To Marry Is Madness

Supposed Scandal #2

by Ashtyn Newbold

Never make a bargain with a madman…no matter how handsome.

Abandoned by her family because of a well-kept secret, Miss Charity Oakley plans to live out her spinsterhood alone in her family's country house. But when her mysterious illness begins to worsen, she wonders just how long she will live at all. When Mr. Sidney Delamar, a presumed madman and mischief-maker finds his way to town, Charity does all she can to avoid him. What she didn’t expect, however, was to find him begging for refuge at her door. Striking a bargain with a madman is a dangerous task, but so is refusing one, especially since Mr. Delamar offers something she desperately needs in return. 

Their seemingly perfect plan is interrupted when Charity is discovered harboring Sidney. With marriage as a daunting solution, Charity must face a difficult decision: Marry a supposed madman and solve the mysteries surrounding Oakley Manor, or maintain her independence but suffer from a ruined reputation. Only madness could cause her to choose the first option. Or, perhaps, love. 

***

To Marry is Madness is a sweet and clean regency romance, and can be read as a sequel to An Unwelcome Suitor by Ashtyn Newbold, or as part of the multi-author Supposed Scandals series. The books in the series can be read in any order.

Her Unsuitable Match by Sally Britton
Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage by Rebecca Connolly
To Marry is Madness by Ashtyn Newbold

Genres: Romance, Regency, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Fiction, Historical

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2022

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the very different story line! This was just a good read. My issue was with the hero. I had a hard time liking him. Their meeting was so odd and I didn't recover. I wish I would have gotten his POV. I think it would have really helped me. There romance was just a little unbelievable too. So some very good and some things that bothered me but overall I liked it:)
Proper romance with no religion.

[Caitlin Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

This was such a fun and light-hearted book that managed to hold depth all the while being a mystery. The reveal at the end definitely caught me by surprise, and I love how the author didn’t make it too obvious who the culprit was so that it spoiled the reveal for me. A clean romance that I thoroughly enjoyed!

[Kristalyne, love.lovely.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may have read ‘To Marry is Madness’ by Ashtyn Newbold in one sitting! This lovely book really pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down! This is book 3 in the Supposed Scandal Series by various authors but is a stand alone novel as well.

Charity Oakley has rumors and gossip swirling all around her. Yes it’s strange that a single lady is staying in her family’s country home all alone. Yes, it’s interesting that she has been rather ill of late. Yes it might be improper that she approaches a handsome complete stranger. What might be even more surprising is that this handsome gentleman has gossip and rumors swirling around him too. Rumors that are just a bit terrifying! When a bargain brings them together, a daring adventure and love story begins! Can they help one another and avoid adding more rumors to their already questionable reputations?

This is an enemies to friends to lovers story with forced proximity sprinkled in. Sidney and Charity are both incredible characters with a suspenseful story full of past secrets, rumors, danger, a mystery to be solved, gossip, a sweet friendship, and a heart melting love story!

🤍I looooved Sidney Delamar! He’s a handsome flirty tease which is the perfect combo to me! He is also so very sweet! Charity is so witty and strong despite her difficult circumstances. I really admire her!
🤍The romantic tension, chemistry, attraction, witty flirty banter and sweet romance were absolutely amazing in this book. Plus the kisses! They will melt you like butter!!! I love these two.
🤍Their meet cute is hilarious and adorable and sweet! You know they are meant to be from that moment!
🤍Memorable moments included raspberry tartlets, a rainstorm, music, certain rules, a waltz and grapes.
🤍I had no idea how this story would work out, but it ends beautifully!!!

This story had a level of mystery and suspense that had me hooked! It was a unique Regency that took me on a wonderful daring adventure that I loved!

Content:
violence,betrayl,sickness,tragedy,deaths

[Rebecca Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Marry is Madness? Yes, please…

This book was insanely awesome. A rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns I kind of saw coming, but not really. I had thoughts in the right directions, yet I was still surprised too. Wonderful romantic moments perfected the story. Although, happy ending and closure, there is one character I would like to know more about. Charles.

[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The marriage of convenience trope actually happened later in the book (unfortunately).

It was more of an arrangement between them prior to that, the MOC happened due to the arrangement. Our girl needed protection from our hero and our hero needed a place to hide. But there was also an attempted murder plot.

Going in, and knowing it was a clean romance, is actually not a big deal for me. I've liked a clean romance recently and it was never a deal breaker when I know it was coming. However, the story itself was kinda stale and... less exciting. The characters were also seemed too perfect at times. There was no exciting conflict happened between them. Nothing that showed their chemistry.

So yeah, it was just okay.

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang! Who knew that Ashtyn Newbold could write a mystery? Color me impressed.

This regency romance has a bit of a gothic vibe to it and once the suspense and intrigue story line picked up, I was hooked! Every time I thought I had it figured out, it would turn out I was wrong - I love it when a mystery makes me work to figure out the whodunit! Loved, loved the romance and chemistry between Sidney and Charity.

I always enjoy books from this other but this one surprised me as it was different from her others but the surprise definitely did not make it any less enjoyable. 4.5 stars and highly recommend!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were certain aspects of this book that I enjoyed (like her illness), but I just didn't connect with either character. I felt like there wasn't enough background shared on either one of them, and there wasn't enough dialogue between the two of them for me to believe that they could have fallen in love so quickly. It was still enjoyable to read, just not captivating.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the cover! Love the mystery! Love the romance!

Wow! This story had a great mystery element to it. I wasn’t expected it to be a suspenseful whodunit. I loved the change of pace from other stories by this author.
Charity was suffering so much from being sick and so isolated from people. She finds an unexpected confidant turned hero. He gives her hope and helps her deal with her illness. I love how they managed to have light moments with laughter despite the seriousness of their problems. Great to read about a couple who worked together so well.
Story is first person voice, only told from Charity’s POV.
Rating: G, clean, for all age readers.

[Stacy-ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5*
Highly entertaining highly involved. The mystery was top tier. I did not expect the culprit to be who it was. I was certain it was one explanation and it wasn't until the end that I was delightfully surprised. I love plots that keep you guessing.

I will say I find Sidney's existence a little flat. He's flirtatious and caring and whatnot, but he seems to exist to make his woman happy and care for her. He seems to want very little for himself. His whole purpose is to serve and that seems like someone's nice fantasy, but not like an actual person which made the romance really cheesy and unrealistic.

But the mystery was *chef's kiss*.

[Eloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen.

Ok that is only partly true but it did remind me of Emily Goes to Exeter. But this is definitely my favorite books by Newbold so far. I loved the mystery plot line. I mean who doesn't love a little regency mystery romance? I do for sure!

**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun! It has romance, mystery, humor, friendship, villains, and more! Get ready to guess along with the main characters as they search for answers and enjoy a sweet love story along the way!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! This book had a Gothic vibe for me with spinster Charity Oakley living in a lonely mansion with only her servants and a person who wants to kill her on the loose.

How Charity meets Silas Delmar was so funny! I wouldn't want to get between her and her jam tartlets. The dedication and consideration Silas shows for Charity was very sweet. He was a wonderful protector and was there for her when she needed him the most.

I thoroughly enjoyed the list of suspects who might be the one who is harming Charity. Some people I had ruled out. However, when Silas and Charity list the reasons why they suspect a certain person, I could see their reasoning. iI made me doubt who I thought it was, and I was engaged all the way to the end.

I highly recommend reading this book. It is the third book in the Supposed Scandal series, but it can be read as a standalone.

[Dezi Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humor, mystery, romance!

This book really had at all. Loved the characters and their relationship. I laughed out loud multiple times. Thought I had it figured out multiple times and still ended up surprised. Perfect book to escape with.

[mikaela (spinebreaker) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok!!! Action romance we love that! It got a little confused/distracted in the middle but Ashtyn rarely disappoints

[Shaylin Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! It had a really unique plot and a bit of a mystery that kept me guessing.
I listened to this on audio and loved it.
Can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been in a terrible reading slump this past month and a half and To Marry is Madness is the book that finally rescued me. I can always count on Ashtyn Newbold to create a well-written, well-crafted, and thoroughly engaging story with beautiful and sweet romance, but this story showed me that she can also write a compelling mystery!

To Marry is Madness contained so many fun elements: light enemies-to-lovers (on the heroine’s part), a unique setup for the characters’ developing relationship (in that the hero soon finds himself hiding in the heroine’s house), and eventually a marriage of convenience, all with an interesting mystery woven throughout. The mystery was engaging without ever overshadowing the romance, and I enjoyed trying to puzzle out the solution alongside watching the characters’ relationship deepen. I often find myself easily guessing the solution to mysteries, but in this instance, I was able to be surprised, which made it all the more enjoyable.

In addition to the fabulous plot Charity and Sidney were wonderful characters. Ashtyn Newbold always creates wonderful characters with depth who develop in beautiful ways throughout the story as they experience a heartwarming romance, all with just the right amount of humor. Charity and Sidney were no exception. Their unique trials and circumstances initially brought them together and it’s their working together to unravel the mystery surrounding Charity’s illness that deepens their relationship. Their story contained delightful banter, fabulous chemistry, and many tender moments; I enjoyed every moment of their deepening romance.

To Marry is Madness was truly the perfect book to pull me out of my reading slump, and is definitely one I’ll not only want to reread, but one which I’ll want a physical copy of for my bookshelf.

[Sabrina Trejo · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did love the previous book in this series, this one didn’t wow me as much. I still enjoyed the mystery and romance, but sometimes the story became a bit unbelievable. I don’t know how to describe it other than it just didn’t fall in love with it, which is strange because I’ve really enjoyed other books by Ashtyn Newbold.
I did like the tension and reading/flirting from Sidney, and the Hope Charity has despite her circumstances. I also liked how helpful and caring Sidney was with Charity, even from the first encounter. And while this book isn’t my favorite, it still has elements I did enjoy and I’m 100% certain others will love it.



Personally, I really only like leaving positive reviews because it has to be so hard for authors to put their work out there for the whole world to judge. Even if I didn’t love a book I would rather share the things I did like instead of leaving a negative review.

[Nan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is just such a mediocre book. Annoying, uneven characters. Stupid and unreasonable plot even by the standard of the genre. Weird motivation for both heroes and villains. Forgettable.

[Caitlyn (delightful.reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashtyn Newbold can write no wrong!

This is the somewhat sequel to An Unwelcome Suitor, there are some cameos of characters from An Unwelcome Suitor and Charity, one of the main characters of To Marry is Madness, was also first introduce in it!

I really loved Charity and Sidney! I loved how this book handled the rumors and mystery surrounding them! The mysteries in this novel were really well done. And there's a to enter a marriage of convenience or to not enter a marriage of convenience plot line, which is a trope I love!

All in all, this is another lovely novel by Ashtyn Newbold!

Many thanks to the author, Ashtyn Newbold, for the digital review copy! All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main characters’ sweet interactions and swoony romance were lovely to read. Forced marriage/marriage of convenience trope is one of my favorites, and this story does an excellent job with it. I especially enjoyed the mystery aspect of the novel. It helped prolong the ending without needing to rely on ‘Misunderstandings’ and ‘Lack of Communication’.

Altogether, I couldn’t put the book down and it made me smile.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! It was mysterious and had some great banter. Some aspects of the storyline I was able to anticipate, but I kept being wrong at every turn with who I thought was guilty. It was written very well, and I had a hard time putting it down. When I did have to put it down, I was thinking of the story and trying to figure out who the guilty party was. It was a definite winner for me, maybe in the top 10 books I've read this year.

[Hope Bragg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this last year, but didn't realize I never counted it or reviewed it. I reread it, and in true ME fashion, I'd already forgotten how the mystery was solved, lol So, here I am finally reviewing it!

This book was a maddeningly delightful romp. Was it sometimes ridiculous? Absolutely. Did I enjoy every sugary second? You better believe it!
If you like a dash of mystery and excitement in your Regency romances (bonus if you like ridiculously flirtatious MCs), then I recommend this fun read!

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I have to comment on how much I love this book's cover.
As far as the story goes, it was really fun to see the author dapple in writing a bit of a mystery. I liked the bit of turmoil the main character was in with the "whodunnit" kind of vibe that kept me turning the pages; it added to the tension, though I would have loved to see a bit more of Sidney and his character's story flushed out more. The ending felt very similar to her first novel Mischief and Manors to me, so it felt like just a different version of her other story and not quite as creative as I have come to expect from the author.
Overall, it was a good read, and one I recommend, though not my favorite from this author.
I received an advancer reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kira (the book belle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still thinking about this 😆
This is madness...the whole book is just so out there different but I couldn't put it down.
Romance and flirting were all so good.

I just keep thinking about the society piece...like... no way this is happening under people's noses.

A mystery, with intrigue, suspense, and walking that society propriety line. Madness is the perfect word.

[benebean]

I spent one of my precious hoopla borrows on this book and hated the protagonist almost from the first words. I'm not sure I can finish it. She's immature, and a self absorbed, entitled person. Honestly it's not even that, that bothers me, it's the tacit tone of approval of her behavior from the author. I get that's she's sick, but speaking as someone who is a good deal sicker than her, that doesn't give you to right to lie to people to get what you want and throw a tantrum because you didn't get your desert you wanted.

[Kamala Besendorfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Ashtyn wonderfully intertwined mystery with the budding romance of Sidney and Charity. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and I will be recommending it to my clean romance-loving friends.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this! And my suspicions were wrong!! I love being surprised.
My complaints: I wish it seemed to be a longer period of time from start to end. It kinda felt rushed. Granted it was a shorter book.
Also those slight innuendos could have been ignored...

[Alda Delicado · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny and original story.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Putting aside my preferences about narration, I absolutely loved the plot and characters in this book

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

A fresh romance with mystery and suspense. Who to trust. Left alone and isolated she must discover who is trying to kill her before they succeed.