To Love and to Loathe: A Novel (2) (The Regency Vows)

Diana, Lady Templeton, and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham, cannot go a single conversation without sniping at one another. The last thing anyone (except, of course, readers familiar with romantic tropes) would expect would be for the two of them to feel any sort of attraction for one another. Jeremy’s grandmother, however, doesn’t seem to see it that way, and she has decided the two of them would make an ideal match for each other.

Complicating matters is the fact that there is a measure of attraction between them. At least, there is enough for them to have made a somewhat scandalous arrangement: Diana will assure Jeremy he is perfectly competent in bed, while Jeremy will discreetly spread the word that Diana is a widow willing to take lovers. Add in a bet that Jeremy will be wed within the year and you have the makings of an utterly delightful mess the moment one person catches feelings.

The narration is at times less subtle than it could be, but overall, the book is a wonderful romp, full of ridiculous fun and utterly charming characters. This was my introduction to Martha Waters’ work, but it certainly won’t be the last of hers that I read.