Sandy M’s review of Highland Dragon by Kimberly Killion
Historical Romance published by Zebra 6 Oct 09

Ms. Killion’s first book, Her One Desire, was an up-and-down read for me. One moment I liked what was going on, the next, whatever was happening didn’t thrill me. It ended up being a so-so book for me. So when Highland Dragon came along, I did my usual give an author a second try thing. This time Ms. Killion did not disappoint in any way whatsoever. And, of course, those beautiful, new covers gracing Zebra books help with a reader’s initial reaction to a book. From the cover to the last page, I enjoyed everything about this story.

From the first scenes of this book when Calin MacLeod secretly watches his father’s death at the hands of his enemy, I was caught up in a saga that didn’t let me go until the very last word. As his father dies, a new life is brought into the world, daughter of his father’s enemy who Calin has just inherited and vows vengeance against. Taking the babe, marking her as his own, he places her with a family who will take care of her while he takes his place as laird, picking up where his father left off.

Akira has grown into a beautiful young woman eighteen years later, is independent and stubborn as well as intelligent and witty. She loves her family, anticipates finally meeting her benefactor who has helped take care of her all these years. Before that happens, however, she’s kidnapped by a distant branch of the MacLeod clan when rumors abound she’s a witch. Saved from the auction block at the last minute, Akira does not care for the man who paid so highly for her.

When these two characters first lock horns, she keeps pace with Calin step for step, irritating the man to high heaven, of course, but also raising his respect and admiration for her at the same time. Akira also feels the same about Calin. Little by little their relationship begins to calm and that is when Akira learns of Calin’s deception, his omission of certain facts tying his life with hers. All he cares about is his clan, uniting his with hers to defeat Laird Kinnon, Akira’s father, and making their Highlands safe for all after that man’s lengthy and terrible reign.

The adventure and action is paced fast and sure; the romance is fierce, passionate, and sweet; family and clan are honored by all; and Ms. Killion’s descriptions of characters and locale are wonderful. Even the dispair that runs rampant over this couple near the end of the book is felt to the bottom of your heart.

This is one of those books that you hate to put down, you need to find out what happens next. I recommend it very highly to all historical fans. Hell, even non-historical readers should give this one a try.

Grade: A

Summary:

A desire that defies all limits…
and a love that was meant to be…

Scotland 1502. Akira Neish has been raised as a peasant, her belly often empty and her family subject to the cruel whims of her clan’s laird. To the clan’s children, the horned shaped birthmark she bears means she is a witch. But she is neither peasant nor witch—and now the man who knows the truth has returned to claim her for his own.

Calin MacLeod has kept Akira’s secrets and to avenge his father, the sensual young laird must marry her. He is more than a match for the fiery nature of the woman he adores. Yet the passion they share—and truths that can no longer remain hidden—could rip all of Scotland apart…

Read an excerpt.