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The Dragon Lairds #5

Kiss of Embers

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As the first woman to lead a werewolf pack in over a century, the chips are already stacked against me. To make matters worse, I took the reins right as moon sickness began ravaging my people. When rival packs threaten a takeover, I know I have to make a move. So I enter the Firstborn Games, a competition that pits the most powerful immortals against each other. The Games can be brutal, but the champion receives an elixir that grants a single wish with zero limitations. I intend to win—and then use my prize to save my pack and silence my naysayers.

The moment I arrive at the Games, however, two dragons enter the competition and declare me their fated female in front of our fellow contestants. Finn MacAlasdair and Struan MacLure are two distractions I don’t need. Unfortunately, the pair of strapping Highlanders seem determined to prove the three of us belong together.

But Finn and Struan have their own reason for competing—and they’re not afraid to play dirty to get what they want. They also have a knack for appearing when I need them. As the competition takes us from crumbling catacombs to ancient temples, they save me from disaster on more than one occasion. And when the three of us end up stranded in the middle of the rainforest, I learn exactly what it means to be caught between two goal-oriented dragon shifters.

Still, I’m playing to win. At the end of the day, Finn and Struan are my rivals. I can’t let their sexy smiles and seductive promises make me forget what’s at stake. If I lose the Games, I’ll lose my pack. But when sinister forces gather, the stakes turn deadly. Suddenly, I have to choose between saving my people and losing the men who’ve captured my heart. Is winning really everything, or is the cost of a future without Finn and Struan too steep?

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

246 people are currently reading
980 people want to read

About the author

Amy Pennza

60 books832 followers
Amy Pennza is a USA Today Bestselling Author of steamy fantasy romance. After becoming a lawyer because everyone insisted writing wasn’t a “real job,” she stubbornly wrote anyway—and is delighted to have proved them wrong. She’s grateful to spend her days crafting dirty, swoony books about magic, swords, and unforgettable characters. She lives in the Great Lakes region with her husband and five children.

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5 stars
316 (40%)
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295 (37%)
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143 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Jesinghaus.
Author 10 books186 followers
August 10, 2025
A cutthroat competition for love & salvation

What happens when you meet your fated mates while engaged in a life or death competition? And winning means the salvation of your entire pack? You slap that bitch Fate in the face and say “Not today!”

Zara is my favorite dragon bride of the series. When we meet her she’s already her pack’s established Alpha. She’s strong and determined. And she truly has the welfare of her pack driving her decisions. That’s not to say her position isn’t without obstacles. In her world, female alphas are rare and the other members of the werewolf council aren’t her biggest fans. Add to that the fact that her pack is beset by an incurable, deadly disease known as Moon Sickness. Winning the Firstborn Games is the only way to save her people and she’ll let nothing, absolutely nothing, stand in her way. Not even two gorgeous dragons.

Finn and Struan were an intoxicating pair. They each bring certain strengths to the table. Finn’s suave culture (half-vampire) was such a delightful counterbalance to Struan’s sexy golden retriever (half-werewolf) energy. Their chemistry in the bedroom, however, was off the charts! Submission & control are their kinks and once Zara finally engages in their game the resultant fire is scorching.

But the Firstborn Games can have only one winner. When this trio has to face that sobering reality, can their fledgling love survive? And what are they willing to sacrifice to ensure survival to both Zara’s pack and the entire dragon race?
Profile Image for Manuela Molteni.
605 reviews11 followers
December 1, 2024
If you’re anything like me—hopelessly weak for dragon shifters and unapologetically addicted to Amy Pennza’s dazzling worlds—then buckle up, because Kiss of Embers will sweep you off your feet and hurl you straight into a whirlwind of passion, danger, and jaw-dropping twists.

The fifth installment of the Dragon Lairds series, this book is a blazing cocktail of high-stakes drama and swoon-worthy romance. Imagine the edge-of-your-seat trials - remininding me the ones from Kresley Cole’s No Rest for the Wicked- throw in a gauntlet of betrayal and impossible choices, and top it off with Pennza’s signature flair for tension and smut—and voilà, you’ve got Zara’s story.

Our heroine Zara is the epitome of a sassy, no-nonsense alpha female. Her mission? To save her pack from a devastating disease. Her unexpected complication? Finn and Struan, her smoking-hot dragon mates who radiate power, mystery, and a chemistry so electric it practically singes the pages. Their relationship isn’t just spicy—it’s a slow-burning wildfire you can’t look away from.

Pennza expertly weaves in beloved faces from previous books, making this a treat for loyal fans. While you could enjoy it as a standalone, why deny yourself the full, delectable experience of this series? Each book adds layers to the intricate, heart-stopping world Pennza has crafted.

But let’s talk stakes: Zara and her mates are faced with choices so agonizing you’ll be flipping pages at breakneck speed. Save their goals or save their love? Survive the Games or lose everything? It’s a rollercoaster, but one you won’t want to get off.

So, if you’re craving a fiery blend of romance, adventure, and dragons (always dragons), do yourself a favor and dive into Kiss of Embers. Trust me, regret doesn’t stand a chance.
150 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2024
This is the fifth book in the Dragon Laird series and although you can read it as a standalone I would encourage you to read all the books in the series ( you can thank me later for that advice ). I am totally addicted to these Dragon Lairds and the kick a** women they find for their mates.
The “meet cute” for Finn, Struan and Zara takes place at the beginning of The Firstborn Games where all three are competing against other Firstborn races for the prize of a magic elixir. This elixir is the only way they have of saving their respective race from imminent demise. That Zara, Finn and Struan must compete against each other adds some complications to their developing relationship, but the dragons are excellent problem solvers!
Finn and Struan have been bonded for many years and have been waiting for fate to lead them to the mate they will bond with for life. As with all dragons they recognise her immediately, but Zara is not so quick to accept her fate. Ultimately, the braw, Scotthish Dragons are able to woo her and win her over.
This is a MM/MFM story and the spicy scenes are explicit but well written. And there is never any doubt of the deep caring that the dragons have for each other and for Zara. Once Zara accepts her feelings for her dragons the triad’s bond is strong and unwavering and their HEA assured.
This is a fast paced story, with lots of action, a few twists to surprise you and some laugh out loud moments too. The Goddess Inessa is hilarious and I’m hoping we might see her again in another story.
I received a free advanced review copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Nina Diab.
5,302 reviews51 followers
November 21, 2024
“We’ll go, lass. But what I said before remains true. Struan and I won’t force our claim. We won’t need to. Fate chose you for us, and fate has brought us together. You can deny it, but you can’t outrun destiny.”

I loved this book. Another amazing addition to this series. Great world building and wonderful characters. I loved Finn, Struan, and Zara.

I loved that Zara was an alpha [wolf] rather than an omega. The Firstborn Games was interesting and compelling. Zara needed to win to save her pack from moon sickness. Finn and Struan needed to win to save the pregnant queen and her unborn twins. If she died, her mates and their king would die as well. The stakes were high. Yet Zara is the female mate they have been searching and waiting for.

I loved the bond between Finn and Struan. I also liked the dynamic of who takes control and who would do anything he's asked. Their chemistry was scorching hot! And I would have been happy with this book even if it was just with these two dragons.

“Eighty years haven’t cooled my ardor for you in the slightest. I don’t despair. I rejoice. And I meant what I said when we spoke our vows... I bind you and I’m bound to you. I’ll take no others save the one we wait for.”

A fun adventure! I can't wait for more in this series! 5 stars.
Profile Image for Cassandra.
796 reviews
December 12, 2024
I knew what to expect, going in, since I have read the other books in the series. I haven't really been in love with these books, but they are entertaining enough. I do think they are gradually getting better with each new one released.

This one was not a big shock, as to the world and how things work, since I have read the previous books. That being said, had this been the first book I read, I would be really confused and lost about some things.

I am glad that we did get some background on the characters this time, which seems to have been a weak point in previous books. But this time it seems to have been at the cost of relationship/emotion building between the characters.
I really hate insta-love, which is what this is, essentially.

That twist at the end at the fountain was unexpected and a nice little surprise. It didn't even occur to me that the tears were magic.

Overall, this did have a good story, but like with all the other books in the series, I am lacking depth and am left wanting more. Everything could just be so much richer, but it left flat, to me.
I don't think I would recommend these books to others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
351 reviews5 followers
November 27, 2024
"Kiss of Embers" by Amy Pennza is a fantastic conclusion to The Dragon Lairds Series. This final installment provides a satisfying closure while leaving room for potential future stories. I loved all the books in this series, and this one was no exception.

The characters, Zara, Finn, and Struan, were wonderful, and I particularly appreciated having an alpha female main character (FMC) in Zara. While I wished she had been even stronger, her presence was still powerful and compelling. The dynamic between the three of them was captivating, and the steamier scenes were well-balanced with an engaging plot.

The ending was great and tied up the story nicely. The plot itself was intriguing, keeping me hooked from start to finish. I'm also intrigued by the possibilities for a spin-off involving the gargoyle—who knows what the future holds. I’ll have to do more research and see if she has anything out already.

Overall, "Kiss of Embers" is a brilliant way to wrap up the series, and I highly recommend it to fans of paranormal romance.
426 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2025
Another fun story expanding the universe!

It was a new dynamic in this story as the MCs were faced with competing in a set of challenges in order to win a prize of their choosing. Having the MMCs working toward a different goal than the FMC while trying to build a relationship with her kept things interesting as they walked a tightrope of not impeding her goal nor theirs.

At one point everything went off the rails and it seemed everyone lost sight of their goals, which was a little annoying, but it was an enjoyable spicy time. There were also multiple times that none of the MCs did anything to progress things in their favour, it was simply fate and good luck, I would’ve liked for them to actually work towards the solution.

The ending was, as always in this series, a quick wrap up. Things happening quickly along with straightforward explanations for the background mysteries. We got to see a few characters from previous books and a cute epilogue confirming the future of our MCs.

It was a fun time as always in this universe!
Profile Image for Jess Vanchoui.
220 reviews2 followers
December 20, 2025
3.25⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

So… this was still a fun and easy read, but there were definitely some hiccups IMO. I think I understand the intention by adding a games/trials element to this story compared to the others in the series, but for me it just didn’t quite hit.

It felt like this simple story was trying really hard to masquerade as a dynamic layered plot, except it wasn’t. If it wasn’t for the spicy scenes, for me it read YA. The spicy scenes hit well, I have found that to be a specialty of Pennza, but the rest of the story was just OK for me.

This is the final instalment in the Dragon Laird series, and overall I would say the series is OK, not mind blowing, but they all have an easy to read, simple format for a quick smutty binge read.

That being said, this series is likely to hit with the readership who likes easy, simple plot lines, with a lot of spice. If you are looking for a dynamic complex fantasy romance with world building and layers of intrigue, this series will disappoint.
611 reviews9 followers
November 1, 2024
A Curse And A Competition
A female alpha wolf shifter who finds herself in a terrible situation with an incurable illness in her pack, seeking a solution by entering the Firstborn Games to win the magical elixir. Two half dragons entering the same Games for a cure for their ailing and pregnant queen. When they see Zara they know their search for their mate is over, the only thing left is to convince her too. While they all strive to win… But not everything or everybody is above board and cheating is allowed.
A fast paced story with a strong and stubborn FMC and two well meaning, loving and protective MMC. Some steamy lovemaking between the two males and also with their female participating.
And of course all is well that ends well.
Really enjoyed this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Debbie.
745 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2025
Kiss of Embers

All three main characters are great but the descriptions of Struan are the best,

“Struan could cleave a man’s head from his shoulders with an unsharpened sword. But he was built for love.”

And this,

“Your spirit is like a golden retriever wrapped in a Doberman. I’ve never felt anything like it.”

I really liked how different he was. I also appreciated the distinction submissive top vs dominant bottom.

“Struan craves service. He loves to be used, all his considerable power placed in someone else’s hands. He needs to be directed. Controlled….He takes, but he takes what you want.”

It's like people are really complicated puzzle pieces and in order to express our best selves we have to find people who fit our tricky curves and angles. I think most of us don't. Which is one of the reasons we love romance.
Profile Image for Anij.
1,327 reviews12 followers
November 26, 2024
"Nothing in this world or any other is ever truly lost...Only found."

A lot of plot with steamy scenes, emotions, and loemotions, how I would describe this book in one sentence. I've lived every book in this series and Kiss of Embers is no exception. Zara was a kick a$$ heroine and Struan and Finn were hot, dominant dragons. Together they were pure fire. (Pun intended!) I think out of all the heroines I liked her best. It's hard to say much without spoilers and trust me, you don't want any. There are appearances by past characters which means spoilers for them if you haven't read them yet, which I have. One thing I can say, Amy has an incredible imagination and I l9ve her for sharing with us all.
294 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2024
I LOVE this series and Amy so much!!!

What a fantastic storyline, i loved the supernatural games that the book was based around, and with the twists and turns, i just couldn't help but devoured this.

We have Zara, a young alpha werewolf. She's a strong, independent woman who enters the firstborn games to win to help her pack, and she is determined not to let two dragons get in her way
Finn the dragon vampire, he's dominant and caring. Struan the dragon werewolf, hes such softie and a submissive top. They both came to the games to save the dragon race but are determined to show Zara that they are her fated mates.

If you love a bit of mmf, mystery, betrayal, action, and some great spice, then this is a book you need to read. Trust me, there are no embers in this story it's all fire!!!
3,227 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2024
Zara decides to enter the Firstborn Games to try and save her pack.
Zara Rockford is the Alpha of the Rockford pack which is losing its member to moon sickness and her parents had been the first victims. When she hears that the prize at the Firstborn Games is an elixir that grants a wish she decides to enter in hopes of winning. Struan and Finn mated dragon shifters are asked by the King to enter the Games for the elixir to save his Queen who is struggle and seems to be losing ground carrying their twins. When they see Zara they recognize their mate to complete their triad.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Velda.
98 reviews
September 3, 2025
This was such a wonderful read! I really hope she will continue writing more in this series. I loved that it felt fresh again with a trial 😱 and I love trials ❤️. The story was a true rollercoaster, and the main characters were so easy to love. Everything tied together beautifully in the end, especially the reveal of why the dragons had to go through the trials 😱.

It was also great to see some of the other couples make an appearance 🥰. And I really appreciate that these books pack so much story, angst, depth, fun, and spice into under 300 pages. The spice was top notch, as always 🥵❤️. With Amy Penzza, I just know she is going to deliver every single time ❤️.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,229 reviews70 followers
November 6, 2024
This was a fun and fast paced romance that brings together Zara, a werewolf alpha female, and dragon shifters, Finn and Struan at a competition that they're all determined to win. To make things tricky, though, she's there mate. The guys were so protective but she was very stubborn, making for a gripping read. With tons of twists, and lots of steam, this adventure romance had me glued to my reader. Expect to get caught up in the mystery, action, betrayal, danger and spice as you follow them to an HEA. Good fun!
Profile Image for Christina Standridge.
1,039 reviews3 followers
November 9, 2024
I love the story. Action betrayal and sexy times. Zara is the alpha of her pack and her pack is dying from Moon sickness. In order to save them, she enters The Firstborn Games to win an elixir that will give her one wish. She can wish for ANYTHING. When she arrives at the games, two dragons claim that she is their mate. Struan and Finn are asked by their king to enter games and win the elixir to save the queen and the twins that she is carrying. Who will win?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.6k reviews49 followers
November 15, 2024
Be careful of their burning kisses

Kiss of Embers is the fifth book in The Dragon Lairds Series. This is a RH romance with a "Hunger Games" thing happening and then add in a wolf shifter and two big dragon shifters. So it has a lot swirling around which made for an interesting and at times lively and smoking hot story. But there were a few things that did not quite gel for me about the characters, which surprised me as I have really enjoyed the previous books in this series. Overall it was a good book, just not the best of the series.
Profile Image for SBee Reviews.
2,664 reviews81 followers
December 1, 2024
★ “Everything about you is my business, Zara Rockford.” ★

I had to read all four of the earlier installments because I did not want to miss out on the building of the running threads in this Dragon Lairds series! This was another engaging installment, with plenty of angst, action, and smoking spice! We follow the trio through their trials as they compete in the Firstborn Games, hoping to set to rights their dire situations by winning the ultimate grand prize. Another amazing series I thoroughly enjoyed!
Profile Image for Lexi Oetterer.
47 reviews
October 9, 2025
This book was a fun addition to the series with the competition between the first-born races and the between the FMC and the male MCCs, but it was a slow read for me for some reason. I also wasn’t as pleased with the development of the MCs relationship as I have been in some of the past books in this series, I feel like the only relationship building was the MMCs overstepping in their need to protect the FMC, and then sex, and bam, it’s love. I felt like there could’ve been more emotional connection outside of their need and understanding to save their own races from death.
Profile Image for Becky Skylar_Hui.
43 reviews
November 4, 2025
Kiss of Embers by Amy Pennza, 4.5/5 star

Troupes: MMCs are dragons while FMC is the Alpha wolf of her pack, Game competition, Fantasy romance, MMF, MM scene, stand-alone in a series, fated mates, HEA, 5th book in The Dragon Lairds Series. Good book too.

Summary: This is a good book too as the others in the series, love every book in the series ❤️ I actually really love the MMF dynamic in here, the boyfriends are boyfriend-ing, the girl gets all their attention as well, there is good MM scenes in this series, I really like this series, a good 5 out of 5 stars for this series☺️
3,270 reviews20 followers
January 1, 2026

A Desperate Race
Zara’s pack is stricken by moon sickness - her plan is to win the first born games so that she can win the elixir and cure her people. Struan and Finn have been together for decades, but they’re looking for their third. When these three meet at the games, there’s plenty of attraction but wariness as well. Struan and Finn we so darn hot together, but adding Zara made the mix red hot! I loved the difficulty of the challenges in the games and the goddess Inessa was a hoot! A thrilling read.
113 reviews
June 6, 2025
high adventure and hot escapades

Such a great book! Compelling storyline, characters with substance and sexy interludes. Zara and her dragon men were made for each other! All very sexy and together they sizzle. I enjoyed this entire series and how the characters from each book appear and you see how things progressed from their original story. It was a fast read and one I wish hadn’t ended so soon.
Profile Image for Priscilla.
1,019 reviews
November 6, 2024
This is a pretty fast pace story with Zara having to win the challenge in order to save her clan while Straun and Finn must win to also save their's as well. They struggle between having to win and compete with each other as mates. It was great and fun story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,201 reviews
November 13, 2024
This is an entertaining shifter ménage romance book. The storyline is intriguing and dramatic as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with a strong steamy chemistry to their polyamorous relationship. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Flavia Karina.
714 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2024
A love that always wins...
Struan, Finn and Zara wrapped up in lust and passion all three find what they are looking for. I love how each of these strong men knows exactly what this alpha woman wants and needs. An incredibly seductive story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Megan Murphy.
85 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2025
I need more….

The Dragon Lairds series of books by Amy Pennza are awesome! Highly recommend. They hit all my buttons - kick@$$ females, alpha males that can actually think and care, lots of steamy moments, but also a solid plot. Each book brought a new element to this world of dragons. Thank You
Profile Image for Caity.
122 reviews6 followers
August 4, 2025
This was a TikTok impulse buy. There is no plot. Crank your libido and settle in for the ride 😉 Quick reads, I finished the whole series over a weekend. The way it was marketed made me disappointed there wasn’t more plot - they relied heavily romantasy tropes in the advertising and really this is cliterature. I said what I said.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
9,711 reviews35 followers
November 6, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a fast paced story with elements to make everything even more interesting. I liked the mating of Zara, Finn and Struan.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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