Sara reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 90 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 20
A caveat ... my review is completely biased. I live daily with this "madness" in my own home.
I can't tell you how uplifting and just downright fantastic it was to stumble across a hero living successfully despite obvious challenges. Ian is most certainly dealing with Asperger's - a form of high-functioning autism. My youngest son faces the same challenges as Ian and is blessed with that incredible gift of memory. He can't abide overly warm water or hair cuts (they hurt), can be overwhelmed by crowds, yet has been instantly memorizing maps and dates from history books from toddlerhood.
And Beth. What strength of character to not only live with the quirks but to understand them! I adore Beth. I hope my son is able to someday find someone as strong & understanding as she to share his life with.
Get around all of the particulars and you still find an engaging story that was quite good in itself and ever-so-well-written. It could have easily been such a disaster via misread signals and overthinking. The directness was refreshing. Well done!
I can't tell you how uplifting and just downright fantastic it was to stumble across a hero living successfully despite obvious challenges. Ian is most certainly dealing with Asperger's - a form of high-functioning autism. My youngest son faces the same challenges as Ian and is blessed with that incredible gift of memory. He can't abide overly warm water or hair cuts (they hurt), can be overwhelmed by crowds, yet has been instantly memorizing maps and dates from history books from toddlerhood.
And Beth. What strength of character to not only live with the quirks but to understand them! I adore Beth. I hope my son is able to someday find someone as strong & understanding as she to share his life with.
Get around all of the particulars and you still find an engaging story that was quite good in itself and ever-so-well-written. It could have easily been such a disaster via misread signals and overthinking. The directness was refreshing. Well done!
Kim H. (rubberducky) reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 79 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
A wonderful & moving story, but the secondary mystery plot pretty much dominated the last quarter of the book, and as far as mysteries go, this one is not all that interesting. Still a VERY good love story, which I can definitely recommend, and very hot, but the last few chapters are just a bit of a letdown. The heroine does the typical nitwit putting herself in danger to solve the mystery thing, which is beyond annoying to me. It's ultimately plausible though, because the hero is so vulnerable, and given who he thinks actually committed the murders, it makes sense that his chief concern would be in keeping the heroine safe & well away from trouble - making him uncooperative with her efforts in solving the mystery - while she would feel compelled to remove suspicion from him. I gave it an A- for a slightly less than perfect resolution, but it's still right on the edge of keeper territory. I think it sets the stage for the upcoming sequels exceedingly well and I'm looking forward to reading them.
Grade: A-
Sensuality Rating: R
Grade: A-
Sensuality Rating: R
Helpful Score: 6
I can't remember ever reading anything by this author before, but I will definitely put her on my "watch" list. This was a hauntingly beautiful story that kept my attention from the very beginning. I adored the main characters for being so straight-forward in their feelings almost immediately. (Unlike so many heroes/heroines who can't seem to figure out what they want.)
This book was on someone else's wish list so I have already mailed it to another member. I'm beginning to think it might should have stayed with me...
This book was on someone else's wish list so I have already mailed it to another member. I'm beginning to think it might should have stayed with me...
Willy W. reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 503 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Wow. A sensual and emotional book laced with mystery and thoughtful prose.
Jennifer Ashley writes of Ian MacKenzie, the youngest of the MacKenzie brothers who was institutionalized in childhood due to his "madness". Today we would say he has Asperger's Syndrome. He's unable to look people in the eye, he doesn't like crowds, he's almost an idiot savant with photographic memory and brilliance with numbers.
His counterpart is Beth, a woman widowed just a year into her marriage, who has known no man in nine years. She's a fantastic, strong female lead in a category of romances where women seldom have a personality outside of their relationship with the men.
Jennifer Ashley brings these very different people together and makes the pages sizzle. The point of view of Ian, his inability to deal with emotion, groups of people talking, noise, his intense focus - it is so well thought out and imaginative.
A truly wonderful historical romance that I'll read over and over.
Jennifer Ashley writes of Ian MacKenzie, the youngest of the MacKenzie brothers who was institutionalized in childhood due to his "madness". Today we would say he has Asperger's Syndrome. He's unable to look people in the eye, he doesn't like crowds, he's almost an idiot savant with photographic memory and brilliance with numbers.
His counterpart is Beth, a woman widowed just a year into her marriage, who has known no man in nine years. She's a fantastic, strong female lead in a category of romances where women seldom have a personality outside of their relationship with the men.
Jennifer Ashley brings these very different people together and makes the pages sizzle. The point of view of Ian, his inability to deal with emotion, groups of people talking, noise, his intense focus - it is so well thought out and imaginative.
A truly wonderful historical romance that I'll read over and over.
Paulette (romantiqueraven) reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I liked the characters. The plot and story line were interesting and had some refreshing new twists. It had some good steamy sex woven in but I thought the story started to drag a bit in the middle of the book. It picked up towards the end and overall was an enjoyable read.
Miranda M. (Governess4hire) reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 146 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I wasnt on the bandwagon when the first of this series come out (Highland Pleasures). I cannot believe Ive waited so long to read this series. Ive read other Jennifer Ashley books but none can compare to this one I finished up last night. Since there are so many reviews already on this book so Ill keep my review short and sweet.
The Madness of Ian Mackenzie is spiced by a chemistry that practically leaps off the pages. Its filled with passion, emotion, mystery and the intriguing package that is Ian Mackenzie.
This story is sure to pull at your heartstrings and keep you smiling until the very end. Its impossible to put down.
I simply adore this author! Jennifer Ashley crafts yet another spectacular romance. Brava!!
The Madness of Ian Mackenzie is spiced by a chemistry that practically leaps off the pages. Its filled with passion, emotion, mystery and the intriguing package that is Ian Mackenzie.
This story is sure to pull at your heartstrings and keep you smiling until the very end. Its impossible to put down.
I simply adore this author! Jennifer Ashley crafts yet another spectacular romance. Brava!!
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 1726 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked this book, the wonderful woman who falls in love with a Mackenzie brother for all the righ reasons and nobody seems to understand why. She helps him and makes him better, great story line and the story really takes off and keeps going. I look forward to more of her books!
Helpful Score: 1
Lord Ian MacKenzie is a handsome lord who marches to the beat of his own drummer. Mrs. Beth Ackerly, a beautiful widow, catches his eye and he is smitten. However, this is a really different take on the usual romance novel set in the 19th century. For one thing, Lord MacKenzie clearly has Asperger's Syndrome. Suffice it to say I'm familiar with it since I have a very close relative who has that diagnosis. The hero's quirks were so familiar to me (lack of eye contact, social awkwardness, incredible memory, direct almost blunt manner of speaking). The author did a good job capturing the interpersonal difficulties that someone with Asperger's has. That she was able to weave that into a compelling story was even that much more interesting to me.
It's fascinating to read a story about a highly desirable man with eccentricities. I find imperfect characters the most interesting characters. Loved this story and I highly recommend it. It's a good mix of mystery and romance. Sometimes the romance is too cheesy or the mystery isn't that thrilling, but this book is a good mix of both. It's a keeper.
It's fascinating to read a story about a highly desirable man with eccentricities. I find imperfect characters the most interesting characters. Loved this story and I highly recommend it. It's a good mix of mystery and romance. Sometimes the romance is too cheesy or the mystery isn't that thrilling, but this book is a good mix of both. It's a keeper.
Karin A. (Jerseygirltoo) -
Helpful Score: 1
I started this book after dinner and ended up finishing it at 3 a.m. Could. Not. Put. Down. I had to go to work the next day on 4 hours of sleep.
Loved, loved, loved Ian and Beth. You just know that she is the one woman in the world for him. Plus, it had one of my favorite plot devices, the hero who gloms onto the heroine at first sight, and will not let go. Beth is a wonderful heroine, strong-willed and protective of her man. I loved that she trusts her judgment and will not let anyone else come between them.
With all the hundreds of historical romances out there, it's hard to come up with an original story and characters, but Jennifer Ashley has done it. There's never been a hero quite like him. 5 stars. I don't know if I will like the other 3 brothers as much as Ian, but I will definitely be reading the rest of this series and everything else J.A. has written in 2011.
Loved, loved, loved Ian and Beth. You just know that she is the one woman in the world for him. Plus, it had one of my favorite plot devices, the hero who gloms onto the heroine at first sight, and will not let go. Beth is a wonderful heroine, strong-willed and protective of her man. I loved that she trusts her judgment and will not let anyone else come between them.
With all the hundreds of historical romances out there, it's hard to come up with an original story and characters, but Jennifer Ashley has done it. There's never been a hero quite like him. 5 stars. I don't know if I will like the other 3 brothers as much as Ian, but I will definitely be reading the rest of this series and everything else J.A. has written in 2011.
Cindy D. (ladybird) reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book! I love books where there is something 'different' about the hero. In this case, the hero is supposedly mad and has been locked up a number of years in an asylum. In fact, he may have a form of High Functioning Autism, from some of the characteristics mentioned. But I am in no way qualified to diagnose HFA. Anyway, there is some big mystery surrounding Ian and the murder of a lady-of-ill-repute several years back. Our heroine inadvertently crosses paths with Ian, and gets wrapped up in his life and the murder mystery. Beth appears to be one of those rare individuals (even more rare for a historical period) who seems to accept (if not understand) Ian's eccentricities. And it is wonderful to see Ian blossom under Beth's gentle care. I also LOVED the rest of the MacKenzie brothers (and their obvious love for Ian), and cannot wait to read their stories.
Mary H. (tulip44) reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 76 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked this book! Very interesting story. Well worth the read.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Put in an asylum as a child and given inhuman treatments for his "madness", people now whisper that Lord Ian MacKenzie is a murderer. Beth Ackerley doesn't believe he would hurt anyone. Yes, he is very anti-social, lacks eye contact and sometimes shows no emotions. But Beth sees another side of Ian and defends him against his critics. Soon she is investigating the murders of two prostitutes, hoping to keep Ian from hanging for murders he did not commit.
I put off reading this book because it just didn't sound like something I would like. Now I wish I had read it sooner. Ian has Aspergers Syndrom, a form of high-functioning autism. Beth is a woman who grew up in the slums, but has made something of herself. As Ian and Beth's relationship grows, we see that they are perfect for each other.
I found the mystery in this book to be interesting, if not really a surprise. And, I enjoyed the other members of the MacKenzie family. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
I put off reading this book because it just didn't sound like something I would like. Now I wish I had read it sooner. Ian has Aspergers Syndrom, a form of high-functioning autism. Beth is a woman who grew up in the slums, but has made something of herself. As Ian and Beth's relationship grows, we see that they are perfect for each other.
I found the mystery in this book to be interesting, if not really a surprise. And, I enjoyed the other members of the MacKenzie family. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Katie F. (roisindubh) -
I definitely enjoyed this novel! It is refreshing to find a hero who is not traditionally "perfect". The mystery element was so-so...I could have done without that in favor of developing Beth and Ian's relationship more, and that of Beth's relationship with Ian's family. All-in-all, a great read!
Yvonne L. reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 929 more book reviews
I have read Ashley's paranormal romance but this is the first historic romance. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to read the others in the series. It has just the right amount of fun, mystery, intrigue, and sadness.
And how can you not love Ian???? Think rainman but really sexy. I love the that Beth isn't your typical heroine either with her shady past, but she didn't dwell or worry about it that much. They were both quirky without being offensive.
I have to warn you that Ashley is a lengthy writer but it isn't boring by any means.
Loved! Loved! Loved it!!!
And how can you not love Ian???? Think rainman but really sexy. I love the that Beth isn't your typical heroine either with her shady past, but she didn't dwell or worry about it that much. They were both quirky without being offensive.
I have to warn you that Ashley is a lengthy writer but it isn't boring by any means.
Loved! Loved! Loved it!!!
Willy W. reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 503 more book reviews
Wow. A sensual and emotional book laced with mystery and thoughtful prose.
Jennifer Ashley writes of Ian MacKenzie, the youngest of the MacKenzie brothers who was institutionalized in childhood due to his "madness". Today we would say he has Asperger's Syndrome. He's unable to look people in the eye, he doesn't like crowds, he's almost an idiot savant with photographic memory and brilliance with numbers.
His counterpart is Beth, a woman widowed just a year into her marriage, who has known no man in nine years. She's a fantastic, strong female lead in a category of romances where women seldom have a personality outside of their relationship with the men.
Jennifer Ashley brings these very different people together and makes the pages sizzle. The point of view of Ian, his inability to deal with emotion, groups of people talking, noise, his intense focus - it is so well thought out and imaginative.
A truly wonderful historical romance that I'll read over and over.
Jennifer Ashley writes of Ian MacKenzie, the youngest of the MacKenzie brothers who was institutionalized in childhood due to his "madness". Today we would say he has Asperger's Syndrome. He's unable to look people in the eye, he doesn't like crowds, he's almost an idiot savant with photographic memory and brilliance with numbers.
His counterpart is Beth, a woman widowed just a year into her marriage, who has known no man in nine years. She's a fantastic, strong female lead in a category of romances where women seldom have a personality outside of their relationship with the men.
Jennifer Ashley brings these very different people together and makes the pages sizzle. The point of view of Ian, his inability to deal with emotion, groups of people talking, noise, his intense focus - it is so well thought out and imaginative.
A truly wonderful historical romance that I'll read over and over.
Gloria B. (granny-gloria) reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 41 more book reviews
Loved it. It was sad and sickening the things that happened to Lord Ian but what happens later in the book is a beautiful story.
Connie P. (Activegram149) reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 809 more book reviews
I think this one of JA is my favorite. You can't put it down once started. Wonderful writing, story line is great. Will keep you up until you finish it.
Of the tens of books I have read in the past couple months this one is the best! The characters are interesting and actually develop throughout the story and there is just enough heat between the main male and female characters to keep the pages turning. The mystery that is twisted into the plot was intriguing and actually added to the story in a thoughtful way. It did not feel like the author was trying to make the characters more interesting by adding some action scenes (which happens all too often). I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series and I am only disappointed in the fact that I will have to wait until the end of 2012 to get Hart's (the oldest brother's) story.
Rachel A. (ra7) reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 1026 more book reviews
Ian spent part of his childhood in an insane asylum. He is very intelligent (he remembers everything, among other things), but very socially awkward (he has Asperger's). Ian helps his brother, a Duke, when it comes to reading documents, etc. Beth was happily married before her husband died. After his death she was a companion to an older lady. She becomes a heiress when the companion died.
I really enjoyed this book. Ian and Beth are so perfect together. I thought she really "got" him. I also liked this family. I'm intrigued by the MacKenzies. There's Hart (a duke), Cameron (he was married and his wife tried to kill him and newborn son- he has a scar on his face from her. Son is Daniel), Mac (married to Isabella- they are separated and have been for 3 years or so- hinted that Mac had a drinking problem and that is why Isabella left him-most likely more to story).
I really enjoyed this book. Ian and Beth are so perfect together. I thought she really "got" him. I also liked this family. I'm intrigued by the MacKenzies. There's Hart (a duke), Cameron (he was married and his wife tried to kill him and newborn son- he has a scar on his face from her. Son is Daniel), Mac (married to Isabella- they are separated and have been for 3 years or so- hinted that Mac had a drinking problem and that is why Isabella left him-most likely more to story).
Hanna M. (HannaM) reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 64 more book reviews
i liked this book, jennifer ashley has finally come back from the paranormal and started writing about humans again and it is funny and fast paced and a delight to read. Ian is so insightful at times and she is so good for him. i cant wait to read the brothers stories, i only wish i didnt have to wait so long to read them!
S.G. G. reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
This will absolutely be one of my top ten books of 2009. Believe all the reviews - it IS THAT GOOD!!
Monica G. (champsmom) -
Wonderful read in one sitting. I would recommend this book and her other historicals~!
Melinda F. (Lindy67) -
A hot sexy rain man set in the late 1800's. A very good read.
Karen R. - , reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 71 more book reviews
What a fabulous book! I read it through in one sitting...could not put it down. The characters are finely developed and the subject matter intriguing. I anxiously await the three sequels to discover the fate of each of the four brothers. Ashley certainly improves with each new offering. Don't wait for this one to come available on our wish list....it is well worth the money to purchase today.
4amreader -
What a fantastic book all the way around! The author did such a great job, I don't know where to begin. Read it!
Marlene H. reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
I loved this book it's one of my favorites. It has a little of everything in it sad funny but not over the top. And you can't help but like the hero and the heroine. I have read very few books where I liked them both.
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
I love all things Scottish so I liked this book because it was based in Scotland. However, it is definitely not Jennifer Ashley's best book. Lord Ian really is mad not just quirky or odd but flat out mad. I doubt they had diagnosed autistism back them but that is what I deduced from Ian's behavior. Might have had a little bit of Tourette's Syndrome too. He didn't burst out with curses but just inappropriate things and weird times. Regardless of his eccentricities, I liked Ian and his three brothers. Beth is his rock and stablizes him when needed. The courtship (if you could call it that as Ian asked her to marry him at their first encounter) is somewhat peculiar but I can see how and why Beth fell for him.
This is well written and has interesting characters. A good read all the way around.
This is well written and has interesting characters. A good read all the way around.
Read this in one sitting. Definitely a keeper!
Krishawna S. (kstewart) reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
Great book! Great series! I would highly recommend not only this book but the entire series. And any other book by Jennifer Ashley you can get your hands on!
jjares reviewed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures, Bk 1) on + 3413 more book reviews
This is a well-written story about a man with tremendous mental abilities, but who has Asperger's. He's spent years in a lunatic asylum; his greatest fear is being sent back.
Ian Mackenzie meets Beth Ackerley on the arm of her fiance, Lyndon Mather. Before the chapter is over, Ian has convinced Beth that Lyndon just wants her for her money and that Lyndon maintains an active liaison with mistresses and working girls. However, Ian does not convince Beth to marry him; instead, Beth decides not to marry at all.
A detective at Scotland Yard is sure that either Ian or Hart MacKenzie killed two working girls and has gone to great lengths to prove it. The detective tries to get Beth to spy on the MacKenzie's for him. Beth shows him the door.
This is a mystery as well as a romance between two (less-than-perfect) people. The story moves fast and the novel is hard to put down.
Ian Mackenzie meets Beth Ackerley on the arm of her fiance, Lyndon Mather. Before the chapter is over, Ian has convinced Beth that Lyndon just wants her for her money and that Lyndon maintains an active liaison with mistresses and working girls. However, Ian does not convince Beth to marry him; instead, Beth decides not to marry at all.
A detective at Scotland Yard is sure that either Ian or Hart MacKenzie killed two working girls and has gone to great lengths to prove it. The detective tries to get Beth to spy on the MacKenzie's for him. Beth shows him the door.
This is a mystery as well as a romance between two (less-than-perfect) people. The story moves fast and the novel is hard to put down.
