Tammy D. -
Helpful Score: 6
Oh those mad, manly, magnificent Mackenzies! How I've missed them. I love their family dynamic; each brother is a truly unique individual and yet they are so firmly bonded in true affection and loyalty. I couldn't imagine that anything could top "The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie", but then I realized that all of the Mackenzies' stories will likely be unique treasures in their own way. I enjoyed Mac and Isabella's story. I especially adored how deeply in love with his wife Mac was, and his ways of expressing it. It was real and sweet and truly emotional. I liked how they worked their way back to each other, despite alot of pain in the process. Especially enjoyed all the brothers' affection for Isabella, their protectiveness and acceptance of her as family, completely. It was fun seeing more of Ian and Beth's story as well. My only complaint? The way-too-long wait (August 2011!) for Cameron's story, as well as Hart's (2012!). Berkley (or whoever makes those decisions).... have mercy on fans of this author because a year is just too darn long.
Monica G. (champsmom) -
Helpful Score: 4
I love Jennifer Ashley, but I found this book to be boring and too long. I enjoyed the Madness of lord Ian Mackenzie and I look forward to Cameron's book, but this really took to long and i oddly I could not like the two characters. I found that their romance issues could have been easily fixed with a sit down conversation in two pages.
Yvonne L. reviewed Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies & McBrides, Bk 2) on + 929 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I absolutely love a good redemption story with a bit of groveling and begging. Throw in a little intrigue and identity thief and the fun doubles.
Mac and Isabella had been separated for years. A new, improved sober Mac wanted Isabella back. Or was he really improved? Just because you were a drunken selfish jerk doesnt mean you stop being a selfish jerk when you remove the drunken part, which was something Mac had to come to realize. He was very charming but self-centered and I could totally see why Isabella fell for him. Their interactions were great and I could also see how their marriage fell apart little by little. It was a great reunion story.
Compared to the other two books (Ian and Camerons stories) very little happened but it was still interesting. Although all the brothers were alpha males they were very different which made the series so much better. I hate reading a series made of books that are exactly the same thing.
I think it might be better if you read Ians story first before you read this one, just so you understand the significance of Detective Fellows. The knowledge doesnt make the story but it helps.
Overall, great read. I look forward to Harts story.
Mac and Isabella had been separated for years. A new, improved sober Mac wanted Isabella back. Or was he really improved? Just because you were a drunken selfish jerk doesnt mean you stop being a selfish jerk when you remove the drunken part, which was something Mac had to come to realize. He was very charming but self-centered and I could totally see why Isabella fell for him. Their interactions were great and I could also see how their marriage fell apart little by little. It was a great reunion story.
Compared to the other two books (Ian and Camerons stories) very little happened but it was still interesting. Although all the brothers were alpha males they were very different which made the series so much better. I hate reading a series made of books that are exactly the same thing.
I think it might be better if you read Ians story first before you read this one, just so you understand the significance of Detective Fellows. The knowledge doesnt make the story but it helps.
Overall, great read. I look forward to Harts story.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Lady Isabella caused a scandal by eloping with Lord Mac MacKenzie on the eve of her debut ball. Then she caused another scandal by leaving him three years later. Now she has arrived at Mac's doorstep to tell him someone is copying his paintings. Mac doesn't care who is making money on his art; but he does care about Isabella. She left him because he was a selfish drunk. Now he has cleaned up his act and wants to win Isabella back.
I was looking forward to this book after reading the first book in the series, but I found this story to be very slow. Isabella and Mac still love each other, but have to learn to trust each other again. The secondary story of counterfeit art was kind of interesting, but didn't take up many pages. My rating: 3 Stars.
I was looking forward to this book after reading the first book in the series, but I found this story to be very slow. Isabella and Mac still love each other, but have to learn to trust each other again. The secondary story of counterfeit art was kind of interesting, but didn't take up many pages. My rating: 3 Stars.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies & McBrides, Bk 2) on + 1726 more book reviews
This was so good! Love the story, the many plots going on and the love they had for each other. It was funny, real,sad,happy and a really great read.! What a wonderful series. Each book has been better than the last.
Regina (virgosun) reviewed Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies & McBrides, Bk 2) on + 887 more book reviews
This story has great depth and is a realistic depiction of a married couple's trials and triumphs. Underneath it all, Mac and Isabella always loved each other. Both experienced tremendous pain, yet they were able to grow individually and appreciate one another on a more satisfying level. It's wonderful to revisit the fascinating MacKenzie clan; I can hardly wait for Cameron's story. It doesn't get much better than this so be sure to read this one. 4.5 stars.
Rachel A. (ra7) reviewed Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies & McBrides, Bk 2) on + 1026 more book reviews
Isabella and Mac love each other, but have issues. Mac was a drunk and it took Isabella leaving him for him to get sober. I thought this 2nd chance love story was well done. I liked that each remained faithful to each other throughout their separation (married 3 yrs, separated about 3 1/2 yr before they reunite). I did get a little frustrated with Isabella, she was slow to come around despite the proof that Mac had really changed. The Mackenzie family is interesting, Cameron's story is next (and we meet the heroine in this one- Ainsley, an old school friend of Isabella's). Ian has some good lines in this one.
Donna H. (pittfan) reviewed Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies & McBrides, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
I really enjoyed the depth of the characters as well. I like Mac and Elizabeths story and watching them work through their pain. They never stopped loving each other.
I also liked the entire clan and their antics.
I also liked the entire clan and their antics.
Willy W. reviewed Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies & McBrides, Bk 2) on + 503 more book reviews
Another very engaging read from Jennifer Ashley. The book can stand alone but I think the characters and the premise are more appealing when you already know them from the previous book (The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie).
The story is well done, we don't spend too much time in flashbacks and the book begins in present time, rather than giving us a prologue or "part one" taking place in the past. We're immediately thrown into their lives and the story moves forward briskly. I was tentative about the book as I find stories about married couples who reunite to be rather depressing, not what I'm after in my romance novels. But their story isn't too bitter, their love for each other obvious, not concealed or confused with stupid misunderstandings.
It was easy to love and like both characters and their slow circling toward each other was romantic and believable. Jennifer Ashley writes some very sexy and creative love scenes to keep things interesting.
Further we spend more time with the other MacKenzies, especially Beth and Ian, so although their book has ended, their story has not. Nice touch.
Unfortunately, the book petered out a bit toward the end. Their reunion was drawn out with some tedious foils. The story lost energy in the last 100 pages and hence what would have been another 4+ star book will have to settle for 3.5.
The story is well done, we don't spend too much time in flashbacks and the book begins in present time, rather than giving us a prologue or "part one" taking place in the past. We're immediately thrown into their lives and the story moves forward briskly. I was tentative about the book as I find stories about married couples who reunite to be rather depressing, not what I'm after in my romance novels. But their story isn't too bitter, their love for each other obvious, not concealed or confused with stupid misunderstandings.
It was easy to love and like both characters and their slow circling toward each other was romantic and believable. Jennifer Ashley writes some very sexy and creative love scenes to keep things interesting.
Further we spend more time with the other MacKenzies, especially Beth and Ian, so although their book has ended, their story has not. Nice touch.
Unfortunately, the book petered out a bit toward the end. Their reunion was drawn out with some tedious foils. The story lost energy in the last 100 pages and hence what would have been another 4+ star book will have to settle for 3.5.
jjares reviewed Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies & McBrides, Bk 2) on + 3411 more book reviews
As the story opens, Lady Isabella has been legally separated from Mac MacKenzie for more than three-and-one-half years. He supports her in her London home, while he paints in London, Scotland or the Continent.
The icy indifference Lady Isabella has been showing Mac comes to a stand-still when she goes to his London home and tells Mac that someone is selling paintings with Mac's name on them. However, Isabella is sure that they are not Mac's; he does not sell his work but gives it away.
This is the story of the reconciliation between the two main characters. However, it is nice to see the rest of the brothers, the nephew and Beth (married to Ian in the first book). It is important to have read the first book because of the references made to actions in that novel and to understand why Mac felt he could barge in on Inspector Fellows.
Mackenzies / Highland Pleasures
1. The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie (2009)
** 2. Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (2010)
3. The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (2011)
4. The Duke's Perfect Wife (2012)
4.5. Mackenzie Family Christmas (2012)
5. The Seduction of Elliot McBride (2012)
5.5. The Untamed Mackenzie (2013)
6. The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie (2013)
6.5. Scandal and the Duchess (2014)
7. Rules for a Proper Governess (2014)
7.5. The Mackenzie Clan Gathering (2015)
8. The Stolen Mackenzie Bride (2015)
9. Alec Mackenzie's Art of Seduction (2017)
The icy indifference Lady Isabella has been showing Mac comes to a stand-still when she goes to his London home and tells Mac that someone is selling paintings with Mac's name on them. However, Isabella is sure that they are not Mac's; he does not sell his work but gives it away.
This is the story of the reconciliation between the two main characters. However, it is nice to see the rest of the brothers, the nephew and Beth (married to Ian in the first book). It is important to have read the first book because of the references made to actions in that novel and to understand why Mac felt he could barge in on Inspector Fellows.
Mackenzies / Highland Pleasures
1. The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie (2009)
** 2. Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (2010)
3. The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (2011)
4. The Duke's Perfect Wife (2012)
4.5. Mackenzie Family Christmas (2012)
5. The Seduction of Elliot McBride (2012)
5.5. The Untamed Mackenzie (2013)
6. The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie (2013)
6.5. Scandal and the Duchess (2014)
7. Rules for a Proper Governess (2014)
7.5. The Mackenzie Clan Gathering (2015)
8. The Stolen Mackenzie Bride (2015)
9. Alec Mackenzie's Art of Seduction (2017)
Sharlene W. reviewed Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (MacKenzies & McBrides, Bk 2) on + 32 more book reviews
Marriage in trouble is not my favorite trope, but I am loving the Mackenzies so far. You know right from the start that Mac & Isabella still love each other, but after being separated for 3 years, it will take time to regain trust. There are some twists in this, and you find out the background of why they separated. There is an impostor trying to take over Mac's identity, which gives mystery & suspense to the story. There are appearances from Mac's brothers Ian and Cam, as well as Ian's new wife, Beth, from The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!
