Format: ebook
Published: 18th December, 2020
Age: Adult
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: 4/5 Stars
This is a prequel book, so I’m sure there were bits I was missing that would have bumped into 5 stars, purely from the fact I haven’t yet read The Duke Heist. I am, however, very keen on doing so after meeting the Wynchesters.
The Wynchesters are a group of siblings – previously orphans, the five were adopted by a wealthy baron, and put their skills to fighting for justice and righting wrongs, including plotting a rescue from a boarding school exploiting its students. But as they make their preparations, a painting important to the whole family is stolen and the baron falls ill, leaving the siblings to complete the mission and find a way to get their painting back.
As a prequel, we don’t, of course, get everything resolved, but parts are definitely setting up The Duke Heist, which – from my understanding – focuses more on the romance side than The Governess Gambit. This was still a brilliant introduction, however, concentrating on Chloe as she gets employment at the boarding school and searches for a way to help the girls trapped there.
It’s a very enjoyable, pleasant read from Ridley, who makes the most of every sentence in only 156 pages. The characters all feel fleshed out and I love how she balances some more ‘modern’ sensibilities against the historical backdrop. This is only the second of Ridley’s books I’ve read, with both being absolutely delightful, and I eagerly look forward to her other works currently on my TBR!
Reading Challenge
Musicals Reading Challenge 2026
Prompt: The King & I – Getting to Know You – Featuring a governess or teacher
Progress: 12/24, +1 Bonus
Unwrapping Words 