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

Feb 21, 2021 jessica rated it liked it

this is cute and i think i would have loved it more if i hadnt already read ‘a rogue of ones own,’ because i just couldnt help but compare the similarities.

i liked the idea of the plot, the setting, the writing and dialogue - all help make this a quick and entertaining read. but i honestly dont have much to say other than its decent. nothing really stood out to me other than just the basic pleasantness of it all.

this is definitely a fun and enjoyable story, perfect if you are looking for a easy ...more

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Oct 07, 2020 Nilufer Ozmekik rated it really liked it

This is cure to my bleeding soul and dark, sulking mood! It’s not chicken soup but it’s definitely quite lovely, refreshing, brightening vaccine to rejuvenate me! All we need is now to read this kind of sweet, swoon, smart, entertaining books to energize us, putting genuine smile to our faces, motivating us to get through our moody, grumpy natures ( grumpy already became my first name after surviving through 2020 and I’m counting my days to get rid of that bitch! )

A brief introduction to the s This is cure to my bleeding soul and dark, sulking mood! It’s not chicken soup but it’s definitely quite lovely, refreshing, brightening vaccine to rejuvenate me! All we need is now to read this kind of sweet, swoon, smart, entertaining books to energize us, putting genuine smile to our faces, motivating us to get through our moody, grumpy natures ( grumpy already became my first name after surviving through 2020 and I’m counting my days to get rid of that bitch! )

A brief introduction to the story: Widowed Lady Templeton cannot help her nonstop banters with Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham. He always knows how to push her buttons which results with more fiery arguments, throwing meaningful insults, sizzling growing intimacy. Both of their reputations at the stake. They’re already infamous among English high society. Considering they’re living in the 19th century, they have less freedom and live under more pressure of their inner circle!

Jeremy’s grandmother wants him elope in one year but Jeremy already lost his confidence at unfortunate attempt with her mistress who relentlessly criticizes his skills on bed. He needs some practice, actually he needs someone who can be straightforward, telling him the ugly truth about his sexual talent. That should be only Lady Templeton who can be honest to his face!

So he suggests her with offer ( frenemies with benefits kind of valuable one) which could help with both of their love life problems. He offers her no strings attached- very tempting encounter to test his skills. And in return when the gossip wheels start spinning, Lady Templeton could signal the charming gentlemen her openness to take a lover.

It starts like a game they both win till their hearts, souls and minds are at stake!
There are some unexpected twists that truly surprise you and some unnecessary angst boils your blood.

So far I enjoyed both of the characters. Their nonstop, laugh out loud bickering, pant melting chemistry in bed, their intimacy stole my heart. I can honestly say I loved this book more than the first installment and I highly recommend the readers who need urgent recovery from darkening moods. This book checked all the boxes for my ideal historical romance and enjoyable romcom criterions!
So I proudly recommend this book to all die-hard romance fans!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for sending me this review copy of this lovely book in exchange my honest opinions. ...more

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Sep 30, 2020 Lily Herman rated it really liked it

I don't know about y'all, but between the pandemic and the upcoming U.S. election, I just can't emotionally handle anything other than romance novels that make me feel a bit emo. And lucky for me, Martha Waters' upcoming release To Love and to Loathe is cuuuuute AF and easily satisfies my never-ending quest for tension-filled enemies-to-lovers stories.

I thoroughly enjoyed Martha Waters' debut novel To Have and to Hoax (such excellent dialogue!), and I feel like To Love and to Loathe really built ...more

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Feb 10, 2021 Mara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ebook-owned, arc

I am somewhere between 4 and 4.5 so, per my review policy, I'm going to default to a 4.5. While I enjoyed the first book, my main issue with it was that the trope combo felt a little too YA for an adult romance. This book does not have that issue but at all... we've got best friend's little sister. We've got "bang it out of our systems." We've got "teach me how to bang." We've got reformed rake and the world weary widow. So a lot of trope candy that works really well for me. Then we've also got ...more

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Feb 12, 2021 Nenia ✨️ I yeet my books back and forth ✨️ Campbell marked it as wishlist · review of another edition

Ummmm so YES, I think I want this

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Dec 08, 2020 Chloe Liese added it

Shelves: historical-romance

Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for this advance review copy; all opinions are my own! Full review with quotes included to come closer to Pub Day but for now...

Everything I liked about To Have and to Hoax was even stronger in To Love and to Loathe. Sharp banter, dynamic characters, fast-paced and deliciously domestic setting. There's something cozy about Waters' writing--while she keeps the narrative moving and engages you with the plot, you know you can rest easy in her hands, that happily eve ...more

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Dec 29, 2020 Chris C - A Midlife Wife rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult-romance, romance, historical-romance, reviews, womens-historical-fiction, gallery-books

The mighty fall.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think it will be tough for this author to follow up on her first book but this story is a wonderful addition to her series. With delightful characters that seem to come alive, they capitulate you right into the story.

Do you know those personalities that just love to pick on and annoy each other? Regardless if it’s a love or hate situation you know those types of people. In this story, the title speaks for itself.

Delightful banter, teasing, and manipulation to the ...more

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Oct 14, 2020 Arielle ⭐ Cursebreaker ⭐ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, historical-romance, new-2021

THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD I'M OBSESSEDDDDDD.

Okay....As you may remember, I had been sent a link to an e-galley for To Have and To Hoax late last year and almost passed it up because I had never read a historical romance before. Long story short I picked it up on a whim, devoured it in a day and have since went back to read different passages over and over again.

When I found out that this book was being written, I prowled the author's social media pages and NetGalley/Edelweiss for the day that I woul ...more

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Sep 30, 2020 charlotte, (½ of readsrainbow) rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult-lit, historical-fiction, not-yet-published, romance, f-lgbt-side, hate-to-love, review-copies, 4-stars, lgbt-side, friends-with-benefits-to-lovers

Being called an idiot by Diana was better than any of Lady Helen's flattery—or, indeed, any other compliment he'd ever received.

On my blog.

Rep: lesbian character

There’s nothing quite like picking up a book you know you’re going to love, for whatever reason. I knew, going into To Love and To Loathe, that I was going to enjoy it, given how much I loved To Have and To Hoax. It follows two of the characters I desperately wanted to see more of after the first book, and develops their relation

Being called an idiot by Diana was better than any of Lady Helen's flattery—or, indeed, any other compliment he'd ever received.

On my blog.

Rep: lesbian character

There’s nothing quite like picking up a book you know you’re going to love, for whatever reason. I knew, going into To Love and To Loathe, that I was going to enjoy it, given how much I loved To Have and To Hoax. It follows two of the characters I desperately wanted to see more of after the first book, and develops their relationship excellently.

As with the first book, Martha Waters is adept at showing you two, admittedly flawed, individuals overcoming their pride and starting a relationship. Diana and Jeremy ostensibly hate each other, although most of that hate is more like banter and a desire to provoke the other. When Jeremy is informed that his sexual prowess, let’s say, is leaving something to be desired, he makes a deal with Diana: they embark on an affair to give Jeremy the reassurance he is not bad in bed, and to give Diana a certain desirability among other gentlemen. However, there is the added complication of a wager made beforehand, regarding the chances of Jeremy marrying before the year is out.

The best thing about this book is the dynamic between Diana and Jeremy. They spend a lot of the book just snarking at each other, trying to convince themselves they do actually hate the other, but the tension between them is tangible. And that’s what makes this a great romance novel.

Genuinely, I think the only part that I didn’t enjoy was the third act break-up, which was so stupid. I still don’t quite understand exactly how it came about, and how I was supposed to believe in it. Honestly, if it hadn’t happened, I would have rated this book higher, because who really needs a misunderstanding-based break-up that only barely fits with the characterisations of the individuals involved? (Okay, that sounds harsh. But it’s a pet peeve.)

But, if you enjoyed To Have and to Hoax, or if you’re just looking for a good histrom novel, then I would highly recommend this one. ...more

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Jul 10, 2020 rayne ♥ [ IG: rayne.reads ] marked it as to-read

Shelves: anticipated-releases, ready-to-sell-my-soul-for-a-copy, from-publisher

AHHHH I GOT AN ARC!

I am ready to sell my kidney for this beauty. The first book was amazing and how a romance novel should be done and I can't wait for this!

#1 [ To Have and to Hoax ] ★★★★☆

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own.

instagram | blog | goodreads ...more

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Dec 03, 2020 Ilhaam rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021-romance-releases, 2021-releases

enemies-to-lovers. violet and audley. jeremy being soft. his grandma🤠. everyone being funny. is there another reason for anyone to want to read this?
(now gimme Emily and Julian’s book😈)

read as an arc provided by the publisher. this has no effect on my rating or review.

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Oct 27, 2020 Ashlee Bree rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, arcs, romance

Only a fool could find anything to loathe about this book.

What we have here is droll and scrumptious. It's pure chocolate-y goodness for the soul. It's full of all the fluffy, scintillating, one-two jabs you need from a historical romance featuring two bantering idiots who have been at odds; who have been dancing around each other on tiptoes, pecking at each other like two teasing mules, "facing off" in society's trenches for years and years!

I am telling you that you will not regret a single mo ...more

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Jan 28, 2021 Debby rated it really liked it · review of another edition

To Love and to Loathe is a first time read by author, Martha Waters. I do love a historical romance with a bit of comedy and this story was right up there. Although I haven't had the privilege of reading the first in this series, I'm quite sure that it was going to be entertaining also. Well, it did not fail.

The book centers around Lady Templeton and the Marquess of Willingham after making a wager that the Marquess, a well-know rake among the ton will marry within the year. Hmm, this story seeme ...more

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Aug 15, 2020 Breanna rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs

THIS REVIEW & MORE → Paws and Paperbacks

ARC provided by Atria Books through NetGalley.

To Have and to Hoax was a gem of a book that I had happened upon last year and ended up absolutely thrilling me. I knew immediately after finishing that I would read whatever else Martha Waters wrote, and I’m so pleased that To Love and to Loathe shines just as bright as it’s predecessor.

The only thing better than the promise of a frenemies-to-lovers situation, it’s when said book delivers successfully on that ...more

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Oct 31, 2020 Trianna/Treereads marked it as dnf

DNF @55% I could possibly see myself coming back to this one, but I just did not care about anything going on. This book reminds me of why I thought I did not like historical romance. I did like some of the themes that were going on that subvert the classic HR tropes, but I could not get into the story.

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Jul 08, 2020 Samm | Sassenach the Book Wizard marked it as to-read

Shelves: releases-2021, most-anticipated-2021

oh yes. oh yes yes yes. after the pettiness of To Have and to Hoax, I am very ready for this ...more

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Dec 25, 2020 Sheena ☆ Oh, the Sheenanigans! rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: standalone, romance, muy-clientele, marriage-or-marriage-arrangement, dude-wheres-the-next-book, laugh-out-loud, historical, everlasting-friends, edelweiss, death

The excellent follow up to ‘To Have and to Hoax’, we follow the widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham who are infamous among English high society as much for their sharp-tongued bickering as their flirtation.

After an argument ensues that turns into a serious wager—Jeremy will marry within the year or Diana will forfeit one hundred pounds. Shortly after, just before a fortnight-long house party at Elderwild, Jeremy’s country estate, Diana is shocked whe

The excellent follow up to ‘To Have and to Hoax’, we follow the widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham who are infamous among English high society as much for their sharp-tongued bickering as their flirtation.

After an argument ensues that turns into a serious wager—Jeremy will marry within the year or Diana will forfeit one hundred pounds. 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 bedsport (it’s great seeing a woman destroy a man’s ego!), Jeremy is looking for reassurance, so he suggests that they embark on a brief affair because he knows Diana can provide him an honest critique of his bedroom skills and the widowed 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. Now cue in the swoon worthy moments, funny banter, unexpected twists and turns, and most importantly (in any romance) panty melting chemistry that had me going woo-wee!

I am more than pleasantly surprised by how much I actually liked this considering my dislike for the friends to lovers trope (only a few have succeeded) and after finding ‘To Have and to Hoax’ to be just an okay read. It didn’t exactly leave a lasting impression on me so when I received this ARC, I was a bit apprehensive. But thank the book Gods above for this was better than my wildest dreams. Marta, you've nailed it girl!

I will mention that the only drawback to this novel was the lack of sex scenes. Considering that the main characters entered an 'arrangement', we've received hot moments but what I was really anticipating were some steamy erotica or borderline erotica. Based on the premise, I had assumed we would have gotten more.

Nevertheless, the underlying attraction and sexual tension between Diana and Jeremy was everything. The characters were strong, fearless, shameless, bold, don’t give a fuck attuide had me wanting more. This couple honestly made this one of the best historical romcoms I have read all year and it’s well worth the wait, especially if you didn’t care much about the prequel.

Side note, with a premise such as this—this would make a great historical (romance) erotica piece in case there are some authors out there looking for inspiration. *hint hint*

...more

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Jan 27, 2021 Literary Redhead rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, netgalley-review, romance

SWOON!

💋
A charming rom-com sequel to the splendid TO HAVE AND TO HOAX. This time sparks fly between two sharp-tongued flirters: lovely widowed Lady Templeton, and the bad boy Marquess of Willingham.

💋
Will Diana and Jeremy just exchange barbs, or will this thing spark into love true love? Ah heaving-bosomed reader, let me not spoil the fun but direct thee to the funny, sweet, sexy pages of TO LOATHE AND TO LOVE, out April 6. Perfect next read after watching Bridgerton!

💋
5 of 5 Stars
#Toloveandtohol ...more

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Jan 26, 2021 sol marked it as to-read

Shelves: arcs, single-hell

i got approved for an arc!!
if this doesn't cure my depression ill be disappointed ...more

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Oct 02, 2020 Kristin rated it really liked it

Shelves: reformed-rake, best-friends-sibling, loved-you-forever, childhood-friends, enemies-to-lovers

3.5 rounded up

To Love and to Loathe is the follow up to Martha Waters' debut To Have and to Hoax. It features all the same cast of characters, but focuses on the relationship between the young, wealthy widow, Diana, and Jeremy, a second son who inherited his title after the tragic death of his older brother. Diana is the younger sister of Jeremy's Eton friend, and they've always an underlying attraction, each masked with teasing disdain for each other.

Jeremy has a reputation as a rake and wastre ...more

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Jan 06, 2021 Mere rated it liked it

Shelves: 2021-books, 2021-january

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria (the publisher) for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Let me preface this by saying I enjoyed the first book in this series. I thought Waters had an interesting take on Regency Romance. It was a fun adventure, the first book. I remember laughing out loud during the entire book, and being unable to put it down. Thus, I was VERY excited when I heard that there was going to be a second one about Diana and Jeremy. I knew that I had to read it, an Thank you to NetGalley and Atria (the publisher) for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Let me preface this by saying I enjoyed the first book in this series. I thought Waters had an interesting take on Regency Romance. It was a fun adventure, the first book. I remember laughing out loud during the entire book, and being unable to put it down. Thus, I was VERY excited when I heard that there was going to be a second one about Diana and Jeremy. I knew that I had to read it, and I was practically squealing in excitement when I learned that it was on NetGalley. I rushed to request the book as quickly as possible.

So here we are. I have been accepted, I have read the book. And I have feelings. And these feelings are not necessarily good. Cue me being extraordinarily disappointed. And I hate saying that. Because this book was supposed to be a fun romp like the first book. It was supposed to be cute and uplifting and give me warm fuzzy feelings that I could cuddle when I was done reading. I could sigh in happiness and just feel joy at the simplicity of getting a HEA in a book. And yet, that didn’t happen. I finished the book and I was just left…wanting. And not in the good way. Hah.

This book has one of my favorite tropes friends/enemies to lovers. There is little more that I enjoy than a good enemies to lovers. Of any sort. I like it all. This book had such promise to me, because it was called To Love and to Loathe. I was intrigued because I thought that this book would be just as good as the first, but it definitely wasn’t. There were some issues I had overall with the book, and that has made it really hard to judge what I wanted to rate this book on Goodreads.

I’m going to start with the writing. Martha Waters is a talented writer. And her writing still shines through even when I am not enjoying the book as much as I want. Honestly, the writing helped make the book easier to read. Waters has writing that is so easily readable, and it makes the experience all the better. You feel drawn into her writing. The dialogue is usually fairly good, and the prose is accessible and quick to read. Overall, I did like the writing, and it helped lift up some of the parts that I thought were less than great.

I thought that the plot would be enjoyable, and it was to an extent. However, the romance portion of the plot I was so ready to love just fell flat to me. I didn’t become invested in Diana or Jeremy’s relationship. And I understand there are supposed to be obstacles and angst in a book, but I just felt…it wasn’t there. It was boring and I found both characters insufferable. I liked them both in the first book, but just not as much in this one. And then we get towards the ending, and the last ten percent is where a lot of the plot goes down. It was frustrating, because I felt that it was very contrived and didn’t work for me. It just didn’t sit right. Generally, I loved their banter, despite the fact I struggled with other aspects of their relationship. There were, a few hilarious scenes.

I loved Diana and her friendship with Violet and Emily. Those portions were always the highlight of the book for me. They were witty and amusing and felt true. They were amazing to read and enjoy. Violet although a background character in this one, still retained her character in this book from the first one, as did Emily. And we do get a bit more of Emily’s predicament in this book even as Diana herself is struggling.

Overall, I really felt this book had so much potential but fell short for me personally. I did enjoy it, but I was so excited, but it didn’t live up to me excitement.
...more

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Jan 01, 2021 Allison | rocketcityreads rated it it was amazing

I got really into historical romances in 2020 because, like some of you I’m sure, I wanted a momentary escape from reality. I’ve always loved stories, whether books or shows or movies, that take place in the 19th century and during the Regency period (Pride and Prejudice will forever be a favorite of mine). So, with all of that, I was so thrilled that I received an advanced copy of Waters’ upcoming release, To Love and to Loathe.

I LOVED her first book, To Have and to Hoax, and I absolutely ADOR ...more

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Nov 24, 2020 jaz rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-setting, romance-focused, xix-century

rep: lesbian side character

i'm completely obsessed with this gang. what's this sound? surely not me opening to have and hoax for a re-read...

this is the perfect book to pick up if you're in need of a light-hearted story that makes you laugh and snort to yourself alone in your bedroom. in the usual waters fashion, this is about two absurd, impossible people trying to rile each other up at every opportunity. which is a very interesting dynamic considering this is a friends with benefits romance. d ...more

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Nov 09, 2020 Monika rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, cozy-light-humor, historical-fiction

Diana, Lady Templeton is a widow, but she is strong-headed and precocious. She sassy and never apologises for asking what she wants. Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham is charmingly famous for his flirtatious affairs. He is a likeable character one can never say no to *wink wink*. One night at a Regency Era Ball, Diana and Jeremy go head-to-head and make a bet that if Jeremy gets married within a year Diana will have to forfeit a 100 pounds. Later, Jeremy comes to Diana with a rather untraditional p ...more

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Nov 10, 2020 Nadia rated it it was ok

Okay so I’m first going to state that everyone who loves historical romance will like this book. Those who do please read the book and ignore my review.
I used to love historical romance but I can safely state that I’m not a big fan of it anymore. The problem was that the story was tedious at times. It took me a long time to finish. I was so happy to be done. I feel bad stating that but it’s true. Sorry to the author! The main character of Diana grated on my nerves. I thought she was a horrible ...more

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Jul 03, 2020 dina marked it as to-read

Shelves: historical-fiction-romance

I absolutely loved James and Violet's book so I'm excited for Jeremy and Diana since the breadcrumbs we had in to have or to hoax......the flavour is there i can see it ...more

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Feb 19, 2021 Sophie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021-new-releases-challenge, 5-stars, read-wishlist, read-in-2021, 2021-releases, arcs-read

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via Edelweiss. This in no way impacted on my view.

In To Love and to Loathe, we follow the he widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham, as they come to terms with the fact that their animosity for each other might not actually be hatred after all. For Diana, she lost her parents at an early age, and though her brother inherited the title, they were left in the care of an aunt and uncle and made to understand how much of I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via Edelweiss. This in no way impacted on my view.

In To Love and to Loathe, we follow the he widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham, as they come to terms with the fact that their animosity for each other might not actually be hatred after all. For Diana, she lost her parents at an early age, and though her brother inherited the title, they were left in the care of an aunt and uncle and made to understand how much of a burden they were. She knew that she needed to marry, and marry well, in her first season, so Diana was very forceful in her aim. She'd always had a sort of love hate relationship with Jeremy, a friend of her brother's, but when he ridiculed her at a ball during her first season, and even jokingly offered to marry her, this turned into a full blown hatred. Now widowed, she's on the look out for a lover, and when Jeremy offers to be that lover, she's in shock. In the years since he inherited his destitute title, Jeremy has managed to reclaim his wealth, and his reputation. But, when a jilted lover calls into question his prowess in the bedroom, Jeremy needs some reassurance, and can't think of anyone else to turn to than Diana. As a house party is already planned at Jeremy's estate, Elderwild, they agree to embark on an affair for the duration. But a pre-arranged wager between the two of them that Jeremy would be married by the end of the year has caught the attention of the Dowager Marchioness, who seems to think that her grandson and Diana would be the perfect couple? Can they go ahead with their affair, knowing their history, or will they be left with broken hearts?

Let's just say I loved this book! Hands down, it was even better than the first one, which I adored. Since reading To Have and to Hoax, I wanted to know more about Diana and Jeremy - why were they always at each other's throats? What was the history there? And, by god, did Martha deliver! There is such a chemistry between the characters, that we saw before, but it's utterly undeniable here. Seeing them in their youth, with learning about why Diana needed to marry so much, it really helped us to understand why they were so against each other, even when they were in the same friendship group and always in each other's company. Most of the book takes part in Jeremy's estate, and we see the whole rag tag bunch we met in book 1. James and Violet are in love, and it's slightly nauseous for others to see, but they're happy. There's also Emily and Belfry - who I hope are the heroes of the next book because their story is just getting started. But, Diana and Jeremy were just perfect!

We have the banter between the couple which is so witty and hilarious, as is the attraction there too. Jeremy has the reputation of his father to overcome, and because of that and his gambling debts, he inherited a run down estate, full of debt. He's reformed it all, and managed to become solvent, but not many people know the real him. They think of him as only the roguish rake who always has a mistress, who will never settle down, and is a bit of a joke. He knows he will need to marry at some point, but only when he's ready to and with someone he can trust, and perhaps even love. Because of his and Diana's wager - £100 on whether he'll be married or not - his grandmother's machinations has her throwing both Diana herself, and Lady Helen Rothsmere, at him at every turn. Lady Helen is known across the ton for being so completely focused on marriage, that it's starting to become scary, and Diana thinks it'll be funny to help push things along too - until it's not so funny anymore. I loved how Diana and Jeremy may have started out 'hating' each other, but while spending time together, they grow closer than they've been with anyone before, and talking about things they've never felt they could tell anyone else. What started out as a 'frenemies with benefits' type deal, soon becomes something that neither think they'll be able to get over, and both start to think that they might just be able to face the idea of marriage/re-marriage, after all. The intimacy of it all was utter perfection, and I couldn't put the book down until I learnt if Diana and Jeremy managed to get their happy ending. I love Martha's books, and characters, and can't wait for her next! ...more

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Nov 01, 2020 Online Eccentric Librarian rated it liked it

Shelves: historical, arc, romance

More reviews at the Online Eccentric Librarian http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

Enemies-to-lovers can be fun, especially if written in a witty manner with sparkling dialogue and heartfelt characters (as with Pride and Prejudice). And although the writing here with To love and To Loathe is fine, I found I didn't get invested in the plot at all. It lacked the likeable characters of Pride and Prejudice while also missing the bite and lessons of the repartee in Dangerous Liaisons. Several scenes just More reviews at the Online Eccentric Librarian http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

Enemies-to-lovers can be fun, especially if written in a witty manner with sparkling dialogue and heartfelt characters (as with Pride and Prejudice). And although the writing here with To love and To Loathe is fine, I found I didn't get invested in the plot at all. It lacked the likeable characters of Pride and Prejudice while also missing the bite and lessons of the repartee in Dangerous Liaisons. Several scenes just dragged while also feeling very anachronistic. There was a marked lack of subtlety in everything.

Story: Diana had one goal in life: secure a financially advantageous marriage, hopefully with an elderly man who will depart life soon after. This accomplished, she is now a bored widow looking for a bit of bed play. Her childhood friend Jeremy (Marquess of Willingham) is a jaded gambler, womanizer, and unfortunately low on money (making him always a poor marriage choice). But the two have had always had a quirky friendship and now Jeremy comes knocking on Diana's door for a bit more. She's intrigued - but does she take him up on the offer to make her his mistress (and thus create the 'calling card' that Diana is available for various lovers)?

As you can see, this is not your traditional 'young virginal nubile' protagonist. The 'rake' as a lover that will be transformed by the relationship/love is old but where else can the author go from here? Both characters are shallow, selfish, and self-centered - neither really cares what the other wants. So this feels more like a love letter to 1980s Reagan era than a Regency 'romance'.

The bon mots and witty repartee are ok here: there are some good quips/comebacks but they began to feel mean spirited at some point (since the characters were so self-obsessed). Add in scenes where Diana will randomly throw a drink at the face of Jeremy just as a power play, and I didn't find enough amusing or interesting to want to really stay with the story.

The plot does plod in places, especially considering I had a hard time caring about either of these selfish people. For witty repartee to work, I'd need more show than tell and more pathos and heart with the characters: the ruthlessness of Dangerous Liaisons verbal sparring or the warmth and charm of misunderstanding as in Pride and Prejudice. With this novel, we just had two disagreeable people looking to get their own selfish objectives realized. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher. ...more

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Oct 31, 2020 Living My Best Book Life rated it really liked it

To Love and to Loathe is an enemies to lovers regency romance filled with witty banter. Martha Waters' characters are complex and clever never leaving a dull moment in the read.

The story centers around Diana, Lady Templeton, and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham. To say that they don't get along would be an understatement. They have always pushed each other's buttons and enjoy seeing the other squirm. So, no one expected them to ever be cordial let alone enter into a 'friends with benefits' type o ...more

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Jan 16, 2021 Shay | Books Are Magic Too rated it it was amazing

Shelves: digital-copy, on-my-shelves, arcs, 2021-reads

I was SO excited to get to read this book - with an eye-catching illustrated cover & an adorable play on words title, this one was a must-read for me!

While normally I’m a stickler for reading books in a series in order, I was so excited to read this one after winning a paperback copy thanks to @bibliolifestyle that I went ahead and devoured it in pretty much one sitting, with no regrets.

I adored this delectable Regency-era romance that gave me the strong female character in English high societ ...more

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