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Madaris Family Saga #15
Taste of Passion
SOME LONGINGS
Attorney Mackenzie "Mac" Standfield swore off love when her heart was shattered into a million pieces. But there's one man who has managed to tempt her beyond reason-rodeo star Luke Madaris. Although five years have passed, Mac discovers when she runs into Luke again that the sexual tension is just as charged as ever...
BURN MORE
When Luke gets injured in a rodeo, he knows the only place where he can recuperate-without being smothered by his worried family-is at Mac's place. After all, like Mac, he has no interest in any romantic entanglements....until being in such close quarters with Mac forces Luke to confront a desire he can no longer fight...
WITH TIME
With each passing day, Mac and Luke come to realize that their smoldering attraction can be put out only if they surrender to it. But what Mac doesn't realize is that once you give yourself to a Madaris man, there's no turning back...
--back cover
Attorney Mackenzie "Mac" Standfield swore off love when her heart was shattered into a million pieces. But there's one man who has managed to tempt her beyond reason-rodeo star Luke Madaris. Although five years have passed, Mac discovers when she runs into Luke again that the sexual tension is just as charged as ever...
BURN MORE
When Luke gets injured in a rodeo, he knows the only place where he can recuperate-without being smothered by his worried family-is at Mac's place. After all, like Mac, he has no interest in any romantic entanglements....until being in such close quarters with Mac forces Luke to confront a desire he can no longer fight...
WITH TIME
With each passing day, Mac and Luke come to realize that their smoldering attraction can be put out only if they surrender to it. But what Mac doesn't realize is that once you give yourself to a Madaris man, there's no turning back...
--back cover
294 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 31, 2008
49 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
899 books3,603 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 30, 2011
Actually went to a all black rodeo to see the guy who represents Luke Madaris. It was a big letdown in the looks department but a good show.
February 15, 2024
I’ve read the entire Madaris Family series. I loved this story just as much the second time around ♥️
October 4, 2018
I love reading Brenda Madaris series. The problems I have is the plots are the same the names have changed. It is almost a guarantee that the women are of mixed race( I would love to read of a African American ) woman will natural or weaved hair being described as beautiful and intelligent. I am enjoying the series but the plots so far are predictable
July 3, 2016
A mystery unfolded
Great story from beginning to end. Mama Laverne is something else. Nothing gets by her. Luke and Mac didn't have her fooled for a minute. This story was full of mystery and surprises on every page.
Great story from beginning to end. Mama Laverne is something else. Nothing gets by her. Luke and Mac didn't have her fooled for a minute. This story was full of mystery and surprises on every page.
June 5, 2009
Another Madaris Family Hit!!!! I read it in hours!!! Get this book!!!.
June 11, 2020
I listened to the audio book which was 10+ hours via Hoopla. The narration was a bit strange at points because the narrator had some characters talking very, very slowly. Not sure what that was about.
There was a lot going on in this book besides Luke and Mac's relationship. I feel bad because I didn't feel much chemistry between Luke and Mac until the birthday party, and it not lasted for that scene.
I would not read this as a first book of you haven't read anything in the Madaris series. It would be entirely too confusing. There are too many Madaris family members and attached friends to be able to keep up with in this book.
I honestly thought this book was a little boring. I figured out almost immediately who was causing Mac problems. I thought the absolute best part of this book was Tori's part. It was short and much further in the book, but it was the only thing that really grabbed my attention and made me smile.
Read this book and judge for yourself. I read Unfinished Business, Slow Burn, and this book in the space of a few days, and they were all pretty similar. There is an HEA.
There was a lot going on in this book besides Luke and Mac's relationship. I feel bad because I didn't feel much chemistry between Luke and Mac until the birthday party, and it not lasted for that scene.
I would not read this as a first book of you haven't read anything in the Madaris series. It would be entirely too confusing. There are too many Madaris family members and attached friends to be able to keep up with in this book.
I honestly thought this book was a little boring. I figured out almost immediately who was causing Mac problems. I thought the absolute best part of this book was Tori's part. It was short and much further in the book, but it was the only thing that really grabbed my attention and made me smile.
Read this book and judge for yourself. I read Unfinished Business, Slow Burn, and this book in the space of a few days, and they were all pretty similar. There is an HEA.
April 26, 2023
Not sure what it is but contemporary romance as of late has been a struggle! The stakes are just not there and other than some great sex scenes in this book, there wasn't much to hold my attention. Brenda is one of my favorite authors but this one was excruciating to read. If it wasn't for the random suspense subplot thrown into the book I'm not sure I'd have stuck around.
Luke Madaris is an alpha hero that we don't see these days in contemporary. Also, don't really see Black ranching/bull-riding heroes. Mackenzie was pretty boring. As someone else mentioned, she's like the other heroines in this Madaris series.
One thing that really brought this book down is my romance pet peeve: a bunch of pointless, drawn-out chapters once the characters have admitted their feelings. He loves her. She loves him, what else do we need? Reading this felt like Brenda was on crunch time of her deadline and just threw random stuff together.
Maybe it's me? I may be leaning toward romance burnout. I don't know. This was just not good and I couldn't recommend this good faith. Brenda Jackson has much better books.
Luke Madaris is an alpha hero that we don't see these days in contemporary. Also, don't really see Black ranching/bull-riding heroes. Mackenzie was pretty boring. As someone else mentioned, she's like the other heroines in this Madaris series.
One thing that really brought this book down is my romance pet peeve: a bunch of pointless, drawn-out chapters once the characters have admitted their feelings. He loves her. She loves him, what else do we need? Reading this felt like Brenda was on crunch time of her deadline and just threw random stuff together.
Maybe it's me? I may be leaning toward romance burnout. I don't know. This was just not good and I couldn't recommend this good faith. Brenda Jackson has much better books.
May 21, 2024
Luke and Mac
This was such a good love story. There was also they mystery with her big court case and who was harassing Mac.
Luke thought he would never love anyone more than he loved the rodeo. Mac had been hurt before and didn't want to believe in love again. The fire between them was hot and she was the first to realize that she had fallen.
I really enjoyed this book.
This was such a good love story. There was also they mystery with her big court case and who was harassing Mac.
Luke thought he would never love anyone more than he loved the rodeo. Mac had been hurt before and didn't want to believe in love again. The fire between them was hot and she was the first to realize that she had fallen.
I really enjoyed this book.
February 14, 2025
Brenda never misses!
This is my third time reading this book and it’s always a wonderful experience. Brenda is gifted in storytelling and weaving the stories of so many Madarises and friends together! I always anticipate reading the next book in the series..even though I’ve already read them!
This is my third time reading this book and it’s always a wonderful experience. Brenda is gifted in storytelling and weaving the stories of so many Madarises and friends together! I always anticipate reading the next book in the series..even though I’ve already read them!
Read
March 5, 2025Another great read
Ms. Jackson has done it again. I love the recurring theme of family and how close knit they are. I also love how the main characters are introduced long before we know they will have their own story line. So far Luke and Mac are my fave, but I can't wait to see if Blade will finally meet his match.
Ms. Jackson has done it again. I love the recurring theme of family and how close knit they are. I also love how the main characters are introduced long before we know they will have their own story line. So far Luke and Mac are my fave, but I can't wait to see if Blade will finally meet his match.
August 25, 2023
Taima told me to revisit this, and I am sooo glad I did.
Luke Madaris gets hurt competing in the rodeo and asks Mac if he can recuperate at her house to keep his grandmother and great-grandmother off his back. Although he's wanted Mac since the moment he saw her, his career is too important to him for him to offer a relationship. But he still can't resist her. And the feeling is mutual.
So Brenda Jackson always does what needs to be done, okay? Mac and Luke are sexy and passionate and stubborn and fun. The way they shared space so easily and lived with one another so seamlessly made me smile. And the way they weren't afraid to go there with each other was great. Luke was in denial, but once the fog cleared, he knew his destiny and he went to lay claim to his woman. I love that Brenda Jackson writes men who don't wait. Once they know, they want to keep you, and they make sure you know it. There's not a lot of things hotter than a self-aware man. Luke messed it up at first, but once he made correcting it his focus, it was all over for Mac. Good thing she loved him already, lol.
Luke Madaris gets hurt competing in the rodeo and asks Mac if he can recuperate at her house to keep his grandmother and great-grandmother off his back. Although he's wanted Mac since the moment he saw her, his career is too important to him for him to offer a relationship. But he still can't resist her. And the feeling is mutual.
So Brenda Jackson always does what needs to be done, okay? Mac and Luke are sexy and passionate and stubborn and fun. The way they shared space so easily and lived with one another so seamlessly made me smile. And the way they weren't afraid to go there with each other was great. Luke was in denial, but once the fog cleared, he knew his destiny and he went to lay claim to his woman. I love that Brenda Jackson writes men who don't wait. Once they know, they want to keep you, and they make sure you know it. There's not a lot of things hotter than a self-aware man. Luke messed it up at first, but once he made correcting it his focus, it was all over for Mac. Good thing she loved him already, lol.
May 30, 2018
Did heart romantic
Very good book ! Please read this love story is heart felt all the way to the end. Every woman deserves a Love like this.
Very good book ! Please read this love story is heart felt all the way to the end. Every woman deserves a Love like this.
September 3, 2018
An okay read. But not as interesting as the others in the Madaris series.
September 18, 2019
Another good read about The Madaris Family!!!!
July 10, 2020
Good reed
I thought I’d read it before however it was one I missed glad I found it all the hot and steamy scenes were hot as the noon day sun. Thank you Brenda keep em coming ❤️
I thought I’d read it before however it was one I missed glad I found it all the hot and steamy scenes were hot as the noon day sun. Thank you Brenda keep em coming ❤️
September 24, 2020
Received this from publisher thank you for the copy. I enjoyed it but wasnt my favorite book. Good love story!
March 8, 2021
Good read
An entertaining story, with passionate scene that will create vivid images in your mind. Great catching up with the Madaris family once more
An entertaining story, with passionate scene that will create vivid images in your mind. Great catching up with the Madaris family once more
March 27, 2021
I loved Luke and Mac story
November 2, 2021
Addictive!
Jackson has has such a way of weaving a generous love story with a little suspense. Love trying to figure out who did it while enjoying a little romance.
Jackson has has such a way of weaving a generous love story with a little suspense. Love trying to figure out who did it while enjoying a little romance.
January 20, 2023
So much passion. This is a goid read, a page turner can't put it down.
January 22, 2025
This book will knock you off your pants. Random find that introduced me to smut. Couldn’t put it down.
October 25, 2025
This story had a couple of good twists. Nice !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2021
I mean, it was ok. There wasn't really anything special about this book in my opinion.
November 21, 2018
2.5. Ok. So this is my second Brenda Jackson book and I have issues with this one too.
1.) One of my biggest problems with it is that there are waaaaay to many characters in it. Like. A ridiculous amount. I know they have a big family and all but dang. I don’t need everyone’s back story and everyone’s point of view.
2.) I feel like they didn’t do much talking. They lived in this house together for weeks but I felt like they never had any meaningful conversations where they were intimate in a more emotional way. That really bugged me because when she was talking about how she was in love with him I’m like “But why?” Yes he’s good looking. Yes he makes you feel all tingly inside. But what about the emotional stuff?? Where is all that?
3.) What is this dialogue????? People do not talk like this. There was a lot of over explaining going on in here.
Example:
“The boys had a birthday party to go to, Trask and Felicia’s daughter, and Neverland is helping out with the food for QT’s party that’s being held at Whispering Pines this weekend.”
My edit:
“ The boys had a birthday party to go to and Netherland is helping out with the food for QT’s party.”
That’s all that was needed. The reader already knows Mac is going to the party, so it’s safe to assume she is aware of the location. Why did he even mention Trask and Felicia’s daughter if she doesn’t even have a name? I don’t even know who Trask and Felicia are. One small example but it was all through the book and it drove me crazy.
4.) THEY NEVER ARGUED. They hardly ever butted heads. Yes there was that part at the party but I needed more than that. It just added to my issue with the lack of a deeper connection and just made them feel one dimensional to me.
5.) The thing with Whitedyer and Mac’s client was clunky and half baked. The whole murder mystery that was thrown in? Unnecessary. The explanation for why Mac was being targeted? Completely out of left field and felt like it was thrown in there to tie up loose ends.
I’m gonna stop here because this is already a lot. I’m just kind of frustrated because I know it can be better than this. I want a fully fleshed out narrative with dinamic characters. Not a daydream.
1.) One of my biggest problems with it is that there are waaaaay to many characters in it. Like. A ridiculous amount. I know they have a big family and all but dang. I don’t need everyone’s back story and everyone’s point of view.
2.) I feel like they didn’t do much talking. They lived in this house together for weeks but I felt like they never had any meaningful conversations where they were intimate in a more emotional way. That really bugged me because when she was talking about how she was in love with him I’m like “But why?” Yes he’s good looking. Yes he makes you feel all tingly inside. But what about the emotional stuff?? Where is all that?
3.) What is this dialogue????? People do not talk like this. There was a lot of over explaining going on in here.
Example:
“The boys had a birthday party to go to, Trask and Felicia’s daughter, and Neverland is helping out with the food for QT’s party that’s being held at Whispering Pines this weekend.”
My edit:
“ The boys had a birthday party to go to and Netherland is helping out with the food for QT’s party.”
That’s all that was needed. The reader already knows Mac is going to the party, so it’s safe to assume she is aware of the location. Why did he even mention Trask and Felicia’s daughter if she doesn’t even have a name? I don’t even know who Trask and Felicia are. One small example but it was all through the book and it drove me crazy.
4.) THEY NEVER ARGUED. They hardly ever butted heads. Yes there was that part at the party but I needed more than that. It just added to my issue with the lack of a deeper connection and just made them feel one dimensional to me.
5.) The thing with Whitedyer and Mac’s client was clunky and half baked. The whole murder mystery that was thrown in? Unnecessary. The explanation for why Mac was being targeted? Completely out of left field and felt like it was thrown in there to tie up loose ends.
I’m gonna stop here because this is already a lot. I’m just kind of frustrated because I know it can be better than this. I want a fully fleshed out narrative with dinamic characters. Not a daydream.
March 18, 2015
This is Madaris Family & Friends book #15.
It is the story of Mac & Luke.
They have instant chemistry when they meet at a charity auction.
5 years later and every time they are near each other, the sparks still fly.
Luke is hurt in a rodeo "accident" and needs a place to recoup. He doesn't want family members hovering about, so he asks single Mac if he can stay at her house while he recovers. She says yes to his request.
The longing between the two is there more with each passing day. Luke suggests they put an end to the smoldering attraction by surrendering to it. Mac isn't sure if a taste of passion will UN-charge their sexual tension.
LOVE the attraction & chemistry that is between this couple. I like how Mac finally falls for Luke, even after a disastrous prior relationship. I like how Luke tries to ignore the feelings of love he has for Mac.
It is the story of Mac & Luke.
They have instant chemistry when they meet at a charity auction.
5 years later and every time they are near each other, the sparks still fly.
Luke is hurt in a rodeo "accident" and needs a place to recoup. He doesn't want family members hovering about, so he asks single Mac if he can stay at her house while he recovers. She says yes to his request.
The longing between the two is there more with each passing day. Luke suggests they put an end to the smoldering attraction by surrendering to it. Mac isn't sure if a taste of passion will UN-charge their sexual tension.
LOVE the attraction & chemistry that is between this couple. I like how Mac finally falls for Luke, even after a disastrous prior relationship. I like how Luke tries to ignore the feelings of love he has for Mac.
October 16, 2016
This book OMG was so good Brenda Jackson did her thing on this one. This book was about Mackenzie(aka) Mac Standfield attorney and Luke Madaris rodeo star love story. Mac was hurt by ex-boyfriend Lawrence Dixion 5 years ago he dump her a week before his wedding to marry a woman who had the right connection. Mac and Luke were attracted to each other for 5 years both were in denial about their feelings since the auction. Mac and Luke were married to their careers neither were looking for love. Luke was hurt in a rodeo accident he wanted to stay with Mackenzie until he recovered from his injury. Mac agreed to let Luke stay with her she would be busy on a big case she got more than she bargained for. In her professional life as well as her personal life.
June 21, 2012
I love all of the books in the Madaris series and this one definitely does not disappoint. The chemistry between Luke and Mac(Mackenzie) is sizzling. Its always nice to visit the Madaris family. Its true that when a Madaris man falls in love they not only fall hard, but forever.
Rodeo star Luke Madaris has one focus and that is to win back his Rodeo title. He doesn't want to get involve in a relationship, because nothing is more important to him than his rodeo career. When he is injured and ends up spending time with Mac,he discovers that his title and career may not the most important things to him.
Rodeo star Luke Madaris has one focus and that is to win back his Rodeo title. He doesn't want to get involve in a relationship, because nothing is more important to him than his rodeo career. When he is injured and ends up spending time with Mac,he discovers that his title and career may not the most important things to him.
July 30, 2014
Yes Luke is my favorite cowboy. If all the cowboys are like him then I will definitely be reading those stories. Through all the pain Luke managed to seduce and conquer "Mac". I loved his protective spirit. The storyline was suspenseful all the way to the end of the book. I love the backdrop of the rodeo and the ranch setting. Good Job to the author. Luke and Mac made a beautiful couple they been fighting there attraction for 5 years and all it took was Luke getting hurt and he moves in "Literally" with/on Mac. Sweet love story need to read.
December 27, 2009
It is another thumbs up for the Madaris family saga. Luke Madaris the rodeo cowboy only wanted to beat the record of his uncle, getting married near the age of 50. What everybody knew in the family including Luke was his underlining passion for Mackenzie "Mac" Standfield. At the auction he took his first look, fell hard for the Cherokee beauty and accomplished lawyer. One rodeo accident brings Luke into the home and arms of Mac and the romance is on from the word go.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews