Sally Mackenzie - The Naked King

One night of slight overindulgence-oh, all right, he was drunk-and Stephen Parker-Roth finds he must betroth himself to prevent yet another scandal. But his "intended" is lovely, a redheaded beauty under her horrendous, unfashionable bonnet, and before long, he's congratulating himself on compromising such an excellent candidate-and anticipating what other naughtiness they'll get caught at before the wedding...
Lady Anne Marston has long since given up any thought of marriage. That is the price she pays for the mistakes of her past. But one little conversation with a handsome rogue should never have led to a sham engagement. Even if it did end in a rather shocking kiss...in broad daylight...on the front step of London's premier gossip. Now, trapped between a secret and a lie, Anne must somehow disentangle herself from this charming, maddening man before the truth comes out-or her heart gives in...

Comment: This is the last book in the naked nobility series by the author. I've had it for a couple of months now and decided it was best to get it out of the way and be done with another series, always a good thing, especially if the series is finished.

This story features Stephen Parker-Roth, another brother to two protagonists of the previous couple of books. The action starts when he meets Anne Marston by chance on the street and by accident they fall and one of those older, gossipy women sees them and starts spreading the news they are compromised, so they agree to say thy are engaged and later on would call it off, except as time goes by and both their lives get lined more and more, it becomes real the facts they will have to marry and will actually like it...

Well, I didn't get amazed by this story, not that I didn't like it, I'm as much a fan of mushy inconsequential love stories as any romance reader, but having read others with this type of plot, I have to say this one was a bit of a let down. I'm used to the author's style, yes, but I still hope for a good book. This can be seen as good by many, after all, the most important thing to know about readers is we all have a personal POV and opinion and we all can red he same book and think countless different ways to talk about it. I'm not worried I didn't think this brilliant and other did, but it does bother me a bit personally that I didn't see more beauty in the story than the usual...I guess in a way this author stays in that place we all put authors who have something but don't quite reach it putting their works in the middle of out personal lists, and this author I'm afraid will certainly be part of the not so good but not bad scope...

The romance between Stephen and Anne was OK I suppose...she had an interesting past and it provided a good twist in the type of story set in this case, but still, even despite the pace and good things I still get a little bit annoyed at how the author always needs to stand out the sexiness of the characters, the sexual side of every thing...So many readers, historical ones at that, do the same but with more elegance you could say. I now these books are meant to state the sexual side of the relationship, many historicals do, but I like subtlety, I like seriousness too. I think the major issue with this story was how, despite the seriousness of several subjects addressed in the plot, still the playfulness of the sexual side of things overpowered everything else. The story could still be funny and cute without almost, I repeat, almost going into tacky territory...

So, the plot plus the romance, plus the writing are all the author's trademark, I knew what I was getting, but I still hoped for something a little bit more....polished. I'll keep hoping though, if I ever read more books by the author.
I think the situations in this book were done very lightly, despite the power of some issues, like what happened in Anne's past, and the way it changed her personality and her perception of herself, I think these two subjects were worthy of further and deeper polishing in the story...but overall I can't say I was completely surprised, just disappointed that I wasn't.
For those who just want to let go of reality, this is a good one...
Grade: 5/10

Sally Mackenzie - The Naked Gentleman

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 these 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 . . 

Comment: This is another of the installments in this series by Sally Mackenzie. It's the story of John Parker-Roth and Meg, characters we've known from previous books. This book can be read as a stand alone but it's best if read in order, for many details are better understood with the other books behind adding plot subjects.

John Parker-Roth is mostly interested in plants. His business deals also are about that and his brother travels a lot to help him. He doesn't care about marriage because he considers women too bland. He thought h might be happy with Grace though, so when she left in at the altar for another man, he decided women were just too much trouble, although Meg Peterson seems as happy to talk about plants as he.
Meg feels very attracted to John and for a while after meeting him she thought he felt the same but much time has passed and not a word from him. Meg wants to marry, to have her family and if possible, a good garden estate as well. But she also wanted John to be part of her vision...

I liked this book but in a nutshell, I thought it took too long for things to happen. Meg and John are found out together and forced to marry but they only do almost at the end. I get the challenge, the why it was so delayed, after all it wasn't an easy situation, but at some point I go a bit bred with all that and I think this one was a bit weaker in terms of plot comparing to other previous installments.

Meg and John start to have feelings fr each other and despite knowing in real life it's so easy to place bad decisions and to have wrong ideas about something, or even to complicate something simple, in books I prefer things more rational, more well explained and fluid. It was an issue that, combined with the slow pace of things, I couldn't out aside while reading and I just wanted them to do something, to act, to finally marry.
Their characters didn't seem that bad at first glance. Each one had wants and had hopes for what their life might be and being forced to take a step like marriage that way put a strain on their developing feelings, so at the end I also thin their personalities didn't seem as captivating because what they did and what they wanted seemed so much in conflict.

There are several secondary characters and we even have many scenes from their POVs, which makes the book feel very populated, although it's also nice to see what characters from previous books have been doing. Still,it was annoying to see them talk so much about their intimate lives...I think after the first one we got the point they are all happy.

I thought many situations in this book to be a bit pushed at the reader, meaning the author seemed bent on making an idea come across and to me it looked too much. I didn't notice this in other books, so I wonder what my problem was or if it's the book itself that just didn't measure up.
I only have one book left to read in the series and part of me is relived because despite some good moments, scenes and dialogs, most books so far also were be a bit annoying at some points.
Grade: 5/10

Sally Mackenzie - The Naked Viscount

After eight Seasons in London, Lady Jane Parker-Roth is ready to quit the dull search for a husband in favor of more exciting pursuits. So when she encounters an intruder in her host's townhouse, she's not about to let the scoundrel escape. Until she discovers she's wrestling a viscount-Edmund Smyth, the one noble she wouldn't mind meeting in the dark. And when their struggle shatters a randy statue of the god Pan, even more mischief ensues...
Edmund was indeed searching for evidence of a scandal, but the shocking clues inside the nude statue are far from what he expected. The same can be said of Jane, who shows a talent for interfering in his affairs. And as his quest becomes more than a little improper, he finds the impetuous Lady has a talent for that as well...
 
Comment: Another book in this series by the author. Once more I went through a story that I didn't expect much of, but I want to finish this fast.

This is the story of Jane Parker-Roth, a young woman that has had eight seasons and is still unmarried. Jane decides it's time to just get on with her life without marriage thoughts but the day she decides that she is looking for a book at the library in the house her family rented for the season and she stumbles on an intruder. When she attacks him, she recognizes Edmund Smythe, a viscount friend of her brothers.
Edmund is looking to solve a mystery but Jane shows up and she actually helps him with a clue to what he seeks. They form then a team of sorts and together go on looking for more clues, which are connected to statues all over London.

This story was good. I had fun reading it and I liked the main characters' personality. During the investigation they find out many curious things about other people, many of them involved in secret meetings of a sexual nature...well, let's call it orgies like they are. Those people's behavior is their true colors while they pretend to be respectable in society. We see some part of the heroes moral conduct by the comments they make about those people. Almost at the end they go on a strange investigation and are nearly captured but they escape. However, Jane is somehow forced to drink something that alters her behavior and thoughts and to be honest I wasn't very fond of this section of the plot; I thought this wasn't the best path to be taken in the novel. There are ways and ways to deal with things...

Jane and Edmund don't seem to have much in common, although we are told Jane has a crush on him. While sharing their adventure, they also find out they like each other for what they are and in Jane's case, she gets to know a man beyond her illusions and in the end, their love is actually believable.
Jane has a change of behavior when she finally accepts the idea that some things won't just happen if she wishes, she acts and tries to succeed and in this there's a life lesson, although I don't think it would be that easy for someone always described as quiet and responsible. Still, I liked to see it.

As for the plot elements, the mystery, the crazy aunts living with Edmund, the conversation about Jane's brothers...all this added to the story and it was fun but it wasn't such a thing as to unbalance the tone of the story, I mean, this aimed for more funny scenes but it wasn't too much.
In the end, I liked the majority of elements in the story, I had some good times reading and I did want to finish to see them get their HEA. This isn't the best thing out there, no. But this one isn't as poorly one as other books of the series and actually manages to entertain quite a lot.

Jennifer Ashley / Sally Mackenzie

Lady Eleanor Ramsay is the only one who knows the truth about Hart Mackenzie. Once his fiancee, she is the sole woman to whom he could ever pour out his heart.
Hart has it all--a dukedom, wealth, power, influence, whatever he desires. Every woman wants him--his seductive skills are legendary. But Hart has sacrificed much to keep his brothers safe, first from their brutal father, and then from the world. He's also suffered loss--his wife, his infant son, and the woman he loved with all his heart though he realized it too late.
Now, Eleanor has reappeared on Hart's doorstep, with scandalous nude photographs of Hart taken long ago. Intrigued by the challenge in her blue eyes--and aroused by her charming, no-nonsense determination--Hart wonders if his young love has come to ruin him . . . or save him.

Comment: Once again a book by this author was deeply engrossing and fascinating. I love the characters and how their family members interact with each other. The plot was interesting and I really wanted to keep reading even when I couldn't. This series is amazing and despite having enjoyed a bit more the previous book, this one I wanted to read since meeting Hart, I can say I wasn't disappointed at all, it was a fun story to follow and to see how they talked and did things was great. The relationship between Hart and Eleanor wasn't easy to settle but their path was wonderful to watch and to be honest, I thought it was done a bit too easily considering their past, but I guess part of it is due to Eleanor's personality, because she is practical and vibrant. Still, this could have been more emotional, I think. But in the end, I read this as fast as I could because I wanted to read more and more. Can't wait for more of these characters.

*  *  * 

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...
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...

Comment: I was positively surprised with this story. So far, I haven't really had any fun reading the books in this series or even real delight but this story was much more interesting and it provided good enough conflicts and situations to care about. Many things done in a clumsy I'd say, but seriously stronger than the others. The man characters, Robbie and Lizzie had chemistry and challenges to overcome and the secondary characters were interesting to know so, in the end, I can't say it was all that bad. It certainly was much more solid and alive than the other previous novels. Let's see the rest...

Sally Mackenzie / Jennifer Ashley

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.
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...

Comment: Once again, another book in this series that didn't offer anything amazing. i guess these books are doomed to just be passable for me. Yes, yes, I know, why do I bother..let's call it closure. This book is about Charles, he showed up in the first book. I had high hopes for his story, but it's like he became this moron who keeps saying to his intended she better marry him, after all he needs heirs. Hoe she feel in love with him, I don't know. But apparently they did and despite the secret passages and the evil guy, she got him. Oh and unbelievable how naive and innocent she was. Not knowing how babies are done is a bit too much...Thankfully, not too many books remaining.

* * * * *

Heartbroken from the death of her mate three years ago, Shifter Cassidy Warden is tracking down his mysterious killer -- one who could bring danger to all Shifters.
But Detective Diego Escobar rekindles the flames of her mating desire. And once the fires begin, nothing and no one can put them out... 

Comment: This is the opposite. This author does know how to create a story and this time we meet shifters from a different city and the focus is on a female shifter, who I liked. I liked how the story went further and further to new developments, I liked the environment, the new characters, some of them we knew about, but now we're getting to know them, enough tidbits about incoming stories and of course, great scenes about shifters and humans trying to co exist. A world getting stronger with each book. I liked Cassidy and Diego's story and of course, that they got their HEA. Can't wait for more now that we got some hints about who might be.

Sally Mackenzie - The Naked Baron

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...

Comment: Although I didn’t like the first book that much, I decided to read the other books I have by the same author anyway. I’d feel guilty to have them to read and this way I just get them out of the way. And, who knows, perhaps there’s some gem in there for me.

This book isn’t the one the author wrote after the first one, The Naked Duke. However, I visited her website and according to her chronology, the action in this book takes place at the same time as The Naked Duke, so I think it’s best to just follow her chronology.

This is the story of Grace and Dawson. They meet at a ball and feel immediately attracted to each other. Lord Dawson sees in Grace everything he is looking for in a woman and possible wife and sets his eyes on her. She is a bit more reluctant because of the family history between her father and lord Dawson's mother. At the same time, we get the secondary romance of Grace’s aunt, Kate and lord Dawson's uncle, Alex. They were in love in the past but fate happened and they separated and now they meet again and this time there’s no running away.

I thought this book to be just average, It has a solid enough storyline and even more interesting secondary characters, but I wasn’t much impressed with the main couple. I guess they are a good match for each other but there’s nothing about them that made me eager to know them better. I was much more interested in the secondary romance, with a different conflict and expectations and which I think was better done.

Lord and Grace seemed ok on their own but together they didn’t seem to work very well. In a way, I think it was due to the fact they started to show signs of strong feelings right away. This is so illogical to me, and to be honest, the way the author developed the storyline in this regard didn’t win me over. It was all so…boring and unappealing. If not for the other romance, I think this book would be more than boring. But I admit I was quite eager to see what was happening to other couple, thus my better enjoyment of the book.

Still, nothing major about this book. Neither the main couple nor the story was intriguing or interesting enough to compel me. I do hope the remaining ones I have can offer better entertaining hours.

TBR Challenge: Sally Mackenzie - The Naked Duke

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!
James, the Duke of Alford, 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 incomparable beauty. If Sarah will only listen to his perfectly reasonable explanation, James is sure that he can capture her heart...forever.
 

Comment: This month's TBR theme is to pick one of more than one books by an author we might have. I thought about two authors actually, this one and Sherryl Woods, but I've read one book by mrs Woods and it was very boring, so I though it would be best to just try Sally Mackenzie. This was the first book by her I've tried but I was hopeful I'd end up reading the others too.

The Naked Duke is the first in her naked nobility series and being obviously historical, it was also clear it would focus in different couples too. I was a bit eager to get to it, I knew a couple of people whose opinions I know a bit have said they were entertaining and fun, so I thought the worst it could happen would be for me not to share the humor. I have to say the cover does make the book seem a bit silly, there are fun covers and funny covers and this one was on the sillier side of it, so I was eager but not dying to get it.

This is the story about Sarah Hamilton, she's left with nothing in America because her father was one of those doctors that just give things for free and didn't bother with money so after his death she doesn't have a choice but to go to England, looking for her uncle, an earl. When she arrives someone makes a mistake and gives her a room where later on the duke James steps into. Apparently the poor thing was mistaken with a prostitute. They end up in the same bed, she sleeping so not knowing he as there and he thinking she was someone else. They are found out and obviously now it's time to marry.

I get why some people would say this book is fun. I just don't think it was that much. I see the potential in several scenes but in the end I think it was a bit lack of the author's talent to write them. If the purpose was to write a sort of comedy I don't think it was that well done.

I think the story offered some plot lines interesting enough to make a more dramatic story without being too heavy. I mean, Sarah just arrived a strange place, where she doesn't know anyone, where she couldn't get a room, her belongings have been lost at sea, she is mixed up with a prostitute, she wakes up in a compromising position with a strange man and she has no money, no prospects...and easily there she goes to live with him because luckily her cousin is his best friend. Of course, something had to happen for the story to keep going, but I think the situation wasn't that funny or that easy to solve for the story to be treated as airily as that. A bit more of seriousness here and in some other moments could have made this book a stronger one.

The main characters were interesting yes. James is the perfect guy, a wealthy duke, respected, caring, helpful and now attracted to Sarah. He seems too good to be true, but at some point he goes along the path, she is danger I should step back so she doesn't get a target...for such a perfect guy he could have been a bit more confidant in his actions. People also have some wrong ideas about his character and it was fun to see how different he was from the public opinion and despite the unlikeliness of that in those days, it was still rather interesting to read about.

Sarah was a bit more believable, she had her beliefs, her goals and she knew she shouldn't be chosen to marry a duke, but her path is mostly believable. Her fears are real and I liked her personality. She comes from America where people seem to be more liberal but her behavior is correct and I liked how she seemed humble and caring instead of conceited girl like I imagined she would turn out to be. Don't know why but by the blurb it looked like she might.

The secondary characters provided good scenes and it gets clear who might be a protagonist in the future. The villain was weird, not very smart, more of a bully and the end concerning him was a bit silly as well.

Of course, in the end everyone gets what they deserve and all is well.

After finishing the book I could easily put it aside. This means I wasn't as impressed by it as I wanted to be. I get the positive opinions I knew about but I think this book isn't that good, it's not bad either, it's more just good enough, you know? Some things were good, others too stupid in my opinion, but there's a strange air of balance in it too. Weird. But that's it. I was thinking, should I read the others? I think I'll go as long as I end up at least satisfied by it, because I do have the books and as this one wasn't a complete failure, I hate to think more books would just be there, all alone and miserable...Perhaps the others are much better. Let's keep the faith.

As for this one, well, I'm not sure I'd recommend it, but it's entertaining enough to read between more serious things I guess.