Beauty and the Highland Beast: A Highland Fairy Tale

Lecia Cornwall

Jun 2016 · Sold by Macmillan

About this ebook

Powerful and dangerous highlander Dair Sinclair was once the favored son of his clan, The Sinclairs of Carraig Brigh. With Dair at the helm, Sinclair ships circled the globe bringing home incredible fortune. Until one deadly mission when Dair is captured, tortured and is unable to save his young cousin. He returns home breaking under the weight of his guilt and becomes known as the Madman of Carraig Brigh.

When a pagan healer predicts that only a virgin bride can heal his son’s body and mind, Dair’s father sets off to find the perfect wife for his son. At the castle of the fearsome MacLeods, he meets lovely and kind Fia MacLeod.

Although Dair does his best to frighten Fia, she sees the man underneath the damage and uses her charm and special gifts to heal his mind and heart. Will Dair let Fia love him or is he cursed with madness forever?

Ratings and reviews

Dair Sinclair was once a dashing privateer, until he returned from his last voyage a broken man. Dair was made to watch his beloved cousin Jean being raped, tortured, and killed, while he was chained to a wall and unable to help her. Dair is scarred and limps; in every way, he is but a shadow of the man he once was. Chief Padraig Sinclair, Dair’s father, will do anything to heal his son. One evening, the Sinclairs kidnap a midwife, Moire o’ the Spring, who uses herbs and potions, purportedly magical. Moire heals Dair as best as she can, but lies to save her life and tells Padraig that only a virgin will cure Dair. And Padraig, along with five clansmen, travels to the MacCleods, who have several daughters of age. Poor Fia, who is always nearly forgotten, is one of the two daughters chosen to travel back to Carraig Brigh with the Sinclair clansmen. Fia was injured as a child, she walks with a limp and she is also scarred, but she is a healer of wild animals. As Dair almost behaves as one, maybe Fia can handle him, and become his bride as well; she has nothing to lose… BEAUTY AND THE HIGHLAND BEAST is somewhat of a Scottish Gothic retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with some differences. Fia and Dair are both Beauty and Beasts, although Fia is beautiful, while Dair once was. Ms. Cornwall’s descriptions are vibrant and vivid, and the Sinclair castle, the scenery, and the clothing came alive under the author’s pen; it felt entirely authentic. Fia is a delightful character, gentle and kind if a bit too clumsy, and she shows a tremendous amount of growth as, feeling appreciated, she becomes a self-assured young woman, and Dair also comes around eventually. I felt however that at time, it was a bit over the top, especially when it came to Fia’s cat from hell, Beelzebub. Those episodes bordering on slapstick were, in my opinion, unnecessary and distracted from an otherwise touching and tender love story. I was a bit taken aback at first by the ruggedness of those Scotsmen, and in this case it took getting used to what I am certain is quite historically accurate. BEAUTY AND THE HIGHLAND BEAST is a story of two lost and damaged souls who find themselves, and each other, amidst betrayal and witchcraft accusations. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beauty and the Highland Beast by Leica Cornwall is #1 in the mesmerizing, new series "A Highland Fairy Tale". First, this is not your Mama's Fairy Tale, nor, the "Beauty and the Beast" tale you read as a child, but a fast paced, dark Highland Fairy Tale with twists and turns. Meet, Dair Sinclair the only son and heir of the clan, The Sinclairs of Carraig Brigh. He is returned home devastated, scarred, tortured, broken and a lost soul in body, soul and mind. His entire crew was slaughtered and his beloved young cousin, Jeannie was tortured, raped and hanged in front of him, by English soldiers. Dair, is now known as the Madman of Carraig Brigh. Enter, Fia MacLeod, of the Clan MacLeod, a virgin, with scars of her own. A gentle soul, who likes to help others, including animals. She has a beloved cat, Beezlebub, some believe to be the devil himself. There is a fair amount of laugh-at-loud moments intertwined within this dark, compelling and powerful tale. Filled with dark moments, sadness, guilt, devastation, betrayal, hurt, passion, the power and beauty of love, healing and forgiveness. The characters are flawed, compelling, emotionally damaged, and prove beauty is only skin deep. Evil can lurk within a beautiful and non-flawed body, as jealousy and revenge takes over the person, making them evil and ugly. A mesmerizing tale with superstitious Highlanders, and the power of true love and acceptance. A unique Highland Romance, that will keep readers on their toes, and reading late into the night. I look forward to the next installment of "A Highland Fairy Tale". Fans of Historical Romance, flawed Highlanders, feisty but flawed lasses, Scottish warriors, superstition, a fierceness of sisters, fear of witchcraft, and a beautiful, epic love story, will truly enjoy this dark and daring tale. An absolute delight! A awesome Highland Fairy Tale! A must read! Received for an honest review from Net Galley. Rating: 4.5 Heat rating: Mild Reviewed by: AprilR

Great location description, I felt like I was there. Endearing heroine!

About the author

Lecia Cornwall is the author of nine steamy Regency romances set in England and Scotland. Her books are known for their layered plots and intriguing characters. Lecia lives in Calgary, Canada, with four cats, two teenagers, a crazy chocolate lab and one very patient husband.