ARC Review: “To Have and To Hoax” by Martha Waters

“To Have and To Hoax” by Martha Waters

Publishing Date: April 7, 2020

Genre: Historical, Fiction, Romance

Page Legnth: 367 pages (electronic review edition)

Synopsis:

Five years ago, Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley met, fell in love, and got married. Four years ago, they had a fight to end all fights, and have barely spoken since.

Their once-passionate love match has been reduced to one of cold, detached politeness. But when Violet receives a letter that James has been thrown from his horse and rendered unconscious at their country estate, she races to be by his side—only to discover him alive and well at a tavern, and completely unaware of her concern. She’s outraged. He’s confused. And the distance between them has never been more apparent.

Wanting to teach her estranged husband a lesson, Violet decides to feign an illness of her own. James quickly sees through it, but he decides to play along in an ever-escalating game of manipulation, featuring actors masquerading as doctors, threats of Swiss sanitariums, faux mistresses—and a lot of flirtation between a husband and wife who might not hate each other as much as they thought. Will the two be able to overcome four years of hurt or will they continue to deny the spark between them? (description from Goodreads)

Review:

While I used to avoid Regency Romances in the past I’ve found myself grow more interested in the genre recently. To Have And To Hoax is a regency romance with more modern sensibilities; as the synopsis takes. It almost feels as if the story is set in a historical period but feels like a modern Rom- Com. Its got that cheeky, witty banter that I enjoy in the Regency genre, but it feels a bit more daring.

Our main characters are Violet and Audley, a couple who has fallen out of love. Readers are alluded to the factors that put a strain on their marriage and though the two still care for each other they’ve grown apart. Violet comes up with a scheme to get back her husband which may just ignite the passion in their marriage once again.

Deep down Violet and Audley do love each other, but have trouble expressing to each other that they still are in love. Its hilarious to watch the two go tit-for-tat in a lovers quarrel as they think of petty ways to get back at each other. This along with the general humorous tone throughout the novel makes it such an entertaining read. Each little prank or joke kept me cracking me up.

This novel was very entertaining and it’s a feel good read that I needed during this difficult time that is happening in the world. Violet and Audley’s arguments may be childish, but the beauty of this novel is the lengths they take to win each others love again. Its humorous, fun, and has a cast of vibrant characters that keep the reader in invested in the story.

Final Verdict: