From Waterloo… …to the spotlight of the ton! Days after returning from the battlefields, Seth Sinclair finds himself in a glittering ballroom with one tedious task: finding a wife. He must put aside the military and prove his worth as the new Earl of Dalton. The only problem? Lady Violet Lavell, the one woman he can’t keep his eyes off, who knew him before he went to war. How can he be … can he be worthy of her now he’s become so changed by the horrors of battle…?
The London School for Ladies
Book 1 — How to Tempt a Duke
Book 2 — How to Start a Scandal
“Add danger and mystery to a wonderful romance and you have…the perfect book! The writing, as always, is superb and the characters are complex and robust.” – Flippin’ Pages, Book Blog on How to Tempt a Duke
“5 stars! [Madeline Martin] is a master at plots and complex characters, while I had my assumptions, she surprised me with many twists and turns I never saw coming, and her heroes have so many layers, they are just perfect with their flaws and strength.” — Elodie is Reading, Book Blog on How to Tempt a Duke
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How To Start a Scandal, by Madeline Martin, I found a joy to read. The struggles that our two leading characters, Seth and Violet is both heart wrenching and most could relate to. Madeline told this story and a way that really captured my attention. She gave us the story of Violet and how she struggles with her outer appearance of being a fuller woman. Madeline then gave us the story of Seth, and how he struggles with what we know as to day PTSD, after returning home from the war.
Throw in a eight year old girl and a smoky hair colored cat who wears fashionable bonnets. You will then have a story that will entertain you with giggles, laughter and romance. As a reader, I was able to relate with Violet about what she thought are inadequacies about her outer appearance. Madeline writing shows you as a reader that she took the time to really research this. I really like that Madeline researched and gave us the back story of Seth.
She explained the difficulties that Seth has of socializing with the people around him, after returning home from the war. I love that Seth and Violet found each other. It was clear to the people around them that they needed each other. Having given into their feelings for one another. Seth and Violet were able to actually face the things that plagued their minds.
Being able to talk to one another about the troubles that consumed their thoughts was a great coping mechanism. This gave Seth and Violet the strength to standup to all who took advantage of latching on to their fears to tear them down. I recommend this book my fellow readers. Until next time… read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Violet has been told that she must find a husband or she will be sent to the country to help watch over her sister’s children. Having been put down by her sisters and mother because of her figure, she doesn’t hold out much hope of finding someone to wed. But then Seth, the man that broke her heart, comes back into her life…
Seth wasn’t supposed to become the earl. But now that he has taken up the position after his brother’s death, he must find a wife. When he reacquaints himself with Violet, he thinks that he may have found the woman to make his wife. But she doesn’t seem to think his attention is sincere.
Can Seth convince Violet to take another chance at love?
I loved Violet and Seth’s story!! Both had their issues to work through and they were able to help one another to do so. I just loved watching these two fall in love!
4.25 stars – filled with emotion!
Both of the main character’s are wounded souls. The H from his war experience and trauma and suffers from the aftereffects. The has a mother who constantly made her feel bad about her self.
As the story progresses you realize these two cared for each other 6 years previously. The h thought the H hated her and thought she was lacking. This caused her to make poor choices. The H felt he could never live up to his deceased brother’s aura. We find out the mother of the H didn’t feel about her oldest son as everyone presumed. As all this begins to unfold it where all the twists and revelations begin. The story line picks up at a fast pace until the end.
There is a secondary story of the H’s sister with a friend of his which was sweet and endearing. I enjoyed this as much as the main. Also the niece of the h and her cat were a delight and made me laugh a lot. Also, how the H figured out why the niece acted as she did because he had first hand experience -was touching and sad.
There is a nasty villain and I had mixed emotions when we discover his story – again not is as it appears and even though I didn’t like what he did, I understood his reasons.
There is some hanky panky prior to marriage, and actual lovemaking within – heat level 3.5 out of 5 if that. I didn’t find it vulgar, but this is really a person preference.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and a little spice. I received an advanced copy and all opinions are voluntarily and freely given. (ljb)
Good story about two people who believe they are not worthy of being loved. It was a hard-fought battle for each of them to learn to see the good in themselves.
Violet is a young woman who has a couple of huge secrets that would do her reputation no good if revealed. Her plans for the future do not include a husband because she would have to tell him those secrets. However, after six unsuccessful Seasons, her father gives her an ultimatum: find a husband before the end of this Season, or be sent to her older sister and become a governess to Sophie’s unruly children.
Seth became the earl after the death of his older brother. It meant giving up his commission in the army, which he put off as long as possible. He finally returned home after Waterloo to face the same disapproving attitude from his mother that he had suffered through as a child. Seth is determined to do his best to take care of his responsibilities, including looking for a wife.
Seth and Violet lived next door to each other in London. They were friends as children, with both developing crushes on each other when they were older. Seth promised the first dance of her debut ball to her, but then never showed up, breaking her heart. He left for the war the next day without even saying goodbye.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Seth and Violet. Seth came back from the war a changed man. The thoughtless rebelliousness of his youth was burned away by his experiences during the war. He admits to the mistakes of his past and is determined to make up for them. His first meeting with Violet reveals one of those mistakes. His sincere regret for those actions goes a long way toward mending fences with her. He did not expect his old feelings for her to come rushing back. But Seth is haunted by the events of the war and his feelings of having let his men down. He feels he is broken beyond repair because of the nightmares and flashbacks he experiences.
Violet is wary of her feelings for Seth. She does not fit the current trend of thin women, a fact pointed out to her often by her mother. Violet doesn’t believe him when he calls her beautiful. It takes advice from an unexpected source for her to overcome her mother’s influence and see herself as others see her. She also gets a shock when, in a moment of self-examination, Violet realizes that some of the things she did with the best of intentions were not as helpful as she thought they were.
I liked seeing Seth and Violet spend time together. Neither one expected the sparks that flared between them. At first, he was simply trying to make amends, but he couldn’t ignore the way she made him feel. I loved how he saw her as a beautiful woman and tried to make her see it too. It didn’t take long for Violet to see that Seth had outgrown his rebellious youth and become an honorable man. I loved how their growing feelings helped them trust each other enough to share their painful pasts. I ached for Seth when he experienced flashbacks and loved how Violet was able to break through them. I also hurt for Violet, who made a mistake in her first Season that still haunts her. Seth didn’t react so well to that secret, though he did quickly see his error and fix it. I laughed a little at the accelerating of their relationship, as the sparks between them flared at an awkward time. However, it took an unexpected and dangerous occurrence for them to admit their love to each other. I liked the epilogue, too.
There was a bit of mystery running through the book. Before Seth’s return, the family solicitor absconded with his mother’s jewels. One of Seth’s priorities is to find the thief and reclaim the jewels. There is more to the story than he knows. Unexpected revelations regarding Seth’s brother put a new spin on the theft and precipitate some changes in perceptions. The resolution of the theft provided a few moments of unexpected danger.
The secondary characters added some terrific moments of humor. First and foremost were Violet’s niece Felicity and her cat Hedgehog. The cat was hilarious in its bonnets. Felicity tore at the heartstrings once the reasons behind her misbehavior were revealed. She was sweet and funny and frequently very observant. I liked Seth’s sister Caroline. She obviously loves her brother and wants to help him with whatever is bothering him. She also has a mind of her own and surprises him with a somewhat shocking request. Seth’s friend Lord Rawley was not what I expected, and I both ached and laughed over his problems with a certain lady.
Lady Violet Lavell is well on the her way to being on the shelf. Her father has given her an ultimatum find a husband or be a governess. She has dreams her family do not know of she’s writing for the as The Lady Observer for the paper and earning a simple living on her own. Her next door neighbor Seth Sinclair is returning to Dalton Place the new Earl of Dalton fresh from the war. He soon sees Lady Violet and realizes he’s undeserving of her company, but discovers she’s still unwed and sneaking out at night with a secret of her own. Seth sees it as his duty to protect Violet, but who will protect him from his nightmares and memories of the war. I loved the captivating story of two childhood friends who have both become wounded souls in need of love and saving if they can love and accept each other as they are. An excellent story I voluntarily read and wrote this review.
Series: The London School for Ladies #2
Publication Date: 7/21/20
Number of Pages: 288
This story was a beautiful example of love and acceptance – with an equally lovely epilogue. Both the hero and heroine had self-esteem issues and I love how each learned to accept themselves and each other for who they are. This was, as always with this author, a wonderfully written, perfectly paced story with compelling characters and situations. You just can’t help but love Violet and Seth. Of course, when you throw in a precocious seven-year-old along with a bonnet wearing cat, you just absolutely cannot go wrong.
Lady Violet Lavelle has a secret – a big secret – well, honestly, she has more than one secret and any of them could and would cause a scandal and ruin her reputation. She definitely can not/will not marry because the man would then become privy to those secrets. Besides, according to her mother and sisters, no man would ever want her because she has a larger Rubenesque body rather than the thin waiflike body currently in mode. But then, the unthinkable happens – her father gives her an ultimatum – marry before the end of the season – just weeks away – or be sent to her older sister to act as governess to her four very unruly children. Oh! My!
Seth Sinclair, newly minted Earl of Dalton, didn’t want to leave the battlefield to return home and take up his family duties. As the second son, he wasn’t supposed to be the earl. His parents never appreciated him at home. No matter how hard he tried, he was ignored and his brother got all the praise even though his performances were only mediocre. Why would any man want to live with that at home? But here he is and he’ll do his best to care for his mother and sister – he’ll even find a bride.
Seth and Violet were childhood friends who lived next door to each other in London. When Seth broke her heart at her come-out ball, it seemed her fate was sealed. Seth didn’t mean to break her heart – didn’t even know he’d done it – but broke it, and her, he surely did. When they renewed their acquaintance, she was skittish of him, but a stolen kiss or two later – well …
When Seth left for war the day after Violet’s come-out ball, he never expected to return home nor did he ever expect to see her again. He even dragged his feet about coming home after he learned of his brother’s death, but finally knew he had to return.
I loved Seth and Violet finding each other again and each learning what that last parting meant to each of them. When you throw a villain into the mix – one determined to cause harm to Seth’s family, you end up with a romantic and suspenseful tale. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I definitely recommend it and a fun, romantic, and exciting read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was riveting! I sat down and started it last night and finished it. I couldn’t stop. Madeline Martin does such a good job of researching for her historical romances. I have learned more about the plague, The Battle of Waterloo, and the availability of books from this author. This book finds Lady Violet, a plus size wallflower who isn’t interested in finding a husband. She suffers from low self esteem and carries a torch for her neighbor, Seth. Seth suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Let me start here, I like reading about problems that are relatable. Martin’s characters are wonderfully fleshed out and relatable. The story moves quickly and the problems are all realistic. It was a great read, and I am so excited that I was able to before most other people. Definitely read the book!
I received an ARC for a free and honest review.
Madeline Martin never ceases to amaze me with her writing and she certainly has another winner with this story.
Body shaming has been around longer than anyone suspects and little does one know how much it can negatively affect the person’s life. Violet is in such a situation and it broke my heart how little self confidence she has because she’s been told over and over again she’s too plump, no man will ever want her, etc….by her own mother even!!! It’s no wonder she’d be more than happy to become a spinster!
When Seth (who was her childhood friend and neighbour) comes home from the war, he’s a changed man and I thought it was so sweet the way he pursues her and tries to make up for all the past hurts he had caused. He’s not sure if he’s good enough for Violet, though, because he feels he’s broken since the war and the nightmares won’t let him be. What we call PTSD today.
Both of them have a lot of issues to resolve and this author writes it all so beautifully and I also love the humour throughout the story….introducing Hedgehog! lol
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily writing an honest review.