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Dragon Heartbeats #1
Pierce
A group of dragons traveled from Scotland to the New World a millennium ago to guard a treasure that none could know of. Their homes and lives are hidden from the world of humans and supernatural beings.
Until Pierce saves the life of a woman during an avalanche. And now he’s put the entire legacy on the line.
Jasmine isn’t your average girl. She’s a part of the fae. And now some damned dragon gave her his blood to heal her. Didn’t he realize that dragon’s blood is toxic to the fae?
His dragon brethren don’t care if she lives or dies—actually, they’d just as soon as uncomplicate matters and see her dead.
But that’s not so easy for her or the dragon that saved her.
Until Pierce saves the life of a woman during an avalanche. And now he’s put the entire legacy on the line.
Jasmine isn’t your average girl. She’s a part of the fae. And now some damned dragon gave her his blood to heal her. Didn’t he realize that dragon’s blood is toxic to the fae?
His dragon brethren don’t care if she lives or dies—actually, they’d just as soon as uncomplicate matters and see her dead.
But that’s not so easy for her or the dragon that saved her.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
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May 11, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/11/2020)! 🎁
September 4, 2020
I dnf-ed this at 90% after skimming the last few chapters. just... the pacing was weird, too slow in the first half and too quick in the second. everything is so generic, nothing is explained or explored at all (like what is it they're protecting? what are jasmine's duties?), a lot more telling than showing and pierce is just an ass, who doesn't take into consideration anything that's not his interest. i didn't have it in me to even read the smut.
January 1, 2023
This was shite
November 1, 2019
More glorifying abusive relationships drivel
I'm so over books with this "fated mate you're mine" plotline! No honey you're not an object, you're a person you do not belong to anyone else. It's always the same garbage: he needs a mate, holds the woman prisoner, she gives in realizing it's so sexy that he wants only her, they have wild unrealistic poorly written sex, and she's gleefully stuck with the schmuck. We have a name for this mental disturbance: Stockholm Syndrome. These authors need to get some self esteem and stop writing about abusive relationships! Glad it was free and short because it's a waste of money and time.
I'm so over books with this "fated mate you're mine" plotline! No honey you're not an object, you're a person you do not belong to anyone else. It's always the same garbage: he needs a mate, holds the woman prisoner, she gives in realizing it's so sexy that he wants only her, they have wild unrealistic poorly written sex, and she's gleefully stuck with the schmuck. We have a name for this mental disturbance: Stockholm Syndrome. These authors need to get some self esteem and stop writing about abusive relationships! Glad it was free and short because it's a waste of money and time.
October 9, 2019
This story had zero depth.
June 7, 2021
Not good but I was binge reading and didn’t stop
June 23, 2023
Pierce awakens in their mountain hold to a strange silence. The deep heartbeats from their Scottish clan have gone silent. The dragon shifters request some help to investigate before Pierce goes to town for supplies. The heavy rain triggers a mudslide and he instinctually saves a lady being swept away in her car. However, his efforts expose his other form and put their guardian task at risk. He knows he should have let her die but his dragon claims this is his long-awaited mate. He risks the wrath of his family and uses his blood to try and treat her wound. Jasmine awakens and reveals his blood is toxic to you as she is fae. She begins to rot internally, and Pierce convinces one of his brothers, Smoke, to help him kidnap her healer sister Alina to spare her life. If Jasmine lives, then Pierce will have a chance to bond.
* * * * *------------* * * * *------------* * * * *
Not a fan of this paranormal romance entry. We don’t know what treasure the dragons are guarding which would give meaning to their efforts. We don’t know what happened to their kin in Scotland. Their modern cave setup doesn’t make a lot of sense in Appalachia or through the powers they discussed having. The characters don’t get a lot of depth or development. They all know what mating for a dragon means but it doesn’t make them sympathetic. The pacing is inconsistent. However, mostly it is the controlling crazy featured relationship. Pierce made it clear he doesn’t like humans. He holds this woman prisoner, almost kills her, makes her feel guilty for trying to protect her family, and feels justified in putting her in her place when she resents it. There is no long timeline for them to build a relationship not built on hotness factor (and Stockholm syndrome). It’s also problematic that a magically bound fae oath would be reasonable protection for magical creatures eliminating any risk for the dragons without the strong arm tactics. Not enough else to save it from this heavy flaw.
* * * * *------------* * * * *------------* * * * *
Not a fan of this paranormal romance entry. We don’t know what treasure the dragons are guarding which would give meaning to their efforts. We don’t know what happened to their kin in Scotland. Their modern cave setup doesn’t make a lot of sense in Appalachia or through the powers they discussed having. The characters don’t get a lot of depth or development. They all know what mating for a dragon means but it doesn’t make them sympathetic. The pacing is inconsistent. However, mostly it is the controlling crazy featured relationship. Pierce made it clear he doesn’t like humans. He holds this woman prisoner, almost kills her, makes her feel guilty for trying to protect her family, and feels justified in putting her in her place when she resents it. There is no long timeline for them to build a relationship not built on hotness factor (and Stockholm syndrome). It’s also problematic that a magically bound fae oath would be reasonable protection for magical creatures eliminating any risk for the dragons without the strong arm tactics. Not enough else to save it from this heavy flaw.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2024
2.5 - 3 Stars
Pierce is the first book in the Dragon Heartbeats series by Ava Benton. It is part of The Dragon Heartbeats Series Boxset. This is my first read by Ava Benton, so I really didn’t know what to expect from one of her stories- but the blurb sounded promising and had my attention at ‘Dragons’- so I snapped up a copy and set off on the adventures.
This is a paranormal romance series, each book following different characters, but weaving an overarching background story which provides a much ‘bigger picture’. With dragon shifters, damsels in distress, fated mates, chemistry, sparks, action, adventure, supernatural elements, Fae, protective Alpha-male types, threats, challenges, fate/destiny, a little humour, danger, a quest, treasure, and dramatic developments- all in one convenient package, made for hours of hopeful reading.
While I normally love a great dragon shifter romantic suspense- this series, unfortunately, didn’t meet my expectations- I think I came away with more questions than answers here. A lot of ambiguous information, and threads that didn’t develop or lead anywhere. Left me wanting more. The premise holds a lot of promise but missed the mark for me.
There are more books in this series, but I am unsure if I will continue them at this stage. Stay tuned.
But if you like dragon shifter romance, damsels in distress, fated mates, and spicy details- then you should probably read this series for yourself and make up your own mind.
The Box Set Contains:
-Pierce (Book #1) -> Pierce and Jasmine
-Smoke (Booke #2) -> Smoke and Alina
-Cash (Book #3) -> Cash and Carissa
-Fence (Book #4) -> Fence and Ciera
-Gate (Book #5) -> Gate and Martina
-Miles (Book #6) -> Miles and Savannah
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Ava Benton!
Pierce is the first book in the Dragon Heartbeats series by Ava Benton. It is part of The Dragon Heartbeats Series Boxset. This is my first read by Ava Benton, so I really didn’t know what to expect from one of her stories- but the blurb sounded promising and had my attention at ‘Dragons’- so I snapped up a copy and set off on the adventures.
This is a paranormal romance series, each book following different characters, but weaving an overarching background story which provides a much ‘bigger picture’. With dragon shifters, damsels in distress, fated mates, chemistry, sparks, action, adventure, supernatural elements, Fae, protective Alpha-male types, threats, challenges, fate/destiny, a little humour, danger, a quest, treasure, and dramatic developments- all in one convenient package, made for hours of hopeful reading.
While I normally love a great dragon shifter romantic suspense- this series, unfortunately, didn’t meet my expectations- I think I came away with more questions than answers here. A lot of ambiguous information, and threads that didn’t develop or lead anywhere. Left me wanting more. The premise holds a lot of promise but missed the mark for me.
There are more books in this series, but I am unsure if I will continue them at this stage. Stay tuned.
But if you like dragon shifter romance, damsels in distress, fated mates, and spicy details- then you should probably read this series for yourself and make up your own mind.
The Box Set Contains:
-Pierce (Book #1) -> Pierce and Jasmine
-Smoke (Booke #2) -> Smoke and Alina
-Cash (Book #3) -> Cash and Carissa
-Fence (Book #4) -> Fence and Ciera
-Gate (Book #5) -> Gate and Martina
-Miles (Book #6) -> Miles and Savannah
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Ava Benton!
October 20, 2017
Loved it
First book I've read from this author and I loved it. Pierce and five other male dragon shifters(brothers and cousins) are guarding a treasure that is hidden in the Appalachian Mountains. They have been there since vikings supposedly placed the treasure there, around one thousand years ago. No outsider is allowed to get close to their cave.
Pierce went to town to get supplies for the six of them. It was raining hard. On his way back up the mountain there was a small car in front of his slipping and sliding in the mud. All of the sudden a mud slide started and was heading straight for the car. It knocked the driver unconscious and the car was about to slip over the cliff. Pierce hurries to save her. When he gets her out more mud starts coming down. He gets knocked and loses hold of her. She hits a boulder and is hurt more. His dragon takes over and takes her to the other side of their cave where there are cells. Dragon blood can heal a human so he puts some blood in her wound. But instead of healing, it start burning her. She tells him she is far, not human and that his blood is poison. All of the dragons are involved by this point and they decide to go get her sister who is a healer.
There is a lot going on in this story that gets your attention and keeps it. There is also a background issue going on with their clan from Scotland. Pierce's brother Smoke is whom the next book is about. I am excited.
First book I've read from this author and I loved it. Pierce and five other male dragon shifters(brothers and cousins) are guarding a treasure that is hidden in the Appalachian Mountains. They have been there since vikings supposedly placed the treasure there, around one thousand years ago. No outsider is allowed to get close to their cave.
Pierce went to town to get supplies for the six of them. It was raining hard. On his way back up the mountain there was a small car in front of his slipping and sliding in the mud. All of the sudden a mud slide started and was heading straight for the car. It knocked the driver unconscious and the car was about to slip over the cliff. Pierce hurries to save her. When he gets her out more mud starts coming down. He gets knocked and loses hold of her. She hits a boulder and is hurt more. His dragon takes over and takes her to the other side of their cave where there are cells. Dragon blood can heal a human so he puts some blood in her wound. But instead of healing, it start burning her. She tells him she is far, not human and that his blood is poison. All of the dragons are involved by this point and they decide to go get her sister who is a healer.
There is a lot going on in this story that gets your attention and keeps it. There is also a background issue going on with their clan from Scotland. Pierce's brother Smoke is whom the next book is about. I am excited.
April 3, 2022
I deeply disliked this book. Pierce (Dragon) rescues Jasmine (Fae) who he thinks is human during a mudslide that takes out both their vehicles. He instantly recognizes her as his mate and takes her back to his cave where 5 of his Dragon brothers are. They are not happy that he brought someone to their hideout and want Pierce to leave her for dead. He chooses to use his blood to save her but it actually poisons her. She’s literally dying and he fights with her about getting her help until he’s finally convinced to go get her sister whose a healer. Once Jasmine is healed Pierce decides she’s not allowed to ever leave. Despite the fact she has a family and responsibilities and that she doesn’t want to stay of that she needs sunlight and fresh air. He completely disregards what she wants. Decides she will stay and be his mate and basically their maid. They never get to know each other and ultimately she tries to escape only to get caught by him and she gives into sex with him after which suddenly they declare their love for each other and she decides to stay.
I hated that Jasmine’s wants and needs are never considered. Pierce only sees her as a possession and actually seems to dislike her despite being sexually attracted to her and they literally never even get to know each other. She’s his prisoner whom he nearly killed and has no choice.
I hated that Jasmine’s wants and needs are never considered. Pierce only sees her as a possession and actually seems to dislike her despite being sexually attracted to her and they literally never even get to know each other. She’s his prisoner whom he nearly killed and has no choice.
August 29, 2022
If you read the other 1 star reviews you'll see my thoughts.
I'm at 63% and I'm just done.
He saved her, then in trying to heal her he ends up poisoning her. He convinces her to tell him where her sister is, brings sis back, she's mostly healed (all this in a day) and then it just goes to shit.
Jas is upset that she's told she'll never be able to leave. Pierce is being an asshole thinking she should be put in her place. Absolutely no understanding or compassion for her situation. And The worst part (for me) is that when he storms away her sister runs after him and apologizes.
"Gee Mr. Kidnapper, I'm so sorry my sister is bothered by the idea of us being kept prisoner for the rest of her life, what a jerk she is."
This is also a MAJOR case of insta love. She's been in agony or unconscious, they haven't even had a conversation. It's ridiculous and I don't even mind insta love that much.
I'm at 63% and I'm just done.
He saved her, then in trying to heal her he ends up poisoning her. He convinces her to tell him where her sister is, brings sis back, she's mostly healed (all this in a day) and then it just goes to shit.
Jas is upset that she's told she'll never be able to leave. Pierce is being an asshole thinking she should be put in her place. Absolutely no understanding or compassion for her situation. And The worst part (for me) is that when he storms away her sister runs after him and apologizes.
"Gee Mr. Kidnapper, I'm so sorry my sister is bothered by the idea of us being kept prisoner for the rest of her life, what a jerk she is."
This is also a MAJOR case of insta love. She's been in agony or unconscious, they haven't even had a conversation. It's ridiculous and I don't even mind insta love that much.
May 27, 2025
Another story more commonly understood as the story that’s the captive falls in love with the capture. I wish more people stoped making this types of story’s containing Stockholm Syndrome and masking it as love at first sight or as fated mates. Sure at the beginning it might have looked like he rescued her but towards the middle of the story he wasn’t willing to let her go. I know it’s mostly because they can’t be away from each other do to their magical pulls but I just didn’t like how he rephrased it on how she needed to get use to the idea of being there and nothing else. In a part of the story he does think “she’ll be staying here whether she likes it or not”, I tend to like dark romance but this doesn’t add up great with me and most of the dark romance I read don’t even have this type of dynamic. Still the pacing was done correctly and the plot kept on going but could have more details to the start of the relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2022
I like reading shifter stories but this one was disappointing. There was potential at the start but it quickly went downhill with Pierce’s character; selfish, controlling, abusive thoughts, and wanting to force Jasmine to be his mate. No just no, there’s nothing romantic about that it’s just disturbing even for a fictional book. There was no depth, nothing really explained, and all the dragon characters had 2 personalities; bland and controlling. It’s worrying that the author thought this was romantic in any sense.
January 2, 2019
Very shallow book so I can only judge by the few pieces offered up in the story. Pierce is self centered and not at all a considerate male. He literally says he doesn’t care what Jasmine is giving it, it can’t be much. Ugh.
December 24, 2017
Pierce
He was such a caveman with her lol. His Dragon knew better than he did that she was his mate. I can't wait to see how Alina and Smoke work out.
He was such a caveman with her lol. His Dragon knew better than he did that she was his mate. I can't wait to see how Alina and Smoke work out.
January 2, 2019
Pierce (dragon) saves the life of Jasmine (fae) during a mudslide. They are considered to be enemies, but love finds a way.
August 30, 2019
Not bad ,short and sweet . Moving on to Smoke 'a book now.
June 16, 2020
Everything happened at once. One chapter she hated his guts and wanted to escape, the next they’re kissing and mating… there was no in-between get-to-know-you stuff.
September 28, 2020
A good book
The story is good. Dragons hiding a treasure. But being short there is no continuity but I spose the next books will continue it..
The story is good. Dragons hiding a treasure. But being short there is no continuity but I spose the next books will continue it..
June 9, 2021
*4.5 Stars*
It was so very short. I think the characters would have developed more if it were longer.
It was so very short. I think the characters would have developed more if it were longer.
August 6, 2022
No substance to it. No big thing happened to change her stance from hate to love.
But I'm binge reading so will probably read the whole box set.
But I'm binge reading so will probably read the whole box set.
January 16, 2023
Very short story. No development. Just because they had sex suddenly were in love.
Gave the second star because it has potential the story with dragons.
Gave the second star because it has potential the story with dragons.
June 13, 2023
It ended really abruptly leaving me feeling like the conflict wasn't really resolved.
July 18, 2023
The pacing was off and didn’t really feel the love story.
March 9, 2024
Really good short read at least it was short to me I haven’t had a good read like this in a long time
April 9, 2024
I have a newfound obsession with dragons.
I have a feeling Ava Benton's stories are going to be exciting at least.
I loved this first one.
Passion, alpha male and a great backstory.
I have a feeling Ava Benton's stories are going to be exciting at least.
I loved this first one.
Passion, alpha male and a great backstory.
June 16, 2024
I liked the setting, the characters and the story. It’s a good first book in a series.
April 29, 2025
White bread
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews