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Like a Breath of Flame: Erotic Tales of Dragons
Dragons are present across almost all human from the classic fire-breathing and princess-coveting dragons of Western Europe to the wise and noble dragons of East Asia to the great monstrous lizards of Greek mythology to the feathered serpents of South America. But what of the sexual side of the dragon? What of sensuality at the border between earth and sky, what of the myths of kings and emperors being literally descended from dragons, what of dragons who take on human shape to learn mankind's ways? Humans and dragons have existed side by side since nearly the beginning of time—surely their desires must have crossed at some point.
Like a Breath of Erotic Tales of Dragons contains nine short stories that explore the theme of scaled sensuality from a variety of different perspectives. In this anthology are stories of lonely mountain dragons with exotic tastes, dragons with the power to slip into their lover's dreams, shapechanger dragons, unusual interpretations of the term "dragon rider," dragon-as-devil and dragon-as-god... and, yes, no less than two versions of the virgin-sacrificed-to-dragon story, each with their own unique twist on the tale. These stories of serpentine sexuality are certain to delight the senses.
This anthology includes stories by KJ Kabza, Julian Oliver-Fenn, Dean Scarborough, Kannan Feng, Steven Schwartz, Dominic Santi, David Hubbard, Kimber Camacho, and Nobilis Reed.
Like a Breath of Erotic Tales of Dragons contains nine short stories that explore the theme of scaled sensuality from a variety of different perspectives. In this anthology are stories of lonely mountain dragons with exotic tastes, dragons with the power to slip into their lover's dreams, shapechanger dragons, unusual interpretations of the term "dragon rider," dragon-as-devil and dragon-as-god... and, yes, no less than two versions of the virgin-sacrificed-to-dragon story, each with their own unique twist on the tale. These stories of serpentine sexuality are certain to delight the senses.
This anthology includes stories by KJ Kabza, Julian Oliver-Fenn, Dean Scarborough, Kannan Feng, Steven Schwartz, Dominic Santi, David Hubbard, Kimber Camacho, and Nobilis Reed.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2012
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December 5, 2012Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Note: Adult content in review
I was fortunate to have been offered the opportunity to review this delightful book because it's not something I would have picked up on my own. One reason is that dragons aren't on my list of erotic themes. I usually prefer ordinary human characters and the occasional vampire. The other reason is that the woman on the cover suggested heterosexual content, and there is some of that. Fortunately for me, more than half of the stories portray sex between two men or a man and a male dragon, or a man being anally penetrated in way not directly involving a woman. The sex of the dragon isn't always revealed or implied.
As the editor wrote about this book, "Dragons are power, dragons are expressions of other-ness, of the alien, of humankind’s relationship to nature, and each of these stories touches on these ideas in some way." The nine well-written stories are diverse, intelligent, and engaging, and make a good case for adding dragon stories to my list of interests. They vary in the prominence and types of sex and sensuousness; a few focus on telling the fanciful tale rather than the ins and outs of the sex, although there's certainly plenty of the latter. Generally, even when very explicit (as is the case for many of the stories), the sex is tasteful and a meaningful part of the story.
There is also variety in writing style and breadth of plot, ranging from the relatively conventional seduction to the rather unusual story. For example, in "Outermost Claw, Front Right Foot," by Steven Schwartz, one of the three with a prominent female character, the narrator describes her life in service to one small part of a dragon and her relationships with some of the men and women serving other parts. It's an intriguing tale with an assortment of intimate encounters as well as some adventure.
The following excerpts and commentary highlight stories I especially liked for both the erotic content – involving sex between males in each case - and the writing overall. They aren't necessarily the "best", something difficult to define objectively in erotica.
"Domesticated," by Dean Scarborough, depicts a society faced with the problem of sexual excesses among the dragons with whom they wish to coexist. In this and some of my other favorites, while the plot is fairly limited in scope – and I don't mean that in a negative way – the intimacy of the storytelling is exceptionally compelling.
In exquisite detail, Canris, one the volunteer consorts, recounts his experience, including his extensive physical preparation. The following is one of my favorite, um, passages in the book.
I also enjoyed "Little Jade Mountain", by Kannan Feng, in which Shun, running with his bag of stolen gold, finds shelter in a dragon's cave where he is seduced by what seems at first to be an exotic young man. Along with lush and intimate descriptions, there's some humor, which I always like in erotic fiction.
"Demon Spawn", by Dominic Santi, is the only piece written by an author I followed before learning of this book and the only one with a BDSM relationship between the main characters. The ritual-laden power dynamics of this couple appeals to my particular erotic interests. The sex is rough, but clearly consensual.
It opens with a dragon complaining about having only human sex partners during his required ninety days on Earth.
He's quartered in a lavish penthouse where he is eventually surprised by a visit from a dragon he knows well.
In "Sleeping with Dragons", by Kimber Camacho, Nathan awakens to find a dragon looming above him. I like the way the narrator tries to make sense of what's happening to him while not letting his confusion hinder his enjoyment.
Later, having given in to the delights offered by the dragon, Nathan hears,
All of the stories have something unique or special to offer. I find it difficult to assign numerical ratings to books, especially anthologies. It's somewhere between four and five. (Note: I read a lot of anthologies and don't expect to love every story; no one should.) My only negative reactions - and they're minor - are that some of the stories move a little too slowly for my tastes, and I would rather have a collection with more and/or shorter stories so that one story I enjoy less than the others isn't a large portion of the book. Even so, I'd be happy to recommend this to anyone interested in sexual diversity in general and dragons in particular.
Note: Adult content in review
I was fortunate to have been offered the opportunity to review this delightful book because it's not something I would have picked up on my own. One reason is that dragons aren't on my list of erotic themes. I usually prefer ordinary human characters and the occasional vampire. The other reason is that the woman on the cover suggested heterosexual content, and there is some of that. Fortunately for me, more than half of the stories portray sex between two men or a man and a male dragon, or a man being anally penetrated in way not directly involving a woman. The sex of the dragon isn't always revealed or implied.
As the editor wrote about this book, "Dragons are power, dragons are expressions of other-ness, of the alien, of humankind’s relationship to nature, and each of these stories touches on these ideas in some way." The nine well-written stories are diverse, intelligent, and engaging, and make a good case for adding dragon stories to my list of interests. They vary in the prominence and types of sex and sensuousness; a few focus on telling the fanciful tale rather than the ins and outs of the sex, although there's certainly plenty of the latter. Generally, even when very explicit (as is the case for many of the stories), the sex is tasteful and a meaningful part of the story.
There is also variety in writing style and breadth of plot, ranging from the relatively conventional seduction to the rather unusual story. For example, in "Outermost Claw, Front Right Foot," by Steven Schwartz, one of the three with a prominent female character, the narrator describes her life in service to one small part of a dragon and her relationships with some of the men and women serving other parts. It's an intriguing tale with an assortment of intimate encounters as well as some adventure.
The following excerpts and commentary highlight stories I especially liked for both the erotic content – involving sex between males in each case - and the writing overall. They aren't necessarily the "best", something difficult to define objectively in erotica.
"Domesticated," by Dean Scarborough, depicts a society faced with the problem of sexual excesses among the dragons with whom they wish to coexist. In this and some of my other favorites, while the plot is fairly limited in scope – and I don't mean that in a negative way – the intimacy of the storytelling is exceptionally compelling.
So Human ingenuity (or perversity, as some labeled it) had supplied the solution—Human mates at no risk for producing Betonic young. At least, that was what the official literature proclaimed. Privately Canris believed that there had been desire between Humans and Betons even before the dual-occupation had been negotiated centuries ago, and someone had merely put a politically acceptable spin on this to the right government officials.
In exquisite detail, Canris, one the volunteer consorts, recounts his experience, including his extensive physical preparation. The following is one of my favorite, um, passages in the book.
“I’m ready,” he whispered. No sooner had he said it than he felt the tip nudge against his balls. He reached down, pushing it upwards with his fingertips. It caught against his tailbone for half a second, and then slid home.
He arched in pleasure, voice entirely stolen and fingers white-knuckled on the edge of the pad.
I also enjoyed "Little Jade Mountain", by Kannan Feng, in which Shun, running with his bag of stolen gold, finds shelter in a dragon's cave where he is seduced by what seems at first to be an exotic young man. Along with lush and intimate descriptions, there's some humor, which I always like in erotic fiction.
The fire stayed lit in Shun’s belly and, when he opened his eyes, there was a richness to the room he hadn’t seen before. There was the beautiful naked boy in front of him, his hair covering that pale skin like a cloak, and there was the feeling of cool smooth hands pressed against his face, but he also feel a sensation of scales like a carp’s and the smell of rain on green moss. Yu had eyes like deep pools of ink, but now Shun also saw eyes of molten gold, and teeth that were half again as long as his arm. There was a deep thrum in the air, like the beating of an enormous heart.
“What are you?” Shun had time to gasp, and then Yu was drawing him closer for a deep kiss. Yu’s hands tangled in Shun’s short hair, holding him still, and despite himself, Shun groaned deep in his throat. It had been a long time since he had been in anyone’s arms, and Yu’s beauty made him ache.
“I’m a fool,” Yu whispered between kisses. “Every celestial maiden and every heavenly aristocrat courts me with beautiful gems and precious flowers, but they don’t have what I want.”
“A criminal record?” Shun managed to get out, and he was rewarded with a gusty laugh.
"Demon Spawn", by Dominic Santi, is the only piece written by an author I followed before learning of this book and the only one with a BDSM relationship between the main characters. The ritual-laden power dynamics of this couple appeals to my particular erotic interests. The sex is rough, but clearly consensual.
It opens with a dragon complaining about having only human sex partners during his required ninety days on Earth.
I towered over most of their males, my drakon muscles transformed into washboard abs and chiseled flesh honed strong and solid from good, hard use. To the men and women vying to seduce me, my green scales appeared as deeply tanned skin, my crest dark brown curls and the facets of my eyes a crystal-clear emerald. I covered myself in the latest “designer fashions,” and when I wasn’t in meetings or glued to electronic devices, I guzzled oceans of champagne, ate rafts of disgusting “cooked” meat on fancy dishes, played squash, and dutifully shagged the various males and females of the necessary social strata...
He's quartered in a lavish penthouse where he is eventually surprised by a visit from a dragon he knows well.
The clan spared no expense in making those deployed to the human realm comfortable. As I looked at the sheer number of twinkling lights in the buildings around us, I thanked the gods again that the amenities of my human lair included soundproofing. We toasted and dug into our steaks, using the idiotic utensils required for every meal in the human realm. But the meat was fresh and bloody, the wine rich and warm.
In "Sleeping with Dragons", by Kimber Camacho, Nathan awakens to find a dragon looming above him. I like the way the narrator tries to make sense of what's happening to him while not letting his confusion hinder his enjoyment.
“Who... um....” Nathan’s voice was a weak, breathy shred of sound and he lost any track of what he might have been about to ask when it penetrated his shocked brain that he was entirely nude. For some reason this felt vaguely familiar, though he couldn’t immediately figure out why; of course, the presence of the alarming creature above him could have had something to do with his inability to think straight.
“It will be another day before I can summon the energy to transform again, but I do so crave you, my little mortal.”
Rumbling more, as if a deeper purr or growl had grown behind the already resonant voice, the creature—dragon, his mind whispered helpfully—lowered its head further, snout the size of his upper torso just touching Nathan’s chest...
Later, having given in to the delights offered by the dragon, Nathan hears,
“Spread your limbs and tilt up to me, as I wish to pleasure you further. Come, come, I do enjoy making you shout with joy from my smallest efforts.”
The dragon’s tongue pressed along Nathan’s crotch, again swiping between his legs carefully but firmly, slicking him all over and slightly spreading his buttocks. Gasping at the realization that his wild imaginings were closer to reality than not, Nathan supposed he should have refused, but, no, the way the dragon spoke told him that they had done this before. Why couldn’t he remember more?
All of the stories have something unique or special to offer. I find it difficult to assign numerical ratings to books, especially anthologies. It's somewhere between four and five. (Note: I read a lot of anthologies and don't expect to love every story; no one should.) My only negative reactions - and they're minor - are that some of the stories move a little too slowly for my tastes, and I would rather have a collection with more and/or shorter stories so that one story I enjoy less than the others isn't a large portion of the book. Even so, I'd be happy to recommend this to anyone interested in sexual diversity in general and dragons in particular.
January 4, 2025
2.94✨ average
The terms of our alliance - 2✨
The last whisper of Killitch - 3.5✨
Domesticated - 4.5✨
Little jade mountain - 2.5✨
Outermost claw, front right foot - 3✨
Demon spawn - 3.5✨
Gold for Copper - 3✨
Sleeping with Dragons - 2.5✨
Prince Lovely and the three dragons - 2✨
This is honestly quite a mixed bag of short stories in the genre of dragon spicy fantasy romance. Unfortunately, a lot of it did not work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own..
The terms of our alliance - 2✨
The last whisper of Killitch - 3.5✨
Domesticated - 4.5✨
Little jade mountain - 2.5✨
Outermost claw, front right foot - 3✨
Demon spawn - 3.5✨
Gold for Copper - 3✨
Sleeping with Dragons - 2.5✨
Prince Lovely and the three dragons - 2✨
This is honestly quite a mixed bag of short stories in the genre of dragon spicy fantasy romance. Unfortunately, a lot of it did not work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own..
June 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Are you ever curious what relationships with dragons might look like, but not quite ready to commit to a full-length series? Like a Breath of Flame might be exactly what you’re looking for. This spicy collection of short stories explores different takes on dragon-human relationships in a fun, fast, and steamy format. It’s short, to the point, and a great entry point for anyone curious about dragon lore erotica.
So what makes this book great? It’s a collection of nine short stories, each one offering a different perspective on how dragons and humans connect. Some are told from the dragon’s POV, some follow humans falling in love with dragons, and others dive into dragon riders—where the ride might be more sensual than expected. One thing I really appreciated is that it’s an easy read. Even without a ton of time spent with each character, the stories feel satisfying and bring something new to the world of dragons.
Now, I’ll admit I’m not usually a short story person. A few of the stories left me wishing for more time with the characters or deeper development. But for what this book is—fun, low-stakes, and spicy—it delivers on its premise and makes for a great break between heavier reads.
So at the end of the day, if you’re into dragons and want a fresh, approachable take on dragon romance, this is an easy and enjoyable way to explore the genre. It’s short, spicy, and there’s a little something in here for everyone.
Are you ever curious what relationships with dragons might look like, but not quite ready to commit to a full-length series? Like a Breath of Flame might be exactly what you’re looking for. This spicy collection of short stories explores different takes on dragon-human relationships in a fun, fast, and steamy format. It’s short, to the point, and a great entry point for anyone curious about dragon lore erotica.
So what makes this book great? It’s a collection of nine short stories, each one offering a different perspective on how dragons and humans connect. Some are told from the dragon’s POV, some follow humans falling in love with dragons, and others dive into dragon riders—where the ride might be more sensual than expected. One thing I really appreciated is that it’s an easy read. Even without a ton of time spent with each character, the stories feel satisfying and bring something new to the world of dragons.
Now, I’ll admit I’m not usually a short story person. A few of the stories left me wishing for more time with the characters or deeper development. But for what this book is—fun, low-stakes, and spicy—it delivers on its premise and makes for a great break between heavier reads.
So at the end of the day, if you’re into dragons and want a fresh, approachable take on dragon romance, this is an easy and enjoyable way to explore the genre. It’s short, spicy, and there’s a little something in here for everyone.
February 4, 2025
Publishing date: 12.12.2024 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR: The dragons are indeed in on the action
Thoughts, so many thoughts, none of them are family friendly. Neither is this book.
This kind of book is not for everyone, not at all. This is for the weirdos (affectionate) like me. Are you a little alternative? A little on the gay side? Do you have your monster f**ker permit? Then this will be up your alley.
The book features so many different scenarios, pairings (and groups), and ... positions ;--)
Lots of variety to be had. The spice itself varies from story to story, but one thing is consistent in every single one. There are dragons, and usually the dragon is part of the action. Love it. Also, there is so much gay action. A little surprising, but pleasantly so!
Personally I found the first story to be most interesting. Wish that concept was explored further.
I will give it three stars, the writing could vary, the quality of the story varied lots also, as is typical of a collection. Do recommend for the audience mentioned earlier!
Thank you to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
TLDR: The dragons are indeed in on the action
Thoughts, so many thoughts, none of them are family friendly. Neither is this book.
This kind of book is not for everyone, not at all. This is for the weirdos (affectionate) like me. Are you a little alternative? A little on the gay side? Do you have your monster f**ker permit? Then this will be up your alley.
The book features so many different scenarios, pairings (and groups), and ... positions ;--)
Lots of variety to be had. The spice itself varies from story to story, but one thing is consistent in every single one. There are dragons, and usually the dragon is part of the action. Love it. Also, there is so much gay action. A little surprising, but pleasantly so!
Personally I found the first story to be most interesting. Wish that concept was explored further.
I will give it three stars, the writing could vary, the quality of the story varied lots also, as is typical of a collection. Do recommend for the audience mentioned earlier!
January 18, 2025
Like a Breath of Flame is an engaging and unique anthology that offers a fresh, sensual take on dragon lore. Each story explores dragons through the lens of various cultures, weaving rich tapestries of mythology and tradition into compelling narratives. The diversity of perspectives, from dragons symbolizing wisdom to dragons evoking fear and desire, was engaging. However, it’s important to note that the anthology is entirely in the erotic category, with a mix of MF, MFD, MM, and MD pairings. The sensual dynamics between characters, both human and dragon, add layers of depth to the lore, making these stories not just about mythical creatures, but also about the complex relationships they form. My only minor critique would be that some stories feel a bit more polished than others, but overall, Like a Breath of Flame offers a one-of-a-kind experience for readers who enjoy both dragons and steamy romance.
May 23, 2025
Well, this was an interesting book. From the descriptions, I was expecting more dragon shifter type pairings, but with a few exceptions it was humans with actual dragons. If that's what you're looking for, here it is. Also primarily LGBTQIA, with a strong leaning toward MM, although it ran the whole gamut of pairings, with even some intersex and nonbinary dragons along the way.
Each story was from a different author and had very different interpretations of the theme. All were quite short, so it's a quick intriguing read. All were well written and well edited, but some of the story concepts worked better than others. I think it might have worked better as a whole with the stories in a different order to move more smoothly between them without the jarring shift of changing from one to the next.
Overall, if human on dragon action is your thing or sounds intriguing, it is worth the read. If it's not your thing at all, this isn't your book.
Each story was from a different author and had very different interpretations of the theme. All were quite short, so it's a quick intriguing read. All were well written and well edited, but some of the story concepts worked better than others. I think it might have worked better as a whole with the stories in a different order to move more smoothly between them without the jarring shift of changing from one to the next.
Overall, if human on dragon action is your thing or sounds intriguing, it is worth the read. If it's not your thing at all, this isn't your book.
March 9, 2025
"Like A Breath of Flame" by Cecilia Tan and Cosmin Alexander offers a captivating blend of short stories that explore unique and imaginative romantic interactions with dragons. The anthology shines in its ability to weave together passion, fantasy, and adventure, making each tale feel fresh and engaging. The variety of scenarios and creative interpretations of dragon romance keep the collection intriguing. However, the heavy focus on male-on-male pairings in most of the stores and this may not appeal to all readers, especially those looking for a more diverse range of relationships. Still, for fans of dragon-themed romance and sensual fantasy, this book delivers an enchanting and evocative experience.
January 13, 2025
Thank you to Riverdale Avenue Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. For lovers of all things dragons these stories are bound to draw you in. What a quick and exhilarating read. I appreciated the introduction to new authors and the stories were succinct, fast paced, and steamy. As Cosmin Alexander said, "Dream of dragons." Well this book offers ability to do just that and then some.
February 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
These 9 stories of dragons were so unique and spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ each one had takes on dragons stories I definitely haven’t read before. I’d love for any of these short stories to become series. I have each story 3.5-4 rating. All were very enjoyable and the humor was top notch.
These 9 stories of dragons were so unique and spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ each one had takes on dragons stories I definitely haven’t read before. I’d love for any of these short stories to become series. I have each story 3.5-4 rating. All were very enjoyable and the humor was top notch.
April 5, 2025
*****I received this free ebook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
As with any group of stories placed in one book there are always some that are more interesting. This is true here as well. I have to admit it was fun with each dragon smut story. Not your typical book.
As with any group of stories placed in one book there are always some that are more interesting. This is true here as well. I have to admit it was fun with each dragon smut story. Not your typical book.
May 27, 2025
I really enjoyed reading the book.
The stories are gripping and very different from the current romantasy. It was fascinating to read the stories and see other perspectives on dragons.
In addition, the stories were hot and very detailed.
Was a really good time.
A huge thank you for the ARC of the book to
the publisher Riverdale Avenue Books
and to Netgalley
The stories are gripping and very different from the current romantasy. It was fascinating to read the stories and see other perspectives on dragons.
In addition, the stories were hot and very detailed.
Was a really good time.
A huge thank you for the ARC of the book to
the publisher Riverdale Avenue Books
and to Netgalley
June 15, 2019
An incredible collection of dragon stories and all were delightful. But I found Kimber Camacho's story 'Sleeping With Dragons' especially provocative! The premise is truly original and it alone made the anthology well worth the purchase price. The other stories were all very wonderful bonuses!
February 25, 2025
This was my bad for not reading the whole description before requesting this.
I like dragons.
I like smut.
What could go wrong?
Apparently a lot, I didn’t mine the idea of this book I just thought it would me something different.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to rad this!
I like dragons.
I like smut.
What could go wrong?
Apparently a lot, I didn’t mine the idea of this book I just thought it would me something different.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to rad this!
April 22, 2025
Thank you netgalley for picking me to arc read this. It was very spicy not something I would normally read. I give it a 3 because I did not know it would be mostly mm since there is a woman on the cover but otherwise it was a quick spicy read
November 26, 2025
I was kindly given a copy of this book by NetGalley.
This book was pretty much dragon smut. it was a fun read if one does not take it too serious. I had an amazing time and laughed out loud multiple times.
This book was pretty much dragon smut. it was a fun read if one does not take it too serious. I had an amazing time and laughed out loud multiple times.
September 24, 2025
Definitely a lot of different stories and each with its own good style listened to it to enjoy some fun reading.
January 6, 2025
Received as a free arc and all opinions are my own and freely given.
Deliciously steamy but also kinda weird. I loved that it was a bunch of short stories that got right to the good stuff because who doesn’t fantasize about riding a dragon?
Deliciously steamy but also kinda weird. I loved that it was a bunch of short stories that got right to the good stuff because who doesn’t fantasize about riding a dragon?
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews