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Nine-Tenths
Colin Levesque is at loose ends. He's finished university, but has no career; he adores romance novels, but he's crap at relationships; and his prickliness is a detriment at the café where he's making ends meet. He also has a crush on his regular Dav, a homo draconis who comes in every morning to read his newspaper, sip his double-strong coffee, and stare longingly at Colin in return.
So it figures that the day Colin gets up the courage to do something about the sexual tension simmering between them, he also learns that Dav has an embarrassing habit of hiccupping fire when he's nervous. Which, in this case, destroys the fancy custom-made bean roaster. When Dav volunteers to take over the coffee roasting with his fire-breath, being squished together in the hot, cramped kitchen leads to even hotter kisses.
Everything's finally happening for Colin—until people start claiming the dragon-roasted coffee has cured their genetic ailments. As their budding relationship struggles under the scrutiny of scientists and media, the hype around the coffee leads the lovers to be inducted into a centuries-old conspiracy: dragon-roasted food has always healed humans. And the most powerful draconic nobles have been withholding this symbiotic advantage to keep themselves on top. Colin and Dav are determined to expose the truth, but if they're not careful, their objections could goad power-mad monarchs into destroying everything they hold dear.
Including each other.
So it figures that the day Colin gets up the courage to do something about the sexual tension simmering between them, he also learns that Dav has an embarrassing habit of hiccupping fire when he's nervous. Which, in this case, destroys the fancy custom-made bean roaster. When Dav volunteers to take over the coffee roasting with his fire-breath, being squished together in the hot, cramped kitchen leads to even hotter kisses.
Everything's finally happening for Colin—until people start claiming the dragon-roasted coffee has cured their genetic ailments. As their budding relationship struggles under the scrutiny of scientists and media, the hype around the coffee leads the lovers to be inducted into a centuries-old conspiracy: dragon-roasted food has always healed humans. And the most powerful draconic nobles have been withholding this symbiotic advantage to keep themselves on top. Colin and Dav are determined to expose the truth, but if they're not careful, their objections could goad power-mad monarchs into destroying everything they hold dear.
Including each other.
572 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2025
28 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Frey
30 books208 followersFrey is an award-winning author and lapsed academic. She spent three years as the entertainment contributor on AMI Radio's Live From Studio 5 morning show, and was an occasional talking head in documentaries and on the SPACE Channel's premier chat show InnerSPACE. She holds a BA in Dramatic Literature and an MA in Communications Culture, and has lectured at conferences and conventions all around the world.
Her debut novel TRIPTYCH was nominated for two Lambda Literary Awards and garnered a place among the Best Books of 2011 from Publishers Weekly, and TIME AND TIDE was named one of The New York Times’ Best Romances of the Year.
She lives in Toronto where she is surrounded by houseplants, because she is allergic to anything with fur. Like her main character in NINE-TENTHS, she is also allergic to chocolate. But not wine.
Her debut novel TRIPTYCH was nominated for two Lambda Literary Awards and garnered a place among the Best Books of 2011 from Publishers Weekly, and TIME AND TIDE was named one of The New York Times’ Best Romances of the Year.
She lives in Toronto where she is surrounded by houseplants, because she is allergic to anything with fur. Like her main character in NINE-TENTHS, she is also allergic to chocolate. But not wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 5, 2025
Mixed feelings here. I did like the expansive political plot -- without delivering too many spoilers, I can say that the world Frey has built mirrors ours in that there's a history of colonization and oligarchy. I also liked the changes that having the ruling class be so long-lived results in: for instance, Elizabeth Regina the dragon is Elizabeth I, and there is no Elizabeth II (much less a Charles III). More sinister than our own world is the fact that dragons literally own the humans who live in their realms, a condition no humans seem to have questioned since the failed revolution in what might have become the United States.
But a number of problems, minor and major, shot holes in my enjoyment. I (and I can't believe I'm writing this) got tired of Colin's erections. I swear his cock never stopped stirring or thickening or twitching or waking up or stiffening. We get it! You're horny for your boyfriend! You're also apparently an adolescent susceptible to every passing breeze, not a grown man in his mid-twenties!
So that was one.
Next, I damn near DNF'd after Hadi, Colin's employer and best friend, does something that in my opinion is unforgivable and Colin apologizes to her. Fair point, his initial reaction was inappropriate, but there's no recognition anywhere that she did anything wrong. (Explanation: )
Last, the systemic change that has begun at the end of the book is enabled because a number of dragons and, eventually, Elizabeth, get on board with it. Yes, in real life it surely does help to get some powerful people on side if you want to improve life for us rank-and-filers, but it kind of undermines the anti-oligarch message if all along the oligarchs were benevolently inclined to take care of people but lost sight of that fact somehow. (I mean, it would be great if even one of our billionaires suddenly realized that after all it was in his nature to fund NYC's public-school and public-hospital systems, but I don't see that happening even if I do deliver an impassioned speech about it.)
I have to admit, though, that I got super into the scenes at Elizabeth's court -- full points for drama and style -- and, on a smaller scale, all the eye-popping details of fashionable draconic attire. "Tasteful"! Ha.
Thanks to the author and GRR for the ARC. As always, this is my honest opinion.
But a number of problems, minor and major, shot holes in my enjoyment. I (and I can't believe I'm writing this) got tired of Colin's erections. I swear his cock never stopped stirring or thickening or twitching or waking up or stiffening. We get it! You're horny for your boyfriend! You're also apparently an adolescent susceptible to every passing breeze, not a grown man in his mid-twenties!
So that was one.
Next, I damn near DNF'd after Hadi, Colin's employer and best friend, does something that in my opinion is unforgivable and Colin apologizes to her. Fair point, his initial reaction was inappropriate, but there's no recognition anywhere that she did anything wrong. (Explanation: )
Last, the systemic change that has begun at the end of the book is enabled because a number of dragons and, eventually, Elizabeth, get on board with it. Yes, in real life it surely does help to get some powerful people on side if you want to improve life for us rank-and-filers, but it kind of undermines the anti-oligarch message if all along the oligarchs were benevolently inclined to take care of people but lost sight of that fact somehow. (I mean, it would be great if even one of our billionaires suddenly realized that after all it was in his nature to fund NYC's public-school and public-hospital systems, but I don't see that happening even if I do deliver an impassioned speech about it.)
I have to admit, though, that I got super into the scenes at Elizabeth's court -- full points for drama and style -- and, on a smaller scale, all the eye-popping details of fashionable draconic attire. "Tasteful"! Ha.
Thanks to the author and GRR for the ARC. As always, this is my honest opinion.
June 11, 2025
This book was long but great. None of the content is just filler; it all adds to the story and is relevant. The world-building is brilliant; it uses our history and retells it in an engaging and entertaining way.
The characters are funny, the plot thick, and the writing style unique. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but I’m so glad I read it. Even the drama of the politics didn’t bore me as it usually does.
It had my hackles rising throughout. Intentional and inciting. It brings up topics that are difficult conversations but are in our history. It was a great use of the topic and full of angst. Dav and Colin fight to the end to make things better.
Great book!
——————————————
I received an ARC of this from GRR, and this is my honest review.
June 23, 2025
This was a very satisfying romantic story with a few twists. The world-building was excellent, I really like the way the author melded the dragon society with our familiar human one. Characters were well-developed and I'd want to be friends with many of them, and smack a few upside the head if it wouldn't get me eaten. The romance was balanced, with both parties carrying baggage from previous experience that was relevant but not overwhelming to the current story. An excellent blend of diversity; species, racial and sexuality, always nice to see. There were supportive families and less-supportive ones, an element of realism that many people will have to deal with in their lives, and an excellent example of a found-family.
I would recommend this book to readers of romance, fantasy and/or queer literature. It's a fun, relatively fast read and held my interest well.
I was provided an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would recommend this book to readers of romance, fantasy and/or queer literature. It's a fun, relatively fast read and held my interest well.
I was provided an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2025
Nine-Tenths is the story of Colin and Dav homo draconis. This was a wonderful short read that felt like a full novel. I loved the world building that takes place. The characters are interesting and perfect. I loved the way Colin and Dav felt so real. This book has me laughing with some of the banter in it. I'm looking forward to reading more of J.M. Frey's books. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 30, 2025
Lovely romantic story with dragons, humans and lots of coffee!!
📚Book = Standalone,
💕Burn = Slow
🎭OW/OM Drama = Yes, some male drama,
🐺 Alpha dragon = Absolutely,
🔥Heat/spice = 1/10,
😬Angst = Low,
🍆🌮 MM/FF = Yes, MM
🔹POV = 1st Person, SinglePV,
🔸Genre = Fantasy Romance,
🔹Tropes = MM✨ Coffee Shop Romance✨Grumpy barista✨Shy sunshine dragon✨Kitchen-fire meet-ugly✨ Friends to Lovers✨Secret Royalty✨Forced Proximity✨Possessive Romance✨Touch Him & Die✨Human/dragon relations worldwide✨
This was a wonderful love story between a human and a dragon. It was a long story, (do I think it could have been shorter, yes!) however I did enjoy it with all the history between humans and dragons and all the nuances of how they work together. Some bits I found a little confusing and had to re-read to get my head around it all, but that’s probably my foggy brain.
The love Colin & Dav had for each other was so wonderful, Dav was such an absolute sweetheart. I really felt for Colin as he had to get his head around being ‘owned’ of sorts by Dav, as the dragon community customs dictate. It was hard for him caught between his love for Dav and the hoarding of people and land within their dragon customs, Colin wanted to dictate his own life and not feel trapped.
Their meet-cute was so hilarious and a brilliant start to their relationship. You could actually feel Dav’s love and devotion for Colin, and their time making coffee together was really sweet and fun. The side characters were interesting, and it was well written with Colin’s panic attacks and mental health after the loss of his dad. Dav helped and supported Colin but Colin also supported Dav as he struggled with the antagonist Simcoe and his bully scheming nature.
The ending was brilliant and I’m so pleased thanks to Colin and Dav that humans and dragons will have a more cohesive future going forward.
All in all I really enjoyed this book. ⭐️
📚Book = Standalone,
💕Burn = Slow
🎭OW/OM Drama = Yes, some male drama,
🐺 Alpha dragon = Absolutely,
🔥Heat/spice = 1/10,
😬Angst = Low,
🍆🌮 MM/FF = Yes, MM
🔹POV = 1st Person, SinglePV,
🔸Genre = Fantasy Romance,
🔹Tropes = MM✨ Coffee Shop Romance✨Grumpy barista✨Shy sunshine dragon✨Kitchen-fire meet-ugly✨ Friends to Lovers✨Secret Royalty✨Forced Proximity✨Possessive Romance✨Touch Him & Die✨Human/dragon relations worldwide✨
This was a wonderful love story between a human and a dragon. It was a long story, (do I think it could have been shorter, yes!) however I did enjoy it with all the history between humans and dragons and all the nuances of how they work together. Some bits I found a little confusing and had to re-read to get my head around it all, but that’s probably my foggy brain.
The love Colin & Dav had for each other was so wonderful, Dav was such an absolute sweetheart. I really felt for Colin as he had to get his head around being ‘owned’ of sorts by Dav, as the dragon community customs dictate. It was hard for him caught between his love for Dav and the hoarding of people and land within their dragon customs, Colin wanted to dictate his own life and not feel trapped.
Their meet-cute was so hilarious and a brilliant start to their relationship. You could actually feel Dav’s love and devotion for Colin, and their time making coffee together was really sweet and fun. The side characters were interesting, and it was well written with Colin’s panic attacks and mental health after the loss of his dad. Dav helped and supported Colin but Colin also supported Dav as he struggled with the antagonist Simcoe and his bully scheming nature.
The ending was brilliant and I’m so pleased thanks to Colin and Dav that humans and dragons will have a more cohesive future going forward.
All in all I really enjoyed this book. ⭐️
July 3, 2025
This book was awesome.
J.M Frey is a new to be author, and if anyone thinks that spicy romance books aren't political I will hand them this book and ask them about colonisation. The story itself is set in post-pandemic Canada, but as if the American Revolution had failed and most of the North American continent remained under British, French, and Spanish control. There are indigenous nations (Aotearoa!) where colonisation has failed, but in Canada the story remains... similar if not the same. I mean. Dragons. Elizabeth 1 is still on the throne, and the British are Britishing. Dav and Colin are wonderfully written characters, and the descriptions of anxiety and crushing yourself to meet society's expectations is so good. The supporting cast are diverse and well written. The pacing was great, with some unexpected turns and moral dilemmas. The social and cultural structures were easy to grasp, and overall I just really enjoyed reading this. I'll definitely be working through Frey's back catalogue and anything else forthcoming.
J.M Frey is a new to be author, and if anyone thinks that spicy romance books aren't political I will hand them this book and ask them about colonisation. The story itself is set in post-pandemic Canada, but as if the American Revolution had failed and most of the North American continent remained under British, French, and Spanish control. There are indigenous nations (Aotearoa!) where colonisation has failed, but in Canada the story remains... similar if not the same. I mean. Dragons. Elizabeth 1 is still on the throne, and the British are Britishing. Dav and Colin are wonderfully written characters, and the descriptions of anxiety and crushing yourself to meet society's expectations is so good. The supporting cast are diverse and well written. The pacing was great, with some unexpected turns and moral dilemmas. The social and cultural structures were easy to grasp, and overall I just really enjoyed reading this. I'll definitely be working through Frey's back catalogue and anything else forthcoming.
July 2, 2025
I adored this book! I don’t give 5 stars easily but this just kept me reading long passed when I should have had a break. It’s a slooooow burn (like super duper slow) no-low angst (which I love) 1st person POV.
Colin and Dav were perfect for each other, even with the stumbling blocks they were solid. A wonderful love story.
I’m sure there are going to be a tonne of in depth reviews, telling you the whole plot line but I’m not going to do that. Read the synopsis, it’s accurate and honestly finding out as we go along is the best part of a story!!
Just do yourself a favour, and read this lovely book. Don’t spoil it by reading a million reviews. You will enjoy it. I promise.
Colin and Dav were perfect for each other, even with the stumbling blocks they were solid. A wonderful love story.
I’m sure there are going to be a tonne of in depth reviews, telling you the whole plot line but I’m not going to do that. Read the synopsis, it’s accurate and honestly finding out as we go along is the best part of a story!!
Just do yourself a favour, and read this lovely book. Don’t spoil it by reading a million reviews. You will enjoy it. I promise.
July 1, 2025
I loooooved this book!!!! From beginning to end, I was hooked. Colin’s way of narrating the story was funny, entertaining, chaotic, and surprisingly relatable. I kept laughing at his random comments lol they perfectly captured the way memories or thoughts just pop into our heads sometimes. So fun!
I also loved how we were introduced to their world. I really appreciated that there wasn’t a bunch of information dumped on us all at once. Instead, we gradually learned how things worked as the story unfolded. It felt natural and made everything easier to follow.
The chemistry between the characters was great, they were absolutely adorable. I love them, they're literally my children now. I’m a huge fan of the author’s writing style and I’m definitely going to check out more of her work!
I also loved how we were introduced to their world. I really appreciated that there wasn’t a bunch of information dumped on us all at once. Instead, we gradually learned how things worked as the story unfolded. It felt natural and made everything easier to follow.
The chemistry between the characters was great, they were absolutely adorable. I love them, they're literally my children now. I’m a huge fan of the author’s writing style and I’m definitely going to check out more of her work!
July 2, 2025
This was a cute premise and a sweet book. It had great world building and plot, the character development and relationships are well done, and it incorporates mental health in a very real way. It also drew a lot of allegories to problems within our own history and present day. This is an excellent, enjoyable book.
July 2, 2025
Some great world building and interesting characters kept my interest from the first chapter. Dav the dragon was a great match for the human Colin. Their story has a little bit of everything and I really enjoyed it.
June 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️ARC Review ⭐️⭐️
I received this book as an ARC version and I absolutely loved it! I thought it would be easier to list the reasons as dot point.
- The Banter is absolute chefs kiss, had me giggling quite a few times
- At 42% of the book I was thinking the story had as much content as most books do at 90%, but it didn’t seem long winded and the story continued to build/flow so well.
- The world building was amazing
- The history of dragons owning humans and territories was portrayed really well and you could clearly work out where all the dragons and humans sat in the pecking order.
- The representation of mental health struggles was on point.
- Colin and Dav get their HEA, but it wasn’t an easy road.
- All the characters have been developed well and their roles are clear.
This book was not at all what I was expecting for a paranormal, historical, age gap MM romance, but I was so hooked and glad that it exceeded my expectations.
I received this book as an ARC version and I absolutely loved it! I thought it would be easier to list the reasons as dot point.
- The Banter is absolute chefs kiss, had me giggling quite a few times
- At 42% of the book I was thinking the story had as much content as most books do at 90%, but it didn’t seem long winded and the story continued to build/flow so well.
- The world building was amazing
- The history of dragons owning humans and territories was portrayed really well and you could clearly work out where all the dragons and humans sat in the pecking order.
- The representation of mental health struggles was on point.
- Colin and Dav get their HEA, but it wasn’t an easy road.
- All the characters have been developed well and their roles are clear.
This book was not at all what I was expecting for a paranormal, historical, age gap MM romance, but I was so hooked and glad that it exceeded my expectations.
June 27, 2025
Absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t get enough of Colin and Dav. This book caught my attention and brought me along for a fantastic journey of fantasy, whimsy, with a mixture of reality that turned into everyone’s next must read novel! I The only issue with reading this book is you won’t want to put it down to work, clean, or do any other adulty adulting things.
June 22, 2025
"F*** this meet-cute straight to hell"
JM Frey has created a book that goes from swoony and hilarious rom-com to political intrigue and historical cover-ups.
The world building is incredible and completely immersive without the dreaded 'lord this has a lot of world building, can we please return to the swoon'.
Colin and Dav hold such a depth of layers, I found myself laughing, crying, grieving and completely in love.
It kept me reading until 3am, even with the knowledge I needed to up at 7am, the epitome of 'just one more chapter'.
5 stars!
JM Frey has created a book that goes from swoony and hilarious rom-com to political intrigue and historical cover-ups.
The world building is incredible and completely immersive without the dreaded 'lord this has a lot of world building, can we please return to the swoon'.
Colin and Dav hold such a depth of layers, I found myself laughing, crying, grieving and completely in love.
It kept me reading until 3am, even with the knowledge I needed to up at 7am, the epitome of 'just one more chapter'.
5 stars!
June 24, 2025
its not every day that a books has you laughing in the first few pages. this book is fantastic! long, but no part feels drawn out or a waste of words - its fun, flighty and a joy to read. i don't genuinely think I've read a book like it before and I would happily read it again - i just might.
June 19, 2025
The cover of this book is super cute, but it hides a surprisingly deep story. This is a paranormal romance. This is a human/dragon romance and it reminded me a lot of Louisa Masters style of writing, cute, humorous, but meaningful. Am definitely going to be reading more books by this author.
June 12, 2025
First of all, I’d like to thank J.M. Frey for my arc of this book! I was reading this book while J.M. was posting the chapters on Wattpad and I’m so excited to see this project published! Colin and Dav both feel like incredibly real people and the fantasy of this novel is so immersive. The dragons are one of my favourite parts of this book – the coffee being my favourite. The characters feel fully fleshed out and real. Laura Secord is still my favourite character and Simcoe is an ass, but I love how J.M. writes him. I love a good villain and Simcoe is definitely a good villain. I don’t want to give too much away, but if you’re into mlm contemporary fantasy romance with a bit of political intrigue and critique on colonialism, you should definitely check out Nine-Tenths!
June 7, 2025
This is one of the stories where you don’t judge a book by its cover. There is plenty of wonderful banter, snark and fluffy moments, but there is also the unexpected. In this world that Frey created, the hierarchy is so twisted to the point that it takes Dav and Colin to their breaking point and back a few times before they get their happily ever after. In this book delve into a society that dragons rule in the entirety and humans are “owned” and go along the journey with Colin as he works his way through his entire world shifting all because he fell in love with a dragon. I’m not usually an angst reader (this book is heavy on the angst), but please don’t let that stop you from enjoying this. Colin and Dav fight to the end!!!
June 3, 2025
The perfect romances for historical romance readers.
Recommend for people who like:
- Extremely witty banter
- DRAGONS (as in, scales and nails and forked tongues)
- Chaotic bisexuals
- Historical romance (It's not historical romance, but it's excellent for fans of histrom)
- Comforting MMC during panic/pain
- Idiot to lovers (I say, affectionately)
- Opposites attract
- Age gap
- Humanoid Dragon hand-roasting coffee beans using his own fire breath and scaly hands
Some of my reactions:
- Oh God it's so deliciously meta
- It's freaking hilarious!!
- DRAGONS!!!!
- This is some final destination sh*t
- Dav is so useful. A sentient Swiss Army knife
- Oh God, it's Jon Martin Magnus Archives vibes, no wonder I love it
Recommend for people who like:
- Extremely witty banter
- DRAGONS (as in, scales and nails and forked tongues)
- Chaotic bisexuals
- Historical romance (It's not historical romance, but it's excellent for fans of histrom)
- Comforting MMC during panic/pain
- Idiot to lovers (I say, affectionately)
- Opposites attract
- Age gap
- Humanoid Dragon hand-roasting coffee beans using his own fire breath and scaly hands
Some of my reactions:
- Oh God it's so deliciously meta
- It's freaking hilarious!!
- DRAGONS!!!!
- This is some final destination sh*t
- Dav is so useful. A sentient Swiss Army knife
- Oh God, it's Jon Martin Magnus Archives vibes, no wonder I love it
July 16, 2025
This had me hooked from the start. I was so immersed in the story and I really enjoyed every moment of it. The vibes were so good, and it was exactly what I needed. Dav is a dragon and Colin is a human, and they meet at the coffee shop Colin is working at. Their meet cute was hilarious, and I'm glad they got over the awkwardness of it. They were just so endearing and cute together, and I was rooting for them from the start. I loved that we got to witness Colin's struggles, it just made the story so much better, because we got to see them navigate these things together.
The world building was also really good, and I felt like I could truly immerse myself in this world and story.
Colin brought the perfect vibes for me, and it just made the book very enjoyable for me.
Definitely pick this up if you want to read about the tender lovestory between a dragon and a human and see them navigate issues that come up on their way to their happily ever after.
The world building was also really good, and I felt like I could truly immerse myself in this world and story.
Colin brought the perfect vibes for me, and it just made the book very enjoyable for me.
Definitely pick this up if you want to read about the tender lovestory between a dragon and a human and see them navigate issues that come up on their way to their happily ever after.
July 3, 2025
He has no career and he works at a coffee shop to make ends meets. Life has them going in to get their coffee and stare at him. Things will change when one of them roast coffee with his dragon fire and humans are cured. Things will get interesting very fast so see where they will take you
July 4, 2025
The meet-cute that starts a fire, literally. Dav has been coming to the coffee shop that Colin works at for months ordering a drink, reading his paper and watching Colin. Unfortunately, the first time they speak Dav has literally set the bean roaster on fire, cause he’s a dragon 😱. This is a paranormal romance with new dragon lore and a world where humans cohabit with dragons but not all know it. When the sparks fly between the two MC’s it sets off a chain of events neither saw coming. But, when Colin stands up for his man like no one ever has Dav will burn it all down just to save him. The side characters were just as interesting as the main ones, especially family. The bad guy gets what’s coming to him in the end and there is a satisfying HEA. Definitely recommend this book from a new to me author.
July 16, 2025
This book had its ups and downs. On one hand, I did like the commentary of colonialism and the treatment of the indigenous people of Canada. I especially loved the last 100 pages of the book where every sort of ramped up. I found the romance between Dav and Colin to be really sweet the majority of the time, but the lack of communication made me want to bang my head against the wall. I also thought that the pacing was a bit all over the place. The middle sort of dragged on and I think this book could have been cut down by 100-150 pages as we sort of lost the plot during the "second act".
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC!
August 25, 2025
This is a subversive delight of a book. It's freakin' fantastic, my second 5-star book of the year.
From this cover, and I LOVE this cover, I expected a light romance between a barista (Colin) and a dragon shapeshifter (Dav), and it is that, but it's also so much more. I did not expect a breakdown (and breaking down) of the evils of colonialism, slavery, and late-stage capitalism mixed in with the worldbuilding of an alternate history involving dragon politics.
Given how in depth the eventual worldbuilding is, I was impressed with how delicately it is sprinkled into the beginning of the story. No massive info dumps that feel out of place. By the time the reader is given a lot of information, it is organically incorporated into the story, arising naturally in conversation and to clear up misunderstandings or unintentional mistakes.
I also enjoyed the Canadianness of the story. Much of the story takes place in southern Ontario and involves things like the Niagara region's wine industry. Some history notes that will strike a chord with Canadians include that dragon Dav and Dav and Colin meet and interact with . This is possible because dragons and their acknowledged human favourites live for quite a long time.
This book is a mildly spicy romance within an alternate history/fantasy with the bonus of tackling serious societal issues. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
P.S. I would love to taste dragon-roasted coffee, and the endearment "Mine own" is swoon-worthy.
Content warning: There is a scene between Colin and Dav that involves abusive behavior intentionally triggered by manipulating Dav's dragon possessive instincts. It is acknowledged and dealt with and not in any way romanticized.
P.P.S. One sentence I wish didn't make it into the book, and I'm fully acknowledging personal bias here: there is a passing mention of the Duke of Sussex and his American wife, with no specific names attached. I'm not a fan of the current Duke of Sussex and his American wife, so that one sentence grated on my nerves. They play no part in the story and the mention was unnecessary in my opinion. Your mileage, and opinion, may, of course, vary.
From this cover, and I LOVE this cover, I expected a light romance between a barista (Colin) and a dragon shapeshifter (Dav), and it is that, but it's also so much more. I did not expect a breakdown (and breaking down) of the evils of colonialism, slavery, and late-stage capitalism mixed in with the worldbuilding of an alternate history involving dragon politics.
Given how in depth the eventual worldbuilding is, I was impressed with how delicately it is sprinkled into the beginning of the story. No massive info dumps that feel out of place. By the time the reader is given a lot of information, it is organically incorporated into the story, arising naturally in conversation and to clear up misunderstandings or unintentional mistakes.
I also enjoyed the Canadianness of the story. Much of the story takes place in southern Ontario and involves things like the Niagara region's wine industry. Some history notes that will strike a chord with Canadians include that dragon Dav and Dav and Colin meet and interact with . This is possible because dragons and their acknowledged human favourites live for quite a long time.
This book is a mildly spicy romance within an alternate history/fantasy with the bonus of tackling serious societal issues. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
P.S. I would love to taste dragon-roasted coffee, and the endearment "Mine own" is swoon-worthy.
Content warning: There is a scene between Colin and Dav that involves abusive behavior intentionally triggered by manipulating Dav's dragon possessive instincts. It is acknowledged and dealt with and not in any way romanticized.
P.P.S. One sentence I wish didn't make it into the book, and I'm fully acknowledging personal bias here: there is a passing mention of the Duke of Sussex and his American wife, with no specific names attached. I'm not a fan of the current Duke of Sussex and his American wife, so that one sentence grated on my nerves. They play no part in the story and the mention was unnecessary in my opinion. Your mileage, and opinion, may, of course, vary.
August 21, 2025
This book is a stunning work of art.
Simultaneously, it is an alternate history that showcases the cruelty and greed of empires hungry for territory and glory at any cost—particularly the cost of First Nation lives, livelihoods, and culture; it is an allegory of how the global 1% governs and rules everyone in a system of oppression and capitalistic cruelty that serves no one to the good, even the billionaires sitting atop their piles of blood-stained gold; it's a love story illustrating the trials that happen in a relationship when communication gets thwarted or skewed for any number of reasons, and the real and painful fallout that can happen because of it; it's a cautionary tale against narcissism and gaslighting and abusive relationships and how they can guise themselves in authority and rules and tradition to the point that victims lose almost everything they have, including possibly their lives; it's a loose commentary on the health-harm system, as opposed to the healthcare system, who may have the power to cure and help in landslides instead of trickles, but there's so much more money to be made and power to be hoarded in withholding it for the few instead of giving it to the many; ditto, it's also a story about how we could feed, clothe, shelter and nurture with the resources we have, and, instead, the inept and misguided and short-sighted Powers That Be choose to line their pockets and subjugate as many as possible; it's an essay on the dangers, fallout, and chaos of late-stage capitalism; it's a lesson in how to write a story that somehow never feels like a lesson, and instead manages to be a guided tour one is grateful to be on; and, maybe most importantly, it's a sweet, funny, devastatingly well-written male-male/queer and diverse romance about a dragon who is pining for what makes his heart sing and a human who is recovering from loss and trying to find his way and his purpose.
It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me cheer. And it made me think.
Thank you for writing and sharing. I hope everyone who needs to read this does so immediately, if not sooner. This one's important, and very—very—good.
5/5 Stars
1.5/5 for spice, and though you may long for more, there is definitely enough there to satisfy—even me, who unabashedly demands the spice/heat/steam be just as detailed as the rest of the plot.
Simultaneously, it is an alternate history that showcases the cruelty and greed of empires hungry for territory and glory at any cost—particularly the cost of First Nation lives, livelihoods, and culture; it is an allegory of how the global 1% governs and rules everyone in a system of oppression and capitalistic cruelty that serves no one to the good, even the billionaires sitting atop their piles of blood-stained gold; it's a love story illustrating the trials that happen in a relationship when communication gets thwarted or skewed for any number of reasons, and the real and painful fallout that can happen because of it; it's a cautionary tale against narcissism and gaslighting and abusive relationships and how they can guise themselves in authority and rules and tradition to the point that victims lose almost everything they have, including possibly their lives; it's a loose commentary on the health-harm system, as opposed to the healthcare system, who may have the power to cure and help in landslides instead of trickles, but there's so much more money to be made and power to be hoarded in withholding it for the few instead of giving it to the many; ditto, it's also a story about how we could feed, clothe, shelter and nurture with the resources we have, and, instead, the inept and misguided and short-sighted Powers That Be choose to line their pockets and subjugate as many as possible; it's an essay on the dangers, fallout, and chaos of late-stage capitalism; it's a lesson in how to write a story that somehow never feels like a lesson, and instead manages to be a guided tour one is grateful to be on; and, maybe most importantly, it's a sweet, funny, devastatingly well-written male-male/queer and diverse romance about a dragon who is pining for what makes his heart sing and a human who is recovering from loss and trying to find his way and his purpose.
It made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me cheer. And it made me think.
Thank you for writing and sharing. I hope everyone who needs to read this does so immediately, if not sooner. This one's important, and very—very—good.
5/5 Stars
1.5/5 for spice, and though you may long for more, there is definitely enough there to satisfy—even me, who unabashedly demands the spice/heat/steam be just as detailed as the rest of the plot.
June 30, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
J.M. Frey is a new-to-me author and the premise of this book piqued my interest. The parts of this book that I liked, I really enjoyed. But there were also parts that didn’t work for me at all. Ultimately, I have mixed feelings about this story.
The world building here is creative and interesting, and the author does a good job of fleshing it out. There are some elements that were expected, but Frey does a good job of making it her own. I adored the characters, both main and secondary. The banter throughout, both between Colin and Dav, and Colin and others, is endearing and well done. I found myself amused at more than one point and Frey does a good job of balancing humor and tense moments to give the book a well-rounded feel.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4 stars
J.M. Frey is a new-to-me author and the premise of this book piqued my interest. The parts of this book that I liked, I really enjoyed. But there were also parts that didn’t work for me at all. Ultimately, I have mixed feelings about this story.
The world building here is creative and interesting, and the author does a good job of fleshing it out. There are some elements that were expected, but Frey does a good job of making it her own. I adored the characters, both main and secondary. The banter throughout, both between Colin and Dav, and Colin and others, is endearing and well done. I found myself amused at more than one point and Frey does a good job of balancing humor and tense moments to give the book a well-rounded feel.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
June 26, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via The Author’s Archive and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nine-Tenths is a MM romantic fantasy and yet it is so much more complex than that.
There is a lot of depth within this story involving mental health, grief, uncertainty, politics, social standings, family, friendships, relationships.
This was such an intricate story and I quite enjoyed both the light and the more intense aspects, and of course dragons.
Nine-Tenths is a MM romantic fantasy and yet it is so much more complex than that.
There is a lot of depth within this story involving mental health, grief, uncertainty, politics, social standings, family, friendships, relationships.
This was such an intricate story and I quite enjoyed both the light and the more intense aspects, and of course dragons.
September 15, 2025
This was cute. I wasn't sure about it at first, as it seemed a little cliche and took some time to settle into its groove. Also there were annoying editing errors. Most, like missing words and misused words, I could ignore without too much trouble, but when the character's heart was "thuddering" I got thrown out of the story. I know it's just a typo but for some reason it took me out.
After a bit though, the story found its footing and I got hooked. It didn't go where I expected it to at all--in a good way. The characters ended up being really endearing and I really enjoyed spending time with them as they got to know one another. I really enjoyed the reading experience (after the first hiccups) and I'm glad I took a chance on it.
After a bit though, the story found its footing and I got hooked. It didn't go where I expected it to at all--in a good way. The characters ended up being really endearing and I really enjoyed spending time with them as they got to know one another. I really enjoyed the reading experience (after the first hiccups) and I'm glad I took a chance on it.
August 18, 2025
This title was selected for IngramSpark's Indie Title Discovery Spotlight 2025!
A human-dragon contemporary romantasy packed with immersive world-building, witty banter, and socio-political commentary. A must-read for fans of slow burn, forced proximity, and queer romantasy tales!
A human-dragon contemporary romantasy packed with immersive world-building, witty banter, and socio-political commentary. A must-read for fans of slow burn, forced proximity, and queer romantasy tales!
July 6, 2025
ARC Review - Honest review
I loved this book from the very first page. Colin’s humour, 4th wall breaks, and overall narration style immediately drew me in. Being a Gen Z, I found the nods to real life and the mentions of the pandemic etc. really helped cement this book as an alternate reality rather than a new fantasy world that is vaguely representative of our own.
I’m not huge on highlighting quotes in books or annotation in general, but with this book I couldn’t help myself! Anytime I laughed out loud and read a quote to my partner, I highlighted it so I can go back and giggle at it later. I’ll put those quotes at the bottom of my review.
I went into this expecting a silly little coffee shop romance and what I got was an anxious gen-z bisexual changing the injustices in the world. The vibes were immaculate. The style of writing was concise without being vague, and descriptive in all the right places. The romance and spice were *chefs kiss*. I cannot wait for the paperback to come out so I can give this book a home on my shelf to come back to over and over in years to come. I couldn’t help but tell EVERYONE about this book the day it came out when I was only halfway because I needed to share this.
Dav and Colin are my new favourite book couple, they are so sweet and even with all of the difficulties around etiquette and rules, they openly communicate in the ways they need to and show what a good relationship should be. Growth, taking time to feel your feelings, talking it through, and consent is key. These felt so good in a romance book, without feeling forced or breezed over.
And of course - fuck capitalism.
Highlighted quotes as promised:
- I am a smol bi disaster bebe and sass is my domain
- "My dear." The endearment makes my stomach wriggle. "I'd like nothing better than to fill all my free time being close to you."
- "It's everywhere. Bee-are-bee, gonna go throw myself off the back deck." "Do a flip," Hadi says, deadpan. "Please don't, actually," Dav says, strained.
- If you can't make your own serotonin, store-bought is fine.
- I shove him back onto the bed, and he lands like a slutty starfish, open and ready.
- Call me a greedy bisexual, but what I really am is a master of my trades. Coffee and orgasms: I'll make your eyes roll back with both.
- You'll be happy to know dragons do not spit fire when they orgasm. I'm not gonna lie, I was worried.
- "I've made a terrible mistake," Dav says, haunted and miserable. "I will kick you off the side of the bed if you mean the sex."
- I say this with the utmost love and affection, but…" "But?" He dimples at me. "Fuck off."
- "Your teeth are the size of a butcher knife and I am letting you near my junk. If this isn't trust, then—"
- "He's evolved from a Snacc-Dragon into a full-ass three-course-meal."
I loved this book from the very first page. Colin’s humour, 4th wall breaks, and overall narration style immediately drew me in. Being a Gen Z, I found the nods to real life and the mentions of the pandemic etc. really helped cement this book as an alternate reality rather than a new fantasy world that is vaguely representative of our own.
I’m not huge on highlighting quotes in books or annotation in general, but with this book I couldn’t help myself! Anytime I laughed out loud and read a quote to my partner, I highlighted it so I can go back and giggle at it later. I’ll put those quotes at the bottom of my review.
I went into this expecting a silly little coffee shop romance and what I got was an anxious gen-z bisexual changing the injustices in the world. The vibes were immaculate. The style of writing was concise without being vague, and descriptive in all the right places. The romance and spice were *chefs kiss*. I cannot wait for the paperback to come out so I can give this book a home on my shelf to come back to over and over in years to come. I couldn’t help but tell EVERYONE about this book the day it came out when I was only halfway because I needed to share this.
Dav and Colin are my new favourite book couple, they are so sweet and even with all of the difficulties around etiquette and rules, they openly communicate in the ways they need to and show what a good relationship should be. Growth, taking time to feel your feelings, talking it through, and consent is key. These felt so good in a romance book, without feeling forced or breezed over.
And of course - fuck capitalism.
Highlighted quotes as promised:
- I am a smol bi disaster bebe and sass is my domain
- "My dear." The endearment makes my stomach wriggle. "I'd like nothing better than to fill all my free time being close to you."
- "It's everywhere. Bee-are-bee, gonna go throw myself off the back deck." "Do a flip," Hadi says, deadpan. "Please don't, actually," Dav says, strained.
- If you can't make your own serotonin, store-bought is fine.
- I shove him back onto the bed, and he lands like a slutty starfish, open and ready.
- Call me a greedy bisexual, but what I really am is a master of my trades. Coffee and orgasms: I'll make your eyes roll back with both.
- You'll be happy to know dragons do not spit fire when they orgasm. I'm not gonna lie, I was worried.
- "I've made a terrible mistake," Dav says, haunted and miserable. "I will kick you off the side of the bed if you mean the sex."
- I say this with the utmost love and affection, but…" "But?" He dimples at me. "Fuck off."
- "Your teeth are the size of a butcher knife and I am letting you near my junk. If this isn't trust, then—"
- "He's evolved from a Snacc-Dragon into a full-ass three-course-meal."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed the book. This is the story of Colin Levesque and Dav. Colin is a barista who is trying to figure out what to do with his life. He has a degree but no idea of how he wants to use it. Dav is a dragon and his name is Alva-draig Tudor. He has been coming to the coffee shop for over a year just to watch Colin. He enjoys his friendliness and how he makes everyone's day brighter. His personality is bubbly. Dav on the other hand is more reserved and less confident. There are sparks from their first meeting. Stepping in to help the coffee shop for an accident that he contribute to, lets the two of them get to know each other better. This is their story. This book is so well written and it is a joy to read. There is humor, sadness and a conspiracy to reveal. While Dav is willing to stick with the status quo, Colin is prepared to do anything and everything to keep Dav safe and happy. The world building is excellently done. I received an advanced review copy of this book from GRR and I am voluntarily leaving a review. really enjoyed this book!
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