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Dragon Lords of Valdier #4
Un Piège pour Ariel
L’amour qu’Ariel ressent pour sa sœur Carmen et pour sa meilleure amie Trisha a été toujours été une priorité dans sa vie, mais à vingt-huit ans, elle est prête à commencer à se concentrer sur ce qu’elle veut : s’occuper d’animaux négligés. Mais le groupe de femmes se fait alors enlever par des extraterrestres, et à présent, le plan consiste à s’échapper et à trouver un moyen de rentrer chez elles.
Mandra Reykill ne se serait jamais attendu à trouver son âme sœur de façon si soudaine, ou si douloureuse. Son dragon est fou amoureux de la beauté délicate, son symbiote est charmé par son toucher tendre et sa gentillesse, mais tout ce que Mandra l’homme a pour lui, c’est une femelle têtue qui refuse de reconnaître qu’il l’a revendiquée. Pour couronner le tout, sa vie bien rangée se retrouve sans dessus dessous quand son foyer et son vaisseau de guerre se retrouvent infestés de bestioles venant des quatre coins de la galaxie ! Comment une seule femelle pouvait-elle récupérer tant d’animaux errants ?
L’humour et le style de S.E. Smith, auteur de renommée internationale, vous emmèneront dans un autre monde !
Mandra Reykill ne se serait jamais attendu à trouver son âme sœur de façon si soudaine, ou si douloureuse. Son dragon est fou amoureux de la beauté délicate, son symbiote est charmé par son toucher tendre et sa gentillesse, mais tout ce que Mandra l’homme a pour lui, c’est une femelle têtue qui refuse de reconnaître qu’il l’a revendiquée. Pour couronner le tout, sa vie bien rangée se retrouve sans dessus dessous quand son foyer et son vaisseau de guerre se retrouvent infestés de bestioles venant des quatre coins de la galaxie ! Comment une seule femelle pouvait-elle récupérer tant d’animaux errants ?
L’humour et le style de S.E. Smith, auteur de renommée internationale, vous emmèneront dans un autre monde !
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
271 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Smith
203 books2,576 followersS.E. Smith is an internationally acclaimed, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of science fiction, romance, fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary works for adults, young adults, and children. She enjoys writing a wide variety of genres that pull her readers into worlds that take them away.
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
Readers can check out her website at https://sesmithfl.com and chat with her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/se.smith.5
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
June 23, 2019
***2 "I really don't like this heroine" stars
I had to make myself finish this one. Ariel got on my very last nerves!
Ariel loves animals. All animals...so much so that she brings them home and sleeps with them in her bed.
My only problem is that Ariel was just like Carra from book 2 of this series. She was so self absorbed that she had no regard for other people's property. She would bring in dozens of animals and allow them to wreak havoc on the furniture. I hate a selfish heroine! But all of that was ok because she was sexy and everyone wanted to do her!
I had to make myself finish this one. Ariel got on my very last nerves!
Ariel loves animals. All animals...so much so that she brings them home and sleeps with them in her bed.
My only problem is that Ariel was just like Carra from book 2 of this series. She was so self absorbed that she had no regard for other people's property. She would bring in dozens of animals and allow them to wreak havoc on the furniture. I hate a selfish heroine! But all of that was ok because she was sexy and everyone wanted to do her!
September 12, 2020
I made it to book 4 and I would like to thank all the wine I started to drink while diving into this series. It either helped influence me into liking someone or something.. or be completely and utterly annoyed.
If you thought Ambushing Ariel would go to the beat of it's own drum instead of following the band.. you'd be wrong. Yet again, I'm getting the same scenes from the previous books and I'm about to throw my damn phone out the window and hoping it dies. Forever.
Ariel was an okay character but definitely not my favorite. I just feel like every time I get to know a character in this series I either like them or hate them. Then it changes with each book because of all the unnecessary repetition.
At this point, I'm not even sure if I have a favorite character anymore.
If you thought Ambushing Ariel would go to the beat of it's own drum instead of following the band.. you'd be wrong. Yet again, I'm getting the same scenes from the previous books and I'm about to throw my damn phone out the window and hoping it dies. Forever.
Ariel was an okay character but definitely not my favorite. I just feel like every time I get to know a character in this series I either like them or hate them. Then it changes with each book because of all the unnecessary repetition.
At this point, I'm not even sure if I have a favorite character anymore.
March 30, 2016
Smith returns to Valdier with another fast paced, action packed, romantically thrilling novel that took me to a completely different world. There were definitely more than a few ‘giggle-snort’ moments throughout this novel. The characters and the action all come together in such a unique manner that the realism bounds from the page as I felt as if I were on Valdier and part of the tale.
The male/female dynamics (and numbers) on Valdier were fascinating. The way that Smith develops this gave me a lot of insight into the culture on Valdier while also furthering the exciting plot. The ferocity and utter caring of these human females dropped into the mix is an unforgettable mix. I love how closely bonded they are to one another and how their beliefs clash with those on Valdier, yet also meld with them.
I enjoyed the extra time getting to know Mandra before he felt the pull of his True Mate. Not only did I get to know him well as an individual but I also got a lot of insight into what it means to be a dragon & a Valdier. Mandra and Ariel broke my heart just a little. Both of their convictions that they are unlovable makes them both an unlikely and perfect pair. Seeing these two overcome the cultural divide between them, and actually taking the time to learn & compromise rather than simply giving up who they are was heart-warming.
The male/female dynamics (and numbers) on Valdier were fascinating. The way that Smith develops this gave me a lot of insight into the culture on Valdier while also furthering the exciting plot. The ferocity and utter caring of these human females dropped into the mix is an unforgettable mix. I love how closely bonded they are to one another and how their beliefs clash with those on Valdier, yet also meld with them.
I enjoyed the extra time getting to know Mandra before he felt the pull of his True Mate. Not only did I get to know him well as an individual but I also got a lot of insight into what it means to be a dragon & a Valdier. Mandra and Ariel broke my heart just a little. Both of their convictions that they are unlovable makes them both an unlikely and perfect pair. Seeing these two overcome the cultural divide between them, and actually taking the time to learn & compromise rather than simply giving up who they are was heart-warming.
December 12, 2018
I would have given this book a 4 star rating except for one major point that I feel the author made a terrible mistake on. Near the end of this book we're told that Trisha and her mate from book three have returned to earth to pick up Trisha's father. I was looking forward to this just for the simple fact of the warriors flying them back to earth and what their reaction to earth would have been and of course finding more earth women...how they got them to leave with them. I can't wait to find out if we're told this in future books. The battle rages on with the fight with the Lords of Valdier and their arch rival.
For the most part this book is just as funny, if you like humor mixed in with action/adventure, and paranormal romance.
For the most part this book is just as funny, if you like humor mixed in with action/adventure, and paranormal romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
Once announced, I look forward to a new S.E. Smith release and, as always, Ambushing Ariel didn't disappoint me. I have especially anticipated the stories of the 2 warrior sisters and their dragons since they were introduced in the first book. The series could potentially be started with this book, but why skip all the fun of the first three books.
Ariel's feisty nature and strong relationships with family and friends endeared her to me from the beginning of the series and she stayed true to character in her story. Mandra showed that he was more than just the strong military strategist and warrior from the previous stories and that, he, his dragon and his symbiot were deserving of Ariel.
The author also continues to introduce secondary characters that make you want to see more of them as they meet their destiny. Although hopefully not too many more characters in the Valdier universe beside Riley and Vox will want their stories told before we get to see the drama of Carmen and Creon's relationship. But if other characters want their stories told first, I'm sure I'll read and enjoy them as I impatiently wait for Cornering Carmen.
Ariel's feisty nature and strong relationships with family and friends endeared her to me from the beginning of the series and she stayed true to character in her story. Mandra showed that he was more than just the strong military strategist and warrior from the previous stories and that, he, his dragon and his symbiot were deserving of Ariel.
The author also continues to introduce secondary characters that make you want to see more of them as they meet their destiny. Although hopefully not too many more characters in the Valdier universe beside Riley and Vox will want their stories told before we get to see the drama of Carmen and Creon's relationship. But if other characters want their stories told first, I'm sure I'll read and enjoy them as I impatiently wait for Cornering Carmen.
January 8, 2022
Audiobook. I think it was easier to listen to than the first one in this series was to read.
Feels like it was written in a stop-start way. That’s really the only way to explain the I love him. I’m mad. I’m confused. I love him.
Feels like it was written in a stop-start way. That’s really the only way to explain the I love him. I’m mad. I’m confused. I love him.
October 4, 2012
I read this fairly fast. It was a page turner for me and a fun read. This is book four in the Lords of Valdier series. This story differs dramatically from the first two in that we don't really rehash events that all the women were involved in. They do get mentioned but in the first two books you had a lot of repeated scenes from a different view point, but here there is very little of that.
I liked Ariel. However, I did find her penchant to adopt anything and everything fury a bit much. I understand her love of animals but that seemed extreme to me. I did like our hero. I liked how he unbent without even realising.
I don't like (and all the books I think except the first seem to feature this) that all of these women get changed without being consulted. Their men / mates just assume it's okay to do without even a conversation. Yes, this is a plot point and a source of contention between couples but I really would like one of the guys to explain or even better ASK if this is okay. I also wonder about the women from the point of view that they begin a sexual relationship with these guys and never seem to have a conversation about protection - what century do we live in?
Overall I do enjoy these books and the other series that SE Smith writes. Whilst the various books share some elements she injects individuality into each.
I'm looking forward to SE Smith's next book and the next in this series.
I liked Ariel. However, I did find her penchant to adopt anything and everything fury a bit much. I understand her love of animals but that seemed extreme to me. I did like our hero. I liked how he unbent without even realising.
I don't like (and all the books I think except the first seem to feature this) that all of these women get changed without being consulted. Their men / mates just assume it's okay to do without even a conversation. Yes, this is a plot point and a source of contention between couples but I really would like one of the guys to explain or even better ASK if this is okay. I also wonder about the women from the point of view that they begin a sexual relationship with these guys and never seem to have a conversation about protection - what century do we live in?
Overall I do enjoy these books and the other series that SE Smith writes. Whilst the various books share some elements she injects individuality into each.
I'm looking forward to SE Smith's next book and the next in this series.
March 29, 2019
Tried to finish this one... and failed. It's just not at all my thing. The "dragons" are just obnoxious, indecisive, emotionally stunted aliens that steal human women from earth for mates. Then the human females are just sort of slapped on the page and we're supposed to care about what happens to them. Obviously, I wanted them to escape, but they were so one dimensional that I honestly don't remember any of their names.
And the romance portion of this was more creepy than fun. I definitely won't be reading any more of this series, don't know why so many people seemed to like it. Oh well, was worth checking out anyway. The writing is decent, that's pretty much the only nice thing I can say.
And the romance portion of this was more creepy than fun. I definitely won't be reading any more of this series, don't know why so many people seemed to like it. Oh well, was worth checking out anyway. The writing is decent, that's pretty much the only nice thing I can say.
July 14, 2018
Ambushing Ariel is book 4 in the Dragon Lords of Valdier series, by
S. E. Smith
, an author I recently became aware of. Sought out more at my library and discovered this one.
From the beginning, I was relating enjoying the critter factor having a similar experience with love of animals with my family. I even raised a boa from a hatched egg retrieved from the zoo.
Again, along came the dragon shifter Mandra who’s dragon was pushing him to find a mate. But, of course, Ariel was reluctant not only to become a mate of anyone following an abusive relationship with her former earth lover. With help from Morian, Mandra’s mother, Ariel was helped to understand what Mandra’s issues were since he couldn’t communicate smoothly. Eventually they overcame this enough to form a relationship.
Of course drama and calamity needed to be dealt with, but all-in-all it was a very good story, which will guide me to other books in this saga.
From the beginning, I was relating enjoying the critter factor having a similar experience with love of animals with my family. I even raised a boa from a hatched egg retrieved from the zoo.
Again, along came the dragon shifter Mandra who’s dragon was pushing him to find a mate. But, of course, Ariel was reluctant not only to become a mate of anyone following an abusive relationship with her former earth lover. With help from Morian, Mandra’s mother, Ariel was helped to understand what Mandra’s issues were since he couldn’t communicate smoothly. Eventually they overcame this enough to form a relationship.
Of course drama and calamity needed to be dealt with, but all-in-all it was a very good story, which will guide me to other books in this saga.
March 26, 2016
I...I don't even know how to rate this. The story itself wasn't awful and the writing was competent but the editing was atrocious. Who needs complete sentences? Who needs consistent tenses? What crazy talk this is. And word choices. I don't think those words mean what the author thinks they mean, I *know* they don't. It was RIDICULOUS. I honestly don't understand how people can read this without being jarred. I guess what I'm saying is the storytelling was okay, but the author needs a better proofreader in a baaaaaad way. If only to make sure the tenses are consistent. And so someone realizes that a withering body isn't sexy.
September 28, 2021
DNF around 60%. Take in my biggest pet peeves from the prior books (especially the internal dragon baby talk that sounds like it’s a Muppet for comic relief) and add to them a FMC who is weaponizing her emotions to get what she wants. Like, okay, to an extent I can understand that they’re in a new situation beyond their control, but Ariel is the WORST. She is all about saving the animals and is on a crusade despite the comfort, desires, or feelings of any other people. She brings what is considered food to everyone on this planet into their home and parades them around, allows them to destroy personal property, and then gets mad at everyone else for trying to eat these things. She cries every time she doesn’t get her way. She wanted animals sleeping in the bed and then got so hyper emotional and upset when the guy was like ‘can we please not’ and she turned pretty vicious with her comments back to him. She claims she was emotionally abused, but she’s weaponizing it and being emotionally abusive herself as a result. She knows that this guy would do basically anything to make her happy and she uses that against him in every fricken argument.
Awful.
Awful.
January 29, 2022
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
The women in this series can really kick a$$!
I’ve been plowing through the audiobooks in this series like a knife through butter. 😊 Each of the books is full of action and adventure. Ariel loves animals and she has befriended some little creatures that turn out to cause something of a dilemma for the Dragon Lords of Valdier – I thought I’d never stop laughing but it would be too much of a spoiler to say why.
At this point it would be very difficult for me to pick a favorite book in this series but this one probably made me laugh more than any of the others. That’s not to say that the book isn’t pretty serious over all – it’s not a rom-com – it it just had some very LOL scenes.
David Brenin is doing a wonderful job performing the audiobooks and I’ll be listening to the next one very, very soon!
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
The women in this series can really kick a$$!
I’ve been plowing through the audiobooks in this series like a knife through butter. 😊 Each of the books is full of action and adventure. Ariel loves animals and she has befriended some little creatures that turn out to cause something of a dilemma for the Dragon Lords of Valdier – I thought I’d never stop laughing but it would be too much of a spoiler to say why.
At this point it would be very difficult for me to pick a favorite book in this series but this one probably made me laugh more than any of the others. That’s not to say that the book isn’t pretty serious over all – it’s not a rom-com – it it just had some very LOL scenes.
David Brenin is doing a wonderful job performing the audiobooks and I’ll be listening to the next one very, very soon!
April 8, 2020
O to Have a Valdier Warrior!
Can you hear my sigh? My sighs are inevitable when I come to the end of an S. E. Smith Valdier Dragon novel. If you haven't explored the worlds of Smith's dragon warriors, do yourself a favor and escape these anxious times by leaping into this fun, exciting, sexy series. Strong women, gentle, loving, fierce alpha males and adventures. Prepare to sigh!
Can you hear my sigh? My sighs are inevitable when I come to the end of an S. E. Smith Valdier Dragon novel. If you haven't explored the worlds of Smith's dragon warriors, do yourself a favor and escape these anxious times by leaping into this fun, exciting, sexy series. Strong women, gentle, loving, fierce alpha males and adventures. Prepare to sigh!
October 19, 2017
Gotta love Dragons and Symbiots. Add in a fulfilled prophecy and a girl who can kick ass and have a soft heart I am sold!!
S E Smith is my sci-fi fix this week. I love the different worlds she ahs created and the way the women put the men through the wringer. I also love that the men while Alpha and bad in their own way are marshmallows for their mates.
S E Smith is my sci-fi fix this week. I love the different worlds she ahs created and the way the women put the men through the wringer. I also love that the men while Alpha and bad in their own way are marshmallows for their mates.
October 27, 2016
3.5-4 stars
This was a pretty good story. I liked Ariel and Mandra and their story was pretty enjoyable.
Ariel is a pilot that works for a private airline that developes new airplanes. Ariel grew up with her sister, Carmen, and Trisha (who's like a sister) and they're all still very close. Ariel used to be in the military but what she always wanted to do was to be a vet because she loves finding animals that need help and helping them.
Mandra is a dragon shifter from an alien planet. His older brother, Zoran, is the King of their people (he's also the hero from book #1) and Mandra serves his people as a military commander along with his other brothers. Mandra's dragon has been wanting a mate and Mandra does too but the scarcity of women on their planet has made this difficult. Mandra isn't sure what to think when he finds out his brothers are bringing some alien women home with them but he certainly didn't expect to find his true-mate in the bunch.
If you've read the previous books in the series, you pretty much know how this starts out and what happens while the women are on the ship going from Earth to Valdier. All the books about the 5 women this story begin with the same story...they're changed slightly depending on the woman but it's pretty much the same beginning (which makes me glad I'm only reading 1 a month or it might get tedious). The main difference in the early part of the story is that Mandra and Ariel don't meet until she arrives on Valdier. From what he was told, Mandra expected the Earth women to be frail and delicate and what he finds is nothing like that. Since 3 of the other women met their mates on the ship, they're pretty much claimed by the time they reach Valdier but Ariel and Carmen arrive on the planet still planning to escape and find a way to get home.
Ariel meets Mandra and their first (few) meeting(s) don't go very smoothly. I honestly couldn't understand what Ariel thought she was doing at first but thankfully, Morian (Mandra's mother) finds Ariel and gets her to settle in to her new home (at least for the time being). Ariel finds that she has feelings for Mandra but she's been burned before by a guy that claimed to love her but ended up trying to change her via emotional abuse. Because of this, Ariel had sworn off men and Mandra bears the brunt of her emotional issues. Of course, if Mandra talked to Ariel more instead of letting her find stuff out as they went, he might have made things easier on himself. Once Ariel figured out that Mandra is a good guy and she wants to be with him, things go pretty well (except for one major exception) and after they get past some danger and drama, Mandra and Ariel end up together and starting a HEA.
This was a pretty enjoyable story. I liked Ariel for the most part...most of the time she seemed smart and caring but there were a couple of times I questioned the smart part. She wasn't a TSTL heroine but she had a few moments I wondered about. Still, outside of those few moments I liked Ariel very much. Mandra was a good hero but as I already stated, he'd have done better if he'd communicated more. Overall, I thought this was a pretty good story and addition to the series (which I would recommend, just maybe with a bit of time between the books). :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of this story and the narrator did a very good job.
This was a pretty good story. I liked Ariel and Mandra and their story was pretty enjoyable.
Ariel is a pilot that works for a private airline that developes new airplanes. Ariel grew up with her sister, Carmen, and Trisha (who's like a sister) and they're all still very close. Ariel used to be in the military but what she always wanted to do was to be a vet because she loves finding animals that need help and helping them.
Mandra is a dragon shifter from an alien planet. His older brother, Zoran, is the King of their people (he's also the hero from book #1) and Mandra serves his people as a military commander along with his other brothers. Mandra's dragon has been wanting a mate and Mandra does too but the scarcity of women on their planet has made this difficult. Mandra isn't sure what to think when he finds out his brothers are bringing some alien women home with them but he certainly didn't expect to find his true-mate in the bunch.
If you've read the previous books in the series, you pretty much know how this starts out and what happens while the women are on the ship going from Earth to Valdier. All the books about the 5 women this story begin with the same story...they're changed slightly depending on the woman but it's pretty much the same beginning (which makes me glad I'm only reading 1 a month or it might get tedious). The main difference in the early part of the story is that Mandra and Ariel don't meet until she arrives on Valdier. From what he was told, Mandra expected the Earth women to be frail and delicate and what he finds is nothing like that. Since 3 of the other women met their mates on the ship, they're pretty much claimed by the time they reach Valdier but Ariel and Carmen arrive on the planet still planning to escape and find a way to get home.
Ariel meets Mandra and their first (few) meeting(s) don't go very smoothly. I honestly couldn't understand what Ariel thought she was doing at first but thankfully, Morian (Mandra's mother) finds Ariel and gets her to settle in to her new home (at least for the time being). Ariel finds that she has feelings for Mandra but she's been burned before by a guy that claimed to love her but ended up trying to change her via emotional abuse. Because of this, Ariel had sworn off men and Mandra bears the brunt of her emotional issues. Of course, if Mandra talked to Ariel more instead of letting her find stuff out as they went, he might have made things easier on himself. Once Ariel figured out that Mandra is a good guy and she wants to be with him, things go pretty well (except for one major exception) and after they get past some danger and drama, Mandra and Ariel end up together and starting a HEA.
This was a pretty enjoyable story. I liked Ariel for the most part...most of the time she seemed smart and caring but there were a couple of times I questioned the smart part. She wasn't a TSTL heroine but she had a few moments I wondered about. Still, outside of those few moments I liked Ariel very much. Mandra was a good hero but as I already stated, he'd have done better if he'd communicated more. Overall, I thought this was a pretty good story and addition to the series (which I would recommend, just maybe with a bit of time between the books). :)
* note - I listened to the audio version of this story and the narrator did a very good job.
December 24, 2019
Ok, I know that this was a book about alien dragon shifters, but even compared to other dragon shifter/alien-esque books...
Seriously, the whole thing is just ridiculous. First of all, you have a group of women traveling through space with a bunch of dragon shifter WARRIORS, and the ladies are able to beat them up every day. Like they're undercover Navy Seals or something.
They flip them over their shoulders, break their noses, send them to the infirmary even though they have magical symbionts that are supposed to be able to heal them. RIDICULOUS!
And then our heroine. The most Mary Sue of all Mary Sues... Every animal she meets, she has to care for, and they follow her around like she's Snow White in the forest. RIDICULOUS!
At one point, Ariel decides to escape... Not sure exactly why. But, anyway, she decides to climb out the window. She falls... But don't worry of course her man is there to save her. This entire scene made absolutely no sense in the rest of the plot. It was just stuck in there with no buildup or reasoning. RIDICULOUS!
The author finally realizes that she hasn't done anything to get these two crazy kids together. So instead of relationship building, the book just skips ahead a few weeks, and Ariel and her dragon decide it's time to bone after not really being around each other much. At the same time... RIDICULOUS!
Honestly, this whole plot is held together by duct tape. It's a mess of so many different things. It took forever for the MCs to even meet. The whole symbiont thing was bizarre. All the girls' stories from the other books are happening at the same time, so it's hard to keep track of what's happening to whom. It's just... Ugh. It's just a ridiculous mess. Definitely won't be trying any of the other books.
Seriously, the whole thing is just ridiculous. First of all, you have a group of women traveling through space with a bunch of dragon shifter WARRIORS, and the ladies are able to beat them up every day. Like they're undercover Navy Seals or something.
They flip them over their shoulders, break their noses, send them to the infirmary even though they have magical symbionts that are supposed to be able to heal them. RIDICULOUS!
And then our heroine. The most Mary Sue of all Mary Sues... Every animal she meets, she has to care for, and they follow her around like she's Snow White in the forest. RIDICULOUS!
At one point, Ariel decides to escape... Not sure exactly why. But, anyway, she decides to climb out the window. She falls... But don't worry of course her man is there to save her. This entire scene made absolutely no sense in the rest of the plot. It was just stuck in there with no buildup or reasoning. RIDICULOUS!
The author finally realizes that she hasn't done anything to get these two crazy kids together. So instead of relationship building, the book just skips ahead a few weeks, and Ariel and her dragon decide it's time to bone after not really being around each other much. At the same time... RIDICULOUS!
Honestly, this whole plot is held together by duct tape. It's a mess of so many different things. It took forever for the MCs to even meet. The whole symbiont thing was bizarre. All the girls' stories from the other books are happening at the same time, so it's hard to keep track of what's happening to whom. It's just... Ugh. It's just a ridiculous mess. Definitely won't be trying any of the other books.
October 9, 2015
There are some who may not like the recaps of the beginning scenes, I love them. You get to see events over again with new eyes. Each of the characters has a very unique take on the events. This book does jump things forward a touch. I adore all these stories and seeing how they interlock. It is great seeing things come together and finding out what couples were together when events occurred. You also have that timeline to follow, so you anticipate things to come.
I really liked animal lover Ariel, but there are times she takes things a bit far, still, she is extremely likeable and you can tell she means well. When she isn't bringing home every stray she is a fierce warrior. Girlfriend kicks serious butt!! I love her matched with Mandra and all that goes into their romance! Such opposites at times, but they really work!
This book is uber hawt!! I am talking plenty of detail for the mating and also sexing while in dragon forms. Good golly that is a smexy read!! Get the ice cream and cold shower ready!
David Brenin once again uses his scrumptious voice to bring the story to life. He is a delicious treat for the ears!! Definitely one of my favorites. He has a wonderful energy and pace that fits the book perfectly. I am thrilled he is staying with the whole series.
The overall plot progresses more with this story and brings up closer to the confrontation with their uncle. We also meet more supporting characters and gear up for some battles. I am very eager to see what will happen with Carmen, as her story will definitely be emotional. This series has been a whirlwind that never fails to entertain.
I really liked animal lover Ariel, but there are times she takes things a bit far, still, she is extremely likeable and you can tell she means well. When she isn't bringing home every stray she is a fierce warrior. Girlfriend kicks serious butt!! I love her matched with Mandra and all that goes into their romance! Such opposites at times, but they really work!
This book is uber hawt!! I am talking plenty of detail for the mating and also sexing while in dragon forms. Good golly that is a smexy read!! Get the ice cream and cold shower ready!
David Brenin once again uses his scrumptious voice to bring the story to life. He is a delicious treat for the ears!! Definitely one of my favorites. He has a wonderful energy and pace that fits the book perfectly. I am thrilled he is staying with the whole series.
The overall plot progresses more with this story and brings up closer to the confrontation with their uncle. We also meet more supporting characters and gear up for some battles. I am very eager to see what will happen with Carmen, as her story will definitely be emotional. This series has been a whirlwind that never fails to entertain.
October 16, 2012
I really do like the story plot of this series. The only problem that I have with this book and the others in the series is the way the main girl, Ariel, in this book, is shone as one being able to take on these huge alien guys by beating them senseless or causing great pain to them. What I mean is that the woman is always protrayed as a tiny earthling BUT she is able to beat up several alien men at one time and put them all in the hospital and she escapes without a scratch. I know the story is fiction but this really does annoy me. I dont think any person would be able to take on several people or aliens at one time and leave without some form of an injury. It really makes the guys sound like big whimps.
Other than that, the story plot is pretty good and has alot of action in it. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes romance in space with an huge gorgeous alien guys. Just got to get past the tiny woman beating up all the huge guys.
Other than that, the story plot is pretty good and has alot of action in it. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes romance in space with an huge gorgeous alien guys. Just got to get past the tiny woman beating up all the huge guys.
January 2, 2017
It was alright!
I was going to do this detailed instruction manual of what incredibly complicated order to read the books in, but life is too short! Basically, I read books 2-5 at the same time, skipping between them at points of intersection of the books! Because! Spoilers! Ye flippin' gods the spoilers between books. And it irritated me. I had to keep going to the next book (books 6 to... 9?) because the previous book was spoiling. I skipped the sex scenes. I started reading the series because my Amazon kept suggesting I should read the Dragonling's Christmas and such. I wanted the adorableness!!! And they were adorable... But thank gods I'm out of that interminable morass of nonsense!! Ah, plenty of continuity errors, mostly timeline.
I was going to do this detailed instruction manual of what incredibly complicated order to read the books in, but life is too short! Basically, I read books 2-5 at the same time, skipping between them at points of intersection of the books! Because! Spoilers! Ye flippin' gods the spoilers between books. And it irritated me. I had to keep going to the next book (books 6 to... 9?) because the previous book was spoiling. I skipped the sex scenes. I started reading the series because my Amazon kept suggesting I should read the Dragonling's Christmas and such. I wanted the adorableness!!! And they were adorable... But thank gods I'm out of that interminable morass of nonsense!! Ah, plenty of continuity errors, mostly timeline.
December 31, 2014
Ariel gets Mandra right between the eyes
All Ariel wanted to do was open an animal shelter and take care of wounded animals. Little did she know that the adventure of a lifetime was only a galaxy away. Mandra was waiting to greet his brother and his mate Abby when he met his mate Ariel. Nothing says loving like getting your butt kicked, nose broke, knocked unconscious and your balls kicked into outer space.
Ariel is determined to get one thing straight with Mandra, she is not the little woman in need of protection. Keep treating her like that and it's couch city for Mandra and his dragon. This story has everything, action, humor and romance.
All Ariel wanted to do was open an animal shelter and take care of wounded animals. Little did she know that the adventure of a lifetime was only a galaxy away. Mandra was waiting to greet his brother and his mate Abby when he met his mate Ariel. Nothing says loving like getting your butt kicked, nose broke, knocked unconscious and your balls kicked into outer space.
Ariel is determined to get one thing straight with Mandra, she is not the little woman in need of protection. Keep treating her like that and it's couch city for Mandra and his dragon. This story has everything, action, humor and romance.
March 17, 2023
Ambushing Ariel - Dragon Lords of Valdier, Bk 4 by S. E. Smith
Ariel Hamm test pilot for Boswell International, Has decided to go home to Wyoming to build a clinic and home for neglected and abused animals.
Mandra Reykill is on earth to rescue his injured brother. When the totally unexpected happens, he meets his true mate but she is not having any of that, or him either and his warship -- suddenly infested with creatures from all over the galaxy that are just as taken with his mate as his dragon and his symbiot.
Ariel Hamm test pilot for Boswell International, Has decided to go home to Wyoming to build a clinic and home for neglected and abused animals.
Mandra Reykill is on earth to rescue his injured brother. When the totally unexpected happens, he meets his true mate but she is not having any of that, or him either and his warship -- suddenly infested with creatures from all over the galaxy that are just as taken with his mate as his dragon and his symbiot.
December 30, 2014
This series just keeps getting better.
The action and comedy is outstanding. The main characters in each book go back to the beginning of the series but its done in such a way its not boring or too repetitive that it puts you off. Then they branch out into the individual story lines but never deviating from the original story. That being the abductions, the matings and the bad uncle who is trying to destroy the royal family so he can rule.
Next is the last of the original 5, Carmen and the last of the royals, Creon.
The action and comedy is outstanding. The main characters in each book go back to the beginning of the series but its done in such a way its not boring or too repetitive that it puts you off. Then they branch out into the individual story lines but never deviating from the original story. That being the abductions, the matings and the bad uncle who is trying to destroy the royal family so he can rule.
Next is the last of the original 5, Carmen and the last of the royals, Creon.
July 22, 2015
This series is a must read
Simply love the chemistry between Ariel and Mantra. She drives him batty with all the creatures that she rescues. Poor Mantra doesn't know which way is up anymore Ariel has him thighed up in knots...But Ariel goes missing will Mantra be able to though the shield keeping him out from rescuing Ariel..
Simply love the chemistry between Ariel and Mantra. She drives him batty with all the creatures that she rescues. Poor Mantra doesn't know which way is up anymore Ariel has him thighed up in knots...But Ariel goes missing will Mantra be able to though the shield keeping him out from rescuing Ariel..
November 13, 2024
Loved the trekkie spin of the tribbles LOL
August 28, 2023
I gave up on this book after Ariel was cool with causing me he total destruction of Mandra’s rooms and then tried to run away like an obnoxious twelve year old and almost got herself killed. At that point I was rooting for gravity.
Similar to Cara she doesn’t care about anyone else around causing destruction. With Cara it was sort of funny because she was making improvements to the tech so their was sort of a method to her madness and she put things back together. But Ariel didn’t even apologize (at least up to where I read). I can’t stand a man hating selfish heroine. Why is it always the girl who’s sworn off men the one who gets the guy?
Mandra has his problems. Just like all the other men he’s a stubborn he-man who explains almost nothing about what a true mate is and why she has to stay. He kinda does deserve it whenever she beats him up. I did feel a little bad for him though when he thought she rejected him and would rather jump off a building than stay with him. But overall he’s the same as the others, from what I got.
Honestly I think I read book one before and gave up because it was just so ridiculous. I had to do a lot of editing in my head. It’s weird how most of the women (especially Abby) just accepted things so quickly. Yeah, dragon aliens, cool, this isn’t scary at all. And ooh look a golden shape shifter. It’s my new bff. The resistance was mostly emotional because they’d been heartbroken or not accepted by men in the past. The reaction that made the most sense was when Trisha freaked out and fled into the woods. Her book was my favorite. Abby’s reaction of shutting down when she was forced to leave earth made sense. But her just accepting Zoran’s existence immediately and that his ship was alive was just weird. I liked the steamy bits and was hoping the series would get better as it went on. It sort of did but then it didn’t.
Rehashing the plot three times was what really started to get on my nerves. Thank God this book didn’t start with them on earth chasing down Abby, but it’s tiresome in it’s on way. I may go back to it not sure. Probably not. Plus their are continuity and editing issues. When you’re pissed off with the characters those flaws become way more obvious.
Similar to Cara she doesn’t care about anyone else around causing destruction. With Cara it was sort of funny because she was making improvements to the tech so their was sort of a method to her madness and she put things back together. But Ariel didn’t even apologize (at least up to where I read). I can’t stand a man hating selfish heroine. Why is it always the girl who’s sworn off men the one who gets the guy?
Mandra has his problems. Just like all the other men he’s a stubborn he-man who explains almost nothing about what a true mate is and why she has to stay. He kinda does deserve it whenever she beats him up. I did feel a little bad for him though when he thought she rejected him and would rather jump off a building than stay with him. But overall he’s the same as the others, from what I got.
Honestly I think I read book one before and gave up because it was just so ridiculous. I had to do a lot of editing in my head. It’s weird how most of the women (especially Abby) just accepted things so quickly. Yeah, dragon aliens, cool, this isn’t scary at all. And ooh look a golden shape shifter. It’s my new bff. The resistance was mostly emotional because they’d been heartbroken or not accepted by men in the past. The reaction that made the most sense was when Trisha freaked out and fled into the woods. Her book was my favorite. Abby’s reaction of shutting down when she was forced to leave earth made sense. But her just accepting Zoran’s existence immediately and that his ship was alive was just weird. I liked the steamy bits and was hoping the series would get better as it went on. It sort of did but then it didn’t.
Rehashing the plot three times was what really started to get on my nerves. Thank God this book didn’t start with them on earth chasing down Abby, but it’s tiresome in it’s on way. I may go back to it not sure. Probably not. Plus their are continuity and editing issues. When you’re pissed off with the characters those flaws become way more obvious.
April 12, 2025
🩷💙Irrésistible !
TOME 4 :
Ariel Hamm, 6 ans, vient encore de ramener une petite bestiole éclopée à la maison, sous les yeux amusés de ses parents. Ariel a un petit coeur d'or et ne sait pas résister à l'appel d'un petit animal en détresse. Elle collectionne les petits animaux comme d'autres collectionnent les poupées, et sa petite soeur Carmen lui pardonne tout.
Quelle n'est pas la surprise des parents de découvrir un jour une petite fille cachée dans le placard : il s'agit de Trisha Grove, la petite voisine...
Vingt deux ans plus tard, Ariel est pilote d'avion dans la même compagnie que son amie Trisha.
Elles doivent effectuer un vol de routine et raccompagner une cliente (Abby) chez elle, dans un coin isolé des montagnes californiennes. Elles ont également embarqué à bord la petite soeur d'Ariel, Carmen, qui traverse une mauvaise passe.
Tout le petit groupe est bien loin de s'imaginer le danger qui les attends...
--------------------
J'ai passé un très, très agréable moment de lecture à suivre les aventures d'Ariel !
L'auteure est partie d'une même histoire de base pour raconter ensuite la rencontre d'un couple par livre.
Si bien évidemment parfois l'histoire de fond est semblable, à chaque fois les événements semblent différents car ils sont abordés par d'autres personnes, d'autres couples. C'est un exercice de style très agréable à lire dans le cas de cette auteure-ci.
Dans ce tome 4, c'est la rencontre d'une jeune femme excentrique, Ariel, bavarde, impétueuse, et amoureuse d'animaux en tout genre, avec Mandra Reykill, ( un des cinq frères Reykill, des extraterrestres métamorphes), maniaque du rangement, introverti, autoritaire... Leur rencontre et leur relation est donc bouillonnante dans tous les sens du terme.
Une très bonne histoire, des personnages irrésistibles, pour une lecture bien divertissante et émouvante !
MERCI à l'auteure pour cette série "Les Seigneurs Dragons de Valdier" tout-à-fait géniale et plaisante à lire, pour les amateurs du genre.
J'attend avec une grande impatience la traduction du tome 5, dédié à Carmen, la petite soeur d'Ariel.
TOME 4 :
Ariel Hamm, 6 ans, vient encore de ramener une petite bestiole éclopée à la maison, sous les yeux amusés de ses parents. Ariel a un petit coeur d'or et ne sait pas résister à l'appel d'un petit animal en détresse. Elle collectionne les petits animaux comme d'autres collectionnent les poupées, et sa petite soeur Carmen lui pardonne tout.
Quelle n'est pas la surprise des parents de découvrir un jour une petite fille cachée dans le placard : il s'agit de Trisha Grove, la petite voisine...
Vingt deux ans plus tard, Ariel est pilote d'avion dans la même compagnie que son amie Trisha.
Elles doivent effectuer un vol de routine et raccompagner une cliente (Abby) chez elle, dans un coin isolé des montagnes californiennes. Elles ont également embarqué à bord la petite soeur d'Ariel, Carmen, qui traverse une mauvaise passe.
Tout le petit groupe est bien loin de s'imaginer le danger qui les attends...
--------------------
J'ai passé un très, très agréable moment de lecture à suivre les aventures d'Ariel !
L'auteure est partie d'une même histoire de base pour raconter ensuite la rencontre d'un couple par livre.
Si bien évidemment parfois l'histoire de fond est semblable, à chaque fois les événements semblent différents car ils sont abordés par d'autres personnes, d'autres couples. C'est un exercice de style très agréable à lire dans le cas de cette auteure-ci.
Dans ce tome 4, c'est la rencontre d'une jeune femme excentrique, Ariel, bavarde, impétueuse, et amoureuse d'animaux en tout genre, avec Mandra Reykill, ( un des cinq frères Reykill, des extraterrestres métamorphes), maniaque du rangement, introverti, autoritaire... Leur rencontre et leur relation est donc bouillonnante dans tous les sens du terme.
Une très bonne histoire, des personnages irrésistibles, pour une lecture bien divertissante et émouvante !
MERCI à l'auteure pour cette série "Les Seigneurs Dragons de Valdier" tout-à-fait géniale et plaisante à lire, pour les amateurs du genre.
J'attend avec une grande impatience la traduction du tome 5, dédié à Carmen, la petite soeur d'Ariel.
November 19, 2023
Ok, lo admito. Comencé a leer la historia de los Dragones lores de Valdier por sugerencias en Tik Tok y me he quedado por qué la historia ha conseguido atraparme. Creo que mi interés se volvió más fuerte en el tomo pasado, pero este libro sí que ha conseguido mantenerme frente al libro durante estos días. Literal, estaba comenzando la lectura cierto día y a los pocos me di cuenta de que ya estaba a nada de terminar de leer.
Pero, ¿Cómo consiguió algo así el libro? Fácil. Entregándome más datos relevantes sobre la trama central de esta historia, y presentándome la traición y los alcances de la conspiración de Raffvin a una escala mucho más grande de lo que esperaba. En serio, parece ser que el tipo ese se alió con otros más cercanos a las diversas casas regentes de este sistema, y todo con el propósito de eliminar a los reyes y gobernantes de Valdier, Courizan y Sarafin.
¿Que pasará con Ariel y con Mandra Reykill, su compañero dragón? ¿Vivirán para explorar más ese lazo que lo une como verdaderos compañeros? Descúbranlo en este libro.
Pero, ¿Cómo consiguió algo así el libro? Fácil. Entregándome más datos relevantes sobre la trama central de esta historia, y presentándome la traición y los alcances de la conspiración de Raffvin a una escala mucho más grande de lo que esperaba. En serio, parece ser que el tipo ese se alió con otros más cercanos a las diversas casas regentes de este sistema, y todo con el propósito de eliminar a los reyes y gobernantes de Valdier, Courizan y Sarafin.
¿Que pasará con Ariel y con Mandra Reykill, su compañero dragón? ¿Vivirán para explorar más ese lazo que lo une como verdaderos compañeros? Descúbranlo en este libro.
August 14, 2018
Dragon mates needed; uppity women preferred
Fans of S.E. Smith’s Dragon Lords of Valdier series will enjoy the heck outta this book. Mondra the Valdier dragon prince, and his symbiot, AND his dragon all want Ariel. Badass ex-soldier, animal-loving vegetarian Ariel does not reciprocate. Her newly-born inner dragon votes with the majority, and the long lusty story of Ariel’s short-lived holdout is the meat of the book. It’s good, really good - imaginative, very sexy, sometimes droll, and always entertaining. The extra bits - the series plot arc of the traitorous uncle dragon, the fate of the other human woment taken by dragon princes, the political alliances of Valdier - are well integrated into the story. They are interesting asides to the romance but important to the series, and both elememts are well served by the author’s attention to detail. Bring on Book 5!
Fans of S.E. Smith’s Dragon Lords of Valdier series will enjoy the heck outta this book. Mondra the Valdier dragon prince, and his symbiot, AND his dragon all want Ariel. Badass ex-soldier, animal-loving vegetarian Ariel does not reciprocate. Her newly-born inner dragon votes with the majority, and the long lusty story of Ariel’s short-lived holdout is the meat of the book. It’s good, really good - imaginative, very sexy, sometimes droll, and always entertaining. The extra bits - the series plot arc of the traitorous uncle dragon, the fate of the other human woment taken by dragon princes, the political alliances of Valdier - are well integrated into the story. They are interesting asides to the romance but important to the series, and both elememts are well served by the author’s attention to detail. Bring on Book 5!
May 13, 2019
So...I said never again but was encouraged to give the series one last try. Surprisingly, I didn't actually hate this one as much as I did #2 and #3. There wasn't nearly as much cut and pasting as there were in her previous books which was a relief. However....there will still some of the same issues with this book as with the others.
Why?! Will someone please tell me why this author insists on writing these dragons like spoiled 2 year olds that can only scream, MINE, until they get their way?! And the ME MAN, YOU WOMAN, mentality really gets old fast.
Like I said, I didn't hate this utterly (audiobooks helped me avoid the grammatical situations that irriated others) but in still isn't my favorite series. At this point, it kind of feels like I'm reading to give reviews and warn others to stay away if they have any idea what good writing is because this is not it.
Why?! Will someone please tell me why this author insists on writing these dragons like spoiled 2 year olds that can only scream, MINE, until they get their way?! And the ME MAN, YOU WOMAN, mentality really gets old fast.
Like I said, I didn't hate this utterly (audiobooks helped me avoid the grammatical situations that irriated others) but in still isn't my favorite series. At this point, it kind of feels like I'm reading to give reviews and warn others to stay away if they have any idea what good writing is because this is not it.
November 2, 2018
Tudo que a Ariel queria ter um abrigo de animais e cuidar dos animais feridos. Mal sabia ela que a aventura de uma vida inteira era apenas uma galáxia de distância. Mandra estava esperando para cumprimentar seu irmão e sua companheira Abby quando ele conheceu sua companheira Ariel. Nada diz que amar é como ter sua bunda chutada, o nariz quebrado, inconsciente e suas bolas chutadas para o espaço sideral.
Ariel está determinada a entender uma coisa com Mandra, ela não é a pequena mulher que precisa de proteção. Continue tratando-a assim e ela é a cidade do sofá para Mandra e seu dragão. Essa história tem tudo, ação, humor e romance.😍😘
Ariel está determinada a entender uma coisa com Mandra, ela não é a pequena mulher que precisa de proteção. Continue tratando-a assim e ela é a cidade do sofá para Mandra e seu dragão. Essa história tem tudo, ação, humor e romance.😍😘
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