Customer Reviews

The Mad, Bad Duke (Nvengaria)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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

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!

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.

I was very curious to read this book. I had read two other Jennifer Ashley books. One was mediocre, the other absolutely fantastic. This one contained characters from the fantastic one (Megan, from "Penelope and Prince Charming."), so I was really rooting for it to follow in the footsteps of that one. Mostly, I was not disappointed.
The love story between the Grand Duke and the lovely English woman was beautiful, with spells, intrigue and hot, believable passion. The inner struggle that the hero has with himself is terrific and believable.
So, you are probably thinking, "Why not 5 stars?" Well, for a time, I feel that the supernatural part of the book takes over the romance part of the book. In a romance, that should always be the center. I was especially disappointed in this part of the book towards the end. I don't want to give away any plot, but the author lost me, taking away the believable and replacing with the unbelievable.
This is why I say "extremely original." That extreme is not exactly a compliment, but it's not an insult either. Rather, just maybe not my cup of tea.

Although a nice follow up to Penelope and her charming prince, I was a bit dissapointed with the story line. It could have been much much better. Having that said I loved the strong and dangerous hero (its just my thing) and thougt Meagen was a nice match. Dont read it as a stand alone becouse you wouldnt get it.

Generally, Jennifer Ashley applies wicked humor and sinful treats to pull her readers into her stories. Unfortunately, in THE MAD, BAD DUKE ineffective complexities and tiring political intrigue draw away from these normal big attractions.

"English Rose" Meagan Tavistock is the essence of good breeding. Meagan may have excellent bloodlines; yet, her family has no money, and so Meagan Tavistock remains firmly on the shelf. That is until a love spell misses its intended victim and hits Meagan instead. Now this English Rose is experiencing some very wicked carnal visions with "The Tempter" himself . . . Alexander Maximilien!

The small European country of Nvengaria has many enemies, enemies that will go to great lengths to bring about its downfall. Therefore, it is up to the Grand Duke Alexander Maximilien to stop them. Yet suddenly, Alexander finds himself preoccupied and forcefully distracted . . . with some heavy-duty sensual scenes . . . but who is she? Obviously, Nvengaria's political enemies are hard at work using trickery! Trickery as in an annoying love spell. Still, a stunning enchantress is haunting Alexander . . . and then suddenly she appears . . . decked out in all her innocence and virginity. Alas, Alexander found his enchantress . . . found her . . . and then lost total control! Now honor forces him to make Miss Meagan Tavistock his wife. Yet how does he keep this vexing little siren in the background . . . of his life?

Reviewer's Comments:
THE MAD, BAD DUKE is a paranormal/fantasy/suspense fairytale set in the late Regency era. Back, again, are the shape-shifting Logosh and some key characters from "Penelope & Prince Charming," but these offerings don't supply much life to THE MAD, BAD DUKE. What seemed fresh and inventive in "Penelope & Prince Charming" played tired and haggard here. I expected more from bad boy Alexander and his delightful Meagan. I wanted these two romping and playing sinfully. Alexander's darker side didn't enhance the lover's sensual play; no instead, it forced it into an emotional "iceville." All that much anticipated dark and wicked excitement boiled down to nothing but uninteresting bedroom crowding! Oh, Jennifer Ashley flaunt your sensual side -- you have the gift to write sensuality tastefully -- run with it!

MaryGrace Meloche.

Little Ms Meagan Tavistock from Little Marching, Oxfordshire meets the Mad Bad Duke of Nvengarian. From the moment Megan spots the Grand Duke of Nvengarian across the ballroom, I was hooked. Alexandra (The Grand Duke) caught my attention in the first book of her series Penolope and Prince charming. I looked forward to his story and was not disappointed. With sizzling love scenes Ashley is known for and an awesome storyline, this book is not to be missed.

Meagan Tavistock ridicules the notion of love potions or amulets and charms as just a way a con artist can take money from a fool. Still she is willing to try anything to woo the mad Duke Alexander into her bed; thus she assumes she is a fool in love and acquiesces to a friend's idea to buy a love token.

With charm in place, Meagan and Alexander meet and the attraction is incredible as neither can resist the sexual lure. When they are caught in a compromising position, they are forced to marry. As she has doubts about whether her love is real or magically induced, she wonders what dark secret her mad duke hides from her. As she uncovers his ability to shift change, Meagan gets involved on a mission he must complete if they are to have a life together.

Jennifer Ashley stays on land with this delightfully charming paranormal historical romance starring a courageous take that hill female and a fascinating dark brooding duke who gives the early story line a gothic feel until the audience learns his secret. Meagan takes charge of the plot as she decides that THE MAD, BAD DUKE is hers though she is a bit worried about what he ultimately unsuccessfully tries to hide from her. Readers will enjoy her amusing yet dangerous escapades that beings out the loving beast in Alexander.

Harriet Klausner

This book was definitely not what I expected. It's a plunge into a weird a wild story, that at first I said, Huh, but after that, I said, Ah. I love the way Ashley spins her characters and her stories. She is unique and always, for me, unexpected. Thanks for the ride Jennifer.

I absolutely loved 'The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie' and thought I would really enjoy Ashley's other books. I have to say I've been pretty disappointed and after reading 'The Mad, Bad Duke' I think I'm done with Ashley for good.

It started off well, but quickly fizzled and I had to force myself to finish it and mostly skimmed the last few chapters. If you are debating about whether or not to buy I'd say save your money.