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A Lady's Guide #3
Come perdere un Lord in dieci giorni
Lord Ashford è ricco, bello e titolato, e tutte le dame d'Inghilterra lo vorrebbero come marito. Peccato che lui abbia chiesto la mano di Miss Lydia Hanworth, l'unica donna che non lo desidera. Costretta dalla famiglia ad accettare la proposta di Ashford, Lydia è decisa a sottrarsi a un matrimonio senza amore, perché non potrebbe mai innamorarsi di una persona così terribilmente arrogante e rigida come lui. Coinvolta nella festa più tremenda dell'anno e a dieci giorni dall'annuncio del fidanzamento, Lydia farà qualsiasi cosa per liberarsi di Ashford una volta per tutte. Anche se questo significa vestirsi malissimo e risultare maleducata, irritante e insopportabile: Ashford dovrà rimpiangere il giorno in cui ha messo gli occhi su di lei. Cosa può andare storto, dopotutto? Niente, solo innamorarsi...
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2025
266 people are currently reading
11458 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Irwin
4 books1,454 followersSophie Irwin grew up in Dorset before moving to south London after university. She has spent years immersed in the study of historical fiction, from a dissertation on how Georgette Heyer helped win World War Two, to time spent in dusty stacks and old tomes losing herself in Regency London while researching this book. Her love and passion for historical fiction bring a breath of fresh air and a contemporary energy to the genre, and Sophie hopes to transport readers to a time when ballrooms were more like battlegrounds.
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August 19, 2025If the phrase, “ladies of the ton, frost yourselves!” does not appear somewhere in this book, I’m asking for a refund 🤣
November 13, 2025
best part was the cougar trying to bang every eligible gentleman. everything else was frustrating or a snooze fest.
July 30, 2025
I LOVE IT WHEN THEY BOTH ACT STUPID AND SILLY
June 29, 2025
I adored the first book by this author and was looking forward to this read.
Ashford, the most eligible bachelor of the moment, asks Lydia's aunt and uncle for her hand in marriage. This is quite out of the blue and she has no intention of marrying him. When she comes into her inheritance she intends to live with her brother and be independent.
Asked to a house party given by Ashford's cousin Phoebe and made to accept by her aunt, she plans with her brother to act atrociously and turn him against her.
There are a lot of characters, too many and I felt none of them were fully fleshed out. We didn't get enough time at the beginning to know Lydia before she started on her campaign and so I disliked her immensely from almost the word go. At first her behavior was funny but it continued on and on and became tedious and some of the pranks were plain silly. She got up on her high horse and stayed there for most of the book.
Maybe this book is not aimed at me as a reader. I like fun in stories but there was too much silliness in this one. Just didn't work for me.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
Ashford, the most eligible bachelor of the moment, asks Lydia's aunt and uncle for her hand in marriage. This is quite out of the blue and she has no intention of marrying him. When she comes into her inheritance she intends to live with her brother and be independent.
Asked to a house party given by Ashford's cousin Phoebe and made to accept by her aunt, she plans with her brother to act atrociously and turn him against her.
There are a lot of characters, too many and I felt none of them were fully fleshed out. We didn't get enough time at the beginning to know Lydia before she started on her campaign and so I disliked her immensely from almost the word go. At first her behavior was funny but it continued on and on and became tedious and some of the pranks were plain silly. She got up on her high horse and stayed there for most of the book.
Maybe this book is not aimed at me as a reader. I like fun in stories but there was too much silliness in this one. Just didn't work for me.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
June 11, 2025
4.0 ★— As a lover of the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Sophie Irwin’s previous work, I was thrilled when I saw this book announced!
I’m happy to say it delivered on mostly everything I hoped for. Her trademark humor, wit, and charm that she infused into her other historical romances were all present, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Our heroine, Lydia Hanworth, is the wealthy granddaughter of a businessman. Despite her substantial dowry, her parents are determined that she marry a man with a title. Enter Lord Ashford: highly titled, extremely eligible, and quick to propose to Lydia at the start of the story. From there, the plot takes off, following Lydia’s mission to make Ashford call off the engagement himself.
What I loved most was how Lydia and Ashford begin with completely the wrong impressions of each other. In trying to embarrass him into ending things, Lydia unintentionally creates opportunities for them to see each other’s true selves. Watching Ashford’s personality gradually come through — and those quieter moments between the chaos where they begin to truly understand each other — was perfect.
That said, the prank war between them felt a bit too drawn out. After a couple of emotional heart-to-hearts, they would just revert to the same antics again, which became a little repetitive for me as a reader. I started to feel a bit of fatigue after the second or third cycle of this.
I also found the subplot involving an abusive relationship to be a bit out of place. While I appreciate historical romances that tackle serious issues — especially since the time period itself is naturally deeply steeped in inequality, classism, and misogyny — I didn’t think it integrated well here. I was so invested in the comedic and romantic elements that the darker subplot felt like a detour. I would have preferred that time be spent showing off more of the emotional connection and romantic tension between Lydia and Ashford, or giving us more of their banter.
That said, the colorful side characters added so many fun comedic elements to the world, and overall, this is a delightful historical rom-com and perfect for anyone in the mood for something light, witty, and romantic.
_____________
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’m happy to say it delivered on mostly everything I hoped for. Her trademark humor, wit, and charm that she infused into her other historical romances were all present, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Our heroine, Lydia Hanworth, is the wealthy granddaughter of a businessman. Despite her substantial dowry, her parents are determined that she marry a man with a title. Enter Lord Ashford: highly titled, extremely eligible, and quick to propose to Lydia at the start of the story. From there, the plot takes off, following Lydia’s mission to make Ashford call off the engagement himself.
What I loved most was how Lydia and Ashford begin with completely the wrong impressions of each other. In trying to embarrass him into ending things, Lydia unintentionally creates opportunities for them to see each other’s true selves. Watching Ashford’s personality gradually come through — and those quieter moments between the chaos where they begin to truly understand each other — was perfect.
That said, the prank war between them felt a bit too drawn out. After a couple of emotional heart-to-hearts, they would just revert to the same antics again, which became a little repetitive for me as a reader. I started to feel a bit of fatigue after the second or third cycle of this.
I also found the subplot involving an abusive relationship to be a bit out of place. While I appreciate historical romances that tackle serious issues — especially since the time period itself is naturally deeply steeped in inequality, classism, and misogyny — I didn’t think it integrated well here. I was so invested in the comedic and romantic elements that the darker subplot felt like a detour. I would have preferred that time be spent showing off more of the emotional connection and romantic tension between Lydia and Ashford, or giving us more of their banter.
That said, the colorful side characters added so many fun comedic elements to the world, and overall, this is a delightful historical rom-com and perfect for anyone in the mood for something light, witty, and romantic.
_____________
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 22, 2025
To be honest, at first I didn’t think I would end up enjoying it this much, but by the end I was so in.
The first third of the book was alright, but not my favorite, Lydia’s plots, despite her reason being understandable and fair, are just too much, her acting ends up being uncomfortable for a lot of people that have nothing to do with her problem, and it’s cringe more than fun.
Once Ashford discovers Lydia true intentions tho, the story, and characters, become way more enjoyable, with some very funny moments and remarks, their banter and little pranks war (even if sometimes silly) are hilarious, entertaining and even though I so agree with Lydia's points to Ashford about life, women situation and marriage, she did deserve him pranking her back.
The interactions between them are engaging, adorable and the highlight of the book; they start to truly get to know and understand each other, enjoy the other’s company and have some amazing moments of connection and vulnerability, of dept, and make the other see things from a different perspective; Ashford especially really listens and grows from things that Lydia points out to him. They, and the readers, both find out that there’s so much more to the other than what appeared at the start and I empathized a lot with both of them. They are so cute together.
And there’s a good cast of secondary characters that make for interesting interactions and situations and I grow very fond of.
It’s also worth mentioning that the pranks stop at the right point, before it starts to feel they've gone on for too long, and in the last third of the book Lydia and Ashford become allies, so there’s a good progression that keeps the story moving. And in this last portion takes a more central place a secondary plotline that involves a mystery and an abusive marriage with an horrible, volatile, controlling, belittling man that and adds more realism and serious situations and themes to the general lightness of the main story and keeps the interest high.
The conclusion is well done, satisfactory, and I absolutely adored the last chapter.
Over whole, a really good, entertaining read, that does a good job of alternating many hilarious scenes with moments of more dept.
The first third of the book was alright, but not my favorite, Lydia’s plots, despite her reason being understandable and fair, are just too much, her acting ends up being uncomfortable for a lot of people that have nothing to do with her problem, and it’s cringe more than fun.
Once Ashford discovers Lydia true intentions tho, the story, and characters, become way more enjoyable, with some very funny moments and remarks, their banter and little pranks war (even if sometimes silly) are hilarious, entertaining and even though I so agree with Lydia's points to Ashford about life, women situation and marriage, she did deserve him pranking her back.
The interactions between them are engaging, adorable and the highlight of the book; they start to truly get to know and understand each other, enjoy the other’s company and have some amazing moments of connection and vulnerability, of dept, and make the other see things from a different perspective; Ashford especially really listens and grows from things that Lydia points out to him. They, and the readers, both find out that there’s so much more to the other than what appeared at the start and I empathized a lot with both of them. They are so cute together.
And there’s a good cast of secondary characters that make for interesting interactions and situations and I grow very fond of.
It’s also worth mentioning that the pranks stop at the right point, before it starts to feel they've gone on for too long, and in the last third of the book Lydia and Ashford become allies, so there’s a good progression that keeps the story moving. And in this last portion takes a more central place a secondary plotline that involves a mystery and an abusive marriage with an horrible, volatile, controlling, belittling man that and adds more realism and serious situations and themes to the general lightness of the main story and keeps the interest high.
The conclusion is well done, satisfactory, and I absolutely adored the last chapter.
Over whole, a really good, entertaining read, that does a good job of alternating many hilarious scenes with moments of more dept.
October 18, 2025
дуже добре, софі ірвін пише особисто для мене
July 31, 2025
Happy pub day to this bright and cheerful and oh-so-silly delight!
Lydia is a force to be reckoned with, as Ashford soon finds out. To be clear: Their determination to conquer one another is a true comedy, with the romance coming second. Some of the tactics Lydia employs at the start are above and beyond cringe-worthy, but especially once Ashford starts swinging back with pranks of his own, it just turns fun. I do think the ending was a bit lackluster, but with romance playing second fiddle that doesn't come as a surprise. It does make me want to watch How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days to compare some plot points. I also think Pip's sleuthing was a fun addition, even if it did overshadow our main characters some where I would have liked more romantic development.
Overall a fun read, but don't come in expecting grand romance or big emotions.
pre-read
HTLAGITD is iconic and I feel like this will be too. Irwin's knack for wit and joyful writing should make this so so so fun (crossing my fingers that there's no love triangle and a strong FMC)
cover reveal //// I have a love-hate relationship with cartoon covers that leans more toward hate lately, but it's charming me a little bit
Lydia is a force to be reckoned with, as Ashford soon finds out. To be clear: Their determination to conquer one another is a true comedy, with the romance coming second. Some of the tactics Lydia employs at the start are above and beyond cringe-worthy, but especially once Ashford starts swinging back with pranks of his own, it just turns fun. I do think the ending was a bit lackluster, but with romance playing second fiddle that doesn't come as a surprise. It does make me want to watch How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days to compare some plot points. I also think Pip's sleuthing was a fun addition, even if it did overshadow our main characters some where I would have liked more romantic development.
Overall a fun read, but don't come in expecting grand romance or big emotions.
pre-read
HTLAGITD is iconic and I feel like this will be too. Irwin's knack for wit and joyful writing should make this so so so fun (crossing my fingers that there's no love triangle and a strong FMC)
cover reveal //// I have a love-hate relationship with cartoon covers that leans more toward hate lately, but it's charming me a little bit
August 26, 2025
Giving it 5 stars because I generally don’t find rom com books I can get through. Cute. Warmed my cold, jaded, perpetually (lol dramatic but lowkey true) broken heart. Thanks for the rec and lending me your copy Emily!
Want to read
April 25, 2024I absolutely love this - guy falls first and chases after female, written by Sophie Irwin? Get out.
August 3, 2025
I’ve really enjoyed Sophie Irwin’s earlier novels. They’re fun, witty, and easy to get lost in. Perfect light reading with charming characters and satisfying arcs. Book two was a particular favourite, and Melville is still one of the more memorable romantic leads I’ve come across in the genre.
That’s why How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days felt like such a letdown. It leaned too hard on cliches, the central relationship never felt believable, and the characters lacked the spark and nuance I’d come to expect. I kept waiting to connect with them, but never did.
Still happy to keep reading Irwin’s work, but this one just didn’t land for me.
That’s why How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days felt like such a letdown. It leaned too hard on cliches, the central relationship never felt believable, and the characters lacked the spark and nuance I’d come to expect. I kept waiting to connect with them, but never did.
Still happy to keep reading Irwin’s work, but this one just didn’t land for me.
September 30, 2025
Loved the couple. Loved the rivalry. The romance was super fun. There's a subplot that got surprisingly heavy, though. It wasn't badly written, but the tone was a mismatch with the flirty parts.
Audiobook is well done!
Audiobook is well done!
September 6, 2025
This was so fun, there were so many times I found myself either with the widest smile on my face or laughing giddily. It felt like and was a quick read as there was almost something new happening on every page, and was probably my favourite Sophie Irwin book so far. I would have liked to have gotten more backstory from Lydia, Pip, Ashford and Phoebe, as well as the reason why Ashford's mother left isn't explained. And an epilogue!! Maybe there will be a sequel?
October 8, 2025
Pressurized into accepting Lord Ashford's hand in marriage, Lydia Hanworth now finds herself hatching a plot of how to be rid of him before their engagement is publicly announced. Surely if she makes enough of a spectacle of herself and embarrasses him enough, he will jilt her all too willingly, yet Lord Ashford proves to be a more formidable foe than Lydia could have anticipated.
I have enjoyed both of Irwin's previous books and also love the movie How to Lose A Guy in 10 days, and as such this seemed like a no-brainer. Unfortunately, I will say that I was ultimately left feeling a bit disappointed with this book and certainly it did not measure up to Irwin's previous novels.
It took too long for me to feel invested in the romance, with initial hostilities, especially on Lydia's part, lasting too long. Eventually as they bid to outdo each other in an attempt to get the other to jilt them, the evident chemistry between them does become apparent, and there were also some sweeter and more tender moments as they begin to truly get to know and understand each other. However, even then, there was always too swift a return to the bickering and antagonism. Even in the very final chapter, when I was anticipating a more meaningful interaction between the pair to finally resolve their differences and misunderstandings, Irwin simply resorted to more of the same, with Lydia on her high horse, acting pretty unbearable and immaturely, such that I actually felt frustrated and didn't particularly care if they ended up together or not.
There are a number of secondary plots, none of which particularly grabbed my interest. Whilst there are a host of characters at the house party that takes up most of the book, a lot of them were unlikable, or too thinly fleshed out, though I did feel sorry for Phoebe (though thought there was a distinct lack of subtlety as to how this plot was handled).
Lydia, herself, I never truly warmed up to, and she rather grated on my nerves at times. Ashford at least felt more rounded as a character, with his background explaining a lot of why he was the way he was, and I did like his sense of dignity, whilst at the same time enjoyed seeing him loosen up.
There were parts of this that were fun and that I did enjoy, but overall it was a bit of a let down.
I have enjoyed both of Irwin's previous books and also love the movie How to Lose A Guy in 10 days, and as such this seemed like a no-brainer. Unfortunately, I will say that I was ultimately left feeling a bit disappointed with this book and certainly it did not measure up to Irwin's previous novels.
It took too long for me to feel invested in the romance, with initial hostilities, especially on Lydia's part, lasting too long. Eventually as they bid to outdo each other in an attempt to get the other to jilt them, the evident chemistry between them does become apparent, and there were also some sweeter and more tender moments as they begin to truly get to know and understand each other. However, even then, there was always too swift a return to the bickering and antagonism. Even in the very final chapter, when I was anticipating a more meaningful interaction between the pair to finally resolve their differences and misunderstandings, Irwin simply resorted to more of the same, with Lydia on her high horse, acting pretty unbearable and immaturely, such that I actually felt frustrated and didn't particularly care if they ended up together or not.
There are a number of secondary plots, none of which particularly grabbed my interest. Whilst there are a host of characters at the house party that takes up most of the book, a lot of them were unlikable, or too thinly fleshed out, though I did feel sorry for Phoebe (though thought there was a distinct lack of subtlety as to how this plot was handled).
Lydia, herself, I never truly warmed up to, and she rather grated on my nerves at times. Ashford at least felt more rounded as a character, with his background explaining a lot of why he was the way he was, and I did like his sense of dignity, whilst at the same time enjoyed seeing him loosen up.
There were parts of this that were fun and that I did enjoy, but overall it was a bit of a let down.
May 12, 2025
Sophie Irwin’s first book was a worthy successor to Georgette Heyer’s witty Regency romances, and I read it thrice in the first week after my first reading and countless times since). I expected less from her second, because I’ve read all of Heyer’s imitators and most aren’t very good after even one book, but her second book was just as good. This is her third book, and it’s joining the other two in my list of books that I have read as soon as I’ve set eyes on them-and this has been in the middle of my work day ( extra long lunches and tea breaks). I love Irwin’s Regency romances because while they have all the familiar tropes you expect-strong willed heroines, good-looking male love interests, loads of banter and some pratfalls, there’s also enough for readers who enjoyed reading ‘Longbourn’, nearly as much as they enjoyed reading ‘Pride and Prejudice’-a slightly more nuanced look at the society of the time, and a wider cross section of society. There are other authors who have done this, but they tend to go overboard with their virtue signalling, and more often than not , are filled with anachronisms or just factual inaccuracies ( one very popular one that’s all over social media over the last 5 years, with one of those annoying pastel illustrated covers started off with the “plucky female protagonist” wanting to visit Oxford to see the alma mater of Newton! And she
succeeds-even Philip Pullman’s alternate universe Oxford University does not claim Newton as alumnus. Needless to say, I did not progress beyond the first page.)
Lydia Hanworth, intelligent, sensitive heiress is forced to accept a marriage proposal by Lord Ashcroft by her relatives and the diktats of society-who would ever think that the grand-daughter of a house-maid and woollen wear manufacturer would ever turn down an aristocrat and the opportunity to move up the social scale? Lydia wants love though, and is willing to hold out for it, and is supported in this by her elder brother Pip-imagine a delightful, slightly less absent-minded Thompson Twin ( Tintin, not 80s pop). The announcement is to be made in 10 days-10 days that Lydia’s going to spend at Ashcroft’s favourite cousin’s country estate, and that she sees as the perfect opportunity to utterly annoy Ashcroft so much that he breaks off the engagement. That’s easier said than done , though, and what follows is sparkling wit that had me laughing out loud ( and ineptly covering it up with a cough, at my office canteen!), compelling side characters, and quite moving romances. The ending was unexpected and I loved it-it was perfect for this story. I like that there are echoes of Heyer in the characters of her books, but she subverts them in excellent ways, without you feeling that these are 20th century attitudes imposed on the Regency-the language used, the way ideas are expressed; for instance, siblings of protagonists are either non existent or evil in Heyer, Irwin makes them fully rounded characters, and not superfluous. I also love all her little Easter Eggs-the very LOckhart-like Captain Von Prett, for one! ( and a character mistaking his name for Captain Von Pratt)
I’m so glad I have another Sophie Irwin to add to my other two well-thumbed comfort reads by her!
succeeds-even Philip Pullman’s alternate universe Oxford University does not claim Newton as alumnus. Needless to say, I did not progress beyond the first page.)
Lydia Hanworth, intelligent, sensitive heiress is forced to accept a marriage proposal by Lord Ashcroft by her relatives and the diktats of society-who would ever think that the grand-daughter of a house-maid and woollen wear manufacturer would ever turn down an aristocrat and the opportunity to move up the social scale? Lydia wants love though, and is willing to hold out for it, and is supported in this by her elder brother Pip-imagine a delightful, slightly less absent-minded Thompson Twin ( Tintin, not 80s pop). The announcement is to be made in 10 days-10 days that Lydia’s going to spend at Ashcroft’s favourite cousin’s country estate, and that she sees as the perfect opportunity to utterly annoy Ashcroft so much that he breaks off the engagement. That’s easier said than done , though, and what follows is sparkling wit that had me laughing out loud ( and ineptly covering it up with a cough, at my office canteen!), compelling side characters, and quite moving romances. The ending was unexpected and I loved it-it was perfect for this story. I like that there are echoes of Heyer in the characters of her books, but she subverts them in excellent ways, without you feeling that these are 20th century attitudes imposed on the Regency-the language used, the way ideas are expressed; for instance, siblings of protagonists are either non existent or evil in Heyer, Irwin makes them fully rounded characters, and not superfluous. I also love all her little Easter Eggs-the very LOckhart-like Captain Von Prett, for one! ( and a character mistaking his name for Captain Von Pratt)
I’m so glad I have another Sophie Irwin to add to my other two well-thumbed comfort reads by her!
August 9, 2025
sophie irwin what have they done to you :(((( my modern-day jane austen has succumbed to the masses. this was silly and not in a fun way, the romance was lackluster, the plot was all over the place, and not a single aspect of it felt genuine. i understand that there’s a ‘how to lose a guy in 10 days’ angle here but it did NOT land. i am so sad, i have been waiting for this book for AGES and it nowhere near lived up to her last two.
September 1, 2025
Sophie Irwin, please keep writing books forever 🫶🏻🫶🏻
September 7, 2025
I think Sophie Irwin is brilliant. Also I think the reason I love her books is because 1. I love this time era and 2. I love the romance without the spice
August 28, 2025
I knew the premise of the book, but it took so long for the main characters to be nice to each other than was didn’t enjoy this one. 3/4 of the story is them doing horrible things to each other. They have moments of harmony, but only really get on the same page in the last chapter. It’s a “happy for now” ending, too.
The FMC’s brother is gay, but we never see his partner, a bow street detective. There’s another gay couple that has a happily ever after off-page.
The FMC’s brother is gay, but we never see his partner, a bow street detective. There’s another gay couple that has a happily ever after off-page.
May 29, 2025
A brilliant spin of the movie how to loss a guy in ten days. Set in the regency era a woman is trying to get rid of her betrothed, a lord. Unless Andie Andersson she did not turn in a complete mess but rather chose the approach of embarrassing him Infront of family and friends. I adored the sub plots that were going on, may it be a secret love story or a theft to be solved. This is the perfect book for anyone who loves a good romcom and is impatiently waiting for the fourth season of Bridgerton.
Thank you Netgalley for the digital ARC
Thank you Netgalley for the digital ARC
July 31, 2025
Ok I did really enjoy this for the majority, so I’m rounding up, but I wish romance authors would stick to 300 pages, unless the story is super complex, it started to drag during the last third
Sophie Irwin is so good at mashing romcom with HR, this was an excellent nod to the movie, complete with yellow dress, love to see hero being gaslit and humiliated, love a genuinely clever heroine, love banter
Sophie Irwin is so good at mashing romcom with HR, this was an excellent nod to the movie, complete with yellow dress, love to see hero being gaslit and humiliated, love a genuinely clever heroine, love banter
August 8, 2025
4.5⭐️
how to lose a guy in 10 days is one of my favourite romcoms so you know when i saw there was a regency era version coming out that i had to read it.
i loved loved LOVED this book. i found myself wanting to go straight back to reading whenever i had to stop. it was cute and fun and the tension had me kicking my feet and giggling.
thank you netgalley for an arc of this!!
how to lose a guy in 10 days is one of my favourite romcoms so you know when i saw there was a regency era version coming out that i had to read it.
i loved loved LOVED this book. i found myself wanting to go straight back to reading whenever i had to stop. it was cute and fun and the tension had me kicking my feet and giggling.
thank you netgalley for an arc of this!!
July 31, 2025
A splendid regency romance that found me both guffawing and swooning, making Sophie Irwin a must-read author now for me. Brava!
October 25, 2025
4.5 stars. Delightful and had me randomly grinning and giggling at my phone in public like a ninny.
July 7, 2025
Questo è il terzo romanzo di Sophie Irwin che leggo e il mio apprezzamento cresce di volume in volume.
Stavolta la protagonista è Lydia, appartenente a una famiglia di commercianti che si sono arricchiti con i lanifici e che da sempre ambiscono a imparentarsi con una famiglia nobile. Quindi, lei il fratello stanno cercando di raggiungere la maggiore età e prendere possesso delle loro rendite prima che i parenti riescano a combinare nozze di convenienza.
Purtroppo, quando la meta è oramai vicina, Lydia viene scelta come sposa da Lord Ashford, marchese e futuro duca, che necessita di introitare importanti masse di denaro con urgenza per preservare il proprio patrimonio e l’onore del proprio titolo.
I due non potrebbero essere più diversi: lei agogna libertà e una vita di pace e buone letture, lui è convinto di essere il sogno impossibile di ogni debuttante.
C’è un’unica soluzione: Lydia deve farsi scaricare da lui, evitando le nozze e un pubblico scandalo. Ma non è facile e c’è poco tempo, giusto 10 giorni.
Era da un po’ che non mi capitava di ridere così tanto, proprio ad alta voce, mentre leggevo un romanzo. Buona parte di questo libro si fonda su battibecchi divertenti, dispetti infantili e commenti acidi, e ho trovato parecchie scene ben calibrate, con dialoghi brillanti.
I dieci giorni di soggiorno nobiliare in campagna sono scoppiettanti, tra comprimari assortiti, un fratello detective provetto con un’indagine in corso, e una guerra non dichiarata tra fidanzati forzati e non convinti.
Scene preferite? Le uscite a cavallo, il profumo alla trota e l’esibizione serale di canto.
Stavolta la protagonista è Lydia, appartenente a una famiglia di commercianti che si sono arricchiti con i lanifici e che da sempre ambiscono a imparentarsi con una famiglia nobile. Quindi, lei il fratello stanno cercando di raggiungere la maggiore età e prendere possesso delle loro rendite prima che i parenti riescano a combinare nozze di convenienza.
Purtroppo, quando la meta è oramai vicina, Lydia viene scelta come sposa da Lord Ashford, marchese e futuro duca, che necessita di introitare importanti masse di denaro con urgenza per preservare il proprio patrimonio e l’onore del proprio titolo.
I due non potrebbero essere più diversi: lei agogna libertà e una vita di pace e buone letture, lui è convinto di essere il sogno impossibile di ogni debuttante.
C’è un’unica soluzione: Lydia deve farsi scaricare da lui, evitando le nozze e un pubblico scandalo. Ma non è facile e c’è poco tempo, giusto 10 giorni.
Era da un po’ che non mi capitava di ridere così tanto, proprio ad alta voce, mentre leggevo un romanzo. Buona parte di questo libro si fonda su battibecchi divertenti, dispetti infantili e commenti acidi, e ho trovato parecchie scene ben calibrate, con dialoghi brillanti.
I dieci giorni di soggiorno nobiliare in campagna sono scoppiettanti, tra comprimari assortiti, un fratello detective provetto con un’indagine in corso, e una guerra non dichiarata tra fidanzati forzati e non convinti.
Scene preferite? Le uscite a cavallo, il profumo alla trota e l’esibizione serale di canto.
June 2, 2025
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the preview. All opinions are my own.
OMG this was an absolute RIOT! I can’t remember the last time I laughed (and cackled and snorted) so much while reading. I’m not even the biggest fan of the movie “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” because apparently what I actually needed was for it to be a Regency house party with a starchy future duke!
The way Lydia and Ashford tormented each other truly had me in stitches. Each time they one-upped each other I was in hysterics. And the side characters! They were all amazing; between Pip and his investigations, the lusty widow with a fawning younger gentleman, and the intrepid “explorer,” there was never a dull moment.
But this also had more serious layers! There were amazing discussion of what women give up to marry (and sometimes to escape those marriages), same-sex loves having to hide, and an abusive husband. Some truly moving moments were mixed in with the humor.
I think this was my fav of Sophie’s books yet!
Highly recommend!
OMG this was an absolute RIOT! I can’t remember the last time I laughed (and cackled and snorted) so much while reading. I’m not even the biggest fan of the movie “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” because apparently what I actually needed was for it to be a Regency house party with a starchy future duke!
The way Lydia and Ashford tormented each other truly had me in stitches. Each time they one-upped each other I was in hysterics. And the side characters! They were all amazing; between Pip and his investigations, the lusty widow with a fawning younger gentleman, and the intrepid “explorer,” there was never a dull moment.
But this also had more serious layers! There were amazing discussion of what women give up to marry (and sometimes to escape those marriages), same-sex loves having to hide, and an abusive husband. Some truly moving moments were mixed in with the humor.
I think this was my fav of Sophie’s books yet!
Highly recommend!
September 29, 2025
Dit boek neemt je mee naar Engeland in de tijd van balzalen, koetsen en de roddelende ton. Het verhaal draait om Ashford, een toekomstige hertog die uit plichtsgevoel wil trouwen, en Lydia, een jonge vrouw die weigert zich te binden zonder ware liefde. Hun werelden botsen wanneer Ashford haar om praktische redenen ten huwelijk vraagt en Lydia – met tegenzin – instemt.
Wat volgt is een heerlijk speelse en meeslepende vertelling waarin Lydia tien dagen de tijd heeft om hem van zich af te schudden, voordat hun verloving publiekelijk wordt aangekondigd. Het resultaat? Een historische variant van How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days – vol humor, intriges en romantische spanning.
Een vermakelijk verhaal dat leest als een kostuumdrama met een vleugje mysterie. Perfect voor liefhebbers van Bridgerton die genieten van de heisa van de ton – maar dan in een variant waarin de expliciete liefde subtieler op de achtergrond blijft.
Wat volgt is een heerlijk speelse en meeslepende vertelling waarin Lydia tien dagen de tijd heeft om hem van zich af te schudden, voordat hun verloving publiekelijk wordt aangekondigd. Het resultaat? Een historische variant van How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days – vol humor, intriges en romantische spanning.
Een vermakelijk verhaal dat leest als een kostuumdrama met een vleugje mysterie. Perfect voor liefhebbers van Bridgerton die genieten van de heisa van de ton – maar dan in een variant waarin de expliciete liefde subtieler op de achtergrond blijft.
August 5, 2025
[ 4 stars ]
i must confess, i have never watched how to lose a guy in 10 days. i know, i know, scandalous! i can't tell you if this is a 1:1 adaptation of the movie or just very loosely inspired, but i can tell you that i had so much fun.
i forgot how much fun historical romances could be and seeing our two main characters go through this prank war while having to navigate through formal society was very entertaining. it also helped that there was such a dynamic cast of side characters that have their own depths and aren't just there to serve as extras in the background.
lydia's initial attempts to make ashford jilt her did give me some secondhand embarrassment and at some point the prank was does drag a little but it was worth it to see lydia and ashford's developments as individual characters and as a romantic pair.
i must confess, i have never watched how to lose a guy in 10 days. i know, i know, scandalous! i can't tell you if this is a 1:1 adaptation of the movie or just very loosely inspired, but i can tell you that i had so much fun.
i forgot how much fun historical romances could be and seeing our two main characters go through this prank war while having to navigate through formal society was very entertaining. it also helped that there was such a dynamic cast of side characters that have their own depths and aren't just there to serve as extras in the background.
lydia's initial attempts to make ashford jilt her did give me some secondhand embarrassment and at some point the prank was does drag a little but it was worth it to see lydia and ashford's developments as individual characters and as a romantic pair.
September 26, 2025
This book was so much fun! I was literally laughing out loud at some parts. 😂
Very much in the spirit of the romcom How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Lydia is forced into a marriage to a lord she barely knows, so she does every horrible thing she can think of to get him to call off the engagement. Some of the things she did, I don’t know how she kept a straight face. I would’ve burst out laughing or been quietly giggling to myself.
What was even funnier was when Ashford eventually caught on to her scheme and started pranking her back.
Overall, this was a very cute and funny regency romance and I had a blast reading it! ☺️
Very much in the spirit of the romcom How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Lydia is forced into a marriage to a lord she barely knows, so she does every horrible thing she can think of to get him to call off the engagement. Some of the things she did, I don’t know how she kept a straight face. I would’ve burst out laughing or been quietly giggling to myself.
What was even funnier was when Ashford eventually caught on to her scheme and started pranking her back.
Overall, this was a very cute and funny regency romance and I had a blast reading it! ☺️
December 14, 2025
Ok so this story was a four star until about 80% - there were so many hilariously funny bits. The back and forth between the two main characters was really good. Then boom, the woke anachronistic moralizing emerged to preach lessons from our century into the regency era. It took away all my enjoyment. Even at the end the fmc was churlish and independent rather than finally being loving. The resolution for the Mmc on his choices and what prompted him to change his mind was not believable to me and could have been fleshed out better.
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