
Member Reviews

Sophie Irwin writes another banger! Like her others, Lydia and Ashford’s story is pacy, fresh and oh-so funny. But it’s insightful too, with a heroine who sees the near impossible position women were in at the time; marry to keep your worth but lose your rights and identity or refuse and fail in your duty discrediting your family. Lydia is bright and feisty and brilliant. I’m a sucker for an Enemies to Lovers story and this completely met my needs and expectations. I really hope someone brings it to the screen; the film would be a hoot.

I was excited to read this but it was a bit disappointing but I loved how Lydia held her own through out the book.
I loved Ashford a lot . He was besotted by Lydia so I I felt sorry for him.
This was ok read really just not my favourite book set in this time.

Lydia Hanworth, joven de buena familia pero sin título nobiliario, recibe inesperadamente una propuesta de matrimonio del Marqués de Ashford, uno de los solteros más codiciados de Inglaterra. Aunque su tía y tío celebran la oportunidad como el clímax de una larga campaña social, Lydia no puede ignorar una simple verdad: no siente absolutamente nada por él.
Cuando descubre que el compromiso debe mantenerse en secreto durante diez días hasta ser anunciado en un baile de máscaras, Lydia ve una única oportunidad de escapar del matrimonio no deseado sin arruinar su reputación. Junto a su leal y excéntrico hermano Pip, traza un plan para hacerse tan insoportable y vulgar que el propio Ashford cancele el compromiso.
--
Quería un epílogo de ellos casados.
No vi venir lo de la mamá.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days is the funniest book I have read in a while. I laughed out loud so many times at the antics of Lydia and Ashford as they tried to push each other away. With fiery main characters and a satisfying ending, I had a great time.
All of the characters were all fantastic. Alongside the main couple, Sophie Irwin introduced a compelling and varied cast of side characters. I was rooting for some of them and disliking others, which provided interest parallel to the romance. The romance itself was slow burn and adorable! It was totally believable because both Lydia and Ashford were well fleshed out with their own motivations and backgrounds.
As someone without any particular knowledge of the regency era, I found the setting to be believable and immersive. Perhaps others with more knowledge would think otherwise, but I enjoyed reading about the rules of polite society and the ornate outfits that everyone wore.

How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days is a charming regency-era romcom centred on Lydia, newly and unhappily engaged, as she devises a plan to be jilted in only ten days. What follows is a brilliant display of bad manners, immature pranks, and all-around chaos.
I adore Irwin’s previous works, and so this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I am very glad to say that it did not disappoint! I was hooked from the very first page, and absolutely flew through the rest of the book. It was a joy to read, and was definitely the most comedic out of all of Irwin’s works. Their signature wit and charm are present throughout the novel, and I found myself laughing out loud many times.
Lydia as a protagonist was a delight. She is headstrong and determined, and I loved how unashamedly dedicated she was in her desire for a real love match. The romance in this book developed slowly and naturally, and I appreciated the dedication to the slow burn. The side characters were hilarious, and were a fantastic addition to the story. I couldn’t help but laugh every time Lydia’s brother got out his notebook.
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a fun historical romance filled with chaos and tension that will make you laugh out loud.

I loved this book! It had me laughing out loud and I couldn't put it down! The characters are fun and relatable today-even though the story is set in the 1700s. The season is in progress and Lydia is looking for true love amongst the fine young men of the ton, when she receives a proposal from a very unexpected source- one that she cannot refuse. The antics that follow had me laughing out loud as she tries to dislodge her new fiance. But as in all the best love stories, dislike eventually turns into attraction and sparks fly. The shenanigans pulled by the key characters meant that I was literally glued to the story to find out what would happen next. And I was not disappointed....
I thoroughly recommend this light-hearted novel. Great fun and an enjoyable read!

Three and a half stars.
Miss Lydia Hanworth is surprised when Lord Ashton proposes marriage to her, they'd barely spoken previously, and before she can politely decline her aunt and uncle assume it's a done deal. The only saving grace is that Ashton wants to keep the engagement a secret until his father can announce it at a masked ball his cousin Phoebe is throwing in two weeks time.
Lydia's aunt and uncle have threatened her that if she messes this engagement up she will be sent to live with aunt Mildred - a fate worse than death - so she determines she must get Ashton to cry off instead - and ten days spent at his cousin's country house will be just the right opportunity.
As the title might suggest, this book draws heavily on the film How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days as Lydia behaves oddly, wear eccentric clothing, uses inappropriate language and (frankly) lies through her teeth. At first Ashton is perplexed, what happened to the quiet, well-behaved girl he met in London, but when he discovers her true motivation this means war!
Throw in a scheming mama, a strange host, a twin brother with a Sherlock Holmes obsession, a stolen diamond necklace, a widow on the prowl, a young lordling, and a famous explorer who reminds me of Professor Gilderoy Lockhart from the Harry Potter books and you have a rip-roaring rom-com.
I have no idea when this is supposed to be set, the clothing on the cover looks early 1800s but Lydia's twin brother is clearly emulating Sherlock Holmes. Also, Wikipedia tells me that bananas didn't become common items until the 1880s when Fyffes began importing bananas from the Canary Islands to the UK through Southampton Docks (one of Lydia's dresses is compared to a banana). But, if you can suspend disbelief at the language which is used and the ambiguity as to the historical setting this was a fun read.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

This was definitely my favorite Sophie Irwin book. I really enjoyed how it blends a contemporary rom-com vibe with a classic Regency-era romance. And it’s genuinely very funny!
How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days follows Lydia, a spirited young woman who dreams of marrying for love. So she’s less than thrilled when she's matched with Lord Ashford – a future duke, one of the most sought-after gentlemen in the ton, and yet still almost a complete stranger. Determined to escape a loveless match, Lydia has ten days to convince Ashford she's completely wrong for him, and to make him call off the engagement himself.
What I probably appreciated most about this book is that it wasn’t as predictable or linear as the synopsis might suggest. Alongside the central romance, there’s a lively supporting cast and even a light mystery subplot that keeps things engaging and prevents the story from feeling repetitive or boring.
While I did enjoy the banter between Lydia and Ashford, it sometimes felt a bit over the top – especially when it came to the more outlandish pranks they pulled on each other. Still, I have to admit that the way the HEA was handled at the end felt more grounded and emotionally satisfying than I expected. Lydia, in particular, surprised me. Yes, she did some ridiculous things throughout the story, but she’s also self-assured, independent, and proud – and all of that really shines through in the final chapters. Though this is firmly a Regency romance, Lydia is a distinctly modern character – which isn’t a bad thing at all. In fact, I’d say that’s one of the reasons we love historical romances: the best ones allow us to relate to characters who lived 200 years ago.
As for Ashford, I do wish we had a few more chapters from his point of view. It would’ve been nice to spend more time inside his head and better understand how his past shaped who he is. That said, he’s still a well-written character, and we’re given enough insight to grasp his motivations.
Overall, I really liked this book. It’s fast-paced and just a lot of fun to read. I think it would be a great starting point for readers who enjoy contemporary romance and are curious about exploring historical romance – especially ones with a modern twist.

I just loved it! Sophie Irwin is an instant read author for me, I cannot wait for read whatever she writes next. Just delightful!

First off: I'm not your average Regency Romance fan; Sophie Irwin is one of the very few I read, and I love her energetic use of/subversion of the genre. This one's delightful. I'd say that one or two ends aren't tied up neatly at the end (unless, of course, they are there for another novel: but there's one narrative issue that isn't fully resolved) but overall I barrelled along. Charming. Recommend.

I really enjoyed Sophie Irwins books and this one was no exception. It had me laughing out loud several times. The only reason this isn't higher for me is there was quite a lot of social embarrassment (purposefully by the FMC) which I just couldn't cope with, it's just not something I enjoy reading, but I do think it worked really well for the plot!
As always a brilliant cast of characters and absolute shenanigans while also handling sensitive topics well.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free eARC of this book

Another triumph from Sophie Irwin! "How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days", like her other books, manage to be sharp, funny and romantic while offering astute social commentary on Regency England, some of which still resonates today. It is a must read for historical romance fans, and is also perfect for teen readers who have enjoyed Laura Wood and Eva Ibbotson

This is a really funny and sweet Regency romance that brings a very modern sensibility to its plot while keeping the classic frothy vibe of the genre. I loved the subplots as much as the chemistry between the main characters - which is rare for me in romance - and can't recommend it enough!

📚 Book Review 📚
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I want to thank NetGalley for approving me for an ARC of this book. After enjoying Sophie Irwin's previous books I had high hopes for this one.
To say this was entertaining wouldn't do it justice. Lord Ashford and Lydia made me laugh out loud with their antics, the tobacco incident will live in my memory forever.
There was an element of mystery too which allowed Lydia's brother to take the reins. Pip's sleuthing skills also made me giggle and he had some hilarious one liners too.
This story takes some of the best moments of the film and recreates them with a regency twist. With a whole host of secondary characters to like or loathe, readers will not be disappointed with this one.
🌟🌟🌟🌟

I loved the sound of this ethical dilemma moulded by the socially acceptable attitudes of the time. Unfortunately I soon acquired an increasing frustration with the main character's incessant and annoying attempts at undermining her suitor`s proposal of marriage. I initially had a degree of empathy for her situation but this soured as her attempts became ever more childish and, to me, bordered on the unbelievable.
However, my interest was once again piqued about three quarters of the way through the novel when the emphasis of the storyline changes and there is a little more action. For me, it´s a shame this didn´t happen earlier.
For those interested in less action and more emotional dilemma, this could be appealing.

A riotous, sparkling comedy of manners with all the wit and fizz of a 2000s romcom dressed in a Regency gown. I’m assuming this is at least partially based off the film “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days” and as I love that film and Irwin’s previous novels, I knew I had to read this one. How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days is less a traditional love story than a battlefield where Miss Lydia Hanworth and Lord Ashford go head-to-head in a delightfully absurd yet high-stakes war of wills.
Lydia, the wealthy granddaughter of a businessman, has no interest in marrying a titled aristocrat and surrendering her freedom. Unfortunately, Lord Ashford proposes anyway, and, forced to accept, Lydia begins a desperate ten-day campaign to make him call off the engagement. Although Lydia is a force of nature, Ashford is more than up for the challenge. When he starts retaliating with pranks of his own, the result is pure chaos, in the best way. The back-and-forth between them is hilarious, sharp, and often outrageous, and Irwin fills the novel with colourful side characters which ensures that there's never a dull moment. However, the story finds its heart in sometimes unexpected places.
That said, the novel occasionally felt a tad overlong, weighed down slightly by the various subplots that, while entertaining, sometimes pulled focus from the central dynamic. And though I absolutely loved the ending – which subverted my expectations somewhat - I was left wondering about one character in Paris whose thread never quite tied up, leaving mystery where I’d hoped for resolution.
Still, it’s a joy to read: frothy, clever, and wickedly entertaining. A regency romp with a thoroughly modern soul that Jane Austen would be proud of.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was so excited when I was invited to read this book for an honest review and can't thank the publisher enough.
I loved this book! A historical fiction with enemies to lovers/rivals to lovers vibes in a regency setting - yes please! The setting was captivating (it's been a while since I've read a good regency that wasn't fantasy related) and the humour and banter between the two characters had me hooked. I honestly couldn't put it down and I was dying of laughter the whole time.
The main characters Lydia (great name) and Ashford were complex and engaging and there was also a whole host of secondary characters for you to become fond of, particularly Pip! There were so many moments within the ensemble of characters that had me swooning and then dying of second-hand embarrassment and laughter because of Lydia and Ashford's antics.
The dialogue is fast-paced and endearingly witty making it a very fun and enjoyable read. The story manages to remain light-hearted whilst covering some heavy and dark subject matter of an abusive relationship as well has lending to a mystery subplot.
If you love historical fiction romances with slow-burn romance, plenty of hilarious antics and banter, complex characters and a well written mystery, I highly recommend this! I can't wait to see what Sophie brings out next!

When the most eligible Lord in the ton wants to marry you, it’s a woman’s dream come true isn’t it? Sure, except of course, if you are Lydia Haworth. A spot of eavesdropping reveals he will only marry out of duty and she will only marry for love. When her hand is forced, there is only one silver lining - ten days where the engagement has to be kept secret….and Lydia has a few tricks up her sleeve to win back her freedom.
I really enjoyed this regency romance. It was interesting to see a format used in modern rom-com film, also applied in a historical romance novel. It worked brilliantly. The enemies to lovers vibe was written so fantastically and delivered exactly the vibe I was hoping for. There are a whole host of characters for you to meet and you’re bound to become fond of them, particularly Pip.
If all this wasn’t enough to convince you to read it, you should know this book is hilarious. I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud whilst reading it.
Especially the pranks and bickering and banter. Please can we have a sequel and a Netflix adaptation? I need more of this book and its characters.
Definitely add this book to your TBR pile if you love historical fiction and romances, the enemies to lovers trope, and witty banter between characters.
Or as Pip would put it - “Fact is; excellent book”
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to review an advanced book in exchange for an honest review.

I have thoroughly enjoyed Irwin's regency romance books and, apart from a slight case of second-hand embarrassment, I loved this one just as much as the previous two.
In case you couldn't tell from the title, this is based loosely on How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, but the regency twist made this one all the more funny. Miss Lydia Hanworth is determined to marry only for love, she wants what her grandparents had, but fate intervenes when the most eligible bachelor of the ton proposes to her. Lydia knows she can't turn him down, not without dire circumstances, but she see's a chance when he states that their proposal will only be announced in 10 days at his cousins ball, 10 days in which Lydia aims to make him take back his proposal. Lydia was such a fun character. She's incredibly witty, confident and determined in equal measure, a force to be reckoned with, and more than willing to make a fool of herself if it means Ashford will take back his proposal.
When she first started 'acting' to make Ashford regret his proposal it did come off as a little cringe, the second-hand embarrassment was real, but when he caught onto her game the shenanigans became more and more hilarious and silly, from changing salt to sugar to altering clothing, and I found myself constantly smiling at their antics. Not only because of the hilarious nature, but because it was in these moments that Lydia and Ashford start seeing each other for who they truly are. Not the forms society forces them to become, but the fun, sometimes a little crazy people they are underneath all of societies expectations.
Irwin really brings regency England to life, but with a more modern twist. She shows us all different types of society, focusing not just on the Lord and Ladies, but the servants. Her side characters are always so well developed, and that was no different in this book. From the quirky older widow who flirts with the younger man, to the slightly ridiculous Captain who claims greatness falsely. But I think what I enjoyed was how Irwin wove them into the plot. They obviously have impacts on Lydia and Ashford, but they also become characters in their own right, and I found myself as invested in some of them as I was our two MC's.I think the biggest example of this was the side plot that was brilliantly woven into the story. Featuring Ashford's cousin, Sophie, her husband and Lydia's wannabe investigator brother, Pip. This plot added a little danger and darkness to a previously very lighthearted story, but at no point did it weigh the story down in anyway, if anything it added an extra depth, as well as giving our two characters the chance to learn more about one another in the process of investigating.
The romance itself gave off light enemies to lovers vibes, but where one person doesn't realise their enemies until later in the book, which added a humorous twist to the trope. It's slow burn thanks to Lydia's desire to end the proposal and Ashford's determination for a 'good' match, love not being mentioned. These are two opposites in so many ways. Lydia's determination to only marry for love, and Ashford's not wanting love in the mix at all, both with their own valid reasoning's: Lydia wanting what her grandparent's had, and Ashford not wanting to go through the heartbreak his father suffered. So it takes a moment for them to first even acknowledge their might be feelings, and then even longer for them to admit and act on it.
If you love regency romances where the tension lies in the touches and glances, with plenty of shenanigans, well developed characters and a mystery sub-plot to keep you intrigued, I would absolutely give this one a go. Irwin has become an insta-buy author for me, and I can't wait to see what she brings out next.

Please see link for review.
I have reviewed How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days for book recommendation and sales site LoveReading.co.uk. I’ve chosen this title as a Liz Pick of the Month.