Sophie Irwin’s A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting is a fresh, light, charming read. There is nothing ground-breaking in the story itself; it follows the pattern laid out before it for a typical Regency-era romance. It’s the execution that makes the book so thoroughly enjoyable.
The synopsis:
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….
Author Sophie Irwin writes distinct characters, each with a distinct voice, and I loved them all. There is humor and heart, and the banter between Kitty and Radcliffe is intelligent and well-used.
The setting also feels well-researched, with details about the dress, the people, the places, and the culture, creating a believable, immersive reading experience. It’s also worth noting that although the book is quite chaste, Irwin still manages to generate plenty of swoon.
I would recommend this book without hesitation! A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting is great for book clubs, teen readers, and anyone who enjoys a smart, well-written Regency-era romance.
BOOK:30 