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The London School for Ladies #3
How to Wed a Courtesan: An entertaining Regency romance – A Second Chance Historical Story of London Society and Scandals
From New York Times Bestselling Author Madeline Martin
From courtesan
…to society wife?
When Evander, Earl of Westix, returns from the continent to claim his bride, he is shocked that the innocent vicar’s daughter he once loved has become a notorious courtesan. But Lottie is so much more than the insult society hurls at her. She is resourceful and strong—after all, she’s had to be to survive. Her charms are undeniable, but her heart is beyond his grasp. To win it will mean taking her from bedroom to ballroom…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
The London School for Ladies
Book 1: How to Tempt a Duke
Book 2: How to Start a Scandal
Book 3: How to Wed a Courtesan
From courtesan
…to society wife?
When Evander, Earl of Westix, returns from the continent to claim his bride, he is shocked that the innocent vicar’s daughter he once loved has become a notorious courtesan. But Lottie is so much more than the insult society hurls at her. She is resourceful and strong—after all, she’s had to be to survive. Her charms are undeniable, but her heart is beyond his grasp. To win it will mean taking her from bedroom to ballroom…
From Harlequin Your romantic escape to the past.
The London School for Ladies
Book 1: How to Tempt a Duke
Book 2: How to Start a Scandal
Book 3: How to Wed a Courtesan
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
23 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Martin
78 books4,890 followersMadeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages.
She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.
Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com
She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.
Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 14, 2021
“How to Wed a Courtesan” is a first time read by Madeline Martin, a new author to this reader. Not having read the first two books in this series, I feel at a loss with some of the backstory to Evander and Lottie’s story. The book is well-written and explains how the main characters meet, fall in love and overcome.
When Evander, the Earl of Westix returned from the continent to reclaim his bride, he was not expecting to learn that Lottie, the sweet vicar’s daughter is a notorious wealthy courtesan. Lottie has grown up quite bit in the six years since Evander’s departure. She is strong, intelligent, wealthy and knows what she wants but with Evander’s return, all the love she has for him resurfaces to include the pain she endured. There is a battle of wits while one decides he must woo his lost love to regain her affections and the other refuses those attempts at closeness so that she can protect herself from heartache again.
As the story unfolds, there is a continued love that the main characters share that has never waned. It is unfortunate that the choices they had to make had cause such a rift in their relationship that needs to be repaired. Both Evander and Lottie are emotionally hurt to some extent, but somehow find it in their hearts to forgive in order to have a second chance at love. At times throughout the story, I did want to dislike Lottie with her continuance on finding fault with Evander and the unnecessary reasons why they could not be together. You have to love Evander’s admittance to his mistakes and his persistence to making things right for the both of them. I enjoyed everything about this story. It had heartache, love lost and found, forgiveness and a moderate amount of steamy intimate scenes that makes this a well-rounded plot to a nice HEA.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin-Romance (U.S.& Canada) for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
When Evander, the Earl of Westix returned from the continent to reclaim his bride, he was not expecting to learn that Lottie, the sweet vicar’s daughter is a notorious wealthy courtesan. Lottie has grown up quite bit in the six years since Evander’s departure. She is strong, intelligent, wealthy and knows what she wants but with Evander’s return, all the love she has for him resurfaces to include the pain she endured. There is a battle of wits while one decides he must woo his lost love to regain her affections and the other refuses those attempts at closeness so that she can protect herself from heartache again.
As the story unfolds, there is a continued love that the main characters share that has never waned. It is unfortunate that the choices they had to make had cause such a rift in their relationship that needs to be repaired. Both Evander and Lottie are emotionally hurt to some extent, but somehow find it in their hearts to forgive in order to have a second chance at love. At times throughout the story, I did want to dislike Lottie with her continuance on finding fault with Evander and the unnecessary reasons why they could not be together. You have to love Evander’s admittance to his mistakes and his persistence to making things right for the both of them. I enjoyed everything about this story. It had heartache, love lost and found, forgiveness and a moderate amount of steamy intimate scenes that makes this a well-rounded plot to a nice HEA.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin-Romance (U.S.& Canada) for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
June 5, 2021
After meeting Evander and Lottie in the first book and wondering what tore them apart – we finally have answers! And all I have to say is OMG and WOW! I was completely gobsmacked by this book! To say that I loved it is a gross understatement – this is the book I would choose if I was stuck on a deserted island – seriously.
The book is written in parts and gives the reader answers to all the questions that have been building since these two were introduced in the first book, How to Tempt a Duke. We learn how Evander and Lottie met, we see them falling in love, we feel their pain when they part, their reunion, Evander’s attempts to reconcile, and Lottie’s heartache and reasons for refusing him.
I cannot get into the plot without spoilers, so let me just say, that this is a beautifully written, emotional story of forgiveness and second chances, featuring two people who never stopped loving each other but were forced to make choices that changed them forever. The book is filled with wonderful characters, heartache, sorrow, devastating losses, forgiveness, steamy love scenes, a couple of shocking revelations, a true soulmate type love and finally a very hard-won HEA complete with an epilogue that brings all the characters from the series together. If I could, I would give this book 10 stars, I loved it that much and it has earned a spot on my top ten favorite books of all time list 😊 This is the third book in the series, and can easily be read as a standalone title, but for the best experience, I would recommend reading the series in order.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
The book is written in parts and gives the reader answers to all the questions that have been building since these two were introduced in the first book, How to Tempt a Duke. We learn how Evander and Lottie met, we see them falling in love, we feel their pain when they part, their reunion, Evander’s attempts to reconcile, and Lottie’s heartache and reasons for refusing him.
I cannot get into the plot without spoilers, so let me just say, that this is a beautifully written, emotional story of forgiveness and second chances, featuring two people who never stopped loving each other but were forced to make choices that changed them forever. The book is filled with wonderful characters, heartache, sorrow, devastating losses, forgiveness, steamy love scenes, a couple of shocking revelations, a true soulmate type love and finally a very hard-won HEA complete with an epilogue that brings all the characters from the series together. If I could, I would give this book 10 stars, I loved it that much and it has earned a spot on my top ten favorite books of all time list 😊 This is the third book in the series, and can easily be read as a standalone title, but for the best experience, I would recommend reading the series in order.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *
June 24, 2021
When Evander, Earl of Westix, returns from the continent to claim his bride, he is shocked that the innocent vicar’s daughter he once loved has become a courtesan. But Charlotte Rossington is so much more than the insult society hurls at her. She is resourceful and strong after all, she’s had to be to survive when Evander left & then her father died in a carriage accident.
Another very well written book from the author that tugs at your heart strings. This is the third & final book in the series & I've been routing for the lovely Lottie to find her HEA since we met her in the first book. I loved everything about her, especially her strength & her resilience. I loved Evander to begin with but then he really blotted the copy book & it took some time for him to be redeemed. I always have hankies available for one of the authors books as she takes you on a plethora of emotions & yes I needed them as secrets were revealed. A brilliant second chance book which I completely devoured in a sitting. An engrossing captivating emotional read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another very well written book from the author that tugs at your heart strings. This is the third & final book in the series & I've been routing for the lovely Lottie to find her HEA since we met her in the first book. I loved everything about her, especially her strength & her resilience. I loved Evander to begin with but then he really blotted the copy book & it took some time for him to be redeemed. I always have hankies available for one of the authors books as she takes you on a plethora of emotions & yes I needed them as secrets were revealed. A brilliant second chance book which I completely devoured in a sitting. An engrossing captivating emotional read.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 14, 2021
Series: London School For Ladies
Publication Date: 6/29/21
Period: Regency – London – 1809-1820
Number of Pages: 288
OMGoodness!! This was a powerfully written, poignant, bittersweet, second chance at love, redemption, and forgiveness story that will keep your heart racing and your pulse pounding. Make sure you have a fresh, new box of tissues and your heart medication at hand before you start this read because you’ll need both. I read it straight through because I just couldn’t put it down. The characters are complex, multi-layered, relatable, and very likable, even though they are both broken and hurting. It is definitely a sigh-worthy read.
Martin is a master at her craft and she has absolutely outdone herself this time. I love that the story is constructed into segments so we get a complete view of their romance, heartbreak, redemption, forgiveness, and finally, their second chance to get it right. One segment will have us in the current time – and the next will take us back in time, but each segment is related and it isn’t a problem to follow at all. The story answers all of the questions we may have had throughout the earlier books when we first met Lottie and Evander and it takes us through an absolutely stellar epilogue that shows all of our couples and their families a few years into the future.
Evander Murray, the heir to the Earl of Westix, first met Charlotte (Lottie) Rossington, a vicar’s daughter, at a ball in 1809 and it was adoration at first glance for both of them. That love never went away even through separations, trials, and heartaches. While the love was always and forever there, Lottie lost her ability to trust in and depend on Evander. We see how Evander came to lose that trust; we see Lottie’s intense heartbreak and pain; we see Evander doing his all to regain what he’d lost, and we see him learn of and share in Lottie’s pain. Their HEA is one that was hard-won, which makes it all the more satisfying.
You cannot go wrong with this book should you choose to read it. While it is part of a series, you can certainly read it as a standalone. There are visits from characters from earlier books, but if you haven’t read those, it won’t confuse you because it is all explained. This is definitely a book to sigh over.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 6/29/21
Period: Regency – London – 1809-1820
Number of Pages: 288
OMGoodness!! This was a powerfully written, poignant, bittersweet, second chance at love, redemption, and forgiveness story that will keep your heart racing and your pulse pounding. Make sure you have a fresh, new box of tissues and your heart medication at hand before you start this read because you’ll need both. I read it straight through because I just couldn’t put it down. The characters are complex, multi-layered, relatable, and very likable, even though they are both broken and hurting. It is definitely a sigh-worthy read.
Martin is a master at her craft and she has absolutely outdone herself this time. I love that the story is constructed into segments so we get a complete view of their romance, heartbreak, redemption, forgiveness, and finally, their second chance to get it right. One segment will have us in the current time – and the next will take us back in time, but each segment is related and it isn’t a problem to follow at all. The story answers all of the questions we may have had throughout the earlier books when we first met Lottie and Evander and it takes us through an absolutely stellar epilogue that shows all of our couples and their families a few years into the future.
Evander Murray, the heir to the Earl of Westix, first met Charlotte (Lottie) Rossington, a vicar’s daughter, at a ball in 1809 and it was adoration at first glance for both of them. That love never went away even through separations, trials, and heartaches. While the love was always and forever there, Lottie lost her ability to trust in and depend on Evander. We see how Evander came to lose that trust; we see Lottie’s intense heartbreak and pain; we see Evander doing his all to regain what he’d lost, and we see him learn of and share in Lottie’s pain. Their HEA is one that was hard-won, which makes it all the more satisfying.
You cannot go wrong with this book should you choose to read it. While it is part of a series, you can certainly read it as a standalone. There are visits from characters from earlier books, but if you haven’t read those, it won’t confuse you because it is all explained. This is definitely a book to sigh over.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 7, 2021
Evander Murray, the Earl of Westix, has finally returned to England after six years spent abroad restoring his family’s fortune. He is eager to reclaim his bride and is shocked to learn the sweet vicar’s daughter he hoped to marry became a courtesan in his absence. But Lottie is still the sweet girl he once knew, even if she can’t see it anymore herself. Evander admires her strength and resilience and sets out to reclaim her heart, no matter what spiteful vitriol the Ton may throw at them.
This was such a long-awaited story for me. Lottie was instantly a favorite character for me when I read the first book in this series. I have been longing for her romantic reunion with Evander and this book absolutely wrenched my heart. It was so emotional, in fact, that I found I couldn't read much of it in one sitting. Lottie did begin to frustrate me with her continued insistence on finding reasons she and Evander couldn’t be together, but this ultimately just made his loyalty and steadfast devotion to her shine even brighter. Evander definitely made mistakes, but I loved how hard he worked to make things right and the growth he demonstrated even as he helped Lottie forgive herself as well. I was surprised that Lottie never held any resentment for her father, since none of their separation and suffering would’ve occurred if he’d not withheld his initial permission for them to wed, but I suppose this highlights Lottie’s genuine good nature. This is a well-done second chance romance but definitely have your tissues ready when you read this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
This was such a long-awaited story for me. Lottie was instantly a favorite character for me when I read the first book in this series. I have been longing for her romantic reunion with Evander and this book absolutely wrenched my heart. It was so emotional, in fact, that I found I couldn't read much of it in one sitting. Lottie did begin to frustrate me with her continued insistence on finding reasons she and Evander couldn’t be together, but this ultimately just made his loyalty and steadfast devotion to her shine even brighter. Evander definitely made mistakes, but I loved how hard he worked to make things right and the growth he demonstrated even as he helped Lottie forgive herself as well. I was surprised that Lottie never held any resentment for her father, since none of their separation and suffering would’ve occurred if he’d not withheld his initial permission for them to wed, but I suppose this highlights Lottie’s genuine good nature. This is a well-done second chance romance but definitely have your tissues ready when you read this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
June 26, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Enjoyable and entertaining with brilliant writing and storyline.
I can’t remember a Madeline Martin book that I have not enjoyed.
Full of passion this book follows a woman’s journey from vicars daughter to courtesan to wife, and it shows her strength of character, as well as the challenges her and her Earl face.
Great read.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Enjoyable and entertaining with brilliant writing and storyline.
I can’t remember a Madeline Martin book that I have not enjoyed.
Full of passion this book follows a woman’s journey from vicars daughter to courtesan to wife, and it shows her strength of character, as well as the challenges her and her Earl face.
Great read.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
May 18, 2021
How to Wed a Courtesan
Madeline Martin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Evander, Earl of Westix has finally returned from the continent, and he's more then ready to claim his true love and marry her, but things never go easy when it comes to love.
Lottie was an innocent vicar's daughter when Evander left her to find his fortune six years ago. But alot can happen in six years. Lottie's Father died unexpectedly just after Evander left and she had to fend for herself as a young lady in London, so she did what she had to do. She had no real money, but she had something else that kept her alive. She had her looks and an abundance of charm so she used it. Lottie became an accomplished Courtesan. But in all honesty her heart has always belonged to Evander. Now he's back and even knowing what she's been he still wants her. She doesn't want to hurt him or his family by marrying him thougb. What member of the ton marries a Courtesan?
Madeline Martin has written a fabulous emotionally charged story that will grip you from the get go. I still have tears in my eyes as I write this. There's no way any reader will want to miss this lovely heartfelt story. Ms. Martin I'm truly in awe of how beautiful this story was.
Madeline Martin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Evander, Earl of Westix has finally returned from the continent, and he's more then ready to claim his true love and marry her, but things never go easy when it comes to love.
Lottie was an innocent vicar's daughter when Evander left her to find his fortune six years ago. But alot can happen in six years. Lottie's Father died unexpectedly just after Evander left and she had to fend for herself as a young lady in London, so she did what she had to do. She had no real money, but she had something else that kept her alive. She had her looks and an abundance of charm so she used it. Lottie became an accomplished Courtesan. But in all honesty her heart has always belonged to Evander. Now he's back and even knowing what she's been he still wants her. She doesn't want to hurt him or his family by marrying him thougb. What member of the ton marries a Courtesan?
Madeline Martin has written a fabulous emotionally charged story that will grip you from the get go. I still have tears in my eyes as I write this. There's no way any reader will want to miss this lovely heartfelt story. Ms. Martin I'm truly in awe of how beautiful this story was.
May 4, 2021
A Powerful Poignant Story Of Love And Forgiveness:
We first meet Lottie after she has been given a ring and some flowers and she doesn't appear happy about it.
Then we go back in time a few years for the full story.
A young girl who is the vicar's daughter on her way to her first ball w here she meets Evander.
Strong attraction forms and soon thoughts of marriage enters the story.
Young love and promises are on the horizon.
The two characters take us on a heartfelt journey which is filled with anguish, a shocking disclosure, undeniable
love before they get to the beautiful poignant ending. ..
At times I laughed, I shed tears, I had chills.
This is an emotionally beautiful story.
A wonderful Epilogue that tidies everything up to a joyous ending.
A side note: I found it so lovely that the variety of flowers each had an emotional meaning attached to their name.
I felt the heat level was low but probably a mature reader..
I received this book early for my honest thoughts.
We first meet Lottie after she has been given a ring and some flowers and she doesn't appear happy about it.
Then we go back in time a few years for the full story.
A young girl who is the vicar's daughter on her way to her first ball w here she meets Evander.
Strong attraction forms and soon thoughts of marriage enters the story.
Young love and promises are on the horizon.
The two characters take us on a heartfelt journey which is filled with anguish, a shocking disclosure, undeniable
love before they get to the beautiful poignant ending. ..
At times I laughed, I shed tears, I had chills.
This is an emotionally beautiful story.
A wonderful Epilogue that tidies everything up to a joyous ending.
A side note: I found it so lovely that the variety of flowers each had an emotional meaning attached to their name.
I felt the heat level was low but probably a mature reader..
I received this book early for my honest thoughts.
March 19, 2022
3.5 stars
This was better than expected as it was a bit emotional at times and different than from a HR I've read before.
This was better than expected as it was a bit emotional at times and different than from a HR I've read before.
July 6, 2021
Good second chance love story. I've been intrigued by Lottie and her story since the first book in the series, How to Tempt a Duke. She wasn't the selfish kind of courtesan frequently portrayed in other books. Instead, you can see an innate kindness and desire to help the young ladies she teaches. The hints of her background made me even more curious about how she got there, and the scene at the end of the book sealed the deal.
Finally, in the third book of the series, we get Lottie's story. It opens in the current day of 1816, as Lottie looks at a bouquet of flowers and a ring and considers what accepting them would mean to her life. It then jumps back to 1809, where her story begins. We see how she and Evander meet, fall in love, and part ways due to unforeseen circumstances.
When Evander returns from his longer-than-expected journeys to finally claim Lottie as his wife, he is stunned by the changes in her. No longer the innocent vicar's daughter, Lottie is a notorious courtesan. Her experiences changed her, and she became strong, intelligent, rich, and independent. All Evander wants is Lottie, but she isn't ready to risk her heart on him again.
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Evander and Lottie. He knows that he made many mistakes and freely confesses his acceptance and remorse for them. Lottie's past doesn't matter to him; he still wants her as his wife. He also realizes that regaining her trust won't be easy, but he refuses to give up. I loved his weekly bouquets to her, with flowers he selects himself, flowers that have specific meanings. He treats her with all of the love and respect he feels for her in hopes of breaking through the wall she erected between them.
Evander's return brought all the love Lottie felt for him back to the surface, along with all of the pain she's endured. She tries to keep him at a distance, afraid of risking her heart with him again, but he slowly chips away at her resistance. Lottie shares that pain with Evander in a deeply emotional scene, opening the door for forgiveness and reconciliation. However, there remain concerns that continue to hold Lottie back from fulfilling Evander's deepest desire, concerns that prove to be valid. I loved how Evander showed Lottie that she was more important than others' opinions, and his demonstration of that belief was fantastic. An unexpected twist at the end provided the perfect comeuppance to the naysayers.
The epilogue was a terrific look into the lives of all of the couples several years later. I also enjoyed catching up with some of those young ladies that Lottie helped.
#netgalley
Finally, in the third book of the series, we get Lottie's story. It opens in the current day of 1816, as Lottie looks at a bouquet of flowers and a ring and considers what accepting them would mean to her life. It then jumps back to 1809, where her story begins. We see how she and Evander meet, fall in love, and part ways due to unforeseen circumstances.
When Evander returns from his longer-than-expected journeys to finally claim Lottie as his wife, he is stunned by the changes in her. No longer the innocent vicar's daughter, Lottie is a notorious courtesan. Her experiences changed her, and she became strong, intelligent, rich, and independent. All Evander wants is Lottie, but she isn't ready to risk her heart on him again.
I enjoyed seeing the rekindling of the relationship between Evander and Lottie. He knows that he made many mistakes and freely confesses his acceptance and remorse for them. Lottie's past doesn't matter to him; he still wants her as his wife. He also realizes that regaining her trust won't be easy, but he refuses to give up. I loved his weekly bouquets to her, with flowers he selects himself, flowers that have specific meanings. He treats her with all of the love and respect he feels for her in hopes of breaking through the wall she erected between them.
Evander's return brought all the love Lottie felt for him back to the surface, along with all of the pain she's endured. She tries to keep him at a distance, afraid of risking her heart with him again, but he slowly chips away at her resistance. Lottie shares that pain with Evander in a deeply emotional scene, opening the door for forgiveness and reconciliation. However, there remain concerns that continue to hold Lottie back from fulfilling Evander's deepest desire, concerns that prove to be valid. I loved how Evander showed Lottie that she was more important than others' opinions, and his demonstration of that belief was fantastic. An unexpected twist at the end provided the perfect comeuppance to the naysayers.
The epilogue was a terrific look into the lives of all of the couples several years later. I also enjoyed catching up with some of those young ladies that Lottie helped.
#netgalley
May 18, 2021
Make sure you have some tissues ready for this one. The first half of the book shows the sweet romance between Lottie and Evander and you get to see how they met and fell in love. It's heartbreaking though because you know that something happens for her to become a courtesan instead of marrying Evander. And when they do get separated and you find out what she went through while he was gone, you'll need that box of tissues.
I haven't read the previous London School for Ladies books, but you can tell Lottie plays a big role as the courtesan teaching the debutantes (and maybe even helps with matchmaking? ) who she not only teaches but becomes friends with. I'll have to go back and read the previous books since those characters are in this one too.
After Evander and Lottie are separated, circumstances happen where she has no choice but to become the famous courtesan from the previous books. When Evander comes back he still loves her and wants to marry her. And he's so patient and caring as he tries to convince her that they can still be together as man and wife.
I love how he never blamed her or thought less of her for becoming a courtesan. Both of them were loving and caring people who went through a lot to get to their happily ever after, but you knew through the whole book that they both loved each other very much. I also enjoyed how he sent her flowers every week when courting her and how the flowers had meaning to therm. That was interesting to learn the meaning of the different flowers. There are some surprises toward the end of the book and I love how it seemed very realistic for the time on how they worked everything out. Overall a nice romantic book that I would recommend.
I was given an ARC of this book, but am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I haven't read the previous London School for Ladies books, but you can tell Lottie plays a big role as the courtesan teaching the debutantes (and maybe even helps with matchmaking? ) who she not only teaches but becomes friends with. I'll have to go back and read the previous books since those characters are in this one too.
After Evander and Lottie are separated, circumstances happen where she has no choice but to become the famous courtesan from the previous books. When Evander comes back he still loves her and wants to marry her. And he's so patient and caring as he tries to convince her that they can still be together as man and wife.
I love how he never blamed her or thought less of her for becoming a courtesan. Both of them were loving and caring people who went through a lot to get to their happily ever after, but you knew through the whole book that they both loved each other very much. I also enjoyed how he sent her flowers every week when courting her and how the flowers had meaning to therm. That was interesting to learn the meaning of the different flowers. There are some surprises toward the end of the book and I love how it seemed very realistic for the time on how they worked everything out. Overall a nice romantic book that I would recommend.
I was given an ARC of this book, but am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
May 20, 2021
MADELINE MARTIN AT HER BEST!!! How to Wed a Courtesan is book 3 in The London School for Ladies series and what a series. I think this is my favorite but I probably say that with each new release. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. This second chance at love is tragic yet so wonderful at the same time and so very well written. This original story has the things we lady just love… romance, tragedy, guilt and love… what more could you ask for? The character are truly wonderful and it even has a surprised ending that I did not see coming… I love that. This story has a vicar’s daughter, never giving up, death, grief, abandonment, doing what one has to do to survive, a broken heart, feeling the need to provide, good friends, being talked about behind their backs, wanting acceptance, helping others, kindness and love at first sight. It has it all and you must read this book and I highly recommend that you do. It is truly wonderful.
**This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
**This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
May 4, 2021
Oh. My. Goodness. Evander is the kind of hero you can easily fall head-over-heels in love with! His love for Lottie was unwavering and the kind of love every woman dreams of. He never gives up on her and always believes in her no matter what. No he isn’t perfect, but who is? However his love is the kind written about in poems. *sigh* I loved everything about this amazing story. I shed so many tears over what Lottie had to endure and the sacrifices she made; her selflessness was so commendable and inspiring. There were some good twists, secrets and a nice surprise near the end of the book and I absolutely loved the epilogue. I have to mention that Ms Martin is always so good at giving us a detailed epilogue, that I personally really appreciate. This was definitely one of my favourite of her books, though I have loved them all. Thank you once again Ms Martin for giving me the opportunity to read another one of your extraordinary stories.
May 14, 2021
4 1/2*STARS *
A missed chance for marriage leaves consequences for the young lady left behind. Lottie Rossington meets Evander, Baron Murray, heir to the Earldom of Westix, at a ball in the village where she lives. The daughter of a vicar, she never imagined attending a ball, let alone meeting Evander and falling in love. When Evander has to leave England after his father's death, he never expected to be gone so long from the woman he loves. Lottie's life takes a difficult journey alone without Evander. Years later after his return, he pursues her in ernest for her forgiveness and love. All he wants is a second chance. Only Lottie doesn't believe it will work. If Evander can live witb her past, why can't she?
Bring out the tissues, it's a real tear jerker.
4 1/2*STARS *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
A missed chance for marriage leaves consequences for the young lady left behind. Lottie Rossington meets Evander, Baron Murray, heir to the Earldom of Westix, at a ball in the village where she lives. The daughter of a vicar, she never imagined attending a ball, let alone meeting Evander and falling in love. When Evander has to leave England after his father's death, he never expected to be gone so long from the woman he loves. Lottie's life takes a difficult journey alone without Evander. Years later after his return, he pursues her in ernest for her forgiveness and love. All he wants is a second chance. Only Lottie doesn't believe it will work. If Evander can live witb her past, why can't she?
Bring out the tissues, it's a real tear jerker.
4 1/2*STARS *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
June 29, 2021
Lottie and Evander were in love but were separated when Evander had to leave. While he was away Lottie did what she had to in order to survive. Evander returns to find Lottie turned from a vicar's daughter to a courtesan. She had to forgive him for leaving her and forgive herself for her decision. He had to forgive himself for leaving her and forgive her for the decision she made. Watching then forgive each other and find their love again was beautiful to see. My 6 year old says she can see love and you can absolutely see love in this story.
This story is ultimately a story of forgiveness and love and how when you can do both of them you can have a love that last a lifetime. It's beautifully written and I cannot recommend it enough.
I received an ARC of this book and am volunteering an honest review!
This story is ultimately a story of forgiveness and love and how when you can do both of them you can have a love that last a lifetime. It's beautifully written and I cannot recommend it enough.
I received an ARC of this book and am volunteering an honest review!
July 1, 2021
Evander, the Earl of Westix has returned from the continent to reclaim his bride, the vicar’s daughter only to find her living an entirely different life. Lotte gave too much to Evander in her youth and she ended up doing what she needed to do to survive after Evander left her. Now that he’s returned, battling wits with the woman he loves and wants reclaim. Life is all about choices, and living with those choices as they both find out all too well. Can they have a second chance at love, will Lotte risk her heart again to the man who has always hold her heart? You can feel the emotions as they relive the heart ache and the ensuing six year that separated them. There love grows stronger, is it strong enough to live the life as his Countess, in the eyes of society? I voluntarily read and reviewed this extraordinary story.
July 1, 2021
Lottie is a fallen woman, a former courtesan who thought she lost her first and only love. Evander loves Lottie and never gave up on his love while trying to make his fortune for them. Little did he know the dire circumstances he left Lottie in. He was gone for several years making his fortune and not keeping in touch. He is guilt ridden when he comes back and he still wants to marry her. But she is having a hard time forgiving him and she also doesn't want to embarrass him in society. It will take a lot for Evander to convince her to marry him. A wonderful story of love and forgiveness.
June 23, 2021
This book grabbed my heartstrings from the get go. Madeline really brought the characters of vicar's daughter Lottie Rossington, and Evander the Earl of Westix to life. I read this book with a great amount of sadness for Lottie having to endure the loss of her father, her true love and other tragedies. At the same time I was excited to see Evander pushing and prodding and not giving up on Lettie. Society be damned! There are twists and turns, heat and sweet, and so much to grab your attention and keep it. So very pleased with this book. We'll done Madeline!
May 3, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance romance book. I especially liked the hero Evander, Baron Murray. Evander is one of those rare characters that captures your attention and holds it. Though he is flawed, he is relatable. Charlotte Rosington is the heroine and a complex character. She deepens as the story progresses, and she has some heavy secrets. There are steamy romantic scenes and twists in the plot that kept the pace flying. I can’t wait to read more by Martin.
May 9, 2021
An absolutely wonderful story about love, heartbreak and second chances. I Loved reading every minute of Lottie and Evander's story; you get to reacquaint yourself with characters from the two previous books and with a guaranteed HEA I'm sure you will love it too. I read an Advanced copy in exchange of an Honest review. All Opinions are my own.
May 18, 2021
This was simply a wonderful story of Lottie and Evander's second chance at finding their HEA. It was beautifully written. As Lottie's story of her days after Evander had left her was told, I truly had tears running down my cheeks. The story as it was told by Lottie was very powerful and packed with raw emotion. I loved this story!!!
July 5, 2021
I enjoyed Evander's persistence while pursuing Lottie. They deserved a second chance together. He was so attentive this time round. Lottie's initial resistance was expected, but I loved how she began to hope for better. I learned a lot about flowers and their meanings. The secondary characters were also just as enjoyable. I loved this story.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC, and this is my unsolicited review.
July 6, 2021
I loved the emotion the book brought out. At one point I had to just put it down I was crying so hard. I was totally enthralled from the first few pages. It is an emotional rollercoaster ride.
Ms. Martin's stories have really developed depth and she has touched me with the last few books I've read.
A wonderful story of sadness and hope.
5 stars! I can't wait to read her next one.
Ms. Martin's stories have really developed depth and she has touched me with the last few books I've read.
A wonderful story of sadness and hope.
5 stars! I can't wait to read her next one.
May 12, 2021
This story was different from any others I have read. A vicars daughter turns courtesan. I liked Evandro from the start, even if it does take him awhile to find his true love. The plot was a good twist. The characters were strong. I can’t wait to read what Madeline Martin writes next.
June 29, 2021
Lottie, a Vicars daughter and Evander fall in love and plan to marry. Lottie's father refused Evander's marriage proposal to his only daughter.
Lottie and Evander plan on running away to marry, but plans change when Evander's father suddenly dies. Evander discovers his father was in debt and now he has to figure out a way to pay it all off.
He tells Lottie that he has to postpone the wedding until he regains his family fortune.
So he leaves her in search of treasures.
Lottie is left heart broken and soon is left all alone when her father passes away. After a few years her savings have run out and she heads to London to find work, but is forced into the life of a courtesan.
Years later, Evander comes back and soon learns of Lottie's fate. She is not the innocent girl he left behind. He pledges his love to her and vows to win back her love and forgiveness.
Lottie and Evander plan on running away to marry, but plans change when Evander's father suddenly dies. Evander discovers his father was in debt and now he has to figure out a way to pay it all off.
He tells Lottie that he has to postpone the wedding until he regains his family fortune.
So he leaves her in search of treasures.
Lottie is left heart broken and soon is left all alone when her father passes away. After a few years her savings have run out and she heads to London to find work, but is forced into the life of a courtesan.
Years later, Evander comes back and soon learns of Lottie's fate. She is not the innocent girl he left behind. He pledges his love to her and vows to win back her love and forgiveness.
June 29, 2021
This is such an emotional read. I would normally not read books about Courtesan because I have a preconceived opinion on the type of women they are. I like my heroine's to be near virginally - it not totally. So this author would have a harder time making me like the h. I already decided she wasn't going to be someone I liked before I started reading.
In no time at all my heart ached for the h, surprised me too. I started to be so upset with the H and because of his choices, affected the h in the most awful way - no spoiler's!
You will feel all the heartache the h experiences. How she acted in different circumstances was perfect. She was strong but also vulnerable. She did what she had to in order to survive. If things in her life could go wrong or work against her, they did. I did appreciate we didn't have to witness the courtesan part of her life. It was hard to just get a tiny glimpse of the aftereffect. If you have a wrong opinion like I did about this story, know that isn't what this story is about. It's about the choices women were forced to decide because they had no power.
I wish I could convey the feelings this story brought out in me. So many layers to this story. I was confused how her occupation after the courtesan came about. How did she decide to do this? How did the Ton hear about it. Weren't they afraid their offspring would be tarnished? I know it was all hush hushed, but obviously people found out about it.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 3 out of 5. Romance began 6 years previously and was a rough road to regain the trust back. So many shocking surprises/twists to this story that the pace was perfect and didn't drag at all. Interesting secondary character's too, that the ones who were judgmental got what was coming to them in the most delightful way.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA was very bumpy to reach, romantic and some steam. Loved the significance of the flowers and a sweet epilogue 4 years in the future. I can't improve on the blurb, just recommending this story.
I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
In no time at all my heart ached for the h, surprised me too. I started to be so upset with the H and because of his choices, affected the h in the most awful way - no spoiler's!
You will feel all the heartache the h experiences. How she acted in different circumstances was perfect. She was strong but also vulnerable. She did what she had to in order to survive. If things in her life could go wrong or work against her, they did. I did appreciate we didn't have to witness the courtesan part of her life. It was hard to just get a tiny glimpse of the aftereffect. If you have a wrong opinion like I did about this story, know that isn't what this story is about. It's about the choices women were forced to decide because they had no power.
I wish I could convey the feelings this story brought out in me. So many layers to this story. I was confused how her occupation after the courtesan came about. How did she decide to do this? How did the Ton hear about it. Weren't they afraid their offspring would be tarnished? I know it was all hush hushed, but obviously people found out about it.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 3 out of 5. Romance began 6 years previously and was a rough road to regain the trust back. So many shocking surprises/twists to this story that the pace was perfect and didn't drag at all. Interesting secondary character's too, that the ones who were judgmental got what was coming to them in the most delightful way.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA was very bumpy to reach, romantic and some steam. Loved the significance of the flowers and a sweet epilogue 4 years in the future. I can't improve on the blurb, just recommending this story.
I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
June 29, 2021
From the first page to the last you will be spellbound by How to Wed a Courtesan as it unfolds beautifully. Madeline Martin has given readers a book that is well-written, filled it with great cast of characters that come off the pages and pull you into this emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, with steamy passion, an enjoyable plot with a surprising twist at the end, as well as appearances from characters from the previous novels that bring this read together perfectly! Evander returns from his travels he find Lottie not the same girl he left behind. Lottie has been hurled into a vortex of pain and degradation with secrets she keeps locked up inside her heart. With the return of Evander her life is turned upside down with Evander proposing marriage and will not take no for an answer. Evander will stop at nothing to win back Lottie's love. It a second chance at love as Lottie and Evander travel on a heart-rendering journey filled with drama, hope, viperious tongues of the ton, and tears and when Lottie's secret is revealed will their love be able to help her broken heart. As trust builds and emotions abound that will keep you reading to the end in this outstanding story!
December 19, 2023
😭 I almost didn’t make it through. The hero f-ed up big time and groveled the entire book, but it took forever for Lottie to tell Evander exactly how big he blew it. There was a lot happening for romance reasons.
Note: the hero never shames the heroine for being a courtesan 👍🏻. Other people do though.
Note: the hero never shames the heroine for being a courtesan 👍🏻. Other people do though.
March 29, 2022
London 1816
Finally Lottie's story who we met before and what a story! Romance, redemption, heartache and a chance to love again... A truly sigh worthy story as only this author can create!
From the first page to the last. I could not put it down!!!
Finally Lottie's story who we met before and what a story! Romance, redemption, heartache and a chance to love again... A truly sigh worthy story as only this author can create!
From the first page to the last. I could not put it down!!!
June 21, 2021
🖼 How to Wed a Courtesan 🖼
An entertaining Regency romance
The London School for Ladies Book 3
✒️ Madeline Martin
https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMart...
Release Date 06/29/2021
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SC618K3/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
From New York Times Bestselling Author Madeline Martin From courtesan
…to society wife?
When Evander, Earl of Westix, returns from the continent to claim his bride, he is shocked that the innocent vicar’s daughter he once loved has become a notorious courtesan. But Lottie is so much more than the insult society hurls at her. She is resourceful and strong—after all, she’s had to be to survive. Her charms are undeniable, but her heart is beyond his grasp. To win it will mean taking her from bedroom to ballroom…
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he be able to rekindle the pieces of their love ….
When Lottie was introduced in the first book of this series, I do not imagine she would have her own story.
But I am so glad the author offered her a happily ever after as she was such a kind side character.
So now, we know how she was left with few options and why she took this path.
Evander is no rogue nor scoundrel. He fell in love and made choices which altered his life and Lottie’s. But while he followed his calling, he was deft to her plight, heedless of her trials.
He is a man who never stopped to love her but in the meantime was the cause of most of her pain.
So oblivious of everything, he lengthened his absence, determined to never be again bankrupt and accumulate so much wealth he will be able to shower in diamonds and gold the woman he loves.
Lottie meanwhile tried to wait for his return, yet as his absence lengthened and his mail shined by its lack, she lost faith in his comeback. So when her life took a more dramatic turn, she had no other options than to seek money like many women before her. But as soon she was able to change of trade, she took the opportunity but the damages were already there.
Why Evander is in for a lengthy and painful journey, on a road paved with his mistakes he has to mend, but it is a Herculean task when it has altered her whole life, even changing how his love interest is seen from others’ lenses.
For all his errors, he is a wonderful human being, never faulting Lottie for her past, acknowledging he is more than partly responsible. Loving her without fault and accepting everything life throws on their way, always choosing her and her again.
Lottie is a bundle of griefs, and only a love pure as the one Evander feels for her might help her mend her heart piece by piece.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 Sweet onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
An entertaining Regency romance
The London School for Ladies Book 3
✒️ Madeline Martin
https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMart...
Release Date 06/29/2021
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SC618K3/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
From New York Times Bestselling Author Madeline Martin From courtesan
…to society wife?
When Evander, Earl of Westix, returns from the continent to claim his bride, he is shocked that the innocent vicar’s daughter he once loved has become a notorious courtesan. But Lottie is so much more than the insult society hurls at her. She is resourceful and strong—after all, she’s had to be to survive. Her charms are undeniable, but her heart is beyond his grasp. To win it will mean taking her from bedroom to ballroom…
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he be able to rekindle the pieces of their love ….
When Lottie was introduced in the first book of this series, I do not imagine she would have her own story.
But I am so glad the author offered her a happily ever after as she was such a kind side character.
So now, we know how she was left with few options and why she took this path.
Evander is no rogue nor scoundrel. He fell in love and made choices which altered his life and Lottie’s. But while he followed his calling, he was deft to her plight, heedless of her trials.
He is a man who never stopped to love her but in the meantime was the cause of most of her pain.
So oblivious of everything, he lengthened his absence, determined to never be again bankrupt and accumulate so much wealth he will be able to shower in diamonds and gold the woman he loves.
Lottie meanwhile tried to wait for his return, yet as his absence lengthened and his mail shined by its lack, she lost faith in his comeback. So when her life took a more dramatic turn, she had no other options than to seek money like many women before her. But as soon she was able to change of trade, she took the opportunity but the damages were already there.
Why Evander is in for a lengthy and painful journey, on a road paved with his mistakes he has to mend, but it is a Herculean task when it has altered her whole life, even changing how his love interest is seen from others’ lenses.
For all his errors, he is a wonderful human being, never faulting Lottie for her past, acknowledging he is more than partly responsible. Loving her without fault and accepting everything life throws on their way, always choosing her and her again.
Lottie is a bundle of griefs, and only a love pure as the one Evander feels for her might help her mend her heart piece by piece.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 Sweet onscreen lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
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