The Naked Earl (Zebra Historical Romance) [Mass Market Paperback]

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I liked it so much I'm going to try to get my hands on the rest of the Naked series. Perhaps the biggest asset of this novel is the cast of characters. The two leads, Lizzie and Robbie, are completely charming and likeable, and a welcome departure from your usual hellion/rake combo. I found it refreshing to read about a hero that hasn't bedded half of London, though I guess the level of lovemaking skill the author gives him is unlikely, given his lack of experience. I will freely admit that this is a book for which you need a robust suspension of disbelief, between the anachronistic diction and a couple rickety plot points. However, those failings did not seriously detract from the enjoyability of the story, because the characters are so engrossing. The author didn't just focus on the relationship between Lizzie and Robbie, but also gives us glimpses of several other relationships, the most prominent of which is a budding romance between two of their friends (which is going to be developed in the next book, I think). One of the other reviewers mentioned a gratuitous amount of sex in this book, but, while I agree that there are many random racy scenes, I do not think they detracted from the progress of the story, likely because they are fairly brief and only occasionally the focus of the narrative -- it's not like the book is nothing but a series of clothes-tearing hair-grabbing sheet-crumpling bedroom encounters. Overall, this book is a very light-hearted adventure (I suppose one could say "romp," but that word is so over-used) which never takes itself very seriously. It is definitely not for those who want historically accurate Regency romance: though it is set in Regency England, the author never successfully envelops you in that environment; indeed, it's easier to picture the story taking place in a modern-day American highschool than a 19th century English manor. With such a funny and engaging bunch of characters rampaging about, though, I never minded the lack of authenticity: I was too busy laughing :) While the author might not have as much technical or historical polish as a more experienced writer (such as Stephanie Laurens), she seems to have a real talent for characterization and humor, making this book one of the most enjoyable out of all the books I've read. In short: Buy it and read it!

Lady Elizabeth (Lizzie) Runyon has been in love with Earl Robert (Robbie) Hamilton for years--so much so that she's in her fourth season and has declined any number of marriage proposals. When Robbie has to flee naked when his bed is invaded by a naked woman, he jumps in the nearest available window--that of Lizzie. Lizzie is certain that a marriage proposal must be forthcoming--after all, Robbie certainly put her reputation at risk--but when Robbie not only fails to make the proposal but denies any intention of making one, she's forced to confront the possibility that Robbie doesn't see her the way she sees him.

Clearly her plan has to be, find a way to rivet Robbie's attentions--and flirting with other men offers an attractive means of letting Robbie know that Lizzie is not a woman to treat lightly. What Lizzie doesn't realize, though, is that Robbie is hiding a horrible secret--a secret so horrible he's willing to give up his own feelings for Lizzie and spend the rest of his life single.

No proper Regency gentleman, let alone an Earl, can be allowed to remain single and Lady Felicity, the woman who's surprised Robbie in his own bed, intends to trap him into marriage. Unless Lizzie can persuade Robbie to be honest about his feelings, he's likely to be forced into marriage with her, while Lizzie is dragooned into marriage with one of the many men who want her money if not her affection.

Author Sally MacKenzie continues her 'naked' series with an entertaining romp. Set largely in an English house party, a group of aristocrats scheme at seduction, marriage, and love. MacKenzie introduces interesting subplots, including one involving the party's host and one involving Lizzie's chaperone--who is in love with her own butler, but the primary story is that of Lizzie and Robbie. Robbie's problem, the result of a hazing incident, has persuaded him he's of no use to women--and everything Lizzie can do only makes him more certain he's the wrong man for her. MacKenzie manages to treat Robbie's problem with a degree of sympathy, while maintaining a light tone.

Although THE NAKED EARL is a sexy story, MacKenzie brings back the battle of wits that made so many readers love the regency novel. If you're looking for a fun and sexy romp, sit back and prepare to enjoy yourself. THE NAKED EARL is a lot of fun

I would recommend this book to anyone who reads romance novels. This was the first book I read by this author. It was so good I had to get the first book, which is a hard to find. The book was so good I finished it in one day. And I have two children and a job outside of the home!