Review: The Beast of Clan Kincaid by Lily Blackwood

They call him the Beast—a hardened mercenary whose heart seems as cold as his icy blue gaze. They do not know his true name: Niall Braewick, son of the Laird of Kincaid. It has been years since he escaped into the forest the night his father was murdered. Now he has returned, ablaze with a vengeful hunger. He will gain the MacClaren chief’s trust, gather his clan, and take back his lands. And take the MacClaren’s daughter as well…

Though he pulled her from the river, saving her life, Elspeth has been warned to keep her distance from her father’s hired warrior. He is a barbarian—a shame, as he is far more compelling than the lechers and fools competing for her dowry. Little does she know that, like the castle itself, she is a prize Niall intends to claim…but will he extract blood for blood and possess what is his, or will his enemy’s beautiful, innocent daughter tempt him to forsake his dream of conquest?

I was very glad to pick up The Beast of Clan Kincaid.  It was a perfect way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon!

Revenge books are hit-or-miss with me, but I have to say the set-up for Niall's revenge against Clan MacClaren was very good.  It was obvious that Niall returned to his home with the strict purpose of revenging his father's death and reclaiming his clan.  Unexpectedly, Elspeth MacClaren causes distraction and disruption of Niall's agenda.

My only complaint is Elspeth seemed to forgive Niall's deception/betrayal easily.  Niall saved Elspeth's life at least three times during the novel, and they always managed to sneak in a kiss or two before being discovered by other parties, but she seemed very hurt and upset when Niall's true name was revealed.  I never believed Niall would intentionally hurt or use Elspeth; for all his plans of revenge, he seems like a pretty good guy.

I am quite interested to see what will happen in book 2, The Rebel of Clan Kincaid, now that one of Niall's brothers has been found. 

(A very special thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Beast of Clan Kincaid.)