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Shifters Of Scotland #1
The Zrakon's Bride
Beauty Meets Her Beast
Are maidens still sacrificed to sea dragons? Kate Beaton is a lover of folklore tales about beauties and beasts, maidens and monsters, princesses and frogs. But when she visits a quaint Scottish village, she is surprised to find that they take the ancient legends seriously.
Ross Malloch is a modern Highland laird with a family secret—there have been shape shifters at Mallochbirn for centuries. The Zrakon is in his blood. And on Midsummer's Eve, the only thing his alpha male sea dragon can think about is finding his one true mate.
The Zrakon's Bride is a short paranormal romance from Rita award-winning romance author Linda Barlow.
Are maidens still sacrificed to sea dragons? Kate Beaton is a lover of folklore tales about beauties and beasts, maidens and monsters, princesses and frogs. But when she visits a quaint Scottish village, she is surprised to find that they take the ancient legends seriously.
Ross Malloch is a modern Highland laird with a family secret—there have been shape shifters at Mallochbirn for centuries. The Zrakon is in his blood. And on Midsummer's Eve, the only thing his alpha male sea dragon can think about is finding his one true mate.
The Zrakon's Bride is a short paranormal romance from Rita award-winning romance author Linda Barlow.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2014
8 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Linda Barlow
46 books231 followersLinda Barlow is the author of 25 novels in various genres, including family sagas, historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, erotic romance, and general mainstream fiction.
Publishers have included Doubleday, Dell, Penguin, Warner Books, New American Library/Signet, Berkley/Putnam, Silhouette and Harlequin. Her books have been translated into approximately 20 foreign languages.
Linda is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist. Several of her romances have hit the top 10 in the Kindle Store. She's also won numerous industry awards, including the Rita from Romance Writers of America (1989), Best New Historical Romance Author from Romantic Times (1986) and a Lifetime Achievement award from Romantic Times. She also contributed two essays to Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women, a collection of scholarly essays on the enduring appeal of the romance. This book won the Susan Koppelman Award for Excellence in Feminist Studies of Popular Culture and American Culture in 1993.
Linda is now indie publishing and loving it!
Linda served as President of Novelists, Inc. in 1992 and did two three-year terms on the Executive Council of the Authors Guild in the 1990s. She was Romance Writers of America’s keynote speaker at the annual conference in 1989.
When she is not at her computer writing, she is likely to be reading. She can't imagine what her life would be like without books!
Publishers have included Doubleday, Dell, Penguin, Warner Books, New American Library/Signet, Berkley/Putnam, Silhouette and Harlequin. Her books have been translated into approximately 20 foreign languages.
Linda is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist. Several of her romances have hit the top 10 in the Kindle Store. She's also won numerous industry awards, including the Rita from Romance Writers of America (1989), Best New Historical Romance Author from Romantic Times (1986) and a Lifetime Achievement award from Romantic Times. She also contributed two essays to Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women, a collection of scholarly essays on the enduring appeal of the romance. This book won the Susan Koppelman Award for Excellence in Feminist Studies of Popular Culture and American Culture in 1993.
Linda is now indie publishing and loving it!
Linda served as President of Novelists, Inc. in 1992 and did two three-year terms on the Executive Council of the Authors Guild in the 1990s. She was Romance Writers of America’s keynote speaker at the annual conference in 1989.
When she is not at her computer writing, she is likely to be reading. She can't imagine what her life would be like without books!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 17, 2015
She was a contemporary kick-ass chick 5 stars
He was…not. “Jeez, this feels like a kinky threesome. With tentacles.” *naughty grin* HOLY MOTHER OF ALL THINGS HOT & MAGICAL!!!! I love the humor, the magics & mystics, the legends and of course, the hot & sexy romance! Such a unique story! So magical & hot, it could have easily have not been but with Linda's magical touch, it becomes a terrifically romantic love story between a gifted human and...one who is so much more! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read more! I didn't know what to expect with or from, this story, and I think that is part of what made it such an awesome book! I mean who would ever expect that by visiting a small island in Scotland while researching your family tree, you would end up becoming front & center in their Midsummer's Eve tradition of leaving a female staked out as a sexual 'sacrifice' to a Sea Dragon?!? Especially since no one would have anything to do with you in the first place simply because you are not “a local”! Trust me, this is waaaay more hot and erotic and fantastic than you could ever imagine! And no, it is not creepy or bestially at all! Well, unless you want it to be! *snicker* My favorite line though - I love this part - He turned into an owl and perched on her hand. If you know me, you know that I love owls, so to have a hot & sexy shifter who would become an owl for me, well, I think I would do almost anything – and I do mean anything – for that! *smiles innocently* But don't take my word for it! One-click away and find out just how awesome this story truly is! You just might find yourself wanting to head over to Scotland to see if you can find your OWN Sea Dragon!! But you will have to wait your turn! I called shotgun!! My trip has already been booked! LOL What time are we meeting up Linda?
He was…not. “Jeez, this feels like a kinky threesome. With tentacles.” *naughty grin* HOLY MOTHER OF ALL THINGS HOT & MAGICAL!!!! I love the humor, the magics & mystics, the legends and of course, the hot & sexy romance! Such a unique story! So magical & hot, it could have easily have not been but with Linda's magical touch, it becomes a terrifically romantic love story between a gifted human and...one who is so much more! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read more! I didn't know what to expect with or from, this story, and I think that is part of what made it such an awesome book! I mean who would ever expect that by visiting a small island in Scotland while researching your family tree, you would end up becoming front & center in their Midsummer's Eve tradition of leaving a female staked out as a sexual 'sacrifice' to a Sea Dragon?!? Especially since no one would have anything to do with you in the first place simply because you are not “a local”! Trust me, this is waaaay more hot and erotic and fantastic than you could ever imagine! And no, it is not creepy or bestially at all! Well, unless you want it to be! *snicker* My favorite line though - I love this part - He turned into an owl and perched on her hand. If you know me, you know that I love owls, so to have a hot & sexy shifter who would become an owl for me, well, I think I would do almost anything – and I do mean anything – for that! *smiles innocently* But don't take my word for it! One-click away and find out just how awesome this story truly is! You just might find yourself wanting to head over to Scotland to see if you can find your OWN Sea Dragon!! But you will have to wait your turn! I called shotgun!! My trip has already been booked! LOL What time are we meeting up Linda?
December 1, 2019
Shape-shifting sea dragon out for an annual sex fest. Interesting and kinda funny. Quick enjoyable read.
October 21, 2014
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock - 4 Fangs
Kate, an American, is in Scotland researching folklore and searching for her roots. Although no one in the village seems to want her there and the Highlander who owns the castle, Ross Malloch, tells her in no uncertain terms to get lost, Kate is determined to stay, especially when she finds out there is a Midsummer's Eve festival going on. Kate has heard the story of the sea dragon and is determined to find out the truth of what's going on. There must be some reasonable explanation. Needless to say, she gets much more than she bargained for by attending this and trying to help. Imagine her surprise when she finds out she can communicate with the sea dragon. This was a fast-paced, sexy romance intertwining modern day Scotland with the stories of old. The Zrakon was a different, intriguing twist on shapeshifters, with a lot of thought going into the workings of the body of the monster, how fascinating that was. Ross thinks he knows what's going on, but figures telling Kate will scare her away, the last thing he wants to do. Kate is betting she can tame the monster. Ross is afraid of her getting hurt. The girl has nerves of steel. I will definitely be interested to read the story of Ross' twin brother next.
Kate, an American, is in Scotland researching folklore and searching for her roots. Although no one in the village seems to want her there and the Highlander who owns the castle, Ross Malloch, tells her in no uncertain terms to get lost, Kate is determined to stay, especially when she finds out there is a Midsummer's Eve festival going on. Kate has heard the story of the sea dragon and is determined to find out the truth of what's going on. There must be some reasonable explanation. Needless to say, she gets much more than she bargained for by attending this and trying to help. Imagine her surprise when she finds out she can communicate with the sea dragon. This was a fast-paced, sexy romance intertwining modern day Scotland with the stories of old. The Zrakon was a different, intriguing twist on shapeshifters, with a lot of thought going into the workings of the body of the monster, how fascinating that was. Ross thinks he knows what's going on, but figures telling Kate will scare her away, the last thing he wants to do. Kate is betting she can tame the monster. Ross is afraid of her getting hurt. The girl has nerves of steel. I will definitely be interested to read the story of Ross' twin brother next.
August 12, 2014
I liked the premise of the story... and I'm always a sucker for shape shifting dragons. But this story was a weird one for me... I mean it borderlined rape at a couple of points.. hell even the main character thought it was akin to it so much so she mentioned it in an internal monolog.. and then she brushes it off that it's kinda kinky.. I'm sorry but rape isn't kinky.. rape is horrible and shouldn't be made into something "kinda hot". So the author kinda lost me there...
The characters weren't bad... I liked that Kate was snarky and sarcastic but I think the characters could have been fleshed out way more so they had more than one dimension.
There was some pretty good sexy scenes sprinkled throughout but at the end I just thought it fell flat... just became a meh instead of continuing the heat from Kates dreams and whatnot.
So all in all, not entirely sure if I'd call it an ok story.. as I said before... rape in any form is BAD and not something to be cavalier about... but it had a few entertaining parts.
The characters weren't bad... I liked that Kate was snarky and sarcastic but I think the characters could have been fleshed out way more so they had more than one dimension.
There was some pretty good sexy scenes sprinkled throughout but at the end I just thought it fell flat... just became a meh instead of continuing the heat from Kates dreams and whatnot.
So all in all, not entirely sure if I'd call it an ok story.. as I said before... rape in any form is BAD and not something to be cavalier about... but it had a few entertaining parts.
November 19, 2014
Kate Beaton is on vacation at the urging of her grandmother to find her roots. Her love all folklore is just a plus. When she arrives in the quaint town her grandmother was born she finds that not everything is as it seems. Caught up in the towns celebration for the Midsummer Eve's she is shocked to learn that some legends are true.
Ross Malloch is a shape shifter. His Zrakon comes out to play once a year and it's the worst day to have a stranger in town. Doing everything he can to get rid of her.
The sparks between these two was evident from the beginning. Neither of them being able to explain the attraction that just gets stronger the longer they are together. Kate had such an endearing quality to her. Even with everything that was thrown at her during this book she remained strong and true to herself. Ross was a contradiction between himself and his Zrakon self. One and the same and yet not.
I really enjoyed the different twists and plots along with the fresh take on shifters. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Ross Malloch is a shape shifter. His Zrakon comes out to play once a year and it's the worst day to have a stranger in town. Doing everything he can to get rid of her.
The sparks between these two was evident from the beginning. Neither of them being able to explain the attraction that just gets stronger the longer they are together. Kate had such an endearing quality to her. Even with everything that was thrown at her during this book she remained strong and true to herself. Ross was a contradiction between himself and his Zrakon self. One and the same and yet not.
I really enjoyed the different twists and plots along with the fresh take on shifters. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 26, 2014
I had to class this as a WTF? review, it's a paranormal romance featuring a shape shifting sea dragon for Pete's sake! It is a well written and entertaining tale that, to this reviewer at least, had an air of the Wicker Man about it in certain scenes.
We meet Ross (hot highland laird, vet and shape-shifter) and Kate (insanely beautiful, brave, can talk to animals, loves myths and legends ) and the Zrakon of the title. Between all of them there are some pretty hot sex scenes. While I enjoyed the story overall, the fact that the book rattles along at a fast pace is a massive bonus plus it is a fun read; there were times I found the dialogue wooden. I also found that parts of the story didn't make sense with the mythology. It also didn't help that whenever I read the word Zrakon it does come out in my head as Zac Efron but I digress......
Would I recommend it? Yes. Like I said it was fun, it was quick and well written.
***Arc copy received in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Ross (hot highland laird, vet and shape-shifter) and Kate (insanely beautiful, brave, can talk to animals, loves myths and legends ) and the Zrakon of the title. Between all of them there are some pretty hot sex scenes. While I enjoyed the story overall, the fact that the book rattles along at a fast pace is a massive bonus plus it is a fun read; there were times I found the dialogue wooden. I also found that parts of the story didn't make sense with the mythology. It also didn't help that whenever I read the word Zrakon it does come out in my head as Zac Efron but I digress......
Would I recommend it? Yes. Like I said it was fun, it was quick and well written.
***Arc copy received in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2014
I was gifted a copy of this book for an honest review.
I am not normally a reader of paranormal/fantasy type romance, and after reading this book I think that might have changed! This book is outstanding! Water, castles, and old mysterious folk tales all in one book!
Ross's character is alpha/dominate in the best kind of ways. Kate's character is so curious and innocent, and so unaware of what she is going to encounter! Both of these characters are so well written, and together they make one HOT Romance! The magical fantasy portion of the book just adds to the romance, versus making it weird. I couldn't put this book down!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who reads romance. Not just paranormal/fantasy. I was pleasantly surprised.
Reviewed for MNP, by Chandra
I am not normally a reader of paranormal/fantasy type romance, and after reading this book I think that might have changed! This book is outstanding! Water, castles, and old mysterious folk tales all in one book!
Ross's character is alpha/dominate in the best kind of ways. Kate's character is so curious and innocent, and so unaware of what she is going to encounter! Both of these characters are so well written, and together they make one HOT Romance! The magical fantasy portion of the book just adds to the romance, versus making it weird. I couldn't put this book down!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who reads romance. Not just paranormal/fantasy. I was pleasantly surprised.
Reviewed for MNP, by Chandra
July 28, 2014
Kate's thoughts are sarcastic, "great, she though. I've been stripped by a sea dragon, and now the damn creature is trying to arouse me. Were the villagers watching this spectacle? Probably." The sea dragon is a bossy one, "also, you will remain at Mallochirn. You are mine. You cannot leave. Now lie down in the sand. Lie down and go to sleep." Kate I really liked her she was bold when she wanted something, "Ross," she said his name like a plea. "It doesn't matter who won the race. If you want to get naked right here in the maze, I won't say no." This book is different from other shape-shifter books I read and I found it really refreshing.
November 26, 2014
Not a fan
While the idea behind the story was okay, I didn't enjoy it.
Spoiler...
I wasn't a fan of the way the author went about the story. As the oldest brother Ross is the Zrakon and laird. It states in the story that each year on midsummer night eve there is a woman sacrificed to appease the Zraken's sexual hunger, and Ross took over for his father when he died when Ross was 19. As the mother is still alive, it seems in this author's world it is okay for the husbands to cheat once a year so long as they do it in their Dragon form. If this was not the way it was meant to be implied than I missed something.
While the idea behind the story was okay, I didn't enjoy it.
Spoiler...
I wasn't a fan of the way the author went about the story. As the oldest brother Ross is the Zrakon and laird. It states in the story that each year on midsummer night eve there is a woman sacrificed to appease the Zraken's sexual hunger, and Ross took over for his father when he died when Ross was 19. As the mother is still alive, it seems in this author's world it is okay for the husbands to cheat once a year so long as they do it in their Dragon form. If this was not the way it was meant to be implied than I missed something.
September 15, 2015
The Zrakon's Bride,a Shifter Romance: Shifters of Scotland by Linda BARLOW
Interesting blend of mythical creatures and traditions with females sacrificed to satisfy their needs. In this case a feisty,inquisitive American girl who is just on vacation to see if she can find out more about her family's Scottish history her wonderful grandma told stories about. Well she definitely got more than she bargained for but also lends itself to be a fun and steamy read. I'm going to be reading the next addition to this series and see what happens next. So check out for yourself and enjoy.
Interesting blend of mythical creatures and traditions with females sacrificed to satisfy their needs. In this case a feisty,inquisitive American girl who is just on vacation to see if she can find out more about her family's Scottish history her wonderful grandma told stories about. Well she definitely got more than she bargained for but also lends itself to be a fun and steamy read. I'm going to be reading the next addition to this series and see what happens next. So check out for yourself and enjoy.
October 23, 2014
This one was very good. So wicked and hot! Katy was looking after her roots and the legends her grandmother told her. She found the legend, the laird and experience out of this word.
Catriona really enjoyed the Zrakon! What descriptions!
She was caught unwilling in the sacrifice but she was rewarded. Ross and the Zrakon were steaming hot. Before reading this story I thought The Zrakon’s Curse was good but this one is way better.
Waiting for the story of the twin brother. He is the wicked brother so, I’m expecting a juicy story.
Catriona really enjoyed the Zrakon! What descriptions!
She was caught unwilling in the sacrifice but she was rewarded. Ross and the Zrakon were steaming hot. Before reading this story I thought The Zrakon’s Curse was good but this one is way better.
Waiting for the story of the twin brother. He is the wicked brother so, I’m expecting a juicy story.
September 18, 2015
It was slightly muddy and a little hard to follow at times, but once you get past that, it is actually a decent read.
Ross is the laird at Mallichbirn, an ancesterol Scottish home. The village that is attached to the castle offers up one of their fair maidens once a month to keep the sea dragon appeased. Kate is an American woman looking into finding the truth about her Scottish heritage.
This was a recipe for disaste
Ross is the laird at Mallichbirn, an ancesterol Scottish home. The village that is attached to the castle offers up one of their fair maidens once a month to keep the sea dragon appeased. Kate is an American woman looking into finding the truth about her Scottish heritage.
This was a recipe for disaste
July 26, 2014
A sexy and dangerous-seeming (but really good-guy) hero, a smart and gutsy heroine, a paranormal element -- yep, it's another Linda Barlow romance.
In this one, the paranormal aspect is significant, and directly tied to the sex. Trying not to spoil it, I'll say it's different from and a lot hotter than what first comes to mind as sea monster sex. :)
In this one, the paranormal aspect is significant, and directly tied to the sex. Trying not to spoil it, I'll say it's different from and a lot hotter than what first comes to mind as sea monster sex. :)
August 19, 2014
Cute but not for me
Cute but not for me
I love a good shapeshifter story and have even read a few Dragon shifter stories. This was my first sea dragon. The story was cute but the whole use of tentacles, suction cups, and barbs during intimacy didn't do it for me. Just a personal preference--nothing wrong with the story.
Cute but not for me
I love a good shapeshifter story and have even read a few Dragon shifter stories. This was my first sea dragon. The story was cute but the whole use of tentacles, suction cups, and barbs during intimacy didn't do it for me. Just a personal preference--nothing wrong with the story.
September 24, 2015
Standalone shape shifter read
Kindle Unlimited book. No cliffhanger. I have to say this is a little darker than what I usually read but it was good and kept me interested in the story. She comes to the town to find out about her Heritage. He's the keeper of more than just the castle. The town has secrets that revolve around his family.
Kindle Unlimited book. No cliffhanger. I have to say this is a little darker than what I usually read but it was good and kept me interested in the story. She comes to the town to find out about her Heritage. He's the keeper of more than just the castle. The town has secrets that revolve around his family.
November 5, 2014
WWWOOOWWW!!!!!!
Absolutely riveting. Books one and two were so unbelievably mesmerizing that I think I lost 10# because I forgot to eat. How soon is #3 coming out? KEEP WRITING!!!!!!
Absolutely riveting. Books one and two were so unbelievably mesmerizing that I think I lost 10# because I forgot to eat. How soon is #3 coming out? KEEP WRITING!!!!!!
December 3, 2014
This was a weird one for me i loved the idea of the story and it was a well written and enjoyable read but i just felt like i was missing something but i don't know what. The characters were good and likable the plot engaging nothing wrong with the writing style i should have like it more weird.
January 5, 2015
Love the sea dragon
This is not what I expected . This is a great story and I loved reading it. I would recommend to everyone. There is some sex scenes, but not meant. It was a very God and interesting read .
This is not what I expected . This is a great story and I loved reading it. I would recommend to everyone. There is some sex scenes, but not meant. It was a very God and interesting read .
January 31, 2015
Dragon's Bride
I enjoyed the characters and their various interactions that makes a harmonious, riveting story. This is an vibrant,interesting prequel of Collating Worlds series.
S. Otto
I enjoyed the characters and their various interactions that makes a harmonious, riveting story. This is an vibrant,interesting prequel of Collating Worlds series.
S. Otto
August 25, 2015
It Fills All Spaces
This is a fun entertaining read about a woman took the place of someone else in a sacrifice. How can she be sacrificed to a sea monster? It an interesting hot humorous story. Enjoy I did.
This is a fun entertaining read about a woman took the place of someone else in a sacrifice. How can she be sacrificed to a sea monster? It an interesting hot humorous story. Enjoy I did.
October 26, 2015
A MUST READ!!!
I can't say enough good about this book. SIZZLING HOT, FANTASTIC, AMAZING, AWESOME Just don't seem to be enough!! This book is all of them and so much more. It is fast paced and keeps you begging for more!! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!!
I can't say enough good about this book. SIZZLING HOT, FANTASTIC, AMAZING, AWESOME Just don't seem to be enough!! This book is all of them and so much more. It is fast paced and keeps you begging for more!! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!!
October 23, 2014
What an amazing Scottish shifter book! But its not your average shifter book, a mysterious creature..... I really enjoyed the storyline and how it flowed! A great different kind of story!
April 25, 2015
Wtf just happened?
October 5, 2015
Really enjoyed it:)
Read it in Alpha's Darkling Bride
Read it in Alpha's Darkling Bride
June 26, 2016
Tentacle sex galore!!!
Not much BDSM but this is one different Dragon!
Not much BDSM but this is one different Dragon!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews