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!

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

Another story in the 'wrong man' trope. He wants her, but she is close to marrying his brother - but if he has her, she has to go out of the country with him due to his previous commitments. Thus taking her away from all she knows and her family. And how can he steal his brother's intended wife? Even it was an arranged marriage?
Follows the trope in nice style. When you read a Mills and boon novel you know that there won't be many, if any, proofreading errors and it will be historically accurate.
And, depending on the imprint, can be cosy or racy. This was cosy. With little unexpected twists and turns.

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.

I've enjoyed many of Laura Martin's Regency romances and this one is no exception! I really liked both Beth and Josh, and how undeniably strong their connection was, not just in terms of physical chemistry, but also in how well they suited each other as friends. Most of the conflict in the book comes from Beth's almost-engagement to Josh's brother, Leo, so this is fairly gentle and character-focused without too much external drama, which is something I always like about Martin's writing. The end of the book sprinkled several hints about a possible future for Beth's sister Annabelle and Josh's brother Leo, and as a fan of the marriage of convenience trope I'm very excited to read the next book!

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.

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.

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