Despite being beautiful and wealthy, Lady Susanna Macalister’s marriage prospects are rather lacking. Unwilling to let an opportunity pass her by, she decides a loveless marriage is better than spinsterhood, as it will allow her to continue her charities. The life of Ian Carlisle, the Earl of Westcott, has been overshadowed by darkness and guilt for the past decade. Having abandoned his family … family when he was eighteen, Ian’s position within a secret division of the government has provided him an escape from the guilt he feels over the death of his sister.
When the Earl’s horse almost tramples Susanna in the middle of Hyde Park, Ian embraces the chance encounter as a possibility for redemption, for Susanna’s soon-to-be fiance is the man Ian holds responsible for the death of his sister. Can this damaged lord hope to absolve the guilt he feels for failing his beloved sister by saving this vibrant, and unsuspecting lady from a similar fate? And will this charity-minded well-bred lady, who is not the perfectly bound book as Ian assumes, be willing to take a chance on the unstable earl, when something more dignified and permanent is well within reach?
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5 Stars
A Suitable Affair is the first book in The Macalisters Series by Erica Taylor. This is a really great historical/regency romance- full of mystery, drama, revenge, humour, and so much more. Ms. Taylor is a mew-to-me author whose work I am happy to have discovered as she certainly knows how to tell a clever, captivating story.
Lady Susanna Macalister is twenty-two years old, which in 1830’s London society is getting very close to becoming an old maid. Susanna feels she has a duty to her family to find a suitable husband and takes her responsibility quite seriously. But she feels time slipping away from her, and feels her options are running out. It’s not that she wasn’t beautiful, or independently wealthy- it was her overly protective brother/s, her status, and her confident, non-conformity that had the gentlemen shying away. All except Lord Riverton who had been courting her for the past few months. She expected he would propose any day now, and that should have pleased her, but she just wasn’t all that excited by the thought. He would make a fine husband, safe, reliable, stable and ‘proper’……and oh so boring. She was afraid she was ‘settling’, instead of holding out for an epic romance- one that would sweep her off her feet and leave her breathless. But the chances of that happening are quite slim. SO, what happens when a handsome stranger nearly runs her down with his horse, while she is taking a quiet walk through Hyde Park? Why does he both intrigue and irritate her so? She can’t stop thinking about him. And when their paths keep crossing, the spark between them gets more intense. What about Lord Riverton, who is currently courting her? But, we soon learn that there is more to this handsome stranger than he’s letting on- which adds an extra element of mystery and suspense to the story- and had me flipping pages, reading as fast as I could to find out what his secrets were, and how the story plays out!
I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical romance with a clever storyline. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Bring on book #2!
Thank you, Ms. Taylor!
Excellent book from beginning to end. This regency romance kept me enthralled throughout. It was clever, with witty dialogue and lokeable characters. I kept guessing what might happen next and could never quite catch up to the author to correctly guess the next peg in the board. A pleasant read, lovers of regency era highjinks will enjoy this charming tale.
A Suitable Affair (The Macalisters #1) by Erica Taylor was an entertaining, enagain read, that kept me reading until the very end.
My first read from this author, I dove into this book head first not even looking at the reviews, because with that beautiful cover and steller synopsis, there was no need to look any further, well for me anyways. It was a prize gamble because this book drew me in from that first page, that first meeting, and it kept my attention right until the last word was read.
Detail with beautiful writing and rich multi layer characters, this historical fiction has a little bit of everything. You can tell care and research went into making this read as authentic as possible, especially in regards to social etiquette for that time. I fell right away for our lead MC Susanna. She was definitely a head of her time, while trying to follow the strict social rules and expectations for women of that era. I loved her snarky remarks, and how she managed to be witty and sarcastic, while keeping within those norms. I got a little North and South feel, and that connection just made this story all the more enjoyable.
The only thing that got me down, was Westcott, and how though he wanted to be with her, properly court her and marry, he pushed Susanna into trying to break some of those genteel lady rules, that could have severely tarnished her reputation. As nice and sweet as the guy was, (don’t get me wrong I love him as the lead male MC), I felt like he was a little removed from what social norms were. But at the same time, I do get again how that came about, as he does mention that he never really got into the courts, because he left London pretty much as soon as he was able. I believe that the amount of pushing, was for me, longer than necessary.
Overall this book has mystery, romance, witty engaging dialogue, and a multi layer plot, that will keep you on your toes. So please take my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval that you will fall for this seamly at odds pair, and have you before you know it, rooting for them.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
This is a Historical Romance story that you must read. This is one of my favorites for this gene, I can’t wait to read more by this author. This is a well written story that held my attention to the end. It pulled me right into the twists and turns. The characters are awesome. They are strong, Susanna is my favorite she is so selfless. Ian has some guilt that he needs to heal from. They have great chemistry that it made the story easy flowing, I loved reading it. This is a must read story!
A Suitable Affair (The Macalisters Book 1)
By: Erica Taylor
5 out of 5 stars
The story A Suitable Affair (The Macalisters Book 1) by Erica Taylor is a historical romance book. This is a story that transports you to a time of society functions, formal balls, and rules of propriety. It is a book that hooked me in from the very beginning and I got lost in the pages. I enjoyed the plot/storyline and loved reading about the characters of Lady Susanna Macalister and Ian Carlisle, the Earl of Westcott. Susanna is a woman who shows strength, is intelligent, generous, and kind. She also is unmarried. I like the fact that Susanna is someone who while doesn’t disregard all of the rules of society, she is a woman who will push their limits. She lives in a time when scandal can ruin a life and just rumors can hurt a reputation. She finds herself being called on by a man that she doesn’t quite understand or have strong feelings for. Ian is a man whose past haunts him. He feels guilt over his sister’s death and his life seems to be surrounded in darkness. That is why he feels that he must save Susanna from the man that he holds responsible for his sister’s death. Susanna soon finds herself with feelings for Ian. He says that he has nothing to offer her. Is that really true? What does the future hold for Susanna and Ian? Read this book to find out. This is a story that I just couldn’t put down until I had finished it. I had to know how it ends. There is some mystery and times when you wonder how much danger some of the characters are in. I could feel the passion and desire growing between Susanna and Ian and there are some steamy moments between them. There is also flirting and bantering. I grew to care about Susanna and Ian and found myself wanting them to find happiness. Will they find a HEA? There are also other characters that I enjoyed reading about the part that they play in the story. This is a story I never wanted to end.
This story is better executed than the story of book 2, which is the duke’s and Clara’s story.
There is some witty banter between the heroine and hero, who are both very likable. The steady development of their relationship and affection was logical. Some explicit yet mild bed scenes.
4.5 stars
Despite being beautiful and wealthy & sister to Andrew the Duke of Bradstone, Lady Susanna Macalisters marriage prospects are rather lacking probably because of her protective brothers especially the Stone Duke. Unwilling to let an opportunity pass her by, she decides a loveless marriage is better than spinsterhood, as it will allow her to continue her charities. The life of Ian Carlisle, the Earl of Westcott, has been overshadowed by darkness and guilt for the past decade. Having abandoned his family when he was eighteen, Ian’s position within a secret division of the government has provided him an escape from the guilt he feels over the death of his sister Beth. When the Earl’s horse almost tramples Susanna in the middle of Hyde Park, Ian embraces the chance encounter as a possibility for redemption, for Susannas soon-to-be fiancé, Viscount Riverton is the man Ian holds responsible for the death of his sister.
Riveting first book I found it so hard to put down & read until well into the night to finish it. The characters are so well developed, Ian & Susanna are very likeable. Susanna is not a simpering miss & her true strength of character is revealed throughout the book. Ian is troubled & riddled with guilt, however his problem solving genius gets him to the solution in the end. The minor characters are also well portrayed. I was intrigued by Andrew & Clara & would have loved to have a book about their story. Norah is also ‘up to something’ which I look forward to finding out exactly what she is up to. The plot is fast paced, I love a book that has intrigue, mystery & romance & this story certainly delivered all three. The attraction between Ian & Susanna is so hot & they deserved their HEA, their verbal sparring is so well written & so very entertaining.
My only quibble is that the ending seemed rushed & after such a good story I would have liked a better ending. That said I would highly recommend the book & I look forward to more in the series & from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I loved this story, if I could give it more than 5 stars I would. A Suitable Affair by Erica Taylor is cleverly written and full of adventure. It is fast paced and kept me interested. Susanna and Ian were funny and really just adorable. I laughed out loud so many times. Sometimes the story was predictable and other times full of surprises. I find myself wondering about some of the other Macalisters and would really love to hear their story. This was a fun and witty read and I throughly enjoyed it.
“There is a saying that every nice piece of work needs the right person in the right place at the right time.” –Benoit Mandelbrot
Rating: MA: Mature Audience: PG->17: due to explicit, graphic sex scenes and discussions of violent acts of a serial killer… not described. No, the rating is for the steamy sex. Just saying.
The Macalister series:
Book 1: A Suitable Affair [Susanna and Ian]
Book 2: The Perfect Duchess [Andrew and Clara]
I had volunteered to read an ARC of The Perfect Duchess [estimated publication April 17, 2018] when I realized it was book 2 in a series. I enjoyed it so much that I then purchased book 1 in order to read about the Macalister clan/family. Although both books were stand-a-lone… there was always a niggling feeling that something was amiss… more so in this book than the first… no, that’s the second. It was confusing as heck because I felt that they were out of sequence/order. Book two should be book one and book one should be book two. Book 2 was the marriage of the Stone Duke to Lady Clara… in book one they are already married. Does that make sense? If not… then you know how I felt. Oh well.
I love a good clan story. There are ten siblings in the family Maccalister and when the elder Duke of Bradstone and his son and heir were killed… the second son Andrew suddenly found himself the new Duke and responsible for his younger siblings. This was all explained in book two, which is Andrew’s story.
Lady Susanna Macalister was on a quest for a suitable marriage partner. At twenty something [but who is counting], she was well dowered and had five brothers, one a powerful Duke. One stern look from him had sent many a fortune hunter scurrying back into the shadows of the marriage mart. Susanna was currently being courted by Lord Riverton. The Viscount had been everything that was proper [dull and boring] and Susanna felt sure he would propose at any time. She strongly felt the duty to her family that she marries well and she needed to get on with her life away from the Duke and his new wife. Too many women in the house was too many women.
This is not suitable for me” – to say this is indeed madness, it is nothing but egoism. To say ‘will not suit’ is an offense.” –Dada Bhagwan
Ian Carlisle was the heir to a Marquessate, [the Earl of Wescott]. The county seat was Ashford Castle located in Northumberland. Ian worked for the Home Office and his duties were shrouded in mystery and were slowly explained throughout the story. His deep feelings of duty had a tremendous influence on his putting aside his desire for a wife and home. His parent’s dementia was another factor. They were haunted by the death of his sister Beth and his taking care of home and country was beginning to strain his body, soul and mind. Then he met Lady Susanna in Hyde Park… on the arm of his mortal enemy… Lord Riverton.
“Every object strives for its proper place. A book seeks to be near its truest admirer. Just as this helpless moth seeks to be near the candle that infatuates him.” –Vikram Seth, A Suitable Boy
Lady Susanna was smart, witty, very intelligent, bold and had a heart of gold. She loved her family and was loyal to a fault. She was also drawn to Ian like a candle to a moth… wait, that’s a moth to a candle. Well, you get the picture… they liked each other and struggled against the emotion.
There were many secrets, surprises and outright shocks as this story unfolded. There were times when you wanted to shout and other times when you wanted to cringe as scenes happened on the page. I enjoyed this even though several situations seemed implausible. The love story was endearing, the couple was cute together and I loved their banter back and forth. I became so involved in the story that I wanted to shake Ian several times and shout ‘what’s your problem.’ He struggled with his feelings and desires for Lady Susanna.
For those fans of Jane Austen, there was a ‘shout out’ to Pride and Prejudice and even a few of her more famous lines of dialogue that were used between our characters. That was a pleasant surprise.
OK… let’s clarify… book 2, The Perfect Duchess… is looking back at how the love story between Andrew [the Duke of Bradstone] and Lady Clara Masson came about. Perhaps the author decided that the Duke needed his own story or that it wasn’t explained enough in book 1. I don’t know. I’m OCD and it drove me nuts because they felt out of sequence. But, that’s me. I still enjoyed the stories and… hopefully, the rest will be in order. I am looking forward to any story about this family. There were so many clues dropped regarding the siblings and their secrets yet to be revealed. I want to know… I have to know.