Member Reviews
The book was very good, the story was quite good, rather then the run of the mill romance novel we all read, The romance was fantastic, and solving the mystery was fun. I just wish it went on a faster pace. That I didn't get bored in between. I would read another book by this author. Its worth a read
An unexpected excellent read in the genre.. A romantic story with suspense added to it. An unexpected climax as well to the story
A very enjoyable story. I connected well with the main character. I liked that she had weaknesses as well as strengths. There were some predictable aspects to the plot, but it was a very well written story.
A Suitable Affair was my first book by Erica Taylor, but it definitely will not be my last. I believe this is her first book, so I look forward to seeing more. I don't know if this is part of a planned series, but -- I think it would make a great series. However, I would have liked to see the story of Susanna's brother, the duke, and his wife as a first story in the series. The author alluded to it a number of times, but never really spelled it all out. I think it would have been a great first book in a series, followed by this book and then Susanna's sister's book.
I could have easily made this a 5-star rating except for the ending. It just ended too abruptly and didn't really 'finish' the story. If the author were to write an epilogue taking place about a year in the future where we see Ian and Susanna married and maybe expecting, him taking responsibility for the Marquessate and loving his new job with the Home Office, etc. that would have gotten it a 5-star.
The two main characters are fully developed and complex. We get to know them well and come to understand why they are the people they are today. Ian feels so much guilt for failing to protect his family, particularly his sister so he feels totally inadequate and unworthy of love. Susanna has taken her grief in another direction - she's started her own orphanage for boys. Both are flawed, but very loving and caring individuals.
I love Susanna's relationship with her family -- particularly her brother and his wife. They are such a loving and supportive family.
Along with a wonderful love story is a murder mystery that sure has a twist at the end. We sure didn't see that one coming!!!
"I requested and received this book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
I quite enjoyed this book and would definitely read the stories by this author again. I agree with other reviewer who thought that multiple sets of twins (in this case, 3) was slightly implausible, but I still enjoyed the book. The heroine was smart with just the right amount of spunk. She didn't always seem to be understanding of his quest to find justice for his sister's killer, she did but then she would doubt why the H wouldn't commit to her first. It was a good read and the perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday morning.
Wow, what a story. She is the sister of a duke. He is an earl and a marquess when his father dies. He ran away from home and went into the army He left behind his parents and younger sister. During one of his few visits home, his sister had become engaged. Two days later, she was dead. There is so much going on in this story, betrayal, lies, deceit, and murder to name a few. There are some good things going on as well, laughter, love, consideration, respect, and kindness.. It is an amazing story, the author is very detailed and her characters are so full of life. I truly enjoyed and hope you do too. I was given this book free for an honest review.
This was such a wonderfully well written story that I could not put it down! The characters were well developed, and perfectly suited to one another. In fact, when compared to Riverton, I often wondered what Susanna had seen in the man in the first place.
I loved that while we got to watch Susanna's romance with Lord Westcott bloom, there was also that air of mystery happening in the background. Were his claims against Riverton's character true? Or were they merely the imagination of a man who had been hurt by the other's actions? Was Beth's murder random or was it a part of a much larger scheme?
The entire story comes together in a complexly woven story that will draw you in and keep you reading well into the night. I do wish there had been an epilogue giving us a glimpse into their wedding, or another aspect of their future together, but all in all this is a do not miss story for those who enjoy historical romances!
I will definitely read more from this author!
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
I did not finish the book. I was interested in the characters but disappointed by their lack of proper rules. Historical romances do not need to include sexual actions to be romantic. I felt the story lost all value from the over emphasis on it. I wish the author the best.
Erica Taylor has become one of my favorite Historical Romance authors. She easily takes to England 1800s....
Lady Susanna Macalister is wealthy and has already made her debut to the Ton a few years ago, yet her prospects are lacking.... not that she is desperately looking. However, she is being courted by Lord Riverton, but feels like something is missing in the relationship. He's a bore, unemotional, and there is no spark... until she's nearly ran over by the Earl of Westcott, but then Riverton only seems angry that it was him on the horse.
The Earl and Riverton have a history, and its not a good one, The Earl is investigating a rash of murder of engaged Ladies, just like what happened to his sister. He's also very attracted to Lady Susanna, but because of his investigation and worry about her courtship with Riverton he warns her but tries to stay away. He finds he can't, so instead he decides to stay close and form a friendship.
Susanna finds the Earl irritating and he strays a bit to far from whats proper when around Society. She's afraid she could be scandalized, but when they are in private things get heated.
Just read it... and prepare to be swooned.
4.5 stars
***ARC received in exchange if an honest opinion***
This definitely isn't going to be the last book by Erica Taylor I'll read. It was a very good read!!!
In fact it was very very close to a 5 stars rating, the only reason I deducted 0.5 is because I feel like this book was so good through the whole story that it needed a better ending, or an epilogue. I don't need an epilogue in every single book I read, like some readers, but I do need a more definite ending, or better, an ending that wraps up the story better, specially if the story is good. There's no cliffy, it was just too fast and seemed rushed and the story is sooo good and it's a long one, which I love, that I believe it deserved a better ending.
That being said, this book was HILARIOUS! I loved the banter. It was very accurate, historically speaking, without being stuffy or stiff. It all flowed very well and I really enjoy the story and the writing. The author's writing style is so good!!!
I love a good historical book and this one is a great one! So good I wish I could unread it, just so I'd read it for the first time again, I predict some re-reads of it, for SURE!!
A Suitable Affair has everything a good historical romance needs, in my opinion. A swoon-worthy, yet cocky hero, a sassy and funny heroine, great dynamic between the characters, great supporting characters, a good storyline, a plot twist that makes sense (and what a twist this one have!!!) and some romance! It has everything I look for in a good (historical or not) book!
I really hope the author writes the story of Clara and Andrew, because they were such amazing secondary characters! The same for Norah, I'm really curious about her secret and why she chose to afiiliate herself with a mean girl.
I know that I'm lready missing Ian and Susanna's story. I really fell in live with them, while they fell in live with each other.
I DEFINITELY recommend this book, even if you're not used to reading historical romances, this is the kind of book that could convert you into a historical lover like me!
*An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the writer and the publisher for the opportunity to read this.*
After reading the description, I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunatelly it is not really compeling or even interesting enough, at least in my oppinion.
Overall, I liked this story. It had a few interesting twists and some unusual characters. I'm always amazed at the frequency twins occur in regency romances. The h and H are quite likeable, and make a charming couple, with unmistakable chemistry. His work with the Home Office seems a little odd, but it works with the plot, as does her charity work. Pieces fall together well, and though I've not looked, this seems to be part of a series, though it stands alone well enough. Enjoyed the book.
I normally don't read books like this, but thought I should broaden my horizons and try new genres. The story was ok, got a little bit more insight on how courting/standards were. Full of mystery and romance.
i loved it , cant wait until the next book from the author, would love to read about the duke and clara story.
A good read and the characters were very likeable. I found one spelling error but otherwise the rest was fine. The love scenes seemed rushed and not as realistic as they could have been. There was no concern about her conceiving a child and not many thoughts on her part in case this happened. I would have like more hints about what her sister was up to but that must be the next book. I would have liked a little more discussion of why the doctor thought both parents had dementia and if it could be genectic. Thanks for the fun book.
Wonderful read and my first from this author. I loved how brave Susannah was.
Absolutely Fantastic! This is the best story! WOW what a great mystery, romance, life affirming love! I highly recommend Today! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee
Lady Susanna Macalister is a lovely outgoing young lady who lacks for marriage proposals mainly because her brother the Duke scares them off just by giving them a "look" so she is still single. Lord Riverton seems to be interested but so boring. Along comes the Earl of Westcott who she is attracted to but he does not seem to want to court her. He works for the Home Office and is after the man who he feels was behind the death of his sister 3 years ago. That man is Riverton. He persuades Susanna to help him prove his theory. Lots of secrets exposed and mystery abounds.
I enjoyed this novel. The plot and the author's writing were good. The story contains romance and mystery. The mystery that was incorporated into the plot made the story very enjoyable. You needed to follow the plot to figure out "who did it" and why. However, I did enjoy the twist the author put into the mystery and liked the deduction of the truth of the murders.
The Earl of Westcott, Ian, works for the Home Office. He left his home at 19 to escape his father, who tried to control him. He left his young sister, Beth, with his parents. When he returned, Beth was engaged to man, but was kidnapped and a few days later found murdered. Ian has been searching for her killer for 3 years and has found several other related incidences.
Lady Susanna Macalister is a progressive lady who has her own secrets. She wants a home and family of her own. She is "seeing" Lord Riverton as a potential suitor when Ian nearly runs her over with his horse. Ian does not want the same thing to happen to Susanna as his sister. He indirectly warns her about Riverton. Susanna is very curious but cannot get the information from Ian. Ian keeps seeing Susanna, warning her and eventually tells her a few of his secrets. She begins to help Ian to see if Riverton is responsible for these crimes. She recalls times when Riverton appeared angry, but those actions were barely noticeable. However, she began to pay more attention with her meetings with Riverton.
Over time, Susanna and Ian begin to care for one another. Susanna tells Ian that he is avoiding his responsibilities. Ian blames himself for what happened to his sister and what his parents have become. He does not want to marry until her can solve his sister's death, but does not want to deal with his parents either. Susanna has her own secrets and she eventually tells Ian, which eventually provides some insight for his investigation. The more time they spend together, Ian realizes he loves Susanna and wants to become the man she deserves. Susanna realizes she wants more than a boring man as a husband and wants to help Ian. As they continue to investigate, the killer strikes another target. Will they be able to solve the mystery of the killer and both have their happily ever after?