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Heart of Fire

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I've worn many disguises in my life, but 'devoted wife' to the most maddening man in the kingdom was never supposed to be one of them.

War has come to the kingdom. Along with Thorne and Dare, Kaelan fights his father for the throne to protect his people. We'll rule together--or we'll die together.

The stakes are high, but the stakes I care about most are the safety of sarcastic, maddening, green-eyed Dare, who has gone home to raise a peasant army. Home, where his parents were murdered and his enemies wait.

Now I find myself standing by the side of my sometimes-enemy, sometimes-ally with wedding rings. A fake marriage is the only thing to protect us both... even if it might also drive us both mad. Our mission together will take us through the ice kingdom and back to the isle... forced to share a bed and hide from our enemies with public kisses and wedding vows.

Can we emerge victorious, or will the king’s sinister plot tear us apart forever? And even if we survive… how will Kaelan react when he finds out I married his best friend for the sake of the kingdom?

478 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2025

70 people are currently reading
80 people want to read

About the author

May Dawson

111 books1,590 followers

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5 stars
130 (64%)
4 stars
60 (29%)
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9 (4%)
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2 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
Profile Image for The_Book_Brat.
969 reviews169 followers
May 6, 2025
*Reverse Harem
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Fantasy
*forced marriage
*ex-lovers
*touch her and 💀
*dragon shifters
*prophecy
*established harem (3)
*fast burn
*3/4
Plenty happening in penultimate book 😮
Ughhhh they really need to sort out Kaelan’s father, he’s such a conniving &@)! It doesn’t help that Hanna’s men don’t all seem to be ok the same page 🙈 Dare has gone off on his own trying to help win some more people over and it’s nice that he gets his time with Hanna in this book so ti get to see more of their connection - and it’s uniqueness 😍 he brings something for her that neither Kaelan or Thorne can and you learn more about bis back story 😁 you do still see Hanna’s other men and their obsession with her but it’s nice Dare gets his turn in the spotlight too as he’s been a mystery so far! Love the snark to their connection 😅
The character element is balanced out with plenty of action in this book as they are plotting out their attack on the king…but do be prepared some big upsets as not everything goes to plan 😣 and Hanna just seems to attract all the trouble there is!
Nice to see the connection to Honor and her men in this book more too ☺️
Look forward to the final book and seeing how they get their revenge HEA.
Profile Image for HJ Doe.
66 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2025
May Dawson absolutely never disappoints! Heart of Fire is the third book in the Royal Ice Dragons series (there will be four total), and I think this one is my favorite so far. It is great to see the continued growth and development of the characters, especially Hanna. She is coming into her own and realizing her own identity and worth as a strong woman in her own right, aside from that of being “Honor’s little sister”.
Sometimes I think that people can get so caught up in seeing themselves through the eyes of others that they forget to look at themselves through their OWN eyes. Hanna spent most of her life comparing herself to Honor, and putting Honor on a pedestal. Gauging her own worth next to Honor. She ultimately put herself in a no-win situation, because she created the image of Honor looking at her through the eyes of a child. She never actually stopped to SEE the reality of Honor and who she was/is. She made a lot of assumptions (which she still hasn’t fully challenged, but seems to be starting to now!), and never communicated or questioned or looked at the situation again through the eyes of an adult.

It was great to see some of these assumptions brought to light and challenged, and for Honor to see that maybe it’s time she took a good look at herself through her own eyes - to see who she really is outside of her self-imposed limitations. Hanna started to finally recognize and acknowledge her own strengths, her own weaknesses; what she wants to do versus what she assumes she “has” to do.

Oh, Dare… I was so happy to finally get to learn more about Dare. We got to see where he comes from, and see what makes him tick. I love how he challenges Honor - he’s her mirror. But by the same token, she does the same for him. They’re rather two sides of the same coin - both so caught up in worrying about how others see them, that they have such a skewed sense of self. Each of them really needed that kick in the pants that forced them to take a good hard look at their true realities as adults, and decide where they fit into those realities now.

I’m also glad that the characters are growing closer and realizing that there is a fundamental need for communication. They’ve been so used to hiding things and keeping secrets that they struggle to express themselves. But as we know, communication is paramount in relationships of any type, so it’s good to see them starting to figure this out and try to look at what their lives will look like should they succeed in putting Kaelan on the throne.

There were definitely some unexpected twists in the story, and I am very curious to see how May wraps up the series!
Profile Image for Bekki Savage.
74 reviews
May 10, 2025
Heart of Ice by May Dawson – Dragons, Spice, and Emotional Chaos (My Holy Trinity)

Okay, listen up: I’ve been a loyal subject in the Dragon Royals universe, and now that we’re deep into the Royal Ice Dragon series, I am absolutely feral. I am hooked!

Heart of Ice is book three, and y’all… the spice LEVELS?? I went from “aww cute dragons” to “OH. OH NO. OH YES.” In this book.

We’ve got:
• Enemies-to-lovers tension that made my Kindle steam up like it needed a cold shower.
• Magic, danger, and heartbreak all bundled up in dragon-sized drama.
• A heroine who is done playing nice. She’s powerful, passionate, and READY TO MELT HEARTS (literally and emotionally).
• And the guys? Wreck me. Each one brings a different flavor of delicious chaos and I’m here with a bib and a fork.

Also, can we take a moment to appreciate how May Dawson created an entire extended universe where every sibling, side character, and random dragon deserves their own epic tale? I will read every single one, no questions asked.

This book was hotter, deeper, and more intense than the first two—and that’s saying something because I was already clutching my pearls. I am NOT okay, and I refuse to be.

In summary:
Heart of Ice is fantasy romance perfection with claws, heat, and feelings I wasn’t emotionally prepared to process. 10/10 would let these dragons ruin my life and then thank them.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,253 reviews9 followers
May 14, 2025
Dare…. To be loved

This third book in the Royal Ice Dragons series is all about Dare – the mostly misunderstood, always sarcastic and sardonic male who is Kaelen’s other best friend. Dare doesn’t have any royal blood and has always felt like Kaelen’s shadow. When he leaves the group to go try to get the peasants to help in the upcoming war, Hanna feels determined to go help him so he’s not alone. Except Dare doesn’t want her help, and Hanna being there in his childhood town could cause more issues than help.

When the lord governing the town shows interest in Hanna, they have to secretly get married to show the marriage bonds and seal the bond. Trouble still comes their way and they have to quickly leave and this time to catch a ship back to the Isle to help the daughter of another one of the lords get treatment.

Now back on the Isle, Hanna feels herself slipping back into her old self – loving her family but feeling like she’s still not enough. When she catches wind of another group that is planning on attacking her sister, she knows she will do literally anything to save them.

This 3rd book has soooo many harrowing moments for Hanna, Kaelen, Thorn and Dare, and it was a super close call at too many times. But the next threat they have to take down is Kaelen’s father – King Edric. Can’t wait to see what happens there!
397 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2025
Oh, the internal struggle to be loved and seen, and always wondering if you are good enough! Is one of the struggles Dare has to work out with his anger and wanting revenge over his parent’s death. Plus, never feeling comfortable between the two worlds he walks as child of pheasant or royal being with Kaelan. Hanna loving him and so frustrated that every time they get close he pulls away. As Kaelan with Thorne work to find allies who will support him in taking over the Throne in the Ice Kingdom, and worrying that something will happen to Hanna who seems to attract trouble he has her go to be with Dare. Dare also in his loyalty to Kaelan feels he is betraying him in his love for Hanna not believing that Kaelan would accept him. All this along with the cultists intrigue that is surrounding the reason they want Hanna’s sister Queen Honor and children to be killed, believing that the royals took it from the gods! Hanna is magic bound not to tell what secret mission she is on so how can she let them know if she will need help. This is not a moment in this book that your senses, heartbeat are not engaged to see what is happening next. Can’t wait for the final book that finally ties up all the answers.
Profile Image for Daniele Stephenson.
197 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2025
I am in love with these characters. I cannot say enough good things about this series and was not disappointed with this new release. We have been waiting for it but it was definitely worth the wait. We have Hannah and her men desperately trying to find a way to win this upcoming war with Kaelan’s father. Dare decides to leave the group to go back to his home to try and find them support. Kaelan decides it’s best Hannah be with Dare and gets her to go with him. During their time together they try and workout their complicated feelings for each other and end up back in Hannah’s world where we get to see Honor her men and her children. We are left with still having to find a way to battle Kaelans father but they are together but Hannah and Dare have news to break to Kaelan that they are worried about. I am very excited to see how that goes in the next book but I do t think it will be as bad as they think. I loved getting to learn more about Dare and he has become a favorite although no one beats out Kaelan and his possessiveness. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book and see how they get to their HEA and hopefully we get more Honor and her men as well.
380 reviews5 followers
May 6, 2025
Another stunner

Another book in the Royal Ice Dragons series is here. Heart of Fire is the third book in Hanna's story and it's amazing!

I love that each book has been focused on learning more about Hanna's men, along with the storyline. It's nice to see that Dare's time is here. He's been a mystery and so much comes out and what that means for him and Hanna. Their connection is different from what she has with Thorne and Kaelan. I think that Dare gives her something unique that she needs. And she will fight for all of them and her family.

Expect plenty of action once again. Danger seems to follow Hanna and when you have a king that needs to be taken down...we'll...they won't get a break in this book. And when they aren't fighting their enemies, Hanna and her guys steam up the pages, for readers that are looking for the other kind of action too.

I loved seeing Honor and her guys. They love Hanna and when they see each other it is so sweet. Plus, I like seeing the characters that made me desperate to read Hanna's story. And now I need to know what happens to all of them next.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,359 reviews48 followers
May 1, 2025
This was without a doubt my favorite book in the series so far. Hanna and her men are complicated characters, and this book finally made me truly grasp their personalities and appreciate them for the people they are. The banter between them was on point, and Dare and Hanna remind me a little of two hedgehogs trying to build a connection. Trying to reach their soft cores takes time, and plenty of inflicted wounds before you make it there. But it’s beautiful to see their connection forming, and it really helped me understand the both of them better.

“Heart of Fire” may be focused on the relationship between Hanna and Dare, there is still time for plenty of action and a bit of worldbuilding on top of that. I really loved discovering more of the place Dare grew up and meeting the people from his past. It leads to some very interesting scenes I really enjoyed. The balance between worldbuilding, relationship building, character building and spice was on point for me, leading to a great reading experience. I hope the fourth and final book will be just as good!
Profile Image for serenity.
146 reviews
May 4, 2025
truely seeing & delving into Dare & Hanna's dynamic in this book was the most interesting so far between her dyanmics with her other two men. I feel out of the 3 of them we see that Dare is someone Hanna needs, who'll let her spread her wings & encourage her to. instead of just trying to convince or push her to wait safely on the sidelines. we also see a lot of their insercurities throughout the book, both of theirs. both about themselves and about how the other feels towards them truely. now what was interesting about this book, was unlike in the previous two, we had a new antagonist compared to the two we've been facing since book 1. i'm excited to see how Hanna's story concludes in book 4!

bonus comments: i loved seeing Honor and all her men again, though kinda found it amusing jaik was really only mentioned and didnt actually make an apperance. but i did LOVE that we really saw branok's bond with hanna in this book, out of all of honor's men he seems to have the strongest bond with hanna (sibling style bond to be specific
Profile Image for Denise.
505 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2025
I loved reading Heart and Fire. It's action and fast pace kept me enthralled to the very end. I was pulled into the story till the very end and wanted more. Miss Dawson didn't disappoint her readers with her story plot and characters.
Our FMC I found to be extremely courageous when it came to her very handsome men. They each loved her in there own way none more then the other. The heat was fantastic for a rating of 10+ and higher.
The MMC's I found super gorgeous, charismatic and very protective, but they loved her to no end. My favorite is Dare; The strong but a Grumpy Sunshine most of the time. It takes some work for our FMC to get him to acknowledge that he really cares and love her.
So, if you Love reading about Dragon Shifters, Lots of Spice and Heat, Awesome Fight Scenes, Grumpy Sunshine and Gorgeous, Charismatic and Protective men then this is the book for you, but I highly recommend that you start with book one it the Royal Ice Dragons series.
I loved reading Heart of Fire and can't wait to to see what will happen next.
Profile Image for Missy Brown.
1,773 reviews29 followers
May 10, 2025
Oh how I needed this book to read! It has Hannah and Dare's story and I loved it!

May never lets me down with her stories, that keep my interest and long after I finish they story they stay with me.

Heart of Fire is book three of the Royal Ice Dragons, which could become my favorite. I just loved these two and their story.

Hannah has had such a journey and watching her grow, has just made me love her more. She has not had it easy always comparing her self with Honor. Sometimes you can idolize someone so much and ignore your own self worth. I just loved her growth through this story. And with Dare, these two were made for each other. I was happy to learn more about him.

Overall this is a great read, that may just have become my favorite. As always with a May book there are twists and turns. A good plot, fast paced and great characters. If I could give more than 5 stars I would.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
196 reviews4 followers
May 6, 2025
I was so excited to see Dare and Hanna's story finally hit the pages, and I was NOT disappointed.
We pick up where the group is trying to gather allies to take down Kaelan's father the King, and Dare had snuck out without a true word of his whereabouts.
It is determined by Hanna, Kaelan and Thorn that Hanna should find Dare and stick by him, as he has a tendency to run from himself.
And I am glad she did. We get the banter of Hanna and Dare, the 🔥between the two, and the long-awaited confession from Dare! We also get some of Honor and her men, a new threat, and the rise of the old gods, which will make the final chapter of Hanna's story a VERY interesting read.

Spice: 3/5

MFM/M

Triggers: Eh... maybe if you count Kaelan and Dare's habit of murdering those that offend/mildly hurt Hanna. And the rough handling of corpses needed for necromancy....
90 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2025
May Dawson does not disappoint with her 3 book in the Royal Ice Dragons Book. I am so happy Dare finally got the spot light. Talk about inner turmoil and character growth! Dare goes back home to rally the villagers while struggling with his own demons of being worthy for Hanna. He feels that because he was not born a noble, he will always be below her. This leads to more brooding and pushing Hanna away but she is just as stubborn. She FINALLY gets through his walls and the chemistry is chef's kiss! While this book mainly focused on them, you still get more character and world building with Kaelen and Thorne. We get a whole new twist on the Guild as well as some big hitters that were pulling some strings. And Dare gets his justice. :) I honestly could not put this book down and I can't wait for book 4 to finally tie some ends together and our 4 amazing characters to get their HEA.
Profile Image for Allison.
95 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2025
This whole series has been an awesome read. The world building is well established and the characters are multifaceted and individual. The three books moves the story along with balanced pacing, with each book being a little more focused on the FMC and one of her MMCs. This allows the reader to get a feel of the three MMCs and their specific relationship with the FMC.

This book explores Dare and Hanna and those two go through it figuring each other out and finding a middle ground. Both of these characters push the other away, push their buttons and frustrate the other, yet they encourage each other to face and defeat their personal demons.

Things got crazy toward the end of book three and I can't wait for book four to come out and continue this fun adventure!
Profile Image for Nicole Henderson.
817 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2025
Seeing and delving into Dare and Hanna's dynamic in this book was the most interesting so far between her dynamics with her men. I feel out of the three of them, we see that Dare is someone Hanna needs; he'll let her spread her wings and encourage her to do it, instead of just trying to convince or push her to wait safely on the sidelines. We also see a lot of their insecurities throughout the book, both of their own and about themselves and about how the other feels towards them truly. What was interesting about this book was unlike in the previous two, we had a new antagonist compared to the two we've been facing since the first book. I'm excited to see how Hanna's story concludes in the last book.
Profile Image for Erika Nicole.
160 reviews
May 18, 2025
I loved this we pick up where we left off in book 2 Hanna and the guys are on a mission to rally allies in their fight against Kalen’s father. After Dare leaves on his own mission Hanna is sent to help him. I absolutely loved the banter between Hanna and Dare, getting to see their relationship continue to flourish while they both gained more insight into each other’s life’s and Dare beginning to see how much Hanna, Kalen and Thorn need him. I loved seeing Dare stand up for Hanna and help bridge the gap for her and her family and they finally became aware of all she has been doing to help protect them. I’m so glad Dare was finally able to get his well deserved revenge and I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next for Hanna and her men.
Profile Image for Naurarwen.
1,043 reviews8 followers
May 18, 2025
I admit it took me a hot second to remind myself what had happened, but luckily, as soon as I started reading, it all came flooding back. Hanna and her men are doing what they can to stay out of the grasp of the King. Even if that means one of her men bending the truth to make her think that something is her idea.

The team actually splits up for a little while, first with Dare leaving and then with Hanna joining him a little later on. Dare is on his own mission, and of course, Hanna throws a spanner into the works, as she usually does.

There's lots of twists and turns along the way with this one, plus a dash of spice that we all know and love from the author's previous books makes this a great read from start to finish.
Profile Image for Raina.
4,221 reviews34 followers
May 5, 2025
The third book of a four book series. This series gives you everything. Action and danger with some insane and intense twist. The romance is full of tension and heat. I loved how this one really shows the dynamic of Hanna and Dare. She loves him and would risk it all to protect him and her other men. Dare has plenty of issues and they may just keep pushing him further away from Hanna. I do love how they push and annoy each other but that is how they show they care. As the group is divided trying to find support for the upcoming war they will fast old and new enemies that would be happy to destroy them.
Profile Image for sam.
98 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2025
Much needed dare and hanna time! Book three in the series and i couldnt put it down. Author May has a way with words and story telling that drags you into the world shes writing about.
In book 3 we follow hanna as she continues her journey with her stubborn men. Finally after an attempt on her life kae decides to send her off to follow dare in the plot to save the ice fae kingdom. The story line has so many twists and turns right when you think you know were its heading something else happens and your on another path. Never a dull moment and of course has some spice throughout the story to keep you wanting more.
Profile Image for Cristal Juarez.
148 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2025
This was a great read. It continues where the last one left off. The focus of this book was Dare and Hanna’s relationship. They are so much alike. Dare feels that he is not worthy or royal enough for Hanna and Hanna is always trying hard to impress her family. We find out about Dare’s life and a past relationship. Hanna has no room to breathe and be her own self because she has Honor and Honor’s mates (all 8) are extremely overly protective. Hanna is always sacrificing herself to help and protect everyone else. I love that they are helping each other heal from past thoughts and traumas. I can’t wait for the last book in this series to come out.
376 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2025
What I loved most about this series, and I think a common occurrence with this author, is that each book builds a better relationship with our heroine and her men. So this book focuses on Dare and Hanna’s path while also including her other men. This book also has action packed moments that continue from book to book, so you aren’t getting lost with all the battles. This series has blown me away, and honestly I am both excited and terrified for what the final book will bring. May Dawson has the ability to build a world and it just engulfs you, and I find that the best experience when reading. 10/10 just buy the book.
13 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2025
Please note: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The third installment of this story does not disappoint!! This story picks up right where we left off. However this book really focuses on Dare and Hann’as relationship. We see more of what’s going on inside of Dare’s head and Ir really appreciate the time and attention we get with each MMC. While I always liked Dare, this book let the reader really understand his past and root for him. The world building that started in book 1 really works and lets us move between countries with a good understanding of the goverment’s and world. I highly recommend and cannot wait for the next installment!
150 reviews
May 12, 2025
Heart of Fire by May Dawson captivates with its intense action, evolving relationships, and gripping emotional stakes. Hanna and Dare’s dynamic takes center stage, blending fiery tension with undeniable chemistry as they navigate a fake marriage that feels all too real. Dare’s unwavering support for Hanna’s independence adds depth, while their shared insecurities make their journey compelling.
With a new antagonist shifting the battlefield, the story remains fresh and unpredictable. Fast-paced and addictive, this installment raises the stakes for Hanna’s fate, leaving readers eager for the final chapter.
Profile Image for Alina.
976 reviews7 followers
May 16, 2025
This has been one of my favorite series thus far by May. I am now obsessed with how this series was broken down, with each of the mates having their own "Close-ups" in the form of each installment being focused on one mate at a time; for a more indepth look at their individual connections. I am wondering why this is the first time I have come across this type of series structural breakdowns for a RH?! This should be standard! Dare's ready for his close-up and he does not disappoint! What a Rollercoaster of an emotional ride that really makes me feel for Dare. I am patiently waiting for the next.
Profile Image for Ange Bennetts.
877 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2025
Hanna is an entertaining heroine. She is super intelligent, full of wit and surprises and has an empathy and understanding of other people that truly makes her unique. Hanna has Kaelan and Thorne are hers and she is theirs. Seeing her just with Dare and how they handle each other is a true joy. The banter is incredibly good, the steam is particularly hot, probably due to the long burn, the tension and then the utter desperation with which it finally happens! With the action spread across the Ice Kingdom and the Isle, evil threats are a lot closer to Hanna's old home than they all believe. This book has really excited me about the final book but also, I dont want it to end!
Profile Image for Sue MacKenzie.
1,708 reviews15 followers
May 5, 2025
I think this is a series you have to read from the start.
I started it here, and now I'm going to definitely have to read the first two books.
The backward and forward banter between the main characters is entertaining, and the end result is worth it.
She's trying to save everyone, no matter the cost to herself, and struggles to let anyone help.
Her partners are determined to be there for her, even if one of them takes a while to admit he wants to be part of it all.
I found this hard to put down once started.
951 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2025
May gives us the third installment of the Royal Ice Dragons series, and it's a fantastic book! In this book we follow Hanna and Dare as he's gone home to help raise an army for Kaelan to defeat his father for the throne. Through many twists, turns and marriage to keep them both safe, we see their relationship develop. Dive into this wonderfully written story with complex characters and plot twists that keep you guessing and turning pages throughout. I loved reading this story and highly recommend the series! Don't miss out on this book!!
814 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2025
This is the third book in the Royal Ice Dragons series and it focuses on the relationship between Hanna and Dare. We get to see why he always distances himself and where he is from. The story is action packed with lots of angst. They are trying to find allies to overthrow the current king and of course trouble follows. We get a glimpse of Honor and her family that was much welcomed. Will Hanna and Dare figure out their relationship before it’s too late? I’m looking forward to seeing what’s going to happen in the last installment.
Profile Image for Sue Harbers.
1,440 reviews13 followers
May 5, 2025
Hannah is back and that girl is taking no prisoners! There’s nothing that is going to stop her from saving well… everyone! And that includes Dare, who continues to drive me (and Hannah) nuts. The group has to fight to be together as a family and this book is their journey coming together. We do end up going back to the Isle for a little bit and I loved being able to check in with Honor and the family. But there are some dangerous twists and turns that haven’t completely been revealed yet. I can’t wait to see this family fight for their happiness together!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
4,034 reviews63 followers
May 6, 2025
I thought that this book was the final one in this series but I'm kinda happy that it wasn't. Hanna (FMC) and the guys spend a large part of this book canvassing for supporters to overthrow Edric. Only things are not as simple as that. Hanna & Dare get the opportunity to spend time together. Their close proximity to each other also gave them time to develop their relationship too. Bringing her the chance to go home and help her sister - Honor and the rest of the family. This series just keeps getting better and better. I'm looking forward to the last book now. A great read.
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