Review: To Love and to Loathe (The Regency Vows #2) by Martha Waters

To Love and to Loathe

(The Regency Vows #2)

by Martha Waters

April 6, 2021

352 pages

Goodreads Summary:

The author of the “hilarious...joyful, elegant” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) To Have and to Hoax returns with an effervescent, charming, and swoon-worthy novel about a man and woman who never agree on anything—until they agree to a no-strings-attached affair in this Regency-era romp.

The widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham are infamous among English high society as much for their sharp-tongued bickering as their flirtation. One evening, an argument at a ball turns into a serious wager: Jeremy will marry within the year or Diana will forfeit one hundred pounds. So shortly after, just before a fortnight-long house party at Elderwild, Jeremy’s country estate, Diana is shocked when Jeremy appears at her home with a very different kind of proposition.

After his latest mistress unfavorably criticized his skills in the bedroom, Jeremy is looking for reassurance, so he has gone to the only woman he trusts to be totally truthful. He suggests that they embark on a brief affair while at the house party—Jeremy can receive an honest critique of his bedroom skills and widowed Diana can use the gossip to signal to other gentlemen that she is interested in taking a lover.

Diana thinks taking him up on his counter-proposal can only help her win her wager. With her in the bedroom and Jeremy’s marriage-minded grandmother, the formidable Dowager Marchioness of Willingham, helping to find suitable matches among the eligible ladies at Elderwild, Diana is confident her victory is assured. But while they’re focused on winning wagers, they stand to lose their own hearts.

With Martha Waters’s signature “cheeky charm and wonderfully wry wit” (Booklist, starred review), To Love and to Loathe is another clever and delightful historical rom-com that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Evie Dunmore.

Review

To Have and to Loathe was one of my most anticipated releases of 2021 and when an early copy showed up in my mailbox (thank you Simon & Schuster Canada!) I may have (I definitely did) squealed in joy. The story made me laugh out loud and swoon all around.

To Have and to Loathe was scandalous and sexy. The undeniable (sexual) tension was so palpable I was brimming with anticipation. I applaud the two main characters for their ability to maintain an outward pleasant façade towards one another for as long as they did. It really built up to a sizzling eruption between them- playful and hot.

While I loved the romantic developments a lot, Diana's matchmaking put me off a little. I didn't care for most of it which led me to feeling a disconnect with the story. She was smart and calculating but her intentions were a tinsy bit confusing at one point. Thankfully it didn't last long! Diana went on to face her hesitations head on. Jeremy also had some foolish moments but he made amends quickly with devilish and sweet gestures.

Diana and Jeremy surprised me. Given their stubborn dispositions, I expected them to butt heads and always be at odds but they were civil and showed respect to each other. In the most mature way, the two shared intimate talks and tender moments without awkwardness. Diana and Jeremy made a cute (shocking) pair. I enjoyed watching them interact in their alone times.

With manageable drama, To Have and to Loathe was a delightful and deliciously fun read. I will need Emily's story to round out the trio please. Martha Waters, please write it, I beg of you! Since a series title has been added- The Regency Vows, I expect there will be more books!!

*I received an Advance Reading Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the ARC I received.