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Dragons of Sin #1
Shards of Desire
A princess by birth right.
A warrior in spirit.
A bargaining chip for my kingdom that marks me for death.
Everything I dared dream of for my life is scorched to ash when I’m forced to marry our enemy. A dragon king with an endless amount of rumors that all hold one thing in his brutality.
All of this in hopes of preventing a catastrophic war between our people, and the dragons we once held an alliance with.
They say a curse befalling the dragon shifters was the catalyst to the demise of the bonds we once held. A time when humans and dragons openly mixed to find the other half of their soul. I say the curse is just an excuse those monsters use to let the true versions of their beasts be known by all.
At the very least, I’m thankful they can no longer hide their shifting abilities. A glimpse of their dragon being ever present on their human body marked the clear divide now between friend and foe.
In no time at all in his dominating presence, it’s clear to me the rumors about my betrothed are true. He wants me and all those beneath his rule to fear him, but I refuse to tremble beneath the ire of his gaze and sharpness of his tongue. Somehow the way his heart syncs with mine each time I find myself pressed against him for safety in this new world, is what truly scares me.
A dangerous dance begins between us as we navigate our burning hatred and undeniable draw for one another, while unraveling the magic that leads both of our peoples to the edge of ruin.
In the end, will it take our damnation to be their salvation?
**********
Author note: Shards of Desire is the first STANDALONE book in the Dragons of Sin universe. This book is a standalone that can be read on its own, and will not have a cliffhanger. The universe is intended to be read in any order. Content intended for mature audiences. Follow the fiery Siyana and her icy dragon king as they navigate the arranged marriage neither of them wanted, but perhaps will one day realize they needed. Amidst a kingdom being torn apart by a curse, can a scorned king and his queen, who never wanted a crown, find a way to unite two halves of a world that were always meant to be whole?
Tropes and content included, but not limited to: Dragons & humans, royalty, arranged marriage, forced proximity, one bed, beauty and the beast inspired.
A warrior in spirit.
A bargaining chip for my kingdom that marks me for death.
Everything I dared dream of for my life is scorched to ash when I’m forced to marry our enemy. A dragon king with an endless amount of rumors that all hold one thing in his brutality.
All of this in hopes of preventing a catastrophic war between our people, and the dragons we once held an alliance with.
They say a curse befalling the dragon shifters was the catalyst to the demise of the bonds we once held. A time when humans and dragons openly mixed to find the other half of their soul. I say the curse is just an excuse those monsters use to let the true versions of their beasts be known by all.
At the very least, I’m thankful they can no longer hide their shifting abilities. A glimpse of their dragon being ever present on their human body marked the clear divide now between friend and foe.
In no time at all in his dominating presence, it’s clear to me the rumors about my betrothed are true. He wants me and all those beneath his rule to fear him, but I refuse to tremble beneath the ire of his gaze and sharpness of his tongue. Somehow the way his heart syncs with mine each time I find myself pressed against him for safety in this new world, is what truly scares me.
A dangerous dance begins between us as we navigate our burning hatred and undeniable draw for one another, while unraveling the magic that leads both of our peoples to the edge of ruin.
In the end, will it take our damnation to be their salvation?
**********
Author note: Shards of Desire is the first STANDALONE book in the Dragons of Sin universe. This book is a standalone that can be read on its own, and will not have a cliffhanger. The universe is intended to be read in any order. Content intended for mature audiences. Follow the fiery Siyana and her icy dragon king as they navigate the arranged marriage neither of them wanted, but perhaps will one day realize they needed. Amidst a kingdom being torn apart by a curse, can a scorned king and his queen, who never wanted a crown, find a way to unite two halves of a world that were always meant to be whole?
Tropes and content included, but not limited to: Dragons & humans, royalty, arranged marriage, forced proximity, one bed, beauty and the beast inspired.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2024
445 people are currently reading
2714 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Caulder
42 books1,649 followersR.L. Caulder is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in her writing cave away from the intense heat of the Florida sun with her husband and furry writing assistants, MeowMeow and Winrey. Life is never boring for R.L., who has hundreds of imaginary friends constantly vying for her attention and begging for their stories to be told.
If you're looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group:
The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group
If you're looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group:
The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
December 31, 2024
"you stupid f*cking dragon" 😂😂😂 every time Sia said this, I died.
Honestly, this was a super easy beginner romantasy and perfect for anyone who loves a good "I hate you/ I hate you too" trope. The witty dragon banter gave me some serious Fourth Wing vibes and I was loving it!
I really thought this was a fun one & I can't wait for the others. Sia and Theo had some top-notch banter
-arranged marriage
-enemies to lovers
-possessive mmc
-"my wife"
-"fuck it" moment
-beauty & the beast inspired
Honestly, this was a super easy beginner romantasy and perfect for anyone who loves a good "I hate you/ I hate you too" trope. The witty dragon banter gave me some serious Fourth Wing vibes and I was loving it!
I really thought this was a fun one & I can't wait for the others. Sia and Theo had some top-notch banter
-arranged marriage
-enemies to lovers
-possessive mmc
-"my wife"
-"fuck it" moment
-beauty & the beast inspired
August 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐
“Who do you belong to?”
“I belong to myself, dragon boy.”
BHAHAHA i absolutely lovveeddd the fmc. she's so fiesty!!!!! i loved it every time she back answered with a sharp tongue and especially when she regarded him as a dragon boy and also called him a "stupid fucking dragon"
i did not like the nickname that he called her though, wench.....
i was also surprised as to how fast she able to accept the dragon world given she was experiencing it for the first time.
except for these tiny little things, i really enjoyed this book!! the world building, the writing, all good 🤌
“Who do you belong to?”
“I belong to myself, dragon boy.”
BHAHAHA i absolutely lovveeddd the fmc. she's so fiesty!!!!! i loved it every time she back answered with a sharp tongue and especially when she regarded him as a dragon boy and also called him a "stupid fucking dragon"
i did not like the nickname that he called her though, wench.....
i was also surprised as to how fast she able to accept the dragon world given she was experiencing it for the first time.
except for these tiny little things, i really enjoyed this book!! the world building, the writing, all good 🤌
January 4, 2025
ᴀʀᴄ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.”
Honestly, Shards of Desire had me at dragons, and needless to say I LOVED it 🤣
The banter and dynamic between Sia & Theo was 👌🏻 — the spice was fantastic too!
🤍 Enemies to lovers
🩵 Morally grey characters
❄️ Arranged marriage
🤍 One bed
🩵 One horse
❄️ Virgin MMC
🤍 Forced Proximity
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.”
Honestly, Shards of Desire had me at dragons, and needless to say I LOVED it 🤣
The banter and dynamic between Sia & Theo was 👌🏻 — the spice was fantastic too!
🤍 Enemies to lovers
🩵 Morally grey characters
❄️ Arranged marriage
🤍 One bed
🩵 One horse
❄️ Virgin MMC
🤍 Forced Proximity
February 3, 2025
Y’all I’m on my hands and knees begging for my very own grumpy dragon king to rock my world 🙏🏼 the vibes were SOOOOOOO good.
I recommend if you love:
- arranged marriage
- forced proximity
- enemies to lovers
- strong willed fmc’s
- possessive, broody mmc’s
- tension
- one bed
Siyana is fierce and sarcastic and bold. I love how outspoken and unyielding she was. Always going to stan a gal with a sharp tongue who knows her way around a sword!!! And THEO, just AHHHHHHH. I couldn’t love him more if I tried. He’s the perfectly balanced broody and sexy mmc that I swoon for. These two had such impeccable tension. Even though I wanted to push their heads together and shout “kiss” over and over, I was eating up the snarky replies and banter. Delectable. Also, their nicknames for each other were so cute!!!
Really enjoyed the curse plotline & discovering more about the history of the Undine dragons. It was peppered into their story well and I’m happy with how this ended. Also has me very curious at what we’re going to see in future books in this universe 👀
I received an eARC of this from R. L. Caulder.
I recommend if you love:
- arranged marriage
- forced proximity
- enemies to lovers
- strong willed fmc’s
- possessive, broody mmc’s
- tension
- one bed
Siyana is fierce and sarcastic and bold. I love how outspoken and unyielding she was. Always going to stan a gal with a sharp tongue who knows her way around a sword!!! And THEO, just AHHHHHHH. I couldn’t love him more if I tried. He’s the perfectly balanced broody and sexy mmc that I swoon for. These two had such impeccable tension. Even though I wanted to push their heads together and shout “kiss” over and over, I was eating up the snarky replies and banter. Delectable. Also, their nicknames for each other were so cute!!!
Really enjoyed the curse plotline & discovering more about the history of the Undine dragons. It was peppered into their story well and I’m happy with how this ended. Also has me very curious at what we’re going to see in future books in this universe 👀
I received an eARC of this from R. L. Caulder.
December 28, 2024
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: Shards of Desire (Dragons of Sin)
🐉 Releasing December 31, 2024
“𝘉𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘴.”
As the princess of Andrathya, Siyana was never encouraged to be anything other than a pliant daughter who would eventually be used for political gain. Training in secret, she holds onto hope to be something more and eventually champion a new age of equality.
When she finds herself suddenly and unceremoniously betrothed to the undine drackya, King Takkar, Siyana is forced to leave the only friends and home she’s ever known. For the good of her people, she accepts her fate, but what she learns changes everything. Could this arranged marriage become something more?
Tropes to expect:
🥀 Beauty and the Beast inspired
⚠️ Enemies to lovers
👀 Dual POV
🩶 Morally grey characters
💍 Arranged marriage
🛏️ One bed
🫂 Forced Proximity
💫 Magic bonds & curses
💕 HEA
🌶️ : moderate
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘸ꫀׁׅܻ𝘯𝘤𝘩. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘺.”
Siyana has a fierce heart and her relationship with the icy hearted Theo is tumultuous initially. He’s inherited a curse that plagues his people and his reign is fraught with civil unrest. Hardened by his burdens, he finds himself strangely possessive over Siyana and unable to keep his cold facade.
Throughout the story, we explore the curse and magic bonds that connect them. The banter was so much fun and the “wife” got me every time 😮💨. I loved watching their fiery passions stir and eventually detonate.
Shards of Desire is a Beauty and the Beast inspired tale that brings all the banter, tension, and feminine rage.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review
📖: Shards of Desire (Dragons of Sin)
🐉 Releasing December 31, 2024
“𝘉𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘐 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘴.”
As the princess of Andrathya, Siyana was never encouraged to be anything other than a pliant daughter who would eventually be used for political gain. Training in secret, she holds onto hope to be something more and eventually champion a new age of equality.
When she finds herself suddenly and unceremoniously betrothed to the undine drackya, King Takkar, Siyana is forced to leave the only friends and home she’s ever known. For the good of her people, she accepts her fate, but what she learns changes everything. Could this arranged marriage become something more?
Tropes to expect:
🥀 Beauty and the Beast inspired
⚠️ Enemies to lovers
👀 Dual POV
🩶 Morally grey characters
💍 Arranged marriage
🛏️ One bed
🫂 Forced Proximity
💫 Magic bonds & curses
💕 HEA
🌶️ : moderate
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘸ꫀׁׅܻ𝘯𝘤𝘩. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘺.”
Siyana has a fierce heart and her relationship with the icy hearted Theo is tumultuous initially. He’s inherited a curse that plagues his people and his reign is fraught with civil unrest. Hardened by his burdens, he finds himself strangely possessive over Siyana and unable to keep his cold facade.
Throughout the story, we explore the curse and magic bonds that connect them. The banter was so much fun and the “wife” got me every time 😮💨. I loved watching their fiery passions stir and eventually detonate.
Shards of Desire is a Beauty and the Beast inspired tale that brings all the banter, tension, and feminine rage.
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review
January 3, 2025
4.5⭐️
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.”
Ugh, this was exactly what I needed: a slow-burn, enemies to lovers, a badass princess, and a possessive dragon shifter. They’re so adorable together, and I absolutely loved their vulnerable moments.🤭
Honestly, at first, I didn’t like Theo, but he grew on me. I especially enjoyed all the “my wife” moments and the banter between them—it made me giggle more times than I can count. I also adored Theo’s quiet yearning and how much he secretly loved her aggression toward him.🙂↕️
The way “wench” transformed from an insult to a term of endearment was perfection. The banter and longing between them were everything, and I devoured every second of it like a starved woman.😌
Also, I really hope the Undine god gets his own book. He was such an interesting character, and I’d love to see more of him in the future.
Even though I enjoyed this book, my only wish is that we had gotten more spicy scenes, despite it being a slow burn.😅😗
Safety info:
- No OWD, and he’s a virgin—the heroine is his first in everything.
- No info about the heroine’s past, but she’s not a virgin.
- No others after they meet.
- No cheating.
- Ends on an HEA with an epilogue set 7 years later.
Overall, It’s definitely a safe read for me and others who are sensitive to OWD.
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.”
Ugh, this was exactly what I needed: a slow-burn, enemies to lovers, a badass princess, and a possessive dragon shifter. They’re so adorable together, and I absolutely loved their vulnerable moments.🤭
Honestly, at first, I didn’t like Theo, but he grew on me. I especially enjoyed all the “my wife” moments and the banter between them—it made me giggle more times than I can count. I also adored Theo’s quiet yearning and how much he secretly loved her aggression toward him.🙂↕️
The way “wench” transformed from an insult to a term of endearment was perfection. The banter and longing between them were everything, and I devoured every second of it like a starved woman.😌
Also, I really hope the Undine god gets his own book. He was such an interesting character, and I’d love to see more of him in the future.
Even though I enjoyed this book, my only wish is that we had gotten more spicy scenes, despite it being a slow burn.😅😗
Safety info:
- No OWD, and he’s a virgin—the heroine is his first in everything.
- No info about the heroine’s past, but she’s not a virgin.
- No others after they meet.
- No cheating.
- Ends on an HEA with an epilogue set 7 years later.
Overall, It’s definitely a safe read for me and others who are sensitive to OWD.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2024
4.5⭐️
❄️⚔️ 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀⚔️❄️
thank you R.L. Caulder for an ARC copy of 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆
i am never disappointed by a book by R.L. Caulder and the world she can build. this is the first book of the Dragons of Sin interconnected universe and it was able to build out a world of dragons, dragon shifters, and magic✨
“The truth was, she didn’t need me to be her champion—she was strong enough on her own.”
just based on the dedication of the book, i knew our fmc Siyana (Sia) was going to be a strong fmc who wasn’t going to take her duties as a princess without a fight (and literally), even though she was entered into an arranged marriage without her knowledge to King Theo Takkar, king of dragons. Theo recognized the strength she possessed and never tried to stifle it and only strengthen it. i also loved that Sia had a dagger strapped to her thigh under dress. woman after my own heart.
”You’re a horrible person.”
"Yeah, maybe I am, but no one stops to wonder what made me this way."
but that doesn’t mean their arranged marriage is easy because Theo needs help to break the curse that not only affects him but all his people. and he needs to figure out how to break the curse before he has a mutiny on his hands. however, breaking the curse is going to be hard when his new wife hate him and all dragons.
“She’d make a fine queen, of all of Andrathya. I’d worship at her feet in public, but in private, I would say my prayers between her legs.”
but the tension and slow burn between the two 🥵 neither want to give in and both are too stubborn to get out of their own ways which leaves you wanting to scream at them to get their sh*t together already.
𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆 is the perfect romantasy standalone to read to end year of reading or begin the next. the tension and slow burn between Sia and Theo allow for a great plot as well. and the possessiveness you get from Theo is exactly what you want from a dragon king 😏
dual POV
arranged marriage
25fmc / 27mmc
enemies to lovers
dragons & dragon shifters
dragon riders
mates/bonds
strong fmc
possessive mmc
slow burn
one bed
one horse
forced proximity
“my wife”
virgin mmc
touch her and 💀
HEA
epilogue
CW: attempted kidnapping of fmc (not by mmc), kidnapping of secondary characters (not by mmc), violence, k!lling of attempted kidnappers, death of parents (past), death of a parent by suicide
❄️⚔️ 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀⚔️❄️
thank you R.L. Caulder for an ARC copy of 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆
i am never disappointed by a book by R.L. Caulder and the world she can build. this is the first book of the Dragons of Sin interconnected universe and it was able to build out a world of dragons, dragon shifters, and magic✨
“The truth was, she didn’t need me to be her champion—she was strong enough on her own.”
just based on the dedication of the book, i knew our fmc Siyana (Sia) was going to be a strong fmc who wasn’t going to take her duties as a princess without a fight (and literally), even though she was entered into an arranged marriage without her knowledge to King Theo Takkar, king of dragons. Theo recognized the strength she possessed and never tried to stifle it and only strengthen it. i also loved that Sia had a dagger strapped to her thigh under dress. woman after my own heart.
”You’re a horrible person.”
"Yeah, maybe I am, but no one stops to wonder what made me this way."
but that doesn’t mean their arranged marriage is easy because Theo needs help to break the curse that not only affects him but all his people. and he needs to figure out how to break the curse before he has a mutiny on his hands. however, breaking the curse is going to be hard when his new wife hate him and all dragons.
“She’d make a fine queen, of all of Andrathya. I’d worship at her feet in public, but in private, I would say my prayers between her legs.”
but the tension and slow burn between the two 🥵 neither want to give in and both are too stubborn to get out of their own ways which leaves you wanting to scream at them to get their sh*t together already.
𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒓𝒆 is the perfect romantasy standalone to read to end year of reading or begin the next. the tension and slow burn between Sia and Theo allow for a great plot as well. and the possessiveness you get from Theo is exactly what you want from a dragon king 😏
dual POV
arranged marriage
25fmc / 27mmc
enemies to lovers
dragons & dragon shifters
dragon riders
mates/bonds
strong fmc
possessive mmc
slow burn
one bed
one horse
forced proximity
“my wife”
virgin mmc
touch her and 💀
HEA
epilogue
CW: attempted kidnapping of fmc (not by mmc), kidnapping of secondary characters (not by mmc), violence, k!lling of attempted kidnappers, death of parents (past), death of a parent by suicide
December 30, 2024
This was a great start to a new romantasy world - Dragons Of Sin! This is the second Caulder book I've read and I'm very excited to continue and read some of her other books. I loved the background to this book, what with there being different races of dragons and them having different powers and locations. I can't wait to see who we follow next - did that epilogue give us a hint by any chance??
.
One thing that I think needed a bit more fleshing out was the leap from enemies to lovers - I think we needed more time developing that slow burn and angst.
.
One thing that I think needed a bit more fleshing out was the leap from enemies to lovers - I think we needed more time developing that slow burn and angst.
January 1, 2025
I had the honor of beta reading this book and I was hooked from page 1!
- romantasy
- arranged marriage
- one bed
- forced proximity
- morally grey
- beauty & the beast inspired
Give me a bad@ss FMC like Sia and a hot/possessive MMC like Theo and I am immediately sold! These two were stuck together with their arranged marriage in order to save their kingdoms. The tension and banter between Sia and Theo was SO addicting and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to read more. The spice and how absolutely obsessed Theo is with Sia was just *chefs kiss*
Highly recommend!
- romantasy
- arranged marriage
- one bed
- forced proximity
- morally grey
- beauty & the beast inspired
Give me a bad@ss FMC like Sia and a hot/possessive MMC like Theo and I am immediately sold! These two were stuck together with their arranged marriage in order to save their kingdoms. The tension and banter between Sia and Theo was SO addicting and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to read more. The spice and how absolutely obsessed Theo is with Sia was just *chefs kiss*
Highly recommend!
December 29, 2024
⭐️ ARC Review ⭐️
I knew when RL said she was coming out with a dragon romance that I was going to EAT IT UP! This book had everything I was hoping it would: the tension, the enemies To lovers, the spice 🌶.
This books world building was very easy to follow, and done very well. You are thrusted into this world with dragons seamlessly. Sia is such a fun character to follow. She is strong willed, and that does not dissipate through the story (which I always appreciate) . Theo is her perfect match, and I LOVED watching their relationship blossom. ❤️
Get ready for a wild ride with this one friends! 🔥
I knew when RL said she was coming out with a dragon romance that I was going to EAT IT UP! This book had everything I was hoping it would: the tension, the enemies To lovers, the spice 🌶.
This books world building was very easy to follow, and done very well. You are thrusted into this world with dragons seamlessly. Sia is such a fun character to follow. She is strong willed, and that does not dissipate through the story (which I always appreciate) . Theo is her perfect match, and I LOVED watching their relationship blossom. ❤️
Get ready for a wild ride with this one friends! 🔥
February 13, 2025
Book club read february 2025: male virgin
I am sorry to say that the excerpt that drew me in may have misled me. Bigtime. The banter I was hoping for was nowhere to be found and the pacing made little sense to me.
I am sorry to say that the excerpt that drew me in may have misled me. Bigtime. The banter I was hoping for was nowhere to be found and the pacing made little sense to me.
December 31, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
Shards of Desire is an amazing beginning to a new series, Dragons of Sin, by R.L. Caulder. This was my first dive into one of her books, mainly because I am not a Why Choose/RH reader; so I was pleasantly surprised upon hearing of this new series of interconnected standalones that focus on MF.
I adored this book immensely! I was drawn in and thoroughly engaged right from the beginning. Shards of Desire is a wonderful foray into the world of Romantasy, brimming with epic adventure, sizzling chemistry and magnificent dragons.
The story Caulder crafted is exciting and captivating and was so easy to fall in love with. The world she built is richly vivid and alluring and was so easy to get lost in. All of the dragons are depicted with the most exquisite detail that just made me want to be right there beside them. This story was masterfully crafted with an equal balance of plot and romance making it a fun and easy read.
The main characters were so easy to fall in love with. Sia and Theo just have this electric chemistry between them just resonates from the pages; and their banter just elevates their relationship to a whole new level. Sia is sassy and bratty and a bit vulnerable; yet fierce and strong willed, pushing Theo to his limits. Theo is scarred from past trauma and can be a little rough around the edges. But together, the electricity between them is off the charts. When they finally relent to their passion, boy is it sizzling hot!
This is truly a magnificent romantasy read for those who love epic adventures, dragons, a fierce but sassy FMC, a delicious dragon shifter MMC, enemies to lovers, mates and slow burn romance. I highly recommend giving Shards of Desire a read.
Thank you to R.L. Caulder for the opportunity to read this advance copy! I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish! I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
Shards of Desire is an amazing beginning to a new series, Dragons of Sin, by R.L. Caulder. This was my first dive into one of her books, mainly because I am not a Why Choose/RH reader; so I was pleasantly surprised upon hearing of this new series of interconnected standalones that focus on MF.
I adored this book immensely! I was drawn in and thoroughly engaged right from the beginning. Shards of Desire is a wonderful foray into the world of Romantasy, brimming with epic adventure, sizzling chemistry and magnificent dragons.
The story Caulder crafted is exciting and captivating and was so easy to fall in love with. The world she built is richly vivid and alluring and was so easy to get lost in. All of the dragons are depicted with the most exquisite detail that just made me want to be right there beside them. This story was masterfully crafted with an equal balance of plot and romance making it a fun and easy read.
The main characters were so easy to fall in love with. Sia and Theo just have this electric chemistry between them just resonates from the pages; and their banter just elevates their relationship to a whole new level. Sia is sassy and bratty and a bit vulnerable; yet fierce and strong willed, pushing Theo to his limits. Theo is scarred from past trauma and can be a little rough around the edges. But together, the electricity between them is off the charts. When they finally relent to their passion, boy is it sizzling hot!
This is truly a magnificent romantasy read for those who love epic adventures, dragons, a fierce but sassy FMC, a delicious dragon shifter MMC, enemies to lovers, mates and slow burn romance. I highly recommend giving Shards of Desire a read.
Thank you to R.L. Caulder for the opportunity to read this advance copy! I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish! I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 3, 2025
❄️🐉
⚜️ Book Title - Shards of Desire
⚜️ Author - R.L Caulder
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Romance, Dragon Shifters and Fantasy
I’m totally in my Dragon reading era, and this book did not disappoint. It was such a great read!
Siyana, the FMC, is great. She’s not just a fighter in the physical sense but also emotionally, with a backbone of steel and a deep sense of self-awareness. What I loved most about her is how she confronts her faults head-on and commits to growing as a person.
Theo, on the other hand, is the kind of MMC who grabs your attention immediately. His intensity and harshness can sometimes cloud his judgment, but his character arc is so satisfying because he learns to soften and grow alongside Siyana. Their dynamic is fiery, passionate, and filled with moments of tension and resolution that kept me hooked.
If you love books about dragon shifters, this one is a must-read! It has all the elements that make the genre so captivating: breathtaking world-building, a cast of intriguing characters, and, of course, dragons that feel as alive as the human characters. Fans of A Fire in the Sky and the Inferno Series will especially adore this.
I’ll be waiting anxiously for the sequel and will definitely keep an eye out for anything else this author writes. They may earn a spot on my auto-buy list shortly! Going to binge some more of her books.
Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life (very difficult to get but not impossible).
⚜️ Book Title - Shards of Desire
⚜️ Author - R.L Caulder
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Romance, Dragon Shifters and Fantasy
I’m totally in my Dragon reading era, and this book did not disappoint. It was such a great read!
Siyana, the FMC, is great. She’s not just a fighter in the physical sense but also emotionally, with a backbone of steel and a deep sense of self-awareness. What I loved most about her is how she confronts her faults head-on and commits to growing as a person.
Theo, on the other hand, is the kind of MMC who grabs your attention immediately. His intensity and harshness can sometimes cloud his judgment, but his character arc is so satisfying because he learns to soften and grow alongside Siyana. Their dynamic is fiery, passionate, and filled with moments of tension and resolution that kept me hooked.
If you love books about dragon shifters, this one is a must-read! It has all the elements that make the genre so captivating: breathtaking world-building, a cast of intriguing characters, and, of course, dragons that feel as alive as the human characters. Fans of A Fire in the Sky and the Inferno Series will especially adore this.
I’ll be waiting anxiously for the sequel and will definitely keep an eye out for anything else this author writes. They may earn a spot on my auto-buy list shortly! Going to binge some more of her books.
Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life (very difficult to get but not impossible).
December 30, 2024
“It was cute, though, the way she woke up and instantly chose violence.”
Who knew wench could be such an endearing term? I loved this story and it has the perfect wintery vibes for the season. This is my first book by R. L. Caulder and it most certainly will not be the last. I love that this is the first in the series of interconnected standalones. The imagery and world building was fantastic. The characters were instantly lovable. I’m obsessed with Sia and her fierce sassy and stabby FMC energy. I loved witnessing the character growth throughout the story, watching a suppressed Sia grow and an angry and lost Theo thrive. The plot felt perfectly executed, wrapping up the storyline of the cursed undine drackya. I wish Kaida was my partner in crime. I can’t wait to read more!
✨ 𝕋ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝕊 𝔸ℕ𝔻 𝕍𝕀𝔹𝔼𝕊 ✨
Enemies to Lovers
Banter
Arranged Marriage
“My Wife” Possessive MMC
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Beauty and the Beast Vibes
Interconnected Standalones
Royalty
Dragons & Humans
Fated Bonds
Pet Names
Political Intrigue
“I was a strong, fierce woman, and I wouldn’t cower, but I also needed a safe place to mourn the life and people that had been ripped away from me with no time to process it. Both could be true at once.”
Who knew wench could be such an endearing term? I loved this story and it has the perfect wintery vibes for the season. This is my first book by R. L. Caulder and it most certainly will not be the last. I love that this is the first in the series of interconnected standalones. The imagery and world building was fantastic. The characters were instantly lovable. I’m obsessed with Sia and her fierce sassy and stabby FMC energy. I loved witnessing the character growth throughout the story, watching a suppressed Sia grow and an angry and lost Theo thrive. The plot felt perfectly executed, wrapping up the storyline of the cursed undine drackya. I wish Kaida was my partner in crime. I can’t wait to read more!
✨ 𝕋ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝕊 𝔸ℕ𝔻 𝕍𝕀𝔹𝔼𝕊 ✨
Enemies to Lovers
Banter
Arranged Marriage
“My Wife” Possessive MMC
Forced Proximity
One Bed
Beauty and the Beast Vibes
Interconnected Standalones
Royalty
Dragons & Humans
Fated Bonds
Pet Names
Political Intrigue
“I was a strong, fierce woman, and I wouldn’t cower, but I also needed a safe place to mourn the life and people that had been ripped away from me with no time to process it. Both could be true at once.”
December 31, 2024
Dragons! R.L. Caulder has crafted her first-ever dragon fantasy. Shards of Desire was epic! She created a strong female lead in Siyanna. She's stubborn, brave, willful, and more. Meanwhile, Theo, her counterpart, is grumpy, possessive, and protective. I loved both of them instantly, and they're even better together. When the two meet, it's like Clash of the Titans. I wanted to scream, mostly at Theo, because of those small unexpected moments when they somehow find common ground before everything goes to crap. The build-up between Sia and Theo was fantastic, and when they finally gave in fireworks.
The plot was like catnip. The story primarily focuses on the dragons. Besides the back-and-forth between the main characters, some really great adventure elements came into play. There's a curse with a really interesting backstory that is actually really believable. Basically, someone messed around and found out. Then Caulder brought in other elements like trials and a quest that led to some exciting places. Some of my favorite moments were in the dragon cave.
By the end, the stakes were high, but the reward was sweet. Caulder did take me by surprise with that ending, but I wouldn't want to have it any other way. Shards of Desire ended perfectly.
The plot was like catnip. The story primarily focuses on the dragons. Besides the back-and-forth between the main characters, some really great adventure elements came into play. There's a curse with a really interesting backstory that is actually really believable. Basically, someone messed around and found out. Then Caulder brought in other elements like trials and a quest that led to some exciting places. Some of my favorite moments were in the dragon cave.
By the end, the stakes were high, but the reward was sweet. Caulder did take me by surprise with that ending, but I wouldn't want to have it any other way. Shards of Desire ended perfectly.
January 6, 2025
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
Spice : 🌶,5
- marriage of convenience
- ennemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- enemies to lovers
- possessive MMC
- tensioooon
- one bed / one horse
- touch her and d*e
I am an huge fan of R. L Caulder’s books and knew I needed to dive into her fantasy work !!
Like always the world building and character development was top-notch ! The universe was really diverse and rich, I need to read more about this universe and dive into the others kingdoms real soon. Sia and Theo were just perfectly written and their chemistry amazing. The banter between these two is amazing from the start and I loved how their relationship evolved.
The side characters were also well developed and added to the story. I really hope to see more of them in the future.
The plot was really well written and didn’t drag out.
It is a quick romabtasy read with an HEA full of sass, banter, tension, feminine rage and political intrigue. I definitely recommend !!
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
Spice : 🌶,5
- marriage of convenience
- ennemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- enemies to lovers
- possessive MMC
- tensioooon
- one bed / one horse
- touch her and d*e
I am an huge fan of R. L Caulder’s books and knew I needed to dive into her fantasy work !!
Like always the world building and character development was top-notch ! The universe was really diverse and rich, I need to read more about this universe and dive into the others kingdoms real soon. Sia and Theo were just perfectly written and their chemistry amazing. The banter between these two is amazing from the start and I loved how their relationship evolved.
The side characters were also well developed and added to the story. I really hope to see more of them in the future.
The plot was really well written and didn’t drag out.
It is a quick romabtasy read with an HEA full of sass, banter, tension, feminine rage and political intrigue. I definitely recommend !!
January 1, 2025
4.5⭐️
I LOVED this book. Absolutely obsessed from start to finish—I devoured it. I ATEEEEEE this book.
Let’s start with Dragon Daddy Theo 🤤. Imagine Rowan Whitethorn meets Xaden Riorson in a deliciously possessive and protective MMC. WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT???
This book is genuinely entertaining from beginning to end. It’s got it all: an interesting plot that keeps you hooked, a romance dynamic that has you screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY,” and some verrrryyyyy fun spice. A TRIFECTA, if you will.
I also appreciate that it’s not overly long and drawn out like some Romantasy books. At just over 300 pages, every chapter serves a purpose. It doesn’t drag, and you stay completely invested the whole time. Plus, there’s a CUTE LITTLE SURPRISE (not a pregnancy, don’t worry 😂) that makes you fall even more in love with it.
1000000% recommend!
I LOVED this book. Absolutely obsessed from start to finish—I devoured it. I ATEEEEEE this book.
Let’s start with Dragon Daddy Theo 🤤. Imagine Rowan Whitethorn meets Xaden Riorson in a deliciously possessive and protective MMC. WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT???
This book is genuinely entertaining from beginning to end. It’s got it all: an interesting plot that keeps you hooked, a romance dynamic that has you screaming “JUST KISS ALREADY,” and some verrrryyyyy fun spice. A TRIFECTA, if you will.
I also appreciate that it’s not overly long and drawn out like some Romantasy books. At just over 300 pages, every chapter serves a purpose. It doesn’t drag, and you stay completely invested the whole time. Plus, there’s a CUTE LITTLE SURPRISE (not a pregnancy, don’t worry 😂) that makes you fall even more in love with it.
1000000% recommend!
January 6, 2025
R.L. Caulder quickly became one of my favorite authors. No one does paranormal like she does so when she announced she was doing a Fantasy I couldn't have been more excited! Like everything she touches, Shards of Desire was an amazing read. From the top-notch banter to touch her and unalive vibes. If you're looking for a Standalone Fantasy Romance, then look no further! Shards of Desire is a Beauty, and the Beast inspired retelling that has and feminine rage, tension and dragons! The world building was amazing and watching Sia melt the Ice that was Theo's heart makes this book so worth reading.
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.”
If any of these are your thing then look no further!
*arranged marriage
*forced proximity
*enemies to lovers
* possessive MMCs
*tension
*one bed
*dragons
*banter
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫.”
If any of these are your thing then look no further!
*arranged marriage
*forced proximity
*enemies to lovers
* possessive MMCs
*tension
*one bed
*dragons
*banter
January 5, 2025
This was an OK read, but could have been better. I liked the dual point of view and some elements of the book were really nicely written. Below are a few of the things I found lacking.
The MMCs name - Why when being a romantasy set in another world does the main character have the name "Theo"? Almost all of the other characters had somewhat unique names. It bugged me through the whole story.
At one place the FMC is eating a “danish”, which is a cookie from Denmark.. thats also a bit weird since this is supposedly set in another world..
The relationship between the MCs were sometimes very nice and sometimes very off.. the pace of their connection was splotchy and felt unrealistic at times.
As a whole though, it was a nice story, a bit predictable, but still nice.
The MMCs name - Why when being a romantasy set in another world does the main character have the name "Theo"? Almost all of the other characters had somewhat unique names. It bugged me through the whole story.
At one place the FMC is eating a “danish”, which is a cookie from Denmark.. thats also a bit weird since this is supposedly set in another world..
The relationship between the MCs were sometimes very nice and sometimes very off.. the pace of their connection was splotchy and felt unrealistic at times.
As a whole though, it was a nice story, a bit predictable, but still nice.
December 31, 2024
I loved this new standalone Dragons of Sin universe. The world is a unique world that R.L. Caulder pulls you into. I immediately loved Siyana with her sassy attitude and her fierce spirit. She has these moments that make you smile as she shows her sassy self. Then we have Theo who starts off as a grumpy man used to controlling everything. Their banter back and forth will quickly have pulled in. Their story is packed with drama, suspense, and has a bit of humor. Through it all you come to love the characters and their stories as they blend together in the best way. The story is extremely well written and developed. I loved how it ended and can’t wait to see more from this unique universe.
January 4, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! I don’t read romantasy often which makes me nervous to pick any up because i’m just not sure if i’ll vibe with it… however this book exceeded my expectations. it was SO good and kept me engaged! It is a major slow burn, but like … so what? because i was having a good time 😭😩🤣
It’s a dislike to love, arranged marriage/ marriage of convenience and soulmates trope🤩 so if you love those, you will absolutely love this book! Also the spice levels are low in this one! I had no complaints reading it, just an all around good time 🤭
p.s. i miss them already 🥹
It’s a dislike to love, arranged marriage/ marriage of convenience and soulmates trope🤩 so if you love those, you will absolutely love this book! Also the spice levels are low in this one! I had no complaints reading it, just an all around good time 🤭
p.s. i miss them already 🥹
December 31, 2024
Shards of Desire
I absolutely love this story. Sia and Theo both are stubborn people who are scared to trust themselves or anyone else. There's a nasty curse in the kingdom and they hope to break it before it breaks the kingdom apart. Will they be able to do what must be done?
This story will draw you in and just not let you go. There's a HEA and you will not be able to put it down
I absolutely love this story. Sia and Theo both are stubborn people who are scared to trust themselves or anyone else. There's a nasty curse in the kingdom and they hope to break it before it breaks the kingdom apart. Will they be able to do what must be done?
This story will draw you in and just not let you go. There's a HEA and you will not be able to put it down
June 21, 2025
*2.25 stars*
a simple dragon romance, not much more to it. it was cutesy and there were a lot of romantic moments and quotes that i liked. however, with that being said… the relationship was very underdeveloped, so it did not hit like i was expecting.
also unusual for me but i lowkey wanted to skip the spicy scenes because they were just… eh. the tension seemed great at first but dropped off pretty quickly and then it just wasn’t really doing anything for me.
a good interconnected standalone if you’re looking for something light and easy, but nothing to write home about.
a simple dragon romance, not much more to it. it was cutesy and there were a lot of romantic moments and quotes that i liked. however, with that being said… the relationship was very underdeveloped, so it did not hit like i was expecting.
also unusual for me but i lowkey wanted to skip the spicy scenes because they were just… eh. the tension seemed great at first but dropped off pretty quickly and then it just wasn’t really doing anything for me.
a good interconnected standalone if you’re looking for something light and easy, but nothing to write home about.
January 2, 2025
Amazing world building! And the timelines felt so natural and unrushed. Perfection! Captivated at every stage. Absolutely zero regrets with this being by first read of 2025.
January 18, 2025
☆No Spoilers☆
✧The banter and tension between the FMC & MMC was chefs kisses. I enjoyed every minute of their adventure. I haven’t read too many dragon books but this book definitely made me want to seek out more of them. I really enjoyed the elements of the dragons, and the world. This was my first R.L. Vaulter book but it won’t be my last.
✧The banter and tension between the FMC & MMC was chefs kisses. I enjoyed every minute of their adventure. I haven’t read too many dragon books but this book definitely made me want to seek out more of them. I really enjoyed the elements of the dragons, and the world. This was my first R.L. Vaulter book but it won’t be my last.
April 14, 2025
I loved this!!
August 6, 2025
🥀 Beauty and the Beast inspired
⚠️ Enemies to lovers
👀 Dual POV
🩶 Morally grey characters
💍 Arranged marriage
🛏️ One bed
🫂 Forced Proximity
💫 Magic bonds & curses
💕 HEA
🌶️ : moderate
❄️ strong willed fmc’s
💕 possessive, broody mmc’s
❄️ grumpy dragon king
💕 he loves calling her wench.
❄️ fated mates
Favourite book moments
I hope one day you both are brought to your knees and made to feel as powerless as I do now, and I pray the elementals allow me to have a hand in that moment.” The weight of their power and control crushed down on me, but I refused to break beneath it. My father opened his mouth to rebut, but the drackya king lifted his hand, those haunting eyes still trained on my face as he cut him off before he could get words out. “Not now, my wife is speaking.” The burning rage within me was momentarily tempered by his words, not in appreciation, but confusion. The most insane part of this moment was that my father actually closed his mouth in response.
“Bastard,” I ground out, hating him more than ever, but a part of my body softened against him, seeking the warmth he had to offer in this frigid air. It was far more than any human I’d been in contact with. “Wench,” he shot back before clicking his tongue for the horse to walk forward
I cleared my throat, trying to knock him out of whatever stupor he’d fallen into. “Who did it, Siyana?” His pointed question and use of my actual name caught me off guard as my brain scrambled to understand. My lips pursed as the wheels turned and I came up empty. “Who did what?” The slitted reptilian eye of his narrowed as he inhaled sharply before letting it out. The deep timber of his voice rumbled as he clarified, “Who gave you the injury on your arm? It was clearly fresh, with how easily it opened under my grip.”
It shocked me that such a sound could come from a woman as small as her. It spoke of grief, hatred, and the need to get vengeance. I knew that scream intimately, because it sounded the same as my own when my mother died. Only I would never have the chance to seek the vengeance I craved. I hoped that in letting her return to her home, she could claim hers, having all of the information needed to aid her at her fingertips.
She curled up on her side, giving me her back. A deafening cry tore its way through my throat and into the sky, my beast aching to tuck her against it. We’d destroy anyone who made her feel this way. No. It wasn’t my place to be that sort of protector for her. As she began to turn, I launched up above the castle and away from her sight. The truth was, she didn’t need me to be her champion—she was strong enough on her own
His words had me tearing down my mental walls and screaming for the one person I needed most in this world right now. Theo! A scream ripped from my throat as the drackya lunged toward me, and I tried to run.
“I want to learn to fight against you. If you’re the strongest, I want to face you.” I swore something akin to a purr rumbled through the room, and his dragon eye sparked. “My beast would love nothing more.” He held the bottle out once more, but as my fingers wrapped around it, he didn’t let go. “For the record, wench, I’m not sorry you punched me. Your instincts did what was needed, and I won’t ever care if I’m caught in the crosshairs. Always choose yourself.”
As the fireplace crackled and popped, radiating growing heat as it ate away at the wood, I swallowed my pride. “Theo?” His voice was thick with the haze of sleep, his tone huskier than usual as he asked, “Yes, wench?” I didn’t hesitate, knowing I owed him so much more than these words. “Thank you for saving me.” This time his voice was clear and rang through the air with certainty. “I told you that you’re mine to protect.”
I found Theo pacing back and forth on the balcony with his hands clasped behind his back. “He hurt you, yet you still care for him? Why?” It had never been as clear to me as it was now, how little Theo knew about love and friendships. It actually made me feel a sense of sadness for him. “Calm down,” I breathed out as I approached the prickly king. “It happened during a sparring match when I wasn’t paying attention. He didn’t wound me with the intention of making me suffer. It was my own fault.” His pacing came to a stop with my words, but as his eyes trailed up my body before landing on my face, I shivered from the wrath exuding from his tense frame and calculating eyes. “I’d like to meet this Brenson one day.” Men. “Alright dragon boy, let’s get going,” I said, clapping my hands together with a bit of excitement. Now that I wasn’t pissed at him anymore, my joy was palpable.
Fuck, my little wench was really testing my restraint. More so, she was testing the hold I had on my dragon. The line between my logical human brain and the feral need of the animal within me was becoming precariously thin with Siyana in my life. I hated to admit just how quickly she’d infiltrated my mind, especially when I had to accept that she never chose this life for herself. I’d forced her to be by my side, and that would never equate to finding my true mate.
“Jealous of this water that enveloped your body instead of my hands? Yes. Jealous of the tendrils of sunlight that dance along your flesh? Yes. Jealous of the air that enters your lungs, filling you so completely there isn’t room for anything else? Yes.” Her pupils constricted and her chest rose with a sharp inhale. “Jealous of a human? Never. But that is who you belong with, Siyana. Humans.”
Pain pulsed through my cock with the need to release within her. To breed her and mark her as mine, so that no other dragon or drackya would ever question who she belonged to. I wanted her so full of my seed that it slowly dripped down those pretty thighs as she walked next to me, reminding her that my cock would be the only one she ever needed to satisfy her.
My mouth suddenly went dry as he pulled his head back and brushed his thumb along my temple. “Because that’s what I deserve, Siyana. I deserve for you to reject me after what I’ve put you through. You deserve someone better than me, but I’m coming to realize I’m not as self-righteous as I thought.” His already deep voice dropped to an almost growl as he bit out, “I don’t care if there’s a better match for you out there. I’ll freeze them within a block of ice and drop them into the ocean without a second thought if it means you remain mine
In that moment, it was as if nothing else existed except for the fire burning between us as our lips brushed against each other for the first time. Could I give into my needs while still protecting my heart? “Fuck it,” I breathed out.
Kaida. I’d forgotten he had collapsed into a slumber not far from us. It sounded like he was choking on his own breath. Truly, I’d never heard such a thing. We stared at each other for a few moments, panting with need before she cracked a smile. “Kids, am I right? Always killing the mood.” Frustration and longing pulsed through my veins as I bit down on my lip, nearly drawing blood. "Don't you dare mention kids unless you want me to make them with you right here and now
I was thankful no one fought back, because at this rate, I would have made good on my threat to remove their eyes if they lingered and saw what I was about to do to their queen. No man, woman, or beast would ever lay eyes on what was mine
It was all I needed to hear before I got on my hands and knees before lifting her legs and settling them over my shoulders as I lowered myself to the ground completely. This was the altar in which I’d sacrifice myself, though not for one of the elemental gods as was the ancient way of dragons. The elementals had done nothing to deserve my faith, but Sia? She’d done everything.
It was like a glimpse into the afterlife of Elysium as she surged up to meld our lips together. Never before had I felt like I was floating in the clouds while in my human form, until now. It was like being home, tasting her on my lips.
Somehow, she had the most courage and stubbornness out of anyone I’d ever met, man and beast alike. She’d make a fine queen, of all of Andrathya. I’d worship at her feet in public, but in private, I would say my prayers between her legs.
Glancing up at her, I whispered, “Let me show you just how willing I am to serve my queen.”
I grinned against her wet pussy before responding, “I’ve only ever touched your flesh, Sia. Do continue to be territorial, though. I quite like this possessive side of you.”
“You’ve lain with a human man before, but never a king of dragons. You’re about to learn that dragons finish their meals, so, I don’t care if you’re trembling and begging me to stop.”
She truly looked like a queen. She looked like mine. “Hey, handsome.” I fucking preened beneath her, my wings stretching out further as a shiver ran the length of my body, causing my scales to scratch together. I hated how soft she made me, yet I also didn’t want to go back to who I was before she’d broken through. “You find my dragon appealing
Appealing may not be the right word,” she hedged and I deflated, having my fears confirmed before she continued. “I find your dragon breathtaking. Your scales glitter beneath the sun, as if clear gemstones have been broken up and fused within them. The way you fly through the sky, as if you’re truly one with it as the clouds wrap around you like a friend. The ice that glistens on the tips of your spikes, deadly and beautiful all at once.” “Oh.” Her tinkling laughter filled my mind. “Oh?” she parroted back. I wasn’t prepared for such a description of myself, and for the first time I could recall, I felt bashful. “Thank you
Either you die or the dragon does.” We had known it would come to this, but my heart twisted painfully in my chest anyway. I wasted no time in drawing my sword, ready to fight until my heart stopped beating to protect Kaida. “I don’t mean the dragon behind you,” the god clarified, smirking at my confusion as the tip of my sword began to fall toward the ground. “I mean the one who has already offered to sacrifice himself for you.” My breathing turned shallow, coming in small, panicked gasps as the realization hit me. Theo. The dragon spoken about in the premonition had been him
“I learned that a bond means nothing if you aren’t committed to the other half of your soul,” he whispered, bringing our joined hands to his lips before pressing a kiss to our knuckles. “I learned that the bond doesn’t do the work for you. You have to continue to choose that person every day that you’re lucky enough to have them.” Butterflies erupted in my stomach as he pressed a tender kiss to my lips before whispering against them. “I’m choosing you, wench. Every day. I don’t care what the bond says at the end of this. I want you, forever.” “Damnit,” I whispered as my eyes burned with the heat of tears. With a sniffle, they fell, rolling over my cheeks to my jaw. “I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much in one day before
“I don’t know if I can,” I whimpered, knowing there was still so much more. “Do you want to know why I know you can take me all the way into your pussy, Sia?” I wasn’t sure when I shut my eyes, but his question shocked them back open as I looked down at him. The heat that smoldered in his gaze made me gasp. He may be part human, but that gaze was fully animalistic—like he wanted to devour me. “You can take my cock because you were fucking made for me,” he encouraged as his hips flexed up ever so slightly, making my eyes flutter. “I’m going to fit inside of you, but it’s going to push you to your limits, the same way we push each other outside of this bed.” I rocked myself up and down his length slowly, trying to figure out how I'd manage it. I wanted to so damn badly. “I know my wife doesn’t back down from a challenge,” he murmured, brushing his thumb back and forth against my clit at a speed that had me clenching around him.
⚠️ Enemies to lovers
👀 Dual POV
🩶 Morally grey characters
💍 Arranged marriage
🛏️ One bed
🫂 Forced Proximity
💫 Magic bonds & curses
💕 HEA
🌶️ : moderate
❄️ strong willed fmc’s
💕 possessive, broody mmc’s
❄️ grumpy dragon king
💕 he loves calling her wench.
❄️ fated mates
Favourite book moments
I hope one day you both are brought to your knees and made to feel as powerless as I do now, and I pray the elementals allow me to have a hand in that moment.” The weight of their power and control crushed down on me, but I refused to break beneath it. My father opened his mouth to rebut, but the drackya king lifted his hand, those haunting eyes still trained on my face as he cut him off before he could get words out. “Not now, my wife is speaking.” The burning rage within me was momentarily tempered by his words, not in appreciation, but confusion. The most insane part of this moment was that my father actually closed his mouth in response.
“Bastard,” I ground out, hating him more than ever, but a part of my body softened against him, seeking the warmth he had to offer in this frigid air. It was far more than any human I’d been in contact with. “Wench,” he shot back before clicking his tongue for the horse to walk forward
I cleared my throat, trying to knock him out of whatever stupor he’d fallen into. “Who did it, Siyana?” His pointed question and use of my actual name caught me off guard as my brain scrambled to understand. My lips pursed as the wheels turned and I came up empty. “Who did what?” The slitted reptilian eye of his narrowed as he inhaled sharply before letting it out. The deep timber of his voice rumbled as he clarified, “Who gave you the injury on your arm? It was clearly fresh, with how easily it opened under my grip.”
It shocked me that such a sound could come from a woman as small as her. It spoke of grief, hatred, and the need to get vengeance. I knew that scream intimately, because it sounded the same as my own when my mother died. Only I would never have the chance to seek the vengeance I craved. I hoped that in letting her return to her home, she could claim hers, having all of the information needed to aid her at her fingertips.
She curled up on her side, giving me her back. A deafening cry tore its way through my throat and into the sky, my beast aching to tuck her against it. We’d destroy anyone who made her feel this way. No. It wasn’t my place to be that sort of protector for her. As she began to turn, I launched up above the castle and away from her sight. The truth was, she didn’t need me to be her champion—she was strong enough on her own
His words had me tearing down my mental walls and screaming for the one person I needed most in this world right now. Theo! A scream ripped from my throat as the drackya lunged toward me, and I tried to run.
“I want to learn to fight against you. If you’re the strongest, I want to face you.” I swore something akin to a purr rumbled through the room, and his dragon eye sparked. “My beast would love nothing more.” He held the bottle out once more, but as my fingers wrapped around it, he didn’t let go. “For the record, wench, I’m not sorry you punched me. Your instincts did what was needed, and I won’t ever care if I’m caught in the crosshairs. Always choose yourself.”
As the fireplace crackled and popped, radiating growing heat as it ate away at the wood, I swallowed my pride. “Theo?” His voice was thick with the haze of sleep, his tone huskier than usual as he asked, “Yes, wench?” I didn’t hesitate, knowing I owed him so much more than these words. “Thank you for saving me.” This time his voice was clear and rang through the air with certainty. “I told you that you’re mine to protect.”
I found Theo pacing back and forth on the balcony with his hands clasped behind his back. “He hurt you, yet you still care for him? Why?” It had never been as clear to me as it was now, how little Theo knew about love and friendships. It actually made me feel a sense of sadness for him. “Calm down,” I breathed out as I approached the prickly king. “It happened during a sparring match when I wasn’t paying attention. He didn’t wound me with the intention of making me suffer. It was my own fault.” His pacing came to a stop with my words, but as his eyes trailed up my body before landing on my face, I shivered from the wrath exuding from his tense frame and calculating eyes. “I’d like to meet this Brenson one day.” Men. “Alright dragon boy, let’s get going,” I said, clapping my hands together with a bit of excitement. Now that I wasn’t pissed at him anymore, my joy was palpable.
Fuck, my little wench was really testing my restraint. More so, she was testing the hold I had on my dragon. The line between my logical human brain and the feral need of the animal within me was becoming precariously thin with Siyana in my life. I hated to admit just how quickly she’d infiltrated my mind, especially when I had to accept that she never chose this life for herself. I’d forced her to be by my side, and that would never equate to finding my true mate.
“Jealous of this water that enveloped your body instead of my hands? Yes. Jealous of the tendrils of sunlight that dance along your flesh? Yes. Jealous of the air that enters your lungs, filling you so completely there isn’t room for anything else? Yes.” Her pupils constricted and her chest rose with a sharp inhale. “Jealous of a human? Never. But that is who you belong with, Siyana. Humans.”
Pain pulsed through my cock with the need to release within her. To breed her and mark her as mine, so that no other dragon or drackya would ever question who she belonged to. I wanted her so full of my seed that it slowly dripped down those pretty thighs as she walked next to me, reminding her that my cock would be the only one she ever needed to satisfy her.
My mouth suddenly went dry as he pulled his head back and brushed his thumb along my temple. “Because that’s what I deserve, Siyana. I deserve for you to reject me after what I’ve put you through. You deserve someone better than me, but I’m coming to realize I’m not as self-righteous as I thought.” His already deep voice dropped to an almost growl as he bit out, “I don’t care if there’s a better match for you out there. I’ll freeze them within a block of ice and drop them into the ocean without a second thought if it means you remain mine
In that moment, it was as if nothing else existed except for the fire burning between us as our lips brushed against each other for the first time. Could I give into my needs while still protecting my heart? “Fuck it,” I breathed out.
Kaida. I’d forgotten he had collapsed into a slumber not far from us. It sounded like he was choking on his own breath. Truly, I’d never heard such a thing. We stared at each other for a few moments, panting with need before she cracked a smile. “Kids, am I right? Always killing the mood.” Frustration and longing pulsed through my veins as I bit down on my lip, nearly drawing blood. "Don't you dare mention kids unless you want me to make them with you right here and now
I was thankful no one fought back, because at this rate, I would have made good on my threat to remove their eyes if they lingered and saw what I was about to do to their queen. No man, woman, or beast would ever lay eyes on what was mine
It was all I needed to hear before I got on my hands and knees before lifting her legs and settling them over my shoulders as I lowered myself to the ground completely. This was the altar in which I’d sacrifice myself, though not for one of the elemental gods as was the ancient way of dragons. The elementals had done nothing to deserve my faith, but Sia? She’d done everything.
It was like a glimpse into the afterlife of Elysium as she surged up to meld our lips together. Never before had I felt like I was floating in the clouds while in my human form, until now. It was like being home, tasting her on my lips.
Somehow, she had the most courage and stubbornness out of anyone I’d ever met, man and beast alike. She’d make a fine queen, of all of Andrathya. I’d worship at her feet in public, but in private, I would say my prayers between her legs.
Glancing up at her, I whispered, “Let me show you just how willing I am to serve my queen.”
I grinned against her wet pussy before responding, “I’ve only ever touched your flesh, Sia. Do continue to be territorial, though. I quite like this possessive side of you.”
“You’ve lain with a human man before, but never a king of dragons. You’re about to learn that dragons finish their meals, so, I don’t care if you’re trembling and begging me to stop.”
She truly looked like a queen. She looked like mine. “Hey, handsome.” I fucking preened beneath her, my wings stretching out further as a shiver ran the length of my body, causing my scales to scratch together. I hated how soft she made me, yet I also didn’t want to go back to who I was before she’d broken through. “You find my dragon appealing
Appealing may not be the right word,” she hedged and I deflated, having my fears confirmed before she continued. “I find your dragon breathtaking. Your scales glitter beneath the sun, as if clear gemstones have been broken up and fused within them. The way you fly through the sky, as if you’re truly one with it as the clouds wrap around you like a friend. The ice that glistens on the tips of your spikes, deadly and beautiful all at once.” “Oh.” Her tinkling laughter filled my mind. “Oh?” she parroted back. I wasn’t prepared for such a description of myself, and for the first time I could recall, I felt bashful. “Thank you
Either you die or the dragon does.” We had known it would come to this, but my heart twisted painfully in my chest anyway. I wasted no time in drawing my sword, ready to fight until my heart stopped beating to protect Kaida. “I don’t mean the dragon behind you,” the god clarified, smirking at my confusion as the tip of my sword began to fall toward the ground. “I mean the one who has already offered to sacrifice himself for you.” My breathing turned shallow, coming in small, panicked gasps as the realization hit me. Theo. The dragon spoken about in the premonition had been him
“I learned that a bond means nothing if you aren’t committed to the other half of your soul,” he whispered, bringing our joined hands to his lips before pressing a kiss to our knuckles. “I learned that the bond doesn’t do the work for you. You have to continue to choose that person every day that you’re lucky enough to have them.” Butterflies erupted in my stomach as he pressed a tender kiss to my lips before whispering against them. “I’m choosing you, wench. Every day. I don’t care what the bond says at the end of this. I want you, forever.” “Damnit,” I whispered as my eyes burned with the heat of tears. With a sniffle, they fell, rolling over my cheeks to my jaw. “I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much in one day before
“I don’t know if I can,” I whimpered, knowing there was still so much more. “Do you want to know why I know you can take me all the way into your pussy, Sia?” I wasn’t sure when I shut my eyes, but his question shocked them back open as I looked down at him. The heat that smoldered in his gaze made me gasp. He may be part human, but that gaze was fully animalistic—like he wanted to devour me. “You can take my cock because you were fucking made for me,” he encouraged as his hips flexed up ever so slightly, making my eyes flutter. “I’m going to fit inside of you, but it’s going to push you to your limits, the same way we push each other outside of this bed.” I rocked myself up and down his length slowly, trying to figure out how I'd manage it. I wanted to so damn badly. “I know my wife doesn’t back down from a challenge,” he murmured, brushing his thumb back and forth against my clit at a speed that had me clenching around him.
December 30, 2024
Updated Goodreads Review for Shards of Desire by R.L. Caulder
Shards of Desire delivers an engaging mix of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue, set in a world rich with dragons and elemental magic.
This book kicks off R.L. Caulder’s Dragons of Sin series, and while it tells Siyana and Takkar’s story as a standalone, it sets up plenty of room for more books in this fascinating world.
Let’s start with Siyana (Sia), our badass warrior princess. She’s lived a double life—training in secret to wield a sword while publicly being the “perfect” princess. When her father blindsides her with an arranged marriage to Takkar, the cursed king of the undine dragons (drackya), her entire world gets flipped upside down. She’s furious, betrayed, and determined not to go quietly into this forced union. Her internal conflict between duty and freedom drives the story, making her easy to root for.
King Theo Takkar is everything you’d want in a morally gray hero—dangerous, arrogant, and magnetic, with a layer of vulnerability you only get glimpses of. He and Siyana are like fire and ice, constantly clashing and testing each other.
The worldbuilding is top-notch. The Kingdom of Edath is richly detailed, with its elemental dragons, political intrigue, and long-standing tensions between humans and drackya. The curse binding the drackya is a central mystery, stemming from a witch’s vengeance centuries ago. It’s fascinating to see how the curse affects not just Theo’s kingdom but the entire dynamic between humans and dragons.
One highlight is Sia’s bond with her dragon, Kaida, who hatches during her stay in Theo’s kingdom. This bond is profound and heartfelt, offering a different lens through which to explore the connection between humans and dragons. Kaida’s relationship with Sia isn’t just adorable—it’s integral to her growth and the story’s resolution. Through Kaida, Sia begins to embrace her new role as queen, not just in title but in spirit.
The middle of the book is where things really heat up—both literally and figuratively. Sia’s journey is one of defiance, trust-building, and self-discovery. She trains with Theo to hone her combat skills and discovers more about the drackya curse and Theo’s tortured past. Theo’s struggles as a reluctant leader cursed by his father’s sins add depth to his character, making him more than just the brooding anti-hero. Their dynamic—equal parts fiery conflict and undeniable attraction—keeps you turning the pages.
There’s also a deeper exploration of dragon lore and magic. The elementals, godlike beings who created the dragons and cursed the drackya, add an extra layer of intrigue. The undine elemental in particular plays a chilling role, showcasing the power and arrogance of these ancient forces.
Now, the romance—oh boy, it’s intense. If you like your enemies-to-lovers with plenty of spice, this book has you covered. Siyana and Theo’s relationship is all about power struggles, reluctant trust, and eventual surrender (in more ways than one).
There are 3-4 spicy scenes, and they’re definitely on the steamy side, so heads up for readers who enjoy that kind of thing.
As for side characters, there’s so much potential here. Mira, the bold and curious servant Siyana takes under her wing, was a standout for me. She mirrors Siyana’s rebellious spirit, and I loved their bond. Brenson, Siyana’s childhood friend and secret trainer, is loyal and grounded. I loved them both, but (spoiler alert!) their briefly mentioned marriage at the end caught me totally off guard. It’s barely hinted at during the book, but it makes me think their story might be the focus of the next installment. And let’s not forget Tillie, Siyana’s fiery cousin—she’s another character I’d love to see get her own book.
Overall, Shards of Desire is a gripping start to the Dragons of Sin series, with a fierce heroine, an intense romance, and a richly imagined world. It’s perfect for fans of Throne of Glass or The Bridge Kingdom.
Now, I will admit I struggled a bit with a few things—but honestly, I expected that going in. Shifter romances usually aren’t my thing, and Siyana’s immediate physical attraction to Theo in the early chapters (considering the circumstances) felt unrealistic, but that’s more of a personal preference.
That said, I know this is a staple of the genre, and I think plenty of readers will eat it up. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the Dragons of Sin series—especially if Mira and Brenson are in the spotlight!
Thank you to the author for letting me be a part of the content team and allowing me to read the ARC!
Shards of Desire delivers an engaging mix of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue, set in a world rich with dragons and elemental magic.
This book kicks off R.L. Caulder’s Dragons of Sin series, and while it tells Siyana and Takkar’s story as a standalone, it sets up plenty of room for more books in this fascinating world.
Let’s start with Siyana (Sia), our badass warrior princess. She’s lived a double life—training in secret to wield a sword while publicly being the “perfect” princess. When her father blindsides her with an arranged marriage to Takkar, the cursed king of the undine dragons (drackya), her entire world gets flipped upside down. She’s furious, betrayed, and determined not to go quietly into this forced union. Her internal conflict between duty and freedom drives the story, making her easy to root for.
King Theo Takkar is everything you’d want in a morally gray hero—dangerous, arrogant, and magnetic, with a layer of vulnerability you only get glimpses of. He and Siyana are like fire and ice, constantly clashing and testing each other.
The worldbuilding is top-notch. The Kingdom of Edath is richly detailed, with its elemental dragons, political intrigue, and long-standing tensions between humans and drackya. The curse binding the drackya is a central mystery, stemming from a witch’s vengeance centuries ago. It’s fascinating to see how the curse affects not just Theo’s kingdom but the entire dynamic between humans and dragons.
One highlight is Sia’s bond with her dragon, Kaida, who hatches during her stay in Theo’s kingdom. This bond is profound and heartfelt, offering a different lens through which to explore the connection between humans and dragons. Kaida’s relationship with Sia isn’t just adorable—it’s integral to her growth and the story’s resolution. Through Kaida, Sia begins to embrace her new role as queen, not just in title but in spirit.
The middle of the book is where things really heat up—both literally and figuratively. Sia’s journey is one of defiance, trust-building, and self-discovery. She trains with Theo to hone her combat skills and discovers more about the drackya curse and Theo’s tortured past. Theo’s struggles as a reluctant leader cursed by his father’s sins add depth to his character, making him more than just the brooding anti-hero. Their dynamic—equal parts fiery conflict and undeniable attraction—keeps you turning the pages.
There’s also a deeper exploration of dragon lore and magic. The elementals, godlike beings who created the dragons and cursed the drackya, add an extra layer of intrigue. The undine elemental in particular plays a chilling role, showcasing the power and arrogance of these ancient forces.
Now, the romance—oh boy, it’s intense. If you like your enemies-to-lovers with plenty of spice, this book has you covered. Siyana and Theo’s relationship is all about power struggles, reluctant trust, and eventual surrender (in more ways than one).
There are 3-4 spicy scenes, and they’re definitely on the steamy side, so heads up for readers who enjoy that kind of thing.
As for side characters, there’s so much potential here. Mira, the bold and curious servant Siyana takes under her wing, was a standout for me. She mirrors Siyana’s rebellious spirit, and I loved their bond. Brenson, Siyana’s childhood friend and secret trainer, is loyal and grounded. I loved them both, but (spoiler alert!) their briefly mentioned marriage at the end caught me totally off guard. It’s barely hinted at during the book, but it makes me think their story might be the focus of the next installment. And let’s not forget Tillie, Siyana’s fiery cousin—she’s another character I’d love to see get her own book.
Overall, Shards of Desire is a gripping start to the Dragons of Sin series, with a fierce heroine, an intense romance, and a richly imagined world. It’s perfect for fans of Throne of Glass or The Bridge Kingdom.
Now, I will admit I struggled a bit with a few things—but honestly, I expected that going in. Shifter romances usually aren’t my thing, and Siyana’s immediate physical attraction to Theo in the early chapters (considering the circumstances) felt unrealistic, but that’s more of a personal preference.
That said, I know this is a staple of the genre, and I think plenty of readers will eat it up. I can’t wait to see what’s next in the Dragons of Sin series—especially if Mira and Brenson are in the spotlight!
Thank you to the author for letting me be a part of the content team and allowing me to read the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2024
Book Review: Shards of Desire by R.L. Caulder
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Official Book Review, I received an ARC from the author.
If you're looking for a fantasy romance that sweeps you off your feet with epic adventure, sizzling chemistry, and, yes, dragons, Shards of Desire delivers all that and more. R.L crafts a story that is equal parts thrilling and enchanting, making it impossible to put down. It captured me from the very first chapter and I read it in 24 hours.
The story follows Sia, a fierce and determined warrior-princess tasked with breaking a terrible curse through a brokered marriage to a hybrid king, Theo. Together, they must navigate their uneasy partnership, a mate bond that could kill her and leave him alone forever, and a romance that burns hotter than dragon fire.
What makes Shards of Desire stand out is its masterful blend of plot and passion. The world-building is rich and immersive, with lush descriptions of a land teeming with magic, danger, and intrigue. I felt myself shiver several times just from the ice and snow descriptions alone! And the dragons are described wonderfully, really giving you a sense of awe and beauty from these creatures.
And the romance...umm... it’s spicy, to say the least! Sia and Theo share an electric connection that is palpable from their very first meeting. Their banter is sharp, their emotions raw, and their chemistry off the charts. While the romantic tension is fiery enough to keep readers glued to the page, the story never sacrifices character development for the sake of steamy scenes. Sia’s strength and vulnerability, paired with Theo's complexity and redemption arc, make them a couple you can’t help but root for.
The only reason this isn’t a full 5-star read is that a few subplots feel slightly underdeveloped, leaving me wanting just a bit more closure on certain secondary characters. But even this minor flaw doesn’t detract from the overall magic of the story.
Shards of Desire is a must-read for fans of romantasy who crave adventure, unforgettable characters, and a love story that blazes as brightly as dragon fire. Whether you’re here for the dragons or the spice, this book will leave you breathless and eager for the next book in the series!
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Official Book Review, I received an ARC from the author.
If you're looking for a fantasy romance that sweeps you off your feet with epic adventure, sizzling chemistry, and, yes, dragons, Shards of Desire delivers all that and more. R.L crafts a story that is equal parts thrilling and enchanting, making it impossible to put down. It captured me from the very first chapter and I read it in 24 hours.
The story follows Sia, a fierce and determined warrior-princess tasked with breaking a terrible curse through a brokered marriage to a hybrid king, Theo. Together, they must navigate their uneasy partnership, a mate bond that could kill her and leave him alone forever, and a romance that burns hotter than dragon fire.
What makes Shards of Desire stand out is its masterful blend of plot and passion. The world-building is rich and immersive, with lush descriptions of a land teeming with magic, danger, and intrigue. I felt myself shiver several times just from the ice and snow descriptions alone! And the dragons are described wonderfully, really giving you a sense of awe and beauty from these creatures.
And the romance...umm... it’s spicy, to say the least! Sia and Theo share an electric connection that is palpable from their very first meeting. Their banter is sharp, their emotions raw, and their chemistry off the charts. While the romantic tension is fiery enough to keep readers glued to the page, the story never sacrifices character development for the sake of steamy scenes. Sia’s strength and vulnerability, paired with Theo's complexity and redemption arc, make them a couple you can’t help but root for.
The only reason this isn’t a full 5-star read is that a few subplots feel slightly underdeveloped, leaving me wanting just a bit more closure on certain secondary characters. But even this minor flaw doesn’t detract from the overall magic of the story.
Shards of Desire is a must-read for fans of romantasy who crave adventure, unforgettable characters, and a love story that blazes as brightly as dragon fire. Whether you’re here for the dragons or the spice, this book will leave you breathless and eager for the next book in the series!
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