Customer Reviews

Dark Highland Fire

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Dark Highland Fire by Kendra Leigh Castle is a romantic paranormal fantasy that draws you so deep within the soul of the story that all reality around you is completely shut out. Intensely romantic, sexual, breathtaking and crawl under your skin, mouth watering don't put it down, this novel should be on the New York Times Bestsellers list without a doubt. If you miss this novel and it's previous installment you are missing the most delicious books of the Century.

Rowan an Morgaine is a Goddess to be by birth and in her own right. A feminine warrior of sharp wit and equally sharp tongue, beauty befitting her station and that of her people, fearless of death, she is a woman to be reckoned with. Tall, long legs, flowing red hair that radiates fire and emerald green eyes that seer you to your soul, Rowan is so much more than delectably exquisite.

Gabriel MacInnes is second son of the pack of Werewolves designated to protect an ancient artifact that is the bridge to their ancient homeland in another world. Breathtaking is the understatement for this man. Tall, bronzed, long dark hair and eyes to melt your soul should the right women capture him. Most certainly a ladies man to the max. Though his station is second son it doesn't diminish the fact that Gods have a very special task made just for him. Will he be able to survive it is the question.

Rowan and her brother Bastien escape by the skin of their teeth from the slaughter that is befalling their people by the Andrakkar, the Dark Dragons. Their escape is short lived however once Lucien Andrakkar enlists the help of the daemon, creatures even more vile than the dragons themselves.

Again Rowan is found and is saved at the last moment by her brother only to be dropped into the hands of Gabriel MacInnes. Bastien makes Gabriel promise to protect his sister and feed her starving form. Gabriel cringes at the thought of having to protect a blood sucker as vampires and werewolves are mortal enemies, but he swears to do so anyway.

So the war is to begin between two worlds and creatures so vile just to think of them will make you cringe and want to hide beneath the covers. All this over the love of a stubborn pig headed woman that has crawled into the blood of two very dangerous adversaries. A war that is needed to right the wrongs of a species so noble and to unite two races unknown to each other for over a thousand years. Good vs. Evil, right vs. wrong, light vs. dark, but who will be the victor?

A love so pure that Rowan and Gabriel will be stunned that the Gods have chosen to throw the two of them together. Two people, one Werewolf, one Vampire that are so alike you wonder how this could possibly work.

"And are you always such a charming conversationalist, or is it just me?" he shot back, keeping his voice deliberately even. He didn't think it wise, when he knew so little of her, to let Rowan know he felt like throttling her every time she opened her mouth.

"It's you," she replied, not quite suppressing what appeared to be an amused quirk of her lips. "I know when I'm being a bi_ch."

This budding author is astounding to say the least. She has given us a paranormal romance intertwined with the realm of fantasy and a style of writing so smooth it's like the silky froth on the top of your favorite cappuccino. My heart longs for more of this families saga, my throat is desert parched with the ending of this installment, my need for more of this writer's decadence is critical. This series will forever be included into my permanent collection so that when my longing is too great, I can pull this novel up and quench my thirst once again.

I have to confess that I am not hugely fond of vampire and/or werewolf stories. It seems hard to find one that offers anything unique. I DO like fantasy novels though, and was very pleased to find that the 'vampire' and 'werewolf' of Kendra's tale are not of-this-world. That double dimension idea gave her freedom to go wild with her mythology, and I thought it was terrific. Rowan is a bit rough around the edges, and it did take me a while to warm to her. But the interaction with Gabriel sizzles and is so moving at the same time. I loved the connection between the two, how it was taken beyond mere physical to a spiritual bonding. Excellent! I started with this one, but can't wait to read her first novel and anything else she writes. I highly recommend this one, and if you are like me and not so sure about another vampire tale, take a chance. You won't be disappointed.

Author Castle has really hit her groove in the second of her highland werewolves books. Unlike the first book, Call of the Highland Moon, (which I liked despite a slow start) Wild Higland Fire jumps straight into the action, and hooked me from the very beginning -- I absolutely loved it.

Second son fun-loving werewolf Gabe who, unlike his older alpha-to-be brother, has enjoyed the from freedom pack responsibilities and has spent his years persuing a carefree self-indulgent life. That all changes when magical stranger Bastian enters through the gate between worlds guarded by Gabe's pack. When Bastian places his unconscious sister under Gabe's protection, Gabe is taken aback - he has never taken responsibility for anyone other than himself. Gabe is sure that a mistake has been made, surely his dad or brother would be better suited to keep the woman safe from the dragon shifting prince seeking to possess her. And when she regains consciousness, blood-drinking part goddess Rowan is less than pleased to be in anyone's keeping - she is powerful in her own right and doesn't believe that she needs any keeper - much less a virile stubborn werewolf guardian.

The relationship between Rowan and Gabe is tempestuous from the moment they meet. I enjoyed their verbal sparring and Castle did a really good job of building the tension between them as they continuously rub each other the wrong way. Both the leads are really good here, especially the smart and stubborn Rowan who was a great leading lady and no damsel in distress. Gabe is uber sexy as he discovers he's been selling himself short and is more than capable of handling responsibility now that he has someone to fight for. And he's going to have a battle on several fronts, because now-former-ladies-man Gabe recognizes the fiery Rowan as his once-in-a-lifetime mate, but Rowan is determined to fight him and in order to resist their bond.

Unlike the previous book, Dark Highland fire takes place in both Scotland and an alternate world with dragonshifters, demons and dryad warrior maidens giving it some fantasy overtones. I gobbled this one down and immediately went hunting Castle's site to see what is in store for us next. I was happy to see that there is already a book in the works for Rowan's intriguing brother but even happier to find out that Wild Highland Magic also stars the amazingly sympathetic bad guy dragon-shifter prince Lucien. I hope Castle finds a way to redeem Lucien because I love it when bad boys go good.

Gabriel MacInnes pretty much doesn't have a single responsibility in his life. As the second son in his family, it Is highly unlikely that he will ever become pack alpha - that's his older brother's job and as such, Gabriel is content. On those days when he isn't completely content, he is more often than not pleased with the way his life has turned out. When Gabriel is given the daunting task of watching over and guarding Rowan an Morgaine, the next leader of the Drakkyn sorceresses, he has no idea what he has just done - Gabriel has just agreed to protect his mate from a dragon prince who just happens to be entirely focused on capturing Rowan and forcing her to accept him - no matter how long it takes.

Rowan an Morgaine has been thrown out of her realm and is on the run from a rogue dragon who wants to force hr to mate with him. Finally agreeing to protection, she finds herself ensconced in the Scottish highlands being protected by Gabriel MacInnes, a man she just knows is all wrong for her. Emotions peak and attraction flares between the two and before they know it, their lives become almost a single entity. They refuse to let their guards down until the dragon after Rowan is dealt with but what happens in the meantime? Why love, of course!

A highly provocative and enticingly written second installment, DARK HIGHLAND FIRE is a worthy follow up to Call of the Highland Moon, also by Kendra Leigh Castle.

Gabriel is the ultimate playboy. Women love him and he loves that they love him. With the arrival of Rowan, I was pleasantly surprised to see his carefree ways become controlled and the man who loved all women become a man who only desired one woman - Rowan an Morgaine, his mate.

Rowan never thought she would have to be protected by a pack of werewolves, especially one as sexy as Gabriel MacInnes. She understands that she needs his help to battle the evil that is after her. However, she is dead set against loving her hot shape shifting companion but sometimes nature has to take control. And so their love was born amidst danger and intrigue and stubbornness. Rowan and Gabriel became as one; just the way it should be.

There is nothing better to me as a reader than a sensuous and naughty wolf finding his mate. Kendra Leigh Castle has written a tremendous novel in DARK HIGHLAND FIRE. Romance, paranormal elements, and a dream worthy hero mated to a strong heroine combine to form the ultimate read. The Scottish Highlands have never been so sexy!

DARK HIGHLAND FIRE released on October 1, 2008. Don't miss it!

***Natalie S. for Wild on Books***

Reviewed for queuemyreview.com
Goddesses, dragons, werewolves, prophecies, magic...this series has all those things that make my heart go pitty-pat. "Dark Highland Fire" is the second book in Kendra Leigh Castle's exciting tale of an alternate world where the balance has gone horribly wrong, and its connection to Earth. I read and loved her first book, "Call of the Highland Moon" which introduced a world just like ours where paranormal creatures run amok. Although it's not necessary to read the first book to enjoy this story, I'm glad I did. This second book continues and expands Castle's vision of both worlds which are exciting places I really enjoy visiting.

Rowan is a demi-goddess who is being chased by a dragon prince who wants her for his mate and isn't taking no for an answer. She barely escaped his first raid which resulted in the death of her mother and many of her tribal `sisters' and then only when her brother managed to `jump' into this strange Earth world. When her brother rescues her again, this time his jump lands them in another Earth land called Scotland. Then her brother has the nerve to leave her with an Arukhin (werewolf) named Gabriel! Even if Gabriel is stunningly gorgeous and makes her body tingle, she certainly doesn't need anybody's help...she's a demi-goddess for crying out loud!

Gabriel is the happy-go-lucky MacInnes. He's always been content to drift through life with heaping servings of wine, women, and song. Since his brother is next in line to be Alpha, he doesn't have to do anything more taxing than run his bar. Until the night a strange couple appears near the magic stone his clan guards and the male dumps his sister into Gabriel's arms with the responsibility to keep her safe and make sure she `feeds'?! Next thing Gabriel knows he's in it up to his furry ears with a woman who shoots fireballs from her fingertips and drinks blood! Who cares how sexy she is or how she makes him feel...did you not hear the blood part?

I'm enjoying the pace and plotting Castle has put into her world. Her characters are vivid and individual. Although Rowan's whole `don't need anybody' stance irritated me at first (hello? Your brother already saved you twice.), I guess if I was a demi-goddess, I'd feel the same way. And the more I learned about Rowan's character, the more her actions made sense. Same goes for Gabriel. Both have distinct traits and personalities which translated into the course and pace of their relationship.

I like the contemporary setting and you'll laugh at Rowan's first `job'...but it made sense considering. Castle also has a wicked pen and the tension and sexual overtones on almost every page are enough to require a fan! Her secondary characters have major roles in the story and make you hungry for a book about each one to see their fates. Thankfully, there are plenty of characters and I can only hope, plenty more books to come.

I'm enthralled by this series. Her history of the various races of both worlds and how some of them managed to cross to Earth is original and well-plotted. Each book provides more information on the customs and habits of each race. As soon as I finish one, I find myself irritated that I have to wait for the next one! Even after searching through her website (kendraleighcastle.com) and that of her publisher, I wasn't able to get a date for her next book. I'll just keep checking as I intend to grab a copy as soon as it hits the bookshelves!!

The world built by the author was very interesting but I couldn't get into the relationship between the two main characters--and there was very little action in this--and just when I thought it might get inetresting, the author would pull back to the romance.

The bad guy--the dragon--was the most compelling character in the book

What a pleasure it was to read the second book in this series. First, I read about Gideon and Carly with the first book, which you can read my review here. And now this was about Gideon's brother, Gabriel and Rowan, the fiery temptress from another realm.

In the beginning, Rowan, who has been on the run living with some rogue vampires of Earth along with her brother - she works as a stripper. When something happens and she has to run for her life. A battle of sorts against the man that wants her as his own, Lucien - the dragon prince. But when Bastian has to save her, he takes her to the Hunting Grounds of the MacInnes werewolves clan and puts her into Gabriel's protection.

Gabriel had no idea what to do with this beautiful creature of his dreams. But soon realizes that trying to tame her and claim her as his mate is not going to be an easy task! They are both stubborn and pig-headed. Rowan's background has her believing that she is the one who will save her people and she is to lead them. But what about the feelings that she's beginning to have for Gabriel? But boy, there was quite the twist at the end!

If you're looking for some hot, hot romance with the spice of supernatural creatures? I do highly suggest this series. Ms. Castle's characters have a way of making you love them and feel for them. It's the kind of book that had me practically yelling at the characters because you could just feel something bad was going to happen - much like watching a horror movie and telling the actor to look behind them. The story was told through different POV's, Rowan, Gabriel and Lucien, but it was easy to follow with a lot of description. She created a world with dragons, bloodsuckers (as Gabriel referred to them as) and werewolves and how all of them were once tied into each other in this imaginative realm that is close to ours.

Gabriel MacInnes is a werewolf. He has always been duty bound to protect the MacInnes wolves. Gabriel is a leader and good at what he does even if this means sacrificing waking up with a warm body in his bed. Now he must do everything he can to defend the wolves from Lucien Andrakkar, an ancient and pissed off dragon. Even if that means taking Rowan an Morgaine under his care. Rowan is a head-strong, princess. She never asked for Lucien to select her as his wife. Now she is learning just how much Lucien wants her. He will destroy anyone who stands in his way. So what happens when you pair up a werewolf and a princess to fight a dragon...you get a Dark Highland Fire.

Dark Highland Fire is a great afternoon read. There have been only a few werewolf books that I have come across that I actually enjoyed reading. I am happy to report that this book can now be added to me list as a favorite. This could not be made possible without Kendra Leigh Castle fantastic writing style. She made reading this book a breeze. Gabriel had a great sense of humor in addition to knowing how to handle himself in the bedroom. Rowan may have had a little bit of a spoiled attitude but she really only let her attitude show to annoy Gabriel. I am sorry to that I have finished reading this novel as I didn't want it to end. I look forward to more books from Kendra Leigh Castle.

Rowan an Morgaine has been forced away from her home realm. Stuck on earth hiding in a nest of vampires and taking her clothes off in a seedy Reno strip-club, no one would know she's really an exiled demi-goddess. But as any strong woman knows, sometimes you have to do what you have to do to stay alive so that eventually you can have your revenge. With her family slain by Lucien Andrakkar, a dragon shapeshifter who wants her for his bride, she must remain in hiding or risk being carried back to Coracin and forced into marriage.

When Lucien finds her and her brother, Bastian, swoops in just in time to save her, she finds herself dumped on Gabriel MacInnes. As a werewolf and the second son of the pack alpha, Gabriel hasn't had much purpose in life save for running his bar. Bouncing from woman to woman he's certainly not known for being easy to tie down. But there's something so irritating and at the same time irresistable about Rowan. She doesn't want to be protected by Gabriel and the fact that he takes his duty seriously only maddens her. All Rowan wants to do is save what little remains of her family from further destruction at the hands of her would-be husband. If only she wasn't as attracted to Gabriel as he is to her.

I honestly wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book. Kilted highlander werewolves, maybe? Aside from Gabriel being from the highlands this book really didn't have anything to do with them. Instead this book focused greatly on Coracin and the races that call it home from the dragons and the Dyadd to the demons. What really got me into it was the well executed mythos of the world and how it tied to Earth. That can be a hard thing to pull off but Castle did this quite flawlessly. While it certainly walks the borders of fantasy as much as paranormal romance this didn't have the urban overtones a lot of paranormals have these days.

Gabriel and Rowan made a surprisingly refreshing duo. Both a bit hot-headed and stubborn they played well off one another and their attraction was very fire and ice. The romance was actually over-shadowed by the world dilemnas of the dragons and the werewolves as well as Lucien's attempts to make Rowan his. I found myself pitying Lucien long before the book was finished and I'm quite certain the plot twist relating to Rowan and Lucien will be obvious to most readers from the first hints. Even though it was predictable it was a very enjoyable plot twist that helped to settle the entire story. I am definitely looking forward to the next book which will focus on Rowan's brother Bastian. Overall a very entertaining book with a great mythology... now I just need to go back and read the first one! I think anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story with shapeshifters should check these out.

I liked this one just ok I guess. I enjoyed the first in the series soooo much more. There was a little to much internal dialogue in most of the book for my taste...you know the kind where everyone has so much to say but their not saying anything to each other? Argh! That bothers me! Overall though Fire is a pretty descent addition to the series, but no where near as good as the first.