4 stars!!

Let me start by saying I absolutely devoured this novel. I love period romance, especially from this era, so I was incredibly excited to start. I ended up reading the entire novel in one sitting because I found myself unable to put it down.

I thought Kitty brilliantly crafted. As an eldest sibling myself, I was able to empathize with her quite easily. She feels real in a way most other main characters from novels in this era don't; she has real problems and needs real solutions, and she is relentless in her pursuit of these solutions. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her character grow over the course of the novel. I also just really enjoyed how a character in a regency novel was practical above all else for once. It's a refreshing change and leads to a lot of interesting moments.

In a surprising turn of events, I found myself incredibly fond of the love interest James as well (though, this might have to do with the fact that his name is James). Though stuffy in the beginning, his true intentions and self are soon revealed. I relished in the banter between James and Kitty; it was often the thing I most looked forward to in each new scene. It was rewarding to watch him slowly grow more and more fond of her as the novel progressed.

All of this is not to say the novel is entirely without fault. There were a few points the author attempted to make that didn't feel as fleshed out as they should, specifically with regard to classism. Though classism does play a central role in the book, there's only one overt moment where it's addressed, which feels a little clumsy and out of place. And I wish we had gotten some snippets of Cecily's side of the story like we did Archie's.

Overall, however, I really, truly enjoyed reading this. I have to say that it's probably one of my favorite books I've read so far this year. It's a quick-witted and fast-paced read that left me feeling satisfied, and also solidified my need to read more from this author.

#ALadysGuidetoFortuneHunting #NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher of this novel for the E-Arc copy. I am rating this book based on my own personal opinion and was not given anything in return. I am not leaving a entire review because I read so many at a time that I physically cannot right now.

Sophie Irwin's debut historical romance novel is a breath of fresh air. A modern day Austen novel. I look forward to her next book.

I found this book to be light and very predictable which is sometimes the type of book I'm looking for, but it wasn't the right fit now. The book doesn't get into a lot of description, but I did find the banter is amusing. I think a lot of people will like this book and if you're looking for regency romance definitely give this one a try.

This is an enjoyable romance where you are rooting for the main character by the end. Good for regency romance fans.

There's just something about a great regency romance that I enjoy. From the fashion to the classy insults, there are always entertaining. "A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting" is no exception.

This book is a fun enemies-to-lovers romcom with lots of secrets and drama. Unlike a lot of romance novels, this one is more traditional with minimal touching except for a few kisses at the end, making it a fun read for a wider audience. Does it reinvent regency romances? Not really, but it's still such a fun read and I'd certainly read more Sophie Irwin books as I liked her writing style and characters.

I really enjoyed Kitty as the main character, especially since she was unapologetic and very cunning. The constant battle of wits was entertaining and I love that she knew how to be strategic to achieve her goals. It was refreshing having such a bold character who did not bend easily to the patriarchal norm of the time. Kitty knew what she needed, put what she wanted on the backburner, and calculated her moves accordingly and how could you not love her for it?

The plot was very straightforward and I liked how no matter how many challenges Kitty happened upon, she was focused on one single goal of finding a rich suitor in a timely manner. The writing style flowed rather well and the conversations were always fun with the constant banter and outmaneuvering of each other. I liked that the focus was more on Kitty's wit and strength rather than just romance as it made it more entertaining as Kitty had to maneuver gossip and scandal.

Overall, this was a fun and fast read that is great for any regency and/or romcom lover with a fun heroine and entertaining drama.

Author Irwin transports readers' back to a time in England when the titled and the Season of the ton controlled one's destiny. The daughter of a man once titled himself, but who lost his standing when he married his mistress, 20 year old Miss Kitty Talbot now finds herself not only an orphan, but a poor one at that who is now responsible for her three younger sisters. The cottage is mortgaged to pay off her father's gambling debts and the mortgage is due on June 1 or they will be unceremoniously put out on the street. How to make a lot of money quickly and secure her and her sisters' futures?--marry a rich man of course! Following Kitty and her younger sister Cecelia to London with hopes of entering the hallowed meeting places of the titled and the rich, readers are treated to an outsider's view of what it was like to attempt such a brazen act (while acting demurely of course) of getting a proposal before the end of the Season. What Kitty doesn't count on though is the protectiveness of the women who control the season and their sons; the gatekeepers to high society. Meeting her the man who knows what game she's playing nearly derails her plans of a proposal, but is that proposal what she really wants after all?

This book reads like exactly what it is: a Georgette Heyer-style Regency romance written with 21st century feminist sensibilities. Light banter, an emphasis on social rules, troublesome relatives, and all the swoon saved for the end, but with a heroine who is smart and absolutely unapologetic about doing everything she can to provide for her family. (I loved this.)

This is a Hallmark channel version of Austen, which I don't mean as an insult. It's fun, entertaining, charming even -- just not something that will be sticking with me for long.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

Kitty, our clever and unconventional heroine, is thrust into London’s high society on a mission – to marry into a wealthy family to satisfy her inherited debt. Being the leader of the family, she feels a weighty responsibility to accomplish this goal with little regard to the unwitting fellow she entraps. With her sights set on a family member of Lord Radcliffe, he sniffs out the ruse and threatens to unearth some devastating revelations about Kitty’s family. But neither of them could have anticipated an unexpected partnership as Kitty moves forward with her valiant efforts.

  It felt very much like a twist of a Jane Austen classic. I absolutely devoured it! Fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable, I could not put it down. I especially loved the spit-fire Kitty, she was bold and brash, an unapologetic woman who was resolved to accomplish her goal. The relationship between Radcliffe and Kitty was complex and layered and tense – I really enjoyed that the novel was not overtly sexual either because that did not especially fit within the time period that the novel was written.

  Well done Sophie Irwin, I hope to read many more of your books in the future!
 
Many thanks to Pamela Dorman Books and Netgalley for this title in exchange for my honest review.

This was an entertaining read! The characters were likeable and you were really rooting for the heroine. I like that their families were such an important part of their stories as it made their actions more understandable. It could perhaps have been a bit shorter, since some sections seemed too long, but overall it was a great read!

This was a great book! It’s about a woman named Kitty who has four younger sisters and after their parents die they find out they owe a lot of debt and are going to lose their cottage. So Kitty realizes the only way out of this situation is to marry someone rich and fast. She goes to London and finds Archie - rich young and naive, easy manipulate, but then his older brother James steps between and realizes what she’s up to. Kitty and James strike a bargain- she’ll stay away from Archie as long as he helps her find a rich husband. Kitty is a great character and very relatable she’s sacrificing her happiness and chance at love for her sisters future! Great banter between Kitty and James. A must read!!

This is great and perfect for all fans of Bridgerton! I love historical romance, scheming, and enemies-to-lovers, so this book was tailor-made for me. I especially admired Kitty because I love a #girlboss, but I was rooting for a lot of other characters, too, particularly Cecily. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from Sophie Irwin after such a fantastic debut!

A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting was the clever and brilliantly written Regency romance I was looking for! Joining Kitty for her adventure in London as she does what she needs to in order to save her family left me laughing and rooting for her. I loved her approach to Lord Radcliffe, and how she quickly convinces her to be on his side, even though he's very correctly identified her as a fortune hunter. This was a fantastic ride from beginning to end, and I highly recommend it.

First let me say the cover of this book is beautiful, and it’s refreshing to see someone admit they’re marrying for money. But the rest of the book reads no different from so many other books of the same genre in the same time period.

A charming enemies to lovers Regency romance with plenty of wit, fun and intrigue. As the oldest of 5 orphaned daughters, Kitty feels she must marry a wealthy man and quickly, before the creditors left by her father’s many debts foreclose on their meager house. She a very resourceful and determined young woman, so she contrives to have a London season, become accepted by the ton and snag a husband to pay off the family debts….regardless if she loves the man of not. She set her sights on the younger brother of a Duke but the Duke had other ideas.

Let me start by saying this book was a delight! I would definitely put this in the same veins as classic romance novels like Pride and Prejudice. However, if you're expecting something a little more sexy or scandalous like Bridgerton you may be disappointed. Don't get me wrong the tension between some of the characters is very swoon worthy and there are moments where you'll gasp, but there aren't any like sex scenes.

I really enjoyed Kitty and how she fought for her family. She was willing to give up so much of herself in order to save her sisters from total ruin. I did like the additional twist of her family's scandalous background, I thought that added a nice added layer to Kitty navigating the season. I do feel that her younger sister that attends with her (Cecily) could have been fleshed out a little better. Her storyline seems rushed compared to how well developed other secondary characters storylines are.

For any fan of classic or regency based romances this story is a little predictable, but still very delightful and a fun read. I hope that Sophie Irwin continues writing about the Talbot family, I am excited to follow this author.

It's 1818 and Kitty Talbot finds herself as the head of a family of 4 girls and inherited debt that will lead them split up and without a home, so Kitty decides she needs a husband--a rich one. After being jilted by the man she has been engaged to for some time, she goes to London with her sister Cecily (who absolutely rather be reading a book) to prepare for the upcoming season. With the help of their "Aunt," Kitty plans to go fortune-hunting and sets her sights on some of the London elite, but she has no idea what she's doing or how to get her foot in the door.

Full transparency: I binged season 2 of Bridgerton in the last week and needed more historical romance in my life when I stumbled upon this absolute gem of a book. Let me just say, if you liked the Feathering subplot included in the show this season, then you will love this book. I would compare Kitty to a Lady Featherington in her prime, but with a bit more of a heart. She will do literally anything for her family and to get the money that she needs and she will absolutely not apologize for it, which I appreciate. She did not even "learn a lesson" or "change her ways" in the end--she accepted a proposal and was transparent about her needs.

The story itself reminded me of reading a modern Jane Austen novel. The settings were mentioned but the descriptions were loose and short; we would seamlessly jump from one persons thoughts to another as the action was happening; and it was mostly dialogue with quick cuts of action. I am starting to realize I really enjoy these types of books and want to see more of them.

It was a fun, light read with no spice involved. Saying that, this book was not at all boring. The chemistry between to love interests were there from the beginning and very palpable. Very Darcy and Elizabeth with all of the hand grazing and looking in to one's eyes.

Sophie Irwin drops you in to the "action" quickly and you're immediately sucked in to Kitty's world. I essentially read this in one sitting; once I started I could not put it down.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Books for providing me with an eARC of this book! I will not be suggesting it to everyone!

A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting is a clean, story-driven regency romance. From the first page, Irwin deftly crafts a three-dimensional heroine. The book begins with Kitty Talbot being jilted by her long time suitor. Left with five sisters, mountains of debt from her dead parents, and no prospects, Kitty heads to London to find a wealthy husband. She proves a talented social climber, as she put her emotional intelligence to good use with a wide variety of characters from High Society. Along the way she meets Radcliffe, and their enemies to lovers story feels authentic and earned. Irwin manages to make these two characters equals in a situation with no semblance of true equity.

I. LOVED. This book! This is such a cliché, but I really am very stingy with my five star reviews and I had no hesitation whatsoever in slapping one on this lovely narrative. Sophie Irwin will be an auto-buy author for me from now on!

This is also likely not a hot take on romantic fiction set in Victorian England, but it very much gave me modernized Jane Austen vibes. The wit! The sass! The inevitability of enemies-to-lovers! Just glorious. I stayed up far past by bedtime on a weekday to finish it the same day I started it.

The characters really make this story, and some are them are hilarious. I laughed aloud several times. I truly don’t want to give away any details in this review, so if you have ever had even a passing interest in Pride and Prejudice, the Bridgerton series, or fiction in general, I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books, Sophie Irwin, and NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you to Penguin Books and Netgalley for providing an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest opinion.

Kitty Talbot needs to marry for money and has only twelve weeks to do it. What is a girl to do but go to London and find a rich man? Her quest hits a slight snag when she encounters Lord Radcliffe, brother to one of her suitors.

This book was one of the most enjoyable romance novels I have read in years. There was banter, a smart heroine, and a swoony male love interest. I could not have asked for a more likable pairing. From start to end, I was 100% Team Kitty. Watching her bowl over society with her single-mindedness was absolute perfection.