I liked this a lot, but I didn't love it like I did Irwin's first book. At one point, I got so nervous I had to read the end of the book to know how it was going to turn out! As romances go, this one was the first I've read in awhile that kept me guessing. I hope to read more books by Sophie Irwin.

TLDR: Such a fun read and it totally had me hooked. I really loved watching Eliza change throughout as she learned to prioritize her own needs and put herself first.

Based on the description of the book, and also the first half, I thought it was at least loosely-based on Persuasion, but the book wrapped up the Persuasion-esque story by about half way through. I was wondering, What could the rest of the book be about? But Irwin was just getting started and so was Eliza.

I loved reading as emotions heated up and things got messy and complicated and Eliza started taking risks and being herself. One thing about me is that I love drama and gossip and fun and the second half of this book really delivered that without being too over-the-top.

I also read and enjoyed Irwin’s previous book, A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting, and I think I liked this one better. I felt more connected to the characters and drawn in by the conflicts between Eliza and her love interests. The writing seemed a little more relaxed in a way that reduced the psychic distance and made me feel close to the characters and the story.

Overall a super fun read and looking forward to what Irwin writes next.

Dear Reader,

How do you do? I hope you had a fine weekend!

Reaching out because I noticed you’re a Jane Austen fan, and faith(!), do I have a perfect book recommendation for you. International bestseller Sophie Irwin is back with her sophomore novel A LADY’S GUIDE TO SCANDAL (@penguinbooks, 7/11), following the success of her debut novel A LADY’S GUIDE TO FORTUNE-HUNTING. The plot of Irwin’s new historical romance is quintessentially Jane Austen’s Persuasion, but if Anne Elliot reunited with Captain Wentworth, then went to Bath and met Henry Tilney and had to choose between the two(!). Needless to say, I devoured it in less than 24 hours. It is witty, romantic, wholesome fun… safe to recommend to the Austen fans of all ages in your life (if you catch my meaning… slim to none 🌶️). You will fall in love with the MC and her swoon-worthy hero, but it is Irwin’s side characters and sub plots that really make her novels sing, and this one is no exception. I highly recommend procuring some afternoon tea and a copy of A LADY’S GUIDE TO SCANDAL on July 11… you will surely not be disappointed.

Yours sincerely,
Taylor @booktoscreen_club

P.S. Thank you to the honorable @netgalley & @penguinbooks for the early e-ARC of A LADY’S GUIDE TO SCANDAL 🫶🏼

P.P.S. If you haven’t yet read Irwin’s A LADY’S GUIDE TO FORTUNE-HUNTING, it is available now to whet your appetite until July. Imagine Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice if Mr. & Mrs. Bennett had died, Mr. Bingley had fallen in love with Lizzie and then Mr. Darcy dissuaded him from marrying her but then fell in love with her himself… sold yet?!

I was very surprised with this book and sometimes it felt like a rollercoaster. As soon as I thought I knew how the book would go, the plot would change. I loved that it took place in Bath, rather than London as many similar books do. I liked that there were two love interests, but it wasn’t all about the love story. It also follows her journey about her learning about who she is now that she isn’t forced to serve a man and has independent money. I also loved that there was a side love story with her cousin.

A Lady’s Guide to Scandal is the story of Eliza, a recent widow who is shocked to discover she's inherited more than her stingy husband ever gave her in life. With a morality clause hampering her (if she is judged to be acting unladylike, it can all be taken away), Eliza escapes to Bath with her cousin Margaret. There, she meets the flirtatious Lord Melville and reunites with her love of ten years previous, Lord Somerset. As life in Bath heats up, Eliza will be forced to choose who truly has her heart.

A Lady’s Guide to Scandal was a delightful historical romance. I loved seeing Eliza learn to stand up for herself and choose what she wanted to do in life. I particularly enjoyed seeing her grow as an artist and be brave enough to paint a portrait of Lord Melville. The politics of society and pressure to do “ladylike” things are expertly portrayed and felt realistic. In the middle of the book, I felt a lack of pacing and struggled to maintain momentum. The exciting conclusion of the book more than made up for this and I still really enjoyed the book. I loved who Eliza ended up with and how much character growth she showed. I also appreciated the queer/sapphic rep from two characters close to Eliza.

A Lady’s Guide to Scandal would be the perfect book for readers who enjoy Persuasion with a twist, well-written historical romance, and lovable characters.

Thank you to Sophie Irwin, Penguin Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc

Thank you to Eliza, Melville, Somerset, and Sophie Irwin for getting me out of a horrible reading slump and reminding me why reading is my favorite pastime. I literally could not put this book down - and gained a new book boyfriend because of it.

If you're looking for a book that toys with the idea of flirting with scandal, has nefarious backdoor dealings, and an absolutely dynamic female duo - then look no further. I cannot say enough how much I loved the banter in this book - both between Eliza and Margaret and Eliza and...basically everyone she comes into contact with. This book has everything: scandal, unrequited love, grief, finding freedom, and finding yourself and your passions along the way.

I think, personally, that even if you're not usually a fan of the historical romance genre that you could enjoy this one. What's expected by society and one's family does play a part, but it's not such a focal point as a Lisa Kleypas or Jane Austen. It's more about the journey a woman takes when she has already played the role society expected her to and she sees that the world is now open to her.

Honestly, just read it. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll fall love, and your loyalties will be tested.
But you'll love every second.

As a passionate fan of Sophie Irwin's charming first book, "A Lady's Guide to Scandal" has proven to be a delectable read. Following the success of "A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting," this book takes the reader on a captivating journey of independence and romance, blending witty social banter with a mature and sensitive handling of the societal restrictions placed upon women during the Regency era.

Irwin's protagonist, Eliza, is an admirable character who captures the reader's sympathy from the outset. Widowed at a young age and now facing a precarious financial situation, Eliza stands on the precipice of independence. Her courageous endeavor to break free from societal shackles and live on her terms is heartwarming and inspiring.
Eliza's relationship with her cousin Margaret is a novel highlight, filled with sharp humor, deep empathy, and shared adventure. Their friendship serves as a powerful critique of the societal norms of the time, providing an abundance of delightful dialogue that keeps the narrative lively and engaging.

The romantic entanglement that Eliza finds herself in is intricately woven and deeply satisfying. The love triangle, a trope often overused, is handled with exceptional finesse. The tension between Eliza's long-lost love and the potentially disreputable Lord Melville is expertly paced. It keeps the reader in suspense till the end.

"A Lady's Guide to Scandal" does have a somewhat slow start, and it takes some time for the full scope of the plot to emerge. However, once the story gains momentum, it is hard to put down. The only drawback is that the resolution feels rushed, leaving the reader yearning for a more extended glimpse into Eliza's life post-decision.

"A Lady's Guide to Scandal" is a wonderfully engaging read, offering a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and social commentary. It maintains a delicate balance between the witty banter and the serious issues of women's independence and societal expectations. Sophie Irwin has once again demonstrated her exceptional ability to capture the era's spirit while weaving a tale that is uniquely her own. This novel comes highly recommended for those who appreciate a sharp, feminist perspective on regency romance and are in the mood for a richly layered narrative about a woman's journey to find herself. This is a solid 4.5 stars out of 5. Thanks to Sophie Irwin and Penguin Group for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of the best historical romances I've read in a while. I was nervous at the start that it was going too hard for a Persuasion redo, but Irwin's story, while still containing some of that melancholy, forges its own path with more liveliness and attention to a wider scope of (still very high) society. I found the portrayal of Eliza's character, how she changes and how she relates to the people around her, wonderfully specific, nuanced, and satisfying. I liked it even better than A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting, which I liked quite a bit. Highly recommend to just about any fan of historical romance, particularly fans of Evie Dunmore.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for this advanced copy.

I really enjoyed Sophie Irwin's second outing into her fictionalized regency era Britain. This time we are following young widow Eliza who once gave up love to marry for duty. Eliza has had her whole life dictated by obligation. In the start of the novel she doesn't really lament the loss of her husband because she married out of obligation to her family. We quickly find out that she was actually in love with her husband's nephew, Oliver Somerset. Of course Oliver is also her departed husband's heir since they had no children of their own. At the will reading, Eliza is surprised to find that her late husband has left her land and 100,000 pounds a year.

Suddenly she is a very rich widow, though there is a morality clause that states if Oliver finds that Eliza is acting in a way to besmirch the Somerset name he can take it all away.

Eliza decides to stay in Bath, away from her late husband's estate and her family. With the help of her companion and cousin Margret, Eliza begins to find her way back to herself and what her heart truly wants.

I enjoyed this novel, it was a nice soft romance with no smut, but plenty of clenched hands and wistful looks.

Sophie Irwin shows the romance world that she is a force! Delivering a delightful mix of romance and comedy without turning away to some of the issues of the time!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for a fair review.

I loved Sophie Irwin's first book, A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting and could not wait to read this one! Eliza made the match of the season marrying an earl 20 years older than her. But, ten years later she is left widowed. She is wealth, titled and a bit unconventional. She begins to live a life beyond convention and dare I say what some would consider scandal! There is manipulation in the shadows as her husband's will says she can only keep her inheritance if she avoids scandal. Can she do it? An interesting male character appears on the scene and tests her resolve.
This tale was as wonderful as Ms. Irwin's first book! I was so happy to read and review it. The story takes us back to a time when it was so difficult to live as a single woman in England. How can they resolve and not be banished by society? Don't miss this book, especially if you enjoyed the first one.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie Irwin's "A Lady's Guide to Scandal" takes readers on an enchanting journey through the glittering world of Regency-era England. Set against a backdrop of lavish balls, intricate social hierarchies, and simmering secrets, this captivating historical romance delivers an irresistible blend of wit, charm, and scandal.

The novel follows the spirited Lady Amelia Pembroke, a young woman who defies the rigid expectations placed upon her gender and status. Determined to carve her own path, Amelia finds herself caught in a web of intrigue when she discovers a long-buried family secret that could shatter her carefully constructed world.

Irwin's meticulous attention to detail immerses readers in the opulence of the time period, effortlessly transporting them to a bygone era. From the elegant ballrooms to the exquisite fashions, every aspect of the setting is vividly brought to life, creating a rich and atmospheric backdrop for the unfolding drama.

Amelia emerges as a compelling and relatable protagonist, defying societal norms with her intelligence, wit, and independent spirit. Her character development is skillfully handled, as she navigates the treacherous waters of love, loyalty, and personal growth. As she delves deeper into her family's secrets, Amelia's strength and resilience shine through, making her a true heroine worth rooting for.

5 stars

Persuasion, if Anne Elliot inherited a fortune at the same moment she reconnected with Wentworth. Needless to say, I was hooked from the very first chapter.

Our protagonist Eliza’s sudden influx of wealth gives her a leg up in the power dynamics of Regency romance, and while she is still constrained by mourning custom, it is so very fun to see her begin to explore her world and herself as a newly independent woman. The romance is also both believable and kept me deeply invested, despite the content being completely sex-free. I particularly appreciated the (clearly well-researched) historical accuracy while telling a story that included people of color, queer love, and women’s careers.

Something I want to note is the high quality of the characterizations in this novel. Each and every character, including minor and rarely ‘on-screen’ figures like Eliza’s mother, all feel like fully realized, complex human beings. Even those characters who oppose Eliza’s journey of self-realization and independence feel nuanced and ‘real.’ The fact that I was able to connect with and understand even the most minor of players in the story speaks to the quality of Irwin’s writing. I will 100% be picking up her backlist, and looking out for her name in future.

The best historical romance I’ve read so far this year.

Sophie Irwin delivers another fantastic story with A Lady's Guide to Scandal. Though, I was a bit disappointed that it was not a true sequel to A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting, but a new book entirely.

However, that doesn't change the fact that this novel was a great addition to the Lady's Guides. I adored Margaret. She had a lot of spunk and her story with Lady Melville. I found myself more intrigued with Margaret than Eliza with her two beaus.

But alas, this is Eliza's story so I should make nice about it. I loved Melville. He was enchanting and rogueish in the best of ways. Somerset was a letdown. I don't know why Eliza ever wanted anything to do with him. He was boring and simpy, even while being an overbearing lout.

The story was a bit overlong and tended to run on a bit in the middle, but I enjoyed it for the lovely Regency that it is. A Lady's Guide to Scandal is a solid 4 stars for me.

A Lady's Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin is a delightful historical romance novel that transports readers to a world of intrigue, romance, and societal expectations. Irwin clearly knows the societal norms of Victorian-era England in her telling of the mourning period and transportation methods and high society events of the period.
The story follows Eliza Somerset, her cousin Margaret and their respective love interests. I found it difficult to keep track of which characters were which, there were so many names without much clarification given to their characters. I was rooting for Oliver Somerset, however I did not enjoy the way the romance ended. I think the Melvilles were great characters with good detail, description and history.
The romance in this book is very off page and mild, with the exception to some chaste kisses. The relationship progression did not pull me in or feel very passionate.
There was good plot and concepts explored in Eliza growing as a woman, pressure from society, an overbearing mother and pushing gender barriers of that time.
It’s a book that I enjoyed reading overall.

I loved A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting and this book is just as good! Of course, both are stand-alones, but you’ll recognize Sophie Irwin’s hilarious humor and endearing characters.
In this book the recently widowed FMC heads to Bath to enjoy her new-found freedom. She ends up reconnecting with her childhood lover as well as developing a friendship with a scandalous writer and his sister.
You get a regency era love triangle, a wonderful character arc with the FMC re-discovering herself, delightful friendships, and a twist that I did not see coming despite it being so well set up.
All this to say this was a lovely read, I could not put it down and finished it in 48 hours, highly recommend.

Funny and witty Persuasion inspired situation with a love triangle. Laugh out loud moments, frustration from a love triangle, overall very entertaining!

This was a good one! Just a matter of which guy is the right guy, but done in a great manner. Sometimes, I couldn’t even pick for her! A period piece, enjoyable for the rules of a lady in mourning, and for the right to make decisions for herself. It gave an appreciation for the acceptable behaviors for women today. A quick and enjoyable read.

I loved this book as much as A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting-if not more- and as an all time fan of Georgette Heyer, I was thrilled.

I particularly appreciated how the book, just like A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting, keeps all the best part of Regency Romances, and disposes of dated, problematic takes including (most obviously) the unfair perspectives on women's duty and harsh judgements passed on their characters, but also the classist/racist aspects of many regency novels.

I love how we get to have compassion for the main character's "lack of spirit" at the beginning of the story, and how we follow her journey of growing into her own, despite a society that would have her remain subdued! I also enjoyed the love triangle a lot, and contrary to some other reviews did not feel that it fell into cheating territory (judgement call!).

I'd say the book is perfect for fans of Georgette Heyer and may also appeal to fans of Evie Dunmore's A League of Extraordinary Women Series.

Can't wait for the next book by this author!

There’s something about Sophie Irwin’s writing that just holds my attention. She has a talent for taking a genre I love, regency romance, and twisting it just enough to make it feel fresh. A Lady’s Guide to Scandal was filled with wonderful characters and delightful situations. I personally loved Eliza and enjoyed reading her story. Watching her stand up for herself and find her footing made for an enjoyable book, even if the end was a bit chaotic. This was a fun read and I look forward to more by Irwin.

*Thank you to Netgalley, Sophie Irwin, and Penguin Books for an e-arc. All opinions are my own.