To Have and to Hoax

James and Violet Audley's marriage started with passion and romance before deteriorating into years of silent warfare. After four years of emotional distance, Violet receives news of James suffering an accident at their country estate. What begins as genuine concern transforms into an elaborate game of pretense when Violet discovers James is perfectly fine. The couple embarks on an escalating series of schemes and counter-schemes, each determined to provoke a reaction from the other. Set in Regency-era London, the story follows these estranged spouses through ballrooms, drawing rooms, and society events as they navigate their complicated relationship. Their friends become unwitting participants in their ongoing battle of wits and manufactured drama. The novel examines how pride and poor communication can damage even the strongest connections, while exploring the possibility of second chances in marriage. Waters presents a fresh take on historical romance by focusing on a couple working to repair their relationship rather than just beginning one.

Readers describe this as a light historical rom-com focused on pranks and miscommunication between the main couple. Many note it reads more like modern characters in a Regency setting. Liked: - Quick, entertaining pace - Witty banter and humor - Supporting characters' storylines - Sex-positive approach to the romance Disliked: - Character immaturity and pettiness - Conflicts feel manufactured - Historical accuracy issues - Repetitive internal monologues - "The pranks go on too long" - multiple reviewers As one reader noted: "The premise is fun but the execution drags - they just keep doing the same thing over and over." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (1,300+ ratings) StoryGraph: 3.5/5 (3,800+ ratings) Most common comparison is to The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare, with readers split on which book handles the comedic historical romance better.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Enemies-to-lovers romance unfolds amid Regency society's manners and misunderstandings.

A Rogue of One's Own by Evie Dunmore A suffragist and her longtime rival engage in a battle of wits at a Victorian publishing house.

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon Two public radio colleagues fake a past relationship for their show and discover real feelings.

The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn A chance encounter leads to an accidental kidnapping and romance between a sea captain and a noblewoman.

The Duke Who Didn't by Courtney Milan A Chinese-English duke returns to claim both his title and the woman who believes he abandoned her.

🌟 This is Martha Waters' debut novel, launching her career as a historical romance author after working as a librarian. 📚 The novel is part of a series called "The Regency Vows," which includes three additional books featuring interconnected characters from London's high society. 💌 The story's premise was inspired by the author's fascination with the complex marriage dynamics in Jane Austen's works, particularly the theme of miscommunication between couples. 🎭 The book's plot centers around an elaborate scheme of fake illness, reflecting the Georgian era's preoccupation with "nervous disorders" and fainting spells among the upper class. 👗 The novel is set in 1817 London, during the latter part of the British Regency period (1811-1820), when George III was deemed unfit to rule and his son served as Prince Regent.