A Lady of Means: A Steamy Second Chance Historical Romance

by Carly Kaye

After her own close call with ruination, one Victorian lady is on a mission to revive her reputation for her younger sister's sake. But what happens when an unsuitable match complicates the plan? Fans of historical romance a la Sarah Maclean, Persuasion by Jane Austen, and references from the movie Mean Girls, are sure to resonate with A Lady of Means.

Lady Moria had nearly accomplished her redemption arc on her own...until a chance meeting with a captain with tattooed hands and a gentle soul who sees past her facade to the jaded-but-lovable woman beneath. Over a year and many secret letters later, he's back from active duty, and ready to do whatever it takes to win her for good this time before he has to ship out again.
Moria and Devyn's courtship is further complicated by her family ties, her burn book, and an enticing rival for her hand. Moria has limited time and infinite choices to make before her window for her redemption closes. Her choices could affect not only her future, but her younger sister's as well. Choices which are complicated further by the charming Duke of Andover who offers her security and amiable companionship. But for the kind of love that withstands time and distance and every flaw, Devyn and Moria find just what sacrifices they're willing to make.

Genres: Historical Romance, Ebooks

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2025

Reviews

[Jody Lee]

Fans of the movie Mean Girls will probably enjoy this very close adaptation of the movie. Moira is on her way to London for her sister's season when she meets Captain Devyn under a tree. They have one conversation, and start exchanging letters, meet a few times on the sly, and its love for them both. Moira has overcome a Tragic Secret in her past by achieving social domination with her two acolyte friends, Devyn spends a lot of the book away at war. This is Kaye's debut, and it's a frothy and enthusiastic take on the historical romance genre.

Here's the thing though. This book is SUCH a close adaptation that it hurts the book narrative, especially for someone like me, who saw the movie once when it came out, and knows the meme lines from repetition online. Not only are all those iconic lines worked into the book in a sometimes clunky way, but the replication of the movie is so faithful it can be jarring (see the climatic group reaction scene). The casual cruelty of the Mean Girls that can be played for laughs or excused in a movie is simply too intimate on page. By the halfway point of the book, I found Moira so unlikable that I was actively rooting against her happiness. I like an "unlikable" heroine, and a difficult reach or a needed redemption. But she just was snubbing people in social situations in a way that would hurt their reputations for cruelty's sake, actively encouraging the proposal of one high ranked man while actively having an intimate relationship with another who made his forever intentions clear. She's cruel to her family, and encourages her friends to make fun of them in their own homes.

No one in her family knows her Tragic Secret that is her justification for all her behavior, and I couldn't for the life of me understand why they didn't call her on any of her behavior throughout, they certainly didn't approve and she seemed horrible. Anyway, her soldier lover goes off to war like she knew he would, and he's barely off the grid (missing, they don't know anything, its only weeks) and she has set her eyes on the pinnacle of society, so even before the official notification that he's gone/presumed dead she's already engaged to an amiable duke she doesn't love.

There is a theme of secrets throughout the book. As Moira says threateningly to a one of her oldest friends who is actively doing her a favor, "Dare you forget I have secrets of yours to keep." Not only in the "burn book" of societal secrets that Moira and her friends write, but her Tragic Secret, his Family Secret, her secret relationship with Devyn, and many more. A lot of these make no narrative sense, she gets engaged to Devyn and the families all know about it, but I guess since it was in the paper it didn't happen and can be disappeared? He is actually the earl because his much older brother the earl is illegitimate, but his brother is a much more effective earl who spent his life in the role and he is a great war hero soldier so they are just leaving it, but then in the end it comes out and no repercussions for stripping the brother of his wealth and role in society? Bygones, I guess. And of course her Tragic Secret she starts telling people and no problem, etc.

I just....I mean her whole thing is ruling society and ruining lives of people who don't play by the rules and she's out here behaving in a way that is WAY out of the rules and not trying too hard not to get caught. And in the end, not being particularly fair to either the Duke or Devyn with her behavior. My kindle notes are mostly of the why/WTF vein, with several variations of "she's awful." I will say, this book did have me engaged, but mostly in a "yell at my kindle" way.

I'm not assigning a star rating to this because it's the author's debut, and it's an arc. I'll come back and do it well after the publication date.

[Kelli Matthews | SighingOurPleasure]

This debut has a lot of potential and I’m glad I had the chance to read it early. There are lovely moments where Kaye's writing shows. I especially enjoyed Devyn as a character.

That said, I struggled with quite a bit of the book. The first half felt crowded with characters and plot threads. I was lost much of the time. I also had a hard time understanding Moria until her motivations and trauma came into clearer focus and by then, I didn't really like her, so it was hard to feel any empathy. The Mean Girls plot didn’t quite land for me. It felt a bit forced, sometimes random and somewhat anachronistic. Some of the scene transitions also felt a bit abrupt, which made it hard to stay grounded in the story.

Even so, Kaye has a strong foundation and I can see this author growing into her voice and style as she continues. Writing a debut is no small feat.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

5 emoji synopsis:
🕯️💌📖❤️‍🩹💐

my thoughts:

Thank you Carley and Once Upon a Book Tour for this truly incredible opportunity to read this arc!

This historical romance is perfect for fans of mean girls, bridgerton and or persuasion 💖

The story follows Lady Moria as we navigate her complex story of being the diamond of the season while secretly holding onto her burn book. Her past is filled with traumatic details that only makes you sympathetic towards her. Her dedication to protect herself and her family is admirable and honorable. Think of her as the good version of Regina George. She finds herself in a love triangle with the Duke who can promise her security and protection for her family and a Captian whom is a former flame and will burn down the world for her.

I LOVED all the mean girls references! It was nostalgic but still fresh since it takes place in a very dinner world compared to the movie. The vivid descriptions and elegant word choices took me right to the Victorian era.

As for the spicy scenes… WHEW 😮‍💨 Who knew such dirty, spicy scenes could be so elegant? Definitely enough spicy scenes and descriptive language to make it a 4 out of 5 on my spice scale 🌶️

I reccomended this if you’re looking for:
❤️‍🩹 second chance lovers
🫢 scandalous secrets
💌 love letters
⚡️traumatized heroine
🌶️open door spice

Overall, I really loved this story and am thoroughly impressed with Carly and writing this debut novel. This is my honest review in exchange for this lovely arc!

[Pam]

Thanks to Meet Cute Marketing for the complimentary ARC.

DNF at 15%.

By 15% of the way into a historical romance, I should be able to pick out the main conflict and understand the set up to the book. That was not the case here and I think it's because A Lady of Means is trying to do too much, especially for a debut author. A Mean Girls retelling + a forbidden romance is too much for someone who is still figuring out how to craft the structure of a story. I can see promise in the way Carly Kaye writes, especially the incisive way she portrays society, but the conflict is still obscured almost 60 pages into the novel. I'm not someone who insists the characters be on page together from the beginning but I do want to get the full set up by 15% in and understand where we're heading.

[Sips and Scrubs Bookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridgerton meets Mean Girls

Indie author Carly Kaye brings you her debut novel “A Lady of Means” - a historical romance retelling of persuasion and mean girls ! Leading lady Moira has a tragic past she must get over . By way of high society , clothes to kill , and a love triangle that involves a burn book she is determined to get what she wants and that includes her not so favorable love interest. Will she be able to give it all up for the man she truly wants ?

Thank you to Carly Kaye and Once upon a book tour for this ARC . I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait for book 2 in the Roses and Rakes Series !

💫Genre: Historical Romance

Tropes
💖Mean Girls Retelling
💫Second Chance
💖Love Letters
💫Love Triangle
💖Crusty Cinnamon
💫Opposites Attract


Release Day 9/30/25

Purchase the book here : https://a.co/d/4eIhOs9 or head to my linktree for the direct link

#carlykaye #ALadyofMeans
#RoseandRakes #ALadyofMeanOUABT #OUABTIndieAuthors #OUABT #OnceUponaBookTour #bookstagram #bookreview

[Casserole Lindenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

First, I want to say thank you so much to Meet Cute Marketing and the author for an ARC.

I have never read a historical romance book before now. It is not my usual thing, but I knew as soon as I heard about this book that I had to read it. I am so glad I did. 

I absolutely loved this book. The mean girls references—amazing. Moria—a strong and fierce FMC. The author turned Regina George into a likable character you actually root for. 
Also the dreamiest MMCs ever. 😍

Some of my favorite quotes:

“I want you every day, in every way that you will have a humble soldier like me. I’m yours, my lady, and I promise to make you know it every day of our lives.”

“You will never not be mine, Moria. And I will never be anything but yours. Until I draw my dying breath.”

See. Perfect and dreamy. 

I enjoyed this book so much. Whether you are a historical romance reader or not, I think it is a must-read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A panoply of complex, fascinating characters. The author has outdone herself in developing a whole cast of witty, thoughtful personalities in this steamy romp. I personally enjoyed the cheeky dialogue and the way that the characters interacted with each other throughout the novel. Moria is powerful and vulnerable all at once, and the dark back story of the loss of her daughter added shades to this novel that made it very authentic. Loved the dramatic wedding scene at the end - who doesn't love a gallant knight in shining armor riding in?

Carly Kaye has created a world full of budding romances, so I'm sure the fun is only just beginning. Looking forward to the next story.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s a master at managing her audience – the ton’s preening peacocks and hateful hens – and hiding her true self. He’s the man who sees straight through her guise and heals her soul. But what to do when head and heart pull in opposite directions? Is pride and prestige worth more than inner peace and passion?

Moria & Devyn
Two years in mourning, too many losses, a sweetheart turned sour - she’s the diamond who’s reputation took a final hit when the duke pressed pause on their courtship. Determined to come back with a vengeance, she never expected a red-coated guardian angel to waylay her plans.
He’s a veteran army captain between missions, a rugged hulk of a man who survived the worst, but this battle was lost at first sight... underneath a willow tree he lost his heart to a shrewd but broken beauty.

It’s takes a while for this stubborn, manipulative minx to unveil her many complex layers. Her drive and determination do start to make sense, and she’s not all bad, just a little lost to her own machinations. Give her time to grow on you.
He’s the underdog who cares, sees and soothes. A man set on fighting for her, even if she’s miles out of his league. Candid, steadfast and honourable, he’s everything ton fops are not – and he doesn’t spook either.
Of course everything goes heartbreakingly wrong, and that’s when the duke presses play – but you’ll have to find out for yourself.

It’s an emotional rollercoaster handling many sensitive subjects (read the TWs) with delicious steamy interludes. I liked the flow, the Bridgerton meets Mean Girls vibes, her family on the side, and the high expectations setting. The MCs chemistry was top-notch, I only wish Moria was a little less stubborn... then again, that would have ruined the grand gesture finale.
A solid debut novel, and I’m curious to see what this author has up her quill!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good that I couldn’t put it down and stayed up way too late for too many nights in a row to finish it! I’m not always a historical romance reader, but I thoroughly enjoyed the time period details and drama!! There’s the perfect amount of suspense, steamy scenes and characters development to keep you interested until the last page. Can’t recommend it enough!!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her debut novel, A Lady of Means, Carly Kaye delivers a sharp, witty, and deeply endearing historical romance with a modern edge. The story introduces us to Lady Moria Pembrooke, a woman with a very specific, four-part plan to secure her future after a personal tragedy. Her scheme includes dressing impeccably, amassing influential friends, creating a "burn book" for leverage, and, most importantly, marrying a man with a title. Moria is on track to accomplish her goals until a chance encounter with Captain Devyn, a man with tattooed hands and a gentle soul who sees past her carefully constructed facade.

Devyn and Moria’s initial connection is challenged by his duty to the Crown and her schemes. When he returns from active duty, he is determined to win her heart for good. Their courtship is a compelling dance complicated by Moria’s family ties, her scandalous burn book, and an enticing rival for her hand: the charming Duke of Andover, who offers her security and amiable companionship. With her future—and her younger sister's—on the line, Moria must choose between a life of status and a love that withstands time, distance, and every flaw.

At its core, A Lady of Means is a beautiful and bittersweet story of a young woman trying to find her place in a world that has hurt her. Moria, with her hard exterior and witty schemes, is a character you come to feel is a close friend. Behind her tough facade lies a soft, delicate flower who, despite her own strength, deserves to be protected. The author masterfully balances Moria's fierceness with her vulnerability, creating a heroine who truly owns every room she enters.

Kaye's writing is earnest and beautifully transportive, immersing the reader in the high-stakes world of Regency society. You will find yourself on a ballroom floor, listening to gossip and witnessing Moria's fierce and loyal friendships. While the large cast of characters adds to the immersive setting, you will be utterly attached to both Moria and Devyn by the end of their emotional journey. This book will make you laugh, cry, and leave you feeling completely fulfilled.

As a forewarning, please check the content warnings as the book contains descriptions and discussions of difficult experiences and situations that may not be suitable for all readers.


Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A Lady of Means by Carly Spade drew me in immediately with its Mean Girls meets Bridgerton promise - and that’s exactly the energy this debut brings to the table. If you’re looking for a regency romp filled with secrets, scandals, and social scheming, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Moria is the ultimate queen bee of the ton with her sharp-tongued, socially savvy, and ruthless ambition. Her burn book (of course there’s a burn book) and social takedowns were bold and biting, and I loved seeing a historical heroine who isn’t trying to be "nice" or play small. The slow-burn connection with Devyn, our broody, tattooed, cinnamon-roll soldier, added a strong emotional counterweight to all the drama and power plays.

When you read A Lady of Means, you can expect:
👑 Mean Girl/Queen Bee in the Ton
💌 Secret Love Letters & Hidden Romance
🔥 Slow Burn
💔 Ice Queen x Cinnamon Roll MMC
🕵️‍♀️ Secrets, Schemes, and Scandal
🖋️ Tattooed Historian Soldier Hero
💃 High Society Drama + Burn Book Antics

I will say, while the Mean Girls parallels are fun (and often spot-on), the adaptation is a little too close to the film in some places, which occasionally pulled me out of the regency setting.

That said, Carly Spade’s debut has a lot of potential—her voice is confident, the concept is super fun, and when the writing hits, it really hits. While it didn’t always stick the landing for me, I was still entertained and engaged throughout. If you love messy heroines and historical twists on modern tropes, this book might be just what you’re looking for.

[Caro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you bunches to Meet Cute Marketing and Carly Kaye for the e-arc!! I had a blast reading this. My ratings are usually always based on vibes, and I was vibingggg!!! I’m a SUCKER for written declarations of love, so the letters back and forth to really feel connected to the main characters really sold it for me. Loved the hints at Mean Girls vibes, super fun & I do enjoy a solid “fuck it,” moment. I feel well-fed. Especially w this—

(Slight spoilers below? I wouldn’t consider it a spoiler. I’d consider it hype to make me wanna read something LOL)

"Live your life outside these envelopes. Don't measure your comings and goings by my words. I never wanted to limit you. A different man might, but not this one, however much it fills me with hope to hear how much my words mean to you. There is nowhere, no corner of this earth or the heavens that you cannot reach me. I will come home, as you wish. I'll take you anywhere you want, for however long you want. There are no adventures, not without you. Not while you're walking around carrying my heart in your hands.
I love you, desperately."

COME AWWWNNN

Side note- I don’t feel like I was ever lost because I’m quite used to period drama and historical romance types of writing. Especially when it’s a little modernized. It was easy to follow along!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review - A Lady of Means by Carly Kaye ✨

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
🌶️🌶️ (2/5)

Many thanks to the author and Meet Cute Marketing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

When I first heard of A Lady of Means, I was intrigued by the synopsis of it being a combination of the Mean Girls movie and Jane Austen's Emma (and Persuasion). That mix absolutely delivered.

"𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘴𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦'𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦?" - 𝘓𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘢 𝘗𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦

Lady Moria Pembrooke is guarded and calculating. She carries the weight of past tragedies and wields a Burn Book as protection from those eager to tear her down. She isn't the kind of FMC that you'd label as "sweet." She's messy and it's complicated.

Then comes the very handsome Captain Devyn: patient, gentle, and unwaveringly devoted.

He sees through her armor and does everything that he can to win her over. He has everything that she needs... but in a world where status is everything, Devyn doesn't have the title or wealth that she's expected to secure.

Standing in the way is the Duke whose influence and stability make him the "right" choice for her future and that of her family's...

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱:
- The complexity of Moria's character.
- Devyn. ❤️
- The grand game of politics and nobility.
- The slow burn tension.
- Mean Girls references with Victorian drama.

I loved this book and I hope that the author writes more stories of the other characters!

[Bai Broadwater · Rating 4 out of 5]

At its core, A Lady of Means is an endearing, bittersweet story of a girl trying to find her place in this world. Moria, the lady, seems to have everything going for her with the world at her fingertips. As you get more acquainted with her, you begin to feel that you are one of her closest friends. Her hard exterior melts away and you find a soft, delicate flower that is to be protected at all costs (though she does a good job of protecting herself, thank you very much).

As a forewarning, please check the content warnings as there are mentions and descriptions of really hard experiences and situations that might not be suitable or palatable for everyone.
CW: Descriptions of and discussion of infant stillbirth, mild depiction of war (one brief scene), Character death (kind of).

Imagine Regina George, but not an absolute terror and she cares about other people...😂

I absolutely adored this story, romance and everything else! I laughed, I sobbed (quite literally), and I felt incredibly attached to both Moria and Devyn by the end. There were a lot of characters, sometimes I couldn't keep them all straight, but it added to the setting of high-society.

This was such an enjoyable read as it is earnest and beautifully written. It will transport you onto a ballroom floor in the midst of Regency party, and you will leave with gossip, merriment and maybe even a spot in the Lady M's Burn Book. 💋

Thank you Once Upon a Book Tour for this eARC!!

[CrysTellsReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Lady of Means by Carly Kaye

Bridgerton with a splash of Mean Girls? Yes, please. The book is so fetch. 💐👑

Moira, our upper-class heroine with a tragic past, keeps a Regency-era burn book documenting every misstep of those who’ve wronged her (honestly, iconic behavior). Add in Devyn—one of her many hopeful suitors trying his hardest to woo her—and you’ve got yourself a delightful mix of scheming, gossip, and romance.

Now, Moira wasn’t quite as “mean” as I expected—think Regina George, but with a softer center—but her sharp wit, clever plotting, and the tug-of-war between her reputation and her heart made her so much fun to follow.

This story is earnest and beautifully written, with ballrooms, banter, and just enough scandal to keep you flipping pages. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel like you’ve been dropped right into the middle of a Regency party—leaving with a little gossip, a little merriment, and maybe even a place in Lady M’s burn book.

✨ Huge thanks to Carly Kaye and Once Upon a Book Tour for the ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait for Book 2 in the Roses and Rakes series!

[BookishMya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a whole host of feelings for this story. There is alot to take in here, at times I’ll admit I got jumbled but what I felt overcame all of that in the end. I truly ran the gamut of emotions from love & swooning to fierce disapproval. I still don’t know what to make of the Duke, a victim of circumstance or just as good an actor as Moria? This was a love triangle, but I think the true love story was that of self-love and acceptance. Moria was a mean girl, yes, but it was an act of self-preservation and martyrdom. She did what she did to protect her family. She needed someone to show her the truth of her own person. That is what made Devyn the hero of this story, he showed Moria her own truth and refused to let her hide. He stood by her side, he held her when she broke and he supported her at his own detriment. In the end, I was a mess and the story left me feeling a sense of blissful contentment. It is a jumbled tale because love is messy. Moria had a big journey to take and that is never easy.
I think this was a wonderful story that leans heavy on the Mean Girls retelling and mingles it with a sort of modern histrom feel.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you been craving something like Bridgerton and Mean Girls? How about both of them combined into one delicious, with story?

I didn’t know I needed that combo either, until I read @carlywritesandreads debut book! Ma’am, you’ve got yourself a forever fan!!

A Lady of Means is a retelling of Mean Girls in the best way. Moira, the FMC, is charming and witty. With a hard outer shell and soft interior, I came to love her, and watching her navigate this tricky society was entertaining and kept me glued to my Kindle.

“I love you, desperately.” The characters had voices that stuck out and took shape in my head and the story was easy to follow, especially if you have period knowledge or background in the other books mentioned above.

I truly enjoyed this and I think Carly and @meetcutemarketing for giving me a free and early copy!

A Lady of Means is available now, and I highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5!

[Aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Meet Cute Marketing and Carly Kaye for the arc.

I immediately was interested in the book after I heard some of the tropes. Like second chance romance and love letters, sign me up.

My biggest issue with the book was the beginning, it dragged a little and I didn't expect it to be so insta-lovey from Devyn's side. However, when the plot picked up, it picked up.

This was a mean girls retelling, which is rare for historical romance, some elements really surprised me. Did not think for a second there was gonna be direct quotes modified for the book or the other girls to be present. That was a lovely surprise. Also, the burn book, hello.

Our Regina, Moria wasn't as mean as in the movie, as I thought she would be, which was nice actually.

Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and will be on the look out for more books by the author.

FYI, the ending had me clutching my invisible pearls.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a historical fiction novel that gives off the vibes of Mean Girls then this is the book for you! Although our protagonist Moria is a lot more sympathetic than Regina George. I will say if you are someone who enjoys having a protagonist that wants to expose the antics and snobbery of the upper class then this book will end up being your favorite. Overall I found this story to be very impressive and enjoyable!

We are introduced to Moria who while she is thankful that she has a good life can't help but notice how shallow everyone is around her. She keeps a burn book which has marked her enemies of society as well as the suitors she has rejected as well. When the wonderful sea Captain Devyn returns and attempts to win her hand she will do just about anything to impress him.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ Bridgerton meets Mean Girls 💐👑

I loved the way this book blended high-society drama with cheeky Mean Girls nods. At times, the direct quotes felt a little over the top, but as a longtime fan of the movie, I couldn’t help but smile. Moria herself wasn’t quite as “mean” as I expected, but her scheming, her sharp wit, and her constant balancing act between reputation and heart made her fascinating to follow.

If you’re looking for:
💐 Sparkling ballrooms and sharp-tongued banter
👑 Bridgerton vibes with a cheeky pop-culture twist
🎀 A heroine torn between love, power, and reputation
🔥 High-society drama, rivalry, and romance

Basically, it’s so fetch—a fun, flirty read with just the right amount of scandal. I’m excited to see where this series goes next!

🩷 Thank you Meet Cute Marketing and Carly Kaye for the early copy!

[Jordan Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly Kaye hit the mark with this historical romance! Friendship, love, war, social circles, politics, and more. Moria and Devyn’s love keeps you coming back for more. It’s a hard read to set down as you’re waiting to see what could happen next. The humor between ladies and the loyalty of family and close friendships really captures the audience as you’re hopeful for an ending for Moria that she so richly deserves. You feel the push and pull of emotions that make this book so real but also just enough outside of reality to escape our world and fall into a book. How sweet it is to get attached to characters and their setting: to really feel it all. Carly Kaye gets just that for you in her writing. And to know there are more books on the way with these characters; can I wait?! 5 stars for A Lady of Means!

[Giana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was billed as Mean Girls meets Bridgerton and it was precisely that. I'm still trying to decide how I feel about that tbh, especially since most of the comp elements were pulled almost exactly from the inspo material. You have the main family whose kids' names start with letters in procession (starting from J instead of A). You have mean girl Moira and her entourage, Gretchen and Carina Smythe, who torment new redhead Kate Herring. There are lines pulled directly from Mean Girls, and while most of them made me giggle, they were almost comically anachronistic and totally pulled me out of the story.

I do think I'm landing more towards the side that this is cute and fun, however. Unfortunately, this story just didn't engage me overall. This is definitely a case of a me problem, not a book problem. This was very well written and Kaye definitely has promise in the historical romance sphere, so if that's something you're looking for, I'd definitely recommend this!

Thank you to the author for providing a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Kristen]

Thank you to the amazing @carlywritesandreads and Meet Cute Marketing for the ARC!

Lady Moria Pembrooke is ✨ that ✨ girl. Courting a Duke, gathering secrets, and dressing to kill at all times, all to cover a pain no one knows she’s feeling and to ensure her comfortable future. Until she meets a handsome soldier under a willow tree, and all her plans start to unravel.

✅ Regency era Mean Girls, complete with fun references to the movie

✅ An MMC who falls hard and doesn’t care who knows it

✅ A big, loving cast of goofballs you can’t help but root for

This was so much fun to read! Recommended for fans of Bridgerton, witty writing that can make you cackle and cry in equal measure, and black cat FMCs and the beautiful men who fall for them.

[Bookishgab_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun mix of drama, romance, and sass! The “Mean Girls meets Persuasion” pitch is spot on, you’ve got the sharp social politics of the ton paired with a swoony second-chance romance that had me hooked. Carly Kaye did a great job balancing the witty, almost catty banter with some genuinely heartfelt and steamy moments.

I loved watching the heroine come into her own while still navigating the rules of society, and the tension between her and the hero gave me butterflies. There were definitely a few parts where I wanted to shake some sense into the characters, but honestly, that just kept me flipping pages even faster.

If you like your historical romance with drama, clever dialogue, and a dash of spice, this one is worth picking up.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️3.5 stars. First off, thank you for the ARC. I loved that once you were introduced to the characters that you were immediately thrown into the past to witness the events first hand. If you enjoyed Bridgerton or Mean Girls you’ll appreciate this book as well. The amount of callbacks to Mean Girls did feel a little bit out of place at times, but the story Carly Kaye wrote was very enjoyable.

The story follows Moira an upper class girl with a tragic past, who keeps a burn book full of the behavior of anyone that has wronged her, and Devyn one of her many suitors that tries to woo her.

Tropes:
- Love letters
- Love triangle
- second chance

[geekoutonreading : Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Get in ladies, we're going to the ballroom!

A Lady of Means, the debut novel by Carly Kaye, was like being transported back in time - to the time of Persuasion, the loves of Bridgerton, and the drama of Mean Girls.

Our main girl, Moria, has built her walls up high. But, surrounded by friends, a burn book, and a love triangle for the ages, will she let her guard down? Will love, sacrifice, and redemption rule the day?

I don't want to spoil it for you - I urge you to go read it for yourself!

*Thank you to Once Upon a Book Tour for a digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Nicolette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of historical romance and Carly Kaye did not disappoint. I was wrapped in the story from the absolute beginning all the way until the very end.

It has a good amount of open door romance, so it is definitely on the spicy side. A love triangle-ish. Lady Moria is left with the choice to go for the man of her dreams (aka the man she’s been publicly courting for a year) or she can go for the man her heart so clearly wants.

This story is filled with equal parts love, British love/romance (and the politics with that) as well as grief and overcoming messy pasts. We’re given a strong FMC who meets a man who is able to woo her and provide her with something she’s been missing in all her other suitors.

This book does not disappoint and I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Thank you to @carlywritesandreads and @meetcutemarketing for an eARC of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAHHHHHH this book had me giggling, crying, kicking my feet, screaming, and cheering. Just, all the things. When Moria and Devyn are in the carriage on their way to Brookevale...perfection. Having a woman being fully seen by the man who loves her is such a special - and healing- thing, and Carly Kaye wrote it PERFECTLY. I don't think there's a single woman alive who can't relate to Moria in some way.

And that ending? Flawless.

The Mean Girls references? Impeccable.

And Devyn? His pink shirt? On a WEDNESDAY? I simply cannot.

[Millie Bowker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carly Kaye’s debut brings sharp wit and Regency drama with a modern edge. I loved the subtle mean girls thread running through the story, the fierce and loyal female friendships, and of course Lady Moira’s impeccable fashion sense (plus the amusing trail of suitors she’s coolly turned down!).

It’s a fresh, fun historical romance with a heroine who owns every room she enters!!

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy!! All reviews are my own🤍

[Kristen]

Thank you to the amazing @carlywritesandreads and Meet Cute Marketing for the ARC!

Lady Moria Pembrooke is ✨ that ✨ girl. Courting a Duke, gathering secrets, and dressing to kill at all times, all to cover a pain no one knows she’s feeling and to ensure her comfortable future. Until she meets a handsome soldier under a willow tree, and all her plans start to unravel.

✅ Regency era Mean Girls, complete with fun references to the movie

✅ An MMC who falls hard and doesn’t care who knows it

✅ A big, loving cast of goofballs you can’t help but root for

This was so much fun to read! Recommended for fans of Bridgerton, witty writing that can make you cackle and cry in equal measure, and black cat FMCs and the beautiful men who fall for them.