Reviews

To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters

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vivianaxmoreno's review against another edition

4.0

"It was part and parcel of her and, at the moment, every part of him wanted every single part of her."

It's been a couple of months, but I'm finally sitting down to hash out why I loved [b:To Love and to Loathe|54303829|To Love and to Loathe (The Regency Vows, #2)|Martha Waters|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616392697l/54303829._SY75_.jpg|84737138] (I mean, firstly, the title itself is perfect, not to mention the cover design.)

This book came at a great time for me—the post-holiday season when I usually crave a warm novel to comfort me and occupy my time. I melted right into this historical romance.

In a classic enemies-to-lovers trope, Martha Waters created this lush, refreshing tale featuring Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham. I personally loved Diana—she's smart, bold, unafraid of others' opinions, but beneath it all, she simmers with a complexity untold as she waltzes through social circles. Simply, she's an icon. I loved that the complexities didn't stop there—Jeremy is also a rich character with multiple layers, which I really appreciate.

The dialogue itself was impeccable. And, I can't forget about the supporting characters, especially Jeremy's grandmother, the Dowager Marchioness of Willingham (another icon for sure). There were a ton of good bits about this book aside from Diana and Jeremy's relationship...you'll just have to read to find out :)

Parting note—although I did not read [b:To Have and to Hoax|52210045|To Have and to Hoax|Martha Waters|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577153989l/52210045._SX50_SY75_.jpg|71426931], I can safely say this book can be read as a standalone, but I will definitely be reading TH&TH for sure!

A very warm thank you to Martha Waters, Atria Books, and NetGalley for this arc :)

andotherworlds's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 // Overall, this was quick and cute.

That being said…
- Discussion of consent and other more modern feminist talking points felt a tad anachronistic
- Jeremy being blond was not the vibe sorry I don’t make the rules bc dark hair supremacy thank you very much

strangerkeira16's review against another edition

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lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

kaitisbooknook's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The dynamic between Jeremy and Fiana had so much potential trial, but the author spent way too much time dragging on schemes that went nowhere and were incredibly repetitive rather than convincing me that these two were in love.

akalexyb's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

mefrias's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Much less steamier than I had hoped given since Diana is characterized as a window that cares little what people think of her and Jeremy a lovable rake but I enjoyed their banter and deeper conversations. All in all, entertaining and quick if you’re looking for substance rather than spice.