The Many Sins of Lord Cameron

I'll be honest here and say when I read the first two books of this series, Cam didn't make that big an impression on me. And my main thought was that I would have to read his story before I got to Harts' the one I wanted most after reading all about Ian and the rest of his MacKenzie brothers. So going into this one I wasn't expecting a whole lot.

I don't know if that's the reason or what it might be, but this one turned out to be, as Tony the Tiger says, GREEEEAAAATTT!! I LOVED it - almost, but not quite as much as Ian and Beth's book.

It starts out with a bang when Ainsley is scoping out Cam's bedroom for some missing letter stolen from the queen when in walks Cam and the thieving woman who is using the letters to blackmail the queen. show more She has hidden them with Cam, though he doesn't know it and as one of the queens lady's, Ainsley is trying to find them and give them back. Cam of course, discovers Ainsley's hiding place and is wickedly delighted. You see, they had a similar kind of meeting six years previous when Ainsley was trying to find something in Cam's room. They had an immediate attraction to each other though Ainsley refused to act on it as she was married and while not in love with her much older husband, respected and cared for him a great deal. But neither has forgotten the other over the year and now that Ainsley is a widow, Cam is determined to 'get in her skirts' this time 'round.

For not being a character who made me sit up and take notice in the previous books, with his own story it was an entirely different matter when reading it. Cam is a man who was betrayed beyond belief by his first wife. Not only did she take many, many lovers over the time they were married, but she also tried to kill both Cam and their son Daniel and indeed ended up taking her own life. She was clearly mad but that didn't keep her from leaving deep, deep scars on Mac, both physical and emotional. He uses his gift with horses and meaningless sex to try and escape his demons. But when he's with Ainsley, he feels a deep sense of peace though it takes him a while to recognize it as love he is feeling. I just loved this poor tortured man to pieces and pieces. He loves his son deeply, and Daniel is a wonderful secondary character by the way who will be getting his own story, but doesn't really understand how to be a father. His own father was a monster and all the MacKenzie heroes have a lot to overcome with their horrific childhoods.

Once he gets Ainsley into his orbit again, he is so gone for her. I've said on many occasions I love a hero who is so gone for the heroine.

And Ainsley is exactly the kind of heroine I enjoy. She's sharp and she's funny and she's intelligent. No false miss is she. After a bit of hesitation and then consulting with friends, when Cam wants to take their relationship much further, she goes for it, with no second thoughts. She has very fond thoughts of her first husband and admired him even though he was much, much older than her.

I love that the author didn't go down the cliched route and make her first husband evil. Even the character that was blackmailing the queen didn't turn out to be evil, evil. She just wanted the money to desperately escape an unhappy marriage. The most evil person in the book was Cam's first wife Elizabeth and her evilness was needed to turn Cam into the kind of person he was.

I finished this book in a very short amount of time as I couldn't bare to put it down. I, um, ah, may have taken longer breaks and lunches than I'm allowed as work since I really didn't want to stop reading this Very Enjoyable Book. I still like the first one better, but just by a shade. But this one also is getting very high marks! show less

The Many Sins of Lord Cameron is the third installment of Jennifer Ashley’s Mackenizies & McBrides series. In this one, we have Cameron, the second-oldest Mackenzie brother. Just like his siblings, Cam is a tortured hero. Years ago, his wife went mad and attempted to kill their infant son, Daniel. When he tried to stop her, she slashed his face with a knife and then took her own life. Since they were alone in the room together, rumors have abounded ever since that he killed her. Cam has been living a colorless life ever since, with one of his few pleasures being the training of horses, something he’s extremely good at. One night, while in attendance at his brother’s house party, he discovers Ainsley hiding in his bedroom. She’d show more been there searching for a letter that another woman is using to blackmail the queen, and as one of the queen’s trusted ladies-in-waiting, Ainsley was tasked with recovering it. Cam recalls another occasion six years earlier, when he found Ainsley in his room and very nearly had his way with her until she backed out of their passionate encounter. He’s never really stopped thinking of her since, so he offers to help her recover the missives. As they work together, passion flares between them again, but after his disastrous marriage, he thinks that all he can offer Ainsley is a position as his mistress. Ainsley is sorely tempted by his offer, and eventually accepts, only to find Cam offering marriage after all to protect her from scandal. But even though they share a sensual fire, Ainsley will have her work cut out for her, convincing Cam to fully trust her with his heart.

At the young age of twenty, Cameron married a woman who was a little older than himself. He’d been starstruck by her and it wasn’t until after the union that he discovered she was merely a gold-digger who wanted the prestige of marrying a second son who might have a chance at the dukedom if anything happened to his older brother. From the beginning, she repeatedly cheated on him with numerous other men. Then she found herself pregnant. Not wanting to be a mother, she made threats to rid herself of the child, and even after Daniel was born, she often tried to harm him. It was on one of these occasions that she finally took her own life. Since Daniel was just an infant and no one else witnessed the act besides Cam, he very nearly went to prison for murder, but his oldest brother, Hart, the Duke of Kilmorgan, lied on his behalf to keep that from happening. However, virtually no one outside his family knows just how much abuse he took from his wife. Ever since, he’s lived in a world devoid of color and light, trying his best to raise his son who seems to be constantly getting into one scrape or another and only finding joy in training horses, something that he seems to have been born for. He only takes mistresses for a short time, never long enough for them to start wanting more from him, and he never shares a bed with any of them, because he doesn’t trust them.

Then along comes Ainsley. He’d briefly met her six years earlier, when he caught her in his bedroom after she stole a necklace he’d gifted to one of his mistresses. During that encounter, he kissed her, which led to a flare of passion between them, but one that she stopped out of loyalty to her husband. Now Cam finds her under similar circumstances, but this time, she’s trying to recover a letter. At first, he thinks it’s one that she wrote, but he eventually figures out she’s doing it for the queen. Intrigued by Ainsley, he offers to help her, and the more time they spend together, the more he comes to desire her. He proposes that she become his mistress, and when she agrees, he springs a surprise marriage proposal on her. Cam never thought he’d marry again after the torture he endured the first time, but he cares for Ainsley enough to want to save her from scandal. However, he still has difficulty with fully letting her into his life, trusting her enough to share a bed with her, and that she won’t betray him, all things that will take time and patience to heal.

Cam is a classic tortured hero who is very sympathetic, especially after the full extent of what his first wife put him through is revealed. It’s no wonder he doesn’t trust women and won’t sleep next to one or even make love in a bed out of fear that he might fall asleep after. He’s also not unlike his brothers who harbor that tortured genius vibe. In Cam’s case, it’s a singular focus on training horses, something that is lifeblood to him. It’s like he can understand and read the horses in a way others can’t, and he always treats the animals, both those he owns and those he trains for others, with the utmost gentleness like they’re his babies. He didn’t have a good father figure at all, in fact his father was quite abusive, which has only made Cam determined not to go down that same path. He’s done his best to be a good father to Daniel, even though the boy sometimes runs a little wild. I deeply sympathized with his feeling of being dead inside and that the only things that bring a spark back to his life for him are his horses and the moment of climax during sex. He’s gained a reputation as a lover who is free with his favors, but he never wanted to marry again until Ainsley came along. I love how he describes being with her as bringing color back into his life. And like with his two younger brothers, I’m so glad that he found the perfect person to help him heal from his abusive past.

Ainsley was just eighteen when she married a man nearly three times her age. Although she deeply respected him and is adamant that he was a kind and compassionate husband, not even her closest friends know exactly why she agreed to the match. Six years ago, thinking she was helping a woman who Cam had wronged, she broke into his room and took a necklace. Cam caught her and stole a passionate kiss that might have turned into more except that Ainsely was loyal to her husband who has since passed away. Now she’s a lady-in-waiting to the queen who is being blackmailed by another lady who stole some of the queen’s letters that could cause her embarrassment if they were to be made public. Ainsley has been sent to retrieve them by any means necessary, and believing that the blackmailer may have given them to Cam for safekeeping, she once again breaks into his bedroom, where he again catches her. Her actions unintentionally draw Cam into her intrigue, and she’s surprised when he eventually offers to help. He also steals several more kisses that leave Ainsley breathless and when he proposes that she become his paramour, she’s deeply tempted. She knows it would cause a great scandal, which is something she doesn’t want for her family’s sake, but at the same time, she knows she deserves happiness after all that she’s been through. Unable to resist, she finally agrees, only to be further shocked when Cam proposes marriage to save her reputation. But while he freely gives her his body, he refuses to share his bed or his heart, leaving Ainsley trying to ferret out the truth of what happened to him all those years ago, and searching for a way to help him heal.

Ainsley is the perfect mixture between sweet and spirited. She has an adventurous side that’s always up for a little intrigue, which is why she was chosen by the queen to go after the letters. I love that she taught herself to how to pick locks and is determined that no lock will stop her from getting what she wants. She also has a very passionate side, embracing her own femininity and sexuality, and giving full measure to Cam once they become lovers. At the same time, she’s kind and compassionate about Cam’s past with his first wife, angry on his behalf when she learns the truth and determined to help him overcome it, so that he can live a fuller life with her than he’s been living. She was the absolute perfect person to bring her tortured hero back to life.

There are lots of supporting characters in The Many Sins of Lord Cameron who have their own books in the series. Of course, the younger Mackenzies, Ian and Beth (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie) and Mac and Isabella (Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage) play roles, as both couples eagerly await the upcoming births of their second children. Cam’s older brother, Hart, the Duke of Kilmorgan, has intrigued me since the beginning. We get to meet Eleanor, the one who got away. She happens to be friends with Ainsley and someone I also find interesting. We still don’t know exactly what happened between them years ago to break them apart, but I look forward to finding out and seeing them reunite in the next book, The Duke’s Perfect Wife. Cam’s sixteen-year-old son, Daniel, is a prominent player as well. He can often get into some scrapes but underneath it all, he’s a good kid who’s looking out for his dad’s best interests and wants to see him happy. I look forward to seeing him as the hero of book #6, The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie. Ainsley is a McBride of the series title and she has four older brothers. We only get to see the oldest, Patrick, who already appears to be happily married, but her other brothers Elliot (The Seduction of Elliot McBride), Steven (Scandal and the Duchess), and Sinclair (Rules for a Proper Governess) are all mentioned. I found Elliot to be particularly intriguing so I definitely look forward to his book. Last but not least, we see Ian and Beth’s son, Jamie, as an infant, and he will grow up to become the hero of book #12, The Sinful Ways of Jamie Mackenzie.

Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better read from The Many Sins of Lord Cameron. The characterizations were deep and beautifully rendered. Cam is a very sympathetic hero who, between an abusive father and an abusive wife, has been through hell. He’s just simply trying to find some moments of brightness in his colorless world, and Ainsley lightens up his life in unexpected ways. Ainsley falls head-over-heels for Cam and just wants to help him find wholeness again. I like that she can, not only go toe-to-toe with Cam, but also stands up to the queen when the monarch is having a moment of high-handedness and that she won’t allow the queen, or anyone else, to spoil the beautiful life she’s trying to build with Cam. Just like the couples who preceded them in the series, Cam and Ainsley fit together perfectly. Their love scenes are steamy, pouring out all the passion and emotion they feel for one another. I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely and emotional story that makes me eagerly look forward to continuing the series soon. show less

Originally Written: March 30 2013

Summary
Ainsley, has always felt a obligation to help others when they are in need. So when the Queen asks her to find some letters, she suspects that Cameron Mackenzie may have them. So she sneaks into his room, only to end up getting caught by him, and this isn't the first time it has happened. Cameron, is shocked to find Ainsley in his room, while he is seducing another woman. The timing could have been better. He is beyond angry, the first time he forgived her for. But the second time, he suspects that she has a ulterior motive, and is determined to find out what she is hiding from him. His plan--to seduce her until she completely surrenders to him. Ainsley, has no choice but to find important show more letters that could end up in a huge scandal for the Queen. But when Cameron sets out to seduce her, she knows she won't be able to resist him for very long. He awakens something powerful in her, a desire explosive and she now wants the one thing she knows he can never give her, but will she be able to live without him?

The Hero (Cameron Mackenzie)
Cameron, has known Ainsley for many years now, but doesn't trust her. He first met Ainsley when he found her searching in his room, and even though she was trying to do a good deed, he knows now she must have a ulterior motive. Cameron has major trust issues, especially when it comes to women. He was once married before, but his wife tortured him and his son in the worst ways, and he was barely able to protect his son Daniel, from a psychotic mother, who was more selfish than anyone. He has had to raise his son on his own with help from his family. But swore to himself never to marry ever again. He never thought about marriage until he found Ainsley, and knew he needed to keep her in his life.

The Heroine (Ainsely
Ainsley, lost her parents when she was a young girl, so she was raised by her bothers. The oldest Patrick, being only 20 years old. But then she made a mistake, that nearly cost her a scandal, and she was forced to marry a man way older than her. He was a good husband, but now he has died, and she is now a widow. She is currently employed by the queen, and its a comfortable life. The queen has sent her on a mission where she runs across Cameron Mackenzie, who is even more delicious than she remembered. He almost seduced her once when she was married, and now he is even more of a threat. She knows she could very much fall in love with him and very easily. But she knows because of his past, he will never marry her, but doesn't know if she is willing to be his mistress in order to be with him.

My Thoughts
I have finally read Cameron's story and OMG It was such a delicious and seductive read, I had to be fanning myself, it felt like my room was going to explode with such fire. I think this one is one of the most heated books I have read in quite some time. Usually this author, is not as intense, but this one wins hands down. There were so many things I liked about this one. First, is I loved how the story is put together and how at the end everything falls into place. There is such a sense of sexy fun that fills the pages of this book. Jennifer Ashley has such a talent for putting a story together that is heart wrenching, emotionally provoking, and is unforgettable. Cameron wears a kilt, a tormented hero, and has a very passionate nature---I know...totally irresistable right? Ainsley, I found to be an endearing heroine. I can sometimes be picky about heroines, but I found I grew to like her quite a bit. She doesn't fight a whole lot on Cameron's seduction, she accepts him and his past, and she has a sweet nature that I felt I could relate to. She can be feisty and has spirit, but she knows when to pick her battles. I love how these two end up balancing each other out. Such a sensual and heartfelt romance that is a must read for any romance fan looking for a story that will go straight to your heart. show less

Funny, clever, with a modern flare.

Historical romance is brain candy for me. I like to burn through a few dozen historical romances and then I'll find something else to read. My preference in historicals is 19th century American West/England/Scotland settings. This book hits all the high points for my brain candy -- including kilts! However, in two weeks, I probably won't remember this book. Maybe, but probably not. That isn't to say this isn't a clever book. I just read too many historical romances in a very compressed period of time.

Third of the Highland Pleasures quartet of romances about four brothers who are Scottish lords in Victorian Britain. This one looks at Cameron, a man who has sworn off marriage after his appalling first marriage, but who has not sworn off women. He's a popular man with the ladies, being a generous lover both in the financial sense and in wanting it to be a mutually satisfying experience. Ainsley Douglas, a young widow of noble blood but impoverished circumstances, has crossed paths with him once before. But then she was married to a man she would not betray. Now she's alone, and willing to consider letting Cam seduce her at least a little -- and not just because that way she might be able to avoid explaining exactly whose letter she was show more looking for in Cam's bedroom, where it had been hidden by his latest mistress. The slow seduction turns to friends-with-benefits and then romance. But even when it turns to marriage, Cam still has demons from the past to face down.

Another strong entry in this excellent romance series. As with the first two books, this has strong characterisation and a solid plot, with the sex scenes being an important part of showing the growth and changes in the relationship between the lead characters. One of the things I like about this series is that it has strong heroines who have their own lives to lead, and a good measure of control over those lives. And of course, women who enjoy sex and have had a sexual past. Two widows out of three heroines so far, but absolutely no virgin widows here. It's also notable for showing a male victim of domestic violence.

I think the book is richer for having read the series in order, but would be enjoyable read as a standalone. show less

Read/Listened for Fun (Audible/Kindle)
Tracking Books Read Review (Short)
Overall Rating: 5.00
Story Rating: 5.00
Character Rating: 5.00

Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: The Many Sins of Lord Cameron was delightfully wicked and emotionally gut-wrenching at the same time!

Overall Thoughts: I think it is clear by now that I am just plowing through this series. I am so in love with it! It is dark, sexy, and wonderfully written. Cameron though is my favorite brother (I can say that successfully now that I have read all 4 + the Christmas Novella). He is damaged, sexy, wicked, and does the biggest bastard to HEA turn in the series. I was rooting for him every step of the way and really only Ainsley show more could have brought him to his knees. He needed someone who could go toe-to-toe with him and not back down. He also needed someone who could work though his particular damage (it was extensive) and be patient with the quirks that brought to his personality. This also makes me wonder how his son (Daniel--first marriage) will turn out. I can't wait to read his book because he is dealing with some his father's baggage too. *sigh* This was just fantastic!

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated By Angela Dawe / Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Angela pulled of Cam and Ainsley with a precision that made me smile. I am really enjoying her narration of this series.

Final Thoughts: I don't know what I will do when I catch up! Probably try her shifter series LOL

Quote Jar

The count said in careful English, "That was perhaps not, as you English say, very sporting."

"Games are played to win," Cameron said. "And we're Scottish.” show less

The Many Sins of Lord Cameron
5 Stars

Synopsis
Six years after finding Ainsley Douglas in his bed chamber, Cameron Mackenzie catches her in the same place and this time he doesn't plan on letting her go. With his love 'em and leave 'em reputation, Cam is last person Ainsley sees herself getting involved with but cannot fight her attraction to him and comes to realize that she may be the only one who can heal the scars of his dark and damaging past...

Review
While Ian and Beth's romance was lovely and heart-wrenching, Mac and Isabella's failed to completely satisfy me and my expectations for Cam and Ainsley were slightly dimmed. As it turns out these expectations were not only met but exceeded as well and The Many Sins of Lord Cameron is my show more favorite in the series so far.

Cam's suffering at the hands of his diabolical former wife is agonizing and the way he learns to love and trust again with Ainsley makes for wonderful reading. I must admit that his rakish behavior at the beginning of the book put me off a bit but it turns out that all sides are well aware of what they are into and he more than makes up for it in his relationship with Ainsley.

Ainsley is a refreshing and entertaining historical heroine. She is a complete tomboy who loves her pastries and has no compunction sneaking around, picking locks and stealing necklaces. Her interactions with Daniel are sweet and she has enough backbone to stand up to Cameron and the Queen of England.

The romance is compelling and the writing flows, and if the meeting between Eleanor and Hart is anything to go by, the next book will be perfect. I can't wait till April to read it. show less