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A review by meghan_plethoraofpages
To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters
3.0
To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters
Fun, frothy, delightfully lighthearted. Described as a “regency-era romp” for fans of Bridgerton, featuring rivals/frenemies Jeremy Willingham, the eligible rake of the ton, and Lady Diana Templeton, young widow and fiercely practical in the matters of matrimony. A wager is made that will see the pair spend a lot more time together.
The best part of this book is that not really that much happens. Also, the worst part of the book is that not that much happens. Let me explain.. if you’re in the mood for some banter, an obvious end to the will-they won’t-they storyline and a somewhat swoony romance, you will very much enjoy this. The historical angle that seems cheeky adds to the fun. I loved the meddlesome Grandmama. Overall though, the plot is thin. Which, if you’re in the right mindset to enjoy this for what it is, it’s enjoyable.
On the other hand, the straightforward plot (minus the detour using someone’s sexuality as a plot device..) doesn’t offer a whole lot of depth or intrigue. The background characters all sort of blended together and I couldn’t really tell you much about who West, Audley or Belfry are. This is the second in a series (they act as standalones however) so maybe you care more if you’ve read the first, but most of the dialogue and plot is really between Diana and Jeremy. It’s a very wordy route to a very obvious end-point.
If you open this up knowing exactly what you’re going to get and are stoked for it - I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. But, if you read the description and expect something more or different, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Overall, I liked it! I was in the mood for some levity and the historical twist on the rom-com was fun. Diana and Jeremy’s love story felt believable despite the antics. 3⭐️
Thank you so much to Atria Books and Netgalley for free access to an e-arc of this book. It publishes tomorrow, April 6, 2021!
Fun, frothy, delightfully lighthearted. Described as a “regency-era romp” for fans of Bridgerton, featuring rivals/frenemies Jeremy Willingham, the eligible rake of the ton, and Lady Diana Templeton, young widow and fiercely practical in the matters of matrimony. A wager is made that will see the pair spend a lot more time together.
The best part of this book is that not really that much happens. Also, the worst part of the book is that not that much happens. Let me explain.. if you’re in the mood for some banter, an obvious end to the will-they won’t-they storyline and a somewhat swoony romance, you will very much enjoy this. The historical angle that seems cheeky adds to the fun. I loved the meddlesome Grandmama. Overall though, the plot is thin. Which, if you’re in the right mindset to enjoy this for what it is, it’s enjoyable.
On the other hand, the straightforward plot (minus the detour using someone’s sexuality as a plot device..) doesn’t offer a whole lot of depth or intrigue. The background characters all sort of blended together and I couldn’t really tell you much about who West, Audley or Belfry are. This is the second in a series (they act as standalones however) so maybe you care more if you’ve read the first, but most of the dialogue and plot is really between Diana and Jeremy. It’s a very wordy route to a very obvious end-point.
If you open this up knowing exactly what you’re going to get and are stoked for it - I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. But, if you read the description and expect something more or different, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Overall, I liked it! I was in the mood for some levity and the historical twist on the rom-com was fun. Diana and Jeremy’s love story felt believable despite the antics. 3⭐️
Thank you so much to Atria Books and Netgalley for free access to an e-arc of this book. It publishes tomorrow, April 6, 2021!