Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: In The Dragon’s Lair
SERIES: Wings Over Albion #2
AUTHOR: Joy Lynn Fielding
PUBLISHER: Independent
LENGTH: 266 Pages
RELEASE DATE: June 10, 2024
BLURB:
Nate Mortimer is hot, funny, and kissing him is like falling into the sun.
He’s also the last man I should ever be with.
He’s smooth, wealthy, and practically dragon royalty. Me? I’m just a dragon from the Cornish countryside. Or so I like people to think.
I’m investigating the Fortescues, one of the richest, most powerful dragon families in Britain. Problem is, I’m not the only one who’s undercover. Every time I turn around, Nate’s in my way.
Can I trust him? He has his own issues with the Fortescues. Those dragons are dangerous, and his plotting could draw me into a lethal power struggle. His emotional baggage and troublesome ex? Also problematic.
And none of that helps me keep my mind—or hands—off him.
If I’m not careful, falling for the wrong dragon-shifter could cost me so much more than just my heart…
In the Dragon’s Lair is an m/m paranormal romance and Book 2 in the Wings over Albion series.
REVIEW:
After discovering the family bank has been hacked, Nate is sent on a spying mission into the enemy camp. Why Nate? Because his old flame is there, and Nate was once friends with the family. However, Nate knows he needs closure in his relationship with Charlie. The two had fun times, but Charlie wasn’t good for Nate’s soul. Alex, though, is a visiting Cornish dragon who can’t keep his hands off Nate. The feeling is returned. Will romance or treachery win the day?
In The Dragon’s Lair is a book that I’ve been looking forward to reading ever since I read book one in the Wings Over Albion series. In many ways, Nate is a lost soul who needs to find himself. To do that, he must face his past and prove his worth to the head of his family – his grandfather. The overall story isn’t what I expected, but it was a splendid, satisfying read that I feel is the middle section of a bigger dragon-based tale. Whether this is true or not, time will tell.
The story is told in the first person from the viewpoints of Nate and Alex. Technically, it is in good order, albeit there’s the occasional unqualified autonomous body part, which is often the case when reading first-person narratives. Worldbuilding goes into some detail, but not overly so, which suits my reading tastes. This story was about inter-family shenanigans, facing the past, and finding your destiny. Sure, there’s the problem of hacking the bank, but this seems to take a lesser role. However, other than a bit of flying, and dragon hierarchy – the dragon side of things is mostly referenced rather than experienced.
Within many dragon families, there are politics, ranks, and vying for positions. The Fortescue family is run more like a business than a loving collection of blood-bound people. The Cornish Teagues have ranks but are primarily a loving family. One mystery is why dragon royalty is interested in entertaining the equivalent of country bumpkins.
So, there are two mysteries: a love triangle with Nate in the middle, a Jane Austen cover story, and an Arthurian Legend lurking on the peripherals. Not to mention that many family members have their own agenda, which may or may not coincide with James Fortescue’s plans. Oh, and will Nate’s spying be discovered?
As you can see, there’s more skullduggery than action-packed dragon adventures, but it makes for a fascinating read. I rated the story 4.25 hearts (which is still recommended reading) and not higher because the characters and setting in book one, were memorably distinctive – especially Rufus, and in book two, the rich and ruthless Fortescue scenario (minus dragons) has been the focus of many stories and the rivalry was nothing new. Though, Nate’s journey to his HEA was a pleasure.
In the Dragon’s Lair was a delightful middle section to what I hope will be a future dragon-fest. In book one, hints were left about ancient dragon lore – and that is what I’m hoping for more of.
RATING: 
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