Hello book lovers! First thing first, if you’ve never watch How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! Go watch that romcom classic now, please. I, of course, love it and a regency romance book that had the same vibe? sign me up! And well, here’s my review.
✔️strangers to rivals to lovers
✔️mutual pranks
✔️forced proximity
✔️slow-burn
How to Lose a Lord in Ten Days by Sophie Irwin
This was definitely cute, fun, lighthearted, and super easy to read. — it gave major 2000s romcom vibes, but set in a regency world.
What is it about?
Rich, handsome, and titled Lord Ashford, has every lady in England longing for his hand in marriage.
Everyone, that is, except Miss Lydia Hanworth – the only young woman Ashford wishes to marry.
Pressured into accepting Ashford’s proposal, Lydia has just ten days to free herself from her obligations before the engagement is publicly announced… what can go wrong? (Goodreads)
As the title suggests, the plot mirrors that early 00s movie where the main characters prank each other — though Lydia (the FMC) definitely took the lead on that front. Many of the pranks were funny and some even made me laugh out loud.
The romance was smoothly woven in — fun, real, and honest. But I have to admit, it lacked a bit of that emotional punch. In historical romance, the yearning is usually key, and I just didn’t feel that intensity here. Still, I appreciated how authentic their dynamic was, especially the way they treated each other as equals.
The subplot, however, felt a little out of place. I respect the author’s attempt to bring up deeper issues, usually less explored in historical romances, but it sometimes felt disconnected from the main story and took up more space than necessary. Also, the historical elements felt a bit messy at times, though I wouldn’t say it affected the overall story and reading experience.
All in all, it was a fun read, and I know a lot of readers will enjoy it. I’ll definitely be picking up more from Irwin!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
love, Lin
