There was just something about the first book that did not interest me as much as the characters in this book. I think I got bored, but I kind of want to revisit the first book. This book was delightful it had a scarred hero, werewolves, a love spell, pirates, political intrigue it ran the gamut. It is also interesting that the Nvengaria books are apparently in a shared universe with another series the pirate next door. it was kind of self indulgent when the story stopped to remind us of these characters. It only annoyed me because there is no depth to how much I don't care about other characters in the series like penelope, who thankfully does not appear until the epilogue. ( )

I enjoyed this 2nd installment in Ashley's romantic Nvengaria Series with paranormal elements. Alexander, the Grand Duke was a swoonworthy character and Meagan was much more likeable and endearing here than in the first book of the series. Due to a magic love spell, these two are thrown together and he is forced to marry her to save her reputation. Meanwhile he must face the realization that he's part logosh (a strange mystical animal from Nvengaria) and he's actually falling for his little English wife for real.

http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2010/12/mad-bad-duke-by-jennifer-ashley.html ( )

Not your average Georgian romance, the addition of magical elements and the Logosh creates a mix of historical and paranormal romance elements that are surprisingly balanced.

The characters are passionate, and the sex scenes do reflect this. Alexander is not too annoying, since we are allowed to view him through Meagan's eyes. And Meagan does not seem too immature, since we can see her as Alexander does.

This is a straightforward romance with little emphasis on the political intrigue that runs as an undercurrent to the story. Although this intrigue does help advance the story, it is not the focus. Very nicely done. ( )