DRAGONLORD - Viola Grace
Tarot Series, The Sun
eXtasy Books - www.extasybooks.com
ISBN: 1-55410-748-2
December 2006
Erotic Fantasy Romance - Short Story
Flame Rating: 3 Flames

Medieval times in a world where dragons and magic are real . . .

Marcus is a dragonlord. Master of his domain and able to shift into both warrior (eight feet tall dragon/man form with wings, tail and superior strength) and full dragon form, his kind are rare. It's for that reason that he travels to the small village where his friend and fellow dragon, Antoine, lives. Upon arrival in the village, Marcus discovers that his friend and his friend's mate are dead, killed by raiders. But they've left something, or rather someone, very special behind, their daughter, Lia. When a tavern wench tells Marcus the story of Lia's change into warrior form, he realizes that she is one of the few unmated dragon females in existence. Such a prize can't go unclaimed, and her status leaves her in danger from other dragon males desperate for a mate. Well, Marcus will just have to make the sacrifice (sigh) and claim the beautiful dragon for himself. What a giving man. <g>

Lia has been through a lot in the past few years; seeing her parents and her husband killed and shifting for the first time have taken quite a toll on her. When her father's friend, Marcus, offers her the chance for a new life in his lands, there's not much to hold her to the tiny village she's always called home. When Marcus claims her as his mate, Lia has mixed feelings, as her first marriage didn't go so well. A fragile human mating with a dragon? Well, let's just say that a dragon in the midst of passion is very strong and some bones were broken. Can Lia overcome the scars that the past has left on her soul, and embrace the future Marcus offers?

DRAGONLORD brings together two very strong-minded people. The way that Marcus claims Lia as his mate is a little bit sneaky, but he truly does have her best interests in mind, not just his own. Lia is not pleased that Marcus claims her without her permission and assures him that his life as her mate will be very exciting indeed. The passion that they find with one another and the enjoyment Marcus finds in his fiery mate's attitude proves that they are meant to be together.

Rifal is the dedicated elf in charge of Marcus's household. Marcus's family contribute to the book, and I sense a story will be on its way for his sister, Shayr. That young lady has been avoiding making a firm commitment to Thoran, her chosen mate and a member of the dragon council. Consider that a subtle hint Viola. ;-)  Marcus's mother, Ki, is a determined woman and manages to corral even the stubborn Lia when necessary.

For a steamy read laced with a surprising amount of humor, don't miss DRAGONLORD, a great fantasy from eXtasy Books.

Lori Ann