The Dragon Tower Gambit

The Dragonflame Heir #0.5

by Laura Greenwood

Rescuing someone from a dragon-guarded tower is a lot easier when the dragon is on your side...

Raised to help rescue those in need, Ingrid is thrilled to lead her first mission alongside her charming, handsome, and oh-so-irresistible friend Fen. But she knows she's going to have to ignore her growing feelings for him if the two of them are going to succeed.

As they get deeper into their mission, the tension between Ingrid and Fen grows, and they can't deny their attraction to one another longer, or that they want more than just one night.

Now all they have to do is work out what's between them, all while saving the damsel in distress.

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The Dragon Tower Gambit is a dragon romantasy with a strong heroine, a determined group of damsels who are causing distress, and a steamy friends to lovers m/f romance (with two bi leads). It is part of the Dragonflame Heir series.

Genres: Fantasy, Amazon, Fantasy Romance, Dragons

115 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

The Dragon Tower Gambit is the prequel to this new series by Laura Greenwood. This story follows Ingrid and Fen who have been friends for a long time and now that turns into a romance as they go on a mission together. This book follows a different main character than the rest of the series, but the main character of the rest of the series does get introduced here, which was fun.

It took me a bit of time to get into this one and get a feel for the world. Ingrid and Fen live at a castle of an organization called Damsels who help and rescue people from situations. In this case they have a mission to save a royal lady from an arranged marriage she doesn't want. There are different countries a hint to some politics and some sad situations where the Damsels provide help. And there are dragons, although they seem to be rare.

I liked reading about Ingrid, she was a likable character and I liked her passion to help people and do what she could. She really struggles when she sees how the royal lady they're helping is treated by her father. And seeing her confide in Fen and have him comfort her was so sweet. Ingrid and Fen were fun to read about, they have plenty of banter and their connection is obvious from the start. I liked seeing them figure out what they wnated and talking things through before things heated up.

There are plenty of hints and questions to what's to come in the rest of the series and I am looking forward to getting to know more about these characters, the Damsels and the world they live in. I like how this story has it's own romance and plot and feels complete, while also clearly setting the stage for the rest of the series with the questions there are here.

To summarize: This was a solid prequel to this new series, it had its own story and romance which both get wrapped up at the end, but also clearly serves as an introduction to the series and makes me look forward to book 1. I liked reading about Ingrid and how much she cares and wants to help. Her romance with fen was well done, I liked their friends-to-lovers romance and seeing them figure out what they wnated. I also liked they talk things through before things heat up. The ending wraps things up well and makes me look forward to more of this series.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fen and Ingrid have been friends since they were children. Over the past few months they have both secretly harbored attraction for the other—neither wanting to ruin the precious friendship they currently have. Although I found Dragon Tower Gambit to be a bit stilted—which is unusual for author Laura Greenwood—I enjoyed the heck out of this world, the characters, and the premise of the story. Good Stuff.

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Fen
FMC:
✨Ingrid
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨yes
Series:
✨Book 1: The Dragonflame Heir
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉fantasy romance
👉friends to lovers
👉MCs are bi
👉burn the world
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
Burn Speed:
✨slow
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF

[L & J Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This standalone, mildly spicy romantasy novella is set in the world of the Dragonflame Heir series and is the story of Ingrid, the daughter of a lady’s maid and Fen, a dragon shifter. They are part of an organization called the Damsels whose base is located in a remote setting and their mission is to rescue women who have managed to get into contact with them who are in abusive situations and/or are being treated as chattel. Ingrid and Fen have been friends for a very long time, but they both would like to become romantic partners but are afraid of destroying their friendship. The writing is crisp and the plot is straightforward and was an entertaining read.
This book was gifted to me by the author; the options expressed here are my own.

[Momma T's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Greenwood's reads. So much is packed into these little slices of Fantasy. They are perfect for when you only have a couple hours and want to get a lot out of what you read.

A friendship. A job that saves a distressed individual. A love that has been stewing for quite awhile. A hero. A great, quick, getaway.

[Marie Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good introduction to a new book world. Ingrid was interesting to get to know and I'm excited to learn about all of the questions that she brought up during the book, and how future missions go with the damsels. Fen was also a lot of fun and I'm glad we'll get to see more of both of them as we get to see this world from Vasia's POV in book 1.

[TaniaRina Valdespino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming, in more ways than one
Reading this on a cold winter night, I’ve gotta say that the author called it when she included stew with rolls, a warm drink, & a blanket to gaze at the stars. The ease with which the characters express their care, devotion, and loyalty goes beyond how even this author has employed in other series (and I’ve enjoyed quite a dozen of them!).

I really appreciate how the author has her characters communicate about feelings, boundaries, expectations, etc.:
‘It doesn't matter if it's how you see things, [so] long as you understand it's how things work for me.’

I absolutely luv that Lady Cassandra runs her Damsel organization and that her underlings are raised with the below mantra since early childhood:
‘I won't let my emotions control me. I will fight for others' freedom. I will protect those who can't protect themselves.’
This epitomizes how we can all make the world a better place. May we soon reach a time that nobody needs rescuing.


‘The Hidden Dragon Heir’ and the rest of the series will take us readers on more liberation missions and delve a little deeper into some backstories.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet story of love!

These two, Ingrid and Fen, have been friends for as long as they can remember. However, lately, their feelings have begun to change from friendship into something more. When they’re assigned to the rescue of a princess together, things become somewhat complicated considering their current feelings. This short story is about more than just these two. As part of an organization that rescues women, the story does address the fact that women in many parts of our current world, not just this imaginary world, are still treated as property by men. I really enjoyed both aspects of the story—women’s plight and the story of the two “friends.”

I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Lisa Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. The story is a well written, fast paced but slow build romance that blooms during a mission to help a woman escape the plans of her father’s arranged marriage. Supposedly forced to stay in a tower the young woman waits. If everything goes as planned, the young woman escapes into a new life. For her maid and the dragon shifter, both part of the rescue team, the emotions rise from friendship to commitment as the plans are put into action, feelings are expressed and things get a bit spicy. Well rounded with a story that keeps you gripped, this is a beautiful start to a new series. I am anxiously waiting the next book

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ingrid and Fen are great characters. Their arc was really sweet and it wasn't one of those frustrating "just talk to each other" things. They felt reasonably cautious but also thoughtful in their friends to more journey.

I had started to wonder what more could be coming up for these two when I realized this was a prequel and the main series is around their friend Vasia. The book did a really good job of introducing the world and their mysterious backstory plus Vasia's frustrations without pulling the focus to her. I am very excited to read more about her hopefully with a few cameos from Fen and Ingrid.

[Will Pascoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book, it gave me anime style vibes, where a bunch of (mostly) young woman as the Damsels, take on missions to rescue young women and princesses from less than savoury situations and/or marriages. There's a strong message in this book that, it doesn't matter if you don’t get along with your target, and even if they have a less than agreeable personality, that there are some situations that no one deserves to live through.

... did i mention the yearning and tension? cos holy... that draws you in and carries you through the rest of the book. I cannot wait for the rest of this series!!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great first instalment in this new series by Laura. A standalone prequel, it’s a good introduction to the characters and to what the Damsels do, as well as being a brilliant story in itself. The person they go to rescue is not the most likeable, but with her father being such a jerk, it’s hardly surprising. And the storyline between the two leads is beautiful. Be warned, if you don’t like a little spice, this isn’t the book for you, but personally I thought it was well written. Looking forward to the release of the main series now!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love friends to lovers, a Charlie angels save the girl vibe, and dragons this is a great start to series. Fen and Ingrid are a great couple and reach their target goal at the end of the book. I loved that they communicate their feelings before going further in their relationship to make sure they were both wanting the same thing. I look forward to seeing their relationship evolve through the rest of the series.

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This standalone, mildly spicy romantic novella set in the world of the Dragon flame Heir series follows Ingrid, the daughter of a lady’s maid, and Fen, a dragon shifter. Both are members of the Damsels, an organization devoted to rescuing women from abusive situations. Longtime friends, they struggle with the possibility of becoming more while fearing the impact on their friendship. The writing is crisp, the plot straightforward, and the story is an entertaining read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rescuing a damsel

I liked this series starter. I loved the twist on damsels wherein the damsels aren’t just in distress they’re also part of a group helping rescue others from distress. I thought Fen and Ingrid were adorable as they worked out their feelings for one another. And who could dislike a book with dragons? You have fantasy, romance, intrigue and adventure. Wonderful introduction to this new world.

[Monique Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great storyline premise! I love dragons and the idea of The Damsels is so clever. A beautifully written story that is easy to visualize and follow. Fen is the perfect blend of cocky, sweet and, well, just everything. Ingrid is sweet, caring and tough in just the right combination. They come across as authentic and I definitely want to know more about this world.

[Kerry Batchelor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A group of outcasts known as the Damsels, help others in 'distress' to get out of bad situations.
With a friends to lovers, close proximity and 1 bed tropes thrown into the mix, Fen and Ingrid seem to be perfect for eachother. A nice short story with a hapy ending, with am opening to more adventures

[Sophie Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to the Dragonflame Heir series. I like the storyline, it's an interesting idea to have a business that saves damsels in distress. Ingrid and Fen are interesting characters and I assume we find out more about their backstory in the main series, as there are gaps in this novel. I am looking forward to reading book 1.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mission Impossible Wraps a Love Story

Fen and Ingrid have been lifelong friends. The story follows them as their relationship changes dramatically and they embark on a mission to save a damsel in distress. The mission provides a great backdrop to the developing love. Both story lines are interesting and nicely integrated. No real surprises in this nicely told story.

[Adena Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author seems to have a knack for having her characters complicate an otherwise straightforward mission. Viva los complications! Those complications were what made this a memorable read!

I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolyn Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romantic fantasy mystery involving rescuing damsels with several interesting twists, this was a quick and enjoyable read. While not a cliffhanger, there are hints at mysteries that will need to be resolved.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good series starter.

This book sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting series. There are secrets to be revealed at a later point and hints at what might be coming attractions. I can't wait to see what happens next. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. The characters were fun, the situation entertaining and watching it play out had me laughing and groaning at times. Plus there was a dragon in on the intrigue. Good story to introduce the series and make me want to see what happens next.

[Jo Fouracre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the prequel to the new series. It’s so different to all of Laura’s other books. Loved the damsel theme with ladies rescuing damsels in distress with dragons. It’s witty fun and full of world building as usual. Really can’t wait for the next

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction to this world.

I'd love to read more of these characters (Ingrid, Fen, Vasia) and also will have to keep an eye out for the main series (hopefully in KU?) when it appears.


(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)

[Zara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story that's both sweet and more, with that touch of magic, lore, and connections that make the author's books simply fantastic! I can't wait to read more in this world!
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ingrid and Fen

I love it! The friends to couple scenario and the fact they went on a mission together. Confessed their feelings. All of it. Love it! The best friend’s comment at the end, perfect. So glad I read this romance.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this story. The dynamic between Fen and Ingrid had me gripping my seat! The only reason that it lost a star is because I think that I was expecting more from the two, sexually.

[LizJ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dragon Tower Gambit a standalone prequel of the Dragon flame Heir series by Laura Greenwood is a friends to lovers genre with strong characters, great worldbuilding and storyline. I'm looking forward to reading more.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving my review freely.

[Barbara Emlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book to read.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Kim Puckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great quick read. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next book. Laura Greenwood is a great writer. I think her books just keep getting better with each one I read!