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Madeline Martin

Madeline Martin

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A Reclusive Marquis and His List (Mesmerizing the Marquis)

Noah’s List

This is Noah Haskett, the third Marquis of Hesterton and he is a recluse.

Society has pushed him from its warm embrace for the better part of his life and he is perfectly content to no longer attempt to meet their lofty expectations. In fact, he’s more than content, he’s elated.

So much so, in fact, he’s made a list to tout the joys of being a recluse. And so, without further ado, here is Noah’s infamous list:

A Compilation of Insufferabilities that I No Longer Must Endure
– As specified by a reclusive marquis
  1. Nancy’s matchmaking attempts. She’ll never get it right.
  2. The “Bon Ton” –  hypocrites and featherheads.
  3. Debutantes. They are like riders in a hunt!
  4. Marriage Minded Mamas.  If debutantes are the riders, their mothers are the hounds that have scented the fox!
  5. Wearing cravats. Who thought tightly wrapping linen around your neck was a good idea?
  6. Dancing. No explanation needed.
  7. Almack’s. Watery lemonade, stale buttered bread, and vipers – what’s to miss?
  8. Almack’s, while I’m thinking on it.  The “No trousers” rule is ludicrous!
  9. Gossip.  Further proof that the “Ton” is inhabited by hypocrites and featherheads.
  10. Social Calls.  Vile tea and critical people? No, thank you!
  11. Reminders that I need an heir.  And they are plentiful…
  12. The Afternoon Promenade in Hyde Park. Same hypocrites and featherheads, just outdoors.
  13. Feathers in ladies fashions.  Reminds me of the awful incident in which I was jabbed in the nostril by a feather thrusting out from Lady Pandamine’s turban.
  14.  Refraining from speaking my mind in public.  It’s gossip which should be censored rather that one’s own opinions.
  15. Dancing.  It bears repeating.
  16. Dressing for Dinner.  Really, what is the point?  One outfit per day is perfectly sufficient and saves an enormous amount of time.
  17. Keeping up with fashion.  Saves a tremendous amount of money and aggravation!
  18. Ton ladies.  Automatons, the lot of them – they dress the same, talk the same, one is as annoying as the next.
  19. Shaving Daily.  Another time saver!
  20. Fops and Dandies.  More hair than wit, I truly despair the future of the kingdom if these men are our best examples of gentlemen.
  21. Chaperones.  As if being judged and found wanting by debutantes and their mamas wasn’t bad enough.
  22. Gentlemanly Manners.  Such as how men must precede a lady going upstairs and how bloody slow my brace makes me climb. Damnably awkward.
  23. Getting invitations to social events.  I don’t want to go anyway.
  24. Replying to said invitations. Saves time and foolscap!
  25. Dancing.  It truly deserves a third mention.
  26. Venetian Breakfasts. Breakfast is kippers and eggs in the morning, NOT at 2 in the afternoon.
  27. Pretending not to hear comments about my leg. Apparently the ton believes my brace affects my hearing.
  28. Smiling.  Scowling at people in public is frowned upon.
  29. Picnics.  Who in their right mind wants to eat outside?  On the ground?
  30.  The Grand Dames.  Judgmental, feather-wearing harpies, lying in wait to pounce on the weak and unmarried.
  31. Musicales. Dante’s first circle of hell.
  32. Soirees. No dancing, but there are still people.
  33. Insipid conversations.
  34. Cadsbury. Not having to see him is reason enough to become a recluse.
  35. Balls.  See items #1-6 and #15 and #25.

I absolutely fell in love with Noah while I was writing Mesmerizing the Marquis and hope all of you do too! I especially loved writing the banter between Noah and Helen. 🙂

 

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madelinemmartin

👩🏻‍💻USA Today Bestselling author of #historicalromance, mother of minions, watcher of cat videos, drinker of wine, poster of pics

When the heart on the back of your cat’s neck le When the heart on the back of your cat’s neck lets you know they love you 😻
I’m beyond excited to share my gorgeous new cove I’m beyond excited to share my gorgeous new cover for The Last Bookshop in London - a WWII Historical Fiction

The art team at @hanoversquarepress did such a gorgeous job on this cover! I love it so much!!! 

Inspired by the true World War II history of the few bookshops to survive the Blitz, The Last Bookshop in London is a timeless story of wartime loss, love and the enduring power of literature.

August 1939: London is dismal under the weight of impending war with Germany as Hitler’s forces continue to sweep across Europe. Into this uncertain maelstrom steps Grace Bennett, young and ready for a fresh start in the bustling city streets she’s always dreamed of—and miles away from her troubled past in the countryside.

With aspirations of working at a department store, Grace never imagined she’d wind up employed at Primrose Hill, an offbeat bookshop nestled in the heart of the city—after all, she’s never been much of a reader. Overwhelmed with organizing the cluttered store, she doesn’t have time to read the books she sells. But when one is gifted to her, what starts as an obligation becomes a passion that draws her into the incredible world of literature.

As the Blitz rains down bombs on the city night after night, a devastating attack leaves the libraries and shops of London’s literary center in ruins. Miraculously, Grace’s bookshop survives the firestorm. Through blackouts and air raids, Grace continues running the shop, discovering a newfound comfort in the power of words and storytelling that unites her community in ways she never imagined—a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of war-torn London.

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Tomorrow is my official cover reveal for The Last Tomorrow is my official cover reveal for The Last Bookshop in London!! I'm so excited!! 😆
How to Tempt a Duke in Italian and Swedish - the l How to Tempt a Duke in Italian and Swedish - the latter just came in the mail! 😆 
I love how Harlequin Historical sends us copies of the translated versions of our books! It’s just such a cool thing to see and hold 🥰
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