Caged Warrior: The Dragon Kings, Book 1

Audrey MacLaren has lived with a secret: she is also Nynn of Clan Tigony, one of a powerful race of godlike creatures called the Dragon Kings. Her happy life among humans ends when the Aster cartel kills Nynn’s husband and kidnaps Nynn and her son. Now collared and caged, she is trained by tough-as-nails Leto of Clan Garnis to fight other Dragon Kings in brutal gladiatorial combat. But more sparks are flying than can be explained by Nynn’s gift of throwing lightning, and Leto begins questioning life in the Cages for the first time as he fights alongside his newly forged warrior companion. The pseudonymous author’s first book under the Piper name is extremely dark, with massive violence, references to sexual assault, and very little tenderness between the love interests. Nevertheless, fans of gritty paranormal romance will appreciate the strong and emotional story, which builds slowly to an exciting, if rushed, conclusion. (July)