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Escape to Dragon Island #1
Dragon Tides
Zara has been away from Dragon Island Hideaway resort for four years, studying. Now she's back, and on a mission.
Dragon shifter Damrian has missed his best friend Zara, but now she's back, do they have a chance at something more than friendship?
Dragon shifter Damrian has missed his best friend Zara, but now she's back, do they have a chance at something more than friendship?
138 pages, ebook
First published July 17, 2018
329 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Rinelle Grey
61 books182 followersRinelle Grey is no stranger to alternate lifestyles. She grew up in a variety of different homes, including a riverside shack with no electricity or running water, and even a tent. She and her sister spent their childhood chasing goats, climbing trees, eating peas and corn out of their mother’s vegetable garden, and occasionally rushing to get their correspondence school work in on time. Despite the difficulties of this lifestyle, she wouldn’t swap it for all the luxuries in the world (though she is rather fond of her running hot water and indoor plumbing now!)
She met her husband in ‘Family Therapy’, an elective they were both taking as part of their psychology degrees. It took several years for them to get together, in fact, their roleplaying characters got together before they did!
They married on the beach at sunrise in 2002, two months after Rinelle popped the question.
Although she had always loved to write, it wasn’t until her daughter was about eighteen months old that Rinelle started writing seriously. Probably not the best stage in terms of having spare time! And time only became scarcer when her daughter gave up her day sleep six months later. But by then, Rinelle had well and truly caught the writing bug, finding time somehow to continue with her passion. Her fast typing speed learnt from spending way too much time chatting on IRC, and the investment in an iPad when they came out, helped immensely.
Rinelle now lives on acreage with her husband and homeschooled daughter. In her spare time, she sells stock photography through an online site to support her family, and is hoping that writing will be able to add to that.
She loves to receive e-mails at rinelle@rinellegrey.com, or follow her on facebook or twitter.
She met her husband in ‘Family Therapy’, an elective they were both taking as part of their psychology degrees. It took several years for them to get together, in fact, their roleplaying characters got together before they did!
They married on the beach at sunrise in 2002, two months after Rinelle popped the question.
Although she had always loved to write, it wasn’t until her daughter was about eighteen months old that Rinelle started writing seriously. Probably not the best stage in terms of having spare time! And time only became scarcer when her daughter gave up her day sleep six months later. But by then, Rinelle had well and truly caught the writing bug, finding time somehow to continue with her passion. Her fast typing speed learnt from spending way too much time chatting on IRC, and the investment in an iPad when they came out, helped immensely.
Rinelle now lives on acreage with her husband and homeschooled daughter. In her spare time, she sells stock photography through an online site to support her family, and is hoping that writing will be able to add to that.
She loves to receive e-mails at rinelle@rinellegrey.com, or follow her on facebook or twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
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September 9, 2018
Thinking they are the last of the Rien Clan left, this small family of dragons have created the Resort Dragon Island Hideaway and made a life and home for themselves among the humans... They have a very out of the way lucrative tourist attraction with none the wiser about what their hosts really are.
Human Zara and dragon shifter Damien have been best friends since childhood, Damien has been in love with his human best friend since he can remember, but was never able to tell her his secret. A mistake he could not resist on her way to the University will change that friendship for years.
Zara has been a coward for all the years she stayed out of contact with Damien and now that she is back on the Island she is still fighting the truth that has been staring her in the face practically all her life. Will her ambition get in the way of a truly happy life with the man she has always loved, her best friend?
Human Zara and dragon shifter Damien have been best friends since childhood, Damien has been in love with his human best friend since he can remember, but was never able to tell her his secret. A mistake he could not resist on her way to the University will change that friendship for years.
Zara has been a coward for all the years she stayed out of contact with Damien and now that she is back on the Island she is still fighting the truth that has been staring her in the face practically all her life. Will her ambition get in the way of a truly happy life with the man she has always loved, her best friend?
April 5, 2019
Nothing but horrible Wattpad fiction.
Why are good female characters so few and far between? Zara isn't a "strong independent woman" but a selfish bitch! The character development in this book is so poorly done I'm at a loss for words. Zara goes from wanting to be famous and live anywhere else to "oh I'm cool with being mated to a dragon and staying on this island after all" without any genuine...well development. The story dragged on incessantly to even get to this point. Their internal conflicts didn't even make sense. Their lack of communication is horribly cliche. I also don't care for the lack of physical description beyond he's handsome. I do like to get a mental image of the characters and locations. This story was completely lacking in both. There wasn't even enough sex to make up for how poorly written this is. I'm glad it was free because it's not even worth 99¢ Junk like this should stay on Wattpad.
Why are good female characters so few and far between? Zara isn't a "strong independent woman" but a selfish bitch! The character development in this book is so poorly done I'm at a loss for words. Zara goes from wanting to be famous and live anywhere else to "oh I'm cool with being mated to a dragon and staying on this island after all" without any genuine...well development. The story dragged on incessantly to even get to this point. Their internal conflicts didn't even make sense. Their lack of communication is horribly cliche. I also don't care for the lack of physical description beyond he's handsome. I do like to get a mental image of the characters and locations. This story was completely lacking in both. There wasn't even enough sex to make up for how poorly written this is. I'm glad it was free because it's not even worth 99¢ Junk like this should stay on Wattpad.
June 5, 2019
Somewhere between 2 and 3, but enough to round up.
It's a longer novella, so not tons of space for character development, and that was a large part of what I was frustrated by. Especially since I wasn't fond of Zara (h) in the first place. The conflict she and Damien (H) had was really that they weren't communicating well. Especially the 'listening to each other' part of communication, which is where Zara really proved how much she wasn't worth my support. Basically, over and over and over, she twisted what Damien said into how he doesn't want her to leave the island/him, while she wants to be famous. Not make a difference, but be known. One can make a difference without being world-renowned, but she was immature enough to make it all about her, rather than her work and the results she produces. When she finally does come around, it feel unnatural - like I said, too short a book to really have space for good character growth.
Still, Damien is sweet, it's an enjoyable little escape (as long as you can put up with a rather selfish heroine), and I enjoyed the setting. Makes for a good tropical-feeling escape on a grey and rainy day. Plus, no cheating, an HEA with no cliffhangers (unless you count the possible-yet-unconfirmed existence of mermaids), and it was a free find on Kindle.
It's a longer novella, so not tons of space for character development, and that was a large part of what I was frustrated by. Especially since I wasn't fond of Zara (h) in the first place. The conflict she and Damien (H) had was really that they weren't communicating well. Especially the 'listening to each other' part of communication, which is where Zara really proved how much she wasn't worth my support. Basically, over and over and over, she twisted what Damien said into how he doesn't want her to leave the island/him, while she wants to be famous. Not make a difference, but be known. One can make a difference without being world-renowned, but she was immature enough to make it all about her, rather than her work and the results she produces. When she finally does come around, it feel unnatural - like I said, too short a book to really have space for good character growth.
Still, Damien is sweet, it's an enjoyable little escape (as long as you can put up with a rather selfish heroine), and I enjoyed the setting. Makes for a good tropical-feeling escape on a grey and rainy day. Plus, no cheating, an HEA with no cliffhangers (unless you count the possible-yet-unconfirmed existence of mermaids), and it was a free find on Kindle.
July 1, 2020
Best Friends to lovers, Zara and Damian are meant to be together, but she feels she needs to do something and make a name for herself. She doesn't like feeling like she is stuck, so she does the hardest thing she could. She moved away from the island and her family and best friend to attend Uni. She still loves the ocean and all its creatures. She swears she saw a mermaid on the island before she left and now that dragons are known to the public, maybe she can convince others about mermaids, then she would be famous! People would know her name. But after returning home and starting her search she starts to feel that maybe that isn't all she needs. Damien/Damrian (so glad that name thing was explained, I was getting annoyed with wondering if there was a typo at the beginning!), anyway, he is amazing. He is what a BFF should be: caring, present, encouraging, etc. What he feels for Zara may be too much for him to handle if she doesn't feel the same way, but he won't/can't lose his best friend because of his deeper feelings and the secret that he can't share, not yet anyway. When she does find out, will she accept it, run, or spread the word? The ending felt rushed, but overall a nice story and I look forward to reading the next.
December 16, 2020
Damrian and his family may look normal as they run their tropical island resort, but in fact, they are dragon shifters. He has spent his life guarding the family secrets however it is a visit from his childhood best friend and first love to put them both in danger. Zara never wanted to ever leave Damrian but she didn't want to stagnate in the one place and so left to go to University and never looked back (much). She is now back on the island but can't afford to lose her focus even though being near to him rekindles the old feelings that she did her best to bury. When her work threatens Damrian's whole world can they both sort through all of the secrets and lies that are currently in the way of them having a second chance at love?
I loved this story that showed the effect of the secrets and lies as well as how they could not hide from their love and the kinds of compromises they would have to make in order to have the future together that they deserved. Easy to read, feel and understand it was a very addictive story that had me hoping that they could find a way to be together as their love seemed to be far deeper than any issue of identity and secrets. Just a little sexual content near the end of the story.
I loved this story that showed the effect of the secrets and lies as well as how they could not hide from their love and the kinds of compromises they would have to make in order to have the future together that they deserved. Easy to read, feel and understand it was a very addictive story that had me hoping that they could find a way to be together as their love seemed to be far deeper than any issue of identity and secrets. Just a little sexual content near the end of the story.
August 2, 2018
Dragon Tides by Rinelle Grey is the first book in a new series about Dragon Island Hideaway.
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Damrian‘s father thought he was the only dragon left, so he and his human wife moved to Dragon Island to create a hideaway just in case there are some dragons out there who need a place to hide. Years later Damrian is caught up in the dragon secrecy issue when the dragons in the outback come forward. Is it safe to tell Zara, his one true love, that he is a dragon? She wants to find mermaids and study them and despite his arguments remains clueless as to why that would not be a good idea for the mermaids.
I thought about giving this story 4 stars because I just don’t like Zara. In all of the other dragon books by this author I’ve like all of the characters and wanted to get to know them. Zara is self centered and cannot see how her actions effect others and is very narrow focused. Then I decided the author did such a good job of making me not like Zara, the story deserved 5 stars!
Does Zara finally grow up? Do she and Damrian end up together?
You’ll have to read the story to find out!
Note: this review contains spoilers!
Damrian‘s father thought he was the only dragon left, so he and his human wife moved to Dragon Island to create a hideaway just in case there are some dragons out there who need a place to hide. Years later Damrian is caught up in the dragon secrecy issue when the dragons in the outback come forward. Is it safe to tell Zara, his one true love, that he is a dragon? She wants to find mermaids and study them and despite his arguments remains clueless as to why that would not be a good idea for the mermaids.
I thought about giving this story 4 stars because I just don’t like Zara. In all of the other dragon books by this author I’ve like all of the characters and wanted to get to know them. Zara is self centered and cannot see how her actions effect others and is very narrow focused. Then I decided the author did such a good job of making me not like Zara, the story deserved 5 stars!
Does Zara finally grow up? Do she and Damrian end up together?
You’ll have to read the story to find out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2018
Can love ruin a friendship?
Zara and Damien/Damrian have been best friends forever. But when she left to go to college four years ago he kissed her and that ruined their relationship. She hasn't been back to the resort in Dragon island since. Now she is coming back to write her thesis on something she thinks she saw before she left, mermaids.
Damrian has been in love with Zara since he can remember. The kiss he spontaneously gave her sent her running but now he has a chance to change things and ask for forgiveness. He still loves her but her friendship is more important. He wants to tell her about his dragon but him and his family don't want to risk it until they know how the government and the public behave toward the dragons that have already been exposed.
I liked the story, especially the patience that Damrian had to have with Zara. Zara herself seemed a little judgemental and selfish in my opinion. I am glad that there are more books to read about Damrian's siblings. Hopefully maybe even see a little more about mermaids.....maybe for Rowan???
Zara and Damien/Damrian have been best friends forever. But when she left to go to college four years ago he kissed her and that ruined their relationship. She hasn't been back to the resort in Dragon island since. Now she is coming back to write her thesis on something she thinks she saw before she left, mermaids.
Damrian has been in love with Zara since he can remember. The kiss he spontaneously gave her sent her running but now he has a chance to change things and ask for forgiveness. He still loves her but her friendship is more important. He wants to tell her about his dragon but him and his family don't want to risk it until they know how the government and the public behave toward the dragons that have already been exposed.
I liked the story, especially the patience that Damrian had to have with Zara. Zara herself seemed a little judgemental and selfish in my opinion. I am glad that there are more books to read about Damrian's siblings. Hopefully maybe even see a little more about mermaids.....maybe for Rowan???
February 8, 2022
A painfully long set-up...
Ninety percent of this book is pretty much the leading to an anticlimactic and predictable ending.
Do I tell her? I can't tell her. I'm going to tell her. No, I can't.
Why'd he kiss me? Can we still be just friends? I want to be more than that. I don't want to be more than that because school and me, me, me. Oh, and mermaids. And me.
I was growing tired of the endless circling and wondering if I'd last to the end. Peeked at my progress and found I was 51% in and nothing had happened yet! Gah. I only stuck with it because I was obviously going to be done quickly.
Even the sudden sex scene didn't end the "c'mere, c'mere, go away, go away" crap. Enter the brothers and an NDA and a sudden 180 flip on her stupid thesis idea and boom, it was done. All that angst vaporized and life-altering decision made in seconds.
Far from the most compelling storytelling I've read. *sigh*
Ninety percent of this book is pretty much the leading to an anticlimactic and predictable ending.
Do I tell her? I can't tell her. I'm going to tell her. No, I can't.
Why'd he kiss me? Can we still be just friends? I want to be more than that. I don't want to be more than that because school and me, me, me. Oh, and mermaids. And me.
I was growing tired of the endless circling and wondering if I'd last to the end. Peeked at my progress and found I was 51% in and nothing had happened yet! Gah. I only stuck with it because I was obviously going to be done quickly.
Even the sudden sex scene didn't end the "c'mere, c'mere, go away, go away" crap. Enter the brothers and an NDA and a sudden 180 flip on her stupid thesis idea and boom, it was done. All that angst vaporized and life-altering decision made in seconds.
Far from the most compelling storytelling I've read. *sigh*
August 21, 2018
Wow I really liked this story. Dragons, humans, the search for mermaids and a bit of conservation information on the Great Barrier Reef.
Damrian aka Damian is Calrian's and Rylee's son. He is a water dragon that grew up with Zara a human who has loved Damian for some time just hasn't admitted it to herself yet. Damrian knows that Zara is his mate. They have had fun adventures together while growing up.
Now their greatest adventure has begun a life together. I cannot wait for Hayrian's story. I can happily recommend this as I was stuck in the hospital and this gave me some good warm fuzzies and hours away from the old hospital grind of this test or that while they determine what is wrong with you. I voluntarily read an advance copy and have not been compensated i any way for this opinion.
Damrian aka Damian is Calrian's and Rylee's son. He is a water dragon that grew up with Zara a human who has loved Damian for some time just hasn't admitted it to herself yet. Damrian knows that Zara is his mate. They have had fun adventures together while growing up.
Now their greatest adventure has begun a life together. I cannot wait for Hayrian's story. I can happily recommend this as I was stuck in the hospital and this gave me some good warm fuzzies and hours away from the old hospital grind of this test or that while they determine what is wrong with you. I voluntarily read an advance copy and have not been compensated i any way for this opinion.
September 23, 2018
A great addition to the ever growing world of the Dragon Clans. Truly a fun and flirty romantic tale set on Dragon Island where both Damien and Zara grew up. He has a secret, however, that he has never been able to share with her. Her thesis project may expose their island to the world and reveal that secret to all. Can he convince her to give up her dream to protect their island hideaway? Will they form a dragon bond and then be forced to separate if she goes back to school? Can they make a future together on Dragon Island that will lead to their HEA? If you haven’t read any of the stories about the Rian dragons you owe it to yourself to start now. This can be read as a standalone, but the other stories will enrich you read. Recommended to all.
January 22, 2019
Zara and Damian have been friends since they were children. What Zara doesn't know is that Damien is really Damrian the water Dragon and he is in love with her. I
Damrian knows Zara has dream of leaving the Island to go to university, but it's hard to see her leave.
This book is for mature readers due to sexual content.
I liked this short read. Childhood loves are always nice when they have a happy ending. This book is talking about the world just finding out about dragons, so it makes a relationship extra hard for the young couple. I like how the male dragon will always give up everything for his female, if only I could find one!
Damrian knows Zara has dream of leaving the Island to go to university, but it's hard to see her leave.
This book is for mature readers due to sexual content.
I liked this short read. Childhood loves are always nice when they have a happy ending. This book is talking about the world just finding out about dragons, so it makes a relationship extra hard for the young couple. I like how the male dragon will always give up everything for his female, if only I could find one!
May 10, 2019
I liked the story, the setting and the world created. I didn’t like Zara, which is crazy weird for me because I hate books where the h has to give up her dreams to be with her male, but I think it had a lot to do with her cold determination to always think the worst of a man who’s supposed to be her best friend.
No matter what he did she thought the worst and that all the time, plus let’s be honest her determination to expose a species that wants to stay hidden was very reporter/paparazzi like and no matter what Damien says to convince her she was very self centered in her thinking only of her thesis.
No matter what he did she thought the worst and that all the time, plus let’s be honest her determination to expose a species that wants to stay hidden was very reporter/paparazzi like and no matter what Damien says to convince her she was very self centered in her thinking only of her thesis.
July 25, 2018
Willing to wait for the right time
Willing to wait for the rightWhat a great story. The author did a wonderful job of weaving a tell about a half-dragon and human. The story took about 2 hours to read but I didn't want to put it down because of the detail and character development along with a smooth transitional storyline. If you like stories about dragons and other supernatural beings then I think you'll like this story. time
Willing to wait for the rightWhat a great story. The author did a wonderful job of weaving a tell about a half-dragon and human. The story took about 2 hours to read but I didn't want to put it down because of the detail and character development along with a smooth transitional storyline. If you like stories about dragons and other supernatural beings then I think you'll like this story. time
September 7, 2018
Awesome story about a dragon finding his mate but would she betray him
Is a story about a dragon family consisting of a father and two sons that are water dragons.
Characters are interesting and relatable. The plot is unique because the human mate doesn't realize that her boyfriend is a dragon. This causes a lot of confusion and misunderstanding.
I would highly recommend this book. I would read the second book of the series when I can afford it.
bookwormsuzy
Is a story about a dragon family consisting of a father and two sons that are water dragons.
Characters are interesting and relatable. The plot is unique because the human mate doesn't realize that her boyfriend is a dragon. This causes a lot of confusion and misunderstanding.
I would highly recommend this book. I would read the second book of the series when I can afford it.
bookwormsuzy
October 16, 2019
Damien works for his family's resort and he has a secret. Zara has dreams beyond the resort and leaves to pursue them. Best friends since childhood, they reunite but their friendship is strained. I liked Damien even though his communication skills were lacking. Xara cares for Damien but needs more to her life than the status quo. She too lacks the ability to communicate her wants. A cute story with dragons, mermaid sightings, and information about the reefs and marine life.
August 12, 2018
Oh my!
This book is about friendship & love. Damrian & Zara have been friends since they were little till the day Zara went to Uni & Damrian kisses her. Now she's back will they be friends again or would Damrian get his wish for her to be his mate.
This book melted me hooked & now I can't wait to find out what happens to the rest of the family!
This book is about friendship & love. Damrian & Zara have been friends since they were little till the day Zara went to Uni & Damrian kisses her. Now she's back will they be friends again or would Damrian get his wish for her to be his mate.
This book melted me hooked & now I can't wait to find out what happens to the rest of the family!
July 17, 2018
CHILDHOOD SWEETHEARTS
Another lovely heartwarming story from Rinnell Grey.
The saga of the dragons continues here on dragon island, a lovely resort for humans. Love and friendship get confused, there's a mermaid to find and a reef to save. Lots going on here and another branch is added to the family tree of the rian clan. Looking forward to more dragon stories.🤓
Another lovely heartwarming story from Rinnell Grey.
The saga of the dragons continues here on dragon island, a lovely resort for humans. Love and friendship get confused, there's a mermaid to find and a reef to save. Lots going on here and another branch is added to the family tree of the rian clan. Looking forward to more dragon stories.🤓
July 19, 2018
This is a wonderful story of childhood friendship turned forever love. Zara and Damrian have been best friends since childhood. Now they both secretly hope it can be love forever. Zara's self doubt and Damrians secret stand in their way. This was a lot of fun to read!
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
July 25, 2018
Hidden in plain site
A new chapter unfolds as more of the Rian clan are reunited. These stories center around Calrian, the missing Prince and his family. The plot continues with the problems with exposure unresolved and the author weaves real world prejudices & problems into the tale.
A new chapter unfolds as more of the Rian clan are reunited. These stories center around Calrian, the missing Prince and his family. The plot continues with the problems with exposure unresolved and the author weaves real world prejudices & problems into the tale.
July 17, 2018
Dragon tides
Omg couldn't put it down until finished loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone can't wait for more in this series
Omg couldn't put it down until finished loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone can't wait for more in this series
October 6, 2018
Sweet
Young love. Story was about two young people that grew up together and there friendship turned into young love.
It was tender and beautiful.
Only thing wanted more of was what was going on with parents.
Young love. Story was about two young people that grew up together and there friendship turned into young love.
It was tender and beautiful.
Only thing wanted more of was what was going on with parents.
January 12, 2019
This was a good story that made me smile.
Best friends but one of them had a secret. By not tell the secret has he lost is best friend. He loved her more that a friend plus he had a secret. Could they over come everything and be best friends and mate. Or would it tear them apart
Best friends but one of them had a secret. By not tell the secret has he lost is best friend. He loved her more that a friend plus he had a secret. Could they over come everything and be best friends and mate. Or would it tear them apart
April 1, 2019
This book left me wanting to read the next one right after finishing it...The author does a outstanding job of getting and keeping your interest throughout the story...then before you know it you have finished the book and it's wonderful HEA ending.
May 27, 2019
If you looking for a feel good and romance book this is it. It is fast pace and enjoyable. No surprises, just a straight forward can I do this, commitment thing.
Happy ending guaranteed. It is a stand alone but reference to return of the Dragon series.
Happy ending guaranteed. It is a stand alone but reference to return of the Dragon series.
July 8, 2019
Dragon island hideaway
Quick fun read. Could have used a little more depth in my opinion. Seemed to hint to the backstory and yet not give enough details of what I would like to know.
Quick fun read. Could have used a little more depth in my opinion. Seemed to hint to the backstory and yet not give enough details of what I would like to know.
September 1, 2019
As always Rinelle is superb
Wonderfully written. Lovely characters with a heart warming and heart felt story. So much meaning from this could and should translate over into our reality. Kindness and love, respect and responsibility! Totally reccomend
Wonderfully written. Lovely characters with a heart warming and heart felt story. So much meaning from this could and should translate over into our reality. Kindness and love, respect and responsibility! Totally reccomend
September 2, 2019
The Study!
Damrian is saying goodbye to his best friend Zara when he reaches over to kiss her. He dosn't see her for four years after that. Now she has come home for a holiday. He needs to make this right? She wants to find Mermaids on the Island for her Thesis?
Damrian is saying goodbye to his best friend Zara when he reaches over to kiss her. He dosn't see her for four years after that. Now she has come home for a holiday. He needs to make this right? She wants to find Mermaids on the Island for her Thesis?
October 29, 2019
95% is inner dialogue and 5% conversations between the main characters. It’s already a short story and with passing the dialogue it’s shortened way more. What I could gather it’s a good story. The ending is a HFN type.
January 26, 2020
Juvenile
Felt like reading some high schooler's journals. Every insignificant thought in immature minds laid out, over and over. Even the environmental comments were gratuitous and a bit late coming.
Felt like reading some high schooler's journals. Every insignificant thought in immature minds laid out, over and over. Even the environmental comments were gratuitous and a bit late coming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews