To Swoon and to Spar- A Novel by Martha Waters
Product details
Web ID: 16836650Unlikable heroine and boring
In order to regain ownership of his family home in Cornwall from his nasty uncle, Penvale must marry Jane, his uncle’s ward. Penvale is likable, friendly and easy going. His goal for many years was to return to his childhood home with its memories of a happier time with his family. Jane is shy and uncomfortable around strangers. She is obnoxious, irritating and cold supposedly in reaction to feeling awkward. In order to keep her sanctuary away from London and people, she agrees to the marriage. Without caring why Penvale wants to live far from his friends and sister, Jane comes up with a plan to drive Penvale back to London. Since her plan of frightening the nasty uncle with a haunted house was successful, it should work on Pervale. Thankfully Penvale is amused by his wife’s sharp personality or the book would have been unreadable.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
I liked it!
Cute and funny. You definitely don't need to have read the other three books to start with this one in the series.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Regency RomCom
This is another delightfully ridiculous addition to the Regency Vows series. It was fun to see Penvale finally achieve his goal and regain the family estate in Cornwall. He really stepped up in a way he’s never had to with his friends. This book is much more removed from the core friend group than the rest of the series, but I felt that was fitting considering the characters and ambitions of both Penvale and Jane. I thought Jane was great! Yes, she’s a little shy and socially inexperienced, but I loved her ingenuity and commitment to her goals, not to mention her love of novels.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Swoony, Funny, Charming
I swooned when I read this charming, wonderfully executed histfic romance, fourth in the author's Regency Vows series. Martha Waters knows how to capture the heart, make you guffaw, and give you a story with characters you cheer for. And her writing is scrumptious: "And she certainly liked everything about the way he kissed her, with his other hand at the nape of her neck, the warmth of his palm on her bare skin sending sparks coursing up her spine. His fingers slid into the silky mass of her hair, pinned back in a windswept knot, and she heard the faint plink of a hairpin falling to the floor." TO SWOON AND TO SPAR can be read solo, but you will want to read the first three in the series for the thrill of it. Highly recommended for fans of histfic romances with steam, smarts, and heart!
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Such a fun historical romp!
To Swoon and to Spar is a marriage of convenience, not quite enemies to lovers, historical rom-com. I had the best time reading this one. It was my first by Martha Waters, and I look forward to reading more of her work. JANE. I have a feeling she could be an acquired taste for some, but she is a bookish introvert after my own heart. She is extremely shy with a side of undiagnosed social anxiety and has the hardest time conversing with new acquaintances. She has withdrawn to avoid awkward situations, but deep-down desires to connect with others. Despite her shyness, she is a rebel who takes control of her future through unconventional means. PENVALE. He is a determined and thoughtful sweetheart. He cares for Jane, his tenants, and the staff in quiet ways, never looking for recognition. I loved watching him open up and become more aware of his emotions throughout the story. I adored them together. I loved the moments of tenderness and emotional vulnerability as Jane lowers her defenses. Throw in the banter, the tension and the playfulness… SWOON. Things -Top notch banter (also, banter as foreplay and a show of endearment) -Ghosts, maybe -A slow burn (emotionally and physically) Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the free copy for review.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Delightful read for Regency girlies!
To Swoon and to Spar is the fourth installment in the Regency Vows series by Martha Waters, and I think it is my favorite yet. Penvale has been trying to buy back his ancestral home from his uncle, and finally gets the chance to do so - if he marries his uncle's ward, Jane. Seems reasonable enough for practical Penvale, but Jane has her own motives for the match. This book is great for those who like a dash of the gothic with their romcoms. I really enjoyed Jane's POV - I definitely related to her desire to read novels undisturbed by *people* in a gloriously ancient home. The pacing felt a little slow towards the middle while waiting for Penvale's friends to finally visit, but I loved seeing Penvale and Jane gradually find their way to each other over the course of the book.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
A joy to read
Viscount Penvale's uncle finally agrees to sell him the ancestral family home. But there's a catch: Penvale must wed Jane, the uncle's ward. When Penvale meets Jane, they fall deeply in hate—yet a marriage of convenience is the only way for each of them to reach their goals. They come to an agreement and move into the home that the servants claim is haunted. Will their ghost-hunting adventures lead to love? The books in this series get better and better. This one is an all-out romp that kept me laughing from start to finish. It's witty and clever and a pure joy to read. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fun & Unexpected Romance
This was another fun addition to the series. It was hard to imagine who would be the right match for Penvale but Jane is definitely just that and what follows keeps the reader turning pages to see what happens next. What starts as a marriage of convenience for both Penvale and Jane gradually evolves into more. It's a slow process as Jane has trust issues and doesn't want to be dependent on anyone else - especially a man. And of course, Penvale is initially only interested in regaining his family's country estate and marrying Jane is just the means to the end to make that happen. What Penvale doesn't bank on is the haunted nature of the manor. And of course, given his practical nature, he doesn't believe it to actually be true. But what is the source of the hauntings? Will they drive Penvale and Jane apart or bring them closer together? As they spend time together, Penvale finds that uptight and prickly Jane isn't exactly who he thought and Jane learns that Penvale isn't the wastrel she assumed he'd be. They find that they actually enjoy one another's company and find a level of respect for each other. From there, they are able to build upon the delicate foundation of friendship until they realize there Is no point denying the attraction they initially felt weeks before but ignored. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of communication which leads to misunderstandings. Can their new relationship survive turmoil when they are both so insecure and afraid to be completely honest with one another? They will both learn that relationships take work and sacrifice. Overall, a sweet romance with not only some serious topics to deal with but also some comical situations blended in as well. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to read and review it. The opinions contained within are my own.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com