At the age of fifteen, Lady Isabelle de Harvington is granted permission to attend the wedding of Llewelyn, Prince of Wales. The whole ambience of events fills her with giddiness. It is there she meets Gruffydd ap Hywel. She finds him sort of a mystery and delightfully handsome in his own way. Of course a man like that, she is certain would never be a part of her life. Lord of the Welsh, Gruffydd ap Hywel sees Isabelle in an awkward position when a young gentleman escorts her out to the gardens, only to try to have his way with her. Isabelle is thankful for his interference until Gruffydd scolds her for being outside with a stranger she just met for a dance. Needless to say they immediately butt heads with the other. Now six years later, it is the Kings will that Isabelle marry Prince Llewelyn. She doesn’t wish to leave Wales and marry this stranger because she hasn’t forgotten his words from their last encounter. She feels it is a humiliation but once the King has made the decree, it must be heeded. The King feels it may finally bring peace between England and Wales. Isabelle feels without family, her life will be complete loneliness. Gruffydd would rather not get attached to Isabelle in any way. They soon find each other practically having their own personal war. In no time their squawking brings them closer than they ever imagined, as they find themselves pulled together in a heated passion hard to control.

The Black Dragon is one of those stories that keep the reader guessing to the outcome and the true identity of the Black Dragon. The lingering passionate tension between Isabelle and Gruffydd has the reader in knots wondering will they ever consummate their marriage or end up casting the other aside completely. December Quinn weaves a story that holds the reader captive. With characters that tug at the heart, this is one fascinating read speckled with passion, romance and intrigue making the story come alive in this page-turner. Ms. Quinn pens a tale so well-written that it immediately draws the reader in from the first page. I love the dialogue between Isabelle and Gruffydd. The whole complete ambience gives a real feeling of the landscape and surroundings of the area. Bravo to a great read!

Reviewed by: Linda L.