Moving forward in my week of “All Things Jennifer Ashley”, I am reviewing Book 2 in her Nvengaria series, The Mad, Bad Duke
. Fresh off of Penelope and Prince Charming
, these paranormal historical romances are riddled with mystery, desire and authentically cool characters.
It all starts with a love spell. Oh, what a delicious way to start a book. Deirdre, a nitwited girl, seeks a love spell from a powerful gypsy to ensnare the likes of Alexander, the grand Duke of Nvengaria. He’s tall, dark and handsome, of course, and with his lethal presence, no member of England’s society would dare trifle with the great Duke. But not Meagan’s chit witted friend, Deirdre.
The spell backfires – gotta love that - and instead Meagan is trapped in a love spell that compels both her and the Duke to unspeakable passion. One night at a society ball and her virtue is ruined. The Duke knows he’s compromised the girl but can’t help his incessant attraction to her. What to do? What to do?
As the acting ambassador and sometimes spy to Nvengaria, Alexander, lives in England spending his time charming the ton while thwarting off assassin attempts and deadly espionage against his homeland. Once an enemy of Prince Damien, the ruler of Nvengaria, Alexander is now a trusted ally and he’d do just about anything to protect his beloved country.
There are several twists to this book including the presence of Myn, the leader of the Logosh and now a pivotal character in the plot of this book. Alexander’s past is a mystery and he’ll need Myn, Meagan and Egan (our yummy kilt wearing Scott) to reach his happy ending.
This was a cute book and fast read for me. I liked it because it was different. Sometimes when you read paranormal or urban fantasy, the plots get stale and same old same like boy meets girl under mystical circumstances and then snore – the plot sucks. Not this book. With its historical setting, Nvengaria patriotism and lovable characters, Ashley continues to bring this series to life.
On the Mina Burrows KilloMeter, I give The Mad, Bad Duke a 3 ½.
Until next time….read, would ya? It’ll keep you out of trouble.
Mina B.
This week and next is all about USA Today’s Bestselling Author, Jennifer Ashley. First, stay tuned as I continue to review Jennifer Ashley’s paranormal historical romance novels. The 2nd installment in the Nvengaria series, The Mad, Bad Duke, is what I call a cool continuation and just wait until you get a load of the Duke. (See my previous post for Book 1 in the series, Penelope and Prince Charming.)
This series is completely void of the paranormal aspect that we know and love but don’t let that deter you from reading it and revelling in its mystery, its madness and its intense seduction. There’s perfection riddled throughout this story as Ashley peels away the imperfect qualities of riveting characters like Lord Ian himself. I promise you, you’ll be fumbling for your wallets to add these prized books to your collections – and I mean pronto. Following this, I’ll be reviewing an ARC copy of Book 2 of the Mackenzie Series, Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage
. And oh, I can’t wait to tell you about that one too.
This week and next promises to be wickedly inspiring with the crème de la crème being my one-on-one interview with the bestselling, kick-A author herself, Jennifer Ashley. Yes, I got an interview with one of my heroes and might I say, I feel blessed (cue in singing angels – Ahh Aaaa). Don’t miss out on some keen insight from my killer interview with Jennifer Ashley scheduled for June 29.
Until next time...the must read of this season is Jennifer Ashley’s The MacKenzies.
Mina B.
