Double Dragons

Dragons of New York #1

by Terry Bolryder

They're hot as fire, and if you mess with their mate, you're bound to get burned. 

Draven and Ran are dragon shifters, the fire-breathing enforcers of the shifter world. The ones they call when things go wrong. Strong, sexy and wealthy, the only thing the two partners are missing is a mate to share it all with. But that's tricky in the dragon world and after years of searching, the dragons have basically given up. That is, until a sexy, reckless human librarian lands in their path during a mission.

Melissa knows she would have been in hot water had the two handsome, powerful and mysterious men not showed up to save her butt from a group of violent men. Still, when her rescuers take her back to their New York loft, she's confronted by a mystery she never expected. Dragons and other shapeshifting creatures exist. And these dragons are definitely hotblooded. 

But as the sexy dragons show Melissa all the perks of being their mate, Melissa is also uncovering the dangerous secrets of the dragon world. If she isn't willing to risk everything, their chances at a happily ever after might just go up in flames.

Warning: Double Dragons is a standalone novel with no cliffhangers and two sexy, stubborn dragons who might just light your fire. However, it also contains adult-level sexiness and some intense action scenes and is meant for mature readers only. Enjoy!

Genres: Paranormal, Menage, Romance, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2015

About the author

Terry is the author of over forty bestselling shifter romances. She spends her spare time dreaming of dragons, playing with her pets, and watching sunsets from her home in the mountains alongside her husband (who she suspects would make a great bear shifter). She loves the wild outdoors, her fans, all readers, and getting lost in a great book.

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Reviews

[Kristi · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was definitely hot, but was lacking on everything else. i guess i just need character development and a plot of some sort. had a lot of eye rolling moments in this one, just a little to cheesy at times for me. and everything was just too convenient.

[Monty Cupcake ☠ Queen of Bloodshed ☠ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful, just awful writing. It's confusing, simplistic, repetitive, and awful. Not even having TWO DRAGONS could make this book better. All around awful.

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took a chance on DOUBLE DRAGONS as it is a novella length story and I don't tend to enjoy shorter reads as much. I've enjoyed a few other short stories lately and I was hoping to find another short but pleasurable read. Unfortunately DOUBLE DRAGONS didn't quite fit the bill. This was in no way a bad read for me, it just had too many holes that really needed to be filled in. There is quite a bit of information introduced but then glossed over because there wasn't room to explore significant explanations. The dynamics between the dragons and the rest of the shifter world is hinted at and really needed to be explained. The reasons the dragons need to be partnered in order to have a mate is left dangling, Draven and Ran's friendship and connection is summarily explained, even Melissa possibly being a dragon heart is not really explained. Are those with a dragon heart born that way-is it genetic, is it random and the luck of the draw or just a part of a person's character? Why or how has Ran managed to be different from other dragons that have come before him who also had his gifts and the problems that come with them?

This had the potential to be a really good paranormal story but there are just too many hints of a bigger story needing to be told. The storyline wasn't tight enough to feel like a completed story even with it ending in a happily ever after for Draven, Ran, and Melissa. My dilemma is that now my interest has been piqued and I like the world but the following books are all just as short as this one. If I continue with the series I risk being left frustrated and full of questions at the end of each book. I like Bolryder's style of writing so I may just look for longer books by her and try again another time. This is a menage romance but surprisingly enough the sex isn't what stuck with me when I finished the story; it was all of the unanswered questions that I would love to have had filled in.

You can find more from me at
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[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

BASICS

Love triangle? No.
Cheating? No.
HEA? YES.
Any Descriptive Sex w/OW/OM/Ex? No.
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? Maybe.
Rating: -4 stars


Review

Double Dragons is a quick paranormal romance about two dragons in search for their true mate. They've been burned once before and Draven has therefore a hard time trusting and letting people in. Ran is the exact opposite of Draven and knows instantly who their mate is and is determined to make her realize that, too.
I loved that the story isn't only about the romance but also has some action in it where the shifters brew up some trouble.
All in all, it's a great short story worth your time. :)

[DeeReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A loved this book and the author's concept of the dragons, Draven and Ransom having to find a mate(Melissa) with a dragon's heart to complete their triad! And boy did Melissa have a dragon's heart! --Brave, willing and very daring to the dragon's makeup...literally!

"Double Dragons is a standalone novel with no cliffhangers and two sexy, stubborn dragons who might just light your fire. However, it also contains adult-level sexiness and some intense action scenes and is meant for mature readers only."

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. But this one was just alright for me.

I liked the different path this one took as far as Dragon Lore. The bits that we got anyway. And the pairing dynamic concerning two dragons. But the romance was luke warm at best. I was expecting much more intensity here. And more layers to the characters. Sadly that's not what I got.

Still it's a decent read, overall. I may just try the second book.

I would recommend this read, but don't expect to be blown away with this one.

[Iris Hunter (InstagramREADS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars.

This book had mild scenes, especially since it was a menage. I was hoping or a hot threesome. I just expected more heat from these books.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm all for dragon shifters...truly I am but there was just so much over the top ridiculousness in this story that I found my self rolling my eyes so hard I thought they'd fall out and boy did I skim...skim skim skim skim skim.

That said...the hotness factor is definitely up there. And therefore both Ran & Draven get their very own star. Lol

[The BookChick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Dragon

I actually enjoyed this story a lot. Typically, I'm not a fan of Dragon shapeshifter romances but I thought this story was well crafted, unique, and interesting. Enough for me to pick up the second book in the series.

[Deb B · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a really quick read and kept my interest enough to finish it but it seemed to skip along and gloss over too much and some of it was just too simple. I didn't like the female lead at all.

[Kristina]

I'm starting to feel some serious fremdschämen for whoever reads these kinds of books. Who thinks that burgundy is a good color for carpeting? I ASK YOU.

[Malinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-3.5 stars

This was an enjoyable story. This is my second read by this author. my first book by her was Onyx Dragon. I will say that I could tell this was an earlier work...there were a few editing mistakes and the writing is a bit rougher. Still, I liked the story and will read more of her work because I enjoy her stories overall and I know she improves. :)

Melissa is a librarian in a small town. She lost her family at an early age and has been alone most of her life. She hears some men trying to kidnap a young girl but when she goes to help. she ends up getting herself into trouble. The men decide to take her as well as the girl and Melissa is only saved because two men come to their rescue.

Draven and Ran are dragon shifters that work as partners to police the other shifters and take care of any issues. They were sent to save a wolf-shifter girl from a rogue pack that kidnapped her and they find her...with the pack and Melissa. Draven and Ran save Melissa and the girl, taking the girl home and Melissa to their home.

Ran thinks that Melissa is a "dragon-heart" which is a special kind of human. Dragons can mate with any female but if they mate with a "dragon-heart" then their mate will gain a dragon power with the mating. Draven refuses to consider mating Melissa at first because he doesn't want to get hurt if Melissa runs from them. They tried getting a mate before and the woman freaked when she found out they were dragons so Draven isn't anxious to give his heart easily again. Regardless of Draven's apprehension, the trio decides to give things a try for a week. There's some drama but things work out well and Draven, Ran and Melissa are starting on a HEA together at the end of the story.

This was an enjoyable story. I liked Melissa as the heroine and thought she made a good third for Draven and Ran. Draven and Ran were both interesting in their own right but with the story being so short, we don't get a lot of background on anyone. The story wasn't perfect but it was enjoyable and I'm looking forward to reading the next book. :)

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Plot: C -
This book is hella frustrating...It was full of cryptic remarks, half truths/explanations. And it took a long time to get to the problems. And even then, it was almost anticlimactic. It just drug on. One part the Hs sit there and have a conversation about Melissa being their mate when they should be fighting their adversary. Even the villain points it out. And unrealistic as can be, the villain sits there and listens instead of rushing in to fuvht like they should've done. I know this is PNR, but come on. We need some realism. And I think Drake and Draven's namez were to similar, and made me lose my train if thought.
Characters: D+
I didn't like Draven. He was a huge jerk. When the three of them are about to have sex, he says: “I still haven’t accepted you, human" And just as he is about to enter Melissa he says: “You know that’s not a good idea, Ran.” And Melissa, our tstl h, doesn't even care that he is reluctant. No self respect. This just rubbed me the wrong way. Ran was just ok.
Heat: C-
This book had mild scenes, especially since it was a menage. I expect more heat from these books. And the above quotes killed one of the scenes for me. And the fact that Ran was kind of on the periphery, and not in the thick of things for the other was also a mood killer.


Overall, I didn't care for this book. It took too long to get explanations. Draven was a jerk, and Melissa seemed to fight for the right to be treated as unworthy.

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Book source ~ Kindle Lending Library

Melissa usually stayed late in the library where she worked. She had no family and no close friends, so she preferred to read her beloved books rather than go home. Except, one night, she heard what sounded like a kidnapping outside and despite not being a physically imposing threat, she confronted the group of men outside. Brave or stupid? She only knows she couldn’t let something happen to the girl without trying to save her. Luckily for Melissa two men showed up to take the kidnappers down. Now these men, these gorgeous sexy men, want her for their mate. And she needs to make a choice. Brave or stupid?

This is one sexy hot read. Well-written and decently built for the short length, I would still like more info about the dragon world and the world of shifters in general. The chemistry between all three is off the charts hot, the switching POVs satisfies in a big way and the characters have enough development to be larger-than-life. As advertised it is a standalone, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want more of Draven, Ran and Melissa’s story. I hope to see them in future books. This new-to-me-author is one I’m going to revisit again. And again.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Terry Bolryder story !! Interesting story, deep characters and super sexiness make this tale worthwhile. Mellissa stands up against the bad guys, werewolves, who are tormenting a girl. Draven and Ran are dragon shifters who save her, and she is witness to the world of shifters. Now, the guys need to explain things, and show her how good being with them will be. This story has fun, hot loving, and true emotions. These are stand alone, no cliffhanger here. Just wild romance. ENJOY !!!

[MaryBeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's ok

Probably not my favorite shape shifter book. As shape shifter books go they pretty much are all the same. This one really didn't add any intrigue, spice, or anything else to the table. It most certainly didn't leave me wanting more. However it wasn't a complete waste leaving my review at its ok.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

How far are you willing to go to find that person that completes you? That person to protect you, to chase away the loneliness and to heal you.

THE BLURB

Draven and Ram are desperate for a mate, and they are running out of time. But they need someone special, someone with a dragon-heart. But the chances of finding one are so rare…

Melissa is a librarian. She doesn’t expect her life to get turned upside down when she catches a gang of men hanging outside her library. Hearing a young girl’s cries, she knows she has to intervene…

TONE OF THE BOOK

Double Dragons is written to be a light hearted adventure. The plot doesn’t focus on negative or stressful topics, and often humour is injected in such scenes to lighten them.

SENSITIVE TOPICS

Double Dragons is a novel aimed at mature readers.

There are plenty of sex scenes, with a particular focus on threesomes between two males and one female. Reverse harem style.

There is also some violence and mild-kidnapping.

The description of Double Dragons implies that this is a big-beautiful-woman novel. There is no real reference to this, other than the heroine is curvy. In fact the cover image for this novel is a rather slim woman…

SERIES SYNOPSIS

Double Dragons is the first novella in the Dragons of New York Series. You can get each novella individually, or the first three novellas in a larger box set.

At 127 pages long, the story is much shorter than an average romance novel (at 300 pages long). Sadly its a book that would have greatly benefited with a longer story line and some character development.

Each book in the series focuses on a different couple, with a happily ever after.

REVIEW

They rarely left their huge New York loft located in one of the most expensive buildings in the city.

Show, don’t tell. It’s one rule for authors that Terry Bolryder can’t seem to get past. Rather than describe a scene and let the reader make assumptions, she blatantly reveals her intentions in a manner that ends jarring to the flow of the novel. Thankfully these styles of descriptions do fade a bit as the story line progresses (I guess as Terry doesn’t have to keep introducing scenes to the reader).

Sometimes the story can be quite jarring to read as Terry Bolryder jumps between character’s viewpoints without clearly defining who is thinking, jumping between two to three character’s thoughts within the same number of paragraphs. I much prefer sections of a story written from one point of view as this allows greater connection with individual characters mindsets and emotions.

But he’d already decided not to rush into things…

I had trouble with the characters; they behaved unrealistically for the mere purpose of seeking sex. Yes its a romance novel, but the best novels are about character growth and mutual compassion, not sex scenes for the purpose of sex scenes. And that’s unfortunately how Double Dragons comes across; like a cheap porno with a rather lacking story. For example Melissa who had just been introduced to the fantasy world (hello time for shock and character growth), and yet she was only interested in sex? She had one conversation with the two men who had kidnapped her, for about half an hour… Not realistic behaviour at all!

The world building itself seems interesting. Double Dragons certainly suggests a world that I wouldn’t mind exploring more. I love the explanation for dragons coupling together, and would love to read more about the risks that pose dragons (especially when they are posed as being so indestructible).

FINAL WORD

I have a mixed relationship with Terry Bolryder’s novels. They hint at a larger world that invites exploring, yet the characters (particularly the females) teeter between helpless damsel in distress and frustratingly alpha with reckless abandon. If you’re after a novel with plenty of sex scenes, then Double Dragons fits the bill, but don’t expect character growth or detailed plot lines.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND AUTHORS

Terry Bolryder has written another series about werewolves. The first novel in the series Alpha Contender (read our review) is a reverse harem set up where several alpha males come together to compete for the affections of one female.

If you like dragons, consider The Dragon Demigods series by Charlene Hartnady. The first novel in the series is Lord of Fire (read our review).

A multi-author series known as Venys Needs Men has a number of great books in it. Authors to contribute to the series are Naomi Lucas, Tiffany Roberts, and Poppy Rhys. You can see all the books contributed on the series Goodreads page.

Ruby Dixon has also written the Fireblood Dragons series. A fun adventure set in a post apocalyptic world that’s been taken over by mad dragons. Only when the dragons meet their soul mates, a human woman, that their madness clears. The first book in this series is Fire In His Blood.

Finally don’t forget the famous Dragons of Preor series by Celia Kyle. It’s about dragon-aliens occupying Earth whilst looking for their fated mates. The first book in the series is Jarek (read our review).

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gawd I love Terry Bolryder's books!

I adored this book! Menage isnt usually my thing, but the dragons and the woman were utterly beautiful. I loved the relationship build and the steamy romance. Definitely another addiction in my Terry Bolryder library of loves. <3

[Gabryyl Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pardon me, I'll just be over here fanning myself...from all the hawtness. Love, love, love this book - as usual for this author.

[Megan Riverina Romantics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5
Heat Rating: 4 out of 5

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a box set.

Draven and Ransom are the gold and black dragons, respectively. They are paired together for safety reasons since dragon blood is a sought after commodity. Draven's fire has the power to create a shield that protects those within it. Ran's fire, and his very blood, are poisonous.

Melissa is a human girl who works as a librarian. When she hears a commotion outside the library late one night (she stays late to read), she investigates. There a group of large men surrounding what sounds like a small, whimpering girl. Determined to help, she hopes that her presence will cause the men to disperse and leave the child but no such luck. Instead she finds herself in the hands of the men with no sign of the child, only a tiny wolf cub. To her surprise she is suddenly rescued by two gorgeous men who make short work of the abductors. The last thing she remembers is the little wolf cub turning into a small girl.

Ran and Draven have been trying to find a dragon-heart to be their mate. The last woman they thought might be her ran when she found out what they were. Now they might have another chance so they take Melissa time with them to protect her from retribution and hopefully convince her to free their mate. If she is a dragon-heart she will gain a power, either way she will become immortal.

Can the two dragons convince Melissa that all they want to do is satisfy and protect her forever?

[Kaylee Jay]

Not my favorite.

Terry Bolryder was my intro to paranormal romance novels with 'spice' and up until now I've enjoyed all her books. I usually read these as palette cleanser books because I know that there won't be cheating and there will be an HEA all wrapped up in a standalone novel.

I'm not sure if this was one of her earlier works but I've decided to DNF at 30%.

Why? It's simple: I don't like these characters. The FMC, Melissa seems.... dumb?

One of the men (there are 2) moments into his VERY FIRST conversation with her even says
"Not the quickest, are you?"
To which our FMC has barely even an annoyance response. Not to mention the other man is being extremely rude to her and again she has barely any response other than thinking he's hot.



THEN in the middle of their first sexual encounter, the rude one says
"I still haven't accepted you, human"
After he's been feeling her up and they're all laying in bed naked together.



So... yeah I think I'll pass on this. I need more from my FMC other than a vacant head and an overdrive on her libido.

It's a shame because in other books by this author the men have more of a "mate" response and this one just felt extremely lacking.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly entertaining, romantic suspense that you won't want to miss! With it's unique storyline, interesting characters that you can't help but love, humor, steamy sexual encounters, intense situations, and surprise twists, this is a great beginning to this series.

I actually read the Awakened Dragons series prior to this one, where I also was introduced to Draven, Ran, and Melissa, from this series. I think by reading that first I actually had a better understanding of what was going on in this series, although this should be read before the other, as this is where the dragons meet their mates. I agree with some of the other reviews that this book could've had more details regarding the history of the dragons, who they are, exactly who they're protecting, and from what. I would had liked to had seen more depth of the characters as well.

I really enjoyed this book. It's hilarious, fun, emotional, suspenseful, and an overall great read! You can determine in what order you would like to read each series, but I personally got more out of reading the Awakened Dragons series first. Just my opinion.

I definitely recommend this book, series, and great author!

[Janete Hevea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa é uma bibliotecária que tem uma vida solitária, não tem família e amigos, prefere se isolar ,um dia ouve um grito de uma menina e vê um monte de homens , decide se arriscar e tentar ajudar a menina, mas quando vê é uma lobinha pq, e ela sem entender aonde tá a menina decide tentar salvar o pq animal mas quem salvará ela? Aí que chega Draven e Ran, são shifters de dragões,se transformam em dragões, salva as 2 e ela vê a loba se transformar em uma menina, apartir daí sua vida começa a mudar,ela descobre que existem lobos e outros seres e que pode ser companheira de ambos . Tem poucas cenas hot,poucas de ação, é mais voltado para revelações de um novo mundo para Melissa.

[JANEMAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta fue una lectura diferente a las demas donde se incluyen dragones y aun mas cambiaformas ....
que por que ??
Porque no habia leido uno donde uno de los cambiaformas de dragon de la triada estuviera enfermo y la tercera humana incluida tuviera que salvarlo ademas que no fuera vg ... y que ademas ella tuviera corazon de dragon .....
El comun es que sea vgn y que a ELLA es a la que tienen que salvar pero este fue lo contrario.
Pues si. de eso se trata y es bueno romper los moldes de vez en cuando.
Draven esta sano y Melissa tambien pero el que esta enfermo es Ran.
Ahora. tampoco habia leido de dragones de colores que unos sanadores y otros bla bla bla .... es nuevo para mi.

[Lindarhc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Dragon

Melissa was in the library late one night when she heard a cry for help she went outside and was confronted by what she thought was a biker gang. They then decided they were going to take her as well. Just then Draven and Ran turned up they got the wolf cub and Melissa to safety and then destroyed the gang. They went back to get Melissa but by then the wolf had changed into a girl and Melissa fainted. She woke up in there flat and I’m not spoiling the rest you will just have to read it’s a good story

[Pansy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find these novellas of dragon insta-love surprisingly appealing. Because it is fantasy, you know with dragons and such, it is so much easier to accept the concept of findings one's forever mate in less than a week - and that includes the actually mating ceremonies. They are also relatively easy reads that can be done a bedtime for interesting pleasant dreams. I am getting kind of hooked on this author.

[Leah Ford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Double Dragons
Desired by Dragons
Destined Dragons

I have read all three of these short stories about dragon shifters. I have reviewed them together as i downloaded as a box-set.

On the whole i liked these stories. Very predictable but were enjoyable short stories with an interesting and different slant on dragon shifter powers.

If you have a few hours to sit, relax and read three easy short stories, these are perfect.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got it in the back of another and was very pleasantly surprised. I absolutely loved this book. Dragons are one of my favorite shifters, tigers being the other, and this book has two dragons. What could be better than that? Absolutely nothing, unless it is two tigers. Draven and Ran are such awesome dragons too, and Melissa is a woman after my own heart. She knows what she wants and she goes for it. They pulled a big surprise on her but she was able to overcome and got her dragons.

[Peg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!

I chose 5 Stars because how can I not? Ms. Bolryder has done it again. This is Melissa, Draven and Ran's story. It was dragon hot. Melissa had a decision to make, and not knowing if she truly is a dragon heart it could have killed her. Obviously, I couldn't put this down, Ms. Bolryder makes you feel like you're in the story as well. Great job Terry!