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Dragon Heart
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SHIFTER BOOK 0.5
Shannon has a go along with her family's political plans to marry her off to a ruthless shifter older than dirt, or cut her ties and her losses.
Former Navy SEAL Drake O'Connor is on a mission like no other. Protecting Shay Barclay, the defiant daughter of his old commander, he's pushed to the brink by this firecracker leopardess. When the explosive chemistry between them ignites, they discover her family's political enemies are the least of their problems.
In a split decision, Shay decides one possessive dragon may be too much to handle. She heads out the door, back to the States, and hunkers under the radar for months. Until trouble shows up...smoking hot. Pissed to the max.
Drake intends on teaching her a lesson until he discovers Shay's pregnant with his twin babies. With ancient dragon dynasties dying out, their unborn infants are highly prized and worth a fortune on the black market. Fuel for revenge and have Dark Fae shifter gangs searching for her as well.
Sensuality Adult content. Code for MOLTEN--FLAMING FIREBALLS!
Shannon has a go along with her family's political plans to marry her off to a ruthless shifter older than dirt, or cut her ties and her losses.
Former Navy SEAL Drake O'Connor is on a mission like no other. Protecting Shay Barclay, the defiant daughter of his old commander, he's pushed to the brink by this firecracker leopardess. When the explosive chemistry between them ignites, they discover her family's political enemies are the least of their problems.
In a split decision, Shay decides one possessive dragon may be too much to handle. She heads out the door, back to the States, and hunkers under the radar for months. Until trouble shows up...smoking hot. Pissed to the max.
Drake intends on teaching her a lesson until he discovers Shay's pregnant with his twin babies. With ancient dragon dynasties dying out, their unborn infants are highly prized and worth a fortune on the black market. Fuel for revenge and have Dark Fae shifter gangs searching for her as well.
Sensuality Adult content. Code for MOLTEN--FLAMING FIREBALLS!
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2014
49 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Susan Arden
37 books979 followersBestselling author Susan Arden writes high-stakes, pulse-pounding romances filled with heat, tension, and unforgettable passion. Her stories blend realism and raw intimacy, blurring the line between desire and danger.
Readers describe her writing as addictive, cinematic, and hot. Love stories you feel in your bones. Romances that grab the heart, twist tight, and don’t let go.
Susan lives near the Tail of the Dragon in East TN. She loves iced coffee, imagining impossible situations, and chocolate cake.
If you love a dirty-talking cowboy, you've come to the right ranch!
Website: https://www.susanardenauthor.com/
Simon & Schuster~ http://www.simonandschuster.com/autho...
Facebook~ https://www.facebook.com/SusanArdenau...
Instagram~ https://www.instagram.com/susanarden/
Google https://plus.google.com/+SusanArdenAu...
Readers describe her writing as addictive, cinematic, and hot. Love stories you feel in your bones. Romances that grab the heart, twist tight, and don’t let go.
Susan lives near the Tail of the Dragon in East TN. She loves iced coffee, imagining impossible situations, and chocolate cake.
If you love a dirty-talking cowboy, you've come to the right ranch!
Website: https://www.susanardenauthor.com/
Simon & Schuster~ http://www.simonandschuster.com/autho...
Facebook~ https://www.facebook.com/SusanArdenau...
Instagram~ https://www.instagram.com/susanarden/
Google https://plus.google.com/+SusanArdenAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 26, 2014
Turns out, sex with a Dragon is as HOT as you think...
Unofficial Breakdown:
25% Romance
25% Action
20% Sexytimes
15% General Badassadry
10% Shifter politics
5% Fun Humor
This story was told in a dual point-of-view format between our main characters, and the flip POV really helped to clarify motives and emotions between two people who were pushing each other away on the outside, but falling hard and fast on the inside...
Shay Barclay
On the final leg of her journey she discovers her parents' plot to marry her off to an old shifter - Dimitri Necrodemas - in order to gain political advantage. Needless to say, Shay is less than pleased with this idea...
Shay is an independent woman, and in an effort to retain that independence she decides to seduce her bodyguard... See, Necrodemas won't want a wife that has been sullied by another Alpha. Plus, Shay's been wildly attracted to Drake for a long time. Time to kill two birds with one sexy stone...
Drake O’Connor
Drake fights Shay's advances as much as he can... Alpha-Dragon-Shifters like him don't mate lightly. Sex with a dragon is... well HOT... And intense *fans self* Good God, the sexytimes in this book are fabulous!
The story started as your average "Good Girl goes bad for the Wrong (but it feels oh so right) Guy" but it quickly shifted gears and became a much more vibrant and original!
Gotta get something off my chest here - You know I'm not the type to post spoilers, so know that I gave this a lot of thought... At the 20% the reader discovers that the MC is knocked up, and since her pregnancy catalyst for everything which happens in the remaining 80% of the book, I feel that it's necessary to bring it up. Unplanned pregnancies can be a trigger for some readers, and I wouldn't want someone to have their good time spoiled if they're less than enthusiastic about procreation.
The more I consider it, the more I think the blurb needs a makeover - one that gives hints to the action/adventure/political and also forewarns of the pregnancy plot-line...
Anyway...
There was a grand cast of characters which went beyond Shifters of all different species - Sure you had your usual wolves... But also Dragons, Leopards, Bears, Alligators, and a few others - this book also included Vampires, Fae, Witches, a couple of Phoenix, and even a Genie! I'm sure I'm missing a few in there somewhere... The diverse array of powers and abilities really kept me on my toes...
The secondary and tertiary characters added a punch of fun and humor to the story. I was particularly tickled to meet a Bear-Shifter with an addiction to honey who was in denial over his recent Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis...
Yeah, there was a lot of cute humor like that sprinkled throughout the book - it kept everything from getting too terribly serious while Shay and Drake were dealing with family obligations and trying to figure out shifty political maneuvering...
All in all, it was a fun story that kept me entertained!
***I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review****
The question was simple. Was his love for her greater than his pride?It's a shame the blurb doesn't really do justice to all the things happening in this book.
Unofficial Breakdown:
25% Romance
25% Action
20% Sexytimes
15% General Badassadry
10% Shifter politics
5% Fun Humor
This story was told in a dual point-of-view format between our main characters, and the flip POV really helped to clarify motives and emotions between two people who were pushing each other away on the outside, but falling hard and fast on the inside...
Shay Barclay
He was off limits. To her, Drake was like a piece of broken glass she held onto, piercing her deeper and deeper until she no longer noticed the risk - only the torture of being near to him.Shay is an American heiress who was taking a post-college luxury tour of Europe before returning to Colorado and her life as a grown up.
On the final leg of her journey she discovers her parents' plot to marry her off to an old shifter - Dimitri Necrodemas - in order to gain political advantage. Needless to say, Shay is less than pleased with this idea...
Shay is an independent woman, and in an effort to retain that independence she decides to seduce her bodyguard... See, Necrodemas won't want a wife that has been sullied by another Alpha. Plus, Shay's been wildly attracted to Drake for a long time. Time to kill two birds with one sexy stone...
Drake O’Connor
He'd heard what happened to alpha dragons in the presence of their mate. He hadn't accurately envisioned the depth of the allure she'd possess over him. The draw to her ran bone deep. Ah Hell, this was cell deep.Drake is head of security for the Barclay Family in charge of protecting Shay in her travels. The human-shifter political situation is deteriorating into chaos with roving gangs and civil unrest. Europe is NOT a safe place, but Drake isn't going to let anything happen to his charge.
Drake fights Shay's advances as much as he can... Alpha-Dragon-Shifters like him don't mate lightly. Sex with a dragon is... well HOT... And intense *fans self* Good God, the sexytimes in this book are fabulous!
The story started as your average "Good Girl goes bad for the Wrong (but it feels oh so right) Guy" but it quickly shifted gears and became a much more vibrant and original!
Gotta get something off my chest here - You know I'm not the type to post spoilers, so know that I gave this a lot of thought... At the 20% the reader discovers that the MC is knocked up, and since her pregnancy catalyst for everything which happens in the remaining 80% of the book, I feel that it's necessary to bring it up. Unplanned pregnancies can be a trigger for some readers, and I wouldn't want someone to have their good time spoiled if they're less than enthusiastic about procreation.
The more I consider it, the more I think the blurb needs a makeover - one that gives hints to the action/adventure/political and also forewarns of the pregnancy plot-line...
Anyway...
There was a grand cast of characters which went beyond Shifters of all different species - Sure you had your usual wolves... But also Dragons, Leopards, Bears, Alligators, and a few others - this book also included Vampires, Fae, Witches, a couple of Phoenix, and even a Genie! I'm sure I'm missing a few in there somewhere... The diverse array of powers and abilities really kept me on my toes...
The secondary and tertiary characters added a punch of fun and humor to the story. I was particularly tickled to meet a Bear-Shifter with an addiction to honey who was in denial over his recent Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis...
Yeah, there was a lot of cute humor like that sprinkled throughout the book - it kept everything from getting too terribly serious while Shay and Drake were dealing with family obligations and trying to figure out shifty political maneuvering...
All in all, it was a fun story that kept me entertained!
***I was provided a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review****
November 10, 2014
Dragon Heart by Susan Arden Leopardess Shay Barclay rebels against her arranged marriage to ancient leopard, Dimitri Necrodemas, by spending the night with Ex-Navy SEAL and dragon shifter Drake O’Connor. But will one night be enough?
Shay is an intriguing heroine. She is stubborn and determined. She starts out a bit naïve and grows a lot throughout the novel.
Drake is a sexy alpha male. I like that he is not one to conform and will fight for what is his. He is smart and strong willed. I appreciate that he will go to great lengths to protect his family.
I enjoyed that Drake’s crew consist of phoenixes. They seem like the perfect friends for a dragon: They both fly and are fire-retardant.
There was a lot going on with the plot that kept the story interesting. The bad guys kept you guessing about what they would do next. Shay and Drake have multiple obstacles to overcome. Dragon Heart is well-written and very descriptive, making it an enjoyable read.
Shay is an intriguing heroine. She is stubborn and determined. She starts out a bit naïve and grows a lot throughout the novel.
Drake is a sexy alpha male. I like that he is not one to conform and will fight for what is his. He is smart and strong willed. I appreciate that he will go to great lengths to protect his family.
I enjoyed that Drake’s crew consist of phoenixes. They seem like the perfect friends for a dragon: They both fly and are fire-retardant.
There was a lot going on with the plot that kept the story interesting. The bad guys kept you guessing about what they would do next. Shay and Drake have multiple obstacles to overcome. Dragon Heart is well-written and very descriptive, making it an enjoyable read.
January 10, 2015
Dragon Heart is a romantic story filled with too-hot-to-handle sexiness, suspense, and an engaging storyline that had me reading the novel in no time. Shay, a leopardess shifter, wasn’t shy one bit, and I loved her spunk in telling Drake what she planed to do to him. And seeing Drake struggle with his internal conflict about protecting Shay over what he wanted from her was beautifully handled. Arden introduces us to a wonderful cast of characters I’d love to read more about. Hope Arden expands this into a series. There’s a lot of fun to be had reading this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sexy paranormal read with one steaming hot dragon and a feisty leopard shifter.
November 16, 2014
' I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange of an honest review '
Shay is a leopardess shifter and her family is trying to marry her off for political reasons. However she flat out refuses to be a pawn and the old guy who wants to marry her expects a virgin. So she decides who better to make that not be an issue anymore then the dragon shifter that is her guard. She has always wanted him even though he stays away from her. She's not asking him for forever. Just one night. The old shifter just won't give up though. Even though she goes on the run and in hiding he still hunts for her. She didn't walk away fro her encounter with the Dragon unscathed. She has a constant reminder of what happened. When he comes back into the picture and is determined to be bound and mated to her she has a choice to make. Follow her heart or keep him at a distance.
Drake knows that Shay is his mate. But he feels that he has nothing to offer her so he stays away from her instead. When she convinces him to have her for just one night he finally gives into the temptation to have what he wants most. But he doesn't want only one night with her. He wants forever, but she disappears. When he finally finds her by her brothers request he finds a huge surprise waiting for him. No matter what she thinks he is not going to let her go. Even if he has to stay in the background he will always protect her.
My Opinion:
I have to say that I definitely enjoyed this book. Drake is a yummy Dragon shifter who's mate is a Leopardess shifter of a very prominent family. When the two get together is steaming hot. Literally! This was a well thought up and written book! I enjoyed the authors writing style. She definitely kept me interested in the book! I highly recommend reading!
' Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews '
Shay is a leopardess shifter and her family is trying to marry her off for political reasons. However she flat out refuses to be a pawn and the old guy who wants to marry her expects a virgin. So she decides who better to make that not be an issue anymore then the dragon shifter that is her guard. She has always wanted him even though he stays away from her. She's not asking him for forever. Just one night. The old shifter just won't give up though. Even though she goes on the run and in hiding he still hunts for her. She didn't walk away fro her encounter with the Dragon unscathed. She has a constant reminder of what happened. When he comes back into the picture and is determined to be bound and mated to her she has a choice to make. Follow her heart or keep him at a distance.
Drake knows that Shay is his mate. But he feels that he has nothing to offer her so he stays away from her instead. When she convinces him to have her for just one night he finally gives into the temptation to have what he wants most. But he doesn't want only one night with her. He wants forever, but she disappears. When he finally finds her by her brothers request he finds a huge surprise waiting for him. No matter what she thinks he is not going to let her go. Even if he has to stay in the background he will always protect her.
My Opinion:
I have to say that I definitely enjoyed this book. Drake is a yummy Dragon shifter who's mate is a Leopardess shifter of a very prominent family. When the two get together is steaming hot. Literally! This was a well thought up and written book! I enjoyed the authors writing style. She definitely kept me interested in the book! I highly recommend reading!
' Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews '
November 10, 2014
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'Dragon Heart' sizzles with fast-building heat, as sexy dragon shifter Drake, sheds his gentlemanly aura and gives Shay what she craves on a sultry summer evening. Leopardess shifter, Shay, is happy, her plan to lose her innocence to her dragon crush has worked but she is ill-prepared for the fatalistic consequences. Their first meeting is all about the physical and the eroticism of these scenes will make you hot and searching for a dragon of your own.
Sassy, vulnerable Shay makes some hot headed decisions, which endanger her happy ever after with Drake, and ultimately, it is so much more than red hot passion that keeps Drake and Shay together. This romantic adventure plays out against a background of shifter politics and dark Fae magic. Vivid characters, with easily recognisable human flaws are easy to visualise. They ramp up the suspense and keep this story rolling, at a rip- roaring pace. This fusion of paranormal and fantasy romance is guaranteed to keep you enthralled.
Dragon Heart is a classy, erotic tale, full of kick- ass action and passionate romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Susan Arden
October 3, 2014
Shay is a very vocal girl when it comes to her wants, "I'm going to climb and ride you like I'm a cowgirl, breaking and bucking bronco. And you, dragon boy, are going to like it." She ended up jabbing him in the chest while panting heavily." I loved when Shay's cat came out to play, "she purred, rubbing her cheek against his chin. He chuckled, tipping her face and brushing his mouth over hers. "Is that a hint you're ready for more?" Drake he's a protective man and he protects what's his, "baby, don't thank me. It's what I have to do. You're mine. And what's mine, I protect." There's nothing more important to him then his Shay, "Shay, I swear on everything we both hold dear, that I'll keep you safe. Stay with me or I'll tear up this world and the outer realms to prove I mean it." He tries to take her needs in to consideration, "baby, I don't want to act like a possessive d***," he ventured. Damn, if he straightened, she'd notice the hard-on in his pants." I really hope Shay's brother gets a story because he was another character that stole my heart.
November 16, 2014
I received this as an ARC for my honest review...
I'm giving this book 4.5 Dragon Fire Stars
First I would like to say how spectacular Susan Arden's writing is. This was my first Exotic/paranormal Romance, and I am so glad I went out of my box and read this book.
Shay and Drake have one hot, off the charts sexy romance. Their chemistry is WOW! Drake is this hot Alpha-Dragon.. girls he is going to make you sweat.. swoon.. Where can I get one. Shay, yes she is stubborn, but the sexual tension between these to is unbelievable.
This book had everything.. If you are looking for a Hotter than hot fantasy, exotic romance. This is your book. The romance in this book was like no other. Some of the stuff that came out of Drakes mouth was panty dropping!!!!
"With one major issue: she was his mate and forgetting her was as easy as forgetting to breathe." -Drake
This book was a great combination of modern and fantasy. I was entertained through this entire book. Perfect beginning, perfect middle and incredible HEA ending. This book was pretty dang good!
I'm giving this book 4.5 Dragon Fire Stars
First I would like to say how spectacular Susan Arden's writing is. This was my first Exotic/paranormal Romance, and I am so glad I went out of my box and read this book.
Shay and Drake have one hot, off the charts sexy romance. Their chemistry is WOW! Drake is this hot Alpha-Dragon.. girls he is going to make you sweat.. swoon.. Where can I get one. Shay, yes she is stubborn, but the sexual tension between these to is unbelievable.
This book had everything.. If you are looking for a Hotter than hot fantasy, exotic romance. This is your book. The romance in this book was like no other. Some of the stuff that came out of Drakes mouth was panty dropping!!!!
"With one major issue: she was his mate and forgetting her was as easy as forgetting to breathe." -Drake
This book was a great combination of modern and fantasy. I was entertained through this entire book. Perfect beginning, perfect middle and incredible HEA ending. This book was pretty dang good!
November 15, 2014
Wow! Shay and Drake are excellent characters. Shay is fighting tooth and nail not to be forced into a loveless arranged marriage and Drake is a sexy as hell, I mean a sexy sexy Dragon shifter who is on Shay's security detail. Love Shays seduction scene and how Drake gets so hot he starts to shift. These two together keep you on your toes and the plot itself is intriguing, action packed. I love the writing, the author drags you in from page one and doesn't let go until the end. I enjoyed every minute of it. Love these two characters together. Love how Shay goes after what she wants and doesn't take no for a answer and Drake is just a take charge kind of alpha Dragon who is sexy! Lol..great story,can't wait to read more by this author. I don't want to say too much you have to read it for yourself. Very hot. 5 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
November 16, 2014
Dragon Heart by Susan Arden 4 Stars!!!!
Shay Barclay is a shifter and because of that being forced to marry an old Geezer because of Shifter Politics. She loves her family but she wants her independence more. Leopard law doesnt give.
Drake is a hot ex-Navy Seal and an even Hotter Dragon. He made a promis to an old military buddy to protect his daughter and we watch as he goes through the pros and cons of which to chose.
Oh the fire and heat that erupts is amazing and had me turning the fan on as I read this from Cover to Cover and never put down. Yes it went with me all through the house and even caused me to read through the entire night. You have got to read this. Please Susan Arden lets get some more books in this series out there
I was given this for my honest and heartfelt review.
Shay Barclay is a shifter and because of that being forced to marry an old Geezer because of Shifter Politics. She loves her family but she wants her independence more. Leopard law doesnt give.
Drake is a hot ex-Navy Seal and an even Hotter Dragon. He made a promis to an old military buddy to protect his daughter and we watch as he goes through the pros and cons of which to chose.
Oh the fire and heat that erupts is amazing and had me turning the fan on as I read this from Cover to Cover and never put down. Yes it went with me all through the house and even caused me to read through the entire night. You have got to read this. Please Susan Arden lets get some more books in this series out there
I was given this for my honest and heartfelt review.
September 13, 2016
This story started off really well but it seemed to slow in the middle. The overall plot was good but my main issue was that I didn't particularly like Shay through most of the book and nearly all of her decisions baffled me.
May 14, 2017
Given a neutral rating as dnf, just could not bring myself to care about the heroine and what happened one way or the other.
October 12, 2014
I was giving this book in exchange for an honest review. I want to start out stating that I love how Susan writes and I have most of her books, but I think this book moved to the top of my favorite list. The way that Susan paints the scenes in her books is like I am living it. That is the best kind of author in my opinion.
This story is about the coming together of a leopard (Shey) and dragon(Drake) shifter. Things seem impossible for the two and they fight there growing attraction until Shey’s parents drop the bomb that she is to marry an old creepy leopard shifter that she can barley be in the same room without her skin crawling. Shey has had a thing for her brother’s friend for awhile and he is her protection on her trip so she decides to try and seduce Drake because she knows its her only way out of this wedding. Drake has been fighting his feelings for Shey since she came home after graduation and he is stuck watching over her. After Drake and Shey give into their feeling one thing after another happens.
Shey is a strong independent women who knows what she wants and what she don’t she isn't going to let her parents run her life even if she has to run and she does but it not all about the whole marriage it’s also her feeling for a certain dragon shifter one she knows she cant have for keeps, plus why would she want to be tight down by another man after she got free of the old one. We learn the Shey isn't just a spoiled rich girl that everyone seem to think she is, she moves on with her life and does what needs to be done. But she still can’t get Drake out of her head and it looks like he will be there for some time.
Drake is a sexy as sin dragon shifter that is really a bad ass. After the night with Shey everything feel apart but there is one thing that has stayed with him and that is the memories on their night together. After five months Shey’s brother asks him to track down Shey and get her home because things with humans and shifters are going to hell in a hand basket. When Drake and Shey reconnect the fireworks fly we learn some new thing about both and a few surprises alone the way.
This story is mostly about Drake and Shey’s relationship but I think an important part of the story is what Shey and her family have gone through and what they have to over come and a family. Drake too has his own family issues that need to be addressed. All and all this book has romance (and a lot of hot dragon love scenes), bickering, hardheadedness,it shows how much people will go through to help family/friends in need, and coming together ;) (pun intended lol) I hope that you pick up Dragon Heart and enjoy it as much as I did.
Some quotes that I loved:
“Geez. All of you. Fold it and hold it. This isn’t some preternatural pissing match.”
-Shey(god I love her mouthiness)
“Speaking of past experiences, it was perfect being in back of you”
-Drake(omg did I read that right did he just say that to her!)
“You came. I always will. You’re part of my mind, heart, soul, he rumbled”
-Drake to Shey (swoon)
This story is about the coming together of a leopard (Shey) and dragon(Drake) shifter. Things seem impossible for the two and they fight there growing attraction until Shey’s parents drop the bomb that she is to marry an old creepy leopard shifter that she can barley be in the same room without her skin crawling. Shey has had a thing for her brother’s friend for awhile and he is her protection on her trip so she decides to try and seduce Drake because she knows its her only way out of this wedding. Drake has been fighting his feelings for Shey since she came home after graduation and he is stuck watching over her. After Drake and Shey give into their feeling one thing after another happens.
Shey is a strong independent women who knows what she wants and what she don’t she isn't going to let her parents run her life even if she has to run and she does but it not all about the whole marriage it’s also her feeling for a certain dragon shifter one she knows she cant have for keeps, plus why would she want to be tight down by another man after she got free of the old one. We learn the Shey isn't just a spoiled rich girl that everyone seem to think she is, she moves on with her life and does what needs to be done. But she still can’t get Drake out of her head and it looks like he will be there for some time.
Drake is a sexy as sin dragon shifter that is really a bad ass. After the night with Shey everything feel apart but there is one thing that has stayed with him and that is the memories on their night together. After five months Shey’s brother asks him to track down Shey and get her home because things with humans and shifters are going to hell in a hand basket. When Drake and Shey reconnect the fireworks fly we learn some new thing about both and a few surprises alone the way.
This story is mostly about Drake and Shey’s relationship but I think an important part of the story is what Shey and her family have gone through and what they have to over come and a family. Drake too has his own family issues that need to be addressed. All and all this book has romance (and a lot of hot dragon love scenes), bickering, hardheadedness,it shows how much people will go through to help family/friends in need, and coming together ;) (pun intended lol) I hope that you pick up Dragon Heart and enjoy it as much as I did.
Some quotes that I loved:
“Geez. All of you. Fold it and hold it. This isn’t some preternatural pissing match.”
-Shey(god I love her mouthiness)
“Speaking of past experiences, it was perfect being in back of you”
-Drake(omg did I read that right did he just say that to her!)
“You came. I always will. You’re part of my mind, heart, soul, he rumbled”
-Drake to Shey (swoon)
November 10, 2014
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This is the first book in a new series by this author. I really enjoyed it!
Shay Barclay is a character that I really didn't take to at first, because she came across as a spoilt brat rather than a desperate leopardess. However, as the story unfolded, I softened towards her, because she lost her attitude and became a bit more humble.
Drake O'Connor is a character full of charisma and machismo, with a huge ego to boot! In fact, a typical alpha character. He is the "blacksheep" of his dragon family, as he refuses to tow the family line. I really liked this character. He is uber sexy and smart.
I am a HUGE fan of paranormal romances and have read hundreds of them over the years, so when I was given the opportunity to read this one, I snapped it up with glee! The story is a typical paranormal romance, but there are a few surprises in store for the readers.
I loved the heat between Shay and Drake, but felt it was a bit one-sided in favour of Drake in the beginning, because a dragon mates for life and Shay wasn't interested in "forever". However, as the story unfolded the imbalance between the two evened out. I really enjoyed meeting Noah, Grant and Evan, Drake's team mates, who happen to be phoenixes. I also enjoyed meeting the Jinni who looks after the O'Connor dragon horde. He is quite a character!
This story is an erotic paranormal romance, so there are several scenes of a sexual nature that are extremely explicit. The heat level is turned on " high" and fairly scorches the pages! I felt that the sub-plot became a little lost due to the many bedroom scenes. I can understand that dragons and leopardesses have high sex drives, but I would have liked a bit more danger or threat from the villains in the story, or a more exciting challenge for Drake to attempt for his bonding ceremony. Nevertheless, the story was entertaining and ended satisfactorily.
Susan Arden has written a fantastic erotic paranormal romance. I loved her fast paced writing style and the flow was wonderful. This is the second book I have read by this author. The first one was a contemporary romance, which I loved, but paranormal romances have always been my favourite genre. I will definitely read more of this author's books in the future.
Due to the hot sensual bedroom scenes, I do not recommend this book to younger teenage readers. However, I recommend this book if you love spicy, HOT paranormal romance novels. - Lynn Worton
This is the first book in a new series by this author. I really enjoyed it!
Shay Barclay is a character that I really didn't take to at first, because she came across as a spoilt brat rather than a desperate leopardess. However, as the story unfolded, I softened towards her, because she lost her attitude and became a bit more humble.
Drake O'Connor is a character full of charisma and machismo, with a huge ego to boot! In fact, a typical alpha character. He is the "blacksheep" of his dragon family, as he refuses to tow the family line. I really liked this character. He is uber sexy and smart.
I am a HUGE fan of paranormal romances and have read hundreds of them over the years, so when I was given the opportunity to read this one, I snapped it up with glee! The story is a typical paranormal romance, but there are a few surprises in store for the readers.
I loved the heat between Shay and Drake, but felt it was a bit one-sided in favour of Drake in the beginning, because a dragon mates for life and Shay wasn't interested in "forever". However, as the story unfolded the imbalance between the two evened out. I really enjoyed meeting Noah, Grant and Evan, Drake's team mates, who happen to be phoenixes. I also enjoyed meeting the Jinni who looks after the O'Connor dragon horde. He is quite a character!
This story is an erotic paranormal romance, so there are several scenes of a sexual nature that are extremely explicit. The heat level is turned on " high" and fairly scorches the pages! I felt that the sub-plot became a little lost due to the many bedroom scenes. I can understand that dragons and leopardesses have high sex drives, but I would have liked a bit more danger or threat from the villains in the story, or a more exciting challenge for Drake to attempt for his bonding ceremony. Nevertheless, the story was entertaining and ended satisfactorily.
Susan Arden has written a fantastic erotic paranormal romance. I loved her fast paced writing style and the flow was wonderful. This is the second book I have read by this author. The first one was a contemporary romance, which I loved, but paranormal romances have always been my favourite genre. I will definitely read more of this author's books in the future.
Due to the hot sensual bedroom scenes, I do not recommend this book to younger teenage readers. However, I recommend this book if you love spicy, HOT paranormal romance novels. - Lynn Worton
November 13, 2014
DNF
Susan Arden offered Dragon Heart to readers in exchange for honest reviews and I jumped at the chance because I'm a big PNR fan.
I just wasn't able to get into Drake and Shay's story. I didn't feel much chemistry between them and Shay's habit of running away knowing she's in danger makes her TSTL. I also found the text to be a bit murky, it's hard for me to describe what I was feeling, action would seem to start then stop and go in another direction. There also seemed to be inconsistencies or things weren't clearly stated. Things about the dragon mating weren't clear especially why Shay sometimes thinks Drake is controlling her. The situation with her parents and being under a magic spell and the timeline wasn't clear as well as why Shay felt the way she did about them when she learns about it. At one point Drake says Shay's father is on his way home and will be at dinner the night he arrives, but then he's just coming out of a coma. Drake and Shay needed to talk even if neither felt they could say the "L" word.
The sex was supposed to very hot and extreme because Drake is a dragon shifter, but that didn't come through on the page except for him releasing some flame after the first time they had sex. (The forked tongue had some intriguing possibilities though, that was a nice touch for a dragon shifter hero.) Like another reviewer mentioned, their sex scenes were very repetitive.
I tried to power through, but there wasn't enough to keep me interested and I kept looking at other books, so I put Dragon Heart down 3 times and tried coming back to it fresh with no luck. I finally gave up around 60%.
Susan Arden offered Dragon Heart to readers in exchange for honest reviews and I jumped at the chance because I'm a big PNR fan.
I just wasn't able to get into Drake and Shay's story. I didn't feel much chemistry between them and Shay's habit of running away knowing she's in danger makes her TSTL. I also found the text to be a bit murky, it's hard for me to describe what I was feeling, action would seem to start then stop and go in another direction. There also seemed to be inconsistencies or things weren't clearly stated. Things about the dragon mating weren't clear especially why Shay sometimes thinks Drake is controlling her. The situation with her parents and being under a magic spell and the timeline wasn't clear as well as why Shay felt the way she did about them when she learns about it. At one point Drake says Shay's father is on his way home and will be at dinner the night he arrives, but then he's just coming out of a coma. Drake and Shay needed to talk even if neither felt they could say the "L" word.
The sex was supposed to very hot and extreme because Drake is a dragon shifter, but that didn't come through on the page except for him releasing some flame after the first time they had sex. (The forked tongue had some intriguing possibilities though, that was a nice touch for a dragon shifter hero.) Like another reviewer mentioned, their sex scenes were very repetitive.
I tried to power through, but there wasn't enough to keep me interested and I kept looking at other books, so I put Dragon Heart down 3 times and tried coming back to it fresh with no luck. I finally gave up around 60%.
November 13, 2014
I totally loved this book!! EVERYTHING about it! From it tying into the Collared for a Night but being a prequel to it.
In Dragon Heart we follow Shannon Barclay as she is pushed by an unseen force into almost marrying Dimitri who wants nothing more than her as a 'Trophy Wife', a tool to use in his scheme of things. He only wants her because she is pure. However, one night with a Dragon would change everything!
Shannon aka Shay, is a stubborn, yet beautifully, smart woman who will do what it takes to get by after she escapes from Dimitri, her family and Drake. She disappears and hides while things only get worse for her family due to Dimitri's influence and his master plans to change the shifter world.
Hilarious moments happen along the way, but of course Shay would say...'This isn't some preternatural pissing match'...even when Drake comes barreling back into her life. Five months and lots of things have changed, the danger from her leaving the first time is catching up. With her family in danger and Drake by her side, will it be enough to give Shay the strength to save herself and her family? You have to read to find out!! (Trust me, SOOO GOOD!!!)
You will swoon, laugh, gasp and maybe shed a tear...but Shay and Drake will burn themselves into your heart! Absolutely a MUST READ!
In Dragon Heart we follow Shannon Barclay as she is pushed by an unseen force into almost marrying Dimitri who wants nothing more than her as a 'Trophy Wife', a tool to use in his scheme of things. He only wants her because she is pure. However, one night with a Dragon would change everything!
Shannon aka Shay, is a stubborn, yet beautifully, smart woman who will do what it takes to get by after she escapes from Dimitri, her family and Drake. She disappears and hides while things only get worse for her family due to Dimitri's influence and his master plans to change the shifter world.
Hilarious moments happen along the way, but of course Shay would say...'This isn't some preternatural pissing match'...even when Drake comes barreling back into her life. Five months and lots of things have changed, the danger from her leaving the first time is catching up. With her family in danger and Drake by her side, will it be enough to give Shay the strength to save herself and her family? You have to read to find out!! (Trust me, SOOO GOOD!!!)
You will swoon, laugh, gasp and maybe shed a tear...but Shay and Drake will burn themselves into your heart! Absolutely a MUST READ!
November 9, 2014
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 unicorns - I loved it!!
**Author gifted the ebook in exchange for an honest review
The cover doesn’t fit my idea of Drake because the model doesn’t look tough enough. I love the dragon though :)
I really love this series and every book I’ve read so far :) This is the best of the series so far because it had tons of action and intrigue. It does have a ton of very steamy sex scenes, so this is a very adult book. Shay is really head strong, and I hate to say it but makes many stupid decisions that had me yelling at her in my head. It sort of reminded me of that commercial where the guy says let’s hide behind the chainsaws….lol!
Drake is sexy and amazing, and he has his hands full with Shay and her shenanigans. There are lots of my favorite characters in this book as well as my favorite place to hang at The Den. You learn a lot about Quinn’s partner and his family in this book.
Susan is amazing because you can totally imagine everything happening and the story grabs your attention from the start. I can’t wait for more in this series. I know I have book 4 to read already and can’t wait.
I don’t like to tell any major plot points because I think it should be your journey to enjoy :)
I think if you are a shifter lover, you will love this book. If you are already a fan of Susan Arden, you will definitely want to read this book.
**Author gifted the ebook in exchange for an honest review
The cover doesn’t fit my idea of Drake because the model doesn’t look tough enough. I love the dragon though :)
I really love this series and every book I’ve read so far :) This is the best of the series so far because it had tons of action and intrigue. It does have a ton of very steamy sex scenes, so this is a very adult book. Shay is really head strong, and I hate to say it but makes many stupid decisions that had me yelling at her in my head. It sort of reminded me of that commercial where the guy says let’s hide behind the chainsaws….lol!
Drake is sexy and amazing, and he has his hands full with Shay and her shenanigans. There are lots of my favorite characters in this book as well as my favorite place to hang at The Den. You learn a lot about Quinn’s partner and his family in this book.
Susan is amazing because you can totally imagine everything happening and the story grabs your attention from the start. I can’t wait for more in this series. I know I have book 4 to read already and can’t wait.
I don’t like to tell any major plot points because I think it should be your journey to enjoy :)
I think if you are a shifter lover, you will love this book. If you are already a fan of Susan Arden, you will definitely want to read this book.
October 18, 2014
3.5*
This is the first book by Susan Arden that I've read and I really enjoyed it. At first I thought the book might be part of a series but it very soon started to flow and I was swept away by the story of Shay Barclay leopard shifter and Drake O'Connor ex-Navy Seal and dragon shifter who is her and her families security head. Shays parents are pushing her to marry an old powerful man Dimitri and Shay has no intentions of doing so. Shay has been hot for Drake for years but now she needs to lose her innocents then Dimitri will no longer want her. Drake is there and she wants just one night with him and she'll be on her way to make her own life. Drake fights it until he can no longer keep from taking what he's wanted for so long. Even when he tells her it will be more then a night or weekend of passion and he will always find her she leaves him at the end. Months later Drake finely locates her, her family needs her and Drake is in for a surprise. Can he leave her in the end?
My only problem with is book was that towards to middle it went from a strong PNR to a bit of a corny PNR. I was a bit disappointed but I still enjoyed the book and I will defiantly read more by Susan Arden.
This is the first book by Susan Arden that I've read and I really enjoyed it. At first I thought the book might be part of a series but it very soon started to flow and I was swept away by the story of Shay Barclay leopard shifter and Drake O'Connor ex-Navy Seal and dragon shifter who is her and her families security head. Shays parents are pushing her to marry an old powerful man Dimitri and Shay has no intentions of doing so. Shay has been hot for Drake for years but now she needs to lose her innocents then Dimitri will no longer want her. Drake is there and she wants just one night with him and she'll be on her way to make her own life. Drake fights it until he can no longer keep from taking what he's wanted for so long. Even when he tells her it will be more then a night or weekend of passion and he will always find her she leaves him at the end. Months later Drake finely locates her, her family needs her and Drake is in for a surprise. Can he leave her in the end?
My only problem with is book was that towards to middle it went from a strong PNR to a bit of a corny PNR. I was a bit disappointed but I still enjoyed the book and I will defiantly read more by Susan Arden.
October 20, 2014
This book is a whole lot of steamy hot fun. Shay is a leopard shifter with a problem. Her parents are using her as a political pawn, forcing her to marry an evil old man. But not if she loses her virginity first. She targets Drake, the guy who runs security for her family. He's the kind of alpha who'd burn right through most womens' resistance, and he's dead on when he tells Shay she doesn't know what she's getting into by messing with a dragon shifter.
They shouldn't work together. She's smart and strong and willful, and he's an eternal soul who's cut off from his roots. They're connection is fiery, and I'm not just talking about his flaming breath. The heat of their passion enables them to navigate the twisty, turny plot, and while I don't want to give away the ending, it's a romance so you know they'll get to a very happily every after.
Ms. Arden has created a lively family of characters and a vibrant world. It's the first book I've read by this author, but I can guarantee I'll be back for more.
(I was given an advance copy of this novel in return for an honest review.)
They shouldn't work together. She's smart and strong and willful, and he's an eternal soul who's cut off from his roots. They're connection is fiery, and I'm not just talking about his flaming breath. The heat of their passion enables them to navigate the twisty, turny plot, and while I don't want to give away the ending, it's a romance so you know they'll get to a very happily every after.
Ms. Arden has created a lively family of characters and a vibrant world. It's the first book I've read by this author, but I can guarantee I'll be back for more.
(I was given an advance copy of this novel in return for an honest review.)
August 9, 2015
3.5 Stars
No cliffhanger. A HFN between the featured couple. Lots of secondary hot alpha males introduced. An all-shifter town just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana that even has gator shifters! I enjoyed the book and might read the second book as I'm interested in what comes next for all the characters I met in this one. I counted off a 1/2 star for editing and flow. There was just something about the way the author wrote dialogue that got on my nerves. It seemed drug out and overdone imo. The full star counted off is because I got completely fed up with the h internal and external whining about her "independence" and the fact that both times she snuck out of protection, she was captured by bad guys right away and created more trouble for everyone. That kind of self-centered, immature female character Justus wears out my last nerve.
No cliffhanger. A HFN between the featured couple. Lots of secondary hot alpha males introduced. An all-shifter town just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana that even has gator shifters! I enjoyed the book and might read the second book as I'm interested in what comes next for all the characters I met in this one. I counted off a 1/2 star for editing and flow. There was just something about the way the author wrote dialogue that got on my nerves. It seemed drug out and overdone imo. The full star counted off is because I got completely fed up with the h internal and external whining about her "independence" and the fact that both times she snuck out of protection, she was captured by bad guys right away and created more trouble for everyone. That kind of self-centered, immature female character Justus wears out my last nerve.
August 22, 2015
Going against most opinions, I found this book a disappointment
Why this did not work for me:
To start with, I found the writing style too abrupt and not easy to read.
The hero was just OK, even tough I could not understand what him being an ex-Navy SEAL have to do with the story line - he is already a fire-breathing dragon for Heaven's sake.
The heroine made too many TSTL, irresponsible decisions based on "If you can, so can I" mentality (sure, you are off doing some dragon stuff, so I'll do something as well - while heavily pregnant, I'll ditch my guards, go after my enemy without any thought or backup so we can a bit of drama)
I really don't find frequent, repetitive and gratuitous sex hot - well, unless hero spewing some flames qualifies as such, and the phone sex scene? Really?
All and all, this book promised a lot, but for me, it did not deliver.
Why this did not work for me:
To start with, I found the writing style too abrupt and not easy to read.
The hero was just OK, even tough I could not understand what him being an ex-Navy SEAL have to do with the story line - he is already a fire-breathing dragon for Heaven's sake.
The heroine made too many TSTL, irresponsible decisions based on "If you can, so can I" mentality (sure, you are off doing some dragon stuff, so I'll do something as well - while heavily pregnant, I'll ditch my guards, go after my enemy without any thought or backup so we can a bit of drama)
I really don't find frequent, repetitive and gratuitous sex hot - well, unless hero spewing some flames qualifies as such, and the phone sex scene? Really?
All and all, this book promised a lot, but for me, it did not deliver.
November 10, 2014
Definitely the best book from this author that I've read so far and she's had quite a few 5 stars from me, if I could give more I would, the plot was awesome with him being a dragon shifter, a navy seal, and an alpha Oh My! She being a leopard shifter which meant they shouldn't have been able to be together but they were so right for each other. She's a bit spoiled at first but she comes around and learns to take care of herself and she needs to with bad guys after her. I loved it can't wait to read the next one.
November 11, 2014
I have found another new to me favorite author. I enjoyed this book very much. So much spunk from Shay and so much love and protectiveness from Drake. He had so much patience for her and all the trouble she was always causing him, it was great. Just cannot express how much I really liked this book. And then toward the end has a surprise that was thrown in and that just made it that much better too. Sure did not see that coming. I am sure looking forward to reading the next book and read Shawn and Diane's story. I know that it will be just as good as this one.
December 28, 2014
I really loved this book. I loved both Shay and Drake. Shay is one of those fierce independent woman who wants to stand on her feet to get what she wants. Where as Drake was the typical alpha male who tries to let her be who she is because he wants her to be with him of her own free will. I loved the plot very much. I would definitely read more of her books. I have quite a few of her books and she didn't disappoint with this one.
ARC copy provided for an honest review.
ARC copy provided for an honest review.
November 6, 2014
I am all about paranormal romance, and this book hit all of my favorite things about the genre. Shay, the heroine, is strong in every respect, and she challenges Drake like no one else could. He's a handful for her too in more ways that one ;-) From the beginning it's fast-paced and ultra steamy. The love scenes like the characters are extraordinary and supernaturally hot! Your pulse will be pounding until the very end.
August 5, 2016
2.5 stars. It started out with promise and kind of went down hill for me...Shay was super annoying. She continuously made terrible decisions in the act of being "independent". There is independent and then there is callous and stupid. She was the latter. Giving it 2.5 stars because it kept me interested enough to finish.
February 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Like: I liked the secondary characters enough that I'm hoping there is more books coming. The heroine is impulsive. Dmitri got what he deserved as did his associates. I'm interested in finding more about Jinni.
Like: I liked the secondary characters enough that I'm hoping there is more books coming. The heroine is impulsive. Dmitri got what he deserved as did his associates. I'm interested in finding more about Jinni.
January 7, 2016
Heart
There is nothing like finally giving your heart to your mate. And when her lion finds her dragon wants her. She starts the hunt. In the end it was all worth the lonely time apart.
There is nothing like finally giving your heart to your mate. And when her lion finds her dragon wants her. She starts the hunt. In the end it was all worth the lonely time apart.
November 14, 2014
4.5 stars
January 8, 2016
The sex was repetitive and didn't develop the story very much. Felt like it was there more than a actual story.
January 9, 2016
Ugh
No thank you. Story had potential, but was weighed down by an ever changing story lines and redundant sex scenes which were so boring I skipped through them. Not for me.
No thank you. Story had potential, but was weighed down by an ever changing story lines and redundant sex scenes which were so boring I skipped through them. Not for me.
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