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Greatdrakes #2
Smoke Bonded: A Dragon Shifter Romance (Greatdrakes, Book 2)
Apollo can brew any elixir…except the one to resist Lachlan Bloody Ironwood.
When Apollo Greatdrakes—alchemist, playboy, and reluctant dragon shifter—is kidnapped by a secret society of blood mages, he expects his family to come to rescue him. What he gets is Lachlan Ironwood, storming in very pissed off and utterly irresistible.
With the Sanguis Vitae—a centuries-old alchemical order obsessed with immortality—believing Apollo is their perfect specimen, they won't stop until they have what they a dragon under their control and their scalpels. Now Apollo and Lachlan must put aside their messy feelings and focus on taking down the ancient order of alchemists before they attack someone else they love.
But there's another kind of chemistry brewing between them that can't be ignored. Apollo knows Lachlan is his fated mate, but he's terrified of claiming a man who might not be capable of the forever that dragons demand. Meanwhile, Lachlan is determined to prove he wants more than just Apollo's body—he wants his heart and all the messy emotions that go with it.
As they navigate masquerade balls, dangerous blood magic, and their own sizzling attraction, Apollo and Lachlan must decide if they will risk everything for a chance at true love. Because the Sanguis Vitae aren't just after Apollo's blood—they are a danger to all supernatural creatures. And time is running out.
Please note this book is an adult MM paranormal romance, and it contains swearing, violence, and spicy scenes.
When Apollo Greatdrakes—alchemist, playboy, and reluctant dragon shifter—is kidnapped by a secret society of blood mages, he expects his family to come to rescue him. What he gets is Lachlan Ironwood, storming in very pissed off and utterly irresistible.
With the Sanguis Vitae—a centuries-old alchemical order obsessed with immortality—believing Apollo is their perfect specimen, they won't stop until they have what they a dragon under their control and their scalpels. Now Apollo and Lachlan must put aside their messy feelings and focus on taking down the ancient order of alchemists before they attack someone else they love.
But there's another kind of chemistry brewing between them that can't be ignored. Apollo knows Lachlan is his fated mate, but he's terrified of claiming a man who might not be capable of the forever that dragons demand. Meanwhile, Lachlan is determined to prove he wants more than just Apollo's body—he wants his heart and all the messy emotions that go with it.
As they navigate masquerade balls, dangerous blood magic, and their own sizzling attraction, Apollo and Lachlan must decide if they will risk everything for a chance at true love. Because the Sanguis Vitae aren't just after Apollo's blood—they are a danger to all supernatural creatures. And time is running out.
Please note this book is an adult MM paranormal romance, and it contains swearing, violence, and spicy scenes.
254 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2025
102 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Alessa Thorn
48 books975 followersAlessa Thorn believes that all monsters and villains deserve their happy endings. She prefers her clothes black, eyeliner winged and books full of hot romance. She thinks heroes are boring, so her first series 'The Court of the Underworld' centers around dark gods, monsters and villains from her favorite Greek Myths.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 28, 2025
Honestly, a bit underwhelming. I was looking forward to Lachlan and Apollo’s story but the reason they weren’t together was only that Apollo was too afraid to try. He didn’t want to love Lachlan and lose him but I didn’t understand why Lachlan was so different than the other people he loved in his life. Sure your mate is the most important but Apollo only seemed to shun love when it came to Lachlan. The turning point was just Apollo deciding to try. There wasn’t even a real conversation between them because there didn’t really need to be. They just decided to be together. No offense to Apollo and Lachlan but there are some real supernatural heavy hitters in the Ironwood/Greatdrakes extended family and Apollo and Lachlan don’t really stack up magically. Not a fan of this one but very interested in Valentine’s book next.
October 7, 2025
I love these dumb boys so much 😭
It can never be overstated the amount of joy it brings me that these two are finally together.
Although the tension was so much fun.
The use of corny pop references never will cease to amuse me, I laughed out loud when Apollo compared himself to Toothless.
It can never be overstated the amount of joy it brings me that these two are finally together.
Although the tension was so much fun.
The use of corny pop references never will cease to amuse me, I laughed out loud when Apollo compared himself to Toothless.
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July 2, 2025The Greatdrakes continue to be my favorites in the Fae Universe. Apollo and Lachlan's story was well worth the wait, and I loved the teaser of Valentine's story too.
August 8, 2025
“I just want a chance to fucking love you. You deserve more than being a party boy hook- up. You deserve everything, so let me give it to you.”
At first I thought I would have a hard time liking Apollo, but he ended up being so sweet! There were multiple times I wanted to shake some sense into him; he had put Lachie through the wringer. For real, Lachie was a saint for putting up with Apollo's antics! But they're so real when saying that Apollo always gets his way because we can't help but love him.
And remember that I was complaining about the conflict with the bad guys always happening at the very end in this series? Well, I'm glad to report that wasn't the case in this one! I absolutely loved how everything happened in this book; the pacing was impeccable. There was action (of every kind 😏) throughout the book, making it so fun and exciting to read. Also, I have FINALLY found an MM book that I enjoyed!
I loved this book so much it made me realize how bland Dream Lost was in comparison. Like I said, Smoke Bonded had the perfect ratio between romance and action. I also loved how the whole mating thing was handled in this one; I feel like we have more details on how things work with the dragons than we had in the previous book, and it answered some questions that were left hanging.
All that to say that I'm so happily surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. I very much did not see that coming, but I'm always glad when this kind of thing happens :)
At first I thought I would have a hard time liking Apollo, but he ended up being so sweet! There were multiple times I wanted to shake some sense into him; he had put Lachie through the wringer. For real, Lachie was a saint for putting up with Apollo's antics! But they're so real when saying that Apollo always gets his way because we can't help but love him.
And remember that I was complaining about the conflict with the bad guys always happening at the very end in this series? Well, I'm glad to report that wasn't the case in this one! I absolutely loved how everything happened in this book; the pacing was impeccable. There was action (of every kind 😏) throughout the book, making it so fun and exciting to read. Also, I have FINALLY found an MM book that I enjoyed!
I loved this book so much it made me realize how bland Dream Lost was in comparison. Like I said, Smoke Bonded had the perfect ratio between romance and action. I also loved how the whole mating thing was handled in this one; I feel like we have more details on how things work with the dragons than we had in the previous book, and it answered some questions that were left hanging.
All that to say that I'm so happily surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. I very much did not see that coming, but I'm always glad when this kind of thing happens :)
July 14, 2025
I’ve been waiting forever for Lachlan and Apollo to finally get together! Alessa did such a great job teasing us with them over several books in this universe. These two dragged out their story, with one being stubborn and hiding, and the other fighting his feelings before finally giving in (while still fearing the worst). Their journey was a total rollercoaster, and it’s become one of my favorite stories, it just could have been more. I loved the humor, the family vibes, the magic, dragons, and of course, the heat.
I wasn’t sure I’d like the MM aspect, but Alessa’s writing style and the banter were pure perfection! I was also thrilled to get more of Valentine in this book. I can’t wait for more of his broody handsomeness in the next one!
What I didn’t love as much is that it felt like yet another book without a real “plot.” I’d have loved more depth about the cult and its background. Aside from the mate storyline, I also found the smecksy time a bit too much… Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy some heat, but for me personally, it was simply too much here. The ending was also quite predictable, and the “big” final battle I’d hoped for wasn’t particularly spectacular. I was looking for more lore and deeper worldbuilding but was disappointed—again. Fingers crossed the next book with Valentine brings that back.
I’m sticking with the series, but the Mercenaries and Magic series is still my favorite.
I wasn’t sure I’d like the MM aspect, but Alessa’s writing style and the banter were pure perfection! I was also thrilled to get more of Valentine in this book. I can’t wait for more of his broody handsomeness in the next one!
What I didn’t love as much is that it felt like yet another book without a real “plot.” I’d have loved more depth about the cult and its background. Aside from the mate storyline, I also found the smecksy time a bit too much… Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy some heat, but for me personally, it was simply too much here. The ending was also quite predictable, and the “big” final battle I’d hoped for wasn’t particularly spectacular. I was looking for more lore and deeper worldbuilding but was disappointed—again. Fingers crossed the next book with Valentine brings that back.
I’m sticking with the series, but the Mercenaries and Magic series is still my favorite.
November 29, 2025
This was everything I needed from Lachlan and Apollo's story!! These characters have made appearances in previous books and their attraction to each other is no secret but I wasn't prepared for the pining both feel for the other. Apollo is convinced Lachlan doesn't do serious relationships and refuses to talk to him about it. Lachlan has done everything he can to forget Apollo but fails utterly. When Apollo finds himself the target of a secret society who's convinced that Apollo is the key to the Philosopher's stone, Lachlan drops everything to save him. I loved everything about the development of this relationship. From them ignoring each other but inevitably drawn together, to Lachlan saving Apollo from a club hook up gone wrong to the full blown rescue mission and the complete and utter surrender to each other, this was the best book of this series yet!! I don't know how Alessa does it, but her MM boosk hit different, they make me utterly feral for more, unable to stop reading and the pining is absolute perfection!!!! The nicknames!!!!!! OMG these are the best!!!! There's also the best banter ever!! The most perfect touch them and d1e moments ever. I cannot rave about this book more!! I just need everyone to read it now!!
This is part of the Fae Universe series and as always there is magic, unmissable action, overarching plot lines and the reappearence of characters from previous books that makes this the best foind family series I've read for ages!!!!
This is part of the Fae Universe series and as always there is magic, unmissable action, overarching plot lines and the reappearence of characters from previous books that makes this the best foind family series I've read for ages!!!!
September 16, 2025
This book was peak yearning on both sides. Lachlan and Apollo have been dancing around each other for a long time. Apollo knows that Lachlan is his dragon’s mate but doesn’t think Lachlan will settle down with him. Meanwhile Lachlan has been head over heels for Apollo to the point of following him to a club to make sure he’s safe. Good thing too since some alchemists after Apollo’s blood tried to kidnap him. In the end they did succeed briefly but that was before Lachlan went into badass mode. The flirting is epic in this book and their back and forth overall is fun.
I love how the whole family comes together for things like this and that we got to see more of Valentine in this book. He’s so far mostly been the big broody, scary brother we know nothing about but now we’re seeing more from him. I also love how not only was everyone pulling for Apollo and Lachlan but that Cosimo and Valentine both helped out Lachlan at various points as he tried to get through to Apollo. I’m so glad Cosimo is going to get a book. I’m curious about the statement that Valentine gets his darker parts from Cosimo since Cosimo is such a giant teddy bear.
I love how the whole family comes together for things like this and that we got to see more of Valentine in this book. He’s so far mostly been the big broody, scary brother we know nothing about but now we’re seeing more from him. I also love how not only was everyone pulling for Apollo and Lachlan but that Cosimo and Valentine both helped out Lachlan at various points as he tried to get through to Apollo. I’m so glad Cosimo is going to get a book. I’m curious about the statement that Valentine gets his darker parts from Cosimo since Cosimo is such a giant teddy bear.
July 19, 2025
Alessa Thorn has gone and done it again in her new paranormal romance… If anything, Lachlan and Apollo’s story might be my favourite. We’ve seen them fight their attraction in previous stories of the Fae Universe. We got a bit more of their banter in Dream Lost (Bas’s story)…
Lach and Apollo’s story is full of the high stakes action you expect from Alessa. A nasty group of blood magicians are after Apollo but Lachlan isn’t going to let anyone hurt is precious dragon. I absolutely loved these two’s grumpy x sunshine relationship. Lachlan’s want to protect and care for Apollo is absolutely panty-melting.. although he probably wouldn’t want mines (hehe). The best thing about these two is the banter— it is gods-tier! And the spice! My god! I think Alessa wrote one of her spiciest scenes ever.. and holy buckets does it deliver.
Lach and Apollo’s story is full of the high stakes action you expect from Alessa. A nasty group of blood magicians are after Apollo but Lachlan isn’t going to let anyone hurt is precious dragon. I absolutely loved these two’s grumpy x sunshine relationship. Lachlan’s want to protect and care for Apollo is absolutely panty-melting.. although he probably wouldn’t want mines (hehe). The best thing about these two is the banter— it is gods-tier! And the spice! My god! I think Alessa wrote one of her spiciest scenes ever.. and holy buckets does it deliver.
July 10, 2025
Not my cuppa tea
I read this as I'm invested in the story line. MonM is not my personal choice and I avoided the mercenaries book devoted to this. For me, it was too graphic and just too much. I did skip selections but I did read some as well. What I particularly didn't like was the constant calling each other "baby" , it was relentless and the graphic descriptions of their sexual exploits to all their family and the language used in front of his father. I'm sorry, but this was unnecessary and unrealistic (even though the story is about dragons)
I read this as I'm invested in the story line. MonM is not my personal choice and I avoided the mercenaries book devoted to this. For me, it was too graphic and just too much. I did skip selections but I did read some as well. What I particularly didn't like was the constant calling each other "baby" , it was relentless and the graphic descriptions of their sexual exploits to all their family and the language used in front of his father. I'm sorry, but this was unnecessary and unrealistic (even though the story is about dragons)
July 5, 2025
This book was so fun! Apollo and Lachie were perfect! This was my first MM romance and everything was written so beautifully. I wasn't sure if I would like the MM aspect but Alessa's writing style and the banter was pure perfection! I was so excited to get more of Valetine in this book too! I can't wait for more of his broody handsomeness in the next book! Go read this one and be prepared for hysterical one-liners
June 30, 2025
Finally
These two have dragged their HEA out based on one being stubborn and hiding and the other fighting his feelings and then finally caving still believing the worse. These two had a rollercoaster of a ride. One of my all time favourite stories. The humour, the family, the evil, the mystery, the magic, dragons and the heat. Perfection.
These two have dragged their HEA out based on one being stubborn and hiding and the other fighting his feelings and then finally caving still believing the worse. These two had a rollercoaster of a ride. One of my all time favourite stories. The humour, the family, the evil, the mystery, the magic, dragons and the heat. Perfection.
July 2, 2025
Is this a literary masterpiece? Nope. Do I care? Absolutelyfuckingnot. Apollo has been one of my favorites since the Greatdrakes were introduced, and I've been literally dying for his and Lachlan's book.
And let me tell you, Alessa brought the SPICE in this one.
And let me tell you, Alessa brought the SPICE in this one.
July 3, 2025
Sweet baby Apollo is finally getting his book with Lachie! The way I have been waiting for them to get their act together for so many books!
P.S. for those who have been secretly crushing on emo Valentine, we get a fair bit of him in this book and I am fully in love with him.
P.S. for those who have been secretly crushing on emo Valentine, we get a fair bit of him in this book and I am fully in love with him.
July 9, 2025
Great Read
Great plot and nice sex with it had more sex involved and had even reverse harem sex when possible. Great read though. Enjoyed it very much. Keep at it with the family of the fae, Greatdrakes, and everyone.
Great plot and nice sex with it had more sex involved and had even reverse harem sex when possible. Great read though. Enjoyed it very much. Keep at it with the family of the fae, Greatdrakes, and everyone.
July 9, 2025
FINALLY
I have been waiting for Lachlan and Apollo to finally get together. Alessa did a fantastic job teasing us with them over the course of several books from this universe. Payoff was totally worth it and their love for one another is beautiful.
I have been waiting for Lachlan and Apollo to finally get together. Alessa did a fantastic job teasing us with them over the course of several books from this universe. Payoff was totally worth it and their love for one another is beautiful.
July 13, 2025
Best one yet! I just love borh of them so much.. and the tension!
July 17, 2025
Nothing brings me out of a reading slump like this series. Such a good time read I was literally giggle and smiling the entire time❣️
July 17, 2025
Smoke Bonded
I have been waiting for this epic and it didn't disappoint!! I absolutely loved these boys and can't wait for the next Great Drakes!!
I have been waiting for this epic and it didn't disappoint!! I absolutely loved these boys and can't wait for the next Great Drakes!!
July 20, 2025
Finally, Latchie and Apollo have their happy ending! I feel like I was waiting for them for ages! I liked this book a lot.
September 3, 2025
I’ve been waiting for Appolo and Lachies story and I loved how this played out. I wondered who would bring Val down and love who it is. Can’t wait .
July 16, 2025
I'm not going to write a super long review on this one like I normally do, because I have had a lot of 1 and two star reads and am wondering if some of the problem may be me and a closet book slump.
Pros: lots of tension, possessive heros, Apollo and his big magic energy, and some cute banter between our lead MMC's.
Cons: MISCOMMUNICATION TROPE for 90%+ of the book; this is my least favorite plot device. So, this poor rating is a me thing, not really a story thing. Alessa Thorn is one of my favorite authors and I have enjoyed nearly all of the books in this series and her Underworld series.
I would say if you've liked this series thus far and like the author, and the miscommunication trope doesn't irk you, for sure give this book a go. Happy reading.
Pros: lots of tension, possessive heros, Apollo and his big magic energy, and some cute banter between our lead MMC's.
Cons: MISCOMMUNICATION TROPE for 90%+ of the book; this is my least favorite plot device. So, this poor rating is a me thing, not really a story thing. Alessa Thorn is one of my favorite authors and I have enjoyed nearly all of the books in this series and her Underworld series.
I would say if you've liked this series thus far and like the author, and the miscommunication trope doesn't irk you, for sure give this book a go. Happy reading.
September 17, 2025
I think every AT fan has been eagerly awaiting Apollo & Lachlan's story. It's been a long slow burn throughout multiple previous couples.
Lachlan is a lot sweeter than I envisioned, he's definitely the romantic, protective type.
When Apollo is kidnapped Lachlan swoops in to save him. From the get go neither of them fought the chemistry.
I do not like the miscommunication trope and that's exactly what their story is. Lachlan wants Apollo but is worried he'll leave him for a destined mate. Apollo is worried Lachlan won't want the mate bond. So they dance around each other. As much as I don't like the troupe, AT can pull it off!
Apollo's dragon is awesome!
The Hiccup & Toothless reference had me literally LOL
My only annoyance was Lachlan calling Apollo "baby" blahhhh I hate that pet name!
Now I need Valentine's story, he is all dark, broody and mysterious ... oh my!
Sets it up with Val talking lots about his new pen pal Caelan, constant reference as "they" so I didn't know if it was he doesn't know their gender or if the person is gender neutral. The end drops bomb shell Caelan is Yelena, who I have to admit I can't remember. So now I have to go back and reread previous books. No complaints here!
Lachlan is a lot sweeter than I envisioned, he's definitely the romantic, protective type.
When Apollo is kidnapped Lachlan swoops in to save him. From the get go neither of them fought the chemistry.
I do not like the miscommunication trope and that's exactly what their story is. Lachlan wants Apollo but is worried he'll leave him for a destined mate. Apollo is worried Lachlan won't want the mate bond. So they dance around each other. As much as I don't like the troupe, AT can pull it off!
Apollo's dragon is awesome!
The Hiccup & Toothless reference had me literally LOL
My only annoyance was Lachlan calling Apollo "baby" blahhhh I hate that pet name!
Now I need Valentine's story, he is all dark, broody and mysterious ... oh my!
Sets it up with Val talking lots about his new pen pal Caelan, constant reference as "they" so I didn't know if it was he doesn't know their gender or if the person is gender neutral. The end drops bomb shell Caelan is Yelena, who I have to admit I can't remember. So now I have to go back and reread previous books. No complaints here!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2025
I’ve been waiting for Appolo and Lachies story and I loved how this played out. I wondered who would bring Val down and love who it is. Can’t wait .
September 3, 2025
I’ve been waiting for Appolo and Lachies story and I loved how this played out. I wondered who would bring Val down and love who it is. Can’t wait .
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews