Winter Kiss: A Dragonfire Novel

by Deborah Cooke

Book Overview

For millennia, the shape-shifting dragon warriors known as the Pyr have commanded the four elements and guarded the earth's treasures. But now the final reckoning between the Pyr and the dreaded slayers is about to begin... The mysterious Dragon's Blood Elixir gives immortality to Magnus, the Pyr's greatest enemy, and his minions-so it must be destroyed. Outcast from the Pyr because of his own dangerous impulses, Delaney will do anything to vanquish Magnus-and vows to complete a mission which will either redeem him or end his suffering. But his plans don't take into account his sudden firestorm-or the hot- tempered Ginger Sinclair. The firestorm reforms Delaney closer to his old self. And when Ginger learns about Delaney's scheme, she cannot resist a strong man with a noble agenda.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 045122843X
• ISBN13: 9780451228437
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Berkley Books
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.5" x 7.4"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Don't Miss This One

I have all of the Dragonfire Novels. They are all great reads, however, I am the kind of person that has to read in order. So far I have. I am axiously awaiting the next book. I can't wait to find out who the next person is to be featured. I love the series. I tend to be a reader who likes series'. There are so many interesting characters created in a story you want to find out about all of them. My shelves are full and my floor is next. Keep up the good work.

good continuation

I'm still waiting for poor Rafferty to get a break, but I suppose saving Delaney was more important. Delaney is the younger brother of Donovan (hero from "Kiss of Fury") and was "killed" and brought back to life by being forced-fed the Elixir in that book. For a while, Delaney's blood bled black, but after being affected by his brother's firestorm, his blood became a mixture of black and red. Well, in Winter Kiss, Delaney gets his own firestorm that turns his blood completely red and he becomes a "good guy" again. Don't worry, I'm not telling anything important. This book is so much more than what I've already said. The reader gets a larger picture of Magnus's plans. Plus, Ginger, the heroine, is so very likable. I loved the whole farm and "girls," not to mention the attacking rooster. I'm sorry to see so very few reviews for this book/series. I would definitely recommend them and a fast-paced, romantic read.

Another terrific Dragonfire novel!

Cooke's latest book in her DRAGONFIRE series, WINTER KISS, follows the ongoing battle of good and evil fought between an ancient species of male shape-shifting dragons. The Pyr, whose job it is to guard earth's treasures, the most important of which is humans, must stop the malevolent Slayers, led by Magnus. In addition, the Pyr must continue their line, so when a Pyr's "firestorm" heralds his destined mate, he must do his duty and procreate. Delaney Shea's firestorm is one that is vital for the survival of the Pyr. In WINTER KISS, Delaney, the Pyr's ultimate bad boy, envisions the end of the world at the hands of the Slayers, so he voluntarily embarks on what amounts to a suicide mission to destroy the Dragon's Blood Elixir that Magnus created. It is on this mission that Delaney realizes his firestorm. The insidious Elixir allows Magnus to reanimate the Pyr and Slayers who were killed but not yet "gone," turning them into Shadow Dragons. The Elixir also gives the promise of immortality, not to mention great powers, to the dragons who drink it, one of whom was Delaney who was force-fed the potion by Magnus. Though Delaney didn't give in completely to his dark side, he fears it. He valiantly fights his painful cravings for the Elixir, which is like the worst sort of narcotic, especially during eclipses. Because the Elixir already has a grip on Delaney, one that led to his earlier alienation from his fellow Pyr, and because he wants to spare his fellow Pyr from the nightmare he has endured, he determines that it must be he, and he alone, who fights the Slayers and destroys the Elixir. But Delaney didn't count on his old Pyr friends, who are drawn to his firestorm and have vowed to help him. Delaney, along with Erik, Quinn, Donovan, Niall, and the other shape-shifting dragons from the previous novels in the series, reunite as they race against time trying to destroy the Elixir before Delaney is sacrificed to Magnus's grand plan. Delaney also didn't anticipate the power of Ginger Sinclair, a petite, feisty, redheaded dairy farmer, with whom sparks are instant and lasting from the moment they touch. Though Ginger doesn't understand Delaney's circumstances at first, she hopes for a true and lasting love. She's nobody's pushover, and she's determined that Delaney will stay with her, even if it means fighting side by side with him on his quest for redemption. Women continue to be a strong and necessary presence for the Pyr in this series. In fact, Zoe, Eric and Eileen's baby daughter, is the new Wyvern and helped direct the good guys toward success, though not yet speaking. So the women are facilitators and healers in many ways - Ginger helps to heal Delaney's soul. I enjoyed this book for many reasons. Cooke is an excellent writer, and in Delaney, she's created a multi-faceted hero, one who has existed in the figurative and literal dark. Delaney never expects to see the light again, yet he vows to complete one final and honorabl

exciting urban romantic fantasy

The doomsday countdown that has lasted for more than a millennium seems to be ending as the shapeshifting dragons appear ready to finally defeat their adversaries the elemental Pyr who risk all to protect the earth. However, one Pry is in self-exile as his assessment is that he poses a danger to his peers. Delaney died, but the slayer Magnus brought him back to life using dragon blood. Delaney fears Magnus may control him, but he also resolutely hunts the evil slayer with a strong need to destroy the malevolent concoction that returned him from the dead. However, as he stalks Magnus, Delaney meets his probable soul mate Ginger Sinclair who sends him into a firestorm frenzy of desire. They share one hell of a night, but though he wants to stay with her, his mission comes first. Ginger follows him and rushes into battle on the side of her beloved against a dragon. The fourth Dragonfire "Kiss" firestorm urban romantic fantasy is an exciting tale with a superb ironic twist as Delaney meets his fire mate at perhaps the worst time this could occur. For her sake he leaves her to continue his quest, but underestimates Ginger's courage and intelligence. She makes this good vs. evil entry work and also makes it very entertaining and compelling. Harriet Klausner

Strong fourth installment to the Dragonfire series! 5 Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies!

The fight between the Pyr and the Slayers comes to a head in Deborah Cooke's latest DRAGONFIRE novel. In WINTER KISS, Pyr outcast Delaney Shea decides to take on the evil Slayers all by himself. He doesn't expect his own firestorm to happen, but when it does, Ginger Sinclair is the woman nature has made his very own. Delaney Shea has been given outcast status from the Pyr due to his outbursts and almost bipolar episodes and impulses. Delaney takes it upon himself to find the maniacal Magnus and the mysterious Dragon's Blood elixir. The elixir is a source of power that must be stopped if the Pyr are to save the world's defenseless humans. After all, his life can't get any worse, right? The fireworks are only just starting - or should I say "firestorm"? Red headed Ginger Sinclair is the epitome of `always a bridesmaid, never a bride.' Meeting the mysterious and sexy Delaney in a roadside pub during a closed party, she can't help but find herself attracted to the hulking enigmatic man. Sparks fly, literally, with the first touch of Ginger's hand on the man's arm and suddenly she can't seem to help herself. Finding out exactly why magic seems to be in the air when they are together is something that Ginger finds herself wanting to explore. The Dragon's Blood Elixir and Magnus aren't forgotten but with Delaney's sudden recovery into the righteous dragon he has always been, things definitely get interesting. WINTER KISS by Deborah Cooke has a different tone than her previous three DRAGONFIRE novels. It is as if Delaney has almost given up until meeting Ginger changes him for the better. He has been living on the edge of darkness for so long that I smiled in relief when he became the man I knew he was meant to be. Delaney is a bad boy, true, but even bad boys can be redeemed, and Delaney's redemption comes in the form of one petite fiery haired vixen named Ginger Sinclair. From first glance the two couldn't keep their eyes and their hands off of each other. When the firestorm hits, it is just icing on the cake. A beautiful and emotionally gripping fourth novel, WINTER KISS is compelling and will keep readers riveted in their seats and breathing a happy sigh at the love shared between Delaney and Ginger. Favorite DRAGONFIRE characters return to aid Delaney in his quest to keep his Ginger safe. Ms. Cooke has upped the heat in WINTER KISS - sizzling hot love scenes and explosive emotions make WINTER KISS a must read! Natalie S.