Summer is right around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about the romance reads to pack for the beach. With the continued buzz around Bridgerton on Netflix gearing up for season two, I’m feeling the historical vibes. To Love And To Loathe is book two in Martha Waters’ Regency Vows series.
If you aren’t familiar with the series, To Have And To Hoax is the first title and follows a woman who has barely talked to her husband in three years due to a disagreement, but due to an accident, realized she still loves him and uses a trick to lure him back. (Spoiler alert: he wanted her back too.) One of the best friends involved in the scheme is the main character in this new installment.
Diana is a young widow with zero intention of marrying again, not because she doesn’t believe in love, but rather because losing her wealthy husband gave her freedom she normally wouldn’t have in that time period. She values her independence and I don’t blame her one bit.
Diana’s story gets complicated, as romance novels do, when she makes a bet with her longtime friend and well-known rake (aka, man-whore of the 1800s) that he will get married within a year. Jeremy agrees, insisting he won’t ever tie the knot. Famous last words. But wait, there’s more stickiness to the situation. Fresh off an affair that did not end well, Jeremy is looking for some affirmation of his skills in the bedroom and proposes a short dalliance with Diana. Oh, and all of this is unfolding while they are at a country house party for two weeks. Convenient.
I loved Diana’s spunk throughout this story and think this one is slightly better than the first book, but it’s relatively average. I gave this predictable yet enjoyable romance 3.5 stars.
Waters just announced book three is on the way. To Marry and To Meddle is due out in 2022 and I’ll be waiting to snag a copy. Until then, get caught up on the series with To Have and To Hoax here and To Love and To Loathe here.
Literary HypeWoman 