The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Mackenzies & McBrides, #1) in Crazy Challenge Connection

Dec 10, 2014 fleurette rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance

I liked the story even though it was different that I expected. The strongest points are the characters that you really care about. That is why I will likely read the other books in the series.

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Jan 25, 2013 Shan ~A~ rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio, series-trilogies-i-started, 1st-in-series, historical-romance, romance-humor, erotic, novel-adventure

This book was nearly perfect for me. The only thing that I could actually call at fault were euphemisms that I thought were being used before their time and the fact that it was said that Ian didn't know what love was (the feeling), but it was stated quite a few times the different things he loved about Beth.

Ian and Beth were amazing together. The fact that she grew up in the slums and then had to deal with the ton while working as a ladies companion made her into a formidable woman that I coul ...more

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Nov 21, 2013 PepperP0t rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, adult, series, always-worth-re-reading, mystery, smexy-erotica, historical-regency

4.5stars really
This easy to get into origin story introduces the titled and powerful MacKenzie family. Youngest brother Ian suffers from a condition which affect both his moods and emotions. The (real) illness makes him seem to be a difficult character to understand or like for the other characters and for the reader. Ian's father had him institutionalized and declared insane and Ian was only released after his father's death when his brother inherited the family title. Years have passed and Ian 4.5stars really
This easy to get into origin story introduces the titled and powerful MacKenzie family. Youngest brother Ian suffers from a condition which affect both his moods and emotions. The (real) illness makes him seem to be a difficult character to understand or like for the other characters and for the reader. Ian's father had him institutionalized and declared insane and Ian was only released after his father's death when his brother inherited the family title. Years have passed and Ian is functioning but is not entirely self-sufficient when he meets delectable widow, Beth Ackerley, and they both fall in love at first sight. Circumstances, both his and hers, prevent them from being together right away and Beth leaves London for Paris. Determined to not let her get away, Ian is shortly bound for Paris as well, where situations have now changed and theirs has evolved into a special friendship. During this time Beth is also pursued by Scotland Yard to gain her assistance in proving Ian's guilt in the murder of two women and she neither agrees to help nor believes Ian could be guilty. Ian decides that he can best help and protect Beth by marrying her. Ian is totally prepared to deal with the Duke's, his brother Hart, certain disapproval if they marry without his consent and convinces Beth to marry him. Beth sees the pall of these murders ruining her new marriage and is determined to help prove her husband's innocence at all costs.

I was surprised how quickly I became invested in these characters and cared about their stories. Surprisingly, they each felt fully formed and comfortable when they first appeared. Beth's loving care and patience when dealing with Ian was extremely sweet, while Ian struggled to deal with his illness and tried to understand a growing desire for Beth. I liked them both separately and as a couple as well as their interaction with the secondary characters. The family which was the bulk of the secondary characters were interesting and I'm excited to know more about them, especially Lady Isabella. The sliminess of the Inspector was great as he walked that very fine line between being a white hat and a gray hat, keeping his agenda well hidden. I would have appreciated more momentum and consistency in the flow on the thread of the murders as they were introduced early in the book and disappeared for a good chunk and then became the focus as things wound to a satisfying conclusion.
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Oct 01, 2014 ☘KathyD☘ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-romance, audio-audible, genre-historical-fiction, genre-mystery, book-kindle, character-alpha-male, genre-romance-series, character-wealthy, zz-2015, genre-suspense

What a fun historical novel! This story was full of wonderful moments...a good mystery...and a unique hero! I have to say, Lord Ian’s “madness” was portrayed beautifully! Of course, he isn’t mad at all, simply a man on the spectrum that didn’t exist at this point in time. Beth was a fun character, as well. They had an interesting relationship and I liked how Beth grew to understand Ian over time...better than his brothers in many respects. Can’t wait to see what kind of mischief awaits the other ...more

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Apr 05, 2012 Megzy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: victorian-era, scotland

It's not often a book cracks my five star list but this one did. This book had it all. Ian had me wrapped around his little finger with his Asperger's disorder and genius in various fields; he was fascinating, sexy, uber protective of the people he loved, a no non sense kind of hero. I found him really refreshing and Beth was his perfect heroine.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough, especially for those readers looking for something a bit more. ...more

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