The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie

Finally getting around to writing this post. This is the first book in the Mackenzie’s and McBrides series that I have already begun to read out of order! I first read Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage which got me into this series. I wasn’t lost in that book, missing the first one, so I think it is okay to read these books out of order. As always, I have been busy but never too busy to read a chapter or two! Right now, I am finally student teaching and loving it! I am continuing to read as often as I can to meet my 2020 reading goal of 20 books! 19 to go.

Lord Ian Mackenzie and his brothers are known for their lavish lifestyle, handsome personalities and their unforgettable Scottish accents. They all have their secrets too; including Lord Ian. Not only did he spend some time in a youth institution but also was seen leaving the scene of a brutal murder. His blackouts leave him wondering if he really killed a woman and his uncontrollable rage convinces him he did. He keeps those haunting thoughts hidden away so no one knows what madness consumes him until young Beth comes into his life and quiets his mind. He knew instantly that she is the one he needs to calm the storms but she takes a little longer to realize she is fighting demons of her own. They need each other more than they realize.

Another good historical/period romance on the shelf. I really liked this book, not as much as Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage though. This book has its own charming story though and of course, that is what makes it unique.

As the reader, we do get to see the other brothers and get a look into their future stories. There are 15 books in this series; it will be interesting who else we get to see.

I think my favorite part of this book was the introduction of the brothers and then the mystery element of the book. It wasn’t just a full out romance book, although there was plenty of that. The mystery of who committed the murders lingers throughout the book. Don’t you worry, we find out at the end of the book with a little bit of action thrown in there too.

I like Jennifer Ashley’s books; she creates a visually appealing world for the reader. The way she describes the clothing the charters are wearing, the settings and their accents really bring the whole story together and makes these books worth reading. I also have dubbed these books as good “bath tub” books. Weird… I know but these types are ones that I always grab to read while soaking in bubbles!

Would I recommend this book? Yes and the series too! I have the third on sitting on the shelf waiting for me!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Up Next: Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks

One Day in December

Happy New Year!! This was the last book I read in the last decade but my first blog post of 2020! Looking back on the year, and with the help of my GoodReads app, I read 20 books; five more than my goal for the year. Some were great and some were just good. This book was right there in the middle. I was a good one to end the year with regardless.

10 years is a long time. A lot of things can happen and not. Laurie sits on a bus, awaiting the journey home when I young man catches her eye. She has also caught his and for a brief moment, their souls connect. The moment ends and the bus pulls away from the stop before either of them can do anything. For the next year, Laurie searches for handsome bus boy with no avail until one day, he pops back into her life… With her best friend on his arm. How is she going to be around them? How can she hide her love for him? Does he even remember her? All those questions and more are answered throughout the next years together. Weddings, roads not taken, deaths, heartaches, joys, tears and love; a lot of things can happen in 10 years.

One Day in December is part of Reese Witherspoon’s book club and I had seen it listed there and in the book stores a dozen times. One of my friends told me I had to read it this year (in 2019) or else. I obviously saved it for last since the title had December in it. I haven’t followed Reese’s book club ever but I might now if books like this one are one it.

I really liked this book; it was fast paced, lovable and had humor. The span of years is true, you really do go through 10 years with Laurie and Sarah. You meet them when they are roommates and just trying to figure life out. Then in comes the bus boy, Jack and then comes Oscar (Laurie’s future husband). And there goes another few years. Before you know it, you are at the end of the book!

This was Josie Silver’s debut novel and it was excellently written. I didn’t know that until I was looking for other books by her. With some authors, you can tell that this is their first novel. Like I said, this book was written very well and the publisher did a good job with the formatting and editing. I have a journalism degree, focusing on layout and design so I am a stickler when I find a mistake in books. I didn’t find any so it must have been edited well or the book was good enough to keep my eyes off the mistakes 😉 we shall never know! Her next book is coming out in March 2020; I will absolutely put it on my reading list.

I think it was the holidays that kept me reading this book for so long. I usually don’t spend that much time but I didn’t find a whole lot of time to read this past month. It isn’t a hard or boring read, there were just some nights that I didn’t want to pick it up. Once I did, I was quickly pulled into the story and would read a big chunk. There were some slower parts but there has to be in the span of a decade right?

Would I recommend? Yes, this book is very heart warming and a rewarding read.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Up Next: The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley