Showing posts with label Sally MacKenzie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sally MacKenzie. Show all posts
April 28, 2009
9:11 PM |
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Jacket Copy:TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT
New to London society and rather...awkward...Lady Grace Belmont would just as soon hide behind the palm trees as dance with a man she doesn't know. But Baron Dawson is on the hunt for a wife. Grace's generous curves and remarkable height do not intimidate him. In fact, it would be more accurate to describe his reaction to the charming newcomer as lust.
Before Grace can so much as gather her thoughts, she finds herself in his arms, committing one shocking impropriety after another. The Baron's devilish attractiveness--to say nothing of his splendid muscles--is simply impossible to resist. Her beloved aunt and chaperone advises patience, but Grace is not about to listen. The handsome baron is whispering such delightful things in her ear...
This is the story of Grace Belmont. She’s a character that briefly appeared in THE NAKED GENTLEMAN. She is the woman who was to marry John Parker-Roth as arranged by her father. However, when on a trip to London with her aunt during her last days of "freedom" she meets David Wilton, Baron Dawson and falls in love, things don't go as planned. She couldn't have fallen in love with someone worse. The Wiltons have been a nail in her father's coffin ever since his fiancée broke their engagement and eloped with David's father. He proceeded to marry someone else and had Grace but still after more than 30 years the fire of resentment is kept alive and burning.
Sometimes words just refuse to come and this review is one of those times! I really and truly enjoyed the book and the story but the fact that the chronology was off for was so distracting that when I sat down to write this review I had serious trouble focusing in order to write a good and coherent review. And that's just not fair to the book because I enjoyed reading it and I loved the two romance plots and I loved most of the characters but that's about all I have inspiration for to tell in this review and that really bugs me. I can't stand that I can't seem to combine words and form sentences that will do this book justice. This really doesn't happen to me often, I'll go as far and say it has never happened to me before and I do not like this.
Now that the disclaimer is out of the way I am going to try to come up with a half decent opinion about TNB because it does deserve that. This book offers two romances for the price of one. There is the romance between Grace and David but parallel to it there's also the story of Kate (Grace's aunt) and Alex (David's Uncle). The common ground between these two romances is that both couples are hindered by the complicated history between the Belmonts and the Wiltons. Even though both love stories are equally represented, there are sections of the book where one or the other takes the center of attention. But at the end this is balanced out and both stories become equally important.
Alex and Kate's story did affect me more because I found it more endearing and heartbreaking. It had much more conflict and urgency to it. And maybe that is why it made a slightly bigger impression on me than the fresh and young love portrayed by Grace and David's. I also connected less with they younger couple than I did with Alex and Kate. Is it because they were more mature and experienced? Maybe it was.
So in conclusion I can say I liked reading this book but there were factors that influenced my overall opinion more than I expected, which leads me to my rating of this book. A positive point is that the two stories were interlaced in this same book. Wouldn't have liked it if either story had been a separate novella. However, I am certain that if THE NAKED BARON had been released before THE NAKED GENTLEMAN and if David and Grace's story had had the "oomph" that Alex and Kate's had, it would have rated 4 stars easily.
Quotes:
David about women:
But he didn't want to wed one of these stick-figure girls. No, he wanted a woman with some meat on her bones. A soft armful --a woman with full breasts and hips who made a comfortable bed herself-- sweet, yielding, warm. No, not warm --hot. A woman with a body that made a man forget his own name.
Kate and Alex:
"May I remove your breeches for you?"
"Yes." He was about to beg her to do so --or to rip them off himself. "Please."
(...) "May I make a suggestion?" God he was still croaking like a frog --a lust-maddened frog.
April 15, 2008
12:42 PM |
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This book was released on April 1st and I reviewed it for REALMS ON OUR BOOKSHELVES
HE COULDN'T REFUSE
John Parker-Roth cannot believe that marriage is necessary for his happiness. He would far rather pursue his interest in horticulture, but if one day he should find a female who shared his passion for flowers-a level-headed, calm sort of female-he might reconsider. Certainly the lovely young woman who has just tumbled into his lap will not do, as she possesses neither of those admirable qualities. Yet Miss Margaret Peterson does have many things in her favor. To begin with, she is a true English rose, blushing a delectable pink. And she is not entirely clothed. Her full mouth begs to be kissed. If only she would not wriggle so. Oh, dear. He cannot ignore the sudden vision of her in his bed, but he must.
What? Is Meg actually asking him to kiss her? Well, well, well. John Parker-Roth is a gentleman, first and foremost. And he cannot turn down a lady's request.
John Parker-Roth (Parks) and Margaret Peterson (Meg) met each other in Lizzie and Robbie's book (The Naked Earl) and were immediately drawn to each other and not only because of their shared interest in horticulture. But both are reluctant to give into their feelings. Then things change quickly when Parks saves Meg from a determined and unwanted suitor in a dark corner of a garden. This lands them in a delicate situation and they are discovered by the ton's biggest gossip.
Parks does the honorable thing and offers for Meg but Meg declines not wanting to trap him when he was just being her savior. Her begins the song and dance of courting between two people meant for each other. Their love story unfolds in the midst of balls, house parties, meddling friends and relatives and under the watchful eye of the ton.
Meg is a lovely heroine; she is strong-minded, determined and intelligent. She is practical in her reasons for choosing a husband but goes about it in a way that's not very sensible and that's is where her friends and relatives come in and draw the line.
Parks is the epitome of properness and decorum. He seems only to be interested in horticulture after a not so successful venture into the marriage mart. But then he finds Meg who ignites very passionate feelings in him and not only because she's interested in horticulture.
The characters were all very well developed and lovely. Parks and Meg sparkled and sizzled together! Their chemistry brings out the wilder side in them and that was a delight to read.
The secondary characters were all equally complementing to the romance between Parks and Meg. Old friends from the previous books make their appearance and are even developed further in this book, though they never take over the focus from the main couple. Although some pages were dedicated to secondary characters and their own romances, this never bothered me. On the contrary, it made the book more appealing.
Along with the familiar secondary characters, there are some new ones who contribute to the humor that I liked so much in this book. No laugh-out-loud humor but witty bantering and funny situations that fit right in the whole feeling of the book.
There is no other real plot in the book other than the developing romance between Meg and Parks and the circumstances that lead to their marriage. The book is character-driven more than action-driven, focusing on Meg, Parks and everybody interfering in their relationship. No mysteries to solve, no thefts, no threats. Just the journey of two people finding love and companionship, sprinkled with a healthy dose of humor and sensuality, which I truly enjoyed reading.
Despite that there was no other plot than the romance, it still was fast-paced and hard to put down. I finished it before I knew it and with a satisfied feeling. The writing style is uncomplicated and easy to read but still fitting the Regency-period it's set in.
MacKenzie manages to take it up a notch with every book, keeping it refreshingly original with each one being different in plot and romance. But still they are kept together by the recurring (secondary) characters.
If you like an uncomplicated and fun Regency read I do recommend The Naked Gentleman. It's witty, it's endearing and it's very sexy. It will most definitely keep you entertained for a few enjoyable hours. The first line of the opening chapter plastered a smile on my face and it stayed there until the very last page.
Sally MacKenzie again hasn't failed to please me with this fourth installment of the Naked Nobility-series. I can't wait for the next naked nobleman and his heroine.
Quote:
Meg: "Lady Dawson, I have been trying to explain. Mr. Parker-Roth and I do not converse." The man is too busy doing other things with his tongue to have a conversation.
HE COULDN'T REFUSE
John Parker-Roth cannot believe that marriage is necessary for his happiness. He would far rather pursue his interest in horticulture, but if one day he should find a female who shared his passion for flowers-a level-headed, calm sort of female-he might reconsider. Certainly the lovely young woman who has just tumbled into his lap will not do, as she possesses neither of those admirable qualities. Yet Miss Margaret Peterson does have many things in her favor. To begin with, she is a true English rose, blushing a delectable pink. And she is not entirely clothed. Her full mouth begs to be kissed. If only she would not wriggle so. Oh, dear. He cannot ignore the sudden vision of her in his bed, but he must.
What? Is Meg actually asking him to kiss her? Well, well, well. John Parker-Roth is a gentleman, first and foremost. And he cannot turn down a lady's request.
John Parker-Roth (Parks) and Margaret Peterson (Meg) met each other in Lizzie and Robbie's book (The Naked Earl) and were immediately drawn to each other and not only because of their shared interest in horticulture. But both are reluctant to give into their feelings. Then things change quickly when Parks saves Meg from a determined and unwanted suitor in a dark corner of a garden. This lands them in a delicate situation and they are discovered by the ton's biggest gossip.
Parks does the honorable thing and offers for Meg but Meg declines not wanting to trap him when he was just being her savior. Her begins the song and dance of courting between two people meant for each other. Their love story unfolds in the midst of balls, house parties, meddling friends and relatives and under the watchful eye of the ton.
Meg is a lovely heroine; she is strong-minded, determined and intelligent. She is practical in her reasons for choosing a husband but goes about it in a way that's not very sensible and that's is where her friends and relatives come in and draw the line.
Parks is the epitome of properness and decorum. He seems only to be interested in horticulture after a not so successful venture into the marriage mart. But then he finds Meg who ignites very passionate feelings in him and not only because she's interested in horticulture.
The characters were all very well developed and lovely. Parks and Meg sparkled and sizzled together! Their chemistry brings out the wilder side in them and that was a delight to read.
The secondary characters were all equally complementing to the romance between Parks and Meg. Old friends from the previous books make their appearance and are even developed further in this book, though they never take over the focus from the main couple. Although some pages were dedicated to secondary characters and their own romances, this never bothered me. On the contrary, it made the book more appealing.
Along with the familiar secondary characters, there are some new ones who contribute to the humor that I liked so much in this book. No laugh-out-loud humor but witty bantering and funny situations that fit right in the whole feeling of the book.
There is no other real plot in the book other than the developing romance between Meg and Parks and the circumstances that lead to their marriage. The book is character-driven more than action-driven, focusing on Meg, Parks and everybody interfering in their relationship. No mysteries to solve, no thefts, no threats. Just the journey of two people finding love and companionship, sprinkled with a healthy dose of humor and sensuality, which I truly enjoyed reading.
Despite that there was no other plot than the romance, it still was fast-paced and hard to put down. I finished it before I knew it and with a satisfied feeling. The writing style is uncomplicated and easy to read but still fitting the Regency-period it's set in.
MacKenzie manages to take it up a notch with every book, keeping it refreshingly original with each one being different in plot and romance. But still they are kept together by the recurring (secondary) characters.
If you like an uncomplicated and fun Regency read I do recommend The Naked Gentleman. It's witty, it's endearing and it's very sexy. It will most definitely keep you entertained for a few enjoyable hours. The first line of the opening chapter plastered a smile on my face and it stayed there until the very last page.
Sally MacKenzie again hasn't failed to please me with this fourth installment of the Naked Nobility-series. I can't wait for the next naked nobleman and his heroine.
Quote:
Meg: "Lady Dawson, I have been trying to explain. Mr. Parker-Roth and I do not converse." The man is too busy doing other things with his tongue to have a conversation.
October 13, 2007
6:38 PM |
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He Took Her By Surprise
When a naked earl climbs through the window into her bedchamber, Lady Elizabeth Runyon does the proper thing: She screams. Loudly. And then…well, Lizzie has had enough of being proper. She wishes to be bold. Wanton, even. She won’t be commanded to put on her nightgown. Just this once, she will be absolutely daring…
She Returned the Favor
Robert Hamilton, Earl of Westbrooke, has no intention of being tricked into marriage by a detestable female, and if he has to flee naked across a rooftop, he will. Jolly good there’s an open window waiting--as well as an undressed, slightly drunk, and alluringly beautiful Lady Elizabeth. Oh, dear. If they are caught together, he might have to marry her. The idea is delicious…and the temptation is irresistible…
And again I thoroughly enjoyed another installment in the Naked Nobility series.
After reading about them in The Naked Duke and the Naked Marquis they finally took center stage in their own book, Robert Hamilton (Robbie), Earl of Westbrooke and Elizabeth Runyon (Lizzie), sister of the Duke of Alvord.
They have been in love with each other ever since they were children. But ever since a humiliating experience in a brothel Robbie has trouble performing bedroom duties and he considers himself “defective”. His secret problem also prevents him from offering marriage to the woman he’s loved forever: Lizzie. Still he is extremely and endearingly jealous of every man who dares even to look in Lizzie’s direction.
However a plan to trap Robbie into marriage and humiliate Lizzie, both part of an act of revenge, backfires and sends them straight into each other’s naked arms and eventually into a marriage.
Two elements that come back in all the books are: nakedness of either or both hero and/or heroine and revenge on either hero or heroine. These elements provide not only the connection between the books but are also the things that make them different from each other, therefore making it a series that you won't get bored with quickly.
I must say that Ms Mackenzie’s plots and writing style gets better with each book she releases. Where in The Naked Duke it was a nice plot and story, I must classify The Naked Earl as intriguing and exciting.
While Robbie and Lizzie's love-story is the main focus, the secondary characters and subplots are present enough to intrigue you into wanting to know more about some of these secondary characters but never so overbearing that they take over the book. In short, it proved to be an excellent mix.
In this book MacKenzie also sets the stage for the next book where secondary characters Meg and Parks are the main characters. Like she did with Robbie and Lizzie in the previous books.
Unfortunately I have to wait until next year to enjoy the next story in this series.
I highly recommend this book and series if you’re in the mood for a witty story filled with funny situations and dialogues mixed with well-written characters and sensual love scenes.
Quotes:
She tasted of life, of hope, of all that he wanted and could not have
“Did I hurt you?” (Robbie)
“No.” She flexed her hips again and wiggled. He gasped. “Stop talking and move!” (Lizzie)
July 16, 2007
5:51 PM |
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THE MAN IS PRACTICAL
As marriage proposals go, Charles Draysmith's suit is as romantic as the moors in December. Emma Peterson might be only a vicar's daughter, and he the new Marquis of Knightsdale, and perhaps he would rather marry her than endure the marriage mart. But when he suggests how much he'll enjoy securing an heir, well, a lady can only endure so much.
BUT THE LADY IS PASSIONATE
There's something about a woman throwing pottery at a man that piques his interest. Perhaps his proposal lacks grace, Charles thinks. But it does seem a perfect solution. He acquires a wife; his young charges have the mother they so desperately need, and Emma gains security and position. You see? Simple. Practical. Sensib—oh no, not the ceramic dog… He will have to confess the truth to calm her down. And the truth is, he's madly in love…
Charles’ brother, the Marquis of Knightsdale has died unexpectedly which leaves Charles to assume the position of the Marquis, Lord Knightsdale and the responsibility for his brother’s two daughters Isabelle and Claire. It’s something he is dreading to do since he was not brought up for this task, being the second son and all. And above all this he also has to find a wife to secure an heir to his title.
In comes Emma, the temporary governess of the girls and his old childhood friend. But she’s not a child anymore and Charles falls head over heels for her. Only his proposal isn’t all that romantic so Emma, who’s been in love with him since she was six years old, tells him no in a very eloquent way.
And then the fun starts with a lovely story that involves a houseparty, matchmaking by the two little girls, a jewel thief bound on revenge on the Draysmiths and a lot of hot passion involving some nakedness between Charles and Emma. There are also guest appearances by James, Sarah and Robbie which is logical since James, Robbie and Charles are best friends since their childhood, when Emma used to follow them around.
It was a nice and easy read, fast-paced like the Naked Duke and therefore I finished it in a matter of a day.
Emma and Charles were very compatible and well-written main characters. The secondary characters were just as well-written and added a lot of laughter and fun to the book, especially Aunt Bea, Charles aunt with her hideous gowns and her taste for brandy…But the girls, Isabelle and Claire were also adorable and endearing.
The second book turned out to be as lovely as the first.
It didn’t start with the nakedness right away as in The Naked Duke (book 1) but along the book this was certainly taken care of….and sparks flew between Charles and Emma.
Now I’m looking forward to Robbie and Lizzie’s (James’ little sister) story in the next book in the series. If I go by the excerpt in this book it’s going to be good too…
June 10, 2007
5:28 PM |
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THE SURPRISE OF HER LIFE
Sophisticated. Scandalous. In fact, Miss Sarah Hamilton, a proper Philadelphian, finds London society altogether shocking. How can it be that she has awakened from her innocent slumber to find herself in bed next to a handsome–and exceedingly naked–man? The laughing onlookers standing in the doorway are no help whatsoever and surely this amorous lunatic cannot be a duke, as he claims. She is compromised – though she most certainly will not marry him!
THE SWEETEST MOMENT OF HIS
James, the Duke of Alvord, is enchanted by his unexpected bedmate–and not at all afraid of her pink-cheeked fury. True, the circumstances and place of their meeting are most unusual, but the spirited American who’s pummeling him with a pillow is an imcomparable beauty. If Sarah will only listen to his perfectly reasonable explanation, James is sure that he dan capture her heart...forever.
It took some effort to obtain this book but it was well worth it.
I had so much fun reading it. It was easy to read and fast-paced. I couldn’t put it away as curious as I was to find out what would happen next to James and Sarah.
The characters are lovely and endearing. James is supposed to be a rake but the actually is far from it. But he’s no whimp either! He knows waht he wants and will not deter from his goal once he has his eye one something, or in this case: someone. He falls in love inmediately with Sarah and does everything to get her to marry him despite the threats on his and eventually her life too, by his evil cousin Richard.
Sarah is very innocent and pure. She can’t believe James really wants her but she proves she’s not immune to his charmes and in the end she does fall for him. She doesn’t agree with the way things are done in England but James shows her that not everyone acts in the scandalous ways some other English noblemen do.
The secondary characters are very nice as well. And you just know the story of Robbie and Lizzie is also going to be told in the future. And as it turns out it is, in “The Naked Earl” (book 3 in the series). Both friendly and hostile secondary characters are well-written and add a nice touch to the whole story.
The story was not intense or very exciting but it certainly was a nice and pleasant read if you want a good Regency. It’s the first book in a series and I’m looking forward to the next books.
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- Pearl
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- 39, married to my real life romance hero, addicted to TV shows, reading romance novels and Twitter. I'm a chronic (e)book hoarder and my absolute favorite genres within romance fiction are contemporary romance and romantic suspense, but I don't shy away from historical, paranormal or erotic romance either. Even the occasional (urban) fantasy romance, futuristic and sci fi romance may make it to my Mount TBR. This is my corner of the world wide web where I let you know what books I'm hoarding, reading and reviewing.
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