Jess Russell

“I love you. Who could not love you? You are so full, full to bursting – with humor, with grace, with curiosity, with talent. You are an embarrassment of riches, Lord Devlin. I am so very lucky to have you to love.” – Anne Winton

A historical romance much needed, with several doses of suspense and intrigue, and hot enough to make your corsets melt all by themselves, ladies!

Anne Winton is the new employee at Ballencrieff Asylum. She expected heavily troubled people within its walls, show more and hardships from day one in her new job. What she didn't expect was James Drake of Devlin, a Marquess and a patient of the Asylum, to appeal to her inner desires so much and awaken feelings she never knew she could have. The mad man also finds himself at a loss when this owl-like, fragile creature worms her way into his heart - as well as his art. As she begins to unravel the mysteries that are locked inside his chaotic mind and soul in order to help him heal, the two come ever so close. But there are forces against Lord Devlin's healing procedure - forces that will do anything to keep him conveniently locked in his cell, accused for a murder Anne soon starts suspecting may not have been of his own doing after all...

I'm telling you, this book was a lot darker than I thought and yet so much lighter than I expected. It focused heavily on emotional impacting scenes, and played really well with the reader's psyche through imagery and words. I loved it! Not to mention how adorable and well-put the main couple was. The whole theme of not knowing if James really was the culprit or not - courtesy of all those experiments and medicinal crap he was being fed - as well as the psychological warfare from some of the Asylum employees, gave an even more realistic touch, too.

I can't wait to see what other surprises Mrs. Russell has in store for us with the rest of this series!

“I love you, my beautiful Owl.” – James Devlin

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.*** show less

Rhys Merrick is known as "the Monk" because of his extreme self-control, a result of the licentious exploits of his depraved father. When Olivia Weston turns up to demand payment for dresses made for his mistress, he loses all restraints around her.
I often find these "love/lust at first sight" stories too unbelievable, but Ms. Russell has woven a story with characters so realistic that I never had any doubt in the attraction between Rhys and Olivia. They are both strong characters with dark show more pasts, yet they are perfect for each other. They know it, too, but Rhys can't get past his belief that he must do the 'right' thing and marry someone of rank. I read this book in one sitting, biting my nails that they wouldn't get their HEA. Uncle Bert and Egg are fun secondary characters.
It's a well-written book in the style of Anna Campbell or Robin Schone so there are some steamy scenes, but there's lots of romance and drama too. I actually read Mad for the Marquess first, not realizing that this was her first book, and I want more from this wonderful writer. show less

My genre of choice is romance and although I enjoy all types, my preference has always been historical. Mad for the Marquess is definitely historical. However, Ms. Russell takes a darker direction with her tale. Conspiracy, murder, danger and intrigue are always a haunting combination, but from within the depths of tragedy and despair, something beautiful grows. A love that knows no bounds and will risk everything to conquer the evil. Devlin and Anne light the spark that ignites the flame to show more burn through the hopelessness that is intent on keeping them apart. Their love singes through the obstacles and empowers their faith as it slowly thawed this reader's heart. show less

Anne Winton arrives at Ballencrieff Asylum just in time for James Drake, the Mad Marquess, to appear before her, covered in blood as he tries to escape his captors. He is there because he was found over the body of a dead girl covered in her blood. Anne is strangely fascinated by him and he by her; he calls her his Owl and makes her his muse, using her as a model for his painting. Anne also has the gift of healing with her hands (Scots wise women often have this ability).
The story is somber show more and somewhat heartbreaking. Anne knows she can't attract the handsome and rich Marquess, but she can try to heal him. James knows that Anne is what he needs, but he is too broken to let her know that. There is the added mystery of why James is being treated so badly at the asylum despite his rich connections, all of which is settled in a very satisfying conclusion. I'm glad to find this author and I intend to read more from her. I especially liked her notes at the end of the book explaining her research as to what James suffered from. show less