I don’t think that it is possible for me to overstate my love for Martha Waters’ books. To Have and To Hoax was one of my favourite books of 2021, and I read 160 of them. (It also is in the exclusive club of being in my collection as an ebook and an audiobook.) And the literary gods are shining down on us, as the sequel hit shelves yesterday. Today’s Book Bite is all about To Love and To Loathe by Marth Waters and why you need to read it! (Hint: If you loved Bridgerton, you need to read this…)
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
To Love and To Loathe, Martha Waters
The widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham are infamous among English high society as much for their sharp-tongued bickering as their flirtation. One evening, an argument at a ball turns into a serious wager: Jeremy will marry within the year or Diana will forfeit one hundred pounds. So 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 the bedroom, Jeremy is looking for reassurance, so he has gone to the only woman he trusts to be totally truthful. He suggests that they embark on a brief affair while at the house party—Jeremy can receive an honest critique of his bedroom skills and widowed Diana 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. With her in the bedroom and Jeremy’s marriage-minded grandmother, the formidable Dowager Marchioness of Willingham, helping to find suitable matches among the eligible ladies at Elderwild, Diana is confident her victory is assured. But while they’re focused on winning wagers, they stand to lose their own hearts.
Why You Need to Read This…
Martha Waters is one of the most talented writers of the last 10 years. Her writing is endearing but also whippersnapper-smart and hilarious- that’s not a common combination. I’ve got to admit, there are few historical romances that have made me laugh out loud, but she manages it several times here. Her banter is absolutely the cream of the crop, and other authors should be taking notes.
I must say, I appreciate that Waters has taken a modern approach to historical romance. If you loved Bridgerton and furiously read all of the Bridgerton novels while waiting for news of a second season, you might have enjoyed them but felt that some plot lines/ characters/ episodes felt a little jarring. Well, Waters certainly handles things with thought and care, including looking at heteronormative biases and the double standards that women faced at the time. It isn’t preachy in any way, but the book lands for me because of her awareness.
If you are a fan of Bridgerton, historical romance, or simply enjoyable books, you need to pick up To Love and To Loathe immediately! (While it is the second in the series, I would say you could read it without having read the first. However, go back and read To Have and To Hoax…)
Sidenote: if you aren’t already, you need to follow Martha on social media. Her book recommendations are AH.MAZING. My wallet doesn’t love how much money has been spent. However, she has introduced me to a good 10-15 books that are all fantastic, and that is priceless.
Is To Love and To Loathe by Martha Waters on your TBR list yet?
Cheers,
The Historian
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