ROMANCE

To Swoon and To Spar

by Martha Waters
Atria. (The Regency Vows, Bk. 4). Apr. 2023. 336p. ISBN 9781668007907. pap. $17.99. HISTORICAL ROMANCE
COPY ISBN
Viscount Penvale lost his family home, Trethwick Abbey, to his uncle at a young age, but vowed to get it back. Now his uncle is willing to sell, but in exchange Penvale must marry his uncle’s ward, Jane Spencer. Jane adores Trethwick Abbey and agrees to marry Penvale simply so she can stay, but all the while she’s hatching a plan to oust him just as she did his uncle, by manufacturing a haunting. The haunting, however, doesn’t go as planned because Penvale is determined to stay and improve life for his tenants and the local village. Jane eventually realizes Penvale is much more than a privileged aristocrat, and he discovers that her surly demeanor hides shyness and social anxiety. When the two host a house party, all manner of unexpected things happen.
VERDICT The fake-haunting plot sounds like gothic romance, but Waters’s latest “Regency Vows” novel (which follows To Marry and To Meddle) is a romantic comedy through and through. Although the chemistry between Jane and Penvale lacks a certain spark, readers will still be pleased that Jane ultimately decides to make room for Penvale in both Trethwick Abbey and her heart.
Reviewed by Eve Stano , Feb 01, 2023
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

The 7-10 Split: A Romantic Comedy
by Lee, Karmen
FICTION

Out of Office
by Cunningham, A.H.
FICTION

Fake Flame
by Buck, Adele
FICTION

Swap and Smell the Roses: A Romantic Comedy
by Booth, Karen
FICTION

A Novel Love Story
by Poston, Ashley
FICTION

Summer Romance
by Monaghan, Annabel
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?