The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie (Mackenzies & McBrides, #1)

by Jennifer Ashley

[nitzan_schwarz]

Oct 8, 2018

I have been on a historical romance kick recentally, probably because it's so far from the story I'm writing that I have no fear of it blurring into it. But as I was reading all those historicals, I had the urge to visit some of my favorites, starting with Ian Mackenzie. Be still my beating heart, because this is still a fantastic novel.

Iam Mackenzie is such a wonderful hero. His imprefections make him a joy to read, and they balance amazingly well off the good natured Beth, who takes everything life throws at her with a stride. Although, if life threw Ian Mackenzie at me, I supposed I wouldn't mind too terribly, too.



Read the review for this book on my Blog, Drugs Called Books

Re-Read: November 21-23, 2012



The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie is one of the best historical romances I've ever read. It's got real characters, woven together by beautifully threaded words into a plot that captures you attention, your heart and your soul.
If you haven't read this one yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. I reckon you won't be disappointed.

The Story starts with Lord Ian MacKenzie buying a Ming Bowl. I know, I know--say what?! but the odd beginning gives as a valuable insight into Ian's character, and outlines it straight away. It also introduces Beth and how they're going to meet. I found the start quite charming and I fell for the dear lord almost immediately. There's just something about him.

The plot itself revolves around Ian and Beth's relationship, of course, but it also combines a murder mystery inside!

Ian MacKenzie, the main male character of this book, is a person with a form of autism previously mentioned by the author to be Asperger's. But living in an era no one knows about the existence of such illness, he's viewed as a mad men. He, himself, believes that he's mad.
Ian can't look you straight in the eye. He doesn't understand jokes. He can't lie. He's blunt and honest and doesn't understand subtlety. Sometimes, he's prone to ever-consuming rages that he fears will make him hurt his loved ones.
In other words; he's completely swoon worthy.
I know, I know; what? But something about Ian's character is just so captivating, charming and adorable. You can't blame Beth one bit for falling in love with him.

Talking of Beth... she's not a typical lady. She grew up in the "slumps", at a workhouse. She was a woman of low means until the woman she accompanied passed away and left her a fortune. Due to her background, Beth is anything but meek or abiding. She is stubborn, strong headed, smart and clever, loving, caring and trusting. She knows what she wants and is not afraid to get it, and often acts as the voice of reason in the testosterone filled family. I can rave about her good qualities until tomorrow. Despite all this, she doesn't come across as too perfect or anything. She feels completely real.
You have to applaud her for never doubting Ian or thinking of leaving him, even when he gives her enough reasons for both.

The supporting characters were great. All of Ian's family; Hart, Mac, Cameron and Daniel added to the book and I loved all of them (they've all got their own books, too! :D)
The infuriating Inspector Fellows and the disgusting Mather also added to the plot and world, as did all their various servants. I want me a Curry! (Not the food. He's a person. A really efficient person!)

As for the romance... it was lovely, sizzling, and just plain yummy!

In the beginning of the story, Ian tells Beth he can't love. But everything he does and thinks screams that he does.
And from the beginning, he's attracted to her on more that a physical level. You don't want to do these things with someone you just want to bed, do you?:
"He'd wake with her head on his pillow and kiss her until she opened her eyes. He'd feed her breakfast and watch her smile as she took food from his hand."--p.23.
Na uh.
And then, when his words turn to this...
“Because when I look at you, I forget everything. I lose all track of what I’m saying or doing. I can see only your eyes.”
I need some water cause I'm getting dizzy here!
Ian and Beth absolutely fit! also, they were extremely hot together. Warning, warning - spontaneous combustion may occur while reading this book!

One of the strongest moments in this book is when Beth asks Daniel, the son of Ian's brother Cam, why they were all so shocked when Ian laughed at dinner, and he answers that it's because they've never seen Ian laugh before.
I think this sort of summarizes Beth's influenced on Ian, and how she is truly the one and only for this guy (shame, I'd loved a chance at him too!)

This book is just fantastic. So good, actually, that I had to go and buy it!
Highly recommended!

To read this review and more, click here!