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Dragon Men #2
Mate Test
Re-release of the same title, if you have the previous version please keep your money.
When High Duke Torrance Zelan is sent to negotiate mineral rights he didn't know that his uncle had already offered Tor’s hand in marriage. Still broken-hearted from losing his lover two years before, Tor isn’t prepared for his attraction to the dragon king.
King Naron knows it’s wrong to trick the handsome duke, but the temptation to test Tor for compatibility is too much to resist. Out of all the candidates Naron knows which sexy lord he wants warming his bed.
When High Duke Torrance Zelan is sent to negotiate mineral rights he didn't know that his uncle had already offered Tor’s hand in marriage. Still broken-hearted from losing his lover two years before, Tor isn’t prepared for his attraction to the dragon king.
King Naron knows it’s wrong to trick the handsome duke, but the temptation to test Tor for compatibility is too much to resist. Out of all the candidates Naron knows which sexy lord he wants warming his bed.
ebook
First published June 1, 2009
23 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Amber Kell
179 books1,283 followersAmber Kell has made a career out of daydreaming. It has been a lifelong habit she practices diligently as shown by her complete lack of focus on anything not related to her fantasy world building.
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.
During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.
Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.
She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..
She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 4, 2013
This was an interesting read. Slightly more plot than book one. I just wish there was more detail.
I loved the idea of a Space Dragon. Very interesting, but again it lacked detail and left me with a few questions.
But despite those questions, I enjoyed this story. I just wish there was more focus on the details rather than the mate mine growl thing lol.
I loved the idea of a Space Dragon. Very interesting, but again it lacked detail and left me with a few questions.
But despite those questions, I enjoyed this story. I just wish there was more focus on the details rather than the mate mine growl thing lol.
April 1, 2013
When I'm in the mood for a light, fun paranormal romance Amber Kell is going to be my go to author. I like the balance her characters seem to have, and I like her plots. They are a bit cheesy, but they never cross the line into ridiculous. The mystery in this was interesting, and the motives well thought out. The love connection is a bit fast forming, but it didn’t feel like instant adoration. It took some time, and respect before they were feel and truly bonded. I look forward to reading more.
December 13, 2012
Shorter than the first one, and can be read alone.
I like it, but Tor and Naron's attraction wasn't as strong for me. I also didn't really get much of an impression of Naron. More of Tor's history and personality was shown, but I kept thinking if he is Naron's mate and awakens his dragon, why continue with tests ? Why even risk it ? I didn't like how Naron was 'lead' to Tor's rooms, I just thought that these two men who are supposed to be strong and powerful were just sort of blah!
I like it, but Tor and Naron's attraction wasn't as strong for me. I also didn't really get much of an impression of Naron. More of Tor's history and personality was shown, but I kept thinking if he is Naron's mate and awakens his dragon, why continue with tests ? Why even risk it ? I didn't like how Naron was 'lead' to Tor's rooms, I just thought that these two men who are supposed to be strong and powerful were just sort of blah!
July 23, 2011
A very enjoyable tale! The story moves quickly and even though it's fairly short, the author does a great job setting up the characters and allowing me to feel sympathy for their struggles. I look forward to the next Dragon Men book.
December 9, 2011
This was a fun continuation of this series. It was pretty short but still had a decent amount of plot. I enjoy the dragon shifting culture Amber has created in this universe. I do, however, feel that the big confrontation at the end was a little rushed. 3.5 stars.
August 22, 2011
3.5 stars
If only it had been longer...
I was really looking forward to reading Tor and Baroy's story, their bond and the whole space dragon thing is really cool. An enjoyable read.
If only it had been longer...
I was really looking forward to reading Tor and Baroy's story, their bond and the whole space dragon thing is really cool. An enjoyable read.
March 17, 2014
Light/fluffy/cute/sweet/etc mating-season dragon-shifters.
May 30, 2017
Loved this book! Second in the series dealing with Dragon men from the planet Dragait. High Duke Torrance who is bonded with the space dragon Baroy is physically blind because he see what his space dragon sees. King Naron is the King of the Southern Province of Dragait and has a Mate test called. Torrance's king, also Joriah's (we meet him in the first book) father enter him in this competition. Torrance is a skilled diplomat and is also there to bargain for mineral rights for his King. The competition is interesting and one were the other are sure they have an advantage they don't because Torrance is a person who stones sing to so he know about the stones.
July 24, 2025
July 2025
Kindle edition
A lot shorter than the first one. Mell's annoyance was a bit strong, overshadowing the book. Fated mates with a dragon wingman. Sucks about not being able to live with the kids though. That was ouch.
Kindle edition
A lot shorter than the first one. Mell's annoyance was a bit strong, overshadowing the book. Fated mates with a dragon wingman. Sucks about not being able to live with the kids though. That was ouch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 26, 2011On the contrary of her other series about werewolves (the Moon Pack), that is funny but quite “classical”, using many of the common elements of the paranormal romance, the Dragonmen series is more original, introducing concepts, pairs, and dynamics that are very much a trademark of Amber Kell and her series.
What probably is the most original element of this novella is that Torrance, the duke that was handforced by his king to participate in a contest to be the future consort of the Dragon kin king Naron, even if he is not actually glad of having this chance, and probably since he is still mourning the loss of his lover, is nevertheless able to see things in perspective, and considering that he could do way worst than the handsome King Naron. BTW Torrance is also quite self-confident, and even if there are other 4 contendants, I had the feeling that Torrance was quite sure he would be the winner.
On the other side Naron recognizes in Torrance is fated mate, but he enjoys the contest has a way to courtship/barter with Torrance. This is another trademark of Amber Kell, her romances are quite light and comedy-like, there is no much angst, if not at all, and reading one of her novella you can be sure to be in for a pleasant break.
By the way, even if light in tone, and only a novella, Mate Test had a “deeper” feeling: there was a lot happening in the background, and the characters, in particular Torrance, had a past that was good share of the story: Torrance has a former lover and is still in pain due to his loss, Torrance has three children from a surrogate mother, Torrance was dragon struck when he was only 5 years old and now he is bonded (but not in a sexual way) with a space dragon talking in his mind.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DTLE9Y/?...
What probably is the most original element of this novella is that Torrance, the duke that was handforced by his king to participate in a contest to be the future consort of the Dragon kin king Naron, even if he is not actually glad of having this chance, and probably since he is still mourning the loss of his lover, is nevertheless able to see things in perspective, and considering that he could do way worst than the handsome King Naron. BTW Torrance is also quite self-confident, and even if there are other 4 contendants, I had the feeling that Torrance was quite sure he would be the winner.
On the other side Naron recognizes in Torrance is fated mate, but he enjoys the contest has a way to courtship/barter with Torrance. This is another trademark of Amber Kell, her romances are quite light and comedy-like, there is no much angst, if not at all, and reading one of her novella you can be sure to be in for a pleasant break.
By the way, even if light in tone, and only a novella, Mate Test had a “deeper” feeling: there was a lot happening in the background, and the characters, in particular Torrance, had a past that was good share of the story: Torrance has a former lover and is still in pain due to his loss, Torrance has three children from a surrogate mother, Torrance was dragon struck when he was only 5 years old and now he is bonded (but not in a sexual way) with a space dragon talking in his mind.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DTLE9Y/?...
June 10, 2016
In Mate Test, the author's creativity with the Dragon Men world starts to shine with the character of Tor and his bond to a space dragon (not to be confused with a mate). I really liked how Tor was able to adapt to his circumstances. And even though this story is short, we still get to see depth in Tor and Naron's characters. While the story is not long, it does pack a concentrated punch and helps sate my desire for a fated mate/instant attraction tale.
I loved Tor's character, and while the whole idea of a "mate test" for me wasn't a big draw, that took a backseat to the characters and their interactions with each other which for me is what drove the story. The relationship between Tor and Naron developed just as quickly as those in the first book, but I felt more of a connection between them as mates here in Mate Test.
This was a 4-star read for me, and though it's a bit shorter than the first book it felt like a more satisfying story. Still recommended for M/M fans 18+ for the adult language and M/M sexual content...and while readers who don't care for insta-love type matches (even with fated mates) may choose to pass this series up, for me this hit the spot perfectly.
I loved Tor's character, and while the whole idea of a "mate test" for me wasn't a big draw, that took a backseat to the characters and their interactions with each other which for me is what drove the story. The relationship between Tor and Naron developed just as quickly as those in the first book, but I felt more of a connection between them as mates here in Mate Test.
This was a 4-star read for me, and though it's a bit shorter than the first book it felt like a more satisfying story. Still recommended for M/M fans 18+ for the adult language and M/M sexual content...and while readers who don't care for insta-love type matches (even with fated mates) may choose to pass this series up, for me this hit the spot perfectly.
October 15, 2012
About 3.5 stars.
I liked the second book in this series a little better than the first. Tor, Jory's (from Mate Hunt) cousin is sent to Dragait to negotiate mineral rights with the king of that region, King Naron Dragange. Little does Tor know that his uncle, the high king, has entered him in the competition to be the king's consort. I felt the development between these two characters was a bit more substantial than in the first book even though this book was much shorter. The plot however, was a little light. Even so, I still enjoyed this book overall and particularly as part of the Dragon Men series.
I liked the second book in this series a little better than the first. Tor, Jory's (from Mate Hunt) cousin is sent to Dragait to negotiate mineral rights with the king of that region, King Naron Dragange. Little does Tor know that his uncle, the high king, has entered him in the competition to be the king's consort. I felt the development between these two characters was a bit more substantial than in the first book even though this book was much shorter. The plot however, was a little light. Even so, I still enjoyed this book overall and particularly as part of the Dragon Men series.
February 1, 2012
I loved it. Short and sweet
that first review: here is second:
Finished mate dance. Didn't notice a dif between old a new version except new was edited. First time I gave 5 stars. This time more like 4. It's cute but not a lot happens and characters not developed that well. But cute fast light read. Can skip first if you want since it wasn't that good
that first review: here is second:
Finished mate dance. Didn't notice a dif between old a new version except new was edited. First time I gave 5 stars. This time more like 4. It's cute but not a lot happens and characters not developed that well. But cute fast light read. Can skip first if you want since it wasn't that good
April 27, 2016
Pretty decent characters, okay plot. I guess Kell can't write a full length book.
October 21, 2018
It's been a while since I read a book from this author so it was good to get to read this Dragon Men series back to back.
Mate Hunt is about Jory who has been sent to the Dragonkin planet for the mate hunt which is an annual event where Dragonkin seek and hopefully find their mate. Jory meets not one but two potential mates, Val and Rai, and is torn by his attraction to both men and finds it hard to choose. Perhaps he doesn't have to.
In Mate Test, Tor has been sent to negotiate mineral rights when he meets dragon king Naron. The two are attracted to each other. As it happens, Naron in the middle of the Mate test where he has to choose his consort from potential candidates. Tor is inadvertently entered into the contest and soon he becomes the obvious choice but not everyone is happy about that.
In Mate Dance, Raven is a famous dancer looking for a night of casual debauchery when he comes across a child whose grandmother has been killed. Soon it becomes clear that the child is the daughter of Prince Kaemon. Kaemon wants his daughter and he wants Raven even more and will do anything to keep them both.
In Mate Healer, Lian is an unbeliever and only interested in casual affairs but a night with holy man, Nevair, has him conflicted. When it becomes obvious that Lian is Nevair's chosen mate, not everyone wants to see that mating happen.
Every story in this series is easy to read. There are layers of suspense that make them intriguing as well as the romantic aspects. I enjoyed the fantasy/dragon lore aspects too.
However, I was a little disappointed that some characters were not as fleshed out as they could've been, especially the dragonkin characters which left them a little flat in places.
On the whole this is still a good series for fans of this author and those looking for easy, quick dragon reads.
Mate Hunt is about Jory who has been sent to the Dragonkin planet for the mate hunt which is an annual event where Dragonkin seek and hopefully find their mate. Jory meets not one but two potential mates, Val and Rai, and is torn by his attraction to both men and finds it hard to choose. Perhaps he doesn't have to.
In Mate Test, Tor has been sent to negotiate mineral rights when he meets dragon king Naron. The two are attracted to each other. As it happens, Naron in the middle of the Mate test where he has to choose his consort from potential candidates. Tor is inadvertently entered into the contest and soon he becomes the obvious choice but not everyone is happy about that.
In Mate Dance, Raven is a famous dancer looking for a night of casual debauchery when he comes across a child whose grandmother has been killed. Soon it becomes clear that the child is the daughter of Prince Kaemon. Kaemon wants his daughter and he wants Raven even more and will do anything to keep them both.
In Mate Healer, Lian is an unbeliever and only interested in casual affairs but a night with holy man, Nevair, has him conflicted. When it becomes obvious that Lian is Nevair's chosen mate, not everyone wants to see that mating happen.
Every story in this series is easy to read. There are layers of suspense that make them intriguing as well as the romantic aspects. I enjoyed the fantasy/dragon lore aspects too.
However, I was a little disappointed that some characters were not as fleshed out as they could've been, especially the dragonkin characters which left them a little flat in places.
On the whole this is still a good series for fans of this author and those looking for easy, quick dragon reads.
May 20, 2021
Mate Test
By Amber Kell
Duke Torrance is sent by his Great Uncle to negotiate mining rights with King Naron. What he doesn't tell his nephew is that he has also been put in the running with other applicants to be Noran's consort and now they all have to pass tests to see who will be chosen, but Noran already knows who he wants.
I very much enjoyed this story. Tor and Naron made a great couple. I really liked them both as characters. The story itself was sweet. Loved the ending chosen for the villain. BTW The shifter part of this book is very small and only at the very end.
I have only one complaint. I don't think I've ever complained about this before, because you basically take what you can get in this area, but the intimacy between them was pretty much wham bam thank you ma'am. After Naron's wanting Tor so badly you'd think he'd want to make it special or at least memorable for him. But it was over before you could blink. LOL
The book was in both Tor & Naron's POV.
By Amber Kell
Duke Torrance is sent by his Great Uncle to negotiate mining rights with King Naron. What he doesn't tell his nephew is that he has also been put in the running with other applicants to be Noran's consort and now they all have to pass tests to see who will be chosen, but Noran already knows who he wants.
I very much enjoyed this story. Tor and Naron made a great couple. I really liked them both as characters. The story itself was sweet. Loved the ending chosen for the villain. BTW The shifter part of this book is very small and only at the very end.
I have only one complaint. I don't think I've ever complained about this before, because you basically take what you can get in this area, but the intimacy between them was pretty much wham bam thank you ma'am. After Naron's wanting Tor so badly you'd think he'd want to make it special or at least memorable for him. But it was over before you could blink. LOL
The book was in both Tor & Naron's POV.
January 10, 2018
Nunca he sido muy fan de la fantasía, no se porque!! Pero siempre opto por otro genero, pero esta vez decidí continuar con esta serie, por que el primero me agrado, no son los mejores libros del planeta, pero la verdad es que me entretuve bastante con ellos, el como manejan la fantasía, si es muuy imaginativo, pero interesante.
Los protagonistas, me agradaron, sobre todo Tor, su historia es para llorar, y este hombre mostró que todos merecemos una segunda oportunidad.
Naron, se me hizo un poco caprichoso, pero valla, como lucha por lo que quiere Razz
Es una historia bastante corta, pero te deja un buen sabor de boca
Los protagonistas, me agradaron, sobre todo Tor, su historia es para llorar, y este hombre mostró que todos merecemos una segunda oportunidad.
Naron, se me hizo un poco caprichoso, pero valla, como lucha por lo que quiere Razz
Es una historia bastante corta, pero te deja un buen sabor de boca
September 21, 2019
Draghi e compagni
Mandato dallo zio a concludere un accordo minerario, Tor si ritrova in gara per essere il compagno del re Naron. Mi è piaciuto che nonostante l’attrazione a prima vista, Naron porta avanti la gara cercando di essere giusto nei confronti di tutti. Ho apprezzato le interazioni di Tor con chi lo circonda, divertenti alcuni scambi con Baroy. Ho gradito il volume più del primo, non ci sono vicende secondarie rimaste in sospeso, anche se qualche curiosità su alcuni personaggi ce l’ho.
Mandato dallo zio a concludere un accordo minerario, Tor si ritrova in gara per essere il compagno del re Naron. Mi è piaciuto che nonostante l’attrazione a prima vista, Naron porta avanti la gara cercando di essere giusto nei confronti di tutti. Ho apprezzato le interazioni di Tor con chi lo circonda, divertenti alcuni scambi con Baroy. Ho gradito il volume più del primo, non ci sono vicende secondarie rimaste in sospeso, anche se qualche curiosità su alcuni personaggi ce l’ho.
January 18, 2018
My favorite out of the series!
I absolutely adore this book. I love all the characters and the plot hooks me from the first sentence. My favorite characters are the duke's servants. There closer to him more than his family his and their love for him is unparalleled. I am sad about his children, but the king will need children, and hopefully the duke will be able to get close to them.
I absolutely adore this book. I love all the characters and the plot hooks me from the first sentence. My favorite characters are the duke's servants. There closer to him more than his family his and their love for him is unparalleled. I am sad about his children, but the king will need children, and hopefully the duke will be able to get close to them.
August 5, 2017
MM Dragonshifter candy; sweet and good but I wouldn't want it to be my only book-nourishment. This one was not as good as the first in the series and Mate Healer, it somehow lacked the surrounding plot.
February 15, 2019
About 1 hour long book, so it's a very quick read. Plotwise very similar to the previous ones. I felt like previous book had better world building, but this one had some interesting elements as well. Okayish book nothing outstanding about it.
March 3, 2019
The first one was good..... This was better!
Tor is a truly amazing character. His relationship with his dragon irked me, especially the ramifications of it, but still, the romance was just kick ass.
Tor is a truly amazing character. His relationship with his dragon irked me, especially the ramifications of it, but still, the romance was just kick ass.
September 28, 2020
This story was short but sweet. I enjoyed the characters and the plot was unique. I'm very interested in reading the next book in the series. I don't usually read Sci fi but since this series involves dragons and shifters, I found it to be quite entertaining.
October 9, 2020
What a fascinating story. Tor was dragon struck which meant he saw thorough the eyes of a space dragon. He had lost his lover two years before and was not ready for mate. His uncle had other ideas. Fun and exciting, you will be happy if you pick this one up.
August 2, 2017
Loving these short dragon romances with great characters. I'm hooked.
August 26, 2017
Adorable. ☺️ Great story for less than 100 pages. I will definitely be trying more from this series.
March 23, 2022
Algo pobre en cuanto historia pero esta bien para pasar el rato ^^
June 11, 2023
Great cover.
September 16, 2023
While Amber's longer more developed books are ones I really enjoy, these shorter snacks have their place. This one was not one of her best short stories - left a lot to be desired. 2.5/5
September 26, 2023
Amo a tor es un gran personaje y su relación con su gente es genial el romance no está mal pero es mi libro favorito de la saga
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews