This is a real marriage of inconvenience.
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 increases, Jane realizes that she might not mind her husband's company so much after all.
Martha's connected series of Regency romcoms are a lot of fun, albeit not too serious. This can be read as part of the series, or as a one off - we're given all the information we need without it being too much.
Penvale is an excellent character, and I empathise a lot with Jane's apparent stiffness and difficulty with people - she isn't rude, just unsure of herself, and she has a great sense of humour once she's loosened up a bit. I'm sorry we didn't get to see more of the friend group, but given the setup it was inevitable really.
This is a fantastic addition to the series - or a wonderful stand alone read - and I really enjoyed it.
To Swoon and to Spar publishes on the 11th of April, 2023, in both the UK and US, using the same cover. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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