| Title | : | Lady Isabellas Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies McBrides, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0425235459 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780425235454 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 316 |
| Publication | : | First published July 6, 2010 |
Six years ago, eighteen-year-old Lady Isabella Scranton scandalized all of London by eloping the night of her come-out ball with the notorious rake, Lord Mac Mackenzie. After three turbulent years of marriage, she scandalized London once again—this time by leaving him.
Now Mac has resurfaced, every bit as charismatic, and with one goal: to seduce Isabella back into his life and his bed even if it means acting like a real gentleman. But when Isabella rises to the challenge of posing nude for Mac's erotic paintings, her pent-up hunger for the decadent rake is exposed as well, and she finds herself unable to resist the smooth strokes of an artist at work.
But someone's been watching them—dangerously close. This ingenious forger with designs on Mac's paintings also sets his sights on Isabella herself. Deciding to become Isabella's protector, Mac vows to never leave her side, whether his independent and proud lady likes it or not.
Lady Isabellas Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies McBrides, #2) Reviews
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5 Scandalous Stars
*Spoilers*
First read May 4 2015
Reread 8/17/2016 best second chance love story!
Re reread 6/27/2017
Rere reread July 21 2020
“Isabella.” The word came out half whisper, half moan. “I’ve missed you so much.” “I’ve missed you.” She touched his face, her hand cool and soft. “I do miss you, Mac.”
I am enjoying the hell outta this series! I was a little fearful when I started this book. I worried that Ian's book would have set the bar too high and this one would never live up to the love I have for Ian. I was so wrong OMG!!!! This book was so damn good. I think I have a weakness for sexy Scottish men.
“It is a game, my love.” He held her gaze. “It is the most serious game I’ve ever engaged in. And I intend to win it. I will have you back, Isabella—in my life, in my house, and in my bed.”
What this book is about
Isabella met Mac 6 years ago at her coming out ball. He stole a dance, then a kiss. That night they run off and scandalously eloped. After 3 years of putting up with Mac disappearing without warning to paint for weeks at a time (God knows where), and always being drunk Isabella had enough. She leaves him. When Isabella left Mac it was his wake up call. Mac loves his wife. He knows he messed up big time, and sets about to get his life in order. He sobers up, and stops hanging out with his drinking friends. It's a few years later and Mac feels he has given Isabella enough time. He misses his wife, and he is ready to win her back! Isabella still loves her husband and misses him so much it hurts. He says he has changed, but he said it many times before. She just doesn't know if she can stand to be hurt again. Can Mac win his wife back, and get her to trust him again?
“I’m not interested in being fair. I’m fighting for our marriage and our life. Fair doesn’t come into it.”
Mac:
“Scandalous debutante,” he said. “With her legs around a wicked lord.”
Mac yum! Mac is so funny, charming, playful, and sexy. I loved Mac. He knows he made huge mistakes in his marriage, and he works hard to do right by his wife. I love that he and Isabella are faithful to each other even when apart. He is patience while working to win his wife back. He is an artist so he is very passionate. Mac is very giving, and protective of those he loves. He has a very big heart, and is a all around good man.
“I know you can’t. But understand this: I want to take you to bed and have you wake up with me, unashamed, no regrets, no tossing me out before anyone catches us. I want your trust, whole and unblemished. I will keep fighting until I have that.”
She put her hand on his knee and slid it swiftly under his kilt. Mac inhaled sharply. “My, my, you’re good at that. Is that the sort of thing you learned in finishing school, young lady?” Isabella gently twisted her hand around his shaft, and perspiration formed on Mac’s upper lip. “On the contrary. I learned deportment and how to wear a fine hat.” “Nonsense, you had lessons in this. Miss Pringle must have handed out models of cocks, made of plaster of paris maybe.” He took on a high falsetto. “Like this, girls. One, two, one, two. Come along, ladies, don’t slack.”
“Because I’m madly in love with the woman I painted. There’s love in every brushstroke, every dab of paint. I couldn’t paint when Molly posed because she’s only a model to me, like a vase of flowers. You are real. I know what your flesh feels like under my hand. I know how slick your cleft is to my fingers, how your breath tastes in my mouth. I love every part of you. That is what I painted, and no one in the world will get to see these pictures but the two of us.”
Isabella:
“I can’t lose you.” Isabella stroked his hair, her touch so dear to him. “I don’t want to live without you, Mac. I never was a whole person until I met you.”
Poor Isabella, I really felt her pain. She was so young when she married. Her family disowned her for eloping with Mac, her husband drinking and running off all the time then she suffers such a big loss, and Mac isn't there for her. Living in an age when women let their husbands do as they please and just take it, I loved that Isabella respected herself enough to demand her husband treat her right. When he didn't change she left even though she still was madly in love with Mac. She had a lot of courage to stand on her own back then. I understood where she was coming from. She was hurt , but she was still sweet, and caring to him and his family. Isabella is independent, strong willed, playful, and a cheerful person! She is determined to be as happy as she can even when life didn't go the way she planned. I total understand her reluctances to let her husband have another chance.
“I bought gowns I thought you’d like to see me in. I gave tea parties for your friends, so they would be my friends too. I ran fetes to help people who needed help, because I wanted to emulate the way you helped poor artists.”
“But how do I know our time together now won’t be the same as it was before?” she asked, anguished. “With you coming and going without a word, you deciding when we’ll be together and when I need a rest from you? You don’t get to decide everything, Mac.”
"But there are things about the other Mac I still love,” Isabella went on. “I love your humor, your ability to render things harmless by laughing at them. I love your charm. When you were playing with the band on the street corner, you rose to the occasion with aplomb and made your friends look like idiots for ridiculing people. I was so proud to be your wife that night.”
“I love you,” Isabella heard herself say. “I love you, my Isabella. I’ve never stopped loving you, not for one single second.”
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage is a beautiful story of second chance love. Of a husband and wife that made many mistakes, but found their way back to each other. Their love stronger than ever. Mac and Isabella have explosive passion. They love each other and have a deep bond that just made their sex hotter! I love that you get to see a lot of their past relationship in this book, you get to see them meet , fall in love, fight, and see how it all went wrong. So you don't feel like you are missing half the story, like it sometimes feels in second chance love stories. There is lots of Ian and Beth in this book too which just rocks! The Ending OMG the HEA. I was freaking out, all girly giddy , bouncing up and down in my chair and doing a lil happy dance. The ending was so good. It was like a super size happy ending. This series is a hit for me! Anyone who likes beautiful loves stories and sexy Scots in kilts should read this series! So Good.
“Isabella,” he whispered. “I was a selfish, selfish bastard. Do you believe me when I tell you I realize that now?”
I will leave you with one of my favorite moments from this book:
“A gentleman sending you flowers?” Mac asked in a mock gruff voice behind his breakfast newspaper. “Is he a proper sort of gentleman?” “I believe so.” Isabella sat down at her place, fingering the card, which she’d slipped into her pocket. “He has invited me to go walking with him this afternoon.” Mac folded down one corner of the paper, giving her a stern look. “And what have you decided?” “I will accept. Going for a walk in a public place will be most proper. And agreeable.” “Be careful of his intentions. I’ve heard of this Lord Roland’s bad reputation.” “I believe he’s reformed,” Isabella said. “So he tells me.” Mac tsk-tsked. “Be on your guard, my dear. Be on your guard. I believe he paints women—with their clothes off.”
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessio... -
“It is a game, my love.” He held her gaze. “It is the most serious game I’ve ever engaged in. And I intend to win it. I will have you back, Isabella—in my life, in my house, and in my bed.”
Loved this book
but most of all, I loved the romance! 
So great to read a historical where the heroine isn't a virginal miss, but a married woman, and the couple know each other (well, they're married 
)
This is the story about forgiveness and making peace with the past, but ultimately, SEDUCTION
“My dear Isabella, I will take your suggestion and show you what happens when you play with fire. I will make certain we see each other quite, quite often. And there will be no growing jaded with each other. Because you see, my dear, when I at last take you home again, it will be forever. No regrets, no games, no being ‘comfortable.’ We will be man and wife, in all ways, and it will be final.”
The story
Six years ago, Isabella and Mac eloped and created the scandal of the year. Three years after that they got separated which created another scandal of the year. Now, Mac has decided to do all he can to get Isabella back, even if it means making another scandal of the year
Well basically, there isn't that much story and happenings in this one, it's about Mac and isabelly, trying to make it better between them, Mac showing he's changed and trying his best to get her back :) Absolutely loved all of that
The mistery part... Not so much. That really wasn't my thing and i didn't find it that interesting, that's why it's 4 stars. But the romance pulls it through, if only the suspense was a bit better it would have complete 5 rating. Oh well
I won't say what it was, but it really made no sense and well, I could do if the whole forgery/doppleganger thing was out of the book.
The writing is wonderful, just like in the first book!
The sex still seems modern, I mean, it would pass as a contemporary if you just plucked it out and put in a modern story. Not used to it in my historicals, but whatever, it's REALLY hot, so I don't mind
The characters - loved seeing all the brothers again, especially because we got a glimpse of Ian and Beth and how they're doing <3 Loved it! There was a teaser about Cameron and Ainsley, I think they know each other!!! And there was the mention of Hart's ex-fiance, so yeah, can't wait for his book too :DDD“Of course I do not believe it is so simple. But perhaps, if we agree to become more, well, easy with each other, perhaps we could catch sight of each other without simmering.”
“I very much doubt that.” Mac slanted her a hot smile. “I’ve been simmering for you since the night we met. I’ve never stopped, and I never will, no matter how many times I have the pleasure of taking you to bed.”
“One day you’ll ask me to stay, Isabella. One day. And I’ll be there for you. I promise.”
Isabella
Isabella left Mac three years ago because she just couldn't live with him anymore. I won't say exactly what happened, but it was tough and i totally understand her. I fell in love with her in the first book, she's such a great character, a strong woman, and one thing just made me love her more .
She still loves Mac, but he hurt her too much, and she's just afraid to go back and be hurt again.
Mac has changed though, and she slowly lets him in, they start seeing each other more, and Mac being mac, he seduces her again and we have some very smexy scenes between them
It was pretty hard to read the glimpses into their history, but I loved it still, every second of it. The romance was beautifully written, and the slow build was great! Isabella didn't let herself be manipulated, and it took her time to come to terms with what happened, and make herself let go of the past and start fresh with Mac. Loved her!“It is not only the money. He—or she—is stealing a part of you.”
“Is he?” Mac couldn’t imagine what part. Isabella had taken most of him when she’d left, leaving a hole where Mac had been.
Mac
I love the man. I really do. One fact was enough for him to get my adoration.
I can't say how glad I am that the author decided to do this, maybe it's a bit unrealistic, but let's face it, all these characters are unrealistic and too perfect, so damn, if they can be even more prefect - I'm taking it! So Mac was uber-awesome right from the start!
He's an artist and he loves to paint, he doesn't sell his work, he doest it for him, for enjoyment. Since the separation he hasn't been able to pain a single good painting, but now it looks like his "muse" is back, and in the form of Isabella :D
Loved their painting sessions
sexy and hot, so well described, would have looked good as a movie scene :DDDDD
I loved Mac's determination to change himself, to make it all better with Isabella and get her back no matter what. He's just awesme.
“I’m here,” he said. “You don’t have to bear the burden alone anymore.”
I really did love this book, the relationship between the main couple was beautiful, and how it slowly progressed... Just amazing!
Even though the mystery isn't that special, it's still such a great book and it would be a shame to miss it!
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Having read and LOVED The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, I thought I’d go crazy waiting for this book to come out, and at times I nearly did. But let me just say, it was well worth the wait!
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage is, of course, Roland “Mac” and Isabella Mackenzie’s story. From the first book in the Highland Pleasures series, we learned that they had married under unconventional, AKA scandalous, circumstances, then separated a few years later. It was clear that their relationship had been intense, a roller coaster ride of epic proportions, and that there were still deep, unresolved feelings between them. This book gives us a much closer look into their relationship and what went wrong.
I’ll start off by saying that while I love this book, I mean really love it, it still didn’t quite compare to my absolutely-over-the-top-bordering-on-unhealthy-adoration of Ian’s book, The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie and honestly, I’m not terribly surprised. I’m only mentioning this to you, dear readers of this review, because in most series, the first book is the weakest and the others just get better and better. In this case, I found the first book to be incredibly phenomenal and the second book merely wonderfully splendid!!!
That said, here’s what I loved about Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage :
Jennifer Ashley has the Mackenzie family down to an art. Each brother has his very own quirks and peculiarities, which was quite fashionable during that time period which means that while in some circles they were merely tolerated, in others they were nearly worshipped. While Ian’s “madness” wasn’t something he could control, it made him such an endearing character, and some of the highpoints of Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage were the times we spent with him.
Mac is an artist, and like most artists are, he’s quite eccentric. But what I adored about him was that he was so willing and able to accept the blame for what went wrong in his marriage, and he believes that most, if not all, of their problems were his fault. He makes no excuses for his behaviors and is willing to do whatever it takes to win Isabella’s heart again. The thing is, and what Mac doesn’t understand is that he hasn’t really lost it, not yet anyway. But we can’t mistake his acceptance of blame for playing the martyr, which he did not. My grandmother, on the other hand, was the queen of disingenuous martyrdom! She was someone who didn’t like to accept blame. She had this act she’d fall into whenever someone accused her of something that she knew darn well she was guilty of. “Go ahead, heap it on! Blame me, my shoulders are wide,” she’d say, slapping herself on the shoulders, “I can take it!” The thing was, we all knew she was in the wrong and knew that she knew she was wrong, but she played that part to get everyone to shut up. LOL!!! Ummm… yeah, so, where was I? Oh, yes! There was nothing like this about Mac. He was actually very straightforward about what blame he’d take as his own and what he would not, which is why I believe that he meant what he said when he said he was the one who had ultimately driven Isabella away. Wow! How refreshing is it to find that in a man?!?
Isabella was so, so young when they met and married. There was no way she would have the “tools” or the experience to deal with a man like Mac, yet she fell in love with him anyway. I have to admire the way she tried and tried and then when she finally what her entire life would be if she didn’t do something, she finally left him. For one so young, she was amazingly insightful. Thankfully for her, and for us, Ian had been there for her over the years of her and Mac’s separation. All of the Mackenzie brothers were. They adored her and still saw her as a member of their family. They watched out for her, protected her, and loved her every bit as much as they ever had – in fact, even though blood is thicker than water, I think if they had had to choose between Mac and Isabella, they would have chosen her. Their unfailing devotion to her was a brilliant bit of storytelling because it allowed us to accept her easy, believable return to the family when it happened.
With the exception of a subplot used to help propel the reuniting of Mac and Isabella that I thought was rather weak and didn’t really “grab” me, I adored every minute of this book. And while, as I said, I didn’t care for that subplot, I loved the outcome, for what it means for Mac and Isabella. And of course, the high points of the book were Ian’s appearances. I’m thinking that once this series is through, Jennifer Ashley should just write a series based solely on Ian – perhaps he’d make a great investigator with his eye for detail and being able to read even the most subtle of nuances. And I’ll be the heroine **big grin**
Now, I have a question/thought for those of you who have read both books -
Well, I’m going to stop here because I’m just rambling anyway and honestly, I could go on for pages and pages about the Mackenzies and yet never do them justice. I just adore them, each and every one of them, but the truth of the matter is that I’m not eloquent enough a speaker or writer to express in words how much I feel for this incredible family. I’ll just say this; Jennifer Ashley, with the help of Clan Mackenzie, has created another masterpiece with Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage. -
I am in love with the MacKenzie Brothers
*****4.25 ~ Scandalous Stars*****
Six years ago, Mac MacKenzie was a hot mess. He was a fun loving, drunk bastard that didn't have a care in the world. He crashed a debutant's coming out party on a dare, but the joke turned out to be on him because he fell madly in love with the debutant.
Mac
Isabella needed an out. Her father had planned to marry her off to some old crone that she had no interest in. One look at Lord MacKEnzie and she never looked back. She created scandal by eloping with him the night of her coming out party.
Their marriage was full of love, and turmoil. Three years of was enough for Isabella. She'd had enough of Mac's selfish ways and left his sorry ass.
Though three years have passed, these two still love each other passionately, and Mac wants his wife back in his bed!!!
This was a nice follow up to Ian's book. This one had a little more angst and a bit more adventure. I love it when there is more to the plot than, boy chases girl, boy wins girl. There was a bit of a mystery plot also. This wasn't as wonderful as book 1, but it was a solid 4.25 read that I can easily recommend to anyone interested in reading this series!!
Sexxy MacKenzie Reviews:
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron
The Duke's Perfect Wife
A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift
The Untamed Mackenzie
The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie
Scandal and the Duchess
Rules for a Proper Governess -
How am I only just now discovering the magic that is Jennifer Ashely!?!? I fell in love with Ian in the first book and was looking forward to reading the romance between Ian's brother Mac and his wife. This is a romance between a couple that is already married and having a rocky time and I could not wait to read it.
Isabella left Mac almost three years ago. They had a whirlwind 9 day courtship before getting married and were madly in love. But things weren't perfect and Isabella found herself leaving Mac and becoming a scandal of society. Their romance was so heartbreaking, especially because of what happened that drove them apart. Mac is far from perfect and he spends a lot of time making up for his faults to Isabella. They both end up having to work together to uncover who is pretending to be Mac in society and selling paintings under his name. I loved the forced proximity of the two, especially when Mac is forced to stay in Isabella's house. Even the details of how the staff had worked for both Mac and Isabella when they were together, so they have a history together, was so fun.
Mac is an artist and the details of him being a painter made this story more unique and scandalous. He loves to make paintings and will often do erotic paintings, which definitely heats things up between him and Isabella. I absolutely loved Isabella and the repercussions she had to deal with from her family for eloping with Mac and then from society for leaving Mac. They have some past problems they really have to struggle with and I enjoyed watching them work through those as they were working through their current problems together.
Overall, this romance was so sweet and I loved watching Mac and Isabella learning to love and trust each other again after years of hurt. Like the first book, I loved the family dynamics and how close the MacKenzies are to one another and to their wives. If you haven't picked this series up yet, I highly recommend you do so!
Trigger Warning for miscarriage. -
Damn, my review disappeared. Anyways, the gist of it was that it wasn't as good as the first, but still enjoyable. I really like the writing style and the main characters (despite their faults) but the sub plot felt very wishy-washy and kind of unbelievable. The highlight was definitely seeing Ian and Beth again!
Rating: 3/5 -
"Now I dare you, my fine lady from Miss Pringle's Academy: From which part of my anatomy would you like to lick this cream?"
Can I answer that question? PLEASE.....let me answer!!!!!!!!
This book 2 in the Mackenzie series and I will have to say that, once again, I'm in love with another Mackenzie brother. Good lord these men are so delicious and they wear kilts..........YES I said KILTS!!!!!!!
This is Lord "Mac" Mckenzie and Isabella's story. They were married 6 years ago but they have been separated from each other for 3 years. However they have always remained deeply in love with one another. Now circumstances have brought them back together and Mac will stop at nothing to win Isabella back.
"...understand this: I want to take you to bed and have you wake up with me, unashamed, no regrets, no tossing me out before anyone catches us. I want your trust, whole and unblemished. I will keep fighting until I have that,"
Mac is wealthy by his birth right and a renowned artist because of his talent...he is also handsome, tall and Scottish. He doesn't sell his paintings but gives them away to his friends and relatives. The art is what is what brought them back together when Isabella finds a forgery with Mac's name on it.
Mac also paints in a kilt and bandanna.....that's it!!!!! Now as a lover of all things artistic, this image is now burned in my head and had me panting through most of the book....I just had to share that with you all.
Isabella is a strong and beautiful woman, she's not typical for this era, she stands up for what she believes in, even from Mac. She knows how she wants to be treated as a wife and she will not accept anything less than the standard she has set.
Issues arise...no I'm not going to tell you what they are... and Mac has to live with Isabella, he is determined to show her he has completely changed his life around. His painting has even suffered through all his changes, he needs his muse back and Isabella is definitely his muse. She just isn't so sure because Mac has a gypsy soul and loves to wonder about.
Will he change her mind and show her how much he loves her?
I'm not going to tell you but I will say it was a beautiful journey!
"If anyone can tame the wild Mac, it's you." "I think I don't want you tame. I like you wild." "Do you? That's encouraging."
In this book you get forgery, house fires, doppelgänger, erotic portraits, children, honestly, love, death, family ties, hurt and mystery.
My Thoughts
I absolutely love this book and this series as a whole is fantastic. I just don't know what else to say, if you are looking for a great historical series pick it up and READ people!!!
Buddy read with my friend......Vishous!!!!!!!! -
This is excellent storytelling. Second chance marriage in trouble with some really beautiful emotional moments and super sensual too. Loved it.
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Enjoyed the hell out of this second chance/marriage in crisis romance.
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5-second-chance-stars!!!
I rarely sniff around books with marriage-in-crisis trope but there’s something about Mac and Isabella that made me push through with this and bloddy hell! I am so glad I did. T’was a very romantically touching read.
Full RTC
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Pre-reading review
This is a marriage in crisis trope I am absolutely signing up for. Isabella and Mac intrigued me in Ian and beth's book... -
FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED
"Then another of your weapons is dancing me until my feet hurt," Isabella said. "That and your kilt."
He looked nonplussed. "My kilt?"
"You look particularly fine in a kilt."
Mac's gaze flickered. "Yes, I remember, you always liked looking at my legs. And other parts of my anatomy. Rumor has it that a Scotsman wears nothing at all under his kilt."
London, 1881
Even though the scandalous Lord Roland (what a name; I can understand why Mac didn't want to be called Roland) "Mac" Mackenzie and Isabella are separated they are still madly in love with each other. Mac had hurt her and kept hurting her. Yet Isabella hurt him back. Mac is an artist and since their separation he lost his magic brushstroke. He not only lost his wife but also his muse. Mac wants Isabella back, and his attempt at courtship and seduction is quite successful! He promises her that there will be a forever and he fully intends to win her back. No regrets and no games anymore. They will be man and wife again. Ultimately, Isabella is the reason that Mac got his inspiration back. When Mac's painting Isabella, there's love in every brushstroke, every dab of paint.
"What do you wish me to say? That yes, those are the best things I've ever done, that they come from part of my soul that craves what it can't have? That they scream what I see when I look at you?"
Isabella's face heated. "I only meant you should admit that they are good."
"They are bloody wonderful. They're the only things I've been able to paint in years.
My favorite quote:
"It wasn't the lack of drink that took away my ability, love; it was my own bitterness. I know that now. Once I sobered up I couldn't shut out my anger at you for leaving me, and at myself for causing it. I buried my love, because it hurt me too damn much to feel it. And my paintings were awful. When I decided to let myself love you - just love you, what you are, no matter what you thought of me, it came flooding back." Mac drew another shaking breath. "I think I can paint anything now."
Although Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage is not as good as The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie I did enjoy it a lot. I really liked the scandalous Mac. He is such a humorous guy and he liked to tease Isabella. I really appreciate it when a hero makes me smile and laugh. And believe me, I had to smile quite a lot while reading this story. I totally enjoyed the witty dialogs! Oh, yes, I should not forget to mention that Mac in a kilt (and painting) is a sight for sore eyes! YUM! Of course I absolutely loved to see these two together. Wow, their hunger, passion, and need was utterly palpable! So was their pain. Mac wanted to sin with Isabella.
The story is enhanced by a nice little touch of suspense. I won't give away too much but it revolves around Mac's paintings.
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage is another sensual and enticing story written by the talented Jennifer Ashley. If you want to read a sensual historical romance novel then give the series Highland Pleasures a go. I think you won't regret it. I'd like to conclude my review with this quote:
"My wicked little debutante," he said in a low voice. "We'll be as naughty as you like. All of society will swoon to behold our decadent ways."
Isabella slanted him a sinful smile. "I'm looking forward to it," she said. -
This one's going to be spoilery...BIG TIME!!
I had one of those epiphany moments while listening to Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage. I haven't used spoiler thingamajiggies, so, please proceed with caution.
Isabella and Mac have been separated for 3 years. In their time apart, and for the whole of their marriage, they have been faithful to each other. Now, here's the thing, when this was made known to me, my first thought was, *thank goodness*. I'm sure a lot of my fellow readers are probably nodding their heads in agreement and thinking, well that's a good thing...isn't it? Unfortunately, I've come to the conclusion that cheating isn't the worst thing. Heaven forbid!!! (screams the peanut gallery).
In this case, Mac's mistakes and behaviour, in my eyes, was worse. Not being with his wife when tragedy struck, and we're talking about a tragedy that nearly cost Isabella her life. Eventually, Mac's tracked down by his brother Ian, informed of the tragedy and dragged back. Dragged back, not because he doesn't want to be there but because Mac's rip-roaring drunk. He walks in, kneels at her feet and then proceeds to throw up.
Again, even all that wasn't his worse offence. Mac then moans and groans about his loss and his unhappiness from the tragedy. He was looking for Isabella to soothe and coddle him. Poor Isabella, she should not have had to deal with Mac's selfishness or his disgusting behaviour. Bloody douchewaffle, Mac was NOT in my good books at this stage.
Look, I'm not going to say that I would have been happier if he'd cheated instead, I just may not have felt the overwhelming sadness at his ignorance and selfishness. For them to both stay celibate for years proves how much Isabella and Mac loved each other. It wasn't an option to find solace in another's arms, they just needed the break. Mac needed to sober up and Isabella needed to forgive Mac and learn to live after the tragedy.
This was a great story from start to finish. I loved catching up with the family, enjoyed the touch of intrigue and was satisfied that Mac earned back his place as husband to Isabella. There were plenty of steamy scenes to keep my heart pumping, and I laughed and cried with Isabella and Mac. It was just plain old GOOD.
I absolutely LOVE this series and I'm thoroughly enjoying listening to the audios. I'll be back soon...ish. -
Calling Sigmund Freud. Mac needs an intervention or some serious psychoanalysis.
Read for BOTM Historical Book Club - October read
Series: Yep
Sexy times: Oh sure. This is Jennifer Ashley. She writes hot historicals.
Plan on reading more by the author: I do. There is something mesmerizing about her books.
Synopsis
Lady I kicked Mac out of his/her house after three years of marriage. The marriage, of course, was a whirlwind affair and his reputation is less than perfect. Lady I's family gave her the boot for picking Mac, as a matter of fact.
So, she boots him out and keeps him out. He spends the years of their separation getting sober and trying to get his head together and not painting. Because he can't paint without Lady I, apparently. Or something like that.
Anyhoo, cue the forger faking Mac's paintings and selling them and Lady I is back in Mac's life because she may have left the man, but she will be damned if someone is gonna fake his art. Now, we're off to explore the dynamics of their relationship, the Mackenzie family and some forgery. May the adventure begin.
Heroine: Lady I. She's just fine with me. Strong, intelligent, independent.
Hero: Mac. He's a mess. He's a narcissistic mess and he simply couldn't stop believing he wasn't the center of the world. I mean, eventually, he does, but his grovel? That shite needs some work. As in get down on your knees and praise the woman you messed with, man-boy. Do it. Don't ask questions. Down!
Why it did or didn't work for me: I feel like Mac did not grovel enough - you picked that up, right? I get that he reformed himself and began drinking tea over booze, but that was not enough. We never ever see him suffer with that, unlike The Devil Is a Marquess where we are with the hero pretty much every step of the way that he fights alcoholism. And it's gut-wrenching. It makes his comeback so worth it. Without that, the reader (ok me) is never convinced Mac really made a comeback.
Other than the grovel or lack thereof, I did not buy love over lust between these two. They were schtupping. That was about it. Love was secondary. But perhaps I am just the jaded one. And the whole forger dude was a whack-a-mole weirdo. I am not convinced this added anything to the book.
All of that aside, the book was a good read. A solid romance of lust and an interesting look at a relationship gone south. And a great time visiting with Ian and Beth. So it's a solid four star despite not buying Mac's story all the way.
Signed,
Not to worry, Ms. Ashley, as if you ever were....I'll keep reading the series. Despite my quibble,
I like it. -
This was a solid, okay read. Lots of drama and lots of crazy sex between two very OTT people.
Mac is an artist and a teenager in a man's body. He stuffs up his marriage big-time, mainly because he drinks too much and is very immature and egotistical- a teenager. Exactly.
Isabella tries so much harder than he does (he doesn't change anything in his life at all, something that happens so often in marriages), she makes all the compromises and endeavours to fit into his world. It takes a personal disaster for her to take stock and recognise that this relationship is actually destroying her. It is destroying him, too, but he is on the way to hell all by himself, so she decides to leave and learn to heal and be independent.
It takes Mac so long to realise what a dick he has been, and even when he is attempting to win Isabella back, has given up the booze (and has remained absolutely faithful to her, to his credit) and seems to have changed, his selfish, immature behaviour keeps breaking through. We realise he has not changed as much as HE thinks he has.
I thought JA did a good job of showing what an idiot Mac was but I am not sure I bought the big change in him. His personality was simply that of a self-centred artiste type. He is a spoilt brat. He never had to work, he received an allowance, he dabbled in art and fancied himself a painter but painted lewd pictures of women's genitalia in an obsessive, weird kind of way. Not sure how I would feel walking in on my estranged husband (who wants me back) painting a naked young woman sitting with her legs spread touching herself. That's kinda porn, isn't it? If there is no message or purpose or deeper meaning? I think he was doing it for a bet, actually. Well, gee. What a guy. Wanna marry him: ASAP!
It is mentioned in passing that he used to paint landscapes etc btw, but we never see any evidence of that in this story.
I felt that Mac had a good heart but never really understood what he was doing wrong. He did not have the ability to put himself into Isabella's shoes, whereas she understood him very well. In the end he was better, but I remained unconvinced that he could ever make her really happy. Whether the responsibilities of fatherhood would make the difference, I don't know. The sex would always be awesome, but......... Isabella deserved a grown-up :) -
I just absolutely loved Lord Ian, so I was doubly looking forward to this one. Once again, I was not disappointed. It was great, a different take on a relationship in an Historical Romance.
Mac Mackenzie was dared to crash a debutante's coming out ball, steal a kiss from her, and bail. Oooh, boy did Mac get more than he bargained for. He got his sweet kiss from Lady Isabella and knew that he needed more, so off they went to get married! And for three years, they had some very passionate ups and downs. Mac would realize he was bad for Isabella and leave her for weeks on end, come back and they'd have passionate make-up sex, and the cycle would start all over again. Almost as if their passion burned so hot, they would burn out and need recovery time. But what Mac selfishly never realized is that his leaving hurt Isabella every single time. And finally after the last straw, Isabella leaves Mac this time.
And three years later, the book begins.
I thought the snippets from the newspaper was really intriguing. Normally I'm not one for stanzas, poetry, or other bits in italics at the beginning of a chapter that only marginally has anything to do with the book, but Ms. Jennifer Ashley did it perfectly. And look at the dates, when you do that-not only do they progress from the day they got married to the current gossip, but they tell us a bit about Isabella and Mac throughout the times they were separated.
What I loved about Mac was that we liked him, even when we saw how he repeatedly hurt Isabella, we realize that Mac is just hoping Isabella never wakes up and realizes she is too good for him. It was done in such a way that we don't hate Mac, his art, or his love for Isabella. He stops drinking after she leaves him, and at one point they are arguing after trying to get back together.
"You are a fool, Isabella Mackenzie."
"What?" She looked hurt.
"You have decided what kind of man I am, which makes it damned difficult to talk to you. You don't believe I can change, but I already have. You simply won't see it."
"I know you stopped drinking. I've noticed the improvement."
Mac laughed. "Stopped drinking? You make it sound so effortless. I was sick and disgusting for an entire year. I hadn't realized how much I'd been using whiskey to blunt the pain of my own existence. I found myself facedown on a hotel room floor in Venice, hurting like hell, praying for the strength to not go in search of wine to ease the agony. I'd never truly prayed before...but this time I prayed. It was more like begging actually."
Isabella listened, her lips parted. "Mac."
"I could tell you tales to make you blanch my love, but I will spare you. The begging and praying didn't last one night. I did it for many, many nights, never ceasing. And then, just when I thought it was over, and I felt better, another night would come."
It's not romantic, or beautiful prose, but it's true, and it shows Isabella that he really had changed, and how it hurt him to change, and how they really hurt each other, it wasn't just Mac hurting Isabella.
There is a side story about a man who is trying to pass himself off as Mac Mackenzie, and Isabella figures out someone has been forging paintings of Mac's, and selling them. But the false Mac becomes obsessed with becoming Mac...indeed he starts to think he is Mac, and at that point wants Isabella.
That is where the only part of the book I didn't like comes into play- it should have had a bigger role in the book. And Inspector Fellows isn't really utilized as a character. Especially after the last book? He should have had a bigger role.
But with the exception of that, it was still an excellent, 5 star book that makes me want to scream that I have to wait til next year for Lord Cameron's book! -
4.5 Scandalous Stars!!
“I can’t lose you.” Isabella stroked his hair, her touch so dear to him. “I don’t want to live without you, Mac. I never was a whole person until I met you.”
I am smiling so big right now. Loving the absolute hell out of this series. Cannot get enough! I love these vivid characters, deep, suspenseful plots, and swoony romance and steam. Kicking myself for waiting so long to dive into the historical world. I know they're not all as good as Jennifer Ashley's. But damn has she set the bar high for me!!!
I thought this book would annoy me just from getting a glimpse at Isabella and Mac in Ian's book but it did not. I can totally understand all of Isabella's reasons for doing what she did. Their story was beautiful and heartbreaking at times, but their love for each other jumps off the pages.
"I wanted to make you bad like me, because I knew I'd never be good enough for you."
And oh that ending!!! Best marriage proposal EVER!!!
Off to Cameron's book,
The Many Sins Of Lord Cameron! =) -
We all read book after book after book. Some make us laugh out loud, others have us shedding more than our fair share of tears while still others have us gripping the book with white-knuckled intensity as the suspense builds page by page. But how often do you come across a book that engages all of these emotions and manages to seize your heart as well? Such was the case for me with Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley.
On the night of her coming-out ball, Isabella met and fell in love with Mac Mackenzie, a peer with few morals and no social acceptance. On a dare from his fellow debauched buddies, Mac crashed the ball and whirled Isabella onto the dance floor. But as fate would have it, it was Mac who was swept off his feet...he and Isabella were married by morning. Despite being disowned by her family, Isabella never regretted her hasty decision because her feelings of love for her husband only strengthened with time. Surprisingly (for a romance novel), Mac's feelings were mutual. But Mac was an established artist; and, in the generalization of the term, was a free spirit who would drop out of sight for weeks at a time to assuage his need to "create". Isabella understood and accepted Mac's "flights of fancy" until his drinking and debauchery spun terribly out of control. After 3 years of marriage, Isabella filed for a legal separation; and, for the next 3 years, the two maintained separate houses and lives.
One day, Isabella discovers that someone is forging Mac's paintings and she sets off for his house to warn him of the impostor. This is where the story begins...
Our first encounter with Mac finds him in his studio, shirtless - wearing only a kilt, boots and bandana around his head - and totally engrossed in the act of painting a nude model. If you haven't read the first book in this series, The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, then you would probably be like me and have absolutely no idea what this guy is all about. Not exactly standard fare for a historical romance hero. But the story unfolds rather quickly - the past interwoven with the present so you aren't subjected to long flashbacks - and is relayed primarily from Mac's POV, so you come to know him soon and love him completely.
Quite simply, Mac and Isabella's story could be summed up by the old adage "you can't live with him and you can't live without him." However, Mac was determined to prove to Isabella that she could live with him...thus providing the premise for this story. It was such an unusual story line that no doubt it will never be copied...a hero and heroine who are madly in love AND married from the beginning of the book to the end WITHOUT a single sexual dalliance committed outside of their marriage - even during the 3 years of estrangement! Who would think such a tedious plot could make for such an emotional, "tug at your heart-strings" story? Fortunately for us, Jennifer Ashley did...and she pulled it off masterfully!
If you are reading this review, then chances are good you enjoy reading romance novels and most likely are somewhat of a romantic at heart. With that said, you will be denying yourself the greatest of pleasures and missing out on a beautiful love story between two extraordinary characters if you choose to forgo reading Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage. If I could rate it 10 stars I would. -
I hardly remember any other h/H whose love was more believable, more heart wrenching, more generous, more deep and more beautiful than that of Mac and Isabella. They are both incredible people, truly made for each other.
There were parts I savored by reading again and again, even going slowly so the book won’t end too soon.
It’s rare for a book to have mcs who are so completely in love to begin with . . .they are married (though separated, yes), know and believe in each other’s love, have complete emotional and physical loyalty, no 3rd party involvement and only problem is the volatility of their natures and thus the relationship. The separation is the result of a heartbreaking decision she made 3 yrs. ago to get some peace and equanimity, and now he is resolved to win her back by accepting his mistakes and becoming worthy of her love once again. I have seldom adored a couple more!
I don’t want to do an actual review or say anything more about the story as it was just a setting for this relationship but still very well done. Although the last few chapters did feel drawn out (vis-à-vis the romance) in spite of the villain's high drama.
One thing though . . . these red headed highland Mackenzies are the most amazing Hs ever with each having a distinct character and an intriguing back-story. There is something to said about kilted gentlemen.
“As Bellamy buttoned Mac into a black suit with the Mackenzie kilt, Mac wondered if he’d be able to be in the same room with Isabella without tenting out the tartan."
I think I’ve found another favorite author with an incredibly delightful series full of the most amazing mcs. I am completely in love. -
Needing a heavy dose of comfort read right now, and what better way than finding it with the Mackenzie clan?
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I just finished reading The Madness Of Lord Ian Mackenzie and I thought that book was okay and was looking forward to this insallment since the couple captivated me in the prior book. I'm sad to say that the hero and heroine are not as captivating in their own book. From the start, I realized that they were not as interesting as they were before. Something was missing from each of them. The heroine's personality didn't seem so unique and wild anymore, and the hero lost his sex appeal because he seemed too desperate for the heroine. I want deperation in the end from both characters, but I would like to see how they came by that desperation. In other words, tell the story to it's conclusion first. They were already married. They were already in love with each other and the only thing that kept them apart was the heroine's reluctance, and I realized that I was only going to be led on a wild goose chase for the heroine's forgivness and I was not the least bit interested in reading about them anymore.
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4.5 Stars!
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3.5 to 4 stars. An enjoyable addition to the series. I liked both Mac and Isabella, separately and together. Mac's problems with alcohol and also mutual grief had kept them apart, but they clearly wanted to be together. It took some time and some grovelling (on Mac's part) but they did resolve their problems satisfactorily within the story. The stalker was eventually dealt with. Overall, this is for me an appealing and well-written series.
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I'm just in love with this series. I mean, seriously in love. Like, get married, buy a house together and have 2.5 kids in love.
This follow-up to the remarkable "The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie" has just as much angst, romance, spark, sensuality and suspense as its predecessor. "Mac" MacKenzie is a wonderful tortured hero and Isabella is a complex, brave heroine. They are both deeply in love and readily admit it, but so much has happened and they both still hurt so much, you wonder if they can simply cross that great divide.
Enter a PROBLEM that Isabella notices and thinks Mac should know about. That tiny gesture opens the door and they begin their journey back to each other and it is absolutely lovely.
We see some of our old friend Ian which I applaud as he seems to be the "glue" for the series. I hope we continue to see him in subsequent books in the series -- I'm already dying for the next one and it's not due out until next year!
A few new characters were introduced and they seem like people we might see in stories of their own. I thought Isabella's sister had great potential and we know that Ainsley will be Cam's love interest. I do like Ashley's heroines in these books. They're strong, but they're vulnerable. Not Mary Sues, but obviously and believably essential to the happiness and well being of their heroes.
And now, since I picked up some Ashley bargains for my Kindle, I'm going to follow this one up with one from the backlist. Yay for me! -
DNF @55%
I do love a story where the hero and heroine are besotted with each other, but I just can not be bothered with this story. They love each other but they are separated because of what the hero did in the past (I have read enough to figure out). But since the hero and heroine both stayed celibate during there separation, there isn’t any major drama (such as a mistress or another man) in the mix to keep a book interesting and I’m not interested in them finding the fraudulent ‘Mac artists’ either so I won’t continue ❤️ -
This is book two in the Highland Pleasures series. The first book was
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. I recommend reading these in order, because I feel it creates a richer back story.
This book was nothing like I expected it to be. From the hints we received in Ian's book, it seemed like Isabella and Mac had much stronger feelings than I felt were portrayed here. Call me crazy, but when you're fed up enough to leave someone (even if you love them) there are strong emotions there. Even though we were told of their pain, I didn't feel it.
There were a few times that I did feel their pain. The author did a good job of involving my emotions in an event that eventually led to Isabella leaving Mac. Anytime it was brought up I felt their emotions. I wish I would have felt as in tune through the rest of the book.
I found it very unsatisfying that Isabella seemed to float through most of the book in a calm friendish manner with Mac. It just seemed so at odds with the way their relationship was portrayed in the first book. There seemed to be no passion to her feelings. I expected bitter and angry (on both sides), not indecisive and pleasant. I could understand why Mac tried to be cheerful, it's usually easier to win someone over that way.
I felt that it took too long to get to the reveal of why they separated. If I could have felt that anguish in the beginning I think I would have understood the characters better.
Truthfully, the few flashbacks we saw were the most vivid part of Mac and Isabella's relationship for me. At those moments I saw a real relationship. Even though they were on the rocks, I could feel their intensity. I think that was what was missing in the book for me, intensity.
I liked getting a glimpse of all the brothers again. Hart was in this one for only a short time, but Cameron had a bigger role. I'm interested in seeing how his story will develop.
Ian was a great character in this book. I loved him in the last book, and it hasn't faded in this one. He was such a rock for Isabella through their marriage. Getting to see him and Beth was great.
I really liked the snippets from the newspapers chronicling Isabella and Mac's marriage. It was a glimpse of the past that I appreciated.
I found the subplot involving the forger to be rather lame. It seemed like a weak excuse to throw Mac and Isabella together. I wish it had been better developed and seemed more genuine.
I read Ian's book right before I read this one so I would be fresh in their world and remember all the details. I think that this one suffered because of that. Also, because the first book was so sexy I went into this expecting more of the same. While the world saw them as scandalous, I saw their sexual relationship as tame and rather average.
My love of this series hasn't dimmed. I look forward to reading about Cameron and Hart. -
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage is such an amazing read. Mac and Isabella's characters were fleshed out beautifully. They came alive with every page—they really felt so real.
And by the time I was done with the book, I had to fight the urge to cry because I was so sad to see their story end. They became my friends and it was hard to let them go. Even though I know I can see more of them in the future books, it's still going to be different because they won't be the focus anymore. That's why it took me this long to write this review. I needed a few days to compose myself and gather my thoughts.
The one thing that really made this book shine was Mac's unwavering and intense devotion to Isabella. He's hands-down one of the best heroes I've encountered in Romancelandia. Well, okay, he had his flaws, but his decision to stay in love with his wife endeared him to me. He could have done otherwise, but he chose not to.
And I respect him for that. Because that's what love is, essentially. Love is a choice. Loving someone is a daily decision you make that commits yourself to another person. And Mac chose Isabella, no matter how difficult that was. He chose to share his body with only her and damn the consequences. Imagine, 3 and a half years of self-imposed celibacy. The man is goddamn saint.
While my feelings for Isabella aren't as intense as those for Mac, I like her enough. Actually, I like her a lot, and I do understand why she acted the way she did. I would have done the same had I been in her shoes. I also appreciate the fact that despite everything that happened to her relationship with Mac, she still continued to respect him.
This was almost a 5-star book if it weren't for the fact that there were just too many things going on. There were too many elements. The plot devices used to draw Mac and Isabella together were unnecessary and weak. In my opinion, they could have still gotten together without the whole impostor drama, and the kid thing. If Ms. Jennifer Ashley just kept the plot simpler, this would have been a winner for sure.
But overall, I loved this story especially that epilogue. Really. That epilogue was just adorable. This book is something I'd re-read in the future, and I highly recommend it to all of you HR fans out there. -
I loved Mac and Isabella's story and I feel this book has ruined me for any other historical romances that I might want to read next. The Mackenzie family is wonderful and it was great to find out how Ian and Beth were doing in this one. Mac is definitely swoon worthy material and Isabella was the perfect match for him. This is one of the first romances that I have enjoyed where the couple was married at one point and then separated to only be reunited again. If I could give this a higher rating of five stars, I would do it!!! Now, it is just going to be hard to wait for Cameron's story to come out next year.
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Mac and Isabella's story
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Lady Isabella met and married Lord Roland "Mac" Mackenzie on the night of her debut ball, causing a massive scandal. However, three years later she causes another scandal by separating from him. Three and a half years later, Mac has changed from the drunk and wild youth he was when he first married Isabella and is determined to win his wife back, the wife he has never stopped loving.
I love the first book in this series, The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, it is one of my favourite all time historical romances, and to say that the second book in this series has a lot to live up to is a massive understatement. And, although it didn't quite bring me to height of rapture as the first book did, Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage was by no means a shabby read.
This book was a sensual and emotional read as we watch Isabella and Mac slowly try and move their way to reconciliation. They have the ghosts of their past, of all the hurt, mistrust and pain they have caused one another as well as the the painful ache of their separation to overcome. Ashley did a fantastic job in this book, the love between Isabella and Mac was never in doubt, you could feel their bond, even after three and half years of it been stretched apart. Instead it was a more mature look at whether just love and passion was enough to sustain their marriage, when they both had personal demons of their own to contend with.
Ashley wrote this really well, and despite the mistakes they both made, instead of me rolling me eyes and becoming exasperated with them, I found myself emphasising and silently urging them to make amends. The chemistry and passion they had for one another rolled off the pages creating a book that was sexy as well as pulling on your heart strings.
A good installment in the series and I already know I will love whatever comes next. -
"It is a game, my love." He held her gaze. "It is the most serious game I've ever engaged in. And I intend to win it. I will have you back, Isabella - in my life, in my house, and in my bed."
I have very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand, I think the subject matter hit a little too close to home for me in a couple of ways, and this sort of spun me in to a bit of depression. On the other, either this author has had firsthand knowledge of some of the details about the book or knows someone intimately who has because she sure got it right!!
So while this is spot on reality wise, it is most definitely NOT a feel good book. If you've already read
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, then you will already be prepared for it, perhaps.
Mac and Isabella have been separated for three years. The reasons are revealed slowly, and I think that was a perfect way to do it. Unfolding their secrets truly made this a journey of understanding instead of an easy way to point the finger at the one at fault. Not to say that forgiveness came easy, but it does come.
Mac is a painter, and let me tell you...the description of this man while he's painting is so remarkably sexy...imagine a big Scottish man, wearing nothing but a kilt, his boots, and a handkerchief tied around his head...covered in paint and sweat, with an intense, passionate expression on his face while he lives and breathes his art...which is erotic art, by the way. WOW! Take my breath away!!! And he was so in love with Isabella that it almost hurt to read!!!!! This man is obsessed with his wife, consumed with missing her...
"Mac's friends had viewed his celibacy as a joke, and his brothers had thought he'd been trying to prove himself to Isabella. Proving himself had been part of it, but the truth was that Mac had not wanted another woman..."
Isabella could have turned into a bit of a dull character. I thought at times that she was such a gently, sweet, and proper lady. But she was almost too gray....the woman who eloped on the night of her coming out ball to marry a man she only just met was missing. Except for when she was with Mac. HE definitely brought out her anger, her despair, her passion.
While I enjoyed their story, I just thought it dragged on too long. I got bored somewhere in the middle, and Mac and Isabella's push and pull started to stagnate. One thing that I did love is that Ian played a big role in their story, as well as Beth...and we get to see their relationship move forward by leaps and bounds, as well as see how content Ian is...and that part was really magical.
"Mac had watched Ian, marveling at the change in him. His soul-wounded younger brother, who could withdraw into himself until no one could reach him, had been talkative - for Ian - a smile touching his mouth whenever he looked across the table at his wife..."
Overall, it was a hard book for me. A little boring at times, and at others, there was too much truth. But it's a great tale of how working through problems in a marriage is imperative. Giving up is easy. But sticking it out can be so very rewarding, and love that comes through adversity is so much stronger than love that comes easy.
