To Have and to Hoax by Martha Waters

Regency romances have always been a genre I’ve enjoyed, but I’ve found them to be great escapism reading during our current COVID-19 crisis.  To Have and to Hoax was a delightful novel full of romance, humor, and unforgettable characters.

At a party during her debut season, Lady Violet Grey is found alone on a balcony with Lord James Audley.  Lord Audley being an honorable man, proposes to her and they are the great love match of the season.  Five years later, the couple is found to be anything but a happy love match.  They had an argument four years earlier and have lived in a cold silence since then.  What was this argument about and what extremes will Violet go to to capture her husband’s attention again?

To Have and to Hoax was very entertaining.  I couldn’t wait to see what scrape Violet and James would get into next to try to outdo each other.  I also loved when they would figure out that they had been had by the other.  It reminded me of a 1930’s screwball comedy in a Regency England setting.  The romance was rather steamy at times and very romantic.  I really loved the overall story of Violet and James coming to terms with the mistakes they had made in the past and figuring out how to make their marriage work in the future.  I also vastly enjoyed the side characters.  I really hope Waters writes another book with these characters as I would love to see what the future has in store for them. 

Favorite Quotes:

“However, bloodshed did have an odd way of spoiling an evening.”

“But as I cannot undo the past, I am merely going to do the best I can in the present.”

Overall, To Have and to Hoax is a delightful comedy and historical regency romance.

Book Source:  Review Copy as part of the Simon & Schuster Blog Tour.  Thank-you!