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Martha Waters, I believe, may have a direct line to my brain. In her debut novel, To Have and to Hoax, Waters managed to pluck out my favorite features of a Jane Austen-style regency novel, twist the humor just slightly to give it more of a laugh-out-loud effect, and add one of the sexiest couples I’ve had the pleasure of reading about. It is exactly what I needed right now and she provided it with hilarity and charm in abundance.

Most romance novels begin with a couple falling in love for the first time. In To Have and to Hoax, we meet James and Violet doing just that before being whisked away to five years after their wedding when things aren’t so rosy between the couple. A hilarious rivalry ensues between the couple as their flame is rekindled, their past hurts lingering under the surface.

Their little rivalry—seen from both points of view—is so much fun. I adored their group of friends. The combination of their banter, the fantastically steamy love scenes, and the ridiculousness of regency etiquette made this romantic comedy a delight to get lost in.

The audiobook, in particular, was fantastic. Highly recommend.

I am absolutely sure To Have and to Hoax will be one of my favorite books of the year. It was so much fun.

RATING: 5/5 stars

• Martha Waters’ website
• To Have and to Hoax on Amazon
• To Have and to Hoax on Goodreads