Alec Mackenzie's Art of Seduction: Mackenzies

Book: Alec Mackenzie’s Art of Seduction by Jennifer AshleySeries: The Mackenzies Series, Book #9Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of1)Tartan Book Reviews2) Purple Tulip Book Reviews3)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review BlogOverall Rating: 5 STARSBlog Rating : 5 KILTSWriting my review now here is my quick opinion while finishing.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 1892The 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 even might put his exiled family at risk not to mention Will!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 beautiful 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!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! The characters were so delightful from infant Jenny to the infamous and cold Lady Flora. Plus the nasty unfeeling duchess, delightful Duke and of course our beautiful and appealing star crossed lovers, Alec and Celia.I loved this book so very much and I know I will be re-reading again and again. Those Mackenzie’s know just how to tie this reader in a feel good knot. I mean this in a great way! Jennifer Ashley pens another phenomenal master piece you don’t want to miss! I can’t recommend it enough!Bravo Jennifer Ashley you totally rocked my world once again. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish!9I 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.Buy Links:https://www.amazon.com/Alec-Mackenzies-Art-Seduction-Book-ebook/dp/B074WLPD54/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

FINAL DECISION: This was a very enjoyable book. I loved Alec and Celia together and there is a good plot surrounding the romance.  I can't wait for the next book.THE STORY: Alec Mackenzie is dead...at least to the English who are searching for the traitors after the Scottish uprising that ended with Culloden. After his remaining family fled to France, Alec has returned to England with his young daughter in order to search for his brother Will who may have been captured by the English. Alec is masquerading as Mr. Finn, a poor Irish artist taking on students. His student is Lady Celia who is the daughter of the duke that Alec suspects is implicated in his brother's disappearance. Celia is intrigued by Mr. Finn and feels that there is much more to the man than he presents.OPINION: I loved the interaction between Alec and Celia. That interaction is what made the book for me. Like the other Mackenzie books, this book has larger than life characters who have intense feelings for one another. The connection between these two is immediate and quite beautiful.Alec's kindness and gentleness made me fall for him, too.  He is a man who has big emotions and love. One of his best qualities is the love he has for his daughter and his family. He is adorable in that seriously manly fashion. As he meets Celia, he is pulled into caring for her as well. His support for her artistic talent and her wishes and thoughts is very attractive as well.Celia is strong and determined even under the intense manipulation and pressure of her mother.  Her willingness to do what is right for her despite the pressures of society which leaves her ruined, her complex feelings for her family members, and her insistence of being treated as a partner give Celia depth that I enjoyed as well.The plot here works as well. Alec's search for his brother involves various schemes and plots and unwinding the villains and heroes. There is also enjoyable glimpses of the remainder of the Mackenzie family so those who have read THE UNTAMED MACKENZIE will be pleased to see what has happened with the family since the events of that book.Ian and Beth also open and close this novel. Fans of the original books will be pleased. I'm hoping that in the next book we will get to see more of the more of the Victorian era Mackenzies.WORTH MENTIONING:  This book sets up Alec's brother Will's book. I can't wait to hear his story.CONNECTED BOOKS:  ALEC MACKENZIE'S ART OF SEDUCTION is the ninth book in the Mackenzies and McBrides series. While this book is a self-contained romance (which is a prequel to others in the series), there is an introduction from Ian Mackenzie (THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE) and I think at least that book should be read first just to put the story in context.STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.NOTE: I received an ARC from the author in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

I enjoyed the introduction to the mackenzie family, I shall look forward to reading more about the family in the future

Just what I was waiting for.

This is another story of one of the Mackenzie's. I have read and enjoyed each one, this one being extremely enjoyable to read. I really enjoyed Alec's and Celia's growing relationship, and also the intrigue that is always present whenever there are Mackenzies about. This is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about one of Ian Mackenzie’s ancestors. I also enjoyed the glimpse of Ian and Beth Mackenzie. It was a wonderful love story as well as a tale about the aftermath of Culloden and the devastation wrought in the Highlands post Bonny Prince Charlie.

I love love love the MacKenzies. All their stories are amazing. It is great to learn of the generations that went before the brothers we first met. Can’t wait for the next book. This is a series I many times bring out and reread from the beginning. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I have.