Title: The Untamed Mackenzie
Series: Highland Pleasures, Book 5.5
Author: Jennifer Ashley
Genre: Historical romance
Sensuality Rating: Sensual
Source: review copy provided by publisher
Published: September 10, 2013 by Berkley
To redeem her family’s disgraced name, Lady Louisa Scranton has decided to acquire a proper husband. He needs to be a man of fortune and highly respectable in order to restore both her family's lost wealth and reputation. She enters the Marriage Mart with all flags flying, determined to find the right bachelor.
But Louisa’s hopes are dashed when the Bishop of Hargate drops dead at her feet—and she is shockingly accused of murder! Soon, Louisa’s so-called friends begin shunning her, because the company of a suspected killer is never desirable in polite society.
The problem comes to the ears of Detective Inspector Lloyd Fellows, by-blow of the decadent Scottish Mackenzie family and an inspector for Scotland Yard. He has shared two passionate kisses with Lady Louisa–and vows to clear her name. For not only does he know she’s innocent, he recognizes he’s falling for the lovely lady.
Fellows is Louisa's only hope of restoring her family's honor—and it is he alone who intrigues Louisa in a way that may be even more scandalous than murder…
Reviewed By: J9
In a Nutshell: Good novella in a good series.
The Set Up: Fellows is the bastard son of the Mackenzie Duke who grew up in squalor and only recently reconciled with his aristocratic half-brothers. His skills as a detective in Scotland Yard are called for when Lady Louisa, an in-law of the Mackenzie clan, is accused of murder. Fellows believes Louisa is far above his station but he can’t help falling for her.
Why I Read this Book: I’ve enjoyed the previous books in this series.
What I Liked: Louisa and Fellows have an uncomplicated and gentle romance. Louisa has some character development as her perfect society life is shattered when she’s accused of murder and she sees how important loyalty is. Fellows feels Louisa’s innocence and aristocratic nature make them an impossible couple. So even though these two start far apart, their attraction brings them together rather quickly. I liked how Louisa accepts her physical and emotional desire for Fellows and how her talking about it breaks down Fellows’ beliefs that they shouldn’t be together. This romance isn’t amazing but it’s enjoyable.
What I Also Liked: Part of this novella’s charm comes from the inclusion of all the previous Mackenzie couples: autistic Ian and his beloved wife Beth, roguish teenager Daniel, artist Mac and Louisa’s sister, Izzy, horse-trainer Cam and Ainsley and finally Hart, the current Mackenzie Duke and his photographer wife, El. They along with their sweet children are all here in the novella, showcasing a perfect family full of humor and love. This is a feel-good setting for Louisa and Fellows’ romance.
I also liked the murder mystery. I liked how the case progressed in a quick fashion, complete with the red herring to mislead readers. The ending was satisfying and rounded out a good novella.
What I Didn’t Like: This isn’t a knock-your-socks-off romance but it’s a good novella.
IMO: Enjoyable novella that is likely best enjoyed as part of the series so readers know all the secondary characters.
J9’s Rating:
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