To Swoon and to Spar: A new whipsmart and sweepingly romantic Regency rom-com

To Swoon and to Spar is a historical rom-com by Martha Waters that follows Viscount Penvale and Jane Spencer, who agree to a marriage in name only and return to Trethwick Abbey. Jane enlists her housekeeper for a scheme to make Penvale return to London, but he is not easily scared. As their time together increases, Jane realizes that she might not mind her husband's company so much after all. The book is praised for its witty banter, clever plot, and satisfying addition to the Regency Vows series.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2023
Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

With a refreshingly acerbic sense of wit, Jane Austen might have admired, as well as a plot that gives a clever nod to the screwball spooky delights of Northanger Abbey. Waters proves she is in fine literary fettle as she dexterously delivers another sublimely satisfying addition to her completely charming Regency Vows series. Booklist (starred review) If you love Julia Quinn's Bridgerton, you won't want to miss Martha Waters' ingenious, laugh-out-loud, and sweepingly romantic historical rom-com, To Swoon and to Spar! Praise for Martha Waters: Sweet, sexy, and utterly fun. Emily Henry. Awash with light, witty banter, unadulterated confessions of love, and plenty of steamy, corset-unravelling sex scenes. Kirkus Reviews Meshing the classic Regency theme of defying societal expectations with all the wit and humor of a rom-com. A fun romp full of smiles. Publishers Weekly This is a real marriage of convenience. Viscount Penvale has been working for years to buy his ancestral home, Trethwick Abbey, back from his estranged uncle. So, of course, he's thrilled when his uncle announces that he is finally ready to sell. But with one major caveat: Penvale must marry his uncle's ward, Jane Spencer. When the two meet in London, neither is terribly impressed. Penvale finds Jane headstrong and sharp-tongued. Jane finds Penvale cold and aloof. Nevertheless, they agree to a marriage in name only and return to the estate. Back at Trethwick Abbey, irascible Jane soon enlists her housekeeper for a scheme: they will stage a haunting to make Penvale return to London, leaving Jane in Cornwall to do as she pleases. But Penvale is not as easily scared as his uncle, and, as their time together progresses, he begins to see Jane in a new light. He discovers that beneath her prickly exterior is a woman with a sharp mind, a kind heart, and a sense of humor that rivals his own. As they spend more time together, Penvale and Jane begin to fall in love. But their relationship is not without its challenges. Jane is still determined to marry for love, while Penvale is content with a marriage of convenience. They must navigate the complicated social dynamics of the Regency era, as well as the ghosts that haunt Trethwick Abbey. Will they be able to overcome their differences and find true happiness together? To Swoon and to Spar is a delightful and romantic novel that will transport you back to the golden age of the Regency. Martha Waters' witty writing and charming characters will keep you entertained from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of historical rom-coms or just looking for a fun and engaging read, this book is sure to delight.

Weight: 236g
Dimension: 198 x 128 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035405411