The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie

Jan 19, 2013 Blacky *Mistress of doom* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: best-of-the-best, favorite-historical, favorites, read-historical, mine, of-course, highlanders, bestest-of-the-best, 5-stars-for-quality, 5-stars-for-enjoyment

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

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This is one of the best books I've read.
This is one of the best historicals I've read.
This book has one of the best heroes I've ever read.
This book has one of the best heroines I've read.
This book has a fantastic story.
This book has made me love two women.
This book made me love four men.
This book made me want to read five books at the same time.

This book is in my heart and it will never go...more

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Feb 21, 2011 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of historical romance and beautiful love stories, unique characters

Shelves: hero-in-pursuit, less-than-perfect-hero-or-heroine, historical-romance, owned-copy, favorite-or-autobuy-author, scottish, favorites, hero-or-heroine-gravely-ill, hero-to-die-for, heroine-i-adore, family, 2011-reading, widow, hot-and-steamy-romance, nerd-prof-scientist-genius-geek, hero-or-heroine-mentally-ill, possessive-and-or-jealous-hero, good-secondary-characters, part-of-a-series, tortured-hero, abused, deep-dark-secret, character-had-happy-first-marriage, victorian, dhasg-february-2011-group-read, redhead

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie established to me that it would be a great read from the first page. Ian is such an unusual hero, and he is thoroughly lovable. And Beth is one of those rare heroines who really does deserve a hero like Ian. Their relationship felt right and it felt meant to be. Watching them grow closer, to acknowledge their unique, rich relationship, was very gratifying. Their bond was emotional, sensual, spiritual, and intellectual. Although there were parts of each other tha...more The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie established to me that it would be a great read from the first page. Ian is such an unusual hero, and he is thoroughly lovable. And Beth is one of those rare heroines who really does deserve a hero like Ian. Their relationship felt right and it felt meant to be. Watching them grow closer, to acknowledge their unique, rich relationship, was very gratifying. Their bond was emotional, sensual, spiritual, and intellectual. Although there were parts of each other that they didn’t fully grasp, they kept their hearts open to coming to accept and understand each other. There were no judgments against each other given. Romance stories like this are my favorite kind: where two people can find love with each other, without judgments or the fear that they have to let go of who they are or lose who they are to be in a fulfilling relationship with each other.

Ms. Ashley did a wonderful job of showing me who Ian was. That what others considered a ‘madness’, a defect, a shortcoming, was merely a different way of processing things, and very beautiful and worthwhile in its uniqueness. The depiction of Ian’s condition reminded me of Water Bound by Christine Feehan, another book that looks at a main character with a form of autism. It was not exactly the same as Ian’s, but I saw some commonalities in Ian and Rikki. They looked at the world in a profoundly different way, saw beauty with an enhanced detail that few of us are able to appreciate. Although that makes it hard to filter out sensations, the artist, the lover of beauty in me wonders how this can be a bad thing, if the person has the love and understanding, the space to breathe when things get too intense for them. Apparently Ian has Asperger's Syndrome. Back in the 19th century, no one would have known what this was, or understood it, and so for Ian to be able to function and to be productive, wonderfully so, was so lovely to read about. To see how his shame became a triumph. It was just beautiful to see. It really was. I loved the hope that Ms. Ashley gave me as I read. I know that she never tried to deny that Ian’s life wouldn’t be easy, but he had the love of his family, their acceptance, and the love of Beth to help him through it. So his affliction was really a gift. That is so true to life for us. Those of us who are different look at ourselves as flawed. However,I believe that our differences are God-given, and they are given to us for a reason. We may not see it that way, but as we walk through life, we come to realize that because of who we are we can give something special to the world that no one else can. That’s how I perceived Ian’s madness. Definitely a gift in disguise.

I loved seeing Ian’s family. All big, tough, larger-than-life men, none of them perfect. They reminded me of my father’s family of brothers. A room full of big, loud-talking men. It made me smile. I am very much looking forward to reading stories about each and every one of them, and hopefully Ian’s nephew Daniel will get a book when he’s older too.

This book was rich and fulfilling. I read it pretty quickly, because it fed my soul. I want to thank Ms. Ashley for giving us Ian and Beth’s beautiful love story.
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Dec 08, 2010 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Historical Romance Lovers - Anyone who loves a hero who needs "fixing"

Shelves: 2010-reads, historical-romance, historical-romance-series, romance-historical, author-jennifer-ashley, illness-mental, reviewed-by-me, keepers, series-highland-pleasures-ashley, 5-stars-or-higher, favorites, mind-candy, top-10-heroes

Edited to add a note from the author which can be found at the end of this review.

Review contains minor spoilers

This is my first read of any of Jennifer Ashley’s works and I was not disappointed, in fact, I was very, very pleased. I found her writing style to be flowing and well thought out, and her ability to weave a tale that kept me wondering, *sighing* and hopeful through the entire novel made this, for me, a story that was “un-put-downable” (Yep, I made up that word. ) *grins*

This is one o...more

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May 08, 2013 It's just me Shelly B rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to It's just me Shelly B by: Blacky *Mistress of doom*

Shelves: historical, buddy-read-with-v

“You are a rogue and a scoundrel, and I love every single second of it.”

Lord Ian Mackenzie was deemed a lunatic at an early age by the courts and thrown into an asylum until his brother, the Duke, rescued him a few years later. He is known as the "Mad Mackenzie." He has rages and quirks that most people just can't comprehend in this time in history. He is also extremely intelligent and can remember conversations verbatim. Oh yea did I mention is he tall, gorgeous, protective and sexy as hell? We...more

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Feb 04, 2013 Richa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Richa by: Blacky *Mistress of doom*

“Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them...."

Year: 1881

MADNESS

Some people are mad in love....

When love is not madness, it is not love.

Some are mad in passion....

Some are mad in obsession....

And some are simply m...more

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Sep 29, 2010 Dina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

Almost everyone who's read this book loved it to pieces, so my expectations were pretty high when I started it. High expectations can be a blessing... or a curse. Now that I finished this read, I can't help wondering what is "wrong" with me because, I'm sorry to say, I don't understand what all the fuss is about.

I liked Ms. Ashley's writing - this was my 1st book by her - and I thought the premise - the hero is "mad" - was interesting and unique, but the romance didn't work for me. Lust was very...more Almost everyone who's read this book loved it to pieces, so my expectations were pretty high when I started it. High expectations can be a blessing... or a curse. Now that I finished this read, I can't help wondering what is "wrong" with me because, I'm sorry to say, I don't understand what all the fuss is about.

I liked Ms. Ashley's writing - this was my 1st book by her - and I thought the premise - the hero is "mad" - was interesting and unique, but the romance didn't work for me. Lust was very well depicted and the sex scenes were steamy hot, but love was nowhere in sight, IMHO. How can you fall in love with someone you only meet between the sheets? Ian and Beth had barely exchanged a few conversations before they found themselves in love with each other, and that pattern didn't change after they got married. I had a hard time buying their love - especially because I was constantly reminded that Ian didn't understand what Beth said half the time. He became completely ~~obsessed~~ devoted to her from the moment they met and I can go along with that - hey, I have bought that scenario in several books before and I will keep doing that, no doubt about it - but I need to feel that special connection between the H/h. Sadly, I didn't feel that with Ian and Beth.

Halfway through the book, the story took a turn and the romance was left aside to give space to a convoluted murder mystery. I won't go into details here because I don't want to give any spoilers away, but the "investigation" conducted by Beth was silly. I can't understand how she just solved something that Hart (Ian's older brother) and the Scotland Yard itself had failed for 5 years! Super Woman, thy name is Beth.

That 2nd half of the story annoyed me and made me drop my rating to 3 stars. I still needed Ian and Beth to convince me they were in love, but I had to content myself with pages and pages of Beth digging into the Mackenzies' past and working on solving the murder mystery.

Another "problem" I had with this book is, it screamed "First Book in the Series". Ian's brothers - all future heroes in the series, I'm sure - and their problems were featured in detail, taking my attention away from Ian and Beth.

All in all, this wasn't an altogether bad read to me. I really enjoyed the 1st half of the story, when Ms. Ashely was still developing Ian and Beth's relationship. But then, wham! They were in love and I didn't know how that had happened. Oh well...
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Sep 25, 2010 Ridley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 3-star, victorian, disabled-h-h, read-2009, paper

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 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. S...more

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Jul 26, 2011 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: highlander-books

I was super excited to read this book, seeing as everyone loved this book, and I love Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James. I was not disappointed. This has one of the best storylines I've ever read. I won't summarize since so many people have reviewed and/or summarized, but can I just say "Wow."

Lord Ian Mackenzie is the youngest of 4 brothers and he has a slight disability. He doesn't understand emotion. For example, he can play a piano piece perfectly after only having heard it once, but he can't fee...more I was super excited to read this book, seeing as everyone loved this book, and I love Jennifer Ashley/Allyson James. I was not disappointed. This has one of the best storylines I've ever read. I won't summarize since so many people have reviewed and/or summarized, but can I just say "Wow."

Lord Ian Mackenzie is the youngest of 4 brothers and he has a slight disability. He doesn't understand emotion. For example, he can play a piano piece perfectly after only having heard it once, but he can't feel the emotion behind it. Or he knows that one applauds after a show, or at the opera, but he doesn't get why. Lord Ian is intelligent, highly so..a genius with numbers and odds, so an acquaintance of his asks his opinion on his bride-to-be. Lord Ian has her investigated, and he feels Beth is too good for the likes of Mather. so not only does he tell her, he proposes. it was a great scene. Fantastic, and this whole book was above and beyond my expectations.

Beth, however, decides Ian can't possibly be serious, and goes off to Paris. Well Lord Ian follows. But not before having a few scandalous episodes that Beth spots in the London Post society section. Lord Ian harbors a couple big secrets, really big ones, and not only is the Inspector way off in his deluded case of "justice," but so is everyone else's opinions. One secret (and not a "spoiler" secret)is that his father killed his mother in front of him in a fit of rage, and at 12, he had Ian committed. Ian was never mad, but he was different. And he was so worked up that at the sanity hearing (mind you he was 12 and had just watched his father shake his mother to death!) he could only rock and repeat the same phrase from a poem over and over to calm himself. So of course, he is committed. Luckily his brother gets him out after their father dies, but Ian had been locked up for something like 10 years or so (I forget the actual number). The electro shock therapy, the cold ice baths, the beatings, all of it, had taken it's toll, and yet Ian remained a remarkable man. He has rages, like when he sees the vengeance-driven Inspector Fellows talking to Beth, but he really is afraid he'll rage against Beth.

The romance between the two is fabulous, as is the passion. I like how Beth's husband (her first husband) was a good man, and she was able to still love him, but be passionately in love with Ian as well. I loved the Mackenzie clan. even Isabella, Mac's estranged wife. We see her when Beth goes to Paris. And just as we think Ian is in front of Beth, it turns out to be one of his brothers, Mac Mackenzie. Mac is keeping tabs on his wife. Their story is next, and also fabulous!!
The only thing I didn't like about this book was Inspector Fellows. The surprise twist at the end was good, and well played, but I couldn't muster enough emotion for Fellows after the way he had harangued Ian and Beth.

(I meant this review to be short...ha!)

I loved how Beth was able to hold her own with Hart...he was such a jerk to her, and yet she was able to make Ian laugh...that was a miracle in and of itself since he usually didn't understand humor. At the end, Ian still couldn't understand a lot of jokes, or follow a conversation with more than one or two people, but he'd gotten better at making eye contact, and he fell in love with Beth...there is a side story of a murder from 5 years before (hence Inspector Fellows' obsession with bringing Ian down) and then a similar murder right after Ian and Beth met. But anyways, I tell you this so you understand when I say that Beth is injured in her quest to clear Ian, and Ian finally understands that without Beth he has nothing, and feels nothing. It was simply amazing to watch his transformation and his and Beth's romance. When he tells her he loves her, and it becomes "Iloveyou.loveyou.loveyou.loveyou." It was beautiful.

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.

http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...

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Mar 26, 2013 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, crazy-interesting-character, hot-male-in-my-harem, pdf-kindle, kings-of-the-harem, mad-bad-and-dangerous-to-know

Lord Ian Mackenzie is known as the "Mad Mackenzie" having being shut in a asylum for most of his youth and freed by his brother on his cruel fathers death. But mad or not there is something different about Ian Mackenzie, unable to relate to others and more comfortable on his own, afraid that his rages will hurt someone. But when he see's Beth, he wants her and knows he must save her from a disatrous marriage so he is able to keep her for hisself as his sancturary and also keep her away from the...more Lord Ian Mackenzie is known as the "Mad Mackenzie" having being shut in a asylum for most of his youth and freed by his brother on his cruel fathers death. But mad or not there is something different about Ian Mackenzie, unable to relate to others and more comfortable on his own, afraid that his rages will hurt someone. But when he see's Beth, he wants her and knows he must save her from a disatrous marriage so he is able to keep her for hisself as his sancturary and also keep her away from the sordid secrets of his and his brothers past.

This book was brilliant, I read it after seeing all the rave reviews and I was not disappointed. It held a cast of interesting and engaging secondary characters, such as the Mackenzie brothers and Isabella, which has made me eager for the next book and the others yet to come.

I also liked Beth, the heroine of the story very much, although after such a good array of strong and quirky personalities she didn't really stand out to me. But she managed to see in Ian what others did not, including his family, and I think it took a brave woman to take him on when such little was known about mental illness at the time, as ofcourse demonstrated by what poor Ian experienced in the asylum he was locked a way in for a good portion of his life.

Now to the crux of the whole book Lord Ian Mackenzie, he was very unique, an adorable and sympathetic character as you experience life through his eyes. The way he can get lost in the simple beauty of things, like a drop of ink, a beautiful Ming bowl and most romantically his Beth's eyes. However, he did have troubles aswell, unable to function well in crowds and knowing things but not understanding them e.g. music and literature, his rages and inability to connect with people. I thought it would be difficult to have a character such as this who declares himself in all seriousness incapable of feeling love to be a romantic lead, and yet he was a truly memorable one.

As you can tell I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend this to anyone who loves historical romance, and perhaps wants to read something a bit different.

August 2011 Reread

I STILL LOVE THIS BOOK! In fact I think I may like it a little more, Ian was as sexy as hell, and I liked Beth. I can't wait for Hart's book to come out!

March 2013

Has it really been this long since I last read this book? I stil love it, Ian dazzles me every time!(less)

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Nov 26, 2012 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: crime-police-mystery-private-invest, deaf-mute-blind-mad, england, historical, romance, series, scottish-irish-celtic, excellent, read-2010, hot, read-2012

*Originally Read 7/11/10*

This is such a great book! I decided to reread it to make sure I remembered everything before I started the next book in the series. It was so nice rediscovering the intricacies of the Mackenzie family.

Ian Mackenzie is mad and everyone knows it. He spent a good chunk of his life in an asylum before his oldest brother, Hart, had him released. Ian knows he's not like everyone else. The social and facial cues that most people notice are a mystery to him. He doesn't understa...more *Originally Read 7/11/10*

This is such a great book! I decided to reread it to make sure I remembered everything before I started the next book in the series. It was so nice rediscovering the intricacies of the Mackenzie family.

Ian Mackenzie is mad and everyone knows it. He spent a good chunk of his life in an asylum before his oldest brother, Hart, had him released. Ian knows he's not like everyone else. The social and facial cues that most people notice are a mystery to him. He doesn't understand subtlety, things have to be stated plainly for him to grasp.

Ian decides he wants Beth pretty soon after he meets her. Because she's respectable he knows that means marriage, and he's perfectly fine with that. Beth is drawn to him, but she is a little gun shy of marriage. But Ian's a determined man, and he'll make sure he gets what he wants in the end.

Ian was a fascinating character. His time at the asylum did more harm than good for him. With his perfect recall he can never escape the trap of those memories. I like that even though he was tormented, he wasn't a pitiful character. You couldn't help but see the strength in him. He didn't dwell on what he was lacking, although he was very aware that he was different from everyone else. He just focused on the things that gave him pleasure and ignored what people thought of him.

Beth was a special woman. She desired Ian, and was very upfront about that fact, but she was also able to look deeper into him and see someone that was worth loving. I liked that her first husband wasn't painted as a bad man. They had a loving relationship and Beth cherished those memories. I liked that Beth didn't feel shame about her origins. She was a very levelheaded, pragmatic person, and that was exactly what Ian needed.

The secondary characters in this book were just as interesting as the protagonists. We got a look at Mac and his separated wife, Isabella, as well as Hart, and Cameron and his son, Daniel. All of these characters have a tormented past in one way or another. It seems as though the Mackenzies can't have anything easy.

I'm glad that Ian had that confrontation with Hart. I was glad he decided to stand up for himself. I can see a glimmer of softness in Hart, but he's a very complicated man. I think when we finally get to his book it will be a complex tale. Everything we learn about him in this book makes him quite...unique to most romance heroes. I hope he doesn't get watered down for his own book.

One thing that was a surprise about this book (although it was a pleasant surprise) was how sexy it was. Ian was a very erotic man, and Beth was more than happy to bask in his attention. Every sexual situation practically sizzled. Ian was a blunt man, whether he was approaching a woman or warning someone off from said woman. I loved that characteristic.

All in all this was a fabulous book. If you're looking for a historical that's a bit different I would strongly recommend this one!(less)

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Jan 21, 2012 Erika rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: historical, ladies-of-quality, outstanding-characters, best-of-heroes, favorites, auto-buy-author, favorite-series, romance

Creating a romance character with Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a very risky thing to do. Although I would say the same with another genres of fiction, with romance it's a lot harder.

A romance fiction requires abundant emotions in it's story, characters, and writing. I have no idea why the author chose AS. I know a few things about AS. There are so many medical conditions and yet she chose to use a psychological development disorder, which has everything to do with limited ability in communicating...more Creating a romance character with Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a very risky thing to do. Although I would say the same with another genres of fiction, with romance it's a lot harder.

A romance fiction requires abundant emotions in it's story, characters, and writing. I have no idea why the author chose AS. I know a few things about AS. There are so many medical conditions and yet she chose to use a psychological development disorder, which has everything to do with limited ability in communicating and understanding other people’s communications. I do realize that there are/were famous people who have or believed to have AS (Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Carl Jung, Henry Ford, Isaac Newton, Vincent Van Gogh, Woody Allen, and guess who? Yes, Jane Austen). But to use it in a romance character? It's just so very difficult. I was like, seriously?

But then she created Ian Mackenzie and made him fall in love. And Ian surprised me. BIG TIME. I've got myself a new bookshelf named extraordinary characters, he inspired me.

I'm not gonna talk about the story, plot, Mackenzie brothers (can't wait for Hart's book. He's such a mystery to me), the sex scenes, the mystery, etc. There are plenty great reviews written by my GR friends and I'm agree with all of them. I'm just so grateful to know there's a romance author who's brave enough to take a big risk with her work, to show her readers the world through the eye of Ian Mackenzie.

“What was it like?” His words were so low she barely caught them. “Explain to me what loving feels like, Beth. I want to understand.”

The trouble with Ian Mackenzie’s questions was that he asked the unanswerable. And yet she should know how to answer—everyone should. But they couldn’t, because everyone simply knew. Everyone except Ian.

“Why won’t you look at me?” she asked. “What’s wrong with me?”
He opened his eyes again, but his gaze didn’t meet hers.
“Nothing. You are perfect.”
“Then why?”
“I can’t explain. Don’t ask me to explain.”

“All of us are mad in some way,” Ian said. “I have a memory that won’t let go of details.Hart is obsessed with politics and money. Cameron is a genius with horses, and Mac paints like a god. You find out details on your cases that others miss. You are obsessed with justice and getting everything you think is coming to you. We all have our madness. Mine is just the most obvious.”

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

The man who couldn’t look anyone in the eyes was making himself do it, no matter what the pain. He was giving her a gift, the greatest one he could, straight from his heart.

So, you see, as much as I want to share what I thought about Ian's character and his romance with Beth, Jennifer Ashley's writing 'spoke' to us by it self in such a lovely way, almost perfect.

I wanted to include the moment when Ian said 'I Love You', but then I thought, let it be a surprise for my GR friends who haven't read this book. The sweetest declaration of love I've ever read in romance books came from a man who didn't have a clue about what love is until the time he fell for it. You know what was great about it? He said nothing more than those three words. Still I was mesmerized by the moment.

I'd like to say more about AS, but I found something that will be able to show it better than medical terms. In the end of this review there's a letter from a man with AS. I got it from the net. Is there a better way to explain AS other than the person who has it?

To all readers who haven't read this book, don't expect to find romance like in any other romance books. You won't find a romantic relationship with beautiful words of love. This book was one of a kind romance. The only way to enjoy reading it is to understand Ian Mackenzie. He's not able to share his feelings and his thoughts with words. So try to see what he sees, feel what he feels. And you will find something amazing.

Letter From An Adult Male With Asperger Syndrome
Richard Rowe

I am a 45 year old male with Asperger Syndrome. As I sit to write this I realise that I am trying to explain myself to myself, as much as I am trying to explain my thoughts and feelings to you the reader. I will try to keep on the track, not be indulgent, and make an attempt to explain "self" from the perspective of one who has ASD and to keep it as short and eloquent as I am able. Please bear with me as I realise that "self" is quite different between individuals and that ASD encompasses a very wide spectrum, no two cases being exactly the same. That being as it may. I will now attempt to share with you, my feelings, in the hope that it may in turn help you to understand the feelings of another who may be close to you. Please understand that I am not trying to offer any solutions or to appear as to be offering either a positive or negative perspective here. I am simply trying to explain how I feel, how I have always felt and how another close to you may possibly be feeling.

Ever since I was a young child, in fact, as far back as I can remember, I have felt myself to be totally alone, different and somehow unique. Not in an egotistical way but just unusual. As a child I felt very strongly that I didn't belong here in this world.

By the age of five I had told myself many times that my "real" parents were in fact Time Travellers that had somehow lost me here. I felt so out of place in the world that I was certain it must be so. I remember commenting to my mother as a child that I was really a time traveller, she thought it was cute and her and a friend had a giggle over morning tea.

When I was six years old I realised and believed that no one ever really loves anyone else, not really and that no‐one ever really cared about anyone else, (well it made sense when I was six) I found out differently when I was 38, but always believed it until then. I was a very quiet and solitary child and found it hard to make friends.

By Adolescence I had realised that I was somewhat "emotionally retarded" and would at times respond poorly or inappropriately to a situation and regret but still fail to understand my actions upon later reflection.

My social skills were and still are, reasonably poor. I have never been able to like myself. I have never cared about my appearance, having long ago decided that I was ugly and unattractive anyway and that grooming and clothes would make no difference to the obvious. Even though I was able to marry a very beautiful woman who loved me deeply and many have assured me that this is not the case at all, inside I have always felt it to be the truth.

I find putting on nice clothes pretentious and embarrassing. I cannot remember any time in my life that I have ever felt truly happy and carefree. I have always felt that people regard me as strange or eccentric and as a result I live usually alone and have no genuinely close friends. I have not seen or spoken to any members of my immediate family since my mother's funeral seven and a half years ago but then, my sisters never did like me.

I have always been prone to mood swings. Ranging from severe depression, resulting in up to 3 to 4 days of uncontrollable crying and sobbing, to short bursts of Absolute and quite irrational anger. Not anger in a violent sense, I don't have a violent bone in my body, and have never broken anything, hurt myself or attacked anyone, but I can become very verbally aggressive if I am not aware, or made aware that my mood is changing. Yet at the same time, many consider me to be articulate and intelligent and often seek my advice on a wide range of topics, and I enjoy being able to help them. I think I have called "please help me" alone in the dark in tears at least a million times in my life.

I never knew I had ASD or indeed even knew of its existence until my son was diagnosed with ASD five years ago. He is now nine years old, living with my ex‐wife and (reasonably) well adjusted for a child dealing with Aspergers Syndrome.

As with many ASD kids, he is extremely intelligent, he could read at two years old and had read all his grade school required reading right up through all the grade 7 books by the time he was half way through grade 3, with excellent comprehension. He is capable of being at the top of any subject.

Totally the opposite of me ‐ he looks forward to school exams because he sees them as puzzles and thinks they're fun and better than lessons. But, by the same token, he gets teased at school because his peers perceive him to be "different" somehow. He can also alienate his friends through his actions, he can be silly, irrational, incredibly defiant and a big strain on his mother, much the same as I was I imagine.

His mother and I get along quite well and I am able to see him whenever I like. Though when she left, nearly eight years ago, it affected me so deeply that I have remained celibate ever since and I sincerely doubt that it will ever change. I still look at attractive women and wish I could talk with them, I am in fact human after all, but I feel too self conscious to even make eye contact and also find the whole idea of being touched by someone, even my ex‐wife, to be embarrassing and even quite scary now, which complicates things considerably, and the longer it takes, the worse it becomes. So now, at 45, thoughts of a companion don't often even enter into my head at all any more as I feel, what's the point?

When my son was diagnosed as having Asperger's Syndrome, I was able to read some of the literature regarding his condition. Upon reading a couple of books it soon became apparent where the root source of my own problems lay and subsequent investigation proved these suspicions to be well founded. At first my reaction in regard to myself was one of
relief at finally having some kind of tangible definition for what I had been feeling all these years.

The relief was soon replaced by mixed feelings of remorse, frustration and helplessness. For a while I felt "ripped off". I felt that 40 years of my life had been stolen from me and that, had I known about ASD from the beginning, my life could have been vastly different. Maybe I could have understood myself a little before now and maybe others could have too.

I can, at least, find solace in the fact that my son now has that support from childhood. I am a professional musician, in fact many of my peers consider me to be quite a talented one, though I do not particularly share their opinion and have always been my own worst critic.

I find music and other artistic pursuits to be easy and obvious. Computer skills were a breeze to pick up, requiring virtually no effort. Still playing rock 'n' roll at 45, I even rap a few eminem numbers. I feel quite relaxed and comfortable performing on stage in front of hundreds or even thousands of people; doing some intricate drawing or nutting out some computer problem.

Yet I find it difficult to sit in a room with more than 3 or 4 other people, and even then, unless I know those 3 or 4 quite well, I feel tense and nervous. I find it hard to make eye contact with other people, even those I know well. Filling out a form or talking to a stranger can be fine or it can reduce me to tears. I find light conversation nearly impossible. Working with other people makes me feel self‐conscious and inadequate but I can excel working on my own at the same task. I've put on a brave face but Parties, Shopping, Supermarkets and Laundromats are a nightmare. Go figure.

When I try to explain my condition to people I feel like they either think I'm making up excuses for myself or look on me as a freak or as some kind of nut case. Sometimes I feel that by telling them I have ASD I'm alienating myself, but then, if I don't tell them I will probably mess up at some stage and they will think I'm strange anyway so I figure its better to tell them on the whole, especially if I intend to try and pursue any type of friendship.

But then at times I feel quite fine about myself, I feel like it's the rest of humanity that has the problem, not me. Sometimes I too, look on myself as a freak and a nut case. But then, I'm sure I'm not, because they alway say that if your nuts you don't know it, and I'm sure I am, so I guess I'm not..... Make sense?

I don't know if I will ever come to terms with myself or with Asperger Syndrome. I try, but it gets very difficult on your own at times without the support of another. Just a shoulder or an ear or even a hug sometimes would do wonders. Plus I do believe that everyone needs to feel loved or needed in some way. I still cry every day and must go to some lengths to convince myself I am a worthwhile member of the human race so I can put on my mask and face the world each morning, just as I have always done.

But I think I'm getting better at it. And, in the end, ultimately I believe that I AM worthwhile. Though I seem to mess up so much that I sometimes wonder whether its worth leaving the house any more than is absolutely necessary, so I tend to stay home and be reclusive and may seem almost shy to some.

I know there is no cure for Asperger Syndrome, no drugs than can be prescribed, no diet or exercise routine that can be undertaken. I know that my life will always remain a struggle and that I will never be one who will be considered as being "Neurologically Typical". I will always be an "Aspie" and to me, being an Aspie is in many ways to be alone in the world and I am so very tired of being alone. And I'm altogether tired of feeling alone and isolated, even in a crowd, but I go on, and I try to find something positive in each day, what other choice do I have?

I think that, all in all, Life is good, especially if you consider the options. But oh how I ache to my bones to be "normal" and just talk about the weather or something.

I hope this letter has helped or provided some insight to someone who has ASD or perhaps to someone who may be dealing with a loved one or friend who has ASD. I hope that by sharing my feelings you may in turn be helped to understand theirs.

I still believe I have goodness and can help some one's life. I still believe through it all that I am worth something.

Yours sincerely, Richard Rowe(less)

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Apr 20, 2009 Julie (jjmachshev) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone who loves romance

Shelves: 2009-reads

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 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 po...more 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 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?(less)

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Jan 15, 2012 Ronyell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action-adventure, adult-books, best-books-of-2011, book-series, books-i-want-to-own, british-hero-or-heroine, chapter-books, disabilities, drama, favorites, family-situations, historical-romance, highlander-romance, humor-satire, manners, mystery, reviewed-books, read-in-2011, scottish-hero-or-heroine, sexy-bad-boy-hero, sexy-good-girl-heroine, strong-hero, strong-heroine, jennifer-ashley, english-books, ronyell-s-epinions-reviews, my-blog-reviews, aar-top-100-romance-books-2010

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

I have read some Highlander romance novels with the dashing heroes and the strong-willed heroines, but never have I read a romance novel quite like this one! “The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie” is a highlander romance novel written by Jennifer Ashley and is the first romance novel I have read from her. This novel is filled with action, drama, mystery and hot sizzling romance that will set any romance fan ablaze!

Beth Ackerley is a young and beautiful woman...more Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog

I have read some Highlander romance novels with the dashing heroes and the strong-willed heroines, but never have I read a romance novel quite like this one! “The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie” is a highlander romance novel written by Jennifer Ashley and is the first romance novel I have read from her. This novel is filled with action, drama, mystery and hot sizzling romance that will set any romance fan ablaze!

Beth Ackerley is a young and beautiful woman who was once raised in the dark slums of London and was engaged to Lyndon Mather until she met a seductive and mysterious Scottish man named Lord Ian Mackenzie, who cleverly took Beth away from Lyndon! Now that Beth is now staying close to Ian, she will soon discover some of Ian’s most dangerous and destructive secrets that could either destroy or repair their relationship with each other.

Oh my goodness! This novel was so amazing and heartbreaking at the same time! Jennifer Ashley has certainly done a brilliant job at not only providing the readers with enough mystery and drama contained in one romance novel, but Jennifer Ashley also did a brilliant job at characterizing each character and the situations they were involved in. My favorite characters in this novel were Lord Ian Mackenzie and Beth Ackerley as they clearly had the most character development and their stories truly cut me to the core of my heart. Beth Ackerley is clearly one strong and determined heroine as she would go out of her way to discover the terrible secrets haunting her lover, Ian Mackenzie and try to set Ian free from his haunting memories and I strongly admired Beth for her determination and her kind heart. Lord Ian Mackenzie is definitely one of my favorite tortured heroes ever as his love for Beth is truly genuine, but he is constantly haunted by his memories of his dark past. It was really interesting seeing a hero who is constantly haunted by his past and Jennifer Ashley did an excellent job at portraying his insecurity about hurting other people because of his explosive rages and it really made Ian into such a mysterious and seductive person that I just fell head over heels in love with him! I also loved the way that Ian truly loved Beth, especially since he thought that if he was a bit distant towards her, he would not hurt her since that is his greatest fear is hurting the one he truly loves and it was that part of Ian that truly loved (also, I loved Ian’s large and muscular body!) It was also interesting to note that while I was reading my friends’ reviews about this book, Ian appears to have Asperger's Syndrome, which is a form of autism and it was interesting to see how the book never really pointed this out, but presented it in a subtle manner. I also loved meeting with Ian’s family as they were eccentric in their own way, but similar to Lisa Kleypas’ portrayal of the Hathaways from her “Hathaways” series, they truly cared about each other and would look out for each other. The romance scenes between Ian and Beth were hot and spicy and I was literally fanning myself with anticipation at reading these scenes!

For those of you who do not like reading about sex scenes, the sex scenes in this novel are extremely explicit and it might be a bit disgusting to read through if you do not like reading sex scenes.

Overall, “The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie” is truly one delightful read that every romance fan should read!
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Feb 03, 2012 Wicked Incognito Now rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is one of those books that everyone seems to love, and I just didn't. In fact, even my GR friends that didn't like it so much, liked it better than I did.

I wholeheartedly agree with everything Ridley says in her review. I didn't feel that the Asperger's was being dealt with well enough. It would be a huge obstacle to have a relationship with someone with Asperger's, and I felt that situation was glossed over.

I agree with Anja's take as well. The mystery plot was tiresome.

But my biggest issu...more

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Jun 24, 2010 Beanbag Love rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well, I have to hand it to my friends for getting me so interested in this book. Thanks!

I'll keep it short because it's been reviewed so many times in the last few months, but Ashley's portrayal of Ian's autism was absolutely amazing. It was very honest and in keeping with the real life issues of the condition. Everyone, even Ian, thinks he's incapable of love, but like many high-functioning autism sufferers, this proves untrue.

Beth is a wonderful heroine who seems the perfect type to deal with...more

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Jan 30, 2011 Tammy Walton Grant rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Tammy by: just about every female on GoodReads

Shelves: hr-victorian, 2011-january, favorites, romance-historical, tropes-spinster-oldmaid-widow, romance-series-must-read-in-order, romance-series-siblings, 2011-september

5 stars

I opened my copy of this book with quite a bit of trepidation. So many 4 and 5 star reviews! This book has been on virtually every top list for romance novels for the past year or so -- historical hero, tortured hero, damaged hero, angst-filled, you name it. I'm immediately wary of books that garner this much praise. Now that I've read it (all in one sitting - boy, nothing got done at my house!) I am happy to report my fears were groundless.

Sometimes when I read a book I get a feeling - e...more 5 stars

I opened my copy of this book with quite a bit of trepidation. So many 4 and 5 star reviews! This book has been on virtually every top list for romance novels for the past year or so -- historical hero, tortured hero, damaged hero, angst-filled, you name it. I'm immediately wary of books that garner this much praise. Now that I've read it (all in one sitting - boy, nothing got done at my house!) I am happy to report my fears were groundless.

Sometimes when I read a book I get a feeling - either from the narrative or from a character - that whispers to me, "ooooh, this book is going to be good". It's a wonderful feeling, and I felt it while reading the second page. It just got better from there.

I won't go on about the story, or gush about the book (much) other than to say that I absolutely loved it. I loved the Hero and the heroine equally, which is unusual for me. They were so wonderfully drawn, so real that it made up for anything I didn't like about the story. I loved the wit in Jennifer Ashley's writing. It shows in her prose and in her dialogue - especially with Beth. All of her characters were compelling - even when you know that the brothers will probably each get their own book (the endless series in romance novels is a particular peeve of mine) there isn't the sense that 1/3 of the book has been spent setting up for upcoming releases. This book is all Ian and Beth.

And Ian. What a hero. Abrupt, quiet, brutally honest, and gorgeous to boot. I thought he was perfectly done. The world might have thought him mad, but Beth certainly didn't. Neither did Jennifer Ashley, I thought. She wrote him just as he was; his "quirks" were just those - simply a part of who he was, and not some affliction from which he suffered. Does that make sense? What I mean to say is that if I hadn't read all over creation that Ian in fact had Aspergers syndrome, I wouldn't have necessarily even thought anything was really wrong with him.

(Oh - and because this is me talking, I have to say the steam generated by this couple was excellent, and another reason this book is a 5 star. Ian is very blunt about his desires and Beth is a widow who had enjoyed her marriage bed very much. Their liasons are, well, steamy.)

Overall a great read -- Ian and Beth were what made it a 5-star for me, and I'll be hunting down my own copy of this book once it's back in print this summer.
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Feb 18, 2012 Baba ♥♥♥ Marcus, Tyler, Tate, Dan, Ty, & Hunter rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: jennifer-ashley

FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED

It's beautiful. It's thoughtful. It's special.

"Love you."
The man who couldn't look anyone in the eyes was making himself do it, no matter what the pain. He was giving her a gift, the greatest one he could, straight from his heart.

4.5 stars.

London, 1881
Ian had lived with a raw pain for so long. He doesn't always know how to express his emotions, but that doesn't mean he doesn't feel them deeply. Ian is a special man. He avoids to look people into their eyes and his attention...more

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Mar 18, 2013 NiteReader rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-in-series, historical, 2013-reads, kobo, audio, favourites

5++++ STARS, it actually deserves 6!!
I LOVED it! Every single moment, every word, every character, especially the heroine, Beth... It is definitely a new favourite and I would recommend it to all historical romance lovers. I'm off to read the next book in the series, there's no stopping me now!!!

10 likes · like · see review

Oct 10, 2011 Nikki rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Anyone and everyone. For real.

Recommended to Nikki by: Catherine

Shelves: own-ebook, historical, favourites, perfect-heroine, delicious-hero, best-h-h-ever, hot-hot-hot, semi-suspenseful, everyone-read-this-right-now, to-re-read, gorgeous, 5-stars

5 stars.

Magical, wonderful and completely enthralling. I stayed up till all hours so I could finish this and the only problem I have with that is that I couldn't wipe it from my memory and read it all over again.

This is one of those rare HR finds in which the hero and heroine are both wonderful characters. A tortured hero who isn't a fake tortured hero but a real, three dimensional person so misunderstood that it could break your heart. A heroine with emotions who was intelligent and interested...more 5 stars.

Magical, wonderful and completely enthralling. I stayed up till all hours so I could finish this and the only problem I have with that is that I couldn't wipe it from my memory and read it all over again.

This is one of those rare HR finds in which the hero and heroine are both wonderful characters. A tortured hero who isn't a fake tortured hero but a real, three dimensional person so misunderstood that it could break your heart. A heroine with emotions who was intelligent and interested in her surroundings; who allowed herself to feel and thrive in life.

Lord Ian Mackenzie isn't mad at all; he has a condition which we know of today as Asperger's syndrome. This type of autism was dealt back in the 1800's as anyone would expect - send the "mad" person to the asylum for electric shock treatment, ice cold baths, beatings and who knows what other horrors. Having the hero of a romance novel as living with this disorder was extremely unique and I absolutely adored him.

If anything, Ian's lack of understanding empathy and social niceties made for a refreshing change of pace. The fact that he could only take people's actions and words so literally meant that the character interactions and dialogue in this book were simple and real with no games or undercurrents. He had me quite smitten from page 1.

Beth Ackerley is the widowed heroine who impressed me immensely. (Yes - none of my usual heroine hate ranting here; I'm hearing a collective sigh of relief.) From the moment she debuted on the page (in the box at the opera) I knew that she was a good egg. Beth didn't suffer fools and seemed very fascinated by life in general. I think this stemmed from the fact that she came from extremely humble circumstances and took value in what she had. Her first meeting with Ian was entertaining and I found myself quite invested in their emotions and growing relationship.

Beth obviously couldn't quite decipher Ian's behaviour to begin with but her patience and genuine interest in him made her begin to identify and internally catalogue his traits to better understand him. Her falling in love with him was quite inevitable and was captured so beautifully by Ashley. Ian's hunger to protect and care for Beth was also an amazing aspect of the book that just made me all warm and gooey. These characters were fabulous, fabulous, fabulous and I am still glowing with the memories of their interactions.

He laced his fingers hard through hers and pressed her hand to the bed. "Belong to me."
"No one here to dispute that at the moment."
"Always mine. Always, Beth." Thrusts punctuated the words.
Always.

The secondary characters and especially the Mackenzie family were absolutely fabulous. Ashley showed just enough of them to whet our appetites for their own stories without being overbearing. I loved how fiercely the Mackenzie brothers loved and protected Ian, it was so heartwarming.

Ashley's writing really spellbound me, so much so that I completely forgot about the time and needed to see how it all ended. Ian and Beth were a truly memorable H/h and I'm so glad I picked this up... can't wait to read the read of the series.

In that moment, Ian opened his eyes, like twin suns coming into view, and let his gaze directly meet Beth’s.
Beth stopped breathing. For the first time since she’d met him, Ian’s gaze fully connected with hers. His eyes were golden, as she’d known, but she’d not known that his black pupils were ringed with green. His body slowed as he studied her, as though looking at her arrested all his attention. He didn’t blink, didn’t move, just let his gaze rest on hers. She touched his face in wonder. "Ian."
Ian started and turned his head, and when he looked back, his eyes drifted sideways, not meeting hers. Beth’s heart wrenched. "No, please don’t look away."
Ian closed his eyes and bent to kiss her.
"Why won’t you look at me?" she asked. "What’s wrong with me?" He opened his eyes again, but his gaze didn’t meet hers.
"Nothing. You are perfect."
"Then why?"
"I can’t explain. Don’t ask me to explain."
"I’m sorry," she whispered. She stroked his hair as tears leaked from her eyes.
"Don’t cry." He kissed her wet cheek. "This is the time for joy."
"I know."

Bless!(less)

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Jan 17, 2013 Gina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: highlander, romance-historical, favorites, best-of-the-best

The was a gem, a unique historical highland romance for me. What was unique was the hero Ian Mackenzie, he was not perfect, he was not a big tough alpha man who can leap tall buildings in a single bound, rescue the damsel while all other men cower when he approaches! (you get what I am saying, right. Now before you get worried I didn't say he wasn't hot hehe). Don't misunderstand me though, what Ian was to me was a man fighting mental illness, a survivor of being placed in an asylum by his fathe...more The was a gem, a unique historical highland romance for me. What was unique was the hero Ian Mackenzie, he was not perfect, he was not a big tough alpha man who can leap tall buildings in a single bound, rescue the damsel while all other men cower when he approaches! (you get what I am saying, right. Now before you get worried I didn't say he wasn't hot hehe). Don't misunderstand me though, what Ian was to me was a man fighting mental illness, a survivor of being placed in an asylum by his father. A man with a beautiful soul that if you took a moment and actually looked at him that would be all you saw (well and his hot bod....yum).

Ian can't look at you directly in the eye, he can't follow conversations sometimes, doesn't understand emotions (claims he is not capable of falling in love). He is also prone to rages, that he finds very hard to control and terrible headaches. But he can read something and never forget it, play music only hearing it once, he cannot lie (that alone would be enough for me, you women know what I am talking about) and he also has a caring giving heart.

You learn about Ian's past from flashbacks and stories from his family, my heart broke for him as I discovered what he has been put through, tortured and beaten in the name of medicine, to control his madness.

Beth was a widow who came into a lot of money when the woman she was caring for left her fortune to her. Beth was always poor and with her new found wealth she has decided to live life to the fullest, travel, do things and not get tied down. Beth also had a very traumatic upbringing, growing up with a alcoholic father, she was driven to the workhouse. Beth was a special person as well and she instantly won a place in my heart, her generous sprit, loving heart and feistiness. One example is when she really stands up to Hart, Ian's brother (didn't like him much through most of this), I was cheering her on!! (tell him girl!)

They meet right away which I liked a lot and Beth instantly sees the amazing man and not his illness. Ian see Beth at the Opera and knows he wants to have "carnal" relations with her, a lot! And he sees the gem Beth is and decides he is going to marry her right away. The fact that he can never fall in love with her is irrelevant. Beth not wanting to get tied down, she decides she wants to have an affair with Ian only (not my first choice, but hey it works for me, gimme some too!)

Ok so like i have said in other reviews.....and the action begins...

There is a murder (two actually), everyone suspects Ian. did he do it? is he capable? He feels everyone is looking at and treating him as a "madman". The sex scenes were steamy, the dialogue kept me interested and I loved the flow of this book. I found I couldn't put it down. I never skipped a page, paragraph or sentence, I wanted every single moment this book. I can't explain to you how much this book got to me. I will be visiting Ian and Beth again soon. Love love love love love love love......
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Jan 19, 2012 Carolyn F. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, favorites

I re-read this book and just loved it. I loved everything about it. It was like curling up with my favorite blanket. I'm just so in love with Ian, such a sweet wonderful man. And the way Beth is so understanding and trying hard to be what he needs. Just AHHH!!!! Great book. You have got to read it!

previous review on 05/09/10 Wonderful book! Would recommend it. Lord Ian is autistic which at that time is mad. He meets Beth and is instantly attracted and vice versa. I just love how she's so open t...more

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May 18, 2013 Susanne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-regency-romance, everyone-should-read, giggles, perfect-for-me, genre-historical-romance

Re-reading this old favorite! Will update my review after I finish it!

Historical romance. 5+ stars

It was brilliant. Ian Mackenzie is a wonderful hero. He has Asperger's syndrome (although a pretty mild version) but in 1880 they think he is crazy. Beth is no innocent young debutante but a strong, capable widow and she is absolutely perfect for Ian. I usually don't go for the tortured heroes but in this book it was beautifully sketched. And it was so funny. Beth is so straightforward and Ian says...more

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Oct 03, 2011 Mariya rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, favorites, all-nighter, heartwarming-smiles, heartbreaking, hot-sex, swoon-moments, best-couple-award, tortured-hero, lovable-heroine

THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE is one of the most heartbreaking and beautiful love stories that I ever had the honor of reading. I tore through the pages rather quickly and when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it non-stop. I think we have a winner here with Ms. Jennifer Ashley's Highland Pleasures Series.

Ian was in a way a little slow and weird at times, but I loved him to death. He is part genius and part insane. I felt like he had this shyness to him a little, because there were t...more

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Jan 03, 2012 LibraryLass rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, mine, keeper, h-romance, 2011, 2012

It is extremely rare for me to read a book when I have only just purchased it (I am weird - I like to savour my books for a while), but the premise for this one was so enticing and the reviews so glowing that I just couldn't resist. And I am so glad I didn't.

This was fantastic! I would give it more than 5 stars if possible. The whole premise was not a new one but it was delivered superbly. I loved Ian - his vulnerability, his strenght, his devotion to his brothers and ultimately to Beth. It is a...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Vilda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: HR lovers!

Recommended to Vilda by: Gigi

Shelves: men-that-make-me-swoon, e-book, read-in-2012, the-favorites, highlighted-like-crazy, didn-t-want-to-put-down, laugh-out-loud-moments, sob-fest, wanna-read-over-and-over, highlander-hotness, historical-romance

Oh, how I loved this one!! I fell head over heels for Ian; he was such an amazing and unique man that I couldn't help but love. And Beth was a truly wonderful, caring woman and absolutely perfect for him! I loved them together.

A new favorite book, a new favorite hero and possibly a new favorite author. *sigh* I can't wait to read more by Ashley!

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

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Oct 15, 2011 Wendy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, historical-fiction-romance, favorites, hot-highlanders

Wow! This book is gut wrenching, heartbreaking and wonderful all at once. Ian Mackenzie you have definitely won my heart.
A stellar read.

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Dec 18, 2009 Linds rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 1800-s, brothers, irish-or-scottish, cognitive-disabilities, england, historical-romance, romance, regency, highlander-romance

I enjoyed this romance, if for no other reason then the uniqueness of the hero.

Lord Ian has asberger's in the time when there is no conception of autism. Labeled insane and thrown in a mental asylum throughout his teens and early twenties, this is truly a tortured hero.

It is really interesting to see things through Ian's point of view, especially when the reader is able to see the moods and motivations of others when Ian is not.

The love story is very sweet and touching, but I would be lying if I...more

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Feb 06, 2013 Ingela rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-highlander, a-must-read-loved-by-me, romance-historical, a-favorite-by-a-ashley, a-nf-series-to-keep-on-first-book

5 Huge Stars - I have a new winner for first place for best historical romance.

I loved all about this great novel. Every page was a joy to read. With two so easily loved protagonists and a gallery of interesting supporting roles were no unnecessary lines or side stories. And who could fail to be captivated by Ian and his "recovery" and ability to "feel" the emotions after he met his first (and only) true love Beth? - Not me anyway.

The tension moment in this book was well written, I bit my nail...more

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Aug 28, 2011 Anzu The Great Destroyer rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: historical romance fans

Recommended to Anzu by: Dija

Shelves: buddy-or-group-read, reviewed-2011, romance-historical

Review from ZombieHazard.

This book is good. All the reviews I saw for it were, to say it nicely, kissing its ass pretty badly. I get why everyone reacts this way. If you’re into the genre this would be a pretty big deal. If you’re not into the genre it will be from good to decent. Since I’m not into historical romance it was ok for me. It was nice that I actually had a nice and unpredictable story to enjoy. Add some interesting characters and a nice happy ending and you get a good result.

What I...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Carisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-romance, 5-stars-romance, g-historical, hero-type-performer, t-disabty-scars, t-hero-in-pursuit

A passionate, original, emotional, excellent romance. I'm amazed by the author's ability to write about a hero with Asperger Syndrome and use some of its characteristics (special abilities in certain areas, logical/concrete/hyperrealist thinking, inability to sense others' emotions, frankness, social clumsiness) to create such an unforgettable hero. I kewn all along how he felt, what drove him. And what a great match he finds in the heroine. This is a keeper.
HERO has AS, he's very determined, ve...more

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Ian Mackenzie vs Heathcliff	3	60	Jan 09, 2013 03:31pm
Romance Readers R...: January PIFM Buddy Read: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie	36	53	Jan 23, 2012 01:53pm

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avg rating	preview: The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie Goodreads rating: 4.07 (9364 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11512038-the-madness-of-lord-ian-mackenzie?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1322374400l/11512038.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11512038-the-madness-of-lord-ian-mackenzie?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley[/url]

The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie (Highland Pleasures #1)

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