Highland Dragon

by Kimberly Killion

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...

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Scotland, Medieval, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 24, 2009

About the author

Award-winning author, Kimberly Killion, has been hailed by Romantic Times Magazine as an author who writes “captivating romance with excellent pacing and characters who are honorable, intelligent and full of humanity.” Her debut book, Her One Desire (Kensington 2008), was nominated for the romance-publishing industry's highest award of distinction, the RITA® Award. Her One Desire won the 2009 Booksellers Best Award for both Long Historical and Best First Book. In addition, Kimberly’s writing received an Award of Merit in the 2009 HOLT Medallion. She was recognized in the 2009 National Readers’ Choice Awards, the 2009 Golden Quill Awards, and the 2009 More Than Magic Contest. Romantic Times Magazine awarded Kimberly’s second Scottish-set novel, Highland Dragon (Kensington 2009), with the K.I.S.S. Award and said this is “a tale to cherish.”

Aside from writing, Killion teaches graphic/web design and serves as the President of the Missouri Romance Writers of America. She lives in Illinois with her husband, two children, a dog, three cats, and two dozen chickens.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really Loved this book. It kept me wanting to read from beginning to end. It had a really good story, the romance was fantastic and the love scenes hot enough to keep me happy. I will be sure to read more of Kimberly Killion's books in the future

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

***some spoilers ahead***


I think this book has one of the best first chapter of any book pretty much ever. It drew me in to the point that I had a hard time putting it down! (me to my kids-"what do you mean you need to eat? I just fed you last night!") I liked the rest of the book just fine, but the heroine Akira drove me nuts.

Although, to be fair the book is called "Highland Dragon," I just didn't realize that Akira was the dragon!

At the beginning I understood and sympathized with her. As the plot progressed, though, she...didn't. She would love her man, and hate her man both in the same page. I just wanted her to see how great he was. But, his main fault was that he was never honest enough with Akira. He only told her what he did/had done (he was her mysterious benefactor/fiance) because her brother told him he would spill the beans if Calin didn't.

I did however like her evil beast of a father as the bad guy-he foiled Akira and Calin perfectly. In fact, Akira finally grew up a bit around the time her father captured her. What I didn't like though, and what made me dock this a few stars, was that even after everything Calin and Akira had been through, when she miscarried, she blamed Calin and then selfishly left him to deal with his grief alone while she stewed in anger and depression. When she finally grew up and went to get her man back (at her sister's wedding, which I just loved as a side plot), she didn't apologize enough to my liking, and let her poor abused hubby bear the brunt of the guilt.

But it was a great storyline, with wonderful side-characters, a ghost, and an evil "Beast" for a villain.

[Laura V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

RETO ESCOCIA: E de El dragón de las Highlands (1/7)

Nuevo reto, nueva autora. Me gustó mucho lo que acabo de leer. Iba a decir que me recordó a los libros (y protas) de Garwood, hasta que leí la reseña biográfica de la autora donde dice que se estrenó en el género con libros de Garwood y Medeiros (mis autoras favoritas de la vida en este género, junto con Chase) se le nota la influencia. Akira simplemente tiene esa chispa.

Pensé que sería un libro más "serio" pero con un ritmo relajado con tintes de humor, Calin y Akira se conocen y enamoran y es entretenido leerlos. Hasta el drama del final ni me molestó. Era lo que tenía que pasar, simplemente. Me quedo con muchas ganas de leer más de esta mujer.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Calin MacLeod was just a young boy, both his father and his stepmother were killed by Laird Kinnon. Calin vowed to get revenge…one day. Calin’s best friend is Kendrick Neish of the Clan Kinnon. Kendrick’s sister, Akira has been branded since she was a little girl as Calin’s intended. She just doesn’t know it yet. Akira grew up as a pheasant but that wasn’t the worse thing. All the children ridiculed Akira and accused her of being a witch.

Now that both Calin and Akira are all grown up, Calin plans to claim Akira. Akira is saving herself for someone and it isn’t Calin. Calin has something to tell Akira about whom she really is and where she came from but how will Akira react.

I used to read historical romances but strayed away from them for quite some time. Recently I have been trying to get back into this genre, though I had just about gave up that I would ever find the perfect book that would get me excited again…till now. Kimberly Killion’s latest release, Highland Dragon has won my heart. This book has slayed the competition. Calin and Akira are magical together. Calin was a Saint to put up with Akira’s sassy attitude. The sparring between Akira and Calin had me laughing. Who knew kissing, while sitting in a tree could be so hot! Highland Dragon is a recommended read. I would give it more than five stars if I could.

[Yolita Rb · Rating 1 out of 5]

No me ha gustado. Ni un poquito, no me ha enganchado ni los protagonistas ni el modo de contarlo ni la historia. Estaba deseando terminarlo como algo obligado!!! Ufff no sé si venía de otro tipo de lectura pero mi género de preferido es el romance y si es highlander ya es lo mejor. Pero se me quedo muy corto... me pareció insulsa la lectura no me ha dejado nada después de leerlo... que lastima.

[Yue4405 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es un libro que hubiera disfrutado más hace unos años. Es una novela entretenida con un instalove, donde la protagonista femenina me ponía de lo nervios con su “rebeldía”, que para mi era más bien una malcriada. En cambio, él era muy cuqui, demasiado para ser el laird, y muy maleable.

[BJ Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this on the recommendation of another Goodreads member, and rated it 3.5*. The heroine had somewhat the appeal of a Julie Garwood heroine, but I had a problem with the continued demands she made on the hero. He, in turn, had his own reasons for bowing to her demands, which made him more likeable to this reader and eventually, of course, to the heroine.

[Ana M. Román · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abandonado

Desde las primeras páginas tenía la sensación de que no me iba a gustar y aunque mejora un poco cuando pasa el tiempo he decidido no obligarme a leer un libro que no me termina de convencer teniendo tantos a mi alcance.

[Micka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a high school classmate of mine and I was so excited to read her books!!
Great job Kim!!

[romancebookjunkie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this one as I’m really into medieval romances at the moment but it didn’t live up to them unfortunately. For a simple story line there was a lot going on including a vengeful ex-mistress and I HATE vengeful ex-mistresses (even though the conclusion was perfect).
.
Our hero is finally ready to retrieve his bride who has been promised to him since birth. A slight glitch to his plans is that she has been kidnaped and taken away to be sold as a slave. When he retrieves her he finds that she is the opposite of meek and well behaved. She is a fire cracker and if we are being honest a complete shrew.
.
For me the storyline was all over the place with too many different elements, and if I’m being honest the hero was meh and the heroine annoyed me. I get that she’s only 18 but when she decides to run off and go climb a tree when she’s mad it didn’t endear her to me (is she 18 or 8). Maybe I’ll put a hold on medieval romances for a little while as they have all been letting me down.

[Noemí · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entretenido, bonito, pasional a ratos pero prescindible.Con un toque de sororidad femenina muy de hoy en día ;) Está bien.

[Beckyloohoo Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ aka Mrs. Acheron Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be completely fair I would really rate this book between a 3 1/2 and 4 stars, but with the GR system I had to give it a full 4.

In this book, a boy who watched his father's murder vows to avenge him when he grows up. To do so, he must save a baby girl, one that was supposed to be his arranged bride when she was of age. He gives her to a trusted family to raise and becomes known to her only as her mysterious benefactor. Eventually he comes for her, expecting a calm, serene woman to wed. Instead he finds a stubborn, temperamental, passionate "highland dragon". (and I thought that was well done since I expected him to be the 'dragon' not her).

There was a lot I liked about this book. I loved Calin. He was a giant, strong teddy bear of a man who wanted so desperately to be loved. He felt guilt over not telling Akira about her past, but was really just trying to protect her feelings. Akira was a strong woman in a lot of ways, but in others I found her annoying. She was too stubborn at times and I wanted to smack her. But a lot of that could be attributed to youth and immaturity. Luckily as the book progressed she calmed a little. What bothered me the most however was that at times the book seemed to drag on forever. It was a constant back and forth with "should I let myself fall in love with my husband/wife?.... No, I'll never let myself fall in love with them.... but I am already in love with them.... should I tell them? Maybe not tell them..." It was brought up so much and then flipped on a dime. I just wanted them to get it over with or stop harping on it.

The ending left me a little irritated too. When Akira miscarried she blamed Calin ruthlessly. She not just turned her back on him, she deliberately set out to hurt him (like he wasn't suffering already) and then threw him out to deal with his grief on his own. She never stopped to think about the fact that the pain and loss she felt for that child was the same that he was feeling too. And he had the added bonus of having his wife hate him as well. I found it selfish and spiteful and not really what I would expect from a woman in love with her husband. I didn't think she really apologized enough to him for the anguish she put him through, but that's just me.

I would have given this book a higher rating if not for the few things I mentioned above. But really in it's entirety, I liked this book. I know a few people mentioned having trouble understanding the highlander-speak, but I had no problems with it at all. Of course, I adore a man with a nice Scottish burr. Soooooo yummy.


Would I reread this book? Possibly
Would I recommend this book to a friend? Yes

[Sandy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com

[Jill Dunlop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calin is the Lard of Clan MacLeod and has been engaged to the daughter of the rival clan Kinnon since he was ten years old. The match was made to bring peace between the two clans, but on the night Akira was born things went terribly wrong. Calin's father was murdered right before his very eyes and Akira would have been killed too if it wasn't for Calin's quick thinking. He secreted Akira away to grow into a young woman and when the time was right, Calin would come back for her and make her his wife.

Akira had always known she was different. She didn't look like any of her family. She also was sent to school through her benefactor and she knew that one day she would marry him. She hoped he would be kind to her and give her the babies she longs for. At eighteen, her family believed that her betrothed had come for her, but instead she is kidnapped. Calin finds this out when he comes for Akira himself. Along with Akira's foster brother, Calin rides to get back his bonny bride.

Akira is an interesting combination of forthrightness, but she is also inexperienced in the ways of the world. Yet for only being eighteen, which I think is young for a heroine (I am showing my age here) she comes across as older. Although, she does have her moments of immaturity, but for the most part she is a thoughtful individual. I found the exchanges between Akira and Calin, especially in the beginning of the story when they first meet, to be a lot of fun to read. There are some really good conversations between the two of them. Calin likes to tease Akira for her naivete.

Calin has a lot of secrets he is keeping from Akira and this eventually drives a rift between the two. Readers know early on that this is going to happen because there is plenty of foreshadowing. That is the one drawback to big misunderstandings. They tend to leave a black cloud over the romance, because the reader knows that eventually the secrets will come out. They just don't know when.

There are also some complicated politics between the clans. I felt like I followed along fine, but there were a few shaky moments. I got a little confused when the English were brought into it. Fortunately, I felt like everything was clearly wrapped up at the end. One interesting secondary character Catriona, Calin's former mistress was a surprise. Her character starts out as a vindictive woman, but later on changes her tune due to Akira's forgiveness. I always enjoy reading about a villain who is redeemable. Some villains aren't redeemable and there is one of those in this story too.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calin is out for revenge and nothing will stop him, not even his beloved, Akira, and his secrets that revolve around her. Akira has been claimed by her lifelong benefactor and believes that her life and her family's fortune is starting to take a turn for the best. But secrets do not stay buried and soul mates are tested by extraordinary trials...

For starters, of course this plot has a lot of drama... why else would you read a book but to get lost in someone else's story? Akira is extremely feisty and yes, a bit much for a woman who would have come from this particular time. But really, how exciting is it to read about a sniveling door-mat? She jumps to the wrong conclusions and throws fits (all of which I was cheering her on for) but she is very loyal and compassionate and comical and I was very fond of her character. Did I sometimes wish that she had stopped while she was ahead? yes. But did work out for the best afterwards? of course. It is a romance, and a passionate one. (:

Calin, of course, says the wrong things (more than a few times and he has a whopper of a secret that everyone but Akira knows about) and there is an evil ex-mistress that would stop at nothing to ruin his future unless he comes crawling back. However, with all of these ands, I could not help but root for them the whole time and hope for their happy ending.

Also, the baddie in this book is so disgusting, vile, and evil that my gut was clenched with worry every time he got some face time and more of the "evil plan" was revealed. I wanted to see him punished accordingly (the violence here was well warranted) and all of the characters in this story happy in the end.

I cannot wait to, finally, get my hands on another story from this author.

[Laurie Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 ½ stars

I really enjoyed this heartfelt romantic story. I love Kimberly’s way of writing, she bring you in by writing a heartbroken prologue, then at the end of the Prologue she gives you tremendous hope of what is to come in the rest of the book. This continues throughout the book. This book is full of all emotions, some humorous, betrayals and lots of steamy romance. Then you throw an ex-mistress in the mix and things get quite interesting.

Akira’s life didn’t start out good as a just born baby. (I don’t want to get into the details here, it would be a bad spoiler). She was branded by a man, Calin when she was born. Akira was to marry Calin for an alliance to bring two clans together. Akira new nothing about an alliance but she did know one day a man that was her benefactor would come to get her and marry her. He has paid for her education an much more. Now years later he, Calin has come to claim her, but can she be tamed. Lets just say Akira is a spitfire, she takes nothing off any man. She is still a virgin and wants to remain that way. Until she meets her Benefactor then things change after the first kiss form Calin, she wants more. Will Calin tell her all the story about her birth and the alliance or will he keep it from her and make things worse.

I really felt the love grow between Calin and Akira, they have their ups and downs but their love still grows. I loved the way Calin calls Akira his wee fire breathing dragon, he hit’s the nail on the head with that nickname.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! The story is awesome and the characters are wonderful! Calin is a sweet Laird with an understanding heart. He is never cruel to Akira, the woman he is to marry. Akira is a very stubborn woman who has no idea what her true identity is. She loves the family that raised her very much ( she believes they are her blood kin). She protects her crippled sister and carries her everywhere she goes. Akira is a very loving and loyal lady who will fight for what she believes in. When she gets upset she climbs trees. I love it at the beginning when Calin goes up a big tree to talk to her and get her down. She tells him she can climb up a tree just fine it's the getting down part she doesn't know how to do. Her big brother, Kendrick always has to carry her down the tree while he curses at her. Calin is very sweet and carries her down the tree and doesn't curse at her even though she told him he could.

Akira is loved by the women and children of her husbands clan. She wants to educate all the children of the clan. Akira is especially loved by a little boy named Andrew. He just stole my heart in this story. When he tugs on her skirts and wants his winner's kiss....so sweet.

This book never gets boring or slows down. The story opens with a murder and bam we're off in the story. Then it is 18 yrs later (1502) the story goes from there. Very good Scottish clan story. This book is a keeper!

[Moonlight 🌸 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was a real slow burn. The first chapter was really intriguing. It snatches your attention immediately. The following chapters were really slow. I just couldn’t wait for them to get to his clan.
Akira started off a bit annoying. I understand her being hard headed and all but at first it was just too much. Made it hard for one to actually settle into the book. You’ll literally always hope she’d just concede this one time and let her connection with Calin blossom but nope. She’ll ruin it with some stubborn attitude.
Calin, despite his deep secret was so sweet and loving. Sometimes I wished he was quite firm like most heroes and just put her in her place. Anything to make her more respectful and compliant. But then maybe it was her stubbornness that intrigued him.
Another thing, how could Akira be supposedly so smart yet somehow believe she was cursed because she was branded?


After their wedding though, the book became more interesting and moved really fast. Calin became more manly and Akira showed more kindness and submission towards him.

I think this writer might have some sadistic imaginations though cause the things Laird Kinnon did were so repulsive, even for the imagination... lol.

Altogether it was a suspense filled book. The end was amazing! I definitely recommend. I definitely prefer it to the first one I read “her one desire.”

[Desiree (Anxious Opossum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a really good read. The main characters were well explained and the plot was seamless. This was one of those books where you feel what the hero and heroine are feeling, and when there's conflict and misunderstanding, you get edgy because -- as the reader -- you know the moment things fell apart and you want to smack their head's together to make them "get it". Heh.

I really loved the dynamic between Calin and Akira a lot and enjoyed their individual personalities, too. I especially liked that Akira was a screaming harpy when she had reason to be pissed off (as in, she stood her ground and spoke up for herself) but she was reasonable enough to listen to explanations.

The only thing I DISLIKED about this book was Akira's name. The book deals with Scotland and Scottish concepts, and Akira is a decidedly Japanese name. It broke through that fourth wall for me and I found myself cringing occasionally. A small thing, but...eh.

All in all, when I was finished I had that separation anxiety feeling that a good, satisfying book brings, so I call it a win.

[Michelle Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the story was a bit predictable with familiar Highland romance tropes, BUT the hero is sooo sweet and romantic I can forgive the author for that. The heroine, at times, got on my nerves and I had a hard time believing she could go from innocent virgin to sex kitten in a scant amount of time the story takes place. The initial love scene left me wanting but the author makes up for it later in the book with some scorching romance between the H/H. The ending was truly romantic and wrapped up all the loose ends nicely. Despite the highs and lows of the story, the writing is solid and overall an enjoyable read.

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great book. This book is just as powerful as her first book. She has such a way with her wording. I was practically in happy tears by the time I was through. The book isn't that big, but there is such a wealth of emotions in the pages. I didn't think KK could top Her One Desire, but she managed to do so. Can't wait for the next one.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book actually made me WEEP. I'm such a sap. So that's the second embarrassing moment from this book. The first was when my friend wanted to see my Kindle and it opened to "lusty wench" and "throbbing" something, I don't remember exactly what. GAH. Don't be judging me!

[Megan Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Definitely a keeper. Love the Scots, and Killion keeps me entertained.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story!! I didnt' see a sequel to this book so I'm bummed about that. I would have liked a HEA for Kendrick and Darach Kinnon.

[Samantha Kauchis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a little to get into it, but once I did I devoured the book. :)

[Oleander · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just couldn't get in to it. Too much violence and the characters didn't grab me.

[FayAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually finished 2-25-13. This book actually had me laughing in many different places!

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

[Aldara · Rating 4 out of 5]

<>
Una historia ligera, que me gustó desde principio hasta el final... Highlands escocesas son lo mejor :-)

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5