Some Regency romances start off by establishing the scene, gently acquainting you with the main characters around a pianoforte, and then introduce the main story problem once you have settled in with your teacup and a biscuit. Not so Lady's Guide. Within the first few paragraphs the problem facing our heroine is as thoroughly in our face as it is in hers. And yes, there's effective scene-setting, including the pianoforte. It is a quick and effective hook rendered in decisive, character laden language that feels appropriate to the era.

Having cut my teeth on Georgette Heyer's groundbreaking Regency romances, I am not an easy mark for modern clones. But this book, which in some ways seems an homage to that august author’s classic tale of a managing elder sister and beautiful younger, has held my attention and defied a direct comparison. There's also a nod to that most famous of all Regencies, Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, in the family with five dowerless daughters at risk of losing the only home they've ever known.

The main characters are consistent, their dialogue witty, and the situation comedy more than entertaining enough to allow the relationships to develop in an authentic manner almost in the background. By the halfway point I was compelled to keep reading even though, as usual with romance , the outcome was already clear. My commitment was rewarded by a most satisfactory new complication that involved deep games both social and monetary.

A few small elements marred my overall enjoyment. Since when is it necessary for every elder brother to have a sad or tragic past event repeatedly dragged up when it's not truly needed to explain a later choice? (I know, I know: since Season 1 of Bridgerton hit the streaming services). At another point, when the reader is already quite sure what’s going to happen, the author feels the need to foreshadow it with an unusually heavy hand. The early thorough grounding in setting became slightly spongy in later scenes, and some threads that early on promised a fair bit of drama in their conclusion were rather quickly and tamely wrapped up.

But these are small flaws indeed in what was an otherwise most enjoyable read, with balls aplenty, scheming matrons, sweet side romances, and a primary relationship with snap and crackle of the non-steamy variety, its dialogue more enjoyably witty than sappy. If you like your heroines to give as good as they get, and your heroes slightly flawed, this is a great way to spend a weekend.

Recommended.

Calling all Bridgerton fans! 📢 A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting by @sophie.irwin must be your next read. This book tells the story of Kitty Talbot, who lives with her four sisters in the English countryside. The family has been down on their luck, and debt collectors are breathing down their necks. As the eldest sister, Kitty has only one solution to their dire financial problems - marry rich, and fast! She travels to London for the upcoming Season with plans to quickly find a match. However, not everyone is quick to welcome Kitty into this exclusive world, especially the charming but suspicious Lord Radcliffe. This book is funny, well-written, and refreshing. Kitty is a feisty and loveable main character, and the witty dialogue between all the characters, especially Kitty and Lord Radcliffe, is top notch. Thanks so much to @netgalley and @penguinrandomca for the advanced copy. It just came out July 12th. I loved it and highly recommend it!

Question of the day: Do people call you by your full name or a nickname?

#netgalley #aladysguidetofortunehunting #sophieirwin #aladysguidereadalong #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookstagram

Release date: July 12

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting ebook from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Kitty Talbot is on a mission! After both parents pass away quite close together, Kitty discovers a mountain of debt her father has left her and no way for her or her 4 sisters to pay it off. Thankfully, Kitty is engaged to the wealthiest bachelor in town…..until she isn’t!

With no husband or prospects in her little village, Kitty heads to her aunts in London along with one of her sisters just in time for the London season of balls and parties where Kitty is destined to find a rich husband that can save them. Kitty’s goals are very practical in nature and love is not a consideration, only an opportunity to settle her sisters futures.

Unfortunately, love gets in the way which is most unsettling for Kitty. Can she save her home, her sisters future and fall in love?

I was really excited for this book! I love me some historical fiction and one that takes place at the height of the “season” in London was even more interesting! This was a slow burn, maybe even a bit too slow for me. I found myself losing interest. It becomes quite obvious how the book will end so I was disappointed that there wasn’t more time spent on the final relationship. I can’t say much more without sharing spoilers so I’ll end with, this is a solid 3 stars. I would recommend for fans of historical fiction, historical romance, etc.

#34thbookof2022 #aladysguidetofortunehunting #sophieirwin #netgalley

A debut author! A historical romance! Another quick read! I liked the simplicity of the story. No surprises 😜 think Pride and Prejudice!! I found the story engaging!
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The book was published on July 12, 2022. Thank you to Sophie Irwin, @netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an Advance Reader Copy.
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I thought this title was a funny & quirky romcom.

I like that you got to see both perspectives of the main characters and understand what motivated both of them. The chemistry between the main characters was well written.

Basically it’s about the eldest daughter of someone who’s not quite part of “high society”, but she’s intent on marrying rich to take care of the rest of her sisters. She basically blackmails the mail lead into helping her find a match. He initially thinks that she’s just after her money but after getting to know her better realizes that she just has her families best interest at heart.

#indigoemployee

I have mixed feelings about this book. The first half of the book was slow and dull- I checked often to see how much was left of the book and couldn’t believe I wasn’t even halfway done. But, things picked up significantly in the second half and it was quite enjoyable to read.

(I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.)

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the galley in exchange for an honest review.

This novel is a sweet historical romance with tastes of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. The author employs Austen's flare for social commentary starring a strong female protagonist with cutting wit and a sharp tenacity.

Kitty Talbot’s best laid plans to take care of her family have come crashing down around her, but she won't waste time crying over the man who has broken their four-year engagement. She picks up and begins hunting for the next man who can provide the security needed. It's all down to her after all, with both parents dead and a mountain of debt left behind, sentimentality will get you nowhere. Going to London to find someone suitable, she wades into the world of high society with its many trappings and unspoken rules. Navigating these tumultuous waters seems suddenly easy when she has a chance encounter with a young man who seems more than ready to make her an offer. When it seems all but settled, the romance becomes upended when his older brother appears and is able to see through her in an instant. With time ticking and debts to be paid, Kitty is ready to take on this brother along with all of London society in order to secure her sisters' future.

Overall this book is what you would expect from a Regency era romance, with a few unexpected surprises mixed in. The entire cast of characters have their own brokenness that they grow through as the story progresses. There were a few instances where the jargon pulled me from the story (ie frequent use of the term "ton" in reference to high society). This was still a quick, light foray into the classic world of spouse snaring that provides enjoyable comedic moments sprinkled into a charming romance that makes it difficult to put down and an exuberant ending that will have you reading with bated breath to the last.

✔️ a good debut novel and I assume start of a new series series
✔️ definitely highlights the lack of choices for women in this era
🔘 the characters - especially Kitty - didn’t feel to have a lot of depth . She came across scheming and shallow at times
✖️ i would have liked more interaction and witty banter between Kitty and Radcliffe - I felt like they didn’t really have enough time to form a strong bond

This was a lot of fun. The perfect summer read. Light but well written with a solid examination of class and how that influenced the choices women had to make.

Katherine (Kitty) Talbot thinks her problems are sorted, only to be jilted by the dratted Charles Linfield after what she thought was an understanding of marriage. Marriage to Charles may not have been everything she dreamed of, but it certainly would have saved her and her sisters from ruin since they had been left with significant debt upon the death of their father.

To resolve their woes, Kitty takes it upon herself to fortune-hunt for a wealthy husband while staying with their Aunt in London. Unfortunately, Kitty doesn't have much choice as she and her sisters will need a substantial amount of money if they are to save their beloved Netley Cottage and ensure they aren't all shuffled off to the poorhouse. Enter the de Lacey family as a possible solution -- with a protective mother, a friendly sister, a rich younger brother, and Lord Radcliffe, who is determined not to let his brother marry a gold-digger.

A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunter by Sophie Irwin is a cute but predictable novel. That said, it certainly serves as an amusing break from reading more serious fare with familiar romance tropes like enemies to friends. However, I would have liked the narrative to flow much easier between scenes and more character development. It reads a little stilted in some sections but picks up a bit towards the end, which might bode well for a future book in the series. Kitty, at times, wasn't the most likeable character as she comes off as manipulative. However, she is realistic about her situation and recognizes that in Regency England, she has little option but to marry for money. It was a pleasant read with some spots of good banter. It just didn't have the witty flow I was anticipating, but that may start to come in future books.

If you love Jane Austen and enemies to lovers trope you need to grab A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting. I had high expectations based on the title alone and am thrilled to say that this debut historical rom-com delivered on all fronts. I knew before I even finished it that this would likely become one of my future comfort re-reads.

In the early 1800s England young Kitty Talbot is left responsible for her 4 younger sisters and a huge amount of debt that is likely to leave them homeless. Solution driven, practical Kitty decides that her best course of action is to try and find herself a wealthy husband in London. Quick-witted, determined Kitty keeps surprising her London host and her sister Cecily who accompanied her reluctantly. The only thing Kitty was not counting on is crossing paths with infuriating Lord Radcliffe who is equally determined to quash Kitty's plans.

This was such a fun, entertaining read that beautifully lives up to the expectations of the genre and leaves the reader with that warm and fuzzy feeling. Memorable characters, leading lady with a lot of spunk, great chemistry and an adorable love story - what more could we ask for! I love discovering future popular reads before the hype starts and I anticipate that this one will be all over bookstagram and BookTok!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an early review copy in exchange for an honest review! And thank you Sophie Irwin for this delightful treat!

Do you like a perfect regency romance? Then this book is for you. It's set out to be similar to the Bridgerton series. I find it more comparable to a light Jane Austen. Full of witty banter and just oh so cute!!!

Kitty is looking for a rich man to wipe away her family's debt. She needs to move to the upper echelon of society with no title and no money, and she only has four months to do it! I'm not going to lie I was getting a little nervous for her and her sisters.

I really enjoyed the characters and Lord Radcliffe was my favourite the perfect antagonist.

A solid read for sure. A little over the top at times. And sometimes a little slow but I enjoyed it!

Thanks to netgalley and penguin random house canada for this ARC

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an eARC of this book!

This book is right up my alley, as I am a big fan of Regency Romances and Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice.

The eldest sister Kitty has to marry well to save her family. Kitty and the male lead, Lord Radcliffe start out as enemies. However, as they battle wits throughout the story passion and romantic feelings develop.

This storyline is not novel, it closely mirrors that of Pride and Prejudice. However, there is a reason that the plot of P & P has been reinterpreted so many times. The slow burn romance trope of enemies to lovers is irresistible to many readers.

Overall, this book was well written and an enjoyable light read. I would recommend it to those who enjoy a well written regency romance without a lot of smut.

Enjoyable

I have seen a few negative reviews of this book, but I disagree, I found it very enjoyable and a bit tongue in cheek. To some degree, it is a bit of a Regency romance for beginners book, it describes situations that other books may refer too, but not describe fully. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

This was an awesome read that grabbed me from the first page and would not let me put it down. It moves along at a pace which made for an easy and relaxing read. The characters are awesome and you find yourself wanting to know more and within a short period of time you are loving them. This is a book that needs to be on your TBR list, you will not be sorry that you did.

What a great debut novel from Sophie Irwin! I absolutely loved this book. The Regency England setting is one that many romance readers will know well, but I felt that this one was a bit different by introducing us to a poor young woman who sets out, very deliberately, to marry for money in order to save her younger sisters from an impoverished life and keep their family home. It was an in-your-face reminder that, for much of history, marriage was a business transaction, women had few rights or choices, and the so-called high society can get away with hypocrisy at every turn. The female MC, Kitty, is unapologetic about her objective, knowing that some view her approach as unkind or manipulative, but as she puts it, what other choice does she have? She is flawed, but ultimately, she is kind and loving, willing to put her sisters’ happiness above her own. I enjoyed how she challenged - and was challenged by - Lord Radcliffe as we follow her on her journey to find security. I appreciated how the relationship between the two grew and changed over time, almost sneaking up on them. It was clear from the beginning that the two would end up together, but the unknown was how they would find their way to each other.
As I was reading the book, I couldn’t help but think that it could be adapted into a great movie. I would love to see, on screen, how Kitty navigates moving amongst high society, to see Lord Radcliffe grow close to his family again, and, of course, the costumes. :)

Thanks to NetGalley for sharing an eARC with me.

I went into this not sure what to expect, but finding the synopsis appealing, and I was pleasantly surprised!

I am a sucker for regency romances, and this checked all those boxes for me, we even got some enemies to lovers thrown in there which I adored. I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit from our FMC. The banter between her and the other characters was great.

I don’t know how historically accurate any of this is, but that’s not necessarily something I look for in this genre.

I also loved the writing style, making me feel like I was reading a regency piece, rather than using modern writing in a historical time setting. The author also gave us multiple insights from various characters, but it’s written in third person so keep that in mind if that’s something you don’t like!

There’s also no spice in this, but that’s not to say that it definitely didn’t have moments of tension and some slow burn.

Honestly, not much didn’t work for me and I enjoyed it, but I can’t say I LOVED it. But it was a great genre change for me while reading pretty heavy fantasy and spice right now.

All in all, 3.75⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an ARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest review of the book!

Witty and filled with charming banter between our love interests, A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting was unputdownable and had me smiling and cheering all the way through.

If you love period pieces or in general a fan of writing in the Regency era, look no further! I loved the way the author wrote because it felt like transporting back in time. It wasn’t written in a contemporary style and often used words that were definitely more common in that time period than today. Don’t you just hate it when the book is meant to be of another time but the language itself and the conversations don’t really reflect that? It felt like Jane Austen could’ve written this and I absolutely ADORED that.

The story follows Kitty Talbot, the oldest of 5 girls, who is left to fight for her family with the massive debt her parents left behind after their passing. Putting on charm like armor and utilizing a mind that could strategize like the best of the men, she set to work to offer herself up as a wife to the richest men London society could offer. If only she could pave the way of making their acquaintance.

I loved Kitty’s tenacity and her wit. It takes a lot to go from unnoticed naive girls setting foot in London for the first time to becoming established in Society (yes, with the capital S) well enough to please not only the men she’s trying to catch but also the mothers who must give their blessing to such a union. She often times had to give up her own wants and happiness to provide a better future for her younger sisters and that made me feel for her all the more.

However, her character is very much challenged, especially when going toe to toe with Lord Radcliffe who immediately catches onto her plan. He was the best kind of love interest, total Darcy material if I do say so myself. Initially cold and overprotective of his family, he and Kitty butt heads from their very first meeting. But the slow burn of their ensuing partnership – or I suppose blackmailed allyship – that turns these enemies to lovers was the very best this trope can offer.

Their dialogue was some of my favorite things in the book. They both have such sarcastic and sharp tongues when they let their guards down and allow someone to truly see them. Underneath all the armor and glam shown to the rich and the privileged, these two didn’t truly fit into the rules and the scheming the Society was known for. Together, however, something magical happens and watching the slow transition in their relationship was the absolute best. As character development goes, they each challenged the other to become more of who they wanted to be, not the version they showed the world or the comfortable rut they did not want to leave. If that’s not what a great relationship does, then I don’t know anything about love.

The secondary characters were also fabulous. We only get to know one of Kitty’s sisters well as Cecily travelled to London with Kitty to help her find a wealthy husband. I would’ve loved to read more about Cecily and her own experiences among the ton as she’s more bookish and distracted by intellectual ideas more than what’s going on right in front of her. Although she wasn’t looking for it, I was super glad to see romance was in the cards for her too. It’s a shame we don’t get to see more.

With so much to offer transporting us back to such historical times filled with lovable characters to root for, A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting is something surely everyone should look out for as a next read.

Overall Recommendation:

If you’re looking for a great Regency story with the best slow burn romance, A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting is YOUR book! From a smart protagonist to a totally swoon worthy love interest, the romance is worth rooting. I appreciated the author writing in a style with vocabulary that transported me back to the 1800s as that added an extra layer of authenticity to this world. A great debut that will surely bring me back to anything Sophie Irwin publishes next.

I loved how atypical this book is - it’s pragmatic and yet dreamy. Kitty is brave, realistic, and yet a romantic at heart. It’s a story of sisters, in debt and left scrambling after their father’s death, finding their way forward through London’s elite. A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting is nothing short of brilliant.

I’m very grateful to have received an early ebook copy of this book as it was a book I was highly anticipating and it did not disappoint.

This book follows a young woman named Kitty who is looking to marry rich in order to save her family home and her sisters in turn as they are running out of money and have no other options after losing both of their parents. Kitty is willing yo sacrifice any chance at her own happiness, and her love and duty to her sisters is a very endearing trait for her character throughout the book. This dedication to her sisters counteracts her otherwise often heartless and morally lacking character which might otherwise make her a very unlikeable character. One thing I really loved about this book was the characters development. On Kitty’s part, she grows from this sometimes selfish, uncaring about what her actions might do to others person to someone who learns to do things because they are right rather than doing the things that benefit her personally.

I really liked Lord Radcliffe throughout this book and also loved his character development as well. I enjoyed that he became a part of Kitty’s plans to find a rich husband and was a necessary accessory for her in the end, however begrudgingly. There were so many comedic moments between these two characters with Lord Radcliffe being the often grumpy and unwilling helper to Kitty. I very much enjoyed the switch between POVs with these two as well. It was nice having the male POV to offset Kitty throughout.

One of the greatest bits of character development that I enjoyed immensely was seeing both of these two characters choose helping the other against their own benefit without realizing each was doing the same in turn. It was really great evidence of how far both characters had come along throughout the story.

One thing that threw me off a bit was the fact that it sometimes felt like the POV would switch between characters very suddenly and without break. This could have just been a formatting thing though. Otherwise, some of the secondary characters could be a bit bland and/or annoying in instances but all together this was a great, cute little book. And though I generally prefer some steam in my books, I feel the lack of steam for this story and the era it takes place in.

This was a great, quick little read and I recommend it, especially for the Jane Austen fan!