Review: Intriguing Premise With a Strong Heroine
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 10, 2013
It's said that good things come in small packages and that's exactly my feelings in regards to this new novella by Rebecca Royce.  Forever: The Dragon Wars is a fast-paced story with lots of action taking place. There's emotional struggles, issues of PTSD, and an unique paranormal battle raging between werewolves and dragons that's decimating the werewolf community.Devin has returned home after years in captivity a damaged man, both physically and mentally.  Years of torture have left him with scars inside and out that he's having difficulty healing.  If only he were able to shift into his wolf form, then he'd not feel so broken and lost.  The war has taken that ability from him though and he has no idea how to get it back.  I ached for everything he'd been through.  War didn't make him feel like a hero, it robbed him of his life.  To see someone so strong brought so low makes you wonder if the real cost of war is worth it.  His fateful meeting of neighbor Lena is just what he needs though to heal him even though he fights the attraction every step of the way.  It's not until Lena's life is put in jeopardy that he realizes what she truly means to him.  The man took his sweet time realizing it, but the wolf wastes no time in claiming what's his.Lena may be young but she's an admirable heroine.  She's hardworking and loyal as the rest of her family deteriorates from old age and drugs. She's known from a young age that Devin was her mate and has waited patiently for him to come home.  He's not the same man she once knew, and even though he denies what she knows to be true, sets out to help him heal as any proper mate would do.  Their relationship starts out as friends where he helps her fix up her home but soon morphs into more.  She's tired of remaining pure and Devin is more than happy to give her what they both want in numerous steamy encounters.Lena and Devin are a great couple despite their big age difference. She's very mature for her age as she deals with adult issues on her own.  Devin needs the sunshine and unconditional loyalty she bequeaths him and it's her inner strength that feeds his and allows his wolf to return in the nick of time.  The ending is a bit abrupt though no less satisfying.  This is an entertaining start to what I presume to be a new series.  The paranormal elements are intriguing and I look forward to digging deeper into this long fought war.  Ms. Royce has once again created a satisfying story that nicely balances romance and action.