The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures Series #1)

I wasn't as "mad" about Ian as I wanted to be

This is a book that I had been wanting to read for a while, but it had been buried in the TBR, so I was excited to dig it out and finally read it. I had heard SO MANY good things about the book, and have seen Ian come up in comments often as a favorite romance hero. I had high expectations which is why I think I felt a little disappointed in him as a hero after finishing the book.

Ian, is an unusual hero in that he has Asperger's syndrome and has been misunderstood and mistreated pretty much his entire life. He abide scorn and beatings from his father, which finally resulted in his "incarceration" in an insane asylum where he endured tortuously painful shock therapy treatments as well as other Victorian methods to try and cure him of his atypical behavior for years. He is incapable of expressing or feeling love, and is locked in a world that he has had to learn to adapt to, but remains distanced from everyone including his family.

He is haunted by memories and dreams of a mysterious murder, not knowing if he, or his brother murdered a woman in a house of pleasure that his brother owned. Thus ensues a plot to try and uncover who murdered two women Ian knew. Ian has struggled with doubts for years, and now that another woman has been found murdered an Inspector who has a vendetta against Ian and the Mackenzies sets out to prove that Ian is the murderer and belongs back in the asylum, while Beth does her own sleuthing to uncover the murder mysteries and prove that Ian is innocent.

There are many things to love about this book, but one of the things that bothered me the most was that it took Beth's intervention for everyone to believe that Ian was incapable of murder. Even his brother, the Duke, believed that he had killed the prostitutes. She was his savior in more ways than one, including teaching him the meaning of what it is to love. She was responsible for revealing the truth behind the murders and endangering herself in the process. And while I love a heroine who is capable and not in need of rescue I'm not quite sure how I feel about the heroine rescuing the hero. I'm conflicted about this aspect of the story.

I loved the moments when it was just Ian and Beth learning to communicate, understand, and love each other. And while the murder mystery drove the plot of the book I wanted more of just Ian and Beth. Since so much was made of Ian as a hero I imagined that most of the book would deal with his form of Autism and how he and Beth learned to love each other despite his emotional handicaps. I wanted to learn more about how Beth learned to deal with his "affliction" and didn't feel that the story adequately explored this aspect of their relationship. I also thought that the additional mystery solved by Beth involving the Inspector that was revealed at the end of the book was superfluous and unnecessary.

In the end I enjoyed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, but as a hero Ian didn't quite live up to my expectations, which was disappointing. I know I am in the minority here, but what can I say? That being said The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie was an engaging read, and the secondary characters (his family) were incredibly intriguing. I can't wait for the next book, Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage, due out in July. Isabella and Mac's story promises to be even better than Ian and Beth's romance.

Ratings:
Stars: 4.0 stars
Sensuality level: 3.0 (pretty much your standard &a

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Jennifer Ashley This is an intriguing Victorian romance has provided a terrific insightful thriller.

In 1881 England, anyone who knows Ian Mackenzie assumes he is mad. Even he believes there is something wrong with himself as thinks and reacts differently than his siblings and people in general. Ian has problems with understanding "normal" feelings; as he always is honest, which gets him in trouble.-----------

When wealthy widow Elizabeth Ackerley is to marry a rascal, Ian honest as ever makes it clear he thinks she is foolish to wed such a degenerate and that he feels nothing. Beth rejects his declaration; she begins to look closer at Ian and his family. Beth soon admires Ian and that turns into love; Ian rejects the notion he can love, but does not understand why he feels mushy when she is near. . However, as their respect and admiration grows, several young women have been murdered with Ian because of his odd behavior as the prime suspect. Beth vows to prove her beloved is innocent and that he now knows what love is.---------------------

This is an intriguing Victorian romance that looks deep into what back then was labeled madness, but today would be on the high functioning side of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders spectrum as probably either Asperger's Syndrome or a non specified disorder. Thus the audience has a unique lead character who thinks differently than the acceptable "norm". Beth, by just accepting him as he, proves she is a fabulous person. The murder accusation fits as Ian's madness makes him the obvious suspect. Jennifer Ashley has provided a terrific insightful thriller.-------------

Harriet Klausner

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

What a great read, a great find, this book comes highly recommended

I guess with my headline one can tell, I enjoyed this book. This was the first book that I have read by Jennifer Ashley but it will not be the last one. I was browsing the Barnes & Nobles site and honestly I cannot say how I happened upon The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie but I'm thankful that I did. I love Historical Romance books with a twist, with good strong characters, action packed, plots with detailed background information, plots that keep you turning the pages; this book had it all. Also with all these attributes, the love, romance and passion that Lord Ian showed towards his Beth simply sizzled. This was erotica personified. I plan on reading the Shifters Unbound Series; I have already purchased the first book in the series, Pride Mates. Take a chance with this book; I do not believe you will have any regrets.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Loved Lord Ian

I absolutely loved this book. Ashley goes above and beyond genre with this story of a man with serious issues and the woman who sees beyond them. I fell in love with Ian immediately and though he has his quirks, they only made him more interesting. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

just what i needed!!!

i have been so bored with romances lately and i have finally found an author to quench my thirst for something different!!! love all of the characters and i can not wait to read the rest of the series!!! please read! lord ian mackenzie is the "different" hero you have been fantasizing about! he seems more real to me i guess...

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Not typical at all

This book was very...sensual. The love story and hero of the book was out of the ordinary, but great. You kind of get bored with the same formula all the time with romance novels, so I enjoyed that the hero was so out of the ordinary and odd. I enjoy romances that stray from the norm, but still give you the expected at the same time. Along with great romance and lots of heat, this also had a good bit of mystery and suspense in the secondary story playing out with the group of brothers....and lots of humor. I enjoyed it very much.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

LOVE,LOVE,LOVED IT

My first book by Jennifer Ashley, I love it, have re-read it twice. I will definitely add this author to my favorites.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Compelling and Endearing!

I found this book very compelling. Jennifer Ashley had a very good balance of plot and secondary characters for a hero that has a legitimate emotional handicap. The frankness in which Beth is attracted to Ian and his response and emotional growth was engrossingly endearing. I coulnd put it down.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Refreshing

What a refreshing book! This book is about two people meeting and falling in love. But, there is a catch. Ian, the hero, has Asperger. He was institutionalized at an early age by his father and was finally released by his oldest brother, Hart. The author did a terrific job depicting Ian's condition, from his inability to look at someone in the eyes to his method of evaluating Ming pottery. Ian is brutally honest and tries his best. I really enjoyed reading how Ian fits or not fits himself into society. It is great to read about a hero that has a problem that is not going to get "fixed" at the end of the book.

Beth, the heroine, is no shrinking violet. She grew up poor, found love, was happily married, but widowed within a year of marriage. She is mature and knows what she wants. She has the fortitude to stand up for Ian and goes toe to toe with Ian's three older brothers. Her unbeatable attitude towards life is wonderful.

I really love how the two of them got together. Ian's straight forwardness towards their relationship can leave you grasping. There are 3 others books in the wing, one for each of the other 3 brothers. Can hardly wait.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Different take on Hero

Really enjoyed the authors take on a different type of hero.

Awesome! Love this series!

Wow. These are the best regency romances I've read since Devil's Bride by Stephanie Laurens and he and her other Dukes are my favorites. These books rate right up there and I can't wait for their older brother. I read the first one and bought them all and this one is my favorite so far.

Lord Ian and Lady Beth

No matter what anyone say, this is a fantastic story about love with bounds.

Great book...Not your average everyday Historical Romance!

Definitely worth the read! It got twist and turns with a fabulous ending. Since have purchased all the books in the series and waiting for the next one!

I couldn't put it down!

I really love Jennifer Ashley, her books are so hard to stop reading!

Enjoyed

A very good read

First Book- Awesome book

I couldn't put it down since the opening title. This book will make you fall for Ian Mackenzie's craziness and his intense love for the woman he's chosen.

EXCELLENT READ!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This story was well written. I loved the main characters, Ian and Beth. I highly recommend this book!!!

Great read!

Ian Mackenzie isn't your typical everyday hero. He has had some serious issues and most people think he is insane. Beth sees the intelligent, caring, strong, hurt man that no one else sees. I have read all three Highland Pleasure books and this remains my absolute favorite. He struggles and overcomes so much that a reader can't help but be in awe of him. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for the unusual!

Wow!!!

This was an excellent book......the first book I have read in one day. I loved Ian and Beth....i only wish their story could go on and on!

Great!!

This is one of the best books i have read. I loved the subect matter and how a charactor like ian could find love in that time. Would highly recomend!