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As the bookkeeper and new co-owner of the Dragon Diner, Rylana Avandar is determined to see the business become successful. Despite an inauspicious beginning, her partner Jildarin—founder, chef, and dragon—has come to trust her, and she doesn’t want to disappoint him.

But when a troll curse and an ancient secret threaten Tranquility, Rylana will have to do a lot more than crunch numbers. If she and Jildarin can’t figure out how to appease the troll gods, the diner and the entire city could be doomed.

308 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2026

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About the author

Lindsay Buroker

203 books6,481 followers
I'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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5 stars
1,095 (57%)
4 stars
606 (31%)
3 stars
185 (9%)
2 stars
22 (1%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,514 reviews6,697 followers
August 23, 2026
Uncovered

I wanted to give this book 3.5 stars, it was a bit slow paced, but did definitely deserved a round up. I have read enough of Lindsay Buroker's books and series to know likes to take her time in the story, character development and relationships.

If Rylana thought her days of adventure were done she is in for a dissapointment. Business is good in the Dragon Diner. However, a huge secret have been unleashed that could destroy Tranquility itself, both physical and spiritually. If that was not enough she also has to deal with jealous and angry dragons.

A lot of things have been setup in this book, to move the story forward. I am looking forward to seeing what is to come in the series. I do hope the next books are more action packed.
Profile Image for Navdha.
655 reviews84 followers
July 2, 2026
I was expecting more plot but it was severely lacking even though I went in knowing it wouldn’t be anything serious. The characters aren’t that charming either so we’ll see if I come back to this world
Profile Image for Kate McMurry.
Author 1 book134 followers
August 27, 2026
This is the second book in a terrific cozy romantasy series. See my review of the first book, Calculated Whisk, which is a comprehensive review of the first three books.
Profile Image for Kelly.
6,028 reviews239 followers
June 30, 2026
Jildarin won the Golden Whisk contest and business is popping at the diner. Which means Rylana is bus-ay keeping things running on the backend while Jildarin cooks up new and exciting dishes. This is all well and good, but when a former beau (I really don't want to call Vormalt that because ewww, but I guess it works as a descriptor for the jerk) unleashes a troll curse on the town that threatens all the hard work they've put into the diner (plus, you know, causes general mayhem for everyone), Rylana and Jildarin end up teaming up (as intrepid explorers, not just business partners) to figure out how to unravel the curse and save the day.

Honestly, the saving the day thing kind of had more to do with making sure they could keep operating their diner. I mean, they did want to help the town and all, but Jildarin's coffee rubbed bacon is VERY important to Rylana.

Anywho. Rylana's chasing down clues. Jildarin's cooking up savory treats (that aren't causing bouts of unexpected sexual congress in his diner after patrons eat it, THANK GOODNESS). Sylin's avoiding the various groups of elves hunting for her. Oh, and I guess I should mention that Jildarin's mother hasn't given up on trying to get him to *ahem* expend himself and make beautiful dragonish offspring with all the lady dragons who are jonesing for him. She is NOT pleased that he keeps refusing the females she keeps promising him to AND that he's been spending so much time with Rylana. Which kinda means she's not terribly pleased with Rylana.

A curse, some old gods, a break-in, secrets, complicated family dynamics (on so many levels), a dragon who isn't intrigued (probably) by recreational mating of any kind, and a retired mercenary who just wants to see the diner do well. Well, she also wouldn't mind if her business partner dragon saw her as more than just a business partner. Who knows? Maybe her stalwart defense of him on several fronts is growing on him. Time will tell!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Starr Perry.
700 reviews6 followers
July 5, 2026
Rylana, the bookkeeper’s part partner, with dragon chef Jaldarin want their Dragon diner to be a success, but it’s so difficult with interference.

Most of the interference is Jaldarin’s draconic mother who demands he mate with suitable female dragons. There’s also a pair of arrogant, beautiful and narcissistic dragon sisters who accost him and attempt to force him to mate and of course, let’s not leave out the draconian aunt trying to kill Rylana, and eliminate her as a threat for Jaldarin’s affections.

In addition to the draconic madness and mayhem, someone is attempting to force the trolls and gnomes into paying them reparations money, and is blowing up their sacred spaces, as well as attempting to terrify the local supernatural community with their antics, and their efforts are succeeding. The trolls curse seems to be gaining a foothold on the island and may kill them all, if not stopped.

Poor Rylana, she is attempting to be a bookkeeper and good diner partner - but she must survive all the supernatural insanity of others and keep from dying, as well as keep her former military elvish colleague Sylin alive and protected from the elves who wish to terminate her.

Its wall to wall, sky to sky and water action attempting to resolve the troll’s issue before the island is blown up and them with it, if the dragons don’t get Rylana first - so much fun, with loads of supernatural hijinks and hilarity and an absolutely worthwhile read
Profile Image for Brian White.
316 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2026
Quirky and funny - qualities I like in Lindsay Buroker's books.
Profile Image for Sharon Hughson.
Author 31 books64 followers
July 3, 2026
There just wasn’t much here. Not a strong plot. Too much seemed “accidental” and characters should have agency. None of the relationships feel authentic.

I love dragons as much as the next person, but this world isn’t compelling and the characters aren’t as engaging as Buroker generally writes.

And stop pining for the dragon already. Clearly, they will be an item by the end once he figures out why he should be interested in “recreational mating.”
3,098 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2026
Knead For Speed is a highly entertaining, well written fantasy action adventure story.

Rating:4.5 ⭐️

“Did you bring any special weapons with you?” Rylana asked.
Sylin held up her shovel.
“Oh, that’ll be vastly effective. Entire ballads have been written about noble warriors who slew dragons with garden tools.”

And yes, we’re back in the town of Tranquility where it’s anything but tranquil. Things are going awry, there’s a curse that’s been loosened upon the town, several mysteries afoot, and the Fae Queen looks to be coming to town, a real threat to Rylana’s friend, the lone warrior elf, Sylin, hiding in town.

Knead For Speed is a highly entertaining, well written fantasy action adventure story. It’s got a dragon family whose interactions with each other is dysfunctional and dramatic, including our main character, Jildarin, who just wants to be an inspired chef and run his restaurant, the Dragon Diner. If only his mother and brother will leave him alone. And his bookkeeper/partner too.

But there’s more things happening here. Gnomes and trolls and fae and exes abound with plots.

It’s fun, an extremely slow burn relationship, and terrific storytelling.

My only slight issue was with how the element with Rylana’s ex was handled. For me it didn’t make sense , especially given their history. But that was the only aspect here.

If you enjoy a cozy fantasy, and dragons as well as other mythical creatures, this is the book and series for you. Read them in the order they are written.


Tales from the Dragon Diner (3 book series to date)
Calculated Whisk #1
Knead for Speed #2
Morel Dilemma #3 - Aug 31,2026
126 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2026
Rylana Avandar is the bookkeeper and now partner of the Dragon Diner. She is confident that she can see the restaurant becoming productive and prosperous. Despite a bleak beginning (she shot him during the war) her partner Jildarin, founder, chef, and dragon, seems to finally have faith in her and she doesn't want to let him down. One night, while strolling with her bestie the assassin Sylin, they notice the Avandar castle glowing bright blue in the night. It seems a suspicious spell with traces of Troll has been released. Was it liberated by her ex not-fiancé, Vormalt? Greenish mists swirl, curl, and threaten Tranquility. Can Rylana search, sift, and study the clues, engaging in more than bookkeeping and brunching on bacon? Will she and Jildarin unravel the ancient curse and appease the troll gods? If not, the diner and the entire city could be destroyed. Book 2 in the Dragon Diner series spills over with beautiful banter typical of Ms. Lindsay Buroker! Fabulous found-friends, fighting families, & wonderful world building!! 5 FUN stars!!!!!
Profile Image for Starfire.
1,454 reviews33 followers
August 14, 2026
This was another fun instalment in the Tales from the Dragon Diner cozy fantasy series. This time Rylana and Sylin - and Jildarin, to some extent - are dealing with a curse on the town of Tranquility, after Rylana's entitled, wannabe-Indiana-Jones ex decides to poke at that which should be left alone.

As with Book 1, this instalment feels like I'm just reading about an alternate universe Val, Zav and Val's boss whose name currently escapes me, with their serial numbers filed off. In effect, if you read me an individual conversation in isolation without giving me the benefit of describing the setting or using the character names, I honestly couldn't tell you which universe and characters I was listening to.

But again, it's a character dynamic I enjoy, so whichever universe the characters are doing their thing in, and whatever names Ms Buroker gives them, I'm happy to hang out with them for a bit.

Which is why I'm very happy to move onto Book 3, which literally came out yesterday, next.
Profile Image for Shai Williams.
932 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2026
⭐⭐⭐½☆ Another fun adventure in a delightful cozy fantasy series.

Knead for Speed by Lindsay Buroker is another entertaining installment in this cozy fantasy series. Once again, we’re treated to more “challenges,” as our favorite dragon likes to call them. This time, someone has managed to anger the troll gods, putting the peace and tranquility of the region at risk.

As always, it’s a pleasure to spend time with Rylana, the bookkeeper, Sylin, the elf assassin, and Jildarin, the dragon cook. Their partnership, along with the humor and camaraderie they bring to every adventure, keeps the story moving and makes this series such an enjoyable read.

I’d give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, magical adventures, memorable characters, and plenty of humor mixed in with the action.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,454 reviews14 followers
August 2, 2026
I read the first book last month and enjoyed it. I saw that the second book was already published which was a surprise as the first hadn't been released for that long but saw that the third book was being published sometime this month. As sometime this month isn't that far into the future now, I decided to go ahead and read book two. Overall its not bad but its not quite as cohesive as the last book's plot. However I still enjoyed being back in this world and seeing what these characters have been up to since the last book. How has the main characters work relationship been going, has it changed and so on and so forth, these were the things I wanted to know and for the most part I did get my answers. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book and now I just have to wait for book three's release.
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 41 books691 followers
September 17, 2026
Rylana is bookkeeper and partner with Jildarin, dragon chef of a popular restaurant. One day, she notices a strange glow coming from her family’s mansion across the river. When they investigate, they find a buried shrine to the Troll gods who have been awakened from a long slumber. But by now, everyone believes in the new gods and has forsaken the old deities, who start causing trouble to gain attention. An even deeper truth is buried in the city’s past, which could lead to its destruction. Should Rylana allow this story to come to light, or is it better to appease the gods and let the people keep their beliefs? Knead for Speed is a lighthearted fantasy with believable world building and an engaging heroine.
434 reviews
June 28, 2026
This second delightful instalment is a lot of fun. The troll gods are awakened and they are not very happy, so Rylana has her work cut out to help put a stop to the trouble, with the dishy Jildarin, whose mother is not pleased he is hanging out with a female human and not doing his duty in furnishing new hatchlings.
Still he defends Rylana and starts to think more about her in a romantic way, although it is a slow process, but she is a warrior and she stands up for herself and that is after all very attractive to a dragon. Rylana would quite like that to happen, other than his mother and the other dragons all being out to get her as a result.
A very satisfactory book.
Profile Image for Marsha.
243 reviews5 followers
July 3, 2026
The troll curse plotline was silly, but I loved this book regardless. The humor and dialog is great. The not-yet-romance-but-you know-it's-going-to-happen-romance is really well done. The snarky/witty/sarcastic banter is perfect.
The cooking/diner theme of this series would normally make me avoid it, but I gave it a shot because I love the author, and it's totally worth it.
Lindsay Buroker just keeps getting better. I do hope she comes out with more scifi, even though I've loved most of her recent fantasy. (I couldn't seem to get into her last series, before this one, but I haven't given up on it yet)
Profile Image for Mae.
46 reviews
June 27, 2026
So I was waiting for this with bated breath since I adored the first one. And I had just as much fun with the sequel!

It had everything I enjoyed in the first novel, with a bit more depth to the story. The stakes were higher, the history mattered more, and most importantly, our duo was back in action in a fun flirty way.

That being said I won’t dwell too much since this review would be 80% the same as my first.

My main critique of this one is that the author seems uncertain on how to balance as many elements. The main plot of this one has well three running plots at the same time and it feels at times like we’re pingponging between them. This means that it feels rushed at points and leaves us with questions at others.
Profile Image for Rhonda Taylor.
582 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2026
Love it

Ryland is partner in a restaurant with a dragon she tried to kill and left scarred during the ore war. Even as their friendship grows, other dragons grow concerned over their relationship. Rylana's once lover releases a troll god curse on tranquility to add to the stress. The elves of Tranquility are trying to end Sylas stay in Tranquility, one way or another
Excellent storyline and writing as it always is with Buroker
120 reviews
July 13, 2026
Layers of plots mixed with humour

Lindsay Buroker’s writing flows easily and makes it very hard to stop reading.

This almost whimsical series is filled with humorous moments amid the complementary stories of greed, deceit, revenge, desire to change opinions, religious freedom, family relationships, love or lust and racial injustice that weave through this surprising second book.

Thought provoking as it entertains.
7 reviews
August 5, 2026
not what I expected, where is the romance?

Spoiler alert: I was sucked into the first book expecting a nice romance without all the crazy fighting and bloodshed. But there has been no romance. It’s a good storyline for the most part kept me intrigued. But I skipped a few chapters in book 2 hoping I would get a better happy ending to the book. Here’s hoping that book 3 finally gives me what I’m looking for.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
158 reviews7 followers
June 23, 2026
I received this book early through Patreon.

This was another fun adventure. Lindsay writes the best snarky humor and inter-species banter. There are humans I want to slap, others I am shipping with a certain dragon who doesn’t understand the appeal of “recreational mating,” and elves whose back story I am hopeful to learn more of in the next book.
6 reviews
June 27, 2026
Another fun addition to this. I adore the friendship between our dragon and mercenary. I hope it doesn't go into a romantic or sexual area. But it is adorable, and I love the humour in this book. The new elves were fun and the bad guy was delightfully lame especially compared to the real big bad of the book. I had so much fun.
17 reviews
June 29, 2026
I love snarky dragons.

I love this series. There is just enough action without me losing sleep. Lindsay has a great vocabulary, which I greatly appreciate. Occasionally I have to look up a meaning which expands my vocabulary. Working some of the words into conversation is interesting at times.
39 reviews
June 30, 2026
Cute and slow burn

Cozy and fun! Very cute read.

Very, very, slow burn, but I'm hopeful that the next book will give us some progress, romance wise. While there's nothing graphic, there is innuendo, but I think it's still rather clean overall.

A quick and easy read. I definitely recommend it!
14 reviews
July 3, 2026
Fun fantasy

As relationships progress, as politics continue to affect the Dragon Diner and it's inhabitants, Buroker continues to give a fun, intriguing look at the city of Tranquility, which may not be as tranquil as promised but is an interesting place to live and work.
Enjoyable 2nd book, anticipating the 3rd!
Profile Image for Dee.
112 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2026
I love me a Lindsay!

This was yet another fun romp with dragons, magic and mayhem. The witty banter between the main female character and others was very well done. A dragon who loves being a chef for “two leggeds “ was novel. My hunch is he is not as obtuse as he appears. I look forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Dr susan.
3,292 reviews55 followers
July 3, 2026
Enjoyable fantasy adventure with a hint of romance

The worldbuilding is interesting, the banter is lively, and the humor is laugh-worthy. Jildarin may be getting a clue, although his family disapproves, but cooking is his main focus. The supporting cast is entertaining and enriched by some new characters. The story is well-written and a fast read. I'm enjoying this series.
76 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2026
another Buroker winner

The best series in a while, though none are bad, a snarky and very funny pair of (mature) heroines and a “villain” who keeps escaping, make a great read.
I am looking forward to forward to more of the first two books in the rest of the series. Book 3 automatically on pre order
20 reviews
July 5, 2026
Another great adventure

Great characters and Burokers dry wit and humor makes this series pop. A sexy dragon not interested in sex, what a challenge for the ladies, dragon and otherwise in his life.
On top of that she builds a world of many magical beings trying to live together in peace, somewhat.
Great read
34 reviews
July 15, 2026
better than the first book in the series

Without the constant references to the soup and the lewd bakery goods this story moved much more quickly, and it had a more interesting plot. The dragon scenes were exciting, which was fun, and the missing aquatic life was nice foreshadowing. Looking forward to seeing what happens to the villain and the elven captain of the guard.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews