What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragon Brides #1
Blood Feud
A legacy built on a lie.
Sophia is a bored and lonely princess, more content to live out her days locked away in her chambers than facing the increasingly grotesque suitors her father forces on her. With her younger brother destined for the throne, there isn’t much value to her but in a marriage alliance. And so, she is destined to live out her days as the trophy wife of some fat merchant or lecherous lord, occasionally bearing children to bolster the ranks of the wealthy and powerful.
But trouble is brewing in the crumbling streets of Calos. While the future king sits pretty on his throne and dines on fancy foods, there are whispers of rebellion among the poor and downtrodden people. At the same time a dragon has taken up residence in Calos Valley—the first in fifty years.
With no valiant hero like her famous grandfather, Saint George the dragon slayer, Sophia’s father turns to the old way to ward off the beast—a maiden sacrifice. What better choice than the daughter that threatens her brother’s reign?
Sophia is no trembling damsel, however, and the dragon is not at all who—or what—he appears to be.
Sophia is a bored and lonely princess, more content to live out her days locked away in her chambers than facing the increasingly grotesque suitors her father forces on her. With her younger brother destined for the throne, there isn’t much value to her but in a marriage alliance. And so, she is destined to live out her days as the trophy wife of some fat merchant or lecherous lord, occasionally bearing children to bolster the ranks of the wealthy and powerful.
But trouble is brewing in the crumbling streets of Calos. While the future king sits pretty on his throne and dines on fancy foods, there are whispers of rebellion among the poor and downtrodden people. At the same time a dragon has taken up residence in Calos Valley—the first in fifty years.
With no valiant hero like her famous grandfather, Saint George the dragon slayer, Sophia’s father turns to the old way to ward off the beast—a maiden sacrifice. What better choice than the daughter that threatens her brother’s reign?
Sophia is no trembling damsel, however, and the dragon is not at all who—or what—he appears to be.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2024
876 people are currently reading
5196 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
August 5, 2023
If I had an option to give this book a negative star as a review, I would take it in a heartbeat. This is brain rot and has subliminal messaging about superficial female agency, the female mc DOES become a broodmare at the end of the day, kidnapping is NOT a good way to being a relationship, this was toxic with red flags EVERYWHERE, and the should belong in the pits of hell with the SJM books which I am pained to say, has more plot than this trash.
August 22, 2023
Much like this book, I'm going to try to make this review a very quick read.
It was ok. There was nothing particularly wowing about it. The FMC occasionally got on my nerves because she tried too hard to come across as witty or clever and it didn't always hit the mark for me. Also, because the author periodically transitioned from a snarky, contemporary tone in her writing style to a more fantastical, poetic one, a lot of it came across as cheesy because the tones CLASHED so much alongside one another. She would have been better off with just choosing one style and sticking to it. There are some authors that can make that writing style work for them, but I just did not think it worked in this instance. The MMC didn't have too much of a personality and there wasn't really that much chemistry between the two of them.
All in all, it's a quick fantasy read that might work well for someone looking for a palette cleanser after reading some emotionally heavy material.
It was ok. There was nothing particularly wowing about it. The FMC occasionally got on my nerves because she tried too hard to come across as witty or clever and it didn't always hit the mark for me. Also, because the author periodically transitioned from a snarky, contemporary tone in her writing style to a more fantastical, poetic one, a lot of it came across as cheesy because the tones CLASHED so much alongside one another. She would have been better off with just choosing one style and sticking to it. There are some authors that can make that writing style work for them, but I just did not think it worked in this instance. The MMC didn't have too much of a personality and there wasn't really that much chemistry between the two of them.
All in all, it's a quick fantasy read that might work well for someone looking for a palette cleanser after reading some emotionally heavy material.
July 25, 2023
This was a thankfully quick read. It had a weird and inconsistent writing style and our FMC was beyond annoying.
October 25, 2023
Lilya is FREEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Let me tell you reading this book fucking DRAGGED. Jesus Christ this is the hardest I've ever had to force myself to slog through a goddamn book. But let's get into this shit.
Overall I loved the ML, found the FL intolerable, and considered dropping this book about a hundred times. The ML is literally the only reason this review isn't 1 star-- let's talk about why.
First: I'm not a fan of the misogynistic, borderline transphobic ideals (nobles wearing "womanly" clothes) followed by blatant racism (barbarians who wear bones in their hair and warpaint during dinner) literally in the opening chapter. Like wtf.
But I was both entertained by the unlikable MC (quote: "Most would say her value was in her beauty and her breeding, but she knew her true talent was making men despise her. Not only men, but any person that dared make her acquaintance.") and appalled that noble girls literally hit their princess until she got bruises and no one cared or intervened?? Like the fuck?? And her dad WONDERS why she's so angry. I genuinely don't understand why they hate her so much and why her dad is such a goddamn coward about protecting her (quote: "Perhaps it was for the best that she wouldn’t be queen of Calos, despite being the eldest and more experienced. What kind of queen could rule a people that reviled her very existence? That was why Father kept her tucked away since she’d come of age. It was the only kindness the bitter king ever offered her. Sophia would be quietly wed to a lord of some foreign king that offered trade and thus protected her from bloodthirsty subjects that thought her spoiled and unworthy.") Like who the hell treats their princess and child like that. The subjects desire to raise a rebellion in her name in response to the sacrifice felt so ingeniune and hollow personally, considering how they treat her.
She is such a naïve, oblivious character though Jesus Christ. Like her dad literally called her a sacrifice but she just defaulted to a normal wedding? Especially when there seems to be a precedent of sacrifices to the dragons? Like tf. The audacity to call Rosemary gullible as this is going on too (quote: "Sophia watched tears dry on Rosemary’s weathered face. She was a kind woman, kinder than Sophia deserved. And gullible, so very gullible. If men titled her queen, it was only in mockery. If people stood against the king’s choice, it was only because they were Gods fearing, devout people and knew the Gods forbade blood sacrifice.")
The fact that so much importance was put on her being *his* and how his fire couldn't hurt her/her scent calling to him had me 👀👀 as fuck, like I called them being mates from the second his POV started but then his response to her calming/laughing had me just soft as fuck that was so sweet oh my god. But ofc it has to be enemies to lovers cause why not. I was sitting here yelling internally that they better get past that fast cause he's sweet and smitten as hell, like he's already so much better than so many male leads just because he acknowledges his faults and realizes where he's going wrong, and also that he shouldn't lie to or scare her (quote: "One word, clipped so she didn’t hear the growl rising in his chest. It wouldn’t do to frighten her again, not if he intended for her to stay.") And couldn't keep her there against her will like UGH I love him. Well I guess SHE had to get past it. He didn't seem to care even as he narrated such. Like the actions were very much different from the words here lmao. Puppy of a man I love him.
His plotting to keep her and convince her to stay with him was so fucking cute, but fucking hilarious in time with his essential "I won't fuck her unless she begs but GOD I hope she begs" djdndm. His determination to convince her what she means to him, that he doesn't just wanna fuck her, and that everything has to happen on her terms (plus the "he was admittedly a little too eager to please her") had me soft as fuck genuinely. I think the romance genre has ruined my standards for fictional men. Like waiting for consent is the bare minimum why am I so soft about this dkdmssm. I will say the glutton spell was surprisingly wholesome, and his response to her asking who his mistress was had me. He's such a little shit and I was so so excited for her to realize but alas she's an oblivious ass and had to be bitchy about it when she did. Also he is SO horny for her and the fact his eye slits give that away so easily is immensely entertaining to me, my man was really •v• to 'v' every time she breathed near him. Plus he's just...ugh so sweet. Saying he wouldn't, *couldn't* hurt her even if he's pissed and hates her family, and trying so hard to put her at ease.
I really did just super dislike Sophia for most of this book. She was so naïve, self centered and honestly just bitchy. Immediately assuming Burne wanted her throne and that's why he was "lying" about her family was so ridiculous. Especially when she herself says so many times throughout the beginning of the novel that no one knew how her grandfather killed the dragon and that her family is selfish and greedy. Why is she so against someone *else* saying that? I felt so, so bad for Burne when she just kept being a bitch to the point that he had to leave to calm down, just for her to condemn him for it (quote: “You only have three days. Are you going to waste one leaving me alone in your library?” Defeat etched deep grooves in his handsome face. “Yes, I am.”) like...he's so sweet and so good and she's gonna treat him like that? And her next chapter just CONTINUES her being a self-centered bitch? (Quote: "Sophia was absolutely not going to feel guilty. Guilt implied she was in the wrong. She was a captive, a victim. Guilt was not her burden to bear in this mess.") Like...the fuck girl. I legit considered dropping this book more than a few times just purely because of how awful she was. And then got sucked back in by the sweetness of Burne, and the hope that Sophia would realize it, and their bond (her being comforted by his scent and his belongings repeatedly, even while being a bitch, HAD me tbh). I did looooove when she was actually nice and playful, it had me soft as hell and it mixed with Burne as a whole are the only reasons I didn't drop this book (quote: “You’re at my mercy now.” I have been at your mercy from the moment I laid eyes on you.")
I also low-key lost it at the scene of her meeting his dragon. That shit was SO cute and so teasing and just ugh quality content. Only to be immediately ruined by Sophia being prickly and incapable of imagining for even a moment she's his mate. Like seriously how dense can she be. He has been nothing but adoring and devoted, while saying he'd never forsake his mate, but she can't even consider it's her?? (Quote: "The dragon wanted one person and that person was not she. And perhaps, she thought bitterly, Burne didn’t want her at all. Perhaps he was a smooth liar and that mysterious woman meant nothing to him. Sophia was a warm body. That was enough for most men.") Like...he's done nothing but prove otherwise to her and I'm just *throttle hands*
God when they argued over her being spoiled, and the reveal of Rosemary 's death tho. Ugh my heart. Poor baby. Him PROTECTING HER THO. Trying to stop her when he saw it first, and then literally curling around her and taking arrows for her had me. And the yoink back home was top tier. I'm so glad he protected her, and comforted and loved her even when she blamed him and yelled/hit. She needed that. And the MATE REVEAL UGH. I still can't believe she never put it together, but the reveal was so cute and sweet nonetheless. Like Burne is SO SWEET AND LOVING, even when she has a barbed tongue and is a bitch like omg (quote: “could you fall in love with me, exactly as I am? Or is it merely some force of divinity that draws you to me?” “I’m half in love with you already.” “I won’t hold my tongue for you.” “I should hope you never do.”) Burne had my entire heart this whole book like ugh. Love him. I literally lost it at how ridiculous their first kiss/bonding was, but god he's so SWEET and so in LOVE (quote: “You think you’re dark but you, sweet Sophia, are the light Calos needs shining on them.”)
Also, btw, can we just talk about how FANTASTIC the first Burne was and how irrevocably in love with his wife he was?? Like I am soft as fuck. I would read a book about them, even knowing how it ends. That man was a simp and a half and I adore it wholeheartedly. Like the last thing he wrote, the last thing he did, was with his mate's well being in mind (quote: “It has come to this, as I feared it would. I will do what I must. My crown, my kingdom, and all of its riches, my people, my throne, and the blood in my veins, I shed it all for Ruby.”) and that's how more mate, especially fated mate, media should be. I'm so sick of borderline abusive bs guised as mates, when it should be love and devotion and adoration such as this.
But yeah this book was...oof it was an experience. And not necessarily a good one. I may or may not continue the series after a hefty break but thank FUCK I'm done now ugh.
Overall I loved the ML, found the FL intolerable, and considered dropping this book about a hundred times. The ML is literally the only reason this review isn't 1 star-- let's talk about why.
First: I'm not a fan of the misogynistic, borderline transphobic ideals (nobles wearing "womanly" clothes) followed by blatant racism (barbarians who wear bones in their hair and warpaint during dinner) literally in the opening chapter. Like wtf.
But I was both entertained by the unlikable MC (quote: "Most would say her value was in her beauty and her breeding, but she knew her true talent was making men despise her. Not only men, but any person that dared make her acquaintance.") and appalled that noble girls literally hit their princess until she got bruises and no one cared or intervened?? Like the fuck?? And her dad WONDERS why she's so angry. I genuinely don't understand why they hate her so much and why her dad is such a goddamn coward about protecting her (quote: "Perhaps it was for the best that she wouldn’t be queen of Calos, despite being the eldest and more experienced. What kind of queen could rule a people that reviled her very existence? That was why Father kept her tucked away since she’d come of age. It was the only kindness the bitter king ever offered her. Sophia would be quietly wed to a lord of some foreign king that offered trade and thus protected her from bloodthirsty subjects that thought her spoiled and unworthy.") Like who the hell treats their princess and child like that. The subjects desire to raise a rebellion in her name in response to the sacrifice felt so ingeniune and hollow personally, considering how they treat her.
She is such a naïve, oblivious character though Jesus Christ. Like her dad literally called her a sacrifice but she just defaulted to a normal wedding? Especially when there seems to be a precedent of sacrifices to the dragons? Like tf. The audacity to call Rosemary gullible as this is going on too (quote: "Sophia watched tears dry on Rosemary’s weathered face. She was a kind woman, kinder than Sophia deserved. And gullible, so very gullible. If men titled her queen, it was only in mockery. If people stood against the king’s choice, it was only because they were Gods fearing, devout people and knew the Gods forbade blood sacrifice.")
The fact that so much importance was put on her being *his* and how his fire couldn't hurt her/her scent calling to him had me 👀👀 as fuck, like I called them being mates from the second his POV started but then his response to her calming/laughing had me just soft as fuck that was so sweet oh my god. But ofc it has to be enemies to lovers cause why not. I was sitting here yelling internally that they better get past that fast cause he's sweet and smitten as hell, like he's already so much better than so many male leads just because he acknowledges his faults and realizes where he's going wrong, and also that he shouldn't lie to or scare her (quote: "One word, clipped so she didn’t hear the growl rising in his chest. It wouldn’t do to frighten her again, not if he intended for her to stay.") And couldn't keep her there against her will like UGH I love him. Well I guess SHE had to get past it. He didn't seem to care even as he narrated such. Like the actions were very much different from the words here lmao. Puppy of a man I love him.
His plotting to keep her and convince her to stay with him was so fucking cute, but fucking hilarious in time with his essential "I won't fuck her unless she begs but GOD I hope she begs" djdndm. His determination to convince her what she means to him, that he doesn't just wanna fuck her, and that everything has to happen on her terms (plus the "he was admittedly a little too eager to please her") had me soft as fuck genuinely. I think the romance genre has ruined my standards for fictional men. Like waiting for consent is the bare minimum why am I so soft about this dkdmssm. I will say the glutton spell was surprisingly wholesome, and his response to her asking who his mistress was had me. He's such a little shit and I was so so excited for her to realize but alas she's an oblivious ass and had to be bitchy about it when she did. Also he is SO horny for her and the fact his eye slits give that away so easily is immensely entertaining to me, my man was really •v• to 'v' every time she breathed near him. Plus he's just...ugh so sweet. Saying he wouldn't, *couldn't* hurt her even if he's pissed and hates her family, and trying so hard to put her at ease.
I really did just super dislike Sophia for most of this book. She was so naïve, self centered and honestly just bitchy. Immediately assuming Burne wanted her throne and that's why he was "lying" about her family was so ridiculous. Especially when she herself says so many times throughout the beginning of the novel that no one knew how her grandfather killed the dragon and that her family is selfish and greedy. Why is she so against someone *else* saying that? I felt so, so bad for Burne when she just kept being a bitch to the point that he had to leave to calm down, just for her to condemn him for it (quote: “You only have three days. Are you going to waste one leaving me alone in your library?” Defeat etched deep grooves in his handsome face. “Yes, I am.”) like...he's so sweet and so good and she's gonna treat him like that? And her next chapter just CONTINUES her being a self-centered bitch? (Quote: "Sophia was absolutely not going to feel guilty. Guilt implied she was in the wrong. She was a captive, a victim. Guilt was not her burden to bear in this mess.") Like...the fuck girl. I legit considered dropping this book more than a few times just purely because of how awful she was. And then got sucked back in by the sweetness of Burne, and the hope that Sophia would realize it, and their bond (her being comforted by his scent and his belongings repeatedly, even while being a bitch, HAD me tbh). I did looooove when she was actually nice and playful, it had me soft as hell and it mixed with Burne as a whole are the only reasons I didn't drop this book (quote: “You’re at my mercy now.” I have been at your mercy from the moment I laid eyes on you.")
I also low-key lost it at the scene of her meeting his dragon. That shit was SO cute and so teasing and just ugh quality content. Only to be immediately ruined by Sophia being prickly and incapable of imagining for even a moment she's his mate. Like seriously how dense can she be. He has been nothing but adoring and devoted, while saying he'd never forsake his mate, but she can't even consider it's her?? (Quote: "The dragon wanted one person and that person was not she. And perhaps, she thought bitterly, Burne didn’t want her at all. Perhaps he was a smooth liar and that mysterious woman meant nothing to him. Sophia was a warm body. That was enough for most men.") Like...he's done nothing but prove otherwise to her and I'm just *throttle hands*
God when they argued over her being spoiled, and the reveal of Rosemary 's death tho. Ugh my heart. Poor baby. Him PROTECTING HER THO. Trying to stop her when he saw it first, and then literally curling around her and taking arrows for her had me. And the yoink back home was top tier. I'm so glad he protected her, and comforted and loved her even when she blamed him and yelled/hit. She needed that. And the MATE REVEAL UGH. I still can't believe she never put it together, but the reveal was so cute and sweet nonetheless. Like Burne is SO SWEET AND LOVING, even when she has a barbed tongue and is a bitch like omg (quote: “could you fall in love with me, exactly as I am? Or is it merely some force of divinity that draws you to me?” “I’m half in love with you already.” “I won’t hold my tongue for you.” “I should hope you never do.”) Burne had my entire heart this whole book like ugh. Love him. I literally lost it at how ridiculous their first kiss/bonding was, but god he's so SWEET and so in LOVE (quote: “You think you’re dark but you, sweet Sophia, are the light Calos needs shining on them.”)
Also, btw, can we just talk about how FANTASTIC the first Burne was and how irrevocably in love with his wife he was?? Like I am soft as fuck. I would read a book about them, even knowing how it ends. That man was a simp and a half and I adore it wholeheartedly. Like the last thing he wrote, the last thing he did, was with his mate's well being in mind (quote: “It has come to this, as I feared it would. I will do what I must. My crown, my kingdom, and all of its riches, my people, my throne, and the blood in my veins, I shed it all for Ruby.”) and that's how more mate, especially fated mate, media should be. I'm so sick of borderline abusive bs guised as mates, when it should be love and devotion and adoration such as this.
But yeah this book was...oof it was an experience. And not necessarily a good one. I may or may not continue the series after a hefty break but thank FUCK I'm done now ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
a mind break before I work up the nerve to start ToG 😤
August 28, 2024
This was a book I kept seeing on TikTok until I finally gave in to the temptation to read it. But I have learned over time to approach such books with, at most, cautious optimism. The vast majority of books I come across through TikTok disappoint me in one manner or another. This, however, was a pleasant surprise.
It has a simple plot, a very straightforward romance, run-of-the-mill characters, a generic fantasy world, and pedestrian writing. But it was fun. I enjoyed the time I spent with it. And at the end of the day, that is more important to me (in the books I read for fun) than just about anything else. If you're looking for excellence, this is not it. But if you just want a fluffy bit of fun, this is a good place to settle.
It has a simple plot, a very straightforward romance, run-of-the-mill characters, a generic fantasy world, and pedestrian writing. But it was fun. I enjoyed the time I spent with it. And at the end of the day, that is more important to me (in the books I read for fun) than just about anything else. If you're looking for excellence, this is not it. But if you just want a fluffy bit of fun, this is a good place to settle.
August 21, 2023
Comfy, Funny, Sweet
This was a very fun comfy fairytale like love story. I really enjoyed the way if pulled from the old authorian legends. The story climax resolved quickly, which I know some readers fault books for. However, as someone with anxiety I actually find that i'm thankful for stories that don't drag out the drama. I definitely recommend for those that wish to read an imaginative take on an old legend and enjoy comfy fantasy.
This was a very fun comfy fairytale like love story. I really enjoyed the way if pulled from the old authorian legends. The story climax resolved quickly, which I know some readers fault books for. However, as someone with anxiety I actually find that i'm thankful for stories that don't drag out the drama. I definitely recommend for those that wish to read an imaginative take on an old legend and enjoy comfy fantasy.
July 26, 2023
Very middle of the road book. It was a little boring at times and I didn’t feel particularly in love with the main male character, but I did enjoy Sophia’s snarkiness. Wouldn’t really recommend and will probably forget about it.
May 28, 2024
I want a boyfriend who shifts into a dragon and protects me!!! I want a mate!!!! What is this bs real world I live in.
April 26, 2024
A short light story full of a high spirited princess and a dragon romance.
May 1, 2024
This book is so so so good it consumed every free second i had the last few days and the end was so absolutely sweet it brought me to tears
November 16, 2024
I wanted to like this. I mean who doesn’t love a dragon shifter? But it just fell flat for me. There’s not a ton of chemistry between Burne and Sophia. She also got on my nerves for a good part of the book. And the end with her father? That was a complete 180 that came out of no where.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
July 30, 2024DNF at 26%. It's not bad but I just don't care.
August 13, 2024
I hate Sophia to be honest. She's the most annoying fmc I've ever read. The snark she's trying to spew from her mouth is getting on my nerves. This was a drag to get through.. the writing was okay, but it seemed to shift between waxing poetics and making sparky remarks.. pick a side!
August 23, 2024
entertaining enough to finish but not good enough to recommend. i was left wanting more, in all aspects
September 8, 2024
Authors need to promote their books better or more turthfully. This book was not good
December 2, 2024
This one was ~not for me~
January 9, 2025
funny
May 7, 2025
This book was so fun, and a super quick read that made me feel all my emotions! It was very fast paced since it’s a shorter book, and I loved the ending. You’re are instantly rooting for the FMC and the MMC. Also their spicy scenes were very enjoyable. The emotional bits also made me tear up.
June 3, 2025
If I could give it 0.25⭐️ I would.
July 10, 2025
3.5 ⭐
November 20, 2025
Some parts were a bit rushed and in some moments I wanted to strangle Sophia.. but in the end? Loved it.. The last page made me cackle..
May 13, 2024
This book was made for a 3 star rating icl. Pretty good time, but overall, meh.
August 20, 2024
It was okay. The characters lacked depth, the fated mate trope was boring, the dragon's secret castle was cool at least.
August 14, 2024
One underwhelming kindle unlimited romantasy a day keeps the doctor away
March 20, 2024
DNF. Like other reviews mentioned, the writing style and pacing were just so inconsistent that it was distracting, and I gave up. So while it’s always nice to try a new author on KU, this was not for me.
December 6, 2024
This was so meh. I think it's pretty brave to write a book whose protagonist's main personality trait is that she's unlikeable. Honestly, I think if it were done well, it could've been really interesting and refreshing. However, as you can imagine, it's no easy feat to make a character who's unlikeable to those around her, and yet likeable to the people reading the book. I still think it could've been done though! A good book was just right around the corner to this one, and I kept imagining it while keeping going with this one. I think any sort of positive characteristic would've gone a long way for Sophia. In fact, any reason why her people would like her to be queen would've sufficed (other than her not being a blood-thirsty tyrant, but the bar is in the ground). If she'd spent her whole life studying politics so she wouldn't be married off, and still treating men badly, it would've already made much more sense. Or if she'd snuck around to investigate the stuff the king wouldn't let her look into, like the food records, or going to talk to the local people. Literally anything at all! As it stands, she seemed like a spoiled princess who knew nothing about how to run a country or what was even going on within it, other than that people looked a bit hungry. And okay she gave some clothes to some peasants at the end, but that was after people rebelled to try to put her on the throne. I really can't fathom why. Maybe I just don't believe in the divine right of kings enough for this story.
The ML was fine, he was serviceable. He was hot, and he saved her a couple of times. I do hate that he never planned anything out, and this goes for Sophia as well. They need to take back the country from her dad/brother, so you'd think maybe they'd plan something? Nope, just fuck on a mountain for a month, and then Sophia gets kidnapped. Burne needs to rescue her, right, so does he make a plan? Nope, he just barrels in head first, and things just kind of sort themselves out. Why can't characters actually affect the plot? Why do they need to mill about while going "oh no! The plot's coming for us! Nothing to be done!" until something happens to them that puts them in harm's way but then ultimately resolves itself? The second book in this series has the same problem, by the way, although it is significantly better due to the protagonist not grating on my nerves.
So overall very meh plot, very terrible protagonist that with a few key differences could've been so much better, and a very meh romance. Can't say I recommend, but I did like the second book as mentioned above, so maybe give that a read instead.
The ML was fine, he was serviceable. He was hot, and he saved her a couple of times. I do hate that he never planned anything out, and this goes for Sophia as well. They need to take back the country from her dad/brother, so you'd think maybe they'd plan something? Nope, just fuck on a mountain for a month, and then Sophia gets kidnapped. Burne needs to rescue her, right, so does he make a plan? Nope, he just barrels in head first, and things just kind of sort themselves out. Why can't characters actually affect the plot? Why do they need to mill about while going "oh no! The plot's coming for us! Nothing to be done!" until something happens to them that puts them in harm's way but then ultimately resolves itself? The second book in this series has the same problem, by the way, although it is significantly better due to the protagonist not grating on my nerves.
So overall very meh plot, very terrible protagonist that with a few key differences could've been so much better, and a very meh romance. Can't say I recommend, but I did like the second book as mentioned above, so maybe give that a read instead.
September 5, 2025
4 stars - I won't be rereading it, but it definitely exceeded my expectations
After a little reading slump (yay ADHD!), I was craving something easy to follow. My brain said: "lets go back to basics"—predictable, formulaic dragon shifter romance? Yes, please.
We all know the blueprint:
- Girl meets dragon.
- He falls firs (becuase fated mates, duh)
- She eventually gives in
- Someone gets kidnapped or injure (we all know its her)
- There's a daring rescue with a heartfelt confession
- She gets pregnant (we can sit this one out, but oh well)
- They get to live happily ever after
All of which is wraped in smut, like cheeks flushing, wth-am-I-reading smut.
Now, Blood Feud follows this exact structure, but it tones down the smut significantly. There's still spice, but it's not overwhelming, and honestly? That was refreshing It served perfectly as a palate cleander (or eye cleanser?) while I find my way back to something meatier.
The story has 👏so👏much👏wasted👏potential!👏
- Enemies to lovers (his grandfather was killed by hers while stealing the throne)
- Fated mates (he knows... she's just late to the party)
- A slow(ish) burn and HEA.
But... it felt rushed. And how could it not? It's barely 210 pages. I finished it in one sitting, but I kept wishing for at least 100 more pages to explore their backstories, the worldbuilding, and let the relationship breathe.
I appreciated how Blood Feud was predictable in the best way—ADHD brain approved. It made the reading experience feel safe and easy to follow, even when my attention span was taking a break. I also liked that the male lead wasn't an irredeemable, possessive, dominant jerk like we often see in the genre; instead, he was a refreshing change. The spice was present but didn't overwhelm the plot, which created a nice balance that's often missing in similar stories.
That said, I did miss a bit more emotional depth and stronger worldbuilding, especially since the world had so much potential. The pacing could've been smoother and I found myself wishing the author had taken more time to let the story and the characters unfold.
All in all, it is not a reread for me, but definitely hit the spot. If you're neurodivergent, a mood reader or just n between heavy reads, this is a great way to reset your brain while still enjoying dragons, destiny and a bit of drama.
After a little reading slump (yay ADHD!), I was craving something easy to follow. My brain said: "lets go back to basics"—predictable, formulaic dragon shifter romance? Yes, please.
We all know the blueprint:
- Girl meets dragon.
- He falls firs (becuase fated mates, duh)
- She eventually gives in
- Someone gets kidnapped or injure (we all know its her)
- There's a daring rescue with a heartfelt confession
- She gets pregnant (we can sit this one out, but oh well)
- They get to live happily ever after
All of which is wraped in smut, like cheeks flushing, wth-am-I-reading smut.
Now, Blood Feud follows this exact structure, but it tones down the smut significantly. There's still spice, but it's not overwhelming, and honestly? That was refreshing It served perfectly as a palate cleander (or eye cleanser?) while I find my way back to something meatier.
The story has 👏so👏much👏wasted👏potential!👏
- Enemies to lovers (his grandfather was killed by hers while stealing the throne)
- Fated mates (he knows... she's just late to the party)
- A slow(ish) burn and HEA.
But... it felt rushed. And how could it not? It's barely 210 pages. I finished it in one sitting, but I kept wishing for at least 100 more pages to explore their backstories, the worldbuilding, and let the relationship breathe.
I appreciated how Blood Feud was predictable in the best way—ADHD brain approved. It made the reading experience feel safe and easy to follow, even when my attention span was taking a break. I also liked that the male lead wasn't an irredeemable, possessive, dominant jerk like we often see in the genre; instead, he was a refreshing change. The spice was present but didn't overwhelm the plot, which created a nice balance that's often missing in similar stories.
That said, I did miss a bit more emotional depth and stronger worldbuilding, especially since the world had so much potential. The pacing could've been smoother and I found myself wishing the author had taken more time to let the story and the characters unfold.
All in all, it is not a reread for me, but definitely hit the spot. If you're neurodivergent, a mood reader or just n between heavy reads, this is a great way to reset your brain while still enjoying dragons, destiny and a bit of drama.
May 17, 2024
Was it good or not? I’m still asking myself
Okay. So this book was a definitely a nice little day read that I finished in a handful of hours. It’s only 200 pages long and I think that’s the main downfall of it. If it was longer and a little more world building was done I think it would have been better. Before I get into the bad parts of it let’s look at the good:
- The banter! Sassy MFC is here but at the cost of making her sound like a bitch in the beginning. I swear she’s just confused your honor.
- in all honesty she reacted the same way any sane person would if they had been picked up by a dragon randomly l.
- spice level is mild but it’s there! I give it two chilly peppers
- I liked the portrayal of double personalities for the human and dragon components of the shifter, Dragon is IN LOVE but Human is like REALLY HER?!?
- Sorta enemies to lover if you squint and tilt your head
Now the bad:
- WHAT KIND OF NAME IS BURNE?!? (Burn) Her name is Sophia and then I get to him and it’s like Burn but pronounced with a e at the end?!
- The spice was spice but for a white women eating salt kinda
⚠️SPOILER⚠️
- I think I got a broken neck from being devestated about Rosemary to being thrown into a smexy fuck fest.
- What happened to “ She’s the closet thing I have to a mother.” ?!?
- Also if you’re gonna have dragon lore try and explain it better maybe I was so confused on what could and couldn’t be done through the bond half the time.
Okay. So this book was a definitely a nice little day read that I finished in a handful of hours. It’s only 200 pages long and I think that’s the main downfall of it. If it was longer and a little more world building was done I think it would have been better. Before I get into the bad parts of it let’s look at the good:
- The banter! Sassy MFC is here but at the cost of making her sound like a bitch in the beginning. I swear she’s just confused your honor.
- in all honesty she reacted the same way any sane person would if they had been picked up by a dragon randomly l.
- spice level is mild but it’s there! I give it two chilly peppers
- I liked the portrayal of double personalities for the human and dragon components of the shifter, Dragon is IN LOVE but Human is like REALLY HER?!?
- Sorta enemies to lover if you squint and tilt your head
Now the bad:
- WHAT KIND OF NAME IS BURNE?!? (Burn) Her name is Sophia and then I get to him and it’s like Burn but pronounced with a e at the end?!
- The spice was spice but for a white women eating salt kinda
⚠️SPOILER⚠️
- I think I got a broken neck from being devestated about Rosemary to being thrown into a smexy fuck fest.
- What happened to “ She’s the closet thing I have to a mother.” ?!?
- Also if you’re gonna have dragon lore try and explain it better maybe I was so confused on what could and couldn’t be done through the bond half the time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews