660 books
—
2,161 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies & McBrides, #2)” as Want to Read:
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
(Mackenzies & McBrides #2)
by
Only one man could match a lady like this—scandal for scandal.
Six years ago, eighteen-year-old Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized all of London by eloping the night of her come-out ball with the notorious rake, Lord Mac Mackenzie. After three turbulent years of marriage, she scandalized London once again—this time by leaving him.
Now Mac has resurfaced, every bit as charis ...more
Six years ago, eighteen-year-old Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized all of London by eloping the night of her come-out ball with the notorious rake, Lord Mac Mackenzie. After three turbulent years of marriage, she scandalized London once again—this time by leaving him.
Now Mac has resurfaced, every bit as charis ...more
Get A Copy
Mass Market Paperback, 316 pages
Published
July 6th 2010
by Berkley Sensation
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage,
please sign up.
Popular Answered Questions
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies & McBrides, #2)
5 Scandalous Stars
*Spoilers*
First read May 4 2015
Reread 8/17/2016 best second chance love story!
Re reread 6/27/2017
Rere reread July 21 2020
“Isabella.” The word came out half whisper, half moan. “I’ve missed you so much.” “I’ve missed you.” She touched his face, her hand cool and soft. “I do miss you, Mac.”
I am enjoying the hell outta this series! I was a little fearful when I started this book. I worried that Ian's book would have set the bar too high and this one would never live up to th ...more
*Spoilers*
First read May 4 2015
Reread 8/17/2016 best second chance love story!
Re reread 6/27/2017
Rere reread July 21 2020
“Isabella.” The word came out half whisper, half moan. “I’ve missed you so much.” “I’ve missed you.” She touched his face, her hand cool and soft. “I do miss you, Mac.”
I am enjoying the hell outta this series! I was a little fearful when I started this book. I worried that Ian's book would have set the bar too high and this one would never live up to th ...more
“It is a game, my love.” He held her gaze. “It is the most serious game I’ve ever engaged in. And I intend to win it. I will have you back, Isabella—in my life, in my house, and in my bed.”
Loved this book
but most of all, I loved the romance! 
So great to read a historical where the heroine isn't a virginal miss, but a married woman, and the couple know each other (well, they're married 
)
This is the story about forgiveness and making peace with the past, but ultimately, SEDUCTION
Loved this book
but most of all, I loved the romance! 
So great to read a historical where the heroine isn't a virginal miss, but a married woman, and the couple know each other (well, they're married 
) This is the story about forgiveness and making peace with the past, but ultimately, SEDUCTION
“My d...more
Having read and LOVED The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, I thought I’d go crazy waiting for this book to come out, and at times I nearly did. But let me just say, it was well worth the wait!
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage is, of course, Roland “Mac” and Isabella Mackenzie’s story. From the first book in the Highland Pleasures series, we learned that they had married under unconventional, AKA scandalous, circumstances, then separated a few years later. It was clear that their relationship ha ...more
Nov 25, 2015
Sammy Loves Books
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Sammy by:
Blacky *Romance Addict*
I am in love with the MacKenzie Brothers
*****4.25 ~ Scandalous Stars*****
Six years ago, Mac MacKenzie was a hot mess. He was a fun loving, drunk bastard that didn't have a care in the world. He crashed a debutant's coming out party on a dare, but the joke turned out to be on him because he fell madly in love with the debutant.
Mac
Isabella needed an out. Her father had planned to marry her off to some old crone that she had no interest in. One look at Lord MacKEnzie and she never looked back. She ...more
*****4.25 ~ Scandalous Stars*****
Six years ago, Mac MacKenzie was a hot mess. He was a fun loving, drunk bastard that didn't have a care in the world. He crashed a debutant's coming out party on a dare, but the joke turned out to be on him because he fell madly in love with the debutant.
Mac
Isabella needed an out. Her father had planned to marry her off to some old crone that she had no interest in. One look at Lord MacKEnzie and she never looked back. She ...more
![ren ♡ [semi-hiatus]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1646035100p2/55240303.jpg)
Damn, my review disappeared. Anyways, the gist of it was that it wasn't as good as the first, but still enjoyable. I really like the writing style and the main characters (despite their faults) but the sub plot felt very wishy-washy and kind of unbelievable. The highlight was definitely seeing Ian and Beth again!
Rating: 3/5 ...more
Rating: 3/5 ...more
How am I only just now discovering the magic that is Jennifer Ashely!?!? I fell in love with Ian in the first book and was looking forward to reading the romance between Ian's brother Mac and his wife. This is a romance between a couple that is already married and having a rocky time and I could not wait to read it.
Isabella left Mac almost three years ago. They had a whirlwind 9 day courtship before getting married and were madly in love. But things weren't perfect and Isabella found herself le ...more
Isabella left Mac almost three years ago. They had a whirlwind 9 day courtship before getting married and were madly in love. But things weren't perfect and Isabella found herself le ...more
This is excellent storytelling. Second chance marriage in trouble with some really beautiful emotional moments and super sensual too. Loved it.
May 08, 2013
It's just me Shelly B
rated it
really liked it
Recommended to It's just me Shelly B by:
Blacky *Romance Addict*
Shelves:
historical
"Now I dare you, my fine lady from Miss Pringle's Academy: From which part of my anatomy would you like to lick this cream?"
Can I answer that question? PLEASE.....let me answer!!!!!!!!
This book 2 in the Mackenzie series and I will have to say that, once again, I'm in love with another Mackenzie brother. Good lord these men are so delicious and they wear kilts..........YES I said KILTS!!!!!!!
This is Lord "Mac" Mckenzie and Isabella's story. They were married 6 years ago but they have been separa ...more
Enjoyed the hell out of this second chance/marriage in crisis romance.
5-second-chance-stars!!!
I rarely sniff around books with marriage-in-crisis trope but there’s something about Mac and Isabella that made me push through with this and bloddy hell! I am so glad I did. T’was a very romantically touching read.
Full RTC
—————————————————————
Pre-reading review
This is a marriage in crisis trope I am absolutely signing up for. Isabella and Mac intrigued me in Ian and beth's book... ...more
I rarely sniff around books with marriage-in-crisis trope but there’s something about Mac and Isabella that made me push through with this and bloddy hell! I am so glad I did. T’was a very romantically touching read.
Full RTC
—————————————————————
Pre-reading review
This is a marriage in crisis trope I am absolutely signing up for. Isabella and Mac intrigued me in Ian and beth's book... ...more
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED
"Then another of your weapons is dancing me until my feet hurt," Isabella said. "That and your kilt."
He looked nonplussed. "My kilt?"
"You look particularly fine in a kilt."
Mac's gaze flickered. "Yes, I remember, you always liked looking at my legs. And other parts of my anatomy. Rumor has it that a Scotsman wears nothing at all under his kilt."
London, 1881
Even though the scandalous Lord Roland (what a name; I can understand why Mac didn't want to be called Roland) "Mac" Mac ...more
"Then another of your weapons is dancing me until my feet hurt," Isabella said. "That and your kilt."
He looked nonplussed. "My kilt?"
"You look particularly fine in a kilt."
Mac's gaze flickered. "Yes, I remember, you always liked looking at my legs. And other parts of my anatomy. Rumor has it that a Scotsman wears nothing at all under his kilt."
London, 1881
Even though the scandalous Lord Roland (what a name; I can understand why Mac didn't want to be called Roland) "Mac" Mac ...more
This one's going to be spoilery...BIG TIME!!
I had one of those epiphany moments while listening to Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage. I haven't used spoiler thingamajiggies, so, please proceed with caution.
Isabella and Mac have been separated for 3 years. In their time apart, and for the whole of their marriage, they have been faithful to each other. Now, here's the thing, when this was made known to me, my first thought was, *thank goodness*. I'm sure a lot of my fellow readers are probably n ...more
I had one of those epiphany moments while listening to Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage. I haven't used spoiler thingamajiggies, so, please proceed with caution.
Isabella and Mac have been separated for 3 years. In their time apart, and for the whole of their marriage, they have been faithful to each other. Now, here's the thing, when this was made known to me, my first thought was, *thank goodness*. I'm sure a lot of my fellow readers are probably n ...more
Calling Sigmund Freud. Mac needs an intervention or some serious psychoanalysis.
Read for BOTM Historical Book Club - October read
Series: Yep
Sexy times: Oh sure. This is Jennifer Ashley. She writes hot historicals.
Plan on reading more by the author: I do. There is something mesmerizing about her books.
Synopsis
Lady I kicked Mac out of his/her house after three years of marriage. The marriage, of course, was a whirlwind affair and his reputation is less than perfect. Lady I's family gave her th ...more
Read for BOTM Historical Book Club - October read
Series: Yep
Sexy times: Oh sure. This is Jennifer Ashley. She writes hot historicals.
Plan on reading more by the author: I do. There is something mesmerizing about her books.
Synopsis
Lady I kicked Mac out of his/her house after three years of marriage. The marriage, of course, was a whirlwind affair and his reputation is less than perfect. Lady I's family gave her th ...more
This was a solid, okay read. Lots of drama and lots of crazy sex between two very OTT people.
Mac is an artist and a teenager in a man's body. He stuffs up his marriage big-time, mainly because he drinks too much and is very immature and egotistical- a teenager. Exactly.
Isabella tries so much harder than he does (he doesn't change anything in his life at all, something that happens so often in marriages), she makes all the compromises and endeavours to fit into his world. It takes a personal disa ...more
Mac is an artist and a teenager in a man's body. He stuffs up his marriage big-time, mainly because he drinks too much and is very immature and egotistical- a teenager. Exactly.
Isabella tries so much harder than he does (he doesn't change anything in his life at all, something that happens so often in marriages), she makes all the compromises and endeavours to fit into his world. It takes a personal disa ...more
I just absolutely loved Lord Ian, so I was doubly looking forward to this one. Once again, I was not disappointed. It was great, a different take on a relationship in an Historical Romance.
Mac Mackenzie was dared to crash a debutante's coming out ball, steal a kiss from her, and bail. Oooh, boy did Mac get more than he bargained for. He got his sweet kiss from Lady Isabella and knew that he needed more, so off they went to get married! And for three years, they had some very passionate ups and ...more
Mac Mackenzie was dared to crash a debutante's coming out ball, steal a kiss from her, and bail. Oooh, boy did Mac get more than he bargained for. He got his sweet kiss from Lady Isabella and knew that he needed more, so off they went to get married! And for three years, they had some very passionate ups and ...more
4.5 Scandalous Stars!!
“I can’t lose you.” Isabella stroked his hair, her touch so dear to him. “I don’t want to live without you, Mac. I never was a whole person until I met you.”
I am smiling so big right now. Loving the absolute hell out of this series. Cannot get enough! I love these vivid characters, deep, suspenseful plots, and swoony romance and steam. Kicking myself for waiting so long to dive into the historical world. I know they're not all as good as Jennifer Ashley's. But damn has ...more
“I can’t lose you.” Isabella stroked his hair, her touch so dear to him. “I don’t want to live without you, Mac. I never was a whole person until I met you.”
I am smiling so big right now. Loving the absolute hell out of this series. Cannot get enough! I love these vivid characters, deep, suspenseful plots, and swoony romance and steam. Kicking myself for waiting so long to dive into the historical world. I know they're not all as good as Jennifer Ashley's. But damn has ...more
We all read book after book after book. Some make us laugh out loud, others have us shedding more than our fair share of tears while still others have us gripping the book with white-knuckled intensity as the suspense builds page by page. But how often do you come across a book that engages all of these emotions and manages to seize your heart as well? Such was the case for me with Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley.
On the night of her coming-out ball, Isabella met and fell i ...more
On the night of her coming-out ball, Isabella met and fell i ...more
Jun 09, 2021
Chelsea Humphrey
marked it as paused-on-hold
Needing a heavy dose of comfort read right now, and what better way than finding it with the Mackenzie clan?
...more
...more
I hardly remember any other h/H whose love was more believable, more heart wrenching, more generous, more deep and more beautiful than that of Mac and Isabella. They are both incredible people, truly made for each other.
There were parts I savored by reading again and again, even going slowly so the book won’t end too soon.
It’s rare for a book to have mcs who are so completely in love to begin with . . .they are married (though separated, yes), know and believe in each other’s love, have complet ...more
I just finished reading The Madness Of Lord Ian Mackenzie and I thought that book was okay and was looking forward to this insallment since the couple captivated me in the prior book. I'm sad to say that the hero and heroine are not as captivating in their own book. From the start, I realized that they were not as interesting as they were before. Something was missing from each of them. The heroine's personality didn't seem so unique and wild anymore, and the hero lost his sex appeal because he
...more
4.5 Stars!
3.5 to 4 stars. An enjoyable addition to the series. I liked both Mac and Isabella, separately and together. Mac's problems with alcohol and also mutual grief had kept them apart, but they clearly wanted to be together. It took some time and some grovelling (on Mac's part) but they did resolve their problems satisfactorily within the story. The stalker was eventually dealt with. Overall, this is for me an appealing and well-written series.
...more
...more
I'm just in love with this series. I mean, seriously in love. Like, get married, buy a house together and have 2.5 kids in love.
This follow-up to the remarkable "The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie" has just as much angst, romance, spark, sensuality and suspense as its predecessor. "Mac" MacKenzie is a wonderful tortured hero and Isabella is a complex, brave heroine. They are both deeply in love and readily admit it, but so much has happened and they both still hurt so much, you wonder if they ca ...more
This follow-up to the remarkable "The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie" has just as much angst, romance, spark, sensuality and suspense as its predecessor. "Mac" MacKenzie is a wonderful tortured hero and Isabella is a complex, brave heroine. They are both deeply in love and readily admit it, but so much has happened and they both still hurt so much, you wonder if they ca ...more
DNF @55%
I do love a story where the hero and heroine are besotted with each other, but I just can not be bothered with this story. They love each other but they are separated because of what the hero did in the past (I have read enough to figure out). But since the hero and heroine both stayed celibate during there separation, there isn’t any major drama (such as a mistress or another man) in the mix to keep a book interesting and I’m not interested in them finding the fraudulent ‘Mac artists’ e ...more
I do love a story where the hero and heroine are besotted with each other, but I just can not be bothered with this story. They love each other but they are separated because of what the hero did in the past (I have read enough to figure out). But since the hero and heroine both stayed celibate during there separation, there isn’t any major drama (such as a mistress or another man) in the mix to keep a book interesting and I’m not interested in them finding the fraudulent ‘Mac artists’ e ...more
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage is such an amazing read. Mac and Isabella's characters were fleshed out beautifully. They came alive with every page—they really felt so real.
And by the time I was done with the book, I had to fight the urge to cry because I was so sad to see their story end. They became my friends and it was hard to let them go. Even though I know I can see more of them in the future books, it's still going to be different because they won't be the focus anymore. That's why i ...more
And by the time I was done with the book, I had to fight the urge to cry because I was so sad to see their story end. They became my friends and it was hard to let them go. Even though I know I can see more of them in the future books, it's still going to be different because they won't be the focus anymore. That's why i ...more
I loved Mac and Isabella's story and I feel this book has ruined me for any other historical romances that I might want to read next. The Mackenzie family is wonderful and it was great to find out how Ian and Beth were doing in this one. Mac is definitely swoon worthy material and Isabella was the perfect match for him. This is one of the first romances that I have enjoyed where the couple was married at one point and then separated to only be reunited again. If I could give this a higher rating
...more
Mac and Isabella's story
...more
This is book two in the Highland Pleasures series. The first book was The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. I recommend reading these in order, because I feel it creates a richer back story.
This book was nothing like I expected it to be. From the hints we received in Ian's book, it seemed like Isabella and Mac had much stronger feelings than I felt were portrayed here. Call me crazy, but when you're fed up enough to leave someone (even if you love them) there are strong emotions there. Even though ...more
This book was nothing like I expected it to be. From the hints we received in Ian's book, it seemed like Isabella and Mac had much stronger feelings than I felt were portrayed here. Call me crazy, but when you're fed up enough to leave someone (even if you love them) there are strong emotions there. Even though ...more
Lady Isabella met and married Lord Roland "Mac" Mackenzie on the night of her debut ball, causing a massive scandal. However, three years later she causes another scandal by separating from him. Three and a half years later, Mac has changed from the drunk and wild youth he was when he first married Isabella and is determined to win his wife back, the wife he has never stopped loving.
I love the first book in this series, The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, it is one of my favourite all time histo ...more
I love the first book in this series, The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, it is one of my favourite all time histo ...more
"It is a game, my love." He held her gaze. "It is the most serious game I've ever engaged in. And I intend to win it. I will have you back, Isabella - in my life, in my house, and in my bed."
I have very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I think the subject matter hit a little too close to home for me in a couple of ways, and this sort of spun me in to a bit of depression. On the other, either this author has had firsthand knowledge of some of the details about the book or knows someon ...more
I have very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I think the subject matter hit a little too close to home for me in a couple of ways, and this sort of spun me in to a bit of depression. On the other, either this author has had firsthand knowledge of some of the details about the book or knows someon ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Romanc...: BOTM October, 2017 - Lady Isabella's scandalous marriage | 117 | 63 | Nov 04, 2017 08:18PM | |
| Más libros para Latinoamérica!! | 1 | 1 | Mar 04, 2017 08:07AM | |
| The Lost Challenges: [ November]"Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage"Group Read non-pnr BOM Discussion<SPOILER> | 7 | 21 | Nov 25, 2013 09:16PM | |
| Romance Readers R...: March PIFM Buddy Read: Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage | 2 | 18 | Mar 12, 2013 05:30PM |
Readers also enjoyed
1,282 users
851 users
582 users
172 users
84 users
72 users
71 users
50 users
43 users
NY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gard ...more
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gard ...more
Other books in the series
Mackenzies & McBrides
(1 - 10 of 12 books)
Related Articles
Elizabeth Acevedo burst onto the literary scene in 2018 with The Poet X, a novel-in-verse that draws on her own experiences as an award-winning...
82 likes · 22 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“I loved and adored you, but I drained you like a thirsty man at a spring. I loved what you could give me - your admiration, your acceptance, your love, your forgiveness. I forgot to love you for yourself.”
—
132 likes
“Dearest Mac,
I love you. I will always love you.
But I can live with you no longer. I've tried to be strong for you, for three years I have tried. I have failed. You tried to remake me in your image, dear Mac, and I tried to be what you wanted, but I no longer can. I am sorry.
I want to write that my heart is breaking, but it is not. It broke some time ago, and I have just now realised that I can leave me heartbreak behind and go on.
The decision to live without you was a painful one and not lightly made. I realise you can legally cause me much harm for taking this step, and I ask you, for the love we once shared, not to. It could be that I will not need to leave forever, but I know that I need time apart, alone, to heal.
You have explained that you sometimes leave me for my own good, so I will have a chance to recover from life with you. Now I am doing the same, leaving so that both of us have a chance to breath, a chance to cool. Living with you is like being with a shooting star, one that burns so brightly that it scorches me. And I am watching the star burn out. In the end, Mac, I fear there will be nothing left of you.
I know you will be angry when you read this, because you can grow so angry! But when you stop being angry, you will realize that my decision is sound. Together, we are destroying each other. Apart, I can remember my love for you. But you are burning me. You have exhausted me, and I have nothing left to give.
Ian has agreed to bring this letter to you, and he will inform me of what steps you decide to take. I trust Ian to help us through. Please do not try to seek me yourself.
I love you, Mac. I will always love you.
Please be well.
Isabella”
—
13 likes
More quotes…
I love you. I will always love you.
But I can live with you no longer. I've tried to be strong for you, for three years I have tried. I have failed. You tried to remake me in your image, dear Mac, and I tried to be what you wanted, but I no longer can. I am sorry.
I want to write that my heart is breaking, but it is not. It broke some time ago, and I have just now realised that I can leave me heartbreak behind and go on.
The decision to live without you was a painful one and not lightly made. I realise you can legally cause me much harm for taking this step, and I ask you, for the love we once shared, not to. It could be that I will not need to leave forever, but I know that I need time apart, alone, to heal.
You have explained that you sometimes leave me for my own good, so I will have a chance to recover from life with you. Now I am doing the same, leaving so that both of us have a chance to breath, a chance to cool. Living with you is like being with a shooting star, one that burns so brightly that it scorches me. And I am watching the star burn out. In the end, Mac, I fear there will be nothing left of you.
I know you will be angry when you read this, because you can grow so angry! But when you stop being angry, you will realize that my decision is sound. Together, we are destroying each other. Apart, I can remember my love for you. But you are burning me. You have exhausted me, and I have nothing left to give.
Ian has agreed to bring this letter to you, and he will inform me of what steps you decide to take. I trust Ian to help us through. Please do not try to seek me yourself.
I love you, Mac. I will always love you.
Please be well.
Isabella”
