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Midnight Bay #2
Dragon Warrior
The steamy second book in Janet Chapman’s dazzling Midnight Bay series seduces readers with an enticing tale of a fiery independent woman and an irresistible immortal warrior with a dragon’s courageous heart.
Maddy Kimble has no time for a suitor—not with caring for her spunky nursing home patients, her shy nine-year-old daughter, her widowed mother, and her rebellious teenage brother. William Kilkenny’s stunning lack of modern dating protocol doesn’t help. The man is uncouth and outrageous—a towering, drop-dead, breathtakingly hot warrior. Who refuses to give up.
William is secretly a ninth-century Irish nobleman formerly trapped in a dragon’s body. All Maddy knows is that lately, she can hardly resist the urge to lose herself in his powerful arms. But as their uncontrollable passion grows, eerie occurrences in her small coastal Maine town begin to rouse Maddy’s suspicions about her lover. He begs her to trust him, but how can she surrender—body and soul—when she fears the danger he poses to her yearning heart?
Maddy Kimble has no time for a suitor—not with caring for her spunky nursing home patients, her shy nine-year-old daughter, her widowed mother, and her rebellious teenage brother. William Kilkenny’s stunning lack of modern dating protocol doesn’t help. The man is uncouth and outrageous—a towering, drop-dead, breathtakingly hot warrior. Who refuses to give up.
William is secretly a ninth-century Irish nobleman formerly trapped in a dragon’s body. All Maddy knows is that lately, she can hardly resist the urge to lose herself in his powerful arms. But as their uncontrollable passion grows, eerie occurrences in her small coastal Maine town begin to rouse Maddy’s suspicions about her lover. He begs her to trust him, but how can she surrender—body and soul—when she fears the danger he poses to her yearning heart?
340 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
126 people are currently reading
1120 people want to read
About the author
Janet Chapman
28 books1,114 followersJanuary 22, 1956 – October 28, 2017
Hey guys its Jessica. Sorry I’ve been MIA for so long. I apologize for the long overdue wait for Janet’s next book. You’ve all been very patient and loyal fans that she loves. She has been working on this book over the last year and a half while dealing with her battle with cancer. It saddens me to say that she peacefully lost this battle this past weekend while her family was by her side. I apologize if this feels sudden, she was a very private person even to her family. And she truly thought of all of you as her family. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Janet Chapman is the author of twenty-two contemporary and magical romance novels, all of which are set in her beautiful state of Maine. She lives in a cozy log home on a beautiful lake with her husband, surrounded by an eclectic assortment of wildlife that she finds both entertaining and inspiring. Probably best known for her Highlander Series (a saga of twelfth century warriors rebuilding their clans in modern-day Maine that now spans three generations), Janet also has two spin-off magical series (Midnight Bay & Spellbound Falls) and several contemporary family series set on the coast and in the mountains. With over three million books printed in six languages, her stories regularly appear on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller’s lists.
When she’s not writing (well, when she should to be writing but isn’t), Janet and her husband are traveling the state in their camper throughout all four seasons; hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and generally rubbing elbows with Mother Nature while always keeping an eye out for colorful new characters—human and beast—to put in her stories.
author's obituary
Hey guys its Jessica. Sorry I’ve been MIA for so long. I apologize for the long overdue wait for Janet’s next book. You’ve all been very patient and loyal fans that she loves. She has been working on this book over the last year and a half while dealing with her battle with cancer. It saddens me to say that she peacefully lost this battle this past weekend while her family was by her side. I apologize if this feels sudden, she was a very private person even to her family. And she truly thought of all of you as her family. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Janet Chapman is the author of twenty-two contemporary and magical romance novels, all of which are set in her beautiful state of Maine. She lives in a cozy log home on a beautiful lake with her husband, surrounded by an eclectic assortment of wildlife that she finds both entertaining and inspiring. Probably best known for her Highlander Series (a saga of twelfth century warriors rebuilding their clans in modern-day Maine that now spans three generations), Janet also has two spin-off magical series (Midnight Bay & Spellbound Falls) and several contemporary family series set on the coast and in the mountains. With over three million books printed in six languages, her stories regularly appear on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller’s lists.
When she’s not writing (well, when she should to be writing but isn’t), Janet and her husband are traveling the state in their camper throughout all four seasons; hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and generally rubbing elbows with Mother Nature while always keeping an eye out for colorful new characters—human and beast—to put in her stories.
author's obituary
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
January 24, 2022
**Originally red in 2014, re-read in 2022**
I love Janet Chapman's books. I dive right into her books and enjoy every minute of them. I am always sad when they are over. Out of all of the books by this author that I have read so far, this is by far my favourite.
William is transplant from the ninth century, who has his sights set on Maddy. The heroes in Janet's books always crack me up with their alpha antics to win over the heroine and William's antics made me both laugh and swoon.
I loved this story. Once Maddy get's over William's "stalking" and decides to try to seduce him, she just couldn't seem to get it right.
One of my favourite parts from one of Maddy's interrupted seductions:
I could seriously go on and on with hilarious quotes from the book, but you get the picture. Great book!
I love Janet Chapman's books. I dive right into her books and enjoy every minute of them. I am always sad when they are over. Out of all of the books by this author that I have read so far, this is by far my favourite.
William is transplant from the ninth century, who has his sights set on Maddy. The heroes in Janet's books always crack me up with their alpha antics to win over the heroine and William's antics made me both laugh and swoon.
“Did you know he's been stalking her?"
Kenzie kissed the tip of her nose with a laugh. "Nay, wife, I believe he's courting her.”
“And the next morning I found a collection of seashells on my back porch."
"What makes you think William is the one who left them?"
"They were arranged to spell out my bonny sweet lass. And if that wasn't bad enough, yesterday I caught him outside the nursing home talking to one of our male residents in the garden. But when I went out to ask him what in hell he was doing, he scaled the six-foot fence as if it were knee-high and was gone.”
I loved this story. Once Maddy get's over William's "stalking" and decides to try to seduce him, she just couldn't seem to get it right.
One of my favourite parts from one of Maddy's interrupted seductions:
“Why are all the unused boxes of condoms in the trash?"
"Because I threw them in there," he said, coming to stand in the doorway.
"But why?"
"Because the damn things are more bother than they're worth. They're such thin little pieces of nothing that over half of the ones we did use tore apart."
"They tore when you were taking them off, you mean?" she whispered, still staring down at the trash can.
"Nay, while we were using them."
Maddy felt all the blood drain from her face, and had to grab the sink when her knees buckled.”
I could seriously go on and on with hilarious quotes from the book, but you get the picture. Great book!
March 7, 2011
I was so surprised by this book, normally I don't enjoy time travel or contemporary romance, but I loved this book! I guess it just proves that it's all about the writing and characters!
The time travel and shape shifting elements seemed very believable. They weren't overdone at all. But most of the reason why I loved this book was William. He was a great hero, strong, handsome, and with an unshakable sense of honor. I can really see why Maddy fell for him.
I loved reading about the nursing home where Maddy worked. All the residents were so much fun. It couldn't have been sweeter how William interacted with them and how they helped him get used the 21st century. And of course, they helped him woo Maddy!
I grew tired of Maddy always being down on herself and her looks. Supposedly she was 'saggy' but she was only 27! I got sick of her always whining about it. But I loved that William always loved everything about her. Another thing that bothered me, that I've seen in contemporaries before, was the "girl talk" between Maddy and her best friend Eve. It seemed a little forced, like they were trying too hard to be cool and hip with their chatting.
This is a great book for romance fans looking to try something a little different while still wanting the sweet romance to steal the show.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
The time travel and shape shifting elements seemed very believable. They weren't overdone at all. But most of the reason why I loved this book was William. He was a great hero, strong, handsome, and with an unshakable sense of honor. I can really see why Maddy fell for him.
I loved reading about the nursing home where Maddy worked. All the residents were so much fun. It couldn't have been sweeter how William interacted with them and how they helped him get used the 21st century. And of course, they helped him woo Maddy!
I grew tired of Maddy always being down on herself and her looks. Supposedly she was 'saggy' but she was only 27! I got sick of her always whining about it. But I loved that William always loved everything about her. Another thing that bothered me, that I've seen in contemporaries before, was the "girl talk" between Maddy and her best friend Eve. It seemed a little forced, like they were trying too hard to be cool and hip with their chatting.
This is a great book for romance fans looking to try something a little different while still wanting the sweet romance to steal the show.
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
March 18, 2011
I completely loved this story. The main characters were great and the book had me laughing and crying. I didn't read the first one and started with this one cause it was a free download i think from Amazon on my Kindle. I am going to go back and buy the first one and get the 3rd one also when it comes out this summer. So can easily be read as a stand alone i just want to hear about the other people in the book.
December 14, 2022
I liked this book, but I wanted to see more scenes with Maddy and William getting to know each other, and them spending time with the other characters.
I really liked the characters. Maddy was annoying for the first half of this book as her reasons/excuses about William weren’t real reasons, they were just things she made up on the spot. I liked William, even though there were some scenes that did make him seem a bit weird.
I really liked all the characters at the nursing home, where Maddy worked, and I really wanted to see longer scenes with them. While Maddy’s family is mentioned, I thought that there should have been more scenes where William is getting to know them as they were an important part of Maddy’s life (especially Sarah) and yet they only appear briefly in a few scenes.
The plot was fine, but I thought that it was vague. There was some dark force coming closer to them, wolves would appear out of nowhere and attack Maddy and William, and the pup storyline seemed like an afterthought and more like a filler.
I liked this book, but there were certain things that I thought could have been shown in more detail.
I really liked the characters. Maddy was annoying for the first half of this book as her reasons/excuses about William weren’t real reasons, they were just things she made up on the spot. I liked William, even though there were some scenes that did make him seem a bit weird.
I really liked all the characters at the nursing home, where Maddy worked, and I really wanted to see longer scenes with them. While Maddy’s family is mentioned, I thought that there should have been more scenes where William is getting to know them as they were an important part of Maddy’s life (especially Sarah) and yet they only appear briefly in a few scenes.
The plot was fine, but I thought that it was vague. There was some dark force coming closer to them, wolves would appear out of nowhere and attack Maddy and William, and the pup storyline seemed like an afterthought and more like a filler.
I liked this book, but there were certain things that I thought could have been shown in more detail.
June 2, 2020
The hero is first introduced in one of Chapman's Highlander books where he is raiding bakeries and getting sick on sweets. The heroine is introduced in the first book of this spin-off as a friend to the heroine. That said Dragon Warrior has to be the most absurd book I have ever read. Absolutely ridiculous, but not in a fun crazy-sauce way.
Here's my take: A "wise", but desperate nurse-slutty-single mom-Glock carrying heroine with a heart of gold and a ninth century Irishman (whom the author sometimes forgets he is Irish and not Scots) cursed by a witch and transformed into an ugly dragon bent on revenge who's been scourging for centuries, until he time travels to present time Maine looking to become a man again by some crazy time traveling Scots who are druids and wizards. Oh AND he also has a "heart of gold", but has forgotten how to love. There is also a burned-out Special Forces guy named Trace (LOL) a bunch of feisty seniors, a magpie and a red-tail hawk who are actually sisters of this hero and the hero from first book who's a panther and they died badly in their perspective centuries at the hands of evil men and have been transformed back to young ladies by a different cheeky wizard from Atlantis who's sister is a seal pup/mermaid running from a forced marriage. He first arrives as a huge tiger. In. Maine. There are also vicious storms that hit one specific area and some demon wolves and a misunderstood younger brother. My favorite characters were the draft horses that didn't have any lines. Forgive my run on sentences.
Here's my take: A "wise", but desperate nurse-slutty-single mom-Glock carrying heroine with a heart of gold and a ninth century Irishman (whom the author sometimes forgets he is Irish and not Scots) cursed by a witch and transformed into an ugly dragon bent on revenge who's been scourging for centuries, until he time travels to present time Maine looking to become a man again by some crazy time traveling Scots who are druids and wizards. Oh AND he also has a "heart of gold", but has forgotten how to love. There is also a burned-out Special Forces guy named Trace (LOL) a bunch of feisty seniors, a magpie and a red-tail hawk who are actually sisters of this hero and the hero from first book who's a panther and they died badly in their perspective centuries at the hands of evil men and have been transformed back to young ladies by a different cheeky wizard from Atlantis who's sister is a seal pup/mermaid running from a forced marriage. He first arrives as a huge tiger. In. Maine. There are also vicious storms that hit one specific area and some demon wolves and a misunderstood younger brother. My favorite characters were the draft horses that didn't have any lines. Forgive my run on sentences.
March 21, 2011
I truly enjoyed this book... Looking forward to Trance and Fiona's Book as well. I love all of Chapman's writing... Wondering how Mac is going to fit into the swing of things as well as his sister.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Maddy and William unfold. It was fun and sexy all at the same time and I too fell in love with the residents at the nursing home... So sad to see Mr. Man gone.
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Maddy and William unfold. It was fun and sexy all at the same time and I too fell in love with the residents at the nursing home... So sad to see Mr. Man gone.
April 7, 2014
Absolutely delicious. I loved William as a dragon and I loved him as a man.
He fell in love with Maddy from the very first time he saw her and he cannot help himself, he just wanted her.
And her he got! LOL
By the side, I love the banter and the friendships between wizards and highlanders, this series is really wonderful!
He fell in love with Maddy from the very first time he saw her and he cannot help himself, he just wanted her.
And her he got! LOL
By the side, I love the banter and the friendships between wizards and highlanders, this series is really wonderful!
February 1, 2011
Darn. Was really looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, it was kinda a dud. I'm disappointed. But, I loved the first Midnight Bay book so will probably give #3 a try and hope for something better.
April 5, 2011
Loved it....it was better then the first one in the series
March 16, 2017
Author: Janet Chapman
First published: 2010
Length: 340 pages
Setting: Contemporary. Maine.
Sex: Infrequent. Reasonably explicit.
Hero: Ninth Century Irish Nobleman / Dragon / Mis-placed in Contemporary US.
Heroine: Nurse. Single mother.
Paranormal: Time travel, light magic by Druidh, shape shifting
Includes: Excerpt from Mystical Warrior .
Fits well into the series. Enjoyable. Fun. Nice secondary characters which touches on death and the after-life.
Our Noble Hero has an unshakeable belief in Right and Wrong plus a caring/protective nature that doesn’t overcome his respect for Maddy.
It works.
Series 2 Midnight Bay:
Book 1 Moonlight Warrior (2009) - Kenzie Gregor and Eve Anderson
Book 2 Dragon Warrior (2010) - Maddy Kimble and William Kilkenny
Book 3 Mystical Warrior (2011) - Trace Huntsman and Fiona Gregor
References:
Author’s website: http://www.janetchapman.com/
(ISBN 9781439159897)
-CR-
First published: 2010
Length: 340 pages
Setting: Contemporary. Maine.
Sex: Infrequent. Reasonably explicit.
Hero: Ninth Century Irish Nobleman / Dragon / Mis-placed in Contemporary US.
Heroine: Nurse. Single mother.
Paranormal: Time travel, light magic by Druidh, shape shifting
Includes: Excerpt from Mystical Warrior .
Fits well into the series. Enjoyable. Fun. Nice secondary characters which touches on death and the after-life.
Our Noble Hero has an unshakeable belief in Right and Wrong plus a caring/protective nature that doesn’t overcome his respect for Maddy.
It works.
Series 2 Midnight Bay:
Book 1 Moonlight Warrior (2009) - Kenzie Gregor and Eve Anderson
Book 2 Dragon Warrior (2010) - Maddy Kimble and William Kilkenny
Book 3 Mystical Warrior (2011) - Trace Huntsman and Fiona Gregor
References:
Author’s website: http://www.janetchapman.com/
(ISBN 9781439159897)
-CR-
October 19, 2018
The first time Maddy meets William, he is stark naked. The unshaven wildman kisses her and threatens to spank her bottom if she doesn't start wearing longer shorts.
Maddy and William's romance is typical Chapman fare with plenty of laughs along the way. Since Maddy is reluctant to go out with William, he begins getting to know her by visiting with the residents of the nursing home where she works. He says the residents have centuries of experience between them and are virtually a living library. He really livens up the residents and even takes them on field trips.
In this book, the secondary characters are about as enjoyable as the main characters.
This is also the book where Mac Oceanus makes his first appearance. It is evident no one has ever regretted to him as pond scum before.
This is my favorite of these 3 books.
Maddy and William's romance is typical Chapman fare with plenty of laughs along the way. Since Maddy is reluctant to go out with William, he begins getting to know her by visiting with the residents of the nursing home where she works. He says the residents have centuries of experience between them and are virtually a living library. He really livens up the residents and even takes them on field trips.
In this book, the secondary characters are about as enjoyable as the main characters.
This is also the book where Mac Oceanus makes his first appearance. It is evident no one has ever regretted to him as pond scum before.
This is my favorite of these 3 books.
November 18, 2019
William and Maddy - who finally met at the end of Moonlight Warrior.
William needs to settle into this Century but he's finding all the rules and regulations difficult to deal with, not least trying to court Maddie.
Maddy is trying to keep her life together, working at a retirement home, caring for her mother and young daughter, along with her adult but younger brother when William comes charging into her life.
This couple are so much fun. Both constantly trying to take the lead and get some sort of relationship going but all the storms and strange creatures appearing interrupts their alone time more than once.
Add in Trace's cousin returning, talk of a mermaid and then Maximillian Oceanus turning up - it gets very interesting.
William needs to settle into this Century but he's finding all the rules and regulations difficult to deal with, not least trying to court Maddie.
Maddy is trying to keep her life together, working at a retirement home, caring for her mother and young daughter, along with her adult but younger brother when William comes charging into her life.
This couple are so much fun. Both constantly trying to take the lead and get some sort of relationship going but all the storms and strange creatures appearing interrupts their alone time more than once.
Add in Trace's cousin returning, talk of a mermaid and then Maximillian Oceanus turning up - it gets very interesting.
December 4, 2023
Maddy thought she was ready to start again after her marriage ended in disaster. Her ex is getting remarried to an 18-year-old who is pregnant. When William claims her, she really isn't sure she is ready. Especially for him. William has been a dragon. Watching Maddy while in his dragon form, he knows he wants to claim her. But she keeps running from him. Maddy is a nurse at an old folks' home and when William discovers all the wisdom in that place, he can't stay away. William really wants Maddy, but how can he tell her about the magic. She will run fast and far. When the magic comes for him, he does all he can to protect her and her family. Will she ever want to be with him? Will she think he is absolutely crazy when she sees what is coming for him?
March 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book DESPITE the paranormal/magic aspects. This story could have centred solely around Maddy's and William's relationship minus the magic. It had great potential. Maddy's daughter could have been more a part of the story.
I loved the nursing home characters, and really enjoyed William's and Maddy's romance. The paranormal parts had little to no backstory and, IMO, did not add to the story at all, in fact, it detracted from it.
I loved the nursing home characters, and really enjoyed William's and Maddy's romance. The paranormal parts had little to no backstory and, IMO, did not add to the story at all, in fact, it detracted from it.
July 25, 2021
Dragon Warrior
This second story was just as magical as the first. He has lived as a dragon for many centuries. She is just the woman who can tame his beast. William and Maddy have their new life cut out for them. His past has caught up with him. She is what he needs to live and love. Can he get her to believe in magic in time to grow old with. Or will the magic damage what is going on between them?
This second story was just as magical as the first. He has lived as a dragon for many centuries. She is just the woman who can tame his beast. William and Maddy have their new life cut out for them. His past has caught up with him. She is what he needs to live and love. Can he get her to believe in magic in time to grow old with. Or will the magic damage what is going on between them?
October 2, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. It has awesome characters, great personalities, humor, strength, courage, emotions, 'manly' emotions ;), good dynamics, was written well and a perfect HEA. This is great for reading anytime. I really enjoyed this and it had me turning pages into the wee hours. I can't wait to read more in this series. I'm goin' huntin'. Enjoy!
October 21, 2021
A short fun read which was deeper than other novels by this author. In 'Dragon Warrior' Chapman has used the story to explore both family dynamics and coping with the passing of a loved one.
A really enjoyable book that, despite it's predictable ending is well worth reading - especially if you are a fan of light fantasy romance.
A really enjoyable book that, despite it's predictable ending is well worth reading - especially if you are a fan of light fantasy romance.
September 27, 2017
I liked Maddy and her daughter very much, both very strong ladies. William? Well I'm not so sure, handsome and her knows it, conceited,....... All that and much more! Even in the end he is kind and generous, but still very self serving.
September 3, 2019
Man oh man I really liked this book. William sounds like a really handsome man and an even better handsome lover. Going from being a dragon to being married in just 3 months is something grand. Well something out of a storybook
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2022
Dragon fun
The midnight bay books can be read singluarly, but should be read in order and before the spellbound falls series, to keep everyone straight, as the characters overlap. Both series are delightful.
The midnight bay books can be read singluarly, but should be read in order and before the spellbound falls series, to keep everyone straight, as the characters overlap. Both series are delightful.
March 8, 2023
They get better every book I read
This was a continuation of all the previous Highlander books. They just continue go get better. I can't stop reading & hope there are many more of these adventures coming . Now on to the next book full of romance, adventures & excitement.
This was a continuation of all the previous Highlander books. They just continue go get better. I can't stop reading & hope there are many more of these adventures coming . Now on to the next book full of romance, adventures & excitement.
September 7, 2023
heartwarming
I’ve read this 3 times now. This story give you hope. William is such a wonderful character, kind and loving and flawed as are all of us. Maddy’s journey with William is hilarious and heartwarming.
I’ve read this 3 times now. This story give you hope. William is such a wonderful character, kind and loving and flawed as are all of us. Maddy’s journey with William is hilarious and heartwarming.
December 10, 2024
Strong arms
This was a fantastic love story. Bless Maddy’s heart go her fear, bless William’s heart because he thought he didn’t have one. Enjoyed the funny parts, especially the “boo”.
This was a fantastic love story. Bless Maddy’s heart go her fear, bless William’s heart because he thought he didn’t have one. Enjoyed the funny parts, especially the “boo”.
March 5, 2018
This was pleasant enough but the plot made no sense whatsoever.
March 20, 2019
Fairly solid story. Pretty steamy. =)
July 18, 2019
I’m running out of Janet Chapman books to read! I am looking forward to reading everything in chronological order.
June 8, 2020
Re-read from paperback when it first came out. Love Maddy & William...so good for each other! Cried with Maddy over Hiram; and thought Mac was amusing. I love this author's work!
January 11, 2022
Love this series
I love the way that the stories all fit together and stand alone. I would recommend the whole collection to anyone who enjoys a wonderful place to escape to.
I love the way that the stories all fit together and stand alone. I would recommend the whole collection to anyone who enjoys a wonderful place to escape to.
May 15, 2022
DNF. I challenged myself to read this book in one go because it was 50¢ and sounded interesting. My god what a mistake. This was a fever dream.
November 22, 2024
I really liked William. This is well written as always and truly enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews