Violet also knew bloody well that a woman moaning, perspiring, and letting her breasts move with her panting breath froze a gentleman in place.
A large, warm hand landed on hers, and Mr. Mackenzie said in a quiet voice, “You all right, lass?”
Violet froze. For a moment, her rapid breaths choked her, and she couldn’t find air.
His voice was filled with concern. That concern sent a shock through her. No one had ever spoken to her like this—not her mother, not even Jacobi, who’d been closer to her than a father. Daniel Mackenzie, a stranger, a man of warmth by her side, touched her in worry, and asked after her with a kind of protectiveness she’d never experienced before.
It nearly broke her. A moment ago, Violet was priding herself on being able to handle a roomful of half-drunk, unruly gentlemen who’d come upon them so rudely in the middle of the night. Her mother had been too upset by their arrival to rise from the bed, and Violet had said she’d take care of everything.
The moment Mr. Mackenzie voiced concern, Violet felt herself shattering, the façade she strove to maintain crumbling to reveal the lonely and weary young woman behind it—nearly thirty years old, unmarried and unlikely to be, taking care of an ill mother, living by her wits and her skill in hiding her lies.
She found it easy to keep the barrier between Mortimer and his ilk, but she recognized that Daniel Mackenzie could rip her to shreds with one touch.
She tried to catch her breath, tried to keep her persona in place, but for a moment, she was only a frightened young woman angry at a man for exposing her.
Mr. Ellingham, oblivious, broke the tension. “Damn it, Mackenzie. We’ll never get a contact if you interfere with the medium’s trance. Everyone knows that.”
Daniel kept his gaze on Violet. “You sure you’re all right, love?”
Violet moved her hands to the table again, pressing them down to stop their trembling. “Yes. Yes, I am fine, thank you.”
“You’re an ass, Mackenzie,” Mortimer said, his voice tinged with brutal anger. “Now we’ll have to start all over again.”
“No, we won’t,” Daniel said, still looking at Violet. “We’ll go and leave Mademoiselle Bastien to her sleep.”
“The hell we will,” Mortimer said, standing up. “We’re not leaving this house. Not until we have satisfaction.”
Praise for
“The Duke’s Perfect Wife is a sensual, gorgeous story that was captivating from the first page to the very last.”
—Joyfully Reviewed (Recommended Read)
“The unforgettable Mackenzies return as Ashley spins the fourth in the series into another mesmerizing, intensely emotional romance that steals readers’ hearts and minds. With her innovative plots and characters, Ashley pushes the boundaries of the genre and creates ‘keepers,’ because they touch readers on many levels.”
—RT Book Reviews (Top Pick)
“It’s all such a seductive world, you’ll get swept away, just as I did.”
—DemonLovers Books & More
“Ashley’s latest, flawlessly written historical romance richly rewards romance readers with its multilayered characterization; sexy, secrets-saturated plotting; sharp wit; and enthralling writing.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“Passionate, well-drawn characters, breathless romance, and a memorable love story.”
—Library Journal
“Innovative as ever…a beautifully written, tender, touching romance that will leave readers breathless.Her strong characterizations and poignant yet sensual storytelling draw readers into her unforgettable love stories.”
—RT Book Reviews (Top Pick)
“Readers will love Ainsley.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Ashley simply has a gift with her storytelling…Heart-wrenching romance, balanced with a good amount of steamy sex, and an underlying story line all contribute to the…enjoyment.”
—Night Owl Reviews
“Another winner from Jennifer Ashley…It’s romantic and heartfelt, steamy and sexy, with just the right amount of humor. I absolutely love this book and I cannot get enough of the Mackenzies!”
—Michelle and Leslie’s Book Picks
“Jennifer Ashley writes very sensual, sexy books…If you love the first two books in this series, you will enjoy this one as well. If you haven’t tried these, I definitely recommend.”
—Smexy Books
“I adore this novel: It’s heartrending, funny, honest, and true. I want to know the hero—no, I want to marry the hero!”
—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author
“Skillfully nuanced characterization and an abundance of steamy sensuality give Ashley’s latest impeccably crafted historical its irresistible literary flavor.”
—Chicago Tribune
“Readers rejoice! The Mackenzie brothers return as Ashley works her magic to create a unique love story brimming over with depth of emotion, unforgettable characters, sizzling passion, mystery, and a story that reaches out and grabs your heart. Brava!”
—RT Book Reviews (Top Pick)
“A heartfelt, emotional historical romance with danger and intrigue around every corner…A great read!”
—Fresh Fiction
“For a rollicking good time, sexy Highland heroes, and touching romances, you just can’t beat Jennifer Ashley’s novels!”
—Night Owl Reviews
“You can’t help but fall in love with the Mackenzie brothers.”
—Loves Romances and More
“This series is a must-read for all historical romance fans.”
—Smexy Books
“I’m a big fan of Jennifer Ashley’s…Deliciously fun.”
—All About Romance
“Ms. Ashley is a superb author who can bring sensuality and passion to life with her characters and pour the emotion off the pages.”
—Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
“Ms. Ashley did not let me down.”
—The Good, The Bad and The Unread
“A deliciously dark and delectably sexy story of love and romantic redemption that will captivate readers with its complex characters and suspenseful plot.”
—Booklist
“Ashley’s enthralling and poignant romance…touches readers on many levels. Brava!”
—RT Book Reviews
“A story of mystery and intrigue with two wonderful, bright characters you’ll love…I look forward to more from Jennifer Ashley, an extremely gifted author.”
—Fresh Fiction
“Brimming with mystery, suspense, an intriguing plot, villains, romance, a tormented hero, and a feisty heroine, this book is a winner. I recommend The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie to anyone looking for a great read.”
—Romance Junkies
“Wow! One of the best books I have ever read. [It] gets the highest recommendation that I can give. It is a truly wonderful book.”
—Once Upon A Romance
“When you’re reading a book that is a step or two—or six or seven—above the norm, you know it almost immediately. Such is the case with The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. The characters here are so complex and so real that I was fascinated by their journey…[and] this story is as flat-out romantic as any I’ve read in a while…This is a series I am certainly looking forward to following.”
—All About Romance
“A unique twist on the troubled hero…Fresh and interesting.”
—Night Owl Reviews
“A welcome addition to the genre.”
—Dear Author
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