Ever since I read To Have and To Hoax I’ve been waiting for Emily and Julian’s story and now that I’ve finally gotten to read it with Martha Waters’ To Marry and to Meddle I am pleased to say it greatly exceeded my expectations.

Emily is one of the most lovely ladies of ton but due to her father’s gaming debts she has been forced to spend season after season on the arm of a man not worthy of her and subject to her mother’s demands. Julian is a second son who is cut out of his family due to his insistence on…owning a theater! Gasp in regency decorum!

The two of them decide the only way to help each other is through a marriage of convenience. I admit to being a little obsessed with this couple. They have so much chemistry and the two of them complement each other so well. This book was funny and engaging and romantic. I loved the banter between the two of them as they help each other and fall in love.

Waters has done it again with a delightful and charming historical romance. I particularly loved Emily’s journey to speaking up for herself and Julian’s quest for fatherly approval is forever timely. I love stories when the two characters help each other be the best version of themselves. It was also so much fun to see our friends from previous books. (Looking at you West and Sophie).

Cecil is a first-rate literary kitten and he has great comedic timing. I will absolutely continue reading everything Waters writes in this universe.

Thank you so much to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Read this if you like: Historical fiction, Bridgerton, marriage of convenience

Lady Emily Turner should have been married by now. However, due to her father’s large debts, her only suitor is the persistent owner of her father’s favorite gambling house.

Lord Julian Belfry, the second son of a marquess, has scandalized society as an actor and owner of a theater, the kind of establishment where men take their mistresses, but not their wives. When they see each other at a house party, Lord Julian comes up with a plan to benefit them both.

With a marriage of convenience, Emily will use her society connections to promote the theater to a more respectable clientele. Julian will take her out from under the shadows of her father’s unsavory associates. Soon they realize their marriage of convenience comes with rather inconvenient feelings.

I haven't read many historical romance books. I loved this book so much. Their banter and chemistry was perfect. This book was laugh out loud funny. This book is sweet, a little sexy, and low angst. I have not read the first two in series. It seems to be fine if you read them by themselves. I will definitely be reading the previous two. Highly recommend this book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author Martha Waters, and the publisher Atria for the ARC! ❤

To Marry and To Meddle by Martha Waters
The Regency Vows #3
Historical Romance

Happy Publication Date To Marry and To Meddle! I’ve come to enjoy April not just because I get to say goodbye to heavy coats and snowstorms but because it usually means the release of a new Martha Waters book.

The previous books in the series have all been these delightful romances full of shenanigans. This book is really what I come to expect from a Martha Waters novel but it just reads a little differently. Waters has stated many times on her Instagram how much she struggled to write this book but this is not at all evident in the final product. The story seamlessly flows with this light, warm tone evident on every page.

It might lack the level of drama I ordinarily come to associate with a romance novel but it instead showed a wonderful depiction of two people who enter a marriage of convenience but just genuinely end up liking each other. That’s not to say their relationship was without hiccups but even those hiccups were these delightful fun situations. Not to mention Cecil the cat, who was a wonderful inclusion to the story, and should he not somehow find himself a cameo in the recently announced To Swoon and To Spar (Book #4) I will be greatly disappointed.

Consider me like Olaf because I like warm hugs and this book was just that.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have be patiently (no to patiently) waiting for this 3rd installment of The Regency Vows series.

It appeared in my life at the perfect time, (right after I binged the 1st season of Bridgerton) and I have loved it since!

This goes without saying, that if you are obsessed with Bridgerton, you’ll absolutely love this series.

Well written (Female Lead!) characters, super fun humor, and wit. Romance (of course).

Martha Waters has quickly, and surely become a must read author for me, and I hope you’ll pick up TO LOVE AND TO HOAX and fall in love with a new Regency series.

I assure you, It’s unlike any you’ve read before!

Wow did this book cure my post Bridgerton hangover. This book was so sweet and sexy and I can't wait to read more from Martha Waters.

This story follows Lady Emily Turner and Lord Julian Belfry who decide to get married to solve issues for the both of them. Emily wants to avoid marrying a fairly creepy man and Julian wants to have a wife that will add some respect and legitimacy to his theater. Cue one of my favorite tropes the fake marriage to love, man whore reformed story. I loved the banter between Emily and Julian which is one of my favorite parts of regency books. I also loved seeing Emily come into her own and find what her own passions are.

While I own the previous two books in the series I have not read them yet I am excited to read them as I do think there was some background I missed for these characters as the story does jump in pretty fast. I look forward to this book on a re-read where I can see the rating getting higher.

Thank you to Atria and Netgalley for my ARC for an honest review.

I’ve been waiting for Emily and Julian‘s book and it was worth the wait! I think this is my favorite of the series so far.

This was a fun, witty, and quick read. Both Julian and Emily are such likable characters with his charm and her sweetness, it’s impossible not to be fully invested in their story.

There is also a new character, a cleverly-named cat that provides some funny scenes, especially when he attacks at the most inopportune time!

This book can be read as a standalone, but it would be helpful to read the entire series to understand Emily and Julian’s history.

Finally Julian and Emily’s book. The third book in the series, in To Marry and Meddle, Julian needs a wife to up his and his theatre’s respectability in the eyes of the ton. Of course there was only one option – Lady Emily Turner. She was not only friendly with him and his close friends, but she had also proven to be impervious to scandal even with the presence of her odious suitor. He proposes, naturally she accepts and the story that unfolds is how they work out things in their marriage.

I enjoyed our leads but that wasn’t surprising as I had been looking forward to their story since Book 2. Emily and Julian had chemistry but equally important, they had respect for each other. I enjoyed watching Emily come into her own as an “independent-ish” woman and Julian learning to listen. I thoroughly enjoyed Cecil Lucifer’s introduction 😊 too.

This was a very low angst book which I ultimately think it made it fall a bit flat. I appreciated the lack of the 3rd act separation/fight etc so that wasn’t the issue. I just think first of all, Julian’s reasons for the arranged marriage were trivial? Like he wasn’t being blackballed, and the theatre/family stuff eventually fell a bit flat especially when they were resolved so easily.

Overall, this was a quick, fast, fun read. I am thinking West’s book will be next.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

I plunged into this book right before I binged Bridgerton... because what better way to prepare myself for a season with the Ton than reading Martha Water's To Marry and To Meddle!

And this definitely was a winner! First off, I can easily see Lady Emily as one of my besties. She's a lovable person, but she's paying the price for her father's poor financial decisions. Lord Julian, a delicious hunk, would rather pursue his interests than society's expectations. And of this is born the perfect arrangement!

Hilarious, lovable, easy. I found this to be a wonderful, light read that I think you'll also enjoy!

Fans of Bridgerton, take note! To Marry and to Meddle has similar language, my lord, and you will be hooked on this new couple whose story begins with a bit of a fib. Really sweet, r romantic and intriguing - I was absolutely rooting for these characters by the end of the story!

I absolutely LOVED 'To Marry and to Meddle.' To date, I've enjoyed all of Martha Waters' books in this series, but I think this might have been my favorite. Emily went through such a beautiful transformation throughout the book, and Julian was everything I was hoping he'd be from the small bits we've gotten in the previous books. It included some of my favorite tropes within the historical romance series, as well as some delightful dialogue that had me laughing out loud. Something I absolutely love about Martha Waters' books is her ability to skirt the line of "too much" sexual content in a way that doesn't make me embarrassed to recommend this book to anyone. There's nothing wrong with a good bodice ripper, but I do take pause about suggesting them to my family when they're looking for a book recommendation from me. I never had to worry about sending Martha's books their way. This series just keeps getting better and better. Loved that we got to witness Diana's wedding in this one (To Love and To Loathe had the best witty banter) I can't wait to get my hands on Penvale's book next.

I'll update the links of this feedback when my review goes out on our website, GateCrashers. Thanks to the Publisher and to NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

In an effort to shake up my reading, I really did enjoy this story. I spent much time laughing and enjoyed the banter between Julian and Emily. I would have loved to see more of a connection between the two as it didn't seem to progress like I expected but then I remind myself that it is a not only a regency romance, but also not my usual book. The murderous cat was indeed a highlight as was the wedding vest. All in all, enjoyable read.

This was a charming and witty Regency story. I loved the characters and their banter. It was a fun read.
Many thanks to Atria and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Martha Waters’ historical romances have been some of my favorites. They are witty, full of humor, and feature lovely relationship dynamics. She’s also terrific at giving me tropes I really adore in historical romance. To Marry and to Meddle features a marriage of convenience, which is at the top of my favorite tropes. Julian and Emily’s story charmed me and I left the book feeling happy and sappy.

I’ve really enjoyed all the characters we’ve met through this series. They have all been endearing and Julian and Emily were no different. Julian Belfry, the second son of a marquess, is considered a scandal in society because he runs a theater. Isn’t it wild to think that theater and acting was considered salacious back in the day? He is a goal-oriented man who tries not to let his reputation get in the way, but it’s obviously caused some trouble for him. Most significantly, it’s damaged his relationship with his father who disowned him when he refused to let go of the theater. It’s obvious throughout To Marry and to Meddle that despite their rocky relationship, he does feel deep sorrow and loneliness as he does love his family. Despite how lucrative he has been, something in his life is clearly missing.

At the start of this book, Julian needs to grow his clientele. The only way he thinks he’ll be able to welcome a more respectable audience is if he marries a respectable woman. Enter Lady Emily. Emily has been out for six seasons but because of her father’s debts, she hasn’t found a match. Julian and Emily meet at house party when Julian offers a marriage of convenience: she’ll help improve his status in society and he will handle her father’s debt.

Emily was a lovely character. She has grown up sheltered and overprotected by her family. She hasn’t really had the opportunity to fully be herself as she’s been raised to be the perfect debutante. Her marriage to Julian offers her (or so she thinks) the freedom she craves from perfection. Emily is an actual angel and I loved her so much. She may seem meek at first glance, but she possesses a tremendous amount of mettle to her. With the help of her friends, she grows to become confident in what she wants and to openly voice out her desires.

Given the marriage of convenience, the romance between Julian and Emily is a slow-burn one. I love a good slow burn and what I love even more is a book that explores post-marriage dynamics. The two certainly were fond of each other before getting married, but they are still pretty much strangers at the beginning of their relationship. In To Marry and to Meddle, we see them navigate married life. They both only view their relationship as contractual and don’t believe love will ever enter the equation – ha! Us romance readers know exactly what that means. 😉

It was a joy seeing them become at first, friends, and have those feelings develop into more. Of course, it’s not a straight and narrow journey as they both have to deal with their respective baggages first, but it’s one that’s heartwarming from start to finish. Julian and Emily respect each other and I was impressed with how mature and communicative they were together. I also loved how they stood up for each other in front of their families. All the swoony content right there!

The Regency Vows series has also been excellent at actually being funny. In this installment, a certain demon kitten, named Cecil Lucifer Beelzebub, brings all the humor. His chaotic shenanigans that leave poor Julian mauled on his wedding night was a highlight for me, especially as Julian kept getting flashbacks to that night. Martha also does friendships really well in this series. I was ecstatic to see Violet and Diana play significant roles in this book. I love these ladies and all their scenes together are a delight.

If I had one minor quibble with this book is that I would have liked for Julian’s theater to be more front and center. In particular, I would have liked to see Emily more involved with than she actually was. The theater was one of the draws for me going into the book, especially given how scandalous it supposedly was. I thought it was a missed opportunity.

Martha Waters has written yet another couple who is blissfully easy to root for. If you like your regency romances on the fluffier side, à la Tessa Dare, this series, packed with some of my favorite romance tropes, is for you.

FINALLY we have Emily and Julian's love story which has been peaking out from behind the curtain since To Have and To Hoax.

After placating her family for most of her life, Emily hastily agrees to marry Julien throwing open the curtains to a whirlwind relationship. Their marriage will not only bring respectability from the ton for Julian's theater but hopefully mend his relationship with his family.

To Marry and to Meddle further demonstrates the power of female friendships. Emily, Diana and Violet defy the rules and support one another through thick and thin. #strongfemaleprotaginists

This slow-burn romance was a delight to read, and I look forward To Swoon and To Spar - The Regency Vows #4 in 2023. I'd recommend this series be read in order to understand the relationships and dynamics of their friendship.

Thank you Atria Books for the advance reader copy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria books for the ARC of this!

Super cute! I love a marriage of convenience, a historical romance with some feminist vibes, and not too much angst and this delivered. I thought they had such good chemistry and that the story worked well. I recommend this and the rest of the series if you could use a fun historical romance

I absolutely loved this book. I've enjoyed this whole series so that's no surprise, though. The banter between Julian and Emily is top-notch. So is the character development. Overall, a very fun read!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars if I could

I'm very fond of this series so I was excited to dive into Emily and Julian's story! The slow romance, the further undermining of how they were raised, the family drama all blended together nicely. It was enjoyable, all the more so for getting to see Emily come into her own.

I didn't rate this higher because while it is entertaining, it was missing the depth I saw in Diana and Jeremy's story. I don't mean to say that all these stories should tread the same path but it felt like things were glossed over. I felt a bit cheated.

That said, don't let 3 stars fool you. This is a fun book in a lovely series and I'm very excited to read future installments!

To Marry to to Meddle was a such a fun continuation of The Regency Vows series.

Julian Belfry is trying to give his theater a more acceptable reputation. He wants to cater to the ladies and gentlemen of the ton. His plan is to marry a respectable woman and in return, Emily gets out from under the thumb of her parents.
You will enjoy this book if you like:
-marriage of connivence
-witty banter/humor
-strong female friendships
-animal love (Cecil was the best!)

I really enjoyed this one!

To Marry and to Meddle
This was such a sweet book. A marriage of convenience trope is one of my favorites, and Martha Waters’ take on it sparkles with humor and witty banter. Lord Julian Belfry, the second son is mostly known for his theatre, the Belfry, and his rakish ways. A marriage is precisely what Julian would need to help his reputation. And so he sets his eyes on sweet Emily Turner, daughter of a Marquess, who has been through six seasons and has found herself courted by an awful Mr. Cartham due to her father’s large debts. A marriage between Emily and Julian could be mutually beneficial as he would earn a higher reputation and her family’s debts would be paid in full.
What makes this book so delightful is the ways that Julian and Emily learn to navigate their feelings towards one another realizing they barely know one another. Since this is a non-traditional way of courting, all the sweet nervousness of the wedding night, the learning each other’s likes and dislikes, and discovering each other’s true selves is what makes this book so endearing. I loved Emily and Julian and felt that Waters did an excellent job of revealing their true selves, probably because Emily only agrees to marry Julian if they are always honest with each another. The honesty creates a safe space amidst all the insecurities of a new relationship. As much as Julian and Emily could have ended up using each other for selfish motives, we find their hearts are pure and unselfish. I also liked seeing how Julian’s relationship with his father plays out, and seeing how Emily helps to encourage their reconnection endeared me to her even more. And as the third book in Waters’ Regency Vows series, Diana and Violet make several appearances and the audience gets to see how their lives have turned out. Martha Waters’ writing just gets better with each book and I love her voice as a Regency writer. Thank you to NetGalley, Atria, and Simon and Schuster for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a sweet continuation of this series!
When I’m in the mood for a historical romance this series seems to be my go to!

Who doesn’t love a marriage of convenience trope?

This book was filled with so much love it made my heart full and it was a fun read! I’m so glad we got Emily and Julian’s story! Not to mention the laugh out loud conversations with Emily and her girlfriends !

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️