This is the first book i have read by this author and was pleasantly surprised with her ability to capture strong characters. She writes a story with drama, intrigue and scandel which will keep you turning the pages.

Andrew was jilted.at the alter.by Clara' s twin sister whom he spot at his birthday ball. Unknown to Clara Andrew has had feeling for her since they were children.. Clara has an evil brother who ishw needs saving from and Andrew is the man for the task. However they both are dealing with trust issues and my come to trust each other before they can find love.

I received this book for an honest review.

This book was OK. I liked the general plot and many of the characters, but this book was inconsistent in ways that made it difficult for me to truly engage with the story. The tone of the book was inconsistent, as were the characters’ personalities ; they frequently said and did things that did not make sense in light of previous actions/words. There were also too many characters to keep track of. Between the hero’s four best friends and his numerous siblings, at times the book became more like Who’s Who. The friends were a great addition—I suspect each of them will get their own books, which would be wonderful—but some of the siblings could have been introduced later in the series. I will give this author another chance, because there is some real ability there; this one just didn’t quite hit the mark.

Andrew Macalister, known as the Stone Duke, is 29-years old. He is cold and unfeeling. He reunites with childhood friend Lady Clara Masson, whose sister jilted him at the altar, at a ball he is hosting. When she is verbally attacked, he singles her,out for a dance, rescuing her from further humiliation. He has not danced with any another women besides his sisters in the last 5 years.

Lady Clara Masson is 23-years old and is shunned by the Ton. Her brother Johnathan hates her and her remaining family does not associate her for fear of reprisal from him. She lives her life on the fringes of society and tries to keep a low profile. When she sneaks out of her brother’s home to attend the ball at the Macalisters, she is not expecting to be asked to dance by Andrew. A boy she has loved forever and a Duke she does not know.

When it is discovered by Clara’s family that she is at the ball unchaperoned, they cut her evening short and demand she return home. Andrew is reluctant to let her go. He has never felt so lighthearted.

She returns home to an enraged brother who visciously assaults her. Andrew, looking to further his acquaintance with Clara hears the commotion and rushes to her aid. He removes her from her brother’s care and brings her to his home. Andrew wants to keep her safe at any and all cost.. As result, he tells Clara that they will get married to keep her safe. Clara has always wanted to hear those words from Andrew but not because he wishes to keep her safe. She is leery but seeing no immediate alternative, she agrees-temporarily.

Will Lady Clara marry the Duke after such an unorthodox proposal? Will Andrew be able to keep her away from her vile brother?

This story is told in dual POV and has a slow build up. I had to put my kindle down a few times as the pace of the plot was a little too slow for my liking. That being said, around the three-quarter mark, the pace picked up and the story became intriguing.

I loved both main characters. Clara is so strong to weather everything she has and Andrew’s protectiveness was sweet. They complimented each other beautifully. She brought joy, color and life to his life. He brought stability, love and trust that Clara so desperately needed and wanted.

Overall an okay read. I would read from this author again in future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amberjack Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Perfect Duchess is the second in Erica Taylor’s Macalisters series. I hadn’t read the previous entry in the series, but this didn’t end up being a problem for me as the author has crafted a story that stands perfectly well on its own.
Andrew Macalister, the Duke of Bradstone, ‘The Stone Duke,’ was jilted by Lady Christina Masson five years ago. Having gone to school with her brother Jonathon, he had known Christina and her twin sister Clara since childhood.
Lady Clara Masson was exiled to the country when her sister jilted The Stone Duke at the altar and ran off with the footman. Returning to society five years later following the death of her father, she is surprised to discover she is victim to cruel rumours and gossip. Reconnecting with Andrew at the annual Macalister Birthday Ball when he saves her from a vicious set down she is dismayed to find her feelings for him are ever present.
Returning home, Clara is shocked to discover it was her brother Jonathon who started the rumours about her. Enraged that Clara went to the ball he orders her to leave and becomes violent when she is slow to follow his edict. Andrew, unable to forget Clara, arrives just in time to save her and takes her away.
The story had potential. It starts out well with compelling characters and an interesting backstory, however the story gets muddled in the middle and a lot of narrative could have been left out. It does improve again towards the end with a few interesting twists and turns. While I did enjoy this book, the middle let it down. I would read this author again and I am intrigued by the Macalisters that I will follow their stories.

The Perfect Duchess was a delightful romance with charming characters and a romance I couldn't help but root for.

When Lady Clara Masson sneaks out to attend the annual Macalister birthday ball, she knew her brother would be upset but she never imagined how far he would go to punish her. The one bright spot of the ordeal was that Clara was able to reconnect with Andrew Macalister, a friend from childhood and the man her twin sister abandoned at the altar five years ago to elope with a footman. After Clara's life is threatened, Andrew does the honorable thing and proposes marriage to protect her. As Clara and Andrew get to know one another again it becomes clear that someone is willing to do anything to stop their marriage.

The past few years have been quite difficult for Clara after her twin sister abandoned a duke on their wedding day. Her father died soon after with news of her sister's death coming a year later leaving Clara in the care of her brother the Earl of Morton. While Clara was mourning in the country, her brother was spreading lies about her throughout the ton which made her re-entry into society quite difficult. Despite society snubbing her, Clara was determined to finally have some fun and attended society events where she would simply ignore the whispers about her. Clara is quite resilient and I admired her courage to face the people who despised her.

Andrew spent the first seventeen years of his life living as a second son before his father and older brother were unexpectedly killed leaving Andrew to inherit the dukedom. Having the title thrust on him so unexpectedly at first caused him to react poorly, shunning all of his duties. Over time Andrew realized he needed to change his ways and he became a respectable member of the ton. Andrew has a very close relationship with his siblings and he has a tendency to spoil them. I enjoyed watching Andrew interact with his siblings and seeing how much they all relied on one another.

In the eyes of society, Clara and Andrew are an unlikely pairing with most believing their match will never last. Both Clara and Andrew harbored crushes on each other when they were younger, but a series of misunderstandings kept them apart. When they finally reunite, they fall back into their friendship fairly easily but they struggle a bit with fully trusting each other. Most of the issues they end up having could have easily been solved with more communication and trust. While some of their disagreements did get repetitive, I did ultimately like their relationship. The physical side to their relationship is quite sexy with some great scenes throughout the book.

The plot line that focuses on Clara's brother and his coming after her was interesting if a bit drawn out. I was surprised by how long it took for him to show back up but that may be because the book was longer than I realized. The inclusion of Andrew's friends in the search for the Earl was a good one and I'm curious about the backstories of each of them.

Overall I really enjoyed The Perfect Duchess and I'm looking forward to reading more books about the Macalisters in the future.

Not your normal Regency story...gentleman is busy with his duties in the house of lords and the heroine is unsure of whether he loves her or just wants to protect her. Some different twists and aspects to the characters.

This book was the perfect example of cheesy, overtly historical romance. Complete with exasperated sighs and eye-rolls. I believe that I have read this book like a thousand previous times and there was nothing that really set it apart from all the other historical romance smuttiness that is in this genre. I used to love reading these novels, but I believe, that just like this story, the plots are too typical/obvious, and the characters just act absurdly.
I was very intruded from the description and the cover is very pretty, but I started and stopped reading this book so many times that I ended up just skipping ahead and reading the end so that I could get it over with. I try very hard to not DNF a book or to just slaughter the hard work that authors put into their storylines. Though I could not enjoy this book, I believe that those who still enjoy historical fiction might enjoy this book, but I am going to stay clear of this genre until further notice.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to have this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received The Perfect Duchess by Erica Taylor from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This is the first book by Erica Taylor I have read, but the second in her The Macalisters series.
Andrew Macalister, was thrust into role of Duke when both his father and older brother died. Saddled with the responsibilities of a large family, he struggled till his demeanor changed, causing Society to give him the nickname Stone Duke. Lady Clara Masson lives with her brother, who abuses her at every chance he can get. When Andrew visits Clara at home, he comes across Clara unconscious after she was hit and he whisks her to safety and announces they will marry.
The start of the book was great but then when Andrew announces he will marry Clara, I kinda rolled my eyes. Clara, for her part, decides she needs to jilt Andrew for his own good, even though that is what her sister did to him. The conversations between the two characters throughout the book however, were wonderful and the struggle for both to find their way to one another was great. The back story with Clara's brother was a bit unexpected. The story was a bit slow for me but it was still a good story and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Taylor. #ThePerfectDuchess #NetGalley

I typically enjoy the storyline of the heroine being in love with the
hero from a young age. For Andrew and Clara however, I got too much
present day and not enough past. I never believed the "Stone Duke" nor
figured out when Clara fell in love with Andrew. Too many loose ends
from the past and too much detail in the present.

So I was given this in exchange for an honest review and I just cannot read it. I was actually really disappointed. I just finished A suitable Affair which is listed as book 1 in this series but really it shouldn’t be. I couldn’t figure out some parts of the story because it seemed like we were missing a story before this one and I was right. The author for some reason made book 2 set before book 1. I just don’t like reading books out of timeline order. So I won’t be reading this one. I definitely recommend reading this one before A Suitable Affair.

I love historical romances and was very intrigued by the premises of The Perfect Duchess. what I found when I opened the book was an enjoyable read interwoven with a interesting mystery.

One of my favorite things about the book is the Macalister family. From the Duke, to his siblings and their extended family, this is one formidable family that you would want on your side. This family has been through some very difficult times in their life, but no matter there differences they love each other and will do anything to protect their family.

I also loved the journey of Andrew and Clara. These are two people who have had to carry a very heavy burden in their lives. Their worlds have often collided through the years, but each meeting seemed to lead further into heartbreak then a happily every after. There is a lot of a hurt and pain between the two, that coming together will not be easy. there is a lot of push pull between the two a they fight there feelings and there own fears of rejection.

I did feel like the book did suffer some pacing issues and the drama and angsty was a little over the top for my taste, but I like it the story overall and did find it quite enjoyable.

Andrew MacAllister, now the Duke of Bradstone. He was never meant to be the Duke, however, when his father, and older brother were killed. It left his Mother, Andrew, Sarah, their brother who had been out to sea for years, then Luke, Bennett, & his twin Norah, Susanna, and Mara. Lord's, and Ladies all.
Lady Clara Masson, her twin sister, Christina, their brother Patrick, and the oldest brother, now the Earl, Jonathan. The problems started with the death of Andrew's oldest brother Sam, the heir, their father being killed, then nasty rumours started that Andrew was responsible for their deaths, he wanted to be the new Duke of Bradstone! His personality of a Joyful , outgoing person changed, until he became the Stone Duke. He knew he needed to marry, after being jilted at the altar by Lady Christina, years before, that wasn't something that he was looking forward too. On the night of the Annual MacAllister Birthday Ball, he meets Lady Clara again, after all these years. That is when the trouble, horror, and beginning of happiness begins. I deducted one half star for the use of the word giggle, to describe s grown woman's laughter, and one half for not following through on promises made by Lady Clara.
I highly recommended! Thanks! Enjoy!
Carolintallahassee.blog

This is set in the early 1800’s. Clara has had a crush on the neighbor (now a duke) since she was a child. The Duke (Andrew) saves her from her abusive brother and plans on marrying her to help protect her from her brother’s rumors and abuse.
Clara is unsure of Andrew and if he actually wants to marry her. Is it out of love, or just wanting to help save her? There is some past hurt in their history together involving her sister (whom he was engaged to).
I read a lot of regency era romance novels and this particular one wasn’t as original as I had hoped. We have the man who seems cold and distant and the girl who is constantly doubting herself, very common elements. It did have some differences thrown in with her brother and some crime suspense that added a lot more to this story. There were some things that didn’t add up like Clara likes to make sexual innuendo comments but is VERY naive in that department (not even knowing what a man and woman do and where to touch).
I also didn’t like how the newspaper snipits read to much like “Gossip Girl” blog.
I would like to read a story featuring Luke (apparently book five).

**This book was not as clean as I prefer. There was language and sex that was too descriptive for me. There is also physical abuse.

The Perfect Duchess is a thoroughly intriguing romance with two amazing families that are enter-twined for years. Our duke, Andrew, begins the story by watching Clara at his birthday ball. Clara is the sister of Christina, who five years prior jilted him on their wedding day. He seems truly captivated by her. Clara’s brother is angry she attended the ball and beats her the following day, but she is rescued by Andrew.

Clara is sweet and kind, while also being strong and forgiving. Yet, she truly has not idea why her brother hates her so and is willing to let her go. Thus the plot of this romance. Andrew is all that is typical in a duke who inherited unexpectedly upon the death of his father and older brother. Andrew and Jonathan, Clara’s brother, had been close friends at Eton up until the death of Andrew’s father and brother. Then, they seemed to have become great enemies, also unknown as to why by Andrew.

Clara has always been in love with Andrew, ever since her brother brought him home on holiday for the first time. But, Andrew had been about to marry her twin Christina. Now, Clara cannot believe that Andrew might truly love her. He does give some mixed signals from time to time.

Ms. Taylor is a great story-teller. This, apparently, is second in the series and I plan to go back and read her debut novel. There is one situations with which I take issue. Any one in love with a twin would be able to tell twins apart, but evidently, Andrew could not. This one minor things does not take away from a great book. The secondary characters in the form of family members and the good friends of Andrew would all make for great characters for future books in the series. I loved Andrew’s family and Clara’s brother Patrick. I will be watching for future books by Ms. Taylor.

Sweet romance. Well written. Good pace. Very loveable characters.
I received this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review that is all my own.

Great book! I loved Andrew and Clara's story. However, I feel like they excessively used the words Lord and Lady in front of the characters names. It doesn't flow and I think it made some of the conversations weird.

Andrew Macalister was the second son but now by a terrible accident when he was 17 he is the Duke of Bradstone. Not having been groomed for the position he works very hard to do the best he can for the title, his family and those who depend on him. Completely out of character, he comes to the home of Lady Clara Masson as her brother has told her to leave his home and then starts to beat her. Andrew takes her home with him. His sisters can take care of her. Lady Clara has been kept in the country by her brother but he has told everyone she is living in Italy with a man, trying to ruin her reputation which he seems to be doing a good job of with most people. Andrew has always had feelings for her and wants to protect her from her brother and marry her as soon as the banns are presented. There are a variety of events to deal with but can they do that and find the love they have for each other?

I couldn't even finish this one. I like the whole idea and the story was going along ok but then it just got boring and I could tell the rest of the book was going to be about these two breathing all over each other. The language was too modern for a regency book. The romance was over before it had begun.. I read regency's for that long drawn out courtship and conflict and I didn't get it with this one. Not sure how to rate this as I didn't finish it but the language lead me to believe there was going to be lots of heaving bussoms and bodice ripping.

*I received an early copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Lady Clara Masson is the disgrace of London. Plagued by false rumors and shunned by society, she is rescued from her evil, abusive brother by Andrew, the Duke of Bradstone, the man she loved when they were children. The same man who was left at the alter five years before by her twin sister. When the Duke proposes marriage as a way to keep her safe from her brother, Clara reluctantly agrees, but secretly vows to flee if she can't win his love by the time they wed. Andrew has greatly changed since they were children, and she wonders if the cold, distant man he's become could ever open his heart to her. They don't have much time to find out, as Clara's brother is still on the loose and determined to control her.

This book started off with a lot of promise, but ultimately didn't deliver. While I really enjoyed the dialogue, and it was very witty and funny in places, it felt a bit too modern for a regency romance. And it didn't make sense for the time period for a sheltered, virginal heroine to know a lot of sexual innuendo, let alone make shockingly sexual jokes to a man. The characters personalities also fluctuated quite a bit and felt inconsistent at times. Clara spent a lot of time waffling between trusting Andrew wholeheartedly, to fearing that he would be just like her abusive brother. Andrew's hot-and-cold back and forth also got tiring. It didn't feel like character development, just flip-flopping for the sake of drama. I did enjoy the secondary characters (Andrew's family and his circle of friends) and would definitely be interested in reading any future books about them.

I'll try not to spoil the ending, but will say that I was really disappointed to learn the villain Jonathan's motivation for all his evil behavior. I could have rated this book at least another star if it hadn't so negatively depicted an already marginalized group.

I voluntarily read an Advance Review Copy of this book through Netgalley. This is a well written love story that revolves around Andrew and Clara. Clara, who has loved Andrew since a young girl, is physically assaulted by her brother and Andrew comes to her rescue. He decides the only way to keep her safe is to marry her and she agrees but in her mind she will not go thru with the marriage because he does not really love her. More attempts are made on her life and events pull them closer together. The book is full of intrigue and keeps you interested in what is going to happen next. I would highly recommend this book for a great read.