Ale Storm

Tales from the Dragon Diner #4

by Lindsay Buroker

Now that her business partner, the dragon and award-winning chef Jildarin-grozanarav, has realized he has feelings for her, Rylana looks forward to going on a date with him. The elven queen has departed and the troll-god curse has been resolved, so it’s the perfect time for a moonlit walk and a kiss.

Or so Rylana thinks.

But dwarven thieves show up, ransacking the diner and looking for an antique hunting horn she recently found. Even worse, Jildarin has unearthed a centuries-old book on the proper protocol for courting a human woman. Now, he’s determined that he needs permission from Rylana’s father before they can go on a date. Lastly, the female dragons that want Jildarin to mate with them have returned and are threatening Rylana.

Why can’t life ever go according to plan?

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons

318 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2026

About the author

I'm a full-time indie fantasy and science fiction author. When I'm not writing, I'm ferrying my dogs to hiking trails for adventures.

Reviews

[Kate McMurry]

Another terrific entry in a fabulous comic romantasy series

I really enjoyed this novella. It has a lot of humor and heart, and it is enormously entertaining. The slowburn romance between the sexy dragon shifter Jildarin and the human warrior Rylana heats up quite a bit in this story. And there is a hint of a fun romance to come between Rylana's BFF, the elf assassin, Sylin, and Jildarin's horny brother Zilek.

I'm definitely going to keep reading this series as far as this talented author chooses to take it.

[Paula Dawes]

dragons can cook

Being able to fly and breathe fire is impressive but then you add his amazing meals and sexy body and he is worth the fight. Dragons, elves, dwarves and a magical horn!

[Rose Wheelhouse Hazlewood]

Love your writing❤️

Choosing this rating was not hard, I have read a majority of your books. I look forward to the next installment of this series! You always entertain! Thank you!

[Melanie]

dragon chefs and dwarfs everywhere, so much fun

Rating: 4⭐️

Ale Storm picks up right after Rylana and Jildarin have decided to take their relationship to a different stage, a date and maybe more.

Plus there’s that pesky dwarf hunting horn that Rylana was given during the last story, one that glows blue on mysterious occasions, that she has to find out where it’s from before it causes her trouble.

Ale Storm predictably features a meal with ale, a special menu, and multiple storylines, all really interesting and involving the characters that live in and around the community.

It also has many dragons, ones who don’t seem to take no for an answer.

I enjoyed it. Found Jildarin somewhat less appealing, especially when he continues to be non-communicative about his plans and ever eager to repeat his mistakes when dealing with the other dragons. That’s getting old.

But her bestie the assassin elf? The dwarf baker? Love them. More of the community please.

Still , a terrific series.

Tales from the Dragon Diner (5 book series to date)
Calculated Whisk #1
Knead for Speed #2
Morel Dilemma #3
Ale Storm #4
About Jam Time #5 - Nov 30, 2026

[Cheryl Davis]

I love this series, it has everything, a proper story, sassy people, a pompous dragon who has realised he does fancy Rylana and the frustrations of not getting her date night with him. There is the dwarves who keep raiding the lair, and flinging her underwear up to the roof, which is hilarious. The usual mayhem when a royal person arrives and attacks occur in some form or another and the criminals who want the horn, along with Jildarin's family are causing trouble. You can literally picture the whole thing. I'd love this to be a proper TV series.

[Patti]

I don’t know. I have read every book written by Lindsay Buroker that I can find, because I love her writing and imagination, but this series almost seems like after the first one it has stalled. I liked the first book and, as usual, the introduction of the characters and setting was excellent. But, then it seemed to devolve into predictable banter, predictable plot, boring heroine. I don’t feel like I’m excited for the next book. I would rather follow the story line of the elf, she is more interesting.

[Rhonda Taylor]

Loving it

I enjoy the humor in Buroker's adventures. It's definitely the kind of humor I appreciate. Rylana and her dragon love Jildarin face a new obstacle to there coitus,her father. Jildarin has found the "recipe " to follow for the courtship of a human. Unfortunately for Rylana's peace of mind it involves Jildarin getting permission from her father to date her.

[Jennifer Roth]

Deliciously written!

I devoured this book in one day because it was too entertaining to put down! It's fun to see the characters develop and get some insight into the different cultures. Once again, I am grateful to the hard working author for producing more installments of the series so fast!

[Breann]

Keeps getting better!

Love this installment in the series and can't wait for the next! The romance is heating up, as expected from a dragon chef. 😄

I enjoy the snarky and quirky characters the most, but the action and romance bring me in as well. Really enjoyed getting some of Mya's backstory in this one!

A quick, easy, and fun read. I recommend.

[christina miccio]

what a fun story and series

I love the way the author has included snarky conversations between the main female characters. It adds an amusing element to the storylines throughout the series. Her use of language/vocabulary is amazing. The stories are engaging and different in each book in the series! I hope to continue reading more of them as they are published

[Amy Bee]

I enjoyed it BUT

I always enjoy Lindsay Buroker but, sorry to be rude, does she have some sort of complex? All of her female main characters are strong, smart, and possessing of a dry humor and are inexplicably with a romantic partner that finds them personally inferior. It’s a little off putting.

[Bonnie A.]

Such a fun series

I love these books. As soon as one comes out, I pounce on it. So imaginative. I love the characters of Rylana and Jildarin and also Sylvin. Even Zilek is starting to grow on me. This series has adventure, humor, and romance, in spades.

[Per Hellgren]

Deelightful fun

Buroker deleveries exactly what was promised a fun light fantasy with some deapth and intessesting stories.
It was a book that left me happy after reafing it and wanting more.

[Merana]

Always a delight to stop in at the diner

I look forwards to seeing what's on the menu for the next visit to the dragon diner. I read there may be a delicacy from the south pole...
;)

[Eduviges Cabrera]

Great!!

I lived it! I can't wait for the fifth book to come out. Its a quirky and loveable story. I would recommend it anyone who likes these boos. I gave a five star rating because its a wonderful story.

[Wendy Wilson]

Good Read

This book was a delightful read. Family and friends bonding and growth. Community acceptance and prestige. Happyily ever after for

[Moni Cannon]

Very good!

[Norman Allinson]

One of my favourite authors, eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!

[Navdha]

I like how we learn a little more about the side characters every book and how there’s always some quest that demands some action in this otherwise quiet, low-key world

[Andrea]

Enjoyable

Light hearted & fast. Although I can't believe I'm reading 5 books for the couple to finally, hopefully get together...
Full of interesting words I've never heard of.

[Trevor Watson]

fantasy at its best

Really looking forward to number 5 , the characters and storylines are just what’s needed for a miserable autumn day

[Joe Franzen]

An excellent read as were the others in this series. The introduction of a new character was a plus.

[Michelle Wagstaff]

Fantastic

This is fantastic. You have to love this author. Go read it and you will not be disappointed. I am now going back to re-read.

[scott pelley]

Great read…as always!