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Fire's Edge #0.5
The Mate
Maddie Thompson’s life just fell down a rabbit hole. Finding out she's a dragon shifter was one thing — she never quite fit into the human world, and this new reality feels… strangely right. However, discovering the next step is to choose a mate, and if she chooses wrong she'll die, is the other side of crazy. Especially when she already left a piece of her heart with someone who didn't want it.
To say dragon enforcer Fallon Conleth was shocked when the Mating Council summoned him as a potential mate for a newly found dragon doesn’t quite cover it. A mate is rare and precious and many dragons never find theirs. Fallon isn’t sure he’s worthy of the honor, not when so many deserve it more. He’ll just go through the motions and return home alone… until he sees Maddie. The human woman he reluctantly let walk away.
Fallon already broke Maddie's heart once, but if he can't convince her that they're meant to be, she'll die... and he won't be far behind.
A prequel to the scorching paranormal romance, The Boss, released September 24th, 2018.
To say dragon enforcer Fallon Conleth was shocked when the Mating Council summoned him as a potential mate for a newly found dragon doesn’t quite cover it. A mate is rare and precious and many dragons never find theirs. Fallon isn’t sure he’s worthy of the honor, not when so many deserve it more. He’ll just go through the motions and return home alone… until he sees Maddie. The human woman he reluctantly let walk away.
Fallon already broke Maddie's heart once, but if he can't convince her that they're meant to be, she'll die... and he won't be far behind.
A prequel to the scorching paranormal romance, The Boss, released September 24th, 2018.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2018
1336 people are currently reading
1472 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Owen
51 books4,765 followersAbigail Owen is the #1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and International bestselling author of 30+ books that range from upper YA (18+) epic romantasy to new adult modern mythic romantasy to super spicy adult paranormal romance. She loves magical worlds with plots that move hot and fast, feisty heroines with sass, heroes with heart, a dash of snark, and oodles of HEAs!
Abbie has a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing) from Texas A&M University (gig’em Ags!), and an MBA from California State University-Sacramento. Prior to becoming a published author, she spent 15+ years using the other side of her brain in various tech- and business-related roles.
Other titles include: wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, AuDHD, spreadsheet lover, Jeopardy! fanatic, organizational guru, true classic movie buff, linguaphile, wishful world traveler, and chocoholic.
Abbie currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own swoon-worthy hero, their (mostly) angelic teenagers, and an adorable fur baby.
Abbie has a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing) from Texas A&M University (gig’em Ags!), and an MBA from California State University-Sacramento. Prior to becoming a published author, she spent 15+ years using the other side of her brain in various tech- and business-related roles.
Other titles include: wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, AuDHD, spreadsheet lover, Jeopardy! fanatic, organizational guru, true classic movie buff, linguaphile, wishful world traveler, and chocoholic.
Abbie currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own swoon-worthy hero, their (mostly) angelic teenagers, and an adorable fur baby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
April 14, 2022
Short but sweet. And steamy too.
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😳😬🤬😚🥰
The heroine: Maddie - She never really felt like she fit with other people, but even so was surprised to find out she is a dragon mate and has to choose between a bunch of possible mates, knowing that if she chooses anyone other than her fated mate, she will die. Even more surprising, was that one of the possible mates is a former boyfriend of hers Fallon Conleth.
The Hero: Fallon - He is a member of the Huracán Enforcers, dragons from different clans that monitor the western half of North America. Fallon is a blue dragon and brother to Finn, the leader of the Huracán Enforcers. Fallon has been called to the mating council because a dragon mate with his clan symbol has been found and he is one of the possible candidates for her mate.
The Story: Fallon is also surprised to see that the dragon mate he had been summoned to vie for is none other than former girlfriend Maddie Thompson. He had dated her a few years ago until she basically ghosted him and only texted him later to let him know she had moved away.
Worse yet their world is changing and the mating council may or may not be working against them and something is going on with the blue dragon clan that might make things dangerous for Fallon and Maddie. This was a good introduction into the Fire’s Edge series and was a great story to boot.
I had already read the rest of this series before this book, but liked them so much I decided to read this one as well even though it comes before the rest and I already know some of what happened in the book. Like a few of the others I have listened to, this book was narrated by Brian Pallino and Melissa Moran who do a terrific job and are a big part of the reason I wanted this audiobook as well.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💙💚🖤💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌎🌍🌏🌎🌍
Character development: 😳😬🤬😚🥰
The heroine: Maddie - She never really felt like she fit with other people, but even so was surprised to find out she is a dragon mate and has to choose between a bunch of possible mates, knowing that if she chooses anyone other than her fated mate, she will die. Even more surprising, was that one of the possible mates is a former boyfriend of hers Fallon Conleth.
The Hero: Fallon - He is a member of the Huracán Enforcers, dragons from different clans that monitor the western half of North America. Fallon is a blue dragon and brother to Finn, the leader of the Huracán Enforcers. Fallon has been called to the mating council because a dragon mate with his clan symbol has been found and he is one of the possible candidates for her mate.
The Story: Fallon is also surprised to see that the dragon mate he had been summoned to vie for is none other than former girlfriend Maddie Thompson. He had dated her a few years ago until she basically ghosted him and only texted him later to let him know she had moved away.
Worse yet their world is changing and the mating council may or may not be working against them and something is going on with the blue dragon clan that might make things dangerous for Fallon and Maddie. This was a good introduction into the Fire’s Edge series and was a great story to boot.
I had already read the rest of this series before this book, but liked them so much I decided to read this one as well even though it comes before the rest and I already know some of what happened in the book. Like a few of the others I have listened to, this book was narrated by Brian Pallino and Melissa Moran who do a terrific job and are a big part of the reason I wanted this audiobook as well.
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September 11, 2018
If a human female chooses a wrong mate, there is divorce, if a female dragon chooses wrong, there is a fiery death. Maddie has found out she is a dragon shifter, she bears “the mark” and has had the “symptoms.” Now she is told she must pick a mate, her fated mate, from a lineup of sizzlingly hot guys who just happen to be dragon shifters, oh and the dragon Mating Council is watching everything. No pressure, right?
Fallon Conleth, elite dragon enforcer has been summoned by the Mating Council as a potential candidate for a newly found dragon, a rare honor. He was set to attend, go through the motions of being dragon meat on parade, but when he strolls into the room, there was Maddie, the human woman he walked away from. No matter that it was for her own good. How does he convince her he is the one true mate for her? Why should she trust him? How could he not have known she was a dragon shifter? If only…
Now he has some pretty intense competition, someone Maddie trusts, someone Fallon knows is all wrong for her, someone who could kill her…
Abigail Owen’s THE MATE is an insider’s look at, well, dragon mating. Kind of like the Bachelorette on steroids! Maddie is fiery in her own right and Fallon, well, he is going to have to do some major groveling to get in Maddie’s good graces again! Jealousy, male posturing, the threat of death if one chooses wrong, I loved it! A quick and fun read with the inside scoop on dragons, who are definitely hot and testosterone-fueled, even with the archaic mating process!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Abigail Owen!
Series: Fire's Edge - Book 0.5
Publisher: Entangled: Amara (September 17, 2018)
Publication Date: September 17, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 114 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Fallon Conleth, elite dragon enforcer has been summoned by the Mating Council as a potential candidate for a newly found dragon, a rare honor. He was set to attend, go through the motions of being dragon meat on parade, but when he strolls into the room, there was Maddie, the human woman he walked away from. No matter that it was for her own good. How does he convince her he is the one true mate for her? Why should she trust him? How could he not have known she was a dragon shifter? If only…
Now he has some pretty intense competition, someone Maddie trusts, someone Fallon knows is all wrong for her, someone who could kill her…
Abigail Owen’s THE MATE is an insider’s look at, well, dragon mating. Kind of like the Bachelorette on steroids! Maddie is fiery in her own right and Fallon, well, he is going to have to do some major groveling to get in Maddie’s good graces again! Jealousy, male posturing, the threat of death if one chooses wrong, I loved it! A quick and fun read with the inside scoop on dragons, who are definitely hot and testosterone-fueled, even with the archaic mating process!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Abigail Owen!
Series: Fire's Edge - Book 0.5
Publisher: Entangled: Amara (September 17, 2018)
Publication Date: September 17, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 114 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 25, 2020
Como precuela, The Mate cumple a las mil maravillas su funcion : dejarte con la intriga de saber mas de este nuevo mundo, y aunque creo que se le podia haber sacado un poco mas de partido a la trama, sobretodo al giro argumentativo de las ultimas paginas, no puedo ser tiquismiquis y quejarme demasiado puesto que cumplio mis expectativas.
En fin, The Mate me atrapo y sobra decir que no veo la hora de leer The Boss, tengo la sensacion de que sera aun mas impactante que esta breve historia.
2.5 Estrellas!
September 25, 2018
I saw this authors full length book The Boss mentioned by a friend and when I investigated discovered this prequel was actually free on Amazon. I enjoy paranormal romance and note that well written, fast paced books in this genre seem to sadly be on the decrease . I get that authors write for their muse and for what sells so it's a joy to discover a new series that so far seems to tick all the right boxes.
Well this had me intrigued at dragons and then to just up the ante we get fire fighters too ! Although I admit we don't actually see Fallon doing his fireman duties we are aware of them as the heroine Maddie met him when she worked as a fire investigator. So straight away there's a history between them but as Maddie is newly discovered as a potential dragon Mate poor Fallon has a lot of stiff competition. Plus there's an undercurrent of unrest within the dragon nation that puts the couple in danger .
I really liked this and thoroughly enjoyed the authors writing style. If you've ever seen the dating show on tv when one man/woman has to choose from a variety of potential matches then you will enjoy the set up here. I particularly liked that we got to know what both Fallon and Maddie were thinking as it made them both more believable characters with hopes , dreams and flaws. This was fun to read with a great pace and I cannot wait to see what else this author will come up with.
Well this had me intrigued at dragons and then to just up the ante we get fire fighters too ! Although I admit we don't actually see Fallon doing his fireman duties we are aware of them as the heroine Maddie met him when she worked as a fire investigator. So straight away there's a history between them but as Maddie is newly discovered as a potential dragon Mate poor Fallon has a lot of stiff competition. Plus there's an undercurrent of unrest within the dragon nation that puts the couple in danger .
I really liked this and thoroughly enjoyed the authors writing style. If you've ever seen the dating show on tv when one man/woman has to choose from a variety of potential matches then you will enjoy the set up here. I particularly liked that we got to know what both Fallon and Maddie were thinking as it made them both more believable characters with hopes , dreams and flaws. This was fun to read with a great pace and I cannot wait to see what else this author will come up with.
April 5, 2021
3.5 intriguing stars.
Novellas are always hit or miss for me. This one has be intrigued on the storyline for this series, but I definitely think it was just too short. Now this is my 2nd book by this author and the 1st one was published later - so that was part of my problem.
I think I will continue this series, but just not right now...
Good audio with likable characters. Definitely the starter for a series.
Someone compared this to The Bachelor and I can totally see that, which stops me from wanting to continue. The only think I didn't like about the other book was the heroine couldn't decide between 2 men, and that happened again here. I get it though, the idea behind this series is that if the h chooses the wrong man as her mate they die.... No pressure or anything.... Like I said, I think I will continue, but will have to be in the right mood.
PS: Can anyone tell my book mood is kinda shit, since my last few reviews have been pretty blah.
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Novellas are always hit or miss for me. This one has be intrigued on the storyline for this series, but I definitely think it was just too short. Now this is my 2nd book by this author and the 1st one was published later - so that was part of my problem.
I think I will continue this series, but just not right now...
Good audio with likable characters. Definitely the starter for a series.
Someone compared this to The Bachelor and I can totally see that, which stops me from wanting to continue. The only think I didn't like about the other book was the heroine couldn't decide between 2 men, and that happened again here. I get it though, the idea behind this series is that if the h chooses the wrong man as her mate they die.... No pressure or anything.... Like I said, I think I will continue, but will have to be in the right mood.
PS: Can anyone tell my book mood is kinda shit, since my last few reviews have been pretty blah.
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September 25, 2018
probably would have been more stars, but it ended so abruptly. it was still a good short read. next~
August 10, 2025
The Mate by Abigail Owens
Fire’s Edge series #0.5. Paranormal dragon shifter romance. Same world building as the Inferno Rising and Brimstone series.
Maddie Thompson had no idea the paranormal world existed until she was thrust into it. Other creatures and worlds exist that humanity doesn’t know about. Maddie is a dragon shifter! Females are rare and she is being forced to pick a mate in this new world. That wouldn’t normally be a problem but she finds out that if she picks wrong, she’ll incinerate herself and die! How is that even possible? Makes a girl want to be alone. Finding her former hopeful boyfriend Fallon Conleth in this world is bizarre. He ghosted her back when they worked together. Why would she trust him now? That sizzling feeling is still there between them. Does that mean anything?
Passion and life altering decisions. Maddie and Fallon are about to change their destiny. But will the survive the battle?
🎧 I listened to the audiobook version of this story narrated by Brian Pallino and Melissa Moran, with both presenting wonderful performances. The audiobook kept my attention and I didn’t have any issues following the story. I did speed up the playback to match reading and conversation speed.
Exhilarating and steamy.
Fire’s Edge series #0.5. Paranormal dragon shifter romance. Same world building as the Inferno Rising and Brimstone series.
Maddie Thompson had no idea the paranormal world existed until she was thrust into it. Other creatures and worlds exist that humanity doesn’t know about. Maddie is a dragon shifter! Females are rare and she is being forced to pick a mate in this new world. That wouldn’t normally be a problem but she finds out that if she picks wrong, she’ll incinerate herself and die! How is that even possible? Makes a girl want to be alone. Finding her former hopeful boyfriend Fallon Conleth in this world is bizarre. He ghosted her back when they worked together. Why would she trust him now? That sizzling feeling is still there between them. Does that mean anything?
Passion and life altering decisions. Maddie and Fallon are about to change their destiny. But will the survive the battle?
🎧 I listened to the audiobook version of this story narrated by Brian Pallino and Melissa Moran, with both presenting wonderful performances. The audiobook kept my attention and I didn’t have any issues following the story. I did speed up the playback to match reading and conversation speed.
Exhilarating and steamy.
February 18, 2019
Dragons! I did feel like I was missing something while reading about Fallon and Maddie’s mating process-interesting results at that, however, I’m assuming more backstory will happen in book one.
December 22, 2022
2,5 stars
October 11, 2019
3.5 stars
September 18, 2018
Fallon is called before The Mating Council. She has been found. Mating is a compulsion, a biological drive for dragon shifters. He’d only been drawn to one female and she was a human, forbidden tho him. Fallon is an enforcer, and always does the right thing, so matter what, he would do what the Council demanded.
Maddie showed no signs that she was a dragon shifter, when he knew her. It’s all new to her. The strong, independent, confident woman struggles to maintain her composure. She’d always been alone, felt she didn’t belong. Now she knows why. It was urgent she choose a mate, though all is so new to her. Choose wrong and it could be deadly. BUT…he didn’t get to just take her. He had to win her, woo her, love her.
“I’ll pant after you any day, luv.” Fallon says to Maddie.
From human to dragon in a week…What’s a girl to do, except choose her mate and get on with llfe.
I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of her Tshirts…Surely not everybody is Kung Fu fighting.
The Mate is a wonderfully sexy paranormal romance with a feisty, strong-willed woman and hot men, all dragon shifters, with friends and family adding that extra bit of deliciousness, making me want more than this novella. I can hardly wait to get started on The Boss.
See more at fundinmental
Maddie showed no signs that she was a dragon shifter, when he knew her. It’s all new to her. The strong, independent, confident woman struggles to maintain her composure. She’d always been alone, felt she didn’t belong. Now she knows why. It was urgent she choose a mate, though all is so new to her. Choose wrong and it could be deadly. BUT…he didn’t get to just take her. He had to win her, woo her, love her.
“I’ll pant after you any day, luv.” Fallon says to Maddie.
From human to dragon in a week…What’s a girl to do, except choose her mate and get on with llfe.
I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of her Tshirts…Surely not everybody is Kung Fu fighting.
The Mate is a wonderfully sexy paranormal romance with a feisty, strong-willed woman and hot men, all dragon shifters, with friends and family adding that extra bit of deliciousness, making me want more than this novella. I can hardly wait to get started on The Boss.
See more at fundinmental
February 26, 2020
No pressure
This was a fantastic read. The author set up this series perfectly with this brief glimpse into dragon culture and the upheaval in their social structure. I actually read this book as the second book instead of the prequel as it was intended, so I think I had a little jump on the understanding of the storyline. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but it has certainly launched me into wanting to read the next book all over again. I can’t wait to read where the author takes her dragons next.
This was a fantastic read. The author set up this series perfectly with this brief glimpse into dragon culture and the upheaval in their social structure. I actually read this book as the second book instead of the prequel as it was intended, so I think I had a little jump on the understanding of the storyline. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but it has certainly launched me into wanting to read the next book all over again. I can’t wait to read where the author takes her dragons next.
January 1, 2019
I would have rated this higher if I didn’t feel like a lot of backstory was skipped. I feel like it’s book 2 and I haven’t read book 1. I want to read the next book to see if that works better for me.
Other than that, I love the idea and it’s definitely what I was in the mood for!
Full review to come...
Other than that, I love the idea and it’s definitely what I was in the mood for!
Full review to come...
February 20, 2021
I took this book on the advice of a friend and also because it was free on Amazon :)
But it wasn't a hardship, I mean dragon shifters who are hotshots firefighters? Sign me in!!
Even though it was a short introduction to the dragon shifter's world, I got hooked right up, all characters were enjoyable and I am definitely curious to get to know each of them.
The mating process was really original, kind of a Bachelorette show
This was a nice discovery, I really enjoyed it, and will dive right into the first book of this series!
But it wasn't a hardship, I mean dragon shifters who are hotshots firefighters? Sign me in!!
Even though it was a short introduction to the dragon shifter's world, I got hooked right up, all characters were enjoyable and I am definitely curious to get to know each of them.
The mating process was really original, kind of a Bachelorette show
This was a nice discovery, I really enjoyed it, and will dive right into the first book of this series!
July 24, 2020
I'm more picky about the paranormal romance I like these days and while I enjoyed the different characters that were introduced and especially the dynamic between the guys, I never really connected with Maddie and Fallon. And I must admit that some details about how the mating works for these dragons made me cringe.
August 15, 2020
This was a great introduction to Owen's dragon shifter world. You can jump into the series and enjoy all the world building without an information overload set in the background of a second chance romance in a supercharged version of the Bachelorette where one dragon mate picks from her five possible suitors--with death on the line if she makes the wrong decision.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
September 16, 2021
Cute little novella to introduce the world fro future books.
September 21, 2018
It figures that this prequel was free on Amazon the day after I started reading book one. Even so, I don't actually think this should necessarily be read first. In fact, I think it was better that I read it after. I didn't quite like it as much so it would have been hard to say how much I would have wanted to jump into the series. Plus it doesn't actually give us anything extra really to jump up and say "read me first!" I love when books overlap, so it was fun when this one did with The Boss when I knew it would.
While I may not have loved it as much as book one, I did still enjoy this. Especially toward the end when Asher showed up. You gotta feel bad for Maddie a bit (well, any of these dragon mates really) considering she gets ripped from life as she knows it and thrown into a world of dragons where she's told to pick one to mate with. Oh, and if she chooses wrong, she dies. Because no pressure.
Fallon and Maddie already have a past, but one that was cut too short because Fallon thought she was human. When they see each other again, everything comes back to them both stronger than ever. And Fallon is determined to win Maddie back no matter what he has to do, even beg.
A good majority of the book is Fallon trying to woo Maddie, and Maddie trying to figure out what she should do. After all, she showed up there with another dragon that was so sure she was his mate that he almost had her convinced as well. But there's just no denying the connection she feels with Fallon. Even with her decision made, she asks him for time before he bonds them. That might not have been the best idea though when the two of them have to flee in the middle of the night because of a coup going on in Fallon's clan. More so, when they're attacked and either one of them could have died. They get their happy ending though and even a visit from the new king. I get why Fallon accepted the offer, but I really hope that at some point he goes back and rejoins his group.
While I may not have loved it as much as book one, I did still enjoy this. Especially toward the end when Asher showed up. You gotta feel bad for Maddie a bit (well, any of these dragon mates really) considering she gets ripped from life as she knows it and thrown into a world of dragons where she's told to pick one to mate with. Oh, and if she chooses wrong, she dies. Because no pressure.
Fallon and Maddie already have a past, but one that was cut too short because Fallon thought she was human. When they see each other again, everything comes back to them both stronger than ever. And Fallon is determined to win Maddie back no matter what he has to do, even beg.
A good majority of the book is Fallon trying to woo Maddie, and Maddie trying to figure out what she should do. After all, she showed up there with another dragon that was so sure she was his mate that he almost had her convinced as well. But there's just no denying the connection she feels with Fallon. Even with her decision made, she asks him for time before he bonds them. That might not have been the best idea though when the two of them have to flee in the middle of the night because of a coup going on in Fallon's clan. More so, when they're attacked and either one of them could have died. They get their happy ending though and even a visit from the new king. I get why Fallon accepted the offer, but I really hope that at some point he goes back and rejoins his group.
April 27, 2019
No Character Development
I would characterize this book as paranormal light. There was minimal world building. There was truly no character development as the two main H/h love interest had already met prior to the books start. It was a quick shifter read, that isn’t memorable.
I would characterize this book as paranormal light. There was minimal world building. There was truly no character development as the two main H/h love interest had already met prior to the books start. It was a quick shifter read, that isn’t memorable.
December 4, 2018
Short prequel to The Boss! I enjoyed meeting Fallon and Maddie!
September 13, 2019
3.5 🌟 short but sweet. 3.5 due to the length.
November 27, 2020
1.5 stars. I don’t know how to describe this story besides... just groan inducing. It was annoying to the max and felt rushed and drawn out at the same time. Like, some parts needed more and others just needed to be cut. The hero and heroine were both a little stupid and it’s just not a good combo. Obviously, I’m not continuing on with the series.
Safe
Safe
December 29, 2021
The Mate was an excellent start to a paranormal romance series about dragon shifters.
Maddie Thompson has never felt like she fit in, so finding out she's a dragon shifter strangely made sense. But finding out she now needs to choose a mate, and choosing wrong means she will die, has her doubting her newfound world. Dragon enforcer Fallon Conleth is shocked when he is summoned as a potential mate for a new dragon, he's even more shocked when that dragon is the woman he reluctantly walked away from believing her to be human. After breaking her heart once already, Maddie isn't sure she's ready to let Fallon back in. With Maddie's life on the line, Fallon has to convince Maddie they're meant to be before it's too late.
Second chance romances are some of my favorites when they're done right and I enjoyed the one in this story. Fallon was head over heels for Maddie, but as a dragon he is forbidden from being with a human causing him to walk away before they both got in too deep. But the connection between Fallon and Maddie developed quickly and they're both hurt when Fallon ends things between them. I liked that Maddie made Fallon work to regain her trust and that she didn't simply pick him as her mate right off that bat. I was happy with the way their relationship developed and the steamy scenes were well done. I will say the scene where they complete the mating process was a bit of an odd one but I was mostly able to overlook that.
The Mate sets up an intriguing world with some turmoil between the various dragon clans including the overthrowing of one of the leaders. The dynamic of the clans, both internally and with each other, was quite interesting and I definitely want to learn more about how everything works. This book does a great job setting up for future events and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.
Overall The Mate was a great start to the Fire's Edge series and I will be picking up the next book, The Boss, soon.
Maddie Thompson has never felt like she fit in, so finding out she's a dragon shifter strangely made sense. But finding out she now needs to choose a mate, and choosing wrong means she will die, has her doubting her newfound world. Dragon enforcer Fallon Conleth is shocked when he is summoned as a potential mate for a new dragon, he's even more shocked when that dragon is the woman he reluctantly walked away from believing her to be human. After breaking her heart once already, Maddie isn't sure she's ready to let Fallon back in. With Maddie's life on the line, Fallon has to convince Maddie they're meant to be before it's too late.
Second chance romances are some of my favorites when they're done right and I enjoyed the one in this story. Fallon was head over heels for Maddie, but as a dragon he is forbidden from being with a human causing him to walk away before they both got in too deep. But the connection between Fallon and Maddie developed quickly and they're both hurt when Fallon ends things between them. I liked that Maddie made Fallon work to regain her trust and that she didn't simply pick him as her mate right off that bat. I was happy with the way their relationship developed and the steamy scenes were well done. I will say the scene where they complete the mating process was a bit of an odd one but I was mostly able to overlook that.
The Mate sets up an intriguing world with some turmoil between the various dragon clans including the overthrowing of one of the leaders. The dynamic of the clans, both internally and with each other, was quite interesting and I definitely want to learn more about how everything works. This book does a great job setting up for future events and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.
Overall The Mate was a great start to the Fire's Edge series and I will be picking up the next book, The Boss, soon.
July 31, 2019
Imagine finding out dragons exist. And that you are someone who could be a mate to one of them – you would become a dragon yourself and extend your lifespan! But if you choose wrong you die. An agonizing, horrible, painful death. Not to mention what happens to the dragon you mistakenly chose as well your true mate, the dragon you should have chosen. But hey, no pressure!
All you have to do is choose “the one” from a group of dragons the Mating Council presents to you. Dragons chosen by them who come from all over the world just for the chance to meet (and mate) you. All of whom are complete strangers to you, except the dragon who "discovered" you and brought you to the attention of the Council, who is included in the group. You’re supposed to spend a few days getting to know each of the new men and then choose one to spend the rest of your life with. Except one of the men presented isn’t a stranger. He’s the man you met a few months ago; the one you felt an instant connection with. The one you’ve been thinking about ever since. The one who walked away from you – because he thought you were human – but now says all the right things. That he hasn’t stopped thinking about you either. That if he knew you were a dragon mate he would never have let you go. Can Maddie believe Fallon when he says to trust their connection?
This prequel was a really good introduction to the world Abagail Owen created for her Fire’s Edge series. It gave you a glimpse into the life Fallon was living when he met Maddie and we were introduced to his brother Finn, who happens to be the hero of the next book. We’re also pulled in by the conflicts happening around Fallon & Maddie and the ramifications extend into the rest of the books in this series and further!
All you have to do is choose “the one” from a group of dragons the Mating Council presents to you. Dragons chosen by them who come from all over the world just for the chance to meet (and mate) you. All of whom are complete strangers to you, except the dragon who "discovered" you and brought you to the attention of the Council, who is included in the group. You’re supposed to spend a few days getting to know each of the new men and then choose one to spend the rest of your life with. Except one of the men presented isn’t a stranger. He’s the man you met a few months ago; the one you felt an instant connection with. The one you’ve been thinking about ever since. The one who walked away from you – because he thought you were human – but now says all the right things. That he hasn’t stopped thinking about you either. That if he knew you were a dragon mate he would never have let you go. Can Maddie believe Fallon when he says to trust their connection?
This prequel was a really good introduction to the world Abagail Owen created for her Fire’s Edge series. It gave you a glimpse into the life Fallon was living when he met Maddie and we were introduced to his brother Finn, who happens to be the hero of the next book. We’re also pulled in by the conflicts happening around Fallon & Maddie and the ramifications extend into the rest of the books in this series and further!
June 7, 2025
3.5 stars
Fairly good, but short story. Some of the reasoning of the characters was pretty thin. For example, if you choose the wrong mate, you may die, but the guy you have really connected with, you're just going to pass him over because you're mad at him? Really? And you believe this other guy is your fated because he told you so? Those were really the only two things that bothered me.
Fairly good, but short story. Some of the reasoning of the characters was pretty thin. For example, if you choose the wrong mate, you may die, but the guy you have really connected with, you're just going to pass him over because you're mad at him? Really? And you believe this other guy is your fated because he told you so? Those were really the only two things that bothered me.
December 22, 2021
It's so good!
September 19, 2018
With a fascination for anything that deals with dragons, I was very excited to see THE MATE is about not only these mystical creatures but that the hero was a firefighter. The world imagined by Abigail Owen for her extraordinary beings is truly remarkable, as details are exceedingly inventive while the characters are also very unique. I was thoroughly entertained at all times because of how fully my thoughts were engaged by every riveting situation.
When firefighter Fallon Conleth learns he could perhaps be a mate to another dragon shifter, he feels certain that it will not be true, Since the Mating Council says he needs to meet her, he has made his way to France from the United States to see if his luck could turn out to be this good. Upon arrival, he is stunned to see Maddie Thompson, the arson investigator with whom he once worked. Though Fallon would have liked to know her better, he did not pursue any type of relationship with her because she was human. While it appears she can be a shifter like him, trying to discover whether they can be mated could have deadly consequences.
Numerous facts are exposed about the dragons conceived by Abigail Owen, and many of the aspects are creatively innovative. From traits to rules for mating to some of their history, I was completely intrigued and found each new bit of information only upped my interest. Fallon is definitely an appealing individual, as he is witty and charming, yet also protective. Having recently had her life turned upside down causes Maddie to be conflicted upon seeing Fallon once again, and their reactions to one another are honest with lots of sincerity. Battles are fought and emotional issues must be decided in the prequel to the Fire's Edge series, and I certainly want to know what takes place in the next book. Rating – 4.5 Stars
When firefighter Fallon Conleth learns he could perhaps be a mate to another dragon shifter, he feels certain that it will not be true, Since the Mating Council says he needs to meet her, he has made his way to France from the United States to see if his luck could turn out to be this good. Upon arrival, he is stunned to see Maddie Thompson, the arson investigator with whom he once worked. Though Fallon would have liked to know her better, he did not pursue any type of relationship with her because she was human. While it appears she can be a shifter like him, trying to discover whether they can be mated could have deadly consequences.
Numerous facts are exposed about the dragons conceived by Abigail Owen, and many of the aspects are creatively innovative. From traits to rules for mating to some of their history, I was completely intrigued and found each new bit of information only upped my interest. Fallon is definitely an appealing individual, as he is witty and charming, yet also protective. Having recently had her life turned upside down causes Maddie to be conflicted upon seeing Fallon once again, and their reactions to one another are honest with lots of sincerity. Battles are fought and emotional issues must be decided in the prequel to the Fire's Edge series, and I certainly want to know what takes place in the next book. Rating – 4.5 Stars
September 28, 2018
You've got to love the dragons
The Mate by Abigail Owen is the second book of her Fire Dragon's series. I've read both of them now and this can be read as a standalone or in order. The Boss will give you a snippet of the conversation between Finn and Fallon throughout this book though..
Madeline Thompson has just discovered that she has the sign of the Blue Dragon mate bond and has been summoned to the council to meet a possible mate. But Cole who befriended her during the arson investigation they did together thinks he's her mate even though when she sees Fallon again she's angry he never contacted her again beyond their one meeting. Maddie knows he's the only one who'll complete their mate bond but feels she needs to give Cole a chance as he discovered the mate sign If she chooses wrong it could be death for both Fallon and herself as they know they are true mates. But an angry Cole could cause problems when he finds out who Maddie choses.
Fallon Conleth knows that Maddie could be his mate but because she wasn't a dragon and he couldn't tell her either. But he knows that he must somehow tell Maddie that they are mates and if she chooses the wrong person it will be her death. While they are discovering each other she lets him know that she's been showing signs of becoming a dragon. But its the Blue Dragons throne who will be perhaps changing if the challenge is completed.
The Mate by Abigail Owen is the second book of her Fire Dragon's series. I've read both of them now and this can be read as a standalone or in order. The Boss will give you a snippet of the conversation between Finn and Fallon throughout this book though..
Madeline Thompson has just discovered that she has the sign of the Blue Dragon mate bond and has been summoned to the council to meet a possible mate. But Cole who befriended her during the arson investigation they did together thinks he's her mate even though when she sees Fallon again she's angry he never contacted her again beyond their one meeting. Maddie knows he's the only one who'll complete their mate bond but feels she needs to give Cole a chance as he discovered the mate sign If she chooses wrong it could be death for both Fallon and herself as they know they are true mates. But an angry Cole could cause problems when he finds out who Maddie choses.
Fallon Conleth knows that Maddie could be his mate but because she wasn't a dragon and he couldn't tell her either. But he knows that he must somehow tell Maddie that they are mates and if she chooses the wrong person it will be her death. While they are discovering each other she lets him know that she's been showing signs of becoming a dragon. But its the Blue Dragons throne who will be perhaps changing if the challenge is completed.
September 19, 2018
I finished The Boss a few days ago and was eager to read more about these dragon shifters. A quick look on Abigail's website and I discovered that there was a prequel available and what's more, it was free. I quickly downloaded and then, because I couldn't resist it, I had to give it a read.
This is a shorter and quicker story than that of big brother Finn and The Boss. But then, this is a prequel novella, so it's to be expected. Fortunately, despite being a quick read, this is still a little book worth giving a go.
I liked the chemistry between Maddie and Fallon. Clearly, they already had a history and I think that this helped to move the story along. Too many shortly books are ruined or don't quite work because the main characters are into each other too quickly. By having a couple that has already had chemistry but has kept apart from one another as they didn't really understand what the other was, it made this book work well.
The Mate helps set up what I assume will become a longer series. I was already keen to read the next book, but now having read book 1 and book 0.5 (albeit not in the right order) then I'm chomping at the bit for the next one. Just as a note on that, I don't think it matters that I read The Boss first, so if you've already read that one, it's definitely worth going back and giving The Mate a read.
This is a shorter and quicker story than that of big brother Finn and The Boss. But then, this is a prequel novella, so it's to be expected. Fortunately, despite being a quick read, this is still a little book worth giving a go.
I liked the chemistry between Maddie and Fallon. Clearly, they already had a history and I think that this helped to move the story along. Too many shortly books are ruined or don't quite work because the main characters are into each other too quickly. By having a couple that has already had chemistry but has kept apart from one another as they didn't really understand what the other was, it made this book work well.
The Mate helps set up what I assume will become a longer series. I was already keen to read the next book, but now having read book 1 and book 0.5 (albeit not in the right order) then I'm chomping at the bit for the next one. Just as a note on that, I don't think it matters that I read The Boss first, so if you've already read that one, it's definitely worth going back and giving The Mate a read.
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