Review: Dragon Wife (+$10 Amazon GC Giveaway)

Title: Dragon Wife

Author: Diana Green 

Series: Dragon Clan #1

Pages: 218

Date Published: August 15th, 2015 

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Format: Kindle

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Source: Goddess Fish Blog Tours
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Synopsis:
The clan is waking. After centuries of spellbound sleep, dragon-shifters are returning to the mountains. They are few in number, and the outside world has become overrun with humans.

Huroth, the dragon chieftain, recognizes a need for his kind to adapt, by forming alliances and mate-bonds with humans, but his clan is divided. From the first time she meets him, Lady Orwenna is drawn to the magnificent chieftain. The mind link he forms with her is both fascinating and frightening, as is the powerful attraction she feels for him. If only she knew what was in his heart.

Does he want her for the woman she is, or for her magical abilities? When war breaks out between kingdoms and ancient enemies of the dragons resurface, the clan will be tested. In the midst of uncertainty, can Huroth and Orwenna find their way together?

~My Thoughts~

Huroth awakes, trapped in ice despite his fiery strength as dragon chief. His alarm clock? A deranged, banished magician who is out for power, instead Huroth descends upon the kingdom, and takes princess as his betrothed. It's too bad that the princess is an infant and that Huroth is attracted by a much more age appropriate woman of the court: Lady Orwenna. 

First off, Orwenna wins for my favorite character name of the year so far. It's delicate and feminine, yet full of some sort of inner strength. Almost like an owl, although that's not necessarily the sexiest of animals. Huroth on the other hand does not conjure up images of muscly, brawny beef-cake to me. Instead it reminds me of like...Igor, or Smee...or other unsexy, oafish-type names. Oaf-name aside, Huroth is deserving of your lust and appreciation. As dragon chief, he's got that alpha male thing going on in spades, and forget kidnapping damsels...he's all hero, all the time. 

The mythology of the dragons was fun and typical for a paranormal/fantasy romance. There was a lot of angst, a lot of supernatural strength, and some kick butt fighting scenes as our dragon defends fair maiden (isn't that a twist!). There was also the addition of spells and glamours in what I believe could be a nod to faerie magic that influenced many a fantasy book (particularly those set in Europe-esk landscapes). 

As a couple, Orwenna and Huroth just work. They are equals and they go toe to toe (and other part to other part...)and you never know who's going to come out on top (teehee). I liked that Orwenna had a sweet kind of fierceness that let her match Huroth's vibrating energy (oh come on...this is almost too easy :P) and kept her from being a pale, wasting waif. 

This was a really easy read. The writing style is smooth, flowing, and not very complex, allowing me to fly through the book in less than a day, between my two work shifts and on the metro back home. This is definitely a fun read for those that like the genre, and a great starting point for those who like blended romance and fantasy! 

~Try an Excerpt!~

The gathering grew quiet as sounds of boot heels on stone echoed from the entryway. A man strode in alone, though to call him a man seemed less than sufficient. There was such raw power about him, such majesty in his bearing. No one could mistake his identity. This was the black dragon, shifted to man-like form, just as legend described. Orwenna felt the hairs stand up on the back of her neck.

           

“I am Huroth, son of Huren,” he announced, his voice rich and deep. He faced the king, down the long silent hall. “I am chieftain of the dragons who dwell in the Drake’s Teeth Mountains. We offer an alliance to the kingdom of Rhelaun. How do you answer?”

           

“You are most welcome, honored guest.” The King bowed as he spoke then beckoned the chieftain. “Please, come and talk with me, so we can decide how this alliance should be arranged.”

           

As Huroth advanced towards the throne, he made an impressive picture. He was tall and broad shouldered, wearing dark leather armor and a heavy fur-lined cloak. His hair tumbled in a thick black mane, his eyes the pale blue of glacier ice. They swept over the courtiers, coolly assessing.

           

When those eyes came to rest on Orwenna, she felt time slow. Everyone else, all her surroundings, faded to nothing.

           

And who might you be?

           

She heard the words in her head, as surely as if he’d spoken aloud. Without consciously choosing, she responded in kind.

           

Orwenna.

           

His eyes widened in surprise, and he paused mid-step. Apparently, he had not expected her to hear his musing nor be able to answer.

           

There is an aura of magic about you. He sent the thought, his gaze on her as sharp as a hawk’s.

           

That’s from my mother. She didn’t know how she spoke directly into his mind. It made her a little dizzy, like too much wine.

           

Who is your mother?

           

Sister to the king and the mage, Vardis.

           

I see.

He considered a moment, before nodding respectfully to her and continuing down the hall. Those nearby gave Orwenna odd looks, and she realized how strange her encounter with Huroth must have seemed. To everyone else, they would have appeared to be simply standing, watching one another without speaking.

How long had it been…one minute…five? She couldn’t guess. All she knew was that it changed her. Reality had shifted and would never be quite the same again. Dragons lived, breathed, and walked upon the land like lords of men. She had spoken mind to mind with one, his fierce eyes locked on hers. It was not an experience she would soon forget.

~Meet Diana!~ 

Since her childhood, growing up in New Zealand, Diana has been an avid storyteller. For years she enjoyed teaching art and special education, while continuing to write as a hobby. After she developed chronic fatigue syndrome, a career change was necessary, but happily this led her to become a professional author.

Diana’s books are mostly paranormal romance, in the fantasy and science fiction sub-genres. She has been a finalist for the CRW Award of Excellence and the Aspen Gold Published Novel Contest. At present, she lives in beautiful Washington State, where she writes for the Wild Rose Press.

Diana will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour!

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