Dance with a Dragon

The Dragon Archives #3

by Linda K. Froise

She turned her back on love once. Can she get a second chance?

When Max flew away from Anna in a blazing stream of flame, she was determined to forget the shape-shifting, fire-breathing dragon. But five years have passed, and still his memory leaves an ache in her heart. A memory that Garrick Flynn, her childhood friend, would love to erase. When given the chance to travel to the city, the center of medieval life, Anna jumps at the opportunity. But danger and intrigue are never far away as she joins the royal court and serves as companion to the queen. Is it possible to have a second chance at the deep and passionate love she once scorned?

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Ebooks

407 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2015

About the author

From the time I could read, I would escape into the land of stories. Not much has changed since then - I still escape into a fantastic land of adventure and romance, but now I get to share them with my readers. What a privilege!

This author also writes under Linda K. Hopkins

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopkins has a prequel story to this book available as a free download called "Facing The Dragon" which is the story of Max during the 5-year gap between this book and the previous one. Very highly recommend reading it before reading this one to get some insight on Max's point of view!

[Yolanda Short · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, I loved it!

I loved this whole series of books. They are fast paced and they hold your interest. They are interesting because they have twist and turns you don't expect. They were really just great.

[Gladys Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome book, love the characters. I was hooked from the begining.

[Shweta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was THE MOST anticipated book of the entire series for me, specially because as much as I have loved Aaron's larger than life character during the series, I loved Max above and beyond all the characters. So I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one, and I am glad to say it did not disappoint on that front. That being said, it was a let down on two of the other major factors for me.
Though I have been a little frustrated with Anna in last book, I still understood her point of view when she thought Max had betrayed Aaron (who is her brother-in-law), but she frustrated me to new heights in this book. Max was absolutely right to point out that she hasn't changed and she was the foolish little girl still. First eye-bowling the Prince when she knew what his reputation was. Then when she invited trouble herself and Max resolved it for her, she wasn't happy with it. She never apologized for her previous behavior until the end of the book. She literally used her friend, initially with no decency to say NO on face when he proposed, then ran away to Civitas and when he showed up, accept the proposal just to get back to Max's mocking. Taking walk when she knew danger was around and getting into trouble all the time. Never admitting her feelings for Max for no apperent reason and creating a love triangle on the go, when there wasn't a need for one. Her foolishness knows no bounds!

Point number 2, I was hoping, praying and hanging in there for more chemistry. Instead what I got was her spending less and less time with Max, and trying to hide, run away from her true feelings. In the first chapter itself, she did admit it to herself that the only person she found to be handsome was Max and he was gone! then what was all the resistance about that I never understood. I agree that Max never proposed but she knew he cared when he admit of sending her the birds and always being around. She still wouldn't admit thing and hence there was no moments together, unless Max himself decides to go seek her out. Suddenly when the king died and she returned home is when the actual chemistry showed up which is like last 5 chapters in this much long dragged story line.

May be I set the bar too high, but all the 4 star belongs to Max and rest of the characters, None to Anna or the long dragged story line with very few moments of togetherness.

[Susan May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another intense story from this author. Su0ch interesting characters and plenty of dragons. This series is really growing on me.
After being taken by Jack the rogue dragon in the last book, Anna decides to stay at Drake house with Kiera & Aaron. She has outgrown her home in the small village where she grew up. Anna longs for excitement and adventure. After a trip to the castle where Aaron was attending court, Anna met Queen Matilda who took an interest in Anna. She was then invited to the castle to become one of the queens attendants and Anna was thrilled. So she moved to the castle and started her new job. Then she caught the eye of the insufferable Prince Rupert. He tried to coherse her into a rather x rated visit to his quarters and she refused. This angered the prince and he told her he would have her no matter what, he always gets what he wants. In the meantime Max was back and was spotted with a beautiful woman on his arm. This mafe Anna angry because she couldn't admit her feelings for Max to herself. So what did she do? She agreed to marry her childhood friend Garrick who was in Ruperts army as an archer. They tried to keep their relationship a secret to keep Rupert from lashing out. As we all know secrets always manage to come out in the end. When Rupert did find out all heck broke loose. Max was always watching Anna from the sidelines and ready to step in if needed which was a good thing for Anna.
Plenty of action in this one and I am moving on to book 4. I simply love this series.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this 3rd book in the dragon shifter series as the story is about Anna, Keira's younger sister, who had snubbed Max, Aaron's clansman one too many times, forcing him to fly off in a huff. Five years on and she still misses him terribly even though she won't accept this. Meantime Garrick a stable hand at Storbrook has set his eyes on her and wants to start something serious with her, but she is unsure and is set on going back to the city. Civitas holds a fascination for Anna, and she decides to return for the coronation of the new King. She ends up staying at the palace as a lady in waiting for queen Matilda, getting embroiled in all the court's gossip and slandering, as well as being part of the war which the King entered into. Meantime Max is back on the scene but so is Garrick. Can Anna get over her pride and finally decide who she really is in love with, and take the right step to secure for herself a happy and fulfilling future? Anna as a character drives me crazy at times, she is so headstrong and impulsive she oftentimes hurts herself apart from those who care for her. However Max is a true gentleman and a gallant dragon with patience to cope with her moods, his love for her is unquestionable. This is a very satisfying read and I look forward to reading further into the series with the new up and coming generation of dragons as protagonists.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I loved this book. It was a fast read like the others and I wanted to read more. I felt the similar pull of emotions carried from the other books with the looks, touches and kissing. Although I felt the more intimate moments were not as detailed as past books. I did enjoy reading about Ann and Max but will admit I was expecting it to be about Keira an Aaron which was slightly disappointed.

[Crissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audible version of this series, and I liked it although there were definitely times when I wanted to shake Anna. When it came to her, Max had the patience of a saint. She made more than n few silly choices even when she had doubts herself. However, I enjoyed her and Max together and I'm glad they are finally together. I'm hoping he grounds her and helps mature her in a way. I'm looking forward to the next story in this series.

[Becky Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard headed woman

This book is like a cross between Pride & Prejudice and Taming of the Shrew. Enjoyable with just the right amount of treachery blended in with romance & intrigue.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proof read for my daughter. Very sweet. Carries on the Cinderella dragon story with a different dragon and a sister and - as always - a nasty villain in the mix! my daughter will love this!

PS - mom - it will take you less than a day :)

[sandra kolls · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dangers of...

Enjoyed the book, forgiveness and the dangers of jumping to conclusions without reviewing all the facts is the substance of this tale. I believe you will find this enjoyable too

[Betty W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really impressed with the new audible version on Audible. Wonderful reading that keeps you glued to the story.

[Christina L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another love story

We get another love story. Still with in the dragon world we love. Equally as deep and wonderous as Aaron and Keiras but different and bbn interesting

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I cannot wait to see where the dragons and their families adventure to next. Definitely would recommend.

[Kathy Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series.

[Judi Easley · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thoughts: Anna and Max...Yes! And read the freebie.

[Edwina Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story. I enjoyed it so much. It is a romance with adventure. It has violence and a sex scene in it. It is Max and Anna’s story.

[Raquel]

DNF for now. I really like this series, but I started reading this book in Q1 2022 and I kinda need to refresh the rest of the story before continuing with this one.

TBR for Jan 2024

[Antionette Goggans · Rating 1 out of 5]

A story not worth writing

The previous books were good but this one…ugh was a chore to read. Don’t write another story about Anna her character does not hold a story. She is too childish and her temper tandems are simply ridiculous. Grow her up and keep her in the background.

[Lavern Winters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was anxiously waiting for Max to appear throughout the first quarter of the book. Anna's life story was picked up from where she left off at the end of the last book. Though her life was good there was definitely something missing and I knew it was Max.

This story included a good deal of political intrigue. The antagonist was suspicious in his behavior from the beginning and when his motives came to light I despised him.

I empathized with the frustrations felt Anna in Civitan because I personally dislike rumor and gossip which seems to always be present at court. No matter what genre I've read that involves scenes at a kings court the gossiping is always present causing problems. This tale was no different.

It was clear to everyone except Anna where her heart truly lay. She earned the moniker shrew for most of the story. There were times that I got pretty divulged with her behavior, but it wouldn't have been nearly as interesting a story if she had been any different. Her internal conflicts were used to develop her as a character. Max was developed more through Anna's observations of his behavior. Other characters were also developed primarily through their words and actions as the narrator only knew the mind of Anna.

This is the 4th book of the series and I enjoy Ms Hopkins dragons. They are beautiful shape shifters, though occasionally one will be a rogue with evil intent, most are good.

[MELODY · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 4th novel in this series. I missed books 2 and 3 so I was a bit lost. I am going to have to go back and read the series in order at a later date. This book focus mostly on Keira's sister Anna. After a battle in which Keira was injured and a dragon was slain, Anna decides to stay at Drake house with relatives, she has been called to serve as a Lady in Wiating for Queen Matilda and is dealing with some romance of her own.

Garrick has been pursuing her and wants to marry her. He knows the secrets of the castle, but he is a kind honest man. In addition, a dragon named Max toys with Anna - she has been in love with him for quite awhile. This story has a bit more action and will keep you guessing.

Ms. Hopkins spins a wonderful tale that takes you back in time, making you wonder if in fact the myths and fairy tales had substance. Her charcters are strong and well-developed. If you are in the market for a period/fantasy, old fashioned romance - I recommend the series as a whole.

I am a reviewer for Romance Authors that Rock - 4 stars.

[Gina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 4th novel in this series. Anna is trying to find her way after the battle where her sister is injured and the dragon Jack is killed. Anna decides to stay at Drake house with relatives and later is summoned to serve as a lady in waiting to Queen Matilda in Civitas. In the meantime Anna is pursued by Garrick who wishes to marry her. The dragon Max shows up at the palace occasionally and is still in love with Anna. The King ends up going to war with devastating results. Can Anna get over her anger at Max or will it be too late for them? Even if you haven't been following the series this book is a story in it's own.
* I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Deb Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry Linda ...I thought I wrote a review on this series a week ago...I loved this series of books and am just waiting to get # 4 . Dance with a Dragon is a great love story of patience on Max's part, until Anna can figure out what she has always wanted in the deepest part of her heart.
I can hardly wait for the rest of the Clan to grow up and have their own stories .
Linda K. Hopkins has a way of keeping you in the story and wishing Dragons really here. I was so into reading this series I had a hard time putting down my Kobo....I had it in my purse when I went out in case I had to wait for any appointment .

[Cindy Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Anna and Max's story.

I am so glad that Anna and Max got a second chance. It was nice to see Anna's development and her timer at court, before she reunites with Max. Deep down she knew she was destined to be worth him. It was great to get glimpse of Kiera and Aaron and Cathryn and Fabian and what turns their lives had taken in the previous five years that have past. From the peaceful forest to the grandeur of Court to the battlefield, we get a rich glimpse of time and the backdrop to a destined love story. I love this series!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a dance this story leads you on.

This being the last book in the series was wonder. I loved the whole series. I'd love for there to be another series that carries forward to the next generation.

[shannon Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this series

I like how the story ended. Kind of sad in some parts. I loved reading the adventures of Anna and Max. I seen that another book is coming out soon. Can't wait to read it.

[Gail L. Zanzig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This is a very good story about a final mating of two characters who really needed to sort their lives out.

[Melissa Mccarrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written, a good follow up to the previous three book, keeps you guessing

[JAX R.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!!

[Janis Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought it dragged out a bit during the "excursion", so I actually wouldn't have minded a little more drama between the protagonists lol (I never say that). It's just that the last 2 books had way more tension between both couples and I felt like this didn't keep that up... Maybe because their story was displaced between 2 books and there wasn't much post-marital narration for Anna and Max as there was for Kiera and Aaron. Not really sure, but it was a little disappointing in that regard. I'm not entirely sold on book #4, so I will be taking a break from this series.

Oh! Another thing that would've had a greater effect (on this book especially) is a dual narrative: Anna and Max. You never know what Max is thinking unless his physical reaction is intricately described or he just spells it out. Just putting that out there.

Last one, I promise! We never find out the reason behind why Anna can sense Max's presence without being formally bonded to him. This really bothered me. Why? Any "new" info the reader learns about dragons in this realm is usually explained at one point or another within the storyline, but it's almost as if it was forgotten that Max revealed that this was strange (even though the reader was exposed to it constantly through Anna's POV. Almost like she forgot to edit that convo completely so we (the readers) would either think her being so attuned to him was normal or have the satisfaction of knowing there was another force of nature at work, needing explanation.