Lady Anne Marston has lived her life as a grown-up from day one. Her parents, more interested in antiquities than in raising children, have once again deserted Anne. Only this time she is in London and charged with her sister's debut! Often left to her own devices, Anne has never been the beauty that Evie has, and living with that reality has led to high-collars and colorless dresses. The day that Anne ran into Stephen Parker-Roth was no exception. The incredibly attractive man actually kissed her, in front of the home of the tons biggest gossip. A mock engagement would be the only thing to save her, but would she save him from being forced to wed her without a scandal? More importantly who was going to save her heart from breaking when she lost him?

Stephen Parker-Roth has led a frivolous life. Never wanting for anything and never having to work hard to get the ladies. The prim and proper miss that he drunkenly kissed has stirred his interests and his desires. Just what is it that the Lady Anne is hiding under all that dreary attire? The flaming beauty that is displayed before his eyes has captured more than his pledge, she has captured his mind, his heart, and maybe his soul. Now he just has to convince her that this engagement is real.

THE NAKED KING was a love story in its entirety. From page one this was a story that captivated my interest and had me laughing the whole way through. How two more unlikely people could wind up together struggling and muddling their way through a relationship is beyond me. Yet that is exactly what Sally MacKenzie had them do. The storyline led me from the streets of London, to balls, parties, and into dark and mystifying gardens where proper misses dare not go. I was caught up in Ms. MacKenzie's writing and loved the fact that her king of hearts lost his before he even knew. The two main characters were as alike as water and oil, yet they complimented each other exceedingly well. On an individual basis I really enjoyed the wit and charm of Anne. As a woman she had not been given the time to grow and was forced into her "motherly" role over her siblings. Watching this neglected young woman realize her potential and her dreams was another aspect that enriched the story. In the beginning Stephen reminded me of the carefree boy who had not yet decided it was time to be a man. However, once he made up his mind there was no changing it. With every encounter that he and Anne shared he was captivated by her even more. Stephen was a strong and sensual hero. His every move spoken about by society, he left nothing to chance and ensured that things would go his way, the only thing he could not control was Anne. Quite honestly THE NAKED KING was a wonderful story of self- discovery and love!