Review - - A Waltz on the Wild Side

A Waltz on the Wild Side

by Erica Ridley

The Wild Wynchesters - Book 6

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Advice columnist Miss Vivian Henry hates how the Wild Wynchesters flaunt so many privileges ordinary people could never emulate. But when her beloved cousin goes missing and the authorities shrug, Viv has no choice but to beg for help from the vigilantes she despises. 
 
Aspiring poet Jacob Wynchester prefers animals to people. He’d rather stay behind the safety of a quill than interact with prickly clients. But when he's appointed lead investigator, Jacob finds he admires Vivian's resourcefulness and intelligence—including the sharp wit he must parry. As they team up to rescue her kidnapped cousin, they discover just how compatible they are.
 
Together, they must not only save the day, but also decide how far they’re willing to go to be who they really are. And determine whether their partnership is a mistake… or the missing piece that completes them.

PJ's Thoughts:

A Waltz on the Wild Side is a solid conclusion to what has been an excellent series. All of the Wynchesters - and their partners - return for this farewell story but it's quiet, gentle Jacob who takes the lead when a young man goes missing and the authorities don't seem to care.

I always enjoy a good enemies-to-lovers story and this one is most definitely that. The Wynchester family is Vivian's absolute last resort when her cousin goes missing. To say she holds them in low regard would be a gross understatement. While her young cousin idolizes these crime-fighting adopted siblings, Vivian is convinced they are too rich, too entitled, and too full of themselves. She has a sharp quill, sharp tongue, and two pets of her own that are enough to scare off every adversary. She will not be easily won over. 

Jacob is a kind soul who is more at home with animals than people, his family being the exception. It was fun to watch him take the lead on a case, especially with the sparks that fly between him and Vivian. These two have more in common than they think. Working together to try to find Vivian's cousin not only deepens feelings but also helps each of them evolve in unexpected ways as they journey toward personal fulfillment and, as a couple, their own happy ending.

As with the earlier books in this series, Ridley brings plenty of adventure, fun, and humor to this one. I enjoy the dynamics among the Wynchester siblings and their chosen partners. There's plenty of teasing but an equal amount of respect and support. And, as always, a few surprises. There are also important social issues addressed in this book, in particular those relating to wealth, race, and gender. I appreciate how Ridley balances the entertainment value of her books with issues important to the time, keeping the characters and their challenges authentic. I'm excited to discover what she plans to bring readers next. 

Review - - Hot Earl Summer

Hot Earl Summer

by Erica Ridley

The Wild Wynchesters - Book 5

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: August 6, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

Bold, curvy Elizabeth Wynchester loves cuddling hedgehogs almost as much as she adores vanquishing villains with the sharp blade concealed inside her cane. Despite others’ opinions about her body and gender, nothing will stop her from seeing justice done. When her next mission drops her at the dastardly Earl of Densmore’s castle, she’s prepared to duel like gentlemen—only to be locked inside! Her trusty sword cannot defeat the castle’s hidden traps… or protect her heart from the devilishly handsome rogue guarding the keep.

When reclusive inventor Stephen Lenox agreed to impersonate his cousin for a few days, he didn’t expect the earl to vanish altogether. Nor could Stephen predict mounting death threats… or the arrival of a beguiling, blade-wielding spinster who declares herself his new bodyguard. As the earl’s enemies lay siege to the castle, Stephen fights his way past Elizabeth’s defenses. She’ll share his bed, but when the adventure concludes, she vows to sever their affair. Unless he can somehow convince a swashbuckling siren to surrender her heart…

PJ's Thoughts:

What a fun book! If you're looking for a story that will have you grinning from beginning to end, the adventures of berserker Beth and nerdy Stephen are what you need. My favorite Wild Wynchesters story so far. And that's saying something. 

I wasn't sure what to expect from Elizabeth in this book. We've always known that she's a bold warrior who leads with her sword but we discover in this story that there's much more to her than her battle skills and bloodthirsty nature. She's actually a very complex woman who lives with chronic pain and the challenges that can bring in both activities and relationships. I loved getting to know her better through her interactions with Stephen, the last man she would have chosen for herself but the very best match possible. I loved these two together. The banter. The battle of wits. The attraction. The care, respect, and admiration that Stephen holds for Elizabeth exactly as she is. 

When a neighbor with delusions of grandeur lays siege to the castle, requiring Elizabeth and Stephen to merge their skill sets, that's when the fun really begins. So many laugh-out-loud moments. So many hilarious scenes and lines of dialogue. Ridley really outdid herself with the humor in this one. But with all the fun and humor of this adventurous romp, there is also a satisfying balance of emotional depth and tender feelings. Along with, of course, the feel-good bonds of chosen family that come with the Wynchester siblings, romantic partners, and unique pets, all dedicated to delivering justice for the underdogs of the time. 

There's so much more I could say about this book but all the deliciously delightful bits really deserve to be discovered by each reader as they navigate the journey of a Hot Earl Summer. This one is going straight to my comfort read keeper shelf where I will no doubt revisit it whenever I feel the need for a mood boost. 

For those of you who have not yet discovered Erica Ridley's Wild Wynchesters, Hot Earl Summer is the fifth book in the series. It's fun to catch up with all of the siblings in each book but you can absolutely jump in at any place in the series and not feel lost or confused. Having said that, I enthusiastically recommend all five of the titles for a rollicking good reading time. 

Review & Giveaway - - My Rogue to Ruin

My Rogue to Ruin

by Erica Ridley

The Wild Wynchesters - Book 4

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

The riotous Wynchester family has taken on a new case to expose a forger, but the prime suspect isn't at all what he seems in this captivating Regency romp from a New York Times bestselling author.

Marjorie Wynchester has always let her siblings take the lead when it comes to planning their investigations. But someone in London is trying to pass off counterfeits, and this time she's the only one with the skill needed to find the culprit. Soon, all the evidence leads her straight to Lord Adrian Webb.

Adrian is a roguish scoundrel of the first order, but he never meant to get caught up in a forgery scheme. Especially one that’s snowballed out of control. Now a blackmailer is out to ruin him, and the most alluring woman he's ever met is trying to put him behind bars.
Every time Marjorie thinks she has Adrian figured out, her assumptions turn on their head. He’s a heartless scoundrel. A loyal brother. A smooth liar. A good kisser. Er…wait… Is winning her affections just one more attempt to avoid the law? Or is it possible he’s not such a rogue after all?

PJ's Thoughts:

My Rogue to Ruin is the fourth book in this series but the first I've read. I know! What was I thinking? I knew of the series, had seen it mentioned in various places. I know Erica Ridley is a talented author. I expected good stories once I cleared enough time (there really are not enough reading hours in a day) but nobody told me how much fun I was missing. So I'm telling you. Do not miss this book. Buy it in print, download it to your favorite reading device, check it out from your library, but go get this book, clear your schedule, and lose yourself in a fun, feel-good, Regency romp that will leave you eager to read every single book in the series. 

There's so much to love about this book. Adrian and Marjorie together are simply perfection. I adored them, both individually and as a couple. It was a delight to watch them navigate their circumstances, evolve personally, fall in love, outsmart the villains, and eventually claim their HEA. I pretty much smiled through their entire adventure. The journey is filled with sweetness, spice, suspicion, cheeky humor, danger, and emotional growth. The interactions with the other members of the Wynchester family are pure gold. Honestly, I can't get to their books fast enough. 

If you're in the mood for a fun, feel-good, can't put it down, Regency romp, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of My Rogue to Ruin by Erica Ridley. It has my wholehearted, enthusiastic, grinned until my cheeks hurt, recommendation. 

Have you read Erica Ridley?

Have you read any of the books in the Wild Wynchesters series?

What's the last book that had you smiling from cover to cover?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 10 will receive a print copy of My Rogue to Ruin.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18