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.
Publisher: Zebra
(March 2006)
Reviewed
by Beverly,
Beverly Romance Books
