Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Mackenzies & McBrides #4.5

A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift

Rate this book
The Mackenzies gather for a clan Christmas and New Year's in Scotland. In the chaos of preparations for the celebration--the first of Hart and Eleanor's married life--one of Ian's Ming bowls gets broken, and the family scrambles to save the day. Daniel busily runs a betting ring for everything from the time Eleanor's baby will arrive to whether Mac's former-pugilist valet can win a boxing match to who will be the first of the many guests to be caught under the mistletoe. Ian begins a new obsession, and Beth fears the loss of one of his precious bowls has made him withdraw once more into his private world.

203 pages, ebook

First published December 15, 2012

446 people are currently reading
3459 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Ashley

215 books7,335 followers
NY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.

Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,072 (34%)
4 stars
2,258 (37%)
3 stars
1,364 (22%)
2 stars
258 (4%)
1 star
67 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 591 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession.
1,224 reviews3,698 followers
July 27, 2020
First read May 6, 2015
Reread August 22, 2016
Re-reread July 1 2017
re reread 7/27/2020

A cute little novella. I love that you get to see the whole family. See them spend the holidays together. Fellows joins the holidays which I like. Mac and Iz had some cute moments. I enjoyed getting caught up with Cam, Ainsley, and Danny too. I love the hell outta Ian and Beth. They had some great news and Ian did something awesome for Christmas for his children. Ian always steals the show! I don't know what it is about Ian but Damn I love him so much. One of my top 5 most unforgettable book boyfriends. So even thought this book was about the whole family and I loved all of them anything with Ian I devour. It was sweet reading about the birth of Hart and El's son. A enjoyable quick read! Maybe too quick I would have loved more.

Profile Image for UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish.
1,097 reviews1,766 followers
October 25, 2013

AWESOME!!! Another great Christmas story, free for a limited time at all these locations:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mackenzie-Famil...

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-mac...

Apple https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mack...

Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/eboo...

Smashwords : http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...


Photobucket
5 brilliant stars!!!

A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift is an amazing Christmas novella that wasn't too short, wasn't too long - in fact it is perfect in every way!
The Mackenzies gather for a clan Christmas and New Year's in Scotland. In the chaos of preparations for the celebration--the first of Hart and Eleanor's married life--one of Ian's Ming bowls gets broken, and the family scrambles to save the day. Daniel busily runs a betting ring for everything from the time Eleanor's baby will arrive to whether Mac's former-pugilist valet can win a boxing match to who will be the first of the many guests to be caught under the mistletoe. Ian begins a new obsession, and Beth fears the loss of one of his precious bowls has made him withdraw once more into his private world.
I can't seem to find the right words to express how much I loved this story! And how could I not? Spending the Christmas with the Mackenzies is pure bliss! This holiday tale is delightful, romantic, heartwarming, sexy... all the things we've come to love about those Mackenzies, and then some!

Seeing the family and how their love for one another just keeps growing warmed my heart. There's nothing they wouldn't do for each other and I adore that about them. Hart and El, Cam and Ainsley, Mac and Izzy and of course, Ian and Beth... spending this time with them was a perfect addition to my holiday reading and I loved every word, every sentence, every page...

And then there's Daniel! The boy we all fell in love with is growing into quite the man, one whose story is sure to be every bit as exciting as his father's! Inspector Fellows, the illegitimate Mackenzie... every time I see him I love him more! And the McBride brothers... wow. There are some great stories there, and I can't wait to read them!

See? I can't find the words to tell you, coherently, how wonderful The Perfect Gift is! But trust me on this - if you're a fan of those Mackenzies, don't waste a single moment thinking about whether or not to buy this book - just do it. You will be so glad that you did!

Such a treat!

And for your viewing pleasure, a wee bit o'kilted eyecandy!

Photobucket Mackenzie1_zpsc972f161350 Mackenzie2_zpse5c2d2e9350
Profile Image for Sammy Loves Books.
1,137 reviews1,679 followers
January 10, 2016
These MacKenzies are so randy!!!

d

What a wonderful book for anyone that loves these MacKenzies as much as I do. It's Christmas time and all the family come together to celebrate. It's total chaos with all the children running around, pregnant wives about to give birth, and lets not forget the MacKenzie dogs. They are Everywhere!!!

This was a light joyful read...until one of Ian's prize ming bowls gets dropped and the entire castle is on pins and needles waiting on Ian to fall apart. The last time a ming bowl shattered, Ian fell into one of his rages and then began to muddle.


d


I loved seeing what was going on with each couple from books one thru four of the series. Even the illegitimate brother, Lloyd Fellows and his mother, were in attendance. I HIGHLY Recommend this short bit of fun to all lovers of the MacKenzies. There is passion, intrigue, and a mystery. This book is also full of love, presents, and surprises.

Read this 4.5 star book...but Only after reading books 1-4 of the series. You won't regret it!!!




Sexxy MacKenzie Reviews:

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron
The Duke's Perfect Wife
A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift
The Untamed Mackenzie
The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie
Scandal and the Duchess
Rules for a Proper Governess
Profile Image for Keri.
2,104 reviews122 followers
January 19, 2016
Loved it!!! Loved it!!! We get all of our beloved Mackenzie men in one place, at one time with their lovely ladies. What could be a better Christmas than that? But with a broken priceless Ming bowl, all believe that beloved Ian will be coming apart at the seams at any time. So Beth and Hart scramble to find a replacement before Christmas to avoid a ticking time bomb. We also get to meet some of the babies and the trouble that they can get into in a busy household. We get to meet our future heroes, the McBrides and they are just as swoon worthy as our Mackenzies. Hart is also under pressure as his beloved wife Eleanor is due any day. As you remember his first wife died in childbirth so he is pulling his hair out because he can’t exert his iron control over a baby that has their own schedule to keep. (We also get some more hints as to Hart’s dark sexual past.) At least the hint was a surprise to me that he was into that. I could go on and on about how much I loved this book and reading about everybody, but I don’t want to bore you. For 99 cents it is a steal and worth it. If you love Ian, you are going to love him even more as he presents Beth with the perfect Christmas gift. Jennifer Ashley is a very gifted writer and I thank her for all the wonderful stories that she has gifted us with. Looks like 2013, 2014 and 2015 are going to be very good years for the Mackenzies, McBrides and all of our shifter friends.
Profile Image for ♡kitten♡.
214 reviews354 followers
March 10, 2015
"I don't need the bowls to give me peace anymore," Ian said. "I have you. And Jamie, and Belle. If all the Ming bowls in the world were smashed, I'd still have you. You broke the bowl, and it is gone. But you are here, and whole. Nothing else matters."

5 brilliant stars! I wasn't supposed to read this, not until after I've finished the other books. But I just couldn't help it, I can't get enough of Lord Ian Mackenzie and his Beth. My heart is swelling with happiness. Reading this novella was pure bliss and heart-warming and it literally made my day. Words can't express how much I love Ian and the other Mackenzie men, as well as their wives and children (even though I have yet to read their stories). Glimpses of the McBrides, Officer Fellows and his "acquaintance" with Louisa, and the others were also mentioned in this novella. But what I still love most about this book is Ian. I felt it bones-deep how much he loves Beth, his children and his family.

Jennifer Ashley really did a good job. I love her writing style and even if there were lots of POVs in this novella, I enjoyed every second of it.
Profile Image for Kelly22.
417 reviews144 followers
December 16, 2012
5.00 Stars - Historical Holiday Romance.

Superb! Marvelous!

I sincerely thank Ms Ashley who has outdone herself with this beautiful novella with bits and pieces of events starring our favorite and unforgettable Mackenzie clan and more! Innovative as ever, Ashley once again draws in the readers with her beautiful writing, sensual storyline and poignant romance.

We get very satisfying glimpses of how the previous dazzling romance pairings in this series are faring about. There is intensity, laughter, wit, emotion, ROMANCE and tempting appearances of few of the future leading men and ladies of the upcoming books.

All in all, this novella skillfully talks about the continuance of the journeys into the ‘happily-ever-after’ of the elusive Mackenzie men and their charming lady-loves with a splendid setting that reaches out and grabs a reader’s heart.

Fans of the series must NOT leave it out!
Profile Image for Rain Hart.
177 reviews161 followers
December 19, 2012
Oh, wow! This truly is the perfect gift!

It's December 1884, and the Mackenzie family gathers at the Kilmorgan Castle for the holidays.
And, when I say "family" I mean the whole family! Ian and Beth, Mac and Isabella, Cameron and Ainsley, Hart and Eleanor, Daniel, David Fleming, Ainsley's brothers, Eleanor's father, Isabella's mother and sister, Lloyd Fellows, plus all the children and dogs. Let's not forget those dogs.

I've enjoyed reading this novella immensely. Seeing the Mackenzies together, and dysfunctional as ever, is just... precious. Not to mention it's everything but boring.
Beth broke Ian's new Ming bowl, a child goes missing, there's one blackmail about to happen, a boxing match is organized, Hart Alec Graham Mackenzie is born... and there are some awesome presents exchanged.

It's lovely, emotional, romantic, witty... it's an amazing glimpse into the collective happily ever after for one of the most interesting families I've ever read about.

David blinked. "Praise from Hart Mackenzie? I must make a note in my diary."
"Kiss my fundament," Hart said dryly.


Read it! You know you wanna!
Profile Image for Jacqueline's Reads.
3,106 reviews1,528 followers
December 12, 2017
What? I read an in-between book. I only do this if I'm really into the series and this is a Christmas one! I was concerned if I missed out in anything and you really don't. If you don't like novellas or in-between books you can skip this one.

I wanted to read a Christmas theme book and it does have Christmas elements of it, but I think there was too much going on. Considering my favorite is Ian, I didn't really care for the other storylines. I kind of wished we got a little bit of new side character. Maybe in the next in-between novella book?

If you like Ian, like me, don't read this one. It's a freebie and it's holiday theme so yay!
Profile Image for Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog).
1,746 reviews563 followers
October 28, 2017
This book has confirmed two things...

1. My complete love and devotion to all things Ian Mackenzie
2. My future love and devotion to all things Daniel Mackenzie.

This was a sweet tale of a Mackenzie Christmas now that all the wild Mackenzie brothers have found wife's they are in love with and devoted to. It was great to see some of the other couples again, especially Ian who still remains my favourite.

I can't wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Stacie.
2,562 reviews275 followers
November 20, 2016
4 1/2 "MacKenzie Clan" Stars!

I absolutely loved being with the MacKenzie Clan again. Catching up with the brothers, their wives and their growing families. Especially Ian; I adore Ian.
Makes me want to get back to this series very soon. There is lots of chaos going on with everyone being together for the holidays; as there is always something going on with The MacKenzie family. Daniel has grown into a very swooney worthy young Scotsman. I must get to his story soon. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Lady Nilambari Reads HR.
507 reviews198 followers
December 6, 2021
5 Merry Stars

The unruly Mackenzie clan's boisterous holiday celebrations are afoot, with each of them giving and receiving a "Perfect Gift".

Quick Review
- It was a lovely little holiday novella. An extended Epilogue to the Mackenzie brothers' HEAs.
- As usual, Ian & Hart stole the show. Their bonding is beautiful.
- Finally, an explanation to why Ian loves Ming Bowls. I was complaining about it in my review of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie.
- The best surprise package award goes to the brilliant Daniel Mackenzie. Aye, he is going to break more than a few hearts, alright.
- Now, David Flemming, there is an interesting fella.

I love extra insights and second Epilogues...*giggles like a schoolgirl*
Profile Image for ♥Sharon♥.
985 reviews139 followers
December 16, 2020

Lovely holiday read! 💚

These McKenzie men!! 💙

And now I need to get to know the McBride men better. 🧡

Enjoyed being back with Hart, Mac, Cameron, Ian (he is my favorite) and David too. 💜

Their ladies and kiddo’s were great too. ❤️
Profile Image for Jennifer Ashley.
Author 215 books7,335 followers
Read
December 14, 2014
The German edition of Mackenzie Family Christmas! It is out in E- worldwide, and the print edition just arrived:

Print: http://www.amazon.com/Das-Sch%C3%B6ns... (should be available in Germany via Amazon or Book Depository soon).

Ebook (Amazon Germany): http://www.amazon.de/Das-Sch%C3%B6nst...

This is also uploaded via XinXii, so should be available at many German e-book vendors.
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews634 followers
October 23, 2017
Ahh, the timeless Holiday traditions of family coming together! The accidents, incidents, craziness and chaos of loved ones gathering to celebrate another year, another life and the joy of family. Seems that even the brawny Mackenzie clan has its ups and downs when a huge gathering is planned.

A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift by Jennifer Ashley is a short, sweet and fun holiday read that proves nothing is better than having family, with all of their flaws, together to share in the joys of the season, even if some of them are oh, so naughty, which can be pretty nice!

I haven’t read the series, but when I realized I did have this Christmas novella, I thought, what better way to meet the family of Scots and the women who tamed them! A quick read just for fun!
Profile Image for Teresa.
1,048 reviews39 followers
December 8, 2017
This was my idea of a perfect Christmas novella in an already established series. And I loved that it served two purposes: gave MacKenzie fans an extended epilogue of sorts for all the previous characters but also set up several future books (oh, I am so looking forward to Sinclair McBride!). There were several perfect moments for all but nothing more than Ian and Beth. I lived for all their glimpses in the background during his brothers’ books, but this gave so many more added moments. To see how far Ian has come, without magically changing him at all, made me a little verklempt. Ian’s thought processes never fails to make me smile.

What a perfect book to read this time of year.
Profile Image for Jan.
1,109 reviews249 followers
February 8, 2021
Quite long for a novella, and much better than novellas usually are, maybe because it's about characters already established in the previous books, that we already know and love. I would definitely not recommend reading this book unless you have read at least some of the previous books. Ian especially is featured in this story, so his book at least is a must-read before this one.

It's a lovely story set in Scotland around Christmas and Hogmanay (New Year). There are a few different threads and we get to see a little of everyone, as well as meet the new Mackenzie, Hart and El's baby. There's even a touch of romance between servants. Enjoyable and well worth the read.

Profile Image for Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie*.
430 reviews242 followers
December 23, 2014
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS!



I didn’t know how much I’d missed those sexy Mackenzies and what a treat to have them all gathered together with their wives and offspring. There’s so much going on in this story but Jennifer Ashley seems to balance all the different threads so perfectly.



At the heart of the book is the power of family and love and it’s wonderful to watch their overwhelming support of each other in times of trouble.

I love all the Mackenzie brothers but Ian stole the show for me. He simply melted my heart with his words to Beth…

“You broke the bowl, and it is gone. But you are here and whole. Nothing else matters.”

and I loved how he supported Hart when Eleanor was in labour.

Daniel is growing up fast and judging by Mac’s words, he’s going to rival any of the older Mackenzies.

“He’s quick-witted, resourceful, inventive, and as stubbornly obsessive as any of us. Very dangerous.”

Then there’s the intriguing situation between Inspector Lloyd Fellows (the Mackenzies’ illegimate half-brother) and Lady Louisa Scranton (Isabella’s younger sister) and the heartbroken Sinclair McBride (Ainsley’s brother). I can’t wait for their upcoming books.

If you’re looking for a last minute present, this is the perfect gift for any lover of Historical Romance at it’s best.

VERDICT: Full of warmth, laughter, fun, sadness, surprises, drama and romance!

RATING: GLITTERING ★★★★★

SENSUAL RATING: HOT


This review is also posted on my blog:

http://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com/...
Profile Image for Jen.
1,655 reviews1,166 followers
January 14, 2013
This was a pleasant holiday treat that brought together all of my favorite Mackenzie characters and their wives. My all time favorite book has always been "The Madness of Ian Mackenzie" as he has Asperger's Syndrome just like my oldest daughter. So, to get to read another story with Ian in it is a bonus for me and one that I enjoyed very much. Jennifer Ashley is an author whom I adore, and I read everything that she writes and enjoy her stories immensely.
This story brings the Mackenzie clan together and includes their children as well. Of course with the Mackenzie's, there is always some drama, comedy, love, and sex to make life more interesting!
Hart and Elenor are awaiting their child's birth; which has been stressful for them as Elenor is on bed rest. Cameron and Ainsley go through a traumatic incident of their daughter missing. Mac and Isabella have a hot romantic encounter that adds sizzle to the story. Last but not least we find out how Ian reacts when Beth accidently breaks one of his beloved Ming bowls!
The most endearing part of the story though, is to feel the love and devotion that the Mackenzie's have for one another. This is a family that I hope to have the pleasure of revisiting for many years to come!
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 15 books613 followers
November 22, 2013
Quick Review:

"The Perfect Gift" was a great read. It was like a gift to all the readers who would love to see what the holidays with the Mackenzie clan are like.

I loved it, and Ian really says the sweetest things.

Ian bought another one of his priceless Ming bowls and Beth accidentally broke it. The whole family pitches in to try to replace it. We see each couple from previous books, we see Daniel growing up, and we even see the newest Mackenzie brother Fellows.

This was my favorite Christmas read so far.
Profile Image for Gina.
753 reviews112 followers
April 7, 2013
This was a wonderful, warm, happy, Christmas and New Year's with the entire Mackenzie Clan. It was not without it's drama of course, one of Ian's Ming bowls get broken (oh dear), we get to witness Hart's first child born (oh my god I cried) and get to see Cameron in a boxing match. And of course lots of tender, sexy moments with the men and their wives. (oh my heart be still).

And I assume we got a glimpse into future books. yes oh yes!

I loved this gem and it was a perfect holiday with the Mackenzie's!

Profile Image for Calpurnia.
107 reviews12 followers
August 9, 2016
Bonito pero prescindible porque no pasa nada si no se lee en cuanto a que no aporta demasiado a la historia general pero agradable porque rellena huecos y da gusto tener a todos los personajes juntos, pero todos todos. Me encanta la relación entre Ian y Hart. Sin duda Ian es el motor de los Mackenzie. Y Fellows apunta maneras.
Profile Image for Sonia.
881 reviews37 followers
January 5, 2024
Un bonito epílogo para las novelas de las historias de amor de los cuatro hermanos Mackenzie, Hart con Eleanor, Cam con Ainsley, Mac con Isabella e Ian con Beth.
Todo ello en Navidad, dónde desde luego esta familia no se aburre.
Mi debilidad sigue siendo Ian (y sus "locuras").
Profile Image for Mslvoe.
2,066 reviews200 followers
April 18, 2013
Absotuley A-M-A-Z-I-N-G
 photo tumblr_mf3xnqg0wd1qm4cfuo1_250_zpsa3e37c29.gif


 photo a_zps96452c26.gif
I LOVED reading about the MacKenzie clan in this short Christmas novel. Since I read about Ian, I want more about MazKenzie's clan.

Jennifer Ashley is a wonderful writer, it was a very good book and I really enjoyed it!!

AWESOME
 photo 397_zpsce2e1fab.gif
Displaying 1 - 30 of 591 reviews

Join the discussion

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.