Loving Lord Egleton

Proper Regency Matchmakers #3

by Laura Beers

Miss Hannah Blackmore has been in love with Lord Egleton since she was a little girl, which is why she is devastated when he asks her to help him find a bride, and quickly. She is forced to acknowledge that Martin has only ever considered her a friend. Deciding that it's time for her to move on, she makes plans to entertain potential suitors this Season.

Martin Pemberton, the Earl of Egleton, has no desire to marry until his father gives him an ultimatum. He has one month to find a bride of his own choosing, or his father will arrange one for him. Not wanting to marry the woman his father has selected for him, Martin turns to the finest matchmakers in Town for help.

While Hannah works to move on from Martin, he begins to miss the easy friendship that once existed between them and is determined to earn it back. As they both enter the marriage mart, Martin watches as Hannah transforms right before his very eyes, and he begins to develop real, pesky feelings for her. He soon comes to realize that he must face the risk of revealing his true feelings or lose the woman he's discovered he cannot live without. But will his realization come too late?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance, Historical, Friends To Lovers, Regency

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2021

About the author

Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.

Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.

You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

Friends to love is one of my favorite storylines, and Hannah and Martin weren't just friends--they were childhood friends. Hannah has been in love with Martin since she was a young girl, and growing older hasn't changed that. She'd always hoped his feelings would move past friendship, but realizes they never will when Martin asks her to be his matchmaker. Seeing Hannah flirting and dancing with other men at the balls during the Season, makes Martin look at Hannah in a new light. He also finds himself irritated by the other men's attentions to Hannah, but Martin is very slow to realize why.

Hannah wanted the love and happiness her sisters had, but realized the man she'd loved for years would possibly never return that love. She was hurt and sad, and I understood why she suddenly threw herself into the Season going to every event and dancing every dance with almost anyone who'd ask. She wanted Martin to see her in a new way, and he did, but he was kind of dense so it didn't work the way she wanted it to.

Oh Martin! He's not looking to get married until his father gives him an ultimatum, then he's determined to find someone in one month to avoid marriage to his father's choice. I understood why he'd ask Hannah to help him find a match, since she and her two sisters are the best matchmakers, but I still couldn't fathom how he didn't have an inkling of Hannah's feelings for him. Some men are truly blind. One of my favorite parts was Martin standing up against his father who expected him to marry someone just to fix the problems he'd caused. I almost cheered out loud at that part. You tell him Martin!!

I had to laugh at some of Martin's comments when he'd watch Hannah dancing with other men. His friends would question his feelings for her and he'd say he was being protective because Hannah was like his sister! I wanted to Gibbs slap him more than once. Thankfully he had a friend point out some things which led to Martin giving his feelings about Hannah some serious thought. Their story shows that the path from childhood friends to love isn't necessarily smooth even though you've known each other for years. I'm really enjoying this matchmakers series and hope this isn't the last of it.

I received a complimentary copy to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.

[Edwina " I LoveBooks" "Deb" · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hannah Blackmore has loved Martin the Earl of Egleton heir to a Marquess since they were young children. She wants Martin to court her and offer for her. But Martins sees her as only a dear friend that he doesn't want to lose. He doesn't realize he is actually in love with Hannah until the end of the story. His father the Marquess has demanded he married in 1 month. Martin seeks out his matchmaking friends Hannah and her sisters to help find him a match. This hurts Hannah deeply that he is not considering her as his wife!

The problem I had with the story is there is no alone time for the couple. They are always with family or other people they are courting. They needed more chaperone time just the two of them. There is no sexual tension or passion. Just to Clean for me.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet period romance

Romance, sweet, period; series but stand alone read
Hannah and Edmunds story was a sweet ending to this series. Lots of strong side characters, misunderstandings, and some lovely sweet moments. Edmund finally realizes what had been right in front of him for many years. Lovely friends to sweetheart novel.

[Danielle Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clean romance

The story is in general well written and has a basic plot.. I was a bit bored reading it as it was just about the hero figuring out he loved the heroine. There was no other plot, the story was nothing new or particularly interesting.

Also the dialog didn't seem to flow seamlessly. It felt a bit stilted and too formal even when the dialog was between the family members and friends.

Then particularly 2 things popped out constantly that drove me crazy:. A lot of "I'm pleased to hear ...." (Repetitive and very formal). And then the females the rare times when they were casual using the phrase "that I am" or a variation thereof. It never feels natural when I read a female using that phrase in a book regency, it always is more natural sounding in a male.

If you like a story only about forming a relationship then the story is fine. I prefer that to be a secondary plot to the story, so this wasn't a favorite of mine.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a fun romp about a little girl who follower his brother, and best friend as a child. Even after he left with her brother for higher learning she was there to get a bit of attention. The young men just ignored her mostly, but that didn’t stop her crush. Now her circumstances have changed, and so is she. She decided to become a formal matchmaker to the rich , and wealthy. It has made her very popular in society. He needs to ask for her help, or be cut off from his inheritance, and also find a suitable young lady he can at least converse with, that his parents would approve of. This is to be completed in one month.
Can she be objective? Can she match him to another. He doesn’t seem to care about the marriage, just as long as she has a pretty face, and is from a good family. She suddenly sees him as a different person. She adds some rules, and ups the fee since he has no idea what the marriage Mart is about. Now the fun begins. Everyone he meets is suitable, but not quite right. Meanwhile she has moved on ,and has begun to receive callers. He has no idea how to fix the problem. She has overheard him refer to her as his best friend’s pesky tag along with her brother. A few other comments were not much kinder about her skinny, and lanky person. The shoe is now on the other foot. Has he ruined his future forever ? It had a great story, and was really funny. I gave it 5 stars.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This last book in the Regency Matchmakers Series was a wonderful conclusion. I loved Miss Hannah Blackmore and her long time friend, Martin Pemberton, the Earl of Egleton. The only problem for Hannah is that she wanted so much more than friendship with Martin, as she had loved him since she was a child.

When Martin is being forced into an arranged marriage by his father, he refuses to agree to the betrothal and is given one month to find a bride he can love. His solution is to go to his matchmaker friends to help him find a bride. Hannah is devastated by his request and feels it is time for her to finally move on to find her own suitor.

When Martin discovers she is meeting with potential suitors, he feels very protective towards his friend but there are some other feelings that he is having trouble identifying concerning Hannah. Will Martin discover she may be his perfect bride before it is too late?

I really enjoyed this story and didn't want to put it down. This author somehow manages to make her characters so real that the story just flows so flawlessly. I love the humor and banter she puts into each story.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Emily Cronk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay friends. What I'd really like to know here is why in the world it took me so long to start reading Laura Beers' books, because I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one of them that I've read. I just finished reading Loving Lord Egleton, and it was no exception. This book is so good!

I'm pretty sure this book has everything you could want - Regency era, matchmakers, a friends to lovers romance, a little bit of unrequited love, a kiss in the gardens 😍, awesome side characters you can't help but love, others that deserve a kick to the shins, plot twists you didn't see coming....what is there not to love here??

Hannah and Martin were the cutest. They were so perfect for each other and I loved watching Martin realize the depths of his feelings for Hannah. I was so excited for everything to work out for them in the end.

If you haven't read this book yet, it definitely deserves a place on your TBR lists (along with the other books in the series too). Trust me friends, it's worth it. I have spoken.

[Richelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance - Sweet and Clean
Language - None
Violence - None
Series - Book 3 ◇ These books should be read in order◇

I LOVED this book. ❤ I think it is my favorite in the series so far. I could not put it down!

I love the relationship between Hannah and Martin. My heart ached for Hannah, but enjoying that moment when Martin finally recognizes his attachment to Hannah is so much more than friendship.

This is a sweet series, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this "friends to lovers" story. It took awhile for Martin to realize the treasure he had in Hannah. Watching another man court her helped him realize that he was missing the best part of himself, his relationship with Hannah.

The book has great banter, frustrating moments when Martin needed a book thrown at his head, and the importance of family.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this third book in the series. It just wasn't complete without all three sisters finding a match while matchmaking for others.
There are some painful moments dealing with the loss of a child and also some beautiful moments of forgiveness and reconciliation.
I love friends that become more in stories. This one was just right.
Clean romance, perfect continuation to other stories in the series, fun family interactions as well as those with friends, and over all and enjoyable read. Definitely recommend.

[The Swoony Awards]

Eligible for a 2021 Swoony Award, to nominate/vote click here: https://tinyurl.com/y593ce67

[Kate-- *changing name to LAURA* · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was enjoyable to read, but it was
ultimately disappointing. I was not at all convinced about Martin's sudden feelings for Hannah, especially after he said that he always viewed her as a sister.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Blackmore is the last of her sisters to find love. She however has always been in love with Martin Pemberton, Lord Egleton who has only ever thought of her as a friend. Martin is forced to find a match quickly so he asks Hannah and her sister to help him find a bride. Heartbroken that Martin sees her as nothing close to an option for bride, she decides to move on as well and seek a groom.

I felt so sad for Hannah and kept rooting for Martin to open his eyes to finally notice her. I loved the altercations that Martin and Hannah get into when Martin realizes she is seeking a husband. I just wanted to smack some sense into Martin. It was a joy to read about his finally seeing more in his friend than he ever did before. I thought this was a wonderful ending to the Matchmaker series. It was clean, sweet, romantic and a fitting end to the series unless Laura Beers has more in store.

I received an ARC and the opinion expressed is my own based on the story I read.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this sweet story!!

[Maria Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book it was easy to follow and fun to read

[Chunter14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I liked getting to know Hannah’s character more and hear her story. Fun easy read.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun series, about the matchmaking sisters. This story is about Hannah the youngest. Hannah and Martin have been childhood friends all of their lives, but Hannah feels her heart will burst. Will Martin have a change of heart also. I love the characters of Hannah and Martin. They knew each other so well, and yet couldn’t see what was right in front of them. The story is wonderful as it uncovers deep feelings that pull families apart and repairs broken hearts! This can be read as a standalone novel, but is even better as a series. Learning more about each sister and why they became matchmakers!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nicely written story of friendship and falling in love. When Hannah and Martin start courting other people, Martin turns even more protective of his friend, Hannah. He starts to really see her as a woman. A kiss will unravel their friendship when Martin will not admit to his true feelings. I enjoyed the respect between the characters and their daily lives. Hannah and Martin are perfect for each other.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

She’s loved him forever. He doesn’t see her.
Hannah has worked with her sisters as matchmakers for the ton. Now with her two older sisters happily married she finds herself wanting to make a love match also. There’s just one problem, she has loved Martin, Lord Egleton, since he carried her back to her country estate after a fall. However, he doesn’t seem to even see her. Her only recourse seems to be to be available at all social functions and try to get him to see her as more than a friend. Martin has been given an ultimatum by his father to marry and he has one month to find and fall in love with his bride. If he fails, he will be forced into a match of his father’s choosing. In desperation he sees one solution, ask his friends the matchmakers for help. He approaches Hannah at the next ball and asks her to please find him a wife. With a crushed heart Hannah agrees. So begins a fun, engaging story of discovering one’s true emotions. Although this book is third in a series, it can very easily be read as a standalone. I would highly recommend all three. I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Laura Beers books. She writes in such a way that I feel what the characters feel. Her characters are always complex and interesting. Hannah and Martin are a testament to that. This is a sweet romance with depth.

[Chesney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Childhood friends into something more? This was a great storyline with Hannah and Martin. I really felt for Hannah and how her feelings for Martin were so one sided. Great to catch up with the other sisters as well.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished trading about Hannah and her long time heart throb Martin. Of course the way to their happy ending is fraught with misunderstandings (on both their parts) and sudden realization (on his part only). The author does a nice job of unraveling this romance to their sweet romantic end

[Leslie Books and Socks Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet book. I’ve enjoyed this series so much! I don’t think I could pick a favorite as they’re all wonderful. The series can be read as a stand alone. It’s about a group of sisters that are matchmakers in high society of London.
🧺
Hannah is content with her life until her life-long friend Martin has come to her help seeking her service as a matchmaker. They only set up love matches and unfortunately Hannah has loved Martin for years without him even noticing her more than a friend. At his announcement to wed and within a month, Hannah starts to look for her own spouse.
🧺
This had themes of love triangle, unrequited love, and dealing with grief. There were funny moments. Hannah and Martin seemed like full fleshed out characters that could be real people with their fears, wants and desires.
🧺
I loved this quote. “It is so easy to focus on the negative aspects of our lives, but the true test of strength is finding joy in the absence of happiness.”
🧺
Anytime Laura Beers puts out a new book I know I’ll love it and this is no exception. I received a copy from the author and these are my own thoughts and opinions.

[Kiley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had some of the most inane and mundane conversations from beginning to end. The characters tended to rattle on and on about nothing of consequence and it took forever to get to the point about anything.
There was little to no chemistry between the two main characters and the fact that they each were intent on courting a brother and sister made for the worst sort of relationships they could form. It made for some very uncomfortable reading.
There was a whole lot of angst that could have been avoided, but the drama was poorly done. Hannah should have just told Martin to butt out of her life and let her get on with it. He was entirely too intent on being the overbearing "big brother" friend that he couldn't let her be happy without his bloody input.
Another HEA, but once again not worthy of Keeper for the Shelves award.

[Marc Russell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Distracting dialogue & descriptors

The dialogue and flowery descriptions of the dialogue and even the descriptions of what are going on are so much that it actually becomes distracting and I find myself losing track of what is going on because of the incessant descriptions.

I asked a family member who is an author and they said it is a fine line balance between using a simple "he said/she said" or using the descriptors in every piece of dialogue. Too much either way detracts from the storyline and creates a sameness throughout that comes across as either lazy, or just an immature author (someone who hasn't worked with a mentor and/or had someone actually critique their writing to make it better either through a writing group or a a writing workshop). I'm not an author myself, but as a voracious reader of clean Regency romances, this doesn't rank very high for me.

[Berly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A typical clean Regency romance. I enjoyed the story for the story. It is the third in a series. I had not read the previous books because they weren't available to me on audio. It was not necessary to have read them to appreciate this one. I do think I would enjoy those backstories if I can get access to them and they aren't read by this narrator. I did not really enjoy the audiobook.

This was a new to me male narrator and I personally was not a fan. He didn't differentiate characters very well. Often if felt like he was reading in very clipped tones. I realized I was listening on 1.2 speed and thought maybe that was the issue. I went to normal and still felt the same. I was glad that it was only 6 hours of listening.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Of all three of the books in this series, this was the worst so far. I wanted the longing jealousy and the actual fear that it may be too late for him to have the girl once he realized his feelings for her. But instead I got what felt like a high-school crush romance where even his new love interest says "don't worry about me, just go be with her". If I thought there was no conflict in the first two, this was even less and the story could have been told in half the pages. This book is really making me contemplate reading the rest of this matchmaking series.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

clean romance

A story of a childhood love being over looked and the journey of being discovered.

This stand alone book in this sweet series is well written and I recommend reading it in sequence as I think it makes all the characters’ back story a bit richer. That being said this book holds its own and draws the reader into the author’s world.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Nancy Baker-krofft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why cannot our childhood rriends become lovers one day?

What a conundrum! The matchmaker asked to help her longtime love to find a match in 30 days. Martin looks in the wrong direction, and I want to talk some sense into him. Although Charles and Emma are fine people, and I am glad the series takes them up again later, they do not belong with Hannah or Martin, although the principal muddle along.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah had been best friends with Martin all her life. What Martin didn't realize was although he had always been Hannah's protector, she had always been in love with him. When his grandfather passed away, his father decided it was time for a marriage to be arranged. A wealthy bride would help secure his fortune. Martin had no intention of standing for a a loveless marriage. His father agreed to give him one month to find a bride. Martin asked Hannah to help him find a bride.