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The Dragon's Heart Trilogy #2

Between Love and Ruin

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A mash-up of Fourth Wing and Birthday Girl, readers who love age gap romance but are obsessed with dragons will love the second installment of the Dragon's Heart Trilogy!
Nations rise and fall on the backs of kings.
And Kallias Sunspear will watch his kingdom burn.


Caught in the heat of forbidden passion, Nienna and Kallias broke a Draconian Blood Oath. One that can only be purged in dragonfire.

Nienna is plucked away, flown back home as a ruined princess. She must face her starving people—the alliance she was born for, destroyed. Through more deceit, she tries to prevent dragons from flying to Radaan and burning the only man she ever cared for.

Kallias’ reputation was built on honesty. His people believed in him, and he threw it all away. His whole life had been given to the Mantle of Radaan, his nation. But when faced with the conflict of being true to himself or maintaining a facade to his people, what will he choose?

Nienna let herself be dragged away to save him.
But Kallias must make a choice. Will he choose his kingdom or himself?

You asked for more dragons, and this book delivers! If you want a book that will rip your heart out, stomp on it and purge it with dragonfire--buy your copy today!

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2025

43 people are currently reading
430 people want to read

About the author

M.A. Frick

7 books388 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
Profile Image for Melany.
1,295 reviews153 followers
November 11, 2025
What???!! I just put my kindle down and I'm gasping. Mrs. Frick, the cliffhangers are KILLING me. lol But in all seriousness, I am INLOVE with Kallias and Nienna. I've been fully invested since the first book, and this one I was just as much on the edge of my seat. I loved learning more about Draconian way of life. The dragons are amazing. There were several moments that had me in full shock, like I stared at the wall speechless shock. The ending literally had me shaking my kindle like WTF!! Immediately needing the next book as off yesterday!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
218 reviews44 followers
September 15, 2025
Between love and ruin (The Dragon's Heart Trilogy #2) by M.A. Frick

Book Blurb:Nations rise and fall on the backs of kings.
And Kallias Sunspear will watch his kingdom burn.
Caught in the heat of forbidden passion, Nienna and Kallias broke a Draconian Blood Oath. One that can only be purged in dragonfire.

Rating: *****
Feels: Excited, Cautious, Heat, Vengeance
Style: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Dragons
First published October 24, 2025 : 453 pages

I dove into this book so excited to continue this story and was thoroughly rewarded. I wasn’t even expecting how much I enjoyed this story being continued and wasn’t sure what to expect but this was perfect. Dragons ! Court intrigue ! Loved all the family dynamics and really getting to see Nienna at home with her family and how she interacted with the dragons. Absolutely adored the nation of Draconis and getting to see their traditions and customs. Of course … the romance … was everything… I will spoil nothing. Totally devoured the book every chance I got and can’t wait for book 3 !!!!

Favorite Quote: Love wasn't easy. It was a horrible, spiteful thing. It shattered kingdoms. Cleaved souls in two. It ripped everything from me. I had nothing else. No power, no future. Just this moment - and the Queen of Dragons.

This book has:
Age Gap
Touch her and Die
Arranged Marriage
Slow Burn
Found Family
Politics and Magic
Dragons :)
Profile Image for Jesse Lemire.
253 reviews6 followers
August 28, 2025
If your man doesn't cross the sea for you and face Dragonfire, is he even worth it?❤️‍🔥

*ARC Review*
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5 🌶🌶🌶

Trope
✅️Age Gap
✅️Arrainged Marriage
✅️Slow Burn
✅️Dragons
✅️Trauma Healing

Triggers
☑️Attempted Sexual Assault
☑️Death

First off, thank you so much M.A Frick for adding me to the ARC Team!


The first half is AWESOME. Talk about a man defending his woman's honor. ❤️‍🔥

The story picks right up with Nienna arriving home in Draconia after her brother Ronnan dragged her back after witnessing what he thought was Kallias assaulting her.

Nienna has a bit of a moping period, returning as a disgraced princess. But she utilizes that time to reconnect with her family and her Dragons.

We get to see way more of the Dragons in Between Love and Ruin! I love their different personalities and how Kalepsi treats Nienna as her own hatchling in the nest (even though she is a full-grown adult). It's pretty adorable. Oh, and Tsunami? I would bet my firstborn that she bonds with Kallias in the next book. She was giving Kallias some major side eye. 👀

Kallias is definitely the most honorable MMC I've ever encountered. He's man enough to step up and accept accountability with his chin held high and his loyalty to his people, and Nienna knows no bounds. But, he's also only human and still suffers some major PTSD from his past abusive relationship. Nienna's love and patience through it all is so beautiful. ❤️

Tallon? Ugh.....I knew something was brewing with him. Things were getting too happy, so of course, the ending is gonna leave us hanging in suspense. I'm just gonna manifest thoughts of him being eaten by a dragon...maybe they'll come to pass in the next book.
Profile Image for Ashley.
25 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2025
As always thank you for the A-ARC!

I have loved loved loved being whisked away to Draconia (although I miss Radaan). Learning more about their dragons and their personalities (Looking at you Tsunami who seems obsessed with Kal too!) and her family.

Book 2 kept in sucked into this world. Wanting all the answers left from BFAD. Me giggling like a little girl when Kallias ship arrived to Draconia.


I can’t wait to see their relationship/marriage grow.
As much of a conceited ass Ronan is, I’m ready to see his growth in the next book. He has potential.

The action towards of the end of the book escalated and it was badass to see how much of a badass Nienna can be.

Also to envision Kal in riding leathers 😮‍💨🥵

I still despise Eldeiade😡 and Tallon 🤬


My favorite lines:

If I bedded your daughter, I would have far more handprints on me.

Draconis dresses were in fact fit to ride, be it husbands or dragons.

Ok Melissa. I need book 3 STAT. Make Haste!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Teresa.
622 reviews48 followers
October 24, 2025
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: Between Love and Ruin

After the explosive cliffhanger from Book 1, I was so thrilled to dive into the second installment of the Dragon’s Heart Trilogy!

Nienna and Kallias must reconcile the passion that burns between them and their duty to their respective kingdoms. Can they overcome the odds stacked against them?

Tropes:
👀Dual POV
🚫Forbidden romance
🏰Courtly intrigue
🕰️Age gap
🐉Dragons
🫂Forced Proximity
❤️‍🩹Trauma healing
⚠️Touch her & 💀

This princess and king must navigate the blood oaths and broken trust that divide them. This sequel doesn’t hold back with the heartache, longing, and intrigue. If you love your romantasies filled with angst and dragons, check out this series!

Huge thanks to the author for the review copy opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review

Profile Image for Tay - Just Another Bookstagram Girl.
88 reviews10 followers
October 22, 2025
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and loved seeing Kallias and Nienna’s relationship deepen. It picks up right where book 1 left off, and the beginning had me screaming “Just let her marry the king!!” My favorite parts of this book are literally any scene with the dragons. Their personalities were so much fun, and I need more Tsunami in my life! Kallias fighting for Nienna’s hand had me swooning. Like the first book, this one is also very romance/character driven. There were some action scenes and a cliffhanger ending, but it mostly focused on Kallias and Nienna’s relationship, Kallias’ trauma from his first marriage, and experiencing the traditions of Draconia with the main characters. I’m excited to see what is going to happen next (I reeeeeally hope it ends with Tallon’s death, please and thank you 😅).
Profile Image for Shannon K G.
303 reviews24 followers
October 9, 2025
This was a great continuation of Kallias and Nienna's story. Their devotion to one another is top notch.

I also enjoyed the dragons having more focus in this book.

Looking forward to the conclusion.
Profile Image for Brooke Thacker.
267 reviews13 followers
July 16, 2025
I loved this as much as book one! Maybe a little more!…Okay this one is my favorite

This book has it all! Dragons, world building, age gap romance, court politics, battles, lovable characters, good banter, did I say dragons?

This picks up right where book one ends and I love that! I don’t usually like when main characters are separated but this was done so well that I didn’t mind it at all.

Daddy Kallias is PERFECTION 👏 he’s seriously the best and his trust and loyalty to Nienna is something I really love in a MMC. His past is awful and I feel for him and hope they can work through it more in book 3.

I loved getting more of Niennas family, homeland and dragons. This made book two really enjoyable and added more depth to the story.

I blew through this book in a day and after that ending I can’t wait for the next one!

If you haven’t read book one I highly recommend M.A. Frick and this series!
Profile Image for Michelle VanHuss.
47 reviews1 follower
August 27, 2025
So much going on but glad the characters have a chance to just be for a little while. Of course, we all know it won’t last long. This book picks up directly from where Book 1 ends.

So far, the series has kept things engaging and moving the story forward. The FMC has her wits about her but is inexperienced in dealing with people with ulterior motives.

I was hesitant to start Book 2 because the cliffhanger from Book 1 left me nervous about how this book would go with the way Nienna is treated. The first few chapters of Book 2 had me jittery with no one listening to her and immediately taking Ronan’s “observations” as fact.

Once, Kallias showed up again, I knew it would be ok and loved how the family came together. The brother says so many cringey things but I’m hoping he’s a good guy at heart when all is said and done. So glad we are getting to see Kallias and Nienna support and be honest with each other. Let’s not forget we get to learn more about the dragons and see Nienna on her home turf.

Thanks for the ARC for this book and giving me the chance to jump into this world. I’ll be looking forward to Book 3!
Profile Image for Anna Stradling.
57 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2025
Eeekk, it picks up directly where the first ended, and I am here for this age gap dragon romantasy!!!! The first book was 5☆ and one of my first ARCs, and I am so honored to have the chance to read this ARC as well!!!

I still despise Tallon and his immature boyish ways. He is so rude, manipulative, and downright arrogant. This is one villain i can not get behind. Yup, I said that😜. Kallias is still the silver fox of any fantasy woman dreams. I love his character and how he has grown. Nienna has grown tremendously, but she is a force to be reckoned. I love her fiercely devoted heart to not only herself but to those she holds dear. I enjoyed getting to dive further into the Draconian history and find a way to save the kingdoms without bloodshed. I loved how the dragons were embedded into the story more than the first. This book was closed door romance but was still the right amount of spice. So, one question I ask, do you trust the Dragons or the Gods?
5☆ read again for this ARC!!! Be on the lookout for this in October!!! Cannot wait for the third book 😍
Profile Image for KMart Vet.
1,568 reviews83 followers
October 26, 2025
Add to your TBR if you love:
🐉He has trauma
🐉Widower King MMC
🐉Incredible dragon lore
🐉Deep friendship between men
🐉So. Much. Yearning.
🐉Royalty that loves their people
🐉Politics and marriage contracts

Frick remains the only author that can get me to read age gap; and does it so well that I'm obsessed. After that heart-wrenching cliffhanger in Between Flame and Fury, I NEEDED this sequel, and it did not disappoint. This follow-up is absolutely packed with guilt, longing, and emotional fallout. Frick really lets her characters feel the weight of their choices, and that’s what makes her writing so engaging. Nienna and Kallias have a lot to work through, and watching them navigate the aftermath of their forbidden love is equal parts painful and beautiful.

The dragon lore continues to be an incredibly strong feature in Frick's books. It’s not just there for aesthetics. Frick’s dragons have real presence and complexity, woven so seamlessly into the story’s emotional and political threads. I loved how richly developed that aspect was; it gives the whole world a sense of scale and weight.

If I had any quibbles, they’re small: Nienna’s constant boundary-pushing with Kallias sometimes grated on me. And while I’m enjoying this series a lot, I’ll admit I still prefer Frick’s earlier, darker trilogy; this one is closer to being a true romantasy. That said, Between Love and Ruin is deeply enjoyable, emotionally satisfying, and full of exactly the kind of angst and passion that keeps you flipping pages.

The ending wasn’t shocking, but I am REALLY looking forward to the next one! Frick continues to prove she knows how to balance emotions, characters, and dragons.

Thanks so much to the author for the complimentary pre-released copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Bri Schraer.
42 reviews6 followers
September 18, 2025
I absolutely looooooved this book! 🤩 I think this has been my favorite MA Frick book so far! And I’ve read them all!

The relationship between Kallias and Nienna just makes me swoon. The way he admires her is everything. She’s a fierce, strong character and I loved watching her growth throughout this series so far.

I really loved how so many parts of this book kept me on the edge of my seat. From the romance, to the relationship dynamics between characters, to the fight scenes. There was always something going on, but I never felt like it was forced or too much! The pacing of this book was perfect for me.

I am so, SO excited for book three! That cliffhanger? Diabolical! I’m so ready to dive into the next and FINAL book of the series to see how everything plays out in the end.

I definitely recommend to those who love romance and DRAGONS! 🐉
Profile Image for Tracy.
16 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2025
ARC Review
Solid 4.5 *
I didn’t want this story to end. Love reading Nienna and Kallias’s story. She is a strong FMC who carries herself so well but is ready to burn everything down with dragons for her people or Kallias. Kallias is a war hero king who quite literally with withstand dragon fire for Nienna. I love how he knows just how and want to say in political situations. The story has past traumas being worked through, a beautiful love, an intriguing bond with dragons and the dragon heart. Didn’t want it to end as I know I’ll be waiting for book 3 and need to know how the story ends !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda Elliott.
56 reviews10 followers
August 6, 2025
Are you kidding meeeeeeeeeeeee


The suspense is eating me alive. Nienna and Kallias have gone through so much more than two people should be able to handle. A cluster of unfortunate trials, is there ever an end? 🥲
Profile Image for Amy | romantasy.myromanempire.
176 reviews36 followers
October 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
1 🌶️

I adored this sequel! Between Love & Ruin starts off right where book 1 ended, and thank the gods for that because that was a wild cliffhanger! I thoroughly enjoyed seeing more of Nienna’s country and all of the dragons! The world building really expands in this one and we learn so much more about the world, the politics and the kingdoms. You definitely get more than your fair share of dragon content and we truly learn why Nienna is the dragons heart!

"𝙄'𝙢 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧. 𝙎𝙚𝙡𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙝. 𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙟𝙤𝙮—𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨—𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙩.”

There’s still a lot of slow burn angst in this one as Nienna navigates the ramifications of the events at the end of book 1. I loved how this sequel really dived deep into the character development of Nienna, her family, and Kallias. This one is very character driven and gives you all of the emotional whiplash—which I’m always a fan of 😅 It also sets up for what is sure to be a more action packed finale!

"𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙖 𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙥.”

I continue to love the dynamic between Nienna and Kallias. Kallias also finally allows himself a bit of happiness instead of constantly living for others. M.A. Frick really did a great job of diving into his past and the struggles he’s faced.

If you’re into slow burn, forbidden romance, age gaps, kingdom politics and DRAGONS, be sure to pick up this series! I’m super excited for book three and finding out how the trilogy wraps up!

Thank you M.A. Frick for the gifted eArc to read and review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Caitlin.
925 reviews10 followers
October 3, 2025
Daddy Kallias- your honor, I love him. The end.

Just kidding. There's also dragons. OK OK. Book 2 in this series did not disappoint. I am thoroughly invested. Can't wait for book 3. We have blood oaths, political intrigue, found family, the age gap, the slow burn and tension. Kallias gives all the touch her and die vibes, he will do anything for her, including give up his kingdom. And we love to see it. And Nienna is like the mother of dragons. Ugh I just love it all.
Profile Image for Becca.readsalot.
26 reviews
July 21, 2025
*ARC review

Between Love and Ruin picks up right at the cliff hanger in which Between Flames and Deceit leaves off and I LOVE that.

You still get that slow burn feel but the spice level picks up in this book. Although we also get some good explanation on the back story of some of Kallias’s mannerisms.

The push and pull between hating and understanding that the characters had between each other, namely between Kallias and Niennas father, were some of my favorite things about this book. The healing that Kallias knew he was going to have to face in order for him to be with Nienna fully.

There is definitely something there between Kallias and Tsunami… 👀

I still feel like Greaves deserves a vacation and doesn’t get paid enough. The poor guy. 😂
Profile Image for Destiny Valvo.
12 reviews
September 23, 2025
ARC Review ✨
Between Love and Ruin by M.A. Fick 🐉💔
Forbidden love, dragons, and dangerous stakes—this read gave me Fourth Wing meets The Hunger Games vibes in the BEST way. Forced proximity, family secrets, and a romance that feels both tender and devastating 👀🔥

Who else is ready to fall into the chaos between love and ruin? 💭📚

Pre Order NOW - Release Date October 24, 2025
Profile Image for Raechel.
223 reviews2 followers
November 25, 2025
Thank God for this sequel because without it, I was in a rage after book 1, lol.

I guess hating a book speaks as much to how great it is as loving it, right?

What frustrated me about this book:
- grown ass man and young woman NEVER learn from their mistakes (i.e., getting caught in compromising positions)
- not much happening plot-wise, similar to the first book in the series
- The series was supposed to be a duology but got turned into a trilogy

What I loved about this book:
- really great world-building
- cute AF dragons

I read an advanced copy of this book - thanks to the author!
Profile Image for Chantelle.
34 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2025
Between Love and Ruin
M.A. Frick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶 -closed door

Thank god, this book picks up EXACTLY where book one leaves us.

Nienna and her brother are headed home where Nienna will face the consequences of a broken treaty and Draconian Blood Oath. Unfortunately, the broken blood oath demands retribution by dragon fire and is pressing in on Nienna and Kallias both. Will the King of Draconis lay waste to Radaan? Or will they find a way to get everything they've ever wanted.

M.A Frick writes the absolute yummiest stories, for I INHALED these two books at lighting speed.

Nienna is young, but her soul feels so mature. She is grounded, honorable, fierce, and just a straight up badass. She cares so much for her people and the dragons. She allowed her brother to take her from Kallias in a misguided attempt to save him. She stands firm in her choices and navigates her heartbreak with grace. I love how in the book we see her connection and interact with the dragons.

I also love how we get insight to a completely different cultural perspective - foods, festivals, beliefs etc. M.A. Frick does an amazing job expanding the world and building a completely different world without it feeling tedious. And the dragons! It was incredible to be so close to them!

Kallias. Now now, the age gap may be a bit taboo, BUT, he's written in an absolutely addictive way. He's honorable and loyal to a fault. And he's had such a heartbreaking past that it makes my heart bleed for him. Nienna is so healthy for him, slowly healing his past traumas, while he tempers (in a good way) and grounds her. I genuinely cannot get over how he strips himself down to who he is as a man (not king) to own his mistakes and right any wrongdoings by Nienna. His friendship with Greeves is one of my favourite relationships in this series.

The romance reminds me of the iconic Mr. Darcy handflex. Nienna is pushing hard and Kallias repeatedly has to stand by his oaths and wait. The burn is SLOW with so much teasing but we are REWARDED.

The plot is focused on dealing with the ramifications of the broken blood oath, but there's a plot hook at the end for a wicked book 3!

Dragons, strong female characters, a swoony Mr. Darcy MMC, and memorable side characters, this book is so much fun. I cant wait to add the special editions to my collection. This is a series I would reread over and over just to experience the devotion a man only like Kallias can give and the inner strength a woman like Nienna has.

A heartfelt thank you to M.A Frick for gifting me the opportunity for an ARC read.

❤️‍🔥 Age Gap Romance
❤️‍🔥 Dragons!
❤️‍🔥 Trauma Healing
❤️‍🔥 "Good Girl"
❤️‍🔥 Political Intrigue
Profile Image for GheridenTheBookBard .
215 reviews29 followers
October 23, 2025
Between Love and Ruin, book two in The Dragon’s Heart series by M. A. Frick, absolutely soars. From the first few pages, it sweeps you right back into the world left behind in Between Flames and Deceit and wastes no time diving into the action. It hit nearly every note I could have hoped for.

The story picks up seamlessly, giving just enough of a refresher to ground you before plunging into new challenges, deeper emotions, and even higher stakes. There’s barely a breath before the tension begins to build, and from that moment on, it never really lets up. It’s fast-paced without feeling rushed, perfectly balancing action, emotion, and world expansion.

Nienna shines here. In book one, we saw her struggling to adapt to a kingdom that wasn’t her own, finding her footing in a world of dragons, politics, and expectation. This time, we see the full force of her spirit. She’s intelligent, brave, and utterly determined, and watching her growth was one of my favorite parts of the book. Then we have King Kallias, whose leadership and heart made him unforgettable the first time around. Now, the tables have turned, and he’s the one out of his element, forced to swallow his pride and fight not just for his kingdom, but for the love he refuses to lose. Their chemistry is just as strong as ever, and their confrontations crackle with both tension and tenderness.

Supporting characters like King Nereus and Queen Nyxaria add depth and gravitas, while Radaan steals more than a few scenes with his humor and surprising warmth. And of course, the dragons. The lore around them expands beautifully here, with rituals and traditions that feel ancient and meaningful. Every detail adds another layer to an already rich and vibrant world.

The writing itself is gorgeous, with moments of intensity that hit hard and emotional beats that stay with you long after the last page. The face-off between Nienna and Kallias was breathtaking. You can feel every ounce of passion, frustration, and love between them. Even with its closed-door approach, the heat is undeniable. The emotional intimacy carries just as much fire as any explicit scene could, and it fits the tone of the story perfectly.

M. A. Frick has a gift for blending epic fantasy storytelling with the kind of emotional depth that makes you care deeply for the characters. This series continues to grow in scope and strength, and I’m already counting the days until the next book. Between Love and Ruin is everything I want from a romantasy sequel: powerful, heartfelt, and absolutely unputdownable.
Profile Image for Summer Seeds.
607 reviews39 followers
September 24, 2025
The story picks up right where book one left us. Nienna forced from Raadan, a disgraced princess atop her brother's dragon. The Draconian Blood Oath broken, forcing two nations to the brink of war.

I loved this book. Dare I say, it's better than the first installment. Between Flames and Deceit is a lot of world building, and we get a good sense of the political and socioeconomic climate that control the kingdoms. All of this started as a political alliance, after all. Between Love and Ruin we get to see more of the characters and their personalities. Nienna has always been a strong character - a queen in the making - but she has so much fire and fight within her. She's intelligent and calculating, deeply caring, and fantastically spiteful. The way she clearly loves her family but was still willing to throw hands at any slight had me cackling, because it just made her feel so real.

Then there is Kallias. This is a true man of honor. He sails to Draconia knowing that it will likely be his death. He takes accountability and is willing to literally purge himself in dragon fire for Nienna. Honestly, swoon.

The best part? The dragons. I would probably die for Tsunami. What a menace! I love her. It was fun seeing all the dragons and their interactions with their riders as well as with each other. Especially the hatchlings. They have so much personality!

Book one set the stage. This one solidified the romance. I think a lot of the action is going to come in the last part of the trilogy, because of course Talon has to come and mess up a good thing in the last couple of pages! Am I surprised by the cliffhanger? No. Was I still yelling at my kindle screen when I realized it was going to end like that? Yes.

Thank you to the author for the ARC! I can't wait for book three! All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Jenna Willis.
339 reviews17 followers
July 14, 2025
Where do I even begin??

Book two was even more incredible than book one!
This book is a continuation of book one, Kallias and Nienna’s story.

This book continues after Nienna and Kallias are caught in a compromising situation by her brother and she’s forced to return to her kingdom with him. She wants nothing more than to stay with Kallias in Radaan and live out her life with the father of the man she was promised to, but that isn’t at all how this book goes.

Nienna returns home as a ruined princess and her father and brother are set on war against Radaan for the “crimes” their king has committed against their beloved daughter and sister. Little do they know, until they do, that Nienna isn’t a victim. She is madly in love with the king and is now searching for a way to break the blood oath that binds her father, the king of Draconis, to her true love, the king of Radaan.

This book is so full of adventure that you feel like you’re in every single second of it.
There’s a duel, dragons, and so much angst but it’s all worth it.
This book is so well written and is so descriptive that I felt like I was on the back of the dragons as they fly deep in the clouds, I felt like I was present during the Awakening ceremony and during negotiations that would join and set both kingdoms at rest.
Nienna and Kallias’ love is one of the epic variety, even though he’s old enough to be her father.
Of course this book ends in another cliffhanger but if you’re a fan of forbidden love, dragon riders, age gap romance and a love that won’t give up, this book is for you!
Profile Image for Shelby Seal(Allen).
353 reviews17 followers
July 20, 2025
M.A. Frick has done it again! I've been looking forward to diving into BLaR since getting yeeted off the cliff of an ending in BFaD!

We pick up right where we left off in book 1, and the tension? I almost couldn't take it! My poor girl Nienna really has to endure a bit and try to be heard. Not to mention also, how much Kallias has to essentially fix after the fall out of past events. (No spoilers here friends!)

The world building is so rich in this series, I'm genuinely blown away with how much we get to see and learn of Draconia. I will say, I think one of my new favorite characters is Tsunami. 🤭 I have some THOUGHTS, and cannot WAIT to see where we go in book 3!

And the dynamic between Kallias and Nienna's family? It feels so organic and right! Ronan really is the protective, pot stirring older brother it seems. 🤣 He's always got some comment to sling and I definitely got a chuckle and maybe a couple eye rolls out of me! The magic of Draconia, and the lore is so fascinating, we may not have any goat sightings in BLaR, but we sure do get a pretty sweet dragon trade off!

I'm on the edge for book 3! I need to know how their story ends! I'll be hanging here, dangling off another cliff waiting impatiently! 🤣💛
Profile Image for Megan Hupp.
139 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2025
I received an advanced ARC for this book after also being in the ARC team for book #1, Between Flames And Deceit. I LOVE this world that MA Frick has built for us.

Book #2 takes place in Draconia and it was enlighting to see where Nienna is from and how she interacts with her people and dragons. The first part of the book broke my heart and left me feeling depressed in her feeling of loss as well as how people were treating her. Once the action hit, I could not put the book down. After a certain “event” happened everything else seemed to fall into place. The bond between Nienna and Kallias is such a breath of fresh air in such a heavy world.

The ending does end in a cliff hanger, but was not nearly as rough as others have made it out to be. It opened up the floor for the 3rd book in the trilogy very well.
Profile Image for Doris| ItsYourBookBestieDee.
44 reviews5 followers
October 15, 2025
Ugh Daddy…I mean King Kallias can get it I don’t even care! The age gap and marriage of convenience tropes were done so well in both of these books so far but the yearning and stolen moments have been top tier!

BFaD was so good but I love that we got to see even more world building and got to see more of Draconis culture and dragons. We got to see Nienna in her element and see how Kallias risked it all for love after so many selfless years of burying himself into responsibility! I loved this book so much and I cannot wait for book 3!

Also, I feel so edged with Greaves, I NEED MORE! His story intrigues me soo much!!
Profile Image for Danielle Valdez.
132 reviews19 followers
October 27, 2025
5 stars
1 chili pepper (OR bell pepper)

This is book 2 in the series and picks up right at the end of book one. Nienna is heartbroken and it seems no one is really listening to her and her truth. They are in Draconia and there is a lot more about dragons which I enjoyed. I loved the dynamic of him being in her world and seeing it through her eyes. Dealing with HIS trauma was also different and interesting. I like how she is healing him and not vice versa. There is steam not spice. I typically enjoy spice, but she writes in a way that you feel their passions but not with on page actions. And it's steamy. I was so sucked into the story I couldn't stop reading. And that cliffhanger. I am dying. I cannot wait till book 3.
Profile Image for Amber.
294 reviews17 followers
September 13, 2025
King Kallias is that guy!!! seriously .... he owns his shizzz and says now what ... I still want her !!! ahhhh I love how much he is willing to do for Nienna !!! I loved how much the dragons played into this book .... getting to know them and their personalities was fun!!! I loved watching Nienna grow throughout the story as well . well written and kept me interested the whole time !!CLIFFHANGER !!!!!! ahhhh I need to know more ASAP ... I was lucky enough to get an advanced readers copy of this amazing fantasy and I wasn't the story to continue ........
Profile Image for Brianna Hausladen.
71 reviews8 followers
December 17, 2025
MA Frick, the way that she has the ability to rip my heart out and put it back together all in a single book…! Book 2 for The Dragon’s Heart Trilogy, Between Love and Ruin, was an amazing continuation of the story between Princess Nienna and our incredible King Kallias. Yes, there’s an age gap—MA Frick dos this so tastefully and with so much care in her descriptions, it’s really incredible to read. Include some dragons, burning tension, and that cliffhanger of an ending…WOW! This book was a roller coaster. I highly recommend this series and I cannot wait until Book 3 comes out!
Profile Image for Amanda.
287 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2025
This was exactly what I needed!

We pick up right where we left off in Between Flames and Deceit.

I loved seeing Draconis. The world building was incredible. There is so much history going on that I can’t wait for the next book! I am wondering how the author can wrap it all up in one more book though. Hopefully she can’t and we can get a spinoff series with Greaves exploring parts of the world we don’t know about get?! 😉

I loved learning more about dragons and the bond they create with their riders. I feel like this book really cemented itself in the dragon fantasy landscape that’s so popular now. 🐉

Nienna is incredible! Strong, confident woman! I love that the author hasn’t made her overpowered like so many romantasy authors do. She’s powerful don’t get me wrong, but compared to others she isn’t. This slow build up is amazing!

Kallias. Oh he’s incredible. He doesn’t let his pride get in his way. His history breaks my heart and I like that he’s the one with this history versus Nienna. It’s a great reminder that men can experience trauma just as easily as females.


I am just going to sit and wait now for the next book. Thank you M.A. Frick for the Advanced ARC.

❤️🐉❤️
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