Highland Dragon by Kimberly Killion--ARC Review

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...

When Ms. Killion emailed me and asked me if I would be interested in reading her ARC Highland Dragon. I jumped at the opportunity. This is my first experience reading a book before it has been released. I think I probably would have read any book for the chance to read my first ARC, however Highland Dragon was a perfect book for me. I can only hope that I can do this book and Kimberly Killion justice.

My Thoughts:

Ms. Killion is a "New To Me" author, so I went over and checked out her site and read the blurb on Highland Dragon. Yes I was in Heaven. Highland Dragon is set in Scotland, has a very Hot Laird, and a feisty heroine, three of my favorite items in a book. I could not wait to get home from vacation so that I could transfer the files to my Kindle (no using Hubby's computer for my addictions). Between after vacation stuff, school starting, son's football practices, and just everyday stuff I was ready to pull my hair out. I couldn't wait to really delve into this book.

Akira is one feisty little woman. She has an angelic look about her coupled with the temper any Scots woman would be proud of. She has known since childhood that she is promised to her benefactor, she just doesn't know who her benefactor is. This causes her some embarrassment, which I found quite endearing, after she finally meets Calin.

Calin has sworn an oath to himself and his deceased father to seek revenge on the very man who murdered his father and to unite the clans. He has lived a determined life with that one goal in mind. Why he has taken so long to retrieve Akira is cause for some hard feelings and questions of loyalty to the allegiance.

Calin and Akira let the sparks fly. There is a tension between the two from the very beginning. I love how sweet and gentle Calin is with Akira; and how demanding (undemanding) Akira is of Calin. I found myself laughing out loud with one particular demand and the reaction received by all of the men. Akira definitely is a heroine I won't soon forget. The passion she displays towards everything is something to be admired.

Young Andrew really stole the show for me on several occasions. His sweet little body and his highhandedness toward Calin during the games was hilarious. Andrew's love for Akira shined through and brought something special to the book. On several occasions I wanted to get up and smother my son in hugs and kisses.

I hate comparing books and authors, but for some reason I feel I just have to with Highland Dragon and Ms. Killion. I would have to say that any fan of Lynsay Sands historical romances will love this book. Highland Dragon brought to mind one of my favorites, The Brat.

Highland Dragon is a definite must read for 2009.

Rating: 5 stars