Revenge is a curse that can only destroy.

Princess Annika loves dancing, wearing bright gowns, and enjoying life. When she travels to the neighbouring kingdom of Walhack for the spring festival, she expects to make new friends. What she doesn’t expect is to meet Wlad, the former prince of Walhack now a slave in his own kingdom, starved and beaten by the violent usurper. Her attempt to help the fallen prince ends with her being assaulted and her father damaged for life.

Revenge is the only thing that keeps Wlad alive after the invaders occupied his kingdom, killed his parents, and turned him into a slave. Annika is the first ray of sunlight in years of pain and humiliation. Her kindness and compassion awaken the most dangerous feeling of all in his heart—hope.

#BetweenTheDragonKingAndHisWrath @brussell84Kiwi @Zooloo’s Book Tours @zooloo2008 #ZooloosBookTours #blogtour

Desperate to take his kingdom back, he makes a pact with the Sister Witches. He’ll be cursed forever in exchange for the supernatural powers that will allow him to defeat his enemy.

Eight years later Annika doesn’t dance anymore. Doesn’t wear bright gowns anymore. As she struggles with her trauma, she has to meet King Wlad the Dracul—the Dragon King of Walhack who slaughtered his way back to the throne. Everyone says he’s cursed, turned into an immortal creature who seeks blood to survive. But she hopes he’s still the kind young man she met years ago.

This is a standalone, steamy paranormal/historical romance with a happily ever after. Trigger warning for explicit sex scenes, assault (off page), violence (off page), and trauma. There’s a time jump after the first few chapters. Cinnamon roll hero.

Here is a short extract from the book:

“She had to grab the wrought iron handle with both hands and pull with all her strength before the door swung inward. The bright lights of the corridor glared at her when she inched the thick and heavy door open. Distant voices, laughter, and music echoed from the lower floor. Music! She perked up on her toes, hearing the happy tunes of harps, flutes, and kettledrums. A fast tempo was beating through the castle, and even from her bedchamber, she could smell the scent of spiced roasted mutton and mulled wine. She shifted her weight, the music and scents teasing her. Oh, dash it. She wanted to go. Where were the servants? Was her maid already carousing without her?

“Chewing her bottom lip, she searched the hallway. The light from the torches hanging on the walls danced on the dark stone floor. Closed doors lined the corridor, but there was no one around.

“There… Her heart leapt when she spotted someone. Whoever it was, the person was slogging along the corridor, carrying a basket.

“Excuse me.” She stepped out of the bedchamber, a hand on the front of her dress to prevent it from falling. “Excuse me,” she repeated when the figure didn’t give any signs of having heard her.

“The sound of shuffling feet stopped as the servant paused. Under layers of tattered clothes was a young man, who stared at her in stunned silence. She stepped back. For some silly reason, she’d taken it for granted that the servant was an old woman. Now she wasn’t so sure she wanted this man’s help. But he had only to tie her belt. He didn’t need to enter her bedchamber or touch her. Of course, she wouldn’t tell anyone. Her papa would panic again and ship her to Sieben-Saxon for good.

“He touched his chest, mouth hanging open. “Are you talking to me, my lady?”

“I’m in need of assistance, sir.” She waved at him.

“He limped over to her, carrying the basket with one arm. As he came closer, shivers crawled down her spine, leaving a chill on her skin. His short dark hair was trimmed close to the scalp, showing a cut on his hairline. Despite his strong jaw and broad shoulders, his face still held the roundness of youth. She gathered he wasn’t much older than she was, perhaps a year or two. Although ancient pain swirled in his deep dark eyes. They were so dark that the pupils were lost in the black sea of the irises. Cuts and bruises marred his face, knuckles, and neck. Bones protruded from underneath his worn tunic. If anything, it wasn’t fear that gripped her heart as he walked closer, but compassion.

“My lady?” His baritone sent another set of shivers along her body. Deep and steady, it vibrated with an unexpectedly gentle note.

“I’m sorry to trouble you, but I need your help to tie my belt behind my back.” She
patted the saffron fabric. His gaze darted around, and his breathing sped up.

“My lady, that wouldn’t be appropriate. Lord Draga will punish you and me if he knows I touched your dress.”

“Why would Lord Draga care? Also, why did this servant speak in such a refined fashion?

“We’ll be quick. My belt only needs to be tied up. Please.”

Concern tightened his face, but he nodded. “As you wish, my lady.” He put the basket down, wincing as he bent over. Dried blood stained his sleeves and black eyebrows.

“Lord, you’re injured.” She couldn’t stop herself from eyeing his body. She wasn’t an expert on the art of healing as her mother had been, but sage oil would soothe those bruises. Something was wrong with his leg, judging by the awkward way he held it slightly up. Or maybe with his entire body.”

From the Author

“Love stories have always captured my imagination. What’s better than two people falling in love with each other? I write steamy romance, usually with a paranormal twist in an historical setting. Add a touch of suspense and mystery and a pinch of darkness. I love stories with strong, sexy heroes and mischievous heroines who pull no punches.  I live in the City of Sails, New Zealand, drinking tea (coffee gives me anxiety) and devouring books. 

“Join my newsletter for exclusive content and the chance to receive an ARC copy of my books. Just copy and paste this link into your browser:
Barbara’s Newsletter

“If you love steamy paranormal romance set in Victorian London, my Royal Occult Bureau series is for you:
The Royal Occult Bureau Series

“Are you into shape-shifter romance? Check out my da Vinci’s Beasts series, set in WW2:
da Vinci’s Beasts Series

“For more Victorian paranormal romance with witches and sexy warriors, see the Knights of the White Blade series:
The White Order Series

“Love steampunk? Check out my Auckland Steampunk series:
Auckland Steampunk Series

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/RussellBarbara84
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brussellkiwi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brussell84Kiwi

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68057091-between-the-dragon-king-and-his-wrath

Buy Links – https://geni.us/qYezIr