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Evergreen
When Gabriel's sister, Ashley, falls ill, he is sent to the forest wise one for help. But instead of the frightening dragon he expects, he is faced with a shape-shifting, magical creature named Kym who is both kind and beautiful. Kym instructs Gabe to bring Ashley to his canyon hideaway so that he can watch over her properly. As the two care for her, they grow unexpectedly close. But once Ashley is well, Gabriel must leave with her, and Kym cannot leave his forest...
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2018
7 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Geneva Vand
11 books21 followersGeneva Vand has finally settled down for the long term in Chicago, IL, where her husband and two cats keep her company. Before that, you could mostly find her in Maine, Washington, or Idaho. Her loves include cross stitching, indie nail polish, and stories of all kinds.
Eventually, she decided to start adding her own stories to the world. So far she's sticking to romance. Her books tend toward light, low-heat escapism with a focus on LGBTQ+ characters.
Geneva loves to hear from her readers. Feel free to contact her by email or on social media. Visit her website to follow her blog and find book updates.
https://genevavand.com
https://facebook.com/GenevaVandAuthor/
https://twitter.com/GenevaVand
Eventually, she decided to start adding her own stories to the world. So far she's sticking to romance. Her books tend toward light, low-heat escapism with a focus on LGBTQ+ characters.
Geneva loves to hear from her readers. Feel free to contact her by email or on social media. Visit her website to follow her blog and find book updates.
https://genevavand.com
https://facebook.com/GenevaVandAuthor/
https://twitter.com/GenevaVand
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 9, 2020
Dragons! ‘Evergreen’ is part of a whole collection by the name of ‘For the Hoard’, and each story so far has offered a different interpretation of what dragons might be like. In this story, set in a fictional world that feels medieval except for the dragonshifters and their magic, Gabriel is sent to get help for his ill sister, Ashley, and encounters an intriguing dragonshifter by the name of Kym. Despite the underlying tension due to Ashley’s quite serious illness, this is a quiet and gentle adventure. The focus is on discovering the dragonshifter’s world as much as it is on the humans’ need for his help.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 25, 2024
A low-heat, paranormal super-lite romance ... started off well but became too bland throughout the second half of the book.
April 18, 2018
Reviewed by PizzyGirl
I thought this was a very adorable story. It was low angst and low heat but it was just what the doctor ordered.
This world was a cross between historical and fantasy. The lifestyle was very primitive yet there was a wide acceptance of magic as if it were part of everyday life. It enhanced the slow pace and whimsical feel of the tale.
I also absolutely LOVE the description of the dragon and the way he was characterized. He was not the normal massive, scary dragon but instead a mid sized, inquisitive, magical creature. His mannerisms were cute yet snarky and his magic was interesting. I loved learning about his hoarding and his history.
I also really loved the cave. They visuals were fantastic and rich and I almost felt like I was there with the characters. I could feel the love and care Kym took in building such a comfortable and useful home.
There was not much to this story. Very few characters to develop, a very basic plot, and no angst to really speak of. It was very slow paced and almost innocent in feel. But I really enjoyed my reading experience and would gladly reread this one when I need something simple and cute to pass the time. I would also revisit this world if the author wanted to explore some of the other types of dragons. I would love to learn about them!
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
I thought this was a very adorable story. It was low angst and low heat but it was just what the doctor ordered.
This world was a cross between historical and fantasy. The lifestyle was very primitive yet there was a wide acceptance of magic as if it were part of everyday life. It enhanced the slow pace and whimsical feel of the tale.
I also absolutely LOVE the description of the dragon and the way he was characterized. He was not the normal massive, scary dragon but instead a mid sized, inquisitive, magical creature. His mannerisms were cute yet snarky and his magic was interesting. I loved learning about his hoarding and his history.
I also really loved the cave. They visuals were fantastic and rich and I almost felt like I was there with the characters. I could feel the love and care Kym took in building such a comfortable and useful home.
There was not much to this story. Very few characters to develop, a very basic plot, and no angst to really speak of. It was very slow paced and almost innocent in feel. But I really enjoyed my reading experience and would gladly reread this one when I need something simple and cute to pass the time. I would also revisit this world if the author wanted to explore some of the other types of dragons. I would love to learn about them!
This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
October 12, 2019
Fantastical and sweet, this story was full of heart and magic set in a simplistic world. Aside from being overly descriptive at times, there was incredible detail that brought the world to life for me. There was a lot to be charmed by when it came to the relationship between Kym and Gabe. They were soft, sweet, and a little awkward which made their slower-build romance quite endearing and believable despite this being a fantasy story. Their affection was built on a whole lot more than attraction and magic and went far deeper than I expected. When it came time to face the real world I felt both of their tentative natures worked to their detriment and was extremely glad when a solution was found. Even better was that it was Ashley who came up with the plan to end the moping. She went from being a stubborn patient to the problem solver and I could really see her independence and growth. Her role wasn't merely one to bring Gabe to the presence of a dragon, but to set in motion everything necessary to keep them together. Strong women abound in this short tale and it rounded out this wonderfully sweet story.
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September 20, 2020I love reading Geneva Vand's books and Evergreen is one of my favorites about a man and a dragon meeting and falling in love. Gabriel's sister, Ashley, is gravely ill so he sets out to find a dragon to help him heal her. When he and Kym meet for the first time, both are hesitant and awkwardly shy around the other. While Kym is preparing the potion for his sister, Gabriel stays in Kym's home and observes everything that he does. They learn more about the other and slowly, their innocent flirting turns into something more. This was a wonderfully sweet tale of falling in love when you least expect it in a wonderful world of magic and fantasy. Both Kym and Gabriel are adorable together especially when Kym is a dragon protecting Gabriel and keeping him warm. You'll fall in love all over again with dragons and the magic of love. The world that Geneva Vand created in Evergreen is so lovely and delightful that I keep re-visiting over and over again :)
October 11, 2019
Gabriel's sister Ashley becomes ill and their friend, the local healer woman Karen informs Gabriel he must travel to the local wiseman and plant specialist (who just happens to be a dragon)
After some initial fears, he travels and meets Kym, a gorgeous dragon who then tells him he must bring Ashley to his home in the forest in order to heal her.
As they work together to heal Ashley, they form an easy connection that develops into something very serious.
When it's time for Gabriel and Ashley to head home, Kym and Gabriel are heartbroken.
Kym can't just leave and Gabriel has responsibilities back home.
When Ashley suggests a solution, Gabriel is overjoyed but cautious.
He has some doubts that he'll be enough for Kym.
These two sweet men are finally able to enjoy their well deserved HEA.
After some initial fears, he travels and meets Kym, a gorgeous dragon who then tells him he must bring Ashley to his home in the forest in order to heal her.
As they work together to heal Ashley, they form an easy connection that develops into something very serious.
When it's time for Gabriel and Ashley to head home, Kym and Gabriel are heartbroken.
Kym can't just leave and Gabriel has responsibilities back home.
When Ashley suggests a solution, Gabriel is overjoyed but cautious.
He has some doubts that he'll be enough for Kym.
These two sweet men are finally able to enjoy their well deserved HEA.
January 3, 2019
When his sister is stricken with a strange illness, Gabriel is tasked by the local healer to seek out the help of a dragon named Kym. Kym insists Gabriel bring his sister to him to treat her directly and while living together, Kym and Gabriel grow closer knowing they will have to part once Gabriel's sister is cured.
If you're looking for a sweet, low smut, low angst gay paranormal romance, this will absolutely fit the bill. Even though Vand could have skipped it, every character - including our leads - has a distinct, believable personality; especially Gabriel's sister, Ashley; a strong stubborn woman. Everyone was quite practical, kind, and level-headed; a rarity in a lot of emotionally charged romances. A great story! 3.9 out of 5.
If you're looking for a sweet, low smut, low angst gay paranormal romance, this will absolutely fit the bill. Even though Vand could have skipped it, every character - including our leads - has a distinct, believable personality; especially Gabriel's sister, Ashley; a strong stubborn woman. Everyone was quite practical, kind, and level-headed; a rarity in a lot of emotionally charged romances. A great story! 3.9 out of 5.
July 9, 2020
Dragons! ‘Evergreen’ is set in a fictional world that feels medieval except for the dragonshifters and their magic. Gabriel is a human sent to get help for his ill sister, Ashley, and encounters an intriguing dragonshifter by the name of Kym. Despite the underlying tension due to Ashley’s quite serious illness, this is a quiet and gentle adventure. The focus is on discovering the dragonshifter’s world as much as it is on the humans’ need for his help.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 8, 2019
Medieval in feel,
This is a nice book, low angst with a slow burning romance and Dragons.
Gabriel’s sister has caught a wasting illness which the local healer is unable to do anything for, so sends Gabriel to the forest dragon Kym for help, who in turn instructs Gabriel to bring his sister to him, to heal, over the course of the book Gabriel and Kym grow close, falling eventually in love.
This is a verbose read but a good one, the style is elegant in its telling of the story, an enjoyable read overall.
This is a nice book, low angst with a slow burning romance and Dragons.
Gabriel’s sister has caught a wasting illness which the local healer is unable to do anything for, so sends Gabriel to the forest dragon Kym for help, who in turn instructs Gabriel to bring his sister to him, to heal, over the course of the book Gabriel and Kym grow close, falling eventually in love.
This is a verbose read but a good one, the style is elegant in its telling of the story, an enjoyable read overall.
March 22, 2018
This story was simply adorable. The serious theme of the story made me somewhat wary in the beginning, but those fears were quickly drowned out. All the characters were so sweet, with beautiful relationships, especially the sibling bond between Gabriel and Ashley, who absolutely stole the show. Kym the dragon was funny, warm and mischievous and I fell in love with him immediately. The entire story had a beautiful, soft and cozy atmosphere and I wouldn’t mind more from them.
September 12, 2019
This is the story of Gabriel and Kym. I found this book entertaining. It's a sweet and feel good story. Loved the characters. Loved the descriptions the author gave that made you feel like you were there. Loved the snark and the relationships between all of them.
I received this book as an Arc and I am reviewing it voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and I am reviewing it voluntarily.
October 10, 2019
This was a sweet, beautiful, charming, poignant, lovely, grab-you-by-the-feels, engaging, slow burning, and delightfully unexpected story. Gabriel and Kym were so perfect for each other, and, although it was an emergency that brought them together, this friends-to-lovers tale had such wonderful HEA ending.
October 11, 2019
A beautifully written story with an entertaining plot that was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters spellbindingly good. Wonderful characters that were developed and thought out. Gabriel and Kym are the MC’s of this book. An enjoyable story that I can recommend as a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
September 20, 2019
Something about this book is very plain maybe it’s the Low angst and few love scenes! The main characters are very entertaining it’s a good historical mix book. But the book would benefit from having a longer ending.
Would recommend!
Would recommend!
September 5, 2020
Charming and sweet. Loved it. I wish it were 1000 pages longer.
November 20, 2022
When I read this book I wanted so badly to know what happened to Ashley. But I'm kind of glad that this weekend did the way it did it is very, very uplifting to realize he's loyal, hard-working and yet willing to give up the one he loves for the sake of others. I'm truly Glad they got their happy ending
July 16, 2018
Book – Evergreen
Author – Geneva Vand
Star rating - ★★☆☆☆
No. of Pages – 126
Cover – Pretty and clever!
POV – 1st person, one character
Would I read it again – No
Genre – LGBT, Paranormal, Dragon, MM, Romance, Fantasy
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
DNF'd at 37%
Unfortunately, despite being in the mood for dragons, I couldn't finish this one.
Almost immediately, it reminded me of a short story I loved, Frostbite by Alexandria Bellaflour. It was an almost identical plot and, sadly, this one just didn't live up to the other.
The writing wasn't to my taste, with too much telling and not enough showing. There was also an overabundance of detail and description. From the mass two-page journey to Karen's house that wasn't necessary, to the repetitions of what was wrong with Ashley, every time he met someone who wanted to hear the story, there was a whole lot of small events that we didn't really need to experience or have in so much detail. The mountain of things that went wrong on the journey were squared away in less than half a page, while things like the description of Mary's tavern took nearly a page and a half. It would have been far more interesting if it was the other way about. Then there was this statement “Kym drummed his fingers on the book cover, making a drumming sound” and I just knew that I wasn't going to be able to enjoy it. I'd been bored for most of the book that I'd read so far and I'm afraid that I've just become less forgiving over the last year. If I'm not enjoying a book, I just don't have the time to push myself to finish it when I have a million other things to do.
Author – Geneva Vand
Star rating - ★★☆☆☆
No. of Pages – 126
Cover – Pretty and clever!
POV – 1st person, one character
Would I read it again – No
Genre – LGBT, Paranormal, Dragon, MM, Romance, Fantasy
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
DNF'd at 37%
Unfortunately, despite being in the mood for dragons, I couldn't finish this one.
Almost immediately, it reminded me of a short story I loved, Frostbite by Alexandria Bellaflour. It was an almost identical plot and, sadly, this one just didn't live up to the other.
The writing wasn't to my taste, with too much telling and not enough showing. There was also an overabundance of detail and description. From the mass two-page journey to Karen's house that wasn't necessary, to the repetitions of what was wrong with Ashley, every time he met someone who wanted to hear the story, there was a whole lot of small events that we didn't really need to experience or have in so much detail. The mountain of things that went wrong on the journey were squared away in less than half a page, while things like the description of Mary's tavern took nearly a page and a half. It would have been far more interesting if it was the other way about. Then there was this statement “Kym drummed his fingers on the book cover, making a drumming sound” and I just knew that I wasn't going to be able to enjoy it. I'd been bored for most of the book that I'd read so far and I'm afraid that I've just become less forgiving over the last year. If I'm not enjoying a book, I just don't have the time to push myself to finish it when I have a million other things to do.
October 7, 2019
Sweet, fairytale romance
This is a different take on a dragon story. Kym, the dragon, is a healer (different from most others). He uses grows and uses plants as his magic. Gabriel is sent to Kym to ask for help in curing his sister. The latter is not sure whi/what to expect, but is very pleasantly surprised by Kym. When Gabriel returns with his sister, their friendship blossoms into affection/love. Both the course of true love hit a couple of bumps before they get their HEA.
It's a sweet, hands-free story. Very enjoyable.
This is a different take on a dragon story. Kym, the dragon, is a healer (different from most others). He uses grows and uses plants as his magic. Gabriel is sent to Kym to ask for help in curing his sister. The latter is not sure whi/what to expect, but is very pleasantly surprised by Kym. When Gabriel returns with his sister, their friendship blossoms into affection/love. Both the course of true love hit a couple of bumps before they get their HEA.
It's a sweet, hands-free story. Very enjoyable.
October 24, 2019
Sweet fairy tale
This was a very sweet, lovely book.
It was the type of Fairy Tale I love to read.
Kym and Gabriel were sweet, beautiful souls that fell naturally into something amazing.
It was great to read, hard to put down and one book I'll happily re-read over and over again.
This was a very sweet, lovely book.
It was the type of Fairy Tale I love to read.
Kym and Gabriel were sweet, beautiful souls that fell naturally into something amazing.
It was great to read, hard to put down and one book I'll happily re-read over and over again.
October 7, 2019
Lovely
What a lovely, magical and sweet story. I loved Gabriel and Kym and really enjoyed reading their story. Fantastic read!
What a lovely, magical and sweet story. I loved Gabriel and Kym and really enjoyed reading their story. Fantastic read!
March 2, 2018
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Look, I love dragons. I love that they hoard. love that people are generally terrified of them, yet most book dragons are more deadly with their burning wit rather than real flames. I just love adore them so much I can’t handle it.
The fact that Kym’s dragon form is described as having kitten-esque features as well? Sign me up for the adventure to visit the Wise One in the forest because I need to see this adorable kitten-dragon IMMEDIATELY.
In regards to the actual story, the sibling love gave me a real case of the feels. Gabriel and Ashley were orphaned when they were teenagers and have been leaning on each other ever since the town’s healing woman took them. They’re each other’s rock. When Ashley falls ill from a mysterious illness, Karen, the town’s healer, directs Gabriel into the forest to visit her friend the Wise One, also known as the dragon of the forest. Gabe is hesitant, because hello, dragon, but he’ll do anything to help his sister, even if it means potentially risking his life.
After a troublesome journey, he arrives at the dragon’s cave and makes a startling discovery: the dragon is more than he appears to be. Luckily, the dragon is willing to help Gabe’s sister on the condition that Gabe ventures back out to town, and returns with Ashley so that Kym, the dragon, can see Ashley in person (er, dragon?). Upon the siblings return, Gabe and Kym’s relationship steadily heats up until even the dragon is burning up.
Since this is a novella, our two male protagonists do fall in love rather quickly, but it’s done tastefully and in an enjoyable manner without them immediately falling into bed together and *then* developing feelings.
Overall, 4 stars 5 for this cute novella!
Look, I love dragons. I love that they hoard. love that people are generally terrified of them, yet most book dragons are more deadly with their burning wit rather than real flames. I just love adore them so much I can’t handle it.
The fact that Kym’s dragon form is described as having kitten-esque features as well? Sign me up for the adventure to visit the Wise One in the forest because I need to see this adorable kitten-dragon IMMEDIATELY.
In regards to the actual story, the sibling love gave me a real case of the feels. Gabriel and Ashley were orphaned when they were teenagers and have been leaning on each other ever since the town’s healing woman took them. They’re each other’s rock. When Ashley falls ill from a mysterious illness, Karen, the town’s healer, directs Gabriel into the forest to visit her friend the Wise One, also known as the dragon of the forest. Gabe is hesitant, because hello, dragon, but he’ll do anything to help his sister, even if it means potentially risking his life.
After a troublesome journey, he arrives at the dragon’s cave and makes a startling discovery: the dragon is more than he appears to be. Luckily, the dragon is willing to help Gabe’s sister on the condition that Gabe ventures back out to town, and returns with Ashley so that Kym, the dragon, can see Ashley in person (er, dragon?). Upon the siblings return, Gabe and Kym’s relationship steadily heats up until even the dragon is burning up.
Since this is a novella, our two male protagonists do fall in love rather quickly, but it’s done tastefully and in an enjoyable manner without them immediately falling into bed together and *then* developing feelings.
Overall, 4 stars 5 for this cute novella!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews