I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was entertaining and I loved the idea behind it. The ending was a little unexpected.

A fun, not to be taken seriously, romp.
Despite being outrageously over-the-top, having some rather childish behaviour and with more than a few typos, this novel kept me reading until I finished it at 4.30am. Not sure how the H and h got away with their name calling/mudslinging and dropping food and wine on each other when in the presence of company, particularly as the H is a staid marquess, and you have to suspend disbelief over the water scenes but still an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’ve read and enjoyed this author’s previous books, and this one is no exception. Lydia Hanworth is suddenly and surprisingly told by her aunt and uncle that the Marquess of Ashford has made an offer for her hand, a man she only met a few weeks ago. Trying to refuse the offer she’s told that she will be sent to live with Aunt Matilda (the ogre) if she does so. Lord Ashford asks that the engagement is kept a secret for now as his father, the Duke of Ancaster, wishes to announce the betrothal at the masquerade ball at the house party hosted by his cousin, Lady Phoebe. Which explains why Lydia and her brother Pip have been invited to the house party. Lydia realises that she has ten days to give Ashford such a disgust of her that he will jilt her! Lydia’s campaign gets off to a flying start with the garish carriage that she and Pip arrive in and the outlandish clothes that she has found and embellished.

I really enjoyed this book. There’s lots going on at the house party – the fun as Lydia and Ashford try to outdo each other, Pip investigating imagined and real crimes, the secrets of the other guests bubbling away in the background, sensitive topics deftly and considerately dealt with and plenty of laugh out loud moments.

Highly recommended

Deliciously hilarious historical romance
5 stars

I’ve previously read and enjoyed Sophie Irwin (A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting is definitely worth a read) so was keen to get stuck into her newest. The blurb sounded intriguing and I always love a well-written Regency romp. And enemies to lovers, to boot!

We start off with Lydia; from a family from a *whispers* trade background! She’s been offered for by the future Duke, Lord Ashford. A coup, indeed. For everyone except Lydia, who wants to marry for love. I obviously first thought of Lydia Bennet but soon Lydia became her own character. And I liked her a lot. She was really trying to get herself jilted but without causing too much of a scandal which made her feel very real. Who wouldn’t feel the fear of having to do things to make yourself look the fool? When she started to develop feelings, I really felt for her. But she was brave - and that was fantastic. She refused to not ask for what she wanted, even knowing she might not get the answer she hoped for.

Ashford started off as the typical stuffy Lord. It was hard not to see him as Lydia did and hope that she managed to get him to jilt her. I didn’t even feel sorry for him when he was literally tearing his hair out at Lydia’s antics. And when he starts to push back against Lydia - we started to see the real Ashford. I loved his boyish glee and how he couldn’t help but be himself around Lydia. But Ashford does have some trauma and some secrets which do add some understanding to his actions and as we reach the end of the book, I love him just as much as Lydia does.

I have to admit that I was a little bit worried when I realised Lydia’s plan was to embarrass herself in the hopes of getting Ashford to jilt her. I get second hand embarrassment and I was anxious that I would cringe so hard. But I shouldn’t have worried. Sophie Irwin knows her history and so the things that Lydia planned don’t seem so terrible to our modern ears - but definitely scandalous back in the day.

I was enjoying the book up until Ashford finds out what Lydia is up to. That’s when this book stepped up a level and become a fantastic read. Lydia and Ashford fully at war with each was a sight to behold. Hilariously so. You read things saying books are “hilarious” and “laugh-out-loud funny” but they rarely are. With this one, I was shaking with laughter in parts and actually guffawing as I read - which is so very rare for me but very much appreciated.

That’s not to say the story isn’t also filled with deeper emotions - as it certainly is. There are some tough scenes but they’re written with skill as never to be too maudlin or overwhelming. And Ms Irwin’s skill in her writing - and in setting her scene - means that whatever is going on, whether it’s funny or not, we always truly feel we’re reading about people living in the 19th century.

If I had one criticism it’s that there’s no epilogue. There really needed to be an epilogue. I want an epilogue. If we’re trying to put a positive spin on this, you could say that I was so bereft that I would read no more of Lydia and Ashford that I needed more. But alas, I just want an epilogue.

Lack of epilogue notwithstanding, this was a fabulous book. It marries the historical setting with a hugely enjoyable enemies to lovers tale that really had me laughing out loud. There are no sex scenes - just a couple of kisses - but it just works. I loved reading Lydia and Ashford’s romance and I will be getting this in paperback as soon as it’s available - as I only do with my very favourite books. 5 stars.

Sophie Irwin has a fresh approach to historical romance, so far her novels all being set in regency England, of which this is her third. They are very reminiscent of Georgette Heyer of whom I was fan, in my teens, many years ago. It did not come as a huge surprise, after reading her first novel, that Sophie Irwin actually wrote her university dissertation on the author Georgette Heyer.

In 'How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days' we meet Lydia Hanworth, a wealthy long woman, whose parents are determined she marry well. The highly eligible Lord Ashford is the perfect match in the opinion of her family when he proposes and Lydia finds herself engaged to him. Lydia however thinks differently and is determined not to marry him. The interactions between her and Ashford as the story progresses are amusing and as they slowly get to know each other, so do their opinions. Does hate turn to love though?

Definitely a fun read that at times is pure farce, but in a good way, written in a clever humorous style .This will appeal to fans of historical romance, particularly those that enjoy the Regency period and something that will make them smile.

With thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins and Sophie Irwin for giving me the opportunity to read and review.

A blend of modern rom-com and Regency romp with a touch of crime and a large amount of humour. A lighthearted enemy to lovers story with occasional glimpses of the dark underbelly of Georgian England. This is a new author for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more.

I've loved all of Sophie Irwin's Regency romances and her latest, How To Lose A Lord in Ten Days is out on July 31st. It's a unique twist on enemies-to-lovers / fake-fiancee that kept me entertained in Sicily! (Posted as an IG story review!)

Sophie Irwin is a must read author for fans of Regency Romcoms with a contemporary vibe. Having read her previous two novels I was excited to receive an ARC of her new book, How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days. My thanks to Harper Collins UK for providing me with a complimentary copy for review purposes.

How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days was pure fun from start to finish. Sophie Irwin delivers sharp banter, a heroine I actually rooted for, and a romance that made me smile, and occasionally roll my eyes (in the best way).

It’s fast paced, maybe a little too convenient at moments, but honestly? I didn’t mind. Sometimes you just want a light, clever read that leaves you happy and this did exactly that. I’m already looking forward to whatever Irwin writes next.

Such a fun read, with Lydia refusing to be trapped into an engagement she doesn't want, so how does she get out of it? The antics are hilarious with the side plot being quite curious. Definitely one to cheer you up and make you smile.

I love reading a comedic historical romance, and the fact that it was influenced by "How To Lose A Guy In Days"?! Sign me up! (nostalgic moment there for me lol)

This is a first read for me by Sophie Irwin, and I was immensely pleased 😊😊will have to give her previous books a look-see!

Ashford and Lydia are 2 worthy adversaries worth reading about, and what started as a way to get Ashford to cancel the engagement turned into a mating match that showed each other their true selves. With the mystery thrown in as an added fodder was so delicious! There were some hiccups along the way, as to be expected, but I was super glad they got their HEA.

This was so VERY well written! At some point, I had tears streaming down my face because I was laughing so hard.
How to lose a lord in ten days is only loosely based on the well known film. In this book, there are zero love ferns, and, not surprisingly, there is zero karaoke.
There is an hilarious, loyal brother, a villain and lots of secrets.
Lydia, our main character, is one of the funniest persons ever. She has no regard for reputation. Ashford is perfectly suited for her. The banter is of the highest level and for a while, I thought this was the whole plot: them bantering and teasing each other. And then the story turned out to be so much more than just that.
Without giving away too much, this book is about equality and very strongly so. This is what takes this book to a higher level and I am in awe of Sophie Irwin to create this.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for granting me access to How To Lose A Lord In Ten Days.

In Regency era London, Lydia Hanworth is looking and holding out for true love. However, her substantial dowry is attracting offers of anything but. That is until the handsome Lord Ashford claims to have fallen for her upon their first meeting and proposes marriage. That first meeting had Lydia feeling little more than contempt for the dashing lord. Having turned away every eligible introduction, her guardians, her aunt and uncle, make it very clear that should she refuse Lord Ashfords proposal, she will be sent away from London society, to live with her dreaded aunt Mildred.

What ensues, over the course of the following 10 days, is a full-fronted assault on the part of Lydia, to ensure the official announcement of their pending nuptials, taking place in 10 days, does not go ahead.

Sophie Irwin's writing is that of someone stepped straight from the Regency era, and I could easily have believed I was reading a piece from Jane Austen herself.

Irwin's characters are well-rounded, independent, passionate and witty.

How To Lose A Lord In Ten Days is an initial slow burn, but soon pulls together into a read I could not put down. Great for fans of How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days, and Bridgerton.

A strong 4.5 star read for me. I had to reduce it by a half star, due to the grammatical errors and missed editing in places.

This was my first Sophie Irwin book and I look forward to reading more.

HOW TO LOSE A LORD IN TEN DAYS is a funny regency rom coms that uses the enemies-to-lovers trope to great effect.

I really liked how this book begins with Lydia disliking Ashford and then, over the first half, intensifies her frustration and builds his. They become more enemy-like rather than softening for a long time. It let the book revel in the tension between them, the chemistry sizzling beneath their hijinks and outrage.

Plus it allows the book to be very funny. They are trying to outdo one another, exasperate the other so badly they call it off, but they're so stubborn and also a smidge proud. And sometimes their pranks backfire. It was just so much fun and I was snorting on a train, much to the confusion of my fellow travellers. Ashford's pranks in particularly was great because he's so stern and unbending and then he thinks up some of the most dastardly pranks - plus you can see how annoyed he is by Lydia's assaults on his dignity.

There is so much chemistry between them. The author does a great job of making you believe there is a spark despite the few days of their acquaintance. I also really liked the arc of their relationship and the way it ended. It does not quite follow the traditional ending you might expect, but the HFN (with a HEA implied) shows just how much Ashford has learnt about Lydia and also the sense they both have about laying foundations for the future.

In all, this was a great Regency romance and one that's proving why Sophie Irwin is an autobuy for me in this genre.

Lydia does not want to get married. Ashford needs to get married. As Lydia tries more outlandish ways to get herself jilted, Ashford stubbornly refuses. Who will win out in this battle of wills?

I was really enjoying this book until the Masquerade Ball. I liked Lydia and Ashford, I thought they had great chemistry and found their antagonism really well written. I was cringing on Lydia’s behalf as she tried to put Ashford off, laughing at their childish pranks, and enjoyed their moments of solitude as they increasingly enjoyed each others company. I am a huge sucker for an accidental midnight library rendezvous in historical romance.

I have to admit that I found Pip’s turns of phrases very strange, and the detective story line - which I was initially intrigued by, as I enjoyed mystery’s - unnecessary and distracting. Combined with the very dramatic scene at the Masquerade Ball, I felt that there was too much going on. I’d much rather have learnt more about Ashford’s parents, as I feel that was very much left unclear.

Unfortunately this drops my rating from a 4 star to 3 or even 2.5 stars. Thank you very much for the ARC. All that being said, I did race through this book in a single day, and I think historical romance fans will enjoy this a lot.

I read this as an eARC, thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK and I'm voluntarily reviewing this book.

No one is more surprised to find Lord Ashford proposing marriage after a mere acquaintance than Lydia Hanworth. Socially obligated to accept, she decides to take matters into her own hands and force him to call the whole thing off before it becomes officially announced. She has ten days during a country party stay to set her plans in motion.

Enlisting the help of her slightly eccentric brother, who is enamored of the new bow street police force, she sets forth to find ways of embarrassing her fiance and force his hand. Cue witty rapport, and unexpected truthful moments between them where they both reveal far more than they intended.

The subplot and additional house party guests add character and provide the audience for the banter. It also draws the two of them together over issues such as abuse within marriage, misogyny and class expectations within the ton.

Overall this was a fun read that I raced through, The main characters did a great job of giving off Jane Austen heroine and Eloise Bridgerton vibes. I'd happily reread it.

I admit that I didnt enjoy the first half of the book that much due to how Lydia was acting (spoilers!), but the second half really picked up and I liked it overall. 3.75 stars 🌟.

The book follows Lydia and Lord Ashford and how they learn to live each other through a lot of unique (?) scenarios.

What I found most off-putting about the first half of the book is Lydia's outrageous behaviour. I didn't feel I knew enough about her character before she started the outragous behaviour, yes she had a reason to act that way to an extent but I didn't warm up to her until later in the book once her reasoning had been explained, and more of her true nature was shown. She is very headstrong.
On the other hand, Lord Ashford's character is explained a bit more and I liked him more overall than the FMC. He does have the patience of a saint qhen it comes to Lydia, but he also has his flaws in poor communication and perhaps he should have enlightened Lydia a bit sooner as to why he chose to propose to her in the first place.

There tropes in this book are done well; the enemies to lovers was convincing and the forced proximity were good. I liked the subtle references to other books (e.g. bees can be dangerous) and the theft of a valuable necklace subplot was a nice extra to the storyline. There was an element of a loved triangle but that wasn't a focus of the book. This had Anthony and Kate Bridgerton vibes.

Thank you NetGalley and the author for an eARC of this book.

Firstly I want to thank Sophie Irwin and NetGalley for giving me an ARC to review of "How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days". I have been a massive fan of Sophie's since I stumbled upon her in my local library with her other book "A Lady's Guide to Scandal", so you can know I had high expectations and this book... did not miss!

With all the feels of a classic 2000's romcom, pride and prejudice, period dramas filled with life and real enemies to lovers, this was a five star read. Lydia is a die hard romantic. She has always dreamed of marrying for true love and never in regard to bettering one's position in society. Everything was going fine... until Lord Ashford came along. An abrupt proposal that Lydia was not able to refuse nor expecting had her conjure a plan. If she cant back out of this, what about forcing her betrothal to end their engagement?

This book was bursting at the seams with witty banter, hilarious and cringy reactions from other characters and above all else elaborate schemes. As the story went on and Lydia and Ashford got to see the real chemistry between them I was hooked! I love nothing more than when the enemies to lovers actually start out hating each other and then brick by brick break down the wall built between them. All of the other characters in this book made it even more entertaining to read with a flavour of a crime mystery thrown into the lot.

The only thing I want to complain about is the fact I will have to wait until your next release to feel this giddy reading a period book again.

Set in Regency England, Lord Ashford proposes marriage to Lydia who is forced by her Aunt to accept his proposal. Under duress, she is determined that she will do all she can to make him change his mind.
When invited to a house party hosted by Ashford’s cousin Phoebe, Lydia dresses and behaves outrageously. She chooses outfits which are bright and garish, and does everything she can to offend Ashford. Aided and abetted by her brother Pip, they both behave disgracefully.
I neither liked or empathised with either character; not only did they offend Ashford, they also annoyed and exasperated their hosts Phoebe and her husband Waldo, along with others attending the party. Although a lighthearted Regency romance, I couldn’t take to Lydia at all. She seemed selfish and childish, with nothing to like in her character.
However, as the story unfolds and Ashford discovers what Lydia is up to, she becomes more relatable. This is a lighthearted, humorous story with each character trying their best to get the better of the other, which causes you to laugh out loud in places. There is also a backstory about a diamond thief being investigated by Pip, an intrepid amateur detective, and the plot touches on domestic abuse. An entertaining light hearted read.

A fun Georgian romp that had me smiling. I really liked Sophie Irwin's previous novels (A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting, and A Lady’s Guide to Scandal) and this one was in a similar vein. The main character Lydia was entertaining and quirky, and her secret fiancée is as expected in a novel like this, haughty and reserved, yet quietly sexy. (I was casting them for the TV adaptation – anyone else?)
There is a mystery alongside the comedy and romance, but this is really about a young woman straining against the norms and expectations of her time and her class. Most enjoyable and a very pleasant way to lose a few hours on your sofa or on a beach.

Sophie Irwin never disappoints! I love her writing so much, and couldn't wait to dive into this book based on the title alone. I was obsessed with Lydia and Ashford's dynamic from the start, and found all of the Regency-era ways in which she sought to put Ashford off her so hilarious. The ten-day time limit on her mission to be jilted was great too as it really ramped up the urgency, and I loved the glimpse behind the curtain into a 'house party' during those times (who knew Regency-era house parties went on for ten days!?). Overall I found this book to be charming, funny and seriously addictive. I already can't wait for the next one!

I also particularly loved the character of Pip and his quirky nature – as someone with a neurodivergent brother I could really relate to Lydia's fierce protectiveness over him and I found it really heart-warming that she never tried to change him or make him behave differently, and never tried to put a stop to his detective work (despite her uncertainties about it) because he loved it so much, and that was the most important thing.