Bond of the Dragon Champions: Celestial Soul Mates, Inc.

Arcturus Champions #2

by Ophelia Bell

Pomona Maurin’s biggest dream is landing a coveted position as personal chef to the stars. She’s busted her ass and put her to-die-for recipes to the test, yet gained zero recognition for her efforts. That is, until matchmaker oracle Liora Delphine discovers her culinary talents and knows just the “stars” who need Pomona’s skills the most.

Ignazio Karsten and Bryer Vargas are two of the most famous celebrities among the planets in the Arcturus Nebula. The dragon shifter duo, known regionally as “Hot Wings,” are the reigning Arcturus Nebula Arena League champions for several seasons running. When a vindictive opponent breaks the rules and nearly kills Bryer during their championship fight, their streak might just be at an end—and so might their careers.

Only dedicated training and a strict diet will ensure Bryer’s return to health, and Ignazio’s recovery from a deep depression, but even that won’t guarantee the duo will make it back into the arena for the next season. They need a chef with the particular talents to fulfill their dietary needs and still satisfy their hungry dragons.

When they set eyes on Pomona, both men know there’s only one thing on the menu for them. Will they be able to convince their new chef that they want to share more than just her cooking?

Genres: Dragons, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Shapeshifters

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2024

About the author

Ophelia Bell is the author of the super steamy Sleeping Dragons series. Ophelia loves hot alpha heroes, especially if they’re dragons, but believes the world needs more alpha heroines, so has made it her mission to make that happen. Ophelia grew up on a rural farm in North Carolina and now lives in Los Angeles with her sexy tattooed alpha husband and five-and-a-half attention-whoring cats (one of them is exceptionally large and might actually be a dragon in disguise).

Reviews

[Mia S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hot Wings

The duo after an injury and have to rehab after an illegal attack. Super cute, short, left wanting a little more but was still a good story.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book - one that I was sad that I finished because I wanted it to last. It had a strong storyline, interesting likeable characters and their connection was allowed to build steadily. And I want the chocolate mousse recipe to catch myself some dragons.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pomona, the female human chef lead, has just been fired as sous chef for an exclusive restaurant because the head chef is an uptight, uncreative control freak. When she’s approached by a matchmaker, she thanks her but says she just wants a job as a chef, not a partner.

Ignazio, one male dragon shifter gladiator lead, is desperate to help his arena partner, Bryer, the second male dragon shifter lead, after he was seriously poisoned and injured by a rival in an illegal move. When the doctor tells him Bryer’s best chance of recovery is to find his mate, Ignazio proposes that instead of their usual annual off-season challenge.

With their regular personal chef going on maternity leave, they grudgingly accept Pomona. But, once she arrives, each is shocked to discover she’s his mate. They keep it a secret - Ignazio because he doesn’t want to discourage Bryer’s search and Bryer because his recovering health doesn’t lend itself to mate claiming.

But the attraction between all three of them is real, and pressing…

This story is tri POV, well written and edited, and a sweet and steamy, sci fi ménage romance. I enjoyed Pomona’s independence and confidence, as well as her assertiveness regarding her career aspirations. I enjoyed Ignazio’s love for Bryer and his determination to do what was needed to get him back to peak form, even as he struggled with his own issues. I empathised with Bryer’s frustration at his limitations and enjoyed his push to improve. I enjoyed their steamy intimate scenes and the way these helped build the relationship. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters, and chuckled at the banter between characters. I sincerely appreciate the synergy between these characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Bond of the Dragon Champion' is the second book in Ophelia Bell's "Celestial Soulmates, Inc. - Arcturus Champions" series, and this storyline is HAWT. If you've read the first book in the series, you'll remember Liora, the Oracle from Celestial Soulmates, Inc. Well, she's back and I have to say, I get the giggles with this woman. She's feisty as all get out and yet she seems to know her stuff and then does it sneakily and with style. Pomona was the sous chef for a fine-dining restaurant that served the most exquisite chocolate mousse Liora had ever had. On this particular day when she went in, she and the rest of the guests witnessed the loudest shouting matching match between Pamona and the owner culminating in the sous chef quitting. Afterward, during the conversation between Liora and Pamona in the ladies' room they exchanged contact information and Pamona left with the assurance of being contacted if she could find her a chef position. Ignazio and Bryer were the reigning dragon shifter champions within the arena. Once they finished their current match, they only needed to win two more to beat the current record. Things were going well and they had just been announced the winners when the hyena shifter from the opposing team pulled an illegal move and raked his claws down Bryer's ribs almost to his groin, causing him to be hospitalized. The problem was, his wound wasn't healing like it should've been. According to the doctor Bryer had been poisoned and he might not ever be completely recovered, which could put everything they had been working toward in jeopardy. If they didn't have the sport, what did they have? It's a wild ride with chemistry fueled by two dragons and a human in-between. This one was great!.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pomona Maurin is an excellent chef, but when she quits, is fired(?), from her current job as sous chef for a famous chef she sees her dream of becoming a personal chef for celebrities slipping away. A chance meeting with Liora Delphine an Oracle with Celestial Soul Mates, Inc. just may be a way to get her career back on track. When she gets a job offer, she is thrilled, even though it is a temporary position, in the Arcturus Nebula no less. Pomona is ambitious and accepts the position hoping it will give her resume a much-needed boost. Ignazio Karsten and Bryer Vargas are the Arcturus Nebula Arena League champions and very famous in the Nebula, not so much so on Earth though. Bryer suffers a life-threatening injury which they are hoping won't end their reign as champions, and a strict training and dietary regime are just what the doctor has ordered. It is Pomona's job to see that they are well fed in hopes that it will help heal any lasting symptoms that Bryer is suffering. Bryer and Ignazio have been fighting partners for years and the last thing they expected was to realize that their beautiful, and curvy new chef is also their mate.
These are wonderfully written and engaging characters. I couldn't help but laugh out loud with this fantastic author's portrayal of two clueless males (apparently it doesn't matter whether they are human or shifter), and their inability to communicate their feelings with the woman they love. I highly recommend this fascinating paranormal shifter romance with some action, very steamy character interactions, and some surprising twists in the plot that kept me engrossed from the first page.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fantastic book this was and I loved and laughed throughout this book as these three come together as one . Pomona Maurin’s is a sous chef and just wants to work for the stars with her amazing recipes but gets Zero recognition for all her hard work and after having a huge fight with her boss she quits. She meets an Oracle in the ladies room and she offers too help get a job but she isn’t hopeful. Ignazio Karsten and Bryer Vargas are the Arcturus Nebula League Arena Champions and are very well known and after there latest win Bryer is attacked by a vindictive Hyena shifter who claws him with poison and hopes to kill him to stop them from winning again. Bryer is rush to the hospital where he is slowly healing because of the poison and he needs a strict diet and training if he wants to fight again Ignazio is so worried that there dreams may be over but her will fight to get him back in the arena again. With Nessa there chef leaving to have a baby they need someone to replace and Nessa meet Pomona who the Oracle recommends and she is perfect for the job and they hire her. And when they meet Pomona they know she is there mate but they each keep it a secret from each other and her. When Pomona meet the two dragon shifters called Hot Wing’s she knows why they are gorgeous and she is drawn to them both but isn’t sure which one she likes best and cannot choose so she just does her job but the closer they become the stronger the bond between them grows. How does it all turn out in the end get this book for the answers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bond of the Dragon Champions: A Celestial Soul Mate by Ophelia Bell is a captivating and enchanting romance that takes readers on an unforgettable journey of love, self-discovery, and the transformative power of passion. Set in the fascinating world of the Arcturus Nebula, where dragon shifters and other celestial beings coexist, the story introduces readers to the dynamic duo of Ignazio Karsten and Bryer Vargas, also known as "Hot Wings. "The novel's beautifully crafted world is a seamless blend of fantasy and romance, with intriguing supernatural elements that add depth and complexity to the narrative. The characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing readers in with their unique personalities and emotional journeys. As Pomona, a talented chef with dreams of culinary stardom, finds herself working for the famous pair, she must navigate the challenges of their demanding lifestyle while facing her own insecurities and fears. The story is a testament to the power of love and the transformative magic that can be found in vulnerability and trust. Bond of the Dragon Champions: A Celestial Soul Mate by Ophelia Bell is a captivating and enchanting romance that delivers a spellbinding tale of love, self-discovery, and the power of passion. With unforgettable characters and a beautifully crafted world, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy romance. Highly recommended!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pomona is a delightful woman and talented chef. She leaves Earth for a new life on Astreia as the personal chef for dragon shifter champion Ignazio. Bryer and Ignazio are championship players and Bryer was almost killed by defeated opponent with poisoned claws. The poison did devastating damage, causing a loss of connection to his dragon and weakened his ability to heal. Only the magic bond of his soulmate can make him whole. Pomona is enchanted by her new home and her first sight of Ignazio and Bryer takes her breath away. Ignazio is amazed, she is his mate but he can’t tell her. He must help Bryer find his mate it’s. Bryer sees Pomona, he’s beautiful glorious mate, all he can think is must somehow heal before he can claim Pomona. Over the next couple months they become very close. Pomona dreams about her men, Ignazio and Bryer not talking so Pomona makes them sit and talk. Ignazio and Bryer are happy to share Pomona and she is happy, they share a very beautiful, steamy and delicious night of passion. Now they just have to explain their dragons actions, tell her that they’re her soulmates and hope she’ll stay. I love this series, sweet, funny and heartwarming story with wonderful characters. Can’t wait for next book, delightful reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful second book in the series, great plot and wonderful characters you’ll love
This was a great addition to the series; the second book is a wonderful continuation and I guarantee that you will love the characters and the story plot which has been written wonderfully and that I guarantee that like me you will be as captivated as myself.
Pomona is a human that has decided that the best she can hope for is to leave the country so that she can find a new job and hopefully a better life for herself even though she knows that a change of planets is not going to guarantee her anything and should she not do well she would then have to find another position elsewhere.
Bryer and Ignazio are the two men that Pomona has been dating and I guarantee that you will love the interaction between the characters and the way the dragons are synchronous manner, they have a competitive nature but I guarantee that you will love the interaction between the three parties in this relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I'd love Ig and Bry's book, and I was right. Bryer was hurt when one of their opponents in the Arena Championship took a cheap shot with poison on his claws - after the fight was already over! Due to the poison, Bry is healing slowly and needs a specialized diet program to help his recovery. The doctor also recommends that he find his mate sooner rather than later if he wants to return to the arena. Ignazio vows to make sure that happens but he will have to be crafty about it or Bryer will bulk at the idea. Ig decides to make it part of their annual off-season bet - first one to find his mate wins. Ig will make sure that Bry wins.

Since Nessa is close to giving birth and so be taking time off from her chef duties for Ig and Bry, she needs to find a replacement that can handle their specialized needs. Oracle Liora Delphine recommends Pomona Maurin of Earth for the position and, after interviewing her, Nessa agrees.

Grab the oven mitts cos these three are going to overheat your Kindle! Pomona isn't going to know what hit her when each of these two dragons realize she is their mate. But will they really be willing to share her like they do everything else in their lives? I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recipe for love!

Liora Delphine, Oracle of Celestial Soul Mates’ is impressed with the tasty delights prepared by Pomona Maurin. Pomona cannot believe her luck when Liora helps her find a temporary position with a celebrity dragon shifter.

Ignazio Karsten and Bryer Vargas, known as “Hot Wings,” are the reigning champions of the Arcturus Nebula Arena League but their career may be over. Bryer suffered a near-fatal wound from a rule-breaking opponent. Ignazio will do anything to help his friend recover. Even a strict diet and dedicated training may not be enough but it’s a start. Their personal chef is about to go on maternity leave but she has already hired a temporary replacement. They are drawn to the delicious smells and tastes coming from their kitchen. Once they meet their new chef the food isn’t the only thing grabbing their attention. She may be just what the doctor ordered.

Wow! Steamy dragon love! I couldn’t stop reading. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Joe Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this second book in the Arcturus Champions series.
Now Nessa is mated and having cubs, she needs someone to cover for her, as chef for Bryer and Ignazio, two dragon champions.
Pomona is hired. Having found herself fired from her previous job and coming to the attention of an Oracle who loves her desserts, she finds herself on another planet feeding two stunning charismatic men. Bryer and Ignazio are both stunned when Pomona arrives. Both spend the off-season normally, dating as many women as possible. This year, things are different as Bryer is injured.
Pomona is tasked with feeding him better. However, it turns out he needs more than her food.
These characters are brilliant. Bry and Ig are frat boys when we meet them, but both grow and mature as the story progresses. You find they are not surface deep, and there is so much more to their friendship than the games.
Pomona has a fire in her and so much courage. She is a great foil for them and a brilliant lead.
I loved this book so much. I highly recommend it, the series and author.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pomona wants to work as a personal chef, but at the start of the book she just quit working for the restaurant she was working, because the owner gets on her nerves one to many times.
Matchmaker Liora is at that moment at the restaurant and hates to see her go, because her chocolate dessert is delicious, so she offers to team her up with people who need a personal chef.
Ignazio and Bryer need not only a personal chef, but they need a mate too, but how can Pomona who cooks amazing, but is a human be the mate to those dragon shifters?

What follows is a delicious read about true friendship, being there and caring for each other, fantastic cooking and bonding. I really liked how Ignazio does a step back to help Bryer, but also has is own problems. And Nessa the former chef who is on maternity leave gives something extra to the story. Of course Liora and her matchmaking too, how far can you go for a recipe of your favourite dessert?

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"We’ve shared everything our entire careers except a home.”

Bryer and Ignazio are a two Dragon athletic team... Champions facing a unique challenge in their professional career.

Pomona is a chef ready to take on the challenge not just of being a personal chef, but of fine tuning her recipes to contain the ingredients and spices that will help these athletes heal and compete.

This done in one book focuses on the athletes as more than just brawn and physical training. These two need to be in sync as partners, their human and Dragon halves in harmony and mindful of the fuel they are putting in their body.

I enjoyed several aspects of the interplay between the characters here as they explored where the line forms between friendship and chosen family, and how someone new to blend in to a years old mix.

I was gifted with a copy of Bond of the Dragon Champions and chose to share my thoughts.

[Bookworm Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pomona wants to have her own restaurant but feels that her skill will never be recognised. After a major bust up with her recent boss she quits. Much to the dismay of her favourite customer the oracle matchmaker, Liora Delphine. She explains that the current chef for the Dragon Champions, Ignazio and Bryer is on maternity leave and would she consider taking on the role. She agrees and packs her bags and sets off on her new adventure. Both men are immediately attracted to her as is she to both of them. But this is business and she wants to make sure that everything goes well so she cannot afford to get emotionally involved. This is a complicated love triangle but good fun, hot sexy moments and an HEA. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I voluntarily leave this honest review.

[Sondra Olbrias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pomona just lost her job because she couldn't hold her tongue any longer. Most upsetting is that she really wanted to work at the restaurant badly. Bryer and Ignazio are champions who have been cheated and now risk losing it all. They must find mates or risk never being able to win again. Not believing that they will actually find mates both are shocked to meet her accidentally. The new chef hired to fix them with a special diet is much more special. The best friends don't want to hurt the other by winning the bet. Nor do they want to scare Pomona who has no clue what is happening. The three find it hard to resist nature's celestial pull.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Wings by Ophelia Bell.
The book start with Pomona having a massive fight with her previous employer and attracts the attention of a matchmaker.
She offers her as a personal chef job on another planet cooking for dragon shifters.
As soon as Ig and Bry meet Pomona they know she there mate but with Bry injuries and Ig worries they all dance around the attraction.
I really loved that this book is so much more then just insta love and constant sex. The issues they are have make the developing of the relationship so much more satisfying.
I absolutely love m Ophelia Bell and this is one of her tamer series.

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia Bell is so good at writing a realistic PNR romance! Dragon shifters, a human chef, and a beautiful world full of exotic fruits, vegetables, and spices is an experience of the senses! Pomona is a genius in creating dishes that leave a lasting impression. Bryer and Ignazio are immediately stunned by her presence and recognition that she’s their mate. I loved the anticipation, the energy, and the tease that pulled at each of them until they couldn’t deny their bond. The exquisitely decadent scenes are beautifully written and the relationship is phenomenal! Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

^^fun second book^^
I've had a lot of fun reading this series. We met the dragons in the first book and now it's their story.
Our resident match maker is funny. Serious and passionate about what she does. The banter between the dragons and the new chef had me in giggles.
With the light hearted parts game the serious parts too. A serious injury from a match has the dragons stepping back to heal not only physically but emotionally.
Is the new chef be the recipe to heal the spirit and body.
Sexy cute and a lot of heart. Enjoy.♡

[Jaime Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Ophelia Bell's "Celestial Soulmates, Inc. - Arcturus Champions" series. A MFM romance with swords crossed, dragon shifters, true mates and food. We met the dragons in the first book and now it's their story. This was a cute and steamy romance for chef, Pomona, and dragon shifters, Bryer and Ignazio. Great plot and steamy times. The story was an entertaining MFM read with enough sweet and sexy moments to satisfy. This was a great addition to the series; the second book is a wonderful continuation. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.

[CelticMoonGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in this series of matches for the Oracle of the Celestial Soul Mates Inc I was not disappointed to find the second book just as enjoyable, fun, sexy as hell and a definite feel good put a smile on your face kinda book.
The characters are fun and the two dragon shifts in this love triangle were featured a little in book 1 so liking the connection between books and theme of shifter mating romance.
Short, sexy sweet, hot and totally fun read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice steamy read. Pomona dreams of becoming a personal chef to the stars. Ignozio and Bryer are famous in the Arcturus Nebula as Hot Wings. They are the current champions of the Arcturus Nebula Arena League. Bryer is injured by an opponent and knows that his training and diet will help him get back to the arena. Pomona is hired as their chef and things change for all of them, since she is their mate. Will they make it back to the arena.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pomona, a human, wants to be a personal chef, serving great food to nourish people is her passion. She is offered a temporary position, in the Arcturus Nebula, cooking for 2 Arena Champions Bryer and Ignazio. Bryer is recovering from a potentially career-ending injury and as part of becoming completely healed he needs to find his mate. That is part of the reason Ig hired the beautiful Pomona. The book has well-developed characters, sizzle, steam, action, some drama, and more. Solid 4-star read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book hapless dragon shifters and a curvy wonder in the kitchen ...they didnt stand a chance. If you have read the first book it helps as some old friends reappear but it is possible to read this as a stand alone ( much better as book number two ) Fun and full of frolics and although it can be read "as is " I cant wait to read the next adventure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute and steamy romance for chef, Pomona, and dragon shifters, Bryer and Ignazio. The guys are on a special diet to promote healing and reconnecting with their dragons in a synchronous manner, but they're competitive and somewhat silly with outlandish bets. This time, they bet to find their mate first... What follows is a fab blend of humour, emotions, friendship and steam that gets them their HEA together :D

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was exciting and a wonderful second entry in this series. I was interesting to be back in this world with dragons with Pamona helping Ignazio and Bryer to heal so they can continue to be champions in the Arcturus Nebula Arena League. Join the ups and downs as the three of them learn about each other and become a wonderful team.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third installment is Ignazio, Bryer, and Pomona’s story. Pomona is a human chef who travels to the Arcturus Nebula for a job as a personal chef to Ignazio, and Bryer. Their professional relationship is wrapped around an instant chemistry that will bond them in ways they don’t yet understand. I loved this well-written short tale and look forward to the next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story. Pomona accepts a job as a chef for two dragon shifters. When Pomona sees Ignazio and Bryer, she has a reaction to them and is attracted. The men each know that she is their mate but don't tell each other. This book is full of emotions which has the three of them questioning what is happening. I enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Neither Ignazio is told that looking mates until Bryer was almost killed. Ignazio is told that a mate may fully heal Bryer and does what he can to make it happen. It takes Pomona, their new cook, to turn both their heads and awaken their inner dragons. They almost mess it up if not for Nessa and her scary ways. All three are happily mated in the end.

[Lulu Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m been loving this series and this starts off where the last one ends. Nessa is pregnant and is looking for a replacement while she is on maternity leave To cook for the injured dragons . And boy this is steamy, spicy, and decadent. You gotta read this o see who wins the bet . I can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.