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Tales from the Dragon Diner #1
Calculated Whisk
The Dragon Bookkeeper Wanted.
After a lifetime as a mercenary and years of war, Rylana seeks a peaceful new career, and this job looks perfect. What could be calmer and more relaxing than crunching numbers while delightful scents waft from a professional kitchen?
There’s just one problem. The Dragon Diner is run by a real dragon, one she shot with an arrow during the war. And, oh yes, he remembers her.
This might not be the relaxing new start to life that Rylana envisioned.
After a lifetime as a mercenary and years of war, Rylana seeks a peaceful new career, and this job looks perfect. What could be calmer and more relaxing than crunching numbers while delightful scents waft from a professional kitchen?
There’s just one problem. The Dragon Diner is run by a real dragon, one she shot with an arrow during the war. And, oh yes, he remembers her.
This might not be the relaxing new start to life that Rylana envisioned.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2026
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
201 books6,375 followersI'm a full-time indie fantasy and science fiction author. When I'm not writing, I'm ferrying my dogs to hiking trails for adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Did Not Finish
May 27, 2026DNF @ 6%
H*ll
H*rny
They used a made up word to describe either s*x or a man’s part. And they had a cakes that apparently had a man’s part sticking out of it.
Pornographic cakes.
Yeah, not going to finish this. It was nasty.
H*ll
H*rny
They used a made up word to describe either s*x or a man’s part. And they had a cakes that apparently had a man’s part sticking out of it.
Pornographic cakes.
Yeah, not going to finish this. It was nasty.
May 28, 2026
Loved it.
I always love Lindsay Buroker books and this one was a pleasure to read. My only complaint is that it wasn't longer! I can barely wait till the next one comes out in 6 days. 🙃
I always love Lindsay Buroker books and this one was a pleasure to read. My only complaint is that it wasn't longer! I can barely wait till the next one comes out in 6 days. 🙃
May 28, 2026
It’s a fun, entertaining read
Rating: 4 ⭐️
It was the description the got me.
Rylana is a mercenary who, along with her elf warrior friend, a complicated being herself, returns home after the long war is over. She’s done, retired and looking for a new career as a bookkeeper.
The only place hiring? The Dragon Diner. Owned and run by, Jildarin, the same dragon she successfully attacked during the war. But he needs her skills to get him out of debt and organized and she needs the money and job.
And he wants to win the Golden Whisk cooking contest to show that dragons can do more than just be good at terrifying and at war.
It’s a fun, entertaining read and recipe for a story about enemies to friends. There’s a mystery left unsolved and Rylana is left with a new start, partner and just getting reacquainted with her formidable father. It’s a story about beginnings and new friends and community.
There’s also a fair amount of talk about sexual activity as some of the recipes have an unintentional impact on certain species with their ingredients.
The relationship between Rylana and Jildarin, the dragon chef, develops gradually, which is a very natural process between former enemies. I thought that was terrific here.
The other intriguing character is her elf mercenary who accompanied her home. The reader and Rylana is never quite sure what she’s doing or how she is working there in the town. I’d love to see more of her.
This is an entertaining story and a definite winner.
Tales from the Dragon Diner (2 book series)
Calculated Whisk #1
Knead for Speed #2 - June 30,2026
Rating: 4 ⭐️
It was the description the got me.
Rylana is a mercenary who, along with her elf warrior friend, a complicated being herself, returns home after the long war is over. She’s done, retired and looking for a new career as a bookkeeper.
The only place hiring? The Dragon Diner. Owned and run by, Jildarin, the same dragon she successfully attacked during the war. But he needs her skills to get him out of debt and organized and she needs the money and job.
And he wants to win the Golden Whisk cooking contest to show that dragons can do more than just be good at terrifying and at war.
It’s a fun, entertaining read and recipe for a story about enemies to friends. There’s a mystery left unsolved and Rylana is left with a new start, partner and just getting reacquainted with her formidable father. It’s a story about beginnings and new friends and community.
There’s also a fair amount of talk about sexual activity as some of the recipes have an unintentional impact on certain species with their ingredients.
The relationship between Rylana and Jildarin, the dragon chef, develops gradually, which is a very natural process between former enemies. I thought that was terrific here.
The other intriguing character is her elf mercenary who accompanied her home. The reader and Rylana is never quite sure what she’s doing or how she is working there in the town. I’d love to see more of her.
This is an entertaining story and a definite winner.
Tales from the Dragon Diner (2 book series)
Calculated Whisk #1
Knead for Speed #2 - June 30,2026
May 27, 2026
Buroker is back. That means guaranteed great characters, world-building, a nice smidgen of exciting action (she couldn’t help herself), and yes a perfectly light-hearted and humorous tale that indeed feature a dragon chef, though I can already tell you that he’s so much more. The lead here, Rylana, bookkeeper, former mercenary archer (and very capable at both) and, by the way, somewhat estranged daughter of a local merchant lord (she ran away nearly two decades prior so as to avoid an intended forced mariafe), is as strong a wonderfully snarky and superbly talented character as those of prior Buroker books. Trust me, that’s a high complement. If you’ve not read Buroker books before this is a fun intro, but you’ve missed several “must read” series that I strongly recommend. If you’re a fellow Buroker fan then enjoy, my friend, as this book is up to her (very high) standards. It’s pretty obvious that I highly recommend this book. Even though it has a perfectly strong “happy enough for now” ending, I’m still very much looking forward to Book 2: Knead for Speed. Until then, Calculated Whisk is an easy 5 stars.
May 24, 2026
I learned a new word
Snark seems to be the new custom in urban faerie fiction. I appreciate war stories. My longing for favorite foods while in the rice paddies of Vietnam or the sands of Saudi Arabia are talked about by my family and friends. They know that I donate to give food that people may live. They know that in retirement and disability I live to eat food that I missed. New food and dishes are seeked. I tremble and shake with memories even entering a Thai restaurant. My nurse must accompany me when we eat Arab Mediterranean because of my PTSD and diabetic reactions to desserts. Those "enemies " of the past are now culinary cohorts, with comfortable companionship. Both in Vietnam and Saudi Arabia as an "innocent" chaplain, i learned terms from my charges about interactions among people of different genders. In this book, I learned a new term. I will never look at a dessert in the same Snark way again.
Snark seems to be the new custom in urban faerie fiction. I appreciate war stories. My longing for favorite foods while in the rice paddies of Vietnam or the sands of Saudi Arabia are talked about by my family and friends. They know that I donate to give food that people may live. They know that in retirement and disability I live to eat food that I missed. New food and dishes are seeked. I tremble and shake with memories even entering a Thai restaurant. My nurse must accompany me when we eat Arab Mediterranean because of my PTSD and diabetic reactions to desserts. Those "enemies " of the past are now culinary cohorts, with comfortable companionship. Both in Vietnam and Saudi Arabia as an "innocent" chaplain, i learned terms from my charges about interactions among people of different genders. In this book, I learned a new term. I will never look at a dessert in the same Snark way again.
May 22, 2026
Bon Appétit!
This is a delicious and appetizing tail....(see what I did there?)
No, seriously. This book is amazing. An ex mercenary looking for a job and the one she wants is from a dragon she may have encountered in the war. Well, now he cooks and his food is really fantastic and ...well, try the soup!
I am a foodie on top of being a lover of fantasy and all things related and this ticked all the boxes. Intrigue, a mystery or two, lots of action and some mentions of food that had me drooling, because I know some of them are real and I mest have them. There's family drama and all kinds of little tidbits of lore tucked here and there and it is just delightful.
If you like The Food Network and fantasy and fiction, this is the perfect book for you.
This is a delicious and appetizing tail....(see what I did there?)
No, seriously. This book is amazing. An ex mercenary looking for a job and the one she wants is from a dragon she may have encountered in the war. Well, now he cooks and his food is really fantastic and ...well, try the soup!
I am a foodie on top of being a lover of fantasy and all things related and this ticked all the boxes. Intrigue, a mystery or two, lots of action and some mentions of food that had me drooling, because I know some of them are real and I mest have them. There's family drama and all kinds of little tidbits of lore tucked here and there and it is just delightful.
If you like The Food Network and fantasy and fiction, this is the perfect book for you.
May 19, 2026
As satisfying as hot bacon on a frosty morning, this book will make you smile and warm your heart.
Lindsay Buroker's dragons are always welcome in my library, and this fun, low-stakes, slow burn read doesn't disappoint.
I loved the interaction between the characters, the idiosyncrasies of the different species, and the cozy mystery set in a town that strongly encourages harmonious living - although old rivalries and relationships can make things tricky.
Lindsay's signature snark is apparent throughout, with wry humor and much emphasis on coffee and bacon, which makes this book perfect for me.
Can't wait for the next one.
Lindsay Buroker's dragons are always welcome in my library, and this fun, low-stakes, slow burn read doesn't disappoint.
I loved the interaction between the characters, the idiosyncrasies of the different species, and the cozy mystery set in a town that strongly encourages harmonious living - although old rivalries and relationships can make things tricky.
Lindsay's signature snark is apparent throughout, with wry humor and much emphasis on coffee and bacon, which makes this book perfect for me.
Can't wait for the next one.
May 21, 2026
Well here we go again!
And to think I almost missed that email from Amazon letting me know that Lindsay had a new book out! I’m going to have to check my spam filters to see why I’m not getting her emails because I know I am on her mailing list. Hmmmm….
Regardless, this is a fast read and a whole LOT of fun! In many ways it’s reminiscent of Val and Zev, but only to the extent that it’s a dragon and a human verbally sparring. Beyond that, it’s all original and is guaranteed to keep you entertained. More than that, I don’t giant to say. Just read it… you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!
And to think I almost missed that email from Amazon letting me know that Lindsay had a new book out! I’m going to have to check my spam filters to see why I’m not getting her emails because I know I am on her mailing list. Hmmmm….
Regardless, this is a fast read and a whole LOT of fun! In many ways it’s reminiscent of Val and Zev, but only to the extent that it’s a dragon and a human verbally sparring. Beyond that, it’s all original and is guaranteed to keep you entertained. More than that, I don’t giant to say. Just read it… you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!
May 28, 2026
Excellent as is par for this author
It's like coming home. I've read most of her works and have never been disappointed and really never have finished a book of her's without a smile. The humor , adventure and warmth of her characters bring her stories to life for me.
Ryland was raised on a castle estate, then the threat of a forced marriage sent her off to become a mercenary for seventeen years. She fought dragons and elves. After the war and after losing her love, she returned to her home city of Tranquility. She becomes a bookkeeper for a dragon that she had badly wounded during the war. And there ,believe it or not , is when the adventure begins.
It's like coming home. I've read most of her works and have never been disappointed and really never have finished a book of her's without a smile. The humor , adventure and warmth of her characters bring her stories to life for me.
Ryland was raised on a castle estate, then the threat of a forced marriage sent her off to become a mercenary for seventeen years. She fought dragons and elves. After the war and after losing her love, she returned to her home city of Tranquility. She becomes a bookkeeper for a dragon that she had badly wounded during the war. And there ,believe it or not , is when the adventure begins.
May 29, 2026
I love this book, it's fun, witty and humorous. The two main characters are Jildarin the dragon shifter, who Ryana shot in the war, but she feels guilt and wants a job, with him specifically, she stays sleeping in his lair, even when there's a bed for her elsewhere and her friend Sylin keeps an eye on her, despite being wanted by the Elves. There is someone out to sabotage Jildarin's cookery competition hopes, and Rylana works out quite quickly who it is. In the meantime although the town welcomes all species, it has no real desire to let a dragon succeed, so Rylana has her work cut out to help him win all the same.
The two will eventually become mates, you can see that, I love it!
The two will eventually become mates, you can see that, I love it!
May 20, 2026
A fun new series- with Bacon!
What happens when the war against Dragons is over? Massive unemployment for mercenary soldiers, that's what! So a run away former noble turned NCO Mercenary Archer and Quartermaster comes home to find no jobs available, except for bookkeeping for a chaotic diner. Unfortunately, the owner and chef is a dragon she nearly killed during the recent war. She needs a job - he needs to stop accidentally buying magica ovens by the dozen. Add in a cast of quirky characters, and you have a great reead
What happens when the war against Dragons is over? Massive unemployment for mercenary soldiers, that's what! So a run away former noble turned NCO Mercenary Archer and Quartermaster comes home to find no jobs available, except for bookkeeping for a chaotic diner. Unfortunately, the owner and chef is a dragon she nearly killed during the recent war. She needs a job - he needs to stop accidentally buying magica ovens by the dozen. Add in a cast of quirky characters, and you have a great reead
May 29, 2026
(4.5 stars) - An amusing story...
... Though maybe not for delicate sensibilities
As is often the case with Buroker's stories, this is a bit on the bawdy side. The dragon chef's spices tend to act as a strong aphrodisiac on people, & the dragons in the book have a very matter of fact attitude talking about intimacy
Still, the main characters are likeable & easy to root for. The relationships developing between them are entertaining, & there are plenty of mysteries yet to be revealed
... Though maybe not for delicate sensibilities
As is often the case with Buroker's stories, this is a bit on the bawdy side. The dragon chef's spices tend to act as a strong aphrodisiac on people, & the dragons in the book have a very matter of fact attitude talking about intimacy
Still, the main characters are likeable & easy to root for. The relationships developing between them are entertaining, & there are plenty of mysteries yet to be revealed
May 20, 2026
Cozy and fun
I really enjoyed it! A light, fast read that didn't end on a cliffhanger, but left room for future installments.
Probably less snark than some of her other heroines, but still fun. While there is adult innuendo and situations, it's not really graphic (at least to me). No romance really in this, but I could see it developing as the series continues.
I recommend reading it and am looking forward to the next one!
I really enjoyed it! A light, fast read that didn't end on a cliffhanger, but left room for future installments.
Probably less snark than some of her other heroines, but still fun. While there is adult innuendo and situations, it's not really graphic (at least to me). No romance really in this, but I could see it developing as the series continues.
I recommend reading it and am looking forward to the next one!
May 22, 2026
ok
This book was fun and corky, but I did feel like there was a lot of filler that didn’t really need to be in there. I like the MMC and the FMC. I did think it was kind of funny that a dragon was a chef. I also thought it was kind of funny how they referred to the male anatomy. I like how the MMC kept trying to help the dragon, even though she shot him in the war. It took him a while, but I believe he was eventually starting to like her. I’ll read the next book in the series.
This book was fun and corky, but I did feel like there was a lot of filler that didn’t really need to be in there. I like the MMC and the FMC. I did think it was kind of funny that a dragon was a chef. I also thought it was kind of funny how they referred to the male anatomy. I like how the MMC kept trying to help the dragon, even though she shot him in the war. It took him a while, but I believe he was eventually starting to like her. I’ll read the next book in the series.
May 23, 2026
I love dragons.
Once again Ms. Buroker has not disappointed. Her characters are well developed and the story is fast moving. I can't wait for the next in the series. She has a great vocabulary which occasionally has me looking up a word. If you haven't read any of her other books, they won't disappoint. My only criticism is my personal pet peeve...it should be it isn't not it's not. Snot is what come out of your nose. Lol
Once again Ms. Buroker has not disappointed. Her characters are well developed and the story is fast moving. I can't wait for the next in the series. She has a great vocabulary which occasionally has me looking up a word. If you haven't read any of her other books, they won't disappoint. My only criticism is my personal pet peeve...it should be it isn't not it's not. Snot is what come out of your nose. Lol
May 24, 2026
Feels Like Something I’ve already Read
A dragon chef is a fun premise, but the bantering fell flat for me.
Maybe I’ve read too many books by this author ( I do love them!) because this one sounded like Val and Zav all over again. Yes, the story line was different but the characters seemed shallower, too.
I was disappointed. Not bored for sure, but the book came across as “just okay” for me.
A dragon chef is a fun premise, but the bantering fell flat for me.
Maybe I’ve read too many books by this author ( I do love them!) because this one sounded like Val and Zav all over again. Yes, the story line was different but the characters seemed shallower, too.
I was disappointed. Not bored for sure, but the book came across as “just okay” for me.
May 25, 2026
Lots of fun and surprises.
I had a brother with PTSD. He never found his happy place after Vietnam. I can understand soldiers looking for a calm place after a war that took one’s friends and loved ones; place to expand one’s creativity and deepen friendships with loyalty, and possibly growing affection. This story includes all that with dragons, elves, goblins, and other mythical creatures with personality and quirks.
I had a brother with PTSD. He never found his happy place after Vietnam. I can understand soldiers looking for a calm place after a war that took one’s friends and loved ones; place to expand one’s creativity and deepen friendships with loyalty, and possibly growing affection. This story includes all that with dragons, elves, goblins, and other mythical creatures with personality and quirks.
May 29, 2026
Enjoyable!
This book surprised me. I quite enjoyed the banter between the characters throughout the book. I found myself chuckling and smiling many times. I like Jildarin's seriousness and way of thinking. Rylana cracks me up with her no nonsense way of interpreting events as well. Sylin is also super fun to get to know, the stealthy assassin who is not Rylana's friend, ha! I am looking forward to the next adventure!
This book surprised me. I quite enjoyed the banter between the characters throughout the book. I found myself chuckling and smiling many times. I like Jildarin's seriousness and way of thinking. Rylana cracks me up with her no nonsense way of interpreting events as well. Sylin is also super fun to get to know, the stealthy assassin who is not Rylana's friend, ha! I am looking forward to the next adventure!
May 21, 2026
Absolutely delightful
Ms. Buroker strikes again! The start of a new series has an ingenious plot and unusual characters. I can practically guarantee that I have never read about a dragon who is a chef at his own restaurant. This was an amazing read, and I look forward to the rest of the series!
Ms. Buroker strikes again! The start of a new series has an ingenious plot and unusual characters. I can practically guarantee that I have never read about a dragon who is a chef at his own restaurant. This was an amazing read, and I look forward to the rest of the series!
May 22, 2026
Such a fun read!
I devoured this book like a crispy strip of bacon! The characters and culture are interesting, the banter is entertaining, and I am most delighted by the log inspectors. There's a mystery being solved as well as back stories of characters being revealed. Can't wait for the next book in this series!
I devoured this book like a crispy strip of bacon! The characters and culture are interesting, the banter is entertaining, and I am most delighted by the log inspectors. There's a mystery being solved as well as back stories of characters being revealed. Can't wait for the next book in this series!
May 24, 2026
Am a total fan of Lindsay’s work!
This latest book does not disappoint and is in the vein of Death Before Dragons (my favorite series of hers so far.) This book has humor, snark and interesting characters. I hope there will be several more books to come for this tale of a dragon chef and a former mercenary bookkeeper! Well done!!!
This latest book does not disappoint and is in the vein of Death Before Dragons (my favorite series of hers so far.) This book has humor, snark and interesting characters. I hope there will be several more books to come for this tale of a dragon chef and a former mercenary bookkeeper! Well done!!!
June 1, 2026
Enjoyable fantasy adventure
The worldbuilding is interesting, Ryalan is believable and likeable, and the story is entertaining and low stress. There is a minor amount of violence (dragon on dragon) and slightly more spice-induced mildly graphic sex (details mostly left to the imagination).
The worldbuilding is interesting, Ryalan is believable and likeable, and the story is entertaining and low stress. There is a minor amount of violence (dragon on dragon) and slightly more spice-induced mildly graphic sex (details mostly left to the imagination).
May 21, 2026
Quite a story
You don’t have to suspend belief, the immersion is too quick-seriously. The theme is original, the characters “Alice in Wonderland “ like…sorta, and there’s joy, sorrow, and courage.
You don’t have to suspend belief, the immersion is too quick-seriously. The theme is original, the characters “Alice in Wonderland “ like…sorta, and there’s joy, sorrow, and courage.
Read
May 21, 2026Fun, cozy Romantasy adventure
He is a dragon chef trying to run a restaurant and win a competition, she is a retired mercenary looking for a job as a bookkeeper - and they have history.
He is a dragon chef trying to run a restaurant and win a competition, she is a retired mercenary looking for a job as a bookkeeper - and they have history.
May 21, 2026
I'm not really sure how to rate this. It's a good beginning of a new storyline but...there was nothing really surprising about it. Not to say I didn't enjoy it and will get the next one; cuz it is a good read. But I hope there's an imaginative twist or something coming.
May 22, 2026
Lindsay still writing great stories!
Keeping the quality excellent and does it repeatedly. Think i have read just. bout everything. Didn’t know if a “chef” story would be good and i was right! It want good but great !!
Keeping the quality excellent and does it repeatedly. Think i have read just. bout everything. Didn’t know if a “chef” story would be good and i was right! It want good but great !!
May 23, 2026
Nice
The concept for the story was interesting. I enjoyed the relationship between Ryland and Jildarin. There were places in the story that felt unnecessary and forced. But all in all it was okay and this author wrote one of my favorite series so I would recommend.
The concept for the story was interesting. I enjoyed the relationship between Ryland and Jildarin. There were places in the story that felt unnecessary and forced. But all in all it was okay and this author wrote one of my favorite series so I would recommend.
May 23, 2026
great fun
This was an excellent read. The characters were well written and believable. Plot had some interesting elements that were surprising. I look forward to the next in the series’s
This was an excellent read. The characters were well written and believable. Plot had some interesting elements that were surprising. I look forward to the next in the series’s
May 23, 2026
Lindsay never fails to entertain. As with all her series this story puts you into their world and you can't help but feel the the angst and happiness of all the characters. Another great series to look forward to from Lindsay Buroker. Looking forward to the next.
May 25, 2026
Great book from an excellent author.
Lindsay has once again created a wonderful story in a new world with a fresh plot and endearing characters. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
Lindsay has once again created a wonderful story in a new world with a fresh plot and endearing characters. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews