Mellyora Ashley Regency & Historical Romances
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    • FREE PREVIEW: Start reading A LADY IN DISGUISE
    • FREE PREVIEW: Start reading A HERO'S HEART
    • FREE PREVIEW: Start reading FORBIDDEN ARABELLE
    • FREE PREVIEW: Start reading PURSUING GENEVIEVE
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Forbidden Arabelle

A Swashbuckling Historical Romance
Second Edition
Georgian Sister Series, Book 1

Reviews from Amazon, B&N, and myriad readers:

5.0 out of 5 stars  "Wonderful and enticing romance novel, the best I've read in awhile! "
"This wonderful and historic period piece was hard to put down!  The forbidden romance between Arabelle and Simon was an intricate and well thought out novel like no other.
I can't wait to read more from this author!"  Ainsley


"Suffused with exquisite romance and bold adventure, Mellyora Ashley's Forbidden Arabelle carried me through the pleasures and perils of elite Georgian society, where a beautiful young heiress encounters both wicked deceivers and her true hero.  This author has a real talent for drama."  Pat

5.0 out of 5 stars  "A Must Read!"
As a male military officer, I am the last person you would expect to enjoy a mysterious romance novel.  Forbidden Arabelle, on the other hand, I read in two sittings. It was a breath of fresh air with an intellectual wit that takes you back to a period not commonly addressed in today's pop culture. The author's descriptive details make evident her extensive research and knowledge of the period in a way that makes you step into and experience the setting.  She paints pictures with her words that make the plot spring to life and educate the reader on the intriguing customs of the era.
"Unafraid to tackle tough issues, her believable characters face ethical dilemmas and show the moral courage to make honorable choices in the midst of uncertain circumstances. If you are looking for a romantic story in which good triumphs over evil, yet maintains heavy doses of adventure, mystery, laughs, unique character development, and an edgy twist at the end, I HIGHLY recommend Forbidden Arabelle as an essential addition to your nightstand!" 
Wharthog

5.0 out of 5 stars "Loved it!"
"This book kept me interested the whole way through.  I often start books and don't finish them, but when I was done with this one I kept the mood of it with me for days. I wanted another one. It wasn't so predictable as many are, and I could just picture a movie being made out of it.  I loved the passion and values!  There isn't enough of that these days, and it makes a story so rich and delicious!"  Debra


5.0 out of 5 stars "A delightful summertime read under the shade of a big oak tree!"
"Mellyora Ashley's book, Forbidden Arabelle, was a real treat to read.  I loved it!  It really took me back to the 18th century.  Ms. Ashley's writing is so clear and accessible, and the descriptions of the time put you front and center into the action.  I loved the carriage scene, and the description of the ladies' panniers and the women's costumes in general. 
"I wish some big movie mogul would come along and turn Forbidden Arabelle into a movie. It wouldn't surprise me to see it up on the big screen someday. Or even on the small screen (TV), because everyone knows that TV is where all the quality writing (and acting and directing) is done these days. Ms. Ashley's writing is so descriptive and her dialogue is so tight that I'm sure she wouldn't have any trouble writing the screenplay herself. The only thing left to say is... I want more!  So hurry up with your next book -- your loyal fans and I can't wait!" 
Betsy

5.0 out of 5 stars  "BEST BOOK"
"Forbidden Arabelle is THE best book for the year!  An historical novel with twists and turns I could not anticipate. I do not usually read romance novels. However, the author captured my attention with the intrigue, mystery, action and romance. This is a can't put down book. When I finished it, I just said "Ahhhh...".  I found myself thinking about the characters, and what they would be doing next. The book is written during the Georgian era, which I thought might be stuffy and boring.  In fact, it was just the opposite.  London during this time was daring, wild and exciting.  This is a must read.
" Kay Nell


5.0 out of 5 stars "A thrilling escape!"
"Romance without being insipid, passion without being trashy, plus intrigue, action, and plot twists! Forbidden Arabelle is a thrilling escape with memorable characters. I give it extra points for history accuracy; some of the historical tidbits may send you down a research rabbit hole!"  Ashlan

5.0 out of 5 stars "Love and Mystery Combined!"
"
If you enjoy a wonderfully romantic love story, then this is the book for you to read!  The story transported me to the middle of the eighteenth century to it's places and people of that era in interesting descriptive detail. The mystery entwined in the story kept me fascinated and interested to the very end."  Carol

5.0 out of 5 stars "WONDERFUL BOOK!"
Mellyora Ashely is a wonderful writer. Her attention to detail in the Georgian period is fascinating. The characters and their lifestyle seem to come alive thru her beautifully wielded pen!  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"  Chelsea


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More Reviews:
“This book is written during the Georgian era, which I thought might be stuffy and boring.  In fact, it was just the opposite.  London during this time was daring, wild and exciting.  I think you will love this book as much as I do.”
"What a delightful book!  It felt like I was watching a play, both with the vivid descriptions of costumes and furnishings, and also the way the story moved along. Thank you for bringing this world to life in your book. 
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the set!"

"This is a can't-put-down book.
When I finished it, I just said "Ahhhh..."

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ENTER NAME:
FORBIDDEN ARABELLE is a wholesome historical romance, full of suspense and intrigue, set in 1752 London.
     Arabelle Lamar, a Viscount’s daughter, is thrilled when a charming military man offers her a ride in his coach during a blizzard.  While her mother forbids the coach full of men to converse with her, Lt. Simon Laurence flirts with her in bold and silent ways. 
     Thereafter, Arabelle
cannot forget him, though he is of a lower station than the men she is allowed to know.
     Why did her mother drag her out of her sheltered country life to foist her into worldly London society?  Her aim is to hook a husband with the highest title and heaviest purse.  She launches Arabelle on a dangerous path that distresses her, and demands great strength of conscience to defy.
     While staying in the home of the famous Lord Chesterfield, Arabelle becomes the prey of undesirable men.  There is only one man whose noble character she grows to love, but he is firmly engaged to a jealous woman.  The mysterious courting of the forbidden Arabelle is fraught with obstacles, but Simon’s driving goal is to smash the evil schemes of men with designs upon her, for he cannot stand to see her ruined.
     Can Arabelle decide what is right in the greatest moral dilemma of her life?  What can possibly be the outcome of the duel clashing in her heart?


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"Does this make my hips look big?"

   I was asked to play an extemporaneous role in a comedy called "Dressing Queen Charlotte" at Kensington Palace in London.  Afterward, I posed behind this real dress from the 1750s, the era of FORBIDDEN ARABELLE and PURSUING GENEVIEVE.  Their mother, Lady Bastwicke, wore gowns like this in order to increase her grandeur.

Shall we revive this, ladies, for social distancing?

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Mellyora Ashley

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Coachman Publications

All rights reserved.  No part of MellyoraAshley.com website or books may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner, except for brief quotes used in reviews.
  • Welcome, Romantics!
  • FREE
    • FREE PREVIEW: Start reading A LADY IN DISGUISE
    • FREE PREVIEW: Start reading A HERO'S HEART
    • FREE PREVIEW: Start reading FORBIDDEN ARABELLE
    • FREE PREVIEW: Start reading PURSUING GENEVIEVE
  • AUTHOR
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT ME