Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Bachelors of Blackstone's

To Hunt an Heiress

Rate this book
He’s after her heart—and her money. He’ll have to fight her for his dignity first.

Sebastian Drake is in dire need of a fortune. With limited time and a dearth of wealthy relatives to will him such a thing, he is left with only one marry money. Happily, London is full of eligible heiresses, but it is the newest arrival in Town who catches his eye.

Selina Lawrence is only just rid of one husband—the last thing she wants is to acquire another. When she finds herself the target of the charming Mr. Drake, a suspected fortune hunter, what is she to do but teach the man a valuable lesson?

However, both Sebastian’s attempts to woo Selina and her efforts to humble him backfire in unexpected ways, leaving them entangled in a battle of wits and hearts.

To Hunt an Heiress is a closed-door romance full of banter, fun, and swoony moments. The books in the Bachelors of Blackstone's series can be enjoyed in any order.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2025

410 people are currently reading
390 people want to read

About the author

Martha Keyes

83 books1,236 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
531 (57%)
4 stars
295 (31%)
3 stars
83 (8%)
2 stars
15 (1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
Profile Image for Gloria.
1,133 reviews109 followers
December 12, 2025
Maybe even 4.5 stars.

Sebastian Drake needs to marry for money, and after his rejection by Miss Fernside, to whom he clumsily proposed after only one week, his reputation as a fortune hunter begins to make the rounds in London society.

Since widowed Selina Lawrence already believes men to be shallow, predatory creatures, her discovery that Sebastian is trolling for an heiress after initially finding herself attracted to him makes her angry—at herself as well as Sebastian—and she bitterly vows to teach him a lesson he’ll never forget or recover from. She sets up a series of challenges for Sebastian to determine how far she can push him before he admits his intentions and leaves defeated after she tears some strips off him.

Ah, but Sebastian is more than he seems: more motivated, more honest, more kind, more sincere, and attracted to Selina for more than her money. Who else would have dressed a marmoset named Pip in a waistcoat and diaper and taught him to take a leg for a woman, I ask you!

The first half of this book was brilliant: clever, funny, absorbing, and the characterizations were superb. I thought this was a for-certain 5 stars, top ten book. The second half, though, had Selina and Sebastian turning mean and unpleasant in a game of one-upsmanship , then got mired in the lack of communication plot device and circled around it once too often. It was still very good, still absorbing, but I found myself rocking in my reading chair, trying to move the plot forward through sheer physical force. Thankfully it finally did, but Selina’s uncertainty, long after she should have been certain, dialed my enthusiasm back a bit.

Still, I highly recommend this kisses-only book with the caveat that you probably shouldn’t stay up until 4:00 a.m. reading it like I did.
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,887 reviews240 followers
October 7, 2025
I LOVED this one!!! It was delightfully witty and swoony! An enemies to more story, kind of a mistaken identity as well. Sebastian and Selina are locked in a battle of wits and pranks, without fully knowing or understanding the other. All the while their pranks are happening, the chemistry is sparking and burning bright!

I was laughing and giggling so much over these two. And then on the other side I was frustrated with them as well that they didn't speak plainly. So much could have changed, but if that had happened then we wouldn't get the parts that brought many smiles to my face. And these two had to learn and grow together, even through the struggles and frustrations!

I listened to the audiobook and loved the narrator Paula Hunt! She was fabulous and did such a great job bringing these characters to life through her narration. It was truly delightful to listen to!

Content: Clean.

I received an audiobook arc from the producer, Dreamscape Select, via NetGalley. But I have also purchased my own digital book. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
784 reviews359 followers
June 5, 2025
This book is wonderfully entertaining and I loved every minute of it! Sebastian needs to marry a woman with money in order to hopefully gain guardianship of his 3 half siblings. After, his failed 1st attempt at finding such a woman, he sets his eye on Selina. Selina is a widow with money of course. Sebastian first wants her for her money, but after seeing her and talking with her, he genuinely likes her and pursues her. However, Selina finds out he has been hunting an heiress and she is furious! She concocts a scheme to make him suffer in his courting, including a pet monkey named Pip. And it is hilarious! The poor man, she really gives him a hard time. I loved watching Sebastian and Selina together, their relationship changes so much! I loved how much Sebastian is willing to do for his siblings. I don’t want to spoil too much, so I’ll stop here. Overall, this is a fantastic story and I highly recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,542 reviews268 followers
June 26, 2025
I loved this one. Sweet and so funny! All the crazy things she did to him were brilliant. You felt it tho when he found out what she was doing, dang. My heart hurt for him. This is a good story with lots going on to hold your attention. I was really hoping these two would get that perfect ending and they did. This is sweet with some kisses. There is talk of abuse of children.
Profile Image for Phoenix2.
1,258 reviews117 followers
August 11, 2025
Big Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

'To Hunt an Heiress' is a historical romance about a man seeking a woman with a fortune, and a widow with that said fortune who wants to punish him for being a fortune hunter.

The story had many twists and turns and used many tropes, but it was enjoyable and often funny. The war between the two rivals was entertaining, while the romance was sweet, though its pace was awkward, and I wish it had been better handled when it came to the development of the feelings between them.

In addition, the characters were interesting and endearing. The writing was also lush and perfect for the story.

Finally, the audiobook was nicely narrated and the production of it was done well.
Profile Image for Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings).
400 reviews66 followers
October 27, 2025
"And then I saw you, and your beauty stole my breath. But you were so much more than beautiful."

To Hunt an Heiress

I LOVED this book!! I don't think I have ever laughed so hard when reading a book before. There were so many funny parts. I'm so glad Jenna influenced me into reading this one because it will definitely be a top read this year for me. And now I am eager to read more of Martha's books.

Imagine a fortune hunter. An heiress. A monkey. Some children. Make the plot line "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" and throw in some pigeons, shenanigans, and oh, make it Regency era, then you have this hilarious story.

I loved both Selina's feisty character and Sebastian's brave self. If you have read "Love is for the Birds" by Deborah M Hathaway, you got a glimpse of Sebastian. He seeks after her fortune, but boy, he doesn't realize what is in store for him when he decides to mess with Selina.

These two were just so perfect! They are witty, intelligent, strong, and both know what they want in life. I felt kind of bad for Sebastian as I got to know him more. He just wanted to do what was right. But I don't want to spoil anything, so I will stop my review here.

The audio is available for this one now, so if you were waiting on that, you don't have to wait any longer. Pick this one up today. I promise you will not regret it!

Favorite Parts:
Firearms lesson
Bonbons
Monkey
Her nieces and nephews
Lord Blackstone and the monkey
Pigeon
A rose
Poetry and gifts
Their shenanigans
Chapter 16🔥
The ball
She helps him
Epilogue
The whole book!

Content Guide:
Language: Mild-1 use of damn
Romance Content: Closed-door: Passionate kissing
Violence/gore: Mild-One man punches another man
Substance Use: Mild-a side character is mentioned to have been drunk at various times (nothing on page)
Prejudices: none
Religious Content: none
Other: Toxic past relationship, death (past), bad guardian


Book Info:
Series: Bachelors of Blackstone's book 4
Genre: Historical Romance; Regency; Romcom
Romance Level: Closed-door
Release Date: Audio available now
Publisher: Dreamscape Select
Narrator: Paula Hunt
POV: Dual First Person

Thank you to the author and audio publisher for the audio review copy from Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,503 reviews328 followers
June 13, 2025
The banter, fun, and swoony antics run rampant in this sweet historical romance. Sebastian is desperate for a fortune and Selina has no desire to marry a fortune hunter.

I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing as these two find themselves tangled time and time again in hilarious situations, allowing for all the wit to emerge, with added zips of chemistry. Pip just may have stolen the show a few times, and the clever way this marmoset was incorporated into the story made it that much more entertaining.

I loved watching these two creative souls and all their mischievous encounters that led to an ingenious conclusion. This author’s voice is a favorite of mine, no matter the genre, and this one is pure joy.

So much fun from start to finish! Many thanks to the author for the review copy.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and voluntarily given*
Profile Image for Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club).
615 reviews
August 10, 2025
‘Oh, that cursed smile of his and the things it did to her! Well, he would not be smiling for long.’

This book is SO MUCH FUN!! 🤩

If you loved The Art of Victory, then prepare yourself—because To Hunt an Heiress delivers that same delicious blend of strategy, banter, and romantic tension that Martha Keyes does so brilliantly. She’s the queen of crafting perfectly orchestrated back-and-forths between characters that keep you flipping pages like crazy!

Selina and Sebastian are electric together—trading wits, challenging each other at every turn, and (of course) slowly falling in love in the most delightful way. 😍

Set against the glittering backdrop of London society, this closed-door Regency romance is packed with laugh-out-loud shenanigans, unexpected twists, and swoony moments!

This is part of the multi-author Bachelors of Blackstone series, but don’t worry—I’ve only read this one so far and it reads perfectly as a standalone. And with a lineup of talented authors, you’re going to want to check out the rest, too!

✨To Hunt an Heiress is available TODAY and it’s a must-add to your summer reading list!✨

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content/trigger: difficult family situations, 1 Bible swear, romance—kisses only.
Profile Image for Berly.
779 reviews29 followers
August 17, 2025
This contains an audiobook review.

This is part of the Bachelors of Blackstone series. It is a kisses only Regency Era romance series written by seven different authors. Each book has a stand alone story and characters. The Gentlemen's club is what links the books together. Occasionally there may be a mention of a character from another book, but they can be read in any order.

This book was quite entertaining. If you like pranks and mischievous animals, this is your kind of book. Selina and Sebastian go all out in their attempts to get the upper hand. It's quite the ride!

The audio is done only by a female narrator, but I felt that she did an excellent job with the accents and giving each character their own "voice". Highly recommend listening to this one.

I was given the opportunity to listen to an advanced digital copy of this book by Dreamscape Select through Netgalley. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Nicole Williamson.
355 reviews54 followers
September 16, 2025
“What are you doing?” (Asks a curious child who just opened the door)
“We are . . . betrothing.” 😆

Why I chose this: Martha Keyes is one of my go-to clean historical romance authors, so when a new title of hers pops up, I simply must read it.

And she did not disappoint! This was super cute, especially the second half. 4.5 ⭐️

I loved the unique third act dilemma, the realistic portrayal of rambunctious kids, and Pip! There were a couple times where Salena’s nonchalant attitude about ruining her reputation didn’t quite feel believable for the time period, but that is fairly minor.

Also, Martha sure teased us with that almost kiss!

Audio: good

Content: one D word, kissing only, references to a cruel guardian, but overall quite clean
Profile Image for Mara.
1,467 reviews110 followers
July 31, 2025
Audiobook review: I think I loved listening to the audiobook more than when I originally read it. The narrator was fantastic and brought this wonderful story to life so well. I highly recommend.

Original review:
Take a reluctant widow, a desperate gentleman, and a deliciously tangled game of love and pride, and you get To Hunt an Heiress! I loved this enemies-to-lovers Regency romance! It has just the right mix of clever dialogue, strong characters, romantic tension, and emotional depth.

Sebastian Drake is not your typical fortune hunter—he's trying to get guardianship of his younger half-siblings. With time running out, he’s determined to do the practical thing: marry an heiress. It’s not exactly romantic, but he’s got charm, looks, and he's desperate to pull it off. What he doesn’t count on is Selina Lawrence.

Selina is recently widowed, happy with her independence, and not in the market for another man. When Sebastian sets his sights on her, she’s not flattered—she’s suspicious. And instead of falling for his polished charm, she decides to turn the tables and teach him a little lesson.

What follows is a fun game of cat and mouse that had me laughing out loud several times. Both Sebastian and Selina think they’re in control, but things quickly turn into something deeper than either of them expected. Their battle of wits is full of dry humor and and smart dialogue, and I loved every minute of it!

Selina and Sebastian are great characters! She's intelligent, confident, and unwilling to settle. He’s more than just a fortune hunter. Watching him go from calculating to genuinely caring is one of my favorite parts of the book. Their chemistry is believable and their romance is full of those little moments that make you smile. This is a fun, clever read with heart and humor and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The books in the Bachelors of Blackstone’s series are loosely connected, but each book can easily be read as a standalone. I received a complimentary copy. All opinions in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Carissa.
424 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2025
I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK! It had me laughing out loud and on the edge of my seat waiting for what would happen next. Sebastian and Selina going head to head was so much fun and while this led to some heartache at first, the ending was absolutely wonderful! Swoony romance, pranks and battle of wills, noisy children, and a very mischievous monkey… it doesn’t get much better! Do yourself a favor and put this delightful book on your to read list.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for MK.
466 reviews13 followers
June 11, 2025
Martha Keyes is a go to author for me when it comes to regency, and she came through again with this one.

This book had so many likable characters. They were clever, calculating in the most entertaining way, and flawed. I love a good flawed character that has character growth. Both Selina and Sebastian had great character growth that made me enjoy each of their storylines.

I loved watching skeptical Selina, find hope, joy, and herself again. I loved Sebastian make hard decisions with only difficult options to choose from. I loved that he had a fun loving carefree side that would come out, despite the stress in his personal life.

If you like regency with some pranks, miscommunication, a villain, and a kind, but jaded heiress, this one is for you.
Profile Image for Shayla Riley.
614 reviews19 followers
June 12, 2025
To Hunt an Heiress
(Bachelor’s of Blackstone’s Series Book #4)
by: Martha Keyes
@authormarthakeyes

••I give 5 Stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📚-Book Release Date: June. 11, 2025!-📚

~He’s after her heart-and her money. He’ll have to fight her for his dignity first. All things may not be what they seem...

“A true hunter always maintains the element of surprise.”

~To Hunt an Heiress, is a unique and charming story that is weaved with such clever strategy in the most entertaining way with endearingly flawed characters, who grow so lovely along the way. Both main characters are forces to be reckoned with in their own ways that also compliment each other so nicely. The antics, tension, witty banter, swoony moments, unexpected twists, and sparkling chemistry had me shaking my head, smiling, laughing, and sighing with happiness. Most of all, I loved watching how these dear characters go from being skeptical of other’s intentions to being themselves and learning what happiness and joy can really feel like, that their value is worth more than anything materialistic. Genuine love and care makes all the difference! Despite some hard things with great choices to be made, seeing characters have moments where they can be themselves and still be caring and sacrificing for the benefit of others was inspiring. This dear story friends is worth the lovely read and also is this series. There is just much beauty within!👌📚❤️

““It is hard to see others properly when you cannot see yourself properly. You deserve every happiness life can provide.”

•Content: difficult family situations, 1 Bible swear, kisses only.

“I want you, Selina Lawrence. Every bit of you. Have I made myself clear?”

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“Your wealth is by far the least interesting thing about you.”

#tohuntanheiress
#authormarthakeyes
#bachelorsofblsckstoneseries

“Every child deserves to be protected.”

#allaboutthebestreads
Profile Image for Shauna.
1,409 reviews13 followers
July 1, 2025
Sebastian needs a wealthy wife and Selina captivates him at first glance. But she doesn’t want anything to do with money seeking marriages.

Sebastian is unsure how to find a successful future and really got a half empty glass serving of life. Watching himself open up and discover what he needed to truly make him happy made my heart sigh. And there were so many laugh out loud moments! Cue the gun scene. Selina got on my last nerve until her perspective changed, which made the ending so incredibly satisfying for everyone. I loved how the author took us on a journey of finding love under the surface that we show others. Great addition to the series and totally stands alone.

Selina is an heiress, but desires someone to want her love. When Sebastian shows an interest will she allow him close or give him a shove?

Funny quotes:

“I want a wife who knows how to shoot me with a double-barreled musketoon but chooses not to.

The pigeons of England had better watch out.”

Enjoying the Bachelors of Blackstone’s and how they intertwined a bit. Complimentary copy. A fav author. Regency. Kissing only.
Profile Image for Regency_Fan_ Michelle.
587 reviews12 followers
June 18, 2025
I absolutely loved the playful tension between them as their rivalry transformed into something more romantic. The clever banter and witty games she played on him kept me thoroughly entertained and eager to see how their dynamic would unfold!
Profile Image for The_Power Of_The Page.
387 reviews29 followers
April 14, 2025
I was blown away by this story! So hilarious and SO Swoony!!! This is my new favorite!

The main characters were awesome and their interactions so fun and witty! The children added a whole new element of humor and sweetness. Then of course there’s Pip! The monkey you love to hate. lol.

Just read it already! If all the books in this series are as good as this one it will be amazing! Martha Keyes will forever be on my favorites list. She has such a great sense of humor and wit. The romance is always satisfying. To Hunt An Heiress has so much to love. You can’t go wrong with this!
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,157 reviews702 followers
July 9, 2025
This was such a fun, enjoyable story. I really loved Sebastian and Selina, they have such fun chemistry and a fun storyline. I thought this was well written and kept me invested in what would happen next. Would definitely recommend to any regency fan and it’s one I’d enjoy reading again.


Content Rated G
Romance: Kisses
Language: None
Violence: Mild, talk of kids being raised by an abusive uncle - nothing descriptive
304 reviews
June 13, 2025
Didn’t care for some plot decisions

This was just okay for me. As the story progressed I didn’t care for plot decisions and how stubbornly MFC held on and the lengths she went to and the weird decisions she made. Some parts also required too much suspension of disbelief.
1,717 reviews7 followers
June 13, 2025
A must read! A regency retelling of How to Lose a Guy in 10 days! Filled with laughs and heart!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jeni | StoryTimeReviews.
449 reviews88 followers
August 31, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a charming rogue with no fortune but plenty of nerve collides head-first with a fiercely clever widow determined never to marry again… well, cue the fireworks. In 𝙏𝙤 𝙃𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣 𝙃𝙚𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨, Martha Keyes serves up Regency rom-com perfection that had me giggling into the awkward corners of my living room.

WHAT I LOVED
🤣 Riotous Banter & Snark-Level Chemistry: Sebastian’s cheeky desperation paired with Selina’s razor wit had me grinning like a Cheshire cat throughout.
🐒 Pip the Marmoset Steals the Show: That mischievous little furball simply elevated scenes—Regency-specific hijinks, yes please!
💝 Enemies-to-Lovers Done Playfully Brilliant: Watching two fiercely independent souls scheme, stumble, and (inevitably) swoon was absolutely delightful.
🏰 Regency With Punchy Freshness: It feels clean, bright, and full of life—like stepping into a genteel party that’s secretly a laugh riot.
❤️ Sweets Without the Spicy: Closed-door romance for the win—just the right amount of swoon without over-the-top steam.

TOP MOMENTS TO LOOK FOR (without spoilers!)
📜 A certain poetry reading that might be the most adorably disastrous you’ll ever witness.
🎯 The first full-on prank exchange—when wit becomes weaponized, it’s gold.
💔 That heart-tugging scene of real vulnerability that turns the game on its head.
💐 An unexpected gesture of true care that makes you sigh and silently cheer.

THOUGHTS 💭
This feels like the Regency answer to a rom-com mashup: sharp dialogue, clever one-ups, and two stubborn hearts learning that maybe the game is worth giving up for love. Sebastian isn’t just a fortune hunter—he’s a man with everything to lose and siblings he’d move heaven and earth for. Selina is no pushover—she’s clever, guarded, and determined to be loved on her own terms. By the end, I wasn’t just smiling—I was swooning and feeling that cozy, heart-full buzz you get when a story ties its humor and heart together perfectly.

This book is part of the multi-author Bachelors of Blackstone series but is readable as a standalone.



CONTENT WARNINGS ⚠️
- Language: No profanity—clean and polite.
- Sexual Content: Closed-door romance with sweet kisses only; no explicit or graphic sexual scenes.
- Violence (Mild): Mild references to an abusive or neglectful guardian. No graphic violence or gore.
- Triggers: Difficult family situation involving an abusive - guardian.
- Equivalent TV/Movie Rating: PG – suitable for most audiences, mild thematic elements only.

STAR RATING 🌟
★★★★☆ (4/5) – Letting go of one star only because I so badly wanted just one more mischievous prank before the end.
Profile Image for Heidi Gorecki.
940 reviews49 followers
August 22, 2025
The flow of the book was good but I struggled to like Selena as a character or really even reconcile her attitude. Generally speaking she consistently came across as entitled and prejudiced without any empathy to consider other peoples feelings or motives, even just to ask about them. She just made grand assumptions and acted on them which came across as immature and petty.

I also couldn’t figure out where all her bitterness towards her former husband came from. I expected that level to be because he was abusive in some way but he wasn’t. He just treated her in a typical way of the time when marriage was a business arrangement. Nothing he did was that extraordinary to enlist that level of dislike and cynicism towards men. It played to the story but didn’t make much sense.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. All opinions are mine.
Profile Image for Amanda  H.
834 reviews54 followers
August 16, 2025
This story was so much fun! I loved the aspect of a fortune hunter and prospective bride going head to head in a game of wits. I look forward to reading more of the books in this series!
Profile Image for Trina.
208 reviews
couldn-t-finish
September 2, 2025
Audio book. Monkeys as pets are creepy and I didn’t enjoy the fortune hunter aspect even if it was for a good reason.
Profile Image for Sara Grace.
357 reviews4 followers
June 15, 2025
A battle of wills with unmatched wit. Some unsuspecting characters had me laughing out loud. (S/O to Montague/Montfort) 🐒🍪
573 reviews9 followers
June 21, 2025
a great way to spend the day

It’s relentlessly fun. Sebastian is amazing. Up for anything, always entertaining and a man who loves children! He needs to marry an heiress so that he can look after his half siblings. And there’s a marmoset!
Profile Image for Jessie.
1,477 reviews86 followers
June 26, 2025
A Hilarious Game of Cat and Mouse

I was curious when early descriptions pegged this as a regency How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. They were right, and it was hilarious! When Selena realizes Mr. Drake is after her fortune, she decides to see how far she can push him before he gives up. But this is one game he cannot lose.
I laughed so much! You’ll be recommending this book to all of your friends!
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,191 reviews15 followers
June 14, 2025
I loved Sebastian and Selina's story. There was a hint of How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days storyline, and it was so fun. Pip was a great addition. My husband's dream is to have a monkey, but it's my nightmare. However, Pip did bring a lot of laughter to the story. I really loved Sebastian and Selina's characters. They are wonderful people with difficult pasts. I loved the chemistry between these two. It was a joy to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.