The Dragon at Midnight: A Monsters in Uniform Romance

by Bella Blair

I swore I’d never fall for a non shifter. Then I saw her under the lantern light… and I knew I was lost.


Berlin is rubble. My parents are gone, our home is a ruin, and my six-year-old brother Peter is always hungry.
I work nights at a bar where American pilots drink, laugh, and look for women. My coworkers dream of snagging a husband in uniform. I dream of one thing only—survival. Food on the table. A roof that doesn’t leak.
Then he walks in. Gideon Griffin.
He’s not like the others. Cynical, scarred, with eyes that burn like embers when he watches me. He should hate me—hate all of us—but when the Soviets corner me in the dark, it’s Gideon who steps forward. Gideon who protects me with a fury that feels older than war.
And when he touches me, I swear I feel fire beneath his skin.


I lost too many brothers in the war. Buried too many friends. Berlin should mean nothing to me but smoke and sorrow.
Until I see her. Inga Weber. A German girl working tables for scraps, raising a little brother with nothing but grit and hope.
I know what women like her want from American pilots. I know better than to look twice. But then I spot her brother racing through the ruins below my wings, waving at the candy bomber as if I were a hero. And I remember my own kid brother back in the States.
For the first time since the war, I feel something break loose in my chest.
When I catch Russians laying hands on her, the dragon inside me—my secret, my curse—rises with a vengeance.
Because Inga is mine now. And I’ll burn the night itself before I let anyone take her from me.


Would you fall for a monster in uniform?

Genres: Dragons, Monsters

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

Reviews

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon is hiding something but he doesn’t have a problem doing it. He is a pilot that went from attacking to helping people after the war. He flys in food and coal to the people of Berlin.
One night he goes out with his fellow soldiers and sees something not only he but his dragon likes. A pretty German woman Inga. She leads him to a family he never knew he wanted. Her brother Klaus. And two trummerkinder or rubble kids Axel and Hilde. Both children in need of love and safety. Which Gideon is only too happy to give.
This journey they are on is in 1948 and the country is on a hairpin of exploding again. One wrong move and all they are scared of will come to be.

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danger, desire, and a dragon-shifter who will protect her at any cost.

Inga is just trying to survive in a shattered city, raising her little brother Klaus while working nights in a bar for American pilots. Every day is a fight for food, safety, and hope, and every shadow could bring death. When Gideon, a haunted pilot with secrets darker than the ruins, intervenes during a life-threatening encounter, everything changes.

Gideon is more than he seems. Beneath the disciplined, scarred exterior lies a dragon shifter bound by fire, secrecy, and a fated connection he can't ignore. From alleyway threats in Berlin to flight across the Montana sky, Gideon and Inga’s bond grows through peril, tenderness, and courage.

They fight for survival, for each other, and for a chance to build a home and family from the ashes of war. Together they face enemies, loss, and the power of their bond while discovering love, trust, and hope in a world still rebuilding.

Gideon evolves from a haunted, duty-driven pilot struggling with violent instincts into a protective, compassionate man capable of vulnerability and commitment. Inga grows from a wary, survival-focused woman into a confident, trusting partner who embraces love, family, and hope. Their relationship develops from wariness and dependence into a deep, passionate bond grounded in trust, shared responsibility, and the protective, fated connection of their dragon mate bond.

A slow burn to steamy, fated mates, dragon shifter, wartime, paranormal romance exploring survival, love, trust, protection, family, and resilience. It’s about a haunted dragon shifter and a resilient woman in post-war Berlin, learning to trust, love, and protect each other while building a home, facing danger and loss, and discovering that hope and devotion can rise from the ashes.

The Elevator Pitch: A haunted dragon-shifter pilot and a resilient young woman forge a fated bond amid the ruins of Berlin, where danger and desire collide. Their connection ignites through protection, trust, and high-stakes rescues, blending slow-burn romance with found family and fierce devotion. Magic, passion, and courage rise from the ashes, creating love, hope, and unbreakable bonds.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the blend of historical and the dragon shifter element to tell this story that I was hoping for from the description. It uses the time-period perfectly and was invested in what was happening and thought the romance was perfectly done and thought the World War 2 element worked well in the plot of the book. The characters were so well written and was invested in what was happening to them and glad I read this. Bella Blair has a strong writing style and was glad it worked overall.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[M.J. Pankey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the historical elements of this. I haven't read many historical fiction novels of post-war Berlin, so this was intriguing for me and the author definitely painted a grueling picture of war-torn Europe that felt realistic and historically plausible. I was truly invested and immediately hooked.

Mara's character was really interesting. Her dedication to her brother Klaus and their survival among the rubble and the other Trummerkinder (rubble kids) was gutwrenching, but very realistic. The foreward mentions that the author lived in Berlin before the wall came down, and I'm sure she gathered a lot of inspiration from speaking with veterans and survivors. It really shined through.

Gideon's character was cool too. For most of it.

The other aspect that was done very well was the tension between the soviets, French, and American troops still occupying Berlin and co-existing together with German citizens. I really did feel like I was there, in the struggle with Mara and Gideon.

About 75% in, however, it "lost the plot" so to speak. I always knew this was a romance, and a shapeshifting one at that, so when I first started reading, I fully expected this to be fantastical and unrealistic from the get go, but the worldbuilding and historical care at the beginning really surprised me and had me more invested than I usually am for other monster romances.

Until the open door smut scene came out of NOWHERE. It honestly took me out.

The relationship between Gideon and Mara up to this point had been very sweet and realistic. At this point tho, it just morphed into a kind of insta love feel and just.... made me personally cringe. He buys her nice things, she's so appreciative. Very generic romance vibes. The characters lost their personalities imo.

This is also where the writing style seemed to completely change, which was a bit jarring.

And I'm reeeeeeally tired of the grown adult woman who doesn't know what an orgasm is until a man gives her one. Seriously. Can we stop this trope? Masturbation exists. I refuse to believe that a grown woman wouldn't have figured this out on her own or had conversations with other women about it prior to a man licking her into oblivion. This trope is so so so tired in romance novels imo. Please stop.

Additionally, the main conflict was resolved way too quickly. The secondary conflict was too. At 70% ish is the FIRST time Gideon shapeshifts into a dragon, all so he can use his heightened sense of smell to find Mara and Klaus, swoop into Russian occupied territory, throw some punches, and fly out with her. Super easy and clean and inconsistent with the gritty messiness of the rest of it.

It read like the author set out to write a genuine historical romance but halfway in decided she was tired of all the research/couldn't figure out how an American Captain could cross border lines and extract Mara and Klaus, so she decided to just make Gideon a shapeshifting dragon so he could fly in and save her.

Because honestly? There's no other reason why he's a dragon in this story. The dragon doesn't do anything else, he's just a regular bloke for the rest of the story. There were plotlines about the dragon that were started, like the CIA guy wanting to blackmail him because he knew he was a dragon, that just fizzled out super quickly--like the author just lost her drive to develop the plot and wanted it to be over.

Then they're off to Montana planning a wedding like nothing terrible ever happened to either of them. It just... really disappointed me. After such a fantastic start and incredible world building and clearly a lot of research in the beginning, it just became a very generic romance after the first smut scene, which I skimmed because I was so thrown off by it.

Idk, I hate to say negative things because the historical elements of this were so so so well done. I just wish as much thought had been put into the rest of it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book begins in June, 1948, in Berlin. Gideon Griffin is a plot that fought during the WW2 and now he flies in supplies there. The different Allied Powers have divided up the different parts of Berlin. This shocked me because I’ve read up a lot on WW2 stuff since my grandfather fought in it. Grandpa was one of the people who made me fall in love with history, which is what I studied in college and got a degree in. It was heartbreaking to hear and read about everything that happened after the war, as a lot of what happened in this book did happen- the hardships, the orphans that became semi-feral, etc. Now, back to the book- Gideon isn’t just a pilot, he can also shift into a dragon.

Klaus is 6 and all he has left is his big sister, Inga, who works at a bar. They barely have enough to eat, and keep themselves warm in a tumble down wrecked building, because this is where they are mostly safe. While she worked, Klaus stayed in, by himself, and this also included when Inga had to do errands like stand in line for the rations.

Carter is one of the other pilots and a sort of friend to Gideon. He is the one that talks him into going to the bar where he meets Inga. However, she ignores all the attention she gets from the men. On her way home, Inga gets accosted by a group of Russians who are after her virtue. Gideon steps in and stops it, and walks her home. After seeing how she is living, he begins picking up things at the base that he thinks she could use. Then he finds out that she has a little brother. He brings a bunch of things pretty much nightly, including food. Then Inga takes in Axel, who is an orphan. Axel begins teaching Klaus English and translates for Gideon. It is amazing to see how Inga is with her brother and Axel. As time goes on, feelings grow in Gideon and Inga. Things get a bit scary and Gideon comes to the rescue again. I love how he is with Inga and the two boys.

We also find out that the Russians are playing games with the other Allies, trying to spark something so that they have an excuse to take over Berlin, which is what they want to do. They want conquest. I laughed and cried a lot during this book. But, there’s parts that are romantic as well. Plus, there are cute parts with the kids. I love how Gideon protects them as well. The book was an emotional roller coaster ride of epic proportions. I love how Gideon doesn’t realize what she is to him right away, that he doesn’t know anything except that she is important to his dragon. I love how he tries to help as many people as he can. I have to say that Gideon is just awesome, and what they do at the end is just beautiful. It makes me so proud of them. I’d love for there to be more books following the family through the generations.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to try a monster romance for one of my first ARCs from BookSirens.com. The Dragon at Midnight, a book set in post WWII Berlin, was an enjoyable love story. The utter destruction that had people including children living in bomb out buildings is not what I would think of in post-war Germany. It was the youth who had lost parents and other family members in the war, that became roving gangs. The author’s family experienced this. American pilots were flying in food and supplies, never enough, and dropping candy out of the airplane for the children before they landed.

This is the background in which the story takes place. The main female character is surviving by working at a bar, standing in line for inadequate food, raising her six year old brother in a bombed out building. For reasons explained in the story, she chose a room with three walls, an old mattress and various detritus served at a roof and fourth wall. The Berlin had been divided into sections, and the Soviets were a constant threat, since they wanted all of Berlin. Bella Blair’s language is so evocative of Berlin on its knees. I really loved the descriptions.

This was a relatively slow burn story, with a slow courtship, as trust was not a commodity in surplus. The main male character stops an attack of sexual violence. The Russian characters were the bad guys, through violence, sexual and otherwise. So, too, a plot twist arises when an actual villain is introduced.

I so loved how found family became a continuing theme in the book. I recommend it, heartily.

[Iluvbks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really did not think I would like this book. It is not your normal shifter romance book. But each page drew me in a little more. You find yourself crying at what has happened. You smile at the little things. You root for them to have a better life. And mostly you wish for love. The descriptions come through so vividly. The feeling the characters have you can see it. I liked how cautious she was. Never giving up her dignity for anything. She became a protector of those that needed her. She desired to help all the kids was right there but no way to accomplish that. Even those that had hurt others - she just saw them as kids doing what they needed to do. He was a private hero. But also one that done a lot of damage as well. Bombing the city - now helping the city. He did not expect her, he did not want what that was. But his dragon had other thoughts. There was drama, love and tense moments. The last few chapters tied it up nicely. I could see this story becoming it's own series with all the characters you have. Loved this book.
Now I do not know how much control the author has on the book cover but this cover is awful. It does not do this story justice. He was a golden bronze dragon. Not a green lizard. Covers sometimes make a book and this one needs a makeover ! A black cover with a golden dragon and an airplane would be amazing ! Again loved the story !.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon and Inga . . .

After the war when Germany surrendered, the victors divided Berlin up into four zones: American, British, French, Soviet. It looked good on paper until the Soviets shut everything off—roads, rails, canals—to cut off two million civilians from the supply chain so they could starve Berlin into submission and take the "prize" they were after all along. Americans and British were flying in food, sacks and sacks of it, and coal would come too. "Operation Vittles" was one such group where planes brought in flour, coal, and medicine to distribute across the Western sector. Inga Weber was 18 at the time, living in the starving city of Berlin and trying to take care of her little brother Klaus after the war. She got a job in a bar that catered to American pilots and, when she was not working, she stood in the ration lines to get food. Gideon Griffin, one of the pilots, came into the bar and it turns out the dragon shifter has just found his mate. When Russian soldiers prepare to attack Inga in the dark, Gideon deals with them. Berlin begins to get dangerous again. Gideon wants to keep Inga safe. There will be a number of decisions for them to make as each wants to do the right thing. But will they want the same thing? Or will they disagree about continuing to remain in danger by helping others, or starting a new life and knowing the situation they left behind? Either way, this story will touch your heart and emotions as if you share their fates.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded up

This was such a sweet, hopeful story set against the ruins of post-war Berlin, and it really surprised me with how gentle and emotional it was. Gideon and Inga both save each other in different ways. She gives him a reason to feel again after so much loss, and he gives her safety, stability, and the space to hope for more than simple survival. Their connection builds slowly, with small acts of kindness and protection that made the romance feel really sincere.

Gideon being a dragon shifter doesn’t really come into play until about the halfway point, and it isn’t the dominant part of the story, which I actually ended up liking. When the dragon does appear, it’s in crucial moments where it really counts. What completely melted me was Gideon (and his dragon) accepting Inga’s brother Klaus, and two other war orphans, as his brood. That found-family element was very endearing and added an extra layer of warmth to the story.

There is a small bit of on-page spice, but the focus here is definitely love, healing, and hope after devastation. The ending had me crying, not because it was sad, but because it felt so comforting and full of promise for their future. Overall, this was a heartfelt, tender read, and I’m definitely interested in picking up more from Bella Blair.

Thank you to Bella Blair and BookSirens for the ARC!

[Questionable Reads and Java Beans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the most beautiful books I have read in a long time.

The Dragon at Midnight, by Bella Blair, is about a young woman, Inga, in post World War II Berlin, who is just trying to survive and raise her younger brother, and an American pilot, Gideon, who is flying in supplies to the people of Berlin. When they meet, Inga wants nothing to do with Gideon. She has come to distrust everyone, assuming everyone around her is looking for something from her. Gideon just wants to take care of her and her brother.

This story was truly about learning to trust, and letting people in. Both Inga and Gideon carried secrets, and a healthy dose of distrust for those around them. They both carried hurt and suffering from the war. They both wanted a better life.

The characters were all complex, deep, believable. They were flawed in many ways, making them very real and relatable. Even if the experience they were living was not something I could personally relate to I could understand the characters and who they were in those moments and why they made the choices they did.

Bella Blair was a new author to me so I had no idea what to expect with her writing style, but I was in love. She described Berlin as if it were a tragic character itself, not just a place where the story happened. She wrote with a prose that I have not seen in a very long time and I loved every single word. I can not describe her writing in any way that does it justice, so I just have to recommend people read her work and see for themselves. I know I will now be seeking out her other works to get more of her style.

There was no big conflict, or truly emotional upheaval in this story. It was just a beautiful love story, simple as that. There were conflicts that arose, but they did not overtake the story. Not overly spicy, but the romance, the building, the slow burn, everything made the story so worth reading that the lower spice levels didn't even register for me (and I tend to look for books with more spice).

This was just a good story, simple as that. My first five star read of 2026. It was something I would confidently recommend my mother to read. I hope everyone who can appreciate beautiful writing, and a beautiful love story reads this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This paranormal shifter romance really stood out to me because of its unusual and powerful setting. Placing a dragon shifter romance in Berlin just after the Second World War gives the story a depth and atmosphere you don’t often see in this genre. The historical backdrop adds weight to the narrative and makes the world feel raw, fragile, and emotionally charged.
The main character is very well developed, and I appreciated how their personal struggles were woven into the broader historical context. The dragon shifter element blends surprisingly well with the post-war setting, creating a story that feels both grounded and fantastical at the same time. The plot itself is quite unique and doesn’t rely on overly familiar tropes, which made it especially engaging.
What I enjoyed most was how thoughtfully the romance and paranormal elements were handled without overshadowing the emotional reality of the time period. The story takes its time, allowing the characters and the setting to really sink in.
Overall, this is a fantastic and memorable read—rich in atmosphere, strong in character development, and refreshingly different from typical shifter romances. Highly recommended if you enjoy historical settings with a paranormal twist.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a captivating historical dragon-shifter romance. It’s part of the Monsters in Uniform Romance multi-author series, but is a standalone.

FMC Inga is living in post WWII Berlin in 1948, during the The Berlin Blockade. She’s surviving in the ruins of the city, scraping by to make ends meet for herself and her little brother. One night, she catches the attention of MMC Gideon, an American pilot who also happens to be a secret dragon shifter. He rescues her from would be assailants and then takes a special interest in both her and her brother.

I loved this book! I really appreciated the author’s foreword about her personal connection to the time period and some of the historical references woven throughout the story. The atmosphere was vivid and drew me into the story. The characters were endearing, and while it is a slow burn, it builds to some very sweet, emotional, and of course steamy moments.

This was a great start to the Monsters in Uniform Romance series, and I would love to see Bella Blair write more historical monster romances like this in the future.

Spice 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 5/5

*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

My emotions were all over the place with these two, woah. Inga is 18 years old and living in what remains of West Berlin in 1948 after the war is over. Trying to take care of her 6 year old brother, his orphan best friend, and put their lives back together piece by piece is proving to be soul crushing. Inga works the night shift at the local bar and on her way home one evening she's confronted in an alley by a group of Russian soldiers that only want one thing, the one thing she's not willing to give. Gideon is a US solider that begrudgingly agreed to go with a buddy to the bar after their shift. He's been in Berlin since bombs were actively being dropped. While there he notices a girl that working and while he watches her he becomes captivated by her strength and beauty. Noticing a group of guys slip out the door after her Gideon has to decide if he's going to interfere or let it ride. Inga is all out of hope as the soldiers close in on her in the alley, until she hears an American voice cut through the dark. Removing the threat is just the first step to bringing peace and joy back to this girl's life and Gideon will stop at nothing to give Inga, and those she loves, the peace, comfort, and happiness they deserve. "Don't let go." "I won't."

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found the setting of Berlin in 1948 really interesting and appreciated that this was the author honouring her family history. The tension of Berlin split between American, British, French and Soviet lines and the terror of descending into WWIII was palpable. This set against the absolute toil of Inga to provide for and keep her brother safe while desperately hanging onto her dignity and her own safety in a destroyed city flooded with soldiers didn't seem like the ideal back drop for true love.

But wowee what a love story. I adored how Gideon just wanted to provide for and spoil Inga and her brother. He is horrified when she assumes he expects payment in kind in return but doesn't get angry, he apologises and calmy explains his intentions are honourable and continues wooing Inga without making demands of her.

Adored that Inga immediately recognised Gideon in his dragon form and that there was no hesitation that she was in no danger. A perfect happily ever after with her accepting him and him doing everything he could to make her happy. I almost want a follow up to see how they all get on in Montana with all the Tummerkinder kids learning to be cowboys and cowgirls.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the rubble of West Berlin in 1948, eighteen-year-old Inga fights to keep her world from falling apart. She cares for her six-year-old brother and his orphaned best friend, scavenging hope from the ruins while working grueling night shifts at a local bar.
One dark evening, walking home, she’s trapped in an alley by Soviet soldiers intent on taking what she refuses to give.
Gideon, a seasoned American soldier who’s endured Berlin since the worst of the bombings, tags along with a friend to the bar after duty. His eyes are drawn to the young barmaid—her quiet strength and striking beauty impossible to ignore. When he sees several men follow her out, he must choose: stay silent or act.
As the soldiers close in and Inga’s last shred of hope fades, an American voice rings out from the shadows.
Saving her that night is only the beginning. Gideon is determined to shield Inga and her little family, fighting to restore the safety, warmth, and joy they’ve lost.
“Don’t let go,” she whispers.
“I won’t,” he vows.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Junebug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Monsters in Uniform multi-author series. The backdrop of the story is Berlin, Germany after WWII had ended. We are introduced to our FMC Inga (human) and the MMC Gideon (Dragon shifter) who is a pilot. This was a novella length story that gave me that Sepia-tinted nostalgia for the time in history that I never lived through. This was a very different romance than anything I've ever read before and it pulled me into the story immediately. The book was superbly written and I couldn't help but fall in love with the two MCs. I have a feeling that the author had specific real life people in mind when she created the two MCs. The story felt rich with details, poignant and nuanced characters and situations and circumstances the two MCs had to face seemed logical. This one really left an impression on me and I would definitely recommend this one. Especially to anyone that has or feels a connection to that era in history.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked it. The setting is so well done. The atmosphere feels tense, melancholy. The author really transports you to post-war Berlin. Gideon is very grumpy at the beginning, but you can see the transformation into this golden retriever and it’s heartwarming. Inga also grows a lot, from this guarded, jaded person to someone who enjoys life. The children felt like actual children, and all the secondary characters have some depth.
This was somewhat of a slow-burn, so it’s not very spicy, but every bit of it feels earned, and it’s good. There’s internal conflict both from Gideon and Inga, paired with the external factors of a war-ravaged city, and the third act conflict was tense and had a lot of action. Most of the paranormal elements come from this part of the story.
Overall, it was very good. It was haunting, it was tense, and it was romantic.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly outstanding in epic proportions.
I am absolutely and unashamedly gobsmacked by the brilliance and depth found in this book. A standalone HEA historical tale where every aspect and character has been lovely handcrafted, polished, and presented to the readers with love, humility, and compassion. I feel undone - in all the good ways. The PNR component (dragon) was flawlessly integrated into a beautiful tale that wholly captivated me from start to finish. I loved the introduction by the author; it’s a must read to help set the context. I was so enthralled and humbled by the start of this book. Never one to enjoy ‘modern’ history in school, my eyes and heart have now been opened in a wholly new way into the aftermath of wars and its impact on civilian survivors. Thank you, Bella. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this story takes place at the end of WWII and is a nice change of pace in backdrops for a monster romance.
The Dragon at Midnight brings together a Dragon shifter pilot Gideon Griffin and casualty of the war Inga Weber.
Food is scarce in post war Germany and Inga struggles to care for her young brother Klaus amongst what is left of Berlin.
One night at the American bar where she worked, Gideon walks in with his buddies and the moment he sees Inga his inner dragon stirs.
After closing she is followed by Russian soldiers and Gideon knows exactly what they have planned, and intervenes, and so begins their story.
Such a sweet and heartfelt read with lovely writing, great characters, fated mates, secrets, passion, danger, and love discovered amongst the ruins of a healing world. HEA.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author really brought you to this period of time in their writing. I liked the way they kept the story believable to have actually happened but with a dragon shifter element.

Unfortunately, I disliked how we don't really get a resolution with a couple of the characters met later in the book. They just get scared off and it still feels like they could possibly be up to something. There's a bigger picture.

Throughout the story, there occasionally seemed to be a disconnect with the language barrier. The kids spoke mostly German while the FMC spoke both English and German and the MMC only spoke English. The kids learned English more as the book progressed but I wasn't sure if we were just to assume that the FMC was translating through the entire book.

Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys stories that include shifters and time period pieces.

[Sian Gathergood · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5–4 stars)

Thank you to Book Sirens and Bella Blair for the advanced copy of The Dragon at Midnight.

When I picked this up, I was honestly expecting a slightly bizarre dragon romance. What I didn’t expect was a fully fleshed-out post-WWII world and a story that quietly tugged at my heartstrings.

This book feels like a love letter to Bella Blair’s heritage, wrapped in a cosy romance. Alongside the fantasy elements, there’s a lot here about survival, PTSD, wartime heroism, and strong family bonds. The romance itself is a bit of a whirlwind, but it grows into something genuinely sweet and meaningful.

Overall, this was a very cute, cosy, easy read and a perfect feel-good pick-me-up. I’m really glad I took a chance on this one. it surprised me in the best way.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read that is set in Post WWII Berlin and the author did a fab job with the world building. So much loss and destruction :( Sadly, people had to eek a life out by sheltering in bombed out buildings, lining up for food and praying the Russians didn't come to finish them off. Inga is protecting her little brother, working and lining up like others. When Gideon shows up and saves her from Russians with ill intent, their journey really begins. Trust is in short supply, though, so this is a slow burn and gentle romance. Of course, we have true bad guys show up, as well, so the drama is still swirling around them... This was an enjoyable romance that focusses on hope, healing and love. It really pulled out all the feels in me and I loved it :D

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a sucker for books with the wonderful art by Kit Fox and do enjoy works by this author also. This was a thoroughly enjoyed read, given in part, my family history and mother who grew up during the war. She went through the rationing in the UK but was luckier than most, with familial contacts that gave them extras, such as meat. Grandad had worked in the butchery before joining the Royal Hussars, serving in India.
This book brought back memories of my mother's stories from that period and knew I'd love this read. Ingar and Gideon reminded me of people my mother had known. Thank you for a great read and memories renewed.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I came across The Dragon at Midnight, I knew I would have to read it. I loved the book's WWII atmosphere which reminded me of the WWII movies I so very much love watching. I enjoyed the relationship between Gideon and Inga. He is very protective and intense when it comes to her. Inga has to learn to trust him after all the struggles she has gone through during the war so she could build a life with him. The world-building was excellent. I could easily picture them walking through the streets of Berlin, in the days that it was controlled by the Allies. The Dragon at Midnight is a wonderful and exciting read. I found it to be very original and very romantic.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a read. Haunting, atmospheric and really gives an insight into post war Berlin, it is a heartwarming and slow burn romance. Gideon, a pilot and dragon shifter completing supply runs into Berlin and Inga, working at a bar to try and keep both her and her brother alive in the nightmare of Berlin at this time. The care and detail that you find in this book is a testament to the talent this author has. I don't want to give anything away as this book needs to be read without all the spoilers, but be prepared as I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting and the ending is so emotional and beautiful.

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dragon at Midnight by Bella Blair brought back wonderful memories of my childhood in Germany. Inga is trying to survive post WWII Berlin with her young brother when she meets dragon shifter American pilot Gideon who instantly knows she is his mate. He begins to bring her brother and two orphan children food and supplies despite Inga's objections. Then her missing father comes back in her life, but he's aligned with the Russians and only wants to control her. Gideon comes to their rescue and takes Inga and the three children back to Montana for a wedding and new life. Hope there will be a sequel!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dragon at Midnight grabbed me from the very first chapter and didn't let me go until the end. Bella Blair's haunting descriptions of war-torn Berlin contrasted so sharply and effectively with the warm, emotional story of Inga and Gideon that the combination kept me reading and reading well past the point when I needed to stop for the night and go to bed. Both Gideon and Inga are well-developed characters with emotional scars and dark, haunted pasts, and seeing them healing themselves and each other was so incredibly satisfying. This romance has both heart and soul, and I ate it up!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

One word: ATMOSPHERE!! I don’t know how—or if—the author uses magic, but the atmosphere was absolutely stellar. Seriously… can we make this a TV show already? I went into this sceptical, mostly because the cover was intriguing but unconventional. However, this completely blew me away. Considering how “out there” some of the concepts were, and the genre it falls into, it still felt like a solid romantasy. Yes, it has its quirks, but it was genuinely fun to read and had far more emotional depth than I expected. And no surprise here—bucketloads of atmosphere. Give this book a go!

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning. The most emotionally powerful book I've read in ages (and I read A LOT). Altho I remember learning about the division of Germany and particularly of Berlin as a child, nothing I was ever taught conveyed the sense of what life was like in Berlin for survivors. This book has more depth than any other romance book I've ever read. Inga is such a touching, deserving heroine and Gideon is the hero we all want. I'm trying not to give away the plot here, but I think the ending will really have you cheering for all the main characters.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would anticipate finding your life partner amidst the stress and anxiety within a war zone! The first part of the story was a bit uncomfortable with so many serious or negative situations. I did find that as the story progressed I felt a bit more content with the positive direction things were going for the characters. For Inga and Gideon finding each other was truly a gift! As well, the plans for future “happy solutions” also was very satisfying.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.