I reviewed a Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting for LoveReading.co.uk where the review is published. It’s been chosen as a Liz Robinson Pick of the Month.

Oh wow, this book!! Heart eyes all round. The romance was so perfectly slow burn, the main character, Kitty danced through London society, charming everyone except…him. I absolutely loved following Kitty’s journey as she fought her way through the institution to find a solution to her family’s problems, save her sisters from destitution and by the end, find true love. Exactly my kind of book. I hope Sophie Irwin writes lots more! I will be reading them all.

A delightful, fresh regency romance with a heroine determindely and unashamedly fortune-hunting. Really enjoyed reading!

I'm a massive Georgette Heyer fan so I had incredibly high hopes of this. The good news is that there are big signs Sophie Irwin has the potential to be the 21st century contender - but she needs to be a little bolder and less vanilla.

It's a traditional Cinderella story. The twist here is that from day one the hero knows she is a fortune hunter (albeit for a good reason).

There were times when it was completely engrossing and times when it felt as though the author was a little bored. It really picks up in the last third.

Georgette Heyer novels were incredibly witty, romantic and use a huge range of language in bringing the Regency period to life, both in terms of contemporary language and Regency slang. In addition there is a healthy dose of cynicism which runs through them. Some of them are also very funny. There were times I thought Sophie Irwin had absolutely nailed it and I'm looking forward to reading her next novel.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for a review.

Kitty Talbot, the eldest of four sisters and currently, very unfortunately, the one in charge of all the familial chaos after the Talbot’s were recently orphaned. This means Kitty needs to find a fortune and fast. The house is about to be repossessed, her rich fiancé has ditched her for a new woman and her sisters are depending on her. With the last of their parent's possessions being sold, Kitty has one last bid- to go fortune husband-hunting during the London season. Nothing else will bail them out of the massive hole they’re in. Although fortune-hunting in London is a lot harder than even stubborn Kitty hoped, a chance encounter with the perfect man seems to answer to all their dreams, he’s smitten, naïve, tolerable and most importantly rich. However, nobody told Kitty she would also have to win over his family, especially his frustrating older brother, who might just be able to see the real Kitty.

I’ve recently found and promptly started loving the Regency romance setting and this is no exception. Like most romances, you know who is going to fall for who, and this is no exception, but it's all about the journey and that was definitely enjoyable and easy to read. I could see some small plot twists coming but there were a few surprises. It does take about thirty per cent of the book to really get going, Lord Radcliffe, our frustrating older brother of Archie, Kitty’s hopeful mark, doesn’t arrive until this point. Turning up only to find his whole family enamoured with Miss Kitty Talbot, leads to some ongoing hilarious banter between the two, I honestly laughed out loud throughout.

I have so much respect for Kitty. She is a strong woman who remains determined to rescue her family from ruin, despite the judgements and expectations of others. I also really enjoyed the family descriptions and relationships; Kitty’s exploration of grief and reflection was something I felt I could relate to. In many ways I was surprised at how well Irwin made the plot and character arcs feel realistic, how much more difficult ‘husband hunting’ was, the issues with fitting in and gaining respect. You could also see how naive the ‘ton’ were about money, but how aware they were about how it is spent and shown, plus the various different subclasses within the upper class as a whole and on the other side of all that we get to see how Kitty comes in quite naïve about in inner workings of London’s season.

This meant that Radcliffe held a lot of disdain for Kitty (and her husband-hunting focus), I liked how they explored both perspectives of this issue, but it did get a bit boring listening to his constant spoilt disdain for her. I just wanted him to give her a break! She’d already explained why she was in need of a rich husband, but it took a long time for him to really grasp the idea. However, I loved how their relationship was honest, they didn’t hide their opinions or even disdain. It added an element of intimacy and humour from their blunt banter that turned into something heart-warming.

This is a fun and easy Regency read, with strong females and hilarious banter and if you love any of those three elements, you’ll want to read this.

Oh what a enjoyable regency era romp this book was, it was filled to the brim with balls, courtings, some mischief and a whole bunch of characters you are going to love. I have in mind one that will have you swooning.
If your already a fan of the regency era with the iconic films and tv shows out in the world (pride and prejudice, Emma, Bridgerton,sanditon etc etc) you are for sure going to fall head over heels in love with a lady’s guide to fortune hunting.it gives you everything you could want from and definitely fills a hole if you are craving and missing the regency era vibes in your life.

Following our main character kitty who lives and takes care of her 4 sisters has come into a spot of bother when her and her family have been basically left in money troubles and debt after her fiancé decides to leave kitty… meaning all the money has now gone. Kitty is fearless and doesn’t take anything without a fight decides the next best thing.. go to London, join the lords and ladies of the high society, find a wealthy suitor who will be able to save her family’s home and money troubles and then everything will be bright and dandy… but when Kitty gets to London all is not quite plain sailing as she imagines.

Such a grand old time you will have with this book. It will transport you, have you smiling and so much more.

I was sent the e-ARC for an honest review.

Kitty Talbot and her four sisters are recently orphaned and soon to be destitute if Kitty didn't find the money to pay off her parents' creditors. The plan is to travel to London for the Season and spend the next twelve weeks finding and catching a rich husband. Honestly, what are the chances of Kitty succeeding if Lord Radcliffe is trying everything to make sure Kitty doesn't sink her fortune-hunting claws into his younger brother?

There are a lot of things I personally liked about the story. A lot of these aspects cumulate to help me as the reader feel the anxiety and worry that Kitty Talbot had if she doesn't find a rich husband. For example, the pacing of the book gives you a strong sense of the time limit pressed upon the characters and the pacing quickens the closer you got towards the end of the book like time is running out. I felt Kitty's unsurmountable challenges when she talks about how she spends her last pennies and the microaggressive snobbery by the aristocracy. Needless to say, I was very emotionally invested in Kitty's mission.

What I really loved is this rivals to reluctant co-conspirators to inadvertently respected co-conspirators to lovers' relationship. This is a really slow burn relationship, but every interaction sizzles with chemistry and the development of their relationship makes their eventual happily ever after very rewarding. At the time I read this, there's no epilogue and I really really want one to see them enjoy being happy together. This is a wish I'm sending out into the universe for!

Having said all that, I didn't like the way a neurodivergent character was treated by Kitty and the other characters. They were dismissive of her and treated her like she was bothersome. Perhaps another reader more informed than me can weigh in on this.

Overall, I did have a good time reading this and I think historical romance readers are going to have a fun frolic with this too.

Filled a Bridgerton shaped hole! Addictive regency romance, pure joy to read. Fell in love with Kitty and Radcliffe from the start, a perfect romance.

I really adored this novel. Underneath Kitty’s determination is a very real love for her sisters and her home, and she can’t wait to get back to them. It’s funny too. There’s a nice clever wittiness to it, and some lovely throwaway lines, which made me giggle. I'll happily look forward to more from Sophie Irwin.

I loved this book!! Kitty Talbot is the eldest of 4 sisters. Their parents have died and Kitty believed they were financially secure. However, it soon becomes clear their father remortgaged the family home and Kitty has 3 months to repay the debt or she and her sisters will be on the street. Kitty decides the only option is to seek the support of an aunt to go to London and find a rich husband! Soon after arrival she becomes acquainted with the de Lacey family, the eldest son being Lord Radcliffe. Kitty tries to secure Archie de Lacey but Lord Radcliffe is on to her and each end up in a situation where they are blackmailing the other. In exchange for distancing herself from Archie, Kitty asks Lord Radcliffe introduce her to society. What follows is a really funny, sad and adventurous story through the London season. Will
Kitty get her husband?

I just loved Kitty. She is a total firecracker! She's so honest with Lord Radcliffe while with the rest of London society, its all about impression management. Although we know she is essentially a fortune hunter, we know tight from the start she is decent and doing what many other women had to do because of their circumstances and position in society. Her relationship with Lord Radcliffe is just brilliant- she is so cheeky but also her authentic self and it was in these moments we see the true characters of both of them. Their friendship (of sorts) really highlights the difference between the classes at the time. Will he help her catch someone to marry - decent, kind and rich??

This book very much reminds me of the style of Georgette Heyer. It feels really authentic. It has a brilliant story and pace and some amazing characters. I hope there is more to come from this author as i will be sorry to leave these characters behind! Its a fantastic read for historical romance fans! I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley with no promise of a favourable review.

A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting was a joy to read, a story set in the regency period where social manners and etiquette rules were so different to todays society.
With a pair of wonderful main characters supported by an excellent cast we enter Kitty’s life. After Kitty’s father dies Kitty and her three sisters are on the point of destitution unless Kitty can by making an advantageous marriage clear her fathers debts and fully support her sisters, otherwise the family will have to be broken up and each sister go into service or become a governess.
Enlisting the help of an old friend of her deceased mother Kitty travels to London for the season to hunt for a rich husband. She may appear a hard hearted manipulator and schemer but she is doing this for her sisters, prepared to sacrifice marrying for love for their sakes.
She meets a suitable family with a young son who could solve all her problems so Kitty goes all out to ensnare this rather naïve young aristocrat, unfortunately his elder brother Lord Radcliffe is on to Kitty and determined to stop her. The interaction and dialogue between the two is sparkling, witty but also honest, Radcliffe will help Kitty in her task as long as she leaves his brother alone. This leads to all manner of humour, dramatic and romantic episodes.
Basically this is a historical romance, but a page turning extremely entertaining read, lifted by superb storytelling. For me it ended a little abruptly, probably because I didn’t want it to end, I would of love a short epilogue just to have a glimpse into Kitty and ??? future together.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Excellent fun! I devoured it. Was lovely to be transported to the Regency era. Great characters and a cute love story.

We meet Kitty in 1818, being jilted by her fiancée following the death of her father, having lost her mother some years previously. Being the eldest of five sisters, and finding herself inheriting a mountain of debt, Kitty knows that her only option is to marry well… very well..

Kitty decides to travel to London with her sister, Cecily, to visit an old friend of their mother’s who they hope can introduce them into London’s polite society. When a chance encounter gives them an opportunity to mix with high society, the clever Kitty grasps it with both hands, determined to secure herself the richest possible husband.

What she doesn’t reckon on is the handsome but astute Lord Radcliffe, who instantly sees through Kitty’s attempts at securing his brother. What follows is a glorious, fun romp through Regency London as Kitty and Radcliffe continually butt heads while being forced to work towards a common goal. It was a very enjoyable read, with lots of wonderful detail and some great characters.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

A brilliant regency romance that reminded me of Lisa Kleyapas! Very funny and filled with a brilliant cast of characters.

A sparkling debut that’s wickedly funny, deliciously scandalous and perfect for Bridgerton fans. I literally read this book all in one sitting (oops) and my only regret is that I can’t read it again for the first time. If you like…

✨Regency romance
✨enemies-to-lovers
✨reluctant allies
✨scheming heroines

…then this book is definitely for you!

I loved the heroine, Kitty Talbot; it’s so refreshing to see an active female protagonist that takes no prisoners — every scene where she went tête-a-tête with the stubborn James Radcliffe had me flipping the pages as fast as I could. A huge bravo to Sophie Irwin — I can’t wait to read more of her writing in future.

A gem of a book. Most enjoyable and very funny in places. A slow burning love/hate romance that suddenly gets on track with misunderstandings on the way. This is one of these books that yOu won’t be able to put down once you start reading it.

What a delight, Great characters, witty writing, entertaining descriptions of Regency life, sexual attraction and twisty plot with lots of misunderstandings . In short, everything you hope for in a historical novel. The novel is perfect for fans of Georgette Heyer, Julia Quinn, Stephanie Laurens etc. The characters have modern sensibilities but these are expressed in such a way as to not seem historically unlikely. So pleased that there are a cast of siblings and friends with whom I hope to become acquainted over the years. More please. Thanks to Harper Collins and Netgalley for providing an ARC in return for an unbiased review.

An agreeable entry into the Regency romance genre. The opening sentence of this book, “You’re not going to marry me?” sets the scene succinctly in a book which you know is going to be about finding a husband. Obviously the heroine’s attentions are going to have to be directed elsewhere. And because there is a pressing need for a wealthy husband due to a debt-ridden parent’s decease, this is going to be a difficult task.
The heroine, Kitty, basically launches herself and her sister, Cecily, into London society with only the help of an ex-actress friend of her mother’s. There is an enchanting ruthlessness about Kitty’s attempts, which may be viewed askance by the families of her targets, but which is quite understandable to the reader. When Lord Radcliffe skirmishes with her in order to steer her away from his brother, he finds himself manoeuvred into helping her schemes, and even beginning to admire her persistence. Although he does wish she would stop calling around so early in the morning to inveigle more advice and assistance from him.

This was a really enjoyable read, with a good grasp of the Recency conventions – I was only thrown out of the story for one moment when a sum of £10 was deemed enough to pay for new garments for two young ladies. There is some suspension of belief at how much Kitty gets away with, but she is a vigorous protagonist who carries the reader along with her, and there’s a good helping of wit to appreciate as well.
I think this would be a rewarding read for any Regency fans.


I had a copy of this book early through Netgalley.

A really enjoyable read that I read wuickly and was gripped by the whole way through. I liked the storyline, teh characters, the humour, the swetting, everything. Well worth a read.

Thanks so much to HarperCollins for letting me read A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting in advance! I was in the mood for some Regency fun and this completely delivered: very very reminiscent of Georgette Heyer in its tone, this Regency romance tells the story of Kitty Talbot. Recently orphaned, saddled with a mountalin of her parents' debt and looking for a way to provide for her four sisters, she has to marry: rich and quickly. Going to the London season for the first time, she sets her sights on the hapless Archie de Lacy, but pretty soon his older brother James, Lord Radcliffe, has discovered Kitty for the fortune-hunter she really is.

I gulped this down in a matter of hours! I really liked Kitty's pragmatism, the relentless focus on making sure her sisters are financially safe, the questions of female agency and hypocrisy and independence that arise. It's one for the Mrs Bennet apologists out there, and it's a great addition to an ouevre that is only going to get more popular after (the incredibly dull) Bridgerton... Even though I did think it was missing sparkle and the first third was a little plodding – oh, and I wanted the lead love interests to pine for each other a bit more – I really do hope this leads to a series with the Talbot sisters. I think it would be lots of fun! 3.5 🌟