Love Bites Extra Hard

Mated to the King #5

by Lola Glass

I gave myself to the dragon king, prepared to become his mate to protect my sisters.

But that's not why he wanted me.

He just needs my help breaking a prisoner in his cell, to keep his people safe. And he doesn't want me to risk my life to do it.

When it becomes clear that's the only way?

I take it upon myself to make it happen, and almost get myself killed.

That's when the truth comes

I'm his fated mate.

But I won't seal the bond with him. I can't. No matter how I feel about him.

Because mate bonds?

They bite even harder than love.

*This is a spicy enemies-to-lovers romance with a happily ever after

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Dragons, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, Romantasy

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 26, 2025

About the author

Lola is a book lover with a *slight* romance obsession and a passion for love. Especially love between sassy women and huge, growly magical men ;)

When she's not reading or writing up a storm, she's hanging out with her husband and three kids, or baking something sugary that she *probably* shouldn't eat (but will).

A guide to her books can be found on her website. All of her series can be read entirely on their own, so there's no necessary reading order.

For a full list of her work, check out https://www.authorlolaglass.com/

Reviews

[Jen ♥]

That's almost four hours of my life I'll never get back. 😭

The only thing I enjoyed here was the epilogue and seeing every couple in this series with their kids. Everything else just pissed me off way too freaking much, especially Avery.

I seriously need to stop reading when a story is clearly not working for me. 🤧

[Jo Bennesch · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️
3/5🌶

Último libro de las hermanas/amigas sirenas.
Desde el libro 1, Talon, el rey de los Dragones viene pidiendo una sirena, sin decir para que la necesita.
Avery, la última sirena soltera, decide entregarse y ayudarlo.

La historia es muy tierna. Talon fue de los mejores protagonistas masculinos de esta serie. El romance es super lindo.

Hay un dilema un poco más serio que en los libros anteriores y algo más de drama.
Me encantó.

[Luna ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

»I'll still kick them out for you.«
»Keep talking like that, and I might think you're after my heart.«

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

❥ 𝑨𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
She is brave, stubborn and knows what she wants. I liked the way she cares for her sisters and Talon.

❥ 𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏 ࣪⋆✮
He is a massive green flag and I loved him. He treats Avery well and is the perfect partner for her.

✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
First of all: I‘m very sad that this series has come to an end. I loved every single book and fell in love with the world Lola Glass has created. The setting as well as the characters are unique and have a lot of charme. The way the mating is happening is something else and it was interesting to read. The siren sisters have my heart and I‘m sad that I have to let them go. Each book has a different plot and fits perfect for the characters.
Avery and Talon have good tension and their banter was funny. I liked the fact that both are confident and know what they want. Their relationship was intriguing and I rooted for them.
This was a worthy end to an amazing series of silly romantasy books. I was giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. The humour is perfect and I enjoyed every single page.

𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes, please read all of these books if you want a funny and entertaining fantasy romcom with all the right tropes.

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 3/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes

𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, instant attraction, touch her and die, forced proximity, he falls first and harder, dragon king x siren, mates, urban fantasy, romcom, castle setting, biting, mystery

𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Love Bites ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Love Bites Hard ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Love Bites Harder ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Love Bites Really Hard ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Love Bites Extra Hard ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was my favorite of the series. Clearer plot, a genuinely good guy and although spicy, not weirdly spicy. Talon was kind, respectful and sweet, and I liked that he was ready to be whatever Avery wanted. I think this book was just less ridiculous than the other ones, which I really enjoyed.

Overall I’m kind of sad this series is over. It was easy, bingeable and I got weirdly invested into the Mistwood world lol. This series is no masterpiece, but it was definitely a good time!!!

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I miss the sparkly sirens already 🥹

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect way to end the series of the five siren sisters. 🐉 sad this series is over! Would have loved to hear more about Evan and Stella!

[fromthestudyof · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun shifter x siren romance

i loved this series so much. low stakes, lots of romance, unhinged MMCs of the paranormal variety

this one was probably my least favorite of the series but honestly still really fun. it’s more of a me-issue and not vibing with either the two mains

highly recommend this series tho <3 a KU gem

[iremucka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ne çok kısa ne çok uzun bu kitapları seviyorum..
Son kitabı şu sır ney acaba diye merak ederek başladım ama meh yani
Siren kızkardeşler ve onların değişik kocaları 😊

[Meredith]

i have nothing to say for myself

[Kellyythoralabatalla · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

Avery enojandose con Talon porque no le dijo que era su compañera predestinada y ella ocultandole la verdad de sus poderes a sus hermanos y no contándole lo del exnovio. Me pareció un poquito hipócrita pero después las otras sirenas le hacen caer en cuenta.

-----
Me obligué a terminar esta serie y todavía sigo pensando que la escritura de esta autora no me convence, por eso no sé si leeré otro libro de ella.

Me cayeron mejor los hombres aquí, que las sirenas. La que mejor que cayó fue Blair y el que mejor me cayó fue Bane.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Love Bites Extra Hard (Mated to the King #5) by Lola Glass

This was the perfect way to wrap up this series. It had everything I’ve come to expect from Mated to the King, spice, adventure, tension, and that emotional payoff that makes sticking with a series so worth it.

This was easily my favourite of the five books. The connection between the main couple felt especially intense, and I loved how their relationship developed alongside the bigger stakes of the story. The fated mate tension hit just right, protective, dramatic, and a little chaotic in the best way. One of my favourite moments perfectly sums up that desperation and inevitability:

“You’re his mate,” she whispered. “I wanted him to tell you from the beginning, but he was afraid you wouldn’t give him a chance. You’re it for him. If I let you in there, he will literally kill me.”

That line captures the possessiveness and fear wrapped up in the mate bond so well, high stakes, high emotion, and just the right amount of drama.

Overall, this was such an easy and bingeable series. Each sister’s story felt distinct, but they all tied together nicely, and this final instalment gave a satisfying send-off to the world and characters. If you love paranormal romance with strong mate bonds, plenty of steam, and fast-paced plots, this series is a great one to devour.

Sad to see it end, but definitely a fun ride from start to finish!

[Ciera · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are such a fun guilty pleasure kind of read

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, I liked this one slightly better. Someone needs to check these sirens for martyr issues :)
They seem to jump into being mated for the good of everyone else. Good excuse for a story but can get tedious in real life.

Talon was great, still think Bane was the best character imho. I didn't like the sirens as much but Zora and Avery were probably the best ones. The vines (book 3) for the fae were pretty hot I have to say, you never have to worry about foreplay since the vines did all the work while you were sleeping (haha).

Anyway, glad there was a reason/mystery for this book although the SPOILERS and SPOILERS of 17 women is a bit OTT? Triggers may happen so be aware.

Highlights & Spoilers-
Talons POV:
"Everything that had happened in the last handful of hours was a mind-fuck."

The dragon scales thing was really cute, especially how Avery found herself so possessive of them.

Talon again:
I knew damn well what it meant. It meant she was mine. Permanently. That no one else could have her.
That there was a male who had claimed her, and anyone else who tried would have to deal with a big, angry fucker. And it meant exactly that to me.
I just didn’t want her to know it. Not yet. Not when she still thought I’d abducted her to force her to mate with me.

There is some sly humor, some inconsistencies like the other stories (esp. when it came to the bad guy and why she was pushing Siren magic at it?), some drama and then of course, the HEA for all concerned.
I did enjoy the epilogue :)

[Aleesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

By the time I got to this book, my expectations were thoroughly managed.

That being said, this book feels stronger than the previous 3, while not as entertaining or interesting as book 1.

SPOILERSSPOILERSSPOILERS!

Let's start with the plot.

To begin with, there IS one!

The reason Talon wants a siren isn't for a mate bond. It's because he's trying to break a prisoner. Bad Guy is a serial rapist and murderer whose dragon-defenses are apparently so powerful they don't have any other way to kill him outside of getting him to shift into his human form.

This dude's a very very bad dude, having raped and slaughtered 17 women before he was apprehended.

On the surface, that sort of sounds like a solid plot, right? We've got a good reason to have the siren in contact with the dragons. We actually get to see Avery interact with Bad Guy multiple times. Stuff is happening outside the bedroom, YAY!

There's even a moment where, oh shit, Bad Guy gets his hands on Avery and she nearly dies.
All of this is AMAZING stuff! Especially compared to the past couple books, where literally fucking nothing was happening outside of the couple screwing on every surface available.

Here's the thing though.

We're so focused on getting this dude to shift so he can be killed... But he's locked in a cell in the Dragon Castle's dungeon. Why not just let him starve to death? Or, if it's even possible for a living thing to NOT starve (which seems weird, and is never discussed, we're just told he can't starve or be poisoned...which seems... improbable but whatever.), why not just... wall him in and forget about him? Cask of Amontillado -style?

I mean, don't get me wrong - we don't like rapists and murderers here. I'm all for cutting the guy into teeny tiny pieces or whatever. But if he's TRULY indestructible, what's the problem just leaving him chained up forever?

The Dragon King has a problem...that's not REALLY a problem, right? Am I crazy?

Talon tries to pin it on his sister - saying she won't rest and move on until this dude is truly dead and gone. Because they were childhood friends and lovers before he went batshit bananas and started killing people. But it still just feels a little flimsy. Especially once Stella (the sister) finds her fated mate with Evan (one of the wolves) and basically moves out of the Dragon Castle to be with him.

Beyond this - I have questions about the magic or the Dragons' anatomy if this guy is literally immortal and invulnerable to EVERYTHING. Surely he's not the only bad dragon to have ever lived? How were the others dealt with? You mean to tell me in the THOUSANDS of years this world has apparently been around nobody's figured out a way to deal with assholes who half-shift into Superman?

Ehhhhhhh....

So obviously the sirens get the Bad Guy to do the impossible and shift so he could be killed - but I'm a little bummed that Avery wasn't able to do it alone. She calls in Clem for help, and it was cool to see them use their magic for something other than sex - I just wish Avery had been the heroine in her own book. Especially since we're told early on that her magic is the strongest out of all her sisters - a fact she has hidden from them for ages. We needed to delve deeper into this - but instead, she comes off looking weak and lesser to Clem.

Now, the relationship.

It's as surface level as all the others - so again, expectations managed.

However, I did enjoy the Dragon scales aspect of this relationship. The fact that dragons lose and replace their scales when they encounter their fated mate. I also loved how even though Avery didn't know what they meant, she found herself protective and possessive of them all the same.

I also sort of liked that there's a bit of conflict in the middle of this story, when Avery finds out Talon lied to her about being her mate. And I like that it takes time for the two of them to actually solidify the mate bond. This could, obviously, have been stretched out more, in a longer book. But considering the rest of this series, considering the length of this book, too, I enjoyed that we have some real emotions and trust issues cropping up, and that there's at least a little time taken before the bond is created for the two to prove themselves to one another. The mate bond isn't made because of some outside necessity - not because a siren needs to keep her pod safe, not because she's trapped in the Fae realm and can't leave unless she's bound, not because there's a psychopath demon trying to steal her away... it's made out of LOVE for the other character. Finally.

I also appreciate that, when Avery is given suggestions from her sisters on how to "take revenge" on Talon for keeping their fated mate bond a secret from her, she ultimately chooses not to engage in any of that. Thank GOD. Because the sex war and other foolishness the girls came up with was just childish and stupid. And Avery and Talon really didn't feel childish throughout this story. I don't know exactly how old any of these people are - but if I'm going by attitude alone, Avery felt like the oldest of the girls, and Talon felt like the oldest of the men.

Was it worth it, having to slog through 2-3 books I really didn't like to get to this one? Debatable. Did I enjoy this one as much as I thought I would? Yeah...actually I kind of did. Am I glad this series is over? ...also yes.

[Jessica Kania · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did I read all 5 books in this series? Yes. Was I entertained? Also yes. Literary masterpieces, absolutely not, this was garbage smutty trash. Luckily I like garbage smutty trash.

[Lara the Smut Raider &#x1f3f9; · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the “Mated to the King” series by Lola Glass and I could just cry because it’s over. I loved this world and I was so excited for dragons! I was a little worried about Avery because we hadn’t seen much of her yet, but it turns out she’s one of the strongest of all her sisters. The chemistry between Avery and Talon was instant and off the damn charts. It may have been fated mates, but it wasn’t insta-love. The two of them actually became friends before falling in love and fully mating. And we did have a smidge of a miscommunication trope. But Avery and Talon worked past it in what I felt was a healthy and open way. Make no mistake there was plenty of spice throughout the book. But when the characters emotionally connected? Perfection. There was one instance where Avery made a really stupid decision, but it fit with her personality and brought her closer to Talon. It was a necessary conflict. We also end up getting a lovely 10 year epilogue at the end. Seeing the various kings and their sirens happy and healthy and thriving was a perfect way to end the series.

10/10 for the entire thing. The book, the series, the characters. All of it. It’s been ages since I found a new author that I love, and Lola Glass and her writing are an absolute delight. I’m obsessed and will be getting to work reading her previous books ASAP.

[Xanny Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

★★☆☆☆ (2.5 stars)

Love Bites Extra Hard – Lola Glass
🎧 Audiobook Review

This was the final unmated sister. The last one standing. The one I actually had hope for.

Avery agrees to go to Talon’s realm to “help” him because apparently being the only single sister left means volunteering as dragon-king bait is a personality trait now. She’s happy about it. Sure.

Talon shows up in full dragon form, kidnaps-but-romantically, flies her to his realm, and his scales are literally cutting into her skin during the trip. He’s shedding. They’re sharp. They hurt her. He plucks a few loose ones off her and tucks them into her pocket like it’s sentimental and not slightly unhinged.

And from that moment? Oh he knows.
He’s already feeling the mating bond.

Meanwhile, the reason he needed her?

They captured a dragon serial killer who turns himself into a full scale-armored dragon so they can’t torture him. So naturally the solution is:
Let’s bring in a siren to sexually tempt him so he’ll get turned on, shift back into human form, and then we can torture him properly.

I had to pause the audiobook.

Because what.

Avery tests her siren powers on the prisoner. Talon is affected. The prisoner is affected. Everyone is affected. Things escalate quickly and suddenly we’re in a scene that felt less like emotional tension and more like chaotic impulse control.

And here’s where it lost me.

Avery is written as dominant, proudly casual, “I only sleep with men once” energy. She wants friends-with-benefits. She doesn’t “do feelings.” She has a body count she’s very comfortable with. Which is fine in theory. But the emotional depth behind it? Shallow. The trauma excuse about her ex felt like a thin layer over what was basically just commitment-avoidance packaged as empowerment.

I struggle with heroines who actively reject emotional intimacy just to prove they can. Especially in a fated mates story. If you’re going to resist the bond, give me something layered. Give me internal conflict. Give me fear I can feel.

Instead it felt like:

“I don’t want a mate. I just want sex.”
Okay.

Meanwhile Talon keeps losing scales and she keeps collecting them like dragon Pokémon. He refuses to explain why. When she suggests throwing them away, he nearly panics.

And the reason?

Dragons shed heated scales to make blankets for their mates.

That’s why he wanted her to keep them. That’s why he was losing his mind over them.

I’ll admit — that part? Soft. I liked that. It was one of the only emotionally grounded details in the entire book.

But then Avery decides to prove she doesn’t need anyone by sneaking into the prisoner’s cell alone (after already knowing how dangerous he is), gets attacked, nearly dies, and Talon finds her unconscious.

And suddenly he’s half feral, fully mated, emotionally spiraling.

Now she’s angry at him for not telling her sooner about the mating bond.

But she literally admits earlier that if he had told her, she would have assumed he was trying to trap or force her.

So we’re fighting about a hypothetical reaction to information she already admitted she wouldn’t have handled well.

The conflict started feeling circular instead of compelling.

Eventually she “gives him a chance,” the sisters combine their powers, the prisoner is defeated, everyone gets their happy ending, babies are implied, dragon politics wrapped up in a bow.

And I was just… tired.

Talon? 3 stars.
Broody, possessive dragon king shedding scales for his mate and losing his mind when she gets hurt? That’s my lane.

The rest? Underdeveloped emotional arcs, forced conflict, and a heroine I never emotionally connected to.

The premise had bite.
The execution didn’t.

Glad I finished the series.
Glad it’s over.

[Alicia Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful ending to a fantastic ending. I loved this series but this one was my favorite. I was so enthralled with Avery and Talon. I enjoyed their story so much I did not want this story to end. I was not expecting the reason Talon wanted a Siren and I was very curious after him requesting one throughout this series. That made the hype so much better when I found out why he needed a siren. I loved that twist. I enjoyed all the characters in this book and loved the connection with all the sisters. This was a great series and I can not recommend this enough. This was a well developed story line with characters that interconnect beautifully!.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew I was going to love the dragon king, Talon, the most and I did. Avery was unexpected, sometimes frustrating, but she grew on me. Enemies to friends to love (they were lovers throughout, nice spice). The thing about a Lola Glass series is that you always love it more as it goes along, theres’s a lot love about the cameos of the previous characters and that epilogue pulling the whole family together was so cute.

[nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐ este es de los mejores de la saga, talon me ha encantado, creo que podría ser el mejor de los cinco, me ha gustado su forma de ser y como trataba algunas situaciones de manera diferente o mejor a los otros. en este último libro ha habido más dramas en la historia y ha sido un poco más slow burn que los otros, cosa que me ha encantado. así que en general la saga no me ha disgustado y ha sido divertida y entretenida

[Brittany Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

she does it again

I would read Lola Glass’ receipts. Everything she writes is perfect. Sweet and steamy, a perfect slice of life that tugs at your heart. Thank you for writing for us ❤️

[Laura V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hermosa conclusion 💜💜💜
Talon se volvió mi personaje favorito 😍😍😍💕💕💕
Me quedo con las ganas de leer la historia de Stella y Evan y espero algún día lo pueda hacer pero sino pasa aun así quede muy feliz con esta saga.

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talon is such a great mmc. I loved the storyline of this one. All of the kings and their mates getting to know Talon and the sirens being ride or die like always. The epilogue was so great.

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

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one and the series ends on a perfect epilogue. Lovely. 🥰

[corie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Top to bottom, this series was sheer insanity. This one was my favorite of the bunch.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved per usual! This whole series was amazing and made me realize I enjoy reading paranormal romance, especially by Lola Glass!

[Brittany Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.. ticked the box. A better plot than majority of the others but I feel like the series just lost its momentum. In truth, book 4 and 5 were better stories and should have been 2nd and 3rd in the order.

Liked it, didn’t love, but it ticked the box ✅

[Abril · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este me gustó

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't feel like reviewing. It was good enough.

[Diana R. Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

sigh

Well it’s over but what an ending! This was such a good end to the series and I have enjoyed it very much! I’m off to see what else Lola has written!