The Dragon's Muse

Creatures & Cottages #3

by Elle Sterling

Beck never thought he’d see Eleanor again, but when a beautiful woman shows up in Starry Hill, there’s no doubt in his mind that she’s his childhood best friend—the one he’s never forgotten.

Starry Hill is exactly what Eleanor needs. She spends her weekends cozied up between the pages of her favorite bookshop and reconnecting with Beck—the friend she thought she’d lost forever.

The more time they spend together, the clearer it becomes that their feelings go well beyond friendship, but the mysterious reason why Beck disappeared lingers between them. With some helpful meddling from Starry Hill favorites, can Beck and Eleanor find the courage to face the past so they can have a chance at a happy future?

The Dragon's Muse is a sweet and spicy, small town monster rom-com. It's the third book in the Creatures & Cottages series. Each book can be read as a standalone. For readers 18+

Genres: Monster Romance, Shapeshifters, Monsters, Dragons

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2026

About the author

Elle Sterling is an author of wholesomely horny romance that'll make you giggle and swoon.

Much like her own life after emigrating from South Africa to South Korea, she enjoys writing characters crossing cultural barriers and loving without restraint.

You can usually find Elle in her writing cave with coffee within reach at all times. She also enjoys grilled kimchi-and-cheese sandwiches and hibernates during the humid summer until the weather has cooled.

To keep up with her life in Korea and latest releases, follow her on social media: @ellesterlingauthor

Reviews

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beck and Eleanor were very cute together with the awkwardness and care for each other. Both of them worked too much and didn’t save time for play, but over time they both got a better work life balance. Eleanor was working through her need to please her emotionally abusive mother and kept herself following rigid dress standards. She was able to be more fully herself whenever she visited Starry Hill. Beck was working on opening himself up to others more and Eleanor helped give him space for that. The community was super supportive and understood Beck’s neurodivergence and cheered both of them on.

Spice: 3/5

Triggers: abusive relationship with mother (off page), parental trauma, no contact parents, ostracism (past), rejection sensitivity, body image insecurity, pregnant side character

[Misty's Book Space · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Elle for the ARC. I've been waiting for Beck's story since we were first introduced to him in the first book. It's always nice to be back in Starry Hill because I know what I am getting when I pick up one of Elle's books. Her books have little to no relationship drama and they are the perfect palette cleanser between heavier reads. Beck and Eleanor were childhood friends until Beck disappeared without a word. It's been 20 years since they last saw each other until a chance encounter happens because Eleanor is coming to Starry Hill to help another character from another book. Eleanor is a Lawyer and Beck is the guardian of Starry Hill. So, you can imagine that both of them are very busy. I loved seeing them slowly making time for each other throughout the book and realizing what is important. Both of them are a bit insecure due to things that have happened in the past and for Eleanor still happening although it doesn't happen on page. Watching them both become more secure in themselves and each other was lovely to read about. I love how supporting and accepting the community is in Starry Hill. This is a place where you can go and just be yourself with no judgement from others and it's amazing. I wish we had a place like this in the real world. I wouldn't even mind having the "monsters" there as well. There are some triggers for this book like a verbally abusive mother that is off page, body insecurities and ostracism to name a few. Elle has once again given us a cute story and romance with a dash of spice to top it off. I will continue to read her books as long as she keeps releasing them.

[Heather Close · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely loved the Creatures & Cottages series and The Dragon's Muse is no different. It is always nice to be back in Starry Hill and hang out with these characters that feel like friends.

Beck and Eleanor's story is sweet, childhood friends who haven't seen each other in more than 20 years. I enjoyed watching them reconnect and discover their feelings for each other. Both fairly insecure due to outside influences, I loved seeing them get more and more comfortable with each other and themselves.

I received an ARC from the author to review. All opinions are my own.

[Samantha]

Take the worlds most cringe dialogue and then amp it up by 10000% and you get this 🥴

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a little unexciting for me, but it was still a very sweet story reconnecting first loves

[GracelinaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shinsu and Nori

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is my favorite book from the series! When we were first introduced to Shinsu (Beck), I knew he would be a favorite and I couldn’t wait to see his story. I was right!😫 This book is pure yearning, longing and becoming one true self.

I ate this book up and now I’m sad until Audrey and Arran’s come out!🤣

This book is for you if you like dragon shifter/ human, double 🍆, rekindling of friendship to lovers, found family and steamy fun.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Eleanor arrives in the quiet town of Starry Hill, she’s not looking to stay for more than her job needs. She certainly doesn’t expect to reunite with Beck, her childhood best friend who disappeared without explanation and never quite faded from memory. As they fall back into each other’s lives, old feelings quickly resurface, deepening into something more than friendship. But the unanswered question of why Beck left still lingers between them, and before they can fully move forward, they’ll have to confront the past that pulled them apart in the first place.

This was such a sweet and satisfying read. Beck and Eleanor are incredibly easy to root for, and their dynamic strikes a great balance between cozy and genuinely emotional. The writing does a strong job of conveying both internal feelings and subtle body language, which helps their relationship feel natural as it develops. I also appreciated how the book incorporates characters from earlier installments. There’s a clear sense of a connected world, but the cameos never feel forced or distracting. The pacing works particularly well here, giving the characters enough room to breathe without dragging.

The story feels perfectly sized for what it sets out to do, delivering a complete and satisfying emotional arc without overstaying its welcome. Watching Beck and Eleanor reconnect and grow into themselves was genuinely enjoyable, and the overall tone hits that cozy, slightly whimsical note the genre does best. This has definitely solidified my interest in the rest of the series—I’ll be picking up the final installment when it releases, and likely circling back to the ones I missed. Highly recommended for fans of cozy monster romance. Many thanks to the author for this ARC. This is my honest review.

5/5 A cozy romance with a little extra heat.

[Grave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beck and Eleanor were once inseparable as children—until dragon-shifter Beck disappears one summer day, leaving them both heartbroken and full of questions. Decades later, they reunite as adults: Beck as the protector of the small, magical town of Starry Hill, and Eleanor as a weary lawyer helping a new business get started on the island. From that first reunion, the same pull between them resurfaces, but this time, it’s the pull of two adults who just might be ready to build the life they once dreamed of.
Cozy small-town vibes? Check. Magical, mythical creatures finding their matches with beautiful humans? Check. An adorably awkward MMC and an insecure FMC who fit together in a way that helps them both heal? Also check. A close-knit, found-family community showing up for each other? Check. Spicy moments with some… special equipment? Double check (pun intended).
This book hits so many of my favorite tropes. Beck offers some lovely neurospicy representation, and I adored the warmth and acceptance Eleanor brings to his life, especially as she also needs Beck’s reassurance of her own worth and value. They’re such an easy couple to root for, and it’s incredibly satisfying watching them find their way back to each other as they pick up where they left off and then some.
I’m always a sucker for a friends-to-lovers story, and this one really hit the spot. Like the others in the series, the side characters add a fun, vibrant layer to the world and have me excited for future installments. I also deeply related to Eleanor’s dream of leaving her traditional job behind to spend more time reading—and more time with the man/dragon of her dreams.
Such a cozy, wholesome read. I highly recommend it.

[Kara McCrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I've been told I'm am avid lover of Elles 'sad boys' and the MMC of this book Beck is absolutely NO exception to this.
The Dragons Muse follows the story of 2 childhood friends Beck (whom we have previously met in other books in the series) a dragon shifter and the guardian of Starry Hill and Eleanor an attorney, coming over from the main land to help with the opening of a cakery. The two, previously were best friends in childhood until the day of Becks 13th birthday when he just disappears. All these years later they come back together and find that they are once again drawn to one another and this is a cozy and sweet view into their story.

I liked Eleanor a lot as she seems to be very level headed and sweet. She is always patient with Beck and loves books so like what's not to love about her? But of course the one I really loved in this book was Beck. There were so many qualities to Beck that I found myself relating to that it really made me fall for him. From the hard time he has communicating his feelings, to needing things directly said to him without using fluffy language so that he can understand, to even the way he shows he cares for the people he loves by baking his bread and hosting game nights. I found myself relating to all these things in myself as well and so every small struggle he has I felt like I could feel it, and like we were going through it together.
Elle has a great way of creating complex characters that show change and growth throughout her books and those always seem to be my favorites. Their depth keeps me coming back for more.

I feel like this book was a great addition to the overarching story elle has been cultivating in Starry Hill and it always feels like a treat to get a glimpse into this world.

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect, it was basically the equivalent of a giant cozy bear hug. I love Eleanor and Beck so much. The YEARNING that these two were going through was intense to say the least. I loved that both Beck and Eleanor were neurodivergent and were still both able to be exactly what the other needed because they understood each other on such a deep molecular level. I as always love the community of Starry Hill, everyone comes together to help whenever and whoever needs it. I really appreciated the support system that Beck had around him, and that his support system understood him and how his brain worked and met him where he was at any moment. I loved that Eleanor’s support system grew once she met the residents of Starry Hill and they basically adopted her. I just love this entire series so much 🩵
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Here’s a little sneak peak with one of my favorite quotes from the book:
“I press my thumb against her lips, effectively silencing her. "This is story time, Eleanor, and you're my muse. I intend to give you a very happy ending before you're allowed to change books."”

Read The Dragon’s Muse to find out how Beck gave Eleanor her happy ending!

Tropes:
🩵Dragon shifter x human
🩵Small town
🩵Cozy vibes
🩵Best friends to lovers
🩵YEARNING from both of them
🩵Neurodivergent MCs
🩵P€€ns (yes there’s two) with sensitive whiskers
🩵Spicy time in dragon form

Content warning:
💜Both characters have hard relationships with their families so there are mentions of abandonment and no contact

Available on the ‘Zon and Kindle Unlimited!

[Josie Lingard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dragon's Muse by Elle Sterling [ARC Review]
5 🌟

Oh my sweet sweet Beck. I've loved the little glimpses into his character that we've gotten in the other Starry Hill books, and his book was just perfect. Beck is such a unique MMC, known for being very literal, and the way he and Eleanor learnt and adapted together to communicate as best they could was amazing. I loved how they both built on the friendship they had as kids and created something new as adults. Their relationship blossomed beautifully, and every first was spectacularly written 🩵

Not only do I love Beck and Eleanor with my whole heart, but there is such a payoff in this book within the Starry Hill community with the way that those slow-developing relationships and dynamics come to fruition. A love letter to community is the perfect way to describe this book. The way their friends gather to support them in different ways throughout this book is so sweet and feels like a warm hug.

Like all of Elle's books, I flew through this read - her writing draws me in, keeps me engaged and hanging onto every word. I am both so excited and so sad that there's only one book left in this series, but I know I'll be rereading them all. Plus, with Audrey as the FMC of the next one, you know it's gonna be a wild ride. 🙌🏻

Thank you, Elle, for giving me the privilege of reading this early, and I cannot implore you enough to pick this one up! It releases on March 28th, so you don't have long to wait!! 🩵🩵

[Dalegendaryreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I thought I could write you poems before, but you deserve entire novels.”

Eleanor's an attorney who's in Starry Hill to help with a business. But she stumbled upon her childhood best friend, Beck whom she never saw in years. As they slowly reconnected, feelings surfaced and they started a relationship.

Ohhh this is hard for me to type but this is my least favorite in the series. But don't get this review hinder you from loving this book.

Let me preface this by saying I love both characters. I just didn't connect to them which was sad. I love Beck since the first book, he was gentle, he was bashful and seemed like a good person. Eleanor was a great FMC who deals with a soulless job, had traumas and yet she chose to be kind.

I kinda wish we saw more of Beck's past and his history, being a unique water dragon creature. Also I love that the author paid homage to the Korean mythology. I love me some Asian representation.

One thing about Starry Hill is that you always get to see cameos from different characters, the found family is still prominent here and I love the feeling of being in a wholesome community, and finding your place in this world. I believe that Eleanor came at the right time.

I cannot wait for the next and final book. I immediately messaged the author when I read the first book back in March 2025 because I wanted a book about Audrey, and she's getting one this year!!!

[Bookfairymel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was competing with The Incubus’s Angel for my favorite in the series! Honestly Ren and Beck are holding the number one spot together now as my favorite MMCs from Elle, I just can’t choose! I also have a soft spot for childhood best friends to lovers and this was done sooo well. When they recognized each other and called them the nicknames they had growing up, I was already in love with them. He was so soft with her, doing anything to make her happy and comfortable in her own skin. There’s nothing I love more than a devoted man desperate to please and Beck fit the bill perfectly! I also loved Eleanor’s journey with accepting herself and her curly hair. I went through a smiling time in my life, learning to love and embrace my hair so I really connected with her!

I absolutely loved them together and I loved seeing all their friends and community root and rally for them. It was so sweet, a small town, tight knit community will always warm my heart and Starry Hill is on of my absolute favorites. And when they finally confessed? Beck was a man unleashed, he couldn’t get enough of Eleanor. And the things he would say to her had me melting too. I loved seeing his confidence grow and how he would take charge and tease her during spicy scenes. There’s definitely some dragon spice in here too, so look forward to that! I have no complaints, I adored this book!

[Lanae (findmeonsmutlane) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a sweet and cozy hug, but also, add some dragon peen to it 😏

I always love coming back to Starry Hill. I adore the characters, and Beck and Eleanor did not disappoint. They are both just so adorable and sweet and had me kicking my feet and giggling the entire time.

The plot was cute, we had childhood friends who reconnect and realized, there was something more. I loved seeing Beck come out of his shell more for Eleanor. Getting to see more of his loving personality (and his dirty mouth!). I felt for Eleanor and her situation and how desperately she just wanted to run away and move to Starry Hill (please take me with you, I would also like to run away to Starry Hill!).

The romance was romantic and adorable and again, I was just giggling the entire time reading it. But the spice? 😮‍💨 it did not disappoint. There were all kinds of fun surprises! Seriously, peen whiskers, who knew?

The set up for Audrey in the end was so excited and I literally cannot wait to get her story!

Starry Hill continues to be the cutest little hallmark monster romance series. If you want low stakes, feel good, kick your feet giggling (but also sweat when the spice hits 🥵) this series is for you!

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The residents of Starry Hill just keep grabbing me by the heart and holding me close. I'll admit this one didn't hit as hard as quickly as the first two did but I was fully gripped by the end and just so incredibly happy for these childhood friends turned lovers. Reading through the books in order gave me such a beautiful connection with all these characters and watching them grow and learn and love and interact with one another and build their community has been so rewarding. All of these men are so cute. All these women are so fun and relatable.

Eleanor's need for approval and constant war with what she wants was refreshing to see. Super successful in all the ways that she was told were important while still longing for things that made her feel whole is something I think most people understand and her progression was written so well. Beck's awkwardness was so endearing and truly adorable. Much like Eleanor, I also love an autistic man so this was a real treat and the representation was nice to see. Sometimes people just need you to spell it out clearly, leave no room for misunderstanding, and support them while they figure it out. It was so real and it was beautiful. I am so ready for Audrey's chaos with Arran, let's goooooo

[spidermse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. I was anticipating Beck's book since the beginning of this series and it did not disappoint! He's such a sweet, sad boy. And I absolutely related to him 100%. His experiences with neurodivergence and socializing are so similar it was almost like reading about myself. His little quirks were so endearing. No surprise Eleanor fell for him so hard! I loved his dragon and his scales. The way Elle described them showing up when he was feeling strong emotions was so fun!

This book is sweet and cozy but there's definitely some emotional moments. I knew they were coming but they still hit hard. It all works out in the end though. I knew Elle would put my heart back together with a HEA.

Starry Hill is a dream for anyone who loves those small town, found family feels. And it continued in this book. They're building a beautiful community and every day I cry a little that this place isn't real and I can't actually live there.

Audrey wasn't even in this book very much but those few parts she was present had me cracking up. Poor Arran isn't gonna know what hit him. 😆 And I'm gonna love reading every single moment of it.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beck and Eleanor were best friends as kids, until one day Beck disappeared and never came back. What happens when fate brings them back together two decades later, when Beck finds Eleanor on the dock waiting to be taken to Starry Hill? lots of yearning, adorable awkwardness, and maybe a 🍆 whisker or two (yes you read that right) 🤭🤤🥹

I loooooove a good childhood friends to lovers trope! it’s so sweet! plus as always I love coming to Starry Hill and being in their world. We meet Beck back in the first book as a shy lonely water dragon shifter whose life revolved around working as the island’s guardian, so it was full circle to see him not only come out of his shell and evolve into a more confident man but to also see him get his happy ending with Eleanor. Eleanor is a cutie pie who is also very adorably awkward and shy, but grows into herself when she’s reunited with Beck and learns how to let go of others expectations of her. I always love how Elle incorporates her past characters into each book and how their dynamics play with the new characters 💖 I can’t wait for everyone love them like we do!

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

👀Tropes: Dual POV Monster Romance that is sweet, cozy, and spicy! It's friends to strangers to lovers, small monster town, and all around absolutely the cutest book I've read in 2026.

☠️CW: Sexual Content, Parental Trauma, Abandonment, Rejection Sensitivity, Body Image Insecurity, Pregnancy

📚Read Method: Kindle eBook. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

✨My Thoughts: I had tears running down my face when I read this book, and I'm even tearing up when thinking about it writing this review. Beck and Eleanor have the most adorable relationship I've ever read on page. They are sweet, understanding, and are aware of what the other needs in regards to their emotional and physical well being that I just wanted to jump through the pages and hug them. I was never frustrated. I was never worried. The people that were surrounding them were good people to and I just knew this story was in good hands.

💖Quotes: Best friend to best friend: "If you don't say yes right now, I'm going to punch you in the tit."
"Would you like it if I told you more often how pretty you are? How beautiful you look when you wear those dresses with the tiny straps? How dirty my thoughts get when I imagine what you'd look like without any of it on?"

[Birch · Rating 5 out of 5]

So HAPPY to be back in Starry Hill with The Dragon's Muse, Elle has done it again with her cozy and Oh SO spicy creature rom-com.
Shinsu and Nori take pining to a whole new level while they rekindle their friendship and process their past hurts. It was a shorter read but didn't feel rushed as their relationship ship developed. If you know your love someone why waste time, right!?!
I truly enjoyed their adorable I don't want to bother you conversations and Shinsu needing direct communication. For what their words lacked at times their bodies were communicating fully...popping scales and lavender scents.
They both weren't truly comfortable in their own skins but together they grow into embracing and loving themslves fully. Looking their authentic selves. Duel struggle.
Found myself laughing several times while uttering 'I ducking love Audrey'. Everyone needs an Audrey in their lives as well as a Lucille, Maisie and Tilly.

And you know your limits, so read the author's content warnings. I received a copy of this book from Elle Sterling, and this is my honest review.

[Katherine Gisleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice, multiple explicit scenes with some extra fun stuff 😉 *see below
1st person, dual POV

These two sweeties started slow with some nervous and awkward reintroductions, but as they rekindled their friendship and slowly showed each other they wanted more, I fell in love with them, too 🥰

I loved that Beck was a DnD gamer and Eleanor was super into books. Beck had to come to terms with his dragon and leave past trauma behind him. Eleanor needed to fully embrace herself and find her own happiness.

Speaking of Beck’s dragon, the connection they had was so cool! The dragon was always so excited for Eleanor to be around, he was playful, and I loved how he showed himself through the scales on Beck’s body. Plus, wow that shifted spicy scene was honestly extremely sexy 🔥 *plus, the double peens, DVP, and tentacle-like appendages 😏

This was adorable and I am so excited for the final book in the series! Both MCs will be characters we’ve known and I’m certain I’ll be rooting for 🥰

Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Available now!

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Thank you to the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**

4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶

How great it is to be back in Starry Hills!!! I love this little island town so much, and it was great to get a glimpse into all of the characters lives again!! The Dragon's Muse follows Beck and Eleanor, estranged childhood friends who haven't seen each other in over 20 years. Both are a little shy with each other, unsure how to proceed with their blooming feelings- BUT! all their friends have their backs, and help them take the first steps! It was all very sweet 🥹 I related with Eleanor's need to please people, especially a parent that expects above and beyond from you and has conditions to their praise. I am so glad that she and Beck found each other again!!! 

Also, the epilogue?! ☠️ the last book is going to be so much fun and I can't wait! 🤭💜

☆friends-to-lovers 
☆dragon shifter x human
☆shifted spice 
☆2 🍆
☆neurodivergent rep
☆bread baking

[Lisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 3 🌶️

Tropes: dragon x human • childhood friends to lovers • found family • hurt/comfort for both mcs • two appendages

I received an advance review copy (ARC) and am sharing my honest, unbiased review.

This book is the equivalent of a long warm, lavender-scented bath. It felt so good reading this love story. Because that's what it is - a love story through and through.

True to Elle Sterling's style, it's cozy, sweet, and low angst. But Beck and Eleanor still have to navigate getting to know each other again - complete with the rocky shores of being neurospicy. Beck is literal to the extreme, and Eleanor is broken down by life.

I've loved Beck from afar through the other books, and I loved getting to know him up close and personal - and the way the entire Starry Hill community came together to make this couple happen? Pure heart-eyes 😍

Safe to say, I was giggling, squealing, and sighing my way through this one ❤️

This book is for you if you want a true, feelgood love story with some nice spicy moments ❤️

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two friends finding each other again after two decades. Two lonely souls trying to rekindle the spark that has always been there. A dragon and his muse finding refuge in each others arms and hearts.

I was so excited for Eleanor's and Beck's story and Elle delivered the most tender, beautiful and heartwarming story I could possibly have hoped for. Both Eleanor and Beck struggle with fitting in, but Starry Hill welcomes everyone unconditionally and provides the perfect setting for Beck and Eleanor to become who they were always meant to be.
As always, Elle made me feel all the feels for her characters, you can't help but fall in love with from the very start.
If you like neurodivergent characters, hilarious inner monologues, swoony MMCs, aaaaall the yearning and sizzling spice with extra special fun time equipment, out "The Dragon's Muse" on your TBR!!

[ElleBearBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book you wanna read if you've been curious about our handsome dragon ferryman! Beck and Eleanor's story is a sweet one and a wonderful instance of falling in love in the place you call home. Their love doesn't come easy, as both have hurdles they have to cross to understand each other, but the yearning through it all is absolutely worth it in the end!

I was swooning over how protective Beck is of her and the many ways in which he helps her be comfortable. Our hard working lawyer appreciates seeing her friend again, while trying not to fall too deep as she comes to understand the magic of Starry Hill. Elle also does a beautiful job of bringing in old friends, a wave of found family moments, and a bond between the community that makes you never wanna leave!

For readers looking for a soft and cozy romance, add this to your list!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to return to Starry Hill with another book in the Creatures and Cottages series, and this one did not disappoint. There’s just something so comforting about stepping back into this world, and it felt like coming home.

I really enjoyed getting to know Beck on a deeper level and learning more about his past. Watching him reconnect with Eleanor after so many years was incredibly heartwarming. Their story had such an emotional pull, especially seeing Eleanor finally begin to find herself and break free from the life that had been chosen for her.

One of my favorite parts, as always, was seeing familiar faces from previous books show up to support them along the way. It added that extra layer of charm and connection that makes this series so special.

Thank you to the author for the ARC— all opinions are my own.

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book fell flat for my compared to the other two in the series. Even though I liked the idea of the characters, I don't feel as if the actual characters were that interesting. Beck had no personality at all and the FMC( I forgot her name) was a stressed out person just looking for an out by any means necessary. All I know about these two was that they were both traumatized by their parents, FMC liked to read, and Beck played DND but didn't come across like he actually liked it. Also, the tone of Beck changed halfway through the book, he came off as shy through most of the book then the tone shifted to him as this "confident" person. I also think their relationship had no basis, they liked each other when they were kids and they took it and ran with it. They never really got to know each other as adults.

[Tori Walser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the town of Starry Hill and all of the creatures that reside there, but Beck holds a special place in my heart 🧡 Eleanor and Beck grow so much together throughout the book and their love for each other is so apparent you can feel it off the page. If you love cozy, monster romance vibes this is the book for you! Each book can be read as standalone, but you will regret not getting to know each couple through each of their stories.

-dragon/human
-childhood friends to lovers
-found family
-neurodivergent representation
-plus size representation
-two peens (and peen whiskers) 👀
-s*x in shifted form
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[B (ReadLikeB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own.

This book so good! I was excited to learn more about Beck, and I love that his story was friends to lovers with second chance romance thrown it. I felt like it really fit his character. I love Eleanor! She's the perfect match for our dragon. Watching them reconnect and fall in love was something special. And I loved watching Eleanor become more confident in herself.

This was a really sweet story but don't be fooled. The spice was just right. I loved visiting Starry Hill again and catching up with the other monsters and humans of the island. I love that with each book we learn more about the island and those that live there.

[Lauren Hitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s truly something so special about returning to Starry Hill. Elle Sterling has managed to create the absolute sweetest and coziest little island filled with the most unique and wonderful characters that’ll make you want to move there yourself! Oh and might I mention some of the spiciest scenes you’ll ever lay your eyes on?? 😂🩷🔥

Beck (Shinsu) and Elenor’s story was so adorable and reading how these childhood best friends reunite and become inseparable was just so sweet and fun. I was kicking my feet the whole time. 🥹

I cannot WAIT for Audrey and Arran next but at the end of the day, if Elle Sterling writes it, IM READING IT! 👏✨🐉

[Regan Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Like all of Elle Sterling’s books, the Dragon’s muse was cute, cozy, low stakes, and made me want to flee city life and move somewhere mostly inhabited by non-humans. She does such a wonderful job of bringing the setting of Starry Hill and its community to life, you can help but feel a little sad when you resurface in the real world.

I felt as though the book was a little more tell than show at times, but for the most part, it’s exactly what I would expect from a lighthearted monster romance. If you’re in the market for a quick, warm and fuzzy (slightly horny, pun intended) read, this is the book for you.