Member Reviews
A light hearted and humorous journey following the main character Kitty Talbot on her quest to marry a wealthy man to save her family home and sisters from debt.
This was in audio book format and the narrator Eleanor Tomlinson was absolutely fantastic. She brought the characters to life with changed in tone and timbre. Eleanor Tomlinson gave the story a sparkle with well delivered one liners and perfectly placed pauses. 10/10
The story itself was light and uncomplicated. I found the relationship between Kitty and the male counterpart a little predictable and wearing. I preferred the development of other characters and there were a couple of side story lines that I didn’t see coming.
The best part for me was the humour, sometimes sarcastic sometimes observational and always well delivered. I definitely laughed out loud frequently.
Over all, if you like 1800 romantic stories with a few twists and lots of humour then I feel as though you will enjoy this. A strong debut novel.
Thank you to the publisher for this audio copy.
This one worked great as an audiobook. Really liked this.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for my review.
What a charming, funny and heartwarming audiobook. The narrator was brilliant, I love her voice and could instantly tell who was speaking.
I would recommend a book by Sophie Irwin or narrated by Eleanor Tomlinson. Thank you both for bringing this story to life.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC of this audiobook.
Despite the title and the description, I was still surprised by how blatant this was - Kitty on a mission to bag a rich husband to solve her family’s money problems. Sadly that, and the quite bland/stereotypical characters, made this a very paint by numbers book. I do love period stories, but can’t say I cared much for this one.
I received a free ARC of the audio book of this, via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
I’ve seen this described as a cross-over between Pride and Prejudice, and I can see it! Kitty Talbot is the eldest of five sisters who, after the death of their parents, are facing destitution. But Kitty has a plan to save them: find a wealthy husband. As soon as possible. Her mission is going well until the elder brother of her target returns to London, and immediately sees through her. They make a deal - Lord Radcliffe will help her ingratiate herself in society as long as Kitty leaves his brother alone. If only it was that simple.
Irwin manages to maintain a modern voice despite the consistently period feel of the language and prose. Kitty is a compelling protagonist, mercenary and pragmatic, desperate to secure her sisters’ safety. Radcliffe is tired of her ridiculousness but nonetheless compelled to match her wit, and their banter was one of my favourite bits of the book. And I greatly enjoyed the ending, which was an interesting twist on some common Regency romance tropes.
My overall enjoyment was somewhat dampened by the ‘hypochondriac’ character a la Mrs Bennet - while I know that it’s playing into the trope in 19th century literature of the ‘hysterical’ women, I’m just… tired of it.
I listened to the audiobook, and Eleanor Tomlinson was excellent!
Sorry, this one just wasn’t for me, despite really wanting to like it and the excellent narrator. By chapter 8 I realised not a lot was happening and I didn’t finish it I’m afraid.
Fun historical romance that evokes the best of Georgette Heyer with a more modern feminine voice. Whilst the heroine is pragmatic and determined from the word get go we get a slow reveal of the feelings of her adversary. Their 'fencing' is rather entertaining and adds to the growing frisson between them.
Blurb:
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.
Kitty has never been one to back down from a challenge, so she leaves home and heads toward the most dangerous battleground in all of England: the London season.
Kitty may be neither accomplished nor especially genteel—but she is utterly single-minded; imbued with cunning and ingenuity, she knows that risk is just part of the game.
The only thing she doesn’t anticipate is Lord Radcliffe. The worldly Radcliffe sees Kitty for the mercenary fortune-hunter that she really is and is determined to scotch her plans at all costs, until their parrying takes a completely different turn...
This is a frothy pleasure, full of brilliant repartee and enticing wit—one that readers will find an irresistible delight.
Book review:
I came inoto this story reasonabely unawhare of the plot, and very soon recognised the similarities with pride and prejudice. But there are some key differences that make this book radically more femminist. Kitty is an orphan, left with sisters to look after and a desperate need to marry. She is clever and manipulative out of necessity. The true motivation behind her actions is that people of high society would not care for her and her destiny, whey would happily marry her if it benefits them without giving it a second thought. She is ready to sacrifice her happiness in the name of granting her sisters a future free of worries.
I really loved her as a character, and where she meets Mr Radcliffe she plans to use his brother to marry, but he wouldn't hear about it. So she forces him to help her marry someone else, granting her his favor and putting her in a good spot. This grants her a good position in society and this helps her to find a man that is willing to marry her. I really loved how kind Mr Radcliffe became towards her, as they develop a true friendship that helps both of them. So when we get the predicted end we are not disappointed, as the build up to it was great and rewarding.
In pride and prejudice we have a crucial scene that marks the evolution of the relationship between Elisabeth and Mr Darcy when her sister elopes and he helps. The fact that he helps and he remains home, unable to do everything pèuts her in a position of vulnerability that causes her to be grateful but in a way that I donàt judge healthy. In "A lady's guide to fortune-hunting" Kitty is more active, and the action that shapes the relationship between her and Mr Radcliffe is mutual. They each do something for the other, establishing their relationship on even ground.
I also liked how nice the language was, very truthfuò to the regency era, but not hard to understand at all. Overall I loved the book and was mesmerized by the relationship and dynamics between the characters. If you are looking for a nice romance that is motivated and includes a strong female character, this is the one for you. You wonàt regret it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Romance is not really my genre, but I've recently been enjoying these regency set romances and ALGTFH did not disappoint. Kitty is an endearing MC, not afraid to go for what she wants or be honest about her intentions either. I loved the ending excitement where Kitty and James each went off in Darcy-esque style to save the reputations of their siblings too!
The perfect cross between Pride & Prejudice and Bridgeton.
The story follows Miss Kitty Talbot, whose family is at risk of becoming homeless and are in severe debt, as she navigates through London’s high society in search for a rich husband to help pay off her family’s debts. She initial sets her sights on Mr Archie Delacey but as soon as he is about to propose, his brother Lord James Radcliffe uncovers Kitty’s secret of her background but also her troubles and sets about to thwart her plan. But Kitty is smarter than that, and makes Radcliffe an offer he knows he cannot refuse: help Kitty integrate into high society just as the season is about to begin. Nothing will stand in Kitty’s way to secure her family’s future, not even Lord Radcliffe.
I listened to this as an ARC on NetGalley, and the narration was incredible. Eleanor Tomlinson brought every character to life and made the story flow so easily through my ears. Sophie Irwin’s writing was incredible and kept me hooked as a reader throughout the story. The interactions between Kitty and the multiple potential suitors that came her way were quite hilarious. I loved Kitty’s bond with her sisters and how she would stop at nothing to ensure their future, even at the expense of her own happiness. And not to mention Lord Radcliffe, who warmed his way into my heart the moment he set his cold eyes on Kitty. I enjoyed listening to him and Kitty butt heads throughout the book and how they teased each other so obviously, to all apart from them. I wont give too much away about Kitty’s story as everyone deserves to go into this story blind and fall in love with the characters hopefully in the same way I did.
I think the presentation of this book was brilliant and it probably is one of those books that is best as an audio due to the banter and the descriptive detail is on point, and not too lengthy, making the story and characters stand out. A truly incredible listen. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC, thank you Sophie Irwin for writing a masterpiece, and Eleanor Tomlinson for bringing the story to life for me.
Kitty and her four sisters are orphans, and as the eldest, it is her responsibility to keep them safe. But with the debt mounting the only way for her to secure her sisters' future is to marry a rich man.
I love this novel. Kitty has so much fight and banter that it was actually funny, but not only is this novel filled with funny situations, this narrative has themes of manipulation, scandal and romance.
We do follow the main character of Kitty and Radcliffe with all minor characters playing just an important part.
This was a great novel especially if you like historical romance and one I would recommend
This book was a delight, I love regency romance and this is the perfect mix of funny and romantic, the audiobook was nicely read and I liked the even tone of the readers voice. It was easy to listen too and I felt engaged whilst I listened.
Though there were some stereotypical situations but on the other hand I feel like the author brought a new light to historical based romances too.
Would recommend To anyone who enjoys Bridgeton for sure.
I found kitty light and funny and all of her interactions with lord Radcliffe hilarious, the character pairing was a very good one.
I liked that the book presented from both perspectives as that is not the norm from regency romances I find.
Thankyou NetGalley for this audiobook!
If you like Bridgerton, then you'll love this. I listened to this as an audiobook and Eleanor Tomlinson does a fantastic job. The story itself is a little predictable, but it was still a fun and enjoyable regency romance.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
Kitty is an eldest of five sisters. Following the death of her parents, the sisters are in a precarious financial situation. Their father was a gambler, who lived way above the family’s means and left a huge debt.
Kitty feels the pressure to marry well and quickly. If she doesn’t find a rich husband, then her and her sisters will lose their family home. Kitty is adamant it will never come to that.
Accompanied by her sister Cecily, Kitty sets off for London to stay with their Aunt Dorothy. Kitty sets her eyes on wealthy Mr Archie De Lacey, however his family including his mother and brother, Lord Radcliffe are against the match.
Kitty will have to work extremely hard to try and change De Lacey’s minds.
Will she succeed? And at what cost?
You’ll have to read this book for yourselves to find out.
I adored this audiobook, I was hooked straight from the beginning. The narration by Eleanor Tomlison was sublime to listen to, she has such a beautiful voice – she could read a phone book and I’d still be enchanted!
I love a historical, period setting – this story reminded me of my beloved ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen. I couldn’t help myself but compare Lord Radcliffe to Mr Darcy.
I loved the verbal sparring between Kitty and Lord Radcliffe. Kitty had a sharp tongue for a 19th century lady. At the beginning, she came across as selfish and money obsessed, but as I was listening to the book, I understood that she would do anything to protect her sisters, even at a cost of her own happiness. To me, that’s unconditional love.
Overall, it is a great book and I recommend it to all fans of historical fiction.
Thank you to Harper Collins for approving my NetGalley request to listen and review this audiobook.
Listed to this one on audio. Loved the accents and humour but found it took time to go anywhere. A pleasant listen though.
I Received an audio copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I will start by saying the reader they chose to do the voices was amazing. Each character had their own voice .
As the story starts we meet Kitty fresh from being jilted by her long standing bow.
Knowing that her family’s future is in her hands she doesn't have time to mope , she flies into action and before she knows in London preparing for the season determined to make a good match and save her sisters.
I throughly loved this story yet another guilty pleasure read. The descriptions of the food, the dresses and the dances are wonderful.
I loved kitty's interacts with Radcliffe most of all.
"I am absurdly rich and I'll pay off your family's debt"
Words every woman wants to hear🧎🧎🧎
I ALMOST FORGOT THAT I LOVE HISTORICAL ROMANCES
This book was soo good, the aesthetic, the characters. I loved Kitty, I loved her determination and her plans to secure wealthy husband.
"If he's not wealthy I'm not having fun"
(Quote from tiktok ao3 tag filter)
I loved the slowburn, it was so good, the tension, the ballroom scenes, the dances, stolen glances ughhh, sooo good. The ending felt a little rushed tho. 4/5⭐
Thank you NetGalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
It's Audio Book time again with a review of A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin
Duration: 9 hrs 40 m
Genre: Historical romance
This was the perfect read to get me out of my 'listening to a book' slump. It was easy on the ears and the mind. Very Bridgerton'esk, that is the book version not that TV series.
I must confess that it was the book cover the made me request to review it. I loved not only the font and the simple two colour tone, and the clever use of a female portrait silhouette. My attention was grabbed!
Plenty of likeable characters, and one or too dubious ones too. The book does follows a formulaic and familiar story for this genre.
I did enjoy the descriptions of all the wonderful balls in the book and the etiquette that takes place. One serious subject that was covered well in the story, how being in The Battle of Waterloo affected the main male character Lord Radcliffe.
I liked the main character Kitty and her 'aunt' who had lead a shady life in her past. There was never any doubt that she would get her man.
I thought the narrator did a good job of capturing Kitty's spirit and gusto, although I had my doubts about the voice she chose for her sister Cecily.
3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
Full review will be posted soonish and I'll add links to blog as well.
I would like to thank the publisher and netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Well, I absolutely loved this. It's sweet and fun but so pacey, I really struggled to put it down. If you love Georgette Heyer and even Jane Austen, you'll love this, though expect a lot more action and pace - arguably too much happens to be wholly realistic, but that's what makes for such a fun experience.
I was really impressed by the narration - each central character had an individuality and voice that created a very filmic experience. Hugely recommend. I can't wait for the next one!