The Dragon Groomer

by Amber Kell

Derlin thought working at a dragon stable would be the job of a lifetime. Little did he know he’d find the man who would become his world.

As soon as he spotted the dragon groomer Tyron knew he’d found his match. Never before had he felt such an instantaneous attraction.

Derlin has secrets he can’t share, secrets that aren’t only his. When Tyron’s life depends on Derlin’s abilities does he dare to take a chance or does he let Tyron die to protect his family?

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Dragons, Romance, Paranormal, LGBT, Magic

71 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2015

About the author

Amber Kell has made a career out of daydreaming. It has been a lifelong habit she practices diligently as shown by her complete lack of focus on anything not related to her fantasy world building.

When she told her husband what she wanted to do with her life he told her to go have fun.

During those seconds she isn't writing she remembers she has children who humor her with games of 'what if' and let her drag them to foreign lands to gather inspiration. Her youngest confided in her that he wants to write because he longs for a website and an author name—two things apparently necessary to be a proper writer.

Despite her husband's insistence she doesn't drink enough to be a true literary genius she continues to spin stories of people falling happily in love and staying that way.

She is thwarted during the day by a traffic jam of cats on the stairway and a puppy who insists on walks, but she bravely perseveres..

She also writes under the name Mikela Q. Chase

Reviews

[LaShonta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh....this was the blog story with no changes, no new storylines, nothing. I think I'm either going to stop reading the blog stories or stop buying the books because they have been a big disappointment as of late. When she first starting publishing her blog stories she added more to the end that wasn't on her blog. Now she just publishes as is without the ending. This like the last few didn't have an ending. It just had "the end". I'm left feeling WTF after finishing.

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragons have many different ways of appearing in legends and stories, and the ones in ‘The Dragon Groomer’ are particularly cute. In this world, they are much like horses in the way they are kept, with knights to ride them into battle, and groomers to take care of them. But they also have secrets, ones Derlin is aware of and shares, but if anyone finds out, he believes they will kill him. In a story of newly acquired independence and a need to prove himself, Derlin not only meets a man he is tempted to believe could be “forever”, but also learns that sometimes keeping a secret is less important than saving a life.

Tyron is the training captain of a group of knights, and more than interested in their new dragon groomer. The previous guy was incompetent, to say the least, and Tyron is relieved to see that Derlin seems to know what he is doing. But Derlin is also very good-looking and not in a committed relationship, so Tyron goes after him with single-minded focus.

Derlin loves working with dragons, and securing a job as dragon groomer for a group of knights is a dream come true for him. Taking care of the sometimes cantankerous beasts comes easy to him, and other than keeping his newly found job his only problems are a much-too-interested knight and a baby dragon who needs a bigger home than Derlin can afford. Tyron’s interest confuses and flatters him in equal measure, but when Tyron is in danger, he doesn’t hesitate to help. Secret abilities or not, Derlin can’t let the knight he has fallen for die – not even to protect his family’s secret.

If you like dragons and those who work with them, if two men who are right for each other despite their different social status are your thing, and if you’re looking for a read that is short, fun, full of all kinds of magic, and very entertaining, then you will probably like this short story. I only wish it were longer – like novel-length at least!

[Lynz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems I am doomed to repeat my mistakes. As previously stated in other reviews I have a love/hate thing going on with AK. I don't know what it is about this author but I seem to fall for her story lines every time. Each one seems to have so much promise that I think maybe this time I'll get a complete story. But alas I have been fooled again...

While a great story it was only a taste of what it could be. There are so many things she could have done to flesh this out and make it great! Like always the story starts out very intriguing and then just ends. So many opportunities!

I don't know what to say... I promise myself that I'm not going to buy another one of her books but then I get sucked back in with a great sample??? I think my only saving grace this time is that the book was priced appropriately for once.

Till next time... because let's face it there will be a next time!

Happy Reading Lynz!

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out with so much promise......then slowly faded into blah blah blah.

I discovered this was a former free blog story. I really would have like to have seen it expanded - another 10K words and some further plot development it would have been amazing.

[Viki Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon groomer

Just read this book in one sitting and loved it wish it was a bit longer and had a lot more drama but enjoyed it nevertheless xx

[~nikki the recovering book addict · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the dragons. But the insta-love on Tyron’s part was a little creepy. I mean, he got a split second look at Derlin and he’s already laying claim to him. Anyway, the entire aspect of their relationship seemed creepy. It would have been better if the story wasn’t quite so rushed because the beginning was very promising!

[Seeilin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning: This short story has the worst kind of ending: None!

Let me start from the beginning.
When I started reading this book, I was immediately into the story. It felt fresh, new and exciting.
The flow of the story was great, the romance was rather slow burn wich is always a plus for me (there is some insta lust but neither of the MC's acts on it). There's a small matter of life and death, and a few truths unveiled and then...EPILOGE!

Yes, this book literally ends in the middle of the story. You just turn the page, highly anticipating the outcome, the curting, the dragons! and then it just says: Epiloge! and absolutely nothing is explained!!!

When I finished the book, I was stunned. The writing was good, and I really like the plot, but I feel kind of cheated.
As if the author just couldn't come up with more and decided to end the story halfway through. (this is not my first Amber Kell story, so I know that that's NOT the norm)
If the ending had involved a recap - okay, then I would have been more satisfied - but there was simply nothing. At all!

As it is - 3 Stars because I loved the idea, the writing, the beginning of the romance.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to train your dragon groomer

A good sweet story.

I really liked how the dragons were known to be intelligent, but could not talk. It made the fact of how they and groomers were treated a fascinating conundrum. With the fact that they could talk mind to mind to some it made it clear they were sentient and made the little comments, like them having a human pet, all the more amusing. The dragons rather made the story in this one.

I really appreciated the way that the angst was about revealing not just one person's abilities, but risking their entire family. If Derlin refused to explain his abilities even when they could help others, it would make it rather selfish seeming. But since he was not only protecting himself but his entire family I appreciated the struggle he went through.

This was a good story and I liked the work up to the decision, but it ends rather abruptly. Sure, the epilogue explains that everything is good between Derlin and Tyron, and that Derlin has his job. But what about the stable master, what did he think? And did Derlin have a bond with Death? If he did, what became of it? And what of Cyren and his difficulties with the magicians? So much was left unexplored which was a little disappointing. Up until then, quite good.

[Susan Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon groomer and handsome knight

This was such an entertaining and sweet read. Derlin is a dragon groomer. Tyron is a knight. Derlin is hiding a family secret .. he can talk to dragons. It makes him the best groomer but hiding it becomes difficult when he becomes friends with a magician, dates a knight, and converses with an avid spitting dragon. Along with all the other dragons in the stable, his secret won't remain a secret for long.

I liked all the characters in this story. It was fun and non angsty. Just what I needed to read!

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where dragons are noble steeds to shining knights, Derlin finds himself the new dragon groomer caring for the beasts. He's unique in this capacity as he can communicate with the dragons in his care, an ability he'd rather keep hidden. Tyron is a knight looking for his mate and Derlin is the one he wants. Tyron is willing to be patient, making this instant attraction more of a slow burn as this unlikely pair navigate the uncertainty of a romance between commoner and nobility.

[Brandielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a cleaned up version of some good starting scenes for a book. Like when you have a dream and some parts are so vivid you write them down immediately. However it’s like there was minimal work after that. No character building, no flow between the big scenes, and not enough editing. It made me sad.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and delightful read. Derlin was a dragon groomer who could talk to dragons telepathically and it was so cute. There was danger, friendship, romance, and even a rock troll, not to mention that I also loved the dragons. The characters were fascinating and the plot held my attention. Charming fantasy.

[Anu Vaarama · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice little story with its refreshing ideas was a happy read. Author could have written even a full-length book based on these elements, they were so good. Also I liked the fluent easy-reading style she writes everything.

[Delena666 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something like 2.5*. The idea was interesting but execution (i.e. the story) left much to be desired.

[blub · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off very well but Tyron got a bit too possessive for me and not in a appealing way.

[Natalie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this one a couple of times now but since Scribd isn’t connected to GR I keep forgetting to add it. A little romance, a lot of dragons and a groomer with special skills. Short, enjoyable and sweet.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

wish there was more for this story.

[Helen M. Whitchurch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming fantasy

New dragon groomer's secret, he talks with dragons. Dragon's secret, they love music. Pleasant romance with patient suitor and polite hero.

[Mercedes · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Didn’t hate it but had some serious stalker behaviors and the story could have been developed more.

[Tiffanie Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute!

Oh how I wish there was more to this story! It’s so cute and I want to read more! The dragons are my favorite. Such amusing characters.

[Audrey Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

Thought it was a very good short story that managed to convey a great deal of content with little to no filler

[llv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars

A cute little story. My only complaint is I wish it was longer. All in all, a highly entertaining read.

[Missp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but so very sweet

I love this book, having read it many, many times. My only wish is that is was longer and that there were more books in this universe.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed but wish it had been longer and more fully developed.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nom nom nom dragons and consent? what more could I want?

[Sarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.

Derlin has spent his entire life around dragons but now its time for him to gain a little independence and strike out on his own. Finding work at a dragon stable working with knights is a dream job…if only he can keep his head down and his secrets to himself. Derlin has ‘a way’ with dragons (I don’t want to spoil his secret) that makes working with them the perfect job. Add in the fact that he just really enjoys being around them and it’s a perfect match. What he really wants, however, is to get away from his family, not because they’re horrible or anything, but because he wants to make his own way regardless of how difficult it may be. Unfortunately for him, the captain of the knights seems to have taken notice of him and isn’t interested in letting the new dragon groomer go.

You had me at Dragons. Seriously. This book was adorable and just a lot of fun besides. I think what I liked best about it was the various personalities showcased with the dragons, though I really wish there had been more of them shown throughout the book. Derlin was sweet but also not afraid to do what needed to be done, in regards to both the dragons and the man he’s come to care about deeply. I liked Tyron as well; he also knows what he wants (Derlin) and is determined to get it but he’s also willing to do whatever’s necessary to make sure Derlin is comfortable with him and any relationship they might pursue. I had no trouble envisioning all of the characters and this was a nice easy read with a bit of trouble before the end to make it more interesting. Like every other Amber Kell book, there’s a nice HEA, too. Really, the only complaint I have is that I would’ve liked to have seen more of the dragons at the end (like Boni), since the epilogue was set around a year later. I can always keep my fingers crossed for another book in this universe, however. And hey, in the meantime I’ll just re-read this one because DRAGONS. ‘Nuff said.

[Benjamin Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

A somewhat great read by Amber Kell once again. It was somewhat great because the world building was pretty well done, the fantasy aspect was quite intriguing, and the dragons seemed to be more of the stars for me than the MCs.

The courtship/relationship between the two MCs felt a little flat for me. Derlin was of course the stronger of the two characters in my opinion, what with his ability to converse with dragons, him needing to keep his ability a secret to protect his family, and the love he has for the dragons and his job. Tyron on the other hand felt a little underwhelming and underdeveloped for my liking. He just seemed like a generic growly, possessive alpha male type of knight character. And the worse of it was that from early on there was promise of more for his character but the growth for him just felt stunted midway through.

Another thing that got to me was that the latter part of the story seemed a little rushed, though not short on action and keeping me engaged. I would have loved for the story to be drawn out more and the action spread out a little more evenly. But otherwise, kudos to Amber Kell for dreaming up another world (I smell a series) that I would like to revisit again.

[Liza Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one! At first I thought it was a shifter story, but no. We get real dragons, magicians, knights, and sweetheart Derlin, whose job as a dragon groomer makes him part of the...underclass?

Anyway, Derlin is one strong guy and proud of his abilities. I admired him because he wasn't the typical twinkish push-over who dropped to his knees when faced with a sexy, intimidating knight. No. He's a strong personality and reluctant to date Tyron because he doesn't want to lose his job if things go bad between them.

Tyron's insta-lust and his "mine-mine" mentality when it came to Derlin was a bit stalkerish, but not in a creepy way :D I liked that he gave Derlin time to settle in before approaching him again. and I liked it even more when he, although he seemed jealous, didn't try to forbid Derlin to meet other men while they were getting to know each other.

Two strong MCs, lovable secondary characters, dragons that weren't cute but actually dangerous if handled the wrong way, and an interesting world-building. Can't wait for a sequel and I hope it will feature Cyren :D

[Howling Scribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I initially read this story, I loved it. It was short, but I didn't feel like a giant cliff-hanger had slapped me in the face. After re-reading it, I found that I didn't love it as much the second time around. The story could have been so much more. I love the premise, it even kinda reminds me of Dragon Riders of Pern. However, some of the flaws could have been easily fixed without adding to the word count if that was an issue. I even found a few word/phrase issues that I didn't find the first time around.

I think the main reason I was disappointed the second time around is that want to know more about this world, and why certain people or groups are the way they are. Now, don't get me wrong, I love the characters and the dragons. That wasn't the issue.

Regardless, it's a cute cheap book, and it had one of my favorite things in it, dragons. That alone is a good thing. I hope that Amber continues this story thread and expands this book in the future.