This was a decent start to a series. Declan and Charlotte were pretty awesome together, their banter, their connection, their spark all pretty well described. I think this book could have used some good editing and pacing. A bit repetitive in the beginning a rush in the end, but still did not deter from being a decent read.

#netgalley #OneScandalTooMany

It took me way too long to finish this book, maybe it was my fault since I haven’t been interested in historical romance at the moment. I found the summary interesting but couldn’t hold my interest the first half of the book. To the point where I almost DNF, but I gave it another chance 30 minutes and if I was still dragging my feet I’d put it down. Things started to get interesting when the MMC stopped fighting his feeling for the FMC having secret meetings and acknowledging their attraction. One thing that bothered me was that the FMC age was never included, I assumed they were young for it to be acceptable to send them to school. Even after the MMC did his best to spend time with her they barely spoke of anything before they managed to find themselves alone at night. They had already thought about each her fondly, having a need to always be near each other. Gave them little choice but do the right thing. The ending was rushed we saw no real reaction to their night stay, their marriage from their friends. While the start had so much detail there could have been so much more added to the story. Im disappointed and dissatisfied with it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing I received a ARC for an honest review !

This book, one in the Havenwood Academy series, was an absolutely refreshing fun historical romance. Scandalous young women sent to a school dedicated to reaching them how to avoid scandal was an interesting start of a captivating love story that was full of humor and wit. The beautiful friendship between the young ladies was delightful. I enjoyed the strong chemistry that begins a deliciously passionate romance. I was happy that their beautiful love could not be overshadowed by any obstacles. The ending wad lovely. I highly recommend reading!

Scandal, secrets, and a dash of daring romance? Welcome to Havenwood Academy, where Lady Charlotte Beckett is about to rewrite the rules of Regency society – and find herself entangled with the captivating Marquess of Eaton.
One Scandal Too Many by Dawn Brower is a historical romance set in the Regency era. It follows Lady Charlotte Beckett, whose father enrolls her in Havenwood Academy, a school for unmarried young ladies. Charlotte is a sharp-witted and bold young woman. While walking with her equally daring roommate, she encounters Declan Hayes, the Marquess of Eaton. Thus begins a romance that both parties try to ignore.
Positives
This is the first book in a series, and the author has already provided hints about what to expect in the next installment. I'm eagerly anticipating it. Brower excels in pacing and character development. The story is filled with shocking scandals, secrets, and heartfelt moments. I loved how the characters attempted to defy societal expectations. This is the first Regency historical romance I've read where the female lead creates a pair of pants that flow like a dress, allowing her to ride her horse without a sidesaddle. Which I absolutely love!!!
Negatives
There isn't much for me to critique negatively. My only critiques are personal preferences. I found it somewhat generic and felt it could have used more passion. But not nearly disappointed enough to not anticipate its sequel already!!
Recommendations
If you enjoy historical romance, especially set in the Regency era, you will want to add this to your "to-be-read list." I almost gave it 3 stars, but then I remembered how moving the final "scandal" is, how it made me feel like I was experiencing it myself. So, it gets 4 stars!

Havenwood Academy is a finishing school for young women who are deemed unmarriageable. Lady Charlotte Beckett has been sent to the academy because of what her father deemed scandalous behavior. Declan Hayes, Marqus of Easton, has retreated, with two of his friends, to his estate for some peace and quiet, and to avoid marriage-minded debutantes and their mothers. The first time Charlotte lays eyes on Declan, all of Declan, swimming with his friends, begins a battle of wills and an undeniable connection. The first book in the Havenwood Academy Series is entertaining and fun. Charlotte is feisty and adorable. Declan is a redeemable rake. Their friends are delightful. There are a couple of twists and surprises, but there is a happy ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

A new series from an author I am not familiar with. The premise sits around a finishing school for young ladies who have been involved in some sort of scandal. Lady Charlotte is the daughter of a duke (not a very nice one) and has been sent to the academy after a scandal we don't know about till much later in the book.

The school borders the estate of Declan, Marquess of Easton, who is in residence with his two friends - a duke and an earl I suspect we'll hear more from in later books.

I wouldn't put this down as one of the all-time HRs but it was entertaining enough, and I enjoyed it.

Received an ARC from Netgalley.

Lady Charlotte's banishment seems horribly unfair to me, nevertheless, she makes the best of the situation and avoids anything that might bring the wrath of her father down on her head. Inadvertently walking into a compromising situation sets her and the Marquess of Easton at odds, however she has too much backbone to be cowered by him. Instead together with her roommates, she continues to unsettle Declan and his friends at every opportunity. The force of the attraction between them leads to some interesting encounters until they are no longer able to deny their feelings. The novel comes to a lovely conclusion although Charlotte's overbearing father is less than pleased. I received a copy of this entertaining romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This historical romance is the start of a series based around a finishing school for young ladies who might have been involved in a scandal.
Our heroine is definitely one of the more mischievous girls. Her father is very strict and controlling.
Our hero is a marquess hiding on his estate with two friends. They hoped they were escaping to peace and quiet.
There are quite a few giggles in this story, along with a little steam towards the end. The characters are fabulous, and we get a hint about who the next book might be about. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will eagerly await more.
Good fun.

The first book in a new and humorous series, Declan & Charlotte meet at a house party. One is a rake with no interest in curbing his way. The other is from a finishing school for unmarriageable girls. From the meeting onward, there is humor, banter and fun until the end of the story. A lovely way to spend a quiet afternoon getting to know these two characters, their personalities and how their lives move forward.

Lady Charlotte Beckett's father, the Duke of Clairemont, dumped her at Havenwood Academy, a finishing school for what the Ton deem unmarriageable ladies. Her crime, so silly we don't even find out what it is until the book is almost over. She has given up on love, but not on life.
Declan Hayes, the Marquess of Easton, is a rake with no plans of giving his heart to anyone and his struggles with his meddling mother provide added humor to the story. I loved Charlotte and Declan's unusual meet-cute, and the banter between these two is funny, heartwarming and heated.

A house party will bring these two together, and introduce us to the other couples in this new series. This was a great start and I look forward to additional books. It gave me everything I need in a good historical romance. Tears, laughter, steam and some much needed snarkiness. I would have given 5 stars if the father was berated, maybe punched a time or two when the story came o its conclusion. The way he made his daughter feel was unforgivable, but it matched the typical attitude at the time. Looking forward to more.

Lady Charlotte Beckett has resigned herself to her fate. Sent to Havenwood Academy, a finishing school for unmarriageable ladies, she knows her future holds only the plans her father has in store for her future. But when an invitation arrives for the students to attend a house party at Easton Abbey, she finds herself in the path of the one man who threatens to unravel her carefully constructed world. Declan Hayes, the Marquis of Easton, is a notorious rake with no intention of surrendering his heart to any woman. Yet from the moment he clashes with the sharp-witted and utterly fascinating Lady Charlotte, his carefully honed indifference begins to crack.
The start of a new series & as easy to read romance. I liked both Declan & Charlotte & whilst I thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA I didn’t feel much chemistry between them but I did like the banter between them. There were a couple of twists at the end which added to my enjoyment, there was also a hint about the next book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

3.5⭐️
This book was a wickedly seductive game of cat and mouse between a scandal-prone lady and a lord determined to avoid marriage at all costs. Ironic, really—because from the moment Declan laid eyes on Charlotte, he was utterly captivated and willing to risk everything to have her. What follows is a slow-burning yet scandalous courtship filled with secret rendezvous, stolen moments under the ever-watchful eyes of chaperones, and passionate kisses beneath the moonlight.

I found this story refreshingly fun, with a modern twist on a delightfully inaccurate historical romance. It beautifully captured the excitement and intensity of first love. The chemistry between Charlotte and Declan was absolutely electric, and I especially adored Declan’s lines:

"Is its scent as lovely as the woman breathing in its sweet fragrance?"
"The mere hours that separated their next meeting seemed like too long already."

For someone who insists he’s a rake, Declan’s words were downright sinful—deliciously poetic and unexpectedly romantic. (Or maybe my definition of rake is just a little too cynical.)

I also really enjoyed the setting—a school dedicated to teaching young women how to avoid scandal? That was such a clever and intriguing backdrop! And the supporting cast was fantastic. I’m eager to dive into their stories in future books, especially Mrs. Havenwood—please tell me she’s getting her own book!

Now, onto my one critique: the pacing. The beginning dragged a bit, with some repetitive scenes and ideas that could have been tightened. Then, just as the story gained momentum, the ending felt rushed—so much so that I turned the last page thinking, Wait… that’s it? A little less repetition early on could have allowed for a more satisfying, well-developed conclusion.

That said, I did enjoy this book, and if you’re looking for a short, lighthearted, and swoon-worthy historical romance, this one is worth picking up!
💧 First book in a series
💧 Historical romance
💧 Light explicit spice
💧 Third-person narration
💧 Forbidden romance

*ARC provided through NetGalley*

One Scandal Too Many by Dawn Brower offers an enticing premise: Lady Charlotte Beckett, a sharp-witted heroine, and Declan Hayes, a rakish Marquess, collide at a Regency house party. The setup sparkles with potential, and the banter between characters is a delight, brimming with charm. Female friendships add warmth, though their depth feels stunted by withheld secrets—more backstory could elevate them. However, the romance falters; Charlotte and Declan’s shift from lust to love feels rushed and lacks emotional grounding, undermining their connection. A promising concept with witty moments, but inconsistent pacing and shallow character development make it a missed opportunity for me. (2.5-star rounded up to 3)
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the female friend group and the school a lot. It seemed to be a place that respected the young ladies that were sent there and helped them grow as women. It may have been a punishment on the part of their parents, but it help them thrive. The friend group was so nice very supportive and kind to one another. Also helped them all get up to no good which they deserve. I just didn’t connect with Declan which made it hard for me to root for them as a couple. He especially seemed immature to me. He said he wasn’t a rake anymore but really appeared to still be one during their second encounter. I just didn’t feel the yearn for each other really. We were told it was there but I just didn’t feel it.

Charlotte is the neglected daughter of a Duke who blames her for her brother’s actions.
The Duke sends her away to a special school for ladies with scandal in their past.
The school adjoins the Marquess of Easton property.
Charlotte and her friends do some daring deeds and encounter Declan the Marquess.
He is enchanted by her will and adventurous nature.
The sparks continue as they begin to understand each other.
A fun romp.

This was an excellent book. It kept me turning pages until the end. It was more complicated and more emotional than I expected. Definitely give this one a try if you are looking for your next fantastic read!

I adored this very different tale of a woman, Charlotte, sent to an obscure school for a tiny little scandalous act- that her brother started . Yet her father, The Duke was incensed over. Declan is a man refusing to be dragged into marriage. Period. Their meeting was a definite meet-cute in a scandalous way and it goes down hill from there. I loved Charlotte’s attitude and feistiness. The banter between them was very witty and both of their friends have stories just waiting to be revealed ( I think so anyway!) Although the author seemed to harp on things over and over in the beginning of the story, saying the same thing over and over at times, this is one delicious tale. The 2 twists at the end blew me away and dealing with “dear ol’e Dad” was very eye-opening, especially what he said about her prospective husband. Would have loved to have seen the reaction from Declan’s mom and their friends. A good read!


I received this story for free and these are my own views.

Fate, Desire, Enjoyable Romance:

A brazen feisty independent Charolotte has been banished by her wretched father to the Havenwood Academy finishing school for girls.
A school where parents send girls with scandals go to learn proper educate and redeem themselves for polite society.
This is a charming well written story where a young girl and the known rake, Declan, the Marquess of Easton meet in a most 
daunting and titillating way.
Their attraction to one another is instantaneous and their relationship builds at a fast pace that brings forth an enjoyable passionate romance story of finding love.
My first time reading this author and I was totally captivated by the characters and the story. I will look forward to reading more of this series.
Mature Advisory: 2/5
Book Rating 4.5 rounded up to 5