Reviewed by Gannon Carr
Publisher:  Leisure Books
5 stars

Every so often, a book comes along that really shines and stands out among all others.  One that is hard to put down when you’re reading and when you reach the last sentence is impossible to forget.  The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie is just such a book!

Lord Ian Mackenzie has been viewed as “mad” since the day his father had him placed in an asylum when Ian was just eleven years old.  After years of enduring heinous “treatments” such as ice baths, electric shock treatments and regular beatings, Ian is finally removed from the asylum by his oldest brother, Hart, who is now the Duke of Kilmorgan.  Ian believes himself incapable of understanding or feeling emotions and is, much of the time, socially inept.  But for all that he seems to lack, Ian is blessed with a photographic memory, can remember anything he hears word for word, and is incapable of lying.  Ian is the youngest of the four Mackenzie brothers, whose reputation is so decadent and disreputable that any woman connected with them is immediately ruined.

Beth Ackerley is a beautiful, wealthy widow who has had a difficult life.  Her mother was the daughter of English squire, who was disowned by her family when she married a French charlatan.  When Beth’s father died, he left her and her mother destitute and they were forced into a workhouse; Beth was just ten years old.  After several years of poverty and degradation, Beth’s mother died.  Eventually, Beth became a teacher in the workhouse and she caught the eye of Thomas Ackerley, the vicar in charge of the workhouse.  They married when Beth was nineteen, but sadly, Thomas died of a fever a scant year later.  Beth left the workhouse to become the companion to an elderly lady, Mrs. Barrington.  Upon her death, Mrs. Barrington left her entire estate to Beth, making her a very wealthy lady.  While money has made certain aspects of her life easier, all Beth wants is to marry again and live a drama free life.  She accepts the proposal of Sir Lyndon Mather, thinking he fits the bill of a proper husband.  Little does she know that her life is about to become anything but “drama free”, especially when Ian Mackenzie enters the picture.

During a business transaction with Mather, Ian learns of his engagement to Beth Ackerley.  Ian knows that Mather is the lowest sort of reprobate—he keeps a house for his mistress and several other women who cater to his bizarre fantasies—and the thought of any respectable woman marrying such a degenerate makes Ian ill.  He finds out all he can about the lovely, young widow and meets her at the opera.  Ian discreetly slips Beth a note, detailing the depravities of her fiancé.  Shocked to the core, Beth speaks to Ian and finds that all he has told her is true.  Why would he want to help her?  To add to the mystery, Ian proposes to her on the spot!  Intrigued and aroused, Beth feels herself drawn to Ian and his unique personality.  He offers her marriage, but tells her he is not capable of feeling love, but he most definitely wants her in his bed.  After sharing a passionate, but wildly inappropriate kiss—she is, after all, still engaged—Beth leaves Ian.  The next day she sends him a note thanking him for his warning about her fiancé, whom she has broken her engagement with.  She decides to travel to Paris and study painting, never imagining that Ian will follow her.  He is quite determined to make her his wife.  But rumors and suspicions come to light that Ian may have murdered some young women in London.  Beth comes to respect and love Ian, and she will do anything to prove his innocence.

Ian is the ultimate wounded hero.  Betrayed by his own father and subjected to countless horrors in the asylum, Ian still suffers and has trouble experiencing normal human emotions.  Even simply making eye contact is virtually impossible for him.  But deep down, he feels love for Beth, even if can’t name such an emotion.  My heart ached for all he endured and rejoiced for the enduring and unconditional love he found with Beth.  And the love and loyalty his three brothers have for him is so touching.

Beth is a strong heroine who will not let anything stand in her way.  She’s used to being independent, but enjoys her vulnerable side where Ian is concerned.  Ian and Beth’s relationship is extremely sensual and they turn up the heat in this book.  But underneath all of that sexual energy is a beautiful journey to lasting love.  Seeing Ian finally understand that emotion will have you reaching for the tissue.

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie is the first of four books in Ms. Ashley’s Highland Pleasures series.  The other books will focus on the other Mackenzie brothers, who each figure prominently in this book.  They are all dangerous, handsome Highlanders and I’m looking forward to seeing each of them brought to their knees by their heroines.  I cannot say enough about this story.   Brava, Ms. Ashley!  You have penned an emotional, extraordinary page turner that now has a treasured spot on my keeper shelves.