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Guardians of Scotland #1
Highland Burn
Will Love’s Flame Quench the Dragon’s Fire? …
The past never stays in the past, it rears its ugly head eventually. James the Black Douglas knows this all too well. With a past that has left him vengeful and his dragon bloodthirsty, his reputation as a ruthless warrior haunts his enemies in their sleep. As his allegiance stands with Robert Bruce, the King of Scotland, he must now repay a debt to the king and agrees to marry his daughter, Abigale Bruce. The problem is he doesn’t want a wife. When flames start to burn out of control between him and the auburn-haired lass, he must decide to either kindle the flames of passion or shelter her from the truth and set her free.
It’s What Shines in the Dark That Brings Forth Your True Light…
Determined to keep his daughter safe and out of the hands of the English, Robert hides Abigale behind the safe walls of a nunnery. After eight long years of living her life in seclusion, Abigale is finally set free. But her new found freedom comes to an abrupt halt when she learns of her betrothal to the infamous Bogeyman – James The Black Douglas. She soon finds herself falling in love with the uncontainable and haunted man. Is her love enough to soften his hardened heart?
The past never stays in the past, it rears its ugly head eventually. James the Black Douglas knows this all too well. With a past that has left him vengeful and his dragon bloodthirsty, his reputation as a ruthless warrior haunts his enemies in their sleep. As his allegiance stands with Robert Bruce, the King of Scotland, he must now repay a debt to the king and agrees to marry his daughter, Abigale Bruce. The problem is he doesn’t want a wife. When flames start to burn out of control between him and the auburn-haired lass, he must decide to either kindle the flames of passion or shelter her from the truth and set her free.
It’s What Shines in the Dark That Brings Forth Your True Light…
Determined to keep his daughter safe and out of the hands of the English, Robert hides Abigale behind the safe walls of a nunnery. After eight long years of living her life in seclusion, Abigale is finally set free. But her new found freedom comes to an abrupt halt when she learns of her betrothal to the infamous Bogeyman – James The Black Douglas. She soon finds herself falling in love with the uncontainable and haunted man. Is her love enough to soften his hardened heart?
185 pages, ebook
First published July 19, 2014
About the author
Victoria Zak
21 books331 followersVictoria Zak lives in the sunshine state with her husband, two beautiful children, and three furry friends. Before having kids, Victoria spent fifteen years in the veterinary business and volunteered in pet rescue.
“One of my most rewarding jobs was finding unwanted animals their forever homes.”
A writing career was the last item listed on her bucket list, until she discovered that she wanted to put her stories on paper and breathe life into her characters. Her love for Scotland, curiosity of history, and passion for romance has inspired her to write her first book, Highland Burn.
“Fourteenth century Scotland was a fascinating time in history. Not only was Scotland fighting for their freedom from the English king, their own people fought each other; clan vs clan. Though being a woman of the twenty-first century, I wouldn’t want to live in those unsettled times. But writing historical fiction paranormal romance allows me to escape into their world and breathe a fresh air of romance and magic into that era, which I love to do.”
Victoria loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her through FB, Twitter, G+, and her website.
“One of my most rewarding jobs was finding unwanted animals their forever homes.”
A writing career was the last item listed on her bucket list, until she discovered that she wanted to put her stories on paper and breathe life into her characters. Her love for Scotland, curiosity of history, and passion for romance has inspired her to write her first book, Highland Burn.
“Fourteenth century Scotland was a fascinating time in history. Not only was Scotland fighting for their freedom from the English king, their own people fought each other; clan vs clan. Though being a woman of the twenty-first century, I wouldn’t want to live in those unsettled times. But writing historical fiction paranormal romance allows me to escape into their world and breathe a fresh air of romance and magic into that era, which I love to do.”
Victoria loves to hear from her readers. You can connect with her through FB, Twitter, G+, and her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
March 24, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Had this book for months but never got to reading it, so glad I did now, in fact I’ve just bought the rest of the series it’s that good.
Outstanding writing and awesome reading. The storyline was brilliant and the characters were excellent.
If that doesn’t let you know how good it was then I highly recommend you buy it and read yourself then make your own decisions.
💋💋
Had this book for months but never got to reading it, so glad I did now, in fact I’ve just bought the rest of the series it’s that good.
Outstanding writing and awesome reading. The storyline was brilliant and the characters were excellent.
If that doesn’t let you know how good it was then I highly recommend you buy it and read yourself then make your own decisions.
November 11, 2014
5+ stars
I was gifted a copy of Highland Burn by Victoria Zak in exchange for an honest review.
AMAZING!! I was blown away by Victoria's debut book! I was hooked from page one and could not put it down! I love her writing style and the flow of the book was great. I loved the characters, setting and the sexy dragon shifters. Abigale is a strong and determined lass who is determined that she will not live her entire life in seclusion. Her life at the abbey was not a very pleasant one and just when she thinks she will return home to be with her father, she finds out he has other plans. James is your sexy, strong and rugged highlander who has the lasses falling at his feet. He has no desire to ever take a wife. His king has other plans for him but he is unsure his future bride will be able to face him when she learns his deep dark secret. The connection between James and Abigale is hot and sexy. They try to turn away from each other but fate has a way of bringing them together. I felt like I was apart of the entire book. I felt all of the character's emotions as if they were my own. I laughed, cried and yelled along with the characters. I cannot wait for book two! Thank you so much Victoria Zak for an amazing book and allowing me to read and review for you.
I was gifted a copy of Highland Burn by Victoria Zak in exchange for an honest review.
AMAZING!! I was blown away by Victoria's debut book! I was hooked from page one and could not put it down! I love her writing style and the flow of the book was great. I loved the characters, setting and the sexy dragon shifters. Abigale is a strong and determined lass who is determined that she will not live her entire life in seclusion. Her life at the abbey was not a very pleasant one and just when she thinks she will return home to be with her father, she finds out he has other plans. James is your sexy, strong and rugged highlander who has the lasses falling at his feet. He has no desire to ever take a wife. His king has other plans for him but he is unsure his future bride will be able to face him when she learns his deep dark secret. The connection between James and Abigale is hot and sexy. They try to turn away from each other but fate has a way of bringing them together. I felt like I was apart of the entire book. I felt all of the character's emotions as if they were my own. I laughed, cried and yelled along with the characters. I cannot wait for book two! Thank you so much Victoria Zak for an amazing book and allowing me to read and review for you.
June 21, 2020
Highland Burn is the first book in a four-book series featuring clans of medieval highlander dragon shifters. It looks like each book follows the same formula. Every one follows a different couple, with their own set of problems; then, there’s a larger “ongoing” conflict that affects the different clans. (Similar set up as The Leopard King in the Ars Numina series)
Here we meet dragon shifter James who’s been asked to marry the King’s daughter Abigale, so he can keep her safe. It’s a slow burn, but has sexy-time later on. We get both MC’s POV’s and there’s a small epilogue one year out. There’s some action, but no real drama or angst.
Bottom Line- The first book is free, and I found it just ok. It’s pretty short, so I didn’t skim. It wasn’t terrible, but I wasn’t ignoring my family to finish either. I’m didn’t mind reading it, but won’t continue the series.
Here we meet dragon shifter James who’s been asked to marry the King’s daughter Abigale, so he can keep her safe. It’s a slow burn, but has sexy-time later on. We get both MC’s POV’s and there’s a small epilogue one year out. There’s some action, but no real drama or angst.
Bottom Line- The first book is free, and I found it just ok. It’s pretty short, so I didn’t skim. It wasn’t terrible, but I wasn’t ignoring my family to finish either. I’m didn’t mind reading it, but won’t continue the series.
February 7, 2016
This is book one in the "Highland Burn" series. This also my first book by Victoria Zak...but I must say after reading this one I quickly went for the other books in this series. I loved this book.
Abigale Bruce has lived in a convent since she was little. Abigale was sent their by her father the King of Scotland. Abigale was sent there for her own protection during a war. Once the war was over she was sent home but her father quickly made a marriage match for her. James the Black Douglas has been talked into marring Abigale sight on seen in exchange for land. James agrees because the King is a friend and he wants the land. James decided to try an deep Abigale away from him and not be a true marriage because he is a dragon and because of his past hardships. But when James and Abigale meet there are sparks and they both are finding it hard to fight them.
Abigale Bruce has lived in a convent since she was little. Abigale was sent their by her father the King of Scotland. Abigale was sent there for her own protection during a war. Once the war was over she was sent home but her father quickly made a marriage match for her. James the Black Douglas has been talked into marring Abigale sight on seen in exchange for land. James agrees because the King is a friend and he wants the land. James decided to try an deep Abigale away from him and not be a true marriage because he is a dragon and because of his past hardships. But when James and Abigale meet there are sparks and they both are finding it hard to fight them.
June 29, 2016
Highland Burn was Just Okay. Nothing to write home about. Same storyline as many other Highlander Historical Romances. Except these Highlanders are Dragonkine Shifters.
Another story where King Robert the Bruce has order a marriage. This time its his illegitimate daughter Abigale Bruce and the Dragonkine guardian James the Black Douglas know as the bogie man!!
Of course there is a jealous enemy in this case two enemies. Who kidnap and hurt the heroine of the story Abigale. Who of course has a mind of her own and nobody tells her what to do, so of course she gets kidnapped by the enemy.
I gave the story 3 stars because of the Dragons and the book was free Thank Goodness!! If more time had been given to the powers of dragons it would have been a much better story. Anyway I didn't hate it and I didn't love it so 3 stars!!
Another story where King Robert the Bruce has order a marriage. This time its his illegitimate daughter Abigale Bruce and the Dragonkine guardian James the Black Douglas know as the bogie man!!
Of course there is a jealous enemy in this case two enemies. Who kidnap and hurt the heroine of the story Abigale. Who of course has a mind of her own and nobody tells her what to do, so of course she gets kidnapped by the enemy.
I gave the story 3 stars because of the Dragons and the book was free Thank Goodness!! If more time had been given to the powers of dragons it would have been a much better story. Anyway I didn't hate it and I didn't love it so 3 stars!!
November 26, 2015
Great read. I recommend reading this one first to get the history of Dragonkine and humans. This was a wonderfully well written fantasy/scottish/historical/paranormal romance. I am looking forward to reading the second book. There is not as much dragon shifting as I expected, but it had more of a tale of containing the inner dragon. All in all I think the author did a good job of juggling so many different elements in the story while maintaining believable characters and situations. Zak is one of my new fav authors now.
Want to read
May 7, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/7/2019)! 🎁
July 22, 2014
This story was captivating and alluring, the characters are easy to fall in love with, and the secondary characters are amazing And supportive, I can't wait to know more about them, this story was emotional and fun and had me crying and laughing along with the characters!
The two main Characters,
James the Black Douglas, I loved how Victoria Zac developed his character, kept me guessing about him , I loved how she didn't give to much away all at once..
Abigale Bruce was amazing to read , I Loved her stubbornness! I connected with her feelings and she felt so real, her character was very well written.
Oh and let's not forget the Dragons which made this story Magical, and the love between two souls in the scottish highlands burn
The two main Characters,
James the Black Douglas, I loved how Victoria Zac developed his character, kept me guessing about him , I loved how she didn't give to much away all at once..
Abigale Bruce was amazing to read , I Loved her stubbornness! I connected with her feelings and she felt so real, her character was very well written.
Oh and let's not forget the Dragons which made this story Magical, and the love between two souls in the scottish highlands burn
July 27, 2014
This book is the first for this author. You will be happy to know your money will be well spent with her book. She is able to write a great book. You feel like you are a part of the book. You feel everything Abigale feels, and understand James plight.
I felt this book from the beginning to the end. My kindle lost battery as I was close to the end. I can tell ya, I was not happy about it at all. I didn't want to stop reading. I mean really a Half human half Dragon. A Highlander ta boot. Great Story line, fight scenes and an over all well written book.
I will be on the one click button when her next book comes out. This book is worth every penny. Go get it. See what I mean.
I felt this book from the beginning to the end. My kindle lost battery as I was close to the end. I can tell ya, I was not happy about it at all. I didn't want to stop reading. I mean really a Half human half Dragon. A Highlander ta boot. Great Story line, fight scenes and an over all well written book.
I will be on the one click button when her next book comes out. This book is worth every penny. Go get it. See what I mean.
July 9, 2016
Hmm, what to say? I found Abigale a bit tiresome. Tell me how it's reasonable and sensible for you to race away from a man-dragon, get your horse injured, threaten to slit your own throat when said man-dragon catches up to you and blame him for your horse's death? James on the other hand wasn't much better. This book has all the classic Scottish romance tropes but it wasn't one of the more enjoyable ones for me. The bit with the Dragonkine was interesting enough, and I don't quite understand exactly how the prologue was supposed to tie into this story.
March 31, 2022
I have major mixed feelings on this book, while it has an interesting concept and characters sadly the plot bounced around. Also the mood swings of both mcs were annoying, I had a love/hate with both of them as they just couldn't make up their minds.
I adored Abigale for having a backbone at times and standing up for herself, telling as it is but the next moment she would be a damsel in distress and run off crying. Needing to be rescued, before she would be the one to make a move again so I just never really knew what was real with her.
Similar with James he couldn't decide whether to run away from her or give a chance, wanting her to leave and not. Just very frustrating push/pull between them, they never seemed certain of anything so very disappointing.
They do have some great banter scenes and first meeting is rather sweet, but the interest in each other seemed mainly about their beauty and attraction.
I did enjoy the world building and intrigued by the side cast, relationships and dragons along with the history. Seems to be a plot to cover the series and only small details revealed towards the end of this one.
Overall it was an enjoyable and fast paced read, with interesting setting and a happy end with Abigale & James 💕
I adored Abigale for having a backbone at times and standing up for herself, telling as it is but the next moment she would be a damsel in distress and run off crying. Needing to be rescued, before she would be the one to make a move again so I just never really knew what was real with her.
Similar with James he couldn't decide whether to run away from her or give a chance, wanting her to leave and not. Just very frustrating push/pull between them, they never seemed certain of anything so very disappointing.
They do have some great banter scenes and first meeting is rather sweet, but the interest in each other seemed mainly about their beauty and attraction.
I did enjoy the world building and intrigued by the side cast, relationships and dragons along with the history. Seems to be a plot to cover the series and only small details revealed towards the end of this one.
Overall it was an enjoyable and fast paced read, with interesting setting and a happy end with Abigale & James 💕
May 11, 2018
Rated 4.5 Stars
It's not often that I get to read a good Dragon Shifter book, and this one is just that!
It's not often that I get to read a good Dragon Shifter book, and this one is just that!
July 21, 2014
I was honored to be one of the first people to read this wonderful book. Being a part of the group that Victoria trusted to read for her. I was so happy that I did . It is set in Scottish highlands . With a beautiful young woman, her horse a man she doesn't yet know but is betrothed to and a dark secret that will change their lives for ever. The Black Douglas or as everyone likes to call him the Bogeyman. Is one hot, sexy highlander who is also a dragon shifter. He and his clan have kept Scotland safe. The one thing he doesn't want is a wife. How would he explain his alter to her . But along comes Abigale who steals his heart even though he is trying so hard not to let her in. Abigale is such a force to be reckoned with. She comes into his life and changes it forever.
I can't believe that this is Victoria's first novel, she writes with such an intensity that makes you think wow where has she been hiding. Her characters are so well written and complex. She takes you to a fantasy when you start reading . You will be sucked in big time. The attraction that James and Abigale have for each other is unbelievable. You will be wanting to slap James upside the head when he tries to push her away . Trust me you want slap him a few times, I know I did. There are some great scenes where there is girl bonding between Alice and Effie. They are like the mother and sister Abigale never had living in the nunnery. Who wouldn't want a man like James 6ft 4 , built like a freight train and a sensitive soul. A man who would lay down his life for you . I so know I would love a man like that . insert big sigh here. Actually all the men in the clan are hot hot hot.
The author transport us to another place and time , this is the book to read this summer. So if you want to read a great story about highlanders, the women who love them and of course dragons . This is the book for you . Congratulations Victoria can't wait for book two
May 19, 2016
Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. The characters were painfully 2-dimensional. The heroine was TSTL, always dashing out in the middle of a battle because James "needed" her. The plot was predictable and at times just too silly. It seemed neither medieval/historical nor paranormal. There was almost no historical detail, which was an even bigger problem for me because real historical figures like Robert the Bruce and James "Black" Douglas were featured. I would have been more understanding if the book had placed more focus on the paranormal elements, but that wasn't the case either. The world and lore of the dragons was so thin and lacking in description/explanation that it didn't feel like a paranormal book until the very end, when we got some more details about dragons and their world, but by then it was too little, too late.
The writing and editing were both very inconsistent. In the beginning of the book especially, there were long backstory info dumps that dragged the writing down, sometimes in italics, and sometimes not. For the most part, there wasn't any head-hopping between perspectives, but every once in a while it would jump without warning, or a character thinking about their own eye color as if someone else was narrating, which was distracting and confusing. The little saying at the start of each chapter were unnecessary, especially the Chinese proverbs that had nothing to do with the book other than being about dragons.
There were lots of typographical and grammatical errors, including comma splices, missing commas, or misplaced commas. Also, all the missing or backwards quote marks were distracting. It's a small thing, and yet at best it snags my eye and slows me down; at worst, I can't tell when a quote ends and begins. There was also a lot of inconsistency with the Scottish accents. Sometimes the characters would say "didnae" and other times they'd say "didn't." Sometimes they'd say "ye" and sometimes they'd say "you." The hero even says "I dunno" at one point. All the modern phrases were very jarring (like "get it together" and "I'm ok" and "he pissed off the wrong person," as a few examples).
I'm giving it 2 stars instead of 1 because every once in a while, a scene would be well-described, clear, or evocative. The plot at the end seemed to pick up a bit, which was promising, but then it ended without enough explanation. I understand this is the author's first book, so perhaps those rare bright moments in an otherwise problematic book could be developed in the future.
The writing and editing were both very inconsistent. In the beginning of the book especially, there were long backstory info dumps that dragged the writing down, sometimes in italics, and sometimes not. For the most part, there wasn't any head-hopping between perspectives, but every once in a while it would jump without warning, or a character thinking about their own eye color as if someone else was narrating, which was distracting and confusing. The little saying at the start of each chapter were unnecessary, especially the Chinese proverbs that had nothing to do with the book other than being about dragons.
There were lots of typographical and grammatical errors, including comma splices, missing commas, or misplaced commas. Also, all the missing or backwards quote marks were distracting. It's a small thing, and yet at best it snags my eye and slows me down; at worst, I can't tell when a quote ends and begins. There was also a lot of inconsistency with the Scottish accents. Sometimes the characters would say "didnae" and other times they'd say "didn't." Sometimes they'd say "ye" and sometimes they'd say "you." The hero even says "I dunno" at one point. All the modern phrases were very jarring (like "get it together" and "I'm ok" and "he pissed off the wrong person," as a few examples).
I'm giving it 2 stars instead of 1 because every once in a while, a scene would be well-described, clear, or evocative. The plot at the end seemed to pick up a bit, which was promising, but then it ended without enough explanation. I understand this is the author's first book, so perhaps those rare bright moments in an otherwise problematic book could be developed in the future.
August 6, 2014
WOW! This book was hot! I loved how the main characters came to love each other and the emotion was so intense I caught myself living it multiple times in the book! I was a bit jolted around, like things were a bit rushed then a bit slow at different times in the book, but not enough to quit reading! I thought a few things were repeated unnecessarily, but still not enough to quit reading. The Black Douglas was the perfect hero, magical, a Dragon, sweet, harsh, loving and oh so sexy! I enjoyed reading about Abigale's past and how it affected her and her new life, though a bit more would have been good to explain somethings. I really want to know more about Conall and the others! I loved this book overall and will definitely read more by this author! I couldn't put it down, I read till 2am and then wanted more... I give it 4.5 stars!
March 8, 2018
Robert Bruce was away at war with the English and kept his young daughter safe in a nunnery for eight years. Victory meant freedom from the firm hand and prison of the nunnery for Abigail until her father arranged a marriage to the Bogeyman – James the Black Douglas his second in command warrior.
Abigail knows this is her fate and only wants to find a loving husband to have a family with and doesn't expect any of what will happen to her. Her new husband is of an old race known as a Dragonsire or in other words a dragon shifter. He works to keep this secret, keep her safe but fate has other plans for this pair. In the end they both find what they didn't know they ever wanted. That is one of the best endings for a romance that is full of action, secrets and unexpected magic.
Abigail knows this is her fate and only wants to find a loving husband to have a family with and doesn't expect any of what will happen to her. Her new husband is of an old race known as a Dragonsire or in other words a dragon shifter. He works to keep this secret, keep her safe but fate has other plans for this pair. In the end they both find what they didn't know they ever wanted. That is one of the best endings for a romance that is full of action, secrets and unexpected magic.
December 28, 2021
Rating: 3.1 / 5
Truth be told, this was okay, though the writing felt a little uneven at times. Basically, the story would move from one plot point to another without really lingering over anything, and there was no smooth transition to it all, no rhyme or rhythm (if you will). Therefore, even though this had the makings of a compelling romance, especially in combining Scottish highlanders with dragons, I just didn't find myself into it. Fair points and a fair rating for trying, though.
Truth be told, this was okay, though the writing felt a little uneven at times. Basically, the story would move from one plot point to another without really lingering over anything, and there was no smooth transition to it all, no rhyme or rhythm (if you will). Therefore, even though this had the makings of a compelling romance, especially in combining Scottish highlanders with dragons, I just didn't find myself into it. Fair points and a fair rating for trying, though.
March 6, 2021
Highlanders and 🐉❤️🔥
I’m so in love with this book! Such a interesting and addictive storyline. With James the Doughlas and the beautiful Princess Abigail.
Lots of action, drama and romance of course. But I felt towards the end too many unanswered questions.
Overall I liked this book, but I expected a book 2!?
I’m so in love with this book! Such a interesting and addictive storyline. With James the Doughlas and the beautiful Princess Abigail.
Lots of action, drama and romance of course. But I felt towards the end too many unanswered questions.
Overall I liked this book, but I expected a book 2!?
May 2, 2019
1300's...Scotland...dragons...king's...princesses...warriors...oh yeah!!
Want to read
May 12, 2019Free on Amazon 12th May 2019
August 8, 2014
I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
Highland Burn is the first book in the Guardians of Scotland series.
James the Black Douglas is a ruthless warrior and Dragonkin. He has a reputation for being merciless and a long trail of dead claimed by his hand. He swore to take back his lands from the English years ago and he has done so but the English are bitter and seek revenge. In what seems like a never ending war no one is safe.
Abigale is the daughter of the king of Scotland. Trying to keep his daughter safe he sends her to a nunnery for eight years. When the king finally comes for her it's not the kind of freedom she is looking for. Using James' reputation to his advantage he proposes a deal. He knows there is no one better suited to protect his daughter than James.
The only problem is neither one of them are looking to be married. Forced in this situation they must learn to make due. But James has enemies and they won't rest until they get revenge. As they learn more about each other they find something they were never looking for. But will it be enough and will James's secrets and enemies kill them before they have a chance.
Aye we have a winner! Highland Burn was sexy, sizzling fun. James, what can I say? Send me a ticket to Scotland please? He's a dominating, sexy, protective shapeshifting dragon. I loved his character. Not only is he tough but he also has a vulnerability that makes him even more sexier.
Abigale has lived a secluded life and now she's supposed to be married. She's scared, and innocent which is all understandable. But underneath her shyness, she bold, independent and even sassy. Both characters compliment each other perfectly. I liked the other secondary characters especially the rest of the Dragonkin.
The story concept was fantastic and interesting to read. The story captured my attention from page one and kept me entertained the whole way through. Abigale's and James's sexual tension was fun to read. I can't wait for the next one.
I recommend this to any paranormal romance fan especially those who enjoy highlander reads and men in kilts.
I rate this 5 fangs.
Highland Burn is the first book in the Guardians of Scotland series.
James the Black Douglas is a ruthless warrior and Dragonkin. He has a reputation for being merciless and a long trail of dead claimed by his hand. He swore to take back his lands from the English years ago and he has done so but the English are bitter and seek revenge. In what seems like a never ending war no one is safe.
Abigale is the daughter of the king of Scotland. Trying to keep his daughter safe he sends her to a nunnery for eight years. When the king finally comes for her it's not the kind of freedom she is looking for. Using James' reputation to his advantage he proposes a deal. He knows there is no one better suited to protect his daughter than James.
The only problem is neither one of them are looking to be married. Forced in this situation they must learn to make due. But James has enemies and they won't rest until they get revenge. As they learn more about each other they find something they were never looking for. But will it be enough and will James's secrets and enemies kill them before they have a chance.
Aye we have a winner! Highland Burn was sexy, sizzling fun. James, what can I say? Send me a ticket to Scotland please? He's a dominating, sexy, protective shapeshifting dragon. I loved his character. Not only is he tough but he also has a vulnerability that makes him even more sexier.
Abigale has lived a secluded life and now she's supposed to be married. She's scared, and innocent which is all understandable. But underneath her shyness, she bold, independent and even sassy. Both characters compliment each other perfectly. I liked the other secondary characters especially the rest of the Dragonkin.
The story concept was fantastic and interesting to read. The story captured my attention from page one and kept me entertained the whole way through. Abigale's and James's sexual tension was fun to read. I can't wait for the next one.
I recommend this to any paranormal romance fan especially those who enjoy highlander reads and men in kilts.
I rate this 5 fangs.
April 4, 2019
INTERESTING CONCEPT THOUGH NOT NEW...YET IT WASNT FULLY EXPLORED IN THIS START OF THE SERIES. STORY WISE? IT WAS AVERAGE WITH A ENOUGH GOOD MOMENTS TO PULL THROUGH.
HERO is a Dragonkine. Means he's a shifter, except he wasn't exactly born as one but bestowed upon this power as a chosen Guardian. The author doesn't elaborate deeply about the whole Dragonkine except for the prologue which did a good job reeling me in. Our hero doesn't want to be married to our heroine but he doesn't have a choice. So he thought to set her aside without even bedding her when they married but the lass always gets in his way. When he was injured by an unknown enemy, she nurses him to health and the brink of death always builds a connection between the I'll and the saviour. He's attracted to her but afraid of her rejection of his other half. To protect himself, he pushes her away first.
HEROINE is equally average to the hero but she does have mettle. Like the hero, she doesn't want to be married to him, a boogeyman who frightens her a little. Yet, she didn't expect him to be the handsome man she met by the lake. Was fate being cruel? Her husband plainly doesn't want her and she wants a home to call her own. What I like about her is her tenacity to make the best out of her situation no matter the ups or downs.
OVERALL it was fairly enjoyable. Nothing intense but still with enough heart wrenching and maybe a tinge of drama for it to be a good story.
HERO is a Dragonkine. Means he's a shifter, except he wasn't exactly born as one but bestowed upon this power as a chosen Guardian. The author doesn't elaborate deeply about the whole Dragonkine except for the prologue which did a good job reeling me in. Our hero doesn't want to be married to our heroine but he doesn't have a choice. So he thought to set her aside without even bedding her when they married but the lass always gets in his way. When he was injured by an unknown enemy, she nurses him to health and the brink of death always builds a connection between the I'll and the saviour. He's attracted to her but afraid of her rejection of his other half. To protect himself, he pushes her away first.
HEROINE is equally average to the hero but she does have mettle. Like the hero, she doesn't want to be married to him, a boogeyman who frightens her a little. Yet, she didn't expect him to be the handsome man she met by the lake. Was fate being cruel? Her husband plainly doesn't want her and she wants a home to call her own. What I like about her is her tenacity to make the best out of her situation no matter the ups or downs.
OVERALL it was fairly enjoyable. Nothing intense but still with enough heart wrenching and maybe a tinge of drama for it to be a good story.
March 14, 2023
Purch Amazon July 11, 2016
Highland Burn by Victoria Zak is a Historical Paranormal Adult Romance. It is a bit unclear as to how Dragons Shifters come to be. It starts off with them being born and living side by side with humans. But it changes to somehow having something to do with the mysterious Elders. This issues is never cleared up in the book. Maybe it is better addressed in book #2. This is my only problem with the book.
The main characters, James and Abigale are both interesting and complex. They were a lot of fun to read about. James is the Dragon shifter and Abigale is the daughter of the Scottish king. The king has decided that James is to wed his daughter. Neither really want this, and both keep trying to come up with a way out of it.
This story takes place in the time the English and Scottish are at war. There is a lot of suspense and mystery woven into the story. Quite a few of the other characters add a lot of flavor. I found it very entertaining and interesting.
Highland Burn by Victoria Zak is a Historical Paranormal Adult Romance. It is a bit unclear as to how Dragons Shifters come to be. It starts off with them being born and living side by side with humans. But it changes to somehow having something to do with the mysterious Elders. This issues is never cleared up in the book. Maybe it is better addressed in book #2. This is my only problem with the book.
The main characters, James and Abigale are both interesting and complex. They were a lot of fun to read about. James is the Dragon shifter and Abigale is the daughter of the Scottish king. The king has decided that James is to wed his daughter. Neither really want this, and both keep trying to come up with a way out of it.
This story takes place in the time the English and Scottish are at war. There is a lot of suspense and mystery woven into the story. Quite a few of the other characters add a lot of flavor. I found it very entertaining and interesting.
July 30, 2014
I was gifted a copy of Highland Burn by Victoria Zak in exchange for an honest review.
This is Victoria Zak's debut novel and I was lucky enough to take this journey with her. I absolutely recommend this novel and subsequent books in the series. Victoria Zak is a talented storyteller and definitely an author to watch.
Highland Burn is an historical romance that also includes a paranormal aspect. What more is there to love: highlanders, spunky heroines, and DRAGONS! Definitely some of my favorite things.
James Douglas is known as the Black Douglas, stories are told to small children to encourage them to behave. So, what's a young innocent girl who grew up in a nunnery supposed to do when her father arranges a marriage to the Boogeyman? In Abigale's case, stick out her chin and continue to hope for the family she never really had.
You won't be disappointed in the characters, the story, or the historical accuracy in this debut novel.
This is Victoria Zak's debut novel and I was lucky enough to take this journey with her. I absolutely recommend this novel and subsequent books in the series. Victoria Zak is a talented storyteller and definitely an author to watch.
Highland Burn is an historical romance that also includes a paranormal aspect. What more is there to love: highlanders, spunky heroines, and DRAGONS! Definitely some of my favorite things.
James Douglas is known as the Black Douglas, stories are told to small children to encourage them to behave. So, what's a young innocent girl who grew up in a nunnery supposed to do when her father arranges a marriage to the Boogeyman? In Abigale's case, stick out her chin and continue to hope for the family she never really had.
You won't be disappointed in the characters, the story, or the historical accuracy in this debut novel.
August 16, 2018
Love My Dragon
I love dragons and Scotland. Put them together and my attention was gained. Ms. Zak did a wonderful job keeping the Scottish speech going, the scenery in line and to avoid discrepancies in history did a good job focusing on the lives of James and Abigail and the Douglas Clan. Good way to introduce dragons and made it nearly believable. Overall quality of writing was wonderful. Proofreading had a few glitches. Intimacy scenes were tastefully done, no cheating or cliffhanger and you get a happy ending. Enjoy!
I love dragons and Scotland. Put them together and my attention was gained. Ms. Zak did a wonderful job keeping the Scottish speech going, the scenery in line and to avoid discrepancies in history did a good job focusing on the lives of James and Abigail and the Douglas Clan. Good way to introduce dragons and made it nearly believable. Overall quality of writing was wonderful. Proofreading had a few glitches. Intimacy scenes were tastefully done, no cheating or cliffhanger and you get a happy ending. Enjoy!
July 20, 2014
One of the best books I had the honor to alpa read. I loved the story, the hero, strong, manly, hard but with a deep loving heart, a heroine which knows when to stand her ground without being whiney about her destiny and a headstrong steed sums up the most entertaining book I have read lately. This is a MUST READ!!!!!!!!
Let Miss Zak help you forgot the daily grind and transport you to historic Scotland on the wings of dragons
Let Miss Zak help you forgot the daily grind and transport you to historic Scotland on the wings of dragons
December 26, 2016
A fun escape for those who love Scottish love stories with a twist of the paranormal. In this instance it is a highlander who is really a dragon. There are a few threads left hanging - some intentional that set up the next in the series but a couple smaller threads could have been explained a bit better. They weren't big enough to interfere with the overall story, however, so one is left satisfied while still curious to see what happens next.
August 3, 2014
Excellent Start to a new series!!
This is an incredible story by Victoria Zac, her first! Hard to believe, it was so well written, kept me at the edge of my seat, I read it all in one night!
Victoria you didn't disappoint! You have incredible talent and I am anxiously waiting for the next installment!
This is an incredible story by Victoria Zac, her first! Hard to believe, it was so well written, kept me at the edge of my seat, I read it all in one night!
Victoria you didn't disappoint! You have incredible talent and I am anxiously waiting for the next installment!
March 26, 2016
This is a beautifully written love story, and an interesting twist on the old legend of Robert the Bruce and the terrible Black Douglas.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
January 31, 2015
Different Dragon story
This was a different Dragon story with darkness and light. The Dragon is definitely dark and James was too mean to Abigail. I'm not, sure how she could fall for someone who treated her that badly. Abigail showed she had a backbone despite how she was raised, except for putting up with James. In the end James redeems himself.
This was a different Dragon story with darkness and light. The Dragon is definitely dark and James was too mean to Abigail. I'm not, sure how she could fall for someone who treated her that badly. Abigail showed she had a backbone despite how she was raised, except for putting up with James. In the end James redeems himself.
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