Dragonfire (Dark Kings #14) by Donna Grant-Review & Giveaway Tour

DRAGONFIRE (Dark Kings #14) by Donna Grant-Review & Giveaway Tour

DRAGONFIRE
Dark Kings #14
by Donna Grant
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: adult contemporary, paranormal, fantasy romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / BAM / Indiebound / Powells

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 30, 2018

It was a soul-deep longing, one that got into his bones and settled there, sending whispers of desire through him. The need, the hunger, grew tenfold with every breath. . . .

As a Dragon King, Roman is sworn to protect all mortals–even though they no longer believe in dragons. But deep in the Carpathian Mountains, he discovers a beautiful and mysterious gypsy who possesses the power to see into his very soul. To reignite the fire in his heart. And to help him find the long-lost sword that could save the dragons forever…

Sabina remembers the stories her grandmother told her. Legends of dragons and kings, fire and ice. And she’s never forgotten the dark prophecy that filled her ancestors with fear–a fate they tried to prevent by stealing a Dragon King’s sword. Sabina knows that helping Roman is dangerous. He is a dragon betrayed, and more powerful than any man. He could destroy her in a single fiery embrace. But how can she resist the longing in his eyes–or the feelings in her heart–when their destinies are bound by desire?

••••••

REVIEW: DRAGONFIRE is the fourteenth full-length instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult DARK KINGS paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on the Dragon Kings and the women they love. This is Light Blue Dragon King Roman, and jewellery maker /Romani gypsy Sabina Gabor. DRAGONFIRE should not be read as a stand alone as the current story lines continue to follow an ongoing series arc.

SOME BACKGROUND: The DARK KINGS is a spinoff from Donna Grant’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland. The Dark Fae and their King Taraeth, along with the Silver Dragon Mikkel have declared war on the Dragon Kings by exposing the dragon’s existence to humankind. The last wars between man and the world of the paranormal saw a great loss of life on all sides but someone or something is determined to push the Dragons back into another war: Queen Usaeil of the Light Fae has set her sights on claiming King Constantine as her mate, and the Dark Fae want the Dragon’s hidden weapon in order to rule Scotland and the rest of the world. With the recent introduction of the Fae executioners known as the Reapers, the number of interconnected series continues to expand.

Told from several third person perspectives including Sabina and Roman, DRAGONFIRE follows Light Blue Dragon King Roman, and Dragon King Vlad aka V, as they go in search of Vlad’s missing sword, stolen thousands of year earlier while V slept in the Carpathian Mountains. Drawn to Romania in search of Vlad’s past, Roman will come face to face with his future-Romani gypsy and jewellery designer Sabina Gabor. What ensues is the slow building relationship between Roman and Sabina, and the fall-out as their search for the sword reveals past events linking Sabina’s family and Vlad, and the powerful magic meant to destroy them all.

DRAGONFIRE is a detailed and revealing story of magic, betrayal, vengeance and hope. With each instalment Donna Grant reveals a little more backstory and slowly exposes the conspiracy surrounding the fate of the Dragons, and the potential for war with the Fae, the Druids, and mankind. The gradual but deliberately slow, evolving series continues to expand, introducing new players and potential dangers as it meanders numerous paths taking the reader along for the ride. Light Fae Rhi continues to lament the rejection of the Dragon King she will always love; and Balladyn, now King of the Dark Fae, is determined to make Rhi his queen.

The Dark King series matures and expands with each subsequent addition. For followers of the series Ulrik and Con have made amends forcing the series to venture into another direction as the Dragon Kings face an old enemy that is determined to control them all. The romance takes a back seat to the increasing prospect of another Fae/Dragon war-a war of which the world may not survive.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

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 Donna Grant’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of DRAGONFIRE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from October 31 to November 5, 2018

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Firestorm Forever (Dragonfire #11) by Deborah Cooke-a review

FIRESTORM FOREVER (Dragonfire #11) by Deborah Cooke-a review

Firestorm Forever

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 13, 2015

This flame will burn for all time…

Three key firestorms mark the culmination of the Dragon’s Tail Wars, pitting the dragon shifters known as the Pyr against the evil Slayers. The Slayers have struck a blow against mankind, in bringing a pestilence from the ancient world, which is spreading like wildfire through the human world. Sloane Forbes, the Apothecary of the Pyr, knows it is his duty to find the cure, but the solution is elusive, his beautiful neighbor is distracting, and time is running out.

In moving to a remote farm in the California hills, Samantha Wilcox has left her demanding career behind by choice and on principle. It’s too painful to remember her own failures as both mother and physician, and not a point of pride that she fell short of the measure, so she’s determined to start fresh. She’s going to live differently, following her instincts and savoring life’s pleasures—like the hot sex with no commitment offered by her mysterious, sexy neighbor. He’s no more of an herb farmer than she is a tarot card reader, but Samantha is determined to keep their illusions intact—at least until she discovers not that Sloane’s one of the Pyr, the dragon shifters are responsible for the epidemic that stole her son’s life. When the firestorm sparks between these estranged lovers, can Samantha resist its dangerous attraction on principle alone? As Slayers and Pyr gather for the final battle, can Samantha and Sloane work together to save the world and build themselves—and their respective kinds—a future?

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FIRESTORM FOREVER is the final (and lengthy) installment in Deborah Cooke’s adult, contemporary Dragonfire paranormal romance series focusing on a group of dragon shifters known as the Pyr. The Pyr are currently at war with the Slayers where only one species of ‘dragon’ will survive the final battle. With the approach of three lunar eclipses the Pyr will see three of their own enter the long awaited ‘firestorm’ revealing their destined mates. While the firestorms burn, the power of the darkfire crystal is all consuming and a portent for life or death.

Told from third person point of view FIRESTORM FOREVER is an ensemble storyline where all of the previous storyline couples play an active role throughout the story and three Pyr will find their fated mates. Sloane, Marco and Drake will each enter their own firestorm, but not before, becoming sexually and romantically involved with his own intended female. As all three females struggle with the reality of dragon shifters, two will be focused on the destruction of the Pyr.

FIRESTORM FOREVER follows the approach to the final battle between the Pyr and the Slayers. Jorge’s control over the remaining Dragon’s Blood Elixir reveals a distasteful but inventive method to remain immortal but in doing so threatens Erik with each and every incarnation.

We get a glimpse into the growing Pyr families; their children, their futures, their undying love for one another. There is also the introduction of another supernatural power whose purpose will be revealed in a spinoff series. The Dragon Legion warriors, Dragon’s Egg discovery and the history between Erik and the Slayers will be addressed in a future series and prequel spinoff. FIRESTORM FORVER is not the end of the Dragons but the beginning of another chapter with Deborah’s Dragon storylines.

FIRESTORM FOREVER is the culmination of eleven novels and several novellas focusing on the history of the dragon shifter; the pledge to protect humans; and his oath never to reveal his true identity. Deborah Cooke’s fascinating world of the Pyr is entertaining, inspiring and intoxicating; the characters are colorful, engaging and intense; the premise animated, wondrous and imaginative. There are moments of heartbreak and sorrow; wonder and power; romance and love. The requisite evil is rarely contained and at times impossible to destroy. The Dragonfire series captured my imagination; the dragons will capture your heart !

Reading Order
Kiss of Fire
Kiss of Fury
Kiss of Fate
Winter Kiss
Harmonia’s Kiss (Novella)
Whisper Kiss
Darkfire Kiss
Flashfire
Ember’s Kiss
Kiss of Danger (Dragon Legion Novella 9.1
Kiss of Darkness (Dragon Legion Novella 9.2)
Kiss of Destiny (Dragon Legion Novella 9.3)
Serpent’s Kiss
Firestorm Forever

Reviewed by Sandy

____________

Serpent's KissSERPENT’S KISS
(Dragonfire #10)
by Deborah Cooke
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal,romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 30, 2014

One spark can banish every shadow in his heart.

The dragon shape shifter Thorolf is known for an impressive lineage, raw power in battle, and an impulsive indulgence of his appetites. The last has made him an outcast from his fellow Pyr, and even his hunt for their dangerous opponent, the Slayer Chen, hasn’t helped. Beguiled and weakened by Chen’s ally Viv Jason, Thorolf finds himself drawn into a trap, as bait to lure his fellow Pyr to extinction. The only one to come to his aid is a woman he already knows to be a thief—does he dare to trust her with not just his own life but the survival of his kind?

Chandra is a sorceress who has trained all her life for a battle against evil that she knows will shape the future. She has never wasted time on the pleasures of the physical realm, much less experienced passion—until the firestorm sparks between herself and Thorolf, demanding more from her than she ever expected to give. Will the firestorm provide new power, or be a dangerous distraction that gives Chen the chance to triumph forever?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: SERPENT’S KISS is the tenth instalment in Deborah Cooke’s contemporary, romance Dragonfire paranormal series. The Pyr are shape shifting dragon warriors whose duty it is to protect humankind. The continuing series focuses on a dangerous threat against the Pyr who is determined to destroy the last of the dragons and their mates. This is Thorolf and Chandra’s storyline.

Thorolf has been missing for twenty two months and in all the time no one had considered that perhaps he was in trouble. When Erik, the leader of the Pyr, sent Thorolf away for revealing their existence to humans, no one suspected that Thorolf would walk into a trap that could very well bring about the demise of the dragons on earth. An ancient dragon whose need for power and Dragon’s Blood elixir will target the easy going Thorolf using a seductive female as the bait-one that is not Thorolf’s intended mate.

Deborah Cooke pulls the reader into a storyline that is the beginning of the end. SERPENT’S KISS is the second to last instalment in the Dragonfire series and with it comes the conclusion to a battle that has raged between the Slayers and the Dragons for most of the series and throughout each consecutive instalment. SERPENT’S KISS focuses on the possible demise of the race of dragons; the battle between good and evil; and a mythological storyline about a warrior huntress whose destined mate has been drawn to the dark side without his consent. There are many references to Norse mythology and the interference of the gods in human evolution.

The storyline is slow to build and the relationship between our leading couple takes a back seat to the overall premise. There is very little romance and the attraction between Thorolf and Chandra felt forced-there was the instant attraction of the firestorm but the reality of the situation was more chemical than physical. I did not get the impression that love was in our couple’s future. Chandra continued to push Thorolf away and in the end, Thorolf discovered that Chandra had been lying to him about her true intent.

SERPENT’S KISS is a story about betrayal and family; power and greed. Most of the previous storyline characters play a secondary role throughout the novel. Erik will once again question his ability as the leader of the Pyr but it will take the collective of dragons to save one of their own from himself and Slayer Chen.

I did have one concern and it involves the title and the cover image. Serpent’s Kiss by Thea Harrison/Serpent’s Kiss by Deborah Cooke both involve dragon shifters and both covers use Sam Bond as the cover model. Initially I thought this was a re-release thinking I had previously read the story then realized it was a new release from Deborah Cooke. I am wondering how many other readers had a moment of confusion with the duplicity of the title and image?

Reviewed by Sandy

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Kiss of Danger (The Dragon Legion Novellas #1) by Deborah Cooke-a review

KISS OF DANGER (The Dragon Legion Novellas #1) Dragonfire 9a

Kiss of Danger

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 6, 2013

They will sacrifice anything to regain the loves they’ve lost…

Alexander knew he had to fulfill his duty to his kind, the dragon shape shifters called the Pyr, even at the price of abandoning his new wife and young son. After he and his fellows were enchanted for centuries, then finally set free in a future long after their own time, Alexander feared he would never return to his love. Against all odds, the darkfire crystal makes his dream come true, flinging him across the centuries to the world he left behind. Is this his chance to regain the life he lost? Has Katina waited for him? Or has the darkfire crystal sent him back in time for some mysterious purpose of its own?

**************

REVIEW: If you have ever wondered what happened to the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors-the remaining group of 17 Pyr who had been ‘beguiled by an ancient viper, enchanted to take the form of dragon’s teeth and trapped for a millennia’, The Dragon Legion novellas answers some of your questions. Kiss of Danger is Alexander’s story.

Deborah takes the reader on a journey that spans the centuries. Where once, one of the darkfire crystals was hidden in Lorenzo’s hoarde, the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors were now in possession. As the leader of the Warriors, Drake felt the pull of the crystal and with each calling the Warriors were hurdled through time, never knowing where and when they would land. This particular journey finds Alexander, back home, with the mate and son he had abandoned centuries ago, to find that only eight years had past and his family was struggling to survive. Life had changed for his mate and son, and he would recognize that perhaps he was no longer an integral part of their lives.

Deborah brings in many familiar names from past and present, and not only do the Dragon Teeth warriors time travel but they discover that each will be called home at some time. A contemporary enemy returns to the past to seek out another source of the Dragon’s Blood Elixir.

Deborah has written another amazing storyline in the Dragonfire series. She pulls us in by referencing the characters and storylines we have grown to love and we watch as the past collides with future (or present).

Reviewed by Sandy

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DEBORAH COOKE-Drake and the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors Dragon Legion Novellas

Deborah Cooke-Drake and the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors series of Dragon Legion Novellas

 

TITLE:  Kiss of Danger

AUTHOR:  Deborah Cooke

SERIES:  Dragonfire (Drake and the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors)

RELEASE DATE:  February 2013

HERO:  Alexander

 

 

TITLE:  Kiss of Darkness

AUTHOR:  Deborah Cooke

SERIES:  Dragonfire (Drake and the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors)

RELEASE DATE;  March 2013

HERO:  Damien

 

 

TITLE: Kiss of Destiny

AUTHOR: Deborah Cooke

SERIES: Dragonfire (Drake and the Dragon’s Teeth Warriors)

RELEASE DATE: April 3013

HERO: Thad

 

SOURCE:  http://www.facebook.com/AuthorDeborahCookeFanPage

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EMBER’S KISS (Dragonfire #8) by Deborah Cooke-a review

EMBER’S KISS (Dragonfire #8 ) by Deborah Cooke-a review

EMBER’S KISS is the 8th storyline and October 2, 2012 release in Deborah Cooke’s amazing Dragonfire series. The Pyr are shape-shifting dragon warriors whose job it is to protect humankind but once in awhile a dragon will discover his mate through a firestorm, and the firestorm will bring with it a threat against their own. This is Brandon and Liz’s story.

In the previous storylines we have been following the exploits of an ancient dragon shifter known as Chen. Believing himself to be the most powerful, Chen had found the ‘dragon’s blood’ elixir and was making an army of Slayers to fight the Pyr. But the Darkfire had been released thwarting his plans, and with the approach of a new eclipse Chen was hoping to find the next Pyr who would be at his most vulnerable during the impending firestorm. He needed to find the dragons with affinities to the elements-he wanted their powers. Brandon was his target and their ‘friendship’ would nearly cost Brandon his life. With three missing scales, Brandon was closer to the Slayer than he had realized.

As the estranged son of Brandt, Brandon Merrick had made a name for himself in the surfing world. Currently living in Hawaii, Brandon was riding the waves hoping to make it big, but on the night of the eclipse, he would find himself awash in the firestorm, of which, all Pyr would hope one day to find. Knowing this would be his only chance at a son, Brandon would soon meet the woman who would be his mate. But something was wrong. He was having difficulty controlling his dragon and he blamed his nature and heritage, but there was something about Chen’s magical powder that seemed to fuel the rage burning inside. Knowing he was a danger to his mate, Brandon decided it was time to leave.

Marine biologist Liz Barrett has what she calls a ‘sensitivity to the elements’, but it had been close to 14 years since her special abilities had re-emerged. And the closer to her latest destination and a gorgeous stranger, the stronger her powers became. But the call of a name she had long forgotten proved that she was where she belonged and with a man claiming that the ‘firestorm’ was never wrong. But a cryptic message from an old ‘Asian’ man would have Liz second-guessing the true nature of the Firestorm and her dragon. And she suddenly realized the power that the old man had over Brandon and it was her turn to leave to protect the man in whom she was falling in love. She believed she had to escape her family legacy.

Many of the other Pyr will be called once again to help with the dragon’s Firestorm, but this time something felt off. Both Quinn and Erik sensed a difference as though the Darkfire was holding court with Brandon’s destiny and Sara would receive a portent of warning about this particular Firestorm. They all were heading to Hawaii because Brandon was in trouble-the Pyr and their mates were needed to break the spell that had been cast trapping Brandon in the clutches of a Slayer. But it is the power of love and a mate that will be the ultimate spell in saving Brandon’s life.

EMBER’S KISS is another well-written, fascinating and amazing storyline in Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire series. Deborah creates a world of beautiful dragons and timeless love. I have loved Deborah’s Dragons since the very beginning and I was immensely pleased that she brought together the Pyr in this amazing tale. And yet again we get a very quick glance at another one of the Pyr, who amazingly finds himself in one too many predicaments.

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Books a Million /  Indie Bound / Powells /The Book Depository

READING ORDER
1. Kiss of Fire
2. Kiss of Fury
3. Kiss of Fate
4. Winter Kiss
5. Whisper Kiss
6. Darkfire Kiss
7. Flashfire
8. Ember’s Kiss

Copy supplied by publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

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DEBORAH COOKE-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

Deborah Cooke-Interview and Giveaway with the Author.

Deborah Cooke-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

The Reading Cafe would like to introduce the author of the DRAGONFIRE series and THE DRAGON DIARIES Young Adult series: Deborah Cooke

TRC:  Hi Deborah. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer a few questions for your many fans. It is always a wonderful surprise to read about the author behind the books. We would like to start with some basic background information.

Would you please tell us something about yourself?

 

Deborah:  I’m either a writer who knits or a knitter who writes. Depends on what day you catch me!

TRC:  When did you first become interested in writing? Did your parents encourage you as a young child?

Deborah:  I always loved stories, and my parents read to me quite a bit when I was little. There’s an old picture of me “reading aloud” to all of my toys when I couldn’t possibly have been able to read yet. I think it’s a natural development for avid readers to become writers, and I wrote my own stories as soon as I could. Although my parents encouraged me creatively, they thought it would be impractical to try to make a living as a writer and thought I should get a real job. I tried that but wanted to write stories instead. It turns out that they were right about the practicality of it all, but I love being a writer more than I like being practical.

TRC:  You have an honours degree in history, specializing in medieval studies. Has you education helped with the research behind many of your novels, including those written by Claire Delacroix– medieval romance series?

Deborah:  Actually, those two items – writing medieval romance and getting a second degree in history – developed out of my fascination with the Middle Ages and happened almost concurrently. So, they fed each other but one didn’t directly lead to the other.

TRC:  Have you ever attended the Medieval Times Theatre in Toronto, Ontario? If so, what did you think about the over all show and dinner?

Deborah:  I have attended that show, but it was a long time ago. I don’t remember specifics, just that we had a very good time that night.

TRC:  You have many different series under 3 different names including paranormal, romance, history and YA (young adult). Which genre do you find the most difficult and the easier to write, and why?

Deborah:  I like switching between genres and sub-genres as I think that keeps my writing (and my ideas) fresh. It’s best in my opinion to step away from a series before writing the next book, ideally to work in an entirely different subgenre for that interval. Then, when I return to the continuing series, I have to familiarize myself with it again, and that break always gives me new questions about the world and the characters, as well as new story ideas. I never want to tell the same story twice, and this strategy helps.

TRC:  Coven of Mercy is your first attempt at a vampire novel. What was the premise of the story, and do you think you will continue in the paranormal vampire genre?

Deborah:  I’m more familiar with vampires in the fantasy genre than in romance, and while they are interesting characters, they’re not my romantic fantasy. “Coven of Mercy” (which is only a short story) came out of an invitation to me to participate in a vampire romance anthology. My impulse was to decline, but then I started to wonder what would make a vampire be a romantic hero to me. I think of them as predators, so “Coven of Mercy” reflects my idea of heroic predators. I like the story a lot, mainly because it does defy expectations a bit, and would like to write more in that vein – or maybe it’s better to say that series. Time is always an issue. There aren’t enough hours in the day to write all of my ideas.

TRC:  Dragonfire series is one of your most popular paranormal series–about dragon shifters protecting the humans on earth from all sorts of nasties. Along the way, each male dragon suffers or experiences his ‘firestorm’—the call to mate. How did you come up with the premise for the series and the firestorm?

Deborah:  I’ve been interested in dragons and dragon stories for a long time, and have actually been proposing the notion of dragon shape shifter heroes in romances for a long time. Most of my editors have thought the idea was weird (I’m sure some people still do think it’s weird!) but to me it’s a natural connection. For me, dragons are heroic, noble, intelligent, beautiful, powerful. A hunky hero who could become a dragon is a great romantic fantasy, IMO. So, when paranormal romance became so popular, I thought this was chance to tell stories of dragon guys – the big difference is that Dragonfire is a contemporary series, reflecting contemporary concerns, while my original dragon shifter ideas were medieval romances.

TRC:  The loss of a scale is an interesting concept—one that makes the dragon vulnerable to injury and death-yet reparations can be made using the elements of fire, air, water and earth, as well as jewels etc, given freely by the mate- a true gesture of love and commitment. How did you come up with the concept and did you have to research alchemy or the history of elements in lore?

Deborah:  The loss of a scale creating vulnerability for a dragon is an old idea. It’s part of the story of Sigurd, the first dragon slayer, in the Saga of the Volsungs. Of course, my interest was in love healing the wounds of my dragon guys – they lose a scale when they fall in love, because their emotional vulnerability is mirrored in their physical form. It only stands to reason that the heroine’s love has to repair that weakness. I was already using the four elements in the storyline, so developed the healing ceremony using that and the gift which symbolizes the emotional commitment. In a way, it echoes our marriage ceremony which features the exchange of rings, but dragons had to have their own ceremony and symbols. One of the things that I enjoy about writing the series is that the focus of each book changes, letting me research different elements and different stories of dragons. With dragons, there are always more stories to unearth.

TRC:  Rafferty is one of the oldest and most respected dragons, and only recently experienced his firestorm-Darkfire, yet his mate is unable to bear a child due to what appears to be cancer or a hysterectomy. Why Rafferty and his mate, when he was one of the few dragons that actually wanted his firestorm? What was your decision behind choosing Rafferty and not one of the other dragons?

Deborah:  I don’t think I’m the only one who was already crazy for Rafferty, even before he had his firestorm. There’s something about a powerful dragon being a romantic that really worked for me. And I was afraid that Rafferty’s desire to have a firestorm would make him completely irresistible to the woman who sparked the flame. I thought his book might be ten pages long! So, I needed to put some challenges in his path, some obstacles that would make him question his own assumptions and desires. As mentioned, I like to mix up the variables in each story. Melissa intrigued me from the start, especially when she folded her arms across her chest and told me that it was impossible for her to fulfil the firestorm’s promise. I find their story both powerful and romantic, both because Rafferty heals Melissa’s emotional wounds and because she’s the one who can help him turn the darkfire to the advantage of the Pyr. In the end, although it wasn’t my initial plan, I realize that Rafferty is one dragon who be able to see beyond biology and that family is where you create it.

TRC:  Will you tell us about the premise for Ember’s Kiss (October 2012 release Dragonfire series)-who will get his firestorm?

Deborah:  EMBER’S KISS is the story of Brandon, who is the son of Brandt. Brandt is estranged from the Pyr – we met him for the first time in DARKFIRE KISS – and has alienated his son. We met Brandon in FLASHFIRE, when we saw Chen closing his talons around this dragon who is unaware of the range of his abilities. I like this book a lot, again because it is different, and I love the heroine Liz.

 

TRC:  Zoe Sorensson is the first female dragon born in centuries, and thus the Wyvern. Your new YA series-The Dragon Diaries- is about Zoe and the other children from the firestorms in the Dragonfire series. What was your decision to venture into the YA genre using the children of the firestorms (15 years later)-when the Dragonfire series is still on going and creating more children?

Deborah:  Zoë’s journey was always interesting to me, and it raised a number of intriguing questions. How would one learn to become a Wyvern? How much of it was intuitive? Who would answer questions? When I realized that Zoë would come into her powers as a teenager – just as the male Pyr come into their powers at puberty – I was excited by all the challenges she would have to balance simultaneously. I also realized it would be a fun paranormal YA series and my editor agreed. I simply told Zoë’s story in the format that best suited it, which happened to be YA.

TRC:  Nick and Isabelle-will you ever reveal the ‘heritage or origins’ behind Isabelle (Rafferty’s adopted daughter) and her unusual abilities, as well as her connection to Nick?

Deborah:  😉

TRC:  As with many YA storylines, there is always a three-way love triangle, and it appears to be with Zoe, Jared and Derek. Was this always your intent to match these 3 characters?

Deborah:  N/A

TRC:  hmmmm…..I am sensing a pattern 😉

TRC:  In Winging It, Zoe comes to realize that she and Nick will never be a couple, yet there is still some ‘tension’ between the two. Yet as the Wyvern she will never be able to mate with another dragon, lest she lose her abilities as both the Wyvern and Oracle. Was this part of idea when Jared and Derek were introduced-neither a dragon, but still a supernatural?

Deborah:  *stares straight ahead and goes to the next question*

TRC: You have introduced some shape-shifter and mages into The Dragon Diaries  storylines. WE have seen the mages throughout the Dragonfire series-will we see a connection between the two series involving the mages e.g. the next generation?

Deborah:  I think these four questions will be answered for readers in BLAZING THE TRAIL. No spoilers from me! 🙂

TRC:  Yes, a definite pattern 😉


TRC:  Blazing the Trail is the next instalment in The Dragon Diaries series—will you please tell us something about the storyline? (see our review below)

LINKS to purchase:
Amazon Books
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
The Book Depository

Deborah:  BLAZING THE TRAIL is the conclusion of Zoë’s trilogy and coming of age, which is why so many questions will be answered and conflicts resolved in that book. At the end of WINGING IT, there is an alliance of shifters that has been created by Zoë with the teenagers of the four respective and surviving kinds. They have a plan to finish off the NightBlade and the last of the Mages, but are waiting for the next eclipse to do it. Zoë meanwhile is trying to choose between her relentless attraction to Jared – even though he’s not very encouraging – and Derek’s desire for a greater commitment from her. What’s the smart thing to do? Things escalate right before the Valentine’s Day dance when Derek demands an answer, Zoë’s ability to see the future begins to manifest, the apprentice Mages make a final play for world domination and Jared returns.

I had a lot of fun with the big finish in this book. 🙂

TRC:  What are you working on today?

Deborah:  Today, I am writing blog posts. 🙂 I’m also going to work on my upcoming medieval romance, THE RENEGADE’S HEART. I’m crazy in love with Murdoch, and with writing medievals again. I just can’t leave that story alone. It’s a medieval with paranormal elements and is linked to my Jewels of Kinfairlie series. (Yes, Isabella finally gets her HEA.)

TRC:  What do you do to relax?

Deborah:  I knit. A lot.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything?

Deborah:  Thank you for your thoughtful questions! I enjoying doing the interview.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Dessert
Lemon tart

Favorite Food
Fresh sourdough bread

Favorite TV Show
Downton Abbey

Favorite Movie
All That Jazz

Last Movie you saw
Excalibur (Again. I should quit renting it and just buy it already.)

Where did you go on your last vacation
Paris France – in February. It was wonderful.

Red or White Roses
I like all roses (all flowers, really!) but my favourites are the ones that shade between colours.

TRC:  Deborah, we would like to thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. Please keep up informed as to your upcoming releases, and of course, as always, we are very happy to read everything by Deborah Cooke.

Deborah:  Thanks very much for inviting me! You can always keep track of what’s coming from me on my blog:

LINKS:

Deborah’s BLOG
WEBSITE
Facebook

**********GIVEAWAY*********

Deborah Cooke is offering a copy of her latest DRAGONFIRE novel-FLASHFIRE to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1.  To qualify, you must be a member at The Reading Cafe.  If you are not a member, please register using the Log-in at the top of the page, or by using one of the social log-ins on the right side.

2.  Giveaway open to Canada and continental USA only.

3.  Please leave a comment and say hello to Deborah Cooke.

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KISS OF THE DRAGON-a poem

KISS OF THE DRAGON-a poem by Sandy S.

KISS OF THE DRAGON

(a poem based on the Dragonfire series by Deborah Cooke)

A tale was told of Dragon’s bold, where fire meant a storm.
Desire strong, to mate and bond, allegiances were torn.

The dragon male, he knew his time, was measured by desire.
To find the female, sate the need and quench the burning fire.

Quinn was steel, as hard as nails. His dragonfire teased.
He forged the metal, shaped the world, and burned at night with need.

Sara ‘saw’ the books that told- a tale-a saga bold.
About a dragon, some would say, as destiny foretold.

Donovan was bound by lore to hide the dragon’s past,
But fire burned too hot at night. How long would secrets last?

Could Alexandra change the world and save the man she loved?
But fire raged within the walls, a message from above.

Erik lead the Pyr through times of loneliness and hate.
But the time had come, the past revealed-his destiny –a mate.

Eileen had visions. Knew the man was someone from her past.
A time ago, a lesson learned. Their future had been cast.

A child, born with powers great- a female-legends told.
Would lead the dragons through the nights- their hearts, their lives, their souls.

An elixir strong would break the bond of dragons and their kin.
Delaney found the Dragon’s Blood had changed him deep within.

Ginger burned. Desire strong. The dragon called her name.
To save the man whose sins he bore, with sorrow, guilt and shame.

Niall sought the shadowed land. His brother lost the fight.
The blood of those who’d gone before- a need to make things right.

A tattooed beast, a dragon strong-the fire burned a brand.
For Roxie knew a love so deep. Their destiny at hand.

Rafferty had waited long, desire for a mate.
The firestorm had passed him by. Darkfire was his fate.

Melissa knew her life had changed. Forever it would be.
A friend would die. A child found. The dragon she would see.

Magic weaved its eerie spell, as desire filled the night.
Lorenzo knew to sate the storm, his mate he’d take in flight.

Cassie fought desire’s burn, when Vegas called her name.
A dragon’s gift of firestorm-the beast she’d surely tame.

Brandon lived a surfer’s life. Hawaii was his land.
To ride the waves, to calm the beast-but destiny had plans.

To sacrifice for love and life-their future now was claimed.
Liz would learn that lessons taught, was nothing she could name.

The Dragonfire burned with need, a storm that would not pass.
The time had come to claim a mate. Their futures had been cast.

Protect, defend the chosen few. A dragon’s love is pure.
A story written long ago, a tale to reassure.

Deborah Cooke had dreamed a tale of love, of lust, desire.
To claim a mate, the one true love-the tales of Dragonfire

Written by Sandy S.

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Winter Kiss by Deborah Cooke – a Review

Winter Kiss by Deborah Cooke – a Review

Winter Kiss is book 4 in Deborah Cooke’s Dragonfire Series.  We met Delaney back in book one, he was critically wounded, taken by the Slayers and thought dead by his fellow Pyr.  In Donovan’s book we learn that Delaney was held prisoner in Magnus’ Dark Academy and force-fed the Dragon’s Blood Elixir, placing a shadow upon his soul and being susceptible to Magnus’s commands.  Thanks to his brother’s firestorm Delaney began to heal, dispelling some of the darkness that Magnus embedded in him.  Now a couple of years later Delaney has exiled himself from his fellow Pyr, sold everything he owns and has taken on a suicide mission none of his fellow Pyr know of.  Delaney feels he needs to destroy the Elixir to save not only his fellow Pyr, but the planet as well.  There’s just one problem with Delaney’s plan, he winds up finding the one thing he never thought possible, his destined mate who brings about his firestorm.

Enter Ginger Sinclair, professional chef and city girl turned organic farm girl.  Ginger was orphaned at a young age when her parents were killed in a serious car accident.  She was raised by her Gran who also taught her everything she knows about farming.  Ginger has always believed in kismet, fate, love at first sight, etc, and has a knack for setting up the right people.  So when Delaney Shea walks into the very bar where Ginger is throwing an engagement party for her two best friends, she isn’t surprised by their instant connection.  Ginger realizes from the start that Delaney is a keeper and there’s something special about him, she believes fate is finally on her side.  Trusting her instincts she takes Delaney home with her and the two of them embark on a journey that neither would have thought possible.

Upon discovering his destined mate and firestorm Delaney sees this as his last honourable act towards his fellow Pyr and the earth.  He decides to satisfy his firestorm, creating another Pyr born child to aid in the Pyr vs Slayer war and continue on with his plan.  However, his firestorm and his fellow Pyr have other ideas.  Believing he’s satisfied his firestorm Delaney contacts Erik, asks him to look after Ginger and his son, then leaves Ginger’s farm house and heads towards Magnus and the Elixir.  During this battle with Magnus and attempt to destroy the Elixir Delaney realizes his firestorm is still burning, thus putting Ginger in harms way since not only will Pyr be drawn to his firestorm, but so too will the Slayers.   Realizing he can’t leave Ginger unprotected until the firestorm is sated Delaney knows he needs to protect his mate at all costs and adjusts his mission long enough to either sate his firestorm or wait for the next eclipse.  

Ginger never knew dragon shifters existed in her world before, but is now pulled into the battle of Pyr vs Slayer thanks to the firestorm and being chosen as Delaney’s mate.   Learning about dragons and firestorms doesn’t turn Ginger away from Delaney, instead it only draws her closer to him as she learns about his ordeal and what he plans to do about it.   The only problem Ginger has with this scenario is being left behind, alone and with the responsibility of raising a Pyr born child.  Delaney tries to explain to her that there is no other choice for him, that what Magnus did to him will always be a part of him, and he sees it as a danger to not only his fellow Pyr but now to Ginger as well.  With the aid of the other Pyr members Ginger listens to all the facts and information they can find on the Elixir, and their theories of how to stop Magnus and his evil plan.  With her never give up attitude and belief in Delaney that he is the one she was meant to be with, Ginger finally convinces Delaney to try with all he’s got to come back to her.   When Delaney agrees to her terms and makes his promise to her, Ginger finally agrees to try one last time to satisfy the firestorm.  Having agreed to Ginger’s terms and promising her to try his best to return to her and give them a fighting chance is the firestorm finally sated.

Along their journey Delaney and Ginger have their share of ups and downs, but thanks to Delaney’s friends, his fellow Pyr, they are able to overcome these obstacles.  It’s through these obstacles that Cooke finally informs her readers what the Dragon’s Blood Elixir really is and how it came about.  We learn from Ginger’s captivity in Magnus’ lair about another Pyr named Cinnabar who worked in Magnus’ mercury mines years and years ago and what happened to him.  Magnus informs Ginger that Cinnabar became the source of the Elixir but his usefulness is slowing fading and a replacement dragon is needed. One guess who this dragon happens to be, that’s right our tortured hero Delaney.   Magnus was preparing Delaney to become Cinnabar’s replacement when he was being held prisoner in the Dark Academy.  Believing his plan is fool proof, he didn’t factor into his plan one very determined and fiery mate named Ginger Sinclair and kismet as she would say.   It’s through the firestorm and Ginger’s love for Delaney that she is able to dispel the darkness that Magnus embedded into him and give Delaney the extra boost in confidence he needs, thus bringing back his dare devil self, which gives him a renewed sense of life when he goes off to destroy the Elixir one last time.  With the help of Ginger, his fellow Pyr and Cinnabar, Delaney is successfully in his mission and is given a second chance at life, a life with his mate and child.  

I absolutely loved this book.  I’m a sucker for the wounded soul character.  You know, the one who feels there’s nothing left to live for because of the injustices that have been done to them, only to find hope when they least expect it.  Delaney Shea is one of these characters, and I knew I’d be a goner where he was concerned going back to his brother Donovan’s book.  I wanted him to have his HEA and succeed in his quest to destroy the elixir.  I got everything I wanted and expected from Delaney’s story.  From the battles, to the suspense to the romance.  Speaking of battles, the final battle in the underground cavern is well written and had me on the edge of my seat.  To be honest the whole book had me hanging on every word wondering how it would end, would Delaney get his HEA or would Magnus finally succeed?  As I said at the end of my review for Kiss of Fury, I highly recommend not only this book, but the entire series.  Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.  Happy reading.  😉  

Reviewed by Marcie

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