Highland Dragon

I have no idea why this book sat in my pile as long as I did. Historical Highland Romances are one of my favorites and this one is a keeper for me. It kept me wanting to read from beginning to end. It had a really good story, the romance was wonderful and the love scenes hot enough to keep me happy. I must also mention that Calin was what every hero should be, strong, loving, sensitive, sexy and hot. This was the first book i read of Kimberly's. She writes a story the way I most love to read. I have since ordered her first book Her One Desire and from the reviews here, I'm sure it will be another keeper. Kimberly has made a fan out of me from reading just one of her books, Highland Dragon. She will be an auto buy for me from now on.

As a young lad, Calin McLeod witnessed the murder of his father at the command of his enemy's leader, Laird Kinnon. To add to the horrific memory of watching the life leave his father's eyes, young Calin bore witness to the murder of the woman his father loved dearly, Lady Kinnon, immediately after she gave birth to the daughter of the evil Laird Kinnon. Even at the tender age of 10, Calin knows the creed of every Scotsman. No one messes with family!! Determined to avenge his father's murder, Calin takes the newly birthed baby from the priest's hands and brands the bottom of the baby girl with his father's signet ring. Knowing this baby girl is the key to his revenge and that he will come back to claim her as his wife in the years to come, Calin gives the young infant to his best friend's family to raise and protect. Akira Neish has always known she would marry her benefactor, the man who has provided for her since she was an infant. But of late she is wondering what is taking the man so darn long to come and claim her. When she is kidnapped by a group of warriors believing she is a witch all because of a mark on her derriere and taken to Tigh Diabhail to be sold to the highest bidder, Akira believes her savior will never show. But at the last minute, a man arrives with Akira's brother Kendrick and bids an extremely high amount for her. Unbeknownst to her, this strange man is her benefactor and soon to be husband. From the first meeting of Calin and Akira, the electricity between these two could be felt through the pages. Though it was not love at first sight, the first interaction between these two does set the atmosphere of frank talk in their relationship. Akira is a strong-willed young woman who thinks quickly on her feet, speaks her mind and at moments demands things her way. When it is revealed that Calin is Akira's benefactor and has plans to marry her, Akira quickly demands a couple boons from Calin before given her agreement to the marriage. The majority of her requests are simple and ones Calin quickly approves. But when she informs Calin that if he intends to kiss her frequently prior to their marriage then he will need to shave his beard, Calin doesn't know what to think. Calin's eyes widened. "M'lady, a Highlander without a beard is as rare as a sheep with nay wool. I have nary a doubt, ye are testing me." Akira crossed her arms over her chest and raised both brows to challenge him. "Ye cannae be serious. Ye want me to . . . shave. The bath is acceptable, even desirable at this point, I admit. But the beard? `Tis a most unreasonable request. Ye cannae ask this of me." Aghast at the demand by Akira, Calin questions himself. Why should the chieftain of Clan McLeod shave his beard? But at this point in the story, I believe that Calin has already given his heart to Akira. Though the words may not have been spoken yet, Calin's actions speak louder than those words. This seemingly insignificant reques

In 1484 ten-year-old Calin MacLeod is hiding behind a false panel at Brycen Castle watching the horror unfold before him. His father Laird MacLeod with two of his warriors is simmering with anger at the treatment Lena Kinnon is receiving while giving birth. This should be a joyous occasion for if she delivers a girl it will be Calin's betrothed and will bring peace between the two clans: MacLeod and Kinnon. But what unfolded after the birth was murder and treachery at the hands of Laird Kinnon a ruthless and merciless man. He substitutes the baby girl for a boy and proclaims him as his son. He orders the Kinnon warriors present to murder them all, and Calin watches in silent horror as they murder his father and Lena. They were about to murder the baby when the priest in attendance begs to give him a moment to baptize the baby before her short life is ended. With the moment granted they leave, and out steps Calin from where he was hiding. Shocked and horrified he swears one day he will have his revenge. He picks up the newborn and brands her with his father's signet ring, marking her as his and escapes unseen taking her with him. He seeks the help from his friend Kendrick Neish, who takes the baby into his family adopting her and naming her Akira. Many years would go by before Calin lays eyes on his betrothed again. But when he does his revenge against Laird Kinnon will be brought to an end and finally the two clans will be united in peace. Almost eighteen years have passed since that fateful day, and Calin MacLeod for years has been preparing his revenge. He has been forging alliances with the rival clans of Laird Kinnon banding them together for his downfall. He is on his way to Kendrick's home to claim his betrothed with excited anticipation, he is curious about her all the while knowing he is playing a treacherous game with her the pawn. Upon arrival, his old friend Kendrick greets him coldly, he does not know that someone is onto him and has taken Akira under the guise of his men and is selling her to the highest bidder in an underground marriage mart where virgin brides are the ultimate prize. Akira is enraged that her betrothed is treating her in such a manner. For years she has known she was to be married to an unknown benefactor, she has exchanged correspondence with him for many years and is shocked at his cold callous turn around. About to be sold, her pride overrides her fear and she proudly claims to be a virgin before a lecherous crowd of men. Hidden in the crowd are Calin and Kendrick, who are not about to see his betrothed sold to someone else, In a daring move he risks everything and buys her back. With Akira now under his protection Calin attempts to know his betrothed enraging his good friend Kendrick with his subtle trickery and half truths. Calin finds her beautiful, enchanting and exasperating as she continually outwits him and his well developed plans. Can he sway her to his side and marriage bed be

The back cover of Highland Dragon promises a desire that defies all limits and a love that was meant to be. Highland Dragon keeps that promise and more. From the first scene until the end of the book, I was riveted by this story. Calin MacLoed saves his betrothed as an infant and gives her to a peasant family to raise. Akira Neish grows up knowing she will someday marry her benefactor. When these two strong-willed characters meet, the sparks leap off the pages. Set in Scotland, the world of the early 1500's comes to life as a mistress, a laird and even the King try to come between these two destined lovers. Killion creates vivid characters and wonderfully complex stories. The rich love story at the center of this book is compelling and feels so real that I found myself thinking about the story and the characters long after the last sentence. Killion delivers a story that definitely belongs on the keeper shelf. Review by Amanda F