What a delight! This was my first Martha Waters and after about two chapters, I immediately started looking for more of her books. To Swoon and To Spar takes a trope (grumpy/sunshine) and turns it around in an absolutely delightful way.

Viscount Penvale has wanted to buy his ancestral home since his father died and he was forced to sell it to cover his father’s debts. He sold it to his uncle, who refused to sell it to him for years—until now. The uncle shows up with willingness to sell the estate to Penvale, so long as he marries his ward, a twenty-one-year-old woman. Penvale immediately positions himself as a good guy by telling Jane, the ward, that he won’t force her into a marriage. Jane is cold, awkward, and very grouchy in general, but she has her own agenda. She loves the estate as well, and sees marrying Penvale as a means to an end—she gets to live in the place she’s called home for the past three years, and with the aid of the household staff, plans to haunt the estate to the point where Penvale leaves her alone to it.

I have not read every romance novel, but I am familiar with the grumpy/sunshine trope, and in most of the books I’ve read, the grumpy one is the man and the sunshine is the woman. Not in this book! Jane is an orphan and doesn’t have many friends. Penvale is cheerful, singularly focused, and has not just family, but friends who are like family. It was a delight to see them interact and come to their HEA conclusion.

The haunting storyline was there, and that’s all I can really say. I understand that there needed to be something more than a budding romance, but I thought the haunting storyline was unnecessary, but I will admit it was different than a lot of other books I’ve read, which made it somewhat entertaining.

I thoroughly enjoyed To Swoon and To Spar and I look forward to reading Martha Waters’s other books. I am grateful to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy for my honest opinion.

To Swoon and To Spar is the fourth in the Regency Vows series by Martha Waters. This one is as funny and romantic as the others. Viscount Penvale has been saving his entire life to buy back Trethwick Abby from his evil uncle. Penvale is eager to take advantage of his uncle's offer , even if it means he has to marry his uncle's ward, Jane Spencer. When the two meet in London, neither is impressed, still, a deal is a deal and after a quick marriage the two move to the estate. Here Jane devises plan to send Penvale back to London, without her. She and the housekeeper stage hauntings meant to scare poor Penvale - who doesn't seem bothered at all. As the two get to know each other they find common ground. Once the rest of their crew comes to the estate for a week or so (it was delightful to learn more about the heroines of the other Vow novels), the hauntings continue. This is a lovely, light romance. also suitable for young adults. I couldn't stop reading it and went back to the other novels by Martha Waters to refresh my memory of the previous 3 stories. Readers who enjoy the Bridgerton novels will love these as will anyone who loves a good regency romance. Many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read the ARC and to spend a few mental hours in the British countryside..

I’ve been a longtime fan of Martha Waters’ historical romance series and am delighted to share that To Swoon and To Spar is my favorite installation so far!

As many of my favorite hissy ronos do, this book starts with a marriage of convenience— Penvale agrees to marry his uncle’s ward in order to regain his family’e property in Cornwall. Having lost his parents young, Penvale has a lot of childhood memories attached to this remote property. Unfortunately for him, his new wife Jane, also an orphan, is fed up with having men decide the course of her life. She has determined to encourage her husband to give up life in the country and return to London by convincing him the house is haunted… Unsurprisingly, things don’t go quite according to plan.

Ghosts aside, this novel was low angst, high on emotional IQ, and completely charming. I’m already looking forward to the next novel in the series!

Thank you to @atriabooks and @netgalley for an advanced readers copy. To Swoon and To Spar is out this Tuesday (4/11)!

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

I absolutely loved this book! It was just the right mix of a slow burn and a light/fun read that I couldn't put it down! The banter between Penvale and his sister and friends, and especially Jane, was fantastic. The whole book was reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice to me and I was here for it. I really adored Jane and Penvale as characters and it was easy to root for them.

For anyone who enjoys the tropes of a marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, and a little forced proximity!

I have to say, despite being a big fan of Marth Waters' Regency Vows series, I was a little concerned when I read the premise of her newest installment. A haunted house? A *fake* haunted house? However, I really shouldn't have doubled. With each book, Waters gets better and better at deft character work and lovely romances that have me wanting to keep turning the pages.

One thing I was worried about with this bonkers premise was that the hijinks would steal focus from the romantic relationship and I can say happily that it isn't the case. Jane has every reason to want Penvale and really all men away from the house she has grown to love. And Penvale has his own reasons to want to stay in the house which makes it really fun when the two of them clash but then realize that maybe their reasons actually do align.

I particularly loved the way Penvale was so attuned to Jane and the way they were able to work through their issues together while also giving the premise space to be increasingly ridiculous in a way that absolutely worked for me.

Side note...SOPHIE AND WEST...when???? I must get into their beautiful and stubborn heads and push them together.

Thank you so much to Atria Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Martha Waters has done it again! I loved her gothic "Northhanger Abbey"-like historical romance, and was laughing and swooning from page one.

To Swoon and To Spar by Martha Waters is the fourth book in the Regency Vows series and a fun addition!

Viscount Penvale's uncle offers him an opportunity. Penbale may purchase the family estate his father lost, but there's a catch. He must marry his uncle's ward, the headstrong and less-than-friendly Jane. Jane isn't impressed either and chafes against men making all the decisions in her life, but she does love the estate. So, Jane and the staff hatch a plan to make Penvale think the home is haunted, hoping he will stay in London and leave her be.

With faux hauntings and hijinx at a gothic estate intended to run off an unwanted husband, I loved this premise. Jane's attempts to stay a step ahead of Penvale while trying to scare him off, yet finding he wasn't the worst, made for some funny scenes! And this marriage of convenience went from enemies to lovers in a slow-burn fashion and led to some witty banter between the two MCs. Like all the female MCs across this series, Jane is a woman ahead of her time, intelligent and strong, and chafing at the constraints of Regency society. The couples we love from the three previous books make cameos, and there are several mentions of Jane Austen and the pleasures of reading, all adding up to a charming, delightful romp! And I always love the covers in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to review this ARC. I enjoyed it!

The following review was posted on my blog on Sunday, April 9th, two days before publication. The blog post includes links to order the books and to its Goodreads page, so readers can add it to their to-be-read books.






“I can’t help thinking that he’s always held himself somewhat…apart.”
“Because he was not married?” (…)
“Because he cared about this house more than he cared about anything else. (…) It makes for a lonely existence, I suspect.”

Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Mentions death of parent. Includes a marriage of convenience. Contains some sexual content.

“To Swoon and To Spar” is the fourth installment in The Regency Vows series, and it follows Viscount Penvale as he is set to be married for the sake of real estate. Penvale has been set on buying Trethwick Abbey from his uncle for years now, but his uncle had never been willing to sell until now and under one condition—Penvale has to marry his uncle’s ward, Jane Spencer. And they do agree to get married and Penvale does get the house, but once in the Abbey, Jane decides she’ll be faking a haunting in hopes that Penvale will scare off and leave off to London—but Penvale isn’t scared that easily and perhaps Penvale and Jane aren’t as different as they think.

I reviewed the other books in this series a year ago and they’re all equally entertaining, with the third, “To Marry and To Meddle”, being the funniest in my opinion. Working as standalone novels with a few crossovers, these novels are a fun interpretation of unusual love stories during the Regency Era.

I would highly recommend this series as a way to be introduced to historical fiction and historical romances. Martha Waters has found a way to make this historical fiction lighthearted and comedic, which often isn’t associated with this genre.

Grab “To Swoon and To Spar” if you enjoy romances with marriage of conveniences, one bed tropes, and romantic comedies.—Additionally, if you’re into the Bridgerton TV Series, there is no way you wouldn’t like this series.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: April 11, 2023

Its been a while (🎵It’s been a while…) since I’ve written a review and I’m so happy this is the first one back. I devoured this book like a little kid with their easter basket. To give you some context, I had gotten up at 3am to drive 10.5 hours on vacation (this is not a math problem, I promise) and ended up reading until 2 am to finish - I needed to know what was going to happen. Just call me Shark Tank, cuz I was INVESTED. And I wasn’t disappointed, for Martha Water’s, To Swoon and to Spar, the fourth of the Regency Vows series definitely delivered.
A Little Bit of Plot
Jane Spencer has lived the majority of her life alone; and for the most part, shes happy, or so she thinks. Being extremely shy and without companions, she’s unhappy with the prospect of being foisted on at her guardian, but then being transferred (a la cattle) to the property of her future husband. If it were up to her, she’d live out the rest of her life at Trethwick Abbey alone with just the servants for company. When facing the possibility of becoming another mans property by way of marriage, Jane devises a plan to force her new husband to run screaming back to London...with a haunting.
Viscount Penvale, Peter Bourne, has desired only one thing in his entire life - reclaiming his birthplace, Trethwick Abbey. Luckily, his uncle has given him the means in which to achieve this - by marrying his ward, Jane Spencer. Through marriage, Penvale will be given the opportunity to purchase the abbey from his tetchy uncle. After a not so even somewhat favorable meet-cute, the pair decide to marry. Penvale believes his personal life will not change while his martial status does; he doesn’t even need to converse with his new wife until its time to get horizontal and start making some heirs. The best laid plans, right?
When the wailing starts, however, any idea of blissful domesticity flies out the window. What happens when ghost hunting leads to kissing and suddenly the abbey starts feeling much more like home for both?

The Compliment Sandwich
The Top Bun (The Pro)
Jane Freaking Spencer
Having myself at one time, been a shy person - I feel Jane's plight so much. To this day, I am extroverted when needed (I mean, have you heard the podcast?) but mostly, I’d rather just sit inside reading if possible. It doesn’t mean that I don’t get lonely; which is the same conundrum that Jane experiences. While the thought of a giant house to herself in which she can read all day sounds great on paper - the reality is much more stark and quiet. Plus, once she gets a view of Penvales bare forearms, a lifetime alone doesn’t sound so great. Red Alert Readers: This book has major forearm porn.
What I really enjoyed about her character is that while being shy she’s not afraid to stand up for herself. The relationship between her and Diana, Penvale’s sister, is contentious at best. The pair begin on the wrong foot with an overheard hurtful statement, Jane is determined to always have the upper-hand when it comes to her overbearing and obnoxious sister-in-law, and I love that for her.
“Miss Spencer,” Diana interjected, is something wrong? Have you been brought here today against your will? Should I summon the authorities?”
Miss Spencer regarded Diana coolly. “Is this your usual strategy when meeting potential wives for your brother? To speak to them so bluntly that they are shocked and scamper off like frightened little mice?”
Penvale bit his lip, suddenly possessed of the strangest desire to laugh. It wasn’t often that Diana encountered a woman who seemed utterly unintimidated by her, and it was even rarer to find this trait in a lady who was several steps down from Diana on the social ladder.
Now, I don’t know what this says about Penvale that he gets a bit turned on by Jane’s antagonism of his sister, but either way, I’m here for it. You have so many instances in this book of Diana pushing others around, that it’s so refreshing when Jane is unable to be swayed.
In contrast, with servants she’s soft and almost caring, and with strangers she’s meek and shy; however, she employs an iron spine when needed. Upon her first visit to the local village as Lady Penvale, she finds herself out of her element as Peter is much more adapt at approaching and speaking to strangers. At times, she finds herself standing back and not contributing to conversations until she meets the local schoolmistress, Miss Trevelyan and finds she might be able to lend her a hand.
“I have a number of books from my own childhood that I saved and brought with me to Cornwall, Jane said, the words tumbling out of her mouth before she realized what was happening. “I would be more than happy to bring them to you on my next visit to the village, if you would like them.”
“Thank you, Lady Penvale, that would be most welcome.”
Jane felt oddly…pleased. It was nice, she reflected, to feel as though she had something to offer someone. Something to contribute. And, even though she could not bring herself to admit it, equally nice was the flash of a smile, bright and fleeting, that Penvale gave her over his shoulder.
:Sigh: Penvale…he’s so sweet. Y’all while I love an alpha male from time to time, the betas are much more enjoyable. They’re like beavers, and mate for like, bruv.
The Meat (The Con)
Diana
Diana was also my meat for the third book in this series, To Marry and to Meddle, and she’s worse in this book. I have no desire to read her book in the slightest. She’s loud, overbearing, and just plain mean to her ‘friends’ and loved ones. And let’s not get started on her relationship with poor Jeremy, her husband.
“Diana, I do not understand why you treat drinks with such reckless abandon.”
“For heaven’s sake…I threw a drink at you one time, Jeremy”
“And I probably deserved it..”
Jeemus tapdancing crisps, this sounds like a battered husband situation. Diana is a friggin’ terror - who would want to have sex with this harpy on a regular basis?
While playing a ‘friendly’ game of cricket, Diana finds the need to bellow orders at her fellow participants.
“West!” Diana yelled from where she stood a few feet away, her arms crossed over her chest. “Focus! We need you to make up for the fact that Jane’s utterly hopeless.”
“I can’t even work myself up to being offended,” Jane said.
“Jane!” Diana barked. “You should be practicing!”
Penvale shot his sister an exasperated look, but before he could tell her to shove off, Jane raised herself onto an elbow and fixed Diana with a hostile glare.
Seriously speaking, if I had a friend like this, I could only take her in small doses. Honestly, I'd never get close to someone like Diana. She seems like a bully, and I have no time for someone this personality. She's so self absorbed, I don’t know if she truly becomes invested in the relationships she builds with those close to her. I’m assuming the last book in this series will be West and Sophie, which I’d be excited to read, but I’ll cringe through the parts with Diana.
The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
The Bantery Slow Burn
Waters really builds the relationship between Jane and Peter throughout the novel, we don’t get action until almost 60% through the book. The wait is worth it though. Both parties have a lot to work through to arrive at this point. I wouldn’t necessarily call this an enemies to lovers story, more indifferent parties to lovers.
It is established throughout the novel that Penvale is in need of glasses, although he continuously denies it and Jane ribs him about it constantly. Conversely, he always catches Jane frowning at him, as if it were her true feelings for him showing themselves, which he teases her about. At one point, after a playfully heated exchange, she bets that if he actually reads a novel he’ll enjoy it while he disbelieves her. While I’ll not share the terms of the bet nor the novel itself, we get this lovely exchange, when Jane comes across him having read the wagered upon work.
“It’s a dreary day,” he hedged, “Awful weather. Can’t get anything done outdoors.”
(A quick glane out the window assured Jane that she had not lost her senses entirely and that it was, indeed, still a bright sunny spring day.)
“Of course,” she agreed solemnly.
“My study is terribly dark and chilly, you understand,” he added.
(His study was, in fact, warmed by a fire and had the benefit of an almost unseemly number of candles and lamps.)
“Frightful,” she said, nodding.
“My eyes were struggling to read the fine print in some documents my solicitor sent me, so I thought to give them a rest.”
(He must truly be desperate for an excuse if he was willing to risk her suggesting he get spectacles, she thought.)
“By… reading something else?” she inquired.
“The text is larger.”
(The text was quite small).
This whole exchange reminds me of moments from the show, Arrested Development, when Ron Howard as the narrator would break in and contradict the storyline. It was genius then and works so well here to give credence to the warming a playful relationship these two build.
We also have the subplot with the haunting occurring as a means, in a way, of bringing these two together. While Peter is not as ‘on board’ as many other heroes would be, this definitely is not an instalove, he’s more apt to at least attempt to get to know his wife - she's doesn't have the same inkling. I haven’t read an overly just ‘good’ hero in a while. He’s not domineering, but forgiving, sensitive, while being slightly expecting at times. Waters has a knack for writing interesting male characters. For instance, I’m enthralled with Jeremy, he's funny, thoughtful, and charming...I just wish he wasn’t connected to Diana. I’m also looking forward to what she does with the last unattached male in the party, West.
Overall I would wholeheartedly recommend this book as a standalone read. I would also recommend To Marry and to Meddle. I have not read the first book as I am not interested in a story in which the h tricks the H by faking a fatal illness, no thank you. And you know my feelings about the second.

This was another fun addition to the series. It was hard to imagine who would be the right match for Penvale but Jane is definitely just that and what follows keeps the reader turning pages to see what happens next.

What starts as a marriage of convenience for both Penvale and Jane gradually evolves into more. It's a slow process as Jane has trust issues and doesn't want to be dependent on anyone else - especially a man. And of course, Penvale is initially only interested in regaining his family's country estate and marrying Jane is just the means to the end to make that happen. What Penvale doesn't bank on is the haunted nature of the manor. And of course, given his practical nature, he doesn't believe it to actually be true. But what is the source of the hauntings? Will they drive Penvale and Jane apart or bring them closer together?

As they spend time together, Penvale finds that uptight and prickly Jane isn't exactly who he thought and Jane learns that Penvale isn't the wastrel she assumed he'd be. They find that they actually enjoy one another's company and find a level of respect for each other. From there, they are able to build upon the delicate foundation of friendship until they realize there Is no point denying the attraction they initially felt weeks before but ignored. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of communication which leads to misunderstandings. Can their new relationship survive turmoil when they are both so insecure and afraid to be completely honest with one another? They will both learn that relationships take work and sacrifice. Overall, a sweet romance with not only some serious topics to deal with but also some comical situations blended in as well.

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

4.5 Stars

All Penvale has wanted since he was 10, is to get his family home back from his uncle. When his uncle finally comes to him with an offer to buy the home, he is excited and nervous, with good reason, as his uncle will only sell if he agrees to marry his uncle’s ward, Jane. Jane hates that her life is always in the hands of men, and tries her hardest to be rid of them, including orchestrating a haunting.

To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure about the gothic themes in the book when I read the summary, but I ended up enjoying them. While it was a little slow to start, I love the banter in this series, and the characters never cease to crack me up! This was a slowwww slow burn, more so than I remember in the other books of the series. It was not very spicy, but I enjoyed the marriage of convenience, sort of enemies to lovers, and one bed tropes – there was also some slight miscommunication but was cleared up quickly.

I empathized with Jane being shy and feeling awkward in social situations, and preferring the company of books. (The referencing of Jane Austen and her works did not hurt) She was an enjoyable heroine, and who knew that Penvale was a secret golden retriever!

I love this series - I enjoyed Jane and Diana’s banter, and reading about the rest of the gang! Hope we get Sophie and West next!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

Publish Date: April 11, 2023

This was my first Martha Waters book, and it was such a fun read! To Swoon and to Spar had some of my favorite tropes: marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and a little bit of enemies to lovers. I really enjoyed the slow burn between Jane and Penvale. The build up from total strangers, to acquaintances, to lovers was perfect. I loved that Jane was a strong, sassy female character. She held her own, and the tension and banter between her and Penvale was terrific. To Swoon and to Spar definitely gave me Bridgerton vibes, which is a welcomed distraction while I impatiently wait for the next season to air. I deducted a star only because while the "haunted house" premise was entertaining, I thought it did get kind of silly and over the top at times.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria books for the advanced copy!

This book was a laugh out loud delight!

I have really been loving Martha Waters’s Regency Vows series, but I’ll be honest, I wasn’t all that excited for Penvale as a lead. I thought he was a bit boring, and was fine with him remaining a peripheral character. I’m thrilled to say I was wrong—I absolutely loved this story!

In To Swoon and To Spar, Penvale finally has the chance to buy back his family seat. There are only two problems: (1) he has to marry his uncle’s ward (Jane, who is my spirit sister); and (2) the house has acquired a resident ghost while Penvale has been away. The correlation between these two things is obvious to the reader, but this book isn’t supposed to be a gothic mystery, it’s a rom-com. And Waters really delivers on the humor and sweetness in this story.

I also adored Jane. Some might find her attitude frustrating, but as a card-carrying introvert, I really related to her. Penvale’s transformation into a supportive husband was honestly very attractive.

Martha Waters is a talent. Her books really remind me of some of Julia Quinn’s more lighthearted stories, like What Happens In London or Ten Things I Love About You. I can’t wait to read more! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

The newest installment in the Regency Vows collection is perfect for anyone who has ever looked outside on a rainy, cold, windy day and thought, “yes. more of this.”

Penvale and Jane are thrown together into a marriage of convenience - the terms? He gets to regain his childhood home he’s been obsessed with since the death of his parents, and she gets continue living an independent life in the country, devoted to reading, scowling and…haunting. As her escapades as a fake ghost haunting her husband’s home in an effort to get him to to leave and move back to London gain steam, so do her doubts that maybe loneliness IS THE REAL GHOST HAUNTING ALL OF US.
I loved that this was almost a complete standalone, all the players from previous books make short appearances, but the plot is very focused and unconcerned with bringing in too many different relationship dynamics, which is where books like this can sometimes fail me.
Also, who amongst us has not occasionally gone to desperate measures to get our S/O out of the house for some peace and quiet. This one is for you.

Read If:
You always fell left out of scary movie nights because you couldn’t handle the scares
You can charitably be described as ‘surly’
There is nothing you hate more than unplanned human interaction

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a fun regency read! I liked the protagonists a lot.

Such a cute read! I blew through this in one day. I loved how Jane was prickly and shy but still had a strong sense of self. Both characters were open to learning and changing, and they made such an adorable couple. Seeing some of the background characters also makes me want to go back and read the rest of the series (I read this as a standalone and am new to Martha Waters's work)

Definitely a good HistRom to lose yourself in for an afternoon. The stakes weren't super high but I was rooting for them the whole way through.

All the swoonworthy + incredibly witty + charming + steamy stars to this fun Regency romp! Book 4 in her Regency Vows series, this novel tells the love story of the Viscount Penvale who is determined to gain back his family’s country estate and Jane, the woman he has to marry in order to do so. The two enter into a marriage of convenience (BLESS we love a good trope) and settle into their new life together. All Jane wants is peace and quiet and to read unbothered in the countryside (same girl same) so she strikes up a plan with the housekeeper to convince the Viscount their estate is haunted so he’ll return to London and leave her be. What could go wrong?

Y’all. This book has me CRYING laughing. The whole series is delightfully + cleverly written. I love how @marthabwaters spins a fresh take on classic romance tropes which result in a smart, fun love stories that feel true to their historical nature but so modern in their wit. Told from dual perspectives, it engaged me right away and when I finished I had a huge smile on my face. There’s also plenty of cameos from the much beloved friend group from earlier novels which I LOVED! My only complaint is that I never wanted it to end! And OMG will be ever so patiently waiting for the next book in this series and praying it’s Sophie and Wes’ love story #iykyk


Thank you Atria and Netgalley for my copy!

To Swoon and To Spar is the fourth installment in the The Regency Vows series, and continues the legacy of being wittingly fun, Penvale has gravely missed his families estate since the day he was ripped from it at the age of ten. His sole mission in life has been to reclaim it as his own, now its time only theres a hitch. Penvale must marry the ward who has been living there with his uncle to take back the ownership.

Uprooted from his beloved town of London and friends, Penvale makes his way back to countryside of Cornwall with a wife in tow. Jane is not one to mince words with her blunt commentary of situations. She has enjoyed the solitude of the estates library, and is reluctant to embrace a husband. Jane soon enacts a hauntingly good plan to rid herself of Penvale. But as time goes on, does she really want him to go back London?

Penvale and Jane are both moody, antagonistic individuals who's constant bantering was humorous. Someone please get this man some glasses too. Look forward to next installment - Sophie and West?

Thank you Atria Books for the complimentary copy.

The Regency Vows series is so much fun, and To Swoon and to Spar is no exception. Like its predecessors, it doesn't take itself too seriously, yet still delivers a satisfying romance and chaotically fun story.

Penvale is finally in the position to buy back his family estate from his terrible uncle, but the purchase comes with a condition: marry his uncle's ward, Jane. It seems like a worthwhile trade, even if Jane is extremely unfriendly and deeply unimpressed by him. But he doesn't count on the fact that Jane is willing to orchestrate a fake series of hauntings in his new home to try to drive him out.

Ghosts are fun. Fake ghosts? Even more hilarious. The haunting shenanigans - and the general parody of gothic romance - was the highlight of this book, although Penvale and Jane's romance held its own against the cooky backdrop. I loved seeing Jane come out of her shell and Penvale open up to her. Both of their arcs felt organic and included more than one stumble, which endeared both of them to me even more. The appearances by past couples were also great, and felt like they actually added something to the story rather than being gratuitous.

It did take me a little bit of time to really get into the book, as neither Jane nor Penvale is particularly open - even with the reader - for the first few chapters. But once things got rolling, I had a great time.

4.25/5

I only have a handful of authors on my “must-read” list, and Martha Waters is at the top of that list. Her Regency Vows romances are light and fun, and this series has a wonderful cast of characters that I wish I knew personally.

What originally drew me to To Love and To Loathe (the first book in the series) in 2020 was the hijinks, and they are back in full force in To Swoon and To Spar. I was fully invested in Jane’s faux-haunting, and read this in one sitting. (Sidenote: I really wish that more historical romance authors would lean into comedy the way that Waters does- comedy has existed throughout the centuries!) While Penvale is an interesting male love interest, Jane remains my favourite character of the book. Not only was she willing to wander around in a nightgown and pretend to be a ghost, she held her own throughout. Of course, many women would have been fine living within the constraints of Regency society but I think that her chafing against her position resonated with me as a modern reader. And I have to emphasise- it is no way a stressful novel, despite the sometimes heavy topics. Waters’ writing remains as hilarious, charming, and entertaining as ever!

And if you were wondering how much I loved this book, I do have the audiobook on pre-order for publishing day!