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Beautiful Darkness #1
Highland Shadows
She is the beauty and the beast, and only he can soothe her...
In Alexander MacKenzie’s youth, his clan prospered. Until one night fire and death descended, and all that was good and green fled the ensuing darkness, leaving the MacKenzie clan impoverished, and Alex's face severely scarred.
Known as the Mad Maid of Clan Ross, Cora has been imprisoned within her father's keep for a decade, but not against her will—she is her own warden. Cora locked herself away to protect those she loves from what she has become. Within the shadows that blanket their land lurk vampires and wolves. They know Cora’s savage secret and have laid claim to her body. But the fight for her soul has only just begun, and only Alex’s love can save her.
In Alexander MacKenzie’s youth, his clan prospered. Until one night fire and death descended, and all that was good and green fled the ensuing darkness, leaving the MacKenzie clan impoverished, and Alex's face severely scarred.
Known as the Mad Maid of Clan Ross, Cora has been imprisoned within her father's keep for a decade, but not against her will—she is her own warden. Cora locked herself away to protect those she loves from what she has become. Within the shadows that blanket their land lurk vampires and wolves. They know Cora’s savage secret and have laid claim to her body. But the fight for her soul has only just begun, and only Alex’s love can save her.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2015
54 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Lily Baldwin
34 books161 followers"Lily Baldwin weaves thrilling tales in a beautiful, lyrical style, captivating readers from the first word to the last contented sigh." - Ceci Giltenan, Bestselling author
"Lily Baldwin...paints a beautiful literary picture with strong characters and an intriguing storyline." - Kathryn Le Veque, USA Today Bestselling author
"You know a book is great when you can feel the characters pain, their fears and their happiness...Lily Baldwin's books do that!" - Amazon Reviewer
Award-winning Historical Romance author Lily Baldwin loves writing, Scotland, her wonderful husband and beautiful young daughter--though not necessarily in that order. She has a BA in anthropology from the University of New Hampshire, and an MA in International Studies from Birmingham University in the UK. She daydreams constantly, and gets her best story ideas while running; she is even training for a half-marathon. She also finds inspiration in Nature, a quality revealed through the powerful description and drama in her books. Currently TO BEWITCH A HIGHLANDER, HIGHLAND THUNDER, and TO LOVE A WARRIOR (Books 1, 2 & 3 of the Isle of Mull series) are available. HIGHLAND SHADOWS, Beautiful Darkness Series, Book 1 is a Paranormal Highland Romance. Lily is hoping to release book 2 in the Beautiful Darkness Series in Spring 2016. A JEWEL IN THE VAULTS, an award-winning novella, will soon be available in audio! Most recently, Lily has released JACK: A Scottish Outlaw with the promise of many more Scottish Outlaws to come.
She lives in New England with her cherished husband and daughter.
"Lily Baldwin...paints a beautiful literary picture with strong characters and an intriguing storyline." - Kathryn Le Veque, USA Today Bestselling author
"You know a book is great when you can feel the characters pain, their fears and their happiness...Lily Baldwin's books do that!" - Amazon Reviewer
Award-winning Historical Romance author Lily Baldwin loves writing, Scotland, her wonderful husband and beautiful young daughter--though not necessarily in that order. She has a BA in anthropology from the University of New Hampshire, and an MA in International Studies from Birmingham University in the UK. She daydreams constantly, and gets her best story ideas while running; she is even training for a half-marathon. She also finds inspiration in Nature, a quality revealed through the powerful description and drama in her books. Currently TO BEWITCH A HIGHLANDER, HIGHLAND THUNDER, and TO LOVE A WARRIOR (Books 1, 2 & 3 of the Isle of Mull series) are available. HIGHLAND SHADOWS, Beautiful Darkness Series, Book 1 is a Paranormal Highland Romance. Lily is hoping to release book 2 in the Beautiful Darkness Series in Spring 2016. A JEWEL IN THE VAULTS, an award-winning novella, will soon be available in audio! Most recently, Lily has released JACK: A Scottish Outlaw with the promise of many more Scottish Outlaws to come.
She lives in New England with her cherished husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 1, 2017
Uncaged Review: This book took me a bit by surprise - taking two of my favorite genres, historical and paranormal and combine them into a story that works. Scarred by a fire in his youth, when the Darkness took over their world, Alex becomes the true laird of his clan when his father passes. With barely being able to keep his people fed, as the faefolk have left the lands, and the Darkness has spoiled the land for crops, he rides out to a neighboring clan with the hope to form an alliance to fight the dark wolves of the forest. The only thing that Clan Ross will accept, is if Alex marries the laird’s strange acting daughter – who hides away in her rooms high in the castle, Cora. But Cora is more than she seems..
This is a very engaging story, and I enjoyed the originality and I really hope the author keeps this story going, as there is much more that could easily be told and secrets left to be uncovered. I did feel the story line was a bit rushed in places, and drawn out in others, but the story is worth a read if you want something a bit different than the standard paranormal fare. Reviewed by Cyrene
This is a very engaging story, and I enjoyed the originality and I really hope the author keeps this story going, as there is much more that could easily be told and secrets left to be uncovered. I did feel the story line was a bit rushed in places, and drawn out in others, but the story is worth a read if you want something a bit different than the standard paranormal fare. Reviewed by Cyrene
May 15, 2017
The first book I've read from this author but it won't be the last. It was a quick read (novella) so there wasn't as much background on the others involved in the story except the main characters. I'm sure the next books in the line will have more information. I loved how the Fae were brought into the story and can't wait to see if they play a part in the future stories as well. Slightly different take on historical wolf/vamp ideas.
July 30, 2018
White Wolf
This was a fun, engaging story of Highland warriors and paranormal myth. Alex has faced a life of loss and personal torture while Cora has suffered equally horrible things. It is when they come together that they have the power to take on the evil that clutches their land.
This was a fun, engaging story of Highland warriors and paranormal myth. Alex has faced a life of loss and personal torture while Cora has suffered equally horrible things. It is when they come together that they have the power to take on the evil that clutches their land.
September 2, 2018
If You Enjoy Wolves
If you enjoy people becoming wolves you will enjoy this book. I read it because I read anything Lily Baldwin writes. Her mind is full of fae dust. My rating is not based on her skill but on the subject. Love you Lily B.!
If you enjoy people becoming wolves you will enjoy this book. I read it because I read anything Lily Baldwin writes. Her mind is full of fae dust. My rating is not based on her skill but on the subject. Love you Lily B.!
May 23, 2017
I hope there is another one in this series..... I love the paranormal aspect to the highlander story line.
November 6, 2022
When is Book 2 coming?
July 4, 2016
3.5 stars--
About the book: Release Date May 30, 2015
She is the beauty and the beast, and only he can soothe her...
In Alexander MacKenzie’s youth, his clan prospered. Until one night fire and death descended, and all that was good and green fled the ensuing darkness, leaving the MacKenzie clan impoverished, and Alex's face severely scarred.
Known as the Mad Maid of Clan Ross, Cora has been imprisoned within her father's keep for a decade, but not against her will—she is her own warden. Cora locked herself away to protect those she loves from what she has become. Within the shadows that blanket their land lurk vampires and wolves. They know Cora’s savage secret and have laid claim to her body. But the fight for her soul has only just begun, and only Alex’s love can save her.
•••••••••
REVIEW: HIGHLAND SHADOWS is the first installment in Lily Baldwin’s historical BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS paranormal romance series. This is Alexander MacKenzie, and Cora Ross’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives HIGHLAND SHADOWS focuses on the dark times that have befallen the clans when a dangerous pack of wolves descended upon the land. Hoping to gather aid in the fight for his land, Alexander MacKenzie requests help from Clan Ross but a payment is required up front. Alexander is to marry Laird Ross’s daughter-a woman who has secluded herself for the safety of all others. What ensues is the revelation that Cora Ross is much more than a shy, quiet lady, but a woman cursed with a secret that could destroy them all.
HIGHLAND SHADOWS introduces a supernatural world of mermaid, fae, vampires and werewolves. The mermaid and fae all but disappeared the night the werewolves returned to the land, and it is Cora Ross’s fierce determination and love that will start the rebuilding of the once beautiful Scottish Highlands.
The relationship between Alexander and Cora is one of an arranged marriage. Alexander has always wanted a wife but his physical and emotional scars have left our hero hiding in the shadows lest he scares the young and beautiful. But Cora has a secret of her own; one she considers much more ugly, and more dangerous than Alexander could ever have imagined. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of graphic sexual language and text.
We are introduced to several members of Alexander’s clan including his brothers Kendrick and Murdock, as well as his ‘brother in arms’ Jamie. The requisite evil comes in many forms-some more dangerous and familiar than most.
The world building focuses on the struggle to survive in a world destroyed by the darker side of the supernatural. Some secrets will be revealed but only Cora knows the deeper secrets held by the MacKenzie clan.
HIGHLAND SHADOWS is an entertaining tale that introduces some of the background, players and potential future stories. The slow building premise blends historical with the paranormal revealing the existence of many supernatural powers. The characters are enchanting and intense; the romance is passionate. My only concern is the lack of any information regarding a second installment-Murdock, Kendrick and Jamie have their stories to tell.
About the book: Release Date May 30, 2015
She is the beauty and the beast, and only he can soothe her...
In Alexander MacKenzie’s youth, his clan prospered. Until one night fire and death descended, and all that was good and green fled the ensuing darkness, leaving the MacKenzie clan impoverished, and Alex's face severely scarred.
Known as the Mad Maid of Clan Ross, Cora has been imprisoned within her father's keep for a decade, but not against her will—she is her own warden. Cora locked herself away to protect those she loves from what she has become. Within the shadows that blanket their land lurk vampires and wolves. They know Cora’s savage secret and have laid claim to her body. But the fight for her soul has only just begun, and only Alex’s love can save her.
•••••••••
REVIEW: HIGHLAND SHADOWS is the first installment in Lily Baldwin’s historical BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS paranormal romance series. This is Alexander MacKenzie, and Cora Ross’s story line.
Told from several third person perspectives HIGHLAND SHADOWS focuses on the dark times that have befallen the clans when a dangerous pack of wolves descended upon the land. Hoping to gather aid in the fight for his land, Alexander MacKenzie requests help from Clan Ross but a payment is required up front. Alexander is to marry Laird Ross’s daughter-a woman who has secluded herself for the safety of all others. What ensues is the revelation that Cora Ross is much more than a shy, quiet lady, but a woman cursed with a secret that could destroy them all.
HIGHLAND SHADOWS introduces a supernatural world of mermaid, fae, vampires and werewolves. The mermaid and fae all but disappeared the night the werewolves returned to the land, and it is Cora Ross’s fierce determination and love that will start the rebuilding of the once beautiful Scottish Highlands.
The relationship between Alexander and Cora is one of an arranged marriage. Alexander has always wanted a wife but his physical and emotional scars have left our hero hiding in the shadows lest he scares the young and beautiful. But Cora has a secret of her own; one she considers much more ugly, and more dangerous than Alexander could ever have imagined. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of graphic sexual language and text.
We are introduced to several members of Alexander’s clan including his brothers Kendrick and Murdock, as well as his ‘brother in arms’ Jamie. The requisite evil comes in many forms-some more dangerous and familiar than most.
The world building focuses on the struggle to survive in a world destroyed by the darker side of the supernatural. Some secrets will be revealed but only Cora knows the deeper secrets held by the MacKenzie clan.
HIGHLAND SHADOWS is an entertaining tale that introduces some of the background, players and potential future stories. The slow building premise blends historical with the paranormal revealing the existence of many supernatural powers. The characters are enchanting and intense; the romance is passionate. My only concern is the lack of any information regarding a second installment-Murdock, Kendrick and Jamie have their stories to tell.
March 6, 2017
Good
Seemed to wander a bit, some characters were barely introduced, but the main characters were interesting. Good read, but a bit rambling.
Seemed to wander a bit, some characters were barely introduced, but the main characters were interesting. Good read, but a bit rambling.
July 21, 2016
Clan leader Alexander Mackenzie thinks he is a beast because of his scars but because of his mother his true nature is to calm the beasts. The land is cursed and dying the faries and mermaids have fled as darkness creeps over the land. To help his Clan Alex must make the trip to Clan Ross and see if they will unite and fight the evil that is scouring his lands. Cora Ross daughter of her Clan leader has sheltered herself from everyone, but when she meets Alex she doesn't see his scars she sees the beauty that lays in his soul the same as Alex see's the beauty of hers. This is a fast pace love story of beauty and the beast but with a nice action twist and just the right amount of heat. Truly enjoyed this story as what I believe is a HFN...the reason I say this is the author left with an opening for the possibility of at least two more stories, but I'm still left with a lovely ending and look forward to more stories from new to me author Lily Baldwin.
November 11, 2015
Low 3
Pros: Sweet, light, strong heroine
Cons: Simple, not much to it, no real depth
For once, it's the heroine with the Beast inside, and it was a good story. Taking everything at face value, we have a scarred hero taking on a werewolf wife. There are mysterious beasts hiding in the forest, thought to be evil, awaiting to tear any person to enter their domain to shreds.
Misrepresentation is the largest subject the plot revolves around. People judging Alex for his scarred face, Cora locking herself away because she didn't trust herself. I wish there was more feeling for the reader. Ocean's relationship with Alex had a good start, but there wasn't a whole lot about him even though the beginning was mostly written in his point of view.
It's a good read, but I can't see myself reading it again.
Pros: Sweet, light, strong heroine
Cons: Simple, not much to it, no real depth
For once, it's the heroine with the Beast inside, and it was a good story. Taking everything at face value, we have a scarred hero taking on a werewolf wife. There are mysterious beasts hiding in the forest, thought to be evil, awaiting to tear any person to enter their domain to shreds.
Misrepresentation is the largest subject the plot revolves around. People judging Alex for his scarred face, Cora locking herself away because she didn't trust herself. I wish there was more feeling for the reader. Ocean's relationship with Alex had a good start, but there wasn't a whole lot about him even though the beginning was mostly written in his point of view.
It's a good read, but I can't see myself reading it again.
August 22, 2015
Wow, I just loved this!
I have really enjoyed all of Lily Baldwin's books, but this one was an unanticipated, exciting experience for me. I had not read any of the other reviews or spoilers so was just going on the attraction of the cover and my experiences enjoying her other books and the novella included in the compilation with other authors I enjoy. This was a totally new and refreshing experience for me! The plot was unexpected, but the strength and likeability of the characters, and their vulnerabilities and faults, combined with this plot made for a wonderful experience for me! All up can say is WOW, and when is the next one coming out? I can't wait to read the next one....
I have really enjoyed all of Lily Baldwin's books, but this one was an unanticipated, exciting experience for me. I had not read any of the other reviews or spoilers so was just going on the attraction of the cover and my experiences enjoying her other books and the novella included in the compilation with other authors I enjoy. This was a totally new and refreshing experience for me! The plot was unexpected, but the strength and likeability of the characters, and their vulnerabilities and faults, combined with this plot made for a wonderful experience for me! All up can say is WOW, and when is the next one coming out? I can't wait to read the next one....
October 18, 2015
This distinctive book involving vampires and wolves lays the framework for future installments.
Read full review in the 2015 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 28, 2015
Wonderful
I like stories with a touch of Fae and otherworldly beings and to add Highlanders to the mix is absolutely brilliant.
I love Lily Baldwin's writing and this is no exception it was truly magnificent and shows how with a bit of trust in oneself, you can bring back sunshine
I like stories with a touch of Fae and otherworldly beings and to add Highlanders to the mix is absolutely brilliant.
I love Lily Baldwin's writing and this is no exception it was truly magnificent and shows how with a bit of trust in oneself, you can bring back sunshine
August 5, 2016
Awesome!!
This is really good twist on vampires and werewolves. I loved the characters, they were so real. You got good back story which gave them more depth. This is a must read for all romance paranormal readers!!!
This is really good twist on vampires and werewolves. I loved the characters, they were so real. You got good back story which gave them more depth. This is a must read for all romance paranormal readers!!!
July 21, 2015
Slow moving story. I just could not connect with the characters,
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews