To Marry and To Meddle continues to make this one of my favorite historical romance series! It is funny and tender hearted, and Emily and Julian have great chemistry.

Julian Belfry is a theater owner in London, desperate for his fellow members of the ton to accept his theater (and by extension him) in polite society. After years of being seen as a den of iniquity, Julian thinks the key to changing the theater’s reputation is to ditch the low brow comedies in favor of *very serious theater*. He also needs a respectable wife to help sell it. Enter Emily Turner, polite and put together. Julian proposes a marriage of convenience to Emily - she helps him sell his theater as a respectable destination and he’ll pay her family’s debts and save her from being courted by someone truly heinous.

This book is such a joy to read. The first third is hilarious - I loved watching these two marry, acquire Cecil, and settle in. I thought it dragged a little bit in the middle before picking back up again toward the end. I am not usually a cat person but Cecil stole the show. I also loved seeing so much of Diana and Violet from the previous books.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

To Marry and to Meddle was utterly charming, and so much fun! I’ve come to really adore Waters’ strong female protagonists and the sweet rakes who love them. Julian and Emily make such an endearing couple. Their banter and chemistry were perfect. I think their journey may be my favorite of The Regency Vows. I never want this series to end. I’m already eagerly awaiting To Swoon and to Spar.

Thank you NetGalley, Waters and publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Overall, this was a cute and fun read. It focuses on a "convenience of marriage" and how it slowly develops into more. It has many "laugh out loud" moments. However, for me I felt like it was missing something, it wasn't a "can't put the book down" story for me. It took me longer than it usually takes me to read a book this size.

This was a cute "marriage of their own convenience" story with some fun characters. I felt like there were several references that made it seem like you needed to read about their stories first. I really did not care for the attention given to the cat and I wish we spent more time at the theater. I understood why the cat was an important factor (this seems like a really silly thing to fixate on, but here I go!) but it took attention away from the really pleasant partnership between the two protagonists.

This was such a cute read which is about a woman who hasn't been able to find anyone to marry except a gambler and a man who needs a woman to help his theater succeed, and decide to help each other get what they want. I haven't read the first book in the series but I did read book two which was also an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the storyline of this book but I somehow found it a tad similar to something I have read before. It was still a great read though as there was so much character development and cute romance. The pacing was a bit rushed for this book and should have been slowed down a bit. There were so many memorable scenes in this book like when Emily stands up for Julian or vice versa. Overall the writing was well done.

This book is written from both Emily and Julian's pov. I enjoyed these characters more than the characters from the second book of the series. Emily deals with not having a husband for the past six years and Julian needs a wife who can help promote his theater. They just felt more pure and I love how supportive they are of each other even though it's just a deal they made. Both characters have great character developments and I love how their bond also grew strong. There are also some amazing characters in this book like Emily's friends and the actresses from the Belfry theater. I enjoyed how much they were featured in the story. The romance trope is "we are married for a deal but we actually like each other."

The ending was really cute and such a perfect ending. Emily and Julian are such a perfect couple that understand each other without knowing so much of one other. The author's writing was really well done but I think the pacing should have been better paced. Overall there was no other problems for me. I totally recommend reading this book especially if you love Bridgertons and Janna MacGregor.

This was such a cute read! I love the classic scenario where the main characters are "forced" to be around each other. Their relationship worked hand in hand and allowed for a slow burn romance to grow in the process. And the humor? Perfect! I was laughing so much at some scenes. Definitely a historical romance that is worth the read!

From the first chapter I was so in love with this book. The "you're the only one who understands me" and marriage of convenience gave me insane Bridgerton vibes and I am here for it! It has the perfect amount of plot to keep you hooked and the humor is simply *chefs kiss* I have forever fallen in love with Emily and Julian, thanks to Netgalley and Martha Waters' team! I enjoyed this ARC so much and will be re-reading :)

I’ve really enjoyed every book in this series, but there is no denying that this one is my favorite. I was smiling and laughing through it all. The chemistry between Julian and Emily was pure magic. They just flowed together seamlessly. I loved their banter and even their arguments kept me clinging to every word.

While this doesn’t have a lot of steam, there is no doubt that this couple are hot for each other. I’m used to books that have a heavier hand when it comes to smexy times, but this was written in such a way that I never missed the intense steam I’m accustomed to. To clarify, this is steamy, just not explicit.

Both Julian and Emily have things from their past that prompt their current actions and reactions. Watching these characters grow to the point that their eyes were finally opened and they were able to consciously make changes was part of the joy I received from this story.

This has a great pace to it, never lagging or repeating itself. The characters and their circumstances were believable as were the secondary characters that were just as entertaining as the hero and heroine. There isn’t a lot of drama here, this is more about character development and family ties, or lack thereof.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book with my whole heart. Definitely one I could find myself rereading in the future and one that I happily recommend to those who enjoy a lighthearted historical romance .

I laughed throughout the entire story. It is full of hi jinx and hilarity. The conversations are supremely witty. Julian is the owner of a scandalous theater who is trying to change how it is perceived by the ton and his father. Emily is a young lady trying to weather the scandals of her family and still make a good match. The author has written a story with wonderful comedic scenes. The cat, Cecil, is a great addition to the cast. Julian and Emily find that the best laid plans sometimes don’t work the way you want them to. An arrangement becomes love instead.

Julian wants to rehabilitate his reputation. Emily wants to escape the odious man her parents have chosen for her. A marriage of convenience solves both their problems. But she becomes dissatisfied with leading separate lives—she wants to help with the theater he owns. He worries her involvement will besmirch her name. Can they find a way to compromise—and maybe even fall in love?

This is my favorite book so far in The Regency Vows series. It's rollicking fun like the other books, but more heartwarming. Emily and Julian are kind to each other throughout. It's a smart, emotional story with entertaining characters, a little heat, and a lot of humor.

Thanks, NetGalley for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I was provided a free ARC copy from @NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The third in the Regency Vows series, this story follows Lady Emily Turner as gets married! Picking up right where To Love and To Loathe ends, with a somewhat unexpected proposal from Lord Julian Belfry for a marriage of convenience. She can raise his reputation (and that of his theater) and he can help her escape her unfavorable only suitor. Although, as any good romance story what starts as merely convenience doesn't always stay that way!
The storyline follows a lot of the same characters as the first two books, so I do feel like you should read the other two before this one. You definitely would be missing some of the background of the different characters if you had not yet read the other books.
I have enjoyed all of them! If you like fun, quick, romance reads, you'll enjoy these! This one comes out Tuesday (5 Apr) so add it to your TBR and go look for To Have and To Hoax and To Love and To Loathe as well!
#NetGalley #ToMarryAndToMeddle

I really enjoyed this historical romcom. I haven't read the other books in this series, but I would like to if they are as good as this one is. I thought the romance progressed perfectly, feeling seemless and natural, with the leads falling for each other so gradually that you barely noticed until you were toward the end.
I also found this book very humorous, especially Cecil the kitten! Talk about a show-stealer! He was adorable and provided some great humor and one particularly tender moment for the main couple.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read that I would highly recommend for historical romance readers, especially if they are looking for something that is very low angst.

This third instalment in Martha Waters’ Regency Vows series is, I think, my favourite so far.  It’s a charming marriage-of-convenience romance between two characters we’ve already met – the rakishly charming and somewhat scandalous Lord Julian Belfry and the very proper Lady Emily Turner.  It’s a delightful read; the prose flows effortlessly, the characterisation is excellent and the romance is superbly developed;and I especially enjoyed watching the transformation of Lady Emily from a rather reticent young woman into one who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to express it.

Lord Julian Belfry, the second son of the Marquess of Eastvale, purchased a run-down theatre in a fit of youthful impetuousness and has since restored the building and the company, even going so far as to appear on stage himself when the mood takes him.  Needless to say, such behaviour is highly shocking in the eyes of the ton, but Julian rather likes that his scandalous reputation prevents matchmaking mamas from throwing their eligible daughters at him.  In the book’s prologue, which takes place several years before the story proper, his father, fearing that Julian’s less than pristine reputation will affect his sister’s chances on the marriage mart, orders Julian to sell the place – he’s had his fun, he’s made a tidy profit on his investment, and now it’s time to find an more respectable occupation.  Even though a small voice deep inside can’t disagree with the Marquess’ comments about the fact that the Belfry has earned itself a rather sordid name over the past few years, or fail to recognise that his father has been remarkably indulgent with him, Julian nonetheless resents being given an ultimatum – sell the theatre, or be cut off from his family – and he refuses to sell.

Lady Emily Turner is in her sixth season, but unfortunately, her beautiful face and impressive lineage is not enough to compensate for the fact that her dowry is non-existent and her father is rumoured to have racked up massive gambling debts.  She leads a stifling existence; her mother has, for years, drummed into her that her behaviour must be beyond reproach, and she knows that her parents are relying on her to prevent the family’s plunging into ruin.  But after six years, she has only one real suitor, the somewhat odious Mr. Cartham, the man to whom she believes her father is indebted.

Emily and Julian met a few months before this story begins, when Emily’s friend and Diana (To Love and to Loathe) took her to a performance at the Belfry.  In the months following, an odd friendship has grown between them and Julian has danced with her at balls and escorted her to the odd musicale, but recently, his behaviour has changed somewhat, leading Emily to believe a marriage proposal may be imminent.  She’s correct.  During Lord Willingham’s house party, Julian asks for Emily’s hand, telling her honestly that he isn’t in love with her, but that a match could be advantageous for both of them.  He’s on a mission to clean up the Belfry’s reputation and turn it into somewhere gentlemen might take their wives rather than their mistresses, and wants Emily to use her society connections to promote the theatre to a more respectable clientele.  In return, Emily will gain independence from her parents and won’t have to worry about Cartham’s attentions any more – in short, she’ll be free to live a life of her own choosing.

To Marry and to Meddle is smart, fun and sexy, but somehow feels ‘quieter’ than the other two books in the series. I don’t mean that in a negative way, far from it; rather that the barbed banter and games of one-upmanship that characterises those books is absent here, so the focus is more firmly on Julian and Emily learning how to be together, as Emily – with Julian’s help and support – is working out who she wants to be now she’s out from under the restrictions placed upon her by her parents, and Emily is helping Julian to work through the deep-seated anger and resentment he holds towards his father.

The chemistry between the pair is terrific and their romance is very nicely done.  Friendship proves a solid basis for marriage; Emily and Julian clearly like each other a lot and they possess a good degree of insight into what makes the other tick.  Before they marry, they both agree never to lie to one another - and they don’t, which leaves no room for a Big Mis. (Yay!)  Instead, the conflict in the story comes mostly from Julian’s insistence that Emily be the irreproachable society wife she’s been brought up to be, while Emily wants to take an interest in the threatre and to tread a different path to the one previously laid out for her.  Julian has become so focused on turning the Belfry into a respectable venue that he fails to see he’s trying to push Emily into a role she doesn’t really want, and that he’s also trying to be someone he’s not - and he stubbornly refuses to admit why.

Emily and Julian are sunny, endearing characters, and I liked them as individuals and a couple.  Julian is a sexy hero with a dry sense of humour, who, despite his rakish reputation, is a good, kind man, and Emily is delightfully witty, unaffected and pragmatic.

Among the secondary cast are the couples from the previous books, together with Julian’s brother and sister, who are lovely, and his father, who, I was pleased to note, is not at all the sort of stock-in-trade tyrannical authoritarian who so often appears in romances where a father/son conflict is part of the story.  That said, however, Eastvale being essentially decent does make it a bit harder to believe in the reasons behind his and Julian’s estrangement. That’s the only major quibble I have with the book; otherwise, To Marry and to Meddle is a thoroughly entertaining read and one I’m happy to recommend to anyone looking for a lively, character-driven historical romance.

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Another fun installment in the Regency Vows series! When an arranged marriage develops feelings, the couple can't quite figure out what to do with themselves. Clever dialogue, a strong supporting cast, and great chemistry make this a really enjoyable read.

To Marry and to Meddle opens right where the previous book in the series, To Love and to Loathe, left off. While still at Jeremy Overington’s country estate, just days after he and Diana get engaged, Lord Julian Belfry and Lady Emily Turner agree to enter into a marriage of convenience. It’s a win-win for both of them: Emily, after six seasons, will no longer feel the pressures of her family’s debts and being courted by the odious Mr. Cartham. Julian, for his part, will improve his own reputation and, moreover, show that his theater – The Belfry – is indeed respectable. It may even prove his worth to his estranged father. But while Julian and Emily are clear on the terms of their marriage, they both start to get different ideas as the weeks pass.

The first two books in this series did a wonderful job of setting up Julian and Emily, both as characters in their own right and as a couple. One of my favorite things about these books is how thoroughly involved the characters are in each others’ lives. Having read the first two already, I went into To Marry and to Meddle already having a strong idea of who Emily and Julian are and an emotional attachment to them both. Of course, in this novel, we get to learn the different nuances and layers to them, and getting this fuller picture made me love each of them even more.

Julian and Emily are both likable and kind characters. In contrast with Violet and Diana, Emily was always the calmer, more proper woman who fit society’s ideal of the time. But she’s not as naive and innocent as she may have seemed. Emily actually has opinions and true mettle to her, and she’s willing to work through tough situations – and with uncooperative people – in order to keep everything smooth. Julian came across as a breezy and fun guy when we first met him. Now, we get to know about how ambitious and hard-working he is, how close he is with (most of) his family, and how thoughtful and considerate he is.

More so than the tumultuous and antagonistic relationships of the first two books, I love how the romance that blossoms between Emily and Julian is gentle and gradual. They’re on good terms when they marry – friends who happen to have a mutual attraction. Neither expects to catch deeper feelings, but of course, that’s exactly what happens. Through getting to know each other, they develop genuine care for one another’s happiness. Perhaps my favorite examples are when Julian stands up for Emily against her critical mother. He also constantly encourages her to be fully herself, with less regard for society’s harsh judgment. No more hiding her true opinions or doing her hair in a style that she hates; Julian wants Emily to be comfortable in her own skin.

In addition to their romance, we also get a look at their complicated family dynamics. As I just alluded to, Emily’s mother is quite critical and controlling. Both of her parents come across as selfish and ungrateful. Meanwhile, although Julian is close with his siblings and (secretly) his mother, he and his father have been estranged for four years. Though he’d be loath to admit it, Julian desperately craves his father’s approval and wants a relationship with him once more. Emily notices Julian’s turmoil over his daddy issues, and she plays a vital role in maintaining and repairing their respective relationships with their parents.

It’s impossible not to mention Emily and Julian’s adorable pet, a kitten named Cecil. He and Julian aren’t on great terms (their meet-cute isn’t all that cute), but Emily is absolutely besotted by the little ball of fur. Julian proves his love for Emily later on when Emily’s mom shares her unwanted opinions about Cecil.

Julian’s theater and acting are also center stage (pun intended) in To Marry and to Meddle, and I enjoyed getting to learn more about both, particularly in this 1810s setting. It’s fascinating to discover how people regarded the theater and what plays were acceptable. I also appreciated the commentary surrounding Julian – the second son of a marquess – deciding to go against societal norms in opening this theater. People of his class simply didn’t do such things. They didn’t even work at all – that was for poor people! I love that Julian goes against the grain and has ambitions beyond elitism and marquess duties.

Emily and Julian make for a sweet couple as they navigate work, society, and family relations. Their marriage of convenience quickly moves beyond what’s convenient and on to doing more important matters, ultimately finding happiness on their own terms.

To Marry and to Meddle is the cutest novel in the Regency Vows series so far, and I adored getting to know Julian and Emily. Their relationship is quieter and sweeter but just as enticing. I loved everything about them.

Martha Waters just announced that the fourth book in the series is called To Swoon and to Spar, and it will star Penvale and a new character named Jane. It will be out in 2023, so mark your calendars! Then in 2024, the fifth book will finally give us West and Sophie’s love story. The first three novels have all been delightful, and I can’t wait to read the next two!

I simply love Martha Waters and her writing so much! Honestly, her books are always such an enjoyable read, and the fact she could write something so soft, funny, and delightful during the pandemic is a testament to her skill and kindness!

While this story is low angst, it is full of so much banter and wonderful moments. I would do absolutely anything for Cecil, I think he may have made the whole book for me! This story is the ultimate two-idiots-fall-in-love-with-their-own-spouse, though I do hesitate to call them idiots because they are both brilliant, just not when it comes to their own emotions! 🤣

I absolutely loved Emily growing into herself and figuring out who she wants to be, and how kind and supportive Julian was of her. Even though the proposal was less than romantic and it was a marriage of convenience, it was so fun watching them go from being married, to friends, to lovers. And the moments of realization were perfect for each of them! I was so happy to see them both get their HEA after three books, and I can't wait to see where the series goes next!

Definitely read if you want low-angst, bantery historical romance! Marriage of convenience, great secondary characters, adorable cockblocking kittens, standing up for yourself, and a light and funny read that you can enjoy in one sitting!

2 stars

People often make fun of romance novels because you know going in that the couple is going to end up together. For me, what is exciting is seeing the journey that our main pair has to take in order to find that happily ever after. Whether it is external factors like their family or internal prejudices and feelings, there is always something to overcome in order to find true love.

That being said, I don't think I have ever read a book that takes the fact that the couple is going to end up together more granted as much as this one does.

I don't know if it is because I never felt any underlying romantic tension between the two as they entered into their marriage of convenience, but I truly felt like their attitude towards each other and the relationship felt a little "take it or leave it". Even when we are expressly being given the beats in the emotional arc of their relationship, they are framed in such a casual way that I never felt like this couple was anything more than friends that lived together and had mostly off-page marital relations.

Maybe I could have gotten over this if there was other tension to grab onto, but everything that happened in this book was so low-stakes and was resolved so quickly. The lead pays off the other evil suitor, who never returns to cause problems. They argue twice about their parents and then continue on with their lives. Even the most dramatic conflict of the entire book, the one that was positively dripping with potential to bring the couple together after some trials and tribulations is neatly wrapped up in two pages. The biggest conflict of the entire book is them not knowing how they are going to tell each other that they have fallen in love and that takes maybe a chapter to resolve. I frankly didn't even believe that they were in love by the end. I think that almost the entire romantic arc ended up being a lot of telling and not showing.

There are some witty moments and Cecil the cat is a delightful side character, but I ultimately left this book feeling completely and utterly cold.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

This is the third book in Martha Waters' The Regency Vows series. I have been looking forward to getting Julian and Emily's story and enjoyed every word of it.

This is a fun bad boy and good girl book. Julian is the notable playboy rake who has never worried with his reputation.. He decides to pursue the upstanding and very proper Emily Turner. He's decided a marriage to her will improve his reputation in the ton. In turn, marriage to him will rescue Emily from being pursued by a man who her father owes money to. A man who definitely doesn't have her welfare at heart. So, as far as a marriage of convenience goes, it seems like theirs is reasonable and that they will both benefit from it. As usual in these situations, what they don't count on is catching real feelings for each other.

The development of Julian and Emily's relationship was done well. Ms. Waters writes a nice push and pull romance where denial is first and foremost the characters first line of defense in protecting their hearts. The original idea of what they expect from the marriage falls by the wayside as the book progresses and they each learn more about the other person. Before they realize it's happening, the whole dynamic of their marriage is altered.

Personally, this was my favorite book in the series so far. I just really enjoyed these two characters and wanted to see them both get their happily ever after.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

I really liked the first book in this series, but thought the second one was a disappointment. It seems like To Marry and to Meddle is another disappointment too, which in itself is disappointing because I’ve been interested in Lord Julian Belfry and Lady Emily’s story since book 1. This just didn’t hit the spot, I’m afraid.

I have enjoyed this series and think this is one is very charming. Julian and Emily's story is full of dry humor and found family. It is low heat - sexy times are on the page but not explicit - with mostly internal conflict. The external conflict is about family and each character has a different approach. A marriage of convenience between two friends that becomes complicated because of feelings, I can't help but love it.

We don't often see a marriage of convenience between friends. Often the trope is used as a sort of business arrangement. However, Julian and Emily have attraction and seem to actually want to be married. Of course they have "this will be good for us" reasons. Emily wants to escape her restrictive life and overbearing parents, in her sixth season. Julian, the second son of a marquess who is estranged from his family, wants to reclaim respectability via Emily's connections and socially acceptable demeanor. As the story moves on, though, we see that what Julian really wants is his father's acceptance. And what Emily really wants is to be herself and not the perfection that she's learned to present to society. It is all internal, and each character is learning this for themselves and how that wish will work with the marriage of convenience agreement. It may be a slow arc for some readers, but I thought it moved along well with good pacing and I was invested in both Emily and Julian as well as their relationship together.

The theme of family is really at the core here. Emily puts up with some crappy behavior from her parents because they are her family. She has the approach and mindset that is about wanting to keep the connections, even when they are toxic. She does eventually stand up for herself and set boundaries. I wasn't sure her character was ever going to get there but I was happy to see it. It would have been a weird place to land with a character who is trying to redefine herself on her own terms that didn't also stand up to parents who were trying to keep her in a box.

On the other hand, for Julian, he wants acceptance but his approach is the opposite of Emily. Julian is willing to not have contact with his father. Pride is keeping he and his father from reconnecting, as he is still in contact with his siblings. Emily plays a role in bringing them back together, as do the siblings. It was a moment of growth for both Julian and his father, not a high stakes one, which felt realistic. It was a different approach to how to deal with unsupportive family and setting boundaries.

Of course both Julian and Emily figure out they have feelings and eventually declare their love. It wasn't through some big climax or dark moment but from witnessing others in love and realizing, yes, that's me, too. My spouse is my person. Not having a huge dark moment was a bonus for me and fitting with this low stakes, charming story.