Fated Flames: Volume One

by Jaylene Forester

A dragon has only one weakness. She's his. When the Dragon King offers to pay the debt of Princess Serah Celandina’s kingdom in exchange for her hand, she agrees. It's no secret why he wants His own land lies in a desert waste, and Serah possesses the gift of water drawing. If she can prevent the drought threatening his kingdom, he’ll save her island nation from poverty. For her people’s sake, Serah will do anything.

Even marry a beast with all the tact of a battering ram.

But she can't help wondering why he really wants her. Because this king set on hoarding her like some prized jewel? He definitely has ulterior motives…

Feel the sparks fly in this fated mates romantasy brimming with charm and nonstop yearning.

Fated Flames is being released in volumes, and this first, novella-length volume ends in a cliffhanger. However, Volume II is available for preorder, or you can head to Jaylene's author page to find out how to start reading it now.

Spice Always steamy, never spicy.

Genres: Fantasy

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

Reviews

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely amazing, I regularly read several books at once and had not even intended to start this one yet but I am a sucker for a dragon romance and I thought I’d just take a quick peak. Then I got pulled right in! Serah is a really great mix of nervous / soft and willfull/strong at the appropriate times. Soren is as yummy as cake and the world building is simple but extremely well done. The story had me laughing out loud several times at Serahs antics and I couldn’t put it down. This is one indie author you absolutely don’t wanna sleep on! I really try to avoid spoilers in my reviews so without saying much more GO READ this it releases October 15th!

[Jane GAD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short lovely story!

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
0 Spice 🌶️ (Clean)

First dragon shifted book I’ve ever read. It was cute but also super short. I do feel like I just read a first act of a book rather than an entire novel. A lot of unanswered questions and mostly just about the romance. Finished it in a day though. Not bad for a debut author. I do love the cover art.

[Leslie L. Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the usual way of 'fated mate' stories, this one was satisfying, but that's where the usual ends. I truly *loved* this book. My only problem with it was the fact it was very short and while that's not unusual in market of today's e-books, it was frustrating. The author writes in a manner that flows beautifully, draws the reader into a magical world where you have no wish to escape and leads you to invest emotionally in the characters prior to even knowing them well. There's several small mysteries in the background woven masterfully into the plot and the romance isn't in the normal formulaic vein of short novellas. The FMC, Serah, and the MMC, Soren, take the time to learn of each other and don't rush into the physical intimacy that ruins so many other plots with unbelievable adoration. The entire relationship is a dance of, 'I desire you inexplicably, but who *are* you first?' The world building could be a bit more in-depth, but it doesn't take away from the excellent flow of the plot. Someone is gunning for one or both of the MC's and the cliffhanger leaves you gasping and desperate for the next installment. I've never read the author, Jaylene Forester, before, but I'll be following her because it's clear she's a talent to watch. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anastey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you BookSprout, and Jaylene Forester for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

OMG this was amazing!

It has everything you could want in Romantasy novella. We have awesome snarky banter, petty bratty mischief, fated mates, and two stubborn characters constantly butting heads. What more could you want?

His Majesty (Soren) is a bit of a hothead with an overprotective streak a mile wide. Sera is patient and witty, but when you finally piss her off it's going to be epic. Watching these two dance around each other, while slowly falling in love was so good. I enjoyed the duality of Soren's nature and how the beast and man sides sometimes didn't agree with each other.

The worldbuilding was great, and the descriptions of everything were fantastic. The pacing was spot on, and I loved that there were plenty of cozy moments between the two of them where they could start to figure each other out.

The side characters are also great, and there is a cat too! It was so sweet to see how much Soren cares for his people, down to the lowest tier of servants.

I can't wait to read the next novella in the series. This one left me hungry for more, and ready to devour them all.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantasy fans, mark your calendars for October because this will be your new obsession!

It follows the kind and witty Princess Serah. She is gifted with the power to manipulate water, and as royalty of an indebted island kingdom, she is drawn into a marriage of convenience with the Dragon King, ruler of a land besieged by drought. She determines to do what it takes to save her people, and pretend affection for the king who can transform into a beast. What she doesn’t expect is for him to care for her, and for her own feelings to stir as well…

If you love fantasy courts, found family, fated mates, rival kingdoms, strong-willed heroines and scenes so full of longing you’ll be grinning to yourself like a lunatic, don’t sleep on this. From the chemistry between the central couple, to Serah’s refusal to be contained, to the little cat friend that takes a liking to the princess, it’s pure, lighthearted, escapist fun. And the world-building, magic system and conflict between kingdoms are interesting and clever, too.

The full tale is being published in a series of short volumes, and each one leaves you wanting to pick up the next immediately. If you’re anything like me, you’ll read this first one in a single sitting and finish it with a smile on your face.

[M.A.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fated Flames was such a fun novella! I was able to read it in one day, and I was hooked, lined, and sinkered the entire time!

The tension between Soren and Serah was crackling, but there’s no smut. It’s a 100% clean read for volume 1! And the best part? Soren and Serah take their time, making this a slow burn romance for the ages ❤️‍🔥 The comedic elements were fun, and the entire story is very light. Forester’s writing is easily digestible and accessible, so this book was a breeze to read for me as a slow reader.

I can’t wait to learn more about Soren and Serah, and their world. Onto volume 2! 🥳

Tropes: possessive MMC, slow burn, he falls first (and harder), marriage of convenience, grumpy x sunshine, desert setting, highly sought-after power

Comps: Beauty and the Beast, Gilded Rose by Emma Hamm, A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova, Uprooted by Naomi Novik, Radiance by Grace Draven

[S R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great start to a new series. The FMC, Serah, is a princess of a small kingdom promised to the Dragon King, Soren, to settle a debt. The first installment of this series is the meeting of the main characters and navigating their many differences. Their encounters funny, endearing and thought provoking. Lots of mysteries are wedged into the story that will be exciting to unravel in the coming stories! Once the series is completed I’m definitely coming back to read this one to see if I can find the Easter eggs hidden 🤔

[MoriahBetweenPages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Fated Flames! I need to know what happens next! The FMC, Serah is soft, elegant, and shy, but theres some strong-willingness to her. She is also hilarious! I had moments where I would laugh at loud at the things shed say and do. I love that the story is a slow burn romance. The MC’s are still getting to know each other. Of course the MMC gives off that touch her and die vibe. I love it. Im a bit suspicious of a few of the side characters. That ending left me needing more of the story asap!

Also, I love that the story is a short novella and of course there’s more!

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first dragon romance and it did not disappoint. It was a quick one sitting read but Jaylene left no details out on characters and scenery. There were many times that the witty banter had me laughing trying not to wake my sleeping little one. Serah and Soren definitely have chemistry and I can't wait to read Volume 2 to see more of it!
Thank you to Jaylene and BookSirens for the advance review copy for free, I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caitlin Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

O….M….G! I don’t read books as fast as I’ve read this. I couldn’t put it down. I put down the other books I was reading for this. The do they like each other or is it just the arrangement thing is great. The way she puts him in his place a few times and hell even the side characters are interesting. I can’t wait to read more and see how things develop in the world. There is definitely something big coming.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon romance yes please, world building is done really well. The author went simple with the world building but it works well with the story. There are several small mysteries woven well into the story and Serah and Soren romance flows well with the story. Sometimes it can feel disjointed with fated mates.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover grabbed my interest and took a chance on the story. Thoroughly enjoyed Serah and Soren's story. A quick read and filled with plenty of emotion, angst, adventure. Though... my bug bear is always a cliff hanger, so I'm hoping the next book will be out soon. :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leorah Krohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hooked me from the start!
I haven’t read anything like it before and I’m loving it!
The characters stand out and have depth to their own individual stories.
The story itself is very easy to read and detailed. It’s fast paced but flows well.
I’m excited to continue the story in part 2!

[Madison Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short romantasy that's quite addictive! A dragonshifter arranged marriage with forced proximity, banter, and fated mates, what is not to love? Looking for a fresh, quick read, this one is for you! Also, I love that the cat distribution system functions in this world, amazing touch!

[Raili Bysheim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I read it in one sitting. I only wish it was about 150 pages longer to add even more to the story. The character and world building is fun to read and easy to understand. There is some mystery to keep you intrigued and great tension between the FMC and MMC.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely am in love with this book I love her characters and world building

[Oreo Cookie Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

surprise FL is genuinely a good FL. Cant give 5 ⭐️ cause the the ML made me cringe at times

[Marie Bolton · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ silly & sweet

[Wankumbu Chisale · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars out of 5.

[Fajr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally started this story on Kindle Vella. I didn't keep up with it when it moved to Inkitt but I randomly saw it in my Kindle recommendations today and I just had to buy it.

While I didn't love the cliffhanger I really enjoyed the story. It is a lovely dragon romance and I will definitely be purchasing volume two when it comes out.

[Adrienn Balázs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC provided by BookSirens!
This was awesome! I had an amazing time reading this book! It was fast-paced, well-written, hilarious and drew me in instantly! I loved the FMC, her personality is everything! I cracked up several times reading and I can't wait to read more about her relationship with MMC who I also adore 😍. I only wish this was longer because I need more!