man's son after he passes away. The painting storyline is unresolved in this novella as it is the primary focus of the first full-length book, The Duke Heist.
Overall I really enjoyed The Governess Gambit and I'm looking forward to reading The Duke Heist soon. I definitely recommend this novella to anyone planning to pick up the series.
Chloe Wynchester and five other orphans were adopted as children by a wealthy baron with a noble purpose. Using his status in life, Baron Vanderbean works to right wrongs and fight for justice. Each of the Wynchesters has their own unique talents to aid in this quest. When the family learns of a unscrupulous headmistress exploiting orphans, the group put their skills to use to rescue the children.
Each of the Wynchesters is unique in their own way with skills that most would consider unusual. This novella, as well as the first full-length book, focuses on Chloe who has an uncanny ability to go unnoticed. Her ability to move about sight unseen allows her to infiltrate places forbidden to her. It's definitely a skill that comes in handy throughout this story. Chloe is a fascinating character and I'm looking forward to learning more about her in the next book. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the siblings, it's clear they all care for one another and they've developed a great routine for their work.
The primary focus of this novella is the Wynchesters working to discredit a school headmistress who is forcing orphans to work under the guise of giving them an education. I enjoyed watching the Wynchesters work and getting to see them show off their unique talents. The school storyline was quite interesting and I liked the way it wrapped up. A side plot in this novella is the theft of a painting belonging to the Wynchesters by a duke and the family's subsequent attempts to get the painting back from the man's son after he passes away. The painting storyline is unresolved in this novella as it is the primary focus of the first full-length book, The Duke Heist.
Overall I really enjoyed The Governess Gambit and I'm looking forward to reading The Duke Heist soon. I definitely recommend this novella to anyone planning to pick up the series.
May 27, 2024
2.75
i feel like i would've enjoyed this so much more if i read the other novels first and then read the prequel. it feels like the book is written with the idea of the reader already knowing and loving the characters. i'm excited to read the rest of this series though :)
i feel like i would've enjoyed this so much more if i read the other novels first and then read the prequel. it feels like the book is written with the idea of the reader already knowing and loving the characters. i'm excited to read the rest of this series though :)
December 23, 2020
Delightful
What a fun introduction. I’m delighted to meet the Wynchesters. And I’m so looking forward to reading their books. Tommy’s especially!
What a fun introduction. I’m delighted to meet the Wynchesters. And I’m so looking forward to reading their books. Tommy’s especially!
January 10, 2021
Good start to this series! Like a Robin Hood like group meets The Regency. There better be some groveling from the Duke!
February 8, 2021
Good prequel to the start of The Duke Heist!
December 28, 2020
This is a prelude to a new series about the eccentric Wynchester family. The next book, The Duke's Heist is Chloe's story of the family quest to get their painting back from the duke.
May 20, 2021
The writing seems on the level of YA, which I don't like. I'm intrigued with the story and will try the next book.
June 25, 2021
This was a good prequel to the Winchester family. You got a small glimpse into the family and what kind of missions they do before the full length novel.
December 7, 2021
To be honest, had I read this one before I read The Duke Heist as it is intended, I likely would not have gone on to read any of this series.
Although this is a prequel, I never really felt invested in any of the (almost too numerous to keep track of) cast of characters or their unique abilities. I definitely didn't feel any sort of spark or connection between Chloe and the Duke who are the main couple in the first novel. The fact that he was unpardonably rude to her and her entire family makes me wonder why anyone would choose to continue on.
To be honest, I wish we had seen more of Bean. Why did he decide to adopt so many children? How did he nurture their gifts and abilities when they were younger? It is obvious how much he meant to the others, but I feel like we got next to nothing in terms of who he was and what made him tick. Obviously, he was into doing good works for the less fortunate, but why did he decide to involve his children in some of his schemes knowing what might happen to them if they were caught.
Despite the flaws this book had, it was still an interesting read watching Chloe and her siblings find a way to outsmart and outwit Miss Spranklin. I think for me, it would have been more enjoyable if there was a better balance between the scenes taking place at the orphanage and the ones taking place at home (especially in their war/plotting room). I also would have liked to see the Duke begin to redeem himself instead of finishing this story thinking he was the worst sort of man.
I think this is a one-off from this author as I have read and enjoyed many of her other stories, so I would definitely read more from them in the future.
Although this is a prequel, I never really felt invested in any of the (almost too numerous to keep track of) cast of characters or their unique abilities. I definitely didn't feel any sort of spark or connection between Chloe and the Duke who are the main couple in the first novel. The fact that he was unpardonably rude to her and her entire family makes me wonder why anyone would choose to continue on.
To be honest, I wish we had seen more of Bean. Why did he decide to adopt so many children? How did he nurture their gifts and abilities when they were younger? It is obvious how much he meant to the others, but I feel like we got next to nothing in terms of who he was and what made him tick. Obviously, he was into doing good works for the less fortunate, but why did he decide to involve his children in some of his schemes knowing what might happen to them if they were caught.
Despite the flaws this book had, it was still an interesting read watching Chloe and her siblings find a way to outsmart and outwit Miss Spranklin. I think for me, it would have been more enjoyable if there was a better balance between the scenes taking place at the orphanage and the ones taking place at home (especially in their war/plotting room). I also would have liked to see the Duke begin to redeem himself instead of finishing this story thinking he was the worst sort of man.
I think this is a one-off from this author as I have read and enjoyed many of her other stories, so I would definitely read more from them in the future.
July 22, 2021
This was a great prequel (for The Duke Heist) and intro to the Wynchester family. I love a found family and this group of 6 talented orphans and their caring, loving, wealthy Baron of a father who has raised them all was just so great. All the siblings have special talents and together they take on missions to fight and seek justice for those society isn’t willing to help. I loved all the characters and I’m so intrigued by the Duke and what will happen in the next book. This definitely ends on a cliffhanger so have The Duke Heist queued up and ready to go because you aren’t going to want to stop…ok off to read that right now.
March 23, 2021
I absolutely adored The Duke Heist, and this novella perfectly led up to that one! I think reading this one after reading The Duke Heist is the way to go because a few secrets of that one were prefaced here and would maybe take away some of the discovery! Seriously this is going to be an amazing series and I cannot wait for Tommy’s book :,)
July 21, 2021
Well this was a rather interesting story to read. I think that the writer did a good job of entertaining me with a story of family, dedication honor and promise. I like the humor among the characters. The book is a great page turner. I like the excitement of the book as well as the suspense. This is a good book.
March 2, 2021
2.5 stars - Historical Prequel Novella
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