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Deadly Dragons Duet #2
The [Not] Satisfied Dragon
Once upon a time, there was a gold dragon who would have given her life in exchange for her revenge.
The (Not) Satisfied Dragon is book two of the Deadly Dragons Duet. It is a slow burn, reverse harem romance for readers 18+
TW: Flashbacks of abuse
The (Not) Satisfied Dragon is book two of the Deadly Dragons Duet. It is a slow burn, reverse harem romance for readers 18+
TW: Flashbacks of abuse
382 pages, ebook
First published November 7, 2020
266 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Colette Rhodes
36 books1,793 followersColette Rhodes is a paranormal romance author from New Zealand. She loves to write about love in all its forms, and adores imperfect heroes and heroines who find perfection in each other. You’ll often find her trying to justify her degree by including ancient history and mythological influences in her work.
If she’s not writing, then you’re almost certain to find her reading—ideally with a cup of tea in hand and a scented candle burning to match the mood.
Keep up with Colette here:
Website: coletterhodes.com
Instagram: @coletterhodes_author
If she’s not writing, then you’re almost certain to find her reading—ideally with a cup of tea in hand and a scented candle burning to match the mood.
Keep up with Colette here:
Website: coletterhodes.com
Instagram: @coletterhodes_author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
March 27, 2021
Oren is still my favourite amongst the dragon mates😍😍😍
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1647896333i%2F31792110._UX200_CR0%2C96%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 9, 2021
A great conclusion to the duet. Having achieved her objective, Shira's relationship progresses with her mates in a natural and believable way. To my extremely pleasant surprise, 4 out of 5 of them were virgins. Well, technically at least...
The biggest thing this series needs is more books really, just to flesh out the heroes even further, because frankly Shira overshadows them. On the whole, an excellent way to spend a couple of days, and this author is one to watch.
The biggest thing this series needs is more books really, just to flesh out the heroes even further, because frankly Shira overshadows them. On the whole, an excellent way to spend a couple of days, and this author is one to watch.
October 1, 2021
Ms. Rhodes brought out all my emotions with The (Not) Cursed Dragon and from the moment that I finished that book, I was anxiously awaiting this 2nd book to see how Shira's story was going to come together. What I loved most about The (Not) Satisfied Dragon was that there were no easy outs along Shira's or her flight's journey. She didn't get her revenge and then magically, everything was resolved between their group. These characters had to stretch and fight and learn to get to their HEA. With that said, book 2 is definitely less gritty than the 1st book, and here is where the meat of their relationship and romance lies.
There are several twists in the plot of this book that I don't want to give away. Shira does continue to follow her own path, with the protection and support of her flight. The guys each learn to open up and connect with Shira and I felt the connection between her and each of them individually and all of them together as a unit. When I finished this book, I felt satisfied in a way that I don't always get when there are miscommunications and challenges between the FMC and her guys. I also feel so proud and happy for these fictional characters Ms. Rhodes has shared and what Shira specifically survived, overcame, and how she flourished. This duet was absolutely a redemption story done properly on so many levels.
There are several twists in the plot of this book that I don't want to give away. Shira does continue to follow her own path, with the protection and support of her flight. The guys each learn to open up and connect with Shira and I felt the connection between her and each of them individually and all of them together as a unit. When I finished this book, I felt satisfied in a way that I don't always get when there are miscommunications and challenges between the FMC and her guys. I also feel so proud and happy for these fictional characters Ms. Rhodes has shared and what Shira specifically survived, overcame, and how she flourished. This duet was absolutely a redemption story done properly on so many levels.
March 20, 2023
3.4 stars.
So... this is definitely about my personal preference. While this has some justice/equity seeking in here, the world building absolutely drives me nuts.
In this world, female dragons are assigned (divinely) 5 mates as soon as they start to change as a dragon. This is around 18 years old... and 21 years old is considered way old. That's a bit distressing to me. I am not a big fan of forced mating at such a young age. Yes, they have a choice on whether they bond, but they get what they get.
Also, in this world, female dragons have never been in leadership and are kept in the kitchen and pregnant all the time. It's a bit of a mirror to some of the uber-conservative religions and how they treat women... but I am SO not a fan of seeing this crap in my fantasy books.
So... they seek justice and strive to change the system... but I don't like it. It's not about the relationships (tho the guys do act like total a**holes in the first book), it's about the system that the author writes into being. Female dragons aren't fire or air... they are healing.
I am just not a fan of the "women are precious and few" kind of world building. We deserve respect, even when there are more of us...
Also, I don't like such big polyamorous groups. 5 guys is just asking for drama.
So... this is definitely about my personal preference. While this has some justice/equity seeking in here, the world building absolutely drives me nuts.
In this world, female dragons are assigned (divinely) 5 mates as soon as they start to change as a dragon. This is around 18 years old... and 21 years old is considered way old. That's a bit distressing to me. I am not a big fan of forced mating at such a young age. Yes, they have a choice on whether they bond, but they get what they get.
Also, in this world, female dragons have never been in leadership and are kept in the kitchen and pregnant all the time. It's a bit of a mirror to some of the uber-conservative religions and how they treat women... but I am SO not a fan of seeing this crap in my fantasy books.
So... they seek justice and strive to change the system... but I don't like it. It's not about the relationships (tho the guys do act like total a**holes in the first book), it's about the system that the author writes into being. Female dragons aren't fire or air... they are healing.
I am just not a fan of the "women are precious and few" kind of world building. We deserve respect, even when there are more of us...
Also, I don't like such big polyamorous groups. 5 guys is just asking for drama.
October 26, 2020
coleeeeeettttteeeeeee girl, what are you doing to me?? seriously, you are knocking these books out of the park series after series.
i have never had an author pull me in like this before. no matter the genre, RH, MF, PNR, fantasy, etc, she drags me in and doesn’t let go. colette has such a way with words, world building & character development that just sucks me in every time. i am so surprised that she is not bigger than she currently is, because there are not enough good things i can say about her books, her writing & just her as a person.
the character growth in this book was phenomenal and while it’s a fantasy book, the characters are very real. they all have their faults, struggles, & quirks and their reactions to things that happen are so realistic. I also am forever thankful that colette does not play around with her redemption arcs. there is groveling, there is change, and there is forgiveness.
her FMCs are also so amazing, and i adore them. In this series, Shira has so much growth and inner strength that just shines through. I don’t want to go on too long & i’m trying to be vague because i don’t want to spoil anything, but this book is DEFINITELY on my MUST READ list! it went in a direction I was not expecting but the story came to such a perfect end.
well done, colette! another home run!
i have never had an author pull me in like this before. no matter the genre, RH, MF, PNR, fantasy, etc, she drags me in and doesn’t let go. colette has such a way with words, world building & character development that just sucks me in every time. i am so surprised that she is not bigger than she currently is, because there are not enough good things i can say about her books, her writing & just her as a person.
the character growth in this book was phenomenal and while it’s a fantasy book, the characters are very real. they all have their faults, struggles, & quirks and their reactions to things that happen are so realistic. I also am forever thankful that colette does not play around with her redemption arcs. there is groveling, there is change, and there is forgiveness.
her FMCs are also so amazing, and i adore them. In this series, Shira has so much growth and inner strength that just shines through. I don’t want to go on too long & i’m trying to be vague because i don’t want to spoil anything, but this book is DEFINITELY on my MUST READ list! it went in a direction I was not expecting but the story came to such a perfect end.
well done, colette! another home run!
November 18, 2020
Nice enough plot and good characters. I think the writing and dialogues in general were a little bit immature, especially Shiras' point of view, but not enough to stop reading.
September 30, 2022
This was a great conclusion to the duet. There was lots of smutty times, now that the h did what she needed to do to avenge her family. I enjoyed the feminist spin of the book, where the females in this world reclaimed their power and autonomy. Great world building, great supporting characters. It was a fun read, despite my usual lack of enthusiasm for reverse harem. Oren was definitely my favorite. Hiram was annoying af! Oh my gosh I loved The Alchemist!
August 24, 2021
The harem's relationship finally got more intimate, and I was super surprised that Shira turned out to be a virgin that had no idea how intimate relations worked after all those years of slavery with the dragons. It was also a bit weird how she had not even known how her own parts worked or how to orgasm but was suddenly okay with the full D and where said part went (to put it lightly). The villain plot was kind of predictable, and the competition for the new council seat wasn't super exciting.
I did enjoy the feminist subtleties in the plot and that Shira continued to stand up for herself and her opinions. Her mates also started showing more consideration towards her wants and needs instead of acting as obnoxious alphas all the time.
I could see Xander getting his own spin-off series since he played such a significant role in key scenes but his relationship with his harem was rapidly skimmed over in his cameos. Same with the Alchemist - I loved her snarky character.
Yet another entertaining light and well-written read, but I found the overall plot and contrived conflicts not very interesting.
I did enjoy the feminist subtleties in the plot and that Shira continued to stand up for herself and her opinions. Her mates also started showing more consideration towards her wants and needs instead of acting as obnoxious alphas all the time.
I could see Xander getting his own spin-off series since he played such a significant role in key scenes but his relationship with his harem was rapidly skimmed over in his cameos. Same with the Alchemist - I loved her snarky character.
Yet another entertaining light and well-written read, but I found the overall plot and contrived conflicts not very interesting.
November 16, 2020
Selfish and silly
April 7, 2023
I liked the first story better, definite goals for Shira and execution. See what I did there? Anyway, this story picks up after the “deed” and Shira has to come to grips with what she wants to do next. She has friends in low places that help.
Now- I am all for removing the evil dictator’s and getting vengeance, but somehow this book switched for a very promising smutty RH with 5 guys to an agenda story. It was weird, it wasn’t about the relationship after a while, it was more about politics and the Flight getting on the Council. With Shira.
She doesn’t do the consummation with 1 of them ( my favorite) until after 94%, which- how can you even do that justice?
And she ends up in a scene with Hiram and Levi together but I hated them both by then that I just skimmed. See? More story that smut. It’s a delicate balance 😂
She has great inner thoughts though:
“I could handle this. If it went bad, I'd just shift and destroy the den on my way out.”
Now- I am all for removing the evil dictator’s and getting vengeance, but somehow this book switched for a very promising smutty RH with 5 guys to an agenda story. It was weird, it wasn’t about the relationship after a while, it was more about politics and the Flight getting on the Council. With Shira.
She doesn’t do the consummation with 1 of them ( my favorite) until after 94%, which- how can you even do that justice?
And she ends up in a scene with Hiram and Levi together but I hated them both by then that I just skimmed. See? More story that smut. It’s a delicate balance 😂
She has great inner thoughts though:
“I could handle this. If it went bad, I'd just shift and destroy the den on my way out.”
September 23, 2021
Cute and nice ending
I do wish it was longer than a duet. Somehow even for it being a duet it still felt like a slow burn. This book though took a while to get through and I felt there was a lot of unnecessary time apart. I kinda wish that Shira was more vocal about her issues, and Ezra a bit more calm and listening. I was surprised by some of the turn of events. I honestly didn’t expect her to be so successful, and for her to gain her strength so easily. Still I enjoyed the little duet. I really wish there was more. I think I like this better than the Empath series too as there was much more showing in the writing this time around.
I do wish it was longer than a duet. Somehow even for it being a duet it still felt like a slow burn. This book though took a while to get through and I felt there was a lot of unnecessary time apart. I kinda wish that Shira was more vocal about her issues, and Ezra a bit more calm and listening. I was surprised by some of the turn of events. I honestly didn’t expect her to be so successful, and for her to gain her strength so easily. Still I enjoyed the little duet. I really wish there was more. I think I like this better than the Empath series too as there was much more showing in the writing this time around.
dnf
September 4, 2023I pushed through book 1 because I’ve enjoyed other books by the author. But this book felt messy to me. I gave up during the first spicy scene because all the sudden Shira knew words like “virginity” when previously she only knew that people did something behind closed doors that sounded painful. Then she said she wasn’t sure about the hype about it. Where would she have heard all this supposed hype?
The duet as a whole wasn’t as cohesive as other books by the author. DNF 45%
The duet as a whole wasn’t as cohesive as other books by the author. DNF 45%
May 13, 2023
Book Two
This one was even better than the first. I adore Shira and her flight! There is so much great character development in this half of the duet, I love it.
I ended up liking all of the guys, even Ezra after I complained so much about him in the first book. And we had so much build up for the spicy scenes, they were done pretty well. Oren’s scene was especially 🔥🔥
I’m gonna check out some more of this author’s work now!
This one was even better than the first. I adore Shira and her flight! There is so much great character development in this half of the duet, I love it.
I ended up liking all of the guys, even Ezra after I complained so much about him in the first book. And we had so much build up for the spicy scenes, they were done pretty well. Oren’s scene was especially 🔥🔥
I’m gonna check out some more of this author’s work now!
September 10, 2024
Fun conclusion to this duet. I’d totally read more from Colette Rhodes.
November 4, 2024
the males got better, the plot did not
April 20, 2021
This book gave me everything that I wanted: steam, drama, and more one-on-one interactions between Shira and her flight. I loved getting to see their relationship blossom and turn into something powerful. I also very much appreciated how real and accurate Shira’s character was portrayed when it came to intimacy and sex. So many authors write about a virgin FMC but then completely disregard that (huge) part of her when it comes down to it. Not Colette Rhodes! This author did a phenomenal job of making Shira he borderline clueless when it came to sex, and there were a few times I had to put my kindle down and take a breather because the secondhand embarrassment was too much. However, I don’t think this was a bad thing, as we could enjoy seeing Shira grown more comfortable, and confident, over time. My only gripe is that Shira was way too quick to jump into situations (she even admitted this) and I do wish that Shira would have communicated with her mates more on some issues.
Another gripe I had was when Shira goes back to the den and is talking to her flight about her past. When she is surprised that they know about her family, Ezra replies with, “We made the mistake of not knowing enough about you once before, we won’t be repeating it.” To which Shira replies, “You made the mistake of not asking.” This scene alone frustrated me to my core, as it was complete BS from Shira. There were multiple attempts from each man in book one trying to get Shira to open up, and one instance in particular ended with Shira telling Seff (if I remember correctly) to “never ask about my family again”. I was dying to have one of the men call her out on this, but unfortunately they never did.
In the end I really enjoyed this book and am now craving more dragon shifter books, which I hope to see Colette write more of in the future.
Another gripe I had was when Shira goes back to the den and is talking to her flight about her past. When she is surprised that they know about her family, Ezra replies with, “We made the mistake of not knowing enough about you once before, we won’t be repeating it.” To which Shira replies, “You made the mistake of not asking.” This scene alone frustrated me to my core, as it was complete BS from Shira. There were multiple attempts from each man in book one trying to get Shira to open up, and one instance in particular ended with Shira telling Seff (if I remember correctly) to “never ask about my family again”. I was dying to have one of the men call her out on this, but unfortunately they never did.
In the end I really enjoyed this book and am now craving more dragon shifter books, which I hope to see Colette write more of in the future.
December 22, 2022
just okay
Just okay. The men finally get their act together. Finally got some spice. The flight collectively come together to be the change they want to see.
I don’t like that the flight had to do tasks to become a part of the counsel. Simply because the counsel doesn’t do these tasks regularly, enforcers do.
My biggest issue was that no one seemed to have issues with the counsel until Shira. I don’t like that Ilia’s flight were the only “good” counselor members. Like how convenient. Flight Gallon did the counsels bidding as enforcers. And why haven’t they tried to do more to make the counsel better. I’m sure the counsel has been doing nefarious acts before Shira.
Chapter 23 should’ve been an epilogue. And who is Regina?
Misuse of a few words. Out of no where one of the characters spike slang. “You feel me?” Uhhh ok.
Just okay. The men finally get their act together. Finally got some spice. The flight collectively come together to be the change they want to see.
I don’t like that the flight had to do tasks to become a part of the counsel. Simply because the counsel doesn’t do these tasks regularly, enforcers do.
My biggest issue was that no one seemed to have issues with the counsel until Shira. I don’t like that Ilia’s flight were the only “good” counselor members. Like how convenient. Flight Gallon did the counsels bidding as enforcers. And why haven’t they tried to do more to make the counsel better. I’m sure the counsel has been doing nefarious acts before Shira.
Chapter 23 should’ve been an epilogue. And who is Regina?
Misuse of a few words. Out of no where one of the characters spike slang. “You feel me?” Uhhh ok.
January 8, 2022
Love the ending!!!😍
The end of this serie is definitely my favourite part of this book. It's totally aligned with the feministic thema of the storyline and I felt very proud of Shira👏🏼😊
I became as well a fan of the character of The Alchemist, she's hilarious with all her comments about how hot are the guys, making them unease😂😂 She's the best!
I just found that the middle of the book was too slow paced and a bit boring but the story became interesting again, so don't give up!
The end of this serie is definitely my favourite part of this book. It's totally aligned with the feministic thema of the storyline and I felt very proud of Shira👏🏼😊
I became as well a fan of the character of The Alchemist, she's hilarious with all her comments about how hot are the guys, making them unease😂😂 She's the best!
I just found that the middle of the book was too slow paced and a bit boring but the story became interesting again, so don't give up!
November 16, 2020
Loved it!
Amazing second book to this story! Read in one day couldn't put it down.
The story grows from the last one with the growth of the flight and the new developments. Everyone grows and learns to develop. The relationship finally gets smutt 😍
Amazing second book to this story! Read in one day couldn't put it down.
The story grows from the last one with the growth of the flight and the new developments. Everyone grows and learns to develop. The relationship finally gets smutt 😍
January 14, 2021
4 stars
I did not think I would like this one as much as the first but I did! Kinda slow in some parts and I kept getting angry at the FMC. Overall pretty good and I devoured it.
I did not think I would like this one as much as the first but I did! Kinda slow in some parts and I kept getting angry at the FMC. Overall pretty good and I devoured it.
February 2, 2023
2.5 stars
September 29, 2025
Well I read this duet in one day so that should say something for starters. It continued right on from the last book and I almost wonder if maybe they could have been one book without all of the filler. As a 'finale' to the duet, it did tie up some loose knots but left me wanting a bit more. Spoilers ahead: I wish we had more side characters and subplots tied up, especially if we are sitting through a whole other book that could have maybe been spliced into the first. I wished we had more of a 'conclusion' with Fi and her mates as well as Tal and her men too- honestly a big cringe epilogue party with all of the characters' extended family and friends could have covered this (the men's families, Xander and his mates, the fae allies, the Scribe and the Alchemist etc). On that note, was I the only one rooting for the Alchemist and the Scribe to get together? Sure, they were different species and he probably didn't have the big nose she was looking for, but as they were both single, around the same age and lonely, I feel like it would have been nice to throw a little nugget to them as well- from the Scribe mentioning how alone he was that he would die without basic medical attention to the Alchemist recalling her sister leaving years ago with her old lover. On top of that, I really wanted some conclusion about the Scribe's living conditions- I wish we had seen him happy and healthy and commenting on how Levi's sisters were annoying him and Ezra's parents kept coming to visit (you know he loves their company even if he'll never admit it). That aside because I really am focusing on the background plots/characters at the minute, I thought it was a decent read, but not overly satisfying. I did enjoy how much character growth the men had, especially in a 'grovel' type romance where they usually just say sorry or get some gifts and then continue on as normal, but in this they all changed how they acted towards Shira and most of the misogynistic/archaic morals they had been raised to believe as fact. Also I don't know if I jinxed it or what because my only complaint in the last book was that Seff didn't have a defining personality beyond being 'the young one' because boy did he have him time to shine alright. It would have been great to know Hiram as more than the asshole that had a change of heart and became playful, but I did love his banter with Shira after she forgave him and his 'punishments'. I also appreciated how the author took time with the smut instead of the usual 0 to 100 with previously abused virgin heroines, although for me, the smut was a bit lacklustre and not all worth the wait if you're only in it for that. The book overall did feel very council/politically focused (maybe to an excessive degree if we only wanted the one book) and I personally wanted a little bit more spice and sexual tension (or even chemistry beyond the usual dragon pull) butttt I am a lil horn dog so I can understand that this was more about the fantasy/story rather than solely focused on the romantic/sexual relationships. Overall, was it exactly what I wanted and a satisfying conclusion? Not quite... but it was still pretty good. Side note that I think I've also discovered I prefer non-shifter stories or at least distinct human/shifter forms rather than 'half-shifts'- not that anything in the book was gross or off-putting, it's just a general 'vibe' I think I'd rather skip. Solid read and sometime soon I'll go to where I probably should have started- Empath Found. 6.5/10
June 13, 2022
I read this duet back-to-back in the same day. Stuff gets muddled, so this review covers the duet as a whole. It will be copy/pasted for the review for Book 2 as well.
*sigh* This duet was so good. I thought I was in a bit of a rut. I was having a hard time finding something that interested me, and when I did, they didn't wow me. (It's been 7 books since I have had anything above 3 stars yall). But this... ooh it hit the spot.
I really like Shira, our fmc. She is a great balance of shitty background and strong backbone. She's been imprisoned/enslaved most of her life, and I like the play Colette Rhodes does with race bias and prejudice. Shira's fated mates finally break her out of her prison. Then, refreshingly, she's like, "Okay, thanks, bye - off to do my super important thing." Of course, the mates hates this! She's precious! Must be kept safe! Gag. Shira thinks gag too. And, y'know what? She doesn't fall in lust or love with them. At all. She resents them and busts outta there the first chance she gets! I cannot express how much I LOVE that she gets a decent part of the story to do her own thing, outside of the harem's influence. So, soooo often in these fated-mates, me-Tarzan-you-Jane harems, the males are super heavy handed and the women just get stuck. Not Shira!
Which also lends to the males because more complex, because they have to grovel and redeem themselves. It's a distinct learning process for them. Very much the "don't realize what you had until you lose it" type of thing. I also appreciate that in this world, there's no scenting, so the guys can't follow Shira immediately, not without help. It also gives us time to flesh their personalities out more, and sometimes 5 guys is too many and they don't feel distinct without feeling like caricatures. I didn't get overdone caricatures with them. While they aren't the MOST detailed (it's only a duet), I do think the guys are distinct enough. The colored dragon thing helps. Oren is my fav - something about the quiet, broody protector gets to me.
Beyond just our harem, the world is fairly well developed. This is, apparently, in the same world as Rhodes' other series, but I didn't feel confused at any point. The plots is heavy on politics, especially the Council, and Shira obviously cares deeply for gender expectations. There's some twists and turns with Shira's revenge subplot, the faes world, and nepotism. It works well - flowing enough to keep your interest without becoming overwhelming or boring. The side characters are interesting and help build up Shira's story and development, as well as the plot.
Smut.. Book 1 has nothing. At all. Maybe some flutterings. But I don't mind *shock* because, as mentioned earlier, it allows Shira her own time in the story. Book 2, however, has a decent amount of smut, and it's not horrible. Not mindblowing, only one menage scene, but steamy and fits with this harem, I think.
Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised to finally find something that kept my attention, was interesting and different, have enough steam and humor to lighten things up, and honestly no angst. I really curious to see what else Rhodes has already done, as I've only read the Goldilocks duet.
*sigh* This duet was so good. I thought I was in a bit of a rut. I was having a hard time finding something that interested me, and when I did, they didn't wow me. (It's been 7 books since I have had anything above 3 stars yall). But this... ooh it hit the spot.
I really like Shira, our fmc. She is a great balance of shitty background and strong backbone. She's been imprisoned/enslaved most of her life, and I like the play Colette Rhodes does with race bias and prejudice. Shira's fated mates finally break her out of her prison. Then, refreshingly, she's like, "Okay, thanks, bye - off to do my super important thing." Of course, the mates hates this! She's precious! Must be kept safe! Gag. Shira thinks gag too. And, y'know what? She doesn't fall in lust or love with them. At all. She resents them and busts outta there the first chance she gets! I cannot express how much I LOVE that she gets a decent part of the story to do her own thing, outside of the harem's influence. So, soooo often in these fated-mates, me-Tarzan-you-Jane harems, the males are super heavy handed and the women just get stuck. Not Shira!
Which also lends to the males because more complex, because they have to grovel and redeem themselves. It's a distinct learning process for them. Very much the "don't realize what you had until you lose it" type of thing. I also appreciate that in this world, there's no scenting, so the guys can't follow Shira immediately, not without help. It also gives us time to flesh their personalities out more, and sometimes 5 guys is too many and they don't feel distinct without feeling like caricatures. I didn't get overdone caricatures with them. While they aren't the MOST detailed (it's only a duet), I do think the guys are distinct enough. The colored dragon thing helps. Oren is my fav - something about the quiet, broody protector gets to me.
Beyond just our harem, the world is fairly well developed. This is, apparently, in the same world as Rhodes' other series, but I didn't feel confused at any point. The plots is heavy on politics, especially the Council, and Shira obviously cares deeply for gender expectations. There's some twists and turns with Shira's revenge subplot, the faes world, and nepotism. It works well - flowing enough to keep your interest without becoming overwhelming or boring. The side characters are interesting and help build up Shira's story and development, as well as the plot.
Smut.. Book 1 has nothing. At all. Maybe some flutterings. But I don't mind *shock* because, as mentioned earlier, it allows Shira her own time in the story. Book 2, however, has a decent amount of smut, and it's not horrible. Not mindblowing, only one menage scene, but steamy and fits with this harem, I think.
Overall, I was very pleasantly surprised to finally find something that kept my attention, was interesting and different, have enough steam and humor to lighten things up, and honestly no angst. I really curious to see what else Rhodes has already done, as I've only read the Goldilocks duet.
April 13, 2021
I think that if you liked the Empath Found trilogy that you should definitely read this duet. I did enjoy it but I ultimately felt as though it was just middle of the road. I will probably not read anything else by Colette Rhodes given that I had complaints about her writing with both the trilogy and this duet. However, if you are looking for fast, fun, easy reads I would suggest both the Empath Found trilogy and the Deadly Dragons duet.
October 31, 2020
*ARC generously provided by the author*
Dear. God.
Colette Rhodes has got to be one of my fave new one-click authors. I have been working on actual reviews for all her books but I wanted to get something down for this book bc I was so nicely given an arc.
I about died during the cliffhanger for the first book. I raged. Yelled at my husband for existing bc THAT CLIFFHANGER.
But it was totally worth it. The second book was *fabulous*.. the way she wrapped everything up so perfectly and the underlying message she put into the series was ... amazing.
All the guys were soooo hot and kind and I think colette's characters have the most unique and diverse group of guys out of any RH I've read. It's hard I would imagine to write a RH with 3-8 guys. She has 5 in this one and they all are soooo unique and so is Shira's relationship with each one. It baffles me that I can read each POV and really genuinely feel like someone new is writing each one. Plus I think I'm in love with all 5 sooooo yeah.
Shira is WONDERFUL and I have SUCH a huge issue with the way some authors approach trauma (like - I can not STAND IT when the FMC goes through trauma and then like 4 pages later she's just a badass again with no residual effects) but Colette did a great job showing how that trauma affected Shira and all her guys and her relationships.. not to mention her mental and emotional state. It was really a beautiful story about rearranging your expectations and learning to love others and yourself based on who they are and not what you believe they should be or what roles they should play. And. I. Loved. It.
So yeah. Great story line. Funny moments. Hot moments. Emotional moments. Great cast of characters. Def in my top 3 fave duets of the year, hands down. 5 freaking stars.
Oh. One more thing. THE ALCHEMIST IS MY FAVE SECONDARY CHARACTER IN ANY RH IVE EVER READ EVER I SAID WHAT I SAID 🙌🏼
Dear. God.
Colette Rhodes has got to be one of my fave new one-click authors. I have been working on actual reviews for all her books but I wanted to get something down for this book bc I was so nicely given an arc.
I about died during the cliffhanger for the first book. I raged. Yelled at my husband for existing bc THAT CLIFFHANGER.
But it was totally worth it. The second book was *fabulous*.. the way she wrapped everything up so perfectly and the underlying message she put into the series was ... amazing.
All the guys were soooo hot and kind and I think colette's characters have the most unique and diverse group of guys out of any RH I've read. It's hard I would imagine to write a RH with 3-8 guys. She has 5 in this one and they all are soooo unique and so is Shira's relationship with each one. It baffles me that I can read each POV and really genuinely feel like someone new is writing each one. Plus I think I'm in love with all 5 sooooo yeah.
Shira is WONDERFUL and I have SUCH a huge issue with the way some authors approach trauma (like - I can not STAND IT when the FMC goes through trauma and then like 4 pages later she's just a badass again with no residual effects) but Colette did a great job showing how that trauma affected Shira and all her guys and her relationships.. not to mention her mental and emotional state. It was really a beautiful story about rearranging your expectations and learning to love others and yourself based on who they are and not what you believe they should be or what roles they should play. And. I. Loved. It.
So yeah. Great story line. Funny moments. Hot moments. Emotional moments. Great cast of characters. Def in my top 3 fave duets of the year, hands down. 5 freaking stars.
Oh. One more thing. THE ALCHEMIST IS MY FAVE SECONDARY CHARACTER IN ANY RH IVE EVER READ EVER I SAID WHAT I SAID 🙌🏼
December 26, 2022
Part two of a duology. It was satisfying to actually read a bit of romance (since in the first book the female protagonist peaces out to complete a mission and doesn't really return until the end), but I was bored by all the doormat vibes.
I completely respect what the story is trying to teach--a jail built of love is still a jail--and of course I support a woman (er...she-dragon?) who rails against being coddled and sheltered. There were nice feminist themes here. It was refreshing to read about someone who pointed out the flaws in an established system instead of just bowing to them.
However.
Everything got so old to the point of predictability. The guys would do anything for her. Let her hurt them. Get her whatever she wants. She's beautiful when she's angry. She's beautiful when she's messy. She can do nothing wrong whatsoever. And she's had a shitty lot in life, for sure--she deserves a lot of grace, I'm not arguing otherwise--but I didn't find their eager obeisance romantic in the slightest. I think I was supposed to find it empowering that they are so careful with her and so wholly, eagerly submissive, but instead I found it tiring. I didn't want them to be assholes--that's not what I'm saying--but I think some struggle would have been more realistic. Yes, they want to please her; yes, she deserves to be taken care of...but if she's acting unlike any female dragon they've ever heard of or met, wouldn't you expect a bit more failure? A bit more resistance? A few more mistakes?
Anyway. I thought the concept of this was amazing, but there were way too many things that bored me.
I completely respect what the story is trying to teach--a jail built of love is still a jail--and of course I support a woman (er...she-dragon?) who rails against being coddled and sheltered. There were nice feminist themes here. It was refreshing to read about someone who pointed out the flaws in an established system instead of just bowing to them.
However.
Everything got so old to the point of predictability. The guys would do anything for her. Let her hurt them. Get her whatever she wants. She's beautiful when she's angry. She's beautiful when she's messy. She can do nothing wrong whatsoever. And she's had a shitty lot in life, for sure--she deserves a lot of grace, I'm not arguing otherwise--but I didn't find their eager obeisance romantic in the slightest. I think I was supposed to find it empowering that they are so careful with her and so wholly, eagerly submissive, but instead I found it tiring. I didn't want them to be assholes--that's not what I'm saying--but I think some struggle would have been more realistic. Yes, they want to please her; yes, she deserves to be taken care of...but if she's acting unlike any female dragon they've ever heard of or met, wouldn't you expect a bit more failure? A bit more resistance? A few more mistakes?
Anyway. I thought the concept of this was amazing, but there were way too many things that bored me.
July 14, 2021
I loved the finale of this duet! I really enjoyed the growth of the characters and them finally coming together.
Shira went through a lot of growth. Where she was stubborn towards her mates in book 1, she started loosening up some and finally trusting them. The separation was good on both ends.
The guys, Ezra especially, went through a lot of their own growths and getting rid of preconceived notions. I do feel like we don’t get a ton of their own personalities, Oren especially, so I wish we got to see a bit more of them.
The world building isn’t the best, but dragon society was established pretty well. The arc with the politics of dragons was well done and interesting.
Personally, I didn’t love the way her innocence was fully portrayed. I totally understood why she was so naive about mating and sex, but it just gave me a lot of secondhand embarrassment.
I also personally don’t love when fmcs get super jealous, and the Levi plot point of not being a virgin upset me. It’s explained well, but with the way dragon society is explained, with the men being super protective and also being misogynistic, it seemed really out of character and a really unnecessary plot point.
The other four are *technical* virgins, but it’s assumed they’ve done everything but the act, and i also don’t understand why she didn’t get upset about that too if they would’ve been upset had that been her 🤷🏻♀️
The ending was cute, and I’d read more from these characters!
Shira went through a lot of growth. Where she was stubborn towards her mates in book 1, she started loosening up some and finally trusting them. The separation was good on both ends.
The guys, Ezra especially, went through a lot of their own growths and getting rid of preconceived notions. I do feel like we don’t get a ton of their own personalities, Oren especially, so I wish we got to see a bit more of them.
The world building isn’t the best, but dragon society was established pretty well. The arc with the politics of dragons was well done and interesting.
Personally, I didn’t love the way her innocence was fully portrayed. I totally understood why she was so naive about mating and sex, but it just gave me a lot of secondhand embarrassment.
I also personally don’t love when fmcs get super jealous, and the Levi plot point of not being a virgin upset me. It’s explained well, but with the way dragon society is explained, with the men being super protective and also being misogynistic, it seemed really out of character and a really unnecessary plot point.
The other four are *technical* virgins, but it’s assumed they’ve done everything but the act, and i also don’t understand why she didn’t get upset about that too if they would’ve been upset had that been her 🤷🏻♀️
The ending was cute, and I’d read more from these characters!
October 24, 2020
Just finished this book and wow.... simply WOW!!
I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 so was very much looking forward to getting my hands on book 2 and well, I can honestly say that it was simply brilliant. It ticked all the boxes and it had everything you could possible want in a slow burn RH.
It was great to see both Shira and the guys relationship evolve from book one. Their journey in this book was so enjoyable to read. Their different sides to their characters were more on show in this book which was amazing to read. I was especially interested to see how Ezra behaved in this book and well Colette did a fantastic job.
Had to giggle a few times with Shira and her reactions to certain situations. She was such a great character and was a joy to watch her evolve during this book.
I enjoyed the depth Colette took the story and so it was nice to read a full story that she didn't rush through it but took a leisurely pace with some hot AF dragons and some sexy AF adult time that had me fanny myself a few times. Seriously hot.
It was bitter sweet to finish this amazing duet and have to say goodbye to these characters. Colette finished this book/series perfectly with the epilogue. Colette has quickly become a favourite author that is for sure. Cant wait to see what she created next.
I received this free book from the author and have voluntarily left an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed book 1 so was very much looking forward to getting my hands on book 2 and well, I can honestly say that it was simply brilliant. It ticked all the boxes and it had everything you could possible want in a slow burn RH.
It was great to see both Shira and the guys relationship evolve from book one. Their journey in this book was so enjoyable to read. Their different sides to their characters were more on show in this book which was amazing to read. I was especially interested to see how Ezra behaved in this book and well Colette did a fantastic job.
Had to giggle a few times with Shira and her reactions to certain situations. She was such a great character and was a joy to watch her evolve during this book.
I enjoyed the depth Colette took the story and so it was nice to read a full story that she didn't rush through it but took a leisurely pace with some hot AF dragons and some sexy AF adult time that had me fanny myself a few times. Seriously hot.
It was bitter sweet to finish this amazing duet and have to say goodbye to these characters. Colette finished this book/series perfectly with the epilogue. Colette has quickly become a favourite author that is for sure. Cant wait to see what she created next.
I received this free book from the author and have voluntarily left an honest review.
November 27, 2023
Now that she's free, Shira's (the FMC) not taking shit from anyone anymore and is taking her life back. Even though there are a few consequences to her actions in book 1 to deal with, her mates have realized how much they fucked up and are bowing to Shira like the dragon queen she is.
Living without her has made her mates see the light and have begged Shira to return to them now as an equal partner in their very patriarchal dragon society. Turns out I love me some feminist dragons! "Your body, your choice? 100% babe" or "You want to smash the patriarchy? Let us get the hammer for you, my love." Be still my heart 💞
Despite the first book having no spice, this one is drenched in it (probably could have used a better word). Every mate is itching to consummate each of their mating bond, and it gets *quite* steamy in the dragon's den.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
✨ Reverse harem ♀️♂️♂️♂️♂️♂️
✨ Multiple POVs
✨ Dragons 🐉
✨ Fae magic 💫
✨ Bonded mates 💞
✨ Cute nicknames
The author also has bonus content with some new scenes on her website that are worth checking out if you like the series.
I absolutely loved these characters and was sad the series was only two books. However, I see the author has another series set in the same world, so I will definitely be reading that as well!
Living without her has made her mates see the light and have begged Shira to return to them now as an equal partner in their very patriarchal dragon society. Turns out I love me some feminist dragons! "Your body, your choice? 100% babe" or "You want to smash the patriarchy? Let us get the hammer for you, my love." Be still my heart 💞
Despite the first book having no spice, this one is drenched in it (probably could have used a better word). Every mate is itching to consummate each of their mating bond, and it gets *quite* steamy in the dragon's den.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
✨ Reverse harem ♀️♂️♂️♂️♂️♂️
✨ Multiple POVs
✨ Dragons 🐉
✨ Fae magic 💫
✨ Bonded mates 💞
✨ Cute nicknames
The author also has bonus content with some new scenes on her website that are worth checking out if you like the series.
I absolutely loved these characters and was sad the series was only two books. However, I see the author has another series set in the same world, so I will definitely be reading that as well!
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