Book: Alec Mackenzie’s Art of Seduction by Jennifer Ashley
Series: The Mackenzies Series, Book #9
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
1)Tartan Book Reviews
2) Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Overall Rating: 5 STARS
Blog Rating : 5 KILTS
This is Jennifer Ashley’s ninth book as the story's hero is the handsome, charming and swoon worthy Alec Mackenzie! He is the brother of Book #8 Malcolm, from “The Stolen Mackenzie Bride.” Also ancestor of long time MacKenzie favorite Ian. How this unforgettable, phenomenal, Mackenzie series started with - “The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie”. It is pure brilliance in my opinion, one of my favorite reads of 2017! - Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog.
Attic of Kilmorgan Castle, Scotland 1892
The story starts as Mackenzie series favorite Ian, (The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie) is going through the family history carefully and methodically. Well that is until his beautiful wife Beth enters the attic. His Beth is the keeper of his heart, Ian easily gets distracted whenever she is in his surroundings. Beth is always interested in anything that captures Ian’s attention. He is the husband she fought so hard for so many years ago. She also taught Ian to always tell a story one specific way. That way is is with “Once Upon a Time”, so it begins…
1746, London.
In the aftermath of The Battle of Culloden Alec MacKenzie’s brother Will is missing after sadly losing a few of his other brothers to misfortune . The family has exiled to France during this turbulent time. Another reason why they can’t understand why Will would be in dangerous London. Not after the bloodbath the Bonnie Prince Charlie/ Tearlach led them in. Alec refuses to lose another brother! Rumors are flying that a certain English Duke of Crenshaw might have the information he seeks! As it’s rumored Will might be imprisoned or possibly executed. This English Duke also has a beautiful daughter who is also a talented landscape artist. Her selfish duchess mother feels her daughter Celia is a disgrace and embarrassment to the family. Refusing a promising marriage to a man three times her age, but a big financial and titled opportunity. In punishment she has been pretty much living in seclusion as her mother's prisoner. Her mother wants her to paint faces for advancement opportunities. Especially since she is ruined for another marriage opportunity!
Now Alec is living in London with his infant daughter, at the well known and infamous Lady Flora’s. He is using the identity of a drawing master under an Irish assumed name - Mr. Finn. No English aristocrat would allow their daughter near a traitorous Highland warrior! Now the seductive Alec has other ideas for his new student and that is to study anatomy! As the Scottish Mackenzie’s are known Jacobite traitors now living in France. It would be a death sentence if his true identity was ever know. Plus might even put his exiled family in France at risk, not to mention Will if he is in London.
Celia is definitely not what Alec expected and now he feels rather protective. Plus seeing her so nurturing around his daughter starts melting his cold heart. Her talent, tenderness and caring surprise him. She is no shrinking violet that is for certain. He also realizes he wants her very badly and not for information!
Celia recognizes Alec for what he truly is a Highland warrior as she is food at listening and studying people. She is mesmerized by his drool worthy good looks and charming personality. Yet she sees his tenderness with his daughter, his talent as an artist and his protectiveness. In addition she see’s a side of him that scares her if anyone crossed him he wouldn’t accept it lightly. She also feels horrible that he and his family's home and livelihood was destroyed by her King and country! She also realizes she’s falling in love with a Jacobite highland warrior!
What will she do when she realizes she is just a pawn in a very dangerous game? Will Alec find his missing brother Will? Or God forbid Will is being held as a prisoner or worse! Does Alec get caught trying to locate his Jacobite brother?
Again, another beautifully written Jennifer Ashley masterpiece. It is filled with favorite MacKenzie characters, plus all the elements historical readers love! From a riveting, fast paced adventure, filled with betrayal, misfortune, and heartbreak. Plus the aftermath of war, destruction, treachery, murder, scandal, death, exile, passion and love. In addition, it weaves true history with a phenomenal, fictional, historical, romance that I could not put this book down!
The setting is absolutely dazzling and dialogue was magnificent. Plotting was so awe inspiring and paced perfectly! I was holding my breath with anticipation not knowing what could possibly happen next!
I was honored with an early arc of this book from the author. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog. All words thoughts and ideas are my own.
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