A wonderful beginning for what I suspect will be a wonderful series!

Highland laird Cathal MacAlasdair has a lot on his plate. Being responsible for his people, as well as a dragon-shifter in secret, he needs someone to help him battle through it all. Yet, instead of the warrior he prays for, he gets alchemist enthusiast Sophia Metzger. She may not be physically strong, and her womanly wiles may indeed make his insides burn with need against his will. But she's the one he didn't know he actually needed to assist him - if she can only prove so by healing his friend.

I enjoyed the ride with this book. Not only do we get Scotland - I mean, yes, I'm biased, I'm in love with the freaking country, can you blame me?! - but we also get dragons! Actually, dragons with kilts - yeah, I'm drooling, sue me!

But it's not just my personally favorite things that drew me in. The story is a love story, sure. Yet it takes a while to actually happen! Sophia and Cathal know they're attracted to each other. But they also understand they have duties to deal with, and they try their hardest to make things work. Healing Cathal's friend took a hell of a lot of this book, but it was understandable and I loved it. I mean, plot-wise, Sophia's presence in Cathal's home is necessary to heal poor Fergus - it would be really unfair and foolish to simply dismiss the urgency of the matter just because their sexual tension was off the charts. They do come to terms with their feelings, don't get me wrong, but they did so in the right time and place, not a minute sooner!

I really can't wait to read about the rest of the MacAlasdair family - especially Douglas, oh, that man did things to me, I tell you!

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.*** ( )

Historical romances are few and far between for me to pick up and read, but when I saw it featured dragon shifters, well I just had to give it a try.

Highland Dragon Warrior was an interesting and pleasant read. It’s set in medieval times with magicians, sorcerers, dragon shifters, demons, and alchemy. It’s got mystery, action, and romance.

Sophie our heroine is a strong and determined women. She’s smart and stands up for what she believes in. Cathal our hero is a powerful and fierce warrior. He’s fiercely protective of his family and those he cares for and looks after.

I enjoyed the story. I loved the Scottish setting and the paranormal elements where fascinating. The author did a good job creating an intricate and appealing world, but man was the world-building extensive. I had a little trouble with the story; mainly their was just so much information with the world-building and historical aspects that the book felt slow. I also felt like I was back in school learning a lesson; especially when it came to Sophia’s alchemy and all the explanations that went into those scenes.

Now for the dragons their weren’t that many scenes with the dragon shifters and their magic. I would have liked more. Their also wasn’t much action either, until the very end, when Sophie’s soul is endangered.

As for the romance between Sophie and Cathal it was light and slow to bloom. I wish there was more interactions between these two to help build the romance. They spent a lot of time apart, watching each other across a room or briefly talking at dinner, but not doing much to move the romance along.

Highland Dragon Warrior is not a simple read. The world-building is extensive and various discussions that take place where excessive and a bit overwhelming. It’s an interesting set up and I’m intrigued, but I was a bit bogged down and felt like I was back in school.

Rated: 3 Stars

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.


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