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.

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!

I will preface my thoughts with the fact that I have not read the first novel, To Have and To Hoax, in this series. Although the two main characters were featured and their story was referenced multiple times, I essentially read this as a standalone. I can affirm that you can read this novel and fully enjoy it without reading the first, but I think it would give story even more enjoyment if you read both. As I greatly enjoyed this novel and found it very entertaining, I will circle back and read the first and, eventually, any future novels in the series, as well.

Our leading lady in this story is the recently widowed Lady Diana Templeton. There is a prologue before she was married where we see some interactions between her and her enemy/friend, Jeremy Willingham (if you read the story, then you’ll understand why it is sort-of both). Jeremy is a perpetual bachelor, who is happy to remain single for the rest of his life, while Diana is on the hunt for a rich husband. They meet again after Diana has been widowed for a little while and he comes to her with a proposition. There is the initial bet where Diana believes Jeremy will be married within the year and the added proposition Jeremy brings to her gives another element to their wager. As the synopsis states, Jeremy was criticized for his bedroom performance and believes Diana is the perfect person to help him improve.

Diana agrees after some thought since she wants to put the word out that she potentially could be open to taking a lover in the future and she has an attraction to Jeremy, just like Jeremy has an attraction to her. The two of them next meet at the gathering at Jeremy’s country estate. Their mutual friends all gather together along with Jeremy’s grandmother, and another guest, Lady Helen. This house party is the setting for the bulk of the story with lots of land for walks, horseback riding, and gardens. The inside of the house has tons of floors and rooms where everyone gets to stay and hang out together.

Jeremy and Diana have excellent banter with each other and I love their snarky comments. Diana is best friends with Violet (main from the first novel) and Emily, while also close to Sophie. I would love a story featuring Emily, Sophie, or even Diana’s brother, Penvale. As Lady Helen is showing an interest in Jeremy, Diana and eventually Jeremy’s grandmother, decide that she is the perfect person for Jeremy to marry. Hijinks ensure that reminded me of Emma when she tried to set up her friend, who was not entirely interested, as Diana keeps trying to set up Lady Helen and Jeremy, but he tries to fend her off. The writing was excellent as the dialogue and situations all fit the time period while also including touches of the modern-side. Although Jeremy and Diana have a enemies/friends with benefits relationship at the estate, it was fun to read about them trying to deny their real developing feelings that is obvious to everyone around them. The forced proximity setting was very enjoyable as it gave the two of them lots of opportunity to “appropriately” interact that fit the time period. The characters were all entertaining and each deserves a story of their own.

Overall, this was a captivating regency era romance with humorous banter and beautiful setting. Similar to most stories of this genre, you know the ending before you even start reading, but I loved how the characters get from the start to the finish line. Both characters have their own reasons for not being with each other and it was nice that the story slowly revealed their backstories as they each learn about the other. There are some moments that I felt needed more time to explore towards the end, but generally, it did not bother me. This novel served as a lovely escape read and made me want to read more from this author!

**I want to give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Atria Books, for a review copy of this enjoyable novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**