Review for Christina Britton's "YOU HAD ME AT HEIST"

 

YOU HAD ME AT HEIST
Historical Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Christina Britton

RELEASE DATE:
June 16-, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538769133

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
http://christinabritton.com/

 

 

Iris Rumford is a member of the Wimpole Street Widows Society, a group of widows who covertly rectify injustices. She has been searching for the one responsible for stealing her late mother’s botanical works. Iris is shocked to discover the thief intends to take credit for her mother’s ground-breaking research. When she and the widows try to reclaim the stolen journals, a lone guard thwarts their every attempt. Can Iris keep the culprit from publishing her mother’s works as his own?

Oliver Beckett is a former (and disgraced) Bow Street Runner. He struggles to find employment to support his widowed mother and younger sister. Oliver accepts a position to safeguard a noble’s botanical collection. He senses something suspicious about his new employer, but he chooses to ignore his instincts. Oliver spots a mysterious yet beautiful stranger near a glasshouse he guards. Her presence threatens his job. Will Oliver continue to put his family’s safety over his instincts?

I could not help but connect with Iris in the prior book. She is different from the heroines I generally prefer. Her idiosyncrasies are what made Iris stand out to me. I understand why some people would find them off-putting or odd to deal with. Not me, I thought they added to her charm. What I love the most about Iris is her steadfast determination to reclaim her mother’s stolen work. She wants her mother to receive the recognition, especially in her field, that she rightly deserves.

I admit that I am a little disappointed that Iris was not paired off with Parsons. However, I do feel that Oliver is a better fit. This generally does not happen to me. Once I get stuck on wanting a certain pairing, I tend to lose enthusiasm for the story if it does not happen.

My heart went out to Oliver. He is the unfortunate victim to the corruption within his previous job’s hierarchy. I understand the dilemma that Oliver faced. He made the difficult decision to swallow his morals for his mother and sister’s benefit. I imagine Oliver despised himself for that. What I love the most about Oliver is how easily he accepted Iris. He did not find her odd but refreshing. Oliver also got outraged on her part whenever someone disparaged her.

YOU HAD ME AT HEIST is the second installment in Christina Britton’s historical romance series, WIMPOLE STREET WIDOWS SOCIETY. This story can easily stand alone. I do recommend starting with TO HEIST AND TO HOLD before starting this book. What I adore the most about this series is that most of the characters (save for one) belong to the working/middle class than aristocracy. It is a nice change of pace for me, especially in this genre. Yeah, I am still not fond of the widow aspect, but that is my own personal quirk.

Heloise and Ethan, the couple from the prior book, do make an appearance. Though Heloise appears more in the story than her husband. I am a little bummed that Ethan’s business partners did not have a role in the story. Perhaps the author will consider writing a spin-off series about them. Teagan and Parsons deserve a book!