After six centuries of solitude, King Kitsuki’s fated mate returns, igniting a rekindled love amid the arrival of rival suitors and a looming war. Can Kitsuki overcome these threats and secure their mating bond before it’s too late?
When he was a dragon shifter prince, King Kitsuki found true love with his human fated mate. But a cruel twist of fate tore them apart, and the monarch’s heart grew ice cold in the centuries of solitude that followed.
But now, after six hundred agonizing years, Kitsuki’s intended has returned. Their reunion is full of joy and sorrow, as the once light-hearted prince is now a stoic, battle-scarred king. The chasm between who they were in the past and who they’ve become threatens to shatter their rekindled love.
As rival suitors circle like vultures, seeking to destroy Kitsuki’s tentative new bond with his beloved they worked so hard to rebuild, the stakes have never been higher. Kitsuki, although weary from centuries of longing, will stop at nothing to reclaim his love and secure their fated bond.
In a world on the brink of chaos and war, can Kitsuki and his fated mate overcome the heartache of the past and the perils of the present to finally consummate their relationship?
Consort of the Dragon King is the second book of the Bonded Hearts series and part of the Talwyn Saga universe. Please do not read this until you’ve finished Mage of the Dragon Prince first, as this series must be read in order to fully understand it. Full of dramatic twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. The story continues in future books, which will lead to a happily ever after.
Consort of the Dragon King is book 2 in the Bonded Hearts series by Zarina Aston. I have been dying for this book since reading book 1 back in July. I needed to see how Auslin and Kitsuki came back together after being separated by Fate’s Gate for over 600 years. The beginning was so good. I loved seeing Auslin reunite with his love and his friends that had been missing him for so long. I loved seeing the brothers reunite. However, it soon became apparent that Kitsuki and Auslin were not going to be alone in their mating. It seems like Maseo will be the third in their relationship and it just left me unsatisfied. I have no issue with MMM+. However, for almost 800 pages, I’ve read how Auslin and Kitsuki were fated and their love was unmatched. Kitsuki has pined for Auslin for 600 years and never been with another person. But now that he has Auslin, he is attracted to another person? He has stated many times that Auslin is his everything and the only one he wanted. Now, Auslin is not? It just did not jive with what I’ve read. With that said, I am unclear if I will read the next one or not. It just really bothered me and made me uncomfortable. It may be better for me to end this storyline with Auslin and Kitsuki being bonded with each other. This was a well-written story and definitely engaging. It cannot be read as a standalone.
I received an ARC from Neon Rainbow Readers for my honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Poor King Kitsuki has waited 600 years for his beloved Vanra to come back to him. Suddenly, Vanra walks through Fate's Gate and Kitsuki discovers he is Auslin, his brother Kio's ex-boyfriend. But Kitsuki is a much different man from the Kitaro that Vanra knew in the past, so they must get to know each other again. Of course, Kitsuki's siblings are delighted to see Vanra/Auslin again. Auslin is really sweet and kind, and I love his interactions with Kitsuki, Kisano, and Kizoshi, and with his brother Sephen. The only issue for me is that, with Kitsuki and Auslin constantly declaring their love for only each other, how did Maseo get into the mix? I'm really curious to see where this goes in the next book, and to see how some of the other storylines are resolved. This is a long book, but it is an enthralling page-turner and it is easy to read. I recommend reading the books in this series in order, or else you will be lost. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I'll give this a 3.5. I loved the first book and was hooked but all of the magic and love from the first book didn't really feel like it was there in this one. There were A LOT of PoV's in this one and I'm usually fine with that. However, they felt like filler in this and I found myself not really caring for some of them. Then we get to the whole issue between Kitsuki and Auslin. They had great chemistry and you could tell they loved each other in the first book but I was not feeling that in this one. It felt like this one was more concerned with adding the third mate. It felt forced and I wasn't really a fan. There's no chemistry between who they're trying to add, I mean the one they're trying to add was involved in the whole affair that set Auslin off to the past in the first place. Also the villains seem so...one dimensional. I don't know how to feel about this book and I don't know if I will return to the series. Good thing I have close to a year to decide before the next book is out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is the continuation of Mage of the Dragon Prince, and they must be read in order. Consort if the Dragon King was full of emotional ups and downs that keep you turning the page. It was so captivating that I read the entire thing in one day; I just had to know what happened next.! Be prepared that this one also ends on a cliffhanger and you'll need to read the next book in order to finish the story. I can't wait to read it!
Consort of the Dragon King is the second book in the Bonded Hearts series. This book is not a standalone and the series should be read in order. We are back with Auslin a mage and Kitsuki the dragon king. I could not put this book down once I started it because I had to see what was coming next. There are so many ups and downs with emotions in this story but boy was it good. I love almost all of the secondary characters also. This book does end in a cliffhanger so be prepared. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I know this will become one of my favorite series to reread over and over again. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
I didn’t think the second book in this series could surpass the first, but here we are—it was exceptional! Not only did we get a glimpse into the protagonist’s brother, but we also saw a deep exploration and continuation of the main couple's relationship. Forgive me for not mentioning any names—I read it so quickly that everything became a blur! That’s probably the one downside for me: the characters have quite similar names, and since I’m not usually into high fantasy, I had a hard time telling them apart at times.
Story-wise, this book is perfect if you enjoy a low-key fantasy setting without intricate political plots. The romance between the main characters is truly the heart of the story, with everything else revolving around it, which I loved. It’s very much a romantic fantasy that I think most readers will enjoy.
In conclusion, I plan to read all of the author’s other books, and until then, I hope you read this one and love it as much as I did!
I absolutely loved Auslin and Kitsuki in the first book so I couldn't wait to dive into their world once more, and I loved them once again when they were reunited after that infuriating cliff hanger. My heart went out to Kitsuki, a changed man after six hundred years waiting for his love to return to him. I loved the reunion of Auslin and his brother, Sephen. Kisano also won my heart in Mage Of The Dragon Prince so I was very happy for him that he was reunited with his friend after so long. Kizoshi was as much fun as last time and just as inscrutable too. I loved the secondary romance and can't wait for the next book to see what happens with them, knowing how much happiness is coming their way.
This business with Kio feels really juvenile and a poor attempt at keeping some tension in the story.
Trying to discover the direction for the rest of the book and to realize it turns into MMM is insane. I love reading MMM+ books, but only when the author is upfront about it and you know the type of story you’re getting. To sully this ‘epic’ love story between Kitsuki and Austin is insane.
Nah, I tried but this series isn't for me. The dialog is so ridiculous in parts, the bad characters are caricatures, there is no conexion between these characters. It s like the author created characters, gave them words but didn't manage to create feelings and support between them. 6000 something page(kindle location)book for such a boring story and uninteresting characters ?! Nah,no for me
Okay, I have a laundry list of thoughts. Like, a lot of them. Let’s try to sort them.
First off, just to clarify, I was heartbroken when I couldn’t continue the story through KU, so I ran to GRR for an ARC because I didn’t want to miss anything and I am not in a place where I have income I can use on books (which is literally the worst pain omg I hate everything). It was an option, so I jumped on it because I needed to keep going because I absolutely loved the first installments.
That got fixed, by the way, so that’s not a worry for anyone else. I’m being transparent because this review will be an ARC review, but also I read the KU copy so I could have the final version. I’m not going to sit here and try to muddy the waters by hiding shit.
All of that being said, my list of questions and concerns and thoughts might come off like I hated it, but that’s not true either. I legit can’t lie to y’all. I know, this is only the internet or whatever, but I am terrible at it and you would know. It’s something I get shit for daily when lying would be for the best.
Here’s the thing: This book felt like it was a complete departure from the novella and the first full book. Even with the “angst”, it felt like pure, unadulterated fluff. I’m not saying it was bad, but I just felt like I was missing some good meat from the bones. Like I left my wings half-eaten and I’m still hungry, but I know it’s all on me. I’m not blaming the food or restaurant for my inability to clean my plate.
I will say there was A LOT of inconsistency. A lot of moments where I was confused and on my back foot because of it. There was also a lot of repetition, which is a pet peeve of mine specifically, and again, not something anyone else would tend to worry about.
When I got whiny irl and poor Nigel had had enough of it, he asked me what the fuck my problem was, and I couldn’t articulate it. I still can’t, but it’s like… There’s a ton of truly sweet and uplifting content here. It’s very squishy and full of gooey feelings, which is fantastic, but not what I was expecting and maybe that’s what’s thrown me off and left me feeling some kind of way?
I don’t fucking know, buddies, but I was missing something here and I felt like this book took a departure from the trajectory I was fully ready to follow. And no, I don’t mean with the poly aspect. That’s fine. I mean, I don’t agree with the way it’s being presented, but that’s because I keep getting pissy on behalf of Maseo and the fact that even though there’s all the stuff going on, he’s still somehow relegated to coming off like the unwanted third wheel. I’m trying not to add spoilers, so we’re gonna have to deal with the vagueness on this point I guess.
3.75/5. I feel like this is very much a book that people will love for years to come, I’m just who I am as a person and have a weird brain and I don’t know how to get my inside thoughts to make sense outside or read the way I’m supposed to. Rating for the editing whiffs and inconsistency that definitely messed with the story enough to be a problem.
**[I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews (GRR). All ratings, reviews, and opinions are my own.]**
I thought the cliffhanger at the end of the last book was bad, but this one left me gasping for a follow-up. This universe and these characters have me fully under their spell, and I'm eager to see what twists and turns are in store next. Auslin and Kitsuki already had a deep, loving bond at the end of the first book, but I continued to see so much growth in their romantic relationship and it was exciting to see all the possibilities that opened up for them as they continued on their journey together. To be completely honest, I was a little nervous when I first started reading and the reunion scenes didn't sweep me off my feet, but once Kitsuki and Auslin got back into the swing of things I was feeling all the magical chemistry from the first part of their story. The steamy bits between Auslin and Kitsuki were as delightful as I'd been hoping, and after their big mating ceremony things kicked up to a whole new level. I love the way this series has opened up to include chapters from Sephen, Kisano, Maseo, and Kizoshi's perspectives, and some of the secondary relationships that are forming have my nerdy little heart squee-ing with glee.
In terms of the main plotlines, the key allies and villains of the series are starting to make themselves known and everything is building up to a tense and high-stakes clash. The threats made in this book were soberingly serious, and I have no doubt that the Ariake clan is going to need to fight tooth and nail to keep their loved ones safe from harm. It was easy for me to stay engaged in the progression of events, whether they furthered the romances or not, and with the individual storylines headed in lots of different directions there was plenty for me to keep speculating about. This book also finally shed some light on the mysterious doings of the Divine Powers, and I wanted to cheer when Kizoshi started giving Auslin direct answers to his questions after keeping so much under wraps for so long. I can tell there's still a lot more that's being left unsaid, but I feel like there was enough shared to keep Ausling and Kitsuki on the right path without spoiling any future surprises. There's so much more I want to talk about--the reveal of Auslin's parentage, the unexpectedly big role Maseo ended up playing in this book, and the introduction of several new humans, shifters, and Divine Powers, but getting immersed in the twists and turns of the story is part of the fun. At this point I'm pretty dang invested in seeing where these books are headed, and I'm going to keep reading until all the eligible Ariake clan members are settled and happily in love.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
"You two becoming close friends will be the only good thing Kio will have ever done with his life.”
This is book 2 in the series Bonded Hearts by Zarina Aston (aka Ariella Zoelle). Again!!! I've been left brain dead, again!!! This book is a journey and we still haven't reached the end. More is revealed but there is still bits and pieces missing. I'm sure by the end all will be revealed.
If you haven't read the previous books you really need to, before starting this one, otherwise you're going to be totally lost. Each book is a continuation of the previous one.
Don't forget to read the little freebie. This is one of the things I love about this author she's always giving us bonus content.
I don't want to give anything away so I'm being careful/cagey with my words. There is nothing worse, at least to me, to read a review that contains spoilers without a spoiler alert. Every time I see one I growl. It's so unfair to the author who crafts a deliberately intriguing story to have someone ruin it in a review. So I'll just say... if you like books with an epic story you are going to love this.
As stated in my last review - be warned, this book ends in a cliffhanger. Now I just need the next book, I think I mentioned previously that I really hate to wait.
Ah I’m finally glad to read the next instalment in this series after the last cliffhanger. But what do ya know, we get an even bigger cliffhanger at the end of this one! However, the story is worth it, especially after seeing Auslin/Vanra and Kitsuki/Kitaro finally reunited.
I was a bit unsure about how I felt when Maseo started getting brought up, especially after everything that happened with Auslin and Kio in the past. I just wanted sweet baby Auslin to finally get his HEA with his dragon mate. But if that were the case, the book would’ve been over way too quickly, and I’ll admit that by the end of this book I was sold on the Maseo idea. Oh and with that cliffy at the end, I’m chomping at the bit for the next book in the hope Maseo finally gets the love and kindness he deserves.
Like the last book, this one is long, but there was a lot more plot to fill up the pages rather than monologuing compared to book one. I do feel like Auslin’s defending of Maseo was repeated a little bit too much, especially as some of it was quite repetitive. However it didn’t affect my enjoyment.
I’m thoroughly ready for book 3 now and I hope it comes out sooner than August next year as is the current date on Amazon!
After six hundred years, King Kitsuki’s mate, the one that fate took away from him, has finally returned. Expecting Vanra, Kitsuki finds he is now Auslin and also his brutal half brother’s ex. As the two reacquaint themselves, it becomes obvious that they need to complete the formal bonding ceremony, but both men are different now and the ceremony means forever. They have to contend with rival suitors, the hint of war and lots of changes.
Therea are so many changes for the main characters. Some of the changes go into their basic identity, but revealing that would be a spoiler. And these changes are not just for Kitsuki and Auslin. Other members of their families experience the same things. By the end of the story, very few are as they were in the beginning. Maseo plays a big part with hints of more to come. We meet other rulers as well as other family members and allies. We see a lot of violence in some cases, but we also see lots of protectiveness, not to mention some hot times as well. It will be intriguing to see what comes next. We will all be anxiously waiting for the next book. I know I am hooked. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
Whichever name this author goes by I enjoy her writing and this book makes the overall story more interesting. The last book ended on quite the cliffhanger and this book also ends with some drama, but luckily not quite as much as the first one. There are lots of characters getting together finally and even more getting together being hinted at. I’m trying not to give anything away, but it’s tempting. You really have to read the books one after the other or you really won’t have the foggiest idea what is happening. I was worried that I would have trouble getting back up to speed since I am reading these as they come out and it’s been a while since I read the first book, but I had no problem with the plot after reading through the introduction. My only issue is remembering who is who among the characters whose names start with K. I get that it’s based on Japanese names, but I did have a few moments of confusion. That’s maybe more my bad memory, but if you are like me then I recommend that you just keep a little cheat sheet to keep track.
This is an amazing follow up to the first book in the series; 'Mage of the Dragon Prince.'
Zarina ensures that you won't be able to forget the plot and the characters as you transition from one to the other. The most difficult thing will be to keep the characters straight since their names change as they move through time.
King Kitaski used to be Kitaro. Auslin used to be Vanra.
Plus all the other characters are as complex as their motives; Kizoshi, Kitaski's older sister...a Power. Kisano, Kitaski's older brother...a librarian. Sephan, Vanra's younger brother. Maseo, the son of Natsume, a half wolf shifter. Kio, Kitaski's half brother, who is obsessed with Austin.
There is danger, love, mystery and tension throughout.
I know the next book, 'Lord of the Lone Wolf,' will be just as exciting.
I received an ARC from the author through Bookfunnel and Neon Rainbow. Thank you so much!
I loved this book! This amazing story continues with the reunion of Kitsuki and Auslin/Vanra. After 600 years the two are reunited but Kitsuki is not the same as he once was and it is this that will guide his actions with Auslin. I love that the two are once again together and can finally have the love they were promised. We once again get to spend time with Auslin’s brother Sephen and Kitsuki’s wonderful siblings Kisano and Kizoshi, and I love what they add to Auslin and Kitsuki’s story! There are some truths learned and some hardships faced along the way and I love how the two overcome them. Maseo will also have a part to play in this tale and I am awed by Auslin’s feelings towards him. There is one large battle to face for all of these wonderful characters before they can truly have their happiness and I can’t wait to read what happens next!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This is truly a phenomenal read! I get started and get so pulled in that I don’t want to put it down! Auslin is back in his current time and reunited with King Kitsuki in this book. Kitsuki has been alone for 600 years waiting on his beloved to return and it has taken a toll on him. He isn’t quite the same as he used to be although his love remains just as strong. They both have some adjusting to get used to. I love the protectiveness and loyalty in their relationship! There are so many twists and surprises in this that it keeps you at the end of your seat! The brothers’ and Maseo were quite a surprise that I really can’t wait to see more of what happens! This was a very exciting and enjoyable read that I very highly recommend! Reading the first book Mage of the dragon Prince is a must to understand this one. This ends on a cliffhanger so I’m excited to see what comes next! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
I was so anxious to continue on with this saga that I started with The Mage and the Dragon Prince. I’m invested in the love story between this dragon and the mage….along with the other amazing side characters and family members. There are multiple POVs, so we get to really know what’s going on with each one and the storyline.
In this installment, we see more of the twists and turns that are taking place. Aston does a phenomenal job of weaving the tale and taking me places I hadn’t even imagined! I don’t want to give anything away, so you will have to read for yourself to see all of the magic happen. If you are a reader that enjoys fantasy stories with epic world building while following twists and turns that keep you turning the pages well into the night, you will not be disappointed with this Bonded Hearts series! I’m anxiously awaiting to see where it leads next….I have some thoughts and OMG!!!!
This book is the second book in the Bonded Hearts series. You must read the books in order or you will be completely lost. This book starts from the end of Mage of the Dragon Prince (book 1). Auslin the mage comes through Fate's Gate and heads to his fated mate, King Kitsuki. While it hasn't been that long since Auslin last saw Kitsuki; for Kitsuki it has been agonizing 600 years. While happy that they are reunited, both are not the same men they were when they first united. And the social and political climate has changed significantly as well. Of course, not everyone is happy that Auslin has returned. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. Once you start, you will not want to put it down. This book too, ends with a cliff hanger. It just makes you want to read the next book even more.
I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Consort of the Dragon King is book two in the Bonded Hearts series. Not meant to be a standalone, it is the continuation of Mage of the Dragon Prince. It continues the story of mage Auslin and Kitsuki the dragon king. At the end of book one, Auslin realizes that the dragon he fell in love with and was set to bond is Kitsuki, the dragon king in his original time. Then the pesky gate whisks him back to the future. For him it's a few days, for Kitsuki it's been 600 years. There's angst. And lots of passion. The writing and therefore, the reading, is fast paced. At 600 pages, it didn't feel long enough. It's chock full of colorful worldbuilding, great mc's as well as supportive secondaries. Lots of magic. Lots of dragons. Unfortunately, no HEA yet. There are two more in this series. Bah. But yay. More for us to read. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
This book picks up right where the last one ends. Kitsuki doesn't take long to recognize his mate even after 600 years and to realize that he actually knew who Vanra was(Auslin) the whole time. Kio is the first wrinkle in their happiness and continues to be a thorn in their side the entire book.
But just because they are reunited immediately, they still have to wait quite some time to consummate their bond. This gives us the fun subplot of Kisano and Auslin's brother Sephen realizing they are perfect for eachother.
A recurrent thread is that both Auslin and Kitsuki care for Maseo in their own way. We don't get to see them interact directly in this installment but we get the sense its inevitable. If you liked the first book, this will be a must read to see their HFN after the huge cliffhanger.
So, I absolutely loved the first book, although it was not perfect. And I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one ... but alas, it was not as I expected
The first book was mainly a love story with two great characters who accepted each other with all their characteristics and faults.
I expected this one to be the same, but here we get more political intrigue and a hint of a future MMM story. This was surprising but interesting and could be a good development.
But what disturbed me was Auslins' behaviour. I was really annoyed with him because his so-called"goodness" was just annoying as it was mainly there for people who tried to kill him, but he had no understanding for Kitsuki.
Hopefully in the next book we get the Auslin from the first book back
Although I was not a big fan of some parts of this book, I enjoyed it mostly and can't wait for the next one
Kitsuki has waited a long time to be reunited with his fated mate/beloved. 600 years have passed and much has happened to Kitsuki, he is not the same. And although the love and connection are there between him and Vanra, who Kitsuki realizes upon seeing him again is Auslin. It has been a while so they are going to have to do some work to get to know one another again. Things do not easily fall into place for the fated lovers and Kitsuki and Auslin are challenged as they try to solidify their bond and wind up together. Alas their journey does not end in this book and we are still waiting to see how things will resolve for this pair. I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely love this second book in this series ,,same as the first for which you have to read in order to follow everything up to this wonderful book,,,as we learned in this first book about Kitaro is Kitsuki and Vanra is Auslin we learned the length these two would go through because Auslin went through the gate and came back 600 years later all the people that were involved in helping these two ,,also the ones that were evil and also the innocent as Auslin continue to trying to save them but one thing that is in both book is a lot of love ,war fighting death and also hope and new bond mates and a few surprises along the way ,,,anyone who gets into these books will love these books I recommend this series ,,I have also read this book to give my honest opinion on it by this author ohh I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book I hope and what happens with Maseo
Intense! Kitsuki was ready to wait 1000 years for his love. He only had to wait 600. Kitsuki changed. His demeanor is no longer light and happy, he's now dour and stoic. We're talking about a serious gap in second chances getting to know each other. Auslin, is guilty and contrite of his impulsive behavior, he regrets most the emotional change in Kitsuki. Their romance is not a walk in the park. There are huge personal and political roadblocks. The team, is still strong, the enemies are still repugnant. There are interesting surprises and some shocks. The cliffhanger is almost the best part of the book. Great story, well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved everything about this book. I love how strongly these men were able to love each other. I kept waiting for a culmination at the end but I was left questioning what happened! I hope this story is going to continue because I need an ending or the next chapter. The bonus chapter helped me not lose the pull between these three as there story continues. I can’t wait to read the next what the next adventure will entail. I recommend this book for everyone who loves mm romance stories. This is a second book so you need to read the first one first to understand what is going on. Both stories are worth reading.
I've had some second chance romances where the couple has been apart a while, but six hundred years is definitely a new record. The author did a great job of showing how both Kitsuki and Auslin have changed over that time, especially Kitsuki. It makes sense that the duties of a king during such an unstable time would force a prince to become hard and tough. Finding their way into a new relationship based on the people they have become isn't easy for these two and there are plenty of outside forces trying to ensure that never happens. Great characters, world building and plot in this book.
AMAZING! definitely worth the wait! With the way things ended in Book 1 I was excited to jump into this one to see where we go in the future. I don't want to say too much because of spoilers but I couldn't put it down! We have Kitsuki and Auslin with new turn of events with Maseo, delightful surprises for the brothers and much more. we end on another cliffhanger and things are just getting more and more crazy! Can't wait for the next.
Holy wow. This book starts from the end of Mage of the Dragon Prince. With Auslin coming through Fate’s Gate, he ends up back in his time. With coming back, he now realizes why he felt so close with King Kitsuki. The story starts from there with how Kitsuki and Auslin reconnected. We also have another storyline with his brother Sephen. I am loving this series. Great world building, heat, chemistry and lots of action. Cannot wait to,hear more about Maseo.