Reviews

3.1 I originally was enjoying this book but honestly the amount of miscommunication was getting ridiculous. I got frustrated half way through as the entire thing could’ve been settled easily. More frustrating was the fact that the MCs’ friends were telling them exactly that. I know it’s supposed to add to the drama and suspense once they’re together again but even THAT took forever. Also I really did not like Diana in this book at all. Not supportive whatsoever. Anyway, since it was the first of the series it does a good job of explaining the background characters. The second book makes more sense now.

mcpham's review

Go to review page

Funny & good writing- characters were too frustratingly immature

rusereviews's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

To Have and to Hoax by Martha Waters is a debut historical romance with comedy elements. I listened to the audiobook, which clocks in at eleven and a half hours and is narrated by Anais Inara Chase and Joel Froomkin. We follow our two characters with third-person points-of-view.

Violet and James quickly met, fell in love, and married five years ago. Four years ago they had a huge fight and have been estranged ever since. What was once a love match has turned into feigned politeness. One day, Violet receives a letter informing her that James was thrown from his horse and fell unconscious at their country estate, so she races to his side the following day only to find him alive and unaware of her concerns. To teach him a lesson, she decides to feign illness herself.

I really dig the writing style of the author. There's a lot of witty banter, some smoking chemistry between the leads, and the humor really worked for me. Additionally, the friend group here on both sides of the couple is pretty great.

These characters felt immature for their age, occasionally acting like spoiled brats. Violet in particular ended up married at eighteen, so perhaps she still needs more time to grow up. James is supposed to be like five years older than her, though, and he still reads pretty young.

Overall, I enjoyed this read and will continue on with the series. I think that some of the pitfalls here might have occurred because it was a debut novel, so I'm excited to read more from Waters as she moves forward in her career.

Tropes in this book include: miscommunication, second chance romance

If you want to see more from me, check out my blog and my bookstagram!

ryemeg's review

Go to review page

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

protestmyboredom's review

Go to review page

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Very cute. I enjoyed their interactions and the resolution satisfied me. Looking forward to reading more about the other characters in the rest of the series.

shelbycc's review

Go to review page

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

More...