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Dragon's Blood M.C. #4
Runaway
Runaway
James Keith hasn’t had an easy life. He was saved by Clan Keith and his King Duncan Adair from his traumatic and abusive childhood, but they couldn’t save him from the fear that has taken hold of his soul. He’s a good and strong Dragon Warrior, but when it comes to trusting people and dealing with emotional situations James would rather take flight and escape the darkness he fears is inside him. When he comes face to face with his fated mate on the deck of the Dragon’s Blood Lodge he is struck by the beauty of his Master Vampire mate but the fear and trauma won’t let him go. He’s only good for one thing, running away. Can James let Augustin in and let him see the worst parts of his past or his he doomed to allow the past to swallow his present. Is he doomed to just be a runaway?
Augustin Chamberlin is the Master Vampire of the Chamberlin Coven and he exudes a level of power that has every paranormal taking notice. But that kind of power and authority never comes without a price. Augustin has had a dance or two with darkness and that leaves a wound on your soul that only true love can heal if we let it. When he first sees his Dragon Beloved, Augustin is floored by the strength and beauty of James Keith and he is ready to stake his claim. But this courtship doesn’t come without complications. James Keith is a damaged soul with one eye on the door and Augustin must walk a fine line if he wants to make James his forever. Secrets lurk in both of their paths that threatens to send this train straight off the tracks. James Keith may be a runaway, but can Augustin finally bring him home?
James Keith hasn’t had an easy life. He was saved by Clan Keith and his King Duncan Adair from his traumatic and abusive childhood, but they couldn’t save him from the fear that has taken hold of his soul. He’s a good and strong Dragon Warrior, but when it comes to trusting people and dealing with emotional situations James would rather take flight and escape the darkness he fears is inside him. When he comes face to face with his fated mate on the deck of the Dragon’s Blood Lodge he is struck by the beauty of his Master Vampire mate but the fear and trauma won’t let him go. He’s only good for one thing, running away. Can James let Augustin in and let him see the worst parts of his past or his he doomed to allow the past to swallow his present. Is he doomed to just be a runaway?
Augustin Chamberlin is the Master Vampire of the Chamberlin Coven and he exudes a level of power that has every paranormal taking notice. But that kind of power and authority never comes without a price. Augustin has had a dance or two with darkness and that leaves a wound on your soul that only true love can heal if we let it. When he first sees his Dragon Beloved, Augustin is floored by the strength and beauty of James Keith and he is ready to stake his claim. But this courtship doesn’t come without complications. James Keith is a damaged soul with one eye on the door and Augustin must walk a fine line if he wants to make James his forever. Secrets lurk in both of their paths that threatens to send this train straight off the tracks. James Keith may be a runaway, but can Augustin finally bring him home?
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2017
87 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Stretke
172 books407 followersB.A. Stretke is a Gay Romance and fiction author who publishes through Dreamspinner Press, LLC, and Amazon.com
B.A Stretke began writing as a hobby. He read his first Jane Austen novel as a teen and was instantly hooked. The age-old dream of being a novelist took hold. Now long into adulthood, and a few years as an editor under his belt, B.A. is a full-time writer. B.A. spends his days reading, engaging in sarcasm, and plotting the next storyline, often leaving little headspace for much else. He loves hiking through the Northern Michigan woods he calls home, often finding inspiration for his books. Writing and finding that perfect cup of coffee occupy the rest of his time.
B.A. Stretke lives in Northern Michigan with one royally spoiled cat and his dear friends and family.
You can connect with B.A. Stretke on his website: www.bastretke.com
Follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/BAStretkeWriter
Like me on Facebook! - B.A. Stretke
B.A Stretke began writing as a hobby. He read his first Jane Austen novel as a teen and was instantly hooked. The age-old dream of being a novelist took hold. Now long into adulthood, and a few years as an editor under his belt, B.A. is a full-time writer. B.A. spends his days reading, engaging in sarcasm, and plotting the next storyline, often leaving little headspace for much else. He loves hiking through the Northern Michigan woods he calls home, often finding inspiration for his books. Writing and finding that perfect cup of coffee occupy the rest of his time.
B.A. Stretke lives in Northern Michigan with one royally spoiled cat and his dear friends and family.
You can connect with B.A. Stretke on his website: www.bastretke.com
Follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/BAStretkeWriter
Like me on Facebook! - B.A. Stretke
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 17, 2020
I really appreciate the intensity and need that mates have for each other in this series. I liked James (dragon warrior) and his mate (or beloved) Augustin (vampire coven leader). There were a few huge misunderstandings (which I truly dislike) which caused James to run, but his true loyalty had shown for his mate, Augustin. The characters were compelling and the ending was wonderful.
February 20, 2018
WTH
Ok I enjoyed the first 3 books.... I don't know what happened with this book.... The plot was so weak and unbelievable.... Why would the clan listen to rumors?? Why not just ask??? It didn't make no sense....SMH... I like this author and I will continue the series... I was just dumbfounded with this book....
Ok I enjoyed the first 3 books.... I don't know what happened with this book.... The plot was so weak and unbelievable.... Why would the clan listen to rumors?? Why not just ask??? It didn't make no sense....SMH... I like this author and I will continue the series... I was just dumbfounded with this book....
December 1, 2017
Needed work
Even for this author, I thought that the declaration of feelings was too deep, too quickly to be believable. Somehow after only their second kiss, and almost no conversation in between, James is able to recognize that Augustin's love for him is real. And yet, with this knowledge, James is still swayed to doubt Augustin again very shortly later. Then, Augustin never really trusts James to give him priority, even though he has no idea what kind of obligations that James has to the Clan.
Overall, this story definitely took the overall plot along nicely, but I was disappointed in the romance/relationship dynamic in the plot.
Even for this author, I thought that the declaration of feelings was too deep, too quickly to be believable. Somehow after only their second kiss, and almost no conversation in between, James is able to recognize that Augustin's love for him is real. And yet, with this knowledge, James is still swayed to doubt Augustin again very shortly later. Then, Augustin never really trusts James to give him priority, even though he has no idea what kind of obligations that James has to the Clan.
Overall, this story definitely took the overall plot along nicely, but I was disappointed in the romance/relationship dynamic in the plot.
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August 6, 2022Dragon vampire m/m romance
It is a good story pushing forward the alliance between clan and coven. James is fearful of a relationship with his mate, Augustin master of the vampire coven. James had a brutal childhood and while a fearsome and strong dragon warrior, he can't handle emotions and runs. They finally connect but before claiming, James is called back to his family. His family has some damming information about Augustin and a crisis occurs. Tragedy nearly falls before we get our HEA.
It is a good story pushing forward the alliance between clan and coven. James is fearful of a relationship with his mate, Augustin master of the vampire coven. James had a brutal childhood and while a fearsome and strong dragon warrior, he can't handle emotions and runs. They finally connect but before claiming, James is called back to his family. His family has some damming information about Augustin and a crisis occurs. Tragedy nearly falls before we get our HEA.
November 25, 2017
DNF at 30%.
This author just isn't for me. I really gave it a lot of tries since this is the 4th book. The writing is so stilted without using contractions. The instant mate thing just makes any issues the MC's have moot. If you can't stay away even if you want to, it doesn't really matter what your actual hang ups are or why you think you shouldn't be together, you're still going to be together. So I lose interest.
This author just isn't for me. I really gave it a lot of tries since this is the 4th book. The writing is so stilted without using contractions. The instant mate thing just makes any issues the MC's have moot. If you can't stay away even if you want to, it doesn't really matter what your actual hang ups are or why you think you shouldn't be together, you're still going to be together. So I lose interest.
November 23, 2017
Another outstanding book in this series. Augustin and James mating had to solve a few bumps in the road before they could complete the claiming. Their love for one another is beautiful. As always was wonderful to catch up with previous characters. I highly recommend reading this book and the entire series.
November 26, 2017
Yay more dragons!
Yay to more dragons! I love B.A. Stretke books and thoroughly enjoy them all! I want morr dragons! And vampires! More!
Yay to more dragons! I love B.A. Stretke books and thoroughly enjoy them all! I want morr dragons! And vampires! More!
December 11, 2017
Good
Another interesting read. This just added to the long list of books by B.A. James has his demons the question is -is he willing to work through them to have his mate?
Another interesting read. This just added to the long list of books by B.A. James has his demons the question is -is he willing to work through them to have his mate?
September 5, 2022
I've become invested in the Clan and Coven. Looking forward to seeing how this world will expand. As always, I wish the stories were longer as they are quick reads.
October 2, 2022
Oh my
This one is a good one. Suspense, drama, uncertainty and most importantly love. Such a beautiful emotional story. HEA is so beautiful and well earned.
This one is a good one. Suspense, drama, uncertainty and most importantly love. Such a beautiful emotional story. HEA is so beautiful and well earned.
October 29, 2025
3,71⭐️
November 4, 2020
Callum told augustin he had to fight for his mate. One bad meeting and he was ready to give up. He wasn't patient or even reasonable with his mate. He was so disgusting. Just terrible read. Do not recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2023
Loved it! I have yet to read a book by B.A Stretke that I haven't loved! Can't wait for the next!
3 big stars!
3 big stars!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews