Sandy M’s review of Dragon’s Lair by Denise Lynn
Contemporary Paranormal Romance released by Silhouette Nocturne 1 Feb 09

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Nocturne, and when I end up with a good one I always ask myself why I wait so long to read another. Never really get a good answer to that question other than the usual too many books, too little time. I’m determined to remedy that as far as these Nocturnes go, though. I’ve had great luck with them in getting good stories and terrific characters, and Dragon’s Lair is right up there with the best.

Alexia Drake is on the run, having narrowly escaped a kidnapping by men who want the ancient grimoire that has mysteriously dropped into her lap. When the evil after her destroys her home, she has nowhere else to turn but to her estranged husband at Dragon’s Lair in Tennessee. As hard as it will be to be near him again, Alexia has no choice since she’s the one who has unleashed renewed interest in the Drake family tome, causing more disastrous problems for the family. Perhaps returning the book to Braeden to keep it out of enemy hands will help make up for some of that trouble. But Alexia has no idea what’s in store for her in coming face to face with her husband again.

He can feel her the closer she gets to Dragon’s Lair. Braeden is determined to find out why Alexia has betrayed him and his family by making their secrets public, causing heartache to the people under his protection. What he isn’t ready for are the feelings that still flow through him for his wife, and also the knowledge that Nathan the Learned, the life-long nemesis of his family, is truly a real threat to them all. Now that she’s back, Braeden at first wants nothing more than to solve the mystery of the grimoire and have Alexia on her way out of his life again. But when it comes right down to it, he’s not sure if he can let her walk away from him like she did before.

I really liked this hero and heroine. Braeden is a wizard and the trust that Alexia gives him in their marriage is the crux of why they’re separated – she trusted him completely when he told her of his magic and his ancestry, but he couldn’t trust her when tragedy hit them hard and she couldn’t stay with a man who wouldn’t give his trust about something so important and heartbreaking to them both. I also liked the different way in which the author gives Alexia her powers throughout the book. Quite original. And the way Alexia unknowingly uses her new powers on her husband is a hoot. Braeden’s mettle is tested to the limit just by Alexia’s thoughts.

The villain in this book is one sick puppy. He’s one of those that you can’t wait until his end comes, you know it’s coming and it’s going to be good. Braeden’s brothers, his twin Cam and Sean, are just as dynamic as Braeden and I look forward to their books. The end of this book does leave everything wide open for further stories and I’m assuming those will include the brothers’; however, in checking the author’s web site there’s no information given that far ahead, much to my disappointment. But I’m keeping my fingers crossed because I look forward to visiting these characters again.

Grade: A-

Summary:
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DRUID SPELLS, DANGEROUS INTRUDERS, AND A MYSTERIOUS ESTRANGED HUSBAND…WAS HE FIEND OR SAVIOR?
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When his family’s nemesis tried to find a book of Druidic-elder spells. Druid Braeden Drake and his estranged wife, Alexia, must unite to prevent the evil force from unleashing a supreme reign of terror. But having Alexia return to Dragon’s Lair brings along another set of troubles. For not only does she make him senseless with desire, she’s also being followed by the enemy.
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Though tragedy once drove them apart, Alexia didn’t count on her return igniting so many powerful emotions. But as each dark night descends, revisiting the marriage bed is a temptation she finds more and more difficult to resist. All too soon Alexia realizes her heart is as much at risk as her life…
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Read an excerpt.

Devon’s review of Hallowe’en Husbands by Lisa Plumley, Denise Lynn, and Christine Merill
Historical Paranormal Romance Anthology released by Harlequin Historical 1 October 2008

This anthology features three stories, set in different places and times, against the backdrop of Halloween. The crisp autumn atmosphere was nicely captured, that mysterious element in the air that makes you think anything might happen. Despite some issues, I enjoyed all three stories, and would seek out other books by the authors.

Marriage at Morrow Creek by Lisa Plumley

The first stop is Arizona Territory, 1884, against the backdrop of a traveling medical show. Rose (“the plain sister”) is desperately in love with Will, the bagman for her father’s show, and desperate to win him. Encouraged by a mysterious new acquaintance, Rose decides to go for it. I have nothing against a girl going for what she wants, but Rose was so desperate, determined and deluded, it was kind of annoying. I felt like she strong armed the clueless Will into submission. He went from not even noticing her to thinking perhaps he had cared for Rose for a long time. His feelings changed so quickly, I wasn’t buying it. His reasons for not wanting to get together with Rose felt like excuses.

Still, this was a cute and sweet story, with a touch of magic. I liked the small town, Americana setting with its homespun Halloween celebration. The paranormal element was nicely done, if a bit predictable. I didn’t care for the name-dropping. Many characters from Plumley’s past books drop in, with no real purpose. Overall, this was a pleasant change of pace. I just wish there was more magic to the romance.

Grade: B-

The only thing Rose Tillson ever wanted was a life of travel beneath the Western stars—and to marry secret sweetheart Will Gavigan! All Rose needs is a small dose of Hallowe’en magic to make Will realize she’s the girl of his dreams….

Wedding at Warehaven by Denise Lynn

Next we head to 12th Century England for a story of tension between old Pagan ways and newer Christian beliefs. This story got off to a great start, with a wild pagan celebration. I should mention that it was the sole story without a paranormal element, despite all references to the demonic. I guess Medieval types were obsessed with demons. Randall Fitzhenry, knight and royal bastard, is sent to Warehaven to put a stop to the locals’ Godless ways. He is to consolidate his power by marrying the lady of the keep, even though he believes she’s a witch. Birgit of Warehaven wants nothing to do with the brute.

I liked the two characters and their battle of wills. They were both well drawn and interesting, and the chemistry was nice. Then Birgit acted like a complete dunderhead and withheld info from Randall that put her and others in danger. There was no good reason for that decision. The ending was a bit abrupt, with Birgit’s father showing up to do the deus ex machina thing and settle everything neatly. My favorite of the bunch, and I may yet become a Medieval convert.

Grade: B

When Brigit of Warehaven casts a simple spell to reveal her true love’s identity, she never expects to wed him that same night! But until the mischievous trickeries of All Hallows’ Eve are over, Randall FitzHenry cannot truly claim his bride’s heart….

Master of Penlowen by Christine Merrill

Master of Penlowen is set in Regency England, and also got off to an exciting start. There’s an abduction, a breathless rescue on horseback, and a creepy estate. Merrill creates a suitably Gothic atmosphere, as Arabella finds herself stuck for the night in the house full of secrets and its handsome but strange owner.

This was a creepy, compelling read. I found the hero, Richard, less than appealing for some reason. He seemed kind of greedy, and wimpy too. Richard did exhibit some charm, and the beginnings of chemistry with Arabella, but I didn’t believe that they fell in love over the course of the night. I mean, during their big love scene, they were kinda possessed, and there was a skeleton nearby. It was ick. I wasn’t really feeling that. Gothic fans may well enjoy it though.
Grade: C+

Arabella Scott cannot decide whether she’s been saved or abducted when she is rescued from highwaymen by a darkly brooding stranger. In his eerily cold, dilapidated home, she has no choice but to trust her cavalry officer rescuer.

Overall Grade: B-

I just finished, as in closed the book about 15 minutes ago, Bedded by Her Lord by Denise Lynn. It was fabulous. And I was all excited thinking maybe William of Bronwyn’s story was the novella.

Hey, I read the guest post a while back… needless to say this isn’t William’s tale instead it is…

Brigit of Warehaven danced toward the All Hallows’ Eve bonfire to placate her sisters. When she turned to look over her shoulder at the fire she’d expected to see a vision of her love – not an armed knight and his horse sailing through the flames to land at her feet.

Randall FitzHenry was sent to Warehaven by his sire to put an end to rumours of devil worship taking place there. While he’d expected to find Warehaven’s witch, never had he dreamed that’d she be so fair.

Nor had he thought to find an evil so dastardly vile, or dragons, or love…

Clouds streaked steadily toward the near-full moon like ghostly fingers reaching across the sky. Sir Randall FitzHenry, bastard son of the king, waited silently beneath the towering oaks.

Soon the pale glow would go dim. Then, under the cover of darkness, he and his men would swarm Warehaven Keep.

As he had done many times this last hour, he stared across the narrow field separating the heavy woods from the keep. Through the open gates Randall could see the still roaring blaze of the bonfire in the bailey.

For three successive nights the shouts and laughter of those dancing around the fire drifted across the field. Behind the voices beat the rhythmic pulse of the tabor drums.

The first part of his mission would be easy. There’d been no battles on the isle since his grandsire’s day, so the keep was lightly guarded – as evidenced by the open gates. Warehaven would be conquered before the inhabitants knew they were under attack.

His spies had done their jobs. They’d brought him the layout of the keep, the names and descriptions of those in charge and the plans for each night’s festivities.

He looked up at the sky. This task had been blessed – proof was in the clouds straining to douse the moon’s light. Randall knew his advance men were in place. As soon as darkness overtook the sky, they would see to the men guarding the gates.

He nodded at the joyous shouts of Warehaven’s celebrants. Let them make merry now. For this would be the last night they practiced their pagan rites.

No more would they shamefully cast aside their inhibitions to dance and mingle so brazenly in the open before the fire.

And no more would they enact some Wild Hunt. A shiver traced down his spine at the memory of gazing upon the woman they’d sacrificed. Bruised, torn and broken she’d died in agony, her unseeing eyes open wide, a scream frozen forever on her lips.

Aye, he would find this stag of the forest – this supposed pagan god and his followers. He would end the vileness plaguing Warehaven once and for all. Those tasks he would accomplish without fail and without remorse.

The last task his liege, his father the king commanded – the one that left a bitter taste in his mouth – he would begrudgingly fulfill. He would ensure the keep’s loyalty by forever binding Warehaven’s unwed witch to the crown.

Shadows inched across the field as the moon disappeared behind the encroaching clouds. Randall raised his hand, holding it steady above his head until darkness overtook the last glimmer of light.

He lowered his arm, silently waving his men forward.

Chapter Two

“Father will flay us alive if he learns of this.”

At her sister’s hushed rebuke, Brigit of Warehaven forced her attention away from the fire. Ailis the oldest wrung her hands, while Mathilda the middle sister kept looking over her shoulder.

At times Brigit could hardly believe she was the youngest of the three. The other two were far more timid than she could ever be.

While Ailis was correct, their father would be outraged by this reckless behavior, Brigit had no desire to run back to the keep like a coward. Instead, she advised, “Then perhaps, Ailis, we should not tell him.”

“He’ll find out.”

“What matter does that make to you? Besides Simon, I am the only one still living under his roof and rule.”

“True enough,” Mathilda countered, “but do you think our husbands would approve of this either?”

“None us will suffer censure if all goes well.” Brigit pulled Ailis’s hooded mantle tighter around her sister’s shoulders and tucked a wayward braid further inside the hood. “We need only stick to the plan. Keep your hood pulled low over your face and nobody will pay us the least bit of attention. If we’re not seen, there’ll be nothing to tell.”

“I don’t know, Brigit…”

She shot a glare toward Mathilda. “Not you, too? I thought you were set on casting your spell before the bonfire this night?”

When Mathilda dragged the toe of her shoe back and forth across the dirt without answering, Brigit prompted, “Does Daniel’s attention matter so little to you after all?”

Mathilda squared her shoulders. “Nay, I need see this through.”

It was all Brigit could do not to roll her eyes at her sisters’ indecision. They each had a mission tonight. Their father, brother and the two husbands were gone from Warehaven hunting and seeing to the nearby fields.

Sir Geoffrey, the man their father left in charge of the keep, took it upon himself to call for an early start to the annual harvest festival. A bonfire had been set in the middle of the bailey for the last three nights in a row now. With the lord absent, the people had taken advantage of the merriment until morning light broke the night’s darkness.

Each evening the three of them willingly locked themselves into the chamber they shared rather than fall prey to some rowdy guard who’d imbibed too much to remember his place.

She’d chafed at being so confined. So, yesterday morning she’d devised a plan to see if the spells she’d heard the midwife talk about for years would work. Her sisters had begged and pleaded with her not to be so foolish. When Brigit had refused to change her mind, they decided to accompany her and had chosen their own spells to cast.

Ailis carried her husband’s first child and she wanted to know how many babies they would have. She was determined to stand before the bonfire, twist an apple on its stem while counting the turns before the fruit snapped free. Supposedly, each turn represented a child for her and Robert.

Overly concerned that her new marriage seemed lacking, Mathilda was anxious to cast a spell of desire upon her husband. She’d plucked stray hairs from Daniel’s garments and braided them with some of her own. It was said that if she tossed the braided lock into the fire it would make the owners of the hair burn for each other.

Since Brigit was the only one still unwed, her sisters insisted that she must see a vision of the love that would come to her during this next year. To do so, she had only to walk away from the bonfire and glance over her shoulder to see his image in the flames.

She’d worked hard at restraining her reckless nature of late. The sheer excitement of doing something Brigit knew they shouldn’t was far too seductive to let pass.

“Are we ready?” Ailis didn’t sound eager, but Brigit knew if she gave either of them the slightest chance they would try to drag her back inside the keep.

“Aye, ‘tis time.” Brigit motioned for the others to adjust their hoods before leading them toward the fire. They stayed close enough behind her that she heard Mathilda’s nervous giggle and Ailis’s hiss of reprisal.

“What are those?” Mathilda’s half gasped question brought all three to a halt.

Brigit followed the direction of her sister’s trembling finger. Uncertain, she slowly moved toward the objects stacked a slight distance away from the growing fire.

Ailis’s reached past Brigit and fiddled with the loosely tied leather thongs, permitting the side to fall open. “Cages?”

Brigit picked up one and turned it around. Reeds were woven into the crude shape of… a cow… perhaps. Another appeared to be… a pig. She set the cage down, wondering, “Aye, but for what purpose?”

A woman unfamiliar to Brigit hurried toward the oddly shaped reed cages carrying a chicken by its neck. Without a word, she stuffed the squawking hen into a cage, tied it shut then carried it back to the fire.

Mathilda grasped Brigit’s sleeve. “They aren’t going to…”

The woman tossed the cage onto the roaring fire, stopping Mathilda’s question.

“Oh, Dear Lord.” Ailis crossed herself and muttered what sounded like a prayer before grabbing Brigit’s other arm. “We need leave this place.”

“This place?” Brigit shook herself free from her sisters’ hands. “This is our home.”

“I meant the bailey. Brigit, we shouldn’t be here.”

“You knew that before we left our chamber.”

“But we didn’t then know they were practicing pagan activities.” Fear sent Mathilda’s pitch higher, and louder.

“Keep your voice down.” Brigit leaned toward the other two. “What did you think they were doing? The two of you infants can run back inside if you wish. But I am going to finish this.”

The fire burned hot against her back. Shouts and laughter from the revelers rang loud in her ears. The steady beat of a tabor drum, along with the keening lull of a flute urged her closer to the devilish merriment.

While a part of her feared for the safety of her soul, curiosity to know what the people of Warehaven were doing was strong. The seductive pull of the music and wild, unrestrained dancing was stronger.

“I am not an infant.” Ailis huffed, then headed toward the fire. To Brigit’s relief Mathilda followed. They elbowed their way through the crowd to the edge of the roaring blaze.

Ailis opened the pouch hanging from her waist, retrieved her fruit then stepped forward. She twisted the apple on the stem and twisted and twisted again.

By the sixth time her eyes were nearly as large as the apple. “Oh, nay, please, nay.” She wailed before giving the apple one more hard spin.

The stem broke free and Ailis stumbled backward nearly screaming, “Seven?” before smacking Brigit’s arm. “This is your fault!”

“Aye, of course it is. I forced you to twist the stem so lightly that it took over long to break.”

Mathilda pushed between them. “Now ’tis my turn.” The flickering blaze gleamed in her eyes.

A finger of ice cut through the warmth of the fire to trail down Brigit’s back. The fine hairs on the back of her neck rose and she turned to glance over her shoulder. Red glowing eyes shimmered closer.

She tore her gaze from the horned head only to find herself staring at Warehaven’s captain. Taken aback by the hard-focused intent glimmering in Geoffrey’s eyes, Brigit stepped away from the unspoken threat.

Why was her father’s man looking at her as if he’d like to devour her… or worse? His heavy-lidded perusal was out of place and unwelcome. Instead of enticing, she found his silent invitation repulsive.

Even with the thrum of the music, the heat flowing through her veins and the rampant wickedness surrounding her, Brigit had no desire to be caught up in the throes of this wildness with Geoffrey.

She turned quickly back to her sisters, hoping he would understand the rejection.

A gloved hand grasped her shoulder. “I am honored that you have graced us with your presence.” His hot breath blasted against her ear. “But surely you did not come out here only to watch?”

Shocked by Geoffrey’s boldness, she fought to ignore him, hoping he would soon leave her alone. If she turned on him with the outrage burning in her chest it would only cause a scene and draw attention to her and her sisters. Thus far, no one else had made any comment about their presence and she wished to keep it that way. Brigit forced her attention on her older sister.

Mathilda and four other women seemed to compare their braided charms before tossing them into the bonfire with a joyous shout of glee before spinning away to giggle their way back into the crowd of onlookers.

Brigit shrugged Geoffrey’s hand off her shoulder and moved between Ailis and Mathilda. To her relief he did not follow. But neither did he move away.

“Well?” Ailis asked, her growing excitement obvious in her racing questions. “Did it work? Do you feel any different?”

Mathilda stretched languidly like a satisfied cat, inching her hands up her body then reached briefly for the star-dotted sky before crumpling into laughter. “Oh, aye. Yes, I’m sure it did. I feel… I feel… different. More alive. More alluring. I’m certain Daniel will burn for me.”

Brigit knew that with the music and dancing, the roaring fire and the general mood of the gathering, any woman would feel more alive and alluring. But she wondered if the spell casting had added to the emotions coursing through Mathilda.

“’Tis your turn, Brigit.” Mathilda grasped her wrist, pulling her from their circle.

Ailis laughed before pushing her forward. “I can’t wait to see who it will be.”

Brigit hesitantly approached the fire. Each step closer made her heart pound faster. The warmth flowing through her limbs grew hotter. As if of its own accord her body swayed to the beat of the incessant drums.

Two young women from Warehaven’s village joined her. The three of them laughed nervously then tossed their heads in unison before falling into a rhythmic step toward their vision of the future.

Brigit untied her red cloak and tossed it behind her to her sisters. Then she mimicked the woman on either side of her. Shoulders rolling suggestively, swaying hips and tapping feet drew ribald shouts from the men and encouraging cries from the women in the gathering.

Unable to ignore the heady sensation racing through her, Brigit closed her eyes, threw caution to the wind and gave herself over to the beat of the music.

Two steps forward, one back. A turn, a twist then a tap of the toe brought them to another step forward.

The crackling rage of the fire roared in her ears shutting out any other sounds. Its burning heat ate away her inhibitions. She ran her hands down her body. The curves and swells tingled to life beneath her touch.

They repeated their seductive moves and came another step closer to the fire.

Primal heat licked at her flesh. An unbidden longing to feel a man’s arms around her, to writhe naked beneath him flared to life with an intensity that drew a moan from her parted lips.

Another round of twisting and turn steps brought them to the edge of the fire. With a flourish, the two women from the village turned, swirled laughingly away from the blaze and into the open arms of their waiting men.

Left alone to finish the dance and complete the spell, Brigit tossed her head. Curious to see who the fire would show her, she looked over her shoulder.

The shouts of the gathering turned suddenly to screams of fear and horror, freezing her in place.

The pounding in her chest was no longer from excitement. A bone chilling cold crashed into her stomach as a horse catapulted through the flames to land then rear up before her…

Harlequin Historical is a registered trademark of Harlequin Enterprises Limited. As such all excerpts are copyrighted © and all rights are reserved.

by Denise Lynn

Usually, when I’m writing a story I’m in love with the hero. However, in Falcon’s Heart (January 2007 HH release) I fell in love with a secondary character—Jared, the Dragon of Warehaven. To my shame, I was committing adultery. It wasn’t meant to happen, it just did. Then, to make matters worse, I was struck by the dreaded author disease…the incurable “what if” malady. Question after question filled my mind. Who was Jared? Why was he called the Dragon? Why did people fear him? How did he get such a smart mouth?

I knew that Warehaven was set on the Isle of Wight. Why? (ok, I dare you say ‘Wight, Why’ 5 times fast…) I needed an area of land that was not under direct control of King Stephen or the Empress Matilda. Since Lordship of the Isle had been given to de Redvers (the only high ranking lord totally against Stephen from the word go) the Isle was my most logical place setting.

So, what was the terrain like? I started digging around and at one point in time ended up here, fossil collecting in the Isle of Wight. BINGO! In my mind if a medieval warrior came across the skeleton of a prehistoric beast what might he think? Dragon? Oh, heavens yes. Dragons, dragons and by gosh more dragons.

I was dying to write the story, but I still had to finish a Nocturne (Dragons’ Lair – title to be changed – January 2009 and yes, these 21st century characters are related to Jared) and three more medievals (Commanded To His Bed – HH April 2007, Bedded By Her Lord – HH November 2007, and Untitled WIP – HH March 2009). So when my editor asked if I’d be interested in writing a story for a Halloween Anthology (Hallowe’en Husbands to be released in 1 Oct 08), it was all I could do to keep from screaming YES!

While “Wedding at Warehaven” [Ed.: Denise's story in Hallowe'en Husbands] isn’t Jared’s story, it is his parents’ story. Brigit of Warehaven dabbled in herblore…making her the witch of Warehaven. Randall FitzHenry was sent by his father the king to wipe out the wickedness taking place on the Isle of Wight. Timing is everything—for the annual harvest festival Brigit decides to use an ancient rite to see her true love – she walks away from the bon fire and looks over her shoulder…just as Randall and his horse sail through the fire to land literally at her feet.

Isn’t that a fine way to see your future? Just have it land at your feet.

Better yet, while on the run from the evil villain the two take refuge in the caves. What do they discover? Dragon bones of course!

Man, I love research.

Take care and happy reading!

TGTBTU has the pleasure of presenting (three or four) up coming Harlequin Historical anthologies for you to add to your ‘I WANT’ list:

Hallowe’en Husbands: “Marriage At Morrow Creek,” “Wedding At Warehaven,” “Master Of Penlowen” by Lisa Plumley, Denise Lynn, Christine Merrill (we will have their guest posts this weekend as well).

The Magic Of Christmas: “A Christmas Child,” “The Christmas Dove,” “A Baby Blue Christmas” by Carolyn Davidson (sniff don’t think she is coming), Victoria Bylin (guest 6/25/08), Cheryl St.John (guest 6/23/08)

Both of these novels come out in Oct 08 and we will be posting excerpts from Hallowe’en Husbands this weekend as well.

One Candlelit Christmas: “Christmas Wedding Wish,” “The Rake’s Secret Son,” “Blame It On The Mistletoe” (Harlequin Historical Series) by Julia Justiss, Annie Burrows, and Terri Brisbin

And we know that Jillian Hart will be in an HH antho in the spring of 2009 with Rocky Mountain Courtship (Joseph’s story). I don’t think we have the name yet or the other authors in the antho… or did we? Anyone? anyone?

My question to readers are do you like the Harlequin anthologies? Have you ever purchased one? Have you tired one from the Harlequin Historical Line?

If you are an author have you ever written an anthology? Tell us about it. Did you enjoy it? Did the story turn out like you wanted or were you disappointed in it? And of course if you are a Harlequin Historical author and have written one you MUST answer and tell us all about it .

And a question for anyone (wearing any hat: reader or author ) – it the response I liked it but wanted MORE or it ended too quickly… is that the sign of a good novella or poor execution of the story type. Should we be left always wanting more?