I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

After his father was betrayed, Niall and his two younger brothers were spirited away and split up to preserve the Kincaid Laird bloodline. Seventeen years later, Niall seems to be the only surviving one and has come home to take back what is rightfully his.
Elspeth's been saved by the mysterious mercenary three times and each encounter only adds fuel to her attraction. However, her clan is relying on her to make an advantageous marriage to protect them against another clan and a lonely mercenary won't do.
Niall and Elspeth both try to deny their growing feelings but neither can give the other one up. They each want to do right by their clan but following their hearts will be dangerous.

The first in a new series by a debut author, the prologue grips you right away as a delicious blend of danger and vengeance is relayed. The set-up of Niall coming back home to avenge his family and then falling in love with his enemy's daughter, who doesn't know his true identity, creates an enthralling tale. Unfortunately, I felt the attraction was rushed between our leads and it left me with a feeling of insta-lust.

Our beginning introduction of Elspeth has many scenarios that combine together to give a very shiny heart of gold persona; she's the woman you want to say something bad about, because her goodness is slightly annoying, but she's just too darn sweet to do it. Her inner battle over feeling like she was betraying her clan with her attraction to Niall had depth and felt real. Niall captured my attention right away with his inner turmoil and secrecy to take his lands back but when he meets Elspeth, he slowly becomes all about his lust and attraction for her. His feelings were excessive, that he would suddenly become so wrapped up in this woman, who he barely knows, when for seventeen years he has been preparing for his vengeance. I understand and like romance but wanted a more natural progression of feelings, with more time and interactions, for the torment of it all too really shine through.

"I tried to forget you," she whispered against his lips, her hands touching the bare skin of his torso.
"I tried to let you forget me, but I cannot."

A lot of the story was devoted to Elspeth and Niall wanting each other and then saying they felt guilty because of their commitments, over half of the story is their back and forth. I don't consider this a slow read, per say, but this did make the story feel like it had some repetitiveness. Elspeth doesn't learn of Niall's true identity until the last 20% of the book and then it is glossed over pretty quickly, she forgives him in a day. Some of the lust, guilt, rinse and repeat should have been cut for the juicy betrayal/how do they live together now drama this scenario could have produced.

Secondary characters did a pretty good job of filling out the story with Deargh, Niall's clansman who spirited him away, Elspeth's half sisters popping in and out, and Magnus, a childhood friend of Elspeth. Bridget was Elspeth's step-mother and started off a Cruella de Vil and then contrary to a few hints (or what I perceived as hints) she does a 180. Now, if I'm right about the hints, it's misdirection by the author for future shock but since it wasn't cleared up in this story, it left the character feeling very confusing and forced. This does take place in Scotland in the 1300s but other than a couple mentions of a kilt, swords, and castle, I can't say I felt completely transported to the time.

As I mentioned, this is a debut book and as such, it is pretty strong. The author's writing style is highly readable and her story and character ideas are engaging. I just personally felt the relationship was rushed and some inta-lust was at play. The overall tone also was pretty gentle, there are a couple sex scenes but they did have a tendency to feel dropped in. If you're looking for an amiable read and wanting to give a new author a try, then this would be a good choice.



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This is the first book in the Clan Kincaid series about three brothers who supposedly died in an uprising against their clan. The first story is of the oldest brother and I liked it a lot.

The characters are well developed and the hero is Alpha male to the core. The heroine, who just happens to be the daughter of the hero’s enemy, was such a hoot!

I liked that the story moved fast and the revenge trope was well executed and I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the stories.

If you’re a fan of medieval period, and especially of the Highlanders, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this one.

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
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first of all I received this book free in exchange for a honest review. WOW! I love historical fiction and love the historical fiction where guys in kilts fight, love & conquer and LILY BLACKWOODS THE BEAST OF THE CLAN KINCAID has all three.

Niall Braewick, as a child was taken away and hidden while his parents were killed. Niall's father, the Laird of Kincaid made sure he had kin to not only avenge his death but to take his heritage and castle back when the time was right.

This book is loaded with action, sword fights, & lust & I loved every page of it. I cant wait for the next in the series. ( )

Love and revenge in 14th century Scotland! THE BEAST OF CLAN KINCAID is a solid start to Lily Blackwood's new Highlander romance series. The opening scene really grabbed me. Niall, a laird's young son, violently robbed of his birthright. Fast-forward 17 years, and Niall returns to seek his revenge against the clan responsible. There's one snag in his plan though - Elspeth, the tempting and innocent daughter of the enemy he's sworn to destroy. This was an enjoyable and fast-paced book with well-drawn characters. It was easy to root for both Niall and Elspeth, both separately and together. Good people, tragic circumstances. I especially loved the surprise twist at the end. Looking forward to the next book.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I always love trying out new authors. Some you love, and some not so much. When I started The Beast of Clan Kincaid I wasn't really sure what I thought. The heroine kept thinking about how hot the hero was and after awhile it started to become old.

Finally the author moved on and I started to really enjoy the story.

I found that I really liked both Elspeth & Niall. Right away you see how much they care for each other. You want them to be together. Of course life isn't always that easy as they soon found out!

Since this wasn't really a new story line I couldn't wait to see how Blackwood would handle it. I will tell you that she did a great job. I found myself not being able to put the book down because I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

The whole story moves quick, especially the ending. I really loved the surprise she gave us at the end. I want so badly to share it with you but you know I can't. It would ruin the whole story for you. Okay, maybe ruin might be too strong of a word. But I'm close. Ha!

I think you'll find The Beast of Clan Kincaid to be a truly heartwarming, sexy read with characters you want to cheer on! I really can't wait for the next book which is The Rebel of Clan Kincaid out on December 6th! You know what I'' be reading this holiday!

Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog:
http://romancingthereaders.blogspot.com/2016/05/review-beast-of-clan-kincaid-by-...

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ARC received for a honest review ( )