Books Like...
To Have and To Hoax by Martha Waters is a Regency romantic comedy novel that follows Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley, a couple who fell in love five years ago but have been estranged for the past four years due to a misunderstanding. Determined to end their stalemate, Lady Violet devises a plan involving pretending to be ill, leading to a series of miscommunications, missteps, and hilarious schemes in attempts to rekindle their romance. The book is filled with witty banter, charming characters, and a plot that explores the complexities of marriage and trust in a lighthearted and fun manner.
To Love and To Loathe is definitely the better book with lovely secondary characters, well-written love scenes, and a story about two people in love who have lost trust in each other but need to find their way back through hilarious tricks and schemes. The writing style is described as fun, sharp, and sassy, capturing the verbal jousting of polite society in the Regency period. The book offers a refreshing take on a married couple's relationship post-Happily Ever After, with an exciting cast of supporting characters that add depth to the story.
If you liked To Have and to Hoax, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas is a Victorian romance novel that delves into the unusual and controversial plotline of a married aristocratic couple, Lord and Lady Tremaine, estranged for ten years after their marriage. The story unfolds by shifting between 1882, the year they meet and marry, and 1893, the year they reunite to produce an heir before seeking a divorce. The book intricately weaves together past and present events, revealing the complexities of their relationship, the reasons for their estrangement, and the emotional turmoil they experience.
The narrative of Private Arrangements is characterized by deep emotional intensity, complex character dynamics, and a non-linear storytelling approach. Sherry Thomas skillfully crafts a tale of love, betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness, drawing readers into the lives of the protagonists, Gigi and Camden, as they navigate the repercussions of their past actions and strive to find their way back to each other. The book not only explores the romantic relationship between the main characters but also delves into the secondary storyline involving Gigi's mother and her own romantic pursuits, adding depth and richness to the overall narrative.
Happy marriages were considered vulgar, as matrimonial felicity rarely kept longer than a well-boiled pudding. Unhappy marriages were, of course, even more vulgar, on a par with Mrs. Jeffries's specia...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The London Trilogy ) - #2
Save:Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage delves into the tumultuous relationship between Lady Isabella and Lord Mac Mackenzie. Their impulsive marriage following a scandalous debut ball leads to years of separation, fueled by Mac's alcoholism and disappearing acts. The book explores themes of second chances, reconciliation, and trust-building, all set against the backdrop of a mystery involving forged paintings and an imposter.
All of London was amazed to learn of the sudden marriage of Lady I—S—and Lord M—M—, brother of the Duke of K—,last evening. The lady in question had her Come-Out and her Wedding the same night, leadin...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series MacKenzies & McBrides ) - #3
Save:'The Day of the Duchess' by Sarah MacLean is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Seraphina, Duchess of Haven, who returns from exile demanding a divorce from her husband, Malcolm, Duke of Haven. The book delves into their tumultuous relationship, filled with regret, anger, guilt, and shattered dreams, as they navigate the past and present to find a way forward. The plot intricately weaves together themes of second chances, love, heartbreak, and redemption, while exploring the complexities of a marriage marred by lies and betrayal.
The writing style in 'The Day of the Duchess' is described as emotionally impactful and beautifully written, with a narrative that interweaves past and present to reveal the depth of the characters' emotions and struggles. The book is praised for its exploration of forgiveness, acceptance, and the possibility of building a future together despite a troubled past, all set against a backdrop of historical accuracy and well-researched details.
August the nineteenth, 1836. The last day of the parliamentary session, filled with pomp and idle. And lingering memory. He spun the wheel with the six embossed upon it. Five. Four. He took a deep bre... - #4
Save:In "Love Her or Lose Her," Rosie and Dom, a married couple, face challenges in their relationship due to lack of communication and emotional intimacy. Rosie decides to leave Dom, seeking to fulfill her dream of owning a restaurant and longing for a deeper connection. Through therapy and support from friends, Rosie and Dom navigate their troubled marriage, rediscovering their love and commitment to each other. The book explores themes of love languages, second chances, and personal growth, with a focus on the couple's journey towards understanding and supporting each other.
Really, that’s what her name tag should have read, instead of COSMETICS CONSULTANT. In order to fulfill that title, someone would be required to consult her first, right? Problem was, no one ever aske...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hot & Hammered ) - #5
Save:The Bromance Book Club is a heartwarming story about Gavin Scott, a pro baseball player who is on the verge of losing his marriage. After his wife, Thea, kicks him out, Gavin's friends introduce him to a secret book club where they read romance novels to understand women better. Through the book club, Gavin learns valuable lessons that help him reignite the passion in his marriage and save it. The story explores themes of second chance romance, personal growth, and challenging stereotypes about masculinity, all while providing a fast-paced and engaging narrative.
The book delves into the journey of Gavin as he navigates the complexities of relationships, insecurities, and personal growth. With the support of his friends and the insights gained from reading romance novels, Gavin embarks on a mission to understand his wife and himself better. The narrative not only focuses on saving a marriage but also on self-discovery, vulnerability, and the importance of communication in relationships. Through a blend of humor, romance, and emotional depth, the book offers a refreshing take on love, friendship, and personal development.
Which is why he didn’t get up when his best friend and Nashville Legends teammate, Delray Hicks, pounded on the door to his hotel room, a fourth-floor state of depression that reminded him every minut... - #6
Save:Ever After Always by Chloe Liese is the third book in the Bergman Brothers series, focusing on Freya and Aiden's troubled marriage. The story follows the couple as they navigate through a rough patch in their relationship, dealing with poor communication, anxiety, and miscommunication. The book showcases the journey of Freya and Aiden as they work towards healing their marriage, with the support of the Bergman family and themes of love, trust, and personal growth. Chloe Liese's writing style expertly portrays the raw and realistic aspects of a marriage in crisis, with a blend of heartwarming moments and steamy romance.
Some mutual friends threw together a pickup soccer game one balmy summer Sunday and invited us both. I’d played in high school, kept up with a recreational soccer league while I went through undergrad...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bergman Brothers ) - #7
Save:Naomi and Nicholas are engaged but have fallen out of love. Instead of calling off the wedding, they engage in a war of sabotage and pranks to make the other break up. As they navigate this battle, they discover new sides to each other, leading to growth and a rekindling of their relationship. The book explores themes of love, communication, and self-discovery, with a writing style that includes humor, sarcasm, and vivid character descriptions.
What an ugly, crappy day. Rain pelts off the windshield of my coworker’s likewise crappy car, which smells like cold McDonald’s French fries and pine trees. Leon taps his fingertips on the steering wh... - #8
Save:"After I Do" by Taylor Jenkins Reid follows the story of Lauren and Ryan, a married couple who reach a breaking point in their relationship. Struggling with constant bickering, resentment, and a lack of communication, they decide to take a year-long break with no contact to reevaluate their marriage. The book explores themes of self-discovery, individual growth, and the complexities of love and marriage. Through Lauren's journey of reconnecting with her family and exploring her own desires, readers witness a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles and challenges faced in long-term relationships. Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing style weaves together emotional depth, thought-provoking insights, and relatable characters, creating a compelling narrative that delves into the nuances of marriage and the importance of communication and compromise.
“You remember wrong,” I say, my tone clipped and pissed-off. We’ve already been here too long, and I hate the chaos of Dodger Stadium. It’s a warm summer night, so I have that to be thankful for, but ... - #9
Save:In "A Beastly Kind of Earl" by Mia Vincy, the story revolves around Thea Knight, an outcast seeking to restore her reputation by helping her sister elope with the son of a nobleman who ruined her name. The hero, Rafe, the Earl of Luxborough, scarred and reclusive, agrees to a marriage of convenience with Thea, both believing they are outsmarting the other. As they navigate their fake marriage, secrets are revealed, past traumas are confronted, and a slow-burn romance unfolds amidst intricate plotting and counterplotting. The writing style is described as witty, with clever banter between the characters, and a mix of romantic comedy and serious themes such as mental illness and social commentary.
First, mischief must be conducted only for a good cause—and certainly, Thea’s present mischief served no lesser cause than her younger sister’s happiness. For that excellent cause, she had resigned he... - #10
Save:Lady Sophie Talbot, one of the "Soiled S's," finds herself in a scandalous situation after pushing her cheating brother-in-law into a fish pond. Seeking to escape the ton and its strictures, she ends up on an unexpected adventure with Kingscote, the Marquess of Eversley. As they embark on a journey together, full of shenanigans, misunderstandings, and sparkling banter, Sophie and King navigate scandals and hurt from their respective families while discovering unexpected feelings for each other.
Filled with witty banter, outrageous adventures, and dynamic characters, "The Rogue Not Taken" is a light-hearted regency romance that combines humor, romance, and drama. Sarah MacLean's writing style brings to life a story of two misfits who find themselves perfectly suited for each other, despite their imperfections, as they open up to love in unexpected ways.
Perhaps no one would have witnessed the events of the thirteenth of June, the final, legendary garden party of the 1833 season. Perhaps London would have happily packed itself into myriad coaches that...
