Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper
Series: Highland Dragons #1
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Published on: December 3, 2013
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 348
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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He Guards a Ferocious Secret
In Victorian England, gossip is often as precious as gold. But the Highlanders are a more mysterious bunch. And if anyone found out that Stephen MacAlasdair really was, he'd be hunted down, murdered, his clan wiped out. As he's called to London on business, he'll have to be extra vigilant—especially between sunset and the appearance of the first evening star.
Mina just wanted to find out more about the arrogant man who showed up in her employer's office. Some might say it was part of her job. She never thought the stranger would turn into a dragon right in front of her. Or that he'd then offer her an outrageous sum of money to serve as his personal secretary. Working together night and day to track a dangerous enemy, Mina comes to see a man in love is more powerful and determined than any dragon.
"A genre-bending, fast-paced whirl with fantastic characters, a deftly drawn plot, and sizzling attraction."—RT Book Reviews on No Proper Lady, a Reviewers' Choice Award Winner
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I never thought I would get into reading a book about dragon shifters, until I started this book. I bought it because I had agreed to review the third book in this series, and wasn’t sure if they were stand alone books or not. Turns out this book could stand alone, although the second one features a character from this one. Also, turns out that I liked it enough that I want to read the second one.
London at the end of the 1800’s is not exactly conductive to a young woman finding a good job. Mina grew up near the East End of London-which is pretty much the slums. Her family is poor but makes do, more then most. She is working for a professor scholar as a secretary when Lord Stephen MacAlasdair, walks in the door. She manages to get sucked into his, and the professor’s problems, one of which is deadly. Because she sees Stephen in his dragon form one night(while she is being attacked) and because of the dangerous problem he is trying to take care of, he can’t let her leave his house. Truly scandalous for that era. He offers her what amounts to four years salary to stay as his secretary, she just can’t leave because of the danger involved.
Mina was a good character. I wasn’t sure at the beginning that I would like her, because to be honest I first thought she was too nosy for her own good, and pretty brazen. Before the book was over, I was totally won over by her. Smart, capable, extremely brave, fiercely loyal, and ambitious for a better life, were all ways to describe her as the book went on. Stephen is a couple of centuries old, super handsome, truly dislikes being in London as his home is in Scotland, and he definitely has never met anyone like Mina in all those years. It’s not long before he is spending way more time with Mina then is necessary. Of course it helps that they are in the middle of trying to find a murderer-one that is out to kill Stephen, the professor, and the further the story goes, even Mina.
This story is full of mystery, demons, a horrible villain that uses equally horrible magic, and of course a romance. And as far as romances go, it was pretty great actually. I enjoy a slow burn romance a lot more then love at first sight, so this didn’t disappoint. While this wasn’t a bodice ripper, there is plenty of sexual chemistry, and there is a sweet(and actually fairly hot) scene of a sexual nature, so I would consider it an adult read. The pace fit the time period, not super fast, but with enough action that it kept me engaged throughout. I thought it was well written, and I completely enjoyed the whole thing.
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I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
I have to admit that this is a series that I wouldn’t have picked based on the covers, but after reading your review, this one is going on my wish list. I love strong female characters, 1800’s London, and shifters. Great review!
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Q+A with Dani Harper and Giveaway
Yes, I am getting tired of the bare chested thing as well-but hey at least he has a head 🙂 And thanks!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper
LOL. Yes, the headless ones freak me out a bit.
Where are their heads?? Is there, like, a folder of cropped heads somewhere? *eep!*
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Q+A with Dani Harper and Giveaway
Well there’s a thought,lol!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper
so glad you enjoyed this one…I love the mix of historical and paranormal. Two of my favorite genres together. Great review.
Renee ( recently posted…Book Review-Kiss The Earl by Gina Lamm
Thank you! I have a read a few historical/paranormal ones lately and they have all been pretty great 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper
It is a wonderful delight in discovering a new author. I’m all for highlanders, shapeshifting and the paranormal. I’ve always enjoyed it, from Superman as a kid, then Star Trek, then…I grew up and didn’t have time for my imagination. Now I’m old enough to do as I like and so enjoy this type of read.
Thanks for sharing!
Eileen Dandashi recently posted…Audiobook Review: The Whispering Night by Kathryn Le Veque, narrated by Michael Angeles
I used to read a lot of historical Scottish highlander books but it’s been awhile. And of course I read a lot of paranormals, but it’s only been a few years that I have read that many of them 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper
You had me at the title, Lorna. Highlander and dragon? Sold! 🙂 I really like the sound of Mina though – all those characteristics you listed make her sound like my kind of heroine. And Stephen…well again, Highlander and dragon. 🙂 The slow burn romance is appealing to me as well. The mystery and scary villain all add up to a great sounding read. I’m glad you enjoyed this well enough to want to read more of the series. It’s definitely going on my tbr. Lovely review! Have a great weekend!
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Beyond the Books ~ Mountain Living
This is really my first dragon book, and I enjoyed it. I do own another one from a different series-maybe I should read it as well 🙂 I hope you enjoy this one and thank you!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper
I’m not big on historicials, but I love Highlanders (and all Highlander books seem to be historical) and I love dragons. I think I need to try this one. Thanks.
Melanie recently posted…Audiobook Review: Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night by Kresley Cole
I don’t read very many historicals anymore either, but lately I have read a few that were really good 🙂 Hope you like it!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper
From what I remember I enjoyed this one 🙂
blodeuedd recently posted…#FitReaders Check-In: April 17, 2015 and DNFs
I enjoyed it too 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper
I wasn’t a Mina fan at first either for the same reasons, but I loved the story after that. The books each take the Dragon siblings as the main characters with the brothers getting the first two books and the sister getting the latest.
Sophia Rose recently posted…Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat #Review
Oh good to know. I only knew that the brother was in the second one-I have the third one already 🙂 I need to just go ahead and buy the second one 🙂 And it’s good t know that I wasn’t the only one that had that first impression of Mina-but it was all good in the end 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper
I love when there is a nasty villain to loathe. Good to know Mina won you over.
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Sunday Post #157 April Showers Bring May Flowers
Yep, nasty villains are pretty much a necessity in a book like this. And Mina was a good character for sure 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper
This does sound great! I’m not a big fan of historicals but I do love paranormal.
I really enjoy a horrible villain. I’m pleased Mina grew on you.
A great review Lorna 🙂 Sharon – Obsession with Books
Sharon – Obsession with Books recently posted…Review: Conspiracy Girl by Sarah Alderson
Thank you! I used to read a lot of historicals when I was younger, but not so much anymore. However, I have read a few lately that were paranormal, and were good 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper
The dragon shifter premise does catch my interest
Yes, it was my first time for a dragon book and I thought it was pretty different for a change 🙂
Great review Lorna! I normally don’t like the idea of Dragon Shifters. But, this sounds pretty good. Plus who can resist a sexy Scotsman. ;]
Thank you! I didn’t have any real desire to read about dragons either but was pleasantly surprised 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper