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Book Review of The Scandalous Mackenzies: The Untamed Mackenzie and Scandal and the Duchess (Mackenzies & McBrides Bk 5.5 & Bk 6.5)

The Scandalous Mackenzies: The Untamed Mackenzie and Scandal and the Duchess (Mackenzies & McBrides Bk 5.5 & Bk 6.5)
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Helpful Score: 1


Let me tell you straight off: You cannot help fall in love with those marvelous Mackenzies and McBrides. Two entertaining novellas make up this one volume: The Untamed Mackenzie (Detective Chief Inspector Fellows' story) and Scandal and the Duchess (Steven McBride's story).

Dedicated Lloyd Fellows, bastard son of the Mackenzie clan, brings his own brand of sexiness to the mix. He is the breed of men who learn to depend on themselves, make their own way, and come out on top, becoming virtual lodestones to romantic hearts everywhere. How nice that he hooks up with Lady Louisa, the younger sister of the wife of one of the Mackenzie brothers. Louisa faces murder charges and Fellows does everything he can to ensure she remains free because he's always had a thing for her. You will appreciate the complexities of the murder investigation, along with their building sexual tension that peaks in a risky location for a regency couple, but passion has a way of tempting the most stalwart individuals, right? No matter, they still end up happily together.

Army captain Steven McBride, brother-in-law to one of the Mackenzie brothers, finds himself a very lovely and loving widowed duchess maneuvered out of her inheritance by her late husband's son, leaving her on the edge of poverty. I just love how Steven is smitten with Rose almost from the start. His desire to help her claim what's rightfully hers brings their heads together to solve an intriguing puzzle hidden within the will. It became a treasure hunt of sorts, and I was just as curious as they were to find out what goodies lay at the end of the line. Steven and Rose also shared a deliciously diverting intimate moment. I love those sexy bits! Of the two novellas, Untamed came out slightly ahead simply because Detective Chief Inspector Fellows made a stronger impression with his middle-class background.

As usual, key Mackenzie clan members make appearances, and as an added treat, all-time favorite Ian has a spotlight in each. If you are unfamiliar with the Mackenzie series, I strongly suggest you begin at the beginning with Ian's story (check out The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, the first and best in the entire series) to fully appreciate the family and understand who is who. Nevertheless, no matter how you look at it or where you begin in the series, The Scandalous Mackenzies is sure to give you hours of pleasure and leave you craving for more.