Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper

For my first book in the 2014 Shifter Challenge hosted by Parajunkee I read Legend of the Highland Dragon by Isabel Cooper. When I found this book I was excited because I love dragons and the idea of a shifter being able to transform into a dragon is awesome.

Taking place in the late 18th century, the story revolves around Mina, a young independent woman working as a secretary in London, and Stephen, a centuries old shape shifter. The two are thrown together when an old enemy surfaces. Mina is working for a scholar in is older years when Stephen first meets her. Stephen begins to call her Cerberus due to her fierce manner in following her employer's orders.

Soon Mina is drug into the occult underground while trying to protect her employer. This leads to Stephen's secret being relieved and the need to keep Mina close at hand. Stephen offers to employ Mina himself to keep her safe from the evil magician that is looking for Stephen's secret.

My thoughts on the book:

The story is well written and drifts more towards a detective style apposed to the romantic style most romance readers are used to. The romance adds a little extra flavor to the story and makes you want to cheer for Mina. Stephen has an air of mystery around him that I don't think is explained very well. Mina finds the answers to these secrets pretty easy and kind of left me wanting to know more about the detective side of the story.

As Stephen searches for the magician he is taken into the back rooms and dark roads of London. He takes Mina with him from time to time when he cannot do something alone. I was really drawn in by the clue hunting and smoky backrooms that created this mystery.

With all that being said, I have to add that this really isn't a book that can be judged by it's cover. Instead of a robust, sword wielding Scottish dragon, I found a gentleman who is by far more capable within the realm of magic. I'm sure Stephen can wield a sword, but I would have loved to have seen it. All in all Legend of the Highland Dragon is a great read for anyone interested in detective stories set in late 18th century London that has a flare of paranormal fun.