#erica Ridley

[traeumenvonbuechern]

Historical Romances by Black Authors

Aphrodite wishes to escape the marriage mart but will a second chance with the elusive Duke of Everely change her mind? Aphrodite Du Bell is a diamond of the first water and a favourite of the queen. But her renowned loveliness didn't stop the love of her life, Evander Eagleman, from jilting her and marrying another woman four years ago. Aphrodite has been in self-imposed exile ever since. However, when her formidable mother summons her back to London Aphrodite has no choice but to acquiesce. Upon her return, Aphrodite learns that the newly widowed Evander is in town and, despite her best efforts, the grand society events of the season repeatedly push them together. With each encounter, Aphrodite's traitorous feelings make it perfectly clear that the Duke still holds court over her heart. Why did Evander cast Aphrodite aside all those years ago, and now that they have a second chance, can the couple make strides to mend past hurts?

Ailsa Connery has waited three long years to finally escape her enslavement at Stirling Castle and reunite with her clan. But her carefully laid plans are completely destroyed by the arrival of the infamous Highland warrior known as Dubh Mahoun, the Black Devil…who has plans of his own. Kallum MacNeill's fearsome reputation has long allowed him to keep hidden his secret double life of freeing enslaved captives across the land. It's only when he kidnaps a servant lass—quite by accident—that he finds himself facing a wee predicament. He must accompany the lass home or risk her exposing his true identity. It'd be easy enough…if the feisty hellion didn't fight him at every turn. As they make their way to the Highlands, the perils the two must face are surpassed only by their constant sparring. Soon, their heated sniping sparks heat of a totally different kind. The kind that ignites a hunger that could consume them both. Yet the difficult journey is no match for the dangerous secrets they're about to uncover.

The first novel in USA Today Bestselling Author Beverly Jenkins’s compelling new series follows a Northern woman south in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War . . . Valinda Lacy’s mission in the steamy heart of New Orleans is to help the newly emancipated community survive and flourish. But soon she discovers that here, freedom can also mean danger. When thugs destroy the school she has set up and then target her, Valinda runs for her life—and straight into the arms of Captain Drake LeVeq. As an architect from an old New Orleans family, Drake has a deeply personal interest in rebuilding the city. Raised by strong women, he recognizes Valinda’s determination. And he can’t stop admiring—or wanting—her. But when Valinda’s father demands she return home to marry a man she doesn’t love, her daring rebellion draws Drake into an irresistible intrigue.

A fun and feminist Regency romp from a master of the genre hailed as "a delight" by Bridgerton author Julia Quinn. Nothing happens in London without Graham Wynchester knowing. His massive collection of intelligence is invaluable to his family’s mission of aiding those most in need. So when he deciphers a series of coded messages in the scandal sheets, Graham’s convinced he must come to a royal’s rescue. But his quarry turns out not to be a princess at all… The captivating Kunigunde de Heusch is anything but a damsel in distress, and the last thing she wants is Graham’s help. All her life, Kuni trained alongside the fiercest Royal Guardsmen in her family, secretly planning to become her country’s first Royal Guardswoman. This mission in London is a chance to prove herself worthy without help from a man, not even one as devilishly handsome as Graham. To her surprise, Graham believes in her dream as much as she does, which makes it harder to resist kissing him…and falling in love. But how can she risk her heart if her future lies an ocean away? 

Jane Austen meets The Princess and the Frog For as long as Prairie can remember, living in paradise has been boring. Her days are filled with helping at her family's resort, sewing, daydreaming, and observing fashionable guests from the sidelines. But when a fairytale-Esque opportunity arises, she does something out of character and agrees to marry a man she's never met. Suddenly, she's navigating a new life that is a world and an ocean away from everything she's ever known. Her new husband, Wright, is decidedly Mr. Wrong. If there's a schedule, he'll ignore it. If there is a rule, he'll break it. If there's a risk, he'll take it. Has the girl who has always had a plan finally met her match? If you're a fan of TV shows like 'Vanity Fair', 'Bridgerton' and 'The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina' or enjoy reading comedies of manners, you'll love 'That, My Dear, Is Love.' This is a full-length, standalone novel featuring a diverse ensemble cast, whimsical magic, and hilarious misadventures. This is a clean romance with a HEA. Featuring some of your favorite tropes: Marriage of Convenience Opposites Attract Reformed Rake

The Davenports delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked. The Davenports are one of the few Black families of immense wealth and status in a changing United States, their fortune made through the entrepreneurship of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man who founded the Davenport Carriage Company years ago. Now it's 1910, and the Davenports live surrounded by servants, crystal chandeliers, and endless parties, finding their way and finding love—even where they’re not supposed to. There is Olivia, the beautiful elder Davenport daughter, ready to do her duty by getting married . . . until she meets the charismatic civil rights leader Washington DeWight and sparks fly. The younger daughter, Helen, is more interested in fixing cars than falling in love—unless it’s with her sister’s suitor. Amy-Rose, the childhood friend turned maid to the Davenport sisters, dreams of opening her own business—and marrying the one man she could never be with, Olivia and Helen’s brother, John. But Olivia’s best friend, Ruby, also has her sights set on John Davenport, though she can’t seem to keep his interest . . . until family pressure has her scheming to win his heart, just as someone else wins hers. Inspired by the real-life story of the Patterson family, The Davenports is the tale of four determined and passionate young Black women discovering the courage to steer their own path in life—and love.

[a-ramblinrose]

Just one more chapter she said, many many chapters ago....

[the-final-sentence]

The kiss he gave her in reply proved that this was only the beginning.

Erica Ridley, from One Night of Passion

[transbookoftheday]

Trans Books To Read If You Love "Bridgerton"

From the bestselling author of Husband Material comes a lush, sweeping queer historical romance where sparks fly between childhood friends after a life-changing separation—perfect for fans of Bridgerton, Evie Dunmore, and Lisa Kleypas!​ When Viola Carroll was presumed dead at Waterloo she took the opportunity to live, at last, as herself. But freedom does not come without a price, and Viola paid for hers with the loss of her wealth, her title, and her closest companion, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood. Only when their families reconnect, years after the war, does Viola learn how deep that loss truly was. Shattered without her, Gracewood has retreated so far into grief that Viola barely recognises her old friend in the lonely, brooding man he has become. As Viola strives to bring Gracewood back to himself, fresh desires give new names to old feelings. Feelings that would have been impossible once and may be impossible still, but which Viola cannot deny. Even if they cost her everything, all over again.

From the USA Today bestselling author of Boyfriend Material comes a riotous Regency romp full of art, expensive hats, and a love that is nothing short of spectacular. Peggy Delancey’s not at all ready to move on from her former flame, Arabella Tarleton. But Belle has her own plans for a love match, and she needs Peggy’s help to make those plans a reality. Still hung up on her feelings and unable to deny Belle what she wants, Peggy reluctantly agrees to help her woo the famous and flamboyant opera singer Orfeo. She certainly doesn’t expect to find common ground with a celebrated soprano, but when Peggy and Orfeo meet, a whole new flame is ignited that she can’t ignore. Peggy finds an immediate kinship with Orfeo, who’s just as nonconforming as she is―and just as affected by their instant connection. They’ve never been able to find their place in the world, but as the pair walks the line between friendship, flirtation, and something more, they may just find their place with each other.

Emma meets Snow White. Harmony has it all. Apple has nothing left to lose. A chance meeting changes everything. Having none of the “normal inducements” to marriage, Harmony Worth is content to enjoy her family’s fortune, meddle in the lives of her seven older brothers, and master her passion for brewing mead. With wealth, beauty, and wit there is not much she wants for, or so she thinks. Apple Forthwright is many things, a diviner, an illusionist, a potion master, and most importantly they’re a person on the run. Intent on surviving on their charms and staying in the shadows to avoid their wicked Mother, the last thing Apple planned to do was fall in love. With their love blossoming as Apple’s evil Mother is on the hunt, can they learn to lean on each other or will their Happily Ever After be poisoned? If you’re a fan of TV shows like ‘Once Upon a Time,’ ‘Bridgerton,’ And ‘Sanditon,’ or enjoy reading comedies of manners, you’ll love the novella “A Heart To Hold.” Featuring some of your favorite tropes: Sworn off Love They Fall First Opposites Attract The Regency Revisited series is a collection of interconnected novels set in an inventive Regency-inspired world. Each story follows its own protagonist as they go on their own journey of self-discovery, adventure, and ultimately romance. Every book has a guaranteed Happily Ever After! If you enjoy lush fantasy worlds, diverse ensemble casts, comedies of manners, and a heaping helping of humor, the world of the Regency Revisited series is awaiting your visit.

Fans of Bridgerton will love this “delightful” Regency romp (Julia Quinn, New York Times bestselling author​) named one of the best romances of the year by Entertainment Weekly. As a master of disguise, Thomasina Wynchester can be a polite young lady—or a bawdy old man. She’ll do whatever it takes to solve the cases her family takes on. But when Tommy’s beautiful new client turns out to be the highborn lady she’s secretly smitten with, more than her mission is at stake . . . Bluestocking Miss Philippa York doesn’t believe in love. Her heart didn’t pitter-patter when she was betrothed to a duke, nor did it break when he married someone else. All Philippa desires is to decode a centuries-old manuscript to keep a modern-day villain from claiming credit for work that wasn’t his. She hates that she needs a man’s help to do it—so she’s delighted to discover the clever, charming baron at her side is in fact a woman. But as she and Tommy grow closer and the stakes of their discovery higher, more than just their hearts are at risk.

Lady Agnes is a scandal, thanks to her sister’s marriage to a prizefighter. Or rather, she should be, but as a charitable spinster-to-be, she remains firmly invisible, even to those she loves. Always dutiful, Lady Agnes should be the toast of her family, but only if she marries well. Finding the prospect of wedding a man unpalatable, Lady Agnes cannot be the social savior of her sister. Suddenly, receiving attentions from the unpredictable and surprisingly resourceful Mr. Jack Townsend, Lady Agnes finds herself believing he might love her and not her dowry. After being overlooked for so long, can she believe he cares for her, or is she a means to an end as her family insists? Jack About Town is London’s best Finder of Lost Things. What few realize is that Jack transcends the spheres of men and women, existing as both, or perhaps neither, sex. True, his most lucrative finds are pornographic artifacts for rich toffs. But now he has found Lady Agnes, a meticulous, generous, knock-down incredible lady who wears men’s boots. Best of all, Lady Agnes accepts him in his entirety—a jewel so rare that even Jack is surprised he could find it. When Jack is commissioned to steal from Lady Agnes’s cousin, can Jack find a way to prove his love and still earn the money he needs to protect himself and his home?

[thethrobbingmembers]

THE THROBBING MEMBERS REVIEW: The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley

Why does the pro-LGBT regency piss me off so bad? -Sarah

They could've lived a lie, and it would have been great. -Catherine

Where have all the good sapphic books gone and where are all the toxic queers? -Smurf

I was too busy getting straight married to finish this book. Love Loses. -Margo

Was unable to finish this book due to morning sickness from being PREGNANT!!!! Congratulations!!! -Cindy

Dream Cast

Philippa

Tommy

The Wild Wynchesters

Summary:

Philippa is a rich Regency lady. Her parents want her to get married, but she just wants to read books. In an effort to help one of her book club friends, she recruits the Wynchester family, including Tommy Wynchester, who has secretly been in love with Philippa for years. Cue disgustingly cutesy shenanigans. 🤮

Review:

I mean this ending sucked right? Just gotta get that out of the way. Most of it was fine, but god that ending. Every twist and turn was so contrived.

"I’m a wallflower. I receive marriage proposals everyday, but somehow I’m still an underappreciated wallflower who everyone hates." God, stop whining.

In theory, I should have enjoyed this book. It had all my favorite things: absurd shenanigans, costumes for plot reasons, and poorly defined historical periods. This is also to say that it had my least favorite things: absurd shenanigans, costumes for plot reasons, and poorly defined historical periods. Depending on the author, these are all either fun beach reads, or infuriating. Unfortunately, and mostly due to the Wynchester family (spelled that way surely to avoid admitting taking any inspiration from supernatural, which yeah, fair), this book falls into the latter category.

Every third or so book I read for this club I go this was fine, whatever, I probably won’t remember anything from it. And then we screech about it, and get pedantic over a bottle of wine and I suddenly remember everything that annoyed me while I was reading. Something, I think, must be fundamentally broken within the historical romance publishing world, because it seems like it modern ones are worse than ones that came out just a few years ago? This wanted to be a fun beach read, but the author just couldn't help herself, and had to keep making sure that chronically online queer people on twitter (you can't make me call it X, Elon, fuck you) wouldn't pick a dumb discourse based fight with her. This has all been litigated over and over again and shouldn't have been included in this book.

I know I ask this every single review I write, but seriously, why are these people allowed to publish these books unedited. Not to give myself away as a millennial, but is this is the recession’s fault? Like people were fired and then the roles were never filled again? I know its deeply hypocritical of me to complain about editing or lack thereof considering my writing style is to drink too much wine and/or smoke a little weed, but I’m not claiming to be a professional am I? As Catherine wisely said, this "mystery" was dumb, for a wide variety of reasons, one of which being the actual history of manuscripts.

This book was fun, assuming I read it in one sitting, and never thought about it ever again. And also, skipped entire sections of the book, especially when the truly insufferable found family was on the page. Who fucking asked for this. Why were there so many, and why were they all so annoying?

This entire book should have been just the two people, whose names I immediately forgot because tbh, this book wasn't very good, masquerading as straight people in public. That's when the book was the most fun. AND YET!! That obvious solution wasn't good enough or morally righteous enough for the rich woman. THIS IS HISTORICAL!! Please at least pretend to act like it.

3/10 stars

Theme Song: Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko

Additional Ratings

Historical Accuracy: 2/10

They do say stays instead of corset, and that's all I can give this book.

Sexy Sex: ?/10

The sex scenes certainly happened, but no one remembers them.

Trauma Score: 2/10

Tommy had some trauma about people leaving her. YAWN.

Mystery: 1/10

The entire mystery hinged on Erica Ridley fundamentally misunderstanding fore-edge painting.

Notes: Free Tommy's brother's hedgehog from the Wynchester's loudass house!

[whimsicaldragonette]

ARC Review: Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley

Order:

Add to Goodreads:

Publication Date: August 6, 2024

Synopsis:

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… Action adventure meets Regency romance in this feminist romp.

My Rating: ★★★★★

*My Review and Favorite Quotes below the cut.

My Review:

I have been waiting for Elizabeth's story since the very first Wynchester book came out and it's finally here! I loved this so much. Elizabeth was everything I wanted. I loved her percentages to calculate how capable her body felt each day. I loved the time she had to devote to stretching and keeping her body as supple as she could manage in order to minimize pain. I loved how her disability left her able to swashbuckle on some days and unable to get out of bed on others. It was so lovingly and carefully written and I just felt so *seen.* I also loved her unapologetic bloodthirstyness and her absolute refusal to have anything to do with children. She doesn't like kids, doesn't want kids, and I respect that. Stephen was so delightfully nerdy, and Elizabeth's unexpected appreciation of that was wonderful. His Rube Goldberg machines were terribly fun, and their banter and interactions were perfection. And his unexpected bloodthirsty side matched Elizabeth's. I also loved the series of clues and puzzles they had to solve to find the will. It was the perfect challenge for the two of them. Everything about this book was perfection and it was such a delight to read it. Every Wynchester book is a delight, but this one perhaps more than most. *Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for providing an early copy for review.

Favorite Quotes:

"Recover the will and testament first," Tommy said quickly. "And then you can unleash Beth the Berserker."

---

Elizabeth hated feeling helpless. She was only of value when she was out swashbuckling, and worthless when lying about motionless. What could be worse than a worthless Wynchester?

---

She nudged a battle-axe into his cravat. "Stop flirting with me." His eyes widened with interest. "You interpret my use of logical reasoning as...flirtation?" "Everyone shows off when they're flirting. If you don't mean for it to be arousing, then cease doing so."

---

He smiled without responding. It was one thing to avoid an inconvenient beheading, and another to take a berserker into one's confidence. Then again, her blades were still at Stephen's throat. Which was perhaps her idea of flirting.

---

"'Beth the Berserker' is Elizabeth Wynchester at sixty-five percent power?" he said in disbelief. "What must you be like at full capacity?" Her eyes glinted deviously. "The world has yet to find out." "I'm not sure anyone is ready to find out. The universe might come apart at the seams." "Destroyer of Worlds," she said dreamily. "It does have a nice ring to it."

---

This hasn't been a traditional courship-" "Duels, dungeons, and catacombs are the best kind of courtship," she assured him.

[judeinthestars]

New sapphic book review! Her Princess at Midnight by Erica Ridley

[lesbianbusiness]

Highly recommend this book!

[caffeinated-bibliophile]

My second read for the Romance Readathon is The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley.

This is the second book in the Wild Wynchesters series, and I could have used it for like four different prompts, but I'm going to count it for "read a romance that doesn't have an illustrated cover."

[lindseygray11me]

{The Wild Wynchesters Review} Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley

Elizabeth Wynchester is a character I aspire to be. We have many of the same ailments, joint issues, muscle spasms, swelling, and many more. She measures her health like a battery which is something I do as well. I’m useless under 20%, but not Elizabeth. She wielding swords and kicking butt. I wish I could do half as much as the swashbuckler that is Elizabeth Wynchester. Elizabeth turns out to…

[a-ramblinrose]

💖✨️💖A Very Romantic Book Haul!!!💖✨️💖

I went a little wild when I spotted all the lovely KJ Charles books at The Ripped Bodice! I read the Will Darling Adventures last year with much enjoyment and absolutely needed them in hardcopy. I'm actually reading Proper English on the kindle currently so I popped it and it's sequel into my bag too. 🤣 At that point the Erica Ridley was just gross indulgence. My one non-romance purchase was from the Village Well and after seeing so many recommendations I decided to make my wallet cry some more.

[the-final-sentence]

They were too engaged in a scandalously romantic kiss.

Erica Ridley, from Lord of the Masquerade

[transbookoftheday]

The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley

As a master of disguise, Thomasina Wynchester can be a polite young lady—or a bawdy old man. She’ll do whatever it takes to solve the cases her family takes on. But when Tommy’s beautiful new client turns out to be the highborn lady she’s secretly smitten with, more than her mission is at stake . . .

Bluestocking Miss Philippa York doesn’t believe in love. Her heart didn’t pitter-patter when she was betrothed to a duke, nor did it break when he married someone else. All Philippa desires is to decode a centuries-old manuscript to keep a modern-day villain from claiming credit for work that wasn’t his. She hates that she needs a man’s help to do it—so she’s delighted to discover the clever, charming baron at her side is in fact a woman. But as she and Tommy grow closer and the stakes of their discovery higher, more than just their hearts are at risk.

[sarah-maclean-completist]

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Historical romance recs for your tbr

[coollovebibliophilethings]

Kiss of a Duke by Erica Ridley

Title: Kiss of a DukeAuthor: Erica RidleySeries: 12 Dukes of Christmas #2Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)My Bookshelves: Christmas, Historical romance, Regency romancePace: SlowFormat: eBook, NovelYear: 2018 I read the first book in the 12 Dukes of Christmas series last year for Christmas and absolutely loved the premise and story. But, as always, I ended up somewhat…

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Her Princess at Midnight by Erica Ridley

Regency Fairy Tales #2

Short sapphic retelling of a favorite fairy tale that I believe would appeal to Young Adults and be a great read for them. Since the storyline is so well known, a lot of detail is probably not needed though if a person did NOT know the Cinderella tale, more might have helped and given more depth.

I liked Princess Ammalia the best in the story and enjoyed the way she put the stepsisters and their mother in place while tending to Cynthia/Cinderella. The prince had potential while dancing with Cynthia but returned to his truer nature when he found out what his father’s plans for him for the future would be.

All in all, this was a quick easy read of a well-known tale that had a few twists and two women who found their happily ever after. It is not my favorite of this author’s books, but still a nice way to spend the evening.

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

BLURB

What if Cinderella fell for the handsome prince’s… sister? Cynthia lives a life of drudgery, toiling for her stepmother and stepsisters without receiving gratitude or pay. Every day is the same… until a royal retinue sweeps into town, inviting every unwed maiden to vie for the hand of the visiting prince. The moment she lays eyes on the prince’s beautiful sister, Cynthia is smitten. She’s never been to a ball, and she’s determined not to miss this one. But when her family refuses to allow her to attend—not that Cynthia even has a gown to wear—it will take a miracle to escape the attic and catch the eye of the princess who holds the key to her heart!