The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie (Mackenzies Series Book 1)

This book deserves the high ratings it has received. The story of Ian and Beth is touching, funny, sad, and enthralling. The plot is original and surprising. I loved the entire Mackenzie clan, and Jennifer Ashley creates an interesting family who will draw you in to the whole series. I only wish she wrote faster!

I've now read The Many Sins of Lord Cameron and Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage and am impatiently awaiting the April 2012 release of The Duke's Perfect Wife.

I absolutely loved this book. In my opinion, it's the best in the series. Ian isn't what you would think of as good relationship material, with his muddles and doubts about his own sanity, and not liking to be touched. But I ended the book seeing him slowly gain his self-confidence and opening himself up to the possibilities. I actually fell a little in love with this character and wondered if I would have been as patient and open as Beth and given the relationship a chance. A historical romance that makes you think, how refreshing. And the character holds true through out the series. I loved that.

Beth Ackerly is a former companion who has inherited a fortune from her late employer. A widow, she misses the married state and accepts the proposal of Lord Matherly.

Ian Mackenzie is the son of duke, but he spent many years in an asylum, and although his oldest brother rescues him at the death of their father, who was responsible for putting him there, everyone really believes Ian is mad all the same.

Both Ian and Lord Matherly collect Ming bowls, and it is when Ian is purchasing one from Lord Matherly that he learns about Matherly's fiancée. For some reason, Ian decides that this unknown young lady should know that Matherly is interested in her inheritance more than her person, that he has a houseful of mistresses that he has no intention of abandoning, and that he has some strange sexual proclivities.

I so LOVED it when at the theatre Ian swept Beth away to the ducal box and asked her to marry him! And that she said no, but because she loved his lovemaking, she asked HIM to have an affair with her.

Ian has always been a little off-kilter, but he is not mad. If anything, though, his stay in the insane asylum made him worse. He loves his older brother Hart for rescuing him from the insane asylum, but the problem is that Hart believes he is mad. Lovable mad, but still mad, and potentially dangerous, which is why he tries to keep tabs on him, and when he first hears about Beth Ackerly, is convinced that she is trying to take advantage of Ian, and is determined to get rid of her.

But Ian refuses to let her go, and Beth, falling deeper and deeper under his spell, decides that she must do something to eliminate the shadows of the past that haunt him. She knows it all has something to do with the murder several years ago of a prostitute by the name of Sally Tate, and more recently, of another one called Lily Martin, and that everyone suspects Ian of committing the crime during his infrequent but controllable rages. Even Ian wonders if he might have done it, although in his heart, he believes it was his brother Hart. And because they both suspect the other, neither wants to delve too deeply into the matter. Beth, however, has no such divided loyalties. She is convinced that Ian is innocent and that he must be cleared of the crime in order to move on with his life.

Ian is a tortured hero and Beth is the perfect choice to rescue him. It is so obvious from his actions that he fell in love with Beth from the first, although he kept telling her he wasn't capable of love, and she was instantly taken with him, although she insisted she wanted nothing but a carnal relationship. I am determined to read the other books in the series just to get another peek of Ian and Beth's in the future.

Of course, the MacKenzie men are all tortured heroes in one way or other, due to the cruelty (a madness of another sort) of their late father. I think it's unlikely that their stories will be as riveting as this one, but I'm willing to give them a chance.

This is one of the best books I've read recently, and Jennifer Ashley is an author to watch. I just purchased Cam's and Mac's stories and pre-ordered Hart's. Gotta love the instant gratification of the Kindle!

I really enjoyed Jennifer Ashley's new series featuring the Mackenzies. This story features Ian and Beth. I loved their story. It was very unique and drew you in beautifully. The romance was hot. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Very Enjoyable!! Highly Recommend!! A Keeper!!

I had purchased this book quite awhile back and finally got around to reading it over Thanksgiving. Because of Beth and Ian, my holiday season was taken over by the entire Mackenzie series! I love how his brothers worried over Ian, tried to do what they could for me. And Beth fell in love with all his quirks, behavior patterns that made him Ian. It was quite sexy, sometime heartwrenching but fabulous!

Loved the book!! It has a little bit of everything to offer... mystery, love, humor, family, strong female characters. I loved the character of Ian. He is a great example of how people are easily misunderstood. It was interesting to read about a character that if I had to guess was mildly autistic. His and Beth's journey throughout the book made putting the book down very hard. It's a page turner and well worth the price!

The story is a lovely romance mixed with authors take on how mental illness or any perceived problems wealthy families of that time period wished to keep hidden were dealt with in the name of "medical science".
Characters all quirky and very likeable/ lovable. All involved helped bring excitement to solving a murder mystery while traversing through the difficult rules of a society very rigid in class structure.

Ian Mackenzie is handsome and troubled and imperfect, but what a thorough lover! Beth is pretty, determined, passionate, and smart. Together they are lovers, friends, perfect for each other. Read this book. If you are like me, you will buy the other books in the series and dig in head first for more and more, and more. Jennifer Ashley is a fabulous writer.

I adore Jill Gregory's books , they invite you in to enjoy the comfort of small town togetherness ,a friendship between women that soon find themselves in Love with strong men, willing to give them all the Lovin they can handle ... enjoy the series of Lonesome way

I like this book because the main characters were mature, likable and not childish like most heroes and heroines in most romance novels I read, they didn't constantly fight over nonsense. Ian character was honest and straight forward and it was refreshing

Halfway through this book I commented to someone that I was finding this book to be beautiful. I said I hoped I wasn't being too dramatic and you know what? I wasn't exaggerating because that is exactly how I felt.

My heart ached for Beth and Ian and I truly loved these two characters. In fact, I loved the whole MacKenzie clan. They were so brash and tough, but oh when they loved, they loved implicitly.

Being a very recent convert to the Historical Romance genre I'm just waiting to pick up one that I don't like. Luckily, so far, I've had 3 out of 3 brilliant reads and this one is no exception thanks to some great recommendations from friends.

This book really was something special and I can't say enough about it.

Ian is a very different hero to the ones I normally read but, wow, did I love and feel for this tortured man.

I have to admit, until I started reading this book I really didn't know what Aspergers was, but I looked into it and I'm glad I did because it helped me understand Ian so much more.

The whole story was so well written and I couldn't put it down.

I loved every minute and took in every nuance of the writing.

Can't wait to read more in this series because I really loved this one!

We first meet Lord Ian Mackenzie at Sir Lyndon Mather's home appraising a Ming vase that he wishes to acquire. Ian is a stoic collector and can see; smell and taste a fake Ming like no-bodies business. Ian is regarded as an eccentric,and in hushed corners of polite London society is called a madman and a murderer. But Ian disregards people's perception, because, quite frankly, he doesn't understand them. He was locked in an asylum by his father for being "odd" and for seeing something he shouldn't have when he was just a young boy. Ten years later, after his father death,his brother Harte, now the new duke comes and has Ian released and his insanty record exsponged. Ian's mind doesn't work like everyone elses. For he has a photographic memory, mathimatical wizard and can recall things precisley years later.

Five years have passed and there are still whispers of a murder and an inspector doging Ian and his brothers every foot step. It isn't until Ian strikes a fancy for the young widow, Beth Ackerly that has Ian's mind and heart racing a bit faster. And puts him on a one track state of mind of making Beth his very own.

Beth Ackerly is a young beautiful widow who loved her late husband, but wants to settle down with no drama in her life. Marrying Sir Mather's seems the perfect solution until the dashing and devastating Lord Ian Mackenzie slips a note into her hand one night at the opera. After reading the note she stumbles outside for a breath of air only to be approached again by the "mad lord".

Ian takes no time in setting his cap for Beth. But with everything happening so fast she and her maid head off to Paris only to have Ian on her heels. As Ian and Beth grow closer she notices Ian's eccentricities. How he is blunt, straight ford and has no regard for society rules. She notices that Ian has a difficult time holding eye contact. But when he's with her he tries even though at times he fails. In between balls and underground gaming hells Ian and Beth fight to understand the complications of their feelings. With brothers trying to guard and protect their little brother, Ian is finding it difficult to comprehend the little intricacies of a normal day.

Another murder, a killer on the loose and a hot-headed inspector aiming for Ian's neck the Mackenzie's ban together to protect him. But Ian knows things that he shouldn't. He has seen things that he has kept hidden for five years in fear that he knows the real killer. And now he needs to protect Beth at any cost, even if that means sending one of his brothers to the hangman's noose.

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley by far was one of the best reads I have read in a very long time. I had read Emily Bryan's blog(shout out to [...]) and had an inkling about the story's premise. Ms. Ashley prose was that of a young man struggling with Asperger's syndrome in nineteenth century England. After reading the blog I was desperate to read the book and see if she held true to a person living with the disabilities. I was completely amazed in which Ms. Ashley weaved her romance and showed that a person with a mental disability is just as normal as the rest of us. With murder, mayhem and debauchery all around, they needed a character like Ian to see things as straight forward with no gray areas.

I was deeply touched by the way Beth came to love and teach Ian how to love. As a mother with a daughter with Asperger's Syndrome I could feel Beth's plight and Ian's struggle to grasp what was being given to him.

If I can say anything about this story is that at many different times the characters reach out to touch your heart. The characters were well round and imperfect which made this story a unique read. I recommend that you rush to your local bookstore or order it online as soon as you can.
Happy Reading

Wish I could find a McKenzie for me! Beautiful, beautiful love story! Having worked in the mental health field for many, many years, I found the handling of this very sensitive issue to be inspired, bringing tears to my eyes so often, I couldn't see. Have read it twice and am starting on 3rd time.

If you enjoy romance novels then you will definitely like this book. The story is unusual and well written. There is the Autisim aspect, which is the interesting twist that forms the story. However, if you're expecting a treatise on the subject, you're looking in the wrong place. I've gone back and read parts of this several times. It really is an entertaining love story. Read it. Do.

I loved this book. Not your typical formula historic romance. Jennifer Ashley knows how to tell a story and bring characters to life. I'm currently working my way through all of her books. So far, well worth the effort.

The storyline drug on and was inundated with side plots that really had no bearing. I wanted to like it because it's not often that you find a romance with a character like Ian (as I believe he might be autistic by our modern standard) but I only made it halfway through before giving up.

One my favorite reads as Ian MacKenzie did not have it easy with a cruel father he spent a portions of his childhood in an insane asylum well as soon as his cruel father died his brother the new Duke had him released. No more ice baths and shock treatments as he has Asperger's decease of course back then no diagnosis. The only one that seems to be able to understand handle him outside his siblings is his lady love Beth. Of course some protective family members think she may be a gold diggers using him not understanding true love. As Beth also has had an unhappy past.This is one of my favorite books of all time and I have read the entire series but Ian is my favorite character. This book is brilliant really wonderful if it were a painting I would call it a masterpiece! The entire series is fabulous but Ian is a unique character and a collector of Ming China and romance readers hearts! Just loved it!

I stumbled onto Jennifer Ashley through a 99-cent Kindle book special, and it was so good that as soon as I finished that one I went and bought this one, and then right after THAT went and bought another. She is just that good of an author!

So, the premise of this book is just plain bizarre, and it is a real testament to Ms Ashley that she not only makes it work, but makes such hauntingly emotionally compelling characters. This is a period romance, the kind that gets churned out by the thousands... but oh wait the hero is either autistic or very Aspergers (among many other things he can't meet anyone's eyes).

And from there unfolds one of the most original, unconventional romances I have ever read, and it is sweet and touching and white-hot erotic, and ends up just being very very *real*. Wow. If you're going to read one romance in the next 5 years, make it this one.

I loved this book. It had so much content compared to other Romances I have read lately. A good story that I could not put down until I had read the whole thing. I can't wait to read about Ian's brothers and hope there are spin offs from this book. The characters are all interesting! Loved it! Loved it!

I enjoyed this book immensely for its story and also for the fact that the male lead has Asperger's. For that alone, it is awesome! So often, the male leads in romance novels are specimens of perfection--personality flaws, yes, but rarely do you see one in which the male lead has something to truly overcome or to struggle against. I like how the Asperger's is simply presented as the way Ian is. It's natural, and you see his confusion in social interactions. It just all felt very natural and real.

I also like that Beth, the heroine, is not a virginal bride. I am so tired of romance novels about women who have been married, yet somehow, they are still virgins. This story is a lot more realistic than that--though it is quite steamy. I also like that Beth had a loving relationship before the one with Ian. Another cliche I'm tired of is the woman whose first husband was abusive, or boring, or whatever, but then her second time around, it's romantic, etc.

I like that this is a romance novel with a murder mystery subplot. When a book is just a romance, I am sometimes bored with it, but this novel kept me entertained and my attention riveted through out. I am eager to read the rest of this series. Ashley writes vibrant, fascinating characters whose love you will want to see succeed.

If you enjoyed this book/series, I think you will also enjoy 'The Brothers Sinister' series by Courtney Milan.

I enjoyed this book immensely for its story and also for the fact that the male lead has Asperger's. For that alone, it is awesome! So often, the male leads in romance novels are specimens of perfection--personality flaws, yes, but rarely do you see one in which the male lead has something to truly overcome or to struggle against. I like how the Asperger's is simply presented as the way Ian is. It's natural, and you see his confusion in social interactions. It just all felt very natural and real.

I also like that Beth, the heroine, is not a virginal bride. I am so tired of romance novels about women who have been married, yet somehow, they are still virgins. This story is a lot more realistic than that--though it is quite steamy. I also like that Beth had a loving relationship before the one with Ian. Another cliche I'm tired of is the woman whose first husband was abusive, or boring, or whatever, but then her second time around, it's romantic, etc.

I like that this is a romance novel with a murder mystery subplot. When a book is just a romance, I am sometimes bored with it, but this novel kept me entertained and my attention riveted through out. I am eager to read the rest of this series. Ashley writes vibrant, fascinating characters whose love you will want to see succeed.

If you enjoyed this book/series, I think you will also enjoy 'The Brothers Sinister' series by Courtney Milan.

I cannot say enough how I enjoyed this book. Wonderfully written! The great reviews on here has said it all for me.. nothing more that I can add, so just READ IT READ IT READ IT! One of my top 10 books now. Thank you Jennifer Ashley for an amazing story that touched every emotion in me! I will treasure this one always.

I always appreciate when an author attempts something out of the norm, and she did write the MMC, with his Asperger's, fairly well, but in one of the reviews someone mentioned the book felt like it lacked something, it lacked any real emotion- there was sex, but no real emotion behind anything, and it wasn't written as an erotic book, so even the sex scenes weren't fantastic, so that's it. It know that people with autism feel emotions differently than the average person, but they still feel them and if you're going to write a book with that particular challenge, then you need to find a way to write it so the reader still feels the emotions of a romance novel, this author didn't quite get there, but I did finish the book, thus the 3 stars (instead of sending my kindle through the air. . . . .)

This is an incredibly moving story about how love can truly conquer all obstacles. The "wounded hero" has little faith that the heroine can ever love him due to his autism. The heroine sees the hero for all his good qualities. He is never "miraculously" healed, but he is loved.

Kudos to the author for tackling a character who isn't perfect, but I found Ian's difficulties difficult to overcome as I read this book. However, I had become invested enough in the characters by the end of the book to continue with the series.

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie became one of my favourite book. Every quiet interaction between Ian & Beth gripped me tightly with its intensity & intimacy. Although it's fiction, (sorry!) it makes me yearn for the kind of soul deep, intense & brilliant love between two individuals. It focuses & induces clarity rather than the muddled emotional responses that other books evoked. Thanks for the Great book Ms Ashley.