Review: The Untamed Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley

KINDLE

The Untamed Mackenzie (Highland Pleasures #5.5) by Jennifer Ashley
Historical
InterMix (September 10, 2013)

Rating: B+
Heat: Warm

Heroine: Louisa Scranton – Lady, Supposed Murderess
Hero: Lloyd Fellows – Policeman, Bastard Son of a Duke

 

 

Synopsis:

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…

Review:

Lloyd Fellows is the bastard son of the deceased Mackenzie Duke, a former pain in the Mackenzie's side, and now a reluctant member of the Mackenzie clan. Though he wasn't given the best beginnings, he's made a name for himself—Lloyd has a stellar reputation as a policeman. Which is why he's not surprised his vacation is put on hold because he's been specifically requested to a crime scene. What he doesn't expect is for the suspect to be Louisa Scranton.

Louisa is sister to Isabella, sister-in-law to Mac Mackenzie, daughter of a deceased and disgraced Earl, and the sometime recipient of scorching kisses from Lloyd. They can't seem to keep their hands and mouths to themselves at family gatherings. When Lloyd shows up to investigate a tea party gone bad, Louisa is relieved. Until Lloyd makes it clear he's there for business only and Louisa needs to keep her distance from him.

Considering Lloyd and Louisa's past, distance isn't easy. These two, though from different classes, are drawn together like moth to flame. No one fires Louisa up like Lloyd can with just a glance. And Lloyd has never wanted anything, not even his father's recognition, like he wants Louisa. When an investigation is put between them, making them policeman and suspected murderess, the illicitness only ratchets up the sexual tension. These two smolder, let me tell you.

The Mackenzie's sure know how to bring the drama. Trouble seems to follow them around everywhere they go. Even though Lloyd isn't a Mackenzie by name, he definitely is by blood. And his drama happens to be deadly—putting the woman he loves in danger. I loved the suspense and the mystery, trying to figure out whodunit. Following Lloyd while he tries to solve a murder and fight his feelings (namely lust and want and desire) was enthralling. Louisa has her own battles too, fighting her feelings for Lloyd and dealing with the ton’s gossip. Louisa very quickly figures out who her true friends are.

The Untamed Mackenzie is a secret romance full of mystery and mayhem. The clash of classes—gently bred young lady lusting after a commoner—is a favorite forbidden romance of mine in historicals. Though short, I loved getting to know both Lloyd and Louisa. I’ve had my eye on the fiery policeman since he tried to take down Ian and Hart in The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. He’s a closed-off and buttoned-up kind of hero, so it was fun to see Louisa slowly and passionately unravel him. An unraveled Lloyd Fellows is not to be missed!

Favorite Quote:

"A kiss or two," Fellows said. "Is that how you think of them?" While he dreamed of them in the nighttime and woke up hot, sweaty, and hard. He had to stifle his groans so he wouldn't disturb the neighbors.
Louisa's smile wavered. "I imagined that was how you thought of them. The silly kisses of a silly girl."