We’ve been on vacation this week, and despite all the walks in the woods and swimming in lakes and keeping small children occupied, I flew through Sophie Irwin’s debut in less than two days. This was so enjoyable to read—Jane Austen meets Sabrina, with two sharp main characters battling it out against the backdrop of high society in London’s early 1800s.
A quick summary: Kitty Talbot needs to find a rich husband, fast. In 12 weeks, to be exact, before her father’s creditors come to call. With her parents gone and with four sisters to provide for, Kitty can’t afford to marry for love—and she can’t afford to fail. She sets her sights on the perfect place to secure a match: London. Perfect timing, too: the Season is about to start.
It shouldn’t be too hard; Kitty’s always been the cunning one, and if anyone can win the high hand in this game, she can. But soon she meets her match in cunning: the shrewd Lord Radcliffe, who sees straight through her schemes and is determined to protect those in his circle, no matter the cost.
The problem? Neither of them can foresee what can happen when you let an enemy close…
My thoughts: So, I loved this. I wouldn’t say any writer can be compared to Jane Austen, but Sophie Irwin has done a pretty good job at imitating the style, characters and plot so beloved by Austen’s readers. If you’re a Jane Austen fan, or at least in the mood for a clean, entertaining and witty love story with clever dialogue, try this one. I’m really happy for Sophie Irwin’s success, and I’d definitely read more by her.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Photo: Elaine Howlin
Leave a Reply