"Dragon Warrior"by Janet Chapman
Publisher: Pocket Star
Release Date: Jan 25, 2011
Source: sent by publisher
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Summary from goodreads.com:
The steamy second book in Janet Chapman’s dazzling Midnight Bay series seduces readers with an enticing tale of a fiery independent woman and an irresistible immortal warrior with a dragon’s courageous heart.
Maddy Kimble has no time for a suitor—not with caring for her spunky nursing home patients, her shy nine-year-old daughter, her widowed mother, and her rebellious teenage brother. William Kilkenny’s stunning lack of modern dating protocol doesn’t help. The man is uncouth and outrageous—a towering, drop-dead, breathtakingly hot warrior. Who refuses to give up.
William is secretly a ninth-century Irish nobleman formerly trapped in a dragon’s body. All Maddy knows is that lately, she can hardly resist the urge to lose herself in his powerful arms. But as their uncontrollable passion grows, eerie occurrences in her small coastal Maine town begin to rouse Maddy’s suspicions about her lover. He begs her to trust him, but how can she surrender—body and soul—when she fears the danger he poses to her yearning heart?
My Review:
I was so surprised by this book, normally I don't enjoy time travel or contemporary romance, but I loved this book! I guess it just proves that it's all about the writing and characters!
The time travel and shape shifting elements seemed very believable. They weren't overdone at all. But most of the reason why I loved this book was William. He was a great hero, strong, handsome, and with an unshakable sense of honor. I can really see why Maddy fell for him.
I loved reading about the nursing home where Maddy worked. All the residents were so much fun. It couldn't have been sweeter how William interacted with them and how they helped him get used the 21st century. And of course, they helped him woo Maddy!
I grew tired of Maddy always being down on herself and her looks. Supposedly she was 'saggy' but she was only 27! I got sick of her always whining about it. But I loved that William always loved everything about her. Another thing that bothered me, that I've seen in contemporaries before, was the "girl talk" between Maddy and her best friend Eve. It seemed a little forced, like they were trying too hard to be cool and hip with their chatting.
Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5 (the nursing home residents :))
Setting: 4/5
Romance: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Cover: 4/5 (I love that there's actual elements of the story here! William's beard, and his ever-present watch, and rolled up sleeves)
Writing: 4/5
Bottom Line: This is a great book for romance fans looking to try something a little different while still wanting the sweet romance to steal the show.