Publisher's Weekly Review
A woman discovers her self-worth with help from a wonderfully unconventional family in Ridley's sparkling third Wild Wynchesters Regency (after The Perks of Loving a Wallflower). Kuni de Heusch of Balcovia dreams of becoming the kingdom's first female Royal Guardsman, though her Guardsmen older brothers always laugh her off. She finally gets a chance to prove herself on a mission to London gathering intel in advance of a royal visit. Graham Wynchester, the unofficial spy master of his Robin Hoodesque band of quirky adopted siblings, knows the Balcovian royalty are on their way. So when he stumbles on Kuni, he mistakes her for a princess in need of his protection. Of course, Kuni quickly proves more than capable of protecting herself. Taken in by her fierceness and beauty, Graham invites Kuni to stay with him and his siblings. Kuni's independence is hard won--but when the boisterous Wynchester clan invites her to join in on their heists, she feels seen and appreciated for the first time. Graham and Kuni share an immediate attraction, which grows to something more through witty banter and mutual support. But if Kuni becomes a Royal Guardsman, how will Graham fit into her life? The sense of camaraderie between the diverse Wynchester crew is as strong as ever, and Ridley hits the sweet spot of tickling readers' funny bones and pulling on their heartstrings in equal measure. This is a joy. Agent: Lauren E. Abramo, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (July)
Booklist Review
Graham Wynchester lives for two things, fighting failures of justice and rescuing royalty. Though he has yet to actually save anyone royal (or even royal-adjacent), he thinks he may finally have his chance when he discovers coded messages that indicate a royal personage is in London and needs help. Kunigunde de Heusch is no aristocrat, and she is definitely not in need of rescuing. All Kuni wants to do is follow in her family's footsteps by serving in the Balcovian Royal Guardsmen. While most of the other men in her life are deadset against Kuni pursuing this career path, she soon finds that Graham is completely different because he genuinely wants what is best for her, even if it means that he may lose what he now wants most. Writing with plenty of panache, a flair for thoughtful characterization, and an exhilarating sense of humor, Ridley (The Perks of Loving a Wallflower, 2021) deftly delivers another marvelously imaginative addition to her Wild Wynchesters series that proves to be another perfect dose of reading joy.
Library Journal Review
Graham Wynchester stars in book three of Ridley's LJ-best-booked Regency series. The intelligence-gatherer and acrobat leads his found family in their collective mission to help those in need. Kunigunde de Heusch is highly skilled herself and on a secret mission: surveil London in advance of a royal visit by her king. She hopes her exemplary work will allow her to become the first woman allowed in the royal guard. She does not need Graham's help, but she does soon become enchanted by his inner and outer beauty and by the delightful Wynchester clan. Graham opens the family home and resources to Kunigunde and they train together, share their heartaches and hopes, and negotiate their needs and desires. To the delight of readers, siblings Elizabeth, Marjorie, and Jacob play larger roles in the story, setting up future titles in the series known for its swoony wit and charm, social commentary, and notable inclusivity (Graham, Kunigunde, and Jacob are Black; Elizabeth deals with chronic illness; and Marjorie has hearing loss). VERDICT A strong title in an essential collection-building series. Ridley, who has a deft hand with dialogue and detail and crafts bookmark-it scenes and byplay, is fast becoming an auto-buy author and makes a good read-alike suggestion for fans of Lisa Kleypas, Grace Burrowes, and Elizabeth Hoyt.--Neal Wyatt
