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Beasts & Bromance
An encounter with a beast leads to a bromance... but what about the magic of true love?
Christopher Jennings can't wait to start a new job as a third shift forest ranger in the very same woods he played in as a child with his late mother who loved them just as much as he does. What promises to be a life-changing opportunity becomes more so when he stumbles on a real life dragon.
Usually, the overnight shift is quiet at the Dragon Reservation of Albania. But the newest and youngest dragon has found her way off the grounds and into the forest. Ciaran Beals, lead dragon tamer and Magus, is the only one who can find and tame the baby dragon.
Two worlds collide, literally, when Chris and Ciaran meet. A strong friendship and an unexpected attraction grows between them as they patrol and work nights together. But to move away from their comfortable bromance means to enter each other's world-a sexual fantasy for Ciaran, a magical one for Chris. Will they be ready for it?
Discover a fantastical world full of love, lust, magic, and of course, dragons.
Christopher Jennings can't wait to start a new job as a third shift forest ranger in the very same woods he played in as a child with his late mother who loved them just as much as he does. What promises to be a life-changing opportunity becomes more so when he stumbles on a real life dragon.
Usually, the overnight shift is quiet at the Dragon Reservation of Albania. But the newest and youngest dragon has found her way off the grounds and into the forest. Ciaran Beals, lead dragon tamer and Magus, is the only one who can find and tame the baby dragon.
Two worlds collide, literally, when Chris and Ciaran meet. A strong friendship and an unexpected attraction grows between them as they patrol and work nights together. But to move away from their comfortable bromance means to enter each other's world-a sexual fantasy for Ciaran, a magical one for Chris. Will they be ready for it?
Discover a fantastical world full of love, lust, magic, and of course, dragons.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2025
2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 18, 2025
Chris and Ciaran . . .
Park Ranger Christopher Jennings is starting his first solo shift and he’s counting down the minutes until 11 p.m. Bergina, his immediate supervisor, was at the end of her shift and brought him up to date on the current status. His mom had loved the woods and brought her children here at least once a month. He knew every tree, stream, and hidden path to the mountains. This was his dream job!
Ciaran Beals was on his first week back on night shift and was yawning, barely keeping his eyes open. He got up and began walking the perimeter of the Dragon Reservation of Albania that held 6 dragons. Ciaran had worked with dragons since he was 19 and would never give it up. Their oldest dragon, London, was over 1,000 years old and blind. He was a twenty-nine-foot-long dragon with six legs and two enormous wings. He mostly slept, which was fine. The newest one, with blue-black reptilian skin and yellow eyes, barely a year old, still didn’t have a name. She had been put in a cage and left in the woods until Ciaran found her. When a loud horn alarm sounded, Ciaran and 30 other men ran to the front entrance to find that the baby dragon got out and entered the woods!
Chris was at Marker 9 when he heard something walking toward him and he collapsed when he got a look at it -- the beast was at least ten feet tall, black with some dark blue. Chris couldn’t figure out if his mind was playing tricks on him. It walked on four legs, but when it saw Chris, it rose up on two. Bright yellow eyes shone in the dark and stared at him. It had sharp teeth and leathery wings like a bat. Just as the creature roared and shot flames from its mouth, Chris was bowled over and the two bodies rolled out of the path of the flames. Ciaran checked that he was okay, then waved a hand at the burning tree to put out the fire. He began to talk to the baby dragon and started making up names for her. Chris suggested Robetta and Betta made a fine nickname. When Ciaran was ready to wipe his memories of this incident, Chris begged him not to. For some reason, Ciaran agreed and told him he would stop by to talk with him at 6 a.m. They decide to do their patrols together going forward. Will the two become close friends with their love of dragons? Will they acknowledge their attraction to each other? And how far will it take them?
Park Ranger Christopher Jennings is starting his first solo shift and he’s counting down the minutes until 11 p.m. Bergina, his immediate supervisor, was at the end of her shift and brought him up to date on the current status. His mom had loved the woods and brought her children here at least once a month. He knew every tree, stream, and hidden path to the mountains. This was his dream job!
Ciaran Beals was on his first week back on night shift and was yawning, barely keeping his eyes open. He got up and began walking the perimeter of the Dragon Reservation of Albania that held 6 dragons. Ciaran had worked with dragons since he was 19 and would never give it up. Their oldest dragon, London, was over 1,000 years old and blind. He was a twenty-nine-foot-long dragon with six legs and two enormous wings. He mostly slept, which was fine. The newest one, with blue-black reptilian skin and yellow eyes, barely a year old, still didn’t have a name. She had been put in a cage and left in the woods until Ciaran found her. When a loud horn alarm sounded, Ciaran and 30 other men ran to the front entrance to find that the baby dragon got out and entered the woods!
Chris was at Marker 9 when he heard something walking toward him and he collapsed when he got a look at it -- the beast was at least ten feet tall, black with some dark blue. Chris couldn’t figure out if his mind was playing tricks on him. It walked on four legs, but when it saw Chris, it rose up on two. Bright yellow eyes shone in the dark and stared at him. It had sharp teeth and leathery wings like a bat. Just as the creature roared and shot flames from its mouth, Chris was bowled over and the two bodies rolled out of the path of the flames. Ciaran checked that he was okay, then waved a hand at the burning tree to put out the fire. He began to talk to the baby dragon and started making up names for her. Chris suggested Robetta and Betta made a fine nickname. When Ciaran was ready to wipe his memories of this incident, Chris begged him not to. For some reason, Ciaran agreed and told him he would stop by to talk with him at 6 a.m. They decide to do their patrols together going forward. Will the two become close friends with their love of dragons? Will they acknowledge their attraction to each other? And how far will it take them?
June 30, 2025
“Well Mr. Maybe I’m A Sorcerer, can we make a pact?”
“I’m listening.”
“I will keep your secrets and you don’t have to abscondo my memory. In return, I will keep all the rangers out of your area for as long as I’m here, to avoid another incident. I won’t ask any dragon questions, but I may ask about our Betta from time to time, just to make sure she is okay. And I especially will not ask about your stick or the fact that you might or might not be a wizard or sorcerer who knows or does not know how to do a lick of magic. Can we shake on that?”
Ciaran didn’t say anything, mostly for effect. Because what Chris didn’t know was that five minutes into their conversation, he had decided he wasn’t going to use abscondo on him and conceal his memory. Right after Chris called him “my new best friend.”
He took a couple of moments and stuck his hand out. “I’m Ciaran, by the way. Ciaran Beals.”
I really loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I've always been attracted to stories where a character works to protect or guard a forest, so I liked Chris going in. I was fascinated with the premise of a dragon reservation- I don't think I've read of one before- but sad that they were endangered. Add a baby dragon and a mm romance and I'm all in! I loved getting to know the dragons- where they were from, what their personalities were like. Ciaran dedicating his life to them warmed my heart -and made me a little jealous honestly. That would definitely be my calling in life, too!
I loved how Ciaran and Chris met- Chris saw his first dragon that he'd never imagined were real, and Ciaran tackled him to the ground, saving him from being roasted alive by dragon fire. And then giving said dragon her name- with her approval, of course. I loved that Chris begged Cieran not to erase his memory of the beautiful creature, promising to keep the knowledge secret, and Cieran decided to trust him. I loved the friendship that bloomed and grew between them, how they opened up to each other, trusted each other, and became close; their friendship deepened into more. The chemistry between them sizzled. I was completely hooked to this story. Can't wait to read the next! 5 stars.
“I’m listening.”
“I will keep your secrets and you don’t have to abscondo my memory. In return, I will keep all the rangers out of your area for as long as I’m here, to avoid another incident. I won’t ask any dragon questions, but I may ask about our Betta from time to time, just to make sure she is okay. And I especially will not ask about your stick or the fact that you might or might not be a wizard or sorcerer who knows or does not know how to do a lick of magic. Can we shake on that?”
Ciaran didn’t say anything, mostly for effect. Because what Chris didn’t know was that five minutes into their conversation, he had decided he wasn’t going to use abscondo on him and conceal his memory. Right after Chris called him “my new best friend.”
He took a couple of moments and stuck his hand out. “I’m Ciaran, by the way. Ciaran Beals.”
I really loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. I've always been attracted to stories where a character works to protect or guard a forest, so I liked Chris going in. I was fascinated with the premise of a dragon reservation- I don't think I've read of one before- but sad that they were endangered. Add a baby dragon and a mm romance and I'm all in! I loved getting to know the dragons- where they were from, what their personalities were like. Ciaran dedicating his life to them warmed my heart -and made me a little jealous honestly. That would definitely be my calling in life, too!
I loved how Ciaran and Chris met- Chris saw his first dragon that he'd never imagined were real, and Ciaran tackled him to the ground, saving him from being roasted alive by dragon fire. And then giving said dragon her name- with her approval, of course. I loved that Chris begged Cieran not to erase his memory of the beautiful creature, promising to keep the knowledge secret, and Cieran decided to trust him. I loved the friendship that bloomed and grew between them, how they opened up to each other, trusted each other, and became close; their friendship deepened into more. The chemistry between them sizzled. I was completely hooked to this story. Can't wait to read the next! 5 stars.
June 3, 2025
Based on the title I was expecting lots of tension, action, and adventure. What I got was something different but I still really enjoyed myself reading this. The story focused on the development of the two main characters relationship. Chris and Ciaran come from two very different worlds, magic vs mundane, different sexual orientations etc. The story follows their developing friendship turning into something sexual and then something more (???). Its fun to watch them grow and recognize their feelings changing!!! Where I expected action and adventure other major focus of the story is world building and it is a fascinating world to explore.
Initially the writing as a bit unpolished with some awkward words choices and sentence structure that put me in mind of someone who isn't a native English speaker but it wasn't frequent enough to stop me from reading and the narrative voice gets smoother as you read on. So read on!!!!! At times I wish some of the info explained came across naturally in interactions rather than described in paragraphs but again it didn't stop me from wanting to keep reading.
While not a cliff hanger ending the story is open-ended with our two leading men still having a lot to talk about. I'd definitely be interested in reading a sequel continuation of their story. If I got a vote I'd want to see a confrontation between Ciaran and Chris's slimy ex!!!! I'd also be interested in a book focused on Vlad and Alexi, side characters in this story!!!
Initially the writing as a bit unpolished with some awkward words choices and sentence structure that put me in mind of someone who isn't a native English speaker but it wasn't frequent enough to stop me from reading and the narrative voice gets smoother as you read on. So read on!!!!! At times I wish some of the info explained came across naturally in interactions rather than described in paragraphs but again it didn't stop me from wanting to keep reading.
While not a cliff hanger ending the story is open-ended with our two leading men still having a lot to talk about. I'd definitely be interested in reading a sequel continuation of their story. If I got a vote I'd want to see a confrontation between Ciaran and Chris's slimy ex!!!! I'd also be interested in a book focused on Vlad and Alexi, side characters in this story!!!
October 22, 2025
Chris, a forest ranger in our mundane world meets Ciaran, magus and dragon protector, when an escaped baby dragon attempts to roast him. Dragons as an endangered species is not new, but the idea of a dragon reservation protected by magical forest rangers is. It makes for an original, delightful tale.
This is a hot, steamy story. Not that you'd glean this from the title. Bromance, according to Wiki, is a close, nonsexual, and emotionally intimate friendship between men. There's intimacy, boy is there intimacy, the author must have missed that whole "nonsexual' part of the definition. Still, it's a cute story, with a maybe not so fitting title.
The story starts a little slow due to the (necessary) worldbuilding. It picks up speed after that. Although, getting tackled by a handsome stranger and meeting a fire-breathing dragon makes for an exciting start. Watching the story unfold from wary strangers to friends to friends with benefits to eventual lovers, is rather sweet. There's no solid HEA at the end, but the relationship is a bit more than HFN. Since there's a Book 1 after the title, I'm sure we'll get to see it develop further.
Eskay Kabba is a new author for me. I liked her story pacing and the concept originality. Looking forward to Book 2.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR and this is my review.
This is a hot, steamy story. Not that you'd glean this from the title. Bromance, according to Wiki, is a close, nonsexual, and emotionally intimate friendship between men. There's intimacy, boy is there intimacy, the author must have missed that whole "nonsexual' part of the definition. Still, it's a cute story, with a maybe not so fitting title.
The story starts a little slow due to the (necessary) worldbuilding. It picks up speed after that. Although, getting tackled by a handsome stranger and meeting a fire-breathing dragon makes for an exciting start. Watching the story unfold from wary strangers to friends to friends with benefits to eventual lovers, is rather sweet. There's no solid HEA at the end, but the relationship is a bit more than HFN. Since there's a Book 1 after the title, I'm sure we'll get to see it develop further.
Eskay Kabba is a new author for me. I liked her story pacing and the concept originality. Looking forward to Book 2.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR and this is my review.
July 3, 2025
There were definitely things that I liked about this book such as the dragons and the magic that shows up at the end of the book. What did I not like? The title, the cover and I thought it could use a ruthless editor. There is an interesting story here but there were parts that I just skipped over. We very quickly find out alongside Chris that there are dragons and magic in this world, but then there is none of that as Chris and Ciaran become friends and get closer. Then there is a lot of sex and I mean a lot. Some heartfelt discussions but mostly stuff that eventually I just skipped over it even though I like a good spicy scene because there was just too much. Then the story gets really exciting as Ciaran goes off to rescue a dragon.
It all felt unbalanced and choppy like it was trying to be different types of stories instead of one cohesive whole.
Often I just don’t review a book if I have major issues with it, but I really enjoyed parts of this book and I sincerely feel like it could be a really great series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It all felt unbalanced and choppy like it was trying to be different types of stories instead of one cohesive whole.
Often I just don’t review a book if I have major issues with it, but I really enjoyed parts of this book and I sincerely feel like it could be a really great series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2025
I love a good fantasy romance but throw in some, or more than some spice, friends to lovers and baby dragons and I'm there. The world building in this book was great. The beginning was a bit slow for me but then things picked up. This book is very mundane meets magic which is a cool touch. Who knew looking for a baby dragon could turn into a love story? We do. Our Mcs were tested throughout this book and I loved seeing their friendship blossom into more even when things got hard. While I would have liked a more solid ending instead of open ended with the Mcs still having a lot to talk about and work through I loved the journey we got to go on with them. This definitely won't be the last book I read that this author wrote.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2025
There is already something magical about forests. Chris is excited that he is starting his first solo shift, an overnight shift and he can't wait for it to begin. His fascination with forests was shared with his mother and continues to this day. He did not expect to encounter a dragon. In fact, he wondered if his eyes were deceiving him. Cairan has worked with and protected dragons for a while. He comes along during Chris' encounter and saves him from getting roasted but instead of wiping Chris' mind of the incident he decides to team with Chris on patrols which leads them to a closeness and attraction that seems to be promising something more is coming. This is book one so we must keep reading to see.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2025
Christ Jennings is a newly minted third shift ranger in the Verdant Forest of Albania. Ciaran Beals is a senior dragon tamer and Magus (male Mage) in their Reserve located in a secluded corner of the forest. Their worlds collide when a young female dragon escapes the Reserve into the greater dangerous forest and Ciaran comes after her. The two form a bond as they chase after Bette and wrangle her back to the Reserve. Ciaran, a veteran of the great mage wars just past, knows that Chris is a Commoner, of the world that does not know about their Magic. But when he raises his wand to take away Chris’s memories of the night, Chris stops him. He promises not to tell anyone, and he knows he wants to see more of Ciaran. The two grow closer and Ciaran may be straight, but he knows he wants more with Chris.
Book One of The Ranger’s Magi. I’m all in for the next in series.
Book One of The Ranger’s Magi. I’m all in for the next in series.
June 18, 2025
Great adventure! Chris, gets the ultimate dream job of working in the woods he love playing in as a child. Ciaran is a dragon tamer and tasked with looking for baby dragon who left the grounds. The adventure turns into a little bit more than find and seek and turns a bit more adventurous, a bit more dangerous. We meet new friends, new conflicts and new opportunities to make decisions.Chris and Ciaran are challenged and their relationship changes and grows in unexpected ways. Eskay does their usual building a fantastic world with amazing characters. Well done! I received an ARC and amvoluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2025
4,5*/5*
Wow, all I did not know I needed in a book. All the fantasy.
This for me is a complete new venue into the work of Eskay Kabba and I was not disappointed. As in the contemporary work by Eskay by her it is well crafted and takes you all up into the vivid storytelling.
There is a romance in her between Chris and Ciaran that is not supposed to be, but we all know they find a way to make it work after Ciaran overcomes his bi/ pan/ gay turmoil.
The overarching storyline is captivating and gives so manyy ins for new stories in the Magi universe.
Oh did I mention dragons?
I kindly received an arc copy of this book via Booksprout. All opinions are my own.
Wow, all I did not know I needed in a book. All the fantasy.
This for me is a complete new venue into the work of Eskay Kabba and I was not disappointed. As in the contemporary work by Eskay by her it is well crafted and takes you all up into the vivid storytelling.
There is a romance in her between Chris and Ciaran that is not supposed to be, but we all know they find a way to make it work after Ciaran overcomes his bi/ pan/ gay turmoil.
The overarching storyline is captivating and gives so manyy ins for new stories in the Magi universe.
Oh did I mention dragons?
I kindly received an arc copy of this book via Booksprout. All opinions are my own.
August 1, 2025
I was introduced to this author via a free erotic literature website years ago and she has been captivating me since then. This book by her is one of my favorites and especially book 1. In this book you are introduced to two very different but similar men. Chris is charming and outgoing with a zest for life but there is also a deep sadness with the loss of his mother. Then there is Ciaran who is practical, level headed and also exudes a suave sexiness that you can’t quite put your finger on. You are introduced to a world of magic, dragons and love with some beautiful romance and steamy sex scenes. I absolutely adored the intro story with these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2025
I enjoyed the concept of the story, the world building and yes, it does take some time for the momentum to build. I didn't mind that the MC's were getting to know each other and we follow this progression.... it was the crassness of Chris's comments to get Ciaran's reactions and to push the new bi-awakenings in him that kinda put me off. There's pushing and being honest and then there's that step more.... and sometimes their speech patterns put me in mind of England setting, but they were in Albania. DNF.
June 15, 2025
4.5 stars. At first, I had mixed feelings about Chris, but he quickly grew on me. He was consistently honest and very open about what he liked, which was admirable. He happened to discover Ciaran and a dragon and managed to convince him not to wipe his memories. Chris discovered a hidden magical world, and Ciaran had a really good bi-awakening. The chemistry between them was outstanding and will get even more chance to deepen in the next planned book.
September 15, 2025
Beasts & Bromance is a fun, magical start to The Ranger’s Magi series. I loved how Chris and Ciaran’s friendship slowly turned into something deeper, all while dragons and danger kept things exciting. The mix of fantasy, romance, and a touch of humor made it an absolute delight—perfect if you want a heartwarming story with plenty of sparks and magic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. The characters definitely stole my heart in this book. I enjoyed the way this author tells their stories it's the first thing I've read by them so I am very excited. I am definitely looking forward to another book in this series I hope the author continues with the building of the world the town and introducing us to all wonderful new characters. I really recommend this book I thought it was just fantastic.
dnf
October 22, 2025This sounded so good, but I just couldn't deal with the constant change of POV's, a few time even within a paragraph. It confused me to no end, and I never got used to it as I'd hoped I would.
Also, the switch back and forth between "Magic is very secret" to "Here let me tell you about magic and dragons" to "We fought a war over keeping us Magi secret from the Commoners" to "Here, come into my place in a Magi building and read all my magic books." Grump.
Also, the switch back and forth between "Magic is very secret" to "Here let me tell you about magic and dragons" to "We fought a war over keeping us Magi secret from the Commoners" to "Here, come into my place in a Magi building and read all my magic books." Grump.
October 30, 2025
It was wonderful the way the author showed us Chris's love for the woods he's explored since childhood and I felt his joy at coming to them as a forest ranger. It was fun to see his surprise when he discovered there were dragons in the woods and a lovely friendship developed between Chris and Ciaran as they worked the night shift. Watching them discover each other's worlds let us as readers naturally discover things too and I can't wait to read more in this series.
May 6, 2025
This is a great MM fantasy. In a forest in Albania Christopher Jennings didn’t expect to run into both a dragon and a hot Magi named Ciaran. This friends to lovers book is just what the soul asks for. With its mixture of humor, eroticism, romance and of course dragons. It has something for everyone. I highly recommend it
May 22, 2025
If Beasts & Bromance is your first foray into the writing of Eskay Kabba. Please read her other works! I was introduced to Chris and Ciaran when I read Bittersweet Irish Cream, didn’t like Chris at all but fell in love with him when I read this book.
Ciaran reminds me so much of me, but unlike him, I plan on getting a wolf tattoo.
Ciaran reminds me so much of me, but unlike him, I plan on getting a wolf tattoo.
October 20, 2025
Chris and Ciaran fit nicely together, Chris convincing Ciaran to not wipe his memory certainly helped with that 😉. I really enjoyed the storyline. When the mundane and the magical intersect is one of my favorite types of fantasy, plus dragons
October 23, 2025
This book started out a bit slow, but had an exciting finish. The writing, especially the steamy scenes, were just a little awkward-feeling so I probably won’t be following this author, but the premise and world-building were interesting.
November 17, 2025
"Things are not always as they seem. Ciaran, a mage seeking a escape dragon, is forced back to the reserve . When Chris enters the picture, their paths cross in unexpected ways—but can our mage truly tell which feelings are real?"
October 21, 2025
Such a good read!!!
October 22, 2025
It is a good book and a couple.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2025
Chris and Ciaran and dragons. What a lovely combination.
November 9, 2025
Enjoyed this one from a new to me author! Well written and immersive. Looking forward to the next one.
October 23, 2025
If I could get away with writing a review with the words "just, Wow!" I would as really that's all I need to say! Not giving away any spoilers but this was such an epic series starter featuring Chris and Ciaran. From the moment they meet forming a strong friendship that with the help of plenty of lust, magic, and of course, love it soon evolves into more. Oh and there are dragons!!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews