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 is the second book in the London School for Ladies. Again, this author was able to weave a story that draws the reader in and places them right in the middle of the story.
Seth Sinclair left the battlefields and found himself in the middle of ballrooms trying to find a wife. His brother had died leaving Seth as the new Earl of Dalton. Seeing Lady Violet brought back the feelings he had for her before he left but he had come back a different man after seeing all the horrors of war. His memories haunted him day and night and he was afraid he would never feel whole again. Violet calmed his anxiety, but he was afraid he would never deserve her.
Violet had spent her entire life listening to others criticize her figure and felt unwanted. She had been extremely hurt when Seth hadn’t kept his promise to attend and dance with her at her come out. She had given up on marriage, but her father was insisting she find a husband, or she would be sent to the country to help one of her sisters with her children. Seeing the changes in Seth gave her hope, but will her secrets keep them apart?
The characters were strong but had flaws that in their mind was a deterrent to others. They were lovable and perfect for each other. I really enjoyed reading the book. It was easy to read and beautifully written. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Violet Lavell doesn’t want to marry and she has a plan, all she needs a little more time. But when her father informs her that she has mere weeks to become engaged or her father will send her to the country to live with her sister Sophie and act as governess to Sophie’s five monsters – um – children, she knows that she can no longer dally – she needs to put her plan in motion now! As the secret author of the “Lady Observer” gossip column, she knows that she needs a huge story – preferably a scandal – to increase her readership and therefore her income that will give her the means to live independently and still keep her secrets. She decides that she will write a series about Lottie, the infamous courtesan who gives lessons to ladies of the ton on attracting a husband – like she did for Violet’s cousin Eleanor. Excited about her great idea, she decides to celebrate with a bit of cake. She gets her cake but is interrupted by Seth Sinclair, the new Earl of Dalton. A man who once meant the world to Violet and one who hurt her beyond measure.
Seth Sinclair never expected to inherit the earldom, as a second son, Seth was commissioned into the army and has spent years away from England fighting in the war. But duty calls and he returns home mere days after the horrific battle of Waterloo. Reacclimating to civilian life is not easy and the horrors of war have followed him back. He would rather just bury himself in estate matters, but he knows he should find a bride and when he learns that his mother was conned, he knows he has no choice – he will have to return to society. At his first ball, he sees Violet, his childhood friend and the girl he always wanted, but never had the chance to court. He cannot believe the curvy beauty never married and he tries to talk to her, but it is clear that she feels he offended her in some way – he plans to ask her about it when a crashing tray sends him spiraling back to the battlefield, by the time he collects himself, she is gone. Seth thinks that Violet might very well be the perfect bride for him and decides then and there to get to know her again. But first, he needs to find out what happened to his mother’s jewels.
They each have much to overcome and Violet has secrets that she believes prevent her from ever having a HEA, but they find strength in each other and when her meeting with Lottie opens her eyes, Violet knows that if she has any hope of escaping being Sophie’s unpaid governess, she will have to reveal her secrets, trust her heart and hope that love truly does conquer all.
I thought is story was great, it is well written with flawed yet likable and relatable characters, steamy love scenes, a bit of comic relief thanks to her niece Felicity and her cat Hedgehog, a bit of intrigue, secrets, shocking revelations, a dash of action, a lot of forgiveness and a really wonderful HEA complete with an epilogue. I really loved this story and was hooked from the first page, it is loosely connected to How to Tempt a Duke, but you can absolutely read this book as a standalone title with no problems at all.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
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.
This is the second book in the series but could easily be read on its own. Another very well written book by the author. The pace is extremely good & the pages flew by. As always the characters are very well portrayed & are strong & believable. I loved Seth & how he coped with his PTSD, I didn’t start by loving Violet but she grew on me & I soon loved her too. Felicity & Hedgehog were brilliant – I can’t see a hat staying on any of my cats for more than a couple of minutes! The secondary characters also have depth & I’d love for Caroline & Rawley to have their story & of course my favourite character of the series Lottie who deserves to have her HEA as maybe things from the past can be resolved! Another book by the author which I read in two sittings & loved every page.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
With his brother’s death and the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, soldier Seth Sinclair finds himself forced to sell his military commission and almost immediately transported from that bloody battlefield to a glittering ballroom. Now the Earl of Dalton, he must prove his ability to step into his favored brother’s shoes. He also needs a wife. He can’t seem to stay away from Lady Violet Lavell, his neighbor, who knew him before he was so irrevocably changed by war. Seth is recognizing more of the scars he carries from war each day and fears he could never be worthy of Violet, even if the self-proclaimed wallflower were interested in marriage.
This story was enjoyable and full of charm, although I didn’t like it quite as much as its predecessor. I adore Madeline’s writing, but I wasn’t a fan of Violet and, although she did grow on me, I still didn’t really like her, though I did appreciate her character development. The mothers in this book also stuck out as being awful bullies and I was happy to see Seth clap back and stick up for himself and for Violet. The villain angle in this one was a bit rushed and didn’t provide for much tension, but it was a chance for Seth to acquit himself well. I’m a sucker for heroes struggling with PTSD, especially during this time when it wasn’t recognized, and I loved Violet’s whole-hearted acceptance and support of Seth in his struggles. I loved the close relationship between Seth and his sister, Caroline, and hope to see her and Rawley, as well as Lottie, in the next book. Lottie remains my favorite character and I look forward to reading her happy ending as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
How to Start a Scandal
The London School for Ladies series #2
Madeline Martin
https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMartinAuthor/
Release date paperback 07/21/2020, ebook 08/01/2020
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
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 worthy of her now he’s become so changed by the horrors of battle…?
My review :
Will the past come between them and a future together …
Mrs Madeline Martin narrates here a lovely tale, a sweet addition to her regency series, with two very flawed but so lovable characters.
Seth made a lot of mistakes, some unknowingly to him had devastating consequences. Now, back from war, he is a changed man, and he sees himself as broken, under serving of anyone’s affection. Suffering from PTSD, he finds , himself more often than he is ready, back in the battlefields when a sound, a color, an odor plunge him back in the horrors he just left.
Yet, he wants to make amends for the errors of his youth, and it begins with apologizing to his childhood neighbor and friend, Violet, the one he let down on her new debutante great day.
Violet arbors many secrets, both scandalous if they were to be revealed, yet one is her pride when the other is her shame. Thus, why she tried to blend herself with the background, to become invisible. She was so much repeated by her mother she is too plump, she sees herself as her failure. Because she does not have the classical debutante shape, she believes she is appalling. But curves do not mean ugly. She will need a bit of a push to get back her confidence, if Seth is amenable to correct his past behavior.
While feelings are still there, their time apart plus the wounds caused by their last meeting linger between them. And until they trust one another to share their troubles and issues, a future together looks grim.
I loved Felicity and Hedgehog and I hope to see again Caroline and Rawley.
The headlines Violet plays in her head are full of humor, I laughed at her dry humor.
Mrs Martin draws a sad mother’s figure in this book, from Violet’s mother, bullying her daughter to Seth’s one’s, indifferent to her second son needs of attention and even Violet’s elder sister, ignoring her children and disparaging her sister when her children can hear about it.
I think too the far removed background plot, it added very few tension and it was too promptly resolved.
A 4 stars for this entertaining and charming tale.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/659531857969322/?d=n
Lady Violet has 2 choices, get married or help her sister take care of her children.
Seth Sinclair the new Earl Of Dalton, is recently home from battle with battle scars.
Seth and Violet were childhood friends, both having secret crushes on each other.
Seth left Violet heart broken when he left her during her debut, to join the military.
Will Seth be able to mend Lady Violet `s broken heart.
This story swept me away with its beautiful message of love and endurance and the lesson that happy endings can and do happen for anyone! Lady Violet doesn’t believe in happy endings for herself when it comes to marriage and is content to stay a spinster. Seth Sinclair has returned from Waterloo and suffers from the horrors of what he endured and isn’t sure there is a happy ending for him either. They are both keeping their secrets and suffering silently. This is a story of love, heartache, desire, danger, romance and so much more. I loved the fact that there were so many secondary characters that brought something unique to the story and they all had their parts to play. Hopefully we will hear more about them in future books. I also appreciated the fact that the author dealt with the parental verbal abuse towards Violet with such skill and loved the way she had Seth deal with it and the reason for it…Kudos to her for that! Ms. Martin just keeps on giving us extraordinary stories that are without a doubt ones I will read over and over; this one is no exception. Thank you Ms Martin for the opportunity to read another one of your amazing stories!
Lady Violet Lavell was heartbroken when she was rejected by a drunk Seth Sinclair at her come out. Years later after Waterloo, he returns a changed man from the horror of war. Suffering from survivors guilt and PTSD, he doesn’t feel worthy to take the place of his brother as the new Earl of Dalton. Only one woman grabs his attention, the lovely, luscious Violet. Still drawn to Seth, she has a secret that could destroy their relationship. How will she answer when Seth declares his intention? A rocky relationship, a courtesan with knowledge and a young lady who learns to accept herself just as she is. Very much a romance with steam! OH MY THOSE KISSES!
Yet another toughy to review and rate. The story was very good, or I should say stories. Seth has PTSD and an overbearing mother. Violet has a hidden past, a side job, and an overbearing mother. There are several stories involving the H/h running consecutively, not to mention other characters from the previous book, How to Tempt a Duke. About half way through insta-lust showed up and then the steaminess. Most of the stories had a HEA, and I am thankful for the epilogue. I enjoyed the funny bits. Especially Felicity and Hedgehog. Lost a star for steaminess.
How to Start a Scandal is book 2 in the London School for Ladies series. It was a lovely story with humor, dressed up cats, lonely children, and some PTSD. Ms Martin did a great job and bringing the characters to life. It is one of those stories I will dust off and read multiple times.
Another amazing creative read by this author. Yu can almost see it play out as you’re reading the storyline is captivating and engaging the characters keep you on your toe’s they were so amazing well written. I always know I’m in for a great read when I get one of this authors books. Can’t wait to read what this author has in store for us next
Madeline Martin delivers a wonderful story, not only of love but of self discovery and healing. Seth, our hero has recently come home from war haunted with PTSD. Violet our heroin is a young woman who’s suffered emotional abuse at the hands of her mother because she’s curvy rather than slender as most young women of society. Both are insecure about anyone ever loving them due to feelings of unworthiness. Madeline handles these situations beautifully.
Seth was Violet’s first crush, first love and after promising her the first dance at her debut ball he failed to show up. The next day he was off to war. Seth Sinclair, Earl of Dalton returns from war a changed man. The second son, unexpectedly inheriting the Earldom due to his brother’s death must set things in order and find a wife. He longed for that wife to be Violet.
Violet, a beautiful young woman subjected to her mother’s cruelty about her curvy body preferred to be a wallflower after Seth disappointed her her first season. I have to her sixth season Violet is faced with the ultimatum of finding a husband or becoming governess to her sisters wild children.
The characters are well portrayed and charming, you’ll find it difficult not to fall in love with them. Madeline does such a great job of enduring them to you. Felicity and her cat Hedgehog are truly delightful and bring humor and warmth to the story. If I’m being honest, I must admit the mothers in this story are reprehensible. Each character however, brings their own unique flavor and personalities to the story.
I loved the story, the plot with it’s twists and turns, the bit of mystery and revelations. I loved that Seth was determined to set things right for his family and fulfill his duty. I loved that he made amends with Violet, I love the way he loved her! It was so great how Violet was accepting of Seth’s struggles and so willing to help. I enjoyed watching both Violet and Seth navigate their feelings, insecurities, and learn to trust one another.
This is a well written, engaging and delightfully entertaining story guaranteed to pull on your heartstrings, make you shudder, and perhaps giggle a bit. Oh, and did I mention that I absolutely loved the cover????
Thank you so much Madeline for such sweet and lovely story! I can’t wait till the next one.
This is the story of Lord Seth Sinclair, Earl of Dalton, and Lady Violet Lavell and their trials and tribulations in reaching their HEA.
Lady Violet has been called into her Father’s office where she was given an ultimatum — be married by the end of the season — only 3 weeks to go — or be forced to “retire” to the country and become a governess to her sister’s four children. This doesn’t sit well with her for a couple of reasons: (1) the four children are so an unruly spoiled lot continually misbehaving, etc.; (2) unbeknownst to anyone (especially her family) she writes The Lady Observer in the Society Journal.
Lord Dalton has arrived home from the war(Waterloo in particular) as the new Earl — this was one position he never really wanted and certainly never expected to find himself in as being “the Spare”. This is the first time he has stepped foot in the townhouse in nearly six years. He arrived home to a less than joyful welcome from his Mother but a very happy welcome home from his ‘little sister’ Caroline who is now nineteen.
On finding out from Caroline about the theft of the family jewellery by the solicitor, he did feel regret for not being home when needed but did vow to be there from then on. Much as he regretted it he knew he would have to reintegrate himself into the Ton. The contrast he experienced between attending the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball and the conditions he and his men were in daily was unbelievable.
Everything was clean and polished and the food wasted floored Seth after the conditions they fought in. He met up with two friends at the Duchess’s Ball whom he hadn’t seen in ages. Of course the rumour/knowledge regarding the pilfering of the jewels was mentioned.
When trying to concentrate to block out the noise, the overwhelming press of people and not to succumb to the memories of War, he needed something/someone for distraction. The one distraction he noticed and remembered was none other than Lady Violet Lavell — his neighbour and childhood friend — sitting amongst the spinsters and old women. She was sitting here in her usual place hoping for some salacious gossip but all she heard was “that woman’s tutelage” and “how a courtesan” could ever be in a position of teaching the “young impressionable ladies of the Ton.” Even though there were no names mentioned Violet knew whom they were talking about as a family member had received assistance from the Lady. She had an idea suddenly strike her — what if she attended classes to gather information on what goes on there but use it to write an expose. Lady Violet started lessons with Lottie which were not at all what she expected. During one session Lady Violet decided there was personal information about Lottie she would never reveal in her expose. The sessions were productive in that Lady Violet learned to like herself and become accepting of what she saw in the mirror.
Progress had made in regards to the attempt to find the thieving solicitor. Lord Seth was able to obtain a certain ruby bracelet which was a favourite of his Mother. Instead of a pleased response for the return of it his Mother became angry and started accusing Seth who had finally had enough of being disparaged and demanded to know what he had done wrong then and in the past. His Mother finally broke down and confessed as to what had led up to the “theft” in the first place. Needless to say Seth was flabbergasted but had things cleared up from when he was younger.
Meanwhile things had accelerated between Seth and Violet so a special license was obtained and the wedding went off without a hitch. There were a few frantic moments before Seth and Violet finally achieved their HEA.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and interaction between the Hero and Heroine and recommend it as an easily readable book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
How to Start a Scandal by Madeline Martin 4.5 Stars
This is a beautiful written second chance love story with two deeply emotionally broken protagonist who found each other again, wishing to rewrite the night six years before when hearts and self-confidences were shattered. I love these intelligent thinking and witty characters with their deep seeded angst that reflect so many of our own pains and insecurities of not measuring up, not being what society considers beautiful, marriageable, and the cruelty and harm of being subjected to such shallow people. Engaging storyline with scandalous dark secrets, clandestine meetings, mysterious column writer, theft, danger, revenge, and a beautifully steamy romance. I recommend this book to everyone who loves great writing and a tantalizing swoon worthy love story!
Happy Reading
Contents: Adult rated, explicit open door romance descriptions. 3-4 flame out of 5.
Funny But So Sad!!! How to Start a Scandal by Madeline Martin is book 2 in The London School for Ladies. This funny yet sad story of PDST is one that can be felt today as many a soldier suffer from this illness. I found that this is one of Madeline’s best writing to date and that she really captured the feel of the hero. Truly Brilliant! Her characters where wonderful and the descriptions on point. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. This story has a scandalous news article, a all knowing niece who is a bit of a imp, a misunderstanding, lost love, thief, a funny little cat named Hedgehog, abusive and neglectful parents, flash backs and yes love. This story has it all and I highly recommend.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
How to Start a Scandal by Madeline Martin is the First book in The London School for Ladies Series. This is the story of Violet Lavell and Seth Sinclair, Earl of Dalton. Seth and Violet were childhood friends but for Violet she had her heart set on Seth but as the second son he joined the military. Seth left Violet on her coming out ball after they shared a moment that Violet never can forget but he broke her heart when he left. Seth was never good enough or was really except by his family because they all had eyes on his older brother who would be the Earl. But then that brother died and Seth is called back home to take up the responsibility that his brother left along with the title. Of course he is thrown into the marriage mart to secure a wife and the title. Seth has lasting issue from being in battle / war which are making trying to be a part of the Town scene hard. Violet never forgot Seth nor the hurt to her heart but she is now set her cap to be a independent women which with her secret ‘job’ she hopes to reach that goal. Violet has no wish to marry but her father has taken a different stand and has informed her that she will marry within a short period of time or be shipped off to her sister’s Sophie house to act as governess. Not wanting that option she feels she needs to escalate her changes for independence but then Seth comes back into her life. Both still have feelings towards the other but Violet has no plans to be hurt by him again and Seth doesn’t understand the hurt he caused her. In addition, each has personal issues that they are struggling with along with their secrets. I am a huge fan of this author’s writing and I do recommend her writing along with this book. Loved it.
Seth and Violet were so made for each other. Lifelong friends turned flirting until he goes off to war leaving Violet feeling unwanted. Everyone always disparages her curvy body making her insecure which leads her to make a big mistake that changes everything for her. When Seth returns with war wounds to his body and mind he feels broken. Until he sees Violet again. But between his nightmares and her indiscretion years ago can they believe themselves worthy of love for each other. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
I really liked Violet because she was a little overweight compared to the ladies idea of perfect. It brought out the ideal person is not always the one that meets the mold of what should be perfect.
I was really happy Seth saw beyond the weight to the person underneath and finally convinced Violet she was perfect to him.
Seth also didn’t feel like he was worth enough to be duke. An unhappy fluke makes him duke and he has to overcome the horrors of war to be worthy of the post.
A can’t miss.
I really enjoyed this story! It’s technically the second book in a series, but I felt no lack in not having read book 1. The heroine of book 1 is the cousin of this book’s heroine, so she and her now husband are mentioned, only briefly.
Seth Sinclair, is the second son in his family, but with his older brother’s death a year before, he’s now the Earl of Dalton. It’s quite a switch from his life as a soldier on the frontlines of war, and he’s still struggling with all he’s been through. He’s only been home for a very short time, and he’s already discovered some ways his family has suffered in his absence. He vows to make everything right for them, and hopes he can manage all the things he must do as Earl, regardless of his own wants.
Lady Violet Lavell has become a wallflower in the last 6 years since her debut. She has secrets she has no intention of sharing, and therefore marriage is not possible for her. But, when her father gives her an ultimatum of marriage, or retiring to the country to be the governess to her least favorite sister’s 4 wild children, she’s at a loss for what to do. Also, her lifelong neighbor/friend/crush/heartbreaker is back from the war, and she can’t believe how he’s changed. Though he broke her young heart in the past, she still feels so much when he’s around. But, she knows that she’s not the “right” type of woman to attract a man like him, especially now that he’s the Earl.
Violet and Seth had lovely chemistry and camaraderie from the beginning, and I enjoyed all of their interactions. Though they each had reason to believe that the other was too good for them, they both clearly wanted each other from the start. I loved watching them just LONG for each other. So delicious. Seth suffered from PTSD, including flashbacks and nightmares. Violet struggled under the weight of her own secrets, as well as her mother’s lifelong unkind treatment of her, due to her “plump” size. They each though the other was out of their league, and I loved watching them fall together.
I loved the side storylines here, especially with Seth’s sister and his good friend. I hope to see more of them in the future! Also, Violet’s niece and her bonnet-clad cat were hilarious, and I enjoyed watching Felicity come out of her shell with a little TLC, which she obviously wasn’t getting from her own mother. There were a few shocking plot twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, and those added to my enjoyment of this book as well.
I adored this delightful tale of two genuinely good people, who were meant to be together, against all odds. I highly recommend it, and I hope we see more books in this series!!
What can be better than a new story by the fabulous Madeline Martin? Well… yes, I am thinking… um… okay.. not much! Her imaginative storylines and creative characters always pull me in immediately and I am lost in hours of delight until the last page.
Love the pairing of Violet and Seth, both with their own emotional scars, who are pulled together again after having been neighbors growing up and having had feelings for each other. Now it is years later and Seth is home from war to take over the title to his family estate and feels ill prepared. Suffering from nightmares and flashbacks of the horrible things he experienced in war he is trying to pull himself together.
Violet has been made to feel bad about herself due to not being the typical thin, willowy lady of the ton and has suffered through six seasons. But she has her own secrets and all she wants is to live her life on her own terms and not marry.
But as fate often does, these two were pulled together and when a mystery, a cat named Hedgehog,
several surprises and an attraction that is a little inflammatory, the perfect story evolves that made me reluctant for it to end!