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Tales from Karneesia #1
When a Dragon Comes Courting
A young mother and a dragon in a man’s guise meet in the unlikeliest of places….
After her husband is drafted and dies in the Dragon Wars, Roe means to have nothing to do with the bitter conflict. She focuses on providing for herself and her baby daughter, keeping to her own land. But when soldiers drag a bloody prisoner into her farmyard, Roe’s intentions turn to ash.
The prisoner has a frightening magnetism about him, a strange heat and power that Roe doesn’t understand—until she realizes he is a dragon, captured in human form. Both fascinated and fearful, Roe offers what succor she can and earns his regard. Roe is determined to free the prisoner before he is delivered for magical torture—and the dragon is determined to protect her.
Dragons have long memories, and neither soldiers nor sand will keep him from returning for what is his….
When a Dragon Comes Courting is a closed door fantasy romance novella set in the world of Karneesia, the first in the Tales from Karneesia novella series.
After her husband is drafted and dies in the Dragon Wars, Roe means to have nothing to do with the bitter conflict. She focuses on providing for herself and her baby daughter, keeping to her own land. But when soldiers drag a bloody prisoner into her farmyard, Roe’s intentions turn to ash.
The prisoner has a frightening magnetism about him, a strange heat and power that Roe doesn’t understand—until she realizes he is a dragon, captured in human form. Both fascinated and fearful, Roe offers what succor she can and earns his regard. Roe is determined to free the prisoner before he is delivered for magical torture—and the dragon is determined to protect her.
Dragons have long memories, and neither soldiers nor sand will keep him from returning for what is his….
When a Dragon Comes Courting is a closed door fantasy romance novella set in the world of Karneesia, the first in the Tales from Karneesia novella series.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2024
25 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Claire Trella Hill
10 books97 followersClaire Trella Hill will read anything, but fantasy romance and gothic fiction are her favorites. When Claire isn't writing, she can be found with her nose glued to her library app, assisting with the last tricky pieces of a puzzle, swilling Dr. Pepper, collecting vintage romance covers, or cuddling with her cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
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June 25, 2024A delightful cosy fantasy romance about a war widow, her daughter, her goat, and the dragon shifter who flattened her enemies that one time during the war - I read this in about an hour and it was sweet and relaxing and just what the doctor ordered.
I gulped this one too fast to have deep thoughts about it, but in retrospect there's something I want to add. Claire Trella Hill's Karneesia books are set in an epic fantasy world full of grimdark elements - a world that we know contains war, cruelty, sexual assault, grief, and trauma. But she doesn't wallow in these elements; they're very deftly sketched and left in the background. Instead, she uses this backdrop to tell stories of comfort, rescue, kindness, and hope - things that become all the more luminous and powerful when set against that gritty background.
I gulped this one too fast to have deep thoughts about it, but in retrospect there's something I want to add. Claire Trella Hill's Karneesia books are set in an epic fantasy world full of grimdark elements - a world that we know contains war, cruelty, sexual assault, grief, and trauma. But she doesn't wallow in these elements; they're very deftly sketched and left in the background. Instead, she uses this backdrop to tell stories of comfort, rescue, kindness, and hope - things that become all the more luminous and powerful when set against that gritty background.
June 28, 2024
I absolutely adored this cozy, romantic story. I’ve been in a depressive funk for the past month that has left me with little mental energy for reading, so I’ve been reading shorter works that I can complete in a few sittings. And this story had everything I love: a kind and gentle (but still brave and honourable and willing to fight) hero, an adorably precocious child, and a practical, brave heroine whose compassion and empathy are lauded.
It’s a testament to the author’s skill that, while I’m not personally fond of certain romantasy tropes, she had me falling head over heels for these characters. Please give me more stories with Dragon Dad and his new wife and daughter. 🥹💕🐉
TW: A trigger warning for attempted SA at the start of the story.
It’s a testament to the author’s skill that, while I’m not personally fond of certain romantasy tropes, she had me falling head over heels for these characters. Please give me more stories with Dragon Dad and his new wife and daughter. 🥹💕🐉
TW: A trigger warning for attempted SA at the start of the story.
May 17, 2025
so very wholesome
Not just a love story, but a love story of a woman who already has a child, which changes the dynamic and the focus a bit (as it should).
Not just a love story, but a love story of a woman who already has a child, which changes the dynamic and the focus a bit (as it should).
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June 20, 2024just a mouthful, sweet and spicy; very enjoyable
so many things in this short story/novella that could have been ick and problematic but instead done really well here re the usual romantasy suspect, attempted sa
i love how we have a quick peek into a world where so much else is going on, and that leaves us wanting to go straight on to see what has happened in the world at large just through this quick peek
so many things in this short story/novella that could have been ick and problematic but instead done really well here re the usual romantasy suspect, attempted sa
i love how we have a quick peek into a world where so much else is going on, and that leaves us wanting to go straight on to see what has happened in the world at large just through this quick peek
July 15, 2024
I received this sweet, little novella as an ARC reader. It was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I was impressed by the clear picture I received of the world that Claire Trella Hill wove in so few pages. All three of the main characters were well rounded and enjoyable. The romance was indeed “swoony”, though I enjoyed that aspect so much I did wish for a bit more of it, which is a good thing!
I must confess I’ve never read a book with a “dragon-man” before (does that term make anyone else think of Trogdor?), so I have nothing to compare that aspect of it too but it seems to have the same appeal as werewolf/vampire romances. When done right I enjoy those as well and I’d say this was absolutely done right. The only thing is wish is that it was a full on novel! Frankly, I just wanted more by the end of it because what we do get is delightful. It comes out on 6/28 for everyone so snatch it up for a quick little read at that time.
I must confess I’ve never read a book with a “dragon-man” before (does that term make anyone else think of Trogdor?), so I have nothing to compare that aspect of it too but it seems to have the same appeal as werewolf/vampire romances. When done right I enjoy those as well and I’d say this was absolutely done right. The only thing is wish is that it was a full on novel! Frankly, I just wanted more by the end of it because what we do get is delightful. It comes out on 6/28 for everyone so snatch it up for a quick little read at that time.
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June 13, 20256/13/25: SALE ALERT! From June 13-16, 2025 WADCC is on sale for 99 CENTS!! Short time only, nab it while you can!!
Get it here: https://books2read.com/whenadragoncom...
I'm excited to share my first novella, When a Dragon Comes Courting! It's set in the same world as my larger fantasy novel series (the first of which publishes in April). This is a great quick read for anyone who likes dragon shifters, romantic fantasy, and sweet closed door romance.
Get it here: https://books2read.com/whenadragoncom...
I'm excited to share my first novella, When a Dragon Comes Courting! It's set in the same world as my larger fantasy novel series (the first of which publishes in April). This is a great quick read for anyone who likes dragon shifters, romantic fantasy, and sweet closed door romance.
August 27, 2024
This was so wholesome and sweet!
The beginning had me a bit on edge, especially when that creepy captain got too close to Roe (trigger warning for attempted sexual assault though thankfully nothing, not even touching, happened), but that was the point, and the rest of the book was just delightful Dragon Dad adopting his precious, talkative daughter and sweet wife, and I loved it. That GORGEOUS cover doesn’t hurt either! 😍😍😍
While the romance was a touch quick I could brush it off as “it’s a novella problem yet totally works without making me cringe” kind of deal, but the biggest highlight for me was Galad and Aish’s father/daughter bond—IT WAS SO PRECIOUS, OH MY GOSH!!!! I loved them, they were just too cute!
Overall a fun, light read that I totally loved and has me more excited to try a longer book by this author!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: attempted sexual assault (a man nearly touches a woman’s breast and clearly has immoral intentions towards her but is stopped before anything goes further)
Language: damned; damn; piss; hell
Violence: injuries and blood (not detailed); a dragon attacks and kills men (not shown or detailed); a man is covered in blood (not detailed)
Sexual: a man is naked (not detailed); attempted sexual assault (a man nearly touches a woman’s breast and clearly has immoral intentions towards her but is stopped before anything goes further); a man threatens to cut off a man’s balls and feed them to him; kissing (not detailed)
Other: dragons, a mention of wizards, and magic; a woman’s husband was drafted and died in a war; a man is chained up
The beginning had me a bit on edge, especially when that creepy captain got too close to Roe (trigger warning for attempted sexual assault though thankfully nothing, not even touching, happened), but that was the point, and the rest of the book was just delightful Dragon Dad adopting his precious, talkative daughter and sweet wife, and I loved it. That GORGEOUS cover doesn’t hurt either! 😍😍😍
While the romance was a touch quick I could brush it off as “it’s a novella problem yet totally works without making me cringe” kind of deal, but the biggest highlight for me was Galad and Aish’s father/daughter bond—IT WAS SO PRECIOUS, OH MY GOSH!!!! I loved them, they were just too cute!
Overall a fun, light read that I totally loved and has me more excited to try a longer book by this author!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: attempted sexual assault (a man nearly touches a woman’s breast and clearly has immoral intentions towards her but is stopped before anything goes further)
Language: damned; damn; piss; hell
Violence: injuries and blood (not detailed); a dragon attacks and kills men (not shown or detailed); a man is covered in blood (not detailed)
Sexual: a man is naked (not detailed); attempted sexual assault (a man nearly touches a woman’s breast and clearly has immoral intentions towards her but is stopped before anything goes further); a man threatens to cut off a man’s balls and feed them to him; kissing (not detailed)
Other: dragons, a mention of wizards, and magic; a woman’s husband was drafted and died in a war; a man is chained up
June 19, 2024
I absolutely adored this sweet, closed-door romantasy! It was a quick and entertaining read that I lost myself in. I was captivated by the characters and the world, and didn’t want the story to end.
I liked Roe. She was fierce and determined. Even when she was scared, she didn’t let that stop her. Her daughter Aish was sweet, curious, and helpful. And I loved their dog Fang, who was a protective and loyal companion. Galad intrigued me right from the start. I was instantly drawn to him and wanted to know everything about him.
I highly, highly recommend this novella. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author and am eager for more.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I liked Roe. She was fierce and determined. Even when she was scared, she didn’t let that stop her. Her daughter Aish was sweet, curious, and helpful. And I loved their dog Fang, who was a protective and loyal companion. Galad intrigued me right from the start. I was instantly drawn to him and wanted to know everything about him.
I highly, highly recommend this novella. I’ve loved everything I’ve read by this author and am eager for more.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
February 21, 2025
Are you kidding me!? What in the world was that ending!?
The beginning of this book was beautiful. It reminded me of Robin McKinley, on of my all time favorite authors. But then, it leaps 7 years ahead into the POV of a child. And then it goes back to the mom. And back and forth. It teases some great love story and then something terrible happens and they need to figure out...
Wait, that's the end.
What just happened!?
The beginning of this book was beautiful. It reminded me of Robin McKinley, on of my all time favorite authors. But then, it leaps 7 years ahead into the POV of a child. And then it goes back to the mom. And back and forth. It teases some great love story and then something terrible happens and they need to figure out...
Wait, that's the end.
What just happened!?
July 1, 2024
A. A mister/dragon romance for the closed door crowd? YES PLEASE AND THANK YOU
B. The set up for what I am sure is to be a FANTASTIC series? ALSO YES
C. Claire is truly a wonderful writer and I can’t wait to read all the things.
D. I still want a dragon for my birthday.
E. This novella? 5/5 stars.
B. The set up for what I am sure is to be a FANTASTIC series? ALSO YES
C. Claire is truly a wonderful writer and I can’t wait to read all the things.
D. I still want a dragon for my birthday.
E. This novella? 5/5 stars.
June 11, 2024
I knew I was going to love When A Dragon Comes Courting as soon as I read the dedication!
This novella is a fun quick read and is much lighter than The Erlking’s Daughters. If you like dragon shifters, romance, and a protective dog then this novella is for you!
This novella is a fun quick read and is much lighter than The Erlking’s Daughters. If you like dragon shifters, romance, and a protective dog then this novella is for you!
June 20, 2024
When a Dragon Comes Courting is a sweet little story about a young mother who gets a second chance at love after her husband is killed at war.
This book takes place in the same world as The Erlking's Daughters, and does an excellent job of expanding the world building and Lore! I love the characters, especially the daughter. She makes the story very relatable.
Speaking of which... something I really enjoyed was the inclusion of the daughter's perspective in the story! I feel like that's a really unique aspect of this story that you don't see a lot in romance books. I also love how the male lead reacts to the daughter when he first sees her! It was very precious! (And it's contrast to the antagonist's responses to being around her is *chef'skiss*.)
By way of content warning: there is an antagonist in the first part of the story who seems like he's gonna force himself on the main character, and the male lead later says that he could sense the man wanted to hurt her. Nothing ends up happening because the man is interrupted, but that scene could be hard for some people to read. There's also the rather colorful phrase, "cut off your balls and feed them to you." Otherwise, no other language concerns.
This book takes place in the same world as The Erlking's Daughters, and does an excellent job of expanding the world building and Lore! I love the characters, especially the daughter. She makes the story very relatable.
Speaking of which... something I really enjoyed was the inclusion of the daughter's perspective in the story! I feel like that's a really unique aspect of this story that you don't see a lot in romance books. I also love how the male lead reacts to the daughter when he first sees her! It was very precious! (And it's contrast to the antagonist's responses to being around her is *chef'skiss*.)
By way of content warning: there is an antagonist in the first part of the story who seems like he's gonna force himself on the main character, and the male lead later says that he could sense the man wanted to hurt her. Nothing ends up happening because the man is interrupted, but that scene could be hard for some people to read. There's also the rather colorful phrase, "cut off your balls and feed them to you." Otherwise, no other language concerns.
June 28, 2024
When a Dragon Comes Courting is the first novella in the Tales from Karneesia novella series. It is a short story, but still takes you on quite a ride and makes you wish you'd get more time with these fantastic characters.
Read if you like:
Closed Door Romance
Protective hero
Dragon shifter
Single mom
Short stories
This is a cozy fantasy and the world building isn't heavy which is really nice considering that this one is on the shorter side. You just jump in and enjoy! Even though the world is pretty dark, with war and big conflicts going on, Claire Trella Hill always succeeds in making these stories feel comforting, full of kindness and making sure hope shines strongly enough that the reading experience feels soft and sweet.
Compassionate characters will always win my heart and I feel like this author writes them like no other! I just loved how Roe did what she felt was right no matter how scared she was. I really liked that the child was a big part of that story too. She was so cute and curious and getting to her POV was different and truly interesting. And well, I really can't resist a super protective dragon shifter so of course I was the biggest fan of Galad! Add a cute dog to this perfect cast and well, I couldn't ask for something more perfect than that.
I am really curious to see what is to come next in this world because I have been enjoying it a lot so far!
Thanks to the author for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Read if you like:
Closed Door Romance
Protective hero
Dragon shifter
Single mom
Short stories
This is a cozy fantasy and the world building isn't heavy which is really nice considering that this one is on the shorter side. You just jump in and enjoy! Even though the world is pretty dark, with war and big conflicts going on, Claire Trella Hill always succeeds in making these stories feel comforting, full of kindness and making sure hope shines strongly enough that the reading experience feels soft and sweet.
Compassionate characters will always win my heart and I feel like this author writes them like no other! I just loved how Roe did what she felt was right no matter how scared she was. I really liked that the child was a big part of that story too. She was so cute and curious and getting to her POV was different and truly interesting. And well, I really can't resist a super protective dragon shifter so of course I was the biggest fan of Galad! Add a cute dog to this perfect cast and well, I couldn't ask for something more perfect than that.
I am really curious to see what is to come next in this world because I have been enjoying it a lot so far!
Thanks to the author for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
May 22, 2025
4.5 stars
This was deliciously sweet and amazing!
I am on a dragon-shifter kick here lately and this was a great read to add to the list. If you like Protective MMCs, single mother FMCs (who is so peaceful and kind), and a well done child POV (very well done! I normally do not like a third POV and children can be hard to get right), then this book is for you!
It made me think of the setting for the first season of Once Upon a Time where Rumple goes off and fights in the Ogre wars. I am a fan, so this just added to a positive experience.
I only take .5 stars away for the fact that IT WAS TOO SHORT!!! I needed more! The ending also felt almost like a cliffhanger. Not totally--but there are definite questions that would be so nice to be answered. Perhaps they do in the rest of the series.
Overall, wonderful little book.
This was deliciously sweet and amazing!
I am on a dragon-shifter kick here lately and this was a great read to add to the list. If you like Protective MMCs, single mother FMCs (who is so peaceful and kind), and a well done child POV (very well done! I normally do not like a third POV and children can be hard to get right), then this book is for you!
It made me think of the setting for the first season of Once Upon a Time where Rumple goes off and fights in the Ogre wars. I am a fan, so this just added to a positive experience.
I only take .5 stars away for the fact that IT WAS TOO SHORT!!! I needed more! The ending also felt almost like a cliffhanger. Not totally--but there are definite questions that would be so nice to be answered. Perhaps they do in the rest of the series.
Overall, wonderful little book.
December 30, 2024
just a perfect short story
This short story was just perfect: it was romance that didn’t leave out the child’s view of it, it carried deep emotions and character building, it had magic, and it showed what it means to have a healthy relationship. I’m so glad I got this book.
This short story was just perfect: it was romance that didn’t leave out the child’s view of it, it carried deep emotions and character building, it had magic, and it showed what it means to have a healthy relationship. I’m so glad I got this book.
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May 1, 2025Unfortunately, this type of novella is not my cup of tea. I like a more complete ending not one that is so up in the air with no explanation.
September 12, 2024
Sweet!!
This was a sweet and romantic little novella. I definitely wish we had more of Roe, Galad, and Aish. Hoping we may see them again in future novels set in this world, with a fun premise set to come.
This was a sweet and romantic little novella. I definitely wish we had more of Roe, Galad, and Aish. Hoping we may see them again in future novels set in this world, with a fun premise set to come.
July 24, 2024
A slow-burn, poignant dragon-shifter romance
When a company of soldiers are quartered at a war widow’s farm, they bring with them a prisoner… and a threat to her safety. The prisoner is one of her land’s most fearsome enemies, so why does Roe find herself sympathizing with him?
When a Dragon Comes Courting is a slow-burn, poignant dragon-shifter romance. Roe’s hatred of war, her sense of fairness, and her love for her child form the bedrock of who she is, and make her both strong and vulnerable. Her young daughter Aish is a delight, bright and intelligent; one of my favorite scenes involves her figuring out the hero’s secret. And the hero, Galad, is brave and protective, not to mention deeply committed to Roe.
But the book isn’t just about these three people forming a family; it’s about the impacts of war on ordinary families on both sides of a conflict or a border, in a way that really resonated for me. Not from personal experience, but because I could so easily put myself in Roe’s shoes. Yet the war-time setting notwithstanding, When a Dragon Comes Courting manages to maintain the feel of a cozy fantasy.
Although this is a novella, and Galad’s initial attraction to Roe is instantaneous, their relationship is still slow-burn because years elapse between the first and second sections of the book. (It’s also closed-door.) Despite that, the story itself is on the short side, even for a novella. In some ways, I wished it had been longer, but truthfully, When a Dragon Comes Courting hit the right notes for romantic fantasy at the perfect length for reading along with a pot of tea. (And thank you to author Stephanie Burgis for recommending this in Dragons Book Club on her Patreon!)
Content warning for sexual assault [interrupted].
Challenges: COYER Unwind (2024), Chapt. 2
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
When a company of soldiers are quartered at a war widow’s farm, they bring with them a prisoner… and a threat to her safety. The prisoner is one of her land’s most fearsome enemies, so why does Roe find herself sympathizing with him?
When a Dragon Comes Courting is a slow-burn, poignant dragon-shifter romance. Roe’s hatred of war, her sense of fairness, and her love for her child form the bedrock of who she is, and make her both strong and vulnerable. Her young daughter Aish is a delight, bright and intelligent; one of my favorite scenes involves her figuring out the hero’s secret. And the hero, Galad, is brave and protective, not to mention deeply committed to Roe.
But the book isn’t just about these three people forming a family; it’s about the impacts of war on ordinary families on both sides of a conflict or a border, in a way that really resonated for me. Not from personal experience, but because I could so easily put myself in Roe’s shoes. Yet the war-time setting notwithstanding, When a Dragon Comes Courting manages to maintain the feel of a cozy fantasy.
Although this is a novella, and Galad’s initial attraction to Roe is instantaneous, their relationship is still slow-burn because years elapse between the first and second sections of the book. (It’s also closed-door.) Despite that, the story itself is on the short side, even for a novella. In some ways, I wished it had been longer, but truthfully, When a Dragon Comes Courting hit the right notes for romantic fantasy at the perfect length for reading along with a pot of tea. (And thank you to author Stephanie Burgis for recommending this in Dragons Book Club on her Patreon!)
Content warning for sexual assault [interrupted].
Challenges: COYER Unwind (2024), Chapt. 2
Review originally published on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Hoard.
January 6, 2025
overall rating: 4.0 ★
genre/tropes: fantasy-romance, novella
A short sixty-paged book packed with cuteness! It features a woman, her mischievous kid, a loyal dog, a snarky goat, and a dragon shifter.
This is a cozy fantasy romance about Roe, a big-hearted heroine who decides to help a dragon in distress. Naturally, the dragon (because mythical beasts have more manners than humans) repays the favor by turning Roe’s world upside down in the most conventional way (by helping with house work).
It feels slightly insta-love for my tastes. But in a way, Galad falls for her compassion, not her looks; which is reasonable since he was chained (and otw to the torture chamber). So Galad’s admiration for our heroine feels warranted and earned.
My only problem? The writing was too short and was over too soon. Ms. Author, please write more books about them (*´꒳`*)♡
genre/tropes: fantasy-romance, novella
A short sixty-paged book packed with cuteness! It features a woman, her mischievous kid, a loyal dog, a snarky goat, and a dragon shifter.
This is a cozy fantasy romance about Roe, a big-hearted heroine who decides to help a dragon in distress. Naturally, the dragon (because mythical beasts have more manners than humans) repays the favor by turning Roe’s world upside down in the most conventional way (by helping with house work).
It feels slightly insta-love for my tastes. But in a way, Galad falls for her compassion, not her looks; which is reasonable since he was chained (and otw to the torture chamber). So Galad’s admiration for our heroine feels warranted and earned.
My only problem? The writing was too short and was over too soon. Ms. Author, please write more books about them (*´꒳`*)♡
January 1, 2025
This is short but so gripping. A romantasy featuring a captured dragon.
August 9, 2024
Content:
Language: Mild. a handful of milder swear words, and some crude language.
Violence: High mild. There is blood depicted, and bones, and death. It happens 'off screen' where the protagonist can hear but not see.
Sexual: Moderate. There is an attempted rape that doesn't get past a man about to inappropriately touch a woman. There is nudity with a prisoner, not sexualized or described. There is talk about 'mating' and how it works between species. There is talk of 'sharing a bed'. It is a 'closed door' type story.
TW: The attempted rape could be incredibly triggering, because the protagonist is mentally preparing for it and it was disturbing since she can't get away.
I had hopes for this, but between the attempted rape, and the 'mating' aspect of the story, it was a big turn off for me. Its content I do not care for whatsoever, but especially the attempted rape. Don't care that nothing happened. It was not okay for me.
On a technical/stylistic note, I wasn't impressed. The romance wasn't there. It was too short to do anything properly romantic. It relied heavily on the dragon pulling a werewolf trope out of nowhere and just going, 'she's kind and brave I think I'll attach myself to her as a mate forever now'. And the female was just physically attracted to him and straight up lonely. Not romantic in the least for me. I found the relationship between the dragon and the daughter more fun and cute than the supposed romance.
This really didn't do it for me. Which made me sad because I really was hoping for a good Dragon shifter type romance for once that was clean and not use typical werewolf book tropes. The fact that there was all this talk about dragons being wild animals, then oh just kidding they're intelligent but they still use animalistic lingo like 'kits' and 'mating' just throws me off something fierce. This is why I don't go for werewolf books either. There is an ick factor for me personally.
Big no.
Language: Mild. a handful of milder swear words, and some crude language.
Violence: High mild. There is blood depicted, and bones, and death. It happens 'off screen' where the protagonist can hear but not see.
Sexual: Moderate. There is an attempted rape that doesn't get past a man about to inappropriately touch a woman. There is nudity with a prisoner, not sexualized or described. There is talk about 'mating' and how it works between species. There is talk of 'sharing a bed'. It is a 'closed door' type story.
TW: The attempted rape could be incredibly triggering, because the protagonist is mentally preparing for it and it was disturbing since she can't get away.
I had hopes for this, but between the attempted rape, and the 'mating' aspect of the story, it was a big turn off for me. Its content I do not care for whatsoever, but especially the attempted rape. Don't care that nothing happened. It was not okay for me.
On a technical/stylistic note, I wasn't impressed. The romance wasn't there. It was too short to do anything properly romantic. It relied heavily on the dragon pulling a werewolf trope out of nowhere and just going, 'she's kind and brave I think I'll attach myself to her as a mate forever now'. And the female was just physically attracted to him and straight up lonely. Not romantic in the least for me. I found the relationship between the dragon and the daughter more fun and cute than the supposed romance.
This really didn't do it for me. Which made me sad because I really was hoping for a good Dragon shifter type romance for once that was clean and not use typical werewolf book tropes. The fact that there was all this talk about dragons being wild animals, then oh just kidding they're intelligent but they still use animalistic lingo like 'kits' and 'mating' just throws me off something fierce. This is why I don't go for werewolf books either. There is an ick factor for me personally.
Big no.
June 30, 2024
Such a fun read! Truthfully, I wanted another 300 pages for this novella. There’s so much coziness and yet depth to the characters as well!
Roe is trying to make it on her own, keeping the home farm running while caring for her young daughter. But when the army brings the dragon-prisoner Galad to her barns, she can’t stand by while he is mistreated. Turns out, he can’t stand by while she struggles.
I love everything about this short fantasy. It has vibes of fated mates, touch her and die, and treating wounds while still being closed door romance. It even shows Galad in a healthy stepfather role for Roe’s daughter. I want more of this story!!
Rated PG-13 for some intense scenes
—little to no language
—closed door romance, swoony but low spice
—some sexual innuendo without graphic detail
—moderate violence and gore
—some physical abuse (villains against hero)
I received this ebook ARC free from the author. My opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
Roe is trying to make it on her own, keeping the home farm running while caring for her young daughter. But when the army brings the dragon-prisoner Galad to her barns, she can’t stand by while he is mistreated. Turns out, he can’t stand by while she struggles.
I love everything about this short fantasy. It has vibes of fated mates, touch her and die, and treating wounds while still being closed door romance. It even shows Galad in a healthy stepfather role for Roe’s daughter. I want more of this story!!
Rated PG-13 for some intense scenes
—little to no language
—closed door romance, swoony but low spice
—some sexual innuendo without graphic detail
—moderate violence and gore
—some physical abuse (villains against hero)
I received this ebook ARC free from the author. My opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
June 14, 2024
Well, this was a really lovely, warm, and achingly romantic fantasy romance novella! When a war widow with a young child sees armed soldiers riding up to her isolated farmhouse with a dangerous prisoner in tow, she soon realizes that the prisoner is a far more promising ally to her than any of the other men, no matter what flag they may be bearing...and everything develops from there in a slow, gentle and really lovely way that becomes surprisingly cozy by the end.
CW for one attempted - but swiftly averted - sexual assault, which is prevented before anything too upsetting can happen. (And obviously, that is NOT attempted by the hero, who would never.)
I will definitely be preordering the next standalone romance in this series! And I'd love to find out what happens to this new family in the future.
CW for one attempted - but swiftly averted - sexual assault, which is prevented before anything too upsetting can happen. (And obviously, that is NOT attempted by the hero, who would never.)
I will definitely be preordering the next standalone romance in this series! And I'd love to find out what happens to this new family in the future.
June 17, 2024
I really enjoyed this little story, the writing was very engaging and easy to read.
The story grabs you straight away and you can’t stop reading till you’ve reached the end.
I loved the characters though I wish we’d stayed in Roe’s POV for more of the later chapters. As wonderful as her daughter is and I liked getting her view of things, I missed Roe and seeing her development especially when Galad came back.
It always the same with me and novellas, I always want more! Especially when I know I’m going to be thinking about these characters for a long time.
Will definitely be picking up more books from this author and I can’t wait for the next novella in this same world (though I do hope we find out more of what happens to our little trio and Fang!)
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story grabs you straight away and you can’t stop reading till you’ve reached the end.
I loved the characters though I wish we’d stayed in Roe’s POV for more of the later chapters. As wonderful as her daughter is and I liked getting her view of things, I missed Roe and seeing her development especially when Galad came back.
It always the same with me and novellas, I always want more! Especially when I know I’m going to be thinking about these characters for a long time.
Will definitely be picking up more books from this author and I can’t wait for the next novella in this same world (though I do hope we find out more of what happens to our little trio and Fang!)
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 17, 2025
I want more!
This is a quick read; A novella about a widowed young mother (Roe) of a 2 yr old daughter (Aish) working hard to survive on their farm while their kingdom is at war with the dragons. One day soldiers guarding a prisoner come upon her farm and decide to use it as a resting place. As Roe shows compassion to the prisoner, he is grateful to her and vows to protect her…
What a cute romantic story (though the romance part is very light, probably in part due to the brevity of this story)!
I only wish it had continued, as it ends rather abruptly just as it was getting really good!
There is no spice for those it matters. Just some suggestions (mention of the prisoner’s nudity for example and mentioned fear/danger of rape).
I really hope the author decides to expand on this story and gives us more of this trio!
This is a quick read; A novella about a widowed young mother (Roe) of a 2 yr old daughter (Aish) working hard to survive on their farm while their kingdom is at war with the dragons. One day soldiers guarding a prisoner come upon her farm and decide to use it as a resting place. As Roe shows compassion to the prisoner, he is grateful to her and vows to protect her…
What a cute romantic story (though the romance part is very light, probably in part due to the brevity of this story)!
I only wish it had continued, as it ends rather abruptly just as it was getting really good!
There is no spice for those it matters. Just some suggestions (mention of the prisoner’s nudity for example and mentioned fear/danger of rape).
I really hope the author decides to expand on this story and gives us more of this trio!
February 8, 2025
Sweet short novella about a woman who decides to help a dragon shapeshifter being held on her farm to escape and what comes after.
There’s not a lot to describe without spoiling the story, but I can say the premise is original and the lead characters are likable. Unique ending as well that I didn’t expect, but it’s a nice way to take a relaxing break to.
So snuggle into a warm blanket or curl up on your favorite spot, pour yourself a glass of tea and allow yourself to be charmed by this unusual little romance.
As a heads up, the story itself fills about 77% of the digital file and then leaves you with samples of her other works. Just do yourself a favor and buy them all as they are all charmers. If you only pick 1 though, make it the third novella, The Shapeshifter Drives A Bargain (I can’t ❤️ that one enough).
There’s not a lot to describe without spoiling the story, but I can say the premise is original and the lead characters are likable. Unique ending as well that I didn’t expect, but it’s a nice way to take a relaxing break to.
So snuggle into a warm blanket or curl up on your favorite spot, pour yourself a glass of tea and allow yourself to be charmed by this unusual little romance.
As a heads up, the story itself fills about 77% of the digital file and then leaves you with samples of her other works. Just do yourself a favor and buy them all as they are all charmers. If you only pick 1 though, make it the third novella, The Shapeshifter Drives A Bargain (I can’t ❤️ that one enough).
June 23, 2024
This was a short, enjoyable, romance-focused read. I think that Roe and Galad had a good dynamic, though I wish that the second part of the book had been a little longer so we could see more of how they interact and so the romance would've felt more balanced between physical attraction and emotional/internal attraction. I also liked that the dynamic between Galad and Aish was given a good bit of page time together; they have some really cute interactions.
By way of content warnings: there's an attempted sexual assault by a villain on the heroine near the start of the story, and a male character is naked for a bit (though nothing explicit is described).
Overall, not my favorite of Claire's stories, but still enjoyable.
By way of content warnings: there's an attempted sexual assault by a villain on the heroine near the start of the story, and a male character is naked for a bit (though nothing explicit is described).
Overall, not my favorite of Claire's stories, but still enjoyable.
January 5, 2025
2.5 ⭐
Warning : there is nothing graphic but in this book there are various sexual allusions as well as threats of rape.
It was okay, far too short, but okay ! I liked the premise, the story was very cute, and you easily felt attached to the characters. But...Well, a story can be very short and yet be absolutely complete, (like a bite of a good, dense bread can fill you up) but this one did not feel complete at all. The way the story was conducted, and the events the author chose to focus on, gave me the impression to only read the first chapters of something nice, to eat the crumbs of something good but not to be able to have a real piece of the cake.
Warning : there is nothing graphic but in this book there are various sexual allusions as well as threats of rape.
It was okay, far too short, but okay ! I liked the premise, the story was very cute, and you easily felt attached to the characters. But...Well, a story can be very short and yet be absolutely complete, (like a bite of a good, dense bread can fill you up) but this one did not feel complete at all. The way the story was conducted, and the events the author chose to focus on, gave me the impression to only read the first chapters of something nice, to eat the crumbs of something good but not to be able to have a real piece of the cake.
June 19, 2025
I totally didn't realize this was only 60 pages going in...but those 60 pages were handled so well. Given how short this is, I'm extremely impressed with how Hill addressed and moved past some of the events. And the MC not only is older, but has a tween as well. I always say there needs to be more fantasy with older, mature women (like Priestess) and my only wish is that it was a full-length novel instead of a novella.
July 2, 2024
I stumbled over this novella in one of my gazillion FB groups and it was described in such a way that i simply HAD to have it. And what can I say, it's exactly my type of book and I loved every second of it! There's ample interactions going on, but despite the grim world around it and a fair bit of blood and gore hinted at, it's super sweet and adorable!
I could have continued to follow those three for another 500 pages probably, so I can hardly wait to see if there's more of Roe and Galad coming this way.
I could have continued to follow those three for another 500 pages probably, so I can hardly wait to see if there's more of Roe and Galad coming this way.
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