I was given an Advance Release Copy of TO LOVE AND TO LOATHE from Atria Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I saw an ad for this book on Instagram touting it as a laugh out loud, sexy romp akin to the Bridgerton series. While it was cute and certainly steamy, it lacked the character development and depth of the more well-known series. It was a quick, fun read, perfect for poolside lounging this summer, but not a standout book by any means.

The Lady Templeton and Marquess of Willingham are infamous among English high society as much for their sharp-tongued bickering as their flirtation. One evening, an argument at a ball turns into a serious wager: Jeremy will marry within the year or Diana will forfeit 100 pounds. So shortly after, just before a fortnight-long house party (that’s two weeks for us normal people) at Jeremy’s country estate, Diana is shocked when Jeremy appears at her home with a very different kind of proposition.

After his latest mistress unfavorably criticized his skills in the bedroom, Jeremy is looking for reassurance, so he has gone to the only woman he trusts to be totally truthful. He suggests that they embark on a brief affair while at the house party—Jeremy can receive an honest critique of his bedroom skills and the widowed but still-young Diana can use the gossip to signal to other gentlemen that she is interested in taking a lover.

This was a predictable yet enjoyable tale. I enjoyed the banter between the two and all the house party shenanigans going on. If anything, it could have used more steam. There wasn’t nearly enough hanky-panky for a two-week house party. Also, I would have enjoyed an epilogue.

This was the second in a series but there is no need to read them in order. If you enjoy regency romances, be sure to check this one out!

I will admit that I wasn’t a big fan of this author’s first novel in this series, To Have and to Hoax. I am, however, thankful for having read it because her friends, including Violet the heroine from that novel, are again a big part of the plot in To Love and to Loathe. Unlike the fake illness Violet undertook to reel her husband back into their marriage, in this story Diana, is carrying on an affair while trying to win a bet by marrying him off before the year is done. You know how that’s going to turn out! I did really like the sense of humor written into these characters. They were a lot more fun to read about and I found myself a little bit more invested in the outcome. Of course, I wasn’t afraid the book would end without their falling in love, but the story was engaging and the antics of the house guests kept me turning the pages.

One of the more interesting side notes to this story were the societal mores that the ladies and gents of this time lived. Jeremy was known as a cad for all of his affairs. As a Marquess, and even in his younger days, the son of a Marquess, things came easily to him. Women threw themselves at him and when he was rated poorly by his previous lady love it was Diana who pointed out that women may have been faking it all along just because of who and what he was. An opinion that was eye opening and fun to read. Diana, as a widow could reveal to someone that she might be willing to have a liaison and in fact hoped that having one with Jeremy would go towards helping her gain more experience in that endeavor. However, if she became talked about then despite her being a “Lady” her reputation wouldn’t recover. It wasn’t a huge part of the story but a scene that stuck with me.

I wouldn’t call this novel a historical romance rom-com but it was more spirited than I expected and I did laugh a couple of times. If you are looking for a historical romance with a small twist give this one a try. I think you can read it without reading the previous novel so never fear! Purchase away! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I receive a copy of this novel through NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review and it was honest.

I'm reading this a bit backwards. I haven't read the first book, but it's next on my list.

Diana was my favorite. I loved her carefulness, candor and drive to survive. She knew what was needed for her happiness and went after it. I appreciate that.

Both Jeremy and Diane are living different lives in public than in private. Keeping their true selves hidden has become second nature.

Little did they know that all the witty banter and hatred for each other was just some sexy foreplay.

I thought the story line was light and fun. While adding in some super relevant issues of the time.

Loved

I’m not usually a historical romance reader but this one was so compelling from start to finish!! It was funny, sassy, witty, and steamy!! I’m now on team Martha Waters all the way!!

The enemies to lovers vibe between the widowed, Diana, Lady Templeton and Jermey the Marquess of Willingham was full of chemistry, angst, and so much swoony romance. Their contentious relationship has been going on as long as they can remember which makes it all the better when their feelings start to change during a stay at Willingham’s country house.

This was a super fun fake-dating / short-term relationship of convenience that goes much further than either of these enemies ever thought possible in the best possible way. Their verbal jabs were hilarious and romantic and kept me turning the pages! The side characters were at times totally over the top with their scheming and secrets. I especially loved Lady Helen who was a total surprise and Toogood who even as Diana’s maid managed to levy some awesome zingers at her Lady.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a fun and engaging read.

To Love and To Loathe is out in the world today, and I am here to tell you that it is SO. GOOD. This book follows Diana and Jeremy, who run in the same high society circles in Regency England. They have always ruffled each other’s feathers, but when Diana bets Jeremy - a notorious playboy - that he will be married within a year their hijinks escalate to new heights.

I didn’t used to be a huge historial romance reader, but I’ve started to love them since I read Bringing Down The Duke by Evie Dunmore a couple years ago! To Love and To Loathe is the second book in the Regency Vows series - the first being To Have and To Hoax - and I really loved both! This one had so much banter between the main characters which I loved as well as great side characters - including the main characters from To Have and To Hoax! I really enjoy enemies to lovers books, so I had high hopes for this one and it didn’t disappoint! If you loved Bridgerton, I would definitely recommend giving this series a try!

Thank you to @Atriabooks and @NetGalley for the #gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book had all the elements to make me really love it the Regency period, a wager, and two people who are in a verbal battle with each other; however, it fell kind of flat for me. While the beginning hooked me, I felt the rest of the story kind of moved too slowly for me. To me, the inevitable ending seemed to drag on. Don't get me wrong, I love romance and knowing what will happen at the end but with no real drama in the middle, it felt kind of meh.

This is the second book in The Regency Vows by Martha Water. Okay, so I didn’t care for the first in the series because the heroine was crazy mean. This one is better. Diana and Jeremy (her brother’s friend and well-known rake) always seemed to have this undercurrent in their relationship. They quibbled, bet each other which both were determined to win.
Diana came across as mercenary in search for a husband in her first season because she felt she was a burden to her aunt and uncle; a feeling that was confirmed in their regular reminders. She is successful at finding a husband but finds herself a widow after just a few years. Many years later, Diana is interested in finding a lover, vowing to never marry again because her freedom means everything.
Jeremy and Diana meet again and jump right into trading barbs like a day hasn’t gone by. Jeremy, now a Marquess has avoided the parson’s mousetrap and Diana decides to bet him that he’ll be married in a year. Later, Jeremy confides that his most recent mistress has given him a horrible review and suggests that they become lovers for a short period, so Diana can signal to the ton that she’s available for a lover after practicing with Jeremy and she can help him know if he really performs poorly in bed. Their tryst is to happen during his house party, intending it to end when everyone returns home.
This is where Diana turns into an unbelievable shrew throwing a woman (whom no one seems to like) in his path, far worse than any matchmaking mama. She may have feelings for Jeremy, so her manipulations increase, possibly from panic. It’s horrid how she completely disregards anyone’s feeling just so she can win her bet. And knowing how women were treated in that time, her actions are especially egregious. I don’t condone her actions in any way, but at least it didn’t last as long as the previous book and there is some validation for her actions. It doesn’t excuse them, but at least it gets better and ends with an HEA for a couple of extra people. Although I didn’t care for that section of the book – it overall was an enjoyable read and I at least understood some of her actions at the end. Jeremy was the good guy through all of this even with his reputation, but you know what they say… Rakes make the best husbands.
This is the second book in The Regency Vows by Martha Water. Okay, so I didn’t care for the first in the series because the heroine was crazy mean. This one is better. Diana and Jeremy (her brother’s friend and well-known rake) always seemed to have this undercurrent in their relationship. They quibbled, bet each other which both were determined to win.
Diana came across as mercenary in search for a husband in her first season because she felt she was a burden to her aunt and uncle; a feeling that was confirmed in their regular reminders. She is successful at finding a husband but finds herself a widow after just a few years. Many years later, Diana is interested in finding a lover, vowing to never marry again because her freedom means everything.
Jeremy and Diana meet again and jump right into trading barbs like a day hasn’t gone by. Jeremy, now a Marquess has avoided the parson’s mousetrap and Diana decides to bet him that he’ll be married in a year. Later, Jeremy confides that his most recent mistress has given him a horrible review and suggests that they become lovers for a short period, so Diana can signal to the ton that she’s available for a lover after practicing with Jeremy and she can help him know if he really performs poorly in bed. Their tryst is to happen during his house party, intending it to end when everyone returns home.
This is where Diana turns into an unbelievable shrew throwing a woman (whom no one seems to like) in his path, far worse than any matchmaking mama. She may have feelings for Jeremy, so her manipulations increase, possibly from panic. It’s horrid how she completely disregards anyone’s feeling just so she can win her bet. And knowing how women were treated in that time, her actions are especially egregious. I don’t condone her actions in any way, but at least it didn’t last as long as the previous book and there is some validation for her actions. It doesn’t excuse them, but at least it gets better and ends with an HEA for a couple of extra people. Although I didn’t care for that section of the book – it overall was an enjoyable read and I at least understood some of her actions at the end. Jeremy was the good guy through all of this even with his reputation, but you know what they say… Rakes make the best husbands.

Let me begin, by saying, what's not to love about Martha Waters' sequel To Love and to Loathe?! I have to admit, I grew tired of James and Violet's silly argument that lasted 4 years. Whereas, the secondary characters in her previous novel completely drew me in and I found myself eager to learn more about Lady Templeton and the Marquess of Willingham. The first book shows up the beginning of this argument and bet that sets the scene for this sequel. I am one who loves a book with banter, where Waters often missed the mark in To Have and to Hoax, in To Love and to Loathe, I found their dynamic believable. The way these two prod each other tickles my humor.

I think the two protagonists are truly more likable than Violet and James in the first novel. As a result, the momentum of the first book strengthened for me in this second installment. The writing felt tighter and more focused which in turn held my attention more. My investment in these characters also built across two books and during a pandemic, this was exactly what I wanted. A little romance, some squabbling, and a boat-load of drama.

This is a historical romance set in the Regency period in England. It will probably appeal to Bridgerton’s fans. I thought the set up was really interesting and the two main characters were clearly very attracted to each other even though they did not have any serious designs for one another beyond a proverbial romp between the sheets. Personally I found this to be an ok read. It might be that I am not really a fan of the genre and all romance novels follow the same prédicable pattern. I do think fans of the genre will enjoy this.

During one of their famous verbal sparring matches, widowed Lady Templeton, Diana to her friends, makes a bet with the Marquess of Willingham, Jeremy. She bets him a significant sum of cash that he will be married within a year. When invited to a stay at his country home, with several eligible young ladies, Diana realizes this is the perfect time to work her magical matchmaking skills. Jeremy, however, has other ideas and stuns Diana with a proposal of an affair between the two of them. Diana agrees with conditions, and sets to work winning her bet. What the both don’t know is how easy it would be for an affair to turn into love.

To Love and To Loathe is the second novel in this series but reads easily as a stand alone. I certainly enjoyed the first episode, and this one was even better. Diana and Jeremy ooze steamy chemistry. I was cheering for them to realize their feelings for each other. Plus, Diana’s scheming to get Jeremy married is hilarious. Uplifting, funny, and romantic, this story is sure to please every reader!

To Love and to Loath by Martha Waters is an excellent new release. This historical reads like a quick paced contemporary that is full of humor. Some of my favorite elements are a house party and a pair of characters who bicker with chemistry!

I also love a heroine with a talent for painting. Diana begins the novel looking for a wealthy suitor to make a husband. This is for pure survival. She has a quick wit and a layered persona. Added bonus she has two amazing friends that we get to hear a lot of.

Jeremy is one of my favorite hero’s. He inherits his family’s title and estate when his brother died unexpectedly. The estate is in debt and he must restore it. Jeremy gives us a enticing rake persona with much more under the surface. I love a hero that isn’t always sure of himself Ans has vulnerability.

Some side characters bring so much humor and depth to the novel. Lady Helen and the Dowager Duchess are two of them.

I highly recommend this fun read. I didn’t read the first in series yet, but can’t wait to get my hands on it.

Thank you to #Netgalley for the early read in exchange for a review. #ToLoveandtoLoathe #MarthaWaters

I have not read a ton of Regency romance books, but after reading this I am thinking I need to pick some more up. I read the first Bridgerton and really enjoyed it and now this book I loved, so maybe I am a Regency Romance lover.

This book has everything I could want - enemies to lovers? Check. The engagement bet? Check. Witty Banter? Check, Check. I loved it all. I love Diana and Jeremy together, their sharp tongues made the banter in this book so enjoyable and funny to read. I had no idea that this book was the second in the series when I picked it up, I don't think that you need to read the first to read the second (I was not confused at any point) so they can be read as stand alones. Now that I know it is the second book, I want to go back and read the first book as well and I cannot wait for another one to come out!

"The last thing I ever intend to do is something as unutterably foolish as to fall in love."

It all started with a bet. Jeremy would be married in one year's time or Diana would pay him one hundred pounds. Jeremy, the eternal bachelor, sees no need for marriage when he can get a mistress whenever he chooses. Diana's widowhood has afforded her freedoms that she never thought possible growing up and doesn't want to enter into the union again. When an unsatisfied lover knocks Jeremy off his game, he comes to Diana with an arrangement that the two can both benefit from. She helps him in the bedroom and she finds him a wife. What could go wrong?

I absolutely adored this second-chance romance (and this is not a trope I usually enjoy). The attraction simply crackled between the pair and I loved their clever and witty banter. It was refreshing how the two were so blunt in helping each other out, but did it in order to keep their true feelings buried deep. It was so fun seeing the storyline continue of the group from To Have and To Hoax, but this can also be read as a standalone book.

I loved the added layer that the two main characters have been harboring crushes for each other for a long time. With the pair growing up knowing each other, this added a layer of familiarity that sparked their romance and electric chemistry. And I also appreciated how there was more that meets the eye in both Diana and Jeremy's characters. They are painted one way in public, but both are privately suffering grief and self-doubt. Neither character is what they seem.

For me, the standout character was Jeremy's grandmother. She was hilarious and super spunky. At her age, she gave zero F's and wasn't afraid to show it. She talked horribly about her late husband to anyone who would listen and repeatedly told Jeremy what was up in his life and to get his act together. I hope I can grow up to be like the dowager marchioness.

I simply loved this book. There were definite shocks and twists along the way that I did not see coming. The writing is divine and I highlighted way too many amazing quotes and know this is one I will reread again. This group of friends is the best and I can't wait to read Emily and Belfry's story coming in 2022! I'm secretly hoping West and Sophie also get a story too!

Another delightful regency rom-com from Martha Waters. Young widow Diana and rake Jeremy have always enjoyed needling each other. What will it take for them to realize what all their friends can easily see - that they were meant for each other.

I really enjoyed the setup for this historical romance; however, the pairing together fell a little flat for me. I probably will go back and read the first book in this series though because I am still very interested by how this author writes this time-period.

Genre: Regency Romance/Romantic Comedy

Reading Category: Adult Fiction

Publication Date: April 6th 2021

Publisher: Atria Books

Rating: 3 out of 5!

https://brimmingshelves.wordpress.com/2021/04/05/arc-review-to-love-and-to-loathe-by-martha-waters/

To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters took me by surprise. I was shocked to find such a strong leading lady who was unafraid to express her opinions let alone hold her own up against a Marquess. I want to thank Netgalley and the publishers at Atria Books for an early copy! Although I enjoyed this story I did feel like it was hard to get through and seemed to be for a much stronger audience, as in people more into the steamier romance rather than the meet cute hopeless romantics such as myself. This isn’t a romance for someone who is just starting this genre and because I like the more light-hearted rom/coms this got a lower rating from me!

Just like in The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee I once again preferred the male lead, Jeremy Willingham more than the leading lady, Diana Bourne. He was just more likable and genuine when it came to the romance and their budding love story. I could understand him more than her on many occasions, making him more relatable.

“Now, it was still maddening, but there was an undercurrent of tension to it that he was not enough of a fool to mistake for anything other than attraction. The fact was, Diana Bourne was beautiful and intelligent, and that was a dangerous combination. And something about her still made him want to best her at any endeavour, including simple waltzing conversation. And so, listening to her coolly explain marriage as a financial transaction, he had wanted nothing more than to shock her, set her off balance. And he had done so in the most obvious way he knew how.”

I liked how Willingham is smitten for Diana first because it made the love story between them more romantic and charming. I find when the women fall first it seems more rushed and love at first sight type which can be annoying because I can’t see the attraction as much. I want to know why they like one another. I need to see that chemistry unfold.

“He remembered, during her first season, at some ball or other, mocking her for the list of potential suitors she was keeping. He had dismissed her as cold and mercenary. But he had never truly understood. He’d had his fair share of financial difficulties, particularly after the death of David, but at the end of the day he’d been a marquess—and, prior to inheriting, the second son of a marques, with an allowance befitting his position. He’d never felt this helpless sense of dependence that she had experienced. How could he fault her for using the one weapon she had in her arsenal?”

It feels more sincere and the way he describes her throughout the story, showing his feelings and emotions without being superficial. You’re seeing him falling in love instead of the heroine and I liked that change. He understands what she had to go through because he cared to pay attention to her. He picked up on things that many would glaze over just because it didn’t directly affect them. He’s seeing her struggle in society and why she viewed romance and marriage the way that she did. But most importantly he finally understands why she embraces her widow status. It runs deeper than people expect and he sees that! I liked how he admits that his impression of her was wrong and I loved how this made him love her even more!

“Diana thought that it was a great shame she had been born female, for she would have made an admirable general. All the people around her were players on a chessboard, moving about the board according to her plans. She felt a nearly uncontrollable desire to cackle but refrained—not only would it alert her companions to her scheming, it would likely make her appear a madwoman.”

Diana is flirty, ballsy, a little bit like a man (in her attitude), detached almost from her feelings, and definitely not shy when it comes to men, and especially when it comes to Willingham and their constant witty banter. I did enjoy her critique on society because she’s right! It makes absolutely no sense why only male heirs could inherit and basically do whatever they want whereas women needed constant escorts and chaperones, no hold over family money, etc. The list truly goes on and on and I am so glad her character didn’t just agree because that’s how her society has been working. She questions the status quo with no shame and thought to who she expresses it to and I loved that about her! Her actual character is fantastic but as far as the romance goes I will side with Willingham on this one. I felt for him and I hated her (at parts—in her treatment of him in respect to the romance)

“Diana did not care for dogs—too noisy, too energetic, and too smelly. She rather liked the idea of acquiring a cat at some point, though—she admired their lazy grace, as well as their ability to force everyone around them to do their bidding.”

And let’s just recognize Diana’s justification for liking cats more than dogs. I respect her, from one cat lady to another haha! I liked this outlook on it and it also once again fits her character and her dry humour.

Diana’s brother, Penvale was hilarious especially when he caught Jeremy with Diana in the woods during the picnic, making out. His reaction was 100% genuine! And once again when Jeremy offered to fix her hair that had clearly gotten dishevelled in the moment was so cute! It had me once more swooning.

“My sister is...calculating. I don’t want you to fall in love with her and get your heart broken.”

I like how Penvale is still looking out for his friend despite it talking negatively about his only family. I appreciated this in his character because it’s unlikely that a secondary character warns the man about the dangers of love instead of the woman. She’s essentially the cold and cunning character which is usually reserved for the Rakes of the story. Again I like this change in dynamic and it only creates a much stronger heroine.

The romance is VERY steamy, borderline erotic. This was unexpected because I got historical rom/com vibes with a regency setting but it got much heavier in certain scenes. Then again it fit with the plot of a notorious rake asking the widow for help in the bedroom. So there was a level of steam that I was expecting but WOW. This is definitely a read for more of the scandalous regency readers out there.

That being said, this story seemed to fit an older crowd. It’s hard to explain. Maybe it was their longer history and time jump in the story added with the hotter, more sexual romance featured but those were vibes being thrown out to me. It made their love story a little harder to understand because of all that added tension. It felt like people with more life experience would find this more relatable than me. More experienced romance readers will enjoy this I think. I like more subtle cute flirting romance where you see the romance start (hence my love for rom/coms) so this story was a little too progressive for me. Just not my type of romance but I loved the battle of wits and Diana could definitely hold her own.
____
“Oh, you know,’ Diana said, affecting breeziness. ‘Blue eyes. Broad shoulders.’ She faltered. ‘Cheekbones.’

‘Yes, cheekbones,’ the dowager marchioness agreed sagely, a clearly detectable note of glee in her voice. ‘I do admire a lady who properly appreciates cheekbones.”
____

His Grandmother is hilarious and her personality leaps from the page in every scene that she’s in. Her opinions always left me laughing! You could never anticipate what she was going to say either which only made it funnier.

This is definitely a series to check out if you love Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series! I personally found it very similar and again if you like love stories where the men might fall harder than the women, then check out Jayci Lee’s Sweet Mess series!

Unfortunately, I was approved for this book a week or two before it's publication date.

I still plan to read and review it eventually, but will not be able to do so before it's pub date.

Setting it as a middle of the road 3 stars for now but will edit my review after the fact.

This is a fun regency romance, perfect for those that love the Bridgertons!

Diana, Lady Templeton is widowed and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham is single and is known for playing the field. With their sharp banter and distaste for each other, Diane makes a bet with Jeremy for 100 pounds that he will be married within the year. With the bet on, Diane is surprised when Jeremy asks her for a different kind of favor.

After Jeremy’s recent escapades with his recent mistress, he is criticized for his skills in the bedroom. Jeremy confides in Diane and suggests that they have a short-lived affair that will help them both. Jeremy will receive an honest critique of his skills and Diane can use the gossip to let other men know that she is interested in taking on a lover.

Diana agrees, but she stills has the original bet in mind. She is confident that Jeremy will soon find a wife, but with them spending so much time together will their feelings start to change for each other and the bet be off?

I’m not a big fan of regency romances, but this one was fun. I really enjoyed Diana’s strong and independent character and seeing Diana and Jeremy’s relationship blossom. Also, their flirtatious banter was on point!

Thank you to both Netgalley and Atria publishing for an arc in an exchange for an honest review.

To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters

Fun, frothy, delightfully lighthearted. Described as a “regency-era romp” for fans of Bridgerton, featuring rivals/frenemies Jeremy Willingham, the eligible rake of the ton, and Lady Diana Templeton, young widow and fiercely practical in the matters of matrimony. A wager is made that will see the pair spend a lot more time together.

The best part of this book is that not really that much happens. Also, the worst part of the book is that not that much happens. Let me explain.. if you’re in the mood for some banter, an obvious end to the will-they won’t-they storyline and a somewhat swoony romance, you will very much enjoy this. The historical angle that seems cheeky adds to the fun. I loved the meddlesome Grandmama. Overall though, the plot is thin. Which, if you’re in the right mindset to enjoy this for what it is, it’s enjoyable.

On the other hand, the straightforward plot (minus the detour using someone’s sexuality as a plot device..) doesn’t offer a whole lot of depth or intrigue. The background characters all sort of blended together and I couldn’t really tell you much about who West, Audley or Belfry are. This is the second in a series (they act as standalones however) so maybe you care more if you’ve read the first, but most of the dialogue and plot is really between Diana and Jeremy. It’s a very wordy route to a very obvious end-point.

If you open this up knowing exactly what you’re going to get and are stoked for it - I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. But, if you read the description and expect something more or different, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Overall, I liked it! I was in the mood for some levity and the historical twist on the rom-com was fun. Diana and Jeremy’s love story felt believable despite the antics. 3⭐️

Thank you so much to Atria Books and Netgalley for free access to an e-arc of this book. It publishes tomorrow, April 6, 2021!