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Reign of Dragons #2
Guardian of Earth
I've lived six lives, and most of them were always the same to the very end.
But in my seventh, everything is about to change...
When I left my captor behind and went home to prepare for my wedding, I was sure about a lot of
I was never going to see Lucien Di Laurier again until he came to kill me in two years.
I was never going to learn more about the reign of dragons, how it started, what it means.
I was never going to change my mind about who my father is...who my mother was.
And I was dead wrong about all of it.
Pretty engagement dresses, fancy gifts and parties do not change the truth about my life. I am a prisoner still, in my own home, in my own skin. But the more I tiptoe around my father and learn about the past, the more the future changes.
But nobody can hide from the king for long. Everything gets out of my control before I can blink, and death is certain, unless...
Unless I make a deal with the devil herself.
And I will do whatever it takes to make sure the people that I care about survive.
May the gods help me.
But in my seventh, everything is about to change...
When I left my captor behind and went home to prepare for my wedding, I was sure about a lot of
I was never going to see Lucien Di Laurier again until he came to kill me in two years.
I was never going to learn more about the reign of dragons, how it started, what it means.
I was never going to change my mind about who my father is...who my mother was.
And I was dead wrong about all of it.
Pretty engagement dresses, fancy gifts and parties do not change the truth about my life. I am a prisoner still, in my own home, in my own skin. But the more I tiptoe around my father and learn about the past, the more the future changes.
But nobody can hide from the king for long. Everything gets out of my control before I can blink, and death is certain, unless...
Unless I make a deal with the devil herself.
And I will do whatever it takes to make sure the people that I care about survive.
May the gods help me.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2023
458 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
April 26, 2024
book to was a bit irritating
It really is frustrating when the same problems from book one are still problems at 90% of the book. So for 90% of the book all the FMC did was cry about her issues and have sex. It was frustrating, and I had to skim through some of the book because it was really repetitive.. finally at the end of the book some of the answers and problems were answered now I just have to hope that the third book picks up and doesn’t drag out like the second book did
It really is frustrating when the same problems from book one are still problems at 90% of the book. So for 90% of the book all the FMC did was cry about her issues and have sex. It was frustrating, and I had to skim through some of the book because it was really repetitive.. finally at the end of the book some of the answers and problems were answered now I just have to hope that the third book picks up and doesn’t drag out like the second book did
March 23, 2023
Good book full of suspense, magic and well written characters. The plot is good And keeps you interested and the story flows well.
December 23, 2023
3.5,, these characters can be so exhausting but god do i want to know what’s going on
October 11, 2025
I really like the tension and the story. However I HATE the miscommunication/lack of communication “I just can’t tell him the truth because”… because what!? There was 0 reason why the fmc didn’t just talk to the mmc. Granted I realize the book and story would be completely different if she just talked but the reason for her silence just didn’t make sense. Rating it 3.4-4.. I will continue to series but I hope the lack of communication stops.
March 24, 2023
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. We were left in a cliffhanger in the previous book. In the 2nd book Ella is now an engaged woman who can't stop thinking about Lucien. When her father tells her the groom will be coming with his people to the castle she is not happy. However when they arrive she can't believe who steps out of one of the cars...it's Lucien...an advisory to her fiance. What is going on? She can't stop thinking about him. But what consumes her mind more is finding put about the ether. Her new guard Jack seems to be trustworthy. When he offers to take her to town she jumps at the chance to find someone who knows about ether. What she doesn't count on is Lucien there to protect her. She is so confused bc his actions in her past lives have been about death. He comes to her during the night anf keeps her safe from afar. When Jack mentions a library in thr basement she is flabbergasted but when her blood accidentally opens it...pure luck. She finds journals her ancestors wrote and she is appalled to be related to them....however finding smtg about ether is more trickier than she bargained for. There is so much that ella doesn't understand and she's losing time. She needs to act now b4 it's too late. Will Ella find what she's looking for?
September 12, 2024
This book.. I thought we were heading somewhere.
This book contains misunderstandings, lack of communication, library visits, self-pity and utter stupidity. The plot doesn't thicken it is a muddy mess.
FMC is said to be strong. She still grovels, self-pities herself and doesn't do a sh*t really. Does not seem someone I would relying on.. I mean she has answer right in front of her eyes if she just would have been reasonable and asked instead of throwing a fit . She is really a damsel in distress now and I hate that.
Also everyone seems to enjoys spitting words. I swear they spit at least 50 times in this little thin book.🙄
I am so disappointed 😞 even smut didn't save this
This book contains misunderstandings, lack of communication, library visits, self-pity and utter stupidity. The plot doesn't thicken it is a muddy mess.
FMC is said to be strong. She still grovels, self-pities herself and doesn't do a sh*t really. Does not seem someone I would relying on.. I mean she has answer right in front of her eyes if she just would have been reasonable and asked instead of throwing a fit . She is really a damsel in distress now and I hate that.
Also everyone seems to enjoys spitting words. I swear they spit at least 50 times in this little thin book.🙄
I am so disappointed 😞 even smut didn't save this
April 30, 2023
Ella: dragoness, princess that has lived 6 lives in a loop. Meets Lucian, King of Air, only Wyvern in centuries.
Aither: Lucian’s hidden home
Jack (and John): twins, last drakes?
Alexandra: Azarius manipulator, what has she done?
Cliffhanger: Ella found her mother’s twin, sent there by Alexandra. Lucian and his animal left with Jack in Dragon manor. Goal to only find Ella.
Warden of Water release?…
Author says held back by Amazon as of April 30. Booo.
Aither: Lucian’s hidden home
Jack (and John): twins, last drakes?
Alexandra: Azarius manipulator, what has she done?
Cliffhanger: Ella found her mother’s twin, sent there by Alexandra. Lucian and his animal left with Jack in Dragon manor. Goal to only find Ella.
Warden of Water release?…
Author says held back by Amazon as of April 30. Booo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2023
DNF 50%. I just got so damn bored with this book. Our female main character is constantly crying, constantly upset, and it just gets old after a while. Also it feels like every other page characters are "spitting" words at each other. There needs to be a spit counter with this book on how many times the author used the word spit to describe how things are said.
February 24, 2025
DNF. I couldn’t take the FMC crying literally every other page.
April 27, 2023
Not as good as the first but leaving me with enough questions to wait impatiently for the third
I hate waiting for books. Mostly because I get distracted and then forget about them until years down the road when they suddenly come back onto my radar for some reason.
Didn't have to wait years this time to remember because Kindle was very helpful.
This is a very character driven book. So much so that I'm actually struggling to figure out specifically what the plot was.
Which is fine. Romance novels tend to be a lot more character driven so at least it's on genre.
But that also means that the characters have to be super strong to make up for the weaker plots and when you pair it with a more plot driven genre like fantasy...delicate balance to walk and I'm not sure that this book achieved it.
Not that I thought it was bad. I enjoyed the book but other than a few key highlights (the library being one), it feels largely unremarkable. The characters didn't have the opportunity to shine in their best way. The addition of Jack is good. Oh.. I just caught that. Well done. But the ending was both interesting and distinctly plot relevant that it made up for a lot.
It really felt more like the prologue to another book than it did a distinct book in its own right. Which is a shame because there are interesting. things happening here.
I hate waiting for books. Mostly because I get distracted and then forget about them until years down the road when they suddenly come back onto my radar for some reason.
Didn't have to wait years this time to remember because Kindle was very helpful.
This is a very character driven book. So much so that I'm actually struggling to figure out specifically what the plot was.
Which is fine. Romance novels tend to be a lot more character driven so at least it's on genre.
But that also means that the characters have to be super strong to make up for the weaker plots and when you pair it with a more plot driven genre like fantasy...delicate balance to walk and I'm not sure that this book achieved it.
Not that I thought it was bad. I enjoyed the book but other than a few key highlights (the library being one), it feels largely unremarkable. The characters didn't have the opportunity to shine in their best way. The addition of Jack is good. Oh.. I just caught that. Well done. But the ending was both interesting and distinctly plot relevant that it made up for a lot.
It really felt more like the prologue to another book than it did a distinct book in its own right. Which is a shame because there are interesting. things happening here.
May 13, 2024
amazeballs
Some of my favorite authors are Sarah j Maas, Hailey Edwards, and Jaymin Eve, with all their worlds they create. What I don’t understand is how this series and this author is not highly bragged about. It is such an amazing story. So much evil incarnate ancestors, and history that the story only gets better and better. The suspense is all consuming, and I can’t read fast enough to see the truth unraveling.
Some of my favorite authors are Sarah j Maas, Hailey Edwards, and Jaymin Eve, with all their worlds they create. What I don’t understand is how this series and this author is not highly bragged about. It is such an amazing story. So much evil incarnate ancestors, and history that the story only gets better and better. The suspense is all consuming, and I can’t read fast enough to see the truth unraveling.
October 7, 2024
Liked overall. Lucien is a swoon-worthy character. His love for Ella is 😍 interested to see where book #3 takes the story.
March 22, 2023
Guardian of Earth was a page turner. I couldn’t put it down. It’s starts where the last one ended. Ella is heartbroken in this book, trying to find answers to find out what/who the Ether is. Ella finds out a lot more of her family history too. And it is dark! But I am here for it. I thought for a min when Jack was introduced, it was gonna be a multiple love interest story but it’s not. Lucien finds he way back to Ella and their reunion is everything. Heart breaking and redeeming. There is just the right amount spice in this one. I don’t know if I hate Ella’s dad or feel sorry for him. I want him to be redeemed but then I just want him to die. Lol can’t wait to see where this story goes. The plot twist at the end is everything! It does end in a cliff hanger but the book was worth it! Loved it and can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2023
As excellent as the first
Fast pace that never lets you go! If I didn't need to sleep I would have read it in one sitting. Will be starting the next one right away. The plot keeps getting more interesting the further it develops. No loss of tension either. Excellent writing.
Fast pace that never lets you go! If I didn't need to sleep I would have read it in one sitting. Will be starting the next one right away. The plot keeps getting more interesting the further it develops. No loss of tension either. Excellent writing.
August 28, 2024
Didn't like this one as much
The main female character I thought would grow a little in this book - I was wrong. Shes constantly crying and pleading with her abusive father but he never changes and neither does she. Shes pleaded with him in two different books now and it's honestly quite dull at this point. Unsure if I want to give the third book a chance now.
The main female character I thought would grow a little in this book - I was wrong. Shes constantly crying and pleading with her abusive father but he never changes and neither does she. Shes pleaded with him in two different books now and it's honestly quite dull at this point. Unsure if I want to give the third book a chance now.
June 22, 2023
You find more answers in Book 2, even if it’s slower and the female lead still drives me crazy. All she has to do is communicate and so many of her problems would disappear 🫠
Bonus: Lucien’s feelings felt more genuine in this one and I lapped up every minute of his pining.
Bonus: Lucien’s feelings felt more genuine in this one and I lapped up every minute of his pining.
May 7, 2024
I get that trust would be hard to find when you’ve seen a dude kill you a bunch, but sooooooo much would have been fixed with a single conversation… why these two fail at communicating was so contrived 😩😩😩
December 31, 2024
Not as great as the first and is giving webtoon mixed with dragons and From Blood and Ash. I like where the story is going and this book definitely felt transitional.
March 18, 2023
Six stars! I thought I loved King of Air (book 1), but Guardian of Earth blew me away! It got even better! DN Hoxa is an amazing storyteller and I can’t wait to read her other series. Guardian of Earth is book 2 in the Return of the Draca / Reign of Dragons series. New characters are introduced. Some you’ll love, some not so much. The plot gets thick! I still have so many questions! Things could go south for all I know. I’m just sitting here praying for a happy ending.
There were so many twists and turns, and suspense! Prepare to be on the edge of your seat the whole time. My eyeballs were glued to my screen! I can’t wait for book 3. That cliffhanger! You know it’s just going to keep getting better and better.
Spice level (1-5): 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Kink level (1-3): ⛓️ Magical breath play, magical air fingers, edging, Praise, etc.
Weeks after the events of book 1, Ella is forced to go on with the engagement. She is between a rock and a hard place. No matter what she can come up with, none of them end with her and Lucien. Devastated, Ella explores the castle for information on the secrets her father has hidden from her and the ether. But when her betrothed comes to live in the castle with her, he brings an unexpected guest.
I would recommend Guardian of Earth to absolutely everyone! It’s so good! This book is definitely plot heavy. It is spicy but if you’re not a fan of spice you can skip those bits. Don’t let your dislike for spice stop you from reading this book. The story is too good to pass up! If you’re looking for a series to dive into, get absorbed in and not want to leave, then this is the series for you!
Warning: Reading Guardian of Earth may make you want to shift into a dragon or wyvern. May make you want your SO to be able to control air. Wink wink. May make you wonder about time loops. May make you scared to look in a mirror. May make you suspicious of friendly people. Read responsibly.
*I received an Advance Reader Copy for free and I am leaving an honest review of my own volition. All thoughts are my own.*
There were so many twists and turns, and suspense! Prepare to be on the edge of your seat the whole time. My eyeballs were glued to my screen! I can’t wait for book 3. That cliffhanger! You know it’s just going to keep getting better and better.
Spice level (1-5): 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Kink level (1-3): ⛓️ Magical breath play, magical air fingers, edging, Praise, etc.
Weeks after the events of book 1, Ella is forced to go on with the engagement. She is between a rock and a hard place. No matter what she can come up with, none of them end with her and Lucien. Devastated, Ella explores the castle for information on the secrets her father has hidden from her and the ether. But when her betrothed comes to live in the castle with her, he brings an unexpected guest.
I would recommend Guardian of Earth to absolutely everyone! It’s so good! This book is definitely plot heavy. It is spicy but if you’re not a fan of spice you can skip those bits. Don’t let your dislike for spice stop you from reading this book. The story is too good to pass up! If you’re looking for a series to dive into, get absorbed in and not want to leave, then this is the series for you!
Warning: Reading Guardian of Earth may make you want to shift into a dragon or wyvern. May make you want your SO to be able to control air. Wink wink. May make you wonder about time loops. May make you scared to look in a mirror. May make you suspicious of friendly people. Read responsibly.
*I received an Advance Reader Copy for free and I am leaving an honest review of my own volition. All thoughts are my own.*
November 7, 2024
4⭐️
4🌶️
2nd installment of the Reign of Dragons series. The story picks up right where book one left off. Ella is back at her family estate, awaiting the arrival of her new fiancé, handpicked by her father, the dragon king. She knew she had to get away from Lucien but couldn’t help in trying to save his life from her father when she revealed herself at the tournament closing announcing her new fiancé’s name.
After her encounter in the Moving Forest telling her to stay away from the man who will ultimately kill her, all while now on a mission to find the Ether and hopefully change this life’s loop once and for all. Under the watchful and hateful eye of her father, Ella must navigate herself in her prison of a home, lurking around new areas to discover the truths of her family history, the ether, and anything else that may help her along the way. As new people arrive at the estate, things take a shift when the last person she expected to see shows up, everyone unaware of who he is: Lucien. Torn between her love for him and her fear of him, she must find her way forward as her wedding approaches and her 2 year timeline keeps lingering.
I FLEW through this book. Shorter than book 1, I will say, I think while plot wise, it did push along and we got more details, it almost felt like at the same time that not a lot happened. It’s kind of a strange feeling. Still so many questions left open. Excited to start the next book.
Spice was kicked up even more this time. This is what I love about this author, she is not afraid of the spice! 🥵 I love how it adds to the character’s romance story because it is such a special way for them to connect. I love how she incorporates it into all her series that I have read. It doesn’t take away from the plot but gives me that spiciness that crave in these types of stories.
4🌶️
2nd installment of the Reign of Dragons series. The story picks up right where book one left off. Ella is back at her family estate, awaiting the arrival of her new fiancé, handpicked by her father, the dragon king. She knew she had to get away from Lucien but couldn’t help in trying to save his life from her father when she revealed herself at the tournament closing announcing her new fiancé’s name.
After her encounter in the Moving Forest telling her to stay away from the man who will ultimately kill her, all while now on a mission to find the Ether and hopefully change this life’s loop once and for all. Under the watchful and hateful eye of her father, Ella must navigate herself in her prison of a home, lurking around new areas to discover the truths of her family history, the ether, and anything else that may help her along the way. As new people arrive at the estate, things take a shift when the last person she expected to see shows up, everyone unaware of who he is: Lucien. Torn between her love for him and her fear of him, she must find her way forward as her wedding approaches and her 2 year timeline keeps lingering.
I FLEW through this book. Shorter than book 1, I will say, I think while plot wise, it did push along and we got more details, it almost felt like at the same time that not a lot happened. It’s kind of a strange feeling. Still so many questions left open. Excited to start the next book.
Spice was kicked up even more this time. This is what I love about this author, she is not afraid of the spice! 🥵 I love how it adds to the character’s romance story because it is such a special way for them to connect. I love how she incorporates it into all her series that I have read. It doesn’t take away from the plot but gives me that spiciness that crave in these types of stories.
March 24, 2023
Guardian of Earth (Return of the Draka #2) - D. N. Hoxa
•✨ARC✨ provided by Booksprout in exchange for a honest review•
4.75⭐️/5 ~🇪🇸
~Primero, decir que estaba deseando leer este segundo libro, después del súper cliffhanger final del primero😫😂
~Continuamos la historia de King of Air y, como en el anterior libro, me ha encantado😍 En este tenemos drama de todos los tipos, tanto románticos como personales😂 (me encantaría saber el punto de vista del MMC, porque seguro que también estaría lleno de dramita y sufrimiento🥹)
~No puedo decir mucho de la trama, porque serían spoilers si no habéis leído el primer libro, pero decir que lo que pensaba que iba a ser, al final no ha sido (me entenderéis si lo leéis)
~La protagonista me sigue encantando, pero el MMC… Lo adoro mucho más😂. Sobre todo cuando, a pesar de todo el dramón, sigue llamando a la protagonista «little fox»😍
~Y, para variar, deseando leer el siguiente libro😍🥲❤️
•••••
4.75⭐️/5 ~🇬🇧
~First of all, I was looking forward to reading this second book, after the super cliffhanger ending of the first one😫😂
~We continue the story of King of Air and, as in the previous book, I loved it😍 In this one we have drama of all kinds, both romantic and personal😂 (I would love to know the MMC's point of view, because I'm sure it would also be full of drama and suffering🥹)
~I can't say much about the plot, because it would be spoilers if you haven't read the first book, but I can say that what I thought it was going to be, it wasn't in the end (you'll understand if you read it).
~I still love the main character, but the MMC... I love him much more😂. Especially when, despite all the drama, he keeps calling the protagonist "little fox"😍
~And, for a change, I can't wait to read the next book😍🥲❤️
•✨ARC✨ provided by Booksprout in exchange for a honest review•
4.75⭐️/5 ~🇪🇸
~Primero, decir que estaba deseando leer este segundo libro, después del súper cliffhanger final del primero😫😂
~Continuamos la historia de King of Air y, como en el anterior libro, me ha encantado😍 En este tenemos drama de todos los tipos, tanto románticos como personales😂 (me encantaría saber el punto de vista del MMC, porque seguro que también estaría lleno de dramita y sufrimiento🥹)
~No puedo decir mucho de la trama, porque serían spoilers si no habéis leído el primer libro, pero decir que lo que pensaba que iba a ser, al final no ha sido (me entenderéis si lo leéis)
~La protagonista me sigue encantando, pero el MMC… Lo adoro mucho más😂. Sobre todo cuando, a pesar de todo el dramón, sigue llamando a la protagonista «little fox»😍
~Y, para variar, deseando leer el siguiente libro😍🥲❤️
•••••
4.75⭐️/5 ~🇬🇧
~First of all, I was looking forward to reading this second book, after the super cliffhanger ending of the first one😫😂
~We continue the story of King of Air and, as in the previous book, I loved it😍 In this one we have drama of all kinds, both romantic and personal😂 (I would love to know the MMC's point of view, because I'm sure it would also be full of drama and suffering🥹)
~I can't say much about the plot, because it would be spoilers if you haven't read the first book, but I can say that what I thought it was going to be, it wasn't in the end (you'll understand if you read it).
~I still love the main character, but the MMC... I love him much more😂. Especially when, despite all the drama, he keeps calling the protagonist "little fox"😍
~And, for a change, I can't wait to read the next book😍🥲❤️
March 25, 2023
*This books s received as an ARC. The following review is voluntary.*
⚠️: cursing, familial abuse, thoughts of suicide, death, mentioned animal abuse
🌶️: 4/5 (open door scenes)
OH. MY. GOOOOODDDDDD. I don’t know how my obsession with this series happened, but I’m glad it did! I devoured this book in less than 48 hours. Hoxa is a genius with blending old school fantasy with contemporary life.
This book continues our saga with Ella still trying to uncover why her life is stuck in a time loop, why she dies on the same day every life, and how she can break it. Only now things are more complicated. She accidentally fell in love with her dark & mysteriously sexy captor and sworn enemy, Lucien. She escaped capture only to return to the castle to find she is set to be married to some aristocratic stranger. The wedding is only days away and who shows up with the groom-to-be’s entourage??! Lucien.
Ella must fight time, traditions, and everyone else to learn the truth of her existence. Only then will she be able to break the curse and live to see past 22.
Favorite Quotes:
🖤“Hold on Little Fox. I’m coming for you.”
🖤"He was there, too. He'd always been there. I'd just...forgotten.
It was the man the nymphs had told me about. The man who remembered everything, just like me."
🖤"Three hours until the wedding...I would be mated. My Fire would be ignited, and my Dragonesse would be set free.”
⚠️: cursing, familial abuse, thoughts of suicide, death, mentioned animal abuse
🌶️: 4/5 (open door scenes)
OH. MY. GOOOOODDDDDD. I don’t know how my obsession with this series happened, but I’m glad it did! I devoured this book in less than 48 hours. Hoxa is a genius with blending old school fantasy with contemporary life.
This book continues our saga with Ella still trying to uncover why her life is stuck in a time loop, why she dies on the same day every life, and how she can break it. Only now things are more complicated. She accidentally fell in love with her dark & mysteriously sexy captor and sworn enemy, Lucien. She escaped capture only to return to the castle to find she is set to be married to some aristocratic stranger. The wedding is only days away and who shows up with the groom-to-be’s entourage??! Lucien.
Ella must fight time, traditions, and everyone else to learn the truth of her existence. Only then will she be able to break the curse and live to see past 22.
Favorite Quotes:
🖤“Hold on Little Fox. I’m coming for you.”
🖤"He was there, too. He'd always been there. I'd just...forgotten.
It was the man the nymphs had told me about. The man who remembered everything, just like me."
🖤"Three hours until the wedding...I would be mated. My Fire would be ignited, and my Dragonesse would be set free.”
March 25, 2023
Again I read the whole book in one go because I had to know what will happen next. The whole book is happening in one space but I never got bored and I was eager to continue so that's a pretty hard thing for an author to do so congrats girl!
Lucien was hot and seggssy as always, I love his snarky little smile and confident status. Spice level: 3/5 for this one so be prepared!
In this book, we see more of Ella's family history. We also now have much more mysteries to solve in the next book, like Ella's fathers' intentions and mental status. We will have a mystery around Ella's mother.
In the meantime, I need to know about Lucien and the women of Gabriel's court that I don't remember her name.
I loved Jack for some reason. I would want him to find his own HEA too. I can even read another spinoff series of him. I just don't want to read a love triangle. That's what I will say. And I might ship Greta and Jack even :) The guard and the maid is one of my fav stories to read too. Also, his story will add much more to the next book I already know!
So overall, in this book, the second in the series, we saw more of an inner development from the characters, some drama, some spice, and some new mysteries. Even though there was some action here and there, it was a little muted. I am waiting for everything to go to hell in the next book!
I am so ready! Thank you D.N. Hoxa <3
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucien was hot and seggssy as always, I love his snarky little smile and confident status. Spice level: 3/5 for this one so be prepared!
In this book, we see more of Ella's family history. We also now have much more mysteries to solve in the next book, like Ella's fathers' intentions and mental status. We will have a mystery around Ella's mother.
In the meantime, I need to know about Lucien and the women of Gabriel's court that I don't remember her name.
I loved Jack for some reason. I would want him to find his own HEA too. I can even read another spinoff series of him. I just don't want to read a love triangle. That's what I will say. And I might ship Greta and Jack even :) The guard and the maid is one of my fav stories to read too. Also, his story will add much more to the next book I already know!
So overall, in this book, the second in the series, we saw more of an inner development from the characters, some drama, some spice, and some new mysteries. Even though there was some action here and there, it was a little muted. I am waiting for everything to go to hell in the next book!
I am so ready! Thank you D.N. Hoxa <3
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2024
Ok, solid sequel. A little disappointing with the lack of action compared to the first one. I feel like this book explored the time loop plot a lot more, which I liked. I was very iffy on Jack, I didn’t like how he was cozying up to Ella. I was also a little mad bc the miscommunication trope makes an appearance in this book. I mean…just communicate with each other!!! I thought Gabriel was treated a little poorly in this. He seems so sweet and he’s really not getting anything out of this arrangement. I think he’s also a little aloof - Ella clearly states she doesn’t want a relationship with him and he keeps trying to get to know her. There was a little whiplash that I got from the sudden onset of action near the end. If the author had slowly fed us this information throughout, I feel like I would have enjoyed the book a lot more. Instead I got all the action and all the *gasp* moments at the end. Did Alexandra trick Ella into bringing her into the present? Is Alexandra alive again? Was Ella transported into the past? What’s up with everyone saying Ella’s mother is actually different than what she knows to be true? The mother has a twin that she tried to kill? And does this last chapter mean we finally have a duel pov??? If the next book is split timelines, we better have a duel pov, that’s all I’m saying.
January 3, 2025
Much better than the first book! Yes, Ella is still a selfish mess, but her more annoying traits have mellowed though Lucien is still as full of male dominance as ever.
Here we lose bodyguard Trevor (who I actually liked in book 1) and now Ella is being guarded by Jack, who steals so many scenes he’s in… the bickering between Lucien and Jack are absolutely entertaining.
The day if Ella’s wedding and release of her draconic form are fast approaching, no matter how she just wishes she could be free to walk away and live with Lucien. If she has to enter into this marriage, why did her father have to choose such a weak-willed man who worships the ground her father walks on?
Yeah, caught between her friendship with Jack and her love for Lucien, poor Gabriel hasn’t a chance… not that you’ll lose sleep over it.
Yes, there is yet more sex, but it’s more a tired rehash of the scenes we read in book 1 than anything new.
However, dang it, the plot thickens and we have a lot of secrets and lies going around that Ella can’t tell just who to trust anymore. The more clues she uncovers the more crazy and confusing the plot gets, but it will certainly drag you along for the ride. We leave off on a cliffhanger here, so be prepared to jump straight into book 3 to find out just how everything comes together.
Here we lose bodyguard Trevor (who I actually liked in book 1) and now Ella is being guarded by Jack, who steals so many scenes he’s in… the bickering between Lucien and Jack are absolutely entertaining.
The day if Ella’s wedding and release of her draconic form are fast approaching, no matter how she just wishes she could be free to walk away and live with Lucien. If she has to enter into this marriage, why did her father have to choose such a weak-willed man who worships the ground her father walks on?
Yeah, caught between her friendship with Jack and her love for Lucien, poor Gabriel hasn’t a chance… not that you’ll lose sleep over it.
Yes, there is yet more sex, but it’s more a tired rehash of the scenes we read in book 1 than anything new.
However, dang it, the plot thickens and we have a lot of secrets and lies going around that Ella can’t tell just who to trust anymore. The more clues she uncovers the more crazy and confusing the plot gets, but it will certainly drag you along for the ride. We leave off on a cliffhanger here, so be prepared to jump straight into book 3 to find out just how everything comes together.
September 19, 2025
I read all 4 books in this series. This covers the whole series.
Overall I really enjoy DN Hoxa 's stories. So many great ideas. While I liked the series, it's not my favorite. And by book 4 I was rather annoyed with how the events played out.
Ella wasn't my favorite FMC. While she has good traits. But I find her character more often annoying than likeable. In the first book I understand she was super sheltered. But over the course of the series, she never improves. Estella, show some growth girl!
Lucien as an MMC is perfectly fine. Nothing great, but he didn't suck.
**spoilers for book 4**
Now this whole plot starts out cool. Very original. I enjoyed the world building. But by the time we figure out what's happening and it's "too late". Now I'm seriously pissed off. It takes the miscommunication trope to a 10. Not in a good way. Ella's parents suck. Abhorrent!! Oh we want to protect her for as long as possible. Beat your beloved daughter so she won't get close. So much emotional and physical abuse only for book 4 to show him as a loving father. For 3 full books, the King is depicted as the most horrible creature, but on book 4 it's all, oh no I wasn't like that at all. And I'm supposed to see him as the good guy. No. Whether that was the plan the whole time, it feels like a switch in plans in book 3.
Overall I really enjoy DN Hoxa 's stories. So many great ideas. While I liked the series, it's not my favorite. And by book 4 I was rather annoyed with how the events played out.
Ella wasn't my favorite FMC. While she has good traits. But I find her character more often annoying than likeable. In the first book I understand she was super sheltered. But over the course of the series, she never improves. Estella, show some growth girl!
Lucien as an MMC is perfectly fine. Nothing great, but he didn't suck.
**spoilers for book 4**
Now this whole plot starts out cool. Very original. I enjoyed the world building. But by the time we figure out what's happening and it's "too late". Now I'm seriously pissed off. It takes the miscommunication trope to a 10. Not in a good way. Ella's parents suck. Abhorrent!! Oh we want to protect her for as long as possible. Beat your beloved daughter so she won't get close. So much emotional and physical abuse only for book 4 to show him as a loving father. For 3 full books, the King is depicted as the most horrible creature, but on book 4 it's all, oh no I wasn't like that at all. And I'm supposed to see him as the good guy. No. Whether that was the plan the whole time, it feels like a switch in plans in book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2023
Estella’s story continues, this time with engagement parties and wedding preparations to a young man she realizes she doesn’t think she can like, let alone come to love. As much as she tries not to, she can’t help but imagine what her life could have been with Lucien, the only man she is sure she can truly love. Using the few clues she was given by the nymphs in the Moving Forest, Ella will make startling discoveries about the home she has always considered a prison, and devastating truths about her family. When her wedding day finally arrives, nothing will be as she has remembered from her past lives, and she will be forced to make a deal with a devil to save the man she loves.
Wow, Ella is a complex character with strong convictions, and she is determined to change the lives of all her people for the better. All of Ms. Hoxa’s characters are well written, unique, compelling, and have quickly become some of my favorites. Steamy forbidden romance with exciting action, bloody violence, magic, shape shifters, betrayal, and unexpected twists in the plot. A must-read book, I highly recommend it to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Wow, Ella is a complex character with strong convictions, and she is determined to change the lives of all her people for the better. All of Ms. Hoxa’s characters are well written, unique, compelling, and have quickly become some of my favorites. Steamy forbidden romance with exciting action, bloody violence, magic, shape shifters, betrayal, and unexpected twists in the plot. A must-read book, I highly recommend it to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 22, 2023
CLIFFHANGER!!!!
First of all, I totally confused, because author didn't sort her books.
I even didn't know that there is a SECOND and THIRD book, because I didn't saw a series title near to the book name. AND there is DIFFERENT names of series. Like, first one
King of Air (Return of the Draca Book 1) and second - Guardian of Earth (Reign of Dragons Book 2) and third - Warden of Water (Reign of Dragons). Feeling that?
Now, about a book.
FMC in desperate and darkest mental breakdown.
And I don't judge her.
Like, her life is a total mess.
BUT!
WE HAVE TWO SPICY SCENES!
and in every of them I was like "GIRL! STOP RUIN THE MOOD AND GET YOURSELF TOGETHER!"
like you read hoe he's all ready and she's ready and BOOM! let's talk about pain and doubt ourself and... I don't know how this man still have a boner after all her tears and "my father...my father...".
BUT!
We have plot twists.
And interesting side characters and history.
cliffhanger was not dramatic\stupid like in the first book, but dramatic\interesting\intriguing.
let's see a third book.
First of all, I totally confused, because author didn't sort her books.
I even didn't know that there is a SECOND and THIRD book, because I didn't saw a series title near to the book name. AND there is DIFFERENT names of series. Like, first one
King of Air (Return of the Draca Book 1) and second - Guardian of Earth (Reign of Dragons Book 2) and third - Warden of Water (Reign of Dragons). Feeling that?
Now, about a book.
FMC in desperate and darkest mental breakdown.
And I don't judge her.
Like, her life is a total mess.
BUT!
WE HAVE TWO SPICY SCENES!
and in every of them I was like "GIRL! STOP RUIN THE MOOD AND GET YOURSELF TOGETHER!"
like you read hoe he's all ready and she's ready and BOOM! let's talk about pain and doubt ourself and... I don't know how this man still have a boner after all her tears and "my father...my father...".
BUT!
We have plot twists.
And interesting side characters and history.
cliffhanger was not dramatic\stupid like in the first book, but dramatic\interesting\intriguing.
let's see a third book.
October 29, 2023
Omg he's crazy for doing what he did lmao. I knew he was going to once the king mentioned Gabriel's little squad, but when it happened: screaming. I'm really glad we went that direction though.
Also a lot of questioning who we can trust in this book, we're getting pulled in different directions and the stakes are high so the wrong move could be catastrophic. I like it like that lol. I'm glad we could see more into the history of her family and the dragons. We just heard that her fam was terrible in the last book and we didn't really get to know the depth of that so I'm glad we touched on it in this one.
Still a lot of obscurity with the magic for me, like how does the blood connect, and magic verses elements, and all of that. It's like I get it but I also do not get it. I get it enough to go with the flow but not enough to explain it or guess what's possible.
A lot of people are sus in this and I felt for Ella trying to understand her family and how to fix her timeloop. She has so much to uncover and on top of that she doesn't know who to trust. I don't envy her but I'm right there with her tryna figure this mess out.
Also a lot of questioning who we can trust in this book, we're getting pulled in different directions and the stakes are high so the wrong move could be catastrophic. I like it like that lol. I'm glad we could see more into the history of her family and the dragons. We just heard that her fam was terrible in the last book and we didn't really get to know the depth of that so I'm glad we touched on it in this one.
Still a lot of obscurity with the magic for me, like how does the blood connect, and magic verses elements, and all of that. It's like I get it but I also do not get it. I get it enough to go with the flow but not enough to explain it or guess what's possible.
A lot of people are sus in this and I felt for Ella trying to understand her family and how to fix her timeloop. She has so much to uncover and on top of that she doesn't know who to trust. I don't envy her but I'm right there with her tryna figure this mess out.
September 29, 2025
🌶️🌶️.5/5 spice (deep plot & thorough spice)
What an interesting second book! I read this literally all day long barely putting it down. I’m not going to lie I am feeling ever so slightly overwhelmed with the magic and time stuff in this series so far. I still think the magic, characters, politics, and world are great. I mean truly this is a very well imagined fantasy book with extremely well written spice that goes on for an impressive amount of pages at a time. I do think this book is well balanced with spice and with plot, but while it isn’t as intense as the first book was with the basically 5 chapters of pure smut back to back the scenes in this book also go on for quite some time too. I did like the pacing in this book more than in the first book though. It DOES make sense given the context, honestly. The closer it got to the end there I genuinely thought I knew what was going to happen and was completely surprised each chapter! This series so far really gives me a lot of anxiety, lol. I didn’t read the blurb this time since I knew I would be reading book 2 anyway, so not sure if there were unnecessary spoilers again..
What an interesting second book! I read this literally all day long barely putting it down. I’m not going to lie I am feeling ever so slightly overwhelmed with the magic and time stuff in this series so far. I still think the magic, characters, politics, and world are great. I mean truly this is a very well imagined fantasy book with extremely well written spice that goes on for an impressive amount of pages at a time. I do think this book is well balanced with spice and with plot, but while it isn’t as intense as the first book was with the basically 5 chapters of pure smut back to back the scenes in this book also go on for quite some time too. I did like the pacing in this book more than in the first book though. It DOES make sense given the context, honestly. The closer it got to the end there I genuinely thought I knew what was going to happen and was completely surprised each chapter! This series so far really gives me a lot of anxiety, lol. I didn’t read the blurb this time since I knew I would be reading book 2 anyway, so not sure if there were unnecessary spoilers again..
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