THE MADNESS of LORD IAN MacKENZIE (MacKenzie’s Book #1) by JENNIFER ASHLEY

“Is this what love feels like?” he whispered to her. “I don’t like it, my Beth. It hurts too much.” 

This Historical romance was breathtaking. Halfway through this book, I was already gushing to fellow readers about what a truly beautiful, moving and captivating book this was, urging them to pick it up, and not once, did my opinion waver throughout. If anything, it intensified as the story progressed.

Beth and Ian and are two unique characters, who, I guarantee will steal your heart.  They truly are very special indeed, but I actually loved the whole MacKenzie clan. They were brash and tough, but when these men loved, they loved fiercely and with all their heart.

The Mackenzie Clan are rich, powerful, dangerous and eccentric.  Scandals and rumors constantly surround them.  Not the type a man a lady would want to be associated with for fear of her reputation being ruined.

Ian is the youngest of the clan and has spent most of his young life in an asylum as Ian didn’t fit into society’s ‘normal’ most thought Ian was quite odd.  Ian is like his brothers.  He lives hard, is unbelievably handsome and also has an eye for beautiful women.

Ian isn’t mad or odd, what he is, is misunderstood. Ian suffers from Aspergers, and I  must admit, going into this book I had very limited knowledge of Aspergers and felt every ounce of frustration Ian felt, this tortured soul really got under my skin and into my heart.

“Ian, you are so bad for me,” she said.
He gave her a half smile. “I’m the mad Mackenzie.”

Beth is a widow who has recently come into a fortune.  She has decided she wants to live a quiet life, drama free.  Beth has known little happiness or peace in her life. From her alcoholic father to a life in a workhouse, and nursing her frail mother until her death, Beth has been the dutiful wife and daughter. Now, Beth has had enough and decides to use her money to travel and see the world. Her marriage to her husband may have been brief, but it was happy.

Ian MacKenzie has other ideas.  He falls for Beth and he wants her, and these Mackenzie men are relentless in their pursuits.

“We don’t fit in, you and me,” he said. “We’re both oddities no one knows what to do with. But we fit together.” He took her hand, pressed her palm to his, then laced their fingers through each other. “We fit.”

Beth was such a wonderful partner for Ian.  Ian truly did find his soul mate in Beth and the developing relationship will make your heart swell. You go through every emotion with Ian and Beth.  The author had me transfixed on their relationship and she invoked profound feelings from me, connecting me completely with Ian and Beth. This is one lush, delicious, moving, naughty, extravagant and captivating story…….everything you could wish for in a Historical romance!

“Explain to me what loving feels like, Beth. I want to understand.” 

The whole story was beautifully written and it was one I couldn’t put it down. I loved every word and took in every nuance of the writing.  This book will enter your heart as it did mine. Even if you’re not a fan of historical romances, the richness of this story is one you shouldn’t miss.