If you are in the mood for a good Regency romance, this sure is the way to go! This is the first one I have read in ages, and because I may be a bit out touch with the genre, my automatic reaction was to compare it to “Bridgeton”. I hope I do not step on any toes here!

The reasons I cannot help but compare it with the Julia Quinn series is because it does play out in the same period, with very much the same social and courting rituals. We all would just love to promenade in a gorgeous summer dress, don’t we? Okay, I would!

But, as we have seen, the “husband-hunting” phase is quite exhausting, with a lot of social rites and yes, a lot of competition. Even more so if you must, like our hero in this book, Kitty Talbot, not only find a husband, but find a rich one to boot! Kitty is sassy, ingenious, very like-able and strong-willed. Her determination (and desperation) to save her family from financial ruin is to be commended. Desperate times, desperate measures as they say?

I compared “A Lady’s Guide…” to the Bridgeton series earlier, but if you are expecting sexy smut or grab-your-pearls-scandal, this is not a R-rated read at all. There are loads of sexual tension and boisterous banter though!

This is a wonderful read for fans of classic romance! This is a light-hearted, delightful, and enjoyable. Yes, a tad predictable, but does it really matter? In romance that is what we want!

And yes, it placed the regency romance genre firmly on my radar!

I'm sorry to say that this book just didn't work for me. I loved the concept and I think the character of Kitty is fabulous. It sounded like a mix of Pride and Prejudice and the Bridgerton novels. Lacking the adult themes of Julia Quinn's books but with a bit more daring than Austen's.

In the end, these books have far more similarities than I'd expected. Many of the plots seem as though they'd been copied and pasted right onto the page. Meaning the book had a slightly perfunctory feel of ticking off all the necessary boxes. It also means that there is never any doubt about how the book is going to end. As soon as one character is mentioned, you are left with no doubt about what's going to happen.

This wouldn't be a problem if there wasn't so much going on. The inevitable ending is just dragged out for far too long. Again, this wouldn't matter if there were more character development along the way. As it is, the characters are all pretty one-note. Kitty is great but she doesn't really change as the novel moves on. Neither do the other character. They seem like stereotypes. Then, most importantly for a romance, there's a real lack of chemistry. The central romance just doesn't seem real. I never really engaged with this love story because they didn't seem suited.

It's not a bad thing to be inspired by the plot of a classic novel but, if you're doing it, I don't see the point of dragging it out. So many of the scenes just feel like repeats: another ball that was just like the one before; another walk around the park; and another conversation between Kitty and her sister about their lack of finances. This wouldn't be a bad thing per se but it is frustrating considering the end of the book feels so rushed. The wrapping-up takes place in a matter of pages. The most interesting parts just fly by.

I don't think this is a bad book but could have benefited from being a little shorter? I can see why so many people enjoyed it but I just didn't engage with it. The historical context was good but some of the actions just didn't seem to fit. There are examples of dialogue or behaviour that don't seem to make sense for the time period.
It's a cute read and will no doubt delight any fans of Regency-era literature. However, it isn't exactly memorable.

I loved this historical romance! The enemies to lovers was hooking and the setting delightful, as well as the narrator being amazing at her job. Fans of The Bridgerton, grab a copy of A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting !!

Kitty Talbot needs a fortune.
Or rather, she needs a husband who has a fortune. This is 1818 after all, and only men have the privilege of seeking their own riches.
With just twelve weeks until Kitty and her sisters are made homeless, launching herself into London society is the only avenue open to her. And Kitty must use every ounce of cunning and ingenuity she possesses to climb the ranks.
The only one to see through her plans is the worldly Lord Radcliffe and he is determined to thwart her at any cost.

“A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting” by Sophie Irwin is a fantastically entertaining historical fiction debut from this author. It was an absolutely delightful read. I read it in one sitting. The slow burn was amazing the characters were all interesting and it was just truly an amazing read. I've been in a reading slump for a few weeks and haven't really been enjoying my books like I normally do, so I was so happy to read this book and just absolutely devoured it.

I think the comparisons to Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer are a tad unfair to the author. Written in completely different times and to an audience that doesn’t typically share a love of the Classics, I don’t feel a comparison is fair. And those readers who do appreciate the classics, most likely wouldn’t compare.

I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys historical fiction and indeed, those who are just looking for an entertaining read.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an unbiased review.

I loved this debut! A delightfully fun story set in regency England. I adored Kitty – she is determined to secure a fortune, putting aside her own happiness so that her sisters can lead the lives they desire. She is intelligent, amusingly cunning, and utterly admirable. I loved her scandalous antics; nothing will stop her from finding a fortune.
For those Bridgerton fans – get this one on your TBR! It is wonderfully atmospheric: I was wrapped up in garden strolls, elegant balls, and dinner dances. Filed with drama, gossip and scandal, this is a charming escapism read.

A slow burner that had me hooked from the beginning! The audio version was engaging and the reader’s voice changes were entertaining and added the to story.
A must read for any Bridgerton fans, or any fans of a slow burning romance, funny, witty and a must read!

Welcome to high-society, Regency London, where The Season is about to commence, and young ladies from the aristocracy are preparing to bag themselves a husband.

Amongst them is interloper and fortune-hunter, 20 year-old Kitty Talbot, who hails from a modest background with a scandalous family secret. But her need for a wealthy husband is pressing: if she doesn’t secure a proposal within just a few weeks, then she and her four younger sisters will be made destitute.

I listened to this on audio and found myself immediately enchanted by Kitty, her determination to keep her family together, and her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for theirs. I loved her combination of sweetness and steel, and how she used her female wiles and cunning to successfully insinuate her way into the topmost echelons of London society.

The pitting of wits between Kitty and the lofty Lord Radcliffe — who threatened to thwart her ambitions — was hugely entertaining, as was the spark of attraction that both sought to deny.

There is more than a mere nod in this story to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and I found it a beautiful tribute. Although not quite an Elizabeth Bennet, Kitty is a wonderful creation, and author Sophie Irwin has done an outstanding job of capturing both the language and society of the era.

Eleanor Tomlinson’s narration was the perfect accompaniment to Irwin’s evocative prose and wholly transported me to the ballrooms and salons of London society. A truly stunning debut from this talented writer.

I loved this book so much!
The narrator has done such a great job in bringing to life these complex yet reliable characters. And I actually loved the narrator voice, nothing about high pitched or anything annoying like with others.
I loved Kitty and how she will do anything and everything to protect and secure the future of her sisters. She’s so inventive and the conversations she has are always so on point and I feel like I really want her to be my friend.
The interactions between her and Lord Radcliffe are hilarious at times but also such a slow burn romance!
I’m missing reading historical romance stories and this one hit the mark right away.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Move over Miss Bennet, out of the way The Bridgertons, Kitty Talbolt is in town, and she is ruthless in her pursuit of a suitable match. This was a fantastic Regency-era romance, which had some slight adult overtones, however, I do think that this would be suitable for a younger audience. I loved the pomp and beauty and over the top language.
I loved this audiobook which was made even more perfect by the smooth voice of Eleanor Thomlinson.

This was a wonderful audio book. I listened to this as I was working and it was so calmingly brilliant. I’ve picked up a physical copy to lend out to friends because the story was captivating.

I enjoyed this book so much. I listed to this book on audio and I thought the narrator was fantastic and really brought this book to life.

I loved the characters and their relationships, especially grumpy Radcliffe. I would have liked to have gotten to know Cecile a bit more.

The only negative I have about this book is that I thought the romance between the two main characters was quite sudden. Yes there was sort of a build up, however then seemed to almost go from zero to engaged with barely a conversation.

In a Nutshell: Want a good old Regency Romance with lots of fun banter and chuckle-inducing scenes and also some serious topics? Check this out. No major surprises to be found here. It is what you would expect from this genre, and does a great job at it. Doffs a nice hat to Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’.

Story Synopsis:
Dorchester & London, 1818. Kitty Talbot is a woman on a mission. She needs a RICH husband within the next four months if she has to save her family home and ensure the future of her four younger sisters. The problem is not just the time constraint. With no title, no parents, and no fortune, Kitty has to use all her cunning to push her way in the top echelons of London society. However, there’s a huge obstacle standing in her way and his name is Lord Radcliffe. Will Kitty overpower Radcliffe’s hurdles and be successful in her mission to save her family?
The story comes to us in a limited third person perspective of Kitty and Radcliffe.

Where the book worked for me:
❤ I am a huge fan of Jane Austen. So to see a nod to her most famous work, ‘Pride and Prejudice’, was a wonderful surprise. There are many elements in common – five sisters, the need to marry rich, a proud titled gentleman who can’t stand the leading lady. Even the name of two of the sisters – Kitty and Jane – were the same, though it struck me as hilarious that the Kitty in this book was the responsible go-getter and Jane was the youngest. The book also begins with a quote from Pride and Prejudice. It was fun to see the Easter eggs from P&P sprinkled in this story.
❤ Twenty year old Kitty is the heart and soul of the story. While she is a Regency heroine, her behaviour doesn’t match up to the typical leads of this genre. She is unabashedly in the market for a rich groom and doesn’t stop at anything to ensure that she achieves her plan within the deadline. Her vivacity and her cunning are extremely well-balanced. At the same time, Kitty was a character who could have been so easy to hate because of her mercenary tendencies. But the way she is written shows her emotional and vulnerable side too. I loved her character.
❤ The male lead usually gets ignored in this genre, but Lord Radcliffe holds his own very well. I liked the author’s decision to present scenes from his perspective also. It broke the monotony and also revealed the pressures that the men of the ton faced. Radcliffe’s banter with Kitty is charming and their strong love-hate connection is what elevates the story further.
❤ While most of the book is quite typical of the genre, there are some serious topics too highlighted such as the inherent sexism that is always in favour of men, the pressures faced by the eldest child (whether male or female), and the bias & prejudices of the upper classes.
❤ I am not sure how much of the historical portrayal is accurate, but whatever was present in the book was delightful to read. (I don’t look for historical accuracy in this genre, so even a lack of it doesn’t matter to me.) I’ll never understand how English high society could remember all those customs. The book takes a tongue-in-cheek jab at the silly rigidities and the gossipy matrons.
❤ That cover is so cool! I adore the bright hues.
❤ No steam, squeaky clean. Plus point for me, might be a minus for others.

Where the book could have worked better for me:
💔 There are a couple of incidents towards the end that went a little OTT.
💔 Some of the secondary characters were too stereotypical.


The audiobook experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 9 hrs 40 minutes, is narrated by Eleanor Tomlinson. I found her narration decent, not exceptional. (It is a credit to the story that I still enjoyed the book so much.) I would have assumed Kitty’s character to have a very perky voice but the narration made her sound very muted. Some of the other characters were not voiced well. The narration of Cecily, Kitty’s younger sister, was the worst with an irritating nasal drone. Some of the words were pronounced incorrectly.


Overall, this is a nice story with some serious themes thrown in. The lead characters are awesome, the writing entertaining. For a debut work, this took me by surprise and I am going to keep an eye out for future works by this author. Definitely recommended for fans of Regency romances. This is like Bridgerton with tons more fun and none of the smut.

4.25 stars.

My thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.

Well, what a regency romp this was! It had everything you could want, an orphaned family of five sisters facing eviction if they can’t pay off their father’s substantial debts within three months, an eldest sister determined to sacrifice herself to a loveless but lucrative marriage to save them, a scandalous family secret that threatens her chances, villainous and lecherous men, snobbish socialites and an elopement. 

I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s no Pride and Prejudice but the classics aren’t for everyone. What we have here is easy- to-read, you-know-what’s-coming, fast paced froth. Pure entertainment. I listened to it in a day.

I’ve said before that I don’t mind suspending my belief so it wasn’t difficult for me to accept the heroine, Kitty Talbot, thinking like a 21st century young woman in an 18th century environment. The story successfully contrasts how acceptable it was for men at the time to pursue a wealthy marriage with how scandalous it was for a woman to do likewise. It also focuses on the pressures placed on the eldest child in a family when a parent, or both, have died. 

Unfortunately some of the language in the novel triggered me. I know language is a living thing but I have my lines. In a book where the author makes a point of using expressions like, “Devilishly sorry”, I found it jarring that she also chose modern expressions like “filthy rich” and “a facer”. And that’s not to mention past participles like “dove” (seriously? The book’s written in British English after all!) and the really weird/improper (to me) “I wish you would have told me” - though I suppose I should be grateful that it wasn’t “I wish you would of told me”. Uggh.  I’m sure I would have spotted more of these had I read the physical book rather than the audio version. And did I pick up the narrator correctly when she said that Aunt Dorothy had ‘gone to Kent’ yet later in the chapter she was said to be in Brighton? I thought Brighton was in Sussex. Eleanor Tomlinson’s narration was excellent - crisp and clear. 

This is Sophie Irwin’s debut novel. I’ll be back for more.

Thanks to @netgalley @harpercollins for a free audio version of the book in return for an honest review.

I would like to thank HarperCollins UK Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I was pleased to read A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin. That was my first book by the author, and I believe it was also her debut YA romance. It follows the story of Kitty Talbot, a young woman who, after losing her father, becomes in charge of her family's future—and by family, I mean many sisters and brothers. But more than leaving them on their own, their father also left behind huge debts, which urge Kitty to find a rich husband in a very short time. Drastic times call for drastic measures for the Talbot girl, so Kitty decides to embark on a journey to London when she plans to hunt down a man who could provide her with what she asks for: money. Ambitious and witty, Kitty doesn't satisfy with little amounts. She dreams big, even bigger than what her aunt advises her; between tricks and good fortune, she thrusts herself and Cecile, her sister, into a very intimate (and rich) circle that threatens both of them with very dangerous situations and people. But Lord Radcliffe won't make Kitty back off...

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Firstly, I want to praise Eleanor Tomlinson's voice and acting because I think that really helped me find myself inserted into the story. I could differentiate every character by the tone her voice would take, every emotion by the little changes and variations. I loved that! It also was the kind of voice that was soothing, very calm and relaxing. So 10/10 for that, bravo!

Now, the story. I think that people who reviewed it already did the job of telling future readers that, if they liked Bridgerton (especially season two of the series), they will be delighted with this standalone; it is very similar. You can still find variations and, of course, it wasn't exactly the same. But overall, I could find a similar tone between these two stories. I'd say, however, that it is more female-driven than male-driven, which I personally liked more. I found Kitty's character really interesting and fun to follow. Though I sometimes wasn't in agreement with her decisions and found her slow for someone who was first presented as very clever, I thought that it was still pretty realistic to, over the story, discover her emotions more and follow the mistakes she made, only to find her more human and fit to her age. Sure she is mature, but she is also deeply insecure about some things (which will remain in my zipped mouth to avoid spoilers).

We also follow Cecile, called Cece if I'm not wrong. She is nice too, more intellectual. I could relate to her in this respect. I could feel that she is in search of deep conversations, which bring something to her being. If I had some 'flaw' in Eleanor's reading, I'd say that I wasn't fond of Cece's voice.

I really enjoy Lord (James) Radcliffe too. He is typically the Darcy kind of man, with this little pinch of traumatic experience added by the war. I thought it cool that Irwin spoke about it, but I would have loved it even better if, I don't know, we had had flashbacks or... more details about it. I could tell that Radcliffe has developed a trauma by the way he puts the conversation off, and avoid society and frivolous talks, but to feel more related to him, I think I would have needed more images.

Concerning the whole story, I enjoyed it. I was really into the first half, but at 75% of the audiobook, I thought it added dramas where it wasn't especially necessary. I won't lie: it was predictable, but romances like this one are predictable in a way that you don't want to know WHAT will happen, but HOW things will unfold. I liked the chemistry between Kitty and James, although it was dragging a bit by the end of the book. I almost thought that the novel would solve on... well, nothing. Everything happened all at once and, though I didn't expect spicy scenes (that isn't my cuppa usually, so I really don't mind if the author decides to include them or not), I was left a bit unsatisfied with the romance.

I believe that people who aren't too familiar with this type of romance and want to discover similar stories to Bridgerton or some Jane Austen-like stories in another format than movies will be pleased with this book. It is simple to understand, funny sometimes, and there's everything one would expect in the recipe of such books (historical YA romance, I mean). Irwin's writing is very appreciable, pretty even, so I think this is a book I would TOTALLY recommend, even more in the audiobook format.

"You see me, in my entirety, the worst and the best of me as no one else ever has."

This was a sweet YA Regency Romance

Kitty is the oldest of five sister's, and after her parents have both passed away leaving them in a pile of debt, Kitty must find herself a rich husband before the end of the season or risk losing their house and her sisters being separated.

I loved Kitty's loyalty and love for her family, her tenacity and no-nonsense behaviour. She knows what she needs and she will do what she must to achieve her goals. Enter Radcliffe, the cynical big brother of the man Kitty has firmly got her claws into. He knows Kitty is only after a fortune and refuses to let his little brother end up in a marriage with someone who doesn't love him. I enjoyed the discussions and banter between these two characters, and watching their shields gradually lower around each other.

This story was predictable, but still a fun read. I think Austen fans will enjoy this book, but if you are fans of Regency romances like Bridgerton do remember this is YA, and the most physical things will get is perhaps a brushing of an un-gloved hand. Possibly. 😂

3.5⭐️

It was exactly what I expected it to be. Fun and light regency romance, a bit like a parody of Pride and Prejudice.
It was a bit slow at the beginning for the story to start and the ending unfurled a bit too quick to my liking. I wish a bit more time was taken to evolve the finally arc of realisation that one is in love!

I quite liked the enemy to “lovers” (in love) transition was made, there was enough time taken for it to be believable and for a transition to occur which really is a plus! I also liked the fact that they end up saving each other instead of it just being the wealthy gentleman who saves the poor lady. It made everything more balanced and added a bit more depth to the relationship.

If you want time period accuracy you will probably not find that as it seems a lot like a parody of a serious regency period novel. It is meant to be a “historical” romcom more than something to be taken seriously and I appreciate it for that.

Kitty and James were delightful characters to follow and I’ve enjoyed my time listening to the audio!

Overall, it is light, fun and quick to read. If you want a historical romcom this could be the one for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for providing me with an audiobook copy in exchange for a honest review!

A good fun read, I listened to this audio book and thoroughly enjoyed the narration by Eleanor Tomlinson. Kitty and her sisters discover they are in severe debt following the death of their parents. Kitty decides the only solution is to move to London to stay with an Aunt and use the small amount of money she has left to pursue a rich husband who will pay off the family debt and support her sisters. Her determination along with help from her Aunt enable her to mix with plenty of husband material. All she has to do is find the right man! I enjoyed the historical detail of this regency era romance, the characters were well described and felt quite real.

Kitty Talbot needs a wealthy husband immediately if not sooner…. Not because she’s after the finer things in life but because this is the 18th century and if she doesn’t get a proposal from a rich man in twelve weeks, her and her four sisters will be left penniless and homeless. She heads to London, single mindedly determined to save her family. However there’s an obstacle in her way, Lord Radcliffe who sees her for the fortune hunter she is and is determined to stop her…


Wow I loved this audiobook. It’s such a fun listen that I actually looked forward to doing any activity which meant I could spend more time listening to it, even housework! Kitty is a brilliant character, witty and brave, cunning and tenacious. I loved the world Sophie Irwin introduced us to within the pages of her book. The narrator did such a fantastic job of bringing the characters and setting to life, that I felt I was right there in the ballroom with the ton. There’s subtle messages of feminism and female solidarity throughout the book. It’s the kind of book when I knew where it was going from the blurb but loved every moment of the journey there. I really hope this is the start of a series and we can visit the characters again because I miss them already!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review and advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

What an utterly charming delight!

I picked this one up at the end of a two week long reading slump in which time I read basically nothing at all; nothing was appealing to me, I couldn't focus, I'd get 3 chapters in to a new book and stop, over and over... until on a whim I decided to start this one, and I was immediately hooked.

This may not be the sort of book I read too often, but sometimes a book lands just right and if you pick it up in the right moment it is absolute gold. This was that book for me, so a huge thank you to Sophie Irwin for getting me out of my slump.

I adored Kitty right the way through; she's tenacious, she's spirited, she's determined... she knows what she needs to do to protect her family, and she'll stop at nothing to make sure that happens.

A regency romance with a lot of wit, and full of heart. Beautifully paced and utterly absorbing, this is a joyful read that I can highly recommend.

Regency romance fans, meet your new crush. As joyful inside as out, think of this captivating novel as the love child of Pride & Prejudice and Bridgerton!

After the death of their parents, Kitty finds herself responsible for her sisters and in desperate need of money before the bailiffs arrive. And so she goes to stay with her “aunt” in London, adamant that she will find herself a wealthy husband to take care of her problems. Except the man she’s set her sights on comes with an older brother who sees right through her - and Lord Radcliffe certainly isn’t going to invite a fortune hunter into their family. But in order to distract her from his brother, he must help her find her next target - and avoid falling for her in the process…

Ok so let’s not pretend that we all won’t see pretty quickly how this one is going to play out, but what a joy it is to watch the story unfold knowing the type of happy ending we can expect! I absolutely love a good regency romance because it’s a guaranteed fun romp in such a glamorous period of time, with all the balls, grand houses and fancy clothes. I was basically born 200 years too late 🙄

Kitty is every bit the feisty, whip smart and charming heroine you would expect from such a story, and I loved the sniping between herself and Lord Radcliffe, as they’re so well matched on an intellectual level and their conversations kept me entertained throughout. I was rooting for them from the beginning and loved the questions it raised around privilege and the ignorance that often brings. An absolute delight of a book!