Quick Synopsis – 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. When he’s appointed lead investigator on Viv’s case, 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.

Song This Reminds Me Of – If you got a problem by Joy Oladokun

Publication Date – Aug. 26, 2025

Bookshop Link – A Walk of the Wild Side by Erica Ridley (I get a small commission if you use my link)

My reviews of other Erica Ridley books: Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley – Book Review, My Rogue to Ruin by Erica Ridley -Book Review

Content Notes: This is an adult open-door romance, though there is really only one sex scene. The main character is a former slave and talks about her time on a fictional Caribbean Island plantation. There are depictions of slavery, racism, torture, death of a parent, sexism, violence, and blood.

Spicy Rating – 🌶️🌶️

Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐.5 out of 5

Review – I think this is a pretty standard Wild Wynchester’s adventure. Though there is more focus on how the family is taking on too many cases and spread thin. I did like that there was a fun solution to this issue that could easily lead to more books in this universe. The main story is between Viv and Jacob as they try to find Viv’s cousin. Viv is initially very resistant to the Wynchester family. Her experience as a Black woman in London has given her well-earned cynicism. She also has a very strong sense of self and recognizes that with neither wealth nor station she has to be careful in how she navigates the world.

I like that Viv was critical of the Wynchesters and called out how their privilege benefits them. Even though several Wynchesters are people of color or queer, their wealth and titles protect them from some of the more vicious aspects of the world they live in. Even Jacob, a Black man, benefits from the wealth and status of his family, though not to the same extent as his white siblings. There are several points in the book where Jacob tries to use his wealth and status to help or elevate Viv and this leads to conflict/character building. The two things I didn’t love about this book was the burn between the characters felt really fast considering most of the conversations had to do with the case. The other is fairly small, I really wanted to know what was in the painting that was stolen. It seemed very scandalous 😂.

If you like regency era romance novels, you’ll likely enjoy this. Technically, you could read this as a stand-alone, but the other books in the series are fun and I’d recommend any of them for a fun read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.