A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting is a delightful read that even the most discerning Regency fan will enjoy.
Kitty Talbot needs money, and fast. It's only been a year since she and her sisters were orphaned, leaving her to take care of all four of her younger sisters and save their family home from falling into the hands of her father's debt collectors. In an effort to keep her family's future safe, she travels to London to stay with one of her mother's friends, who has graciously offered to sponsor her and "her prettiest sister" in the upcoming Season. But none of the men Kitty meets have wallets thick enough to meet her family's needs -- that is, until she meets Mr. Archie de Lacy. Not only is Archie a member of the richest family in the ton, but he's also fairly young, and with a bit of attention from Kitty, is fully convinced that he's ready to propose to her. And he almost does propose, until Lord Radcliffe, Archie's older brother, steps in. Radcliffe sees Kitty for the gold digger she is, and in order to keep his family safe from her, makes a deal with her: he'll help him find a suitable (ahem- rich) husband as long as she stays far away from Archie. But as Kitty and Radcliffe start to grow closer, and as their respective familial issues grow more exigent, they begin to wonder if this is really the way things have to be.
I absolutely loved this book. In fact, it's been a good five days since I've finished it and everyday, without fail, I've caught myself wishing there were more of it to read. I loved that Kitty was street smart and unafraid to manipulate people to protect her family. I also loved that Radcliffe was always able to see through Kitty's manipulation. Irwin wrote one of the best slow burn enemies-to-lovers I've read in a long time and I loved every minute of it. It was clear that Kitty and Radcliffe genuinely disliked each other at the beginning, and with every interaction their walls fell down a little bit more. Another aspect I really enjoyed was how the side characters played important roles in the story. They didn't simply exist to move the romance plot forward, and their interactions with the two leads were always valuable, even if it wasn't always immediately clear why. I loved how certain scenes, which initially read as fluff, tied into the story later. Another thing the book did well was make me laugh. Historical fiction isn't typically paired with humor, but many of Kitty's one-liners in this book surprised me enough to make me laugh out loud. My favorite thing about the novel, though, is that it had what I considered the perfect balance between romance and plot. I liked that the plot was driven by the issues that the characters were facing, and the scenes where Kitty and Radcliffe interacted never felt contrived, or like they took up too much of the book. Everything came when it was needed, and I appreciated that.
I truly have nothing but good things to say about this book, and I can't wait to see what Irwin comes out with next.

I was lucky enough to receive and ARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. All thoughts and comments about this book are my own

What a delight!

Kitty is the eldest of five sisters, orphaned and in desperate need of financial relief. In 1818, her best bet is to find a wealthy man tolerable enough to marry-- even if it pains her to do so. She sets sights on the London Season, and a certain member of the ton, whose brother immediately sees through her dashing smiles and slipper mishaps. Lord Radcliffe is willing to cut a deal with Kitty if only she'll leave his brother alone, but the deal brings the two closer and closer together.

This was exquisitely written. So many phrases and sentences were cleverly crafted and not only decadent, but often laugh-out-loud funny (a rarity for me in books). I honestly felt like I was reading a Jane Austen at times, because of that wonderful wit.

And the characters! I was so delighted by this cast and all their little quirks. Kitty especially was a wonderful heroine, full of grit, determination, love, and imperfections. The same can be said for her match, Radcliffe, and that's why they worked so well together.

I also really appreciated the critiques and discussion of marriage in this. Kitty's entire focus is to save her dear sisters by marrying rich, but in quiet moments she can admit to herself that she's scared of the prospect of marrying someone she doesn't love, and miserable at the idea of conforming herself to a man and how he wants her to be, as his wife. She hurts some feelings in her relentless pursuit, but you almost can't blame her-- she's in a horrible situation that can only be rectified with a marriage that she expects will strip her of her autonomy.

Sometimes these historical romances, then, feel like a fantasy. The reality is, most women then had to settle and sacrifice for the security of marriage. But Kitty, in her pursuit, finds true love in someone who sees and respects her, and it is a most gratifying journey to witness.

Thank you Net Galley for making this book available!

I absolutely loved this book. I didn’t want it to end and yet I couldn’t put it down. The characters were all likable and I found myself chuckling as I read. The plot was engaging from the beginning, I would highly recommend reading this book!

This was cute and fun!

I got out of it what I expected. A little Bridgerton. But I enjoyed this slightly more.

I loved Kitty. She almost feels like ME if I had grown up in that era.

This was a perfect light, quick read for me! Fun regency era romance with strong Kate + Anthony from Bridgerton vibes but make it PG instead of R. It was well-written and had lots of good historical details. It’s a simple, familiar structure with a more contemporary perspective of a heroine fully owning up to needing a wealthy husband to support her family. Amazing debut novel, hope there is more to come!

Thanks to Penguin Group Viking Publishers and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Full review closer to publication date!

I'd like to thank the publisher, PENGUIN GROUP Viking and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good regency romance, and while steamy it is not, I really enjoyed the Austen-esque vibes.

Marrying for money/financial security is by no means a new trope in regency romance, but this might be the only one I've read that had a FL so upfront about her "angling for a rich suitor" scheme while simultaneously being transparent with other members of the ton.

This was a fun (and funny) read, definitely enjoyed it! 3.75/5

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Perfect for fans of Bridgerton, this Regency romance is a bit different, with humor, mischief and a lot of hijinx! I really enjoyed Kitty and her sisters, and seeing her journey to happiness was a lot of fun.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this ARC, and this does not influence my review. This book has made it to my favs. This was a well-written, hilarious historical regency novel with a wonderful (and realistic) depiction of industrial London (with real war references and the opium addiction problem) blended seamlessly with the regency era. Kitty was a great eldest sister who was responsible, feisty, relatable, and kind. The novel was a 3rd person omniscient POV (which I didn’t like). The plot was very entrancing, and Kitty was a wise and stubborn scheming woman who didn’t let opportunity go. As for the romance; well done. Kitty and the Lord had delightful bantering, a swoon-worthy and slow-burn romance. This book also makes it to the enemies to lovers trope.

A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting
by Sophie Irwin
Pub Date: July 12, 2022
Pamela Dorman Books
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. I truly enjoyed this book. You need to go into it with the right expectations. I was drawn to this book because it was listed as historical fiction and that is one of my favorite genres. I went in with zero expectations and was pleasantly surprised. The structure is more akin to traditional regency and Heyer-style romances: No steamy romances.

Basically: this doesn't reinvent the wheel for Regency Romance nor does it want to. I had a fun time, it was well-written, and I'll read Irwin again. What I liked most was the constant emphasis on money and the heroine refusing to be apologetic about fortune-hunting. Kitty is fantastic and unrepentant and manipulative — more heroines like that, please.
4 stars

I went into this one with zero knowledge or expectations other than it was a historical romance.

If you’re looking for Bridgerton the tv show then know this isn’t that. There’s no steam, the romance is a very slow build up, and it can be a bit of a let down if your expecting something else.

All that said I loved it! It’s a very character driven story and I happened to love the characters! Honestly this would make for an excellent Downton Abbey type show where we get all the upstairs/downstairs action etc. There are so many characters I want more of!! Hainsley, the maid, Archie, Amelia, etc. all people I need more info and story from!! While I love an excellent romance plot driven HR, I fell in love with these characters and their world. I’ll take more ASAP please!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is an enjoyable, if rather less believable than usual, Regency romance. The heroine’s extreme honesty is refreshing. She is mercenary but for understandable reasons. Her entry into high society depends a bit too much on coincidence, but, all in all, I would recommend this as a light read for those who enjoy regency romances. I’m giving it a 3, but would really rate it as a 3.5.

This was a delightful historical romance that has all of the tropes one comes to love from start to finish. I found myself really enjoying the main character's energy not only because she was determined but also because she like the love interest is an absolute moron until the light bulb goes off for them. The enemies-to-lovers trope is strong here and you sense it from the first time they meet. It is wonderful watching them go around in circles as the attraction builds up over time.

The plot followed a very specific track, but the ending was still a surprise in how it all came about as I was not expecting what happened at all. But it did fit within what we knew about the characters so didn't seem out of place. But the end does come with a happily ever after.

Overall, a solid romance story with a few fun twists. Would recommend if you are looking for something lighthearted to read.

This book was exactly what I needed: a romcom with a strong female lead, witty dialogue, and a HEA. The author’s words had me laughing most of the time and there were some moments when I could’ve swooned. James and Kitty were both fiercely protective over their families and I loved the scenes that occurred at James’ house before the acceptable social hour. They had me laughing and rooting for our two main leads. If you’re a fan of Bridgerton, enemies to friends to lovers, and witty banter—read this book!

Enjoyable on the whole but at times boring. Nothing original here other than the fact that the author seems to wield the themes of Pride and Prejudice like a blunt instrument. This in itself is not a flaw, because modern audiences will enjoy every blatant display of fortune hunting and social hypocrisy that makes Austen great. This just had a slow start and the scenes began to repeat after a while. You’ll find Lizzie and most of the gang on hand. Fun but supplemental.

This was a delightful story. It was like a cross between Jane Austen and a Bridgerton story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A charming read with a strong heroine to cheer for. After the death of her parents, Kitty Talbot has become the head of the family and must make a great match in order to pay the family debts and save their home. Her sisters depend on her. Kitty’s task is especially difficult since there’s a long-buried scandal to hide.

James, Earl of Radcliffe, is a snob and also protector of his family. When he sees a fortune hunter (Kitty) get her claws into his younger brother, he steps in to warn her off. What ensues is mostly what might be expected in a romance, but the author does a wonderful job in entertaining the reader along the way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, along with the occasional twist. The author deftly creates a heroine who could easily become unlikeable but she is saved by the justifications for her actions.

A Lady’s Guide To Fortune-Telling
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 (Rounded to 4 ⭐️)
Genre: Romance Historical Fiction
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 7/12/22
Author: Sophie Irwin
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Pages: 352
Goodreads Rating: 4.08

Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for providing a digital copy of the book for me to read in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Kitty Talbot left with her father’s massive debts, she has only twelve weeks to save her family from ruin. Kitty has never been one to back down from a challenge, so she leaves home and heads toward the most dangerous battleground in all of England: the London season. The only thing she doesn’t anticipate is Lord Radcliffe. The worldly Radcliffe sees Kitty for the mercenary fortune-hunter that she really is and is determined to scotch her plans at all costs, until their parrying takes a completely different turn...

My Thoughts: This is remnant of Jane Austen. The story is narrated by Kitty and is from her perspective, you get the vibe of the immense pressure she is under to take care of her sisters, not that her parents are gone. The author’s detail of the history in London in 1818 was right on point and you can tell that she researched it. It makes you appreciate everything you have today, women’s rights have come so far. The characters are well developed and there is a sense of disdain for Kitty, but I believe the author intends this. The banter between Kitty and Radcliffe is just amazingly funny, I really enjoyed this. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend to others who love Jane Austen Bridgerton Series.

If you are an Austen purist, I wouldn’t recommend this book, but if you enjoy a fun and humorous Regency romance, you’ll be glad you read it! A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting has all of the elements that one would expect: a dashing and wealthy love interest, a financially-ruined witty and brave heroine seeking a wealthy husband (and not believing her good fortune that it might end up being the aforementioned dashing and wealthy man she has secretly fallen in love with), family members who also need rescuing, lots of chapters with balls and parties that include descriptions of what everyone is wearing and eating, etc. This story doesn’t take itself too seriously, but has some moments of suspense to keep you reading. Readers will recognize some similarities to Pride & Prejudice in parts, but it’s not by any means a retelling of that story. Irwin is smart enough to understand those elements are fun treasures to find, but readers want a different story that doesn’t try to copy that. This one is fun and lighthearted, and a great read for those just wanting to escape. Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for the opportunity to read an egalley of this book.

Jane Austen in another form, although lacking in wit. I never felt much connection between Kitty and Radcliffe, and their eventual match felt so low-key as to be boring. I liked Kitty-- she was doing her best-- but it's hard to write a character that was both willing to sell out to the highest bidder and being all fierce and strong.