Violet and James met at a ball just over five years ago, and fell into love almost instantly. And from the beginning it is clear that they are the perfect match, even though both are very young and immature. Just how immature and young isn’t truly clear until we pick up with the story some five years on and the two are engaged in a battle of silence. Insecurities, issues from family that wasn’t available or simply manipulative (James), to overbearing and manipulative (Violet) had always had them both chafing at the ‘norms’ expected by family, and perhaps reveling in the shock that brought. While James is the “spare” and felt as if he was shuttled aside for his brother the heir, Violet was the focus of it all, and her curious nature and dismissal of the “propers” for a lady in her position: speech, interest, conversation and hobbies, had never ‘measured’ up to much in her mother’s eyes.

Together as newlyweds, they found friendship and passion, and James was so admiring of Violet’s way of looking at the world and her interest in near everything that crossed her path, as well as resenting her mother’s dulling and dampening influence on Violet allowed her to grow and thrive. They eschewed ‘accepted’ rules of society, socialized when and how they chose, and were sublimely happy. Until the ‘plan’ for them coming to ‘meet’ at the ball came out, and James realized he had been manipulated into the match: and unwilling to listen to Violet’s explanation of her role (none but a piece in the game). He instantly decided that he could not trust her – and the past four years have been spent in ever-increasing stakes as Violet determines to be noticed and a ‘wife’, or to move on.

This book is a giant game of chess – if drag queens played it and reality television and Jerry Springer were standing by offering not-so-helpful suggestions and encouraging daft plans of ‘faking consumption’ while using a schoolmate of James’ to ‘act’ as the doctor. What kept this book from completely falling into the farcical is the actual characters of Violet and James: neither wants another, both are desperately in love and longing for a marriage that feels settled, safe and they can trust in it – and their partner. But friends, family and even their own wild reactions to situations: him holding back when he wants little more than to speak out what he thinks but is afraid, her trying to keep the “upper hand’ and manage him into those lofty dreams that are the hallmark of her emotional immaturity – wanting grand gestures but ONLY if they come with the ‘proper level’ of remorse and understanding. When nothing has been discussed to bring this understanding forward. Fortunately for them both, they do work it out after many actual attempts and missteps, but along the way you can’t help but enjoy their own recognition of the extremes in which they’ve gone, the “ I know that she knows that I know that she thinks I know” moments – yes, just like that. Moments to laugh, moments where you want to shake one or both, and then to cheer them on as they try to start again and make up for four years of silence. The story engages, entertains and is a favorite for me both for twisting a romantic comedy a bit by setting it in the Regency era, and for the writing that brings the characters to life. A wonderful debut offering, sure to make Waters a name readers will look for on the shelves.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aF4/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

To Have and to Hoax is a call back to Austen for sure. The language is very familiar, a similar cadence and feel, if slightly more modern language. Violet and James married quickly, had a great first year, then an argument and the silent treatment has reigned ever since. That's not a spoiler. One misunderstanding leads to a hoax leads to a hoax leads to a hoax. It's a charming book, with a subtle dry wit that I enjoyed. It's not in your face laugh out loud funny but I grinned plenty. The characters both have to go through some growth and they each acknowledge that fact and their own shortcomings and faults. That's a nice change. Especially as a first novel, I'm looking forward to what Martha Waters does next.

3.5 stars

This isn't a genre I normally read, historical romance, but the synopsis appealed to me so I decided to give it a try.

It took some time to adjust to the characters way of speaking, but the theme was very familiar, as a married couple, Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley, take up a ridiculous game to gain attention. While their motives were to hurt their partner, it is clear the underlying motive was actually sweet, they wanted to see if the other person still cared about them.

As this book got better as it went along, I'll share my dislikes before my likes.

What I didn't like:
*** Communication was sorely lacking in this story. It felt like a Shakespeare play where the main characters drew their own conclusions and failed to communicate, making things much, much worse. This story centers on an argument that occurred four years ago. FOUR!! As if that's not bad enough, when you find out what the argument was about, and how it has basically destroyed the marriage of these two main characters, it is even more ridiculous.

*** The games themselves were fairly childish. As an example, Violet pretended to suffer from consumption, and her performance was so bad, no one believed her. I would have thought they could have come up with more elaborate ideas.

What I liked:
*** We don't have to suffer thru their four years of cold shoulders and are instead treated to a time when it is clear both are tired of the distance. It is evident the love between them is still there, but their stubborn ways keep them from reconciling. However, as the game deteriorates, the love and passion comes to the surface.
*** There are a number of friends this couple rely on. Violet's friends, Diana and Emily, are fairly useless, but I liked Lady Templeton, and how Violet partnered with her. It backfires but gives the couple a much-needed spark.

Thankfully, this doesn't end like a Shakespeare book, as the couple finds a way to rid themselves of their stubborn ways and find a path back to one another. Overall, this was enjoyable read, and a nice break from what I typically read.

A fun regency romp from a debut author! Waters’ writing is crisp and engaging, and this book is easily devoured. I don’t read many romances, but I’ll be looking out for the next title from this author and recommending this one widely.

Oh man, I'm so excited to see more books from this author come out! The writing in this book is truly a joy- grade A banter, lovely turns of phrase, wonderful little observations throughout. I also just loved the characters, and I appreciate that this has almost a YA type theme underlying it-- separation from parents' and their expectations to forge their own identities & sense of self. I offer this comparison with trepidation, but this book gave me very strong Tessa Dare vibes- I will be eager to see how the author continues to develop. Perhaps I've found a new favorite historical romcom source?
This is a situation similar to how I felt with The Bromance Book Club last year- very excited to try more in a series, but the particular trope/plot combos in this book are not quite my full catnip, so I couldn't fully love this the way I might with a different premise. Marriage in peril, even when approached with as light a touch as this one was, are just a bit stressful to me
Still, I'm 100% checking for Martha Waters going forward, & would recommend this to anyone who is interested in it

'Five years ago, Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley met, fell in love, and got married. Four years ago, they had a fight to end all fights, and have barely spoken since.

Their once-passionate love match has been reduced to one of cold, detached politeness. But when Violet receives a letter that James has been thrown from his horse and rendered unconscious at their country estate, she races to be by his side—only to discover him alive and well at a tavern, and completely unaware of her concern. She’s outraged. He’s confused. And the distance between them has never been more apparent.

Wanting to teach her estranged husband a lesson, Violet decides to feign an illness of her own. James quickly sees through it, but he decides to play along in an ever-escalating game of manipulation, featuring actors masquerading as doctors, threats of Swiss sanitariums, faux mistresses—and a lot of flirtation between a husband and wife who might not hate each other as much as they thought. Will the two be able to overcome four years of hurt or will they continue to deny the spark between them?'
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3.5 stars, rounded up to four stars.

<i>To Have and to Hoax</i> is Martha Walters' debut novel and is a fun blend of historical fiction and romantic comedy.

James and Violet met five years ago on a balcony during a ball. Married shortly there after, theirs was a love match. Only one year was spent in happily wedded bliss though, until a misunderstanding and the resulting fight left them living as worse than strangers. After four years of silence and resentment, a tumble from a horse leads them into an intense battle of wills and attempting to teach the other a lesson. A unique variation of the enemy to lovers storyline, I found this book to be fun and the banter was amusing and ridiculous in equal measure.

I really felt for Violet in this story, James jumped to conclusions from the offset and forced them into 4 years of misery for no real reason. His slights were imagines, whereas hers were legitimate. Four years wasted. That's not to say that she doesn't carry any of the blame here because she certainly could have done more to aid their relationship. Both of them were wuite immature.

At about the 75% point their feud became a bit tedious for me though. Every time I thought I had finally read to the point where they were going to come to some kind of understanding or properly talk things out there would be another misunderstanding or some source of conflict between them that would bring them right back to the power struggle and fighting. It also takes a long time for us to learn the actual cause of the rift between the two which is probably for the best because I wouldn't have found it a strong enough reason to be invested in all their back and forth for the entirety of the book. I was curious to learn the cause of their fight and that kept me invested. Had I not been looking forward to finding the cause, I probably would have lost my patience with their antics.

I do recommend this book if you're looking for a light-hearted historical romance, but be forewarned that the game between them stretches on a bit. I am assuming this is going to be turning into a series based on the way things were left with the other members of their friend group and I would continue with the series to see how things turn out for them.
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I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for sharing an eARC of <i>To Have and to Hoax by Martha Walters with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.

Funny historical read. While the misunderstanding (and a few after) were childish the story was still a good read as long as you take it lightly. Violet and James were very likable and the secondary characters were too. The flow of the book was a bit off for me. It was a bit wordy in parts where it didn't need to be and drug the story out too much. We were given a bit of a peek at the secondary characters stories throughout this story. I will be picking up those up. Overall a fun read with some good banter.

This rom-com meets regency is a cute and funny read. While I’m not a huge fan of plots that involve playing tricks, and I admit it was a little overdone here, the humor got me through this. I also enjoyed reading about a married couple. Their story starts where most other romance novels would be wrapping up. I’m excited to see what’s next from this debut author.

Violet and James were a love match. They spent one blissful year together before a misunderstanding tore them apart. For four years. FOUR. YEARS. Everything hits the fan though when Violet gets a message that James has been terribly injured. Turns out it was a false alarm but Violet is pissed. And she decides to pay him back in kind…

Now, I wasn’t so sure about these two at first… initially Violet and James are almost intolerably childish. Some of the things they do to each other are down right mean. One in particular. But overall I found their antics entertaining and I was amused and compelled by their very real love for each other.

Did I want to shake both of them and tell them to grow up? Umm, yes. Still, I enjoyed this book and hard time putting it down. Good chemistry. Witty, smart writing.

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

To Have and To Hoax is the first book by Martha Waters that I’ve read but it definitely won’t be the last. This story has everything I love in a historical romance; strong characters, a relationship with conflict, and a plot that had me both rooting for and yelling at the main characters.

Lady Violet Gray and Lord James Audley met and it was love at first sight. After quickly marrying, something happened that five years later, we find they are living completely separate lives, and neither is willing to let go of their stubbornness to resolve their differences. When Violet receives a note telling her that James was severely injured at the stables that were one of the reasons they fought, she rushes from London to see him only to run into him on the way and find out he is perfectly fine. At this point, Violet is angry, and she decides she needs to pay him back a little, so she decides to tell him she is ill and that’s when everything gets interesting.

The characters in this book were great. Waters did a great job building them out – there were times that I loved them and times that they were so frustrating. Seeing these two go back and forth and of course, their poor friends were all pulled into the middle of everything. Their level of stubbornness and inability to work things out made for an interesting story as well as some great conflict. I have to admit, both of their families were frustrating, and I was happy when the reasons for the argument are finally revealed, I hated that they didn’t work things out earlier.

That’s all I can say about this without giving anything away so pick this one up. Overall, I really enjoyed this book - it was an engaging story and I found myself unable to put it down. The story moves at a great pace and with all the conflict and banter, the story never slows. If you are looking for a historical romance, consider picking this one up. I will definitely be picking up more from Martha Waters when I can.

This was a really cute story even if it was a bit drawn out. The antics between Violet and James were pretty funny. They were pretty ridiculous, but what I loved is that from the very beginning, even though they were at odds, you could tell that we’re mad about each other. I enjoyed all the secondary characters, too and look forward to their stories.

Thank you Martha Waters for a wonderful read! This was my first book by her, and I hope I can read more in the future.

I kind of feel like this book is a season of Friends, put in a Regency setting. That being said, it was really fun. There was some over the top stuff, and towards the end it was *almost* too much. But, it was a good read.

Violet was a great character. I enjoyed her love of books, and her spunky personality. And James had fantastic character development. I love a good grand gesture! Also, their chemistry was A+!

The supporting characters were enjoyable, too. Historical romances are not normally my favorite, but this one was a really fun read. I have a few friends I think will really enjoy this one!

Ah, To Have and to Hoax. It's cute and funny but it's a little repetitive. And a little too long. Let me be clear: I'm not really a romance reader, although I have enjoyed some books in the genre (especially the lighthearted, humorous books!)

Ultimately, this was just a mismatch (I've been wanting to dip my toe into some lighter, fluffier books, and this just wasn't the one for me.) The lack of communication, although somewhat funny at times, was the most frustrating part (but so crucial to the story! So I was torn.)

That being said, I think a lot of readers will really enjoy this, and it seems to fit perfectly with the rom-com books that have been released in recent years. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who already enjoy the rom-com genre.

This spunky modern historical romance was enchanting and a perfect fun read.

What I loved about this book was the way the characters had so much fun with their game of, personal revenge within their failing marriage. Within the spunky revenge plots, and their quirky friends. It brings all the elegance of a good historical romance in with a great modern rom-com. Expect lots of witty lines, and set up for what seems like a few good sequel stories!

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Back I went to Regency England in this enjoyable romp, where Violet and James, with the help of their friends, find their way back to each other after 4 years of estrangement. James believes Violet plotted to trap him into marriage, along with her mother and his father, in order to secure an heir for the Dukedom, should his older brother West fail to do so.

Violet is a headstrong, intelligent girl, and while she is head over heels in love with her dashing young husband, she wants it all: his love <i>and</i> his trust. James has always felt that he was never important in his father's eyes. The sad truth is that his father has no real affection for his children. They are merely a means to continue the family name. His gift to James on his marriage to Violet of a country manor and profitable stables came with strings attached - of course!

Violet is outraged by James lack of faith in her love for him, and angered as well by her husband's constant struggles to gain his father's approval. After only one year of marriage, they have a massive argument and relations between them become frigid over the next four years.

There appears to be no hope to end the estrangement, as both are too proud to breach the gap between them. Fortunately (?), James is involved in a riding accident and Violet to rushes to James' side, thinking that he may be dying. She realizes that she still loves him, but nothing has really changed. James works long hours to prove to his father that he is worthy of his love.

As the story progresses, both Violet and James employ subterfuge to win each other back. The banter between them was entertaining and the ending was more than sweet. All's well that ends well!

I grew up reading Georgette Heyer's novels and I was an avid fan. I rarely enjoyed the current day imitations of her writing style. In fact, I rarely read Regency novels once I had real all of Georgette Heyer;s books.

However, so many fellow NetGalley reviewers kept praising this debut novel - and rightly so: it is very well written, witty and entertaining. But Georgette Heyer still sits atop her throne as the Empress of Women's fiction, unchallenged, in my mind. Martha Waters lured me out of my voluntary retirement where Regency novels are concerned. It was an enjoyable interlude, but I realize that I prefer novels set in this century. I rate this entertaining, well-written romp a 3.80 out of 5.

To Have and To Hoax's premise of two loving partners hoaxing each other and not talking for four years wore a bit thin with me. I wanted to knock their heads together. Especially in their day, to have such a great love is something to cherish and protect. On the other hand, there are real issues that they have not addressed and it makes sense that those problems are causing serious issues.

Waters's writing is good enough and the characters so likable that I enjoyed the book despite my issues with the premise. Both Violet and James are such good people and I loved their devotion and love for each other. Long before it actually happened, I was ready for the to get back together.

The other characters were also well written and added to the story.

This is a nice Victorian romance novel perfect for readers of historical romance. Thank you for the ARC!

I received a copy via Netgalley. Thanks to Atria Books for an ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. James and Viola married young and for love - something rare in the ton. The year of bliss came to an abrupt end following a heated quarrel. The next four years are filled with icy silences and no forgiveness on either side.

When Viola receives a note saying James has been tossed off a horse and is unconscious, she rushes to his side -- only to meet him, hale and hearty. Angry words are said, and Viola determines she must make James realize how she felt. This Viola embarks upon her illness. The pranks continue to escalate throughout the book. There was so many amusing conversations within this book. I laughed several times, not just at James and Viola, but their friends.

So why not 5 stars? I felt like the writing was a bit off - there was too much telling and not enough showing. A few of the people appearing in the story felt more like caricature rather than characters.

All in all I really enjoyed the book. I absolutely adore books with witty conversations, and this book had that. I look forward to reading more books by Martha Waters.

Welcome, welcome, right this way! Step right up to witness endless, inane bickering between adult characters with the emotional maturity of middle schoolers.

Violet and James Auden were happily married until they weren’t. After an argument about a year into their marriage (that goes unexplained until about halfway through the book), they barely speak to one another for the next four years.

That’s where our story truly begins, and what follows is an endless game of emotional chess between the spouses. Except that they both play chess like the proverbial kid who eats the pieces.

Violet and her friends cook up schemes to inflict upon James, all designed to somehow simultaneously piss him off and win him back. The ladies fancy themselves “outspoken,” “progressive,” and all sorts of other buzzwords that should indicate a desire to break with convention. Unfortunately, they mostly come off as desperate and juvenile.

We’re supposed to believe that these women are admirably unconventional and ahead of their time because they speak their minds and claim they don’t want men dictating their lives. Yet in all that speaking of the minds, the only thing they ever talk about is men.

While I admire Violet’s desire not to be cowed by convention that would suggest her presence in the world should be largely ornamental, most of her boldness takes the form of childish, foot-stomping tantrums, shrill declarations of revenge, and attempts at manipulation. Violet claims she doesn’t want to be ruled by a man, but men are the only things she ever seems focus her attention on.

It’s a cute attempt at protofeminism, but the result is exactly the opposite of that. The heroine fancies herself empowered and as defying convention, but really she’s just louder about her conventional thinking. She thinks herself a rogue of the status quo, but she’s simply immature and undisciplined.

Though he too has plenty of flaws and also lacks emotional maturity, her husband is in many ways better at conveying an attitude of progressiveness than his wife. And while he can be thoughtless and clearly has a paralyzing fear of honest communication, in the end he’s really a pretty alright dude.

Which is great and all, except that Violet was supposed to be the hero of this story. James is an emotional toddler almost as much as she is, but at least he mostly maintains a sense of decency.

And yet, the really tough part of this book to swallow is how careless Violet and James are about how their petty desire to constantly one-up each other consistently disregards the feelings of other people. Sophie and West (who are, not coincidentally, the only truly decent people in the book) get the worst of it, but it comes back on the other friends of the couple as well, all of whom are (whatever their flaws may be) far better humans than the characters in the central relationship. Certainly, they don’t mean to hurt others, but their selfishness (especially Violet’s) has that result just the same.

This is not to say that the reader will hate Violet. I didn’t. But I did find her obnoxious more often than not, and her behavior is cringeworthy most of the time. Did she capital “L” Learn A Lesson? Of course she did, because narrative structure dictates she must. But in the end, it isn’t enough.

This wasn’t a bad idea for a book, but the intent and the product are a complete mismatch. At the very least it should have passed muster as a light, cute romance, but the tone is too grating and the characters too emotionally stunted for that to play satisfactorily either.