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The Ashburton Reunion #1
Flirting with His Forbidden Lady
Returning from India
To a forbidden liaison…
Joshua Ashburton hasn’t seen his brother for years and heads straight to his London town house. A ball is underway filled with the cream of society, including one Lady Elizabeth Hummingford. Captivated by her vitality and sparkle, he’s shocked to learn she’s all but engaged to his brother! It’s a loveless, convenient match, but how can Josh persuade her she’s chosen the wrong brother when he’s set to return abroad?
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
The Ashburton Reunion
Two estranged brothers find each other and two special women to love!
Book 1: Flirting with His Forbidden Lady
To a forbidden liaison…
Joshua Ashburton hasn’t seen his brother for years and heads straight to his London town house. A ball is underway filled with the cream of society, including one Lady Elizabeth Hummingford. Captivated by her vitality and sparkle, he’s shocked to learn she’s all but engaged to his brother! It’s a loveless, convenient match, but how can Josh persuade her she’s chosen the wrong brother when he’s set to return abroad?
From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.
The Ashburton Reunion
Two estranged brothers find each other and two special women to love!
Book 1: Flirting with His Forbidden Lady
- GenresRomanceHistorical
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
13 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Laura Martin
127 books31 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Laura Martin was born and bred on the South Coast of England into a family of two loving parents and a spirited older sister. Books were a feature of her life from early on. One of her earliest memories involves sitting with the family on a rainy Sunday afternoon, listening to the exploits of a clumsy but lovable stuffed bear and his assorted cuddly friends. Laura's first ambition was to be a doctor, and in 2006 she went off to Guy's, King's and St Thomas's Medical School in London to study medicine. It was whilst she was earning her degree that she discovered her love of writing. In between ward rounds and lectures Laura would scribble down ideas to work on later that evening and dream of being an author. In 2012 Laura married her high school sweetheart, and together they settled down in Cambridgeshire. It was around this time that Laura started focussing on the Romance genre, and found what she had always suspected to be true: she was a romantic at heart. Laura now spends her time writing Historical Romances when not working as a doctor. In her spare moments Laura loves to lose herself in a book, and has been known to read from cover to cover in a day when the story is particularly gripping. She also loves to travel with her husband, especially enjoying visiting historical sites and far-flung shores.
Laura Martin was born and bred on the South Coast of England into a family of two loving parents and a spirited older sister. Books were a feature of her life from early on. One of her earliest memories involves sitting with the family on a rainy Sunday afternoon, listening to the exploits of a clumsy but lovable stuffed bear and his assorted cuddly friends. Laura's first ambition was to be a doctor, and in 2006 she went off to Guy's, King's and St Thomas's Medical School in London to study medicine. It was whilst she was earning her degree that she discovered her love of writing. In between ward rounds and lectures Laura would scribble down ideas to work on later that evening and dream of being an author. In 2012 Laura married her high school sweetheart, and together they settled down in Cambridgeshire. It was around this time that Laura started focussing on the Romance genre, and found what she had always suspected to be true: she was a romantic at heart. Laura now spends her time writing Historical Romances when not working as a doctor. In her spare moments Laura loves to lose herself in a book, and has been known to read from cover to cover in a day when the story is particularly gripping. She also loves to travel with her husband, especially enjoying visiting historical sites and far-flung shores.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 18, 2021
4.5 stars
This was an engaging read with a number of interesting characters. A good amount of pressure was placed upon Lady Elizabeth to marry a wealthy man to help her family with their debts. Joshua Ashburton was home from India for the first time in twenty five years to see his elder brother. He was unaccustomed to the social restrictions he found in London. He was the complete opposite of his brother, Leo who was the man Elizabeth was due to marry. However, there was an instant attraction between Elizabeth and Joshua. Unfortunately, only a wealthy titled gentleman would do for her mother. If ever there was a character to hate it was the mother! I kept hoping Elizabeth would stand up to her and tell her a few home truths. There is a secret concerning Elizabeth’s sister. This was an enjoyable read with a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was an engaging read with a number of interesting characters. A good amount of pressure was placed upon Lady Elizabeth to marry a wealthy man to help her family with their debts. Joshua Ashburton was home from India for the first time in twenty five years to see his elder brother. He was unaccustomed to the social restrictions he found in London. He was the complete opposite of his brother, Leo who was the man Elizabeth was due to marry. However, there was an instant attraction between Elizabeth and Joshua. Unfortunately, only a wealthy titled gentleman would do for her mother. If ever there was a character to hate it was the mother! I kept hoping Elizabeth would stand up to her and tell her a few home truths. There is a secret concerning Elizabeth’s sister. This was an enjoyable read with a satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 16, 2021
Flirting with His Forbidden Lady is a standalone book by Laura Martin.
Two brothers separated when they were young find themselves in a bind when the brother that grew up in India returns to England to meet up with his sibling. The latter is indebted to somebody and has promised to marry the man's daughter. He has no feelings whatsoever for her. Unlike his brother who finds himself falling for her and his feelings are reciprocated. They fight their attraction, there is too much dependent on her marrying his brother, but will they have their happy ever after?
I always know when I really enjoy a book because I can't read it quickly enough as was the case with this one. I loved everything about it. I couldn't see how the heroine could be with the brother that she was falling for. They had so many moments where they were either fighting their attraction or giving into it a little and I was rooting for them to be able to find a way to be together without others getting hurt. Some of the characters, well one in particular, you will know who if you read the book yourself, is really detestable and they provided a few moments where I wished I could get in the book and give them a shake.
This was a well-paced story that I thoroughly enjoyed and one that I am more than happy to recommend.
Two brothers separated when they were young find themselves in a bind when the brother that grew up in India returns to England to meet up with his sibling. The latter is indebted to somebody and has promised to marry the man's daughter. He has no feelings whatsoever for her. Unlike his brother who finds himself falling for her and his feelings are reciprocated. They fight their attraction, there is too much dependent on her marrying his brother, but will they have their happy ever after?
I always know when I really enjoy a book because I can't read it quickly enough as was the case with this one. I loved everything about it. I couldn't see how the heroine could be with the brother that she was falling for. They had so many moments where they were either fighting their attraction or giving into it a little and I was rooting for them to be able to find a way to be together without others getting hurt. Some of the characters, well one in particular, you will know who if you read the book yourself, is really detestable and they provided a few moments where I wished I could get in the book and give them a shake.
This was a well-paced story that I thoroughly enjoyed and one that I am more than happy to recommend.
September 5, 2021
Good book. Leo and Josh Ashburton's parents died when they were very young. Leo was taken in and raised by his great-aunt, a cold, emotionless woman who refused to take Josh and keep the brothers together. A family friend took Josh and gave him a loving home. Unfortunately, that home was in India, creating a years-long separation. As the book opens, Josh arrives in England for the first time in more than twenty years. Though they wrote letters during the intervening years, Josh can't wait to see Leo and immediately heads to his London home. He's dismayed to see a ball taking place and goes to the garden to wait for the right time to approach Leo. There he meets the lovely Lady Elizabeth.
Beth escaped the ball to hide in the garden, avoiding facing Leo. An understanding between Leo and her late father has Beth all but engaged to him. Her father's death and massive debts put Beth, her sister, and her mother in dire financial straits, and her mother pressures Beth to push the engagement forward. Leo feels honor-bound to follow through on his promise though he doesn't wish to marry just yet. Beth doesn't want a loveless match but believes she has no choice.
I loved the first meeting between Josh and Beth. Josh and Leo look enough alike that Beth mistook him for Leo at first. There was an immediate connection and attraction between Beth and Josh, but they fight it. Thanks to Leo's extreme reluctance, Josh and Beth frequently find themselves thrown together. Unfortunately, Beth's shrewish and selfish mother keeps the pressure on Beth to bring Leo up to scratch. The more time they spend together, the deeper the feelings grow between Josh and Beth. I liked how Josh's attention helped Beth find some of the strength she needs to stand up to her mother. I especially enjoyed the theater fire scene and Beth's determination to help.
In a terrific scene at the beach, Josh and Beth finally give in to their feelings for each other and plan their future together. I ached for Josh, who didn't want to hurt Leo but felt both of them deserved love in their lives. Leo impressed me with his frank talk with Josh, and I had high hopes for Josh and Beth's future. Then disaster struck with Beth's younger sister Annabelle. Beth's mother pushes all the buttons that work on Beth's guilt, and suddenly they are right back where they started. I hurt for Josh, who is brokenhearted and ready to run back to India, and I wanted to shake Beth for not standing up for her own needs. When Beth discovers how far her mother is willing to go to get her way, she realizes the depth of her mistake. I loved seeing Beth in the position of begging for Josh's forgiveness because of what she did. The ending was terrific, and the epilogue showed a bright outlook for their future.
Though Leo often comes across as cold and unfeeling, his interactions with Josh show otherwise. When Leo, Josh, and Beth visit the great-aunt, her attitude explains a lot. I liked Leo's willingness to follow through on his promise while ultimately allowing Josh and Beth to reach for their dreams. Another glimpse into Leo's true self came during his interactions with Beth's sister. I liked how he stepped up to help at the end.
A mystery surrounds Beth's sister Annabelle, who never leaves their home in the country. I ached for both of them with the revelation of their history and loved that they were so close. Their mother is selfish, snobbish, and manipulative, and deserves more trouble than she ultimately receives.
Beth escaped the ball to hide in the garden, avoiding facing Leo. An understanding between Leo and her late father has Beth all but engaged to him. Her father's death and massive debts put Beth, her sister, and her mother in dire financial straits, and her mother pressures Beth to push the engagement forward. Leo feels honor-bound to follow through on his promise though he doesn't wish to marry just yet. Beth doesn't want a loveless match but believes she has no choice.
I loved the first meeting between Josh and Beth. Josh and Leo look enough alike that Beth mistook him for Leo at first. There was an immediate connection and attraction between Beth and Josh, but they fight it. Thanks to Leo's extreme reluctance, Josh and Beth frequently find themselves thrown together. Unfortunately, Beth's shrewish and selfish mother keeps the pressure on Beth to bring Leo up to scratch. The more time they spend together, the deeper the feelings grow between Josh and Beth. I liked how Josh's attention helped Beth find some of the strength she needs to stand up to her mother. I especially enjoyed the theater fire scene and Beth's determination to help.
In a terrific scene at the beach, Josh and Beth finally give in to their feelings for each other and plan their future together. I ached for Josh, who didn't want to hurt Leo but felt both of them deserved love in their lives. Leo impressed me with his frank talk with Josh, and I had high hopes for Josh and Beth's future. Then disaster struck with Beth's younger sister Annabelle. Beth's mother pushes all the buttons that work on Beth's guilt, and suddenly they are right back where they started. I hurt for Josh, who is brokenhearted and ready to run back to India, and I wanted to shake Beth for not standing up for her own needs. When Beth discovers how far her mother is willing to go to get her way, she realizes the depth of her mistake. I loved seeing Beth in the position of begging for Josh's forgiveness because of what she did. The ending was terrific, and the epilogue showed a bright outlook for their future.
Though Leo often comes across as cold and unfeeling, his interactions with Josh show otherwise. When Leo, Josh, and Beth visit the great-aunt, her attitude explains a lot. I liked Leo's willingness to follow through on his promise while ultimately allowing Josh and Beth to reach for their dreams. Another glimpse into Leo's true self came during his interactions with Beth's sister. I liked how he stepped up to help at the end.
A mystery surrounds Beth's sister Annabelle, who never leaves their home in the country. I ached for both of them with the revelation of their history and loved that they were so close. Their mother is selfish, snobbish, and manipulative, and deserves more trouble than she ultimately receives.
June 13, 2024
Elizabeth Hummingford's family faces financial ruin if she does not marry soon. Before her father's death, Leo Ashburton made a deal with him that he would marry his daughter (Elizabeth). While Leo hasn't stepped forward yet to do that, Elizabeth's mother starts pushing Leo for the match, due to their financial circumstances. In the meantime, Leo's brother Joshua comes to visit him from India and thus is present when Leo starts to warm to the idea of considering whether he and Elizabeth might make a match. But it is not Leo that Elizabeth is attracted to. It's his brother, Joshua. To make matters worse, when Leo asks his brother to take his place with Elizabeth, to show her around because he's involved with business matters, Elizabeth and Joshua are thrown together too much for her to deny the attraction any longer. And Joshua feels the same.
When Elizabeth's manipulative mother gets wind that Elizabeth may prefer Joshua over his brother Leo, and she knows Leo has more money, she tries to coerce Elizabeth by guilting her and saying that she needs to marry Leo in order to financially save them. Elizabeth is torn. She feels nothing for Leo, and yet she does want to make sure that her sister is well taken care of, due to her disfiguring injuries from childhood.
In the end, Elizabeth must make a difficult choice: make herself happy, or take the responsibility of her entire family's financial well-being, by accepting an unhappy life with someone she does not love.
This was a good read and I liked the relationship between Elizabeth and Joshua.
When Elizabeth's manipulative mother gets wind that Elizabeth may prefer Joshua over his brother Leo, and she knows Leo has more money, she tries to coerce Elizabeth by guilting her and saying that she needs to marry Leo in order to financially save them. Elizabeth is torn. She feels nothing for Leo, and yet she does want to make sure that her sister is well taken care of, due to her disfiguring injuries from childhood.
In the end, Elizabeth must make a difficult choice: make herself happy, or take the responsibility of her entire family's financial well-being, by accepting an unhappy life with someone she does not love.
This was a good read and I liked the relationship between Elizabeth and Joshua.
September 21, 2024
I can't believe how long this book has been sitting on my Kindle - definitely, an embarrassing amount of time, but books don't have best-before dates, do they?
This is the first book in the Ashburton Reunion series, and I am loving this start and meeting the Ashburton brothers I really look forward to continuing with this series as I can't wait to see where this series is going to go.
I loved the concept of the two brothers who have been separated their whole lives are now reunited and having to traverse the stormy waters of being brothers, it doesn't help that both men have fallen in love with the same woman - oops!!
This could become complicated!
Josh being born in India has now returned to England after the death of his and his brother; parents, then he meets Leo's betrothed; Beth, with who he falls head over heels in love, and is determined to prove to her that Leo is not the man she wants nor needs in her life, but himself.
I loved the romance between Josh and Beth, it sparkles and is full of passion and deep emotion, their's is a complex relationship neither wants to hurt Leo but they can't deny their own feelings, all of which make for an engaging and entertaining story.
This is full of conflicted relationships and heaps of love!
This is the first book in the Ashburton Reunion series, and I am loving this start and meeting the Ashburton brothers I really look forward to continuing with this series as I can't wait to see where this series is going to go.
I loved the concept of the two brothers who have been separated their whole lives are now reunited and having to traverse the stormy waters of being brothers, it doesn't help that both men have fallen in love with the same woman - oops!!
This could become complicated!
Josh being born in India has now returned to England after the death of his and his brother; parents, then he meets Leo's betrothed; Beth, with who he falls head over heels in love, and is determined to prove to her that Leo is not the man she wants nor needs in her life, but himself.
I loved the romance between Josh and Beth, it sparkles and is full of passion and deep emotion, their's is a complex relationship neither wants to hurt Leo but they can't deny their own feelings, all of which make for an engaging and entertaining story.
This is full of conflicted relationships and heaps of love!
May 11, 2021
The hero and the heroine fall in love. It‘s a forbidden love as the heroine is expecting a marriage proposal from the hero‘s older brother.
I liked them both, because they were so honest and genuine to each other with regard to their feelings. The romance builds gradually and is very sweet.
I did not like the older brother who seemed very cold and very distant and very indifferent to other people‘s plight, even his own brother‘s.
At some places the story dragged.
My favorite part was where the heroine groveled. She had to, because she hurt the hero.
I liked them both, because they were so honest and genuine to each other with regard to their feelings. The romance builds gradually and is very sweet.
I did not like the older brother who seemed very cold and very distant and very indifferent to other people‘s plight, even his own brother‘s.
At some places the story dragged.
My favorite part was where the heroine groveled. She had to, because she hurt the hero.
Read
March 2, 2021Categories
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
The Ashburton Reunion (Book #1)
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
The Ashburton Reunion (Book #1)
June 1, 2021
Loved the pace of how things developed between Josh and Beth. The characters are well rounded and act in believable ways generally. Looking forward to seeing more of Leo in the next of the series.
March 19, 2022
It was a decent quick read.
November 9, 2022
Enjoyed this one. After a good start, I was afraid it would stall, but it took me by surprise throughout and delivered a rather enjoyable and 'different' read from usual historicals
November 15, 2024
Like author’s style of writing
March 21, 2021
Two brothers separated after the death of their parents meet again in adulthood. Beth has to marry Leo for the sake of her family. When she meets his brother Joshua, she wonders if she can go through with it. Joshua knows Beth must marry for money, but he can't quell his attraction to her. He doesn't want to hurt his brother, but surely he deserves to marry for love?
This is a romance full of passion and unexpected emotion. Beth and Joshua are lovely characters who deserve happiness together. Leo is harder to get to know, but a chance meeting with Annabelle Beth's sister reveals his good qualities.
This is a conflicted but ultimately happy romance with a mysterious twist at the end.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is a romance full of passion and unexpected emotion. Beth and Joshua are lovely characters who deserve happiness together. Leo is harder to get to know, but a chance meeting with Annabelle Beth's sister reveals his good qualities.
This is a conflicted but ultimately happy romance with a mysterious twist at the end.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 17, 2021
Joshua Ashburton grew up in India & hasn’t seen his brother Leo for years and heads straight to his London townhouse. A ball is underway filled with the cream of society, including one Lady Elizabeth Hummingford. Captivated by her vitality and sparkle, he’s shocked to learn she’s all but engaged to his brother! It’s a loveless, convenient match, but sparks fly between Josh & Beth.
A well written book that drew me in from the start. I loved both Josh & Beth whose attraction sizzled but both knew she was almost engaged to his brother. There were obstacles in their way & although they fought their attraction they couldn’t keep apart. I also loved the upright Leo & Annabelle both of whom deserve their HEAs. I really, really disliked one character & couldn't believe the depths they were willing to sink to. A very well paced enjoyable read
A well written book that drew me in from the start. I loved both Josh & Beth whose attraction sizzled but both knew she was almost engaged to his brother. There were obstacles in their way & although they fought their attraction they couldn’t keep apart. I also loved the upright Leo & Annabelle both of whom deserve their HEAs. I really, really disliked one character & couldn't believe the depths they were willing to sink to. A very well paced enjoyable read
April 21, 2022
good book
Responsibility and guilt and the problems it brings when your Mother puts it all on her daughter’s shoulders. It is sad
Responsibility and guilt and the problems it brings when your Mother puts it all on her daughter’s shoulders. It is sad
April 26, 2022
Fast read
When you see your sibling for the first time since you were children, what would you do. In this book, fall for their intended.
When you see your sibling for the first time since you were children, what would you do. In this book, fall for their intended.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews