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The Dragon Tributes #3

Heart of the Fire

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The dragons on Draig Island are not your run-of-the-mill kind. They’re something else entirely…

Although you will see characters from previous books, this story will follow Kim and Blaze. To avoid spoilers, there will not be a blurb. It is very much an enemies to lovers romance.

For the best enjoyment, please read books 1 and 2 first.

This story contains mature themes/language. Also, be prepared for a ton of growls, dirty talk, and a hard-won HEA. Hulking, skulking, foul-mouthed, brooding dragons ahead. You were warned!Each book follows a different couple.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2023

1283 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Charlene Hartnady

113 books1,706 followers
Charlene lives on an acre in the country with her husband, three children and an array of pets including a snake.
In her spare time you can usually find her typing away franticly on the computer completely lost in worlds of her making. She is an avid believer that it is the small things that truly matter like the feeling you get when you start reading a new book or a particularly beautiful sunset.
Charlene likes to write bite stories her readers can sink their teeth into. Sign up for her latest release newsletter for more information http://mad.ly/signups/96708/join

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5 stars
1,084 (59%)
4 stars
502 (27%)
3 stars
190 (10%)
2 stars
23 (1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica.
341 reviews54 followers
June 15, 2024
3.5 stars!
I think Blaze is my favourite of the dragon shifters we've seen so far, and he's so incredibly well suited to Kim. I saw a lot of reviews on this one about how terrible Kim is, how annoying and whiny etc but honestly... I totally understand her perspective. I don't think it's unreasonable for her to be scared, or for her to take a little more time than the other tributes to adjust to her new surroundings. I don't think I'd accept my fate so easily either, if I was in that situation. Also, trauma is an incredibly real thing with incredibly real and complex consequences, which Kim is working through the only way she knows how. Blaze won her over in the end, and he did so wonderfully, with patience, understanding, persistence and steadfastness.
322 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2024
Continuing series still enjoying
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,940 reviews62 followers
December 14, 2023
Heart of the Fire❤️

Heart of the Fire is the third book in the Dragon Tributes series and focuses on Kim and Blaze as a couple. A slightly different story from the rest but I really enjoyed it and the character dynamics❣️
This story also took an unexpected twist which has me super excited for the next one🤩

I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review😍
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,397 reviews79 followers
January 29, 2025
Heart of the Fire is the third exciting book in The Dragon Tributes series.
While each book can be read as a standalone, it’s best to read them in order to fully appreciate all the paranormal alpha goodness and delicious darkness they offer.
Nobody can refuse to be a Tribute but nobody knows what exactly a Tribute is. There are many layers to get to be a tribute but each layer is not shared until you pass each test. Now they just have to stay alive. But what if the worst thing is not on this island?
I love the adrenaline rush that comes from strong, sexy alpha males in protective mode paired with their mates.
1,080 reviews10 followers
June 8, 2024
The story's main theme is horrific; yet, Kim's drama was overdone, really nasty.

I have been turned off by FMC's who are irrational, too needy, and unlikable before. Kim, while entitled to her distrust, suspicion of huge men who seemed nice, and swelled way too much on negativity, was so annoying I half hopes Blaze would give up on her. I very much wanted her to be put out of her misery that she loudly, obnoxiously, forced upon anyone within hearing range of her too venomous, extremely hurtful and passive-aggressive toxicity. On the other end of the spectrum is Blaze, who had to be the kindest, most sincerely loyal and honest dragon shifter ever. I understood her demons overtook her sense of rational thought and actions; however, most of her diatribes of petty, bullying insults were hurled and screeched at Blaze while she was safely BEHIND A LOCKED DOOR that he GENTLY knocked on, as he very politely, sweetly, shared personal family tidbits of information with her. I tolerated Kim for his sake, simply because he truly liked her. Gah! I so wanted to shake sense into her. No kept thinking how this is fiction, so why wasn't her nastiness times down? She made it difficult to keep reading.

Blaze was amazing, though. He had great instincts in his dragon form, who just knew that the humans he wasted into ash were deep down, bone deep, very unscrupulous, sadistic or very annoying and irredeemable individuals. He was honorable, humble, and such a wonderful individual as well as dragon.

I finished this installment under duress; I never really cares for Kim's character, even as I felt for her abusive history filled with torture, injuries, and sadistic domination. I very much believe her volatile reaction and behavior toward Blaze was too vicious and ridiculous. Blaze allowed her to take it out on him, which was wrong, and misdirected - she had no right to pass judgment when he was justified in putting those idiots out of their misery - since Kim's every inflicted hurt against herself by men in her past who were supposed to love and protect her instead produced feelings of fear, anger and intense physical pain. Still, the dragon details and other events made the book intriguing. Three stars.
3,133 reviews
December 15, 2023
A simply wonderful addition to the series, you will love the characters and story completely

This is a simply wonderful addition to the series and I have to sat that this book the third in the series was as entertaining as the previous two prior to it. You will once again read about characters that have starred in the previous book in the series and I guarantee that you will simply be blown away by Kim and Blaze and their interactions with each other.

Kim and Blaze have known how difficult it is for a dragon and its dragon rider to form a bond and at any time should the trust and bond be lost it is highly likely that the dragon will kill the trainee riders, until that all important bond and the link between them has been made then they are invincible.

Their responsibility is to fight against the red dragons and their riders who are already responsible for the death of dragons and riders on Draig Island, they have no honour and do not want to form an alliance with humans all they are interested in is taking over humanity etc…

I guarantee that you will love this book it will leave you anxiously waiting to read future books inn the series.

I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Profile Image for Ash P Reads.
1,054 reviews16 followers
May 30, 2024
Heart of the Fire" by Charlene Hartnady delivers a scorching paranormal romance that
immerses readers in a world where dragons and passion intertwine. The author skillfully
develops characters and weaves a compelling narrative that keeps the reader on the edge. The
sizzling chemistry between the main characters Kim and Blaze, adds a layer of intensity to the
story, making it a page-turner. With vivid descriptions and a well-crafted plot, the book
explores the complexities of love and desire within the supernatural realm.

Heart of the Fire is a captivating journey that seamlessly blends romance and fantasy, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this thrilling series.
Profile Image for Betty Hayes.
74 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2024
I still like the concept but

Okay I love dragons and dragon Shifters.
That being said, it seems that the. Original problem. I have with the very first book is being compounded. In each continual book instead of improving. Once again well, I like the characters and the concept of the tributes and dragons. There are things that have. Yet to be properly addressed, and now in this book. Not only is there a rough ending, but there's also a very jarring.
Back pedal in the timeline from someone else's point of view. Which it first was a little confusing. However, I'm going to still fond of.
The concept enough to hope some of the plot holes are filling in the next book.
Let That the timeline, we'll be less fragmented .
1,898 reviews8 followers
December 18, 2023
This is the third book in this series and was just as amazing! Kim has been through a lot in her life and has trouble trusting people. Blaze has his own issues and has trouble trusting himself. These two are amazing characters that really pull at your heart and are just so perfect for each other! I love how protective Blaze is! This was such a fantastic story with so many twists and turns it kept me turning the pages! I couldn’t put it down! I’m so excited to see what’s going to happen next! I absolutely love this series! Very highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
335 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2023
This series gets better and better with each book! Blaze is a very dangerous dragon. He kills Kim's boyfriend and yet Kim mind bonds with him. Kim wants nothing to do with Blaze or his dragon. But, Kim isn't allowed to leave and is being forced to work with Blaze. Kim has reasons to not only mistrust Blaze, but to mistrust all men. And Blaze doesn't trust his dragon to not hurt Kim. This book deals with some tough subjects including childhood abuse. For a fun, steamy romance, it's also very deep. We also find out things are not always what they seem on Draig Island. It will leave you dying to read the next book!!
351 reviews3 followers
December 27, 2023
Holy Cow! This is the best book of the series so far! I will say that you CANNOT read this story as a standalone. It HAS to be read in order with all the Dragon Tribute stories! That being said, I absolutely loved Kim and Blaze’s story! Kim comes from a hard past and Blaze is sensitive without being weak! It was full of drama, tension, and some seriously sexy scenes! I devoured this book! I don’t want to give anything away but I will say that this book does have a bit of a cliff hanger but not inregards to the main couple in the book! If you want a book that will entertain and suck you in from the beginning then I highly suggest that you read the Dragon Tributes series!
Profile Image for Wendy K..
354 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2024
I thought the second book had an emotional back story that could not be rivaled, but this one is right up there with it. The MFC, Kim, has some emotional scars from an abusive childhood and it makes it difficult for her to trust people or to believe that they love her. However, when she overcomes her fear, she really is a fighter and a great protector of those she cares for. She is mentioned in the first two books and is very emotional because she watches 2 people she knows get flamed by a dragon.

And who is that dragon you might ask, well, Blaze, the dragon she happens to mind connect to. It takes a while for them to finally work together and Blaze tries so hard to get on Kim’s good side and he is very sorry for the things that happens when he is in his dragon form. Honestly, and maybe it’s a little spoiler, but his dragon form can read people and knows who is good or bad and makes decisions on how to deal with them. Sometimes with flames. He also has some emotional trauma from his past and really tired to stay positive about having a mind connect to someone new.

Once they work out their differences and have to live with each other under the same roof, they begin to develop feelings and really see the good in each other. It is so sweet and of course turns super sexy. I can’t say that they are my favorite couple but I do like them and I am glad it worked out. The two of them deserve to find happiness and comfort and strength.
Profile Image for Tracy.
54 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2025
Heart Fire

This one had me thinking. This felt rushed and the storyline felt off. You needed more on FL background. Something that ML could see that made him really understand why FL was acting the way she was. Domestic abuse is viewed only when you really take a look at a person. Then you can really see the signs. FL was in a hut most of the time so how could anyone identify her issues. Plus her so called boyfriend in the beginning would have been a great opportunity to see it. If you gave it more detail there. I truly love the relationship between FL and ML. The ending was awesome. That was way better!! Still a good read
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,291 reviews10 followers
January 6, 2024
Blaze and Kim for the win!

This is book three and a good addition to the series. Finally Kim gets something good in her life and she breaks the abusive cycle started by her abuser. Blaze thinks that something is wrong with his dragon, but that is not the case. His dragon has a keene sense of good and bad in others. Blaze is scared that his dragon will hurt Kim, but what he doesn’t understand is that his dragon has a deeper connection with Kim. Both Blaze and Kim have some learning to do. Read On!
Profile Image for Diana Page.
1,010 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2024
Heart of a Dragon !!

Can you say OMG (( that’s Goddess by the way). Charlene Hartnady keeps the action between the Reds and the Draigs going at 100mph and never stops ! News coming from Mistvail Island is surprising everyone and nothing is as it seems ! I didn’t think the series could get any better, but this story is the best book I’ve read in years !! One click book one today and read the series in order . If I could give it 10✨’s I would !!
Profile Image for Diana The Moon.
295 reviews4 followers
January 29, 2024
Okey. I was saying my fav couple was Fang and Skylar but I take it back. Now its Blaze and Kim lol. 🤣

Why, because it was kinda like enemies to lovers so we get to experience their love starting slowly and building up! The books are keeps getting better in this series that I have to wait until March for the new book!
The ending killed me!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am very ready to follow red mc too! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
852 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2024
Heart Of Fire #3 07/03/2024

Blaze and Kim have mind bounded but she terrified of his Dragon, because his dragon killed three other trainees. One was her boyfriend sort of so Kim thinks of him as a monster. But their not going to let her go home because they need all the dragons and riders to fight in the war against the red dragons. Or do they? So enjoy another good read a see what happens!!
Profile Image for Calinka.
250 reviews5 followers
August 26, 2024
I never want to see the phrase “I’m not doing it! They can’t make me!” EVER AGAIN. It was so incredibly overused in the first 30% of this book that it should become a drinking game. I wasn’t sure I wanted to read this book because the glimpses I got of Kim over the last two books annoyed the crap out of me. She is whiny and petulant.

When I hit 43% I was absolutely done. I have zero interest reading about someone being whipped savagely as punishment.
Profile Image for Lane.
1,339 reviews
September 17, 2024
Kim grew on me

I felt so sorry for all that Blaze went through in this book. I understand that difficult past Kim had but I still struggled to like her. She totally redeemed herself but it took most of the book. This book also gives a little more insight to the big picture though not much. I have so many questions!! I am enjoying the writing and characters. There is something shady going on. On to the next book.
Profile Image for Leyns.
3,054 reviews
October 10, 2024
Aue.

Reading this heroine’s internal thoughts was not a good time. She was constantly stressed, panicking, scared, traumatised and tearful. It was exhausting. Overall the book was still pretty good - I like the world building and the overall story arc is interesting. It’s just that these characters were not for me. So I’m still going to read the next book, but this one was not a fav.
Profile Image for Kelly.
1,523 reviews
December 18, 2023
I am absolutely loving this series. I adored Blaze, I love that he felt guilty even knowing he did the right thing and I love how Kim worked through her issues and spoke to him about them instead of keeping everything a secret until things blew up.

Fantastic ending, on the edge of my seat with excitement.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Lin Cunningham.
567 reviews
December 23, 2023
This is such a great series and now in this third book it is Kim and Blaze.
Kim is a strong woman who has issues but is working openly with them.
Blaze showed great strength of character even with his doubts
Both of them were in the previous book so this was always going to be a great addition to the series
229 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2023
hurt comes from anywhere

Great follow up in series. This couple has more baggage they have to overcome to make a good dragon rider pair. You favorites intro characters are through out. Great main character story you can guess one immediately. Quick read and cliff hanger ending. Enjoy’
Profile Image for Tara Dorough.
1,283 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2024
Amazing Series

Heart of the Fire, book 3 of Charlene Hartnady's The Dragon Tributes series is amazing. This series gets better with every book. The characters are wonderful. It's full of laugh of loud moments and intense storyline. You'll read right through till the end in go. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Jean Morgan.
961 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2024
Gets Better and Better

I really didn’t like Kim, not at first. I liked Blaze right from the beginning. Kim struck me as a “victim”, “poor me” mentality. The storyline keeps getting more and more interesting and ultimately Kim shook off her “poor little me” attitude and it was a really good story. I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Pauline Johnson.
442 reviews
September 7, 2024
I didn't like Kim until the middle to end of book. I felt so sorry for Blaze. He is such a sweet heart doing everything he can just to talk to her. She Is a wimpy hypocrite in the beginning. Blaze is doing what he is told and putting up with all her bs. I guess good thing do come to those who wait.

81 reviews
December 23, 2024
Excellent

OK, it's violent, and has gratuitous porn; but this seems to be the pivotal book in this series. It tells the healing story of an adult child of a physically abused woman, and an alcoholic batterer. What happens in this book gathers up the plot threads in the first 2 book and shifts gears into drive. I can't wait til the next book.
Profile Image for C.Gard.
530 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2025
3 Stars

This book was a bit blah for me. Kim and Blaze had some good and sweet moments, but the lack of character development was infuriating. They went through the same cycle over and over for the entire book and it was maddening. For this main reason, I just couldn't really get into the book.
588 reviews
December 22, 2023
This book addressed several very touchy topics very well. I enjoyed how the two MCs ended up interacting and how she interacted with his dragon. I’m really not sure where the series is going based on the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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