The Naked Marquis

The Naked Marquis was a great read. I loved the storyline, as I've always been a sap for those storylines that involve old friends from childhood. I've never been very good at reviewing things so I'll just say that I loved the characters in the book and their relationship. The back and forth between the characters held a lot of witt and passion and had a lot of that great built up sexaul frustration from the battle going on between them. And as with all of the other Sally MacKenzie books I've read it had great, funny supporting characters as well. The combination of all the personalities and humor truly made the storyline come to life and made it believable. It's a great read and everyone should check it out!

In this, the second in "The Naked" aristocrat series, Charles Draysmith, handsome rogue, becomes the Marquis of Knightsdale after the death of his brother and sister-in-law. He needs to marry soon to acquire the necessary heir and spare and is hounded by marriage minded mammas and their daughters. He has little interest in their pursuit and escapes to his country estate to handle estate business and reunite with his nieces, Claire and Isabelle. Little did he realize that he would be reunited with his childhood friend and vicar's daugther, Miss Emma Peterson, who is now Claire and Isabelle's governess. He has immediate lust for Emma and decides she would be the perfect escape from the marriage mart. As his wife, Emma could stay at home and tend the children while he was off in London at his usual rogue pursuits. Emma, who has loved Charles since the age of six, is outraged at his plan. As Charles plans his seduction, Emma desiring to be more than a breeder, is more than reluctant to any advances. His pursuit is a hilarious romantic romp. The sparks fly and each page is a sensual adventure, but this romance has so much more! Ms. MacKenzie has a talent for writing such warmth and depth to each character that the reader is utterly captivated. Claire and Isabelle are a joy. As marriage minded ladies of the ton and their mamas arrive at the estate for a house party, Claire, Isabelle and Charles's Aunt Bea join forces to do away with Emma's competition and play cupid in order to bring Charles and Emma together. Their antics will make you laugh out loud. As Charles realizes he truly loves Emma, as well as his nieces, his antics to get Emma to accept his marriage proposal are even more entertaining. There is suspense as well, as Charles and Emma are in danger and the story builds to a suspenseful ending and a murder is also solved. This story has it all and is so entertaining and fun to read. It's the perfect summer romance! I look forward to the next in the series, The Naked Earl. I also recommend the first in the series, The Naked Duke.

The Naked Marquis by Sally Mackenzie was fabulous historical romance novel. The dialogue was funny, the love story was sweet with a layer of mystery - what more could you ask for. This author has become a must have. Check out the series THE NAKED DUKE , THE NAKED MARQUIS and THE NAKED EARL Due out April 2007. If you enjoy this genre I would also check out The Lady Lies The Lady Killer and The Lady's Code by Samantha Saxon

I totally enjoyed this book from page 1. Just a wonderful love story between the two characters, Charles Draysmith and Emma Peterson. This was just the kind of romance novel I love. There are interesting plot twists and we get to know several secondary characters well. The secondary characters are not boring. The chemistry between Charles & Emma was very sensual and immediate. Wonderful love story, great characters with an emotionally scarred hero and strong but vulnerable heroine, unique setting, intriguing plot, heart-tugging emotion, excellent writing, intense sensual love scenes, and a superb ending. The plot was interesting and it kept you interested in what was going to happen next. It has intrigue, passion, revenge, and "wow" sensual tension. Most of all is the character development. I love stories that are character driven and not just about lust. The Naked Marquis is an exquisitely written and sensuous historical this reviewer could not put down! If you what a book that will rock your socks here one!!!!! I really like The Naked Marquis much better than the first book The Naked Duke. The Naked Duke was good but was lacking in a few parts. There is NO lacking in The Naked Marquis. It's perfect romance. Funny, sweet, hot and sexy. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL Sally Mackenzie next book comes out!

Major Charles Draysmith, A.K.A. the Marquis of Knightsdale, hadn't expected to become Marquis. His brother had been assigned that role at birth, leaving Charles the army and the more relaxed position of younger son. But when his brother is murdered while touring Italy, Charles is thrown into the one job he really would rather avoid. Since his brother left daughters but no sons, it's also up to Charles to come up with a male heir--and for that he needs a bride. The solution, in Regency England, is to host a house party filled with eligible females--all in all, Charles would rather face Napoleon again. The perfect solution presents itself almost immediately. Miss Emma Peterson, A.K.A. 'Shadow' had tagged along with Charles and his friends when they'd been young boys. She's all grown up and has become quite beautiful. An instant engagment would let Charles off the hook for the house party, and would let him get back to London, leaving his nieces in Emma's care. Of course, since Emma is all grown up, he'll head back to the ancestral home from time to time to create the heir he needs. Emma might be in love with Charles, but she isn't willing to accept a proposal that leaves the nieces with an absentee father-figure--and Charles doesn't say anything about loving her. Perhaps throwing a china dog at him was a bit of an over-reaction, however. Still, Charles insists on including Emma in the house party--where he intends to pursue his suit. In a sub-plot, something, perhaps ghosts, appears to be haunting the ancestral home and a strange man is lurking around the party, obviously looking for something. Author Sally MacKenzie continues the series she began with THE NAKED DUKE (see our review) with Charles' story. MacKenzie's mix of humor and sensuality, with just a hint of suspense, definitely works in this novel. THE NAKED MARQUIS is a lot of fun. I'm happy to recommend it.