What Were You Expecting?

This is the second book in Jennifer Ashley's Highland Pleasures series, but I read this book first. Since this is the first book I'd ever read by Ashley, I wasn't sure what to expect. The buzz about The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie made me think I wouldn't be disappointed, however, and I was right.This novel is refreshing because it explores the adage that "sometimes love isn't enough". There's no doubt that Isabella and Mac love each other. But early in their marriage, that wasn't enough to over come their personality flaws. Mac's loud personality often eclipsed Isabella, causing her to withdraw. Which would then cause major fights between them, leading Mac to believe she needed a break from him. He'd disappear for weeks or months at a time, sometimes without a word about where he'd gone or when he'd return. Then he'd return and Isabella would forgive him, and they'd be deliriously happy for awhile, until the cycle would start again. I loved the intensity with which Mac loves Isabella. He's an 'all in' kind of guy. Once he gave his heart to Isabella, that was it for him. He may not have known what to do with his debutante wife at times, thinking she needed to be protected from his wild nature, but his love was never in doubt. It's obvious in everything he does. But he realized the cycle must be broken in order to make things work between them, and determined to prove to Isabella that he was a changed man.Isabella has ached for Mac for years, but she knew she'd go mad if she stayed in that drama-filled relationship with him. I understood why she left him. Being in a volatile, madly passionate relationship sounds wonderful, but the reality of it is so much more taxing than it seems. To constantly be pushed and pulled and filled with excitement. To have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It's exhausting. After reading this, I immediately started The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. While I enjoyed the latter more, I'd still highly recommend this book. I do recommend reading them in order, however. I believe you'll have a better understanding of all the characters - both primary and secondary - if you do.