Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
New York : Leisure Books, 2009.
Description
Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML:A woman is drawn to a dangerously intruiging man in this unique historical romance from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Ashley. It was whispered all through London Society that Ian Mackenzie was mad, that he�??d spent his youth in an asylum, and was not to be trusted�??especially with a lady. For the reputation of any woman caught in his presence was instantly ruined. Yet Beth found herself inexorably drawn to the Scottish lord whose hint of a brogue wrapped around her like silk and whose touch could draw her into a world of ecstasy. Despite his decadence and his intimidating intelligence, she could see that he needed help. Her help. Because suddenly the only thing that made sense to her was�?�The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member dkthain
Ian MacKenzie is one of the most unique heroes I think I’ve ever read. He suffers from what we know is a form of Autism. He had spent many years of his childhood in an insane asylum and as we know – they weren’t very nice places to be. But he was finally rescued by his oldest brother Hart,
We first meet Ian when he is purchasing an ancient bowl from an unscrupulous fortune hunter. The dastardly dude goes on to boast about his conquests and his plans to continue despite getting married.
Beth Ackerly is the fiancé and heroine in question and she first meets our hero Ian at the theatre where he slips her a note explaining that her fiancé is Not a Nice Man.
Ian is……..what can I say about him that would do him justice? The word Unique works. He is totally and utterly without guile and says what he thinks – exactly what he thinks. He doesn’t know how to hide his thoughts. And he doesn't understand humour - no matter how Beth tries to make him smile. Beth is quite nonplussed by him, yet very attracted at the same time. And though he is very physically attracted to her, he tells Beth that he will never love her, not that he doesn’t want to love her, he is just incapable of it.
Because of his autism, he is unable to look her in the eyes though he wants to. His brain just shuts down when he tries. Although unable to love (or so he says – but this is a romance) he is very possessive of her and once he stakes his claim so to speak, becomes outraged to the point of violence whenever anyone – such as her now former fiancé – dares to try and harm her.
I think the closest I can think of in terms of the kind of hero he makes is Simple Jess by Pamela Morisi. But Ian isn’t simple – not by any means. Instead he borders on brilliant to genius in many areas. He is alternately touchingly naïve and incredibly, sexily experienced. Because he is out of touch with emotions, he uses his senses a lot and in some very inventive ways.
And the heroine Beth; she is an equally incredible heroine. Although she doesn’t understand Ian exactly, she accepts him as he is for all of his oddness. And she is touchingly, wonderfully protective of him – to the point of going toe to toe with his powerful brother the duke when she thinks Hart is just using him for his brilliant math skills and recall abilities. I just loved her to pieces. Although quite wealthy, she came by the wealth in a different kind of way. She started her life in the slums of London and slowly moved her way up in life. So unlike many historical heroines, she is quite savvy and as she is also a widow, she has experienced the pleasures of intimacy. When Ian and Beth are together, the chemistry is combustible. These are two vividly drawn characters. In addition to our main characters, there are also Ian’s brothers. Indulgent, protective, confused – all are ways they relate to their younger, ‘different’ brother, they are equally vivid characters and all the way through the book I kept hoping they would get their own stories and I don’t normally think like that. And I’m very happy to say they are, though it looks like I’ll have to wait for a while until I get to their stories. I was even most impressed with Curry, Ian’s valet and general care-taker and errand runner.
As if to die for hero and heroine and great secondary characters weren’t enough, there is an interesting mystery to boot. There is an Inspector Javert type character who is investigating the murder of a young woman in a brothel a couple of years previously and following the MacKenzie clan. When another young woman related to the original murder is found dead, he is bound and determined that it is young Ian who did the killing and will do just about anything to try and prove it including trying to undermine the budding romance between Ian and Beth.
Heck - I even love the title of this book. It too is different and unique.
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the very powerful Duke of Kilmorgan.We first meet Ian when he is purchasing an ancient bowl from an unscrupulous fortune hunter. The dastardly dude goes on to boast about his conquests and his plans to continue despite getting married.
Beth Ackerly is the fiancé and heroine in question and she first meets our hero Ian at the theatre where he slips her a note explaining that her fiancé is Not a Nice Man.
Ian is……..what can I say about him that would do him justice? The word Unique works. He is totally and utterly without guile and says what he thinks – exactly what he thinks. He doesn’t know how to hide his thoughts. And he doesn't understand humour - no matter how Beth tries to make him smile. Beth is quite nonplussed by him, yet very attracted at the same time. And though he is very physically attracted to her, he tells Beth that he will never love her, not that he doesn’t want to love her, he is just incapable of it.
Because of his autism, he is unable to look her in the eyes though he wants to. His brain just shuts down when he tries. Although unable to love (or so he says – but this is a romance) he is very possessive of her and once he stakes his claim so to speak, becomes outraged to the point of violence whenever anyone – such as her now former fiancé – dares to try and harm her.
I think the closest I can think of in terms of the kind of hero he makes is Simple Jess by Pamela Morisi. But Ian isn’t simple – not by any means. Instead he borders on brilliant to genius in many areas. He is alternately touchingly naïve and incredibly, sexily experienced. Because he is out of touch with emotions, he uses his senses a lot and in some very inventive ways.
And the heroine Beth; she is an equally incredible heroine. Although she doesn’t understand Ian exactly, she accepts him as he is for all of his oddness. And she is touchingly, wonderfully protective of him – to the point of going toe to toe with his powerful brother the duke when she thinks Hart is just using him for his brilliant math skills and recall abilities. I just loved her to pieces. Although quite wealthy, she came by the wealth in a different kind of way. She started her life in the slums of London and slowly moved her way up in life. So unlike many historical heroines, she is quite savvy and as she is also a widow, she has experienced the pleasures of intimacy. When Ian and Beth are together, the chemistry is combustible. These are two vividly drawn characters. In addition to our main characters, there are also Ian’s brothers. Indulgent, protective, confused – all are ways they relate to their younger, ‘different’ brother, they are equally vivid characters and all the way through the book I kept hoping they would get their own stories and I don’t normally think like that. And I’m very happy to say they are, though it looks like I’ll have to wait for a while until I get to their stories. I was even most impressed with Curry, Ian’s valet and general care-taker and errand runner.
As if to die for hero and heroine and great secondary characters weren’t enough, there is an interesting mystery to boot. There is an Inspector Javert type character who is investigating the murder of a young woman in a brothel a couple of years previously and following the MacKenzie clan. When another young woman related to the original murder is found dead, he is bound and determined that it is young Ian who did the killing and will do just about anything to try and prove it including trying to undermine the budding romance between Ian and Beth.
Heck - I even love the title of this book. It too is different and unique.
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LibraryThing member jjmachshev
Oh, oh, oh! I loved, loved, loved "The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie" by Jennifer Ashley! I began the book two hours ago and could NOT put it down. I laughed and I cried from both sadness and joy. The characters and the plot are at times mysterious and softly heartbreaking, but the ending is
She is Mrs. Beth Acklerly, the impoverished daughter of a sham French peer and a disowned daughter of an English squire. She was saved from life on the streets by a poor vicar and widowed shortly afterward. For the last several years, she served as companion to a rich widow who left Beth her entire fortune at her death. Not long afterward, she becomes engaged to Sir Mather; mostly just to avoid being alone. Then...she meets the infamous Mad Lord Ian MacKenzie.
He is Ian MacKenzie and his childhood is the stuff of nightmares. Being nobly born didn't do anything for Ian but make it easy for his father to have him locked away in an asylum from the age of eleven where he suffered ice baths, shock treatments, and other unspeakable 'treatments' until his father died and his brother, the new Duke immediately had him freed. He still has difficulties with crowds, but reads a book a day, has a perfect memory for anything he's seen, heard, or read, and has many other characteristics of a genius. He can become lost in the perfection of a raindrop or the line of a drawing. He's blunt, suffers from headaches, and uses sex to forget. Then he meets a woman whose mere touch can still the noise with eyes of the most beautiful blue...and Mad Lord Ian is lost.
Two flawed characters who come together in what must be one of the most unusual meetings I've ever read. They have both learned from their pasts to see beyond the surface and what they find in each other has got to be one of the more beautiful and romantic stories I've ever read. I've been a fan of Jennifer Ashley's stories, but I just can't gush enough about this one. The vulnerabilities of each character and the growth of their relationship entwined with a murder mystery and the joys and pains of a family that today we would call dysfunctional really tugged at my emotions. Four brothers, each with their own type of 'madness' that I would call genius--I can't wait for the next MacKenzie story and was mightily disappointed to find out "Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage" isn't scheduled to release until 2010!!!
Jennifer Ashley also writes scorching paranormals under the name Allyson James so I guess I'll have to be content with her upcoming releases under that name. But I have to say that for me, "The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie" will be a hard story to top. The prose, the plot, the characters, and the pacing were all top notch and it's a story that will stay with me and make me smile whenever I remember. How's that for a recommendation?
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probably one of the best I've ever read.She is Mrs. Beth Acklerly, the impoverished daughter of a sham French peer and a disowned daughter of an English squire. She was saved from life on the streets by a poor vicar and widowed shortly afterward. For the last several years, she served as companion to a rich widow who left Beth her entire fortune at her death. Not long afterward, she becomes engaged to Sir Mather; mostly just to avoid being alone. Then...she meets the infamous Mad Lord Ian MacKenzie.
He is Ian MacKenzie and his childhood is the stuff of nightmares. Being nobly born didn't do anything for Ian but make it easy for his father to have him locked away in an asylum from the age of eleven where he suffered ice baths, shock treatments, and other unspeakable 'treatments' until his father died and his brother, the new Duke immediately had him freed. He still has difficulties with crowds, but reads a book a day, has a perfect memory for anything he's seen, heard, or read, and has many other characteristics of a genius. He can become lost in the perfection of a raindrop or the line of a drawing. He's blunt, suffers from headaches, and uses sex to forget. Then he meets a woman whose mere touch can still the noise with eyes of the most beautiful blue...and Mad Lord Ian is lost.
Two flawed characters who come together in what must be one of the most unusual meetings I've ever read. They have both learned from their pasts to see beyond the surface and what they find in each other has got to be one of the more beautiful and romantic stories I've ever read. I've been a fan of Jennifer Ashley's stories, but I just can't gush enough about this one. The vulnerabilities of each character and the growth of their relationship entwined with a murder mystery and the joys and pains of a family that today we would call dysfunctional really tugged at my emotions. Four brothers, each with their own type of 'madness' that I would call genius--I can't wait for the next MacKenzie story and was mightily disappointed to find out "Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage" isn't scheduled to release until 2010!!!
Jennifer Ashley also writes scorching paranormals under the name Allyson James so I guess I'll have to be content with her upcoming releases under that name. But I have to say that for me, "The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie" will be a hard story to top. The prose, the plot, the characters, and the pacing were all top notch and it's a story that will stay with me and make me smile whenever I remember. How's that for a recommendation?
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LibraryThing member izzybru
Fantastic..Amazing...Wonderfully different.
Loved it and can't wait for the next one.
Loved it and can't wait for the next one.
LibraryThing member ladycato
I don't read many romances, but I bought this for two reasons: one of the agent blogs I follow mentioned it was a good book with an autistic male lead; my son is autistic and I'm always seeking out books with autistic characters. Secondly, I met the author two years ago at a writers' conference
Lord Ian Mackenzie is quite mad. He'd be the first to admit that. It's common knowledge he resided in an insane asylum as a child and as an adult he's an eccentric who doesn't look people in the eye yet is brilliant with numbers and facts. Meanwhile, Beth is a widowed vicar's wife who has recently come into quite an inheritance from the estate of an elderly employer. She's newly engaged to Sir Mathers--at least, until Ian meets her for the first time and abruptly informs her that Mathers is a cad who keeps ladies for sordid purposes and only wants her money. The attraction between Ian and Beth is instantaneously, though obstacles quickly present themselves, including two dead prostitutes and a Scotland Yard inspector with believes Ian is to blame.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Victorian romance. Beth (which is my own name!) and Ian have fantastic chemistry. Both characters are fully realized, though I particularly loved Ian. Ashley did a wonderful job of making it clear that Ian is autistic without making him a parody of the disorder. Actually, many of his traits--the good and the bad--reminded me of my own four-year-old son, which is weird since it's a romance book, but at the same time makes me feel more positively about his future relationships.
The only turn-off about the book is the fact that Ian associated with prostitutes in the past. That does squick me a bit, even though I know within the context of the period it would have been the most likely option for him.
That said, I'll be keeping this book on my shelf and I'm reminded I need to read more of Jennifer Ashley's books. I intend to get this copy signed by her next month.
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(and will see her at the same con next month) and thought she was a very kind person and a good historical fiction writer.Lord Ian Mackenzie is quite mad. He'd be the first to admit that. It's common knowledge he resided in an insane asylum as a child and as an adult he's an eccentric who doesn't look people in the eye yet is brilliant with numbers and facts. Meanwhile, Beth is a widowed vicar's wife who has recently come into quite an inheritance from the estate of an elderly employer. She's newly engaged to Sir Mathers--at least, until Ian meets her for the first time and abruptly informs her that Mathers is a cad who keeps ladies for sordid purposes and only wants her money. The attraction between Ian and Beth is instantaneously, though obstacles quickly present themselves, including two dead prostitutes and a Scotland Yard inspector with believes Ian is to blame.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Victorian romance. Beth (which is my own name!) and Ian have fantastic chemistry. Both characters are fully realized, though I particularly loved Ian. Ashley did a wonderful job of making it clear that Ian is autistic without making him a parody of the disorder. Actually, many of his traits--the good and the bad--reminded me of my own four-year-old son, which is weird since it's a romance book, but at the same time makes me feel more positively about his future relationships.
The only turn-off about the book is the fact that Ian associated with prostitutes in the past. That does squick me a bit, even though I know within the context of the period it would have been the most likely option for him.
That said, I'll be keeping this book on my shelf and I'm reminded I need to read more of Jennifer Ashley's books. I intend to get this copy signed by her next month.
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LibraryThing member Wombat
Lady Wombat says:
It could have been truly awful to read a historical romance novel with a hero with a disorder on the Autism spectrum (particularly a novel set in a period way before doctors knew much about Autism and its related conditions). But Ashley pulls this off surprisingly deftly, without
It could have been truly awful to read a historical romance novel with a hero with a disorder on the Autism spectrum (particularly a novel set in a period way before doctors knew much about Autism and its related conditions). But Ashley pulls this off surprisingly deftly, without
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making one feel that the hero or his condition is idealized to a nauseating extent. I'll definitely be looking for new books by this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member Ridley_
When I picked this book up knowing that it featured a hero with Asperger's, I imagined the crux of the story would be about Beth and Ian learning to love each other despite his emotional detatchment. I didn't feel like I got that.
There's no real discussion of how Ian and Beth came to love each
Oh, and there's a murder mystery with a ton of plot holes.
And a bunch of sex scenes thrown in for no particular reason other than to be graphic and to titillate.
And a ton of obvious series set-up.
Meh.
Really, this is not the sort of character pairing that lends itself well to a suspense subplot (as half-baked as this one was) as there's plenty of conflict to mine from their personalities alone. I wanted a good book, a character study, and instead I got a paint-by-numbers romance novel like any other. It's not a bad book, just an exceedingly average one.
There's no real discussion of how Ian and Beth came to love each
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other. I noticed they had great, wall-banging sex often, but that was the extent of the romance, it seems. There were few scenes that showed them interacting with their clothes on over something mundane. Sure, she supported him through a murder mystery, but how often will that come up in a lifelong marriage? I needed to see them becoming attached to each other and enjoying each other's company despite his communication quirks. I wanted to see them dealing with how utterly annoying an Aspie can be and how bewildering she could be through his eyes. Instead, he dominates her in typical alpha style and she accepts sex as attachment.Oh, and there's a murder mystery with a ton of plot holes.
And a bunch of sex scenes thrown in for no particular reason other than to be graphic and to titillate.
And a ton of obvious series set-up.
Meh.
Really, this is not the sort of character pairing that lends itself well to a suspense subplot (as half-baked as this one was) as there's plenty of conflict to mine from their personalities alone. I wanted a good book, a character study, and instead I got a paint-by-numbers romance novel like any other. It's not a bad book, just an exceedingly average one.
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LibraryThing member Kaetrin
Angela Dawe does a great job of the narration of this book. Her Scottish burr for the Mackenzie brothers was very good and I liked the gruffness she instilled in their voices. I did think her English accent for Beth slipped once in a while towards American, but that didn't bother me too much. I
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actually found myself enjoying the story more in this format than I did in print. As much as the book was raved over when it was released, I couldn't find the same enthusiasm myself. I liked, but did not love it. On audio however, I found myself connecting more with Ian and Beth than I had before. For those who haven't read the book, Lord Ian Mackenzie has some sort of Autism Spectrum Disorder (probably Aspberger's) but of course, in Queen Victoria's time there was no name for it. He is regarded as "mad". His father had him locked in an asylum when he was little more than a boy and upon the old Duke's death, his eldest brother Hart, immediately removed him. When Ian meets Beth Ackerley, a beautiful widow who has recently inherited some money from a old woman to whom she had been companion, Ian is instantly smitten. Ian is not like other heroes. He speaks very bluntly. He doesn't understand many social cues or facial expressions and he doesn't lie or prevaricate. Beth is the perfect foil for him and I liked how she accepted him, happily and for himself very early on in the piece, never thinking of him as "less". Even his brothers, who love him dearly, do this. At the end of the book Ian comments that everyone has their own madness - perhaps it is just that his is more obvious than others - and so, through Beth, Ian is able to accept himself also. Show Less
LibraryThing member vampiregirl76
I hadn't planned to pick this one up, but since it was highly recommended by KristieJ and AmyC, I thought I'd give it a try. It was an enjoyable read. I didn't think much of the heroine Beth, she didn't really stand out for me. But Ian and the rest of the Mackenzie brothers were very intriguing and
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boy do they have some issues. Lucky for us each of the Mackenzie brothers will be getting their own book. Show Less
LibraryThing member keeneam
I loved he hero of this book. he was far from the typical historical romance hero. He was very endearing and I feel a little in love as well. The heroine was a likable character as well and balanced the hero. Ashley also set up the other characters nicely for their books, making them a must read
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for me. Show Less
LibraryThing member GretchenCraig
THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley
Ashley has written a truly unique romantic hero. Lord Ian Mackenzie seems to be a high-functioning autistic! Certainly haven’t seen that before. And she does it marvelously well. In spite of his handicaps, Ian is compelling, loveable, and sexy.
I don’t like retelling the plot when I review books, so I’ll just say I found both the hero and heroine worthy characters who I very much enjoyed getting to know. Duran has turned this tale of a man extremely damaged by early mistreatment and seriously handicapped by his autism into a fine novel, a great romance. I highly recommend it.
Ashley has written a truly unique romantic hero. Lord Ian Mackenzie seems to be a high-functioning autistic! Certainly haven’t seen that before. And she does it marvelously well. In spite of his handicaps, Ian is compelling, loveable, and sexy.
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I don’t know if someone who is autistic can be as passionate as Ian, but I believe this particular one is. Ashley has done her homework – she hits all the characteristics I expect to find in autism. Ian has trouble looking people in the eye, he’s over sensitive to noise and sensation, he’s socially awkward and inappropriate, he has astonishing gifts like being able to beautifully play a piece on the piano after hearing it only once, and so on. His heart is true, his loyalties fierce, and his understanding deficient only in reading other people’s emotions. Fortunately, he happens upon a woman capable of seeing past his limitations and finding him fascinating, strong, and in every way admirable. She herself shows uncommon courage in being able to love in the face of profound difficulties.I don’t like retelling the plot when I review books, so I’ll just say I found both the hero and heroine worthy characters who I very much enjoyed getting to know. Duran has turned this tale of a man extremely damaged by early mistreatment and seriously handicapped by his autism into a fine novel, a great romance. I highly recommend it.
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LibraryThing member rainrunner
I liked the beginning and then it just kinda fell apart for me.
LibraryThing member shannon4462
I loved this book! There were sexual inuendos throughout but the story itself was intricate and thorough, very impressive! Cant wait to read Lady Isabellas Scanalous Marriage!
LibraryThing member BeguileThySorrow
Looking for an interesting and none too typical romance? Try this one!
I absolutely loved this historical romance and was immediately drawn in by the whole family of characters. In 1881 many maladies were simply thought of as madness; if one were anywhere on the Autism Spectrum, they were probably
Lord Ian Mackenzie is introduced to us in the middle of a conversation. However we are hearing the words from Ian's point of view and like him, we are confused by the whole exchange. Ian is generally regarded as "mad" because of his many behaviors that don't fall in line with what is "normal". He's smart as a whip and in fact can recall from memory whole conversations verbatim, determine on sight whether rare asian bowls are genuine or fake, and other amazing things.
But his madness is not all it seems, and the widow Beth Ackerley is quick to recognize this. Beth is an amazingly sweet and patient person and her warmth instantly attracts Ian. The two are not a couple but things quickly heat up between them as their connection grows. Beth's openness to Ian's differences and Ian's devotion in return is a beautiful thing to see grow as the book continues. Their story is completely different from any I've read before and I adored it! Definitely get this book :D
posted on blog 05-04-2011
I absolutely loved this historical romance and was immediately drawn in by the whole family of characters. In 1881 many maladies were simply thought of as madness; if one were anywhere on the Autism Spectrum, they were probably
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going to be considered crazy. The hero of this book is a person with autistic tendencies/behaviors, and it makes this historical romance completely fascinating!Lord Ian Mackenzie is introduced to us in the middle of a conversation. However we are hearing the words from Ian's point of view and like him, we are confused by the whole exchange. Ian is generally regarded as "mad" because of his many behaviors that don't fall in line with what is "normal". He's smart as a whip and in fact can recall from memory whole conversations verbatim, determine on sight whether rare asian bowls are genuine or fake, and other amazing things.
But his madness is not all it seems, and the widow Beth Ackerley is quick to recognize this. Beth is an amazingly sweet and patient person and her warmth instantly attracts Ian. The two are not a couple but things quickly heat up between them as their connection grows. Beth's openness to Ian's differences and Ian's devotion in return is a beautiful thing to see grow as the book continues. Their story is completely different from any I've read before and I adored it! Definitely get this book :D
posted on blog 05-04-2011
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LibraryThing member Chandra-of-Red
AUTHOR: Jennifer can write her butt off! She puts the ahhhh in ahhhh and the wish it was me in the wish it was me. She knows how to balance dialogue with description of characters, scenes and situations. A love story with mystery. This is my first time reading one of her books and I cannot wait to
SETTING: 19th century London, Paris, Scotland
GENRE: Historical romance, Mystery romance
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTERS: For a woman of her position, she handles her title well and with humility. She acknowledges her motions and is honest about what she feels. Sometimes she prattles on but is not easily intimidated. She has her own style of humor. Her mind is open to the many ways of learning passion.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: He has been lost within himself very few understand him. His past has been very sad. Sometimes he is unable to make direct eye contact. He is an expert that recognizes and goes after authenticity. He is needing, wanting and passionate.
SYNOPSIS: He meets her at any opera and immediately provides information to discredit her fiancé. He knows that she is authentic and he wants to bed her. His brothers try to protect him from his demons caused by a very sad past. Through it all a detective from Scotland Yard hates his family for unknown reasons and has targeted him as guilty of (2) murders that have occurred within the last (5) years.
SEXUAL EXPLICITNESS: Measured from Inspirational romance (not explicit) to Erotica (hot, steamy and sizzling). I would say this book is in the middle.
Quote - “He needed her body under his tonight. He wanted to rub the sweet berry between her legs and make her wet, he wanted to drive into her until he released….”
Oral sex (yes). Thrusting (yes). Stroking (yes). And I can think of only (1) instance of colorful language.
WHAT I LIKED: I have nothing to say bad about this book
It is a storyline with the passion that makes this book. A want. A need. A desire
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: I loved this entire book which is why I read it in 24 hours.
I give this book (5) stars because excellent story with twist and turns everywhere. I HATE “cunts” and “dicks” so this book was just right for me.
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purchase another book by this author.SETTING: 19th century London, Paris, Scotland
GENRE: Historical romance, Mystery romance
CENTRAL FEMALE CHARACTERS: For a woman of her position, she handles her title well and with humility. She acknowledges her motions and is honest about what she feels. Sometimes she prattles on but is not easily intimidated. She has her own style of humor. Her mind is open to the many ways of learning passion.
CENTRAL MALE CHARACTER: He has been lost within himself very few understand him. His past has been very sad. Sometimes he is unable to make direct eye contact. He is an expert that recognizes and goes after authenticity. He is needing, wanting and passionate.
SYNOPSIS: He meets her at any opera and immediately provides information to discredit her fiancé. He knows that she is authentic and he wants to bed her. His brothers try to protect him from his demons caused by a very sad past. Through it all a detective from Scotland Yard hates his family for unknown reasons and has targeted him as guilty of (2) murders that have occurred within the last (5) years.
SEXUAL EXPLICITNESS: Measured from Inspirational romance (not explicit) to Erotica (hot, steamy and sizzling). I would say this book is in the middle.
Quote - “He needed her body under his tonight. He wanted to rub the sweet berry between her legs and make her wet, he wanted to drive into her until he released….”
Oral sex (yes). Thrusting (yes). Stroking (yes). And I can think of only (1) instance of colorful language.
WHAT I LIKED: I have nothing to say bad about this book
It is a storyline with the passion that makes this book. A want. A need. A desire
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE: I loved this entire book which is why I read it in 24 hours.
I give this book (5) stars because excellent story with twist and turns everywhere. I HATE “cunts” and “dicks” so this book was just right for me.
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LibraryThing member castiron
A romance novel in which the hero has Asperger's (though it's not called it in the book, being set in the mid-19th century).
I'd want the opinion of a person with Asperger's on how accurate Lord Ian's portrayal actually is, but from my perspective as the parent of someone with autism, his traits
I also bought Beth as a person who'd be able to handle Ian's odd behavior. Her background makes it possible for her to take his blunt words and actions in stride; her willingness to help people serves her well with him.
The MacKenzie family is interesting, though the sequel-fishing was a bit heavy-handed in places. The suspense subplot was a bit over-the-top, but it did reveal aspects of Ian and Hart's relationship well.
Overall, a greatly enjoyable book.
I'd want the opinion of a person with Asperger's on how accurate Lord Ian's portrayal actually is, but from my perspective as the parent of someone with autism, his traits
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generally ring true. The fascination with the ink drop, tasting a bowl with no idea that people might find that strange, the difficulty in lying, the confusion about what other people mean, being overwhelmed by crowds.... There was an occasional place where he seemed too socially aware for how he'd been previously depicted, but overall he worked for me. And his question to Beth at the end of the book was excellent.I also bought Beth as a person who'd be able to handle Ian's odd behavior. Her background makes it possible for her to take his blunt words and actions in stride; her willingness to help people serves her well with him.
The MacKenzie family is interesting, though the sequel-fishing was a bit heavy-handed in places. The suspense subplot was a bit over-the-top, but it did reveal aspects of Ian and Hart's relationship well.
Overall, a greatly enjoyable book.
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LibraryThing member faniP
I really liked this book very much and I'm looking forward to the rest of the brothers' stories to come out. Ian was an awesome hero, protective, determined, possesive and just vulnerable enough to make him lovable. Lately, I find that I like practical heroines who take matters into their own
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hands, so I liked Beth as well.The book had me captivated and I read the first 200 pages in a single day, which is rather fast for me. I would rate it with 5 stars, if towards the end, the focus didn't shift to the murder plot so much but stayed in Beth's and Ian's relationship as it was in the beginning. Great book, highly recommended. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kaetrin
Angela Dawe does a great job of the narration of this book. Her Scottish burr for the Mackenzie brothers was very good and I liked the gruffness she instilled in their voices. I did think her English accent for Beth slipped once in a while towards American, but that didn't bother me too much. I
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actually found myself enjoying the story more in this format than I did in print. As much as the book was raved over when it was released, I couldn't find the same enthusiasm myself. I liked, but did not love it. On audio however, I found myself connecting more with Ian and Beth than I had before. For those who haven't read the book, Lord Ian Mackenzie has some sort of Autism Spectrum Disorder (probably Aspberger's) but of course, in Queen Victoria's time there was no name for it. He is regarded as "mad". His father had him locked in an asylum when he was little more than a boy and upon the old Duke's death, his eldest brother Hart, immediately removed him. When Ian meets Beth Ackerley, a beautiful widow who has recently inherited some money from a old woman to whom she had been companion, Ian is instantly smitten. Ian is not like other heroes. He speaks very bluntly. He doesn't understand many social cues or facial expressions and he doesn't lie or prevaricate. Beth is the perfect foil for him and I liked how she accepted him, happily and for himself very early on in the piece, never thinking of him as "less". Even his brothers, who love him dearly, do this. At the end of the book Ian comments that everyone has their own madness - perhaps it is just that his is more obvious than others - and so, through Beth, Ian is able to accept himself also. Show Less
LibraryThing member bkluvr4evr
This is my first novel of Jennifer Ashley. What an incredible reading experience. This is a wonderful story with unusual character personality. Very fresh and a pleasure to read. Can't wait for the next one. Will very like buy her whole collection :) Highly recommend
LibraryThing member thehistorychic
Read/Listened for Fun (Audible/Kindle)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.75
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: What a wonderfully unique leading man Ian was!
Story Talk: Can I just say that the Mackenzie brothers are an interesting
Character Talk: I am going to start with Beth because it takes a super special woman to see beyond the obvious with Ian. She seems to get him even though she had to war with herself to accept their relationship on his terms. Ian could be manipulative but never in a way that made you think he was doing just for his own good. His "difference" played a huge part in how he thought things through. Beth was wonderful at figuring that out and eventually learning how to be herself as well as deal with Ian. Their love story was awesome!
Audio Talk:
Narrated by Angela Dawe / Running Time 9 hrs and 53 mins
I enjoyed the narration by Angela Dawe. I am not always a fan of audiobooks with multiple accents but I thought Angela did a pretty good job. The pacing was pretty well done and I thought she nailed Ian's uniqueness. Overall, I would recommend this audiobook.
Final Thought: I will be reading the rest of this series in the future!
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.75
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: What a wonderfully unique leading man Ian was!
Story Talk: Can I just say that the Mackenzie brothers are an interesting
Show More
group of guys! Ian, the most unique of them all--so far,is a story that not everyone will get but it hit me square in the heart. He was so darn unique! I believe he was a high functioning autistic character but he could have also had some PTSD from an incident when he was younger. He was very perceptive and while independent, his brothers were very protective because of his differences. His "issues" were dealt with in a very real and sometimes shocking manner in this story. For the time period, he had to be totally unique. Jennifer Ashley took a huge chance and I think it paid off in spades.Character Talk: I am going to start with Beth because it takes a super special woman to see beyond the obvious with Ian. She seems to get him even though she had to war with herself to accept their relationship on his terms. Ian could be manipulative but never in a way that made you think he was doing just for his own good. His "difference" played a huge part in how he thought things through. Beth was wonderful at figuring that out and eventually learning how to be herself as well as deal with Ian. Their love story was awesome!
Audio Talk:
Narrated by Angela Dawe / Running Time 9 hrs and 53 mins
I enjoyed the narration by Angela Dawe. I am not always a fan of audiobooks with multiple accents but I thought Angela did a pretty good job. The pacing was pretty well done and I thought she nailed Ian's uniqueness. Overall, I would recommend this audiobook.
Final Thought: I will be reading the rest of this series in the future!
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LibraryThing member MlleEhreen
THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE is special. It belongs up there with the best romance novels I've ever read, and it's certainly the best romance I've read in the past year or two. It's completely unique, unlike any other historical I've ever read, heartwarming and sexy and hard to put down right
At the end of the day, all I really need to say to potential buyers is: yes, you want to read this book. You really do.
To me, one of the most fascinating things about the book is that the hero - the titular Ian MacKenzie - is totally dreamy, swoon-worthy, romance-novel-hero-worthy, but while I was reading I kept thinking, "I don't know if I could do it. I don't know if I could put up with this guy." Which simultaneously made me admire the heroine, Beth Ackerley, for being able to appreciate him and bring out his best self.
I don't know how Ian's madness would be classified in contemporary speak. He's handsome, decisive, intelligent, blunt, very masculine. But he's not just a normal guy with a reputation for being crazy; he's actually a little nuts. He has a hard time connecting to his own emotions and expressing affection - a pretty major challenge to overcome in a book all about falling in love. The other major plot arc in the novel hinges on the relationship between Ian and his brothers.
Anyhow, I don't want to spoil anything. This is a great book. Read it.
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from the first page. At the end of the day, all I really need to say to potential buyers is: yes, you want to read this book. You really do.
To me, one of the most fascinating things about the book is that the hero - the titular Ian MacKenzie - is totally dreamy, swoon-worthy, romance-novel-hero-worthy, but while I was reading I kept thinking, "I don't know if I could do it. I don't know if I could put up with this guy." Which simultaneously made me admire the heroine, Beth Ackerley, for being able to appreciate him and bring out his best self.
I don't know how Ian's madness would be classified in contemporary speak. He's handsome, decisive, intelligent, blunt, very masculine. But he's not just a normal guy with a reputation for being crazy; he's actually a little nuts. He has a hard time connecting to his own emotions and expressing affection - a pretty major challenge to overcome in a book all about falling in love. The other major plot arc in the novel hinges on the relationship between Ian and his brothers.
Anyhow, I don't want to spoil anything. This is a great book. Read it.
Show Less
LibraryThing member thehistorychic
Read/Listened for Fun (Audible/Kindle)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.75
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: What a wonderfully unique leading man Ian was!
Story Talk: Can I just say that the Mackenzie brothers are an interesting
Character Talk: I am going to start with Beth because it takes a super special woman to see beyond the obvious with Ian. She seems to get him even though she had to war with herself to accept their relationship on his terms. Ian could be manipulative but never in a way that made you think he was doing just for his own good. His "difference" played a huge part in how he thought things through. Beth was wonderful at figuring that out and eventually learning how to be herself as well as deal with Ian. Their love story was awesome!
Audio Talk:
Narrated by Angela Dawe / Running Time 9 hrs and 53 mins
I enjoyed the narration by Angela Dawe. I am not always a fan of audiobooks with multiple accents but I thought Angela did a pretty good job. The pacing was pretty well done and I thought she nailed Ian's uniqueness. Overall, I would recommend this audiobook.
Final Thought: I will be reading the rest of this series in the future!
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.75
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: What a wonderfully unique leading man Ian was!
Story Talk: Can I just say that the Mackenzie brothers are an interesting
Show More
group of guys! Ian, the most unique of them all--so far,is a story that not everyone will get but it hit me square in the heart. He was so darn unique! I believe he was a high functioning autistic character but he could have also had some PTSD from an incident when he was younger. He was very perceptive and while independent, his brothers were very protective because of his differences. His "issues" were dealt with in a very real and sometimes shocking manner in this story. For the time period, he had to be totally unique. Jennifer Ashley took a huge chance and I think it paid off in spades. Character Talk: I am going to start with Beth because it takes a super special woman to see beyond the obvious with Ian. She seems to get him even though she had to war with herself to accept their relationship on his terms. Ian could be manipulative but never in a way that made you think he was doing just for his own good. His "difference" played a huge part in how he thought things through. Beth was wonderful at figuring that out and eventually learning how to be herself as well as deal with Ian. Their love story was awesome!
Audio Talk:
Narrated by Angela Dawe / Running Time 9 hrs and 53 mins
I enjoyed the narration by Angela Dawe. I am not always a fan of audiobooks with multiple accents but I thought Angela did a pretty good job. The pacing was pretty well done and I thought she nailed Ian's uniqueness. Overall, I would recommend this audiobook.
Final Thought: I will be reading the rest of this series in the future!
Show Less
LibraryThing member Samchan
I don’t always gravitate towards romances like this one, in which either or both the hero/heroine succumb to love at first sight. But this one was a satisfying read. The plot didn’t feel contrived and the characters were lovable. Like everyone else, I’ve fallen in love with the Mackenzie
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family! Show Less
LibraryThing member ReginaR
Hmmmm..... so the narration is really bad. I started off listening to this when I was sick and had a fever and I didn't notice the bad narration. Maybe that says something about the storyline, that I was entertained enough to not notice the bad narration and it distracted me from being sick. But
When I read or listen to stories like this it is for the romance and let's be honest here, the steamy scenes. Having them read to me in a mechanical way was the opposite of sexy. Try it -- read aloud your favorite steamy passage of any book - -go ahead, pull it out (*snicker*) and read it in a mechanical type voice and pause in weird spots not designated by the writing ... sexy?
The author's portrayal of an autistic hero made this story. Without that aspect, it would have been a complete throw-away and not memorable. But Jennifer Ashley does a decent job at portraying Ian MacKenzie in a realistic and likable manner. The set up of who the bad doers were in this story was kind of silly and I just did not buy into the who of the who-dun-it. Particularly the the discovery of the love letter that was crossed out by the angry murderess where she wrote over the letter "You deserved it." Really? Why not paint a road map for the police. Just unbelievable silliness. However, I have to say that the mystery was not why I was reading this book, so even though I thought the how and who of the mystery was over the top ridiclous, it didn't bother me.
So, I may read (read NOT listen) the next one in the series. Maybe. I won't be rushing to it.
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once I started getting better, the quality of the narrator became obvious. It has this mechanical like quality and pauses after every phrase so that the narrator seems to be mocking the storyline. Strong text will hold up to mocking, but this story did not hold up. When I read or listen to stories like this it is for the romance and let's be honest here, the steamy scenes. Having them read to me in a mechanical way was the opposite of sexy. Try it -- read aloud your favorite steamy passage of any book - -go ahead, pull it out (*snicker*) and read it in a mechanical type voice and pause in weird spots not designated by the writing ... sexy?
The author's portrayal of an autistic hero made this story. Without that aspect, it would have been a complete throw-away and not memorable. But Jennifer Ashley does a decent job at portraying Ian MacKenzie in a realistic and likable manner. The set up of who the bad doers were in this story was kind of silly and I just did not buy into the who of the who-dun-it. Particularly the
So, I may read (read NOT listen) the next one in the series. Maybe. I won't be rushing to it.
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LibraryThing member jdquinlan
From the Back Cover:
It was whispered all through London Society that he was a murderer, that he'd spent his youth in an asylum and was not to be trusted - especially with a lady. Any woman caught in his presence was immediately ruined. Yet Beth found herself inexorably drawn to the Scottish lord
My Review:
I'll start off by saying the back cover blurb does not do this novel justice and it's a bit misleading. Beth knows nothing of Ian when she meets him, and neither does most of London society because Ian's family has tried to keep him out of trouble and his madness a secret. And Ian is no rake. The symptoms of Ian's "madness" and the circumstances of his childhood and treatment are heart-wrenchingly unveiled bit by bit throughout the story.
Ian MacKenzie is one of the most unique, memorable, and heart-breaking heroes I've ever encountered. I'm no expert on mental illness, but he appears to have a combination of autism and OCD. He is incapable of telling a lie, he has a photographic memory, he can play any instrument by ear, and he is devoted to those he loves. He is also prone to rages and black-outs, and thus had been suspected of two related murders. How can a sweet, but disenchanted girl like Beth help but want to fall in love with him and clear his name?
Jennifer Ashley has been writing romance for years, but this was my first experience and I think she's a great writer and I've already added a couple of books from her pirate series to my shelf. I was hooked on this book from page one, and wouldn't you know it, Ian happens to have three other brothers with issues, too, who are each getting a book of their own. I've already pre-ordered book #2, Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage.
It was whispered all through London Society that he was a murderer, that he'd spent his youth in an asylum and was not to be trusted - especially with a lady. Any woman caught in his presence was immediately ruined. Yet Beth found herself inexorably drawn to the Scottish lord
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whose hint of a brogue wrapped around her like silk and whose touch could draw her into a world of ecstasy. Despite his decadence and intimidating intelligence, she could see he needed her help. Because suddenly the only thing that made sense to her was The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie.My Review:
I'll start off by saying the back cover blurb does not do this novel justice and it's a bit misleading. Beth knows nothing of Ian when she meets him, and neither does most of London society because Ian's family has tried to keep him out of trouble and his madness a secret. And Ian is no rake. The symptoms of Ian's "madness" and the circumstances of his childhood and treatment are heart-wrenchingly unveiled bit by bit throughout the story.
Ian MacKenzie is one of the most unique, memorable, and heart-breaking heroes I've ever encountered. I'm no expert on mental illness, but he appears to have a combination of autism and OCD. He is incapable of telling a lie, he has a photographic memory, he can play any instrument by ear, and he is devoted to those he loves. He is also prone to rages and black-outs, and thus had been suspected of two related murders. How can a sweet, but disenchanted girl like Beth help but want to fall in love with him and clear his name?
Jennifer Ashley has been writing romance for years, but this was my first experience and I think she's a great writer and I've already added a couple of books from her pirate series to my shelf. I was hooked on this book from page one, and wouldn't you know it, Ian happens to have three other brothers with issues, too, who are each getting a book of their own. I've already pre-ordered book #2, Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage.
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LibraryThing member Okies
Never ceases to amaze me how many plot lines romance writers come up with. In this story, Ian Mackenzie is on the spectrum. It's insightful in how painful this is and the challenges for the heroine, who is also an unusual character.
Subjects
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — Romance — 2013)
Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award (Winner — 2009)
AAR Annual Reader Poll (2010)
Language
Original publication date
2009-05-01
Physical description
320 p.; 22 cm
ISBN
0843960434 / 9780843960433