Historical Romance Book Club discussion

Discussion thread for the first BOTM for June 2023. Please remember to use the spoiler tags when necessary! (Please see 'some html is o k' for instructions.)

Join us in reading this HR that features the theme Disabled lead character . Happy reading!


The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley

Synopsis:

The year is 1881. Meet the Mackenzie family—rich, powerful, dangerous, eccentric. A lady couldn't be seen with them without ruin. Rumors surround them—of tragic violence, of their mistresses, of their dark appetites, of scandals that set England and Scotland abuzz.

The youngest brother, Ian, known as the Mad Mackenzie, spent most of his young life in an asylum, and everyone agrees he is decidedly odd. He's also hard and handsome and has a penchant for Ming pottery and beautiful women.

Beth Ackerley, widow, has recently come into a fortune. She has decided that she wants no more drama in her life. She was raised in drama—an alcoholic father who drove them into the workhouse, a frail mother she had to nurse until her death, a fussy old lady she became constant companion to. No, she wants to take her money and find peace, to travel, to learn art, to sit back and fondly remember her brief but happy marriage to her late husband.

And then Ian Mackenzie decides he wants her.

I read this book and it was a surprisingly great book where the leading lady was amiable, assertive and could think rationally during a crisis. She also had the protective instinct and played the heroine. The MacKenzie brothers are quite the characters with each one being an absolute genius in one or two areas. They are also very handsome and have no shortage of female admirers. There is a mystery to solve involving two of the brothers. I have this four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️and will read the series.

Maureen wrote: "I read this book and it was a surprisingly great book where the leading lady was amiable, assertive and could think rationally during a crisis. She also had the protective instinct and played the h..."

It's a solid and enjoyable series, Maureen. You might be interested in The Mackenzie Chronicles: A Guide to the Mackenzies / McBrides series which is a guide to the whole series (bar the most recent books). It has synopses of each book, plus comments from the writer on some of her ideas and characters. I read it alongside the series as I worked through it. I found the Chronicles was quite useful and interesting. I wish more series authors would do something similar.

I haven't read this book for a couple of years, so I'm going to reread. Started today (hey, it's 1 June already here in Australia LOL). Already I like both Ian and Beth again. From their first meeting, there is a real connection. They are lovely together.

I have the audiobook so will join this read. My year has been hectic, and I have not done many planned reads. Have jumped around and read 2 books in this series but have read all of Ashley's Below Stairs books.

I won't be rereading this book although it is a favorite!

I am at the 45% mark on the audio version. Nice reader but nothing remarkable. I have no spoilers to share as I am finding the story good but so many have loved this book perhaps my expectations were too high.

Hi!! Do you think it's a good serie to read ?

Sandra, I read the authors other series and really enjoy it (more mystery than romance). I read every book as published.
Everyone loves the MacKenzie series. I think it's good, but it reminds me a lot of other series that have come out since 2009.

Sandra wrote: "Hi!! Do you think it's a good serie to read ?"

Yes definitely. Be warned, it is quite long though. There are lots of books, and I ended up taking some breaks between the books to read other things. But most of the books in the series are very enjoyable and well worth the read.

I finished my reread this morning and enjoyed the book again. It's more than 2 years since I'd read it, and luckily I had forgotten quite a bit of it so enjoyed it fresh all over again. 4 stars.

I really liked the two main characters and their honesty with each other. I think this carried the story for me. The plot line did get a bit complicated and there were some dramatic events especially in the later part of the book. But Beth and Ian's love shone through. A very nice read.

I just finished the book and gave it a 4*. As Jan said the main couples love for each other really did make the book. My only wish is that the "action" had been spread out a bit more rather than being backloaded.

Thanks for your feedback! I will see if I can find it and try to get back to reading... I have a lot of books as currently reading and I didn't take none to finish in the past months. :(

JAN "You might be interested in The Mackenzie Chronicles: A Guide to the Mackenzies / McBrides series which is a guide to the whole series (bar the most recent books). It has synopses of each book, plus comments from the writer on some of her ideas and characters. "
Thanks Jan. I will definitely look for the guide.

This is one of my favorite books and definitely my favorite of the series (though I haven't yet finished and read the last three). Although I own, I've already read three times and not yet ready for a reread; so I won't be joining in. Hope you all enjoy!

I just started the book. I know I'm a little late