To Woo and To Wed

What a delightful conclusion to the regency vows series!! I’ve been dying for West and Sophie’s story for so many books, but it was absolutely worth the wait.

Second chance his different with regency and I absolutely love it.

Sophie sets out on a fake engagement with her first love, West, in an attempt to get her sister to marry. West agrees to thwart his father. Thrown in close proximity to continue the fake engagement ruse, the two are forced to face their past and cannot deny their ever present chemistry and undeniable love.

A heartwarming story with our favorite cast of characters, I highly recommend for fans of historical romance with incredible banter, spice, and delight.

I've read all of the regency vows books and I loved this final book with Sophie and West. I've loved getting to know these characters and seeing their happily ever after was just the best. I loved it so much that I went back and reread the other four books in the series because I didn't want to say goodbye to these characters! I highly recommend.

This was the perfect conclusion to the series! I laughed, I cried, I squealed (I screamed "WHAT!?" out loud at that beautiful plot twist). I've wanted a West and Sophie book since To Have and To Hoax, and this was everything I needed it to be and more. So well worth the wait

I'm sad the series is over, but look forward to more from Martha Waters, I'm excited to read whatever she has to offer next

To Woo and to Wed is the final book in the series. West and Sophie's story was the perfect way to close the loop on this group. I wasn't a huge fan of the miscommunication trope in this one but I get how it makes the story. And the threats from the father made my eye twitch. It all coalesced into a plot that kept me rooting for these two. And hello steam! I loved the rompy parts so much in this one.

I adored this series so much. The laughter, the steam, the characters and the connections were everything I adore in my regency romcoms.

I loved this series!!! This was an amazing read and conclusion to the series! I hate that it is going to end bit it was so good. This was a 5 star read for me and I simply adored it. One of the best newer regency romance series out there.
I just reviewed To Woo and to Wed by Martha Waters. #NetGalley
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Thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for this advanced copy!
I had been meaning to read this series for awhile and am so happy I picked this up, as well as earlier books in the series! This was such a fun story, with two people who have been dancing around each other for seven years, seeing them finally come together in this second chance romance. But really, not only was the writing and pacing delightful, I absolutely loved how the author kept doing flashbacks that not only gave you more insight into how these two people have interacted over the years, but the flashbacks completely turn the story on its head in the best way! You think you know what happened between West's accident and the present in the book, but you really have no idea and I LOVED that. Kudos to Waters for starting a straight forward novel and leaving the author out of details until the end.

I can't wait to go back and read the books in this series I haven't devoured yet. What fun.

Too Woo and To Wed by Martha Waters

"I have often thought that brandishing a corkscrew is indeed the surest way to woo a woman."

Sophie Wexham. West. Proposals. Threats. Musicale meet-cutes. A widow. John Percival George Horatius Arthur Audley, quite the mouthful.

Mozart. Violins. Libraries. The Royal Academy. Soulful eyes. Secluded and romantic gardens. Debutantes.

A fake proposal so that her sister may marry happily before her. Blind jealousy. Jeremy. Jane. Violet. So many friends.

A betrothal ball. A wounded leg, an accident. Amorous activity. Noble suffering.

"I think we'd ruin eachother."

This novel is witty, endearing, and so so entertaining. The main couple is so funny, with all the banter and ridiculous misunderstandings.

Hydrangra bouquets. A double wedding ceremony. Horrid ruffles. Very cute. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

I enjoyed this book a lot! It’s my first time reading the series and I definitely want to go back and start from the beginning. Overall would recommend!

This is the fifth and final book in the Regency Vows series. I’ve been waiting for this book ever since James Audley pretended to flirt with Sophie to make Violet jealous back in the first book. As with the other books in the series, this is a delightfully ridiculous Regency era romp following two people who fall in love (or fall back into love) despite their best efforts and a crazy scheme or two. In this case, it’s a second chance, fake fiancé situation featuring a gloomy heir to a dukedom, a stubborn young widow, and lots of meddling friends and family. It felt so rewarding to finally find their way back to each other after seven years of mutual pining and heartache. It wraps up the overall series nicely.

The timeline bounces around between Sophie and West’s past and present. This felt appropriate and made it possible to see to full progression of their relationship and all the obstacles they’ve had to overcome. (By the way, West’s father is the absolute worst.)

I really liked this one. I'm glad we finally got West and Sophie's story, as they've been side characters for the past several books. Their story has been hinted at a few times, so it’s so nice to actually spend time with them! It’s a second-chance, fake dating romance. Loved it!

Like a lot of HR series you don’t have to read them in order, but I think for this series, the experience is enhanced if you do.

This is the book series that got me into historical romance so I have a soft spot for it. Waters' writing style is lovely, purpley, and elegant in all the best ways. The emotional tension really worked for me. The reason for their first breakup was perfect; not too bad that any future relationship was doomed, but also not so simple that the conflict felt derived.

Also appreciated seeing a character who was ambivalent about having kids. Not something I see often.

Okay, so I ended up really enjoying this series (except the first one, which I never read). And honestly, this was a wonderful conclusion. Sophie and West were the second-chance romance we were all waiting for. Seeing all the other couples just made my heart happy, and I appreciated that there wasn't too much of the book in the past. There was a fair amount of before and present day, which I thought was fun. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this book as a standalone (missing Violet and Audley's book did sort of leave some gaps for me), but I would recommend this if you enjoyed the rest of the series. Also, seeing Penvale with his ladylove made me cackle. They are still my favorites (though Sophie and West are a close second).

4.5 stars

West and Sophie my beloved! This series has been very dear to me and ending it with this love story couldn't be more perfect.

Having gotten to know both characters sporadically through the last four books, it was was satisfying for them to finally have their own book. I really enjoyed getting to know them more intimately, especially their full backstory!

Things I loved:
-the handling of grief
-scheming, so much scheming
-threats of a double wedding, horses, and horrible dresses
-flashbacks!!
-disability and lgbtq rep
-bittersweet epilogue

Did this book have a third-act misunderstanding that drove me a little crazy? Maybe....but it didn't change the fact that I really enjoyed this book! West and Sophie's love story was very sweet, a little sad, and a bit spicy. Also it featured an additional side romance that maybe was between West's two household staff that I ABSOLUTELY LOVED (I love you Blair and Hawthorne). This book was bittersweet as its an end of this series - I will miss this series and these characters so much. They have become very dear to me.

Thank you Martha Waters for this series and I can't wait to read that you'll right next!

Pub date: 2/6

This eARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Read if you like: second chance romance
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Sophie and West were supposed to get married but an accident and a manipulative father kept them apart. Seven years later, they end up faking an engagement to encourage Sophie's sister to remarry.
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I loved Sophie and West. Their relationship was so cute and the tension was built up well. I loved how West never stopped loving Sophie and was willing to do anything to be with her. Very swoon-worthy!

Martha Waters's "To Woo and to Wed" is a delightful romp through the world of Regency-era romance, filled with wit, charm, and unexpected twists. In this captivating novel, Waters masterfully weaves together a tale of love, intrigue, and mistaken identities that will keep readers turning the pages until the very end.

Waters's keen attention to historical detail and her ability to subvert traditional romance tropes was my favorite part. While the Regency setting provides a lush backdrop of lavish balls and grand estates, Waters injects the narrative with modern sensibilities, creating characters who feel refreshingly relatable and complex.

But perhaps the greatest strength of "To Woo and to Wed" lies in its exploration of themes of identity, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love. As Charlotte and Edward navigate the complexities of their relationship, they must confront their own vulnerabilities and insecurities, ultimately discovering that true love requires honesty, trust, and acceptance.

In conclusion, "To Woo and to Wed" is a delightful and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of historical romance and romantic comedy alike. With its engaging characters, clever plot twists, and witty dialogue, Martha Waters's novel is sure to leave readers smiling long after they've turned the final page.

She felt a bit exasperated with herself at the discovery that she, like most other women on earth, appeared to have a bit of a weakness for tall, dark, and handsome men.
To Woo and to Wed by Martha Waters is the final installment of The Regency Vows series and one that fans have looked forward to the most. With glimpses, teases, and small cameos in previous books in the series, Sophie and West finally get a chance to share their HEA and round out a beloved series.

With a nod to Persuasion, Sophie and West (seven years prior) had—what all peerage had assumed—was a forgone conclusion to a courtship and inevitable marriage announcement. No one but Sophie and West knows the truth behind the fallout seven years ago that ultimately ended up with Sophie being married to another and West having survived a horrific accident.

Everyone called him West, it was true; to do otherwise would have drawn more attention to them in company. But this did not diminish the small jolt of pleasure he got every time he heard her say his name.
In their present time, Sophie’s sister, Alexandra, is also a widow and yet found herself with a chance at a true love match. Unwilling to leave her sister behind, Alexandra refuses to consider marriage unless Sophie is happy. You know what that means. It’s shenanigan time. Sophie, being the selfless, stubborn, martyr that she is, goes to the one person she can trust with a fake marriage proposal: Lord Weston.

This is where all the shenanigans begin to unfurl hopelessly around both Sophie and West. Naturally, West is still hung up on Sophie. Obviously, Alexandra begins to suggest wild and more ridiculous situations in order to test Sophie’s feelings regarding an engagement. On top of it all, Sophie remains resolute in following her farce of a plan regardless of how many times West lays everything on the line for her.

For years, all he had wanted—more than to kiss her, or hold her, or make love to her—was simply to talk to her. She was his favorite person to talk to. She was, he feared, still his favorite person, period.
If you’re a reader who enjoys mountains of angst, then To Woo and to Wed is the romance for you. Following each present-day chapter, there is a chapter with flashbacks to a moment in time for either Sophie and West. Their almost romance from seven years unfolds slowly giving more details and even more angst with each reveal. I found myself brought out of the storyline one too many times with how the storyline went. The fact that it was broken up with flashbacks felt more jarring than informative. It also took (in my opinion) entirely too long for Sophie to get with the program. If I had a chiseled, duke, proclaim his love for me (repeatedly), I would not have waited for so damn long.

Overall, Too Woo and to Wed was a pleasant read. I love how all the previous couples make an appearance, and the HEA was very romantic. I think Waters is a wonderful storyteller but I think this second chance romance felt a bit too angsty for me. Still, I cannot wait to see what Waters has in store for all of us readers next!

Sophie and West were nearly engaged at one time before West’s father broke them apart. Years later, they reunite for a mutually beneficial fake betrothal. But will it stay fake?

What I loved:
-seeing characters from previous books
-quick and light read
-fake dating trope

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reading copy!

What an incredible end to the most lovely of series! I got completely swept away in the story of West + Sophie! And the twist towards the end... CHEF'S KISS!!! This is a must for your TBR pile!!

After reading about Sophie and West in the other books, I knew I had to have their story. I am a sucker for second chances and these two never stopped loving one another. After his father threatens her, Sophie goes on to marry another for the sake of her family as much as for West. Now they are both free and he is determined to show her that nothing else matters. West is perfectly in love. He doesn't waiver and he has his sights set on forever and has since he met Sophie 7 years ago.
There was a lot of back and forth in this one and I'm also glad that Sophie was able to share with West why she left all those years ago and it didn't take the whole book to get there. I fell lin love with both of them.
Thanks to Atria, Netgalley and Martha Waters for an early copy.

The final installment in the series features the relationship that I most wanted to know about since its introduction in book 1! This features a second chance romance at its center, with some serious back history. Normally the books in this Regency Vows series have all felt like historical romantic comedies. While there are always emotional issues that the characters have, there hasn't been deep angst, because the overall tone and mood of the books has been a lighthearted, humorous vibe. This book to me is the most emotionally angsty of them all as it does feature a couple whose love hasn't worked out so well for them over the years, and they have so much baggage to unpack and overcome. While there are moments of humor the tone of this one is less lighthearted.

Overall this series is one for me that I have enjoyed reading and I find fun, but won't ever make my top lists of historical romance recommendations. Come for the fun and enjoy!

Thanks to the publisher and net galley for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

“He had no choice—not when the other option was to lose Sophie. And he had never wanted anything in his life as badly as he wanted to marry her.”

I cannot emphasize enough how much I love the characters in Martha Waters’s Regency Vows series. After five books and nearly four years, they feel like my friends. My hilarious, madcap, friends who consistently choose convoluted shenanigans over communication when faced with a romantic dilemma. And you know what? I love them all the more for it.

We have been watching Sophie and West pine over each other since the first book in this series, and now in book five we finally get the chance to see the resolution of a romance seven years in the making. I adored to Woo and To Wed because it was not only a second chance romance for Sophie and West, but was a chance to say goodbye to a group of characters that will linger in my heart for a long time. And I couldn’t have imagined a better love story for our hero and heroine, or a better ending for this strange, dramatic, lovely group of friends.