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Dragons of Mayfair #3
A Subtle Dragon
It was a Tuesday the first time someone tried to kill Lady Amelia Chase.
Lady Amelia is resigned to enjoying one last London Season before her family declares her hopeless and banishes her to the countryside. She doesn't expect to catch anyone's attention—and especially not that of a masked man intent on killing her. Her unwelcome pursuer brings her attention of another sort from the sly and mysterious Earl of Blackerby. Lord Blackerby deals in secrets, and Amelia has a few of her own she'd rather not share. But she'll have to decide whom she can trust, because with the anti-magic Luddites plotting a bold gambit, the fate of England and its dragons hangs in the balance.
Lady Amelia is resigned to enjoying one last London Season before her family declares her hopeless and banishes her to the countryside. She doesn't expect to catch anyone's attention—and especially not that of a masked man intent on killing her. Her unwelcome pursuer brings her attention of another sort from the sly and mysterious Earl of Blackerby. Lord Blackerby deals in secrets, and Amelia has a few of her own she'd rather not share. But she'll have to decide whom she can trust, because with the anti-magic Luddites plotting a bold gambit, the fate of England and its dragons hangs in the balance.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2022
64 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
E.B. Wheeler
37 books127 followersE.B. Wheeler attended BYU, majoring in history with an English minor, and earned graduate degrees in history and landscape architecture from Utah State University. She's the award-winning author of THE HAUNTING OF SPRINGETT HALL, BORN TO TREASON, and NO PEACE WITH THE DAWN, as well as several short stories, magazine articles, and scripts for educational software programs. She was named the 2016 Writer of the Year by the League of Utah Writers. In addition to writing, she consults about historic preservation and teaches history at USU. She lives in the mountains of Utah with her family, various pets, and as many antique roses as she can cram into her yard. If she had spare time, she would spend it playing harp and hammered dulcimer, gardening, hiking, shooting archery, knitting, and reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 2, 2022
Definitely liked this one more than the last. I liked Amelia, but more than that, I appreciated getting Lord Blackerby! He's such a fun character and I enjoyed all his little moments in the other books, so getting to see more of him was a treat. Plus, I liked him and Amelia's relationship (though I do think it took a backseat to the plot--which ngl, I didn't exactly care all that much for--and I would've liked to see a bit more to it, but I digress). I still think the first in the series was my favorite, but I did really enjoy the world and its characters.
November 19, 2023
Sort of inhaled this one! I think the second one is my personal favorite, but this was a fun continuation of the series — I don’t know if the author has more planned but it seems like there are some side characters who could get their own story still. We’ll see
In summary, nothing groundbreaking but also not as silly as it seems, these books are just short and light and fun, and that’s what I needed
In summary, nothing groundbreaking but also not as silly as it seems, these books are just short and light and fun, and that’s what I needed
October 10, 2024
Ah, this one was marvelous! Full of intrigue, masquarades and charming irony 🤗
Amelia pursed her lips and turned to face the earl. He stood at the end of the corridor, a dragon perched on his shoulder and mists of darkness trailing behind him. Always so dramatic.
“You could not just come in through the front door, my lord?”
He smirked. “I might have missed a clue. And I certainly would have missed that look of surprise on your face. It lends such a lovely blush to your cheeks."
Blackerby finally got his own book! And he was everything I wanted him to be; clever, flirty ans dramatic as only shadow lords can be 👌
Amelia was amazing too, not only for her wit and stuborness but also for her flaws. I really felt for her and the life she has been forced to lead up to this point, how her family barely acknowledges her existence and the way she seemed to get back some control over it through writing.
-> "He had only pretended to wish to marry her to save her from her father’s wrath and give himself an excuse to take her to the Westings, to lock her in yet another modern castle where she would be out of the way. It seemed to be all she was good at—staying unseen. If only someone would see her... But perhaps she wasn’t worthy of notice."
The chemistry between our protagonists was sizzling, full of wry remarks and witty banter. Although I must say it felt like there was a missing chunk of it in the second half, like we just blinked and they were proclaiming love for one another. It seems to be the constant issue with this author - lack of consistency in her writing leads to pacing issues and characters' relationships, while properly set up, ending up being muddled and rushed in their conclusions. Which is truly a shame because her ideas and worldbuilding are very creative and just need a bit more polishing 🤷🏻♀️
Also! I just love how the Westings became the defacto orphanage for people in life crisis - poor West is trying to keep some semblance of order but is thwarted every step of the way... It doesn't matter though bc je just needs to look up and glance at his cozy happy wife and all the grumpiness melts away 💕
side note: amelia's lack of panic and will to act in anything but ironic remarks in the face of deat deserves a star on its own.
another side note: the masquarede scene! and the "ah, are we playing game?s/aren't we always?" moment!! 💘✨️
Amelia pursed her lips and turned to face the earl. He stood at the end of the corridor, a dragon perched on his shoulder and mists of darkness trailing behind him. Always so dramatic.
“You could not just come in through the front door, my lord?”
He smirked. “I might have missed a clue. And I certainly would have missed that look of surprise on your face. It lends such a lovely blush to your cheeks."
Blackerby finally got his own book! And he was everything I wanted him to be; clever, flirty ans dramatic as only shadow lords can be 👌
Amelia was amazing too, not only for her wit and stuborness but also for her flaws. I really felt for her and the life she has been forced to lead up to this point, how her family barely acknowledges her existence and the way she seemed to get back some control over it through writing.
-> "He had only pretended to wish to marry her to save her from her father’s wrath and give himself an excuse to take her to the Westings, to lock her in yet another modern castle where she would be out of the way. It seemed to be all she was good at—staying unseen. If only someone would see her... But perhaps she wasn’t worthy of notice."
The chemistry between our protagonists was sizzling, full of wry remarks and witty banter. Although I must say it felt like there was a missing chunk of it in the second half, like we just blinked and they were proclaiming love for one another. It seems to be the constant issue with this author - lack of consistency in her writing leads to pacing issues and characters' relationships, while properly set up, ending up being muddled and rushed in their conclusions. Which is truly a shame because her ideas and worldbuilding are very creative and just need a bit more polishing 🤷🏻♀️
Also! I just love how the Westings became the defacto orphanage for people in life crisis - poor West is trying to keep some semblance of order but is thwarted every step of the way... It doesn't matter though bc je just needs to look up and glance at his cozy happy wife and all the grumpiness melts away 💕
side note: amelia's lack of panic and will to act in anything but ironic remarks in the face of deat deserves a star on its own.
another side note: the masquarede scene! and the "ah, are we playing game?s/aren't we always?" moment!! 💘✨️
September 12, 2023
Enjoyed with pleasure.
In truth, this world gets into you as the series goes on, it's like reading about an alternative history in which dragons are a reality.
I hope there are more books.
In truth, this world gets into you as the series goes on, it's like reading about an alternative history in which dragons are a reality.
I hope there are more books.
May 1, 2022
I'm on a bit of a Regency dragon fantasy kick at the moment. This is the most recent of E.B.Wheeler's "The Dragon's of Mayfair" books and it was a lovely wrap up of I'm on a bit of a Regency dragon fantasy kick at the moment. This is the most recent of E.B.Wheeler's "The Dragon's of Mayfair" books and it was a lovely wrap up of the overall arc.
January 23, 2025
the pacing was really bad in this book and i was hoping for MORE in terms of plotting. everything's kinda spoon fed to you and the ending was really disappointing for me. Definitely leaned heavily on bridgerton's lady whistledown plot. Fmc gave a lot of "woe is me" vibes and then immediately switches to "well i suck but at least i can do smth abt x" and then the person to make her realize her value is the mmc but it's not even explored - it was just kinda abrupt. overall the romance aspect SUCKED. dragons r still cool. wish ppl's powers were explored more and i was really hoping for some loose-end tie ups but it is what it is. i think if the book was longer, it'd be better.
overall im so disappointed :(
overall im so disappointed :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
Fast paced action
The story takes up running from the very first chapter, and it doesn't really stop until the last word. Thoroughly enjoyable!
The story takes up running from the very first chapter, and it doesn't really stop until the last word. Thoroughly enjoyable!
July 11, 2024
Not as good as the first book but this one wraps up the whole story arc with Shaw and the Luddite war. I liked Amelia and thought she was a good character to have as the next heroine even though she didn't have a dragon. I liked that everything ended well and everyone got some kind of ending, even Millicent. It was nice to see more big dragons and how they interacted with the people.
This was a nice little regency series and was entertaining to read, with a unique world and plot line. I recommend for people looking for a quick and light romance complete with dragons!
3/5 stars.
This was a nice little regency series and was entertaining to read, with a unique world and plot line. I recommend for people looking for a quick and light romance complete with dragons!
3/5 stars.
November 16, 2022
An alternative history…..with DRAGONS!
A delightful alternative history. I am not particularly fond of the Regency period….but, this series is quite likable. Not a mystery…..but, charming characters, evil doers doing evil deeds, a touch of romance, no sex, no graphic violence, no cliffhanger endings, and best of all….dragons!
The perfect series for curling up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea on a cold snowy (or rainy) day. My favorite way to spend a morning. Hope you enjoy them too.
A delightful alternative history. I am not particularly fond of the Regency period….but, this series is quite likable. Not a mystery…..but, charming characters, evil doers doing evil deeds, a touch of romance, no sex, no graphic violence, no cliffhanger endings, and best of all….dragons!
The perfect series for curling up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea on a cold snowy (or rainy) day. My favorite way to spend a morning. Hope you enjoy them too.
October 14, 2022
whimsical!
A delightful, magical twist twist on Regency England! I also appreciate a story with a feminist bent that lets women be themselves; not dismissive of their femininity, but finding strength in it and in their female friends. This gem of a trilogy has a delightful romance in each book and just the right amount of intrigue.
A delightful, magical twist twist on Regency England! I also appreciate a story with a feminist bent that lets women be themselves; not dismissive of their femininity, but finding strength in it and in their female friends. This gem of a trilogy has a delightful romance in each book and just the right amount of intrigue.
November 2, 2022
A Rousing Finale
Lord Blackenby, the head of the British Home Office, is trying to identify a covert group whose goals include destroying the government and eliminating the power of the individuals who have bonded with dragons and have acquired magical powers.
Blackenby is feared because he and his dragon sense people's darkest secrets. He believes Lady Amelia, a debutant from a noble but bankrupt family, has secrets of her own. After three attempts on her life, he suspects she has some subliminal knowledge of the plot to assassinate the Prince Regent and destroy the aristocracy. He must try to keep her safe as they seek the conspirators.
Amelia and Blackenby grow close as they attempt to save their nation. Good and evil clash as dragons and their human allies fight the terrorists in an epic battle for control of the City of London. It is a fitting end to a fantasy novel filled with romance, legend and drama. Fans of Anne McCaffrey's dragon riders will enjoy this flight of fancy, and its two preceding novels.
Lord Blackenby, the head of the British Home Office, is trying to identify a covert group whose goals include destroying the government and eliminating the power of the individuals who have bonded with dragons and have acquired magical powers.
Blackenby is feared because he and his dragon sense people's darkest secrets. He believes Lady Amelia, a debutant from a noble but bankrupt family, has secrets of her own. After three attempts on her life, he suspects she has some subliminal knowledge of the plot to assassinate the Prince Regent and destroy the aristocracy. He must try to keep her safe as they seek the conspirators.
Amelia and Blackenby grow close as they attempt to save their nation. Good and evil clash as dragons and their human allies fight the terrorists in an epic battle for control of the City of London. It is a fitting end to a fantasy novel filled with romance, legend and drama. Fans of Anne McCaffrey's dragon riders will enjoy this flight of fancy, and its two preceding novels.
January 24, 2023
A very satisfying conclusion to the Dragons of Mayfair trilogy.
This third installment tells the story of Lady Amelia, who has appeared in the previous books as well, & Lord Blackerby, who has been a pretty important player from the start. I was excited to read this final book because Blackerby has been one of my favorites since book one. This book was a lot more action driven than the second one, with hardly a dull moment for the reader to catch their breath. All of the characters from the previous books make an appearance, & we are treated to more information about the big dragons & what they are capable of. While I found this book very entertaining, I also thought that the end was about rushed. A lot happened very abruptly, & I feel that we might have benefitted from an epilogue or another chapter to tie up a few loose ends & at least see Amelia & Blackerby as a couple. For the most part it was a good story, & I will likely look for more from the author... Especially if it involves dragons!
This third installment tells the story of Lady Amelia, who has appeared in the previous books as well, & Lord Blackerby, who has been a pretty important player from the start. I was excited to read this final book because Blackerby has been one of my favorites since book one. This book was a lot more action driven than the second one, with hardly a dull moment for the reader to catch their breath. All of the characters from the previous books make an appearance, & we are treated to more information about the big dragons & what they are capable of. While I found this book very entertaining, I also thought that the end was about rushed. A lot happened very abruptly, & I feel that we might have benefitted from an epilogue or another chapter to tie up a few loose ends & at least see Amelia & Blackerby as a couple. For the most part it was a good story, & I will likely look for more from the author... Especially if it involves dragons!
June 5, 2023
This was my first
This is my first book by this author, and I have to say I loved the historical aspects of it ESPECIALLY because the author could play around with what was deemed appropriate for the time thanks to dragons and magic.
The plot moved along quickly, and there was an intriguing mystery that grew over the second half of the book. It felt realistic—the way the earl conducted his investigation.
My only hiccup was the ending. Throughout the book, we’ve been able to see Amelia’s insecurities. At the end of the book, it was very much a George Heyer ending. [spoiler: Everything ended after the suggestion of marriage.] I felt there was no resolution concerning Amelia’s unhealthy, thinking.
Overall, I liked it enough that I’m going to read more from the author
This is my first book by this author, and I have to say I loved the historical aspects of it ESPECIALLY because the author could play around with what was deemed appropriate for the time thanks to dragons and magic.
The plot moved along quickly, and there was an intriguing mystery that grew over the second half of the book. It felt realistic—the way the earl conducted his investigation.
My only hiccup was the ending. Throughout the book, we’ve been able to see Amelia’s insecurities. At the end of the book, it was very much a George Heyer ending. [spoiler: Everything ended after the suggestion of marriage.] I felt there was no resolution concerning Amelia’s unhealthy, thinking.
Overall, I liked it enough that I’m going to read more from the author
December 29, 2024
Blackerby and Amelia getting their moment in this one! I loved this series so much! I picked it up randomly on Libby and it’s become one of my favorites of the year! I just love when you randomly pick up something and it soon becomes everything you wanted and needed from it.
I love Phoebe and Westing’s original story, I enjoyed Eliza and Parry’s love story too, however, something about this one giving our two misunderstood characters their moment did it for me! I loved it!
I definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves regency, you can read them as a standalone but you get so much of the story if you read them as a series. It’s so good! And I loved that the author took real places or events or history and added a fantastical spin! Just so fun!
I love Phoebe and Westing’s original story, I enjoyed Eliza and Parry’s love story too, however, something about this one giving our two misunderstood characters their moment did it for me! I loved it!
I definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves regency, you can read them as a standalone but you get so much of the story if you read them as a series. It’s so good! And I loved that the author took real places or events or history and added a fantastical spin! Just so fun!
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November 22, 2023I was very excited to get an installment with lord blackerby as the love interest but unfortunately the further in the series, the less romance was featured. I thought him and miss chase were well suited but i wanted more scenes with them. If the books were longer i think we could've went deeper into the relationships without losing any of the dragon/luddite story beats. I still enjoyed the series and i needed a quick read after being bogged down by some meandering stories lately but yeah i wanted more. Also shaws uncanny ability to blend was always described more magically than just stage makeup imo but i suppose him being an ex actor is a decent enough cover
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2023
The final book in the Dragons of Mayfair series did not disappoint. A Subtle Dragon was a fast-paced romp from the beginning to the end, with one of the best opening lines in a book ever. With the balls, the marriage mart angst and the looks of longing I would expect from a regency romance, oh and did I mention dragons! Dragons are always a treat in a Regency novel. Add to that a wild scramble to save London and all England from destruction and conquest by a deranged hater of magic and dragons and I was gripped.
June 2, 2023
I love suspense, fantasy, and Regency romance genres, but as you can imagine, it's hard to find a story that combines all three! This one did; beautifully, I might add. The heroine, Lady Amelia, lives during the Regency period, but in this version of that time, special people bond with dragons, giving them supernatural powers. What? How cool is that? Add to that tasty morsel, a mysterious masked man trying to kill Amelia, and the suspense enters. I adored this book and couldn't put it down. I say open your mind and give it a try!
August 6, 2024
This book, the end of the series, has so much going on. Our favorite characters are still searching for the Luddites and their leader. Amelia is the main character in this book. She isn’t dragon linked at all, but she gets mixed up with them. She’s nearly killed several times, and her family are pretty shitty towards her existence. Blackerby, that sly dog. I’ve pictured him as an older man, maybe early 40’s, but in this book, his description has me thinking he’s closer in age to Westing. A great finale! Everything is wrapped up nicely. And we learn what becomes of Millicent too.
January 9, 2023
Still not nearly as engaging as the first book, though a little better than the second.
The mystery solving follows very thin links of logic, which makes the entire plot less believable. The talk of light and darkness feels pretty corny and the romance seems forced. It's still a fun Regency mystery/romance with dragons, but I'm happy the series ends here because I'm not sure I would have continued. 2.5 stars
The mystery solving follows very thin links of logic, which makes the entire plot less believable. The talk of light and darkness feels pretty corny and the romance seems forced. It's still a fun Regency mystery/romance with dragons, but I'm happy the series ends here because I'm not sure I would have continued. 2.5 stars
July 24, 2022
Yay for Dragons!
An excellent ending to the Dragons of Mayfair series, and a worthy partner for the Lord of Shadows. Combining dragons and magic with the rules and restrictions of Regency England made for interesting stories that can be enjoyed by lovers of all three genres. Now I need to see what else Ms Wheeler has written...
An excellent ending to the Dragons of Mayfair series, and a worthy partner for the Lord of Shadows. Combining dragons and magic with the rules and restrictions of Regency England made for interesting stories that can be enjoyed by lovers of all three genres. Now I need to see what else Ms Wheeler has written...
March 29, 2023
Wheeler saved the best for last, in my opinion. The heroine and hero of this book were by far my favorites in the series, and there were a lot more dragons. The biggest downside to this book is that there wasn't enough to it... I want to read more about Amelia, Lord Blackerby, and this version of Regency England!
April 28, 2023
A Delightful Series, and Finale
I’m quite fond of the Regency genre, and Wheeler does a tidy job of blending dragons into the fabric of the haut ton. Each of the series was a delight, but the finale definitely made it memorable and distinct. I look forward to any other books Wheeler releases in this world
I’m quite fond of the Regency genre, and Wheeler does a tidy job of blending dragons into the fabric of the haut ton. Each of the series was a delight, but the finale definitely made it memorable and distinct. I look forward to any other books Wheeler releases in this world
September 10, 2023
I enjoyed how much more involved the dragons were in this one and I like Amelia's spunk. However, Eliza barely played into this one, and when she did she was just cold. Parry was nearly forgotten entirely. Not the neat transition between stories that we got between books 1 and 2. I'm happy that Blackerby got his own tale though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2023
Dragon Fight
I enjoyed this third book in the series. I like that the less perfect characters got a place of importance and found happiness. The fight scene was great and I loved the way the story focused on the history of the white tower. I look forward to seeing what the author does next.
I enjoyed this third book in the series. I like that the less perfect characters got a place of importance and found happiness. The fight scene was great and I loved the way the story focused on the history of the white tower. I look forward to seeing what the author does next.
July 14, 2024
3.5
These books are all cute simple reads. Even though there is nothing revolutionary with the plots, the integration of dragons into the Regency is well done and I enjoyed my time in the stories. I think I liked the previous two novellas slightly better, but ultimately they all fulfill their "relaxing-read" duty.
These books are all cute simple reads. Even though there is nothing revolutionary with the plots, the integration of dragons into the Regency is well done and I enjoyed my time in the stories. I think I liked the previous two novellas slightly better, but ultimately they all fulfill their "relaxing-read" duty.
April 19, 2023
An exciting conclusion
This was a great end to this series. Exciting and full of action, magic and intrigue. This was a great improvement from the 2nd book and creates a satisfying end to the trilogy. Loved it so much! The cover is also a vast improvement from the previous book.
This was a great end to this series. Exciting and full of action, magic and intrigue. This was a great improvement from the 2nd book and creates a satisfying end to the trilogy. Loved it so much! The cover is also a vast improvement from the previous book.
December 27, 2022
This was a wonderful conclusion to the series. All the characters that were brought into the story from the previous books were brought together to fight chaos and save the magic and the dragons.
March 19, 2023
A good ending
Since it is fantasy I shall imagine everyone living happily ever after. I like imagining that the King found peace, and Prinny found a little more sense.
Since it is fantasy I shall imagine everyone living happily ever after. I like imagining that the King found peace, and Prinny found a little more sense.
April 4, 2023
3.5 Stars
These basically turned into fanfiction but I’m not complaining
These basically turned into fanfiction but I’m not complaining
June 3, 2023
I came for the dragons but forgot that there was so. much. flirting. I gave up after 5 pages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews