To have and to hoax: a novel

Book Cover
Average Rating
Series
Regency vows volume 1
Publisher
Varies, see individual formats and editions
Publication Date
2020.
Language
English

Description

Named a Best Romance of April by Goodreads, Popsugar, Bustle, and more! “A laugh out loud Regency romp—if you loved the Bridgertons, you’ll adore To Have and to Hoax!” —Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author In this fresh and hilarious historical rom-com, an estranged husband and wife in Regency England feign accidents and illness in an attempt to gain attention—and maybe just win each other back in the process.Five years ago, Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley met, fell in love, and got married. Four years ago, they had a fight to end all fights, and have barely spoken since. Their once-passionate love match has been reduced to one of cold, detached politeness. But when Violet receives a letter that James has been thrown from his horse and rendered unconscious at their country estate, she races to be by his side—only to discover him alive and well at a tavern, and completely unaware of her concern. She’s outraged. He’s confused. And the distance between them has never been more apparent. Wanting to teach her estranged husband a lesson, Violet decides to feign an illness of her own. James quickly sees through it, but he decides to play along in an ever-escalating game of manipulation, featuring actors masquerading as doctors, threats of Swiss sanitariums, faux mistresses—and a lot of flirtation between a husband and wife who might not hate each other as much as they thought. Will the two be able to overcome four years of hurt or will they continue to deny the spark between them? With charm, wit, and heart in spades, To Have and to Hoax is a fresh and eminently entertaining romantic comedy—perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory and Julia Quinn.

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Contributors
ISBN
9781982136116
9781982136123
9781797105284

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Also in this Series

  • To have and to hoax: a novel (Regency vows Volume 1) Cover
  • To love and to loathe: a novel (Regency vows Volume 2) Cover
  • To marry and to meddle: a novel (Regency vows Volume 3) Cover
  • To swoon and to spar: a novel (Regency vows Volume 4) Cover
  • To woo and to wed: a novel (Regency vows Volume 5) Cover

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Author Notes

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
The Regency Vows and League of Extraordinary Women series are historical romances with a decidedly modern flavor. The novels star strong, independent women who trade witty banter and smoldering encounters with worthy heroes. -- Halle Carlson
Each of these banter-filled historical fiction romance series follow headstrong, independent heroines unable to deny their attraction to men they are at odds with in either Victorian (Lady) or Regency (Vows) era England. -- Jennie Stevens
These historical romantic comedies feature evenly matched leads whose journey to happily-ever-after is accompanied by witty banter, clever one-upsmanship, and scandalous situations. -- NoveList Contributor
These series have the appeal factors steamy and banter-filled, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "romantic comedies"; the subjects "aristocracy," "marquis and marchionesses," and "engaged people"; and characters that are "likeable characters."
These series have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "social life and customs," "aristocracy," and "sexual attraction."
These series have the appeal factors steamy, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "aristocracy," "sexual attraction," and "british history."
These series have the appeal factors steamy, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "sexual attraction" and "marquis and marchionesses."
These series have the appeal factors steamy and banter-filled, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "romantic comedies"; and the subjects "social life and customs," "sexual attraction," and "marquis and marchionesses."
These series have the appeal factors steamy, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "social life and customs," "aristocracy," and "sexual attraction."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the theme "fake relationship"; the genres "regency romances" and "romantic comedies"; and the subjects "husband and wife," "misunderstanding," and "earls and countesses."
These books have the theme "fake relationship"; the genres "regency romances" and "romantic comedies"; and the subjects "deception," "dukes and duchesses," and "dishonesty."
NoveList recommends "Lady's guide novels" for fans of "Regency vows". Check out the first book in the series.
Though You Deserve Each Other is a contemporary romance and To Have and to Hoax is set in the Regency period, these funny stories star a feuding couple whose harmless pranks rekindle a fading romance. -- Halle Carlson
These books have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "husband and wife," "deception," and "engaged people."
These books have the genres "regency romances" and "romantic comedies"; and the subjects "social life and customs," "dukes and duchesses," and "jilted men."
NoveList recommends "League of extraordinary women novels" for fans of "Regency vows". Check out the first book in the series.
Estranged couples reconnect through the search for a new wife (Duchess) and a series of pranks designed to goad the other (Hoax) in these engaging historical romances. -- Halle Carlson
These books have the genres "regency romances" and "romantic comedies"; and the subject "social life and customs."
These funny, engaging Regency romances both feature men who allow their poor relationships with distant fathers to get in the way of wedded bliss. -- Allie Jackson
Reader looking for funny, romantic, and banter-filled Regency-era romances will enjoy these comedies about miscommunication, misunderstanding, and shenanigans that turn fake relationships into the real thing (Never Fall) and offer characters a second chance at love (To Have). -- Tirzah Price
Romance fans seeking a Regency romp may want to check out these comical, engagingly written novels in which fake identities (Trouble) and fake illnesses (To Have) culminate in real love. -- Basia Wilson

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Evie Dunmore and Martha Waters write funny historical romances with a decidedly modern sensibility. Their independent, determined heroines match wits with equally resolute heroes and sparks fly as they spar. Evie Dunmore's novels are set in the Victorian era, while Martha Waters' take place in the Regency era. -- Halle Carlson
These authors' works have the appeal factors upbeat, and they have the genres "romantic comedies" and "regency romances"; and the subjects "aristocracy," "british history," and "marquis and marchionesses."
These authors' works have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "aristocracy," "marquis and marchionesses," and "marriage."
These authors' works have the appeal factors banter-filled, and they have the genres "romantic comedies" and "regency romances"; and the subjects "aristocracy," "british history," and "marquis and marchionesses."
These authors' works have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "husband and wife," "aristocracy," and "sexual attraction."
These authors' works have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "social life and customs," "aristocracy," and "sexual attraction."
These authors' works have the appeal factors banter-filled, and they have the genres "romantic comedies" and "regency romances"; and the subjects "aristocracy," "marquis and marchionesses," and "earls and countesses."
These authors' works have the appeal factors banter-filled, and they have the genres "romantic comedies" and "regency romances"; and the subjects "aristocracy," "sexual attraction," and "british history."
These authors' works have the appeal factors banter-filled, and they have the genres "romantic comedies" and "regency romances"; and the subjects "aristocracy," "sexual attraction," and "deception."
These authors' works have the appeal factors banter-filled, and they have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "aristocracy," "sexual attraction," and "british history."
These authors' works have the genres "regency romances" and "historical romances"; and the subjects "husband and wife," "aristocracy," and "sexual attraction."
These authors' works have the appeal factors high-drama and banter-filled, and they have the genres "romantic comedies" and "regency romances"; and the subjects "husband and wife," "aristocracy," and "marquis and marchionesses."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

After enjoying one year of wedded happiness, Violet and James Audley have spent the last four years locked in icily polite marital combat. Upon receiving word that James has been seriously injured in a riding accident at their country estate, however, Violet immediately sets out from London to be by his side. After discovering that the reports of James' injuries have been greatly exaggerated, Violet decides that turnabout is fair play, only to discover that fooling her husband--not to mention fooling herself with regards to her real feelings for James--just might be more difficult than she first imagined. Waters' cleverly conceived and brilliantly executed debut is served up with an abundance of cheeky charm and wonderfully wry wit. When it comes to delivering the Regency-set equivalent of a classic 1930s--40s screwball romantic comedy, Waters is on par with filmmakers Billy Wilder and Ernst Lubitsch, but what will really win over romance readers is how beautifully she writes about the important role of trust in a true marriage of minds and hearts.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Waters's debut Regency rom-com delights with hilarious, high-concept romantic schemes that call to mind Shakespeare's comedies. Lady Violet Grey's first meeting with Lord James Audley, second son of a duke, was a comedy of errors. Despite an unlikely start and constant bickering, the pair fell in love and married. The first year was bliss for these sparring hearts, but one argument too many turned their passionate romance sour, and an icy distance has persisted between them for the past four years. They're reunited when Violet learns that James has fallen from his horse in a riding accident. She rushes to his side only to discover him totally fine and seemingly indifferent to her concern. To recapture his attention, Violet enlists her two closest friends to help her fake a health crisis of her own. What follows is a series of riotously funny mishaps, pranks, and misunderstandings as the feuding couple weaponize Regency manners for their own ends. Waters gently lampoons genre tropes without sacrificing genuine feeling. Self-aware and brimming with well-timed epiphanies, this joyful, elegant romp is sure to enchant. Agent: Taylor Haggerty, Root Literary (Apr.)

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Library Journal Review

DEBUT Four years ago, Violet and James Audley had the fight to end all fights, and they've barely spoken since. Once their marriage held passion and romance, now it's filled with coldness and separation. Then Violet receives word that James has fallen from his horse and is gravely ill, and rushing to his side she finds him perfectly healthy. Angered that he dismisses her concern so casually, Violet hatches a scheme to turn the tables on him by pretending to have consumption. Against the advice of everyone she knows--wouldn't talking it out be better?--Violet hires a fake doctor and pretends to be bedridden to trick James into admitting his feelings for her. Naturally, her scheme backfires, and soon both of them are involved in a game of snowballing deception. Amid thorny tropes (big misunderstandings, childish revenge plots), there is enough character growth in both James and Violet to make their reconciliation worth readers' wait. VERDICT Debuter Waters is off to a promising start with a rare historical romantic comedy that is sure to delight fans of either genre. [Previewed in Eve Stano's Romance Preview, "Love for All," LJ 10/19.]--Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

A married couple's long years of feuding come to an end in this romance debut.In her first season, Lady Violet Grey was caught unchaperoned on a balcony with Lord James Audley. Although they only engaged in mild flirting and friendly banter, he immediately offers to marry her rather than see her ruined. The timeline jumps forward five years to a couple in great distress. Even though they were celebrated as a great love match, a year into the marriage they had a bitter fight that neither could forgive or forget. The chilly, uncomfortable silence lasts for four years, only breaking when Violet receives a note informing her that James was knocked unconscious after falling from his horse. She realizes she still loves him and rushes to his bedside, but he's fully recovered by the time she arrives. Furious and convinced he played her for a fool, she decides to fake an illness of her own to show him how it feels. Their friends and family encourage them to talk to each other rather than plot and plan, but they are too afraid to trust each other after all the years of discord. Waters is a gifted writer. She deploys sharp, incisive prose to describe each character's inner world, showing how each is a product of their upbringing and class. James resents being the neglected second son while Violet chafes at the bounds of feminine propriety. It's clear the novel is attempting to create a comedic War of the Roses-style game of one-upmanship, but readers might lose patience as James' and Violet's immature antics drag on. It's difficult to root for characters so committed to nursing their feelings of resentment, animosity, and persecution.Most likely to appeal to readers looking to see just how far the "enemies to lovers" trope can be stretched before it snaps. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* After enjoying one year of wedded happiness, Violet and James Audley have spent the last four years locked in icily polite marital combat. Upon receiving word that James has been seriously injured in a riding accident at their country estate, however, Violet immediately sets out from London to be by his side. After discovering that the reports of James' injuries have been greatly exaggerated, Violet decides that turnabout is fair play, only to discover that fooling her husband—not to mention fooling herself with regards to her real feelings for James—just might be more difficult than she first imagined. Waters' cleverly conceived and brilliantly executed debut is served up with an abundance of cheeky charm and wonderfully wry wit. When it comes to delivering the Regency-set equivalent of a classic 1930s–40s screwball romantic comedy, Waters is on par with filmmakers Billy Wilder and Ernst Lubitsch, but what will really win over romance readers is how beautifully she writes about the important role of trust in a true marriage of minds and hearts. Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.
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Library Journal Reviews

DEBUT Four years ago, Violet and James Audley had the fight to end all fights, and they've barely spoken since. Once their marriage held passion and romance, now it's filled with coldness and separation. Then Violet receives word that James has fallen from his horse and is gravely ill, and rushing to his side she finds him perfectly healthy. Angered that he dismisses her concern so casually, Violet hatches a scheme to turn the tables on him by pretending to have consumption. Against the advice of everyone she knows—wouldn't talking it out be better?—Violet hires a fake doctor and pretends to be bedridden to trick James into admitting his feelings for her. Naturally, her scheme backfires, and soon both of them are involved in a game of snowballing deception. Amid thorny tropes (big misunderstandings, childish revenge plots), there is enough character growth in both James and Violet to make their reconciliation worth readers' wait. VERDICT Debuter Waters is off to a promising start with a rare historical romantic comedy that is sure to delight fans of either genre. [Previewed in Eve Stano's Romance Preview, "Love for All," LJ 10/19.]—Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB

Copyright 2020 Library Journal.

Copyright 2020 Library Journal.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Waters's debut Regency rom-com delights with hilarious, high-concept romantic schemes that call to mind Shakespeare's comedies. Lady Violet Grey's first meeting with Lord James Audley, second son of a duke, was a comedy of errors. Despite an unlikely start and constant bickering, the pair fell in love and married. The first year was bliss for these sparring hearts, but one argument too many turned their passionate romance sour, and an icy distance has persisted between them for the past four years. They're reunited when Violet learns that James has fallen from his horse in a riding accident. She rushes to his side only to discover him totally fine and seemingly indifferent to her concern. To recapture his attention, Violet enlists her two closest friends to help her fake a health crisis of her own. What follows is a series of riotously funny mishaps, pranks, and misunderstandings as the feuding couple weaponize Regency manners for their own ends. Waters gently lampoons genre tropes without sacrificing genuine feeling. Self-aware and brimming with well-timed epiphanies, this joyful, elegant romp is sure to enchant. Agent: Taylor Haggerty, Root Literary (Apr.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly.

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly.
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