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.