Jewell Mason, Lady Dragon

Lady Dragon

Jewell Mason

Medallion; Feb 2004

ISBN: 0974363952

In 1324 an angry Lord Devon de Grenfeld visits one of his holdings Ambellshire to meet with the local laird Edmund Brystowe whose behavior places his loyalty at question. Edmund ignored a summons insisting he must protect the keep from marauding Scots. Devon doubts the alibi as the Scots have not raided in a decade.

Devon arrives in time to see a pitched battle. Before he can talk with Edmund, one of the lads knocks him out with a sling shot. That night he hears more excuses from Edmund's uncle Charles and sister Celeste why the laird is unavailable. Something is not right, but the strangest thing is how Celeste, whose life he once saved, treats him with scorn. Still she detests herself more as she feels attracted to her liege though she knows she must hide the truth that Edmund died several years ago and she masquerades as him. Adding to her troubles is Devon's detestable uncle comes courting the woman that Devon now loves.

Though it takes a chapter or two to straighten out who is related to whom, Scottish historical romance readers will gain immense pleasure from LADY DRAGON. Celeste is a great female protagonist trying to do the right thing for her people at a time when depression seems the order of the day. Devon is a solid hero who thought he would never love again after a previous betrayal, but finds a greater love if he can overcome Celeste's negative perceptions of him. A secondary couple adds depth, her uncle is a charming worrywart, and his uncle is a nasty loser. Thus the strong cast starring in a wonderful story line makes for a terrific tale.

Harriet Klausner