20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Mad, Bad Duke-A Joyfully Recommended Title!!, March 19, 2007
Alexander Octavien Laurent Maximilien, Grand Duke of Nvengaria, wakes up once more unclothed and bloody. Not sure what is happening to him or why he is suddenly losing track of time, Alexander knows that if anyone other than his trusted few servants finds out, he will be shipped to a nuthouse. Determined to find out who or what is behind these lapses, Alexander returns to his room, hoping against hope that no one in his household sees him. Too late. When Myn, a logosh, sees him, she tells him something that he doesn't understand but will later. It's bad enough that Alexander is in England instead of his beloved homeland, but now he has to deal with riddles as well.
Meagan Tavistock is coerced by her friend, Dierdre, into going to a witch's home in order for her friend to buy a love spell, which she wants to use on a statesman visiting England. When the talisman is completed, Dierdre refuses to take it home and implores Meagan to keep it for her until later that evening. While getting ready, Meagan unwraps the love spell and is instantly transported into a vision where she and a handsome, enigmatic man are together. When the vision ends, Meagan is visibly shaken but continues getting ready for the ball. Only when she is at the ball does she recognize the man of her vision as Alexander, the Grand Duke of Nvengaria. When Alexander's eyes meet Meagan's and he becomes as aware of her as she is of him, there is no stopping their attraction.
Alexander and Meagan come together in carnal sensuality hot enough to make a nun blush. What happens afterwards? Is it only the love spell or, by chance, have two people fallen instantly in love?
The Mad, Bad Duke is exquisite. Like most of the women he came into contact with, I immediately fell in love with Alexander. I love heroes with attitude, and while Alexander is not a flauntingly over the top alpha, he knew what he wanted and when. That is what made me care so much about him. He wanted Meagan, and while they both were sure it was the talisman causing their attraction, he continued to want Meagan even afterwards. He was loyal and just downright sexy. I thought Meagan the perfect combination of innocent and siren. Not sure why she wanted Alexander, she forged ahead and gave him her heart. It was sinfully sensual and extremely powerful.
Jennifer Ashley, in my humble opinion, has a must read in The Mad, Bad Duke. If you are a fan of historical romances, then this is the book for you. If you are a fan of historical romances with a bit of magic and paranormal thrown in to make the story completely perfect, then The Mad, Bad Duke is definitely the book to read. I can't help but joyfully recommend it!
Talia
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Definite Keeper!, January 24, 2007
I started this book not realizing it dealt with a lot of fantasy and magic. It didn't take me long to become absolutely hooked. Although it does make references to a previous story, it easily stands on its own, and is in fact, better than the previous book. It's as if the author just hits her stride in this book. It's sexy, it's charming, the love spell plot is enchanting and it has everything a good read needs and more! I have not previously been a fan of demons and magic in my romances, but this one is written so well and so charmingly that it makes you clamor for more. The Nvengaria Series is spell-binding!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Fantasy Romance Pleasure!, February 6, 2007
Jennifer Ashley superbly blended dreams of cinderella with sexy romance in her first fantasy about the Land of Nvengaria in Penelope & Prince Charming. In this sequel, Alexander, Grand Duke of Nvengaria, also known as The Mad Bad Duke is living in England, assigned to represent Nvengaria for his cousin, Prince Damien. All the ladies of London are chasing the dark, handsome, bad duke and want him in their beds. When Megan Tavistock meets her married friend Deirdre at Black Annie's home in order for Deirdre to receive a "lust charm" so that she can lure Alex into her bed, something goes wrong with the charm. When Megan holds the charm for Deirdre in her reticule so that Deirdre's husband does not discover it, it is only Megan that Alex lusts for upon first sight when he enters the ballroom. He takes her innocence at the ball and later insists upon marriage. Thinking that they only lust for each other due to the lust charm, Alex and Megan stuggle with their intense feelings of passion and desire. Nvengarians are naturally lustful people, but when Alex discovers he just happens to be half logosh, one of the magical beings of Nvengaria, his animal instincts become more intense during intense passion with Megan and he becomes concerned that he will harm her the more they are together. He fights his feelings of lust and love and his half logosh self. As their love grows the danger builds for the troubled Alex and Nvengaria. It is then up to Megan to help Alex realize that true love, not lust and a lust charm, will help him come to terms with his past, face his future, and help save Nvengaria. The Mad Bad Duke is a beautiful, magical, sensual story with the perfect blend of fantasy and romance that is difficult to put down.
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