What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Gardens #3
Garden of Dragons
Garden of Dragons, Demon blood runs in the Draloch men, and for this reason, many believe Saron Blakefield, the fearsome Duke of Draloch, holds the key to the destruction of the demonic underworld as foretold in the Fae prophecy etched in the Stone of Draloch. But fighting demons comes at a high price, for he loses a piece of his soul with each battle.
Lady Anabelle Harleigh is locked in a battle of wills with the dangerous Duke of Draloch. However, when he wins her beloved estate and is awarded guardianship over her, she comes to realize that he may have won her heart as well. Is she brave enough to teach Saron that love is his salvation? Only by admitting his love for Anabelle can Saron reclaim his soul and escape his fate as a heartless, hideous Dragon Lord.
Lady Anabelle Harleigh is locked in a battle of wills with the dangerous Duke of Draloch. However, when he wins her beloved estate and is awarded guardianship over her, she comes to realize that he may have won her heart as well. Is she brave enough to teach Saron that love is his salvation? Only by admitting his love for Anabelle can Saron reclaim his soul and escape his fate as a heartless, hideous Dragon Lord.
- GenresHistorical Romance
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2017
130 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Meara Platt
119 books884 followersMeara Platt is happily married to her Russell Crowe look-alike husband, and they have two terrific children. She lives in one of the many great towns on Long Island, New York, and loves it, except for the traffic. She has traveled extensively, occasionally lectures and finds time to write. Her favorite place in all the world is England’s Lake District, which may not come as a surprise since many of her stories are set in that idyllic landscape, including her Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award winning story.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 19, 2023
I am absolutely loving this Dark Gardens series!!! I love immersing myself into this kind of realm and learning all about the Dragons, Fae and Demons, as well as having a passionate love story to boot!
This time it's Saron and Anabelle's story and oh how I loved both their characters. Saron is not only a Duke, he's also a Dragon who is fighting for his soul. Anabelle is doing her best to keep her beloved home and is livid that Saron has not only won her home in a game of cards against her late father but is now also her guardian. Little does she realize how he will turn her life upside down and how she will also lose her heart to him. Passions flare as they fight the underworld....never a dull moment!
I am now going to read the 4th book, Garden of Destiny:)
This time it's Saron and Anabelle's story and oh how I loved both their characters. Saron is not only a Duke, he's also a Dragon who is fighting for his soul. Anabelle is doing her best to keep her beloved home and is livid that Saron has not only won her home in a game of cards against her late father but is now also her guardian. Little does she realize how he will turn her life upside down and how she will also lose her heart to him. Passions flare as they fight the underworld....never a dull moment!
I am now going to read the 4th book, Garden of Destiny:)
June 14, 2021
Oh my, these keep getting better as the series progresses. Love, marriage and fighting dragons and demons. A brilliant story. I loved it! Love this author's stories. 5☆
June 1, 2017
Meara Platt is a new author for me. I found the story of Saron Blakefield, Duke of Draloch and Lady Anabella Harleigh to be very intriguing. He has a very secretive and dark history. He is also half human and half demon. She is a tiny human spitfire who would do absolutely anything to retain her family home.
Saron, has won Harleigh Hall and more during a card game. He only knows the young woman by her previous reputation and by their current correspondence. He does not know what he is in for when he arrives to inform her of the legal decision of their current dilemma. He is received with a shotgun pointed at him.
Anabella is startled at the attraction she feels for the Dragon, but she is determined to keep her family home at all costs. She will not give in to his demands.
These two are like two lightening bolts crashing into one another while there are evil forces at play along with a Dragon Stone that knows it all.
I am now intrigued and will go back and read the previous two books in the series. I also will look forward to reading Bloodaxe's story when available.
Saron, has won Harleigh Hall and more during a card game. He only knows the young woman by her previous reputation and by their current correspondence. He does not know what he is in for when he arrives to inform her of the legal decision of their current dilemma. He is received with a shotgun pointed at him.
Anabella is startled at the attraction she feels for the Dragon, but she is determined to keep her family home at all costs. She will not give in to his demands.
These two are like two lightening bolts crashing into one another while there are evil forces at play along with a Dragon Stone that knows it all.
I am now intrigued and will go back and read the previous two books in the series. I also will look forward to reading Bloodaxe's story when available.
June 1, 2017
Dragons and Love? Who can resist this combination?
This is the third of a series set during the Regency period, but anything but usual. I’ll never quite look at bluebell flowers the same again!
A Fae prophecy unfolds in this series, etched in the Stone of Draloch. Some people believe, some do not. Some do not want to for the simple fact they want to control the outcome of events. But fate has spoken, or has it?
Lady Anabelle loves Harleigh Hall—tied to the people, the animals and the land. In fact, she fights tooth and nail to keep Duke of Draloch, Saron, from owning the property. Her ferociousness is admirable, particularly if you meet the Duke of Draloch who happens to be man and dragon. Men cower in his presence. The Duke could have taken the property from her, easily enough, but he enjoyed the correspondence with this woman, and now has the property with the added responsibility of guardianship for her and her brother.
Lady Anabelle will have nothing to do with him. If only he’ll leave her to manage the estate. He has the property, but just let her stay. She spends considerable time to convince him, showing him the estate with all the efforts she’s done to improve harvest’s quality and quantity. The author’s scenes takes us into her world and we see the love she has for this place.
Although, from early appearances, the duke is not attracted to Anabelle. This changes and with it, her safety, his sanity, and the fate of the world. But can the stubbornness of this duke take from him what has become so precious? Ah, this is the dilemma.
They disagree on so many issues, these two. She believes in love, its power is stronger than evil. Saron is so caught up in the evil he’s experienced, how evil has shaped him, and what he knows to be absolute truth, he can’t accept her words. Here follows a conversation very telling.
“I do find farming fascinating, but I sense that you do not, she said, interrupting his thoughts.
He shrugged his shoulders. “It serves an important purpose.”
“Ever the practical businessman.”
He cupped her chin. “And you are ever the fanciful dreamer.”
She frowned, managing to look pretty even while peeved. “Those dreams give me hope for the future. How can we progress or enjoy life if we have no dreams?”
“Dreams avoid reality.”
“No, Your Grace. Dreams create reality.”
The genre is an interesting one. I enjoy this time period, Regency, and with the mystic of dragons, the underworld, and the Fae realm, it creates a story where anything can happen, and often it does.
If you are a lover of the unusual, following love struggling to take hold, experiencing fierce emotion to protect what is yours, you’ve come to the right series and the right author.
The publisher provided an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
This is the third of a series set during the Regency period, but anything but usual. I’ll never quite look at bluebell flowers the same again!
A Fae prophecy unfolds in this series, etched in the Stone of Draloch. Some people believe, some do not. Some do not want to for the simple fact they want to control the outcome of events. But fate has spoken, or has it?
Lady Anabelle loves Harleigh Hall—tied to the people, the animals and the land. In fact, she fights tooth and nail to keep Duke of Draloch, Saron, from owning the property. Her ferociousness is admirable, particularly if you meet the Duke of Draloch who happens to be man and dragon. Men cower in his presence. The Duke could have taken the property from her, easily enough, but he enjoyed the correspondence with this woman, and now has the property with the added responsibility of guardianship for her and her brother.
Lady Anabelle will have nothing to do with him. If only he’ll leave her to manage the estate. He has the property, but just let her stay. She spends considerable time to convince him, showing him the estate with all the efforts she’s done to improve harvest’s quality and quantity. The author’s scenes takes us into her world and we see the love she has for this place.
Although, from early appearances, the duke is not attracted to Anabelle. This changes and with it, her safety, his sanity, and the fate of the world. But can the stubbornness of this duke take from him what has become so precious? Ah, this is the dilemma.
They disagree on so many issues, these two. She believes in love, its power is stronger than evil. Saron is so caught up in the evil he’s experienced, how evil has shaped him, and what he knows to be absolute truth, he can’t accept her words. Here follows a conversation very telling.
“I do find farming fascinating, but I sense that you do not, she said, interrupting his thoughts.
He shrugged his shoulders. “It serves an important purpose.”
“Ever the practical businessman.”
He cupped her chin. “And you are ever the fanciful dreamer.”
She frowned, managing to look pretty even while peeved. “Those dreams give me hope for the future. How can we progress or enjoy life if we have no dreams?”
“Dreams avoid reality.”
“No, Your Grace. Dreams create reality.”
The genre is an interesting one. I enjoy this time period, Regency, and with the mystic of dragons, the underworld, and the Fae realm, it creates a story where anything can happen, and often it does.
If you are a lover of the unusual, following love struggling to take hold, experiencing fierce emotion to protect what is yours, you’ve come to the right series and the right author.
The publisher provided an ARC in exchange for a fair review.
June 14, 2017
This is the third book the the Dark Gardens series, I've really been enjoying them thus far, so was looking forward to reading the third. I have to admit that when I first started the series, I wasn't convinced that it would be for me, fairys and dragons aren't something that I usually choose to read about. I have read quite a few of Meara Platt's other books though, so decided to give them a go. I soon found that I really enjoyed them. In this book we hear Saron, duke of Draloch's story. The previous books have focused on the Fae King Cadeyrn, in one way or another, so I wasn't sure what direction this book would go in.
This time we learn more about the dragon underworld and the dragon lords that rule it. Saron has strong connections with these evil beings and he finds himself drawn towards them even more. When he meets Annabelle, he is scared of what might become of her if she gets too close to him, or if he allows himself to feel too much for her.
I really enjoyed this book, possibly even more than the first two. There were a couple of small things that stopped it from being a four star though. Firstly the ending is much to abrupt. It took me completely by surprise and I really really want to know what is going to happen next. The other thing that bothered me slightly was that although there was a lot in the way of discussing there feelings and what to do, there did seem to be bits of action missing from the book. Things seemed to happen from time to time off stage and we don't know as yet what they were or where people were. I suspect that we might find out more in the next book, but it did leave me wondering once or twice in this.
I liked both Annabelle and Saron, I thought that they were well written and likeable. I did think that Annabelle did seem to be a little bit of a fish out of water in society, which I'm not sure was completely convincing. She is after all the daughter of an Earl and I would think that even one that had been in the country would be a little bit more at home with her peers than she was. She was treated as almost like and outsider once or twice, which is unlikely as she is a lady in her own right. In quite a few of Meara Platt's other books, the female character isn't from a titled family and I wondered if she forgot once or twice that Annabelle is. This is a very small quibble in what was a really enjoyable book.
I am really looking forward to seeing what happens next, for both them and Bloodaxe, the dragon lord who's story is due to be in the next book. I can't wait for book four.
This time we learn more about the dragon underworld and the dragon lords that rule it. Saron has strong connections with these evil beings and he finds himself drawn towards them even more. When he meets Annabelle, he is scared of what might become of her if she gets too close to him, or if he allows himself to feel too much for her.
I really enjoyed this book, possibly even more than the first two. There were a couple of small things that stopped it from being a four star though. Firstly the ending is much to abrupt. It took me completely by surprise and I really really want to know what is going to happen next. The other thing that bothered me slightly was that although there was a lot in the way of discussing there feelings and what to do, there did seem to be bits of action missing from the book. Things seemed to happen from time to time off stage and we don't know as yet what they were or where people were. I suspect that we might find out more in the next book, but it did leave me wondering once or twice in this.
I liked both Annabelle and Saron, I thought that they were well written and likeable. I did think that Annabelle did seem to be a little bit of a fish out of water in society, which I'm not sure was completely convincing. She is after all the daughter of an Earl and I would think that even one that had been in the country would be a little bit more at home with her peers than she was. She was treated as almost like and outsider once or twice, which is unlikely as she is a lady in her own right. In quite a few of Meara Platt's other books, the female character isn't from a titled family and I wondered if she forgot once or twice that Annabelle is. This is a very small quibble in what was a really enjoyable book.
I am really looking forward to seeing what happens next, for both them and Bloodaxe, the dragon lord who's story is due to be in the next book. I can't wait for book four.
October 6, 2017
3.5/5.0
The latest addition to the “Dark Gardens” series, “Garden of Dragons” is a mix of historical romance and fantasy elements.
Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
The latest addition to the “Dark Gardens” series, “Garden of Dragons” is a mix of historical romance and fantasy elements.
Read full review in the 2017 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 1, 2017
Dark delicious hero in this garden
This is number three in a series of books that combine the fae and dragon world with Regency England. I have read and enjoyed the first two by this author, and each is a stand alone, but is related to the previous book.
One might think this is an odd combination, but it is amazing! In this story, Saron is the Duke of Draloch and he has been awarded, after a public court battle, a lovely country girl, Lady Anabelle, as his ward. He is dark, strong, elegant, and powerful. His ward is his polar opposite- kind, light hearted, and loved by those around her. Saron is drawn to her despite his attempts to hold himself apart- for her own good.
The story is filled with intrigue, hidden facts that slowly come to light in the telling, battles between good and evil, and also a love filled with longing for both Saron and Anabelle.
There are outlying characters I truly enjoyed, like Aunt Penelope, and those whose story I look forward to, as in Arik.
This is a terrific series and I highly recommend it to lovers of romance, historicals, paranormal, it fits the bill for so many different interests!
This is number three in a series of books that combine the fae and dragon world with Regency England. I have read and enjoyed the first two by this author, and each is a stand alone, but is related to the previous book.
One might think this is an odd combination, but it is amazing! In this story, Saron is the Duke of Draloch and he has been awarded, after a public court battle, a lovely country girl, Lady Anabelle, as his ward. He is dark, strong, elegant, and powerful. His ward is his polar opposite- kind, light hearted, and loved by those around her. Saron is drawn to her despite his attempts to hold himself apart- for her own good.
The story is filled with intrigue, hidden facts that slowly come to light in the telling, battles between good and evil, and also a love filled with longing for both Saron and Anabelle.
There are outlying characters I truly enjoyed, like Aunt Penelope, and those whose story I look forward to, as in Arik.
This is a terrific series and I highly recommend it to lovers of romance, historicals, paranormal, it fits the bill for so many different interests!
July 24, 2019
Astounding...enchanting!
This series is a gem in paranormal fantasy and the third book is a brilliant addition to it. The way the author has blended human emotions into the paranormal world is commendable. She actually pulls the reader into the story with force similar to the monolith in the story. One cannot stop from turning the page until the story is finished. Then there are brilliant flashes of humour and exceptionally beautiful portrayals of the scenic beauty. The descriptions are so vivid that it seems like watching a movie playing. However, the story seemed to have ended without answering a lot of questions. One glaring question is how did Saron have a child from earlier if he just found his dragon mate in Annabelle and when dragons mate for life? And how come Annabelle simply accepts that without ever trying to know what had happened earlier. May be these will be answered in the next book. I know the relationship between Saron and Bloodaxe will be addressed in the next book. I am hoping that the other questions will also be answered there.
This series is a gem in paranormal fantasy and the third book is a brilliant addition to it. The way the author has blended human emotions into the paranormal world is commendable. She actually pulls the reader into the story with force similar to the monolith in the story. One cannot stop from turning the page until the story is finished. Then there are brilliant flashes of humour and exceptionally beautiful portrayals of the scenic beauty. The descriptions are so vivid that it seems like watching a movie playing. However, the story seemed to have ended without answering a lot of questions. One glaring question is how did Saron have a child from earlier if he just found his dragon mate in Annabelle and when dragons mate for life? And how come Annabelle simply accepts that without ever trying to know what had happened earlier. May be these will be answered in the next book. I know the relationship between Saron and Bloodaxe will be addressed in the next book. I am hoping that the other questions will also be answered there.
June 4, 2017
Wow! I really enjoyed this 3rd book in the Dark Gardens series! Saron Blakefield the Duke of Draloch and a handsome Dragon wins Harleigh Hall and now becomes the guardians of its two occupants. Lady Anabelle does everything she can to retain the property! She threatens, deals and tries to impress the Duke of the properties values...Nothing works. The ancient Stone of Draloch tells Saron Lady Anabelle is his dragon mate. Not only does he have to convince her of that but he must agree and accept the news knowing what lies in the other realm! With the Dragon Lords preparing another battle he must fight the evil without putting Anabelle in danger! Anabelle falls in love and becomes the dragon's mate and must convince Saron she can and will help defeat the pesky dragons! The journey they both face is quite vivid and well written. I couldn't put this book down! Once I could go to sleep my dreams were filled with dragons...Can't wait to read about Bloodaxe!
June 5, 2017
Once again the author drew me in from page one. A headstrong heroine, a tortured hero (who is a dragon, le sigh!), thrown together by fate to fight for their happiness, of course they dislike each other at first but feel drawn together irresistably and the serie's plot thickens here.
Unfortunately the middle part draws on and on and nearly lost me with the neverending discussion and hard headedness of the dragon while she is nearly too good to be true but I soldiered through and was rewarded with a breathtaking fight and thrilling developments... followed by a rather abrupt ending. Now I'm left with an urge to get my hands on book four!
Unfortunately the middle part draws on and on and nearly lost me with the neverending discussion and hard headedness of the dragon while she is nearly too good to be true but I soldiered through and was rewarded with a breathtaking fight and thrilling developments... followed by a rather abrupt ending. Now I'm left with an urge to get my hands on book four!
June 11, 2017
We finally get to hear the Dragon of Draloch's story. Annabelle is the feisty owner of a manor that Saron won. This couple's journey is fraught with suspense and drama. Annabelle must save her home, but she is so brave and kindhearted to risk anything for Saron. Saron is so broken, but with such strength. I loved the complex dynamic of their relationship and the exciting action with the Dragons story. It makes you anxious for the next installment. Beautiful vivid descriptions makes you feel like your in the book not to mention wanting a dragon around. Amazing story of danger, sorrow and the power of love.
June 1, 2017
I adore the Heroine in the book! Lady Anabelle is not your typical fainting lady of the era. She is an amateur botanist, steward, and overseer of her beloved home. Along walks/flies in Saron-a dragon, who thinks himself as an evil being.
There are many laugh out loud moments in the discussions between Anabelle and Saron. Personally, the book ended way too soon for me. I wasn't ready to let them go.
I enjoyed book 3 so much, I purchased books 1 and 2. (Book 3 in the series is easily read as a standalone.)
Purchase, read and enjoy as the ice around the Demon Dragon's heart melts.
There are many laugh out loud moments in the discussions between Anabelle and Saron. Personally, the book ended way too soon for me. I wasn't ready to let them go.
I enjoyed book 3 so much, I purchased books 1 and 2. (Book 3 in the series is easily read as a standalone.)
Purchase, read and enjoy as the ice around the Demon Dragon's heart melts.
June 4, 2021
Perhaps good for the genre, but not my genre
This was the best book of the series in terms of plot and pacing. I liked the protagonists in this book. Both had goals outside of each other. I still think the love scenes are cringeworthy, but perhaps that’s because I’m only continuing to read for the fantasy not the Regency Romance. I try not to downgrade an author if there is a chance I’m the one reading the wrong genre. At the same time, her wit relative to say, Julia Quinn, is less than a candle in sunshine (perhaps doesn’t even try), and Julia Quinn is not Jane Austen.
This was the best book of the series in terms of plot and pacing. I liked the protagonists in this book. Both had goals outside of each other. I still think the love scenes are cringeworthy, but perhaps that’s because I’m only continuing to read for the fantasy not the Regency Romance. I try not to downgrade an author if there is a chance I’m the one reading the wrong genre. At the same time, her wit relative to say, Julia Quinn, is less than a candle in sunshine (perhaps doesn’t even try), and Julia Quinn is not Jane Austen.
June 1, 2017
Great story
- [ ] This story is about Saron, the Duke of Draloch and Annabel. Saron has a dark side to him because of what his cruel parents did. When he was six they gave him to the underwood. Annabel believes that love will conquer all, but Saron does not believe it. Things start happening and Saron needs to tell Annabel a story about things that had happened. This book just needs to be read to really enjoy Ms. Platt' writing. Can not wait for book 4 to be released!!
- [ ] This story is about Saron, the Duke of Draloch and Annabel. Saron has a dark side to him because of what his cruel parents did. When he was six they gave him to the underwood. Annabel believes that love will conquer all, but Saron does not believe it. Things start happening and Saron needs to tell Annabel a story about things that had happened. This book just needs to be read to really enjoy Ms. Platt' writing. Can not wait for book 4 to be released!!
November 15, 2025
I love this book
It’s about the healing power of love. Annabelle is a force to be reckoned with. She’s smart, loyal, stubborn and intuitive . Soran is the dragon of Draloch. Physically scarred and emotionally tortured from childhood trauma. He’s a powerful Duke and more. Beautifully written but not complete you need to read the next book for answers. Their enemies to lovers story is sensitive , revolving on regency themes and a paranormal environment. Well done!
It’s about the healing power of love. Annabelle is a force to be reckoned with. She’s smart, loyal, stubborn and intuitive . Soran is the dragon of Draloch. Physically scarred and emotionally tortured from childhood trauma. He’s a powerful Duke and more. Beautifully written but not complete you need to read the next book for answers. Their enemies to lovers story is sensitive , revolving on regency themes and a paranormal environment. Well done!
April 6, 2018
I'm a bit torn. I was wowed by Book 1 last summer, then read books 2 thru 4 in quick succession the past two weeks. I was a bit disappointed by this. The "fighting" between the feisty Anabelle and Saron in the first half was entertaining (saved this from being a 2* review), but later I found myself skimming as the repetitive mention of Saron's inability to love as well as Anabelle's urging him to believe in himself and that Lord Bloodaxe was not a threat became annoying.
October 17, 2022
Set in 1818 in England’s Lake District at the estate of Harleigh Hall, Platt’s plot blends historical with fantasy in her romance.
Twenty year old Lady Anabelle Harleigh hopes that she can defrost the Duke of Dralich: Saron Blakefield’s frozen heart.
Part of the romance follows the trope of Beauty and the Beast.
Twenty year old Lady Anabelle Harleigh hopes that she can defrost the Duke of Dralich: Saron Blakefield’s frozen heart.
Part of the romance follows the trope of Beauty and the Beast.
June 7, 2017
Another excellent story!
This series has far surpassed my expectations. Each book has been well written,the characters interesting and the merging of the Fae world to emergency England a fascinating twist.I am anxiously awaiting the next book,highly recommend.
This series has far surpassed my expectations. Each book has been well written,the characters interesting and the merging of the Fae world to emergency England a fascinating twist.I am anxiously awaiting the next book,highly recommend.
September 2, 2018
I like it very very much.
But when I got to the ending... I was ... What happened????? To many loose ends & I really hope that the next book will show me the ends that were loose.
Is Saron going to reconcile with his brother? What happened to Brihann?
But when I got to the ending... I was ... What happened????? To many loose ends & I really hope that the next book will show me the ends that were loose.
Is Saron going to reconcile with his brother? What happened to Brihann?
October 8, 2024
Saron and Annabelle's story had quite an intense showdown, and I was thankful that they managed to settle their differences and learn to work together to keep the Dragon Lords at bay. I felt bad for all that Saron had to go through in being given to the Dragons as a pawn. I am also glad that Annabelle got some character development as she learns to care for him and not just for her love of her home.
July 27, 2017
Best of the series ,beautiful story
July 7, 2018
Great book
Enjoyed the storyline the adventure it’s really a good one for the rainy days I look forward to reading book 4
Enjoyed the storyline the adventure it’s really a good one for the rainy days I look forward to reading book 4
February 15, 2023
A captivating paranormal story and romance. I enjoyed the chemistry and banter between Saron and Anabelle.
November 15, 2018
Enter the dragons, good and evil in a ferocious battle for power. Enter a lovely maiden who may be a key piece in that battle. Watch the struggle. Will the heart win?
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews