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Salem’s guide to making a dragon break up with him:
Step 1: Don’t sleep with him. (No, seriously, don’t.) And definitely don’t let him into your apartment, he won’t leave.
Step 2: Deny being mates and don’t fall in love with him.
…Step one and two failed. Gregori is too stubborn and irresistable.
Salem is currently taking suggestions that don’t involve giving in to his feelings.
(Please note, do not try making the dragon jealous. Jealousy sex is too much fun and cannot be resisted. This will backfire.)
Tags:
One-night stand, ha! just kidding, surgeons be stubborn, no seriously Salem is the king of stubborn, Gregori is stubborn too, how to woo a reluctant mage 101, idiots to lovers, idiots to still idiots, no change on that front, ice dragons can burn up the sheets, more dragon cuddles, broken magic, Brazil, medical magic, mate fog can be dangerous, Rodrigo despairs of his dragons, Ha Na is Very Disappointed, that scares everyone, Sam is ready to throat punch Salem, Russian food is magical, all the cameos, age of mages, Ravi and his twins haven’t burned down the world, yet, 3 a.m. is a perfectly valid time for naked bonding ceremonies
Step 1: Don’t sleep with him. (No, seriously, don’t.) And definitely don’t let him into your apartment, he won’t leave.
Step 2: Deny being mates and don’t fall in love with him.
…Step one and two failed. Gregori is too stubborn and irresistable.
Salem is currently taking suggestions that don’t involve giving in to his feelings.
(Please note, do not try making the dragon jealous. Jealousy sex is too much fun and cannot be resisted. This will backfire.)
Tags:
One-night stand, ha! just kidding, surgeons be stubborn, no seriously Salem is the king of stubborn, Gregori is stubborn too, how to woo a reluctant mage 101, idiots to lovers, idiots to still idiots, no change on that front, ice dragons can burn up the sheets, more dragon cuddles, broken magic, Brazil, medical magic, mate fog can be dangerous, Rodrigo despairs of his dragons, Ha Na is Very Disappointed, that scares everyone, Sam is ready to throat punch Salem, Russian food is magical, all the cameos, age of mages, Ravi and his twins haven’t burned down the world, yet, 3 a.m. is a perfectly valid time for naked bonding ceremonies
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2024
148 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Sherwood
80 books1,996 followersAJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
She currently resides in Tennessee with aforementioned cats, dogs, and her editor/best friend/sister/partner in crime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
December 7, 2024
it feels funny to finally finish reading this universe of dragons and mages. i would like to say it's a good series, bc there are some scenes and some characters i love (sora, luka).
but at the same time, i still have sooo many complaints about this series. most characters are flat and don't stand out enough; the romance is similar for every book. the side action plots about the jaeggi and sousa are decent, tho predictable. and you know it's a problem when the side plot is more interesting than the romance.
note: this rating is for the entire universe (scales n spells + wings n wands)
------------------------------
i did NOT just find out that this existed :0
but at the same time, i still have sooo many complaints about this series. most characters are flat and don't stand out enough; the romance is similar for every book. the side action plots about the jaeggi and sousa are decent, tho predictable. and you know it's a problem when the side plot is more interesting than the romance.
note: this rating is for the entire universe (scales n spells + wings n wands)
------------------------------
i did NOT just find out that this existed :0
November 30, 2024
Couldn't get into this one as much
3.5*
Not sure what, exactly, was the niggling thing with this one but I found it a bit of a slog compared with the first two.
There was a strange swipe at Tesla which felt out of place to me within the narrative, I found Salem to be incredibly frustrating for most of the book and there wasn’t really a strong secondary plotline other than the relationship one.
Which is a shame as I really liked Gregori and was looking forward to his romance. I thought I'd might get more of an enemies to lovers vibe, but nope.
Instead I got a dragon pining away almost to the point of disappearing because he was away from his clan, a mage who didn't use magic, wasn't interested in a relationship but was happy to screw around with said dragon and treat him like crap, and then a rapid turnaround once Salem discovered he could learn healing magic.
There were some other parts that fell more like author-inserted fan type preferences for Asian TV dramas than necessarily a program Salem would watch, given his workaholic outlook.
But, having said the above, the final quarter was more like the rest of the books once they'd headed back to Brazil and I really liked all the friends Gregori had made in his short time living with Salem.
Is it just me, though, or does the cover title look like it says SCar, not SOar?!
3.5*
Not sure what, exactly, was the niggling thing with this one but I found it a bit of a slog compared with the first two.
There was a strange swipe at Tesla which felt out of place to me within the narrative, I found Salem to be incredibly frustrating for most of the book and there wasn’t really a strong secondary plotline other than the relationship one.
Which is a shame as I really liked Gregori and was looking forward to his romance. I thought I'd might get more of an enemies to lovers vibe, but nope.
Instead I got a dragon pining away almost to the point of disappearing because he was away from his clan, a mage who didn't use magic, wasn't interested in a relationship but was happy to screw around with said dragon and treat him like crap, and then a rapid turnaround once Salem discovered he could learn healing magic.
There were some other parts that fell more like author-inserted fan type preferences for Asian TV dramas than necessarily a program Salem would watch, given his workaholic outlook.
But, having said the above, the final quarter was more like the rest of the books once they'd headed back to Brazil and I really liked all the friends Gregori had made in his short time living with Salem.
Is it just me, though, or does the cover title look like it says SCar, not SOar?!
October 22, 2024
Why I have such a hard time with this series is a bit of a mystery to me. I love dragons. I love mating bonds, mages and magic and all that. Why I'm anything but addicted to this series is a question I've been asking myself since the first book.
I just don't get it, the chemistry between the couple. And the characters are all the same. I mean, sure, Sam and Salem are twins, so there had to be some similarities between the two, but honestly, they could have been one and the same if they didn't have such different professions.
The dragons are all the same too. They're terribly overprotective and absolutely sure about their mates, which is why they try to convince them to love them too. It's the same as always.
No wonder I was bored most of the time. That's also the reason why I skipped a lot. This book really wasn't for me.
I just don't get it, the chemistry between the couple. And the characters are all the same. I mean, sure, Sam and Salem are twins, so there had to be some similarities between the two, but honestly, they could have been one and the same if they didn't have such different professions.
The dragons are all the same too. They're terribly overprotective and absolutely sure about their mates, which is why they try to convince them to love them too. It's the same as always.
No wonder I was bored most of the time. That's also the reason why I skipped a lot. This book really wasn't for me.
October 23, 2024
I liked it. I'll miss this series and I'm sad it's 100% done but I enjoyed it and I'm glad we got as many books as we got
October 18, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up to four
This book was the third in this series and features an ice dragon and Salem, Sam’s brother and a pediatric surgeon. Honestly, I would have enjoyed this book better if Salem wasn’t such a self absorbed idiot. He really made this book a bit of a chore to read. Still, I’m glad to have finished this as I believe it was the last in the series.
This book was the third in this series and features an ice dragon and Salem, Sam’s brother and a pediatric surgeon. Honestly, I would have enjoyed this book better if Salem wasn’t such a self absorbed idiot. He really made this book a bit of a chore to read. Still, I’m glad to have finished this as I believe it was the last in the series.
June 3, 2025
I both loved and hated reading this book. Loved it because as per usual with this series it was thoroughly enjoyable. I loved Gregori and Salem. Poor guy, Salem just doesn't know what hit him. But I also hated it because I know it's the last in the series and I love this world so much I wish the authors would continue to write within it.
Salem is determined to be single no matter what. He's a bad bet as a boyfriend and is fully focused on his career. A one night stand at his brother's wedding is no reason to change his life around despite what the silly dragon seems to think. Of course Gregori knows he's met his mate and he's not going to let him go that easily, silly mage.
This was such an interesting story as it's the first time we see the dragons outside of their clans. Gregori will do anything to be with his mate, including follow him across the world to Boston away from his entire clan. But no one knows what that could do to Gregori as no dragon has ever lived away from their clan before.
I loved Gregori's determined plan to win his mate over. Salem cares so much about others and his patients in his pediatric surgery, Gregori knows he can't just demand his mate do anything. So he decides on the subtle and sly approach, just integrating himself ever so subtly into Salem's life until Salem can't remember life without him. But while his plan was working, things also get complicated with his own health.
Salem's resistance to having a dragon mate and remaining in the life he built for himself was a little absurd at times. He's had no interest in expanding his magical knowledge or asking any questions know that mages and dragons are back out in the open. From the first I kept waiting for him to want to talk to Sora and learn more about the medical knowledge that the mages have. Took longer than I thought for us to get there, but he's one stubborn guy.
I love these two together, I love this story, I love this world. I want to see all of these characters plotting to make the world better for humanity with the combined knowledge that magic and modern technology could now start to build upon.
Salem is determined to be single no matter what. He's a bad bet as a boyfriend and is fully focused on his career. A one night stand at his brother's wedding is no reason to change his life around despite what the silly dragon seems to think. Of course Gregori knows he's met his mate and he's not going to let him go that easily, silly mage.
This was such an interesting story as it's the first time we see the dragons outside of their clans. Gregori will do anything to be with his mate, including follow him across the world to Boston away from his entire clan. But no one knows what that could do to Gregori as no dragon has ever lived away from their clan before.
I loved Gregori's determined plan to win his mate over. Salem cares so much about others and his patients in his pediatric surgery, Gregori knows he can't just demand his mate do anything. So he decides on the subtle and sly approach, just integrating himself ever so subtly into Salem's life until Salem can't remember life without him. But while his plan was working, things also get complicated with his own health.
Salem's resistance to having a dragon mate and remaining in the life he built for himself was a little absurd at times. He's had no interest in expanding his magical knowledge or asking any questions know that mages and dragons are back out in the open. From the first I kept waiting for him to want to talk to Sora and learn more about the medical knowledge that the mages have. Took longer than I thought for us to get there, but he's one stubborn guy.
I love these two together, I love this story, I love this world. I want to see all of these characters plotting to make the world better for humanity with the combined knowledge that magic and modern technology could now start to build upon.
October 19, 2024
The Wings and Wands series is full of memorable, crazy, lovable characters. Dragons have been waiting to find their mates for centuries, and as a result when they find them, they can get a little bit possessive and protective.
Gregori Valerii is no exception. He thought he'd never find his mage and when he does, his mate rejects him. It's unheard of and extremely painful. Gregori sets off to win his mate over, but that means leaving family, clan and friends and that is also unheard of.
Gergori is adorable and I want him! Salem is just as lovely and is the perfect match for Gregori
This world of Dragons and Mages is wonderful. Wands and Wings is a spin off series of Scales 'N Spells, all set on the same world but focusing on a different dragon clan. All the books are well written, full of action and angst, and easy to read. Luckily, there is always a HEA. I hope there are more stories to come as there are many characters we still want to know more about.
Gregori Valerii is no exception. He thought he'd never find his mage and when he does, his mate rejects him. It's unheard of and extremely painful. Gregori sets off to win his mate over, but that means leaving family, clan and friends and that is also unheard of.
Gergori is adorable and I want him! Salem is just as lovely and is the perfect match for Gregori
This world of Dragons and Mages is wonderful. Wands and Wings is a spin off series of Scales 'N Spells, all set on the same world but focusing on a different dragon clan. All the books are well written, full of action and angst, and easy to read. Luckily, there is always a HEA. I hope there are more stories to come as there are many characters we still want to know more about.
October 20, 2024
Loved it!
I loved this! Started it one evening, finally put the book down to sleep, then finished it the next morning.
This series – and the Scales n Spells series it's a spin-off from – are comfort reads for me, and I love seeing even more of the dragons find their mates... and the shenanigans that ensue.
Salem and Gregori are such a brilliant pairing and I loved that we got to see them dealing with crises and danger in the human world, with their time in Boston.
I did want to kick both MCs for their idiocy though!
In this, you'll find:
✨️MM Paranormal Romance
✨️Fated mates
✨️Ice dragon
✨️Pediatric surgeon mage
✨️Hook up turned more
✨️Grumpy sunshine
✨️Mate rejection
✨️Car accidents
✨️Bomb threat
✨️Child surgery complications
✨️Illness and collapse
✨️Overwork
✨️Student debt
✨️A HEA
I loved this! Started it one evening, finally put the book down to sleep, then finished it the next morning.
This series – and the Scales n Spells series it's a spin-off from – are comfort reads for me, and I love seeing even more of the dragons find their mates... and the shenanigans that ensue.
Salem and Gregori are such a brilliant pairing and I loved that we got to see them dealing with crises and danger in the human world, with their time in Boston.
I did want to kick both MCs for their idiocy though!
In this, you'll find:
✨️MM Paranormal Romance
✨️Fated mates
✨️Ice dragon
✨️Pediatric surgeon mage
✨️Hook up turned more
✨️Grumpy sunshine
✨️Mate rejection
✨️Car accidents
✨️Bomb threat
✨️Child surgery complications
✨️Illness and collapse
✨️Overwork
✨️Student debt
✨️A HEA
February 5, 2025
Not a bad story. I love the dragons. However, no significant, serious talk takes place between Salem and Gregori. It’s all driven by sex and superficial scenes that make up the plot. Which makes the plot too flimsy to really like
September 15, 2025
Please let there be more…,,,,
October 20, 2024
Talk about stubborn, both of our MC's have it in spades, but different ways. Gregori cause he knows that Salem is his mate & he isn't taking no for an answer. Salem cause he wants nothing to do with a mate. I love this series.
October 31, 2024
NO - ahh hell It was an okay story for a fill in on most levels but I just can not go over a 3/5 as I really dislike both main characters. No the mage I really dislike - selfish and the dragon? I get the drive to protect and care for your mate when you are a dragon but to the point of self harm? I think the King said it all with the 'piss your brains out of your cocks' comment.
October 25, 2024
Well this is the biggest disappointment of 2024, considering I adored this series and the one before to pieces. This was meeeeeej. Salem did not deserve Gregory, and both their confessions were so anticlimactic. I feel super sad 🥹. Overall an o k a y read, but I guess I had my expectations too high.
October 26, 2024
Gregori was sweet, Salem was eh.
October 22, 2024
Gregori is a saint! Salem is holy insufferable and unlikable right up to the 90% mark. I found it almost impossible to find any redeeming qualities in him at all. How he knows all about mages, dragons and mates he STILL finds it impossible to realize a regular human boyfriend and a fated dragon mate are two ENTIRELY different things is super frustrating. I was happy for his turnaround but I just wish it had happened earlier in the story as I was almost ready to DNF.
October 25, 2024
what a perfect ending
I am so sad this series is complete. I love all of the dragons, both fire and ice and all those in between. Salem had to grow on me. Gregori is such a marshmallow dragon and it hurt my heart seeing him have to fight for Salem. He makes it all better in the end but that stubbornness almost does them both in. I am now going to go to a reread of them all!!!
I am so sad this series is complete. I love all of the dragons, both fire and ice and all those in between. Salem had to grow on me. Gregori is such a marshmallow dragon and it hurt my heart seeing him have to fight for Salem. He makes it all better in the end but that stubbornness almost does them both in. I am now going to go to a reread of them all!!!
October 22, 2024
sweet ending, love Gregori
Rating: 3.5🌈
I’m not sure if Soar is the end of the Wings 'N' Wands series but it does read as if it is. With all the previous couples and all the dragon clans and mages being present here in one role or another , it’s got the essence of a finale story. Especially that epilogue and speech.
So that’s how I will treat it. I’ve enjoyed reading the three stories immensely, with Sam and Dimitri’s probably being my favorite (Ruins). So it’s fitting that Soar concludes with a return to Sam’s story by way of his twin brother, Salem, a pediatric surgeon in the US.
Salem’s in Brazil for a celebration for his brother, Sam and Dimitri, meets ice dragon Gregori, and after a fabulous one night stand, finds himself with a fated mate he doesn’t want.
There’s several aspects of the story I enjoyed and others I didn’t connect with as well. It starts with the main characters and storyline. If you consider Sam and Dimitri’s (my favorite) , the elements in Ruins are similar but Sam’s character is far more appealing. Sam’s magical core is broken but Salem’s isn’t. So while Sam and Dimitri’s relationship dynamic is reflective of the same snark and behavior that Salem and Gregori demonstrate to begin with, the issues they faced, the dangers and unknown terrain made their journey more complex, and their struggles more understandable in emotional terms.
However , while many of us could understand not wanting to overturn our lives, jobs etc, it’s Sam’s continued conflicting and often abrasive or self-centered towards Gregori that’s the issue. The authors made it an important part of his character, a factor that left me feeling less than invested in his life and journey. The authors may have wanted to separate his character from his twin but it felt as though they went as far as they could in the opposite direction, sympathetically speaking. He’s just not as relatable with his constant references to himself and his actions as being a “a-hole” or something in that sense. Not that he’s wrong as he’s written. The narrative makes vague mentions as to some bad relationships in his past but the authors give no evidence of any, nothing to suggest that outright nastiness that’s been ongoing.
Yes, no one wants to overturn their lives. So communication is key. Doesn’t happen. Gregori is given more depth and better communication skills. He’s seen expanding his social circle and committing to the community. We get one well rounded character and one that needs more dimension to him.
Same unbalanced aspects of the storyline and relationship occur when (spoiler alert) Gregori starts to feel ill. Why he does is a well written element of the book.
Again Salem’s responses doesn’t always match a physician’s ethic. Although, it was a narrative choice to have Salem choose to become a doctor/pediatric surgeon because of his competitive nature with his brother. Salem is written as excellent doctor, however he began.
The comparisons do add up. For me, Sam’s a problematic factor throughout the book. Right up almost to the end.
There’s some thrilling scenes of flying dragons, additional dragon information about clans and physiology, and a grand reunion of all the dragons and mages we’ve gotten to know at the finish. I adore that.
I don’t know if there’s going to be any further stories in this universe. They’ve entered a new age. I’m sure new characters will be coming out and asked to be heard. But probably not here.
If you love dragons , instant fated mates, and fantasy love stories, check out the series as well as the fantastic series that started it, Scales ’N’ Spells . Ruins remains my favorite of this series, as does its couple. But read this for that ending and to see everyone once again. Plus dragon twins! Adorable.
Happy reading.
Cover by Katie Griffin.
Scales ’N’ Spells Series
- [x] Origin #1
- [x] Breath #2
- [x] Wish: A Novella #3
- [x] Blood #4
- [x] Embers #5
Wings ’N’ Wands :
- [x] Dawn: A Prequel Novella (Ha Na and King Rodrigo)
- [x] Ruins #1 - Sam and Dimitri’s book
- [x] Rise #2 - Vasily & Luka & Amura
- [x] Soar #3 - Salem and Gregori
Rating: 3.5🌈
I’m not sure if Soar is the end of the Wings 'N' Wands series but it does read as if it is. With all the previous couples and all the dragon clans and mages being present here in one role or another , it’s got the essence of a finale story. Especially that epilogue and speech.
So that’s how I will treat it. I’ve enjoyed reading the three stories immensely, with Sam and Dimitri’s probably being my favorite (Ruins). So it’s fitting that Soar concludes with a return to Sam’s story by way of his twin brother, Salem, a pediatric surgeon in the US.
Salem’s in Brazil for a celebration for his brother, Sam and Dimitri, meets ice dragon Gregori, and after a fabulous one night stand, finds himself with a fated mate he doesn’t want.
There’s several aspects of the story I enjoyed and others I didn’t connect with as well. It starts with the main characters and storyline. If you consider Sam and Dimitri’s (my favorite) , the elements in Ruins are similar but Sam’s character is far more appealing. Sam’s magical core is broken but Salem’s isn’t. So while Sam and Dimitri’s relationship dynamic is reflective of the same snark and behavior that Salem and Gregori demonstrate to begin with, the issues they faced, the dangers and unknown terrain made their journey more complex, and their struggles more understandable in emotional terms.
However , while many of us could understand not wanting to overturn our lives, jobs etc, it’s Sam’s continued conflicting and often abrasive or self-centered towards Gregori that’s the issue. The authors made it an important part of his character, a factor that left me feeling less than invested in his life and journey. The authors may have wanted to separate his character from his twin but it felt as though they went as far as they could in the opposite direction, sympathetically speaking. He’s just not as relatable with his constant references to himself and his actions as being a “a-hole” or something in that sense. Not that he’s wrong as he’s written. The narrative makes vague mentions as to some bad relationships in his past but the authors give no evidence of any, nothing to suggest that outright nastiness that’s been ongoing.
Yes, no one wants to overturn their lives. So communication is key. Doesn’t happen. Gregori is given more depth and better communication skills. He’s seen expanding his social circle and committing to the community. We get one well rounded character and one that needs more dimension to him.
Same unbalanced aspects of the storyline and relationship occur when (spoiler alert) Gregori starts to feel ill. Why he does is a well written element of the book.
Again Salem’s responses doesn’t always match a physician’s ethic. Although, it was a narrative choice to have Salem choose to become a doctor/pediatric surgeon because of his competitive nature with his brother. Salem is written as excellent doctor, however he began.
The comparisons do add up. For me, Sam’s a problematic factor throughout the book. Right up almost to the end.
There’s some thrilling scenes of flying dragons, additional dragon information about clans and physiology, and a grand reunion of all the dragons and mages we’ve gotten to know at the finish. I adore that.
I don’t know if there’s going to be any further stories in this universe. They’ve entered a new age. I’m sure new characters will be coming out and asked to be heard. But probably not here.
If you love dragons , instant fated mates, and fantasy love stories, check out the series as well as the fantastic series that started it, Scales ’N’ Spells . Ruins remains my favorite of this series, as does its couple. But read this for that ending and to see everyone once again. Plus dragon twins! Adorable.
Happy reading.
Cover by Katie Griffin.
Scales ’N’ Spells Series
- [x] Origin #1
- [x] Breath #2
- [x] Wish: A Novella #3
- [x] Blood #4
- [x] Embers #5
Wings ’N’ Wands :
- [x] Dawn: A Prequel Novella (Ha Na and King Rodrigo)
- [x] Ruins #1 - Sam and Dimitri’s book
- [x] Rise #2 - Vasily & Luka & Amura
- [x] Soar #3 - Salem and Gregori
February 2, 2025
This book is a wild ride of stubbornness, sizzling chemistry, and magical chaos. Salem and Gregori are the epitome of "idiots to lovers" (correction: "idiots to still idiots"), and every page had me laughing, swooning, or yelling at them to just give in already. The banter is sharp, the tension is scorching, and the supporting cast? Absolute perfection.
From magical mishaps to unexpected jealousy (which, by the way, definitely backfires), this book delivers everything you could want in a paranormal romance. Dragons, reluctant mages, and 3 a.m. naked bonding ceremonies—what more could you ask for?
If you love stubborn characters, chaotic relationships, and romance that burns as hot as dragon fire, this is an absolute must-read. 🔥
Although each book focuses on a different couple, reading the Wings 'N' Wands Series is best enjoyed when read in order:
January 28, 2025
Basic Entertainment
I really enjoyed the plot and build up to the couple developing feelings for one another. The story was more interesting than the first book and kept moving which I appreciated. I especially enjoyed reading about G integrating himself into Salem’s life. All of that was done well and it felt like a realistic timeline considering the two were living together. I could have done with less of Salem’s pessimism or at least with more explanation as to how he became that way. There was one reference to a terrible ex but we never find out what happened. It made it hard to connect to Salem’s character and his struggle to embrace their mate bond.
My big problem with this book is the childish way the characters acted and spoke every once in a while. There were scenes that were written wonderfully but then out of the blue the dialogue or inner monologue would read like a high schooler’s diary. It was jarring and made it hard to really stay interested. Especially at the end when G and S are finally open about their feelings, suddenly S was talking like a kid with his first crush. It didn’t fit to his character at all and made it hard to take anything seriously.
All in all the series was entertaining but I won’t be rushing to reread these books again.
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Fated Mates, Dual POV, Hurt/Comfort, Cinnamon Roll Dragon, Stubborn Mage
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM
I really enjoyed the plot and build up to the couple developing feelings for one another. The story was more interesting than the first book and kept moving which I appreciated. I especially enjoyed reading about G integrating himself into Salem’s life. All of that was done well and it felt like a realistic timeline considering the two were living together. I could have done with less of Salem’s pessimism or at least with more explanation as to how he became that way. There was one reference to a terrible ex but we never find out what happened. It made it hard to connect to Salem’s character and his struggle to embrace their mate bond.
My big problem with this book is the childish way the characters acted and spoke every once in a while. There were scenes that were written wonderfully but then out of the blue the dialogue or inner monologue would read like a high schooler’s diary. It was jarring and made it hard to really stay interested. Especially at the end when G and S are finally open about their feelings, suddenly S was talking like a kid with his first crush. It didn’t fit to his character at all and made it hard to take anything seriously.
All in all the series was entertaining but I won’t be rushing to reread these books again.
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Fated Mates, Dual POV, Hurt/Comfort, Cinnamon Roll Dragon, Stubborn Mage
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM
March 5, 2025
Salem’s guide to making a dragon break up with him:
Step 1: Don’t sleep with him. (No, seriously, don’t.) And definitely don’t let him into your apartment, he won’t leave.
Step 2: Deny being mates and don’t fall in love with him.
…Step one and two failed. Gregori is too stubborn and irresistable.
Salem is currently taking suggestions that don’t involve giving in to his feelings.
(Please note, do not try making the dragon jealous. Jealousy sex is too much fun and cannot be resisted. This will backfire.)
Tags:
One-night stand, ha! just kidding, surgeons be stubborn, no seriously Salem is the king of stubborn, Gregori is stubborn too, how to woo a reluctant mage 101, idiots to lovers, idiots to still idiots, no change on that front, ice dragons can burn up the sheets, more dragon cuddles, broken magic, Brazil, medical magic, mate fog can be dangerous, Rodrigo despairs of his dragons, Ha Na is Very Disappointed, that scares everyone, Sam is ready to throat punch Salem, Russian food is magical, all the cameos, age of mages, Ravi and his twins haven’t burned down the world, yet, 3 a.m. is a perfectly valid time for naked bonding ceremonies
Heather's Notes
I am sorry, I did not like Salem much. He was a jerk and never made a big gesture or groveled. I wanted more for Gregori. I liked the series as a whole though and I am sorry to see it end. AJ Sherwood writes funny books, and I will be reading more of her.
Step 1: Don’t sleep with him. (No, seriously, don’t.) And definitely don’t let him into your apartment, he won’t leave.
Step 2: Deny being mates and don’t fall in love with him.
…Step one and two failed. Gregori is too stubborn and irresistable.
Salem is currently taking suggestions that don’t involve giving in to his feelings.
(Please note, do not try making the dragon jealous. Jealousy sex is too much fun and cannot be resisted. This will backfire.)
Tags:
One-night stand, ha! just kidding, surgeons be stubborn, no seriously Salem is the king of stubborn, Gregori is stubborn too, how to woo a reluctant mage 101, idiots to lovers, idiots to still idiots, no change on that front, ice dragons can burn up the sheets, more dragon cuddles, broken magic, Brazil, medical magic, mate fog can be dangerous, Rodrigo despairs of his dragons, Ha Na is Very Disappointed, that scares everyone, Sam is ready to throat punch Salem, Russian food is magical, all the cameos, age of mages, Ravi and his twins haven’t burned down the world, yet, 3 a.m. is a perfectly valid time for naked bonding ceremonies
Heather's Notes
I am sorry, I did not like Salem much. He was a jerk and never made a big gesture or groveled. I wanted more for Gregori. I liked the series as a whole though and I am sorry to see it end. AJ Sherwood writes funny books, and I will be reading more of her.
October 30, 2025
This was a better book than the last one, but I still had issues. Salem was a stubborn asswole. I think he should have found a way to compromise sooner. I know he had issues with past relationships, but he treated Gregori like dirt. Gregori was also stubborn, but he didn't deserve to almost die when the solution was so simple.
I really did like the book and the couple even with my complaints. And I think this is an excellent end to this series. Even though I would still like more of the Ice Clan to find their mates.
angst 2.5/5
heat 3.5/5
story 3.5/5
POV dual
break up no?
I really did like the book and the couple even with my complaints. And I think this is an excellent end to this series. Even though I would still like more of the Ice Clan to find their mates.
angst 2.5/5
heat 3.5/5
story 3.5/5
POV dual
break up no?
September 28, 2025
This was an enjoyable end to the series, although it probably wasn't my favourite one; it lingers too heavily on the issues I don't like about the dragon/mage bonds, basically that the mage has no real choice - they will eventually have to join the dragon's clan. It's perfectly understandable that Salem wouldn't want to overhaul his life completely for some guy he barely knows, even if he might believe that eventually they will be mates, and yet there is never any alternative option presented, and he's made to feel guilty for not doing that sooner. When he does make that choice, it's presented as his choice because of the other opportunities being in Brazil will bring him, but those are more like consolation prizes for a choice he's forced to make rather than options that sway a free choice. It just makes everything feel forced and inevitable rather than a genuine connection growing between them. That aspect did overshadow the book somewhat for me, but there are still some good moments and the characters are done as well as in the rest of the series, and the celebration during the epilogue does round off the series nicely so I'm glad I read it, but I definitely preferred some of the other books in the series.
March 22, 2025
A great read and a nice wrap up to the series
I am assuming from the ending that this is the last of this series. If so, it does a great job with the wrap up. If not, I’ll be more than happy to read more!
In this book Gregory finds his mate but unfortunately his mate wants no part of it. Salem, Sam’s twin brother, comes to Brazil for his brother’s wedding and hooks up with a dragon who then drops the bombshell that they are mates. When Gregori follows Salem back to Boston in order to woo him and convince him about the bond Salem is determined not to be persuaded.
But of course since this is a romance book we know how that’s going to work out. It’s a sweet story with the crisis point doing a great job of propelling the story arc. Salem is scared and certainly being willfully dense and poor Gregori is feeling the ill effects of being away from his clan. It’s absolutely wonderful (#boyfriend goals) to see the lengths Gregori goes to in order to convince Salem he’s the one and Gregori is not going anywhere.
This is a great story of friends, family, loyalty, and understanding. And I was over the moon happy about Gregori’s hoard! What a fantastic idea for a hoard!
I am assuming from the ending that this is the last of this series. If so, it does a great job with the wrap up. If not, I’ll be more than happy to read more!
In this book Gregory finds his mate but unfortunately his mate wants no part of it. Salem, Sam’s twin brother, comes to Brazil for his brother’s wedding and hooks up with a dragon who then drops the bombshell that they are mates. When Gregori follows Salem back to Boston in order to woo him and convince him about the bond Salem is determined not to be persuaded.
But of course since this is a romance book we know how that’s going to work out. It’s a sweet story with the crisis point doing a great job of propelling the story arc. Salem is scared and certainly being willfully dense and poor Gregori is feeling the ill effects of being away from his clan. It’s absolutely wonderful (#boyfriend goals) to see the lengths Gregori goes to in order to convince Salem he’s the one and Gregori is not going anywhere.
This is a great story of friends, family, loyalty, and understanding. And I was over the moon happy about Gregori’s hoard! What a fantastic idea for a hoard!
October 22, 2024
Feels like an epilogue
The previous series resolved the conflict with the Jaeggi mages. This series revived missing dragon and mage clans. In this book, the conflict is a dragon recognizing a mage as his mate who has a life and career elsewhere. He also had a bad experience changing his life for a man in the past.
Salem is a pediatric surgeon. It's not really something the dragons need immediately, but it's a useful career for the future. Also, more medical mages are always good. The thing is, he's Sam's twin, so he's kind of family, even if he doesn't mate a dragon.
Gregori has to fight hard to convince Salem he's a good match, and he suffers from separating from his clan.
This is a fun story, especially if you've been following the dragons and will get to see what old friends are up to.
The previous series resolved the conflict with the Jaeggi mages. This series revived missing dragon and mage clans. In this book, the conflict is a dragon recognizing a mage as his mate who has a life and career elsewhere. He also had a bad experience changing his life for a man in the past.
Salem is a pediatric surgeon. It's not really something the dragons need immediately, but it's a useful career for the future. Also, more medical mages are always good. The thing is, he's Sam's twin, so he's kind of family, even if he doesn't mate a dragon.
Gregori has to fight hard to convince Salem he's a good match, and he suffers from separating from his clan.
This is a fun story, especially if you've been following the dragons and will get to see what old friends are up to.
September 12, 2025
It was a solid, enjoyable read. Nothing standout, but this series is really good at being cozy and breezy enough while also holding my attention. Joel’s narration makes it even better. I do love me some rejection angst too, even if I lowkey thought Salem gave in too quickly. He was basically guilted into agreeing to moving. It’s not his fault that Gregori didn’t talk to him about his health issues until he crashed.
I can’t imagine leaving my home, country, and career for a new relationship no matter what dragon mojo was going on. Giving it time first would be a necessity. It helps that he had his twin brother there in Brazil though. I guess I just don’t get the whole thing about the dragons not being able to live apart from other dragons. I would have preferred them moving together out of want only rather than necessity.
I can’t imagine leaving my home, country, and career for a new relationship no matter what dragon mojo was going on. Giving it time first would be a necessity. It helps that he had his twin brother there in Brazil though. I guess I just don’t get the whole thing about the dragons not being able to live apart from other dragons. I would have preferred them moving together out of want only rather than necessity.
October 23, 2024
Gregori & Salem
I don’t often want to reread series, because my tbr is overwhelming and is only growing. But there are authors that make me want to, these two being among them. This series, including the previous series is just that good. I love these dragons and mages. Salem is as stubborn as stubborn gets, but he’s also been hurt and believes the terrible things people told him at breakups. He refuses to budge when Gregori’s dragon tells him he is his mate. After some time, he’s in like with Gregori but the dragon is feeling homesick which causes health issues. Salem steps up and begins to recognize his feelings. I loved this story! Fingers crossed there’s another coming!
I don’t often want to reread series, because my tbr is overwhelming and is only growing. But there are authors that make me want to, these two being among them. This series, including the previous series is just that good. I love these dragons and mages. Salem is as stubborn as stubborn gets, but he’s also been hurt and believes the terrible things people told him at breakups. He refuses to budge when Gregori’s dragon tells him he is his mate. After some time, he’s in like with Gregori but the dragon is feeling homesick which causes health issues. Salem steps up and begins to recognize his feelings. I loved this story! Fingers crossed there’s another coming!
October 27, 2024
I love the whole universe and so far I've enjoyed the books. I enjoyed this one, too, to an extend. This book has a few issues that weren't just my cup of tea.
Of course Gregori is a typical dragon. In fact, so typical that most of the dragons kind of read the same. But well, "mate-brain" probably makes them all the same. Okay, and Salem is just very ....stupid? He obviously never talks to his brother, when there was so much he didn't know about dragons and mages.
And now I come to the main problem - the "to stupid to live"-moments, when Gregori just ignores all signs...
I'm not going to tell more but there was a lot of "no communication" and "ignoring" going on in this book.
That said - of course it was still fun to read and entertaining. The authors know how to entertain.
Of course Gregori is a typical dragon. In fact, so typical that most of the dragons kind of read the same. But well, "mate-brain" probably makes them all the same. Okay, and Salem is just very ....stupid? He obviously never talks to his brother, when there was so much he didn't know about dragons and mages.
And now I come to the main problem - the "to stupid to live"-moments, when Gregori just ignores all signs...
I'm not going to tell more but there was a lot of "no communication" and "ignoring" going on in this book.
That said - of course it was still fun to read and entertaining. The authors know how to entertain.
November 17, 2024
Perfect ending
Am I sad the series is over? Definitely! The dragons and mages live rent free in my head! But this was the perfect way to end a series.
When we met Sam in Ruins and found out he was a twin, I knew Salem was going to be an even more stubborn than Sam. Sam and Salem are the ying and yang to Cassie and Cameron if you think about it. And Salem puts Gregori through the wringer. Thank goodness he pulls his head out of his backside! I thought for sure Ha Na was going to need to borrow Cheryl as this was definitely a clue bat situation! Thankfully though, Salem used that intelligent brain of his to figure it out. Definitely recommend both series!
Am I sad the series is over? Definitely! The dragons and mages live rent free in my head! But this was the perfect way to end a series.
When we met Sam in Ruins and found out he was a twin, I knew Salem was going to be an even more stubborn than Sam. Sam and Salem are the ying and yang to Cassie and Cameron if you think about it. And Salem puts Gregori through the wringer. Thank goodness he pulls his head out of his backside! I thought for sure Ha Na was going to need to borrow Cheryl as this was definitely a clue bat situation! Thankfully though, Salem used that intelligent brain of his to figure it out. Definitely recommend both series!
September 17, 2025
overall, I loved this series, and I love Jocelynn and AJ's style together, but this book just wasn't it for me. Gregori invaded Salmen's personal space and then got upset when Salem didn't react well to it? As someone who values my personal space, I would never get over someone shoving their way into my one bedroom apartment and the. into my bed as well. That's just disrespectful. I'm just not a forced proximity type person. And then Salem kind of got on my nerves. They way he treated Gregori was so hot and cold, and I think he took advantage of him.
Anyway, the writing was fine as usual, but their story just isn't it.
Anyway, the writing was fine as usual, but their story just isn't it.
January 22, 2025
I had difficulty choosing between 4 and 5 stars for this book because I really enjoyed the characters and the world, but I actually found the previous book more impactful despite my awarding it 4 stars. This book is just so sweet and fun, without as much high stakes as all the previous books in this series. This felt like an epilogue romance the way Dawn was a prequel romance for Wings N Wands.
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