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Silent Jay: The Worst Guide to Collecting Dragons

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Waking up in the middle of a mating hunt without my magic or my voice? Yeah … not a great start to my day. But being chased by two dragon shifters fills me with excitement I’ve not felt in years.

I may not be here by choice, but I have the feeling these elementals are the key to unlocking my powers and my voice. Now, I just need to collect a complete set.

Working out who put me here is next on my agenda. And if it’s because the world’s Ley Lines are out of whack then we have a much bigger problem.

Getting my mates to believe I’m a powerful sorceress is one thing.

But how do I get them to work together without getting my fingers burned?

This is an erotic reverse harem urban fantasy novel. Medium to fast burn. Although there are no trigger warnings, it is no less explicit with some knotting.

454 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2024

106 people are currently reading
151 people want to read

About the author

Kate Messick

16 books122 followers
Currently living in England, Kate Messick is married with three cats and two degrees in classical music. She enjoys everything clarinet, lifting weights, reading, playing games, and traveling.

From a young age, Kate’s dad read all sorts of fantasy books aloud to his daughters. Eventually, she figured out this reading stuff on her own and found her insatiable hunger for dragons and stories only grew with the years.

Living an exciting life, Kate is never afraid to reach for the stars. She founded the Symphonic Anime Orchestra and traveled with her music all over the US. Over the years, Kate has collected a diverse resume working in education, road construction, spinal technician, data mining, security escort, and more. Her life philosophy: Life is short, never be afraid to spice it up.

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5 stars
169 (48%)
4 stars
118 (33%)
3 stars
41 (11%)
2 stars
17 (4%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
Profile Image for Danique van Dijk.
551 reviews61 followers
September 13, 2024
4.5 stars

Thank you BookSirens and Kate Messick for providing me with an early copy in exchange for my honest review! - Finally just recommended this to everyone I knew who'd like this, sorry for the delay :s [13 sept]

This was a big surprise. I only got the ARC because I thought it was 44 pages long, but apparently the listing was wrong and it was 400 pages instead. An error in judgement, but I was glad of it. I made so many notes that this review will be a rambling mess, but what else is new?

Jay is a big shot enchantress in our modern society, but when the ley lines reach out for her to help, she gets in an accident and enters an island full of dragon shifters, looking for their mate.

I immediately adored this. I love reverse harems with very dominant men who all battle for the same girl, who is also badass as hell. I mean, what else can you ask for? Tyson and Rehan’s mating calls were great, and I loved how obsessed they immediately were with each other. Them being lifelong enemies added even more, and I loved it. I won’t lie, I giggled like a full-on teenager a lot. I laughed out loud a lot too, especially when gosh that was too funny. Tyson was also definitely frustrating at times, but his stupidity was so fun. His attitude and ego also massively reminded me of Darius from Zodiac Academy, holy shit. Maybe just because he’s also a fire breathing dragon, but still. His interactions with Rehan also reaaally reminded me of Maverick and Fox from the Harlequin Crew, which I loved.

It was a bit harder for me to like the others, probably because they didn’t really play a role until like halfway through. I was sort of scared that Because the other two didn’t have chapters until late, it was harder to like them. I also didn’t know there’d be MM, so I was a bit surprised by Ogden – and I didn’t necessarily like that. It just wasn’t quite what I was in the mood for, I want the woman to be the center of attention like the spoiled brat I am lmao. I just didn’t really vibe with his character, I still don’t fully get him and I can’t quite place him. Their buildup felt a bit lacking too – from one second to the other Idk man, didn’t love that. Their relationship felt underdeveloped and rushed, especially compared to the others which we actually got a lot of bonding time with. The same goes for Lux, who was definitely a lot less present in this story. Maybe he and Ogden will get their time to shine in the next book, but I just don’t love how obsessed they seem with each other – basically forgetting about Jay. Dammit, that’s not what I want ☹ It just feels like Ogden keeps trying to be the main character, he keeps making it about himself. Hm.

Jay was great too, although I’m sad that we haven’t really seen her power yet. I truly cannot wait for her to get her powers back because holy shit she’ll be the best. I also can’t wait for some insight into her past, because it’s all so mysterious and interesting: She also mentioned being held by Marduk, I want to know more! I can’t freaking wait. I’d love to read a prequel about her living her life in different centuries, that’d be great.

I enjoyed the worldbuilding and how the boys slowly started to doubt their customs and ways. I love some character development, and especially Rehan and Tyson showed some real development. They’re definitely my favorites so far, I don’t care too much for Ogden and Lux at this point.

I did get a bit annoyed by her not being able to talk, the squeaks got old quickly. Her talking to herself became a bit annoying and it just felt a bit dragged out, I just wanted her to get her voice and powers back, because it now just feels like the guys like how she looks and that’s it; they barely know her. I did love What really bothered me though, were some of the descriptions in the sex scenes. I know Jay sort of addresses it by wondering how it’s possible, but it still grosses me out. I just hate when authors try to make it sound like something great while it really isn’t. The fact that I was also watching British bake-off and it was chocolate week, nearly made me choke.

There were quite some writing mistakes, so please do contact me author if you want to edit those before the book comes out!

I really don’t trust Scalehive, and although I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t get more answers in this book, I’m massively looking forward to the next book. The only theory I can come up with right now is that Caoimhe has something to do with it all, since she’s the only random as hell character and Jay is getting weird vibes from her. I’m guessing she’s either somehow connected to Scalehive or she’s just working for someone else, I don’t think she’s the main boss. Can’t wait! I was quite obsessed with this book and couldn’t put it down, I was behaving like a mad woman for sure. This might actually be one of the best books I've read this year, if not the best. On my way to recommend this to everyone I know!


Note: I do think there should be some trigger warnings added to this. For example, the mention of abuse, dubious consent (being asleep/passed out) and depression.
Profile Image for Andrea Green.
814 reviews8 followers
August 24, 2024
I loved Jay's character and can just picture all her facial expressions as she had no actual voice for most of this book which although fraustrating for her was highly entertaining for us.

the only reason i haven't 5 starred it is that ne of the 4 male dragon mates was a tad to child like and immature which was probably the authors aim but for me it was a real turnoff, that said teh other 3 were amazing expecially loved the way teh last one was found - that totally cracked me up.

really enjoyable read for teh most part and cant wait to see so many questions answered in teh second half of this duet.
Profile Image for Whitney Anderson.
61 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2024
4 ⭐read. This was a super quick read, with a much different story line than I am used to reading. Jay ends up on an island of Dragon Shifters & has to participate in their hunt **for their mate** - she has no knowledge of how she got there & to top it all off, she has no voice.

This is a why choose - ending on a cliff hanger - looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ashleigh Carter.
780 reviews8 followers
July 19, 2024
Whew. Not sure there are enough chili peppers for how spicy this one is! The internal monologue of the FMC is funny and the spice is excellent. On top of that, the plot is actually present and a nice addition to the book. I look forward to the next ones!
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,793 reviews30 followers
August 20, 2024
August 2024
Kindle edition

From the cover and blurb I expected something fun. This was draining to the point of wanting to DNF. Tyson and his side were awful. Miscommunication in a big way. Water and Fire fighting over Jay for half the book before the other two get a say in. It got tedious. Rehan redeemed himself but Tyson was a C up until the last. He was possessive yet screwed Tia. He was controlling and had his own translation belief for what Jay. He was an awful character.

Og was sweetheart. Lux was cool, yet they both had to come after Tyson's train crash. The secret identity thing was interesting. I liked the group chat. I'm curious about what happens but I can't deal with Tyson and the rest of the characters. Ends on a cliffhanger. Jealousy, must choose and all the other stuff. This book gave me a headache.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Klizbet.
1,100 reviews85 followers
April 15, 2025
Zero Stars - DNF

One of the MMC’s continues fucking OW, in graphic detail, even after he mates FMC. He also mates her by force after he rejects her like a piece of trash for being sterile (infertile). This horrible man-child is the absolute worst sort of entitled prick. He doesn’t deserve a fated mate. And after watching him fuck OW whenever FMC said anything he didn’t like, I don’t want to watch him be accepted into the harem eventually. I hate this guy. I don’t want him to get a HEA, and I’m not going to be able to move past all his bullshit.

‼️ Graphic sex with OW after mating, rejecting mate d/t infertility, forced mating, kidnapping, magic suppression curse, curse to render FMC mute
Profile Image for Moonburst.
416 reviews6 followers
July 15, 2024
Jay is an immortal enchantress struggling with ennui and depression. When she answers a Ley Line summons, she is hit by a truck and finds herself magic-less, voice-less, and submitted as a participant of the shifter dragons' mating hunt. Worst of all, she attracts the attention of multiple dragon shifters. When it becomes clear that the dragon's elements are the key to getting her magic back, Jay does all that she can to try to collect them all. But dragons are not known their cooperative nature. Can Jay regain her powers and figure out who kidnapped her in the first place without breaking her heart?

Jay is a jaded and sarcastic protagonist. While she enjoys the attention of the dragons, she is convinced their interest is due to the curse she's under, rather than true feelings. Furthermore, having given up her uterus for power hundreds of years ago, she knows she cannot help with the dragons' need for healthy young. But as the curse seems to demand intimacy between her and the other shifters, she finds herself gradually growing more open to her mates.

In terms of the dragons themselves, each dragon has his own unique personality and characteristics. Each elemental group of dragons has their own culture and values, though there was a heavy line of sexism and racism within the higher ranking dragons. I liked all of the dragons, with the exception of Tyson, who I wanted to chuck out of a window for his immaturity, selfishness, and inability to think for himself. Thankfully, he is balanced out by the other dragons, and shows some character growth by the end of the book.

Overall, Silent Jay is a humorous reverse haram urban fantasy novel with a cynical heroine and multiple tempestuous dragons forced to work together. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I look forward to see what the group gets up to next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3 reviews
July 21, 2024
This is a MUST read for anyone who loves to read supernatural romance books that are funny & SPICY! I could not put this book down. The fmc was funny and so relatable with the BEST witty remarks even when she had no voice. She was a hurricane on the dragons island in the best possible way. I love the character development of each mmc's throughout the book. I'm in love with all the men except maybe Tyson but I could see him trying. The only thing I didnt like about this book is that it ends on a cliffhanger & that the second book isn't already out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX.
1,158 reviews74 followers
October 21, 2024
Silent Jay is the first book in The Worst Guide to Collecting Dragons duet. This does end in a small cliffhanger.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting, as this is my first by Kate Messick. But, I was so freaking engrossed in this story. Jay is such a funny and very likable FMC, even though she was mute for about 90% of the story. The guys were so adorable, little bit Alpha, but definitely cute in their own ways. This is the first book I've read in a while that has had little to no triggering content. Definitely was a fun, adventurous, a tad bit spicy story. If you are looking for a palette cleanser, this is definitely the one to pick up.
Profile Image for Nita.
707 reviews10 followers
August 5, 2024
Dnf at 58%. Where do I start with this one. First off when I signed up to read this book I thought it was a short novella turns out it was 414pgs. If it was the novella length I thought it was I would have finished the book and it would have been a 5 star read. The first half of the book was very interesting then it just really started to drag. Which sucks because it was so promising in the beginning.
Profile Image for Colleen Sanchez.
153 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2024
This was a very interesting read!! I really liked the characters and the depth of them one being extremely shallow and others had more to them showing their maturity. The main female lead floated in between having her moments of immaturity although she was super old lol she had a fun personality though. A very cool way to bring in this strong character by taking two most important things she needs away from her and making her appear weak. She still shows strength and her ability to take things in stride as she slowly tries to get back to her norm. Haha so you’ll have to read the book to find out more. Did quite a bit of World building, but it still needs to be rounded out. I think it might be in the next book. it’ll be fun. I can’t wait.
81 reviews
July 19, 2024
Great writing, funny and a pageturner.

Our heroin finds herself trapped in an unknown environment where she meets four very different beings. These four represent the elements and see her as their mate. Will they unravel the mystery that brought her to them?

I laughed out loud about Tysons nicknames for the others, cannot wait for book 2.

I received a free copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Dawn Milligan.
2,657 reviews16 followers
August 23, 2024
Okie I will be 100 honest the scroll got me I love the cover it's eye catching then the blurb hooked me this is so far a riot I love love love Jay this is fan ducking tactic and I can not wait for more!
Profile Image for Angela Denny.
1,046 reviews6 followers
August 29, 2024
This book was enjoyable and a different take on dragons. Jay can be a bit much a times. Jay is full of sass even tho she can't talk. Her mates were all different and I liked how one started to grow up a but by the end of the book. Very interested to see how everything is resolved in the next book.
52 reviews
July 19, 2024
A fairly good read, but not my most enjoyable. It took me a long time to settle with this book, and by the time i did, i was a few chapters from the end, and even though the plotline had some descent elements, it was a bit slow for me. I don't know if i would want to continue the series as i do not feel like i have enough interest in the characters or the story.
691 reviews
July 14, 2024
Jay is coasting through her immortal life, just hopping from place to place and looking for something to give her that spark. After awaking in a strange place after a car crash, she's forced into a mate games type hunt by elemental dragons.She's sassy and snarky, and her inner monologe is entertaining which is great since she's lost her voice. She has different dragons fighting over themselves to be with her even though she's not who she's supposed to be. Interesting connections come about but there's so much more to uncovered to Jay.
4 reviews
July 15, 2024
I was skeptical when I first decided to read Silent Jay, the worst guide to collecting Dragons. This isn’t the typical book that I would choose, but I’m happy that I read it. The author did a great job and I love the writing style.

Emotions:
Confused
curious
Funny
Sad
Exciting

I can't wait for the sequel And the prequel to come out. The first two chapters were really confusing, but once I had let go of the unknown, it was a quick read.
Profile Image for Amiah Harris.
34 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2024
I loved this book. It's a very unique plot. A whole new twist on magic, mating, and dragon shifters. Jay and her dragons are awesome characters. (Although Ogden is my favorite.) I can't wait to see what Jay looks like with all her magic. One of my favorite things is a bada$$ FMC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 🌶🌶🌶
123 reviews
October 12, 2024
The author says no triggers

I disagree.

The writing is good, characters are developed, plot is original. But… if cheating is a no-no for you, skip this book.
Spoiler alert.
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One of the MMCs is very immature. He deals with his disappointment by finding his ex and immediately dipping his wick. The FMC is crying in his bed at the time because of other poor treatment he heaps on her. Later, he forcibly marks her as his mate without her permission. Then he goes back to his ex for more horizontal mambo. He doesn’t see anything wrong with it, either.

The FMC doesn’t find out immediately. Honestly, I dnf’d it before she finds out. For one, it made me so sad that he was cheating on her and she had no idea. Two, I know I couldn’t handle it if she just forgave him with no consequences. The way the author was handling the whole situation didn’t instill me with faith that the FMC would have a backbone about his cheating. I’m angry, too, that I won’t be able to finish this series. Her relationships with the other 2 MMCs that she’d met and the last who I suspect is her 4th mate were interesting and mature. There is potential for those 3 relationships to be something special. Sadly, my disgust with the immature cheating numbnut makes this a series I won’t be able to enjoy.
Profile Image for Kimberlea Richardson.
639 reviews14 followers
July 31, 2024
Not Their Betty 🐉

This was my first book by Kate, and OMG, I’m so happy this book hit my radar cause it was FANTASTIC 🙌🏻

I swear, when it came to Jay, our FMC, one of the best things about the whole story was her internal monologue. It would’ve been entertaining enough for me to read just a whole book of that…it was that relatable (sort of 😝) & hilarious 😂 Add on all her vocal “squeaking” because of her lack of voice, and OMG, I laughed so hard during this book 🤣

At its very heart, this story is an adventure & a challenge for Jay, which she desperately needed after living for so long (she’s an immortal sorceress) & becoming complacent in her everyday life. One minute she’s on the road, the next she’s waking up & finds herself in the middle of The Hunt…basically a contest dragons have come up with to find human baby mamas 😝 Unfortunately for her, her not caring for the hunt, and the ensuing challenge she inadvertently shows to the dragons that focus on her, makes her all the more desirable because she doesn’t make things easy on those chasing her. Once she gets “caught” though, the hard part starts for Jay…because she needs to figure out how to get her voice back & what’s going on with her magic so that she can get back home to fix an issue with Earth’s Ley Lines (I thought it was so cool how the Ley Lines were brought into the story). Throw in flashbacks to what appears to be missing memories that Jay can’t figure out, and Jay just can’t catch a break. In a world where the different dragon factions (fire, water, earth & air) seem to constantly be at odds with each other, watching Jay have to work her nonexistent magic to get her mates (ok, she thinks it’s a curse, they think it’s true love 🙄😂) to work together was like watching a roller coaster (full of ups & downs…mainly downs 😂).

Speaking of mates, I adored Rehan…his ways of thinking, sweet spirit, & support of Jay, but soon found Tyson to be a worthy opponent, even if he tended to be a bit clueless sometimes (he did also thoroughly screw up at one point…ok, his hot headed self was always overstepping…you’ll understand the part I’m talking about when you get to it though). Ugh, and the nicknames these guys gave Jay…Giggles (oh Rehan 🙄) & Wiggles (really Tyson 🤨) 😂😂😂 Then there’s sweet Ogden who gave me allll the golden retriever vibes. So book smart, yet so lacking when it comes to social skills, yet that just added to his charm…and the hidden dominance we got a small taste of certainly shows amazing promise too 😍 And my poor Lux…he broke my heart for all that he had to endure. I think he needed Jay the most out of all of them 🥺

So you see how amazing this story sounds…how could you not want to dive into it ASAP 😉 I’m so excited to see where book 2 takes us, and to truly find out WTF is going on…with the Ley Lines, with Jay’s magic, with all the possibilities opening up between her mates (👀🫣) & getting more depth into their backgrounds, and with her mate bonds that she isn’t convinced she can permanently keep 👀🤔 The next part can’t get here fast enough 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

✨I didn’t like to share. Even if she was my soul mate, my food was my food.✨ …Tyson doesn’t share food…if you heard that in a certain someone’s voice, then you are my people. IYKYK😉🤣
Profile Image for Sonya.
1,300 reviews59 followers
July 31, 2024
I had the pleasure of Beta reading this book back in 2022 and I am so happy the author decided to go through releasing it.

Jay is a powerful enchantress who has lived well over 1000 years. She changes with each passing decade and lives her life to the fullest. Exchanging her fertility for more power has made her a magical powerhouse but somebody has other plans for Jay.

After a car accident Jay finds herself on a mysterious island with several other human woman ready to participate in "The Hunt" a game where Dragon's are unleashed to hunt their potential mates. This would be a piece of cake with Jay could access her powers or even speak. The most she can do is let out an adorable squeak and that's the extent of her communication abilities.

This story had a lot of humor. Jay's inner monologues were hilarious. Now that the hunt has begun Jay another problem to worry about; well 2 actually and they are the Fire and Water Dragons fighting it out for the opportunity to mate her.

In addition to spice and humor this story has a bit of suspense because someone wanted Jay on this Dragon Island and during her time on this island Jay began collecting mates like Pokémon. Tyson is the Fire Dragon Prince who comes from a ruling family that controls everything on the island. Tyson is arrogant, impatient, rude, condescending, domineering, possessive and unpredictable. Rehan is the Water Dragon Prince; he's levelheaded, possessive, understanding and more than willing to assist his mate in whichever way he can. Ogden is the Earth Dragon Prince who is also a warlock. Ogden is good with magic and connects with Jay on a different level than with her other mates. Lastly, there is Lux who is the Air Dragon Prince who has been living as secretly as someone else due to being shunned for his deformities.

There were a lot of growing pains in this story. The characters in this story dealt with real issues. Demanding Families, Family expectations, Infertility, Disabilities, S*xual Curiosity and Awareness and learning to work together with their enemies.

The more time Jay spent with her mates the more she realized that the key to unlocking her magic was by being intimate with all of her mates at the same time. This led to some funny encounters and awkward situations.

I'm looking forward to what happens next in this story and can't wait for Jay to show everyone exactly how much of a powerhouse she truly is but first things first. Who sent her to the island? Who is responsible for her multiple mate bonds? What is the actual purpose of everything that has been thrown at her and her mate's feet because whoever is behind Jay's abduction is also responsible for the fate of her mates.
Profile Image for Mese.
88 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2024
Between 3.5 and 4 ⭐️’s for me.
2 🌶️

For me I struggled a bit with this. I am rating it between 3.5/4 stars, it wasn’t written horribly but I struggled to want to continue reading it. I signed up to receive this as an ARC and leave this honest review.

It started off fast. I had to re-read the beginning a few times because I thought I missed a conversation or few. I felt like some parts were missing, but this was probably on purpose. I like the idea behind the FMC and MMC(s). It’s a

🐉Reverse harem,
🐉Elemental dragon shifters,
🐉Magic
🐉Mystery
🐉Some spice.
🐉Multiple POVs
🐉Cliffhanger

With the opportunity for ⚔️ (but not in this book).

I almost didn’t finish it because it didn’t pull a lot of emotions out of me and trying to picture some scenes was a bit hard. It also felt like it dragged on in some places. And it ends on a cliffhanger-but the ending was not it for me. I didn’t like the turn the FMC takes. It feels weird-after everything including what was mentioned prior to.

•Jay-extremely old. But has managed to stay young through the magic she received/traded some stuff for. < / > removed to avoid spoilers. She has a lot of internal dialogue which threw me initially. I thought she had another being in her. She doesn’t (not in this book at least).

•She’s been thrown into a world with missing memories, has some knowledge and no magic. Believing she is cursed-she fights with herself and others when it comes to certain things and moments. In a way trying to protect herself and keep others at arms length.

•We are then introduced to her mates. Some from The Hunt. And others through social settings. Some annoyed me. And some came off sickeningly sweet. Almost cringey in some cases. And a fifth mystery man who we know played a critical role in what happened.

•The plot is there. The mystery to solve is there. We can guess the villains. We know what has to be done in order to do certain acts. I am curious to see what the following book(s) will reveal.

Thank You BookSirens and Kate Messick for this ARC.



Profile Image for Alexandra.
705 reviews21 followers
August 16, 2024
Thank you to BookSirens for the e-ARC!

This book is absolutely hilarious! The inner monologue of Jay was one of my favorite parts of this book! I almost laughed out loud at Jay’s rendition of “gotta catch them all”. I was entertained with Jay’s monologue and think it will translate well to an audiobook.

So, the dragon shifters made their own hidden world because life got difficult for them during the Industrial Revolution. As a history nerd, I appreciated the thought and consideration that the author put into that. The four elements separated from each other and fire became the more powerful of the elements. I liked how each element and their location was unique. I could visualize the different locations and the people that lived there.

The main plot is Jay is a super powerful sorceress and she gets a sense to check the Ley Lines, but on the way to check she is attacked. She wakes up in the dragon world and is part of The Hunt. She ends up having these dragons claim she is their mate and want to have children with her. Jay got rid of her uterus centuries ago and cannot have children, so one of the potential mates got mad and there was drama there. Jay wants her magic back and to get some answers of what is going on, but the only way she figured out to get her powers back was through adult time.

The ending of this book makes me want the next one now! I want the mystery solved and the day saved.

The main reason I gave this book a 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the interactions between the different dragon mates. I was upset that the fire dragon, Tyson, was in a relationship with another while trying to claim Jay. I think that marred the idea of them being mates in my mind, so I wish that was edited out. And then it was hinted that some of the mates had feelings of desire for each other, which I wish were acted out on. And I wanted Ogden and his unique feature to have their time to shine and rock Jay’s world (because he is an earth dragon get it).

“Family’s in the heart. Whatever happens, my family will always be with me.”
268 reviews5 followers
September 8, 2024
Bear in mind, this author doesn’t do trigger/content warnings for this series. While I fully understand the author’s stance on that, some readers might be bothered by the behavior of some of these dragon men. Also, while this is labeled as Reverse Harem, it is more honestly a poly Romance. She may be the nucleus, but swords definitely will be crossing.

I’m going to be honest, I don’t think I have ever disliked a MMC more than I did one of the men in this group. He acted horribly, not just to Jay, but to the woman he was in a relationship with when the mating instinct with Jay kicked in. He continued to be horrible, and borderline unforgivable, for quite some time. He almost made me quit reading. I’m glad I didn’t, because the others were just incredible.

Another thing that bothered me is that she repeatedly spelled a famous actress’ last name incorrectly. While it’s possible that was done deliberately, it comes across as if she just didn’t bother to check the correct spelling. I acknowledge this is ultimately not something that matters overmuch, but if you’re a stickler for editing errors, this may bother you. There are a few other minor, but noticeable, errors like this in the book.

All that aside, I stayed up till two am to read this. I absolutely couldn’t put it down. It made me crazy, it frustrated me, it took me through a whole range of emotions! It was very imaginative and very compelling. The characters are very real, and very flawed. I’m definitely curious to see where this journey takes them! I think it would be nice to have seen it drawn out a bit longer—but I can also see how that would have been very hard to do with certain plot elements in place.

It’s a good book, and worth reading if you like poly and can overlook its editing issues. Truly interesting book, with a plot that really sucks you in!
Profile Image for Samantha Silensky.
418 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2024
great series starter!

Though I might be biased with my love for anything dragon, this book was spectacular. It has great world building, along with a very well rounded cast of characters.
Jay is ancient, yet modern, sarcastic, and realistic despite the power she wields. A thousand years would probably make me more cynical as well. However the conversations she holds with herself are amusing as ever, and also show the inner hope she has about people and the world.
Tyson is a hot head(no pun intended) who definitely has reasons for the way he acts. They don’t justify it, but they do explain so much of it. Everything he does and says burns with every emotion. He essentially wears his heart on his sleeve, but the poor guy is so lacking in communication skills (not his fault) that he says all the wrong things, even when he does mean well, and isn’t acting like a spoiled prince.
Rehan is the epitome of water. He’s mostly cool, calm and collected, but can be a raging river when pushed. He has a lot more control over his words and actions and his personality and Tyson’s definitely portray that water and fire are opposites.
Og however seems to be the most carefree of them all. Not to say he doesn’t have his own insecurities or anxiety’s. But his personality shows more logic minded thinking.
Lux is still fairly new to know his personality well, however he seems to be the epitome of withholding his emotions and his real self until he can’t help it, and they explode out of him. I don’t blame him, in hiding his identity he was saving himself, but he lost himself as well and it’s mildly heartbreaking.
Loved this series starter and can’t wait to delve into the next book.
Profile Image for Mrs R.
1,415 reviews19 followers
August 22, 2024
This is book 1 of a series and the story continues into book 2.

Jaiana (Jay) is bored with her immortal life, she’s lived over a thousand years and is just sat around waiting until her powerful magic is needed to help fix the Ley Lines. She ends up in a car accident and wakes up as part of a dragon mating hunt, without the ability to speak or access her magic.

The dragons have isolated themselves from humans, and also from each other (different elements), but it’s caused problems that now need addressing.

I enjoyed the world-building with the mix of old traditions but also new technology, with each element being different in their ways. They've made themselves enemies of each other.

Jay's mates were interesting characters, all different from each other and some getting on better than others. As much as I disliked Tyson and his childish temper tantrums, he was the most interesting dragon character.

Jay is missing her voice and her magic, and I can't make my mind up whether I like her or not yet but I think she's a great character for the story. Her inner voice irritated me as it's not what I would expect from such an old character, but maybe she's needed it whilst living such a lonely existence. She's bored with life and has little patience but she's trying.

I think book 2 will be better than book 1, now we have the four elemental dragons and everyone is starting to realise what the bigger picture might be and that they can't keep ignoring each other.

- RH (hints at MM)
- PNR dragon shifters
- Multi POV
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,340 reviews131 followers
July 29, 2024
If I am to be honest it was the name of the series that caught my attention. I mean "The Worst Guide to Collecting Dragons " sounds like a good time and it was Silent Jay was entertaining and humorous.


Jaiyana "Jay" was great. She's wicked smart, has a great sense of humor, and she talks to herself. Some of my favorite moments were her inner commentary, which brought some of the humor to the story. Plus, she's a badass immortal enchantress who seems to be on the side of good. What's not to like.


As for the dragons supposed to be collecting, there are four super hot (I mean that both literally and figuratively) dragons that range from the adorably awkward to the alphahole. Rehan, Ogden, and Lux I like (Odie is my favorite) but I have mixed feelings about Tyson. I like him just not his actions (those tantrums have to go.) Hopefully, he'll improve in the coming books.


The mystery surrounding Jay and her missing magic (and voice) and the issues the dragon shifters are having pulled me into the story. Plus it was entertaining seeing Jay "oops" her way into relationships and wrangling four dragon shifters. Let's just say tempers ran a little hot, haha. Messick wrote a smooth plot, going from one crazy situation to another and the twists were pretty good.


Silent Jay ended on the best cliffhanger. We get a major question vaguely answered but it leads to so many more questions. Silent Jay was a good start to the series, I can't wait to see where the rest is headed.
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