Black Dragon - Apr. 2008
MR Review: MR Reveiwer Loretta
Black Dragon
by December Quinn
Gruffydd ap Hywel and Isabelle first met at the marriage of Lewelyn, Prince of Wales, when he kept her from being assaulted. Six years later it is the King’s will that Gruffydd and Isabelle be married. Neither is happy about it.
Gruffydd felt no woman deserved to be married to a man like him, whose soul was not his own. He’d made a vow, so many years ago. He’d sworn on his life, on his soul, that he would have nothing but fight. Nothing would matter to him but the protection of his people and his property.
Isabelle thought it wasn’t possible for a man to be larger and more menacing then she remembered, but Gruffydd had bested himself in both areas. There was a sexual attraction between them when he kissed her after they were pronounced man and wife. Isabelle’s father makes her promise to make their marriage work unless he allows her to leave.
Gruffydd did like this woman, who was spirited and intelligent. He desired her physically, but he simply could not be a husband to her and if he was not going to be a mate, he would not be a lover. It would not be fair to either of them but he had made a promise to his Prince he would not send her away.
I think December Quinn has done a fantastic job of writing this historical tale. Black Dragon tells the story of how two lonely people in the thirteen century make their marriage work; they fall in love, and learn to laugh together. I loved reading this book about Gruffydd and Isabelle and how they both end up victims of his enemy and escape. Watching them fall in love, hearing him finally open up and tell her about his murdered mother and sister. How sweet the love scenes are when they finally come together and best of all when they tell each other of their love.