I really enjoyed this one. It was funny but still had a enough of a story to get your teeth into.
What I found most enchanting to this story was the subtle links to Pride and Prejudice.
Fingers crossed there is another one to follow.

Hilarious historical novel that genuinely made me laugh out loud at times. Main character, Kitty, was engaging and unique. Her quest to find herself a husband to halt the ruin of her family was both mercenary and compelling. The characters were well rounded and worked well together and the storyline, although well worn provided a few twists and turns.

This one was a lovely read. I really enjoyed reading this one. I just love this kind of books.
3.5 stars read for me

If you have enjoyed Bridgerton and classics like Emma and Pride and Prejudice you will most certainly enjoy this. It is a lovely historical romance with great humour and a strong main character.
Kitty must save her family and in order to do this she needs to marry a rich man. Kitty is relentless and determined in her pursuit and will do anything to fit into high society in order to ensnare her husband.
This was a great read and I was pleased to see that there will be another book.

A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting is a humorous and compelling debut from Sophie Irwin that makes you look forward to reading future releases from Sophie.

A whip-smart debut that follows the adventures of an entirely unconventional heroine who throws herself into the London Season to find a wealthy husband. But the last thing she expects is to find love...

Kitty Talbot needs a fortune. Or rather, she needs a husband who has a fortune. Left with her father’s massive debts, she has only twelve weeks to save her family from ruin.

I just wanted to keep reading and enjoyed every last bit of it. Very archetypical characters but they do work well and the banter between the main characters is good.

The romance part is very PG.

What can I say, this is such a lovely book. Exactly now I expected it to be.
This reads like a traditional regency tale so if you’re not a fan of slow burn/romances with no spice, this may be a struggle for you. The love interest takes until the end of the book to become official and there’s only a few kisses, again near the end. Regardless of that I absolutely loved it. Our main character carries the book so well on her own. She’s so upfront about her fortune hunting and can be quite manipulative, completely different to other females in this genre which is one of my favourite things about her. If you are thinking about reading this because you enjoyed bridgerton I think you’ll love it. There’s the same ‘pressures of the eldest child’ plus the blatant sexism of women, which is covered well in the book.
Overall - a fantastic read. I even bought myself a fancy special edition.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kitty Talbot has just 12 weeks before the bailiffs take away her family home. In order to save her sisters and the only house they’ve ever known, Kitty needs money. The year is 1818 and the only way to ensure a fortune is to marry a rich man.
Kitty travels to London with her sister to launch herself into London society in the hopes of finding a suitor. Kitty is unfamiliar with traditions, fashion and behaviours and therefore uses all her ambition and cunningness to fit in. She even takes advantage of Lord Radcliffe who keeps falling for her tricks and can’t understand why he keeps letting her get away with it.
This debut novel surprised me. I imagined it to be very similar to Bridgerton and even though it was in certain ways, the story and characters had me hooked from the beginning. Irwin has written a witty, engaging novel with loveable characters and a perfect setting. I’m looking forward to reading more from her.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

Historical romance isn't my normal go to but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story tells of Kitty who needs a man...or a man with a fortune.

It's witty and well written. You leave to love or hate the characters.

Brilliant debut novel for Sophie Irwin.

A mixture of Young Adult Bridgerton and classic Jane Austen. It’s got all the sass of an Austen heroine, mixed with all the Georgian glamour of Bridgerton. I had a great time reading this book. I found it very entertaining, with lots of wit and humour and irony that I think Jane Austen fans would appreciate. I wanted to adore this, but it only gets 3/5 from me. It was just a bit bland and repetitive, but Kitty’s practicality and spunky nature was fun and fresh.

I liked the writing style and was a fan of the humour in the first part of the book. I understood Kitty’s need to find a rich husband as quickly as possible but she was so mercenary about it I was turned off, and I find it hard to believe that the man she ended up with would not have been, too. However, the characters were one-dimensional and not a lot happened when all was said and done.

A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunter by Sophie Irwin is a cute but predictable. That said, it certainly serves as an amusing break from reading more serious fare. It reads a little stilted in some sections but picks up a bit towards the end, which might bode well for a future book in the series. Kitty, at times, wasn’t the most likeable character as she comes off as manipulative. However, she is realistic about her situation and recognizes that in Regency England, she has little option but to marry for money.

I do actually recommend this book and had fun reading it, I just think it’s fallen prey to the mis-marketing and Bridgerton craze. A solid story but needed a little more in a few areas to be a shelf worthy choice for me.

Regency romance is all the rage in the wake of Bridgerton. If you are looking to satisfy your fix for the gossip and scandal of the ton, then A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting should most definitely be on your TBR card this season.

Destitute and orphaned, Kitty Talbot finds herself responsible for her parents' debts and saving her four younger sisters from financial ruin. As a woman, there are limited means for Kitty to find the money she needs, short of finding a wealthy husband. So, of course, she packs herself of to London and with the aid of her Aunt Dorothy and sister Cecily, aims to find a husband.

What ensues is a fun, and compelling regency romp, with romance, scandal and drama of high society to boot. Sophie Irwin pitches this novel perfectly within modern sensibilities - Kitty is an independent, clever and resourceful heroine who frequently flouts the rules of polite society, outdoing the gentlemen when it comes to saving the day and even shutting down lecherous suitors when it is called for. It might not fly with sticklers for historical accuracy, but if you are looking to fill that Bridgerton-shaped hole in your life, then this book is perfect.

Romance plots are often predictable, and A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting makes no exception here, though the story does throw in a few surprises here and there. Though, ultimately, we know what is going to happen, it's not so much about the end goal but about how we get there and what happens along the way. The characters are fun, and pretty well fleshed out; bookish Cecily might be infuriating to her sister but definitely garners sympathy from like-minded readers, while we see Aunt Dorothy having reinvented herself after a scandalous past. Our other prominent family, the de Lacy's each have their own histories and journeys exploring familial relationships, legacies, duty, PTSD from war and much more.

Irwin's debut is a whole lot of fun, and I can only hope A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting spawns sequels for each of the Talbot sisters because I can't wait for more of their stories.

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and this book certainly didn’t disappoint. From the off this was a fun and witty read and this is perfect for lovers of regency era England. This is the author’s debut novel, and after a book like this, I am really looking forward to her next book.

Kitty Talbot was such a smart, quick witted, and loving character and I hope the next book includes her!

This book is a prefect read for lovers of Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice. Although in saying that, this is the perfect regency romance, unlike Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton, there is only limited physical contact between Kitty and the male characters, but I think that is what makes it that bit different and refreshing. I also liked the character of Kitty as she made it VERY clear at all times that she was really only there as a fortune hunter, and once that outcome had been achieved, you wouldn’t see her for dust!

Overall, a really good book to lose yourself in and be transported back to regency England and the trials and tribulations of society life.


Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for an e copy of this book, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. A fresh approach to a Regency era romance, which would not be my normal type of read, the writing in this book was very good and the characters drew me in. Romance and society life, which is ideal for Bridgerton fans and for entertaining holiday reading. Really enjoyed this one!

I don't usually read a lot of historical romance, but this one proved irresistible. The recommendations promised 'witty', 'fun' and 'sassy' which I'm absolutely here for, so I was pleased to be granted a copy by NetGalley for review. As always, opinions are entirely my own.

The story opens in 1818 with Kitty Talbot being jilted by her fiance who was - let's face it - her meal ticket and answer to the problem of what to do with crushing inherited debt and younger sisters to support. She has twelve weeks before she loses her home, so needs a drastic solution. Luckily, Kitty is extremely resourceful and willing to lie, cheat and deceive her way into bagging a rich husband. Along with one of her sisters, she throws herself into the London season, but her route to success is barred by the troublesome Lord Radcliffe. As time gets tighter, Kitty ups her game - but is it enough to save her family from poverty?

Kitty is an appealing heroine - although her ultimate goal (a rich husband) is mercenary, she isn't portrayed as someone who is cruel or grasping. Instead, Irwin contextualises her need within the Georgian marriage market where men are free to make the most lucrative matches but women are stymied by society's rules and constraints and forced into passive roles. Although the book is packed with Georgian etiquette and expressions, Kitty's situation is seen through a modern lens - as intrinsically unfair, with odds stacked against poor Kitty, but a rigged game that readers want the underdog to win. Even when toying with the hearts (or bank balances) of rich men, Kitty is presented sympathetically - and her male targets unworthy of this strong, resourceful woman.

All that sounds very serious, but that isn't the tone of the book. Instead, Irwin presents us with an upbeat, often funny jaunt through Georgian high society as Kitty forges her way through formal dinners, balls, pleasure gardens, chaperoned visits and excursions, There is a sharp humorous undercurrent throughout the book that highlights quirks of character and tricky situations.

For me, one of the stars of the book was Aunt Dorothy, the friend of Kitty's dead mother who helps the girls launch themselves into London society. As a former courtesan, she faces meeting gentlemen in formal situations that she has met rather more intimately (*ahem*), but this never deters her from throwing herself into Kitty's plan with enthusiasm. She is warm, funny and generous - the kind of person you need in your corner. Kitty's sister, Cecilia, is also an absolute treasure, being awkward, bookish and prone to quoting obscure literature at baffled gentlemen - definitely the most relatable character for this bookworm! It's fair to say that Irwin writes women well.

The romance seems to unfold quite gradually and credibly - it's pretty obvious from the start where it is all heading, but the route there is so much fun. This is one book where you just need to throw yourself into the joy of it all and enjoy Kitty's climb through society.

This book would be enjoyed by those who love historical fiction with a strong female lead. Lots of reviews mention Georgette Heyer fans and yes, if that's you, you'll like this too. Personally, I cut my teeth on Georgian romance in my teens through the books of Amanda Quick which I'd also recommend (although they are a little racier than Irwin and Heyer - don't say you weren't warned!)

A witty and fun Regency period drama following the vivacious Kitty as she determines to find a wealthy husband in order to save her family from ruin. As the eldest, it is down to her to save them from debts left by her father. However, Kitty doesn't have access to the finer society parties due to her birth, so she relies on her wily ambitions to secure an alternative entrance into popular society. Her nemesis Radcliffe stands in the way, but soon finds himself embroiled in a plan to help her access the finer parties. There are plenty of nods to Austen's Pride and Prejudice and all the wit of Bridgerton. The focus remains on Kitty and Radcliffe and gives both their narrative POVs. There is much witty repartee between the pair. A thoroughly fun read. #aladysguidetofortunehunting #ladysguide #Sophieirwin #regencyperiod #drama #romance #theton #fortunehunting #historical #netgalley

Kitty Talbot is a woman in need of a man, or more specifically, a man with a fortune he’s willing to share to keep her and her sisters out of poverty.

Sophie Irwin’s debut is a really enjoyable read as we get to know Kitty and her sisters. She’s the eldest and feels responsible after losing both of their parents. They have a roof over their heads, but with the bailiffs heading round shortly and her previous engagement fallen through, she knows she needs to act fast.

It’s often the case that Regency heroines are slightly annoying, earnest and oblivious to their own faults. I didn’t find that with Kitty, although she probably demonstrates all of those at points across the story. Her single minded focus on saving her family is admirable, all the more so as she navigates the complicated rules and etiquette framework of the London scene.

This is not a new story, and I would definitely describe it Austen adjacent with a dash of Little Women and more than a nod to Bridgerton, but that didn’t lessen the enjoyment.

Besides Kitty, we meet a host of characters who help her along the way, her sisters, her Aunt, various duchesses, who are all interesting and well described. There’s also a line of dastardly caddish men who are extremely fun to pantomime boo when they come back into the chapter.

I enjoyed the detail in the prose as well, knowing what Kitty was wearing, her thought in every outfit and the clever ways they disguise how little money they have, was really interesting. Swapping dresses with her sister, adding new bows or petticoats etc to change the whole outfit completely. It’s a world away from modern day, where we don’t tend to get admonished in daily life for showing wrists or ankles.

Irwin has done a great job with her debut and cleverly included a host of sisters who could feasibly get their own book in the series. As sad as I would be not to follow Kitty in the next stage (who knows where she’ll be?), it would be fun to see the next Talbot on her journey.

Thanks to Netgalley and to HarperCollins as always for the DRC - this is out now in all good bookshops. There’s a particularly beautiful spredge option in Waterstones, in one of their exclusive editions. https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-ladys-guide-to-fortune-hunting/sophie-irwin/2928377080457

I found this book really quite charming and it totally gave me some Pride and Prejudice vibes so I'd instantly recommend it to any fans of Jane Austen.

I loved the leading lady and that despite the times and her situation she wasn't a damsel waiting for a man to come to her rescue. She was a woman hunting a man so that she could rescue herself in the only way she knew was possible. I enjoyed her audacity and intelligence, that it wasn't hidden or her portrayed as dim.

I do wish there was more from our leading man to give him a bit more depth but I did enjoy his character development and how he relaxed throughout the book.

This book had me laughing and welling up. It was an adventure of the high society of the Ton and I really enjoyed the world it took me too. I'd definitely buy from this author in the future. I also enjoyed, this book to the point I had to have the physical copy for my shelves.

Thank you for giving me an advanced copy. This is a fun, fast, read suited to those who love pride and prejudice and Emma

What a brilliant story! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character development, plot and setting was spot on. Reading this book I had very strong visualisation of each of the characters and the setting even a few weeks after I read it they are clear in my mind. A sign of a great book. All in all a super historical fiction title that kept me turning the pages rapidly in anticipation of what was to happen next.

I will be recommending this book for sometime to come, thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my review copy.

This book was brilliant and amazing if you love briderton. A regency romance with a lot of banter and serious themes thrown in. I really enjoyed the characters and this story. Highly recommend..