Light My Fire: GSC in Love Book 1, Katy Manz

This was just...okay.  I had really high hopes because dragons, I mean, it's got dragons!  But alas, dragons were not enough to make me love this story.  The dragons were the best part, especially Zander, with their complicated, potentially tragic family situations, the love and support, and the lack of pride that could have destroyed them all.

But then you've got Rayne who seemed to be a total boss, in control of so much, an incredible magic wielder, and fierce.  He should have been the best partner to Zander.  I generally love an omega who doesn't fit the stereotypical role and doesn't want to, but here he was so disdainful of those who chose what he feared.  Yes, he got over it, but he was so arrogant, so unbending, so narrow sighted when things got tough.  I wanted to see him be humbled, not just come to the conclusion that he needed to do better.  There was a dream and I truly needed to see that dream because days later and I'm still mad at Rayne for doing what he did to Zander.

Overall this was a good story, not a bad one, but I just don't know that I will put book two high on my TBR list.  Maybe, maybe because Rayne won't be the lead and there will still be my dragons I'll give it a chance...  This was my first book by this author so I think I will give it a chance, I just wasn't impressed by one of the male leads.

Oh, but the best scene ever, the one that totally stabbed me right in the feels, yeah, that might definitely make me come back for more.  Zander's father's immediate reaction to his mate's distress?  That was pure gold with so much love and so much of a 180 from the male we met near the beginning.  Beautiful moment.  So yeah, maybe I will read book two sooner rather than later...

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Needing the Kraken: Cursed Mermen Book 6, Aramis Jordan

This book was...interesting.

I liked the premise and was drawn into the general story trajectory and was tantalized by the tentacle love... But somewhere between the beginning of the middle and the very end I got lost. The spice was there, oh holy good night, was it there, but that was kind of what carried the story. There were feels and they came on slowly since admissions were kind of few and far between with most of the feels being revealed through actions and inner dialogue rather than being shared and communicated.

The scene where certain personal truths were shared and explained was actually done well with tact, heart, and acceptance. Perhaps it was a little too easy, but by this point there was a whole lot of drama put behind them, danger conquered, and time for genuinely deep feelings to take root. I didn't mind that it was more tender and sweet rather than complicated.

And we have the implantation and birthing scenes....oh my... If that kind of cephalopod stuff is not your thing, understandable, just skip ahead.

Also, if this is the first book of the series that you read, as was the case for me, there's nothing included, even in the epilogue, that would give spoilers for any of the previous books. There are a couple characters and groupings that interested me in the epilogue, but I have to say, despite that interest, those stories will likely not make the top ten on my To-Read list merely because the writing is very word heavy with less progress achieved than expected with the sheer number of words. I totally feel the reviews of readers that said they skimmed a whole lot. At times I wish I had.

*$4.99 on Amazon or Free on KU!

A man on the run.

A dangerous sea witch offering shelter.

Nobody can know who Sebastian really is. Driven from his home and chased by the king’s henchmen, Sebastian runs into Malik, a sea witch and kraken shifter. At first he’s repulsed by Malik’s eight long appendages, but with nowhere to go, Sebastian has no choice but to fling himself into Malik’s many arms.

Malik is the mightiest witch in the New World. His magic grants him dark powers, but the one thing he can’t have is love—because Malik guards a deep secret. When Sebastian comes to him for protection, he grants it. As they grow closer, the pressure on Malik to reveal his best-kept secret mounts. But what if the truth sends Sebastian running into the arms of his enemies?

Needing the Kraken is a 72,000 word MM romance. It features an intense love story, plenty of steam, secret identities, close proximity and a non-binary main character. This gay, paranormal romance is a standalone and the final book in the Cursed Mermen series. HEA guaranteed!

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 50

• Love You So Hard: Love You So Book 1, Tara Lain
• Fate's Final Chapter: A Collection of Strays Book 6, Toby Wise
• Night Skies and Galaxy Leggings, Nikole Knight

While we didn't get to know the men a whole lot, less of Jessie than of Craig, we got enough of a sense of rightness between them, that they were the right person for one another.  I ached for Craig and even teared up when everything in his life seemed to be falling apart and seeing him find his forever with Jessie was very sweet.  Though the individual growth where he finds his courage and confidence isn't complete or even completely solid by the time the story ends, it is on an upward trajectory.

His Charlie Brown thoughts got to be a bit too much for me at times and there was very little sense at all of who Jessie is other than a good match for Craig because he's so complementary.  But despite the cheese and simplistic characters, I did like the overall feel of the story. I also liked the words a certain boss had for him and that those that needed their comeuppance got it.  Very low angst, this short story was full of sweetness, fluffy feels, and some spice to balance it all out.  3.5 stars

Such a sweet ending, a great way to close out the series of all the unlikely yet perfect pairings.  Being guided by Fate to find their fated mates and to bring life into the pack lands as well as the heart of their adopted father, each group gets one final moment to show us just how wonderful it is to find the being(s) meant for your soul.  True to each character there were twin shenanigans, steamy moments, tender feels, and all the good stuff we've come to expect from each and every book in the series.  Along with some truly interesting female alpha explanations that I'd always been curious about, there were snippets from each grouping that rounded out and solidified every good thing I've felt over the course of following all their journeys.  4 stars.

Tender, heartbreaking, and triumphant.  

Casey and Andy are so incredibly young and only starting out in life. On their own they're so very different and yet there's a common thread of admiration, yearning, and discovery that ties them together. There's also an attraction that's more than physical and while they navigate a mostly homophobic community and their changing feelings they find that young love isn't enough when life comes calling.

I enjoyed the story so much and when the heartbreak came I teared up knowing that it was such a difficult moment for both of them and cursing the fact that there were only a few more pages in the novella left. The epilogue was short and wonderful and I wanted to say I didn't like the book because it was so short, but that would be a disservice to effective writing just because I wasn't ready to let these young people go. I want more.  4 stars.

All Kidding Aside: Magical Mates Book 1, Macy Blake

Jumping back into the world of The Chosen One and the Hellhounds gives us all the after, all the children, and all the crazy that follows every single individual.  There are happy surprises, interesting discoveries, an alpha lion who never met a four-letter word he didn't like, and a murderous fae who nearly ruins everything.  If you're looking for a crazy world, adorable shifter children, and a pair of mates who need a miracle to get on the same page then look no further.

Victor is a prickly griffin with a big job to do.  And when a cute little red panda cub sets his sights on him his life is instantly changed.  No white shirts will survive, but neither will his heart; it now belongs in the little grubby hands  that have just as tight of a grip on his vintage Hermes tie.  But it's when the giant bear shifter enters his life that everything makes sense...and scares him beyond imagining.  I liked Victor, even his little escape fits him to a T and is actually quite tolerable because aside from distance, he doesn't do idiotic things to truly ruin everything as one might expect from many other stories with characters like him.

Riggs is baffled by the beautifully fractious Victor and their attraction is definitely present.  My favorite moment between them was definitely the half-asleep kitchen shuffle that started everything steamy between them.  It was adorable and spicy all at the same time and endeared me to him more than nearly every other moment in the story.

Both men coming together for the project of housing everyone showed a pretty competent team and then when they worked together to care for and about Gus I was sold.  That's not to say they were perfect or awesome, they didn't truly meet those descriptors.  They were pretty simplistic characters, good ones, but not especially deep or compelling.  It was how everything worked together as a whole family unit within a rambunctious pack that made it all fit.  This was definitely a fitting story to add to the Chosen One Universe and I'm absolutely coming back to it to see more magical mate pairings because I can't seem to get enough of their world and the children that need so very much.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Building houses for a pack of orphans might lead one griffin to find his heart’s home.

Victor Eastaughffe knows three things for a fact:
-He does not have a mate.
-He does not like children.
-His duty is to his griffin clan.

When Victor meets Orsen Riggs, a scruffy bear shifter, and little Gus, an orphaned red panda cub, his orderly, structured world becomes messy and chaotic. All the things he once held true suddenly don’t make sense.

Asked to help the Smith pack navigate the difficult world of shifter politics, Victor realizes he might not know himself as well as he thought. Magic is in the air, and it’s making him long for things he never wanted before. But duty comes before all else, even at a price Victor no longer wants to pay.

Single Omega Dad: Omega Misfits Book 4, Wendy Rathbone

After what happened in Trust No Alpha with Mathias I was set to make him earn his redemption.  I didn't expect to see his detachment and listlessness from the very start and then his quick change after truly seeing Saber.  His redemption didn't fully come until near the end, but that's because part of the process is making amends.  While he spent most of this story attempting to do what was right by the Omega that he was falling for, he had to come to terms with his past and that was his hurdle.  It took a while, but when he got there it was sweet because Kris was a wonderful human being that saw the heart of the man rather than holding a grudge from the past.  Though it did all work out, I felt the reconciliation was a bit too tame for what was necessary.

Finding a strong Omega who knew his mind and was still a wonderful father is something that doesn't always find a balance in many mpreg stories.  I was very happy that this wasn't the case here because Saber was truly a good dad who wanted the best for his sons.  Having a great Alpha to support him in that and to become a true partner in the task was icing on the cake.  I'm glad the kids played a role and at the same time were off screen as an integral part of their story but not taking up a lot of page time because there was a lot to cover with just the two men on their own.  The passion the two shared was definitely steamy and also full of unspoken feels most of the way through the story.  What they found in the end was a bond stronger than either ever anticipated they'd have for themselves and I was happy they got what they needed.

The issue of personal struggle for Mathias was something I felt evenly torn between.  Part of me wished they found a way to get what they wanted and needed without the miracle moment and part of me was grateful that they found a kind of completeness that worked for them.  It could have gone either way and while I enjoy what we got, I kind of feel like the grass may be greener on the other side.  Finding a way to accept yourself for exactly who you are, as you are, is a tough endeavor without anything out of your control getting in your way.  There's a message missing with the cure we found because the toxicity behind Mathias' father's ideas of what makes a strong Alpha is nearly reinforced by having that "flaw" of Mathias' be the thing that solidifies their bond.

Despite that bit of ambivalence, this was such a great story that needed to happen in the series.  It's definitely a stand-alone story, but to understand the depth of Mathias' guilt and resentment I highly suggest reading Trust No Alpha prior to this one.

*$3.99 on Amazon

My new financial guardian, Mathias, is a cold, self-centered, rude-ass Alpha and the son of one of the wealthiest men in the country. To him, I am a burden on society, only fit to live on a chattel farm.

It doesn’t matter that I’m drawn to him, to his ominous presence and chiseled jaw, his muscular body in his fitted silk suits. I’m a single dad with kids and responsibilities--I don’t have time for that rich bastard.

He keeps coming by the house so I can sign documents, fine. But then he’s got cute gifts for my kids. It’s got to stop. I don’t have time to fix him. Don’t have time to fall in love with an Alpha right now.

Submitting to Fate: A Collection of Strays Book 5, Toby Wise

Rhett and Wyn have both led lives that seem to imply they're either perfect for one another or "never the 'twain shall meet" and I'm so glad that both men found a way to submit to Fate and all the ways they could fill one another's souls.  There were some rocky moments, but just like with each and every story in the series, they pulled it out in the end and gave in to a plan larger and more knowledgeable than their own.

One bit that didn't gel for me was their big moment of "communication" where the lead up to Wyn and Rhett's dynamic was building only to culminate in a moment that felt uncomfortable.  Wyn's thoughts regarding knowing what Rhett needed and yet ignoring the signs didn't feel right and that their moment of sharing all the angst from their hearts came so late in the story didn't exactly fit their flow either.  With such a short story I wasn't expecting it to be all hearts and roses, but two really big things that were specific to them and their story weren't given enough page time to feel resolved.

What I did love were all the sweet moments when you could see Rhett growing from the brat-for-brattiness'-sake into the brat-with-a-cornerstone.  With Wyn to ground him, to give him the peace he needs he could assume his role as the brat with more humor than before because he didn't need the facade to cover his pain.  Wyn softened as well and his journey was more one of bringing his past alongside his present and reveling in love instead of grief.  Rhett's insistence in keeping Wyn's past as an integral part of their hearts and going so far as to pass it on to their future was immensely wonderful.  It showed growth and a true understanding of love multiplying rather than living with a heart divided.  That was my favorite part.  These two men needed one another and I was pleased overall with their story.

$2.99 on Amazon

I hide behind snarky comments and teasing smiles because letting people see the true me is terrifying. The day I find out Wyn is my mate, all the BS falls away. He sees me, the real me, and instead of running for the hills, he stays by my side. My past reminds me of my failings but Wyn says I’m good. As I submit to him, just maybe I'll learn to believe him. -Rhett

Here I am, finding myself mated for the second time, pregnant without even really trying with a mouthy, bratty alpha. What the heck was Lady Fate thinking? As time goes on and with a little trial and error, Rhett and I learn to fit into our new dynamics. Rhett may submit to me, but I submit to Lady Fate, and so far, She's never pushed me past what I could take. -Wyn

His Royal Mate: Unexpected Mates Book 2, Brea Alepou

There were quite a few things that were seemingly missing from book one and while that wasn't exactly the best way to begin, it put us on the path to this story where both men had depth, interesting backgrounds, and a jumping off point that gave us a way to find answers and a way forward for this pride.  It's absolutely a continuing series and something I can't exactly say stands on its own because of the number of unanswered questions, but if you were to start here rather than book one I'd say that's absolutely fine.  Overall though, this is a series that takes a little while to get off the ground, but when it does it picks up speed very quickly.

Dez and Kash are both interesting on their own because they have very different perspectives despite the similarities in their position that we learn about nearly halfway through the book.  I enjoyed the way both men took to their roles because it felt that they weren't fated mates just because that's the trope here, but that each person individually desired a life that could fit a certain type of partner and they fit those roles exactly right.  They were a great pair and I'm excited to see how they handle everything that's coming their way.

As a supporting cast we've got a varied crew and there are quite a few things that are drawing me back to the series despite not thinking I liked it in the very beginning.  The first book had more of a mystery element, this book has a set up for not just the series but the roles each person plays and will play from here on out, and we're in for some drama and angst in book three.  I think it's safe to say I'm glad I gave the series a shot and I'll be back for more.  There are definitely some issues in the story, the writing, the individuals, but there's something different that intrigues me and I'm willing to read more to find out exactly what that is.

*$4.99 on Amazon

True mates are found in the most unlikely of places.
Kash is Royalty
Kash doesn’t want to believe Dezi is his fated mate. But that’s okay. Dezi is patient and if the fates are going to grant him a beautiful man he’s more than willing to work for it.

Dezi is majestic
Kash had no plans on being mated, especially not to a lion shifter who feels too good to be true. He needs to be wary of Dezi’s charming smile and his warm hugs, but it’s hard to stay on guard when just being around Dezi calms him.

Tender moments, surprises, and reunions. The good and bad, they are in this together.

His Bewildered Mate: Unexpected Mates Book 1, Brea Alepou

I really enjoyed the premise of this story and felt that there was something unique about the story line.  I'd never read a story before where the shifter didn't know they were a shifter but were in their animal form.  The other way around, sure, in fact Badger to the Bone by Shelly Laurenston was a phenomenal example of that, but this was something different, something new to me and I was intrigued right away by the synopsis.  What followed was a lot of the chase and very little actual plot or romantic progression.  While that's not always bad, it felt like it was missing a sense of balance and depth.

Both characters were interesting on their own with a lot of implied complication in their backgrounds.  Moreso with Dillan than Rhy because of his situation though.  That background isn't delved into at all and remains a mystery, so if you're looking for a neat ending with all the answers to this couple before we move on to the next with the subsequent book in the series, this isn't for you.  I will say though, that everything that this book was light on was deepened with book two, so if you're intrigued now, I highly recommend continuing.  This is a series that requires you to come back for more and I would not call it a standalone since questions are answered as the whole pride gets answers as they discover it all together.

*$4.99 on Amazon

True mates are found in the most unlikely of places.

Rhy, a weretiger with a heart so big, that when an elderly woman comes in looking for her lost cat, Mr. Fluffkins, Rhy knew he had to help. He had no way of knowing that it would lead him to his true mate.

Dillan (Mr. Fluffkins), has lived his whole life wishing he was more than just a cat. He never felt right walking around on four paws. He tried to be a normal cat; tried to talk to other animals but it wasn’t possible. They couldn’t think in full sentences or communicate. It was more of feeling they had then what they thought. He watched television, so he could studying humans and what they did. He wanted to interact like humans. His owners showed one another so much love and were always doing something together. Dillan ached to have what they have.

Love, loss, and tender moments. A dream to have the one person that completes you.

Quick Reads, Quick Reviews 47

  

• Becoming Sienna: Tide Series Book 0, T.M. Bashford
• Rebound: Latent Series Book 0, Alana Timms
• Whispers of the Heart: Hartwood Valley Book 1, Anita Therry

There were a few things that held promise, but I'm not sure that everything worked together to actually draw me into the larger series.  The two MC's can be great for one another if they can only figure out what the specter in Sienna's world and what they want.  With a mystery within a mystery there are a lot of tangled threads to unravel and it left me with a more confused and dissatisfied feeling than intrigued and invested.  Quite a lot of the emotional aspects felt forced and I had a hard time with Sienna's end choice.  Yes, healing is necessary, but I don't think her choice is actually the right one for both her and for the situation.  Overall I'm just not exactly a fan of the story and it didn't make me want to read more from this world, especially because the first story in the series isn't about the MC's from here.  2 stars.

I find that this story lacked balance for me.  We spent far too long pining for a friend who though virtually nothing of Trent, not even enough friendship to care about their dynamic and the situation Trent would face without him.  Chasing after his own urges put Trent into a situation that was more than unfortunate.  I did like Noah, though I thought there were so many threads and desires he had regarding his views on their inner wolf that would have beefed up the story and made it so very intriguing.  If we hadn't spent so long on Trent's yearning and the discordant feelings for both alphas we could have had an amazing story.  As it stands, Trent was alright though a bit one-note with a bit of a backbone, Noah was intriguing though in a basic way, and the story was merely alright when so much potential was set aside.  Honestly though, the vampire lounge thing really should have happened, I was really interested in that, but it too was set aside in favor of other unimpressive details.  3 stars.

I liked both characters and thought they matched together as a couple.  Their attraction in the past was there and while I didn't like that it took so long for them together, once they gave in to what they really wanted, it worked out in a sweet way.  That both men didn't expect monumental changes or for the "lowly omega" to give up his dreams and hard work now that he had an alpha in his life was wonderful.  Not everything was easy, especially with someone attempting to undermine and lie their way into taking everything away from them.  As they discover who it is and why it gives both men a chance to support one another.  And in the face of everything, they not only come together as a partnership, but they created a family and an environment where they could all truly thrive.  3.5 stars.

The Alpha's Fake Mate: Omega Misfits Book 2, Wendy Rathbone

Holland and Orion are made for one another, though neither expects that at all.  Holland is absolutely given the short end of the stick in his life and when his incredibly traumatic experience colors his view drastically, it takes all the patience and interest and determination Orion possesses to give the Omega another chance to see another side, a side that could include love.

Orion is atypical in his desires and also in the way he endeavors to run his inheritance.  Those aspects bring him Holland.  He also has a savior complex that gives Holland exactly what he needs to escape the life that is threatening to suffocate him.  Holland's perspective opens Ori's eyes to a life he never thought twice about.  I really liked their dynamic because it was so very atypical to their society.

There were so many parallels to the plight of women and anything other than a wealthy hetero male and while the references and frustrations were a bit heavy handed, they were still relevant.  Holland had an admittedly horrendous experience and I don't blame his bitterness or dissatisfaction one bit.  What I did have a bit of trouble with was how vitriolic he was, how angry he stayed even when he saw clearly who Ori was and what he did for Holland.  Being upset with the world and encouraging Ori to use his position and wealth to do more was great, but that he took all that anger out on the man he absolutely knew was the exception to his hatred was frustrating.

Everything really did work out for both men and I truly enjoyed their dynamic, it made the story much more interesting.  I would have liked to see a little more into the brothel after various changes were made and for there to be a little more in the way of seeing Holland soften rather than it being a kind of sudden moment.  Those two things would have been appreciated.  Overall I enjoyed the first story in the series more, but am interested to see where we may go from here based on how different Ori and Holland's story was from Kris and Thorne's.

*$3.99 on Amazon

The Alphas think they own everything. Including people. Well, I’m here to say they don’t own me, and I will never let one of those bastards touch me again.

The frenzy of their Burn cannot be trusted. I know from experience. My first time with an Alpha nearly ended in my death. And because of the laws which favor Alpha rights, and place a large number of unbonded, adult Omegas on chattel farms, my abuser can never be tried for his crimes against me.

Omegas are being hurt. Omegas are dying.

All Alphas are violent. Or so I believe. Until I meet Orion.

Ori is everything a guy could want in a mate. Six foot three. Beautiful brown wavy hair. Bright, dark eyes. Muscles like chiseled marble. He even says “please” and “thank you” at all the right times. He’s got it all, except he’s an Alpha.

Though he has given me a room in his home free of charge, and has signed fake paperwork saying we are bonded so I don’t have to answer my attacker’s claim, can I trust him?

But now I’m in danger. If I don’t take a real mate, my life as I know it will be over. Can I believe in the goodness of Ori? Can I learn to love again?

A Wolf Reborn: Blue Moon Shifters Book 1, Isha Fang

I was so incredibly confused.  There was so much that distracted from the flow of the story, the characters got in their own way so dang often, the romantic progression was extremely frustrating, the plot didn't feel focused, and the characters weren't compelling on their own.  The potential came from the incredibly unique ideas that were attempted and the implications for the future that came right at the end of this story.  While I wasn't a fan of how everything was integrated, with some objective editing and streamlining, this series could improve immensely and would be worth a second look.

I don't really want this review to seem more like a rant, but there are some glaring issues that bother me enough to feel it important enough to include so as to caution potential readers of possible struggles.  So with that introduction...on to the not-rant!

The pack dynamics were really convoluted with so many links, relationships, hierarchies, and crossovers.  There was a severe lack of clarity that left me trying to accept confusion rather than parse out who was what and why they were important.  Similarly there was a cultural element here that tried way too hard to be poetic and poignant.  The explanations and practices were nice in theory, but poorly executed and served as a confusion as to why so much of that was important because the culture wasn't truly connected to the plot or the MC's despite the blood relation.

Cillin was ... strange?  He seemed older and focused and put-together, but as soon as his mate is discovered, it's like he becomes a different person.  His stunned moments where he internally freaks out are bizarre, his interactions with Conor are baffling, and his inner dialogues with his wolf are a little more codependent than I'm comfortable with.  And what is with the descriptions, explanations, and the scene with his Fbuddy?  Completely unnecessary and just left me feeling icky when we kinda roll back around to the non-building of his relationship with Conor...which is a whole other thing.  Time jumps, holding back, a bizarre heat, unvoiced feelings, drama and trauma, adoptions...what else can we include but not integrate?

There are quite a few threads that are picked up and left to dangle in the wind only to be brought back up with an unsatisfactory integration.  Cillin is supposed to have a lunch with his father? grandfather? someone regarding the Blue Moon shifter thing that we never read about in any way and then during a cultural ceremony with Conor's family it gets brought up in a way that leaves me with more questions than answers, and not in an intriguing way that would bring me back to the series for more.  And the whole thing with Mark's alpha is kind of given a response after the truly crazy is revealed, but there's no real closure there at all.  That whole convoluted mess is too big to be wrapped up with a couple sentences and yet that's what we're given.

And then there's the voice.  Cillin starts off with a sage sounding voice, but then modern slang and vernacular is tossed in which doesn't fit at all with who we meet initially.  They're supposed to be in Boston but no one sounds like they're from Boston.  There are references and languages being tossed around from Ireland and India and it confuses the entire location at every turn.  With no flow in the dialogues it was so hard to want to keep reading.

What's with all the fainting?  I mean, at certain times it's appropriate, and sometimes with being pregnant there's a bloodflow issue at times (I had very low blood pressure with my second so I get feeling faint), but to completely faint as often as Conor does was excessive to say the least.  None of it served any purpose except to make me feel that Conor was weak which did nothing to give me any hope that he'll actually live up to the powers and responsibility he'll have in the books to come.

Ultimately, the end was the best part with making me want to learn more about the powers and implications of the future.  Who else will be Blue Moon, what will they do, how will everything come together?  I didn't love this story, but felt mildly interested in what will come next.  I wish so hard that this was as good as I had hoped it would be, but that was not the case.

*$3.99 on Amazon

An Omega who thinks he's broken and cannot have a mate.
An Alpha who is ready to find his destined mate!

Conor:
An accident turns violent and ends with me in the hospital. I thought nothing else dramatic could happen.
I was wrong.
My doctor turned out to be everything I crave, but everything I’m afraid of.
I’m nothing special, just an omega that can’t shift.
Cillin is an alpha.
I can’t understand why he wants me and yet, he keeps pulling me in.


Cillin:
What was meant to be a normal day at the hospital turned into the most important one of my life. Working in the ER isn’t a glamorous job, but one I love, and treating patients is an everyday occurrence.
Until the patient turns out to be my fated.
Too late to turn back now; I’ve imprinted on him.
Now, I just have to convince him to stay. He may not see it but I know he’s special.

Will they find their way to each other?
Will fate prove the omega is not broken?
Or will they lose each other forever?

The Snow Dragon's Mate: Lonely Dragons Club Book 2, Silvia Violet

The amount of steam in this short story is incredible.  Sometimes it pulled focus from the romantic build, but these kinds of stories generally follow the same romantic formula by starting with the lust and ending with the love.  It's not a bad or ineffective approach, it's just a bit predictable.

Holden is a sassy omega who has a heap of hurt to heal if he's really going to chase after his HEA.  Kymar is a dissatisfied playboy (play-dragon?) who wants a mate but isn't sure how to go about finding one of his own.  Together they are an incredibly sweet pairing with crazy amounts of chemistry.

I liked the simple evolution of the story and especially Kymar's guileless love of the snow and commitment to his mate.  Both of those traits sold me on him as an individual.  While Holden's emotional reaction to getting stuck in the snow is a little much for me, I do extremely appreciate his forthright honesty instead of a typical response of defensiveness.  I can't say I was captivated by the characters, but I did quite like them on a surface level.  I think they had massive potential on their own and together but were hampered by the length of the story.

The other dragons are quite interesting and I'd be interested to see more from the Lonely Dragons Club because the ones I met here are sweet, toppy, and so very eager to find the partner of their souls.  On its own, this story does stand, though I will probably say that for enjoyment of the club on the whole, reading the other books in the series sure wouldn't go amiss.

*$2.99 on Amazon

Best Christmas gift ever: Finding out dragons exist and one of them is your fated mate.
Kymar
Weary from centuries spent searching for my mate, I hid away in a mountain cabin until an offer from a friend leads me to the most exquisite omega I have ever seen. From the moment our eyes meet, all I want is to make him mine. A well-timed storm leaves him stranded in my lair, but when the snow melts, he insists on returning to his human life. I’m convinced we’re fated for one another. Can I make this stubborn young man believe it too?

Holden
I rode on a dragon’s back. A real, live dragon. In his human form, Kymar is so gorgeous I can hardly breathe around him. I’m drawn to him by a force too strong to ignore, but, magical creature or not, I can’t get involved with him. Happiness never lasts. I’ve learned that lesson again and again. After I walk away, my longing to return grows worse every day until I start to wonder if I can find to courage to believe what my heart and my dragon say is true—Kymar and I are meant to be together.