Dragon Actually / A Tale of Two Dragons

Dragon Kin #0.2, 1

by G.A. Aiken

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B01LY7ECLB; note the new kindle edition doesn't include A Tale of Two Dragons

It's not always easy being a female warrior with a nickname like Annwyl the Bloody. Men tend to either cower in fear--a lot--or else salute. It's true that Annwyl has a knack for decapitating legions of her ruthless brother's soldiers without pausing for breath. But just once it would be nice to be able to really talk to a man, the way she can talk to Fearghus the Destroyer.

Too bad that Fearghus is a dragon, of the large, scaly, and deadly type. With him, Annwyl feels safe--a far cry from the feelings aroused by the hard-bodied, arrogant knight Fearghus has arranged to help train her for battle. With her days spent fighting a man who fills her with fierce, heady desire, and her nights spent in the company of a magical creature who could smite a village just by exhaling, Annwyl is sure life couldn't get any stranger.

She's wrong.  .  .

And just wait until you meet the rest of the family.  .  .

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

544 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2008

About the author

A.K.A. Shelly Laurenston

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, Originally from Long Island, New York, lives on the West Coast and spends most of her time writing and making sure her rescued Pittie doesn’t love everyone into a coma. When she’s not writing about sexy dragons, she’s writing about sexy wolf, lion, tiger, and other fang-filled predators under the name Shelly Laurenston. Find out more about this New York Times and USA Today Bestselling authors books at www.shellylaurenston.com.

Reviews

[♛ Garima ♛ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 it-served-its-purpose stars.

Recently I have been reading lot of thriller and horrors so I needed something to cleanse my reading palate. Something light and fluffy. I started with KD #1 but really got bored with it. Then I started reading this and got what I wanted. Fuffy Dragon romance with hot knight on side.

This could have been easily a 4 star read but angry sex really put me off. I never understood the appeal and it is such an alien concept to me. Otherwise, it is very good PNR.
I am still debating to read the rest of the series...only time will tell.

[Celestine · Rating 4 out of 5]

About the only shifter books I truly enjoy reading are those with dragons - maybe because the fantasy aspect of these types of shifters is amped up. Funny in parts and unexpected in places with some mighty spicy love scenes, I enjoyed this book and also enjoyed the secondary story included about Fearghus' parents.

By the way, if you are a fan of Annwyl the Bloody, I suggest you take a look at Monica Enderle Pierce's The Shadow & the Sun, because Militess Halina is cut from the same cloth in a sword and sorcery fantasy that is darker, deeper, yet with a compelling military heroine. (Sorry I can't get the link button to work for some reason right now).

I look forward to reading more Dragon Kin books.

Book source: Purchased.

[Meagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I DNF'd at 64%. BUT technically I finished a book as this contains two totally separate stories. I kept wondering why the first story felt like it was coming to close at 50%. The second story is about characters I didn't care for. Maybe one day I'll finish this.

[Ren Puspita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read

I believe that re-read will enrich our reading experience, and that's what I feel about this book. Really enjoy to revisit the world of the Dragon Kin that began with Anwyll the Bloody and Fearghus the Destroyer. I sincerely remember how Aiken/Laurenston used to write steamy sex scenes back then *sigh*

Of course my favorite is Dragon Actually, and also its prequel, Chains of Flames, story about Fearghus's parents, Bercelak and Rhiannon. But, there's addition, A Tale of Two Dragon that preceded the first two, about Fearghus's uncle, Addolgar and also give reader first glimpse to young Bercelak. Aiken's tendency to write a strong women is always appreciated. I love how even her heroine is not dragon or fighter like Anwyll, they are badass in their own way. Re-read also confirm my pet peeves with this series. I think the way Aiken write about how her dragons behave is a little weird. It seems like they move like human, not..Idk..dragonlike? They bring hammer, sword, and any weapons, that make me a little bit hard to imagine. Should that their movement are limited to flying, roaring, throw fireballs, etc? With Dragon Kin series, I try to broaden my mind to accept this unique concept about dragons.

Which bring me to re-read another book of Dragon Kin again. I always love to read this series, because the crazysauceawesomeness of the concept and world building. Also, it been years after I read book 6, so re-read will refresh my mind! :)

My first review about this book can be read below:

First Review

Not so crazy like Pride series by Shelly Laurenston. But still good nonetheless. I think for the first,this book is set on medieval era or maybe our era. But turn that its fantasy romance. With dragon. And bloodthirsty heroine! Wooohooo,a wet dream for fantasy geek like me!! (har, har!)

Dragon Actually is the first book of Dragon Kin series by G.A.Aiken, another pen name of Shelly Laurenston, my crack when it comes of crazy comedy story. This book have 2 stories, Dragon Actually (or the original title A Dragon Challenge) and Chains and Flames.

Dragon Actually is story about Annwyl the Bloody and Fearghus the Destroyer. Annwyl is a human that try to kill his tyrant brother, while Fearghus is the dragon who save her when she had been ambushed and almost dead. Now, you wonder how dragon and human relationship can work? Well, Fearghus can shift into human, a secret the dragon kin keep from mankind. As dragon, he is in friend zone with Annwyl and she pledge her loyalty to him since he saved her life. As human, he make Annwyl blood heat up... in the good way. Annwyl of course don't know that the knight she hate and the dragon she love is the same. While the truth revealed, Annwyl of course angry to Fearghus to keep that fact but he's willing to help her war with her brother and claim the throne.

Chains and Flames is the story about Princess Rhiannon and Bercelak the Vengeful. Both are Fearghus's parent and also appeared at Dragon Actually. This is the story when they first meet and mated. Rhiannon is a powerful dragon but she always think she is weak. Little she know its her mother doing, Queen Addiena who fear she once will take the throne. So Addiena cast a spell to Rhiannon to make her human and can't shift back. Fortunately (or not) she is saved by Bercelak, her mother's warrior. Rhiannon hate Bercelak and mock him as "lowborn" since he's not royalty. And his father is a famous womanizer that bed many women, and Addiena is one of them. But her heart always beat faster when near him. As for Bercelak, he already want the princess from the beginning despite the Queen want him Claim Rhiannon with force. Together, while try to release Rhiannon from her spell, Bercelak must conviced her to let him Claimed her and rule together.

I love both stories. But Chains and Flames is my favorite. You know what to expect when read the word "Chain", don't you? *wiggle eyebrows*. I give a hint. K.I.N.K.Y ;). But of course not just that, G.A.Aiken make a wonderful dragon story. Love Annwyl with her ass kicking and bloodthirsty characteristic, but she also have flaws when it come to manage her anger and fear. Fearghus is a grumpy dragon, don't care with others concern as long he's not disturbed, but Annwyl change all. I also love Fearghus siblings, from Morfyd the Dragonwich, Briec the Mighty, Gwenfael the Handsome (or Whore), Keita and Eibhear. And from Chain and Flames, Bercelak's family that defend him and Rhiannon, but also crazy in their way. I think that's the similarity between G.A. Aiken and Shelly Laurenston. Both have a family theme of their story. No matter what how much the craziness ran in family, when your are in trouble, your family always there for you.

Oh, and another similarity is both know how to write steamy sex scenes. My favorite of course still Chains and Flames. Beside kinky, the Claimed part is scorching hot and very unique! G.A. Aiken write about dragon as good as Shelly Laurenston write about shifter. If you fans of Shelly Laurenston, you won't to miss this.

[Soph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annwyn and feargus ❤️❤️❤️❤️🐲👩🏼‍🎤❤️❤️❤️

I adored this book. Annwyn is our FMC who is a battle honed deadly lethal warrior who’s nickname is “the blood queen”. This tale is a PNR 1:1 and is the 1st book (not including prequel) in a series about the dragon kin and their mates.
Lots of action and feisty arguments, the book praises dominate strong willed women who don’t ever need rescuing and who own their shit. The play between the pair is gorgeous and sizzling. Ferg is the eldest child of the reigning Dragon Queen one of 6 and he is the older serious keeps you himself Hates everyone except for Gwaenvwl and morphyd (cannot spell their names). Until annwyn whom he saves from her village (as they were trying to kill her for being witch) and decides finders keepers.
Annwyn actually has no powers except for her rage- and that rage plus his dragon passion

is LIT


This book has taken me down the rabbit hole of all of GA Aiken’s dragon kin series and I’m loving it. The dominant sassy argumentative females their their dragon lovers who adore that about them. These women Mac resonate with me they are wickedly smart, dominate, assertive, mature and don’t just fall over to “my body betrayed me”. They think and weigh the options.
Happy happy happy
Read this now !
Dragons 🐲✔️
Sexy sizzle smexy times ✔️
Funny AF humour ✔️
Cute dragon kin siblings laughing and joking with each other ✔️
There is nothing not to love about this first book!

[Yael Shalom]

Ammmm... this was ... stupid .
But for some strange reason I've read it , and finished ... I really don't know what to say .

[Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is black dagger brotherhood but with dragons that can turn into humans. If you want to lose yourself in some fast paced, romance, meets fifty shades of grey (but better), with royalty, and fighting this is the book for you. This isn’t a brain twister of a book but a book you’d probably love while on a beach somewhere relaxing.

[☼♎ Carmen the Bootyshaker Temptress ☼♎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed both females in this story. Annwyl the Bloody really lives up to her name until the dragon, Fearghus. She's a kick-ass heroine and is willing do to what is best for her me, she just needs to defeat her brother. The banter between Fearghus and Annwyl is great and of course the heat between the two is steamy. Annwyl is quick with her remarks to Fearghus but he finds that he really likes her fistiness.

Now Rhiannon and Bercelak are also fun characters but bit crazy but in a good way. Even though they're fearless when it comes to their families and how they push each others buttons with all the teasing and arguments.

Both stories where fun to read.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has two related novelas.

Annwyl and Feargus are one of those couples that you just adore and cheer on. I loved their story, seeing a lot of my personality traits in Annwyl. I think she rocks as a leading lady! And what a Knight!

The second story while delightfully entertaining, did not stick with me in the same way. Fun to read, just not for me.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon Actually/A Tale of Two Dragons

Annwyl and Fearghus

Annwyl the Bloody is fighting her brother's soldiers when a large shadow passes over her. The soldiers run screaming as they are engulfed in flames. Annwyl tells Lord Dragon she would be more afraid of him if she wasn't already dying from a mortal wound. Lord Dragon, or Fearghus the Destroyer, carries Annwyl back to his cave and heals her as much as he can. He calls his sister in to finish the healing. As Annwyl heals, she becomes more and more comfortable with the dragon. She feels safe. When she asks Fearghus to help her defeat her brother, he says instead he will send a knight to train her. She never asks the knight's name, but her desire for him grows stronger each time they meet. Soon Annwyl feels as if she is betraying Fearghus. Will she choose the dragon or the knight?

Rhiannon and Bercelak

Rhiannon is a princess. Bercelak the Great is the Dragon Warrior of the Dragon Queen Addiena's Throne, Commander of the Dragon Queen's Armies. Since the first time Bercelak meets Rhiannon, he has loved her. Now, thanks to the Dragon Queen, Rhiannon has literally fallen at his cave's entrance, but as a human. When Rhiannon awakes, she is none too pleased to be a human, much less in Bercelak's control. Can Bercelak obtain Rhiannon's love, or will they both be at odds with each other?

This was a good book with great characters. I liked all Main Characters and Fearghus' kin was special too. They made me laugh. The plot was simple but engaging. I was eager to find out how each couple's journey shaped them as individuals. These novellas are just the thing for a delightful afternoon with a hot cup of tea. Kudos to G. A. Aiken for writing such engaging paranormal romances.

I received an electronic copy of this book from G. A. Aiken, in a giveaway contest, for an unbiased review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - great!

This book was pretty great. I really enjoyed it, and I think I may have found yet another series I need to collect. The first and third stories, Dragon Actually and A Tale of Two Dragons, made me LOL a bit. And the second story, Chains and Flames, was smokin' hot. :-)

My favorite of the three stories is the first one, Dragon Actually. Fearghus the Destroyer was just wonderfully delightful. (I want a Fearghus of my own!) My least favorite is the third story. Don't get me wrong, though, it was still a great story. (Addolgar is also wonderfully delightful.) :-)

The third story is actually the first story, chronologically in the Dragon Kin timeline (at least as far as this collection goes), so I'll talk a bit about it first. . .

A Tale of Two Dragons, 4 stars
This is the story of Addolgar, one of Bercelak's older brothers, and Braith, his mate. Addolgar the Cheerful and Braith of the Darkness made for a really fun couple. (They are indeed "perfect for each other.") :-)

The thing that I didn't like about this story was, oddly, because there was a lot of story to get through before Addolgar and Braith had sex. Now, it was good that they didn't jump into bed together right away (insta-lust was pretty much nonexistent in all three of these stories) but it just seemed to me like it took them a long, long time to come together. And when they did come together (finally!), the now-famous chains weren't much of a thing. I was disappointed, as Bercelak borrowed the chains from Addolgar in his story (the second one) and I was hoping to see how Addolgar got them. And while we were shown how he got them, we didn't really get to see them in use.

So this story was a little disappointing for me to read. And then it ended with Éibhear being really a brat, but we weren't told where in the timeline this scene took place. It was after Chains and Flames, since Éibhear was born at the end of Chains and Flames, but was it also after Dragon Actually? Because we also saw Éibhear in Dragon Actually and he was still rather young there. So . . . ??? But the book ended! *grrr*

This story did have one scene that made me laugh out loud, though: On page 410, in chapter 8, we have this sentence: "Most of them were just waking up from a hard night of even harder drinking, but it was one of the first things that every Cadwaladr learned . . . to be ready for battle at anytime, anywhere, with the understanding that once they were done killing, more drinking could begin!" lol ;-)

Chains and Flames, 4.5 stars
This is the story that tells us about how Bercelak and Rhiannon became mates, and how Rhiannon became Queen. It was really great, despite not making me laugh or cry. Mostly, I think it was great because it was smokin' hot. :-) And "The Chains"! Wow! . . .

Like I said, this story was smokin' hot. ;-)

Dragon Actually, 4.5 stars
This story tells us about Fearghus the Destroyer, eldest son of Bercelak the Great and Queen Rhiannon, and Annwyl the Bloody, his [human!] mate. Only we didn't actually learn that Fearghus is next in line for the throne until late in the story. But oh! What a story it was. I really enjoyed it. It made me LOL four times, and I found many, many, more lines that were smile worthy throughout the story. Fearghus was that wonderfully delightful. :-) Annwyl was also pretty . . . nice. (Okay, so she was also wonderfully delightful.) :-)

After reading Chains and Flames, though, and learning that dragons and humans are not fully compatible and can't have children, I'm wondering if the magic Rhiannon did to Annwyl, making her flame resistant and gifting her with a long lifespan. . .will Fearghus and Annwyl be able to have children? I hope so. . .

I'm rather at a loss as to what else to say about this first story (darn it; I knew I should have written my review immediately upon finishing it!). But I can share some of the lines that made me laugh. . . :-)

On page 142, in Chapter 15, General Brastias and his second, Danelin (and the rest of the troops), "meet" Fearghus. This scene was just fun to read and I had to laugh when Brastias and Danelin are talking and Brastias figures out that they were all just treated to a lover's quarrel between the dragon and Annwyl. ;-)

On page 168, at the end of Chapter 16, Annwyl has just met more of Fearghus' siblings/Bercelak's hatchlings. . .

"Exactly how many are in your family?"
"Too many," all the siblings answered at once.

lol!!! (And Fearghus is one of only six hatchlings. Bercelak and Addolgar number among 15 for their parents and Addolgar had 13 hatchlings! {!!!})

On page 173, at the end of Chapter 17, Fearghus and Annwyl are flying to the site of the final battle. Fearghus tells Annwyl to "Remember what I told you." . . .

"Protect my right side?"
"No."
"Feint with my left?"
"No."
"Nice ass."
"No!" His growl of annoyance only elicited a sweet chuckle from his woman.
"Watch my rage, heart of my heart?"
"Condescending cow."

LOL! And that's how that chapter ends. *hehehe* ;-)

The last line that made me chuckle can be found on page 197, in Chapter 19. Fearghus has just used a bit of dragon magic to heat up the bathwater for Annwyl.

"Of course, somewhere I may have just caused a drought."
"Couldn't be helped."
"Selfish bitch."

lol ;-)

So I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I would be more than happy to read it again, starting right now, but I have it thanks to an interlibrary loan and it is due back today and I have to go the Post Office, which closes at 5p, and it's already after 4p, so. . . No time for an immediate reread. Darn it.

;-) I guess I'll just have to buy this book.

[Laz the Sailor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually 2 books. Reviewed the first one on that page. The second one is shorter but just as much fun.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the entire thing. So yeah I was rereading two stories in this anthology (Dragon Actually and Chains & Flames)but you know what, I loved them all over again. Amazing! I had so much fun. It's rare when I reread any other book not written by Tamora Pierce and Mercedes Lackey. I don't like rereading since my memory is not at all that bad. Laughs. This was a real pleasure to read. If you love dragons and you love to laugh this series is for you!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spoiler
Note to Self:Dragon Actually #1
Fearghus the Destroyer(black dragon,bro,heir,pal1,268yo)+ Annwyl the Bloody(human,bastard,warrior,new Queen,pal), Morfyd(white dragonwitch, sis,healer,pal2),Brastias(general,human,2nd in command,pal), Danelin (3rd in command,human warrior),Gwenvael(dragon,whore,younger bro), Briec (dragon,bro),Bercelak(black dragon,dad)+Queen Rhiannon the White(white dragon,mom),Eibhear(blue dragon,youngest bro),Keita (dragon,whore, younger sis).
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Spoiler
Note to Self:Chains & Flames #0.3
Bercelak the Great(9th son,black dragon,bro,battle lord,123/318yo,new consort)+Princess Rhiannon(heir 1st born daughter,white dragonwitch, 125/320yo,new queen),Ailean the Wicked(his dad,dragon,slag,500/600yo)+ Shalin the Innocent(dragon,ex pal,mom),Maelona(his younger sis,green dragonwitch),Ghleanna(black dragon,his sis),Addolgar(older bro, dragon),Caerwyn(dragon,bro),Gwenvael(dragon,whore,their son),Fearghus (their son,black dragon),Briec(their son,dragon),Morfyd(dragonwitch, their girl),Keita(their girl,younger dragon),Eibhear(their youngest son,blue dragon),Queen Addiena(her mom,ex pal,red dragon,died).
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spoiler
Note to Self:A Tale Of Two Dragons #0.2
Addolgar the Cheerful(older bro,silver dragon,Sergeant,new General)+ Braith of the Darkness(royal,blue dragon,warrior,cousin, niece)= 13kids(7 girls and 6 boys),Bercelak(Major,younger bro,black dragon)+ Queen Rhiannon the White(dragon,daughter)=Briec(their son,nephew) & Eibhear (their son,nephew,soldier,future Mi-runach),Ghleanna the Black(older sis,black dragon,Lt.,warrior),Katarina(Royal dragon)+ Herleif(Lighting dragon), Rhys the Hammer(3rd born,older bro,dragon), Ailean the Wicked (his dad,dragon,slag,500/600yo)+Shalin the Innocent (dragon,ex pal, mom),Brigida the Foul(dragon elder,900+yo,white witch, his great great aunt),Maelona(sis,dragon,healer),Kel(bro,dragon),Aunt Crystin(blue dragon),Aunt Owena(healer,blue dragon),Aunt Aledwen(blue dragon), Heledd(her cousin,blue dragon,Aledwens youngest),Caron(eldest girl, cousin,dragon,Crystins),Ffraid(middle girl,cousin,dragon, Owens), Delyth(cousin,dragon,Aledwens eldest),Queen Addiena(red dragon,mother, ex-pal,died).

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this long ago as an ebook and couldn't resist also getting it in print. For those who haven't read it, it also comes with a short, Chains and Flames which is the story of Fearghus the Destroyers' parent's romance. You can choose which one you want to read first, as Shelly said she wrote Dragon Actually first. The print copy also comes with a new story A Tale of Two Dragons, which is Fearghus's Uncle's romance, which is set before Chains and Flames.

Dragon Actually

Annwyl the Bloody, is human and leading the rebellion against her brother Lorcan and ends up fighting and losing in front of Fearghus's cave. He doesn't like the noise and comes to investigate. Fearghus becomes intrigued by Annwyl when she isn't afraid of him and he decides to heal her after polishing off the annoying soldiers who are fleeing in terror.

Thus the stage is set for much sword-worthy action. We see the rest of Fearghus's family and a right bunch of nutcases they all are. Dragon males love a mean female, of any species, and Shelly delivers mean in a good way.

Chains and Flames

Princess Rhiannon and Low Born Bercelak Cadwaladr, the Battle Dragon are thrown together by Queen Addiena in an attempt to mate/kill Rhiannon. The Queen is afraid of her daughter and has hated her for the past 125 years. Both of them are White Dragons, so are full of magic, but sadly Rhiannon doesn't seem to have the ability. The Queen forces Rhiannon to be human by magic in an attempt to weaken her so that she is easily killed. Meanwhile Bercelak has wanted the mean, very mean, Rhiannon for 55 years, so he's not letting her escape him.

A Tale of Two Dragons

More insanity of the Cadwaladr kind. Bercelak's older brother Addolgar the Cheerful and Lady Braith of the Darkness are sent on a quest to return Lady Katharina to her father, Lord Berg by Queen Addiena. Unbeknownst by everyone Braith's father, Lord Emyr, has betrayed the Queen, Braith & Katharina. The Queen, looking for a quick scapegoat intends to execute Braith and ignore the real culprit.

The Cadwaladr clan don't like that idea, so much scheming and planning goes into the rescue of Braith.


Love all the humour in these books and the characters. Also love that Eibbhear the Blue makes an appearance in the last story.

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving up on this one, I made it until about page 50 then started skimming ahead then gave up. I feel I should have loved it, it's so light hearted and fun, the repartee between the main characters is really good but... I had a thought early on that soured all the light heartedness; Fearghus the Destroyer, destroyer of villages and eater of people as well as burning them alive with his dragon's fire. What was in those villages? Women, children? Were they evil and worthy of being killed? My point is that his name is cool as long as he kills enemies, men about to kill the innocent. Instead his name stands for actions that include killing the innocent. I can't accept that from my hero even if he did regret it, which he doesn't appear to. Even though he's charming. Just can't warm up to that kind of "hero".

So, I think the book is charming, cool, fun but I just can't get past that one thing to enjoy it so... I'm going to give it 4 stars because I think I would have really liked it.

[Miki · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book really should have been a graphic novel, or better yet, an adult picture book.

"This is Anwyll the Bloody! See her broad shoulders and large breasts! She has a BAD temper!"

"This is Fearghus the Destroyer. He is a BIG black Dragon.He doesn't really destroy much, he just wants to be alone."

"Anwyll isn't very smart, although she has BIG breasts! She doesn't know dragons have a human form! She hates the knight who is training her to be a better fighter so she can kill her brother, but she doesn't realize the knight is Fearghus and she feels guilty because she has sex with the knight, but loves the dragon."

"The knight and Anwyll have sex all over the glen. Again and again, and again. She has ample breasts."

"Anwyll kills her brother, and becomes Queen Anwyll the Bloody. Fearghus marries her, but leaves her and her large breasts because he doesn't want to get in her way. She is sad. He is sad. She goes to get him...a YEAR LATER. They have sex."
The End.

[Ms. Cyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 for 1

Two books for the price of 1! I wish I knew Rhiannon's story should have been read before her son's. However it still worked just fine. They are a quirky dragon family but Rhiannon and Barcelak love each other and it is seen in their children. Bearcelak's parents were the same and I wish there was more about them and his siblings.

I see a common theme where the heroine comes from an unloving home and abusive childhood. Rhiannon and Morfyd are very strong women with terrible families who would rather see them dead. Their ability to survive and lead is amazing. The best part is that they find that they don't have to be strong with their partners. They can let their mates take over if nowhere else, in the bedroom ; )

[Elisabeth Lane]

DNF -- too silly for me. Read as more juvenile than I prefer.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

(To be honest, from an enjoyment perspective, this book was actually very close to a 5 star rating for me.) In her Dragon Kin series, Aiken has created an entire mythos surrounding dragons, and it's fascinating. In series book one, Dragon Actually, we learn that dragons are not only powerful, massive creatures capable of roasting hapless people alive, but they also have a full range of personalities and emotions, their own government and social structure, and certain magical abilities. They can also shift into human form to blend in with humans when they need to (or want to). Oh, and they're very sexy.

Feargus the Destroyer is a huge black dragon, known in his world to be dour, quick to anger, fearless in battle. He prefers solitude, his lair far from the dragon's central area in the mountains. Annwyl is a human woman locked in mortal battle with her brother, the cruel King Lorcan. Annwyl leads the rebellion army with legendary courage and battle skills.

Feargus meets her as she is ambushed and overwhelmed by a battalion of king's soldiers in front of his lair's hidden entrance. Feargus watches, increasingly intrigued, as Annwyl refuses to give up, continues to fight even as she dies, and faces the dragon without fear when he shows himself. After saving Annwyl, Feargus brings in his sister Morfyd in human form to heal and nurture Annwyl back to health. What follows is a delightful interlude in which the two fiery-tempered protagonists slowly get to know each other and form an unbreakable bond.

The rest of the story is a delicious blend of a love story, raging battles, a lot of sex, and a skillful fleshing out of Feargus's many family members as they become involved - supportive or not - in Annwyl's struggles and her complex relationship with Feargus. The last part of Dragon Actually gives the reader a delicious retrospective on his parents. All indications are that the following books in the series continue the main story in the background but focus on Feargus's many brothers and sisters.

One final personal perspective: If you enjoy J.R. Ward's Dark Brotherhood series, with its clashing worlds of vampires and humans, deeply sexy but well-developed individual characters, and a continuing storyline as background to separate books focusing on different inhabitants of her incredible world, you'll like this series, too. I can't wait to see if Aiken serves up a similar literary feast in the rest of this series.

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two stories, the first finishing at 64%. I think I preferred the second shorter one. I liked the characters, both main pairings.

The secrets in the first story were amusing at the start but did start to feel a little tedious. I’m not a fan of the whole will they won’t they thing. The banter and teasing between the two was entertaining, along with the intro for the siblings. Mainly romance, sex and a little battle.

The second story was a lot more straight forward following the parents. Family, stubbornness, sex and chains.

It’s a good start to a new series but I think it’ll be one read every now and then instead of binge read.

[~JustMel~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Actually

Action packed and steaming hot is what this book is. Not to mention hilarious as well. I had a really good time with this story plus the added bonus of Feargus’ parent’s story. It was good to see how things started.

All in all an excellent start to the series. So good I wound up buying book 2 before I even finished the first.

[Cecilie Larsen · Rating 1 out of 5]

saw a good recommendation of this somewhere and it has such a good rating on goodreads, so I kept reading, waiting for it to get better, but it just didn't.

This book suffers hugely from telling instead of showing - in every aspect.
There is no character development whatsoever and the characters are flat, the side characters even more so.
It tries to depict the heroine as strong but she comes of as ridiculous and is never really in any power and her breast and ass is constantly focused on by the characters and narrative.
The villain has no actual motivation. At All. The plot is boring and predictable. There's lots of things that just didn't make sense and the romantic relationship is unbelievable in every aspect.

It has a lot of tropes known in this genre, including possessive abusive alpha male that is romanticized and who's action and thoughts often contradicts. He of course finds the heroine's anger amusing and a turn-on. Instead of talking about things or finishing an argument they get distracted by sex. All the sexual tensions and the actual sex acts includes their mind thinking no but their body saying yes and they just can't control their bodies.

And even the sex scenes were bad. And often with rapey undertones. But she liked it so it was somehow okay?! Also why make your heroine a virgin when it's not gonna affect the story or her in any way? Other than having the guy remark that no other man has had her and she belongs to him.. (So for the first time he slams into her and she thinks he expertly dealt with her maidenhood and then immediately asks him to go harder and then falls asleep right after having her orgasm, with him still on top of her and inside her. And it just gets worse from there.)

Later there's a scene where the guy/dragon 'claimes' her by burn marking her so everyone can see she belongs to him. And then they have sex. Right after.

I skimmed through some of the second story. Apparently it is about drangon relationships which seems to be BDSM relationship, but it doesn't seem exactly healthy? And lots of ideas about the male dragons needing to 'controle their bitches' and such. And it seems like they have a sex scene in front of their children.

[Donne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, first and foremost, I really did like this book in spite of the issues I had with the author/publisher about the organization of the book. Secondly, the book I read was obviously different than the book that most of the other commenters read because the book I read had three stories in it and not just two. My book had (in order) 1) Dragon Actually, 2) Flames & Chains and 3) A Tale of Two Dragons. Personally, I would have rather read the stories in the complete opposite order. Now, having gotten that out of the way, I will now submit my review in the order that I wish I had read the three different stories starting with.....

A TALE OF TWO DRAGONS - While I enjoyed the story of Addolgar (Bercelak's older brother) and Braith, I will leave my review of this story on the Goodread page for the actually book, A Tale of Two Dragons.

CHAINS & FLAMES - This was the story of how Bercelak and Princess Rhiannon got together and mated. I love the whole storyline of a family of dragons in some fantasy world. Very different than the urban fantasy that I typically read. The siblings are hilarious and a bit crazy and I even enjoyed all the battle scenes as well. However, I would have loved to see this series begin with the story of Bercelak's parents Aileen and Shalin. They seem REALLY interesting.

DRAGON ACTUALLY - This is the story of Fearghus (Bercelak's oldest son) and Annawyl. I probably liked this story the best because it was about Fearghus the dragon and a totally kickass, badass, she-warrior Annawyl. So far in the series (the other two stories), dragons detest humans (except for Aileen & Shalin) so it was interesting to see the interactions between dragon/human Fearghus and Annawyl. I would have loved to see a little more development on this story but it was great just the same.

Lastly, loved all the other characters in the stories too, especially all the siblings (Bercelak's as well as Fearghus's). Looking forward to continuing with this series.

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

4.5

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

This book contains three stories in the Dragon Kin series. Full of humor, steamy nomminess, magic, treachery, and suspense. And dragons! While I enjoyed both Dragon Actually and Chains & Flames, I have to say that A Tale of Two Dragons is by far my favorite in this collection.

Dragon Actually ~ 4 bites and a nibble
Human Annwyl the Bloody and dragon Fearghus the Destroyer.
Fearghus is son to Rhiannon the White and Bercelak the Great

Chains & Flames ~ 4 bites and a nibble
Rhiannon and Bercelak’s story

A Tale of Two Dragons ~ 5 bites
Braith of the Darkness and Addolgar the Cheerful (brother to Bercelak; son of Ailean the Wicked and Shalin the Innocent) Takes place before Dragon Actually

[Saidah Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This edition includes the novella Chains and Flames. I was re-reading the series in publication order for the first time in preparation for the latest book, Bring the Heat. I loved it of course. I was laughing throughout. I like books that make me laugh.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first novella is about Annwyl and Fearghus's tempestuous relationship/romance.

Annwyl, who is also nicknamed Annwyl the Bloody, proves to be an aggravatingly stubborn "human" female warrior who stole the heart of Fearghus the Destroyer the large, scaly, and deadly dragon shifter that brings terror to a wise person's heart. They are quite the pair.

Their unlikely love affair is however made even more enjoyable with the additional cast of siblings, and the parents, of Fearghus who finds himself unusually irritated by their meddling.

Their unexpected help on the other hand was quite welcome to both Annwyl and Fearghus when it proved necessary to enlist some from them.

Second novella was the story of how Bercelak and Rhiannon came to be together who end up also being parents of Fearghus and his 4 siblings, as well as a dragon Queen and her consort.

In the past these two were the ones who struck terror in their children's hearts quite regularly when they were growing up.

Truth be told the pair still does, as often as possible when any of the family members are together in one place.

Both novellas make up the beginning of this series as it unfolds there is humor, revelations, silliness and lots of steam from both couples also.

Glad these are available to borrow as the mmpb copies have been on my book shelves for too many years unread, which am going to remedy book by book digitally.

[Hollie Smurthwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a 3.5 for me.

The female characters in this book are delightfully violent and strong. The novel starts smack in the middle of a war with Annwyl fighting against her King brother. She's mortally wounded, but happens to collapse near a dragon's den. The dragon in intrigued by her and gives her sanctuary and has his sister heal her. Most of this portion of the novel is spent with Annwyl not realizing that the handsome knight sent to train her to fight is the human form of the dragon she's smitten with. It's fun for a while, but I think it goes on too long.

The sex is pretty hot, and I particularly enjoyed her relationship to his dragon form. Ferghaus (the dragon) has a bunch of siblings and it's very fun when they start popping up. Eventually, there's the expected showdown between Annwyl and her brother.

The second half of the novel is the story of Ferghaus's mother and father, and their courtship? Yeah, let's go with courtship. We already know that Rhiannon is going to be queen, but I found that it didn't inhibit my enjoyment of the story. Another couple with great chemistry, and a wonderful push-pull. It isn't exactly enemies-to-lovers, because Bercelak has been in love with her since the first moment he met her. Rhiannon, however, is not immediately enamored, and I enjoyed that dynamic.

The worldbuilding is a little light in the story, but I found it sufficient. Great action.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's two stories in this book, the 1st one, I'd rate at about a 3.5 stars, don't take it too serious and you can really enjoy it for the trashy romance it is. It's not great, but it's fun. But not much to say, nothing really remarkable or groundbreaking, just a fun and silly romp.

THEN YOU GET TO BOOK 2. just dnf right there.

If you're curious about it, the 2nd story is the parents of the 1st story's male lead. The queen in the 1st book seemed great! and I'd want more of her crazy b'ish ways. What you get is some serious damaged, broken and Stockholm syndrome princess that just makes you mad and angry that this forced loved story is happening too.

I hate read that story unlike a lot of the other reviewers. It's every trope that makes you want to scream: written terribly with no plot until the very last second, Insta-love, emotionally crippled shallow characters, baaaaaad example of bondage / bdsm positive relationships. Oh and apparently the realization that a dragon can also be a neck beard. Just ugh.
.
In short, love yourself enough to get the 1st story in it's stand alone format.

**NOTE** I received my copy of this ebook though goodreads giveaways.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently discovered G A Aiken and Shelly Laurenston were the same author. Writing as G A Aiken she brings the same elements that make her books as Laurenston so much fun. It's got it all: snarky kick-ass heroines, hero-heroines who can't decide if they would rather be fighting or go at it...it's all the same, crazy as hell families and more quotable LOL dialogue than the Princess Bride.
Yet..despite all the snarkiness, bloody battles and sex it is simply a story of two people (technically one is a dragon shapeshifter) who love each other because of and despite all their myriad flaws. Oh and you do have fire breathing dragons, wizards, crazy despotic brothers trying to kill you and bloody battles to take the throne.
Anwyl has definite anger issues and won't hesitate to chop off your head and Fearghus is broody and arrogant as hell but somehow you can't help but love these two.
I also enjoyed the extra novella that tells the story of Ferghus's parents "courtship". Now I see why Queen Rhinannon and Bercelak like their new daughter-in-law. Their story in many ways mirror each others.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, Sex Filled Romance Novel

Honestly the title kind of says it all. It's a fun book (actually 2, second part is a prequel). Lots of fun quotable moments and a cute romance. It does have lots of sex including a lot of bdsm type stuff. Lots of strong female characters who kickass and take names and control.

While it's a super fun book that I will recommend, it isn't anything new. I called every characters mistake and how it would turn out. But that doesn't stop it from being a good read, just not the deepest or suprising.

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.