Tag Archives: dragon shifters

Burned by Darkness (Dragons of Eternity #1) by Alexandra Ivy-a review

Posted on by
9

BURNED BY DARKNESS (Dragons of Eternity #1) by Alexandra Ivy-a review

Burned by Darkness

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 30, 2015

The Dragons of Eternity were once creatures of myth and legend. Now they’ve returned to the world, prepared to claim what’s rightfully theirs…

Tayla is desperate for a place to call home. After years on the run, the young imp impulsively buys a teahouse and is determined to build a new life. Unfortunately, she’s barely opened the doors when she’s tracked down by the dragon who purchased her from troll slave-traders. He demands she pay off her debts…in his harem.

Baine has devoted a quarter of a century to tracking down his beautiful concubine. And now that he has her in his grasp, he’s not about to let her go. But it’s soon apparent that he isn’t the only demon hunting her. He must uncover her secrets or risk losing her forever.

•••••••••

REVIEW: BURNED BY DARKNESS is the first installment in Alexandra Ivy’s adult, contemporary, new Dragons of Eternity paranormal romance series-a spin off from Alexandra’s Guardians of Eternity PNR series. This is dragon shifter Baine, and imp Tayla’s storyline. Our little gargoyle Levet crosses over and establishes himself a match making business .

Told from several third person perspectives BURNED BY DARKNESS finds our heroine on the run. For twenty five years Tayla has barely stayed one step ahead of the dragon who seeks Tayla as part of his hoard. What Tayla doesn’t know is that she is payment for a debt owed by someone close-someone she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. What ensues is a building relationship between Tayla and Baine, and Baine’s need to claim Tayla as his mate.

BURNED BY DARKNESS is a quick read that focuses on the history between dragons, imps, demons and fae. There is also a hierarchy of dragon power that finds Baine at the helm of his own following, but one that does not usurp the power of the man who sired our hero. Baine’s father wants Tayla for his own purpose, but Baine must ensure that Tayla is protected at all times.

The relationship between Tayla and Baine is acrimonious as Tayla has been on the run from Baine and his father. But there is a definite attraction between our leading couple, one that does not go unnoticed by a perpetually nosy gargoyle, or Baine’s assistant-half dragon-Char. The $ex scenes are limited in number; there is some spark and heat where it concerns Tayla and Baine’s sexual activity.

BURNED BY DARKNESS includes plenty of humor thanks to Levet and his inability to use modern English slang. Alexandra Ivy introduces her readers to another entertaining and wonderful paranormal series that is very similar in style, world building and supernatural character development as her successful Guardians of Eternity. I suspect there will be many cross over characters in future storylines.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Dragos Takes a Holiday (Elder Races Novella 6.5) by Thea Harrison-dual review

Posted on by
11

Dragos Takes a Holiday (Elder Races Novella) by Thea Harrison-dual review

Dragos Takes a Holiday nov 13

Links to order Dragos Takes a Holiday:
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

About the book: Release Date November 28, 2013

The Bermuda Triangle. Pirates. The Peanut. What could possibly go wrong?

Dragos Cuelebre needs a vacation. So does Pia, his mate. When the First Family of the Wyr head to Bermuda for some much needed R&R, it’s no ordinary undertaking – and no ordinary weekend in the sun. Between hunting for ancient treasure buried beneath the waves and keeping track of their son, Liam—a.k.a. Peanut, whose Wyr abilities are manifesting far ahead of schedule—it’s a miracle that Pia and Dragos can get any time together.

They’re determined to make the most of each moment, no matter who tries to get in their way.

And did we mention pirates?

For fans of DRAGON BOUND and LORD’S FALL, passion, playfulness, and adventure abound in this Elder Races novella.

Sandy’s Review

DRAGOS TAKES A HOLIDAY is the latest novella in Thea Harrison’s Novel of the Elder Races series and one that focuses on family and friends. Both Pia and Dragos are tired: tired of the daily ins and outs of running Cuelebre Enterprises and in desperate need of time away. Hoping to relax in the sun, surf and sand of Bermuda, Dragos flies his family to the islands for a week of relaxation and treasure hunting. But not everything goes according to plans when others come hunting for the same treasure that Dragos has located.

The storyline is one many young families will sympathize with when everything in life closes in and nothing seems to go well. Pia is quickly learning that the dragon shifter she gave birth to is developing much faster than humanly possible and it is this development that will place the small family in danger of losing one of their own.

Thea Harrison pulls the reader into a sweet storyline where mommy and daddy need some time away but the ‘peanut’ as he is affectionately called, has other plans. We watch as Liam softens the heart of a man who will kill to protect those he loves and allows us to believe that there is good amongst the evil wherever we will go.

Thea has written an engaging storyline of love and affection; family and friends; greed and revenge. Dragos Takes a Holiday shows the mischievous side of raising a dragon shifter baby and allows us another peak into the world of the leader of the Wyr and the family that he loves.

Copy supplied by the author

_____________________________

Barb’s Review

Since Sandy has wonderfully described Dragos Takes a Holiday, and rather then duplicate that, I will tell you what I loved about the book. This was a novella, and Thea Harrison did such a wonderful job giving us just what we needed for the holidays. I absolutely loved this book. It was such a sweet, endearing read that was so much fun, and had me falling totally in love with Liam (Peanut).

Thea also gave us Peanut’s POV, which was precious. Just to get any story on Dragos and Pia is always great, as they are and always will be my favorites; though I love most of Elder Races heroes and heroines. Dragos and Pia still steam up the pages (I do have a kindle 🙂 ), but it was nice to watch their reactions upon discovering what Peanut can already do.

Did I say he was so adorable? I wanted to pick him up as the baby, and also as the little white dragon. Only a few months old, and he is already doing things unheard of. Some of my favorite scenes:

Pia in the kitchen hearing a noise, runs into the room and sees a small white dragon. Liam’s first shift. OMG I loved it. How she held him, and called Dragos home to see his little dragon.

When they were in Bermuda, Dragos takes Pia and Peanut for a ride on his back in his Dragon form. Peanut watches his father’s wings and flying, and joyfully decides to shift and copy his father. Poor Pia has to hold on to the little dragon, afraid he would fall. But never fear, Dragos can do anything, which includes protect them both.

Later, Peanut’s curiosity gets him into trouble, but he is smart enough (you hear his thoughts in his POV), to climb on the top of a building and wait for his father to fly to his rescue.

Dragos takes a Holiday is also a suspenseful story, in which Dragos must discover who is trying to stop him from looking for treasure in the Bermuda Triangle, as well as who will harm his family. I loved that they were able to get away on a much needed vacation, taking only Eva and Hugh, with them. It was fun watching Dragos and Pia marvel at their son, and worry what will happen when he gets older. But it was more fun for us, and I enjoyed every single moment of this wonderful adventure. Thank you Thea, for this amazing heartwarming holiday treat, and allowing us to joyfully spend time with Liam.

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Share

A Tale of Two Dragons by G.A.Aiken-a review

Posted on by
10

A TALE OF TWO DRAGONS (Dragon Kin .2) by G.A. Aiken-a review

A Tale of Two Dragons

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 5, 2013

Braith of the Darkness likes going through life unnoticed. Not an easy task for a She-dragon of royal descent. But the evil plots of her father are turning her quiet, boring life upside down, and she has now become the enemy of the most vicious queen her kind has ever known. But for once, Braith won’t have to fight alone. Not when the warrior dragon of her dreams is willing to risk everything to save her neck.

Addolgar the Cheerful wishes he could say he’s helping the pretty royal strictly for honorable reasons – but he’d be lying. It’s not his fault, though! He didn’t tell Braith of the Darkness to have the most delicious tail he’s ever seen! Yet before Addolgar can get his very strong claws on that tail, heads are going to roll. Just hopefully not theirs…

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: A TALE OF TWO DRAGONS is another prequel novella from G.A.Aiken and her Dragon Kin series. This is Addolgar and Braith’s storyline. Addolgar is an easy going and ‘cheerful’ dragon; one of Dragon Queen Addiena’s warriors; son of Aileen the Wicked and Shalin the Innocent; and one of Bercelak’s elder brothers. You remember Bercelak? Father of Fearghus, Briec, Gwenvael, Keita, Eibhear? And yes, we meet a young Bercelak as he once again encounters his future mate the princess Rhiannon.

Braith of the Darkness is a reluctant royal whose mother and father never bonded. Her father’s lineage is all about the sons while her mother’s is all about the daughters. Believing herself unattractive and unloved following the death of her mother, Braith has remained in the back ground until now. Ordered by her father and Queen Addiena to accompany the Queen’s daughter, Braith is surprised to learn that Addolgar the Cheerful will be one of the escorts. Braith has always had a bit of a crush on Addolgar and in his presence, Braith becomes shy and withdrawn. But the queen’s daughter has other plans and Braith will find herself Addiena’s target when her father sets out to betray the throne.

In true Aiken fashion, the storyline is awash in humor, sarcasm, witty rhetoric and the distinctive voice of the Cadwaladr Clan as they push and shove their way into each other’s heart and our own. And we learn just how far Aileen the Wicked’s slutty ways have travelled when Braith’s own family is well connected and known to the elder Cadwaladr dragon.

Aiken’s style of writing is a true testament of her ability to weave humor and sarcasm into a storyline without sounding snarky or trying too hard. The way she is able to pull the reader into the storyline with the colorful characters and sibling rivalry between dragons allows the reader to experience the emotional highs and lows, as well as entertaining us as we travel the skies with the Cadwaladr Clan and the dragons of Aiken’s Dragon Kin series.

READING ORDER
1. Dragon Actually
2. About a Dragon
3. Can’t Get Enough (Everlasting Bad Boys Anthology)
4. What a Dragon Should Know
5. Last Dragon Standing
6. Dragon on Top (Supernatural Anthology novella))
7. How to Drive a Dragon Crazy
8. A Tale of Two Dragons (novella)

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Red Hot Dragon (Dragon Heat #2) by Lolita Lopez-a review

Posted on by
20

RED HOT DRAGON (Dragon Heat #2) by Lolita Lopez-a review

Red Hot Dragon

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 1, 2013

Griffin Cadogan is shocked to see Avani Monroe, sworn enemy of his dragon family, walk into his gym. With his mating phase soon approaching, Griffin is curious as to why she has to come enemy territory knowing the risks. Not only does she surprise Griffin and his cousin, Mad, by coming to enemy territory, but what she wants is borderline insane-Griffin must help her have a baby.

After her mother’s line was annihilated by the Knights, Avani accepted her duty to ensure the continuation of their unique dragon breed. She’s searched the dragon registries and Griffin is the most likely candidate for her crazy plan. Working up the courage to approach a man who considers her an enemy wasn’t easy but she manages to calmly lay out her carefully orchestrated plan.

But Griffin isn’t about to agree to her harsh terms. If she wants him to father her child, he intends to play an active role in his offspring’s life, not simply walk away as she requires. Shocked by her instant attraction to him, she agrees to his terms. Once together, they realize their connection is about more than creating a child, but that happiness is short-lived when Mad suddenly disappears. Knowing the dragon slayers are behind it, Griffin must risk it all to save the ones he loves.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: RED HOT DRAGON is the second storyline in Lolita Lopez’s Dragon Heat paranormal dragon shifter novella series. This is Griff and Avani’s story and once again our dragons are entering their mating phase which places them in danger of discovery by the Knights who have sworn to destroy all dragons.

The storyline focuses on Avani’s need to mate. As the only surviving dragon of her kind, it is imperative that Avani continue the line and there is only one dragon of which she knows that is in his mating heat at the same time. Enter Griffin Cadogan who wants nothing to do with mating, raising a child or propagating the species but to his surprise his internal dragon wants only one thing-to mate with Avani Monroe.

The world building is limited due to the length of the novella, but the reader is pulled into a storyline where the history of a blood feud between Avani’s line and the other dragons has place Avani in a precarious position. She is in possession of something the other dragons want.

There is also a secondary storyline building as Griffin’s best friend and fellow dragon goes missing following a series of prophetic dreams and nightmares. As the other dragons must deal with the attack against Griffin and Avani, they are all in danger when one of their own  goes missing.

The sexual heat is high as the mating phase pulls our couple towards one another. There is no denying that their inner dragons want nothing more than to mate, but it is the human side that sees a future when the mating phase is complete.

If you like a story with strong alpha males, dragon shifters and protective alpha mates, than Dragon Heat is the perfect series. These are fast paced, short storylines that can be read in one sitting.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Dark Kings Series by Donna Grant- a review

Posted on by
13

Dark Kings Series by Donna Grant

DARK CRAVING (Dark Kings #1) by Donna Grant

Barnes and Noble / Amazon / KOBO

DARK CRAVING is the first novella (July 2012 release) in Donna Grant’s Dark Kings series focusing on an ancient group of Dragon Kings and the secret they hold close to their hearts. Centuries ago, Ulrik the Silver Dragon King was betrayed by a woman, and the others took it upon themselves to end her life but making an enemy of one of their own. Now forced to live at Dreagon,( in the Scottish countryside) to ensure the safety of both dragon and man, the others must abide by King Constatine’s rules knowing they would never be able to find the love of a woman because of an act of betrayal so many years ago. But the Green Dragon King Haldor Wilson has found someone and their attraction to each other is immediate. Is Hal willing to risk everything to be with the woman he knows to be his mate or give her up to keep peace within between the Dragon Kings?

Cassie Hunter was broke, unemployed and depending on the help of her brother in Scotland, and moving to Europe was her only option knowing she was leaving a mountain of debt behind. Alone, freezing to death and frightened, Cassie would soon find herself in the arms of a very beautiful stranger and something about the man was different. It wasn’t long before Cassie craved the arms of the stranger who saved her life not once but twice. But when Hal never returned, Cassie realized that not only was she destitute and alone, but she was heartbroken as well.

Hal knew it was against the Dragon laws to take up with a woman, especially a human woman, but the laws were in effect to safeguard their secret. The last time their secret was revealed, the Dragons were plunged into a war with each other, and were forced to kill hundreds of humans when the Dragon’s existence garnered fear and loathing among mankind. But Hal knew he had found his mate in Cassie, and was willing to risk the wrath of the Constantine in order to save his mate. With only two options available, Hal knew erasing Cassie’s memory of their time together would prevent another war between the Kings.

DARK CRAVING is a fast paced, short storyline that introduces the premise behind Donna Grant’s Dark Kings series. The background and story behind the Dragon Kings’s current dilemmas is revealed but it doesn’t overwhelm the senses or the reader’s mind. The attraction between Cassie and Hal is immediate, and the relationship although quick to build, is not unwelcome or unexpected. Donna has brought to life a mythical creature with all the foibles and concerns of their human counterparts, but adds the mystery of a time honored tale about Dragons and their history with mankind.

NIGHT’S AWAKENING (Dark Kings #2) by Donna Grant

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

NIGHT’S AWAKENING is the second storyline (August 2012 release) in Donna Grant’s Dark Kings novella series. It has been five months since Dragon King Haldor found his human mate Cassie, and the Dragon King’s of Dreagon ( in the Scottish Highlands) believe that their magic is still intact. But when they discover two trespassers in the caves of Dreagon, Guy is immediately taken with Elena Griffin.

When Elena’s boss (from PureGems) died during their caving excursion, she realized she was alone, in a strange country with a possible broken ankle. But no sooner had she tried to move, when 3 strangers came to her rescue. Questioning why Elena was in the caves, she was unaware that there were secrets these men were trying to hide. But it is her attraction to Guy that shocked her the most. There is an instant chemistry and Guy would soon become overly protective.

Guy is surprised when all of his protective instincts to guard and keep Elena safe go into overdrive. If it wasn’t for Dragon King Haldor’s similar reaction to discovering his mate, Guy would have been confused. He and the other Dragon King’s recognized Guy’s immediate attraction to Elena, but it was Constantine who needed to be reassured that Elena knew exactly what she was about to do. No sooner had Elena and Guy professed their love for one another, did Con reveal that the Dragon’s secret had been uncovered and their whereabouts now known. Elena would become part of a bigger secret when the Dragons went on a voyage of discovery to find out who was willing to reveal the existence of dragon shifters and why. They were heading to London to uncover who or what was behind the plot.

NIGHT’S AWAKENING is another fast paced and intriguing storyline in Donna Grant’s Dark Kings series. We learn more about the Dragon King history and as well as getting a re-cap of the information initially revealed in the first storyline-Dark Craving. I applaud and welcome the authors who include important information previously revealed in earlier storylines. This information keeps the reader involved and allows new comers to the series to remain attached especially if the series is read out of order. I do not recommend reading this series out of order, but the already revealed information is a bonus for everyone, Donna does an amazing job keeping the storyline intact and the relationship between Guy and Elena is both hawt and seductive. We all need a dragon in our own lives.

DAWN’S DESIRE (Dark Kings #3) by Donna Grant

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

DAWN’S DESIRE (Dark Kings #3) is the third storyline (September 2012 release) in Donna Grant’s Dark Kings series. Dawn’s Desire takes up immediately following the end of Night’s Awakening where Elena Griffin must go undercover to discover who is threatening to reveal Dreagan and the Dragon’s secret. Jane Holden also works at PureGems and couldn’t help her immediate attraction to the new limo driver Banan. As assistant to the Richard Arnold, PureGems CEO, Jane was the first person from whom Banan had hoped to get information regarding Richard and why they were sending people to Dreagan in the Scottish Highlands.

Banan is a Dragon King. Undercover as the new limo driver for PureGems, Banan couldn’t stop thinking about Jane. And his attraction to the American working in England was even more overwhelming when he realized that this woman, whom he was sent to investigate, could very well be his mate. Jane would soon be involved with the investigation at PureGems when she overhears a telephone conversation mentioning Dreagan, between Richard and an unknown caller. Her life hangs in the balance, when she finds herself the victim of an abduction at the hands of a Scottish stranger who knows just as much about the Dragon Kings as their own kind.

DAWN’S DESIRE is another fast pace and fascinating storyline in Donna Grant’s Dark Kings series. Now that three of the Dreagan Dragon’s have found mates, we will certainly see the beginnings of an extended family. Donna’s ability to include all of the necessary background information from storyline to storyline is a bonus for any reader. You can’t help but fall in love with the Dragons from the Scottish Highlands. And of course, throughout the series, the Dragon Kings continue to reassure themselves that Ulriik is no longer a threat, but it looks like they may have been complacent a little too long.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share