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Dragon Shifters of Derkesthai Academy #2
From This Day Forward
From This Day Forward is the second story in the Derkesthai Academy Dragon Shifter series--a hot contemporary paranormal romance series with mystery and suspense elements where dragon shifters hunt a magickal hoard thief who threatens to bring down the entire dragon mage race. In the small town of Mystic Springs, only love and betrayal can show true character and the best signs are those hidden. Join April and Noah as they fight an unidentified evil who threatens everything they value.
Noah Easton, a Special Forces dragon shifter, escapes the torture of a hoard thief bent on stealing dragon hoard stones and their elemental power from the mages who possess them, but the situation becomes personal when the hoard thief targets April, the woman he loves. He must return to his hometown of Mystic Springs to protect his own hoard from a magickal threat he cannot identify before he loses everything.
April Easton is a modern day oracle. She reads tea leaves and just about anything else that can predict coming events. However, past abandonment issues make her resistant to reading her own signs. But when evil comes to Mystic Springs, April must face her biggest fears of abandonment and betrayal in order to save what’s most important to her. Only by studying the past and owning her future can she stop a magickal criminal who threatens to steal everything she’s ever loved and destroy the one dragon mage who holds her heart always and forever.
Noah Easton, a Special Forces dragon shifter, escapes the torture of a hoard thief bent on stealing dragon hoard stones and their elemental power from the mages who possess them, but the situation becomes personal when the hoard thief targets April, the woman he loves. He must return to his hometown of Mystic Springs to protect his own hoard from a magickal threat he cannot identify before he loses everything.
April Easton is a modern day oracle. She reads tea leaves and just about anything else that can predict coming events. However, past abandonment issues make her resistant to reading her own signs. But when evil comes to Mystic Springs, April must face her biggest fears of abandonment and betrayal in order to save what’s most important to her. Only by studying the past and owning her future can she stop a magickal criminal who threatens to steal everything she’s ever loved and destroy the one dragon mage who holds her heart always and forever.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2014
1 person is currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Mackenzie Lucas
15 books129 followersMackenzie Lucas is an avid reader of genre fiction. She writes contemporary and paranormal romance. She loves a good story, whether it’s an erotic short, a full-length romance novel, or the narrative slice-of-life found in country music. In any story, emotional integrity and authenticity are most important to her as well as a big dose of romping hot sexual tension. She enjoys smart-mouthed, sexy heroines, hunky alpha heroes who know how to take care of their women, and plot twists that surprise her, but most of all, she just wants to experience the satisfying emotional arc of a character falling in love and finding what he or she needs most in life.
Mac is a small-town country girl with a world-traveler’s heart. She grew up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania and she’s lived in Dublin, Ireland, within throwing distance of New York City in Long Island, and now in the Washington, D.C. area. She obtained her undergraduate degree in English Literature from Dickinson College and received her M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She’s currently an author, a writing coach, a mother, and a wife.
With Mackenzie Lucas—whether you’re reading her light paranormal romance or her small-town-based contemporary romance—you’ll always find a heart-warming love story about connectedness, community, and emotional authenticity. And, no, it doesn’t hurt that all her heroes are panty-melting gorgeous alphas and all their sexy, sensually aware heroines know how to stand up to them, give no quarter, and love them just as they are.
Mac is a small-town country girl with a world-traveler’s heart. She grew up in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania and she’s lived in Dublin, Ireland, within throwing distance of New York City in Long Island, and now in the Washington, D.C. area. She obtained her undergraduate degree in English Literature from Dickinson College and received her M.F.A. in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She’s currently an author, a writing coach, a mother, and a wife.
With Mackenzie Lucas—whether you’re reading her light paranormal romance or her small-town-based contemporary romance—you’ll always find a heart-warming love story about connectedness, community, and emotional authenticity. And, no, it doesn’t hurt that all her heroes are panty-melting gorgeous alphas and all their sexy, sensually aware heroines know how to stand up to them, give no quarter, and love them just as they are.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 8, 2014
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I admit I'm drawn to books about dragons. Then you throw in the military and yes, I'm hooked. This is an action-packed, full of suspense quick read.
Noah Easton, a Special Forces dragon shifter, encounters The Fox,a hoard thief who is determined to steal dragon hoard stones and their elemental powers. Noah escapes her torturous clutches but not before The Fox threatens everything he holds dear. He will do anything it takes to protect his wife, April, and his three daughters, but will it be enough in the end.
The author gives us a glimpse in this novella into the magical world she has created full of dragons, mages, and other paranormal elements. From This Day Forward: Dragon Shifters of Derkesthai Academy has wet my appetite for more. I will be looking forward to the next installment.
I admit I'm drawn to books about dragons. Then you throw in the military and yes, I'm hooked. This is an action-packed, full of suspense quick read.
Noah Easton, a Special Forces dragon shifter, encounters The Fox,a hoard thief who is determined to steal dragon hoard stones and their elemental powers. Noah escapes her torturous clutches but not before The Fox threatens everything he holds dear. He will do anything it takes to protect his wife, April, and his three daughters, but will it be enough in the end.
The author gives us a glimpse in this novella into the magical world she has created full of dragons, mages, and other paranormal elements. From This Day Forward: Dragon Shifters of Derkesthai Academy has wet my appetite for more. I will be looking forward to the next installment.
June 29, 2014
The synopsis of this book seemed very intriguing, but the book did not meet my expectations. A pity.
From This Day Forward is a book in which is described a world full of magic, dragons and the normal human world.
April and Noah, the protagonists of the book didn't get under my skin with their story. To explain and introduce this reality full of magic and the various powers of dragons, the story of this couple went a little into the background, and it seems to me that everything about them is a little bit superficial and made a little boring reading the book.
The two of them should be soul mates, but April for fear of being hurt hides herself, while Noah chose a job and behaviours which increase the fears of his mate. A bit strange as what a couple with a bond for life with already three little girls.
I liked the idea of the dragon tattoo on his skin that moves, and responds as it is living it's own life.
This is the second book in the series Derkesthai Academy Dragon Shifter.
Thanks to Netgalley and Mackenzie Lucas for the book.
Rating: 2.5 stars
From This Day Forward è la seconda storia nella serie Derkesthai Academy Dragon Shifter, una serie paranormal romance contemporanea sexy, con elementi di mistero e suspance dove dei draghi mutaforma danno la caccia a ladri di tesori magici che minacciano l'intera razza di dragoni maghi. Nella piccola città di Mystic Springsteen solo l'amore e il tradimento possono mettere in mostra la verità su una persona e i segnali migliori possono essere quelli nascosti. Unitevi a April e Noah nella loro lotta contro un nemico sconosciuto che minaccia tutte le cose per loro più preziose.
Noah Easton, un drago mutaforma che fa parte delle Forze Speciali, riesce a sfuggire alle torture di un ladro di tesori magici, che vuole sottrarre a ogni drago la sua pietra nascosta, che racchiude tutti i poteri del mago che la indossa, ma la situazione diventa personale quando il ladro prende di mira April, la donna che ama. Il dragone è costretto a fare ritorno nella sua città di Mystic Spring per proteggere il suo stesso tesoro da una minaccia legata alla magia che non riesce a identificare, prima di rischiare di perdere tutto.
April è un oracolo dei giorni nostri. Può leggere attraverso le foglie di tè qualsiasi cosa che possa predire gli eventi del futuro. Però problemi legati al passato e al suo abbandono le impediscono di leggere i segnali che la riguardano. Ma quando il male arriverà a Mystic Spring, sarà costretta ad affrontare le sue peggiori paure legate all'abbandono e al tradimento, per riuscire a salvare quello che le sta più a cuore. Solo conoscendo il suo passato e studiando il suo futuro potrà fermare il criminale che con la magia minaccia di privarla di tutto quello che ama e distruggere l'unico mago dragone che ha conquistato il suo cuore per sempre.
La sinossi di presentazione di questo libro mi era sembrata davvero molto intrigante, ma il libro non ha soddisfatto le mie aspettative. Un vero peccato.
from This Day Forward è un libro nel quale si trova descritto un mondo nel quale convivono magia, draghi e il mondo umano.
April e Noah, i protagonisti del libro non sono riusciti a "prendermi" con la loro storia. Per spiegare e introdurre questa realtà piena di magia e i vari poteri dei draghi, la storia di questa coppia è passata un po' in secondo piano, e mi sembra che sia stata sviluppata in modo un po' superficiale e ha reso un po' noiosa la lettura del libro.
Dovrebbero essere due anime gemelle, ma April per timore di essere ferita nasconde di se stessa, di quello che pensa e prova, mentre Noah ha scelto un lavoro e ha dei comportamenti che aumentano le paure della sua compagna. Un po' strana come cosa in una coppia legata per tutta la vita e ha già tre figlie.
Mi è piaciuta l'idea del tatuaggio del dragone sulla pelle che si muove, e risponde agli stimoli che riceve dall'esterno.
È il secondo libro della serie Derkesthai Academy Dragon Shifter.
Ringrazio Netgalley e Mackenzie Lucass per il libro.
VOTO: 2.5 stelline
From This Day Forward is a book in which is described a world full of magic, dragons and the normal human world.
April and Noah, the protagonists of the book didn't get under my skin with their story. To explain and introduce this reality full of magic and the various powers of dragons, the story of this couple went a little into the background, and it seems to me that everything about them is a little bit superficial and made a little boring reading the book.
The two of them should be soul mates, but April for fear of being hurt hides herself, while Noah chose a job and behaviours which increase the fears of his mate. A bit strange as what a couple with a bond for life with already three little girls.
I liked the idea of the dragon tattoo on his skin that moves, and responds as it is living it's own life.
This is the second book in the series Derkesthai Academy Dragon Shifter.
Thanks to Netgalley and Mackenzie Lucas for the book.
Rating: 2.5 stars
From This Day Forward è la seconda storia nella serie Derkesthai Academy Dragon Shifter, una serie paranormal romance contemporanea sexy, con elementi di mistero e suspance dove dei draghi mutaforma danno la caccia a ladri di tesori magici che minacciano l'intera razza di dragoni maghi. Nella piccola città di Mystic Springsteen solo l'amore e il tradimento possono mettere in mostra la verità su una persona e i segnali migliori possono essere quelli nascosti. Unitevi a April e Noah nella loro lotta contro un nemico sconosciuto che minaccia tutte le cose per loro più preziose.
Noah Easton, un drago mutaforma che fa parte delle Forze Speciali, riesce a sfuggire alle torture di un ladro di tesori magici, che vuole sottrarre a ogni drago la sua pietra nascosta, che racchiude tutti i poteri del mago che la indossa, ma la situazione diventa personale quando il ladro prende di mira April, la donna che ama. Il dragone è costretto a fare ritorno nella sua città di Mystic Spring per proteggere il suo stesso tesoro da una minaccia legata alla magia che non riesce a identificare, prima di rischiare di perdere tutto.
April è un oracolo dei giorni nostri. Può leggere attraverso le foglie di tè qualsiasi cosa che possa predire gli eventi del futuro. Però problemi legati al passato e al suo abbandono le impediscono di leggere i segnali che la riguardano. Ma quando il male arriverà a Mystic Spring, sarà costretta ad affrontare le sue peggiori paure legate all'abbandono e al tradimento, per riuscire a salvare quello che le sta più a cuore. Solo conoscendo il suo passato e studiando il suo futuro potrà fermare il criminale che con la magia minaccia di privarla di tutto quello che ama e distruggere l'unico mago dragone che ha conquistato il suo cuore per sempre.
La sinossi di presentazione di questo libro mi era sembrata davvero molto intrigante, ma il libro non ha soddisfatto le mie aspettative. Un vero peccato.
from This Day Forward è un libro nel quale si trova descritto un mondo nel quale convivono magia, draghi e il mondo umano.
April e Noah, i protagonisti del libro non sono riusciti a "prendermi" con la loro storia. Per spiegare e introdurre questa realtà piena di magia e i vari poteri dei draghi, la storia di questa coppia è passata un po' in secondo piano, e mi sembra che sia stata sviluppata in modo un po' superficiale e ha reso un po' noiosa la lettura del libro.
Dovrebbero essere due anime gemelle, ma April per timore di essere ferita nasconde di se stessa, di quello che pensa e prova, mentre Noah ha scelto un lavoro e ha dei comportamenti che aumentano le paure della sua compagna. Un po' strana come cosa in una coppia legata per tutta la vita e ha già tre figlie.
Mi è piaciuta l'idea del tatuaggio del dragone sulla pelle che si muove, e risponde agli stimoli che riceve dall'esterno.
È il secondo libro della serie Derkesthai Academy Dragon Shifter.
Ringrazio Netgalley e Mackenzie Lucass per il libro.
VOTO: 2.5 stelline
January 29, 2014
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book
I admit it, I am a sucker for a dragon story. I can't help it.. dragons are cool. I have been intrigued by dragons most of my life. As a matter of fact, I don't remember ever not being crazy about them. And that was back in the day when dragons always lost in battle to the good guys. You just have to ask, who declared the dragons the bad guys? Fortunately for me dragons are in. They are cool are they still top of the food chain? You betcha.. just now as in all species, there are good dragons and bad dragons.
From This Day Forward by Mackenzie Lucas is book two in her Derkesthai Academy Dragon Shifter Series. This series is based around the town of Mystic Spring and the Academy that has been built there. Mystic Springs is home of a pretty interesting magical community so building a Dragon Academy there just makes sense. Of course being a magical community it draws all sorts there..
April Easton is a modern day oracle only she would rather just be a wife and mom. She accepts, in theory, her heritage but she doesn't like it when her talents include her. Having watched her Father walk out on her when she was a child and seeing her mother slowly fall apart, April doesn't trust easily. She also protects herself with the ever smiling, happy, positive woman. Always ready to please. No one ever sees the dark stuff inside. Of course that can be crippling all by itself. Even in her marriage she keeps part of herself back. It doesn't help that she married a military man, who leaves her alone for long periods of time. Or that he's a dragon and dragon law forbids a male dragon to live with children under five. So once a child is born, he needs to leave it until that child is five, or the youngest one is. So in a nutshell, a woman who is afraid of people leaving her marries a man who chooses a military career AND is a dragon... yeah that won't feed on any insecurities.
Noah Easton, a Special Forces dragon shifter has spent the past ten years of his life serving the "mundanes" he feels that saving the world is saving the world, doesn't matter if it is for mundanes or magicals. But now he has been captured and something is off. All he wants to do is get back to his wife and daughters. To make sure they are safe and to be the husband and father they need.
An interesting concept. There is no falling in love in this book. There is a couple who is committed to each other. Who believe in each other and who want to be with each other. Kind of sexy in and of itself. But as all couples have, they have issues. Some stem from Noah's job, his absence. But most stem from April's refusal to completely trust her talents. To accept her past and let it go, to accept that she can be angry, that she can be tough that she doesn't always have to smile.
But there is so much more to this book. April and Noah are part of a much bigger plot. Someone is stealing Dragon Hordes and Noah is in the line of fire. His capture wasn't military based it was magically based. And the root of the problem, well this problem is based right there in Mystic Spring.. Of course the root of this problem is only part of the whole problem. And that is where the series begins to tie in. Ms Lucas does a wonderful job catching stray threads and turning them into a wonderful tapestry. A compelling story that makes you want more!
Another book, I want to just go on and on about. This is a discussion worthy book. I love when an author tickles my brain.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of From This Day Forward, provided by netgalley.
I admit it, I am a sucker for a dragon story. I can't help it.. dragons are cool. I have been intrigued by dragons most of my life. As a matter of fact, I don't remember ever not being crazy about them. And that was back in the day when dragons always lost in battle to the good guys. You just have to ask, who declared the dragons the bad guys? Fortunately for me dragons are in. They are cool are they still top of the food chain? You betcha.. just now as in all species, there are good dragons and bad dragons.
From This Day Forward by Mackenzie Lucas is book two in her Derkesthai Academy Dragon Shifter Series. This series is based around the town of Mystic Spring and the Academy that has been built there. Mystic Springs is home of a pretty interesting magical community so building a Dragon Academy there just makes sense. Of course being a magical community it draws all sorts there..
April Easton is a modern day oracle only she would rather just be a wife and mom. She accepts, in theory, her heritage but she doesn't like it when her talents include her. Having watched her Father walk out on her when she was a child and seeing her mother slowly fall apart, April doesn't trust easily. She also protects herself with the ever smiling, happy, positive woman. Always ready to please. No one ever sees the dark stuff inside. Of course that can be crippling all by itself. Even in her marriage she keeps part of herself back. It doesn't help that she married a military man, who leaves her alone for long periods of time. Or that he's a dragon and dragon law forbids a male dragon to live with children under five. So once a child is born, he needs to leave it until that child is five, or the youngest one is. So in a nutshell, a woman who is afraid of people leaving her marries a man who chooses a military career AND is a dragon... yeah that won't feed on any insecurities.
Noah Easton, a Special Forces dragon shifter has spent the past ten years of his life serving the "mundanes" he feels that saving the world is saving the world, doesn't matter if it is for mundanes or magicals. But now he has been captured and something is off. All he wants to do is get back to his wife and daughters. To make sure they are safe and to be the husband and father they need.
An interesting concept. There is no falling in love in this book. There is a couple who is committed to each other. Who believe in each other and who want to be with each other. Kind of sexy in and of itself. But as all couples have, they have issues. Some stem from Noah's job, his absence. But most stem from April's refusal to completely trust her talents. To accept her past and let it go, to accept that she can be angry, that she can be tough that she doesn't always have to smile.
But there is so much more to this book. April and Noah are part of a much bigger plot. Someone is stealing Dragon Hordes and Noah is in the line of fire. His capture wasn't military based it was magically based. And the root of the problem, well this problem is based right there in Mystic Spring.. Of course the root of this problem is only part of the whole problem. And that is where the series begins to tie in. Ms Lucas does a wonderful job catching stray threads and turning them into a wonderful tapestry. A compelling story that makes you want more!
Another book, I want to just go on and on about. This is a discussion worthy book. I love when an author tickles my brain.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of From This Day Forward, provided by netgalley.
August 14, 2016
Overall rating: 4 Rockin’ ★★★★
April and Noah are soul mates. They live in a magical town with their three daughters and April’s grandmother. April is an oracle and Noah is a dragon. While April runs a teahouse and cares for their children, Noah is a special forces captain.
April’s special gift was tasseography reading tea leaves-although most forms of divination came easily to her. So of everyone in her family, she was considered the most well-rounded, the oracle-the one who could pull the full picture together to read all the signs-even those not visible.
While on a mission Noah is betrayed by a member of his team and is turned over to the enemy. He is tortured and interrogated by an agent called the Fox. His missing in action was reported to his wife.
Dragon bred, born, and trained…his sense of sight, scent, and hearing were well beyond the human norm and made the bed.
Noah escapes and returns to his family. He is there to protect them from the rogue dragon that is killing dragons and their families to steel their heart stones. April knows it is time for Noah to stay with his family.
Choose me. The tiny voice clamored, echoing in her heart…searing the scarred tissue of her soul again.
April must choose to trust with her heart and soul. When their daughters and her grandmother are taken captive by the Fox they must use that trust to save their them.
I’m yours. Always. Trust me, the dragon spoke, a rough whisper. Not out loud, but through her mind. Sure. Gentle. Commanding.
Once again good triumphs or evil and the good guys win.
“April, I need you to relax, honey. Everything is going to be fine. Trust me.”
Hero –Captain Noah Easton: 4 stars
Heroine –April Easton: 4 stars
Steam: 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! This was an interesting twist on super naturals living in our world. The author presents them as powerful beings that live their lives like ordinary people.
Would I read other books by this author: Yes! I wonder where the author will go next with this series.
From This Day Forward: Dragon Shifters of Derkesthai Academy
Mackenzie Lucas
September 9, 2015
This was just OK to me. There were a few things I liked, but there was one pivotal moment that I thought was trite and that kind of spoiled the story for me.
April Easton is an oracle specializing in reading tea leaves in her tea shop. She is also a military wife - her husband, Noah, is in the Special Forces division of the Army. He's also an Ice Dragon. They are both considered Magickals because of their special powers, normal people are called mundanes. Together, they have 3 children. The dragon rules state that a dragon mage cannot live in the home when the children are under 5. Their youngest just turned 6.
While on a special mission, Noah gets caught by a villain. He discovers the bad guy is trying to steal the special stones that give dragons their powers. Trouble follows him home, and that's when things kind of fell apart for me.
April and her "soulmate" have a disagreement because of something that happened while her husband was being held in captivity - something she managed to see through a vision. Instead of trusting the man she deems her soulmate to tell the truth, she flies off the handle and jumps to the worst conclusion without hearing what her husband had to say about the situation. If they were indeed the strong couple April says they are, she would have had the common decency to hear him out. This is what ruined the story for me - a cheap plot device used to create conflict and tension for the reader, all in order to achieve the happy ending. All it did was frustrate me because April says one thing about her marriage, but the way she acts doesn't match what she says.
The good stuff - I liked the location. Being a Southwestern Pennsylvanian myself, it was interesting to hear a few places mentioned that I am familiar with. I also liked the dragon shifter, I haven't previously read about them and this made me want to look for other dragon-themed books. Unfortunately, I more than likely won't continue on with this dragon series in fear that the future (and past) books in the series also use the same kind of cheesy plot device.
This is part of a series, but it easily stands on its own. A few characters were mentioned, and I'm guessing they were part of the previous book in the series. It read as complete, even without knowing the previous story.
**I received this eARC on behalf of the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
April Easton is an oracle specializing in reading tea leaves in her tea shop. She is also a military wife - her husband, Noah, is in the Special Forces division of the Army. He's also an Ice Dragon. They are both considered Magickals because of their special powers, normal people are called mundanes. Together, they have 3 children. The dragon rules state that a dragon mage cannot live in the home when the children are under 5. Their youngest just turned 6.
While on a special mission, Noah gets caught by a villain. He discovers the bad guy is trying to steal the special stones that give dragons their powers. Trouble follows him home, and that's when things kind of fell apart for me.
April and her "soulmate" have a disagreement because of something that happened while her husband was being held in captivity - something she managed to see through a vision. Instead of trusting the man she deems her soulmate to tell the truth, she flies off the handle and jumps to the worst conclusion without hearing what her husband had to say about the situation. If they were indeed the strong couple April says they are, she would have had the common decency to hear him out. This is what ruined the story for me - a cheap plot device used to create conflict and tension for the reader, all in order to achieve the happy ending. All it did was frustrate me because April says one thing about her marriage, but the way she acts doesn't match what she says.
The good stuff - I liked the location. Being a Southwestern Pennsylvanian myself, it was interesting to hear a few places mentioned that I am familiar with. I also liked the dragon shifter, I haven't previously read about them and this made me want to look for other dragon-themed books. Unfortunately, I more than likely won't continue on with this dragon series in fear that the future (and past) books in the series also use the same kind of cheesy plot device.
This is part of a series, but it easily stands on its own. A few characters were mentioned, and I'm guessing they were part of the previous book in the series. It read as complete, even without knowing the previous story.
**I received this eARC on behalf of the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 25, 2014
This is the second book in this series set in Mystic Springs about dragon shifters and those they love. These are quite short reads but they pack a punch and the standard of both writing and editing makes them a dream to read.
This series has the longest title- Dragon Shifters of Derkesthai Academy , but don't let that put you off. Set amongst magical creatures the author makes it all feel very current and relevant to situations happening in the world today. In this book the story centres on Noah a dragon shifter working in the American special forces but his mission goes badly wrong and he's captured by an enemy. Barely escaping with his life he rushes home to his wife April , an oracle but it looks as if danger is already heading to Mystic Springs. April has the gift of sight but what she sees will tear her and Noah apart! All April has ever wanted is time and love with her dragon but it looks as if that time has finally ran out!
This book follows on from To Have And To Hold and I seriously recommend reading that book first if possible. This is a standalone but characters from the previous book do appear here and it just adds something to the fun. Set in a world of dragon mages , magic and hordes this author has truly brought something unique to the paranormal table. This book features a happily married couple! Yes I know it's a shocking premise and so unlike so many other romances out there. Instead of tracking the meeting and subsequent romantic journey of the hero and heroine we are treated to grown ups battling to keep their marriage and relationship alive! I haven't read any other paranormal romances quite like this and genuinely applaud the author for this unusual approach.
A compelling story with strong characters that surely finally deserve to be a normal happy family. World building that keeps the readers interest and even a school for magic that hopefully will churn out heroes and heroines for other stories. Yes I enjoyed it and will definitely seek out other books by Ms Lucas.
Short but deserves a five for originality
This series has the longest title- Dragon Shifters of Derkesthai Academy , but don't let that put you off. Set amongst magical creatures the author makes it all feel very current and relevant to situations happening in the world today. In this book the story centres on Noah a dragon shifter working in the American special forces but his mission goes badly wrong and he's captured by an enemy. Barely escaping with his life he rushes home to his wife April , an oracle but it looks as if danger is already heading to Mystic Springs. April has the gift of sight but what she sees will tear her and Noah apart! All April has ever wanted is time and love with her dragon but it looks as if that time has finally ran out!
This book follows on from To Have And To Hold and I seriously recommend reading that book first if possible. This is a standalone but characters from the previous book do appear here and it just adds something to the fun. Set in a world of dragon mages , magic and hordes this author has truly brought something unique to the paranormal table. This book features a happily married couple! Yes I know it's a shocking premise and so unlike so many other romances out there. Instead of tracking the meeting and subsequent romantic journey of the hero and heroine we are treated to grown ups battling to keep their marriage and relationship alive! I haven't read any other paranormal romances quite like this and genuinely applaud the author for this unusual approach.
A compelling story with strong characters that surely finally deserve to be a normal happy family. World building that keeps the readers interest and even a school for magic that hopefully will churn out heroes and heroines for other stories. Yes I enjoyed it and will definitely seek out other books by Ms Lucas.
Short but deserves a five for originality
February 1, 2014
From This Day Forward. Mackenzie Lucas
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I love fantasy/paranormal romance, and the premise of this book intrigued me, dragon shifters have athe potential for so much fun and action. Its only 127 pages long though, and I found that too short to really explore the characters and plots unleashed in this novel. Its the beginning to a new series, and I often find the first book has a really difficult job of introducing characters and places, along with a decent plot, and for me it needed more detail to work.
I found the characters reasonably likeable, but just didn't get to know them in enough depth to really empathise with their dilemmas. Noah, good guy but I didn't understand why – as a powerful dragon – he was taken by surprise by a small lady, even if she was magickal. April, nice woman, loves her family but avoids the magickal side, and given her husband is a shifter I didn't really find the “abandonment” issue sufficient reasoning.
The plot as a whole seemed to me very simplistic, I’d guessed much of it early on, and it seemed to me that almost as soon as something happened, it was over. No drawn out drama, no stretched thin emotions, just problem-action-solution-finish. Maybe that's because of the length restraints, but it led to a novel that I’d hoped would be good, but that was just too easy and simplistic for me. Still, as ever that's what lots of readers want, an easy to follow bit of escapism, and just because I need more doesn't mean everyone does thankfully :) its what gives us such a wide range of novels. This is well written, with credible plots and characters, its a personal taste issue that has me not liking it, not something wrong with the book itself. Its priced at £1.86 for 127 pages, and the ending makes it clear there's more to come and lays out the pathways for the next books.
Stars: Two and a half, touching on a three.
ARC supplied by Netgalley.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book reviews.
I love fantasy/paranormal romance, and the premise of this book intrigued me, dragon shifters have athe potential for so much fun and action. Its only 127 pages long though, and I found that too short to really explore the characters and plots unleashed in this novel. Its the beginning to a new series, and I often find the first book has a really difficult job of introducing characters and places, along with a decent plot, and for me it needed more detail to work.
I found the characters reasonably likeable, but just didn't get to know them in enough depth to really empathise with their dilemmas. Noah, good guy but I didn't understand why – as a powerful dragon – he was taken by surprise by a small lady, even if she was magickal. April, nice woman, loves her family but avoids the magickal side, and given her husband is a shifter I didn't really find the “abandonment” issue sufficient reasoning.
The plot as a whole seemed to me very simplistic, I’d guessed much of it early on, and it seemed to me that almost as soon as something happened, it was over. No drawn out drama, no stretched thin emotions, just problem-action-solution-finish. Maybe that's because of the length restraints, but it led to a novel that I’d hoped would be good, but that was just too easy and simplistic for me. Still, as ever that's what lots of readers want, an easy to follow bit of escapism, and just because I need more doesn't mean everyone does thankfully :) its what gives us such a wide range of novels. This is well written, with credible plots and characters, its a personal taste issue that has me not liking it, not something wrong with the book itself. Its priced at £1.86 for 127 pages, and the ending makes it clear there's more to come and lays out the pathways for the next books.
Stars: Two and a half, touching on a three.
ARC supplied by Netgalley.
January 29, 2014
OK, they had me at ‘dragon shifter’. I love dragon shifter stories and this one did not disappoint, although there is a definite twist to this author’s interpretation. There is lots more magic involved for one thing.
The hero is Noah, an ice dragon shifter, who has spent most of his married life as a Special Forces soldier. The reason? By Council ruling male dragons cannot live with their families until the youngest child reaches five… And Noah and his wife, April, have three stair step daughters so they’ve been constrained to short visits for nine of the ten years of their marriage. But their youngest is five now and April intends to convince her husband to stay home from now on…
April is an interesting character in her own right. She is human but comes from a LONG line of seers and oracles. They practice geomancy – not so much the sudden vision in the head but the interpretation of physical clues and omens. And right now April is in denial because the portents are building up, way up, like disaster in the making up, and she really doesn’t want to know.
Noah and April love each other deeply. She wants him home to have a father for her children and a husband for herself. He isn’t sure he can leave the adrenaline-drenched world of Special Forces. Then he is attacked, both magically and mundanely, and his family is threatened. Suddenly he knows what’s important and what’s not.
There are definite threads laid down for future books. Although this story is safely resolved, it’s obvious there are more plots, more intrigues and more mayhem on the way.
Based on publication date, it appears that To Have & To Hold is the first book in the series. I haven’t read it and am unsure if there is a series arc but this one seemed to function well as a stand-alone.
Copy received from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review.
The hero is Noah, an ice dragon shifter, who has spent most of his married life as a Special Forces soldier. The reason? By Council ruling male dragons cannot live with their families until the youngest child reaches five… And Noah and his wife, April, have three stair step daughters so they’ve been constrained to short visits for nine of the ten years of their marriage. But their youngest is five now and April intends to convince her husband to stay home from now on…
April is an interesting character in her own right. She is human but comes from a LONG line of seers and oracles. They practice geomancy – not so much the sudden vision in the head but the interpretation of physical clues and omens. And right now April is in denial because the portents are building up, way up, like disaster in the making up, and she really doesn’t want to know.
Noah and April love each other deeply. She wants him home to have a father for her children and a husband for herself. He isn’t sure he can leave the adrenaline-drenched world of Special Forces. Then he is attacked, both magically and mundanely, and his family is threatened. Suddenly he knows what’s important and what’s not.
There are definite threads laid down for future books. Although this story is safely resolved, it’s obvious there are more plots, more intrigues and more mayhem on the way.
Based on publication date, it appears that To Have & To Hold is the first book in the series. I haven’t read it and am unsure if there is a series arc but this one seemed to function well as a stand-alone.
Copy received from Netgalley and publisher for an honest review.
February 20, 2014
The second novella in the Dragon Shifters of Derkesthai Academy series is an intriguing paranormal romance with some refreshing unique perspectives.
Special Forces dragon shifter Noah Easton escapes the torture of a hoard thief bent on stealing dragon hoard stones and their elemental powers, but the situation becomes personal when the thief targets his family. Modern day oracle, April reads tea leaves and just about anything else that can predict coming events, but her past abandonment issues makes her resistant to reading her own signs. When evil comes to Mystic Springs, she must face her fears to save everything she’s ever loved from the magical criminal who threatens to steal it.
This steady paced plot has it all, action, suspense, drama, betrayal and romance. The author describes the story with vivid imagery that captures the imagination and the characters are bewitching and easily related to. The tension builds throughout as the story progresses to the explosive final battle with the enemy.
The attraction between April and Noah burns hot, but the relationship stands on a rocky foundation because of April’s past. The author describes April’s emotional journey with lots of detail that makes it easy for the reader to empathize with her. But from my point of view, Noah captured my heart because he’s the ultimate alpha dragon male with strong protective instincts, now that’s sexy, right?
The author has included some different concepts to her dragons that I have not encountered before which added some depth to the story also the town with its magic springs that may or may not be a magical entity on its own, hmmm, very intriguing. I was a little disappointed at first because it seemed more talk than action, but it quickly picked up and got real interesting and I found it to be an enjoyable read.
Special Forces dragon shifter Noah Easton escapes the torture of a hoard thief bent on stealing dragon hoard stones and their elemental powers, but the situation becomes personal when the thief targets his family. Modern day oracle, April reads tea leaves and just about anything else that can predict coming events, but her past abandonment issues makes her resistant to reading her own signs. When evil comes to Mystic Springs, she must face her fears to save everything she’s ever loved from the magical criminal who threatens to steal it.
This steady paced plot has it all, action, suspense, drama, betrayal and romance. The author describes the story with vivid imagery that captures the imagination and the characters are bewitching and easily related to. The tension builds throughout as the story progresses to the explosive final battle with the enemy.
The attraction between April and Noah burns hot, but the relationship stands on a rocky foundation because of April’s past. The author describes April’s emotional journey with lots of detail that makes it easy for the reader to empathize with her. But from my point of view, Noah captured my heart because he’s the ultimate alpha dragon male with strong protective instincts, now that’s sexy, right?
The author has included some different concepts to her dragons that I have not encountered before which added some depth to the story also the town with its magic springs that may or may not be a magical entity on its own, hmmm, very intriguing. I was a little disappointed at first because it seemed more talk than action, but it quickly picked up and got real interesting and I found it to be an enjoyable read.
March 9, 2019
Special Forces officer and dragon shifter, Noah Easton sets off to find the hoard thief after escaping him and finds out the thief is now after his family. He's had to live apart from his family until their youngest child turns five years old for fear that his dragon might hurt the child but now that he's home maybe he can settle down and stay there.
April Easton owns a tea shop and can read tea leaves to tell a persons future because she's an oracle. But she doesn't like to see her own future even when mother nature is sending her every sign it can think of to get her attention that something bad is on its way.
If there's one lesson to be learned from this book it would be...Whatever you do, don't piss of a dragon shifter and don't go after his family. Especially one who is in the Special Forces. It's just not a good idea.
April has abandonment issues and with what she's gone through, it's no wonder. She's emotionally broken and doesn't let anyone see underneath the facade she's put up to shield herself from being hurt the way her father hurt her when he abandoned her. So she's hoping she can make her husband see it's time to leave the military and stay home with his family.
The mystery of who is stealing the hoard stones is revealed in this book and it's not the person anyone would have imagined. Secrets are revealed, surprises are thrown in their path and danger is lurking where they least expect it.
While this book can be read as a stand alone it might make more sense if you read the first book in the series first. Some of the characters blend from the first book into this one. I really hope to see more of the characters from this story in upcoming books, especially Morgana and David.
If you like dragons, magic, hot alpha males, hot steamy sex scenes and fight scenes full of action then you'll want to read this book.
April Easton owns a tea shop and can read tea leaves to tell a persons future because she's an oracle. But she doesn't like to see her own future even when mother nature is sending her every sign it can think of to get her attention that something bad is on its way.
If there's one lesson to be learned from this book it would be...Whatever you do, don't piss of a dragon shifter and don't go after his family. Especially one who is in the Special Forces. It's just not a good idea.
April has abandonment issues and with what she's gone through, it's no wonder. She's emotionally broken and doesn't let anyone see underneath the facade she's put up to shield herself from being hurt the way her father hurt her when he abandoned her. So she's hoping she can make her husband see it's time to leave the military and stay home with his family.
The mystery of who is stealing the hoard stones is revealed in this book and it's not the person anyone would have imagined. Secrets are revealed, surprises are thrown in their path and danger is lurking where they least expect it.
While this book can be read as a stand alone it might make more sense if you read the first book in the series first. Some of the characters blend from the first book into this one. I really hope to see more of the characters from this story in upcoming books, especially Morgana and David.
If you like dragons, magic, hot alpha males, hot steamy sex scenes and fight scenes full of action then you'll want to read this book.
February 14, 2014
I recently got the opportunity to review some books prior to their release. Mackenzie Lucas's From This Day Forward was one I have had the pleasure to review.
Now, I was not familiar with this author, so I had to back up and read the first book in the series before I could read this one. To Have And To Hold held my attention, but I felt like I was picking up in the middle of a series. I'm a little confused. Everywhere I looked said that was the first in the series. Was I wrong? Any way, I got the gist of the story fairly quickly and followed along without any issues.
From This Day Forward, features recurring characters from the previously mentioned book, and focuses on April Easton and Her husband, Noah. She's a magical Oracle and Her husband is a dragon mage. He's a soldier as well and spends his time fighting for the special forces overseas. He's continually away from his family out of necessity for work and the fact that for the first 5 years of their children's lives, dragons are a danger to those own young. His youngest child is 6, and he is able to come home he just doesn't know how, until his family is threatened by the hoarde thief, the Fox. Now, he must fight to save his marriage and his family as well as solve a little mystery.
Overall, on a scale of 1-10, I'd give this book a solid 5. I enjoyed the story line, the characters are good, but I don't feel a connection. I would recommend this to my friends for an easy read, but would advise them not to spend a lot of $.........
Keep in mind that I'm a hard score. If you get a 10 from me, you've done something!
Now, I was not familiar with this author, so I had to back up and read the first book in the series before I could read this one. To Have And To Hold held my attention, but I felt like I was picking up in the middle of a series. I'm a little confused. Everywhere I looked said that was the first in the series. Was I wrong? Any way, I got the gist of the story fairly quickly and followed along without any issues.
From This Day Forward, features recurring characters from the previously mentioned book, and focuses on April Easton and Her husband, Noah. She's a magical Oracle and Her husband is a dragon mage. He's a soldier as well and spends his time fighting for the special forces overseas. He's continually away from his family out of necessity for work and the fact that for the first 5 years of their children's lives, dragons are a danger to those own young. His youngest child is 6, and he is able to come home he just doesn't know how, until his family is threatened by the hoarde thief, the Fox. Now, he must fight to save his marriage and his family as well as solve a little mystery.
Overall, on a scale of 1-10, I'd give this book a solid 5. I enjoyed the story line, the characters are good, but I don't feel a connection. I would recommend this to my friends for an easy read, but would advise them not to spend a lot of $.........
Keep in mind that I'm a hard score. If you get a 10 from me, you've done something!
March 20, 2014
Book Review- From This Day Forward by Mackenzie Lucas
April Easton is an oracle and she knows something big is coming. Her family is full of women with unique powers and she has been trained since she was small. However, she fears her power and wishes she didn’t have it. She really doesn’t want to see images of the future or have the added responsibility. She tries to ignore ever sign thrown at her. Her grandmother always warns her that knowing prepares her.
Her husband Noah is a member of the Delta Force and a dragon mage. Being a dragon makes him almost invincible. The only thing that can kill him is another dragon.
So imagine his surprise when he is taken by another magickal. He is chained in a cave trying to figure out who the woman is and what she is trying to do.
He is shocked when she mentions his family. He has tried hard to bury the connection to keep them safe. Now he must escape in order to protect them. They will be in great danger.
I liked this novella. The storyline was unique and I am excited to see where the author takes it. However, April really got on my nerves as a heroine. She irritated me when she refused to accept her power and her strength. She wanted to hide her head in the sand. Her fears were ridiculous considering what her life was like when her husband was in the field. She was so strong otherwise. The relationship she had with Noah was hot and exactly the way it should be. Noah only had eyes for his wife. It was a quick read with lots of action. I give it a 3 out of 5.
April Easton is an oracle and she knows something big is coming. Her family is full of women with unique powers and she has been trained since she was small. However, she fears her power and wishes she didn’t have it. She really doesn’t want to see images of the future or have the added responsibility. She tries to ignore ever sign thrown at her. Her grandmother always warns her that knowing prepares her.
Her husband Noah is a member of the Delta Force and a dragon mage. Being a dragon makes him almost invincible. The only thing that can kill him is another dragon.
So imagine his surprise when he is taken by another magickal. He is chained in a cave trying to figure out who the woman is and what she is trying to do.
He is shocked when she mentions his family. He has tried hard to bury the connection to keep them safe. Now he must escape in order to protect them. They will be in great danger.
I liked this novella. The storyline was unique and I am excited to see where the author takes it. However, April really got on my nerves as a heroine. She irritated me when she refused to accept her power and her strength. She wanted to hide her head in the sand. Her fears were ridiculous considering what her life was like when her husband was in the field. She was so strong otherwise. The relationship she had with Noah was hot and exactly the way it should be. Noah only had eyes for his wife. It was a quick read with lots of action. I give it a 3 out of 5.
January 30, 2014
From This Day Forward is the story of two magickals trying to raise their family within the limitations of their culture. But when serious threat arises, lines are drawn and choices are made that can affect not only Noah and April Easton's family, but their relationship as well.
Noah Easton is a Captain in the Special Forces. His men follow him, his wife and family love him. He has everything one could want in his life. But there's something different about him, he's a dragon mage.
Being married to a dragon is no easy feat for April. She's had to endure being a single parent for ten years because of ancient dragon lore, she runs a successful business all by herself, and she's her town's oracle. When all signs point to something horrible coming, April does her best to brace herself, even if she doesn't want to believe.
From This Day Forward starts off a bit slow. April and Noah's introductions just fell flat. Throughout the novella we get more insight into each character which makes it easier to like them both, Noah more so than April though. The overall story was okay. I don't know, it just didn't go the way I was expecting it to go. And the last chapter or two seemed a bit rushed. There is a solid end to Noah and April's story, but because this is a part of a series, there's no real conclusion to the overall picture.
Noah Easton is a Captain in the Special Forces. His men follow him, his wife and family love him. He has everything one could want in his life. But there's something different about him, he's a dragon mage.
Being married to a dragon is no easy feat for April. She's had to endure being a single parent for ten years because of ancient dragon lore, she runs a successful business all by herself, and she's her town's oracle. When all signs point to something horrible coming, April does her best to brace herself, even if she doesn't want to believe.
From This Day Forward starts off a bit slow. April and Noah's introductions just fell flat. Throughout the novella we get more insight into each character which makes it easier to like them both, Noah more so than April though. The overall story was okay. I don't know, it just didn't go the way I was expecting it to go. And the last chapter or two seemed a bit rushed. There is a solid end to Noah and April's story, but because this is a part of a series, there's no real conclusion to the overall picture.
May 23, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book, through NetGalley, in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
Although this was a shorter book, I did find myself quite enjoying it. It was quite an intriguing paranormal romance.
I really did like the relationship between Noah and April, though I think I would have liked to see a bit more of how their relationship was formed, but I did feel like how they felt about each other came across easily and naturally.
The information about the dragon shifters and their hoard was pretty interesting, too. And I liked how many different kinds of creatures there were. I did notice, however, that there was a bit that was kind of contradictory with one of the characters.
I did think that both of the main characters in this came across as quite well-rounded, despite the fact this was a novella. I also found the main villain in this book to be quite interesting. I'd like to see a sequel focused on the particular relationship (or maybe lack of) that was hinted towards the end of this book.
I did find this book to be quite well-written and easy to read. I would definitely be interested in reading the other books in this series soon. Although it is part of a series, I feel it does work quite well as a standalone.
(This review may contain spoilers).
Although this was a shorter book, I did find myself quite enjoying it. It was quite an intriguing paranormal romance.
I really did like the relationship between Noah and April, though I think I would have liked to see a bit more of how their relationship was formed, but I did feel like how they felt about each other came across easily and naturally.
The information about the dragon shifters and their hoard was pretty interesting, too. And I liked how many different kinds of creatures there were. I did notice, however, that there was a bit that was kind of contradictory with one of the characters.
I did think that both of the main characters in this came across as quite well-rounded, despite the fact this was a novella. I also found the main villain in this book to be quite interesting. I'd like to see a sequel focused on the particular relationship (or maybe lack of) that was hinted towards the end of this book.
I did find this book to be quite well-written and easy to read. I would definitely be interested in reading the other books in this series soon. Although it is part of a series, I feel it does work quite well as a standalone.
February 3, 2014
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in place of an honest review.
I read the first book of this series and loved it. I saw this book and knew that I had to read April Easton's story.
April lives in Mystic Springs where generations of her family has always lived. She is an oracle which has been passed down for generations. She owns a tea shop and has three daughters. She really wants her husband to come home and stay. If only she can get Noah to get out of the service. Noah is a ice dragon and believes he is strong and nothing can get him. He is taken by surprise one night and taken hostage. He knows he needs to get away and save his wife and daughters.
I enjoyed reading this story and seeing the Derkesthai Academy has been built and other magical's are coming from everywhere to be taught. I like that dragon's can't cheat on their mates and only want them. I understand why Noah did what he did but it was still wrong. I can't wait for the next book to come out. The author has done a great job with this series so far. I am hooked and each one I am learning something new.
I read the first book of this series and loved it. I saw this book and knew that I had to read April Easton's story.
April lives in Mystic Springs where generations of her family has always lived. She is an oracle which has been passed down for generations. She owns a tea shop and has three daughters. She really wants her husband to come home and stay. If only she can get Noah to get out of the service. Noah is a ice dragon and believes he is strong and nothing can get him. He is taken by surprise one night and taken hostage. He knows he needs to get away and save his wife and daughters.
I enjoyed reading this story and seeing the Derkesthai Academy has been built and other magical's are coming from everywhere to be taught. I like that dragon's can't cheat on their mates and only want them. I understand why Noah did what he did but it was still wrong. I can't wait for the next book to come out. The author has done a great job with this series so far. I am hooked and each one I am learning something new.
January 28, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book series is getting better by leaps and bounds! I loved this installment. We get oodles of backstory and information about the world of dragons and other supernaturals.
April (who we met previously in book 1) is the wife of a dragon shifter who is currently stationed overseas. She's one tough chick who is also slightly damaged. Having her husband so far away from her and her three girls is not really helping matters. Oh, and she also has the ability to see "signs" and read auras and other fun stuff. Noah, her "Captain America" husband gets dragged into the mystery surrounding the horde thief (which started in the last book).
The love story of Noah and April is a really sweet one. Yes, there's some trust issues and lots of action jammed into this book, but these are little love stories at the heart of it all. I can't wait to read the next book to see where the bigger story ends up taking us!
This book series is getting better by leaps and bounds! I loved this installment. We get oodles of backstory and information about the world of dragons and other supernaturals.
April (who we met previously in book 1) is the wife of a dragon shifter who is currently stationed overseas. She's one tough chick who is also slightly damaged. Having her husband so far away from her and her three girls is not really helping matters. Oh, and she also has the ability to see "signs" and read auras and other fun stuff. Noah, her "Captain America" husband gets dragged into the mystery surrounding the horde thief (which started in the last book).
The love story of Noah and April is a really sweet one. Yes, there's some trust issues and lots of action jammed into this book, but these are little love stories at the heart of it all. I can't wait to read the next book to see where the bigger story ends up taking us!
November 4, 2016
My first by the author and an exciting read. It really drew me into the story line , and I loved it. The rating however lowered by the ending. I'm not sure if this is part of a series but they didn't find the person on the council ordering the stones stolen, nor did the hoard thief really get caught. So I'm kind of left hanging. The story was wonderful and the chemistry between Noah and April was great. I thought she had little trust in her husband but the author did a nice job of making us believe that. April had some insecurity problems from her daddy leaving. So I'm guessing there's more quests and the author introduced us to the next people in the series. The hockey player, and Morganna plus David and the hoard thief. It should be interesting. Thanks netgalley for a free read in exchange for an honest opinion. I see by the other reviews this is part of a series, it just wasn't indicated on the read I got.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2014
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review. Here it is:
This was a very enjoyable novella. I have not read the prior book in the series, but didn't feel I needed to in order to love this one. I appreciated the maturity of the author's writing. The plot was intriguing and exciting. The action was fast paced, but didn't detract from the character development. I was surprised at the level of character development that was obtained in this novella. The only negative I could say was that the plot needed to be tightened up at times, as it jumped around a little and was hard to follow occasionally. However, this was a great novella. I can't wait to go back and read the previous title in the series. Exactly what I was looking for. The romance piece was appropriate for an adult, which I hope I am by now.
This was a very enjoyable novella. I have not read the prior book in the series, but didn't feel I needed to in order to love this one. I appreciated the maturity of the author's writing. The plot was intriguing and exciting. The action was fast paced, but didn't detract from the character development. I was surprised at the level of character development that was obtained in this novella. The only negative I could say was that the plot needed to be tightened up at times, as it jumped around a little and was hard to follow occasionally. However, this was a great novella. I can't wait to go back and read the previous title in the series. Exactly what I was looking for. The romance piece was appropriate for an adult, which I hope I am by now.
February 26, 2014
I should know better. I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I'm going to be absolutely honest. I hold these short novellas to the same standards as a regular novel.
I still think characters should be developed, a plot, some twists, and a climax. However a lot just fall short. I get there is less space and time for the whole story to be explained in details and with this book I felt like I had picked up in the middle of a story.
To me it felt like there should have been in intro or another book to April and Noah's story. Yes I know there is a first book in the series, however you are just thrown into the story with no this is how we start.
I did enjoy it and it was good, but it felt a little off. I appreciate being fast paced, but a little build up is good too ;)
I still think characters should be developed, a plot, some twists, and a climax. However a lot just fall short. I get there is less space and time for the whole story to be explained in details and with this book I felt like I had picked up in the middle of a story.
To me it felt like there should have been in intro or another book to April and Noah's story. Yes I know there is a first book in the series, however you are just thrown into the story with no this is how we start.
I did enjoy it and it was good, but it felt a little off. I appreciate being fast paced, but a little build up is good too ;)
March 15, 2014
WOW - found myself a new author to follow...
This was my introduction to this author and I was not disappointed in any way. The book itself flows easily through a phenomenal storyline, with well written characters and fantastic interactions between them and the background. An absolute pleasure to read.
With magick and mystery this book drags the reader through a romantic adventure that leads you, the reader, through the Mystic Springs community where you get to meet the characters you wish you could meet in real life. Parts made me laugh while others made me hold my breath and hope it didn’t happen. I won’t ruin this superb book by saying if it did, does or will….
A must buy for anyone who enjoys this genre. I know I do and this book will be kept on my shelf as a definite re-read.
This was my introduction to this author and I was not disappointed in any way. The book itself flows easily through a phenomenal storyline, with well written characters and fantastic interactions between them and the background. An absolute pleasure to read.
With magick and mystery this book drags the reader through a romantic adventure that leads you, the reader, through the Mystic Springs community where you get to meet the characters you wish you could meet in real life. Parts made me laugh while others made me hold my breath and hope it didn’t happen. I won’t ruin this superb book by saying if it did, does or will….
A must buy for anyone who enjoys this genre. I know I do and this book will be kept on my shelf as a definite re-read.
April 23, 2014
I received this book from from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Noah was in the special forces when he was captured by The Fox. He realized he not only needed to escape, but he also needed to figure out how to protect his family.
I had the same problem with this story I have had with most of the novellas I have read. I always seem to want more background information. I would have liked to know more about The Consortium and why they have a say on what dragons are allowed to do.
My biggest hang-up came from a conflict between the two main characters Noah and April. Emotions flared easily and the characters refused to listen to each other despite ten years of marriage. Latter the conflict just went away in the space of one sentence. It was a little over the top and hard to believe.
Noah was in the special forces when he was captured by The Fox. He realized he not only needed to escape, but he also needed to figure out how to protect his family.
I had the same problem with this story I have had with most of the novellas I have read. I always seem to want more background information. I would have liked to know more about The Consortium and why they have a say on what dragons are allowed to do.
My biggest hang-up came from a conflict between the two main characters Noah and April. Emotions flared easily and the characters refused to listen to each other despite ten years of marriage. Latter the conflict just went away in the space of one sentence. It was a little over the top and hard to believe.
February 4, 2014
I love shifter story's especially dragon shifters, but this story didn't seem to stretch my imagination at all, I was a little disappointed. The main character seemed a nice enough guy who loved his family and he also happens to be a special forces dragon shifter who never seems to be home with them. His wife was an oracle, and owned a small tea shop. The problem with the story for me was that, ok. he had a job to do but he was never home. His wife also had trust issues, she loves him madly, but when she had a vision of him kissing someone else she won't listen to an explanation.
The dragon shifting is very sketchy too, I couldn't see it at all.
The book was only a novella so I may have enjoyed the story more if it was written as a full length novel.
The dragon shifting is very sketchy too, I couldn't see it at all.
The book was only a novella so I may have enjoyed the story more if it was written as a full length novel.
March 27, 2014
I love Noah. I love his emotions and how faithful he is. I love his devotion to his family and job. I love his protectiveness. I love everything about him. He was amazing. Even when April was all Cray Cray he was calm and wanting to do nothing but love and protect her.
April is a ray of sunshine but has trust issues even with the man who loves her. She is independent and yet still a child in many ways. We see love that is destroyed by evil and love that is renewed by faith.
Iona is just horridly evil. Evil to where when you hear why you can see her logic. You actually feel for her and see a little good in her. It is heartbreaking how this ends for David because his heart is to be ripped out of his chest again. poor guy. I wonder if he can go through with what he has to do…
April is a ray of sunshine but has trust issues even with the man who loves her. She is independent and yet still a child in many ways. We see love that is destroyed by evil and love that is renewed by faith.
Iona is just horridly evil. Evil to where when you hear why you can see her logic. You actually feel for her and see a little good in her. It is heartbreaking how this ends for David because his heart is to be ripped out of his chest again. poor guy. I wonder if he can go through with what he has to do…
January 26, 2014
Noah he's a fierce man, "don't count on it. I'll be ready. And I always protect what's mine." He shifted back to human form and snapped the shackles onto the wrists and ankles of the semi-conscious dragon." April she knows how to wake her dragon, "she stroked a hand down his bicep to appease the dragon. It purred. She smiled against Noah's skin, then sank her teeth into the tendon at the side of his neck. He sucked in a breath. "Do that again, and you are done. I'll be in you so fast you won't know what happened." This book was okay, but it wasn't really from me, and it was different from what I thought it would be.
January 29, 2014
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
The front cover of this book is pretty eye-catching, which made me want to request it straight away. Lovely use of colour too. The summary promised a mystical tale which really caught my attention. I really enjoyed reading this book. Well written with a strong cast of characters and an interesting storyline full of magic and mystery. My only criticism is that it is rather short, leaving me wanting more. I'll be looking out for the first book in the series (this is book 2) and also looking forward to reading book 3!
The front cover of this book is pretty eye-catching, which made me want to request it straight away. Lovely use of colour too. The summary promised a mystical tale which really caught my attention. I really enjoyed reading this book. Well written with a strong cast of characters and an interesting storyline full of magic and mystery. My only criticism is that it is rather short, leaving me wanting more. I'll be looking out for the first book in the series (this is book 2) and also looking forward to reading book 3!
March 25, 2014
This was a pretty good way to spend the evening. I've got a soft spot for dragon shifters ;) My problem with this was the heroine, April. She was hanging on to the fact that her dad abandoned her and her family when she was young. When April's husband, Noah, went MIA on a mission, she went back to the "he abandoned me" thinking. Ummm, no. He was captured on a mission. That really ticked me off.
This was my first by Mackenzie Lucas and I'll read more from her. I am really anxious to see what happens with David and Morgana.
ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley
This was my first by Mackenzie Lucas and I'll read more from her. I am really anxious to see what happens with David and Morgana.
ARC received from the publisher via Netgalley
February 21, 2014
So the cover and synopsis looked and sounded amazing for this book. .. Unfortunately it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. I was expecting. ...more. I'm not sure exactly but I felt like it was missing stuff. I also didn't know it was the 2nd in the serious which might be what I'm missing. I feel like it was long enough to learn the characters then ends. It was good. . The plot has amazing potential to be even more and the characters caught me. I was just wishing for more Dragon I think. Overall not a bad book.
February 16, 2014
I was supplied a copy of this book for an honest review.
To be honest to took me a little longer than I would have liked to get into this book. Once I did, I enjoyed it. I would like a little more back history on the characters but I think the way this book is written is more of a taste if what is to come.
I love the interaction of the tattoo!!
To be honest to took me a little longer than I would have liked to get into this book. Once I did, I enjoyed it. I would like a little more back history on the characters but I think the way this book is written is more of a taste if what is to come.
I love the interaction of the tattoo!!
January 26, 2014
this is an excellent book. Way too short though. It left me wanting more. It's the second book in the series and I haven't read the first one, but I will be looking for it now.
The book is full of great characters, excellent writing, suspense, mystery, and lots of action.
The book is full of great characters, excellent writing, suspense, mystery, and lots of action.
September 4, 2016
was an enjoyable light read its book 2 in the series but can be read as a stand alone i look forward to reading the rest of the series
I received a free copy from netgallery in exchange for a honest review
I received a free copy from netgallery in exchange for a honest review
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