Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Naked King (Naked Nobility #7)

3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 · rating details · 474 ratings · 72 reviews

Indiscretion Is Just The Beginning...

One night of slight overindulgence-oh, all right, he was drunk-and Stephen Parker-Roth finds he must betroth himself to prevent yet another scandal. But his "intended" is lovely, a redheaded beauty under her horrendous, unfashionable bonnet, and before long, he's congratulating himself on compromising such an excellent candidate-and ant...more

Paperback, 353 pages

Published June 1st 2011 by Zebra

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Books With Close Siblings

110th out of 197 books — 80 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 820)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jul 21, 2012 Marcie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book is one of those easy-read novels that I enjoy (call it "fluff" if you feel you have to, but that only makes it sound like you believe you're superior..and you're not). It was particularly refreshing after an intense epic fantasy novel and some nonfiction materials which are making me think very hard about career-oriented things.

I read this in one sitting, over approximately 5 hours. I hadn't read any of Ms. MacKenzie's books for awhile, so it's hard to compare it to the others in the s...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 31, 2011 Romancing the Book rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, romance

Review by Valerie: I haven't read the rest of this series but the books are definitely on my list now! This book hooked me from the very first page when a slightly drunk gentleman runs into a very prudish woman. The hilarious antics of how they meet and become instantly engaged was very enjoyable. What was surprising though, was how much I grew to love the characters as they dealt with the reactions to their engagement from their families and the public gossipmongers!

Lady Anne is a mystery right...more

like · see review

Sep 30, 2011 Miguelina Perez rated it 5 of 5 stars

In her next and final installment of her regency romance “Naked Nobility” series, author Sally MacKenzie brings us The Naked King.

The Naked King is a triumphant, funny love story about second chances. Lady Anne Marston, a spinster, who because of an indiscretion at the age of seventeen, steals herself away from society and the hopes of ever finding love. She is content living her life quietly with her family, until she learns that it will be up to her to prepare her sister’s introduction into so...more In her next and final installment of her regency romance “Naked Nobility” series, author Sally MacKenzie brings us The Naked King.

The Naked King is a triumphant, funny love story about second chances. Lady Anne Marston, a spinster, who because of an indiscretion at the age of seventeen, steals herself away from society and the hopes of ever finding love. She is content living her life quietly with her family, until she learns that it will be up to her to prepare her sister’s introduction into society. Anne has been responsible for taking care of her sister and 10-year old twin brothers, during her father and his wife’s constant absence in search of antiquities. Her quiet life is further disrupted when one day while walking the family dog she is literally thrown into the arms of the town’s most talked about lover, Mr. Stephen Parker-Roth, nicknamed the “King of Hearts.”

MacKenzie is clever in her creation of the quintessential hero. Stephen Parker-Roth is the purest essence of bravery, honor, and while considered a Casanova, he is morally bound to his beliefs, especially those of regency society. Though his reputation as a lady’s man is widely known, it is a persona he gladly gives up the moment he meets Lady Anne. Unlike Lady Anne, Roth comes from a functional home with two loving parents and siblings. Because of his sense of propriety it is no surprise when he declares himself as her fiance in order to save her from ruin after accidentally compromising her.

MacKenzie’s use of a more modern diction in The Naked King, does not impede the story’s success as she is able to keep true to the period in which the novel is set. Impressively, because of her choice of language, like Monet’s choice of colors on a blank canvas, MacKenzie paints for her readers a world full of colorful imagery through dialogue, characterization and plot. Her use of sex, in the novel, is more about making a statement that rape by any other name is wrong and unacceptable.

Like most romantic stories, The Naked King is not without its bad guy, shady characters, and great friends whom come to Roth and Lady Anne’s aid when they are in trouble.

In the end, The Naked King is a wonderful and humorous story that takes you away from life’s imperfection and leaves you longing for your own quintessential hero. Get your copy at Amazon.com.

Sincerely,

…Miguelina Perez(less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 14, 2011 Nancy Narma rated it 3 of 5 stars

In this ninth installment of the ”Naked Series”, we find a chance meeting at Hyde Park (with the help of Harry the Dog) between a very inebriated Stephen Parker-Roth (also known in the London circles as “The King of Hearts”) and 27 yr. old “on the shelf
Spinster” Lady Anne Marston. She had never met anyone like Stephen and despite her embarrassment and his thorough destruction of her bonnet, Anne was carried away by his charms, as was he by her red-haired beauty. When a stumble, tumble, and inapp...more In this ninth installment of the ”Naked Series”, we find a chance meeting at Hyde Park (with the help of Harry the Dog) between a very inebriated Stephen Parker-Roth (also known in the London circles as “The King of Hearts”) and 27 yr. old “on the shelf
Spinster” Lady Anne Marston. She had never met anyone like Stephen and despite her embarrassment and his thorough destruction of her bonnet, Anne was carried away by his charms, as was he by her red-haired beauty. When a stumble, tumble, and inappropriate outdoor outcome in front of Crane House is observed and reported to Anne’s Cousin Clorinda by the town’s leading gossip, Lady Dunlee, Stephen feels the only proper way to quell their dismay and sputtering and to save Anne’s reputation, is to announce he and Lady Anne are betrothed. This comes as a shock, not only to her younger sister and twin brothers, but to all who know Stephen’s reputation with the ladies. Afraid the truth may mar her sister, Lady Evangeline’s society debut, Anne goes along with the ruse but step by step, sees the caring and kindness Stephen possesses as he helps her come out of her shell and into the limelight of London’s social circle, something she had never experienced due to family obligations at her marriageable age. Throughout the past ten years, a dark cloud has hung over Lady Anne’s head in the form of the vile Lord Brentwood. Horrible memories haunt her and as much as she believes she might feel for Stephen, she is unable to commit fully because of feelings of shame and inadequacy. Fearing Stephen will be repulsed if he learns the truth, Anne will not share the chilling details of the encounter at Gedding’s House Party until Lord Brentwood approaches her and threatens to tell Stephen and ruin the lives of Anne and her family. Stephen has an inkling that Lord Brentwood is up to something foul and concocts a plan to thwart it and protect Anne, who, Stephen discovers, he loves more than he ever thought possible. Anne finally summons all of her courage and relays the sickening details of her “History” with Lord Brentwood and finds Stephen’s feelings for her have not changed. The following morning, angry over being uncovered as the crass, lying slime he is, Lord Brentwood has Anne kidnapped. Her young Brothers witness the abduction and tell Stephen who sets out to rescue her.
Will Stephen figure out where Brentwood is holding Anne captive?
Will Stephen arrive in time to thwart Brentwood’s nasty plan?
Will Stephen give up his “Crown” as “The King of Hearts?
If you enjoy a tale of romance with a lot of “Sizzle”, this book is for you!
It was for me!! Nancy Narma
(less)

like · see review

Jul 23, 2011 Yasmin M rated it 1 of 5 stars

Wow, no really, wow. This was porn on a whole new level.
Why on earth was this book on the "comedy and humor" shelf? Why?
There's nothing humorous about it nor even romantic!
What is this shit? some so not virtuous girl who makes out with a guy- who [not a real king by the way] is a huge contradiction himself- after 3 minutes of meeting him!
She includes him into her family and affairs in less than a day but she has trouble later on in the story in accepting that he loves her. -.- mind you, I under...more Wow, no really, wow. This was porn on a whole new level.
Why on earth was this book on the "comedy and humor" shelf? Why?
There's nothing humorous about it nor even romantic!
What is this shit? some so not virtuous girl who makes out with a guy- who [not a real king by the way] is a huge contradiction himself- after 3 minutes of meeting him!
She includes him into her family and affairs in less than a day but she has trouble later on in the story in accepting that he loves her. -.- mind you, I understand where she's coming from, I mean someone as useless as she is should doubt landing a guy that fast but let's just say the guy practically throws up loving and affectionate emotions all over her the second he sees her so honey, buy it already. And oh, she has NO problem whatsoever to get screwed and molested by him on the daily basis but she has every problem in the world in accepting his love. Book heroines make me sicker than shit.

And what kind of author is this? What is up with the graphic shit? and why is she THAT determined on explaining the guy's erection? Get over it! and what is with ALL those love scenes??? Quite disgusting if you ask me! Is Sally Mackenzie THAT eager to instruct readers on how to screw each other?
The whole book revolves around fucking! Oh she meets a guy, she gets horizontal, he lusts after her, they screw each other. Ten years ago, some guy flirts with her, she hits some garden party, they screw each other. Ten years later, the same guy sees her, for some reason lusts after her and what? yes you guessed it wants to screw her and almost makes it *eye roll* is there no end to this physical banality?!?

One more thing I'd like to point out, Why in the name of hell, do heroines always fear a guy who is so not to be feared? And why does she stand there and dance with this Brentwood pervert when she could've easily refused? And why in the name of pants does she not just tell him to go fuck himself when he says he'll tell the world what she truly is if she doesn't sleep with him? More to the point, WHY DOES EVERYONE WANT TO SLEEP WITH EVERYONE ELSE; ESPECIALLY HER!?

In case you're still thinking, NO do NOT pick this book up. THIS IS MODERN TRASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 13, 2011 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Naked King by Sally Mackenzie
Historical Romance - June 7th, 2011
4 ½ Stars

The Naked King is the story of Stephen Parker-Roth known to the ton as the King of Hearts. After an evening of drinking he finds himself in a difficult position when he meets Lady Anne Marston and is forced to create a 'pretend' engagement to the lady after he is seen kissing her by one of London's most well known gossips. But as he spends more time with the lovely and tempting Lady Anne he is forced to admit there a...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 03, 2013 Melliane rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Mon avis en Français

My English review

Avant de commencer mon avis je remercie chaleureusement Alison Trebes et Lupanita qui m’avaient conseillé la série parce que j’ai vraiment eu un gros coup de cœur pour ce tome. Bon d’accord, ceux qui me connaissent ne seront pas étonnés de voir que j’ai commencé avec le dernier roman de la série. Mais il faut dire que cela ne m’a pas posé de soucis bien que je me demande si le couple de Damian a été mis en scène dans un des romans précédents.

Lady Anne est une...more Mon avis en Français

My English review

Avant de commencer mon avis je remercie chaleureusement Alison Trebes et Lupanita qui m’avaient conseillé la série parce que j’ai vraiment eu un gros coup de cœur pour ce tome. Bon d’accord, ceux qui me connaissent ne seront pas étonnés de voir que j’ai commencé avec le dernier roman de la série. Mais il faut dire que cela ne m’a pas posé de soucis bien que je me demande si le couple de Damian a été mis en scène dans un des romans précédents.

Lady Anne est une jeune femme qui vit dans la honte d’un événement passé que personne ne connait. Elle est donc devenue une « vieille fille » et n’est jamais vraiment rentrée dans la société, préférant vivre à la campagne et élever ses frères et sœurs. Mais voilà qu’elle se rend à Londres pour sa sœur qui est en âge de se trouver un mari et il faut dire qu’elle ne s’attendait pas à ce que son voyage tourne de cette manière. Alors qu’elle promène son chien toute seule dans le parc à côté de chez elle, elle rencontre Stephen Parker-Roth, un homme réputé pour faire tomber toute les femmes, quelque peu éméché après une soirée bien arrosée. Mais voilà, après quelques péripéties, il la ramène chez elle, l’embrasse pour que finalement le chien de la jeune femme les fasse tomber tous les deux en pleine rue, les mettant dans une situation assez compromettante. L’histoire aurait pu en rester là si la plus grande commère de la ville ne les avait pas vus. Stephen a la solution parfaite, et annonce à la curieuse qu’il est fiancé avec Anne. Vous vous doutez que c’est une grande nouvelle pour tous. Malgré leur attrait, la jeune femme sait qu’elle ne peut rien espérer de cette proposition, surtout quand son passé la rattrape plus vite que prévu.

J’ai vraiment adoré ce tome, je suis tombée sous le charme de nos deux personnages. Ils ont une grande attirance l’un pour l’autre mais font tout pour se découvrir afin de comprendre qui ils sont vraiment. Malgré les apparences et les avis de chacun, Stephen n’est pas le grand coureur de jupon que tout le monde croit et il a plus de respect que ce qu’il présente. Il va tout faire pour protéger et aider Anne, bien qu’au début il n’apprécie que sa compagnie. Mais ce n’est pas tout, il est très curieux de connaître sa fiancée et est déterminé à apprendre d’elle tout ce qu’il y a à savoir, bien que ce ne soit pas vraiment de son avis. Notre lady porte un lourd secret depuis sa jeunesse et s’est exilée de la bonne société londonienne, elle ne croit pas un seul instant que Stephen ait quelques sentiments pour elle, mais commencera petit à petit à vraiment s’imaginer en tant que future femme. Malheureusement rien n’est simple et son secret remonte de plus en plus à la surface.

Leurs deux personnalités sont fascinantes à découvrir et on comprend leur agissement tout au long de l’histoire. L’intrigue et l’histoire sont aussi très intéressante et j’ai eu du mal à décrocher, voulant en apprendre plus et toujours plus. Sally Mackenzie a écrit un joli petit bijou et je vous conseille ce roman. Maintenant je me demande si les autres sont tous aussi bons parce que c’est définitivement le cas pour celui-ci !(less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 14, 2012 Laurie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, loaned

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was really enjoying this book until I got to the last chapter and its disappointingly abrupt ending. I found it very difficult to believe that Anne would be able to get over such a traumatic experience in only a couple of hours. I guess mind-blowing sex is supposed to be the cure for all ills - at least, that's what the author seems to be implying. I really would have liked to see another chapter or an epilogue that played out a few days/weeks later, after Anne had had time to get over the sho...more I was really enjoying this book until I got to the last chapter and its disappointingly abrupt ending. I found it very difficult to believe that Anne would be able to get over such a traumatic experience in only a couple of hours. I guess mind-blowing sex is supposed to be the cure for all ills - at least, that's what the author seems to be implying. I really would have liked to see another chapter or an epilogue that played out a few days/weeks later, after Anne had had time to get over the shock of her abduction and Lord Brentwood's death. That would have allowed the author to tie up several loose ends, such as whether or not Evie and Nick ended up together. That seemed to be the way things were heading, but it was difficult to tell whether they were actually falling in love or if it was just a flirtation. Also, given that this is (for now, at least) the end of the series, it would have been nice to have an epilogue set at Stephen and Anne's wedding that allowed us to check in on the characters from the previous books. A few were mentioned and/or briefly appeared in this story, but I would have liked a more comprehensive wrap-up.

My other problem with this book was the timeline - I'm pretty sure that the events of the first 200+ pages all take place on the same day, and the entire book only spanned maybe 3 or 4 days, so the relationship between Anne and Stephen felt REALLY rushed. I did believe that they loved each other and would be happy in their marriage, but it still felt unnecessarily fast to me. It wouldn't have been difficult to space things out a bit, and not much explanation would have been required. For example, the author could have set the Kenderlys' ball a few days later, rather than having it take place on the evening of the day when Stephen and Anne first met. The interim could have been covered in a short paragraph that mentions Stephen paying calls on Anne and her siblings or some such. IMO that would have made the book flow better and I wouldn't have felt like everything was happening so fast.

Despite my disappointment with the ending, I really did like this book. It had a few LOL moments, which I always enjoy. Also, I think the author handled Anne's rape very well. It was completely believable that she would have blamed herself for accompanying Brentwood to the garden and would not even have recognized it as rape until she discussed it with Stephen years later. (less)

like · see review

Mar 06, 2012 Heather Wiese rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I would say 3.5 Stars

Well, I finished the series (with the exception of The Naked Gentleman, because they didn't have it at the library). This one was probably my second favorite of them all (The Naked Marquis was my favorite, it was funnier).

This is the story of Lady Anne, a 27 year-old spinster who is "firmly on the shelf" and Stephen, the last of the Parker-Roths (of age) to marry off, he is the exotic plant-finder for his botanist brother.

Stephen is walking though the park (still drunk from...more

like · see review

Mar 28, 2013 Fanny Roswita Ria rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: elexmedia, funny, historical, romance, 2013, translation

Wow,,wow,,wow,,wow,,suka dengan novel yg ini *untung ga kayak cerita si Jhon, kakak hero di novel ini* dan dr awal baca, bawaanya pengen nyelesain aja...dududududu

Niatnya mo ngasih 5 bintang, tp karakter si Anne yg menyeh2 gitu bikin bintangnya minus 1. Terlalu pesimis, kdg2 marah2 yg endingnya menyeh, trs memandang dirinya rendah bener. Jadinya kan gemes sendiri. Yg menyelematkan malah karakter Stephen, hero, yg sabar banget sama kelakuan menyeh heroienya, Anne, lalu romantis, kdg keras kepala...more

like · see review

Mar 01, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

This has been a really great series by Sally MacKenzie which I believe ends with this book, The Naked King. They have been funny, lighthearted, and sometimes silly historical romances that are quick, fun reads.

Lady Anne, at 27, is a spinster on the shelf. Even though she cannot stand London society she is braving the balls and teas so that her younger sister can have her coming out. While out walking her dog one morning she literally runs in to Stephan Parker-Roth, The King of Hearts. When they...more

like · see review

Sep 18, 2012 Rebecca rated it 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely loved it! I'd describe it as a more playful/whimsical Julia Quinn, if you loke one you'll love the other. Fantastic characters, both main and secondary, witty dialogue and a great plot.
Only criticism...well I read this book first and it's at the end of the series, they're supposed to be stand alone, and they are, but the characters from the other naked books are mentioned but not described well (due to them having their own books) so that was a wee bit frustrating trying to keep track...more

like · see review

Jan 18, 2012 Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

You gotta love a romp in which, at one point, the (mature) hero is quizzing his ex-mistress -- who at that very moment is in bed with her new (boy toy) lover -- for information concerning the whereabouts of the damsel-in-distress, his One True Love. When it's the boy toy who finally offers the critical piece of information, in spite of the fact that he is hiding under the bed-covers because -- Egad! -- the hero has recognized him, well, like I said, you just gotta love it! Thanks to Sally MacKen...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 23, 2011 CoffeeTimeRomance andMore rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

Giggling from the very first chapter is always a good sign, but laughing out loud? Well, that certainly promises a fantastic journey for the reader. With a title like, The Naked King, how could I not expect something fun? I was not disappointed. Ms. MacKenzie takes the reader through this page-turner with grace and ease, holding their attention captive as they follow Lady Anne and Stephen. The reader is introduced to new characters and meets up with some old friends as well. Having never read th...more

like · see review

Aug 03, 2011 Leanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

"The King Of Hearts" is his name and he is drunk as can be when the story begins. A dog finds him in the mud and it leads his Master Lady Anne to find a gorgeous mess.
Stephen Parker-Roth is "The king of Hearts" and his heart ha been stolen by a not so classic redhead. Lady Anne leads him on a merry chase to win her heart.

Right from the beginning this books sucks you in. The humor of a drunk gentleman and a lady finding him so is just too funny. The characters were well written and the scenarios...more

like · see review

Mar 11, 2012 Ada rated it 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely loved this book. From start to finish, it kept my attention and left me wanting more. Stephen is a mix of rogue and gentleman, saddled with the nickname The King of Hearts. Anne is an intelligent beauty who has spent all her time taking care of her half-siblings after a youthful misjudgement led to rape at the hands of the villain Lord Brentwood.

I found despite the deplorable Brentwood and rather annoying cousin Clorinda, the book was smart, moved at a quick enough pace that as a read...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 29, 2011 CD rated it 4 of 5 stars

What I look for is a series that has plucky heriones and heroes with a good heart and a nice strong spine (along with a sense of humor). What I like about MacKenzie is she doesn't subscribe to that dreary formula of making her heroines friendless. They have families who love them, they have friends. The friends are interesting and funny. There is a secondary love interest (although in this case, it was very second rate, hence the loss of one star).

She brings back characters for prior books makin...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 28, 2011 Highland-dreamer rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Dec 21, 2011 Jacki rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: shelf-awareness, romance

Sally MacKenzie returns to Regency England with the seventh installment in her Naked Nobility series. This time the "royal" hero is Stephen Parker-Roth, the notorious and sexy "King of Hearts." Stumbling home one morning after a night out, Stephen literally runs into Lady Anne Marston. Soon they are entangled in an accidental embrace, which becomes an accidental engagement when London's biggest gossip sees their mishap.

Anne is a 27-year-old spinster, her dreams of a home and family shattered by...more

like · see review

Jul 11, 2011 Katie(babs) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-want-to-have-babies-with-the-book

I’ve been reading Sally MacKenzie’s Naked Nobility series since the very beginning. I’m sad to say that The Naked King will be the seventh and final book in this adorable, sweet and laugh out loud series. Sally is one of the few authors who can make me laugh to the point where my stomach aches. I alternately laugh and smile as I read, and when I finish one of her books, I want to go back and read it all over again.

The Naked King tells of an ugly duckling who’s transformed into a beautiful swan b...more I’ve been reading Sally MacKenzie’s Naked Nobility series since the very beginning. I’m sad to say that The Naked King will be the seventh and final book in this adorable, sweet and laugh out loud series. Sally is one of the few authors who can make me laugh to the point where my stomach aches. I alternately laugh and smile as I read, and when I finish one of her books, I want to go back and read it all over again.

The Naked King tells of an ugly duckling who’s transformed into a beautiful swan because of the hero’s love. Lady Anne Marston is an understated, badly dressed spinster who knows she’ll never marry. She downplays her looks and tries to not bring attention to herself because at seventeen she was raped during a ball in the gardens by a callous gentleman. From that incident, Anne has been left scarred and believes she is unworthy of marriage. London society has been unkind and knows Anne as “Crazy Crane’s daughter”. But even with the snide teasing and Anne’s past, she keeps her chin up does her best by her younger siblings.

Anne’s life is about to become topsy-turvy because one morning as she’s walking her dog, she finds a hung over Stephen Parker-Roth lying in a puddle. Stephen’s so-called rakish reputation has given him the nickname, King of Hearts. It’s assumed this nickname mean his prowess in the bedroom and breaking young ladies’ hearts. Stephen swears it’s because of his skill at winning at cards. He’s adamant about this and is not this loose Lothario the public believes him to be. When he and Anne meet, he’s embarrassed, but puts on some airs because of the way she turns her nose down at him. Then they’re bantering back and forth, with a few subtle insults, mainly from Anne. Far too soon Stephen has become smitten with the prickly Anne. He takes it upon himself to become her protector (as in more of a bodyguard type role and not a sexual one at first) and a friend. Anne is less than pleased about this since she’s attracted to Stephen. But then Stephen proudly admits that Anne is his fiancée and she’s put in even more of a bind. She’ll go along with this fake engagement, as she thinks it to be, not realizing that Stephen wants their engagement to be one in truth.

Stephen wants Anne to shine and has no qualms about buying her flattering dresses to show off her body and beauty she hides, as well as standing by her and her family as they attend balls and parties. Stephen can barely keep his hands to himself where Anne is concerned and ever so slowly, Stephen breaks through Anne’s defenses where she allows him certain liberties. But then Anne’s past comes back to haunt her and she may have no choice but to hand herself over to another man who begins blackmailing her to get what he wants. Stephen just has to figure out what Anne is hiding so he can be her knight in shining armor.

The Naked King gave me the warm fuzzies. I had a crush on Stephen from the very first page and I loved how he can see Anne for all her worth and sticks to her like glue because he’s fallen hard for her. Anne is a stoic heroine, but very much a martyr because she’s ruled by remaining proper and can’t misstep because she feels if she does one wrong move, everyone will look at her with disdain. Stephen wants her to loosen up and ignore her critics. These two have great chemistry and share awesome dialogue. Stephen’s thoughts for Anne the majority of the time are very naughty.

There is a lot of head hopping between Stephen and Anne and many of the characters are cartoonish in nature, including the blackmailing villain. But none of these things ruined my enjoyment while I read. Sally is the queen at writing cute and adorable, and The Naked King is the perfect example of this.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh yourself silly, do read The Naked King, as well as the past 6 books in this series that have given me hours of enjoyment.(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Jun 06, 2011 Tori smexys_sidekick rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, review-for-smexybooks

Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/06/rev...

Favorite Quote: “I wouldn’t have accosted your bonnet if it hadn’t so vilely accosted my eyes and my male sensibilities. “

Stephen Parker-Roth is a playboy, hence his nickname-the King Of Hearts. He is no hurry to marry (his older brother has an heir) so he spends his time drinking, playing cards, and generally having fun. After a normal night of debauchery, he stumbles home through the park only to be accosted by a furry little man. Oh...more Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/06/rev...

Favorite Quote: “I wouldn’t have accosted your bonnet if it hadn’t so vilely accosted my eyes and my male sensibilities. “

Stephen Parker-Roth is a playboy, hence his nickname-the King Of Hearts. He is no hurry to marry (his older brother has an heir) so he spends his time drinking, playing cards, and generally having fun. After a normal night of debauchery, he stumbles home through the park only to be accosted by a furry little man. Oh wait-that’s a dog. As Stephen is flailing in the mud, along comes the owner of the dog-Lady Anne Marston. Lady Anne has no need for marriage or men. Raising her younger siblings while her parents gallivant around the world, all she wants is for her younger sister to have a proper season, then go back to the country.

When she and Stephen are caught in up in a comedy of errors that results in the biggest gossip in London seeing them kiss, Stephen announces to everyone that Lady Anne is his fiancée. Soon, Stephen takes the entire Marston family in hand and leads them on a merry chase through London as he tries to make his engagement to Lady Anne a real one.

This is my first time reading Sally MacKenzie but I guarantee it won’t be my last. The Naked King is an absurd, funny, romantic, historical romp composed of eccentric characters, outlandish behavior, and over the top circumstances that had me giggling from page one. This was a “fun” read-not to be taken seriously book. Sweet romance blends perfectly with a bit of mystery. Watching Stephen and Anne fall in love is wonderfully romantic and humorous. Stephen is outrageous in his antics and once he makes up his mind that he’s keeping Anne he steps it up to hysterical. Stephen is sweet, funny, handsome, and VERY “touchy feely”. He doesn’t dictate to Lady Anne but rather herds her gently into what he wants her to do. Lady Anne feels lost around Stephen and it’s very funny watching her try to figure out how he gets manipulated by her.

Lady Anne has always been referred to as the smart one while everyone exclaims the beauty of her sister. She cannot not believe Stephen actually wants her so she never takes his declarations seriously. Her secret from the past severely limits her marriageable state and causes a great deal of misconception. She agrees reluctantly to Stephen’s plan to stay “engaged” until the end of the season so that her sister won’t be touched by scandal. But Stephen is everything she would have wanted in a husband and she finds herself falling slowly in love with him. Parts of me felt sorry for Anne because of what happened to her but a part of me just wanted her to tell him already. I found it hard to believe that she never told a single soul.

The dialogue running rapid through the book will have you in stitches as everyone has an opinion and advice. POVs switch frequently so you can get a little lost but that just makes it better. Wonderful nosey secondary characters keeps the story going at a steady pace and provides plenty of silly scenes. Ms. MacKenzie does take a while for Anne and Stephen to get to the main conflict and it shows as the story stalls here and there. We spend a bit too much time with them conversing seriously and not getting anywhere as Anne tries to work up the nerve to tell Stephan her secret. Our villain is a pathetic little man. I pictured him twirling his mustache as he cackles evilly. His comeuppance surprised me a little. I didn’t expect it to end quite as dark as it did.

All in all The Naked King is a delightfully silly historical romance that will provoke much laughter and eye rolling as you follow Stephan and Anne down the path of love.

Rating: C+(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 27, 2013 Sari rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

Suka sama 3 karakter adeknya Anne dan Stephen krn sangat blak-blakan dan jujur dengan perasaan masing2. Rada ga suka dengan karakter Anne sendiri, krn cenderung plin plan, suka tapi rada sok jual mahal, galak tapi ga pede dgn diri sendiri, dibilangnya karakternya tegas oleh adik2nya, tapi tidak terlihat dari cara dia berperilaku.

Untuk alur cerita terbilang biasa saja, tapi karena tokoh2 didalamnya menarik, jadi lumayan enak untuk dibaca, walau banyak yg akhirnya gw skip ;p

like · see review

Sep 29, 2012 Dayna rated it 3 of 5 stars

I super liked the hero, I thought he was absolutely fantastic. Once again, as has been a bit of a theme for me with this series, it really was the heroine that let the book down. She was perfectly likeable, but her stubborn clinging to the “secret” was frustrating. The much-loathed eep’s make a come back in this as well, much to my dismay. Still, despite the negatives, I overall enjoyed the book and another delightful hero.

like · see review

Apr 24, 2013 Cary rated it 3 of 5 stars

The banter in this book made me both smile and laugh out loud! It was enchanting. I had checked the website to see sensuality rating on this and others of the series but most were hotter than I want to read... this one supposedly wasn't. Nevertheless it was more than I like so I have to disagree with their assessment. I don't mind the sex happening but I don't need any written description of said "business".

like · see review

Sep 24, 2012 Laura rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

Had to think about this one for review. I like the author's voice & that she incorporates "real" issues in her books but this fell flat for me. Last of the naked series...the most fun was with the dog.

Spoiler alert;
The issue was handled too lightly in my thinking, a victim of rape is going to be less likely to be eager for a sexual encounter than this heroine but maybe I just put too much weight on a violent crime compared to other issues this author has addressed.

like · see review

Jan 21, 2012 Susan (susayq) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, 2012books, historical-romance

I did it again I read this book out of order LOL I don't think it took away from the story too much though. There were references to things and people from the previous books, but I caught up quickly. I found out thatAmazon has a deal on the bundle for the whole series so I'll be getting that and starting from the beginning.

I liked this story. Lady Anne and Stephen were caught in a compromising situation so he announced their betrothal. It was extra unexpected because they had just met ;) Steph...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 14, 2011 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, historical-romance

I can't emphasize how much I enjoyed this series. It was so funny, with ridiculous and hilarious situations that just made me smile. It was great seeing the main characters always thrown into these loopy situations (especially for historical romance) and having to deal with it around the prying eyes of the ton. I think I may have one more book to read and I'm happy that's the case. I'm going to explore if there are other books written by this author, I'm hoping that she has a ton of other series...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 05, 2013 Sakura L. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, historical-romance, fiction

Ah padahal dari awal cerita ini sudah rame, sudah menarik. Tapi di akhir-akhir cerita malah merasa konflik cerita jadi nggak ada (yah mungkin ada saat penculikan heroine) dan waktu The End malah bener-bener "kaya gitu" aja. Jadi aja turun bintangnya.
Tapi yah lebih menarik dari pada yang Viscount, cerita tentang adiknya Mr. Parker-Roth. Sepertinya.

like · see review

Dec 01, 2011 Diana rated it 4 of 5 stars

And she saved the best for last.

Note to reader, Anne is the best heroine yet, but nevertheless (author admonition aside), read the books in order. The only one that can really stand alone is Baron.....and not really.

Too bad this was the last. I could stand to read another, perhaps about Nicholas & Evie.

like · see review

Mar 25, 2013 ies rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

Series ini aku kasih 3 bintang semua kyknya deh, bacanya rada kebanting karena abis baca LK kali ye hmpfh..

tapi cukup lumayan dibaca, dan yg jelas kr udah beli nomer laennya (untungnya ini keluar setelah si John, kl ngacak lagi ya mbuh kaga inget gw) hmpfh

***lagi2 culhat malah :P

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 27 28 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (4)

Genres

Romance

55 users

Romance > Historical Romance

44 users

Historical Fiction

5 users

Regency

5 users

Humor > Funny

4 users

Historical Romance > Regency Romance

3 users

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

2 users

Humor

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Sally MacKenzie

Sally MacKenzie decided to become a writer in grade school when she read one of her stories to the class. Her classmates laughed and she was hooked. She sat down immediately to pen her first novel.

Well, not exactly.

The hooked part is right--cursed might be a better description--but the sitting down and writing part came later. Much later.

Sally eventually went on to college, majoring in English, a...more Sally MacKenzie decided to become a writer in grade school when she read one of her stories to the class. Her classmates laughed and she was hooked. She sat down immediately to pen her first novel.

Well, not exactly.

The hooked part is right--cursed might be a better description--but the sitting down and writing part came later. Much later.

Sally eventually went on to college, majoring in English, and, upon graduation, did what many English majors do--she went to law school. But she still couldn’t shake her dream of writing fiction. Midway through law school, she faced the fact that she really did not want to be a lawyer. She took a permanent leave of absence, came home to the Washington, D.C. area, and sat down to type her first novel.

Well, not exactly.

She did come home and write, but mostly she wrote regulations for the United States government’s school nutrition programs. (Ketchup as a vegetable, anyone?) When her law school sweetheart graduated, he moved to D.C. and they got married. A couple years later, the first of their four sons was born, and Sally “retired” to manage their family. She wrote a story or two and some picture book texts, all now stored away in a filing cabinet, but she spent most of her energies on baby tending which rapidly evolved into carpool driving. She became an extremely skilled scheduler, getting all four boys to soccer, basketball, baseball, track, swimming, piano, scouts, and birthday parties without ever losing one. (Okay, she did lose the youngest for a few minutes, but she found him before he’d toddled into the parking lot.) And she did more writing--school newsletters, auction programs, class plays, swim league guidance, and the acclaimed annual MacKenzie family newsletter--but no fiction.

Finally, the boys started driving (Eek!) and leaving for college. The nest was emptying and she wasn't getting any younger. The time had come to chase the dream or let it go for good, so she sat down at the computer and wrote. And rewrote. And rewrote again until she had a polished manuscript. She joined the Romance Writers of America, and when the plea went out for Regency manuscripts for the 2004 Golden Heart contest, she sent in The Naked Duke. The stars aligned. She made the final round, and one of the judging editors liked the manuscript and offered to buy it.

Yee haw!!

When not writing or obsessing over the various mysteries of book promotion, Sally can be found at the gym working hard to age gracefully, at the pool on the SLOW side of the Masters swim practice, or at one meeting or another volunteering at the helm of the summer swim league.

Here's Sally with her family--she's 5 ft. 8 in. tall, but she's short in this crowd. (less)

More about Sally MacKenzie...

Books by Sally MacKenzie

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Naked King

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: The Naked King
avg rating	preview: The Naked King Goodreads rating: 3.87 (474 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9447746-the-naked-king?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327894591l/9447746.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9447746-the-naked-king?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Naked King by Sally MacKenzie[/url]

The Naked King (Naked Nobility #7)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website