This, the final entry in a five book Regency romance series, tied things up nicely with just the right bits of romance and pragmatism. Very charming.

Genre: historical romance
England, 1818

Sophie, Lady Fritzwilliam Bridewell, nee Wexham, the oldest of five daughters, has always felt like she needed to look out for her younger sisters. It is, after all, why she married Lord Bridewell seven years ago, instead of West, Marquess of Weston, with whom she was desperately in love. Aside from an afternoon four years ago after the death of her husband, Sophie had scrupulously avoided West for many of those years. That is until she was caught up in her friend Violet’s schemes a year ago (you may recall Violet pretending to be dying to win back her husband in To Have and to Hoax; Violet’s husband James is West’s brother). And now that her younger sister is begging Sophie to marry again, with Alex holding off her own wedding for Sophie’s happiness, Sophie turns to the one person she knows she can never be with…and asks West to be her fake fiance.

An absolutely perfect conclusion to Martha Waters’s Regency Vows series. We’ve been waiting for Sophie and West, and it was worth it. In To Woo and to Wed, Waters hands us a second chance romance with absolutely believable personal stakes for Sophie and West, as well as lovely hints of relationship bliss from the other four couples from previous books.

A second chance romance can be structured any number of ways, but most often one of two: present timeline only with reference to events of the past or dual timeline with present and the “how things went wrong” part of the past timeline. In To Woo and to Wed, Waters opts to give us a third structure, weaving the intermittent years between 1811 and 1818, as Sophie and West’s lives continue to orbit one another as they carefully ignore each other publicly. The siblings and friends- and the reader, if we’re being honest - watches this carefully, in an attempt to push Sophie and West together, almost willing their relationship to blossom. They have to fight through a lot of personal fears and challenges as they come back together, understanding that their love is worth it.

High on the rom-com scale and low on the angst scale, a challenge to pull off for a second chance romance, Martha Waters has some of the best banter and light-hearted writing in historical romance and this series is a treat from start to finish. It’s sweet, funny, and romantic, with well rounded characters. While you can read this series out of order, this is a perfect conclusion, so I recommend starting earlier in the series.

This book was one of my favorites of the season and my most anticipated couple! I loved that each book in this series perfectly set up the next couple that would be featured, but West and Sophie have been teased as a couple since the very first book! I'm not typically a fan of the second-chance romance trope, but I have always loved a good fake dating trope, and a fake-dating, second-chance romance is incredible! I loved that this story told what happened in the past of their relationship in flashbacks. It was great to see their initial chemistry, their new chemistry, and all of the flickers of their chemistry in between! I appreciated that they didn't immediately forgive and forget their hurt and sadness from how their initial relationship ended but instead had to work together to trust each other again! The spark was very alive from the rest of the series on, but it was great to see them work together to build a new healthy relationship. Also, the chronic pain representation was great, and I loved that Sophie acknowledged West's pain and limitations but never treated him differently because of them. I also loved seeing all of the characters from previous books highlighted throughout the story! It was a great way to end the series! I am so sad that this fun series is ending, but I cannot wait to see what Martha Waters writes next! This was an incredible debut series, and I'm sure I will enjoy whatever she decides to write next.

Thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

To Woo and to Wed was funny, charming, and emotional. I felt like this book was a great wrapping up of this series, with all of the characters and relationships we've watched grow throughout the five books. This one focuses on the relationship between West and Sophie, who've been here since book one, and are finally getting their happily-ever-after. Lots of regrets and angst tied to their second-chance romance (West and James' dad continues to be The Worst). I liked their devotion and how they grew closer and back together! And of course, the glimpses of the other couples from previous books was lovely to see - lots of callbacks and connections to storylines from the past all culminating in this last book of the series.

Thanks so much to the publisher for providing me a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley. I discovered this series and this author on NetGalley, and have readily devoured all of the books since. So sad to see the Regency Vows series ending, but really looking forward to what's next from Martha Waters!

While this is my first foray into this historical romance series, I am definitely interested in going back to see the other couples and their stories. Second chance romance can be a hard sell for me, so if you're like me, know that this one is believable and you really feel like the hero and heroine should be together because they are torn apart due to external factors rather than something internal to their relationship.

Waters' tone and voice are on the rom-com side of things, which while many historical romances are funny or have quippy one liners (see Tessa Dare especially) they can still tend to be quite heavy when you're not in those moments of levity. This was humorous throughout and gave the vibes of Shakespearean comedy with some of the wacky hi-jinx that occurred. If you're newer to historical romance as a subgenre, I'd recommend starting here, especially if you like your romances to be on the lighter side usually.

Thank you Net Galley and the publishers (Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster) for the early copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Characters - 6/10
Atmosphere - 7/10
Writing - 7/10
Plot - 6/10
Intrigue - 6/10
Logic - 6.5/10
Enjoyment - 6.5/10

What an absolute delight. A perfect series conclusion. From the beginning, West and Sophie have held me (and, I'm sure, many others) under their spell with just a look, a word, a charged moment in a hall. I couldn't wait to read their story, and it didn't disappoint.

There's so much history to be unpacked in this second-chance romance, but I appreciated that the flashbacks Waters used were only when necessary. When a past event needed to be illuminated, instead of the characters telling each other, we went back in time, but we didn't spend too much page time just getting to know our heroine and hero. We already know and love them, so I was thrilled that we spent the bulk of our time seeing them fall in love (again? more? you be the judge) and break down walls. This was not a story of their youthful romance, but of two mature people who have made sacrifices, made mistakes, and live in the real world, finding out if they can overcome the obstacles before them.

The pacing was fantastic. I read it in one sitting, and the balance between angst and heartwarming joy was on that perfect razor's edge. I'm not usually a fan of second chance, but this was a journey of learning and growth for both West and Sophie, giving them the chance to fight for each other and for their future. As to that future- I won't spoil anything, but I loved the way that Sophie and West had open discussions about what that future looked like.

The role that the friend group played was also very balanced- they were present, but didn't take over the story with cameos and updates. This book was all about West and Sophie finally finding their happy ending, surrounded by those who love them, and Waters couldn't have done them more justice. You can feel the love she has for these characters on every page, and as a reader since To Have and to Hoax, it was incredibly satisfying to send this series off on such a strong note.

To Woo and to Wed: ★ ★ ★ ★

Martha Waters (The Regency Vows, #5)

“I’ve tried to forget you—I’ve tried to move on—I’ve tried to convince myself that I’d be just as happy without you, eventually. But I can never quite manage it. I only want you—I’ve only ever wanted you.”

When Sophie's sister is hesitant about getting married because Sophie's still single, she plans a fake engagement with none other than the man she was supposed to marry seven years ago, and the one she still loves.

Tropes
– Historical romance
– Fake engagement
– Second chance

The grand finale of The Regency Vows series! I know there was so much build up for this book with all the Sophie and West teases and ugh, I really liked this one. It was the perfect balance of angst, love, and banter not only between the main characters but with everyone in the families. I loved how meddling everyone was (to an extent) and how much they all were so very happy to see Sophie and West work it all out. I am also just a sucker for fake dating/engagement/marriage and second chance so when you put them both together, it's no doubt I'm a fan.

Sophie sometimes got on my nerves with her "rationale" sometimes even though I do understand the oldest sister stress but West West West <3 What a sweet, golden retriever, boy obsessed, lovely man. I adored him and his wit. He was such a sweetheart and he loved Sophie so much, willing to do literally anything for her and to prove to her that she was it for him. I adored him to the moon and back.

Such an enjoyable conclusion to this series and one I adored very much!

ARC kindly shared by Netgalley for an honest review.

Too Woo and To Wed
By Martha Waters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

From the first mention of West and Sophie in To Have and To Hoax, their story is one I’ve been looking forward to most! So I was utterly delighted when Atria Books sent me the ARC!!

🫶🏻Things I loved:
The tension between West and Sophie has been building for four books and they finally do something about it!! Sophie is a strong female lead, and West is a swoony, tortured male lead. I love these characters and their chemistry!! Not to mention we get more of their quirky friend group, which in itself is a great story. To Woo and To We’d was the perfect finale to the Regency Vies series!

📖Read if you like:
- Fake fiancés
- Second-chance romance
- Found family/close friend groups
- Lots of romantic tension and chemistry

Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the arc!

I can't believe this series is over. I've loved every second of it. Martha Waters has become my favorite historical romcom author. She's one of my favorite authors, period. I can't wait for her next series.

We've been waiting for this book for years, and it did not disappoint. Sophie and West's story was every bit as amazing as I'd hoped.

Perfect end to this series so wonderful love Sophie and West.A really well written story characters that kept me entertained from book to book.#netgalley #atriabooks

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher Atria Books, and Martha Waters for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

To Woo and to Wed follows the story of Sophie and West at their second chance at love. Nearly betrothed when both were much younger, misunderstandings and West’s meddlesome father tore them apart. Sophie married another, while West recovered from a tragic injury. Years later, with Sophie now widowed, the pair fabricate an engagement in order to benefit Sophie’s sister’s marriage prospects. Old feelings and hurts resurface as they navigate a possible rekindling of their love for one another.

To Woo and to Wed was a very slow story, not a slow burn, but simply a slog. Misunderstanding took much too long to be resolved. It was nearly halfway through the book before Sophie and West finally hashed out said misunderstandings. Nothing peeves me more than when a simple conversation could have resolved so much confusion. More so the plot was repetitive, and simply put tedious. Very little occurred to move the story along.

To add to this, the main characters were both quite dull. West was a strait-laced boorish fellow. He was not a rake bandying about town, nor was he particularly joyful. He lacked all manner of personality. Sophie was a better-carved character; I enjoyed her love for her family. Being the eldest daughter, she was often much more subdued and accustomed to keeping her temper in check. The result was unfortunately an uninteresting heroine. Nowhere in the story do we truly get to know these characters; their passions, desires, and interests. I couldn’t understand what drove them. And as such, I could not grasp what they say in one another. They were in love but I couldn’t understand why.

This is not a high-steam romance novel. Although the s*ex scenes are well written, they are simply not ample. And most upsetting for me is that a very important sexual encounter occurs completely off the page. We were told it occurred but given few details. I believe this could have added to the overall plot but also to the chemistry and lust between them.

Overall, this book was simply not to my taste. The slow start, lack of character development, absence of chemistry between the hero and heroine, stagnant plot, and low steam did not appeal to me.

I must say that Martha Waters is an excellent writer. Her banter between characters is some of the best I’ve ever read. Her books are well-researched and historically enchanting. Although I was disappointed with this book, I would definitely read more from Waters if I were in the mood for well well-written low-steam romance novel.

I've read and loved this entire series and was so excited to get an ARC of the final book! I read it within three days and it was everything a good historical romance should be.

I love a well-done second chance romance, and the angst was off the charts in both the flashback chapters and the current day chapters. Sophie and West had great banter and chemistry, and the angst was off the charts. This was easily my favorite book of the whole series.

My one annoyance was that Sophie seemed just so stubborn, but I thought her stubbornness was very fitting with the rest of her character, even if it grated on my nerves a little bit.

I especially enjoyed the epilogue, where we got to see all of Martha Waters' couples from the series together. It tied both the book and the series up nicely.

I'm sad that this is the end of the series, but I'm looking forward to seeing what she writes next!

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fantastic finale to this series. Just like with the others, I was hooked and couldn’t put this book down once I started it.

I did get a bit frustrated with Sophie at times for the whole paternalistic ignoring what he says he wants and deciding she will make noble sacrifices because she knows what’s best for him thing, but she definitely came around and saw reason very clearly and admitted that she was wrong in doing that (which is a refreshing change of pace from a lot of HRs)

Spoiler ahead: I love that this book had a FMC that didn’t want kids. There is nothing wrong with the characters’ HEA involving pregnancy/children, and I have seen a fair amount of couples with fertility problems and I think representation of that is SO important. But it is very rare to see a FMC who just straight up isn’t interested—doesn’t have the yearning when she sees someone else’s baby, doesn’t feel like her life will never be complete without one. I LOVED that aspect of this book.

Seven years ago, West and Sophie were about to walk down the aisle, but now they can't stand to be in the same room. The pair were giddy in love, but thanks to West's father's meddling and an almost fatal curricle accident, things fizzled out, and Sophie married another. Now, Sophie is widowed and not looking for romance, but when her younger sister mentions a hesitance at getting re-married due to Sophie's situation, Sophie concocts a plan. Sophie knows the only way her sister will go through with a wedding is if she's also settled down, so Sophie enlists West's help to fake an engagement. The only problem? Neither can ignore the real feelings that still simmer between them.

I've been waiting for West and Sophie's story to play out since the first book, and I feel like Waters saved the best for last. West is probably my favorite love interest in the whole series. He comes off a bit dark and broody but has this teasing, dry humor that always gets me. It was so fun watching him and Sophie push each other's buttons. He's also so gone for Sophie, and I love it. I liked the flashbacks and thought they helped give us insight into their relationship. The writing was also brimming with Waters' signature wit and charm. I read the whole thing in almost one sitting because I was so into it. My only complaints were that Sophie was, at times, way too stubborn for my liking, and I thought the plot lost a bit of steam towards the end. Other than that, I thought this was a solid ending to a series, and I can't wait to see what Waters comes out with next.

Thank you NetGalley and author for this ARC!

I LOVED it!! This was my favorite of the series. The characters chemistry was great and the story line was just as good.

This book was a fun read but the heroine was not to my liking.

She is bossy, makes decisions for everyone, decides to ruin her life and Wests by impetuously jumping into a marriage and acts the ultimate matyr. I loved that she received setdowns from both West and Alex on not making decisions for them, and actually communicating.

West on the other hand is so lovely. Staunch in his love, and he must have the patience of a Saint to deal with Sophie.

Overall, I also felt there were a bit too many characters. It could have been limited to immediate siblings instead of all the extended friends and siblings not involved in the plot.

I did enjoy the read, but at some points had to muddle through.

A good conclusion to a fun series. I loved Sophie and West, their slow burn romance, and the antics they got up to. It was nice to check in with the other characters. I'm excited to see what Martha Waters writes next.

I love this authors writing! She does an exceptional job at pulling readers in and i love the experience of reading her books.

The romance was sweet and I did root for the two characters at the beginning, but as the book kept going I was just not invested in them anymore.

The tangled web of friends, who has slept with who, and affairs was so unregency like that I was just annoyed. There needed to be a balance of that historical feel that was lost in this book.

However, this book got so modern it was ridiculous. All the agendas she pushed pulled me out of the story and the miscommunication lasted SO long and the resolution was lackluster.

AHHHH FINALLY WES AND SOPH!!!!! I have been waiting for this story since the very first time i realized the author was laying the ground work for an eventual story for the pair.

Martha Waters could simply never disappoint me so it comes as no surprise that i am smitten with to woo and wed. as someone who isnt typically a fan of more than one POV (im impatient, okay!) i find that Waters writing style allows the reader to fully enjoy the contrasting view points.

I am sad that this is the conclusion to the series and im not getting another one any time soon. i simply cant choose a favorite couple from the series because i loved them so much that its definitely safe to say ill be reading everything this author publishes.