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The Regency Vows #3
To Marry and to Meddle
The Regency Vows series continues with a witty, charming, and joyful novel following a seasoned debutante and a rakish theater owner as they navigate a complicated marriage of convenience.
Lady Emily Turner has been a debutante for six seasons now and should have long settled into a suitable marriage. However, due to her father’s large debts, her only suitor is the persistent and odious owner of her father’s favorite gambling house. Meanwhile, Lord Julian Belfry, the second son of a marquess, has scandalized society as an actor and owner of a theater—the kind of establishment where men take their mistresses, but not their wives. When their lives intersect at a house party, Lord Julian hatches a plan to benefit them both.
With a marriage of convenience, Emily will use her society connections to promote the theater to a more respectable clientele and Julian will take her out from under the shadows of her father’s unsavory associates. But they soon realize they have very different plans for their marriage—Julian wants Emily to remain a society wife, while Emily discovers an interest in the theater. But when a fleeing actress, murderous kitten, and meddlesome friends enter the fray, Emily and Julian will have to confront the fact that their marriage of convenience comes with rather inconvenient feelings.
Lady Emily Turner has been a debutante for six seasons now and should have long settled into a suitable marriage. However, due to her father’s large debts, her only suitor is the persistent and odious owner of her father’s favorite gambling house. Meanwhile, Lord Julian Belfry, the second son of a marquess, has scandalized society as an actor and owner of a theater—the kind of establishment where men take their mistresses, but not their wives. When their lives intersect at a house party, Lord Julian hatches a plan to benefit them both.
With a marriage of convenience, Emily will use her society connections to promote the theater to a more respectable clientele and Julian will take her out from under the shadows of her father’s unsavory associates. But they soon realize they have very different plans for their marriage—Julian wants Emily to remain a society wife, while Emily discovers an interest in the theater. But when a fleeing actress, murderous kitten, and meddlesome friends enter the fray, Emily and Julian will have to confront the fact that their marriage of convenience comes with rather inconvenient feelings.
327 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2022
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18.2k people want to read
About the author
Martha Waters
11 books1,561 followersMartha Waters is the author of To Have and to Hoax and To Love and to Loathe. She was born and raised in sunny South Florida and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. By day, she works as a children's librarian, and loves sundresses, gin cocktails, and traveling. Sign up for her newsletter for periodic book news and reading & travel recs: http://tinyletter.com/marthawaters
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,224 reviews
April 20, 2022
✨To Gag and to GTFO✨
I’m so fricken confused at what this book was trying to accomplish. She had this sterling reputation and they got married to help save his tarnished reputation. The plot sounds unfuckupable right? Pretty simple? Wrong. He didn’t seem to realize that to save his reputation she would actually have to be out in society with him and at his debauched theater. He kept her high on a pristine pedestal so her shiny reputation wouldn’t be dimmed and so her delicate sensibilities wouldn’t be most aggrieved. He was a little BITCH about it.
The running theme was that Julian didn’t treat her like a child and she loved that about him. I call [read: screech] BULLSHIT. That is simply not correct. Treating her like a child is all he did. He was like wow you’re young and innocent but you want to fuck me so you’re NOT a child wow. And then proceeded to not listen to her and treat her like she had no mind of her own. He was condescending and fucking confusing.
As for Emily, she was supposed to grow a backbone somewhere along the way. That was her goal. So imagine my displeasure when the moment it decided to make an appearance was when Julian DARED defend her in front of her heinous parents. She was like WHOA WHOA WAHOO buddy they’re my PARENTS I could NEVER just cut them off and tell them to Argo fuck themselves. They’re horrible to me and you paid off all of their debts and they’re not even grateful and they were going to marry me off to a leech but WOW HOW DARE YOU defend ME to them. Remember, I don’t even LIKE Julian. She lost all my respect.
They fucked once and a half with the door open a CRACK so absolutely not, there was no character development in the bedroom either. It had details but they climaxed together off page and that constitutes closed door in my book. The sex scene felt like a box to check by the author. It was mind numbingly boring. I just simply don’t understand the mothereffingpoint of this book. It was painfully slow at 2.0x speed. Dull doesn’t even begin to describe my experience. The Sex also happened around 50% after there couldn’t have been one thing left for me to care about.
My favorite however was that Emily kept delaying their consummation because of a stray cat that needed to sleep with her at night. It was supposed to be quirky but I gagged. She also decided to stand up to her mother not to defend herself or Julian, but because she was angry the twat didn’t like the cat. I mean go her I guess but also this was supposed to be a romance not an ASPCA commercial. It was supposed to be cheeky but it just missed the point completely.
These characters were so static. They changed not a bit from start to finish. It took absolutely way too long for any semblance of gumption to French kiss Emily and common sense to knock the fuck out of Julian. She was boring and he was an asshole. They ended the book as one very boring asshole. I don’t think they even knew each other by the end of the book, let alone know enough to love each other. The plot needed about five Monsters to pick up the fuckin pace. The tension needed a stiff dose of Viagra. The couple needed a character-building spring break in Cabo.
Overall, the author has said that this book was incredibly hard to write. It’s painfully obvious. This book was also incredibly hard to read. The first half of the book was worthy of about 3.5⭐️a but the second half tanked the motherfuckin ship. I have to laugh the last sentence was closing you out of a desk scene I’m crying lmaooooo. I’m considering the first book a one-off because these last two were unreal. I’ll never go back and reread book one because god I need something good to have come out of this series and I dare not tempt fate with a second pass.
Fusty is the word of the day when trying to sum up this book. Go read The Lady Gets Lucky by Joanna Shupe instead.
⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶/5
*also if you despised the scrimpy mofo that is Diana, buckle up because her personality sprayed all over this book like it was marking her obnoxious territory. She was so overdone.
Also the narrators weren’t great. The man sounded like a pompous squirrel with a mouth full of nuts. She was relatively fine but her guy voice left much to be desired. But maybe that was just Julian.
I also don’t like how she was introduced everywhere as Lady Julian. Fusty, dusty, and tiring.
I’m so fricken confused at what this book was trying to accomplish. She had this sterling reputation and they got married to help save his tarnished reputation. The plot sounds unfuckupable right? Pretty simple? Wrong. He didn’t seem to realize that to save his reputation she would actually have to be out in society with him and at his debauched theater. He kept her high on a pristine pedestal so her shiny reputation wouldn’t be dimmed and so her delicate sensibilities wouldn’t be most aggrieved. He was a little BITCH about it.
The running theme was that Julian didn’t treat her like a child and she loved that about him. I call [read: screech] BULLSHIT. That is simply not correct. Treating her like a child is all he did. He was like wow you’re young and innocent but you want to fuck me so you’re NOT a child wow. And then proceeded to not listen to her and treat her like she had no mind of her own. He was condescending and fucking confusing.
As for Emily, she was supposed to grow a backbone somewhere along the way. That was her goal. So imagine my displeasure when the moment it decided to make an appearance was when Julian DARED defend her in front of her heinous parents. She was like WHOA WHOA WAHOO buddy they’re my PARENTS I could NEVER just cut them off and tell them to Argo fuck themselves. They’re horrible to me and you paid off all of their debts and they’re not even grateful and they were going to marry me off to a leech but WOW HOW DARE YOU defend ME to them. Remember, I don’t even LIKE Julian. She lost all my respect.
They fucked once and a half with the door open a CRACK so absolutely not, there was no character development in the bedroom either. It had details but they climaxed together off page and that constitutes closed door in my book. The sex scene felt like a box to check by the author. It was mind numbingly boring. I just simply don’t understand the mothereffingpoint of this book. It was painfully slow at 2.0x speed. Dull doesn’t even begin to describe my experience. The Sex also happened around 50% after there couldn’t have been one thing left for me to care about.
My favorite however was that Emily kept delaying their consummation because of a stray cat that needed to sleep with her at night. It was supposed to be quirky but I gagged. She also decided to stand up to her mother not to defend herself or Julian, but because she was angry the twat didn’t like the cat. I mean go her I guess but also this was supposed to be a romance not an ASPCA commercial. It was supposed to be cheeky but it just missed the point completely.
These characters were so static. They changed not a bit from start to finish. It took absolutely way too long for any semblance of gumption to French kiss Emily and common sense to knock the fuck out of Julian. She was boring and he was an asshole. They ended the book as one very boring asshole. I don’t think they even knew each other by the end of the book, let alone know enough to love each other. The plot needed about five Monsters to pick up the fuckin pace. The tension needed a stiff dose of Viagra. The couple needed a character-building spring break in Cabo.
Overall, the author has said that this book was incredibly hard to write. It’s painfully obvious. This book was also incredibly hard to read. The first half of the book was worthy of about 3.5⭐️a but the second half tanked the motherfuckin ship. I have to laugh the last sentence was closing you out of a desk scene I’m crying lmaooooo. I’m considering the first book a one-off because these last two were unreal. I’ll never go back and reread book one because god I need something good to have come out of this series and I dare not tempt fate with a second pass.
Fusty is the word of the day when trying to sum up this book. Go read The Lady Gets Lucky by Joanna Shupe instead.
⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶/5
*also if you despised the scrimpy mofo that is Diana, buckle up because her personality sprayed all over this book like it was marking her obnoxious territory. She was so overdone.
Also the narrators weren’t great. The man sounded like a pompous squirrel with a mouth full of nuts. She was relatively fine but her guy voice left much to be desired. But maybe that was just Julian.
I also don’t like how she was introduced everywhere as Lady Julian. Fusty, dusty, and tiring.
March 1, 2022
I think the actual progression of the romance wasn't fully convincing, but damn it, I just really loved these characters! They were both so charming & easy to cheer for, and these books consistently make me laugh... with the world in the state that it is, this is the kind of book I need to just smile & escape for a bit.
July 14, 2022
Hands down my fav of the books released so far!
This is our third visit to this time period and friend group, Emily is the final puzzle piece of the trio of Ladies at the center of this friendship group. She has a pristine reputation despite familial money woes, scandalous brotherly escapades and an unseemly suitor that keeps others somewhat at bay. Julian joined the fringes of the friendship gatherings after being a participant in Violet’s ruse in book1. He is a rakish second son somewhat ostracised from his family and Society due to his decision to become a the owner of a Theater with a questionable reputation that he wishes to redeem.
A marriage of convenience is proposed as they each stand to gain something from this exchange of vows but neither realised just how much they would gain from the arrangement 🤪
Their initial intimate scenes are so well done, perfect balance of sweet and funny....find me with spoiler tagged comments 😆
I enjoyed their interactions and communications, for the most part – of course there could always be more communication for me cos I’m a very greedy wossface, but thankfully there is no glaring miscommunication and the bump(s) in their relationship do not result in a break up…more romcoms like this please!
Work through issues vs breaking up plz!!
I loved seeing the growth in Emily not only during this book but also from the previous instalments, seeing her come into her own and her personality shine as she blossomed the further she got from her parents – eurgh, the less said about them the better to be honest!
Her sense of humour was so on point and I adored how often she would catch Julian off guard and pop him back on his heels as to any preconceived notions he has – not that he is in anyway bad, but y’know how it is. Men, especially period men, get caught up thinking they know best and how this plays out really worked for me.
The theater storyline and Laverre especially was such fun, yes I did read his lines in a French accent in my head…I know I know, I’m a weirdo 🙃
Cecil the 🐱 was also a key player and Julian's insistence on his surnames was priceless.
As always I adored all gatherings of the friendship groups, they are such a win 🤩
I'm very curious to see the next book play out, not the couple I was expecting so going to cross my fingers & toes that there’ll be a book5 with the second chance romance pairing I’ve been pulling for since book1! 🤞
Speaking of...I loved the extra glimpses we got of Sophie in this book, the meal with the legend that is the Dowager Marchioness & discussions of cattle is such a treat 🤣 The waistcoat revelation was equal parts adorbs and cringe, but lolz at the glee Diana took in planning that outfit - I found her personality a little more grating this time around. Emily became such a fav tho, she truly shed the shy walflower'ish personality she had cultivated and I lived for her self discovery and verbal smackdowns when deserved...although I did lowkey wish she or Julian had pushed harder against her parents. What an absolute nuissance they were - jeez! 🙄
The handling of both parental storylines in this contributed to the loss of a star as they mostly felt tacked on/throwaway and didn't really add to the plot in a meaningful way - they are too predictable and resolve too quickly imho
PS - I really wish we got to see the play about the ladies of the ton, it sound like a riot 😈
This is our third visit to this time period and friend group, Emily is the final puzzle piece of the trio of Ladies at the center of this friendship group. She has a pristine reputation despite familial money woes, scandalous brotherly escapades and an unseemly suitor that keeps others somewhat at bay. Julian joined the fringes of the friendship gatherings after being a participant in Violet’s ruse in book1. He is a rakish second son somewhat ostracised from his family and Society due to his decision to become a the owner of a Theater with a questionable reputation that he wishes to redeem.
A marriage of convenience is proposed as they each stand to gain something from this exchange of vows but neither realised just how much they would gain from the arrangement 🤪
Their initial intimate scenes are so well done, perfect balance of sweet and funny....find me with spoiler tagged comments 😆
I enjoyed their interactions and communications, for the most part – of course there could always be more communication for me cos I’m a very greedy wossface, but thankfully there is no glaring miscommunication and the bump(s) in their relationship do not result in a break up…more romcoms like this please!
Work through issues vs breaking up plz!!
I loved seeing the growth in Emily not only during this book but also from the previous instalments, seeing her come into her own and her personality shine as she blossomed the further she got from her parents – eurgh, the less said about them the better to be honest!
Her sense of humour was so on point and I adored how often she would catch Julian off guard and pop him back on his heels as to any preconceived notions he has – not that he is in anyway bad, but y’know how it is. Men, especially period men, get caught up thinking they know best and how this plays out really worked for me.
The theater storyline and Laverre especially was such fun, yes I did read his lines in a French accent in my head…I know I know, I’m a weirdo 🙃
Cecil the 🐱 was also a key player and Julian's insistence on his surnames was priceless.
As always I adored all gatherings of the friendship groups, they are such a win 🤩
I'm very curious to see the next book play out, not the couple I was expecting so going to cross my fingers & toes that there’ll be a book5 with the second chance romance pairing I’ve been pulling for since book1! 🤞
Speaking of...I loved the extra glimpses we got of Sophie in this book, the meal with the legend that is the Dowager Marchioness & discussions of cattle is such a treat 🤣 The waistcoat revelation was equal parts adorbs and cringe, but lolz at the glee Diana took in planning that outfit - I found her personality a little more grating this time around. Emily became such a fav tho, she truly shed the shy walflower'ish personality she had cultivated and I lived for her self discovery and verbal smackdowns when deserved...although I did lowkey wish she or Julian had pushed harder against her parents. What an absolute nuissance they were - jeez! 🙄
The handling of both parental storylines in this contributed to the loss of a star as they mostly felt tacked on/throwaway and didn't really add to the plot in a meaningful way - they are too predictable and resolve too quickly imho
PS - I really wish we got to see the play about the ladies of the ton, it sound like a riot 😈
January 26, 2022
The English countryside in early September was a glorious place. The sun shone. The bees buzzed. The heady scent of wildflowers lingered in the air.
Emily Turner could not think of a more romantic setting for the world’s least romantic marriage proposal.
Julian needs a wife who makes him look respectable to remake his theatre's reputation, Emily needs to get out from under her parents' thumb and away from a skeevy suitor. Marriage sounds like the perfect solution - but being married is more complicated than saying 'I do.'
Regency romances are what started me on the genre of romance in the first place, but I've not tried a lot of new authors over the years. This is my first book by Martha Waters, and though I've not read the first two books in the series, it works well as a standalone.
What I liked most about this book are the leads. Julian is swoon-worthy, if not always the most perceptive, and Emily is a sweetheart trying to figure out who she is when she needn't play the perfect debutante. They have a lot of chemistry, but I also felt that they worked together well in a relationship and respected each other. I was also interested in the familial subplots of the novel. Julian and Emily both have difficult relationships with their parents, but this does not prevent them from trying to improve things.
However, I also had an issue with this book that I can't quite put my finger on. Though I really liked the leads, I did not find the story very compelling. It may be because of the minimal plot, but I've enjoyed plenty of plot-light romances before. It's not that there was not much angst, because I like my romantic leads to be sensible. I think the issue was that the stakes never felt high - I don't need high stakes, but I need to feel that whatever is at risk matters, and unfortunately I didn't get that impression. The rest of the plot felt like window dressing around the central couple. It all felt a little too pat.
Ultimately a mixed bag. I may check out later works by this author.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Emily Turner could not think of a more romantic setting for the world’s least romantic marriage proposal.
Julian needs a wife who makes him look respectable to remake his theatre's reputation, Emily needs to get out from under her parents' thumb and away from a skeevy suitor. Marriage sounds like the perfect solution - but being married is more complicated than saying 'I do.'
Regency romances are what started me on the genre of romance in the first place, but I've not tried a lot of new authors over the years. This is my first book by Martha Waters, and though I've not read the first two books in the series, it works well as a standalone.
What I liked most about this book are the leads. Julian is swoon-worthy, if not always the most perceptive, and Emily is a sweetheart trying to figure out who she is when she needn't play the perfect debutante. They have a lot of chemistry, but I also felt that they worked together well in a relationship and respected each other. I was also interested in the familial subplots of the novel. Julian and Emily both have difficult relationships with their parents, but this does not prevent them from trying to improve things.
However, I also had an issue with this book that I can't quite put my finger on. Though I really liked the leads, I did not find the story very compelling. It may be because of the minimal plot, but I've enjoyed plenty of plot-light romances before. It's not that there was not much angst, because I like my romantic leads to be sensible. I think the issue was that the stakes never felt high - I don't need high stakes, but I need to feel that whatever is at risk matters, and unfortunately I didn't get that impression. The rest of the plot felt like window dressing around the central couple. It all felt a little too pat.
Ultimately a mixed bag. I may check out later works by this author.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
May 15, 2022
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars
This third instalment in Martha Waters’ Regency Vows series is, I think, my favourite so far. It’s a charming marriage-of-convenience romance between two characters we’ve already met – the rakishly charming and somewhat scandalous Lord Julian Belfry and the very proper Lady Emily Turner. It’s a delightful read; the prose flows effortlessly, the characterisation is excellent and the romance is superbly developed;and I especially enjoyed watching the transformation of Lady Emily from a rather reticent young woman into one who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to express it.
Lord Julian Belfry, the second son of the Marquess of Eastvale, purchased a run-down theatre in a fit of youthful impetuousness and has since restored the building and the company, even going so far as to appear on stage himself when the mood takes him. Needless to say, such behaviour is highly shocking in the eyes of the ton, but Julian rather likes that his scandalous reputation prevents matchmaking mamas from throwing their eligible daughters at him. In the book’s prologue, which takes place several years before the story proper, his father, fearing that Julian’s less than pristine reputation will affect his sister’s chances on the marriage mart, orders Julian to sell the place – he’s had his fun, he’s made a tidy profit on his investment, and now it’s time to find an more respectable occupation. Even though a small voice deep inside can’t disagree with the Marquess’ comments about the fact that the Belfry has earned itself a rather sordid name over the past few years, or fail to recognise that his father has been remarkably indulgent with him, Julian nonetheless resents being given an ultimatum – sell the theatre, or be cut off from his family – and he refuses to sell.
Lady Emily Turner is in her sixth season, but unfortunately, her beautiful face and impressive lineage is not enough to compensate for the fact that her dowry is non-existent and her father is rumoured to have racked up massive gambling debts. She leads a stifling existence; her mother has, for years, drummed into her that her behaviour must be beyond reproach, and she knows that her parents are relying on her to prevent the family’s plunging into ruin. But after six years, she has only one real suitor, the somewhat odious Mr. Cartham, the man to whom she believes her father is indebted.
Lady Emily Turner is in her sixth season, but unfortunately, her beautiful face and impressive lineage is not enough to compensate for the fact that her dowry is non-existent and her father is rumoured to have racked up massive gambling debts. She leads a stifling existence; her mother has, for years, drummed into her that her behaviour must be beyond reproach, and she knows that her parents are relying on her to prevent the family’s plunging into ruin. But after six years, she has only one real suitor, the somewhat odious Mr. Cartham, the man to whom she believes her father is indebted.
Emily and Julian met a few months before this story begins, when Emily’s friend and Diana (To Love and to Loathe) took her to a performance at the Belfry. In the months following, an odd friendship has grown between them and Julian has danced with her at balls and escorted her to the odd musicale, but recently, his behaviour has changed somewhat, leading Emily to believe a marriage proposal may be imminent. She’s correct. During Lord Willingham’s house party, Julian asks for Emily’s hand, telling her honestly that he isn’t in love with her, but that a match could be advantageous for both of them. He’s on a mission to clean up the Belfry’s reputation and turn it into somewhere gentlemen might take their wives rather than their mistresses, and wants Emily to use her society connections to promote the theatre to a more respectable clientele. In return, Emily will gain independence from her parents and won’t have to worry about Cartham’s attentions any more – in short, she’ll be free to live a life of her own choosing.
To Marry and to Meddle is smart, fun and sexy, but somehow feels ‘quieter’ than the other two books in the series. I don’t mean that in a negative way, far from it; rather that the barbed banter and games of one-upmanship that characterises those books is absent here, so the focus is more firmly on Julian and Emily learning how to be together, as Emily – with Julian’s help and support – is working out who she wants to be now she’s out from under the restrictions placed upon her by her parents, and Emily is helping Julian to work through the deep-seated anger and resentment he holds towards his father.
The chemistry between the pair is terrific and their romance is very nicely done. Friendship proves a solid basis for marriage; Emily and Julian clearly like each other a lot and they possess a good degree of insight into what makes the other tick. Before they marry, they both agree never to lie to one another – and they don’t, which leaves no room for a Big Mis. (Yay!) Instead, the conflict in the story comes mostly from Julian’s insistence that Emily be the irreproachable society wife she’s been brought up to be, while Emily wants to take an interest in the threatre and to tread a different path to the one previously laid out for her. Julian has become so focused on turning the Belfry into a respectable venue that he fails to see he’s trying to push Emily into a role she doesn’t really want, and that he’s also trying to be someone he’s not – and he stubbornly refuses to admit why.
Emily and Julian are sunny, endearing characters, and I liked them as individuals and a couple. Julian is a sexy hero with a dry sense of humour, who, despite his rakish reputation, is a good, kind man, and Emily is delightfully witty, unaffected and pragmatic.
Among the secondary cast are the couples from the previous books, together with Julian’s brother and sister, who are lovely, and his father, who, I was pleased to note, is not at all the sort of stock-in-trade tyrannical authoritarian who so often appears in romances where a father/son conflict is part of the story. That said, however, Eastvale being essentially decent does make it a bit harder to believe in the reasons behind his and Julian’s estrangement. That’s the only major quibble I have with the book; otherwise, To Marry and to Meddle is a thoroughly entertaining read and one I’m happy to recommend to anyone looking for a lively, character-driven historical romance.
This third instalment in Martha Waters’ Regency Vows series is, I think, my favourite so far. It’s a charming marriage-of-convenience romance between two characters we’ve already met – the rakishly charming and somewhat scandalous Lord Julian Belfry and the very proper Lady Emily Turner. It’s a delightful read; the prose flows effortlessly, the characterisation is excellent and the romance is superbly developed;and I especially enjoyed watching the transformation of Lady Emily from a rather reticent young woman into one who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to express it.
Lord Julian Belfry, the second son of the Marquess of Eastvale, purchased a run-down theatre in a fit of youthful impetuousness and has since restored the building and the company, even going so far as to appear on stage himself when the mood takes him. Needless to say, such behaviour is highly shocking in the eyes of the ton, but Julian rather likes that his scandalous reputation prevents matchmaking mamas from throwing their eligible daughters at him. In the book’s prologue, which takes place several years before the story proper, his father, fearing that Julian’s less than pristine reputation will affect his sister’s chances on the marriage mart, orders Julian to sell the place – he’s had his fun, he’s made a tidy profit on his investment, and now it’s time to find an more respectable occupation. Even though a small voice deep inside can’t disagree with the Marquess’ comments about the fact that the Belfry has earned itself a rather sordid name over the past few years, or fail to recognise that his father has been remarkably indulgent with him, Julian nonetheless resents being given an ultimatum – sell the theatre, or be cut off from his family – and he refuses to sell.
Lady Emily Turner is in her sixth season, but unfortunately, her beautiful face and impressive lineage is not enough to compensate for the fact that her dowry is non-existent and her father is rumoured to have racked up massive gambling debts. She leads a stifling existence; her mother has, for years, drummed into her that her behaviour must be beyond reproach, and she knows that her parents are relying on her to prevent the family’s plunging into ruin. But after six years, she has only one real suitor, the somewhat odious Mr. Cartham, the man to whom she believes her father is indebted.
Lady Emily Turner is in her sixth season, but unfortunately, her beautiful face and impressive lineage is not enough to compensate for the fact that her dowry is non-existent and her father is rumoured to have racked up massive gambling debts. She leads a stifling existence; her mother has, for years, drummed into her that her behaviour must be beyond reproach, and she knows that her parents are relying on her to prevent the family’s plunging into ruin. But after six years, she has only one real suitor, the somewhat odious Mr. Cartham, the man to whom she believes her father is indebted.
Emily and Julian met a few months before this story begins, when Emily’s friend and Diana (To Love and to Loathe) took her to a performance at the Belfry. In the months following, an odd friendship has grown between them and Julian has danced with her at balls and escorted her to the odd musicale, but recently, his behaviour has changed somewhat, leading Emily to believe a marriage proposal may be imminent. She’s correct. During Lord Willingham’s house party, Julian asks for Emily’s hand, telling her honestly that he isn’t in love with her, but that a match could be advantageous for both of them. He’s on a mission to clean up the Belfry’s reputation and turn it into somewhere gentlemen might take their wives rather than their mistresses, and wants Emily to use her society connections to promote the theatre to a more respectable clientele. In return, Emily will gain independence from her parents and won’t have to worry about Cartham’s attentions any more – in short, she’ll be free to live a life of her own choosing.
To Marry and to Meddle is smart, fun and sexy, but somehow feels ‘quieter’ than the other two books in the series. I don’t mean that in a negative way, far from it; rather that the barbed banter and games of one-upmanship that characterises those books is absent here, so the focus is more firmly on Julian and Emily learning how to be together, as Emily – with Julian’s help and support – is working out who she wants to be now she’s out from under the restrictions placed upon her by her parents, and Emily is helping Julian to work through the deep-seated anger and resentment he holds towards his father.
The chemistry between the pair is terrific and their romance is very nicely done. Friendship proves a solid basis for marriage; Emily and Julian clearly like each other a lot and they possess a good degree of insight into what makes the other tick. Before they marry, they both agree never to lie to one another – and they don’t, which leaves no room for a Big Mis. (Yay!) Instead, the conflict in the story comes mostly from Julian’s insistence that Emily be the irreproachable society wife she’s been brought up to be, while Emily wants to take an interest in the threatre and to tread a different path to the one previously laid out for her. Julian has become so focused on turning the Belfry into a respectable venue that he fails to see he’s trying to push Emily into a role she doesn’t really want, and that he’s also trying to be someone he’s not – and he stubbornly refuses to admit why.
Emily and Julian are sunny, endearing characters, and I liked them as individuals and a couple. Julian is a sexy hero with a dry sense of humour, who, despite his rakish reputation, is a good, kind man, and Emily is delightfully witty, unaffected and pragmatic.
Among the secondary cast are the couples from the previous books, together with Julian’s brother and sister, who are lovely, and his father, who, I was pleased to note, is not at all the sort of stock-in-trade tyrannical authoritarian who so often appears in romances where a father/son conflict is part of the story. That said, however, Eastvale being essentially decent does make it a bit harder to believe in the reasons behind his and Julian’s estrangement. That’s the only major quibble I have with the book; otherwise, To Marry and to Meddle is a thoroughly entertaining read and one I’m happy to recommend to anyone looking for a lively, character-driven historical romance.
July 13, 2022
We've been waiting for Emily and Julian's book since reading To Have and to Hoax, and their story didn't disappoint. Julian proposes a marriage of convenience - Emily can escape her family and unwanted suitor, and Julian will gain respectability with Society. Once their hasty marriage takes place, though, Emily wants to change the rules.
The structure of this book is impeccable! Emily has spent most of her adult life placating her demanding family, while Julian has spent his thumbing his nose at his. Through navigating their relationship with each other, they're able to define what they want out of external relationships as well. We continue to love the friend relationships depicted in the series - female friendships are a huge part of the book, and the male friendships are equally representative of the importance of human interaction. OK that sounds a little pretentious, but it's really nice to read romances with actual friendships, not just an isolated couple who support each other against the world!
Honestly the only thing missing from the book was a little more sexual intimacy for our couple. We don't need every book to be super steamy, but since Emily and Julian are deepening their relationship outside of the bedroom, we would have loved to see how it translated into the bedroom, too.
Laine: Julian figures out that he wants something from Emily, and because he's never had feelings before he assumes it's her... reputation? Emily's been repressed by her parents so she is attracted to Julian's lack of rigidity ... outside the bedroom.
Meg: Julian proposes a marriage of convenience to Emily, and since he’s the better choice to help her escape her family than her other suitor, she says yes. (Un?)fortunately the marriage doesn’t end up being very convenient for either one.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
The structure of this book is impeccable! Emily has spent most of her adult life placating her demanding family, while Julian has spent his thumbing his nose at his. Through navigating their relationship with each other, they're able to define what they want out of external relationships as well. We continue to love the friend relationships depicted in the series - female friendships are a huge part of the book, and the male friendships are equally representative of the importance of human interaction. OK that sounds a little pretentious, but it's really nice to read romances with actual friendships, not just an isolated couple who support each other against the world!
Honestly the only thing missing from the book was a little more sexual intimacy for our couple. We don't need every book to be super steamy, but since Emily and Julian are deepening their relationship outside of the bedroom, we would have loved to see how it translated into the bedroom, too.
Laine: Julian figures out that he wants something from Emily, and because he's never had feelings before he assumes it's her... reputation? Emily's been repressed by her parents so she is attracted to Julian's lack of rigidity ... outside the bedroom.
Meg: Julian proposes a marriage of convenience to Emily, and since he’s the better choice to help her escape her family than her other suitor, she says yes. (Un?)fortunately the marriage doesn’t end up being very convenient for either one.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
October 19, 2023
To Marry and to Meddle is really cute sweet story with Jane Austen vibes. Miss Waters certainly knows how to entertain her audience. Her writing is full of wit. The banter is funny. The smutt is polite but enough to elevate the story.
I did enjoy the previous book from her too. I think it was the first book of this series. Sorry, I am tryping this in hurry.
Overall a very cute story.
4 stars
I did enjoy the previous book from her too. I think it was the first book of this series. Sorry, I am tryping this in hurry.
Overall a very cute story.
4 stars
April 9, 2022
4 stars.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a fun and flirty "marriage of convenience" trope regency romance set in England in 1817. It's a quick and easy read that I read in one sitting. The characters pop off the page and the banter between the two actually made me laugh out loud at certain points. I haven't read the two previous books, but that didn't deter me from enjoying this one. The supporting characters rounded out the story well, so I definitely plan to go back and read To Have and to Hoax and To Love and To Loathe.
Lady Emily Turner has been a debutante for six seasons. She should have already been married, but has been forced to endure the presence of an odious suiter that owns the gambling house that holds her father's enormous gambling debts. Lord Julian Belfry, the second son of a marquess, has scandalized society as an actor and owner of a theater—the kind of establishment where men take their mistresses, but not their wives. They both have reasons to escape their current predicament. Emily wants away from her suiter, Julian needs a respectable lady to refurbish his reputation.
This was such a cute book. The writer is very adept at writing flirty banter between the couple which had me laughing and smiling. Emily and Julian's friends were so fun to read and they had a great time teasing the couple, but you could tell they were true friendships with lots of love for each other. If you're looking for a fun, sweet HEA, I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Atria Books. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a fun and flirty "marriage of convenience" trope regency romance set in England in 1817. It's a quick and easy read that I read in one sitting. The characters pop off the page and the banter between the two actually made me laugh out loud at certain points. I haven't read the two previous books, but that didn't deter me from enjoying this one. The supporting characters rounded out the story well, so I definitely plan to go back and read To Have and to Hoax and To Love and To Loathe.
Lady Emily Turner has been a debutante for six seasons. She should have already been married, but has been forced to endure the presence of an odious suiter that owns the gambling house that holds her father's enormous gambling debts. Lord Julian Belfry, the second son of a marquess, has scandalized society as an actor and owner of a theater—the kind of establishment where men take their mistresses, but not their wives. They both have reasons to escape their current predicament. Emily wants away from her suiter, Julian needs a respectable lady to refurbish his reputation.
This was such a cute book. The writer is very adept at writing flirty banter between the couple which had me laughing and smiling. Emily and Julian's friends were so fun to read and they had a great time teasing the couple, but you could tell they were true friendships with lots of love for each other. If you're looking for a fun, sweet HEA, I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Atria Books. All opinions are my own.
January 13, 2022
Wild and wacky, with a smart and sexy spin
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the things I really love about this author's stories is her creativity with the characters. The women are not cast as floundering airheads, but as smart and capable women that can take control and be awesome.
To Marry and to Meddle is a fun, crafty book that brings out the best in these characters. This story is slow to burn but hot and sexy too. I love the premise and these two balance off of each other perfectly. They work, live, and love beautifully together. The wit and bit of wildness is on point and this story is just a delight to read, especially regarding Cecil, that dang cat! Funny
For those that swear they would never read a Regency romance, this is the way Regency is written today. Waters is growing in her craft and having fun with writing which comes across perfectly. She loves her stories and we love to read them. Hopefully there are more to come! Waters is definitely an author to watch!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/to-marry-and...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One of the things I really love about this author's stories is her creativity with the characters. The women are not cast as floundering airheads, but as smart and capable women that can take control and be awesome.
To Marry and to Meddle is a fun, crafty book that brings out the best in these characters. This story is slow to burn but hot and sexy too. I love the premise and these two balance off of each other perfectly. They work, live, and love beautifully together. The wit and bit of wildness is on point and this story is just a delight to read, especially regarding Cecil, that dang cat! Funny
For those that swear they would never read a Regency romance, this is the way Regency is written today. Waters is growing in her craft and having fun with writing which comes across perfectly. She loves her stories and we love to read them. Hopefully there are more to come! Waters is definitely an author to watch!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/to-marry-and...
April 1, 2022
I’ve really enjoyed every book in this series, but there is no denying that this one is my favorite. I was smiling and laughing through it all. The chemistry between Julian and Emily was pure magic. They just flowed together seamlessly. I loved their banter and even their arguments kept me clinging to every word.
While this doesn’t have a lot of steam, there is no doubt that this couple are hot for each other. I’m used to books that have a heavier hand when it comes to smexy times, but this was written in such a way that I never missed the intense steam I’m accustomed to. To clarify, this is steamy, just not explicit.
Both Julian and Emily have things from their past that prompt their current actions and reactions. Watching these characters grow to the point that their eyes were finally opened and they were able to consciously make changes was part of the joy I received from this story.
This has a great pace to it, never lagging or repeating itself. The characters and their circumstances were believable as were the secondary characters that were just as entertaining as the hero and heroine. There isn’t a lot of drama here, this is more about character development and family ties, or lack thereof.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book with my whole heart. Definitely one I could find myself rereading in the future and one that I happily recommend to those who enjoy a lighthearted historical romance .
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
While this doesn’t have a lot of steam, there is no doubt that this couple are hot for each other. I’m used to books that have a heavier hand when it comes to smexy times, but this was written in such a way that I never missed the intense steam I’m accustomed to. To clarify, this is steamy, just not explicit.
Both Julian and Emily have things from their past that prompt their current actions and reactions. Watching these characters grow to the point that their eyes were finally opened and they were able to consciously make changes was part of the joy I received from this story.
This has a great pace to it, never lagging or repeating itself. The characters and their circumstances were believable as were the secondary characters that were just as entertaining as the hero and heroine. There isn’t a lot of drama here, this is more about character development and family ties, or lack thereof.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book with my whole heart. Definitely one I could find myself rereading in the future and one that I happily recommend to those who enjoy a lighthearted historical romance .
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
May 13, 2022
Had me giggling and shit
August 7, 2022
I didn't read the previous two books and though I feel like I missed a lot (would have loved to see Violet faking a illness for two weeks for example), this book gave enough background information that I don't need to go back and read about the previous two couples despite how intriguing their relationships sounded. Emily and Julian were hysterical individually and together. I am always here for a good marriage of convenience story that turns into real feelings (and this book delivered that in spades) and the addition of a tiny kitten named Cecil Lucifer Beelzebub was the true icing on the cake. Honestly, this book just made me happy and was a bright spot in a stressful week so I am giving it four stars for that alone.
April 22, 2024
Weird question to ask now, this being the third book of the saga, but was it normal to take the husbands name back in the regency era?
I don't mean the last name, I know that's a normal thing in some countries, but the name? Lady Emily Belfry would be one thing, but Lady JULIAN??? Help
I don't mean the last name, I know that's a normal thing in some countries, but the name? Lady Emily Belfry would be one thing, but Lady JULIAN??? Help
December 16, 2021
Having read “To Love and to Loathe” and loved it, I thought “To Marry and to Meddle” would be on the same level. So far in this series, they remind me so much of the Bridgertons by Julia Quinn. The story too was a delightful, historical regency rom com that had its hilarious moments. I loved the characters and their roles blended perfectly into the story. I found myself laughing out loud in various scenes in the story because the plot was so uniquely written you couldn’t help but do that. What I loved most was the heroine, Lady Emily and her transformation into a strong and powerful individual. I love the relationship between the hero/heroine as it seemed so believable and not just words on a page…loved the idea of falling in love even though it wasn’t there in the beginning. There was banter, wit and a lot of heat that I so look forward to while reading historical romance. Enjoyed this one more so than the other. Just a fabulous book that was nicely written. Totally recommend the read. Looking forward to reading the first in this series and more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria Books for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria Books for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 20, 2022
❤️❤️
This was so fun and sweet I really enjoyed it ❤️❤️
This was so fun and sweet I really enjoyed it ❤️❤️
April 5, 2022
I wasn't interested in the pairing when they were first introduced in To Love and To Loathe (note: I didn't particularly enjoy that book either) and they proved to be so mind-numbingly boring here.
However, my major qualm with this book is the male lead. Julian married Emily in order to improve society's image of him and his theater, The Belfry. He thought if he could marry a prim and proper woman, the ton would finally look past his and The Belfry's sordid reputation and actually begin to appreciate what his business could offer people (i.e., quality entertainment).
But at many points of the book he just viewed her as a trophy wife. He never listened to any of her opinions regarding how they would convince society even if she believed and expressed them so strongly. He forbade her from actively participating in their ‘plan’ when all she wanted was to be there, to be present (e.g. going to the theater itself, interact with the performers and staffs, learning the know-hows of the theater's operations etc). Instead, she was forced to invite rude ladies over for tea because she was to act as a ‘model of propriety’ and that was basically Julian's vision of it: socializing through tea parties. What a load of crap.
Not only that, but Julian did all this because he has daddy issues. He wanted to gain his father's approval more than anything (but at the expense of his wife's wellbeing???). This immediately went from barely a 50 to 0 to me.
Even Emily's friends subtly told her to fuck what society thinks and just enjoy their marriage as she should.
Preach.
There was literally no reason for Emily to fall in love with Julian. He gave nothing, not even the bare minimum AND he was a remarkably dull husband who held her back and made her miserable. He was even made aware of this at one point but he walked out on her instead of communicating like a grown adult. I would say go get therapy you terrible man! but it wasn't normalized in the 19th century so.
Overall, this book disappointed me so much.
Still, I believe in Martha Waters for reasons I couldn't even explain (maybe I just enjoyed the first book that much?) — the fourth book features yet another character I don't really care much about but the blurb does sound quite interesting so let's see, and hope, that it'll deliver.
actual rating: 1.5 stars
---
The Regency Vows series
#1 To Have and to Hoax 4/5
#2 To Love and to Loathe 2/5
#3 To Marry and to Meddle 1.5/5
However, my major qualm with this book is the male lead. Julian married Emily in order to improve society's image of him and his theater, The Belfry. He thought if he could marry a prim and proper woman, the ton would finally look past his and The Belfry's sordid reputation and actually begin to appreciate what his business could offer people (i.e., quality entertainment).
But at many points of the book he just viewed her as a trophy wife. He never listened to any of her opinions regarding how they would convince society even if she believed and expressed them so strongly. He forbade her from actively participating in their ‘plan’ when all she wanted was to be there, to be present (e.g. going to the theater itself, interact with the performers and staffs, learning the know-hows of the theater's operations etc). Instead, she was forced to invite rude ladies over for tea because she was to act as a ‘model of propriety’ and that was basically Julian's vision of it: socializing through tea parties. What a load of crap.
Not only that, but Julian did all this because he has daddy issues. He wanted to gain his father's approval more than anything (but at the expense of his wife's wellbeing???). This immediately went from barely a 50 to 0 to me.
Even Emily's friends subtly told her to fuck what society thinks and just enjoy their marriage as she should.
“Well,” Violet said slowly, “do you think you would be happier in your marriage if, instead of attempting to craft yourself into the perfect model of respectability, [...] you instead just did as you pleased and enjoyed yourself and your dashing husband?”
Preach.
There was literally no reason for Emily to fall in love with Julian. He gave nothing, not even the bare minimum AND he was a remarkably dull husband who held her back and made her miserable. He was even made aware of this at one point but he walked out on her instead of communicating like a grown adult. I would say go get therapy you terrible man! but it wasn't normalized in the 19th century so.
Overall, this book disappointed me so much.
Still, I believe in Martha Waters for reasons I couldn't even explain (maybe I just enjoyed the first book that much?) — the fourth book features yet another character I don't really care much about but the blurb does sound quite interesting so let's see, and hope, that it'll deliver.
actual rating: 1.5 stars
---
The Regency Vows series
#1 To Have and to Hoax 4/5
#2 To Love and to Loathe 2/5
#3 To Marry and to Meddle 1.5/5
December 8, 2023
I have now read all three books in this series this year, and I can say with absolute certainty that this is the best of the three!
Six seasons in, and debutante Emily Turner is no closer to securing a marriage proposal. Not while her parents keep her under their thumb and force her to go out on the arm of the horrid man holding all of her father's debts. Managing to attend a summer house party without her mother as her chaperone was an incredible. Little did she know it would result in her accepting an offer for a marriage of convenience to Julian Belfry. Julian owns a theatre that is in desperate need of a clientele that doesn't feel safe bringing their mistresses with them, and Emily's above reproach reputation is exactly the thing to help him. But their first mistake was thinking they could get through married life without developing certain feelings for each other. The fools.
There's something to be said about watching an author level up in their craft with each book. It feels almost like a privilege to notice each of Waters stories get better and better. This felt far more realized in terms of plot, characters, and the trope it is building upon than the others, and Martha Waters is fast becoming a favourite in this genre for me. The theatre focus point was a lot of fun, and I loved the role it played in their marriage of convenience. I thought it was well-thought out and very cleverly done. Especially with how it ended.
Emily and Julian are both absolute delights and my absolute favourite set of characters in this series. She is so wonderfully snarky and I'm a little in love with her myself. I don't recall Emily being so droll and unaffected in the past books and it was wonderful for her to have this chance to shine on her own. Julian is a dear. He can pretend to be as rakish as he likes, but he is an admirable character, and those are some of my favourite love interests. The character development for them both in terms of their feelings for each other and their family issues was so well done. Spot-on from start to finish, and so entertaining.
I am curious if that is it for this series, or if there are more stories to be had. From where I stand, there are certainly several possibilities, like West or Penvale, to get their happy ever after. To whom it may concern, I am down to read those!
Six seasons in, and debutante Emily Turner is no closer to securing a marriage proposal. Not while her parents keep her under their thumb and force her to go out on the arm of the horrid man holding all of her father's debts. Managing to attend a summer house party without her mother as her chaperone was an incredible. Little did she know it would result in her accepting an offer for a marriage of convenience to Julian Belfry. Julian owns a theatre that is in desperate need of a clientele that doesn't feel safe bringing their mistresses with them, and Emily's above reproach reputation is exactly the thing to help him. But their first mistake was thinking they could get through married life without developing certain feelings for each other. The fools.
There's something to be said about watching an author level up in their craft with each book. It feels almost like a privilege to notice each of Waters stories get better and better. This felt far more realized in terms of plot, characters, and the trope it is building upon than the others, and Martha Waters is fast becoming a favourite in this genre for me. The theatre focus point was a lot of fun, and I loved the role it played in their marriage of convenience. I thought it was well-thought out and very cleverly done. Especially with how it ended.
Emily and Julian are both absolute delights and my absolute favourite set of characters in this series. She is so wonderfully snarky and I'm a little in love with her myself. I don't recall Emily being so droll and unaffected in the past books and it was wonderful for her to have this chance to shine on her own. Julian is a dear. He can pretend to be as rakish as he likes, but he is an admirable character, and those are some of my favourite love interests. The character development for them both in terms of their feelings for each other and their family issues was so well done. Spot-on from start to finish, and so entertaining.
I am curious if that is it for this series, or if there are more stories to be had. From where I stand, there are certainly several possibilities, like West or Penvale, to get their happy ever after. To whom it may concern, I am down to read those!
May 11, 2022
3.5 Stars - My fave in this series so far!
A fun and light historical romance, perfect for readers looking to enter the genre!
This was so much fun and I adored the banter between Emily and Julian! Watching them accidentally fall in love was ADORABLE and the tender moments between them were very cute! The beginning was strong and gave me DEVIL IN WINTER vibes as we watched them enter into this super quick marriage of convenience.
My only issue was that there were some pacing issues and it just felt like at some points not much was happening. I was also getting frustrated at towards the end because of it felt like Julian’s obsession with the theatre and keeping Emily separate from it were just being dragged out too long.
Otherwise, a great read!
** i read an ARC
A fun and light historical romance, perfect for readers looking to enter the genre!
This was so much fun and I adored the banter between Emily and Julian! Watching them accidentally fall in love was ADORABLE and the tender moments between them were very cute! The beginning was strong and gave me DEVIL IN WINTER vibes as we watched them enter into this super quick marriage of convenience.
My only issue was that there were some pacing issues and it just felt like at some points not much was happening. I was also getting frustrated at towards the end because of it felt like Julian’s obsession with the theatre and keeping Emily separate from it were just being dragged out too long.
Otherwise, a great read!
** i read an ARC
July 2, 2022
TO MARRY AND TO MEDDLE
By Martha Waters
Oh my, do I love a marriage of convenience trope! TO MARRY AND TO MEDDLE is a fun romp of a read that includes scandals, gambling and house parties. With reputations at stake, a creative way to resolve both problems with Emily Turner’s family reputation and Lord Julian Belfy’s scandalous misgivings, a marriage might just save them both.
I love the hilarious situations these characters find themselves in. Though set in Regency, the story felt very modern and timely. The writing was light, fun, and oh so very sexy. The dialogue was perfection, and I really enjoyed how readable the novel was. Reading Martha Waters’ novels always brings a smile to my face and warms my heart. I loved the series.
By Martha Waters
Oh my, do I love a marriage of convenience trope! TO MARRY AND TO MEDDLE is a fun romp of a read that includes scandals, gambling and house parties. With reputations at stake, a creative way to resolve both problems with Emily Turner’s family reputation and Lord Julian Belfy’s scandalous misgivings, a marriage might just save them both.
I love the hilarious situations these characters find themselves in. Though set in Regency, the story felt very modern and timely. The writing was light, fun, and oh so very sexy. The dialogue was perfection, and I really enjoyed how readable the novel was. Reading Martha Waters’ novels always brings a smile to my face and warms my heart. I loved the series.
December 29, 2022
Characters in this series have grown on and I really loved friendship in this book. Main characters from all books are close friends and I would have loved to see even more of that!
This was really decent regency romance and again we got some furious scenes with the ton.
I really loved the writing: it was fun and couple times made me laugh out loud.
Unfortunately the plot wasn't that strong in this book. That made this felt a bit flat and it was a shame.
This was really decent regency romance and again we got some furious scenes with the ton.
I really loved the writing: it was fun and couple times made me laugh out loud.
Unfortunately the plot wasn't that strong in this book. That made this felt a bit flat and it was a shame.
April 11, 2022
I think this is my favorite of the series so far, people too dumb to realize they've fallen in love is a superior romance trope. I am also a big fan of partnership romances and this one delivered on that premise in spades.
December 21, 2024
Funny witty delicious 😋
Loved it well written great characters a precious discovery for me ♥️
Loved it well written great characters a precious discovery for me ♥️
December 15, 2021
To Marry and to Meddle is book 3 in Martha Water’s The Regency Vows series and I’ve had a fun time with this series following 3 gal pals. Each of the books can stand on their own but I do think you’ll miss out on the details that roll in from the previous books. This book starts off at the same house party that in the previous book Diana and Jeremy get together at (To Love and to Loathe) and of course you will see the couples from the previous books in this one.
Lady Emily Turner has had 6 unsuccessful seasons and after spending her entire life being agreeable and not making a stir, she’s about to start a scandal…by marrying the disinherited-scandalous second son of a Marquess, Lord Julian Belfry. Due to her father’s large debts, the only suitor in Emily’s life has been the persistent and odious owner of her father’s favorite gambling house. When Julian overhears what’s going on, he steps in instead to offer up a marriage of convenience with Emily…get her away from the odious gambling house owner and help him gain some prestige for the theater he owns.
I did feel a little dropped into the story and was surprised when at 13% in Julian and Emily were already married. The first half of the book did take me a while to get into, but once they settled back into Julian’s home and started their married life together I was more into it. I liked that Julian loves owning his theater, he took it from nothing and fixed it up into a popular spot frequented by society men. I appreciated that he never wanted to be an idle gentleman of the ton, with no purpose or job. He does have a complicated past with his father, who wanted Julian to sell the theater so it wouldn’t hurt his younger sister’s reputation for her society debut. When Julian wouldn’t, his father disinherits him instead and Julian becomes the “black sheep” of his family. Emily equally has some complications with her family, they molded her into this “perfect” society darling and now that she’s free to be her own person, they still try to have a say in her life and fit her into the box of the person they want her to be. I liked how Emily wanted to be a part of Julian’s daily life and involved in his theater business. The kitten Cecil that they rescue provided some cuteness and humor. I did want more from this read in the end, but it is a light, low-angst historical romance read that I can see others enjoying.
Thank you to the publisher (Atria Books) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & review. To Marry and to Meddle has a release date of April 5, 2022.
Lady Emily Turner has had 6 unsuccessful seasons and after spending her entire life being agreeable and not making a stir, she’s about to start a scandal…by marrying the disinherited-scandalous second son of a Marquess, Lord Julian Belfry. Due to her father’s large debts, the only suitor in Emily’s life has been the persistent and odious owner of her father’s favorite gambling house. When Julian overhears what’s going on, he steps in instead to offer up a marriage of convenience with Emily…get her away from the odious gambling house owner and help him gain some prestige for the theater he owns.
I did feel a little dropped into the story and was surprised when at 13% in Julian and Emily were already married. The first half of the book did take me a while to get into, but once they settled back into Julian’s home and started their married life together I was more into it. I liked that Julian loves owning his theater, he took it from nothing and fixed it up into a popular spot frequented by society men. I appreciated that he never wanted to be an idle gentleman of the ton, with no purpose or job. He does have a complicated past with his father, who wanted Julian to sell the theater so it wouldn’t hurt his younger sister’s reputation for her society debut. When Julian wouldn’t, his father disinherits him instead and Julian becomes the “black sheep” of his family. Emily equally has some complications with her family, they molded her into this “perfect” society darling and now that she’s free to be her own person, they still try to have a say in her life and fit her into the box of the person they want her to be. I liked how Emily wanted to be a part of Julian’s daily life and involved in his theater business. The kitten Cecil that they rescue provided some cuteness and humor. I did want more from this read in the end, but it is a light, low-angst historical romance read that I can see others enjoying.
Thank you to the publisher (Atria Books) for an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts & review. To Marry and to Meddle has a release date of April 5, 2022.
March 26, 2022
Tropes: marriage of convenience, only you get me, forced proximity, wedding night.
I have such a soft spot for this series. If you are looking for a serious/realistic regency romance, this won't be for you, but I ADORE the chaos.
This book follows Lady Emily Turner (a long standing debutant) and theatre-owning second son Lord Julian Belfry as they enter into a marriage of convenience. But of course, their marriage is soon plagued by very inconvenient feelings.
I was slightly disappointed with the romance in this book. It felt like it went from friends to love really suddenly. I did enjoy the way Jeremy stood up for Emily and encouraged her to grow, and I liked Emily's ability to keep Jeremy to his promises. Ultimately, I do feel like they were a good match, but I wish Waters' had shown us a bit more of the romantic feelings than told us.
However, the lack of romantic chemistry is made up for by the other relationships in this book. Emily, Diana and Violet's friendship leads to some heart-warming and hilarious moments. I loved that we got to see Diana and Jeremy's wedding (the waistcoat plot line was impeccable). I cannot wait to read more about these characters in the future!!
If you want a super comforting, funny read, I would recommend picking up this series! The third instalment is released on April 5th.
Thank you to Net Galley, Headline and Martha Waters for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
I have such a soft spot for this series. If you are looking for a serious/realistic regency romance, this won't be for you, but I ADORE the chaos.
This book follows Lady Emily Turner (a long standing debutant) and theatre-owning second son Lord Julian Belfry as they enter into a marriage of convenience. But of course, their marriage is soon plagued by very inconvenient feelings.
I was slightly disappointed with the romance in this book. It felt like it went from friends to love really suddenly. I did enjoy the way Jeremy stood up for Emily and encouraged her to grow, and I liked Emily's ability to keep Jeremy to his promises. Ultimately, I do feel like they were a good match, but I wish Waters' had shown us a bit more of the romantic feelings than told us.
However, the lack of romantic chemistry is made up for by the other relationships in this book. Emily, Diana and Violet's friendship leads to some heart-warming and hilarious moments. I loved that we got to see Diana and Jeremy's wedding (the waistcoat plot line was impeccable). I cannot wait to read more about these characters in the future!!
If you want a super comforting, funny read, I would recommend picking up this series! The third instalment is released on April 5th.
Thank you to Net Galley, Headline and Martha Waters for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
November 27, 2021
Awwww, okay, this book is cute AF.
Something I've noticed (and really appreciate!) about Martha Waters' third book To Marry and to Meddle is just how good her writing has gotten over the course of her career so far. Her banter between characters is great, and I love how Waters' work always messes with deeply entrenched historical romance tropes every time. Plus, Emily and Julian are so sweet!
Martha Waters is also definitely becoming an author I quickly recommend to people who are new to historicals — her characters are fun, her plots are breezy, and her dialogue is smooth like butter. Good stuff.
Content warning: Manipulative parents, family estrangement
Something I've noticed (and really appreciate!) about Martha Waters' third book To Marry and to Meddle is just how good her writing has gotten over the course of her career so far. Her banter between characters is great, and I love how Waters' work always messes with deeply entrenched historical romance tropes every time. Plus, Emily and Julian are so sweet!
Martha Waters is also definitely becoming an author I quickly recommend to people who are new to historicals — her characters are fun, her plots are breezy, and her dialogue is smooth like butter. Good stuff.
Content warning: Manipulative parents, family estrangement
April 6, 2022
boring!!
also, I don't think this author is for me.
three strikes and you are out...
and I don't care about baseball...should have stuck with my football analogy of two fouls...
I digress...
listen let's just say is not for me...
you might enjoy it, who knows...
and still, I 100% hate illustrated covers of historical romances!!!
2.5🌟
also, I don't think this author is for me.
three strikes and you are out...
and I don't care about baseball...should have stuck with my football analogy of two fouls...
I digress...
listen let's just say is not for me...
you might enjoy it, who knows...
and still, I 100% hate illustrated covers of historical romances!!!
2.5🌟
April 4, 2022
Martha Waters' historical romances have been some of my favorites. They are witty, full of humor, and feature lovely relationship dynamics. She's also terrific at giving me tropes I really adore in historical romance. To Marry and to Meddle features a marriage of convenience, which is at the top of my favorite tropes. Julian and Emily's story charmed me and I left the book feeling happy and sappy.
I've really enjoyed all the characters we've met through this series. They have all been endearing and Julian and Emily were no different. Julian Belfry, the second son of a marquess, is considered a scandal in society because he runs a theater. Isn't it wild to think that theater and acting was considered salacious back in the day? He is a goal-oriented man who tries not to let his reputation get in the way, but it's obviously caused some trouble for him. Most significantly, it's damaged his relationship with his father who disowned him when he refused to let go of the theater. It's obvious throughout To Marry and to Meddle that despite their rocky relationship, he does feel deep sorrow and loneliness as he does love his family. Despite how lucrative he has been, something in his life is clearly missing.
At the start of this book, Julian needs to grow his clientele. The only way he thinks he'll be able to welcome a more respectable audience is if he marries a respectable woman. Enter Lady Emily. Emily has been out for six seasons but because of her father's debts, she hasn't found a match. Julian and Emily meet at house party when Julian offers a marriage of convenience: she'll help improve his status in society and he will handle her father's debt.
Emily was a lovely character. She has grown up sheltered and overprotected by her family. She hasn't really had the opportunity to fully be herself as she's been raised to be the perfect debutante. Her marriage to Julian offers her (or so she thinks) the freedom she craves from perfection. Emily is an actual angel and I loved her so much. She may seem meek at first glance, but she possesses a tremendous mettle to her. With the help of her friends, she grows to become confident in what she wants and to openly voice out her desires.
Given the marriage of convenience, the romance between Julian and Emily is a slow-burn one. I love a good slow burn and what I love even more is a book that explores post-marriage dynamics. The two certainly were fond of each other before getting married, but they are still pretty much strangers at the beginning of their relationship. In To Marry and to Meddle, we see them navigate married life. They both only view their relationship as contractual and don't believe love will ever enter the equation - ha! Us romance readers know exactly what that means. ;)
It was a joy seeing them become at first, friends, and have those feelings develop into more. Of course, it's not a straight and narrow journey as they both have to deal with their respective baggages first, but it's one that's heartwarming from start to finish. Julian and Emily respect each other and I was impressed with how mature and communicative they were together. I also loved how they stood up for each other in front of their families. All the swoony content right there!
The Regency Vows series has also been excellent at actually being funny. In this installment, a certain demon kitten, named Cecil Lucifer Beelzebub, brings all the humor. His chaotic shenanigans that leave poor Julian mauled on his wedding night was a highlight for me, especially as Julian kept getting flashbacks to that night. Martha also does friendships really well in this series. I was ecstatic to see Violet and Diana play significant roles in this book. I love these ladies and all their scenes together are a delight.
If I had one minor quibble with this book is that I would have liked for Julian's theater to be more front and center. In particular, I would have liked to see Emily more involved with than she actually was. The theater was one of the draws for me going into the book, especially given how scandalous it supposedly was. I thought it was a missed opportunity.
Martha Waters has written yet another couple who is blissfully easy to root for. If you like your regency romances on the fluffier side, à la Tessa Dare, this series, packed with some of my favorite romance tropes, is for you.
I've really enjoyed all the characters we've met through this series. They have all been endearing and Julian and Emily were no different. Julian Belfry, the second son of a marquess, is considered a scandal in society because he runs a theater. Isn't it wild to think that theater and acting was considered salacious back in the day? He is a goal-oriented man who tries not to let his reputation get in the way, but it's obviously caused some trouble for him. Most significantly, it's damaged his relationship with his father who disowned him when he refused to let go of the theater. It's obvious throughout To Marry and to Meddle that despite their rocky relationship, he does feel deep sorrow and loneliness as he does love his family. Despite how lucrative he has been, something in his life is clearly missing.
At the start of this book, Julian needs to grow his clientele. The only way he thinks he'll be able to welcome a more respectable audience is if he marries a respectable woman. Enter Lady Emily. Emily has been out for six seasons but because of her father's debts, she hasn't found a match. Julian and Emily meet at house party when Julian offers a marriage of convenience: she'll help improve his status in society and he will handle her father's debt.
Emily was a lovely character. She has grown up sheltered and overprotected by her family. She hasn't really had the opportunity to fully be herself as she's been raised to be the perfect debutante. Her marriage to Julian offers her (or so she thinks) the freedom she craves from perfection. Emily is an actual angel and I loved her so much. She may seem meek at first glance, but she possesses a tremendous mettle to her. With the help of her friends, she grows to become confident in what she wants and to openly voice out her desires.
Given the marriage of convenience, the romance between Julian and Emily is a slow-burn one. I love a good slow burn and what I love even more is a book that explores post-marriage dynamics. The two certainly were fond of each other before getting married, but they are still pretty much strangers at the beginning of their relationship. In To Marry and to Meddle, we see them navigate married life. They both only view their relationship as contractual and don't believe love will ever enter the equation - ha! Us romance readers know exactly what that means. ;)
It was a joy seeing them become at first, friends, and have those feelings develop into more. Of course, it's not a straight and narrow journey as they both have to deal with their respective baggages first, but it's one that's heartwarming from start to finish. Julian and Emily respect each other and I was impressed with how mature and communicative they were together. I also loved how they stood up for each other in front of their families. All the swoony content right there!
The Regency Vows series has also been excellent at actually being funny. In this installment, a certain demon kitten, named Cecil Lucifer Beelzebub, brings all the humor. His chaotic shenanigans that leave poor Julian mauled on his wedding night was a highlight for me, especially as Julian kept getting flashbacks to that night. Martha also does friendships really well in this series. I was ecstatic to see Violet and Diana play significant roles in this book. I love these ladies and all their scenes together are a delight.
If I had one minor quibble with this book is that I would have liked for Julian's theater to be more front and center. In particular, I would have liked to see Emily more involved with than she actually was. The theater was one of the draws for me going into the book, especially given how scandalous it supposedly was. I thought it was a missed opportunity.
Martha Waters has written yet another couple who is blissfully easy to root for. If you like your regency romances on the fluffier side, à la Tessa Dare, this series, packed with some of my favorite romance tropes, is for you.
April 6, 2022
On my blog.
Actual rating 3.5
To Marry and to Meddle is a solid romance read. I enjoyed it, without particularly loving it, but I think that’s me, rather than the book.
Because, really, there’s a lot to like here. As with her other books, Martha Waters produces a sweet and funny romance, with characters who leap off the page, characters you root for and want to be together. It’s a whole lot of fun and I couldn’t really say why I didn’t fully love this one. All I can point to is that I’ve read a lot of historical romances since I read (and adored) the first book in this series, and perhaps my tastes have changed since? Who knows.
But.
Here’s why you should ignore me and read it!
Firstly, a romance is only as good as its characters and relationship and both were top-notch here. I especially loved how Emily got to shine on the page, when the previous two books she had been not much more than a bit-part character. She was a sympathetic and witty character and possibly one of my favourite romance mains. She’s complemented too by Julian who, I have to admit, wasn’t my favourite, but he was perfectly readable. Perhaps I’ve just read too many books where the men try force the women into roles they think they should have. So it wasn’t a good look from him, but thankfully he came to his senses.
I also really enjoyed the background characters, and seeing them after their own books (or before, if we’re talking Sophie and West – or at least I hope so). Possibly my favourite part of romance series is getting to see old main characters make appearances on page after their story is over. (Though I will admit I found it very helpful that Martha Waters introduced them all again by their title then an explanation of who exactly they were because I had clean forgot.)
Finally, I appreciated that there wasn’t any miscommunication in this book. Unlike the previous two (granted, the first of those entirely rested on miscommunication, I found in the second, the angst felt contrived because of it). However, it did lend it a lack of tension, towards the end. It only felt like the story was leading to an ‘I love you’, which isn’t necessarily bad, but it meant it lost any suspense it had.
But, if you enjoyed the previous two books in this series, I can guarantee you will also like this one. It has all the hallmarks of Martha Waters’ works and is a perfectly enjoyable read.
Actual rating 3.5
To Marry and to Meddle is a solid romance read. I enjoyed it, without particularly loving it, but I think that’s me, rather than the book.
Because, really, there’s a lot to like here. As with her other books, Martha Waters produces a sweet and funny romance, with characters who leap off the page, characters you root for and want to be together. It’s a whole lot of fun and I couldn’t really say why I didn’t fully love this one. All I can point to is that I’ve read a lot of historical romances since I read (and adored) the first book in this series, and perhaps my tastes have changed since? Who knows.
But.
Here’s why you should ignore me and read it!
Firstly, a romance is only as good as its characters and relationship and both were top-notch here. I especially loved how Emily got to shine on the page, when the previous two books she had been not much more than a bit-part character. She was a sympathetic and witty character and possibly one of my favourite romance mains. She’s complemented too by Julian who, I have to admit, wasn’t my favourite, but he was perfectly readable. Perhaps I’ve just read too many books where the men try force the women into roles they think they should have. So it wasn’t a good look from him, but thankfully he came to his senses.
I also really enjoyed the background characters, and seeing them after their own books (or before, if we’re talking Sophie and West – or at least I hope so). Possibly my favourite part of romance series is getting to see old main characters make appearances on page after their story is over. (Though I will admit I found it very helpful that Martha Waters introduced them all again by their title then an explanation of who exactly they were because I had clean forgot.)
Finally, I appreciated that there wasn’t any miscommunication in this book. Unlike the previous two (granted, the first of those entirely rested on miscommunication, I found in the second, the angst felt contrived because of it). However, it did lend it a lack of tension, towards the end. It only felt like the story was leading to an ‘I love you’, which isn’t necessarily bad, but it meant it lost any suspense it had.
But, if you enjoyed the previous two books in this series, I can guarantee you will also like this one. It has all the hallmarks of Martha Waters’ works and is a perfectly enjoyable read.
May 9, 2023
Прелесть что такое - герои почти все время разумные, конфликт внешний, никаких переживаний,
Сесил Вельзевул Люцифер - лучшее имя для котика.
Сесил Вельзевул Люцифер - лучшее имя для котика.
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