REVIEW: The Scandalous Mackenzies by Jennifer Ashley

In The Scandalous Mackenzies (Mackenzies & McBrides #5.5 & 6.5) by Jennifer Ashley, We have two enticing novellas in this anthology from the world of the Mackenzies and the McBrides. Although both have previously been published, this is the first time they appear together in print. And what a pair these stories make! Both are filled with enough passion, tragedy, and longing to take the reader on the romantic journey of a lifetime.

First up is The Untamed Mackenzie originally published in 2013. Here we found Lady Louisa Scranton being framed for murder, with the dashing and streetwise Detective Inspector Lloyd Fellows of Scotland Yard coming to her aid. Louisa and Fellows already had a bit of history together, sneaking in kisses at a couple of Mackenzie events which complicated his role in the murder case. The other issue was Fellows being a policeman, which meant he was seen as too ‘common’ by society even though he had ties to the Mackenzie clan. Louisa might not have cared, but he didn’t want to further tarnish her reputation.

“You have much faith in me.”
“I’ve heard about your cases from Hart. He’s very interested in what you do. You find people, you solve crimes that no one else is able to.” Louisa looked up at him, her eyes full of confidence. “You’ll solve this one.”

There was so much pent up longing and desire between Fellows and Louisa in this short story, which was clearly evident in each scene. I thought author Jennifer Ashley was able to create a connection between them that was both believable and highly charged. As much as I came to love Louisa and Fellows, I honestly think both Daniel and Ian Mackenzie were my favorite characters. Daniel had such a straightforward, charming nature that he was a pleasure to read about. And Ian was intriguing with his eccentricities and brilliant mind. Overall, this was a lovely romance that may have had some darker undertones, but was actually filled with hope and promise.
 
Our second and final novella was Scandal and the Duchess which was originally published in 2014. In it, Captain Steven McBride literally runs into the dowager Duchess of Southdown, Rose Barclay, while in a drunken stupor. What develops between them is a plan to throw the London journalists off her trail and to help him keep the ladies at bay. But when a fake betrothal leads to true feelings of passion and tenderness, Steven and Rose must decide if they can walk away at the end of their arrangement.

“Oh, Rosie,” he said, his accent thick. “Why the devil did I have to meet ye?”
“We didn’t meet.” Rose struggled to find her voice. “We stumbled into each other.”
“Aye, and I wanted to stay fallen on you forever. You’re a beautiful woman, my Scottish Rose. You could be the end of me.”

I went into this story a bit skeptical, I’ll be honest. I’m not a huge fan of fake proposals or fake marriages, etc. But I think because I loved Steven and Rose’s characters and I could understand their situation, this totally worked for me. The feeling of this novella was a little bit different than The Untamed Mackenzie, in that there was more of a current of humor (and naughtiness!!) running through it. Yes there were certainly deep, emotional issues being dealt with, but Rose and Steven together were so much fun. Their chemistry was explosive and yet their relationship together was very sweet and loving. And their HEA? Purely magical. So. Good.

Jennifer Ashley writes stories that have soul along with tortured heroes and heroines that you can’t help but feel an emotional connection with. Ultimately, though, her storylines–as shown here–never cease to draw the reader in and not let go until the very final page. Whether you are already a fan of the Mackenzies & McBrides or you are new to the series, this anthology is sure to be a terrific read.

Book Info:

Publication: Published September 1st 2015 | by Berkley | The Untamed Mackenzie and Scandal and the Duchess (MacKenzies & McBrides #5.5 & 6.5)

The New York Times bestselling author of the seductive Mackenzies series once again sweeps readers away with two Mackenzies novellas together for the first time.

The Untamed Mackenzie
When Lady Louisa Scranton of the decadent Scottish Mackenzie family is accused of murder, Detective Inspector Lloyd Fellows of Scotland Yard, vows to clear her name. He’s already shared kisses with Lady Louisa, and not only is he convinced of her innocence, he’s falling for her. And while he may be the only hope of restoring her family’s honor, he intrigues Louisa in a way that may be even more scandalous than murder.

Scandal and the Duchess
Scandal follows Rose Barclay, young widow of the Duke of Southdown, wherever she goes. And now she’s been kicked out of her rightful home. But the dashing Scot Steven McBride—a decorated soldier who is notorious for heavy gambling and womanizing during his leave time—comes up with a ruse to foil the journalists and save Rose’s inheritance. But Rose will have to go along with his very scandalous proposal.

Includes a teaser of Jennifer Ashley’s The Stolen Mackenzie Bride