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Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized London by leaving her husband, notorious artist Lord Mac Mackenzie, after only three turbulent years of marriage. But Mac has a few tricks to get the Lady back in his life, and more importantly, back into his bed.Tags
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Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage is the second book (publication order) in Jennifer Ashley’s Mackenzies & McBrides series. Each one of the four brothers who make up the core foundation of the series is a tortured genius. In this one we have artist and second youngest brother, Roland “Mac” Mackenzie. He and his wife, Isabella, eloped on the night of her come-out ball and married on a lark, but Mac’s artistic temperament and alcoholism, along with a tragic miscarriage tore them apart, leading to a legal separation. The couple have seen little of each other over the past three years, but Mac is still madly in love with Isabella and has been working on himself in hopes of one day winning her back. When Isabella discovers forged show more paintings that were created by someone claiming to be Mac, it brings them back into each other’s company. Then Mac’s house mysteriously catches fire, so he takes up residence with her, which gives him new opportunities to press his case and prove that he can truly be the husband she deserves. But when the forger/arsonist ups his game, attacking Isabella in the park, Mac will stop at nothing to catch the criminal madman even if it costs him his life.
Mac is a genius artist, but one who is his own worst critic. He has little use for the art world, never seeking their accolades for his work and he never sells his paintings. He only gives them away to family and friends. Before marrying Isabella, he had a notorious reputation as a rake, drinking and womanizing with his wastrel friends. In fact, it was on a wager with those friends that he crashed Isabella’s come-out ball to dance with the lovely debutante. He immediately knew he wanted her in his bed, but still having some gentlemanly sense, he married her. In the beginning, the marriage was wonderfully passionate and he soon fell head-over-heels for her. But after growing up with an abusive father who forbade him from creating art, Mac was unsurprisingly dysfunctional. He would often leave home with no notice, haring off to the continent, leaving Isabella home alone. He justified it by thinking that she needed time away from his temperamental nature, which often caused rows between them. But when Isabella sent him a letter asking for a separation, Mac knew he’d messed up royally. He’s worked hard to overcome his alcoholism, lost most of his friends in the process, and hasn’t really been able to paint anything decent since, but he believes it will be worth it if Isabella finds it in her heart to take him back. When she comes to inform him of the art forger, he doesn’t really care much about that, only that it might get him close to her again. They soon start to rediscover their lost passion, particularly when she agrees to pose nude for him to help him win another bet with his friends. But fully regaining her trust and avoiding death at the hands of a madman may prove challenging. Mac is a man who is a genius at what he does, but he doesn’t really care much about what other people think of him. He’s always been part of a scandalous family, so society’s opinions mean little to him. I admired him for working so hard to become a better man for Isabella, and I had no doubt that he was a changed man. He’s not perfect, but he does now recognize and own his faults. I also loved that he’d remained celibate throughout their separation, not wanting anyone but Isabella in his bed.
Isabella was just eighteen when Mac swept her away with his charm at her come-out ball. She’s a strong, independent-minded woman who never cared for any of the staid men her father insisted she choose from to marry. Mac was just the kind of man she wanted, so she was happy to elope with him. However, it did cause a rift with her family and her father forbade her to see any of them afterward, including her beloved younger sister. Still, she held her head high and loved Mac to distraction, but as he became more and more unpredictable, she began to become disillusioned. Then came the miscarriage while Mac was off on one of his benders, which left her feeling all alone. At that point, even though she still loved him, Isabella knew she could no longer be with him and asked for a separation and she’s mostly kept to herself since. She’s always appreciated Mac’s art, though, so when she sees the forged painting, she knows she has to let him know. At first, he seems unconcerned, but when someone sets his house on fire, he shows up on her doorstep, asking for a place to stay. She reluctantly lets him in, and soon the heat begins to rise between them again. When she discovers that she’s become the muse that has helped him revive his artistic ability, she offers to pose nude to help him win the bet, which stokes the fire even more. But it will take time and patience for Mac to fully win her back. Isabella is a strong woman who knows her mind and doesn’t hesitate to let Mac know when he’s getting too high-handed. At the same time, she loves and cares for Mac deeply and always has. Even though trust takes some time to rebuild, she’s just as eager as he is to rekindle their passion.
The Mackenzies & McBrides have become a long-running series that is apparently still in progress, so there are several common characters that show up in supporting roles. Of course, Ian and Beth (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie) are probably the most prominent, still madly in love and eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. Ian gives Mac some sage advice in his usual blunt way. Mac’s second oldest brother, Cam, shows up a few times, as does Isabella’s old school chum, Ainsley, who helps her reconnect with her sister. These two shared an odd moment where something definitely passed between them without words. They become the hero and heroine of the next book, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron. Mac’s oldest brother, Hart, (The Duke’s Perfect Wife) showed up a couple of times, too. Inspector Fellows helps Mac with the investigation into the forger/arsonist. He will be paired with Isabella’s sister, Louisa, in the novella, The Untamed Mackenzie. Cam’s teenage son, Daniel, comes looking for refuge from his father at Isabella’s house. He’ll become the hero of Book #6, The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie. There are also several between the books novellas that will reunite many of these characters.
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage was another good read in this series. I didn’t love it quite as much as the first book, but I did enjoy it very much. The only thing that really dropped the half star for me was that the story is a little slow in a couple of places. With Mac and Isabella already being married when the story opens, it sets up a little different dynamic from most romances. In a typical romance, readers get to follow along as the couple meet and fall in love with each other. Here, Mac and Isabella are already in love, and that love had never died even though it’s taken quite a beating. So it’s all about how these two people who already care for one another find their way back to the passion they once shared and how Isabella grows to trust Mac again after all they’ve been through. The track of the romance might have been different, but it was no less sweet to watch them reconcile. Their love scenes are very steamy and showed just how much they still care for each other. The mystery is a little more in the background with events unfolding slowly as the villain keeps disappearing only to reappear, doing something even crazier than the last time, until there’s finally resolution. I loved seeing all the other characters, too, especially Ian. The energy between the four core Mackenzie brothers is compelling and leaves me eager to read more of their stories soon and excited to see them all find their HEAs and grow their families. show less
Mac is a genius artist, but one who is his own worst critic. He has little use for the art world, never seeking their accolades for his work and he never sells his paintings. He only gives them away to family and friends. Before marrying Isabella, he had a notorious reputation as a rake, drinking and womanizing with his wastrel friends. In fact, it was on a wager with those friends that he crashed Isabella’s come-out ball to dance with the lovely debutante. He immediately knew he wanted her in his bed, but still having some gentlemanly sense, he married her. In the beginning, the marriage was wonderfully passionate and he soon fell head-over-heels for her. But after growing up with an abusive father who forbade him from creating art, Mac was unsurprisingly dysfunctional. He would often leave home with no notice, haring off to the continent, leaving Isabella home alone. He justified it by thinking that she needed time away from his temperamental nature, which often caused rows between them. But when Isabella sent him a letter asking for a separation, Mac knew he’d messed up royally. He’s worked hard to overcome his alcoholism, lost most of his friends in the process, and hasn’t really been able to paint anything decent since, but he believes it will be worth it if Isabella finds it in her heart to take him back. When she comes to inform him of the art forger, he doesn’t really care much about that, only that it might get him close to her again. They soon start to rediscover their lost passion, particularly when she agrees to pose nude for him to help him win another bet with his friends. But fully regaining her trust and avoiding death at the hands of a madman may prove challenging. Mac is a man who is a genius at what he does, but he doesn’t really care much about what other people think of him. He’s always been part of a scandalous family, so society’s opinions mean little to him. I admired him for working so hard to become a better man for Isabella, and I had no doubt that he was a changed man. He’s not perfect, but he does now recognize and own his faults. I also loved that he’d remained celibate throughout their separation, not wanting anyone but Isabella in his bed.
Isabella was just eighteen when Mac swept her away with his charm at her come-out ball. She’s a strong, independent-minded woman who never cared for any of the staid men her father insisted she choose from to marry. Mac was just the kind of man she wanted, so she was happy to elope with him. However, it did cause a rift with her family and her father forbade her to see any of them afterward, including her beloved younger sister. Still, she held her head high and loved Mac to distraction, but as he became more and more unpredictable, she began to become disillusioned. Then came the miscarriage while Mac was off on one of his benders, which left her feeling all alone. At that point, even though she still loved him, Isabella knew she could no longer be with him and asked for a separation and she’s mostly kept to herself since. She’s always appreciated Mac’s art, though, so when she sees the forged painting, she knows she has to let him know. At first, he seems unconcerned, but when someone sets his house on fire, he shows up on her doorstep, asking for a place to stay. She reluctantly lets him in, and soon the heat begins to rise between them again. When she discovers that she’s become the muse that has helped him revive his artistic ability, she offers to pose nude to help him win the bet, which stokes the fire even more. But it will take time and patience for Mac to fully win her back. Isabella is a strong woman who knows her mind and doesn’t hesitate to let Mac know when he’s getting too high-handed. At the same time, she loves and cares for Mac deeply and always has. Even though trust takes some time to rebuild, she’s just as eager as he is to rekindle their passion.
The Mackenzies & McBrides have become a long-running series that is apparently still in progress, so there are several common characters that show up in supporting roles. Of course, Ian and Beth (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie) are probably the most prominent, still madly in love and eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. Ian gives Mac some sage advice in his usual blunt way. Mac’s second oldest brother, Cam, shows up a few times, as does Isabella’s old school chum, Ainsley, who helps her reconnect with her sister. These two shared an odd moment where something definitely passed between them without words. They become the hero and heroine of the next book, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron. Mac’s oldest brother, Hart, (The Duke’s Perfect Wife) showed up a couple of times, too. Inspector Fellows helps Mac with the investigation into the forger/arsonist. He will be paired with Isabella’s sister, Louisa, in the novella, The Untamed Mackenzie. Cam’s teenage son, Daniel, comes looking for refuge from his father at Isabella’s house. He’ll become the hero of Book #6, The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie. There are also several between the books novellas that will reunite many of these characters.
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage was another good read in this series. I didn’t love it quite as much as the first book, but I did enjoy it very much. The only thing that really dropped the half star for me was that the story is a little slow in a couple of places. With Mac and Isabella already being married when the story opens, it sets up a little different dynamic from most romances. In a typical romance, readers get to follow along as the couple meet and fall in love with each other. Here, Mac and Isabella are already in love, and that love had never died even though it’s taken quite a beating. So it’s all about how these two people who already care for one another find their way back to the passion they once shared and how Isabella grows to trust Mac again after all they’ve been through. The track of the romance might have been different, but it was no less sweet to watch them reconcile. Their love scenes are very steamy and showed just how much they still care for each other. The mystery is a little more in the background with events unfolding slowly as the villain keeps disappearing only to reappear, doing something even crazier than the last time, until there’s finally resolution. I loved seeing all the other characters, too, especially Ian. The energy between the four core Mackenzie brothers is compelling and leaves me eager to read more of their stories soon and excited to see them all find their HEAs and grow their families. show less
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
Three years after her scandalous elopement with Roland "Mac" Mackenzie, Isabella scandalized London again by leaving him. Now, after another three years of separation, Mac is determined to win his wife back by showing her that he is a changed man. Moreover, when an ingenious forger with designs on Isabella begins stalking her, Mac will do anything to keep her safe.
Review
Great expectations only partially fulfilled.
Mac and Isabella are terrific characters (both damaged and insecure in their own ways) but their romance didn't grab me for a number of reasons. First, there is too much angst and desperation in their relationship. Second, the scintillating dialogue and chemistry that should show more characterize a couple estranged for so long is completely missing, and third, Mac and Isabella are constantly taking one step forward and then two steps back, which becomes frustrating after a while.
The follow up to Ian and Beth's story is enjoyable as are the hints at something between Cameron and Ainsley, and the stalker subplot has potential but fails to produce the necessary tension and suspense.
The writing tends toward repetition and the events leading up to Mac and Isabella's separation are told in a series of flashbacks interspersed throughout the story with no real build up and progression.
While the book is good, it lacks the intensity and originality of the first book. Hopefully, the next one will get back on track. show less
3.5 Stars
Synopsis
Three years after her scandalous elopement with Roland "Mac" Mackenzie, Isabella scandalized London again by leaving him. Now, after another three years of separation, Mac is determined to win his wife back by showing her that he is a changed man. Moreover, when an ingenious forger with designs on Isabella begins stalking her, Mac will do anything to keep her safe.
Review
Great expectations only partially fulfilled.
Mac and Isabella are terrific characters (both damaged and insecure in their own ways) but their romance didn't grab me for a number of reasons. First, there is too much angst and desperation in their relationship. Second, the scintillating dialogue and chemistry that should show more characterize a couple estranged for so long is completely missing, and third, Mac and Isabella are constantly taking one step forward and then two steps back, which becomes frustrating after a while.
The follow up to Ian and Beth's story is enjoyable as are the hints at something between Cameron and Ainsley, and the stalker subplot has potential but fails to produce the necessary tension and suspense.
The writing tends toward repetition and the events leading up to Mac and Isabella's separation are told in a series of flashbacks interspersed throughout the story with no real build up and progression.
While the book is good, it lacks the intensity and originality of the first book. Hopefully, the next one will get back on track. show less
Isabella six years ago, shocked everyone including her own family, when she married Mac Mackenzie, and since then their marriage has been stormy to say the least. Despite the fact that they both love each other, they each hurt each other, and its a never ending cycle. Now after having been separated for three years, Mac enters back into Isabella's life, much to her dismay. She wonders what game he is playing at, but the more he appears in her life, the more she becomes convinced that he is sincere in wanting her wholly into her life. However she remembers the pain they have both suffered in the past, and her fears holds her back from embracing their marriage as it was in the beginning. But with all the turbulent storms that are rising show more between them, there is also a danger that could threaten both of them.Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage is the second installment in the Highland Pleasures series. After reading the first one The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, it was a delight to finally read Isabella and Mac's story. I found both of these characters a delight, and loved seeing both sides to their story. Both Isabella and Mac have suffered pain and loss, and having caused pain to one another, but they are also very deep and were brought out vividly throughout the story, that I felt I got to know them both as separate individuals, which was a treat. I have adored reading this story, as much as I adored the first one in the series. There was the perfect mixture of passion, intrigue, danger, and love that brought out a delectable story that had me until the very last page. Truly a romance that was heartfelt throughout the whole by this reader!!!
My Favorite Quote:
"It is a game, my love," He held her gaze " It is the most serious game I have 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," show less
My Favorite Quote:
"It is a game, my love," He held her gaze " It is the most serious game I have 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," show less
I’ve been jonesing for this one ever since reading The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie. While I didn’t expect to be knocked over the head with this book like I was Lord Ian, I was hoping that still I would really enjoy it. And, joy of joys, I did!
We got to see quite a bit of Mac and Isabella in the first book and though I can’t say for certain, I would recommend those planning on reading this book should read the first book, well first. One, because it’s a great book and two, because we get a glimpse into the troubled marriage between the hero/heroine of this one.
First off, they were both very appealing characters in this book. That’s a big plus. I was already predisposed to liking them both and it continued on in this book. It show more was never a lack of love between the two of them that tore their marriage apart so going in, the reader can already sense the love. Rather it was Mac’s wildness and an inability to communicate that drove them apart. They are both passionate people and theirs was a ‘love at first sight’ kind of marriage. They eloped the night they met without getting to know how the other one ticks that caused such contentious issues. And Mac was on one of his many absences when Isabella suffered a tragic loss. And his drunkenness and childish attitude doom the marriage.
But since a lack of love was never the issue, Mac spends the next several years growing up and when an opportunity arises for him to spend time with Isabella and show her that he has changed.
I really enjoyed this ‘marriage in trouble’ book and ended up being quite pleased with it, but waiting for the next one in the series. show less
We got to see quite a bit of Mac and Isabella in the first book and though I can’t say for certain, I would recommend those planning on reading this book should read the first book, well first. One, because it’s a great book and two, because we get a glimpse into the troubled marriage between the hero/heroine of this one.
First off, they were both very appealing characters in this book. That’s a big plus. I was already predisposed to liking them both and it continued on in this book. It show more was never a lack of love between the two of them that tore their marriage apart so going in, the reader can already sense the love. Rather it was Mac’s wildness and an inability to communicate that drove them apart. They are both passionate people and theirs was a ‘love at first sight’ kind of marriage. They eloped the night they met without getting to know how the other one ticks that caused such contentious issues. And Mac was on one of his many absences when Isabella suffered a tragic loss. And his drunkenness and childish attitude doom the marriage.
But since a lack of love was never the issue, Mac spends the next several years growing up and when an opportunity arises for him to spend time with Isabella and show her that he has changed.
I really enjoyed this ‘marriage in trouble’ book and ended up being quite pleased with it, but waiting for the next one in the series. show less
This is the second book in Jennifer Ashley's Highland Pleasures series, but I read this book first. Since this is the first book I'd ever read by Ashley, I wasn't sure what to expect. The buzz about The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie made me think I wouldn't be disappointed, however, and I was right.
This novel is refreshing because it explores the adage that "sometimes love isn't enough". There's no doubt that Isabella and Mac love each other. But early in their marriage, that wasn't enough to over come their personality flaws. Mac's loud personality often eclipsed Isabella, causing her to withdraw. Which would then cause major fights between them, leading Mac to believe she needed a break from him. He'd disappear for weeks or months at show more a time, sometimes without a word about where he'd gone or when he'd return. Then he'd return and Isabella would forgive him, and they'd be deliriously happy for awhile, until the cycle would start again.
I loved the intensity with which Mac loves Isabella. He's an 'all in' kind of guy. Once he gave his heart to Isabella, that was it for him. He may not have known what to do with his debutante wife at times, thinking she needed to be protected from his wild nature, but his love was never in doubt. It's obvious in everything he does. But he realized the cycle must be broken in order to make things work between them, and determined to prove to Isabella that he was a changed man.
Isabella has ached for Mac for years, but she knew she'd go mad if she stayed in that drama-filled relationship with him. I understood why she left him. Being in a volatile, madly passionate relationship sounds wonderful, but the reality of it is so much more taxing than it seems. To constantly be pushed and pulled and filled with excitement. To have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It's exhausting.
After reading this, I immediately started The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. While I enjoyed the latter more, I'd still highly recommend this book. I do recommend reading them in order, however. I believe you'll have a better understanding of all the characters - both primary and secondary - if you do. show less
This novel is refreshing because it explores the adage that "sometimes love isn't enough". There's no doubt that Isabella and Mac love each other. But early in their marriage, that wasn't enough to over come their personality flaws. Mac's loud personality often eclipsed Isabella, causing her to withdraw. Which would then cause major fights between them, leading Mac to believe she needed a break from him. He'd disappear for weeks or months at show more a time, sometimes without a word about where he'd gone or when he'd return. Then he'd return and Isabella would forgive him, and they'd be deliriously happy for awhile, until the cycle would start again.
I loved the intensity with which Mac loves Isabella. He's an 'all in' kind of guy. Once he gave his heart to Isabella, that was it for him. He may not have known what to do with his debutante wife at times, thinking she needed to be protected from his wild nature, but his love was never in doubt. It's obvious in everything he does. But he realized the cycle must be broken in order to make things work between them, and determined to prove to Isabella that he was a changed man.
Isabella has ached for Mac for years, but she knew she'd go mad if she stayed in that drama-filled relationship with him. I understood why she left him. Being in a volatile, madly passionate relationship sounds wonderful, but the reality of it is so much more taxing than it seems. To constantly be pushed and pulled and filled with excitement. To have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It's exhausting.
After reading this, I immediately started The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. While I enjoyed the latter more, I'd still highly recommend this book. I do recommend reading them in order, however. I believe you'll have a better understanding of all the characters - both primary and secondary - if you do. show less
I liked the first book better. Isabella kind of got on my nerves and I think Mac let her get away with a bit too much. In my opinion, all the blame for her leaving him was put on him and all the changes that were made to bring them back together were made by him. I think she had some growing up to do too. I love that Ian was so much a part of this book. He's a special character and he brings something extra out of all the other characters around him. I loved the addition of Aimee and the way Mac just immediately took to her. His weirdo impersonator was strange, but I guess it was needed to force the issue with Mac and Isabella. Not a bad story. Plus, we got a sneak peak into Cam and Ainsley's past. I'm curious now what's up with them.
“The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie”, first in this series, was my introduction to this author. It is a keeper and one of my all time favorite books. It was a great introduction to this fun, loving, and mysterious family. I was greatly anticipating Mac and Isabella’s story, and I seem to be one of the few NOT disappointed.
From the first book, I had the impression that Isabella is a serious and logical person, and that Mac was a passionate and troubled man. This book has gone deeper and explained to me in very S-L-O-W detail of how and why they separated.
She was so young and impressionable when he whisked her away, and he on the other hand was such a fun and debauched rake that the innocence of her attracted him from the get go. show more I, as a reader, could see that this union was doomed from the start. It was like watching a train wreck and you can’t avoid your eyes from the scene! Both characters are dealing with real problems and neither of them is fully blameless in their separation. Isabella’s issues with Mac are absolutely realistic and well explained. Mac’s erratic behavior at the start of their union drove Isabella away slowly, (over a three year period), and not over night. Mac on the other hand has realized that it was his fault and never blamed her for it. He accepted his dues, and decided to quit his childish behavior and do anything to get her back, no matter how long it took. I absolutely adored both characters. She used the time of the separation to reflect on what went wrong. Again, I actually liked the s-l-o-w development of the book, as it allowed me to feel what they felt, and did not just rush the outcome, or the eventual forgiveness that she was able to give him.
I found Mac and Isabella’s grieving over their ruined marriage very realistically written. The book, for me, was full of intensity, tension and heartbreak that I cried. These are two people who truly love one another, and want so badly to reconcile, but don’t know how to go about it. Isabella is fearful if his sobriety will stand the test of time, but even with all those doubts, she finds an excuse to get back into Mac’s life. Isabella’s indecisiveness was understandable. She wanted Mac, but she still needed time and proof to see if he was going to revert back to his old habits. I did find Mac and Isabella to be very enjoyable characters.
Ian still holds the top spot in my heart, but Mac has won me over with his passion and charm.
As for the subplot, the man that looked like Mac, the kidnapping and the shooting, I could have done without, but again it did not bother me much. I went for the FEEL of the book and it won me over.
There is a lot to like and recommend this book! I liked Mac and Isabella’s interactions with Ian and Beth. I loved the relationship of the Mackenzie family. And I would be remiss not to mention the love scenes!
I really think this series is a must read for all historical romance fans. Next up is “The Many Sins of Lord Cameron” and I can’t wait! show less
From the first book, I had the impression that Isabella is a serious and logical person, and that Mac was a passionate and troubled man. This book has gone deeper and explained to me in very S-L-O-W detail of how and why they separated.
She was so young and impressionable when he whisked her away, and he on the other hand was such a fun and debauched rake that the innocence of her attracted him from the get go. show more I, as a reader, could see that this union was doomed from the start. It was like watching a train wreck and you can’t avoid your eyes from the scene! Both characters are dealing with real problems and neither of them is fully blameless in their separation. Isabella’s issues with Mac are absolutely realistic and well explained. Mac’s erratic behavior at the start of their union drove Isabella away slowly, (over a three year period), and not over night. Mac on the other hand has realized that it was his fault and never blamed her for it. He accepted his dues, and decided to quit his childish behavior and do anything to get her back, no matter how long it took. I absolutely adored both characters. She used the time of the separation to reflect on what went wrong. Again, I actually liked the s-l-o-w development of the book, as it allowed me to feel what they felt, and did not just rush the outcome, or the eventual forgiveness that she was able to give him.
I found Mac and Isabella’s grieving over their ruined marriage very realistically written. The book, for me, was full of intensity, tension and heartbreak that I cried. These are two people who truly love one another, and want so badly to reconcile, but don’t know how to go about it. Isabella is fearful if his sobriety will stand the test of time, but even with all those doubts, she finds an excuse to get back into Mac’s life. Isabella’s indecisiveness was understandable. She wanted Mac, but she still needed time and proof to see if he was going to revert back to his old habits. I did find Mac and Isabella to be very enjoyable characters.
Ian still holds the top spot in my heart, but Mac has won me over with his passion and charm.
As for the subplot, the man that looked like Mac, the kidnapping and the shooting, I could have done without, but again it did not bother me much. I went for the FEEL of the book and it won me over.
There is a lot to like and recommend this book! I liked Mac and Isabella’s interactions with Ian and Beth. I loved the relationship of the Mackenzie family. And I would be remiss not to mention the love scenes!
I really think this series is a must read for all historical romance fans. Next up is “The Many Sins of Lord Cameron” and I can’t wait! show less
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220+ Works 19,917 Members
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical and paranormal romance as Jennifer Ashley; paranormal romance and urban fantasy as Allyson James; and mysteries as Ashley Gardner. Jennifer's novels have won RWA's RITA and RT Reviewer's Choice awards among others. (Bowker Author Biography)
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
- Original title
- Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
- Original publication date
- 2010-07
- People/Characters
- Lady Isabella Mackenzie; Lord Roland "Mac" Mackenzie; Lord Ian MacKenzie; Lady Beth Mackenzie; Daniel Mackenzie; Cameron Mackenzie
- Important places
- London, England, UK; Scotland, UK
- Dedication
- Thanks go to my editor, Kate Seaver, and editorial assistant Katherine Pelz, for all their efforts in support of this book. Also to those at Berkley who do so much work "behind the scenes" to take a book from manuscript to p... (show all)rinted novel.
And as always, to my husband, Forrest, for being there. - First words
- Isabella's footman rang the bell at the house of Lord Mac Mackenzie on Mount Street, while Isabella waited in the landau, wondering for the dozenth time since she'd set off whether this were wise.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)"I'm looking forward to it," she said.
- Publisher's editor
- Seaver, Kate
- Blurbers
- James, Eloisa
- Original language
- English
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Statistics
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- 55,261
- Reviews
- 30
- Rating
- (3.76)
- Languages
- 5 — English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 15
- ASINs
- 4




























































