Secrets in Smoke

Dragon Firefighters #2

by Ashe Moon

An M/M Mpreg Shifter Romance

Thomas is the captain of the Watch, a rank reserved for only the strongest human alphas. But he holds a deep secret: He’s an omega. When he’s forced to partner up with his rival and number one nuisance, the dragon firefighter Rainor, Thomas struggles to keep his natural scent hidden from the alpha’s sharp senses.

Rainor has never had much respect for the humans—especially Thomas, whose men can never seem to keep the town safe without the help of him and his dragon flight brothers. If he’s to teach Thomas the art of firefighting they’re going to have to break down some walls—even if that means exposing sides of themselves they’ve never revealed to anyone else. But Rainor quickly learns there’s far more to this human “alpha” than meets the eye—and nose! Can he keep it a secret?


Secrets in Smoke is the second book in the Dragon Firefighters mpreg series. It expands on characters and story introduced in book one, and while it can be enjoyed as a standalone it’s recommended you read Daddy From Flames first. This book features enemies-to-lovers, in-the-closet and identity themes, an industrial fantasy setting, pregnancy, a human toddler, family moments, friendship and loyalty, a dragon on horseback (and an irritated horse), drama, fun, lots of heat, and, as always, a happily ever after.

Genres: Omegaverse, M M Romance, Dragons, Romance, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Paranormal

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2021

About the author

Fun characters, page turning action, unique settings and of course, steamy, heart-pounding gay romance are all staples in an Ashe Moon Mpreg novel. All of Ashe's books are standalone but take place within shared universes (Shifter and Non-Shifter respectively), building upon each other to create an exciting journey for you!

All books contain lots of heat! Mature readers only!

Sign up for Ashe's mailing list to find out when the next story will be out, or join the private Facebook group Ashe Moon's Ashetronauts! https://bit.ly/AshetronautsFBGroup

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets in Smoke is book two in the Dragon Firefighters series by Ashe Moon. This book has it’s own couple but you still would enjoy it more if you’ve read the first book before it. That way you are introduced to this flight of fire fighting dragons and have gotten to know the first couple who is present in this book as well. While I loved the first book, this one wasn’t as wonderful for me. It didn’t hold my attention as much.

Rainor is one of the three dragons in Old Shore Port that form the flight there, three dragons who are as close as brothers and keep the town protected by fighting fires. Now that Altair has a mate and a little girl, they all pitch in and help to care for her. But they know they need the town’s human police force called the Watch, to be more helpful because there are times that one of them might be caring for the little girl and can’t fly off to fight a fire. So Rainor takes the challenge because there’s nothing he enjoys more than annoying the captain of the Watch, Thomas.

Thomas Everheart is an omega, but in this world, omegas are looked down on. One would never be allowed in such a high position of power and respect. So, he uses a tonic to keep his omega scent covered. His force looks up to him and his leadership. The biggest thorn in his side is Rainor, part of the local flight of dragons, that never fails to say whatever he can come up with to aggravate him.

When Rainor suggests that he will help to train Thomas to better be able to fight fires, he knows he must accept because they need all the help they can get. As he and Rainor spend more time together and get to know each other, he can’t help but to respect him more. When his scent as an omega is accidentally revealed to Rainor, who is an alpha, everything changes.



Now these two understand the pull that’s always been there between them, causing them to constantly poke at one another. Rainor had been so confused as to the feelings he was having for someone he thought was an alpha. Now it makes so much more sense. It doesn’t take long for him to realize that Thomas is very important to him, maybe even a potential mate!

Watching Thomas slowly let his walls down was wonderful. He had spent his entire life trying to be something he wasn’t. And I loved the strides they are making at bringing the humans and dragons a little closer together. As I said, it just didn’t hold my interest as much as the first book did. The next book is Baby From Frost, which is Delos, the ice dragon’s book.

[Drusilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an amusing, fast-paced book. I like this group of firefighting dragons.

His grip on my arm stayed tight, and he pulled me closer until I was just inches away from his chest, looking up at him. Droplets of water dripped from his jaw onto my cheek. And then, like there was no possible way to stop it from happening, our lips pressed together. 🐉🫠🐉

I think the next book could be more interesting, this one feels more like filler, but still good.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I read the first book in this series a little while ago and knew I wanted to get back in the dragon flight world soon. I loved this book even more than the first one in the series! I loved seeing the humans and dragons working together even more!

I really enjoyed the banter filled relationship between Rainor and Thomas. I loved that their banter didn’t go away as they started to get together. It was just more playful. Rainor was so great with kids in this story and just trying to encourage everyone to be true to themselves. It did go a smidge fast for me at the end but I am still happy with their story!

We got to see the MCs from book 1 a lot so I do recommend reading in order so far. Even just to get the most out of the side characters! If you’re a fan of omegaverse, shifter books I definitely recommend this series and author. I can’t wait to read book 3!

[S.R. Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just what I needed after reading so many plot heavy books.

This was light, breezy and fun.

I adored Rainor and Thomas and their fumbling around as they tried to figure out what they wanted and needed.

This was short, sweet and full of sexy times.

Such a fun read.

[Boo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was looking forward to this one and it didn’t disappoint

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Watch

Thomas is the watch captain that Rainor has always teased. Now Rainor is his trainer. The dragons need help. Just the three of them isn't enough! Great reading!

[Danis ❤️ MM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 in the series.

Alpha dragonshifter firefighter Rainor can't understand why he has such an attraction for Thomas, the leader of their human fire brigade counterparts. He's constantly teasing and following the man. He just doesn't know why.

Thomas has a secret (revealed in the first paragraph of the book, so no spoiler here). He's actually an omega and wears alpha scent to conceal his identity. He's certain those in his command would not accept the leadership of an omega.

When Thomas' scent blockers fail him and Rainor finds out the truth, well, then things become crystal clear. At least to Rainor. He wants Thomas as his own.

This one wasn't as enjoyable as the first book. But still pretty okay. A solid read with no typos. A 2.5 rounded up to a 3.

[Queta Carro Iglesias · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I liked this book better than the first in the series. Perhaps because the world where the stories take place is already set out in the first one.
I have loved the dynamic between Rainor and Thomas. Thomas' dilemmas and his situation in the Wacht as an omega are well developed, maintaining that conflict in his personality that does not let him advance. Rainor has been the support of him also facing his own prejudices and advancing in his acceptance of humans.
The scenes went through the story in such a way that I reached the end without realizing it and I was left wanting more. That is to say that I enjoyed the reading, and I recommend it to spend a day lost in a fantasy world.

[Danna Iuliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed with this one. I got bored through most of it and couldn t connect with Thomas. We were supposed to see him as a competent alpha, who managed what other omegas couldn t but he was portrayed as a clumsy, uncoordinated no good leader. There was nothing special or believable as a fire captain about him. Reinor deserved a better mate or Thomas a stronger character 😀

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing addition to this series. I love Thomas and Rainor's story! They have amazing chemistry and so sweet. I just couldntbstop reading once I started. I am loving this series and can't wait for the next one.

[❀Laiz❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustó bastante, sin quejas igual que el primero. Llegó un punto en la historia en donde pensé que se iba a estancar peeeeero menos mal no fue así, solo fue un pequeño susto 😆
La historia de Delos, vamos a ver cuanto va a resistir ese tempano de hielo😜

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets always come out

Thomas is a strong character. I felt bad that he had to hide himself the way that he did. But he really did so well.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

this series is just working for me and i dunno why lol

[Eliana Suáres · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[JoAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved this authors “War Torn Omegas” series, and I keep chasing that high with their books but never seem to get it.

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

This is truly the definition of “meh” along with the first book. I suspect the 3rd book will be “meh, it’s alright” as well.

I truly don’t know what to say. It was a quick read, very similar to the first book yet it had a different plot but the same…meh feeling.

The sex was meh, the plot was meh, the couple, which is what annoyed me the most since these two could have been HOT and the enemies-to-lovers could have been FIRE, and yet these two barely clashed with one another and were all over each other rather quickly.

The Mpreg was thrown in there haphazardly for the sake of it at the epilogue so I don’t care about their kid lol.

[Aziza · Rating 3 out of 5]

This left me with a lot of questions about the couple and their world. Maybe it's because I didn't read the first book. Also the end seemed rushed and really irritated me. Why don't we get to see how Thomas crew felt about him being an omega? It was a perfect opportunity to show that he earned their respect. That his hard work and sacrifice paid off. Maybe they would've still wanted him to lead them no matter his status. Then he would be free to be himself without losing everything he worked for. But no he just throws it all away. Then what was the point of even doing everything that he has done???

[Dawn Siemer · Rating 3 out of 5]

What?

A full dragon firefighter who lives with his fellows. The captain of the Watch. Seems like it won't really work, right?

It doesn't.

I spent most of the book confused. How is accepting his omega nature supposed to improve Thomas' aim? Why is Rainor training just Thomas to fight fires? Why is there a shower on a beach only accessible by boat or wing? Very little about this book makes sense.

Three stars because Thomas and Rainor have good chemistry. I don't see them making a good couple long term, but they do have some good sex.

[Red T · Rating 1 out of 5]

Last book of this series I'm gonna read, and (at least for the time being) las book by this author.

I wasn't excited about it to begin with. Both main characters appeared in the previous entry, "Daddy from the flames" but neither I felt was introduced in a way that drew me to them, to get to know them or want to see them get together.

Rainor is pretty bland as a character. Here, there are a few mentions of something that happened in his past but it feels shallow, basically there to fill a gap or try to make Rainor feel deeper, fuller, but because nothing about him is really developed, there's no real growth or change... except the same thing in book one about accepting humans, his background is unimportant.

Thomas, I disliked in book 1. I saw him as the classic useless police character who's there to get in the way. And even if this is his novela, Thomas appears the same here, clumsy, cowardly, simpleton and unreliable. While I liked the idea of his secret and how he fought to become someone of respect and power... there's nothing in his current life that shows any of that.

The relationship between Thomas and Rainor is sort of believable. The frienemies to lovers things worked but mostly because their relationship is as shallow as a kindergarden feud between pre-schoolers. The pace of their deeper feelings is too fast, shallow and doesn't support the difficult decisions Thomas has to make by the end of the book. Rainor's attitude towards Thomas' secret then feels pushy and inappropriate, a little mysoginistic too, if you consider Omegas as a sort of female-like character in these kinds of books.

A couple jokes were funny. Maybe more than a couple jokes. I found Dalia's character to be pleasant and cute.

Worldbuilding was less confusing but still irritating in many ways, in this novela's case I felt it mostly grating regarding how The Watch works, the chain of command, their inner workings, their responsibilities (the author could've done some research of sheriff stations or volunteer firefighter training). Lots of show, barely any tell and not in a good way. The plot is predictable and the way it was developed was tedious and boring.

In the end. Well. I hope the author works and studies more on character development, world building and dialogue... cause she needs it.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this sweet, heartwarming MM dragon shifter romance & it can be read as a standalone while being an outstanding addition to the “Dragon Firefighters” series. There are some character crossovers from the first book (Daddy from Flames) that have a minor influence in this book. The storyline flowed smoothly throughout an interesting, well-paced plot that has good world building & splendid scene descriptions. The characters are well-developed individuals with realistic reservations & in particular, I was fascinated with the way the chemistry & camaraderie gradually developed between the two main characters. The secondary characters offer great support throughout the storyline,
It is about: an alpha dragon shifter (Rainor) is definitely not impressed when he has to team up & teach the humans the art of firefighting then he notices that there is something really strange about the human captain of the watch (Thomas)
There is: various kinds of dragon shifters, firefighters, humans, alphas/omegas, mates, intrigue, suspense, drama, action, friendship, comradery, friendship, secrets, disagreements, inner turmoil, paranoia, suspicions, determination, protectiveness, attractions, contentment, surprises, contentment, some steamy scenes & a well-deserved, satisfying conclusion.

[Deb Swietek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Watch captain, a fire flight dragon and a contrary horse? Yes!

Oh, I love this series! It is a continuing storyline, so...Please, Please, read the first book... now! The fire flight is back. Just as the first book belonged to Altair and Grayson, uh, and Delia, this book belongs to Rainor and Thomas. I'm betting the third book will belong to Delos... and I can't wait! Anyway, as Captain of the Watch, Thomas has a big secret. He's secretly an omega. Rainor's dragon knows there is something very different about Thomas. Pushing his buttons is so much fun. But he knows there has to be more. When Rainor starts training Thomas to help the Watch be better qualified to help the fire flight, things get going. The heat between them isn't just because of Rainor's fire. As they learn about each other, walls will drop, risks will be taken, and sexy times will leave you breathless. Ooh, and there are lots of scenes that will leave you laughing...Rainor riding a horse, a sentry cat named Soot, an adorable toddler avoiding a bath, and much more. In short, this is a feel- good story with a HEA. And the story continues in book three. You will absolutely love this book!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the romance, but the world building needs work

I find this world to be confusing. Why do most dragons refuse to shift? We know that many work, in their dragon form, alongside humans. And yet, Maz’s parents seem to have crippled themselves, and have been intent on indoctrinating Maz to do the same. But there is no indication of why this is happening. Was there a war that the dragons lost? Did something happen, in the past, that led the dragons of that time to abandon their culture and way of life for their own protection? Is the whole world like this, or is it just this one town? Not having these basic world building questions clear, detracts from my enjoyment of the story.

Thomas was an interesting character. I loved that he was determined to be the best Watch Captain that he could be, not merely the most accomplished soldier. This was probably due to his being an omega - he couldn’t deny his nature to nurture.

How will this flight change the attitudes and beliefs of both dragons and humans in this town? Will more dragons embrace their shifter natures? Will more humans accept their neighbors as people?

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC edition of this book from the author.

4.5 stars

We had met both Rainor and Thomas in the first book of the series (I recommend reading that first). The two constantly snipe at each other, Rainor enjoying poking fun at Thomas at every turn. This story takes place two years after the first story. The dragon flight and the Watch (led by Thomas) still have their tensions, but with the dragon flight needing to split their focus between family and their firefighting.

Thomas has spent years pretending to be an alpha so he could rise through the ranks of the watch. Only his best friend/second in command knows his secret. Though he has reached his goal, he lives in fear that someone will discover his secret and with only one confidant his life is lonely. Rainor knows he loves poking fun at Thomas, but the more time he spends with him the more he feels there is something more. When he discovers Thomas's secret he finds himself even more drawn to the human.

This one didn't entirely draw me in the way the first book did, but I still really enjoyed it. I think it was a solid sequel in the series.

[Arianna - อาเรียน่า · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I always say when I read books by this author, this one could have been so much better if it were longer and expanded upon the worlds and characters. It wasn’t a bad book by any means—it was fairly simple and enjoyable—but I felt there was so much untapped potential, especially with Thomas’ character. He built his entire life around his father’s expectations, and I wanted to see him really struggle with breaking free and following his own path. I guess he technically did that but it felt rushed. Realistically, you take time to heal from that trauma. That internal conflict could have added so much depth.

Additionally, I wish the author would stop including the Mpreg tag in all her stories if it’s only going to appear in the epilogue or like toward the end of the story where we don't get to see them live their lives at least with as they await the baby and the emotions they are going through. Overall, a decent read, but it left me wanting more emotional exploration and development.

[Jewell Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Rainor and Thomas' story. Rainor is another member of the Dragon Flight, a flight of 3 dragons, two fire and one ice who are part of a fire brigade. Basically the fire department with dragons. Thomas is a member of The Watch, the police presence of the town Old Port. Thomas is human and harboring a deep secret that helped him make to captain in the guard. With Altair and Grayson expecting another baby, Rainor takes it upon himself to train The Watch to fight fires, since the dragons won't always be available, due to familial responsibilities. Rainor has teased and ridiculed Thomas for years, but begins training him first. I like the concept of dragons fighting fires, and the found family aspect of the Flight and their mates. The characters are fun. I know ideally these are romance novels, where each novel focuses on a new couple, but I found myself wanting more time with the flight as a family, and sharing in domestic company. Still quick fun reads.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is SO good! The characters are all amazing, the storyline is tight the flow is smooth. Thomas has a secret that may be a career ender as Captain of the Watch. He guards it carefully. The only one who knows is Castelle, his 2nd. Rainor, a dragon has little time for humans. He gives Thomas a hard time ever time he sees him. He has no idea why Thomas, but he feels compelled to push his buttons. Rainor, gets chosen to teach Thomas how to use Delos' ice balls. They get to know each other a lot better. Their opinions about each other's culture's go through a change also. Do they go the next step and become more personal? Can Rainor train Thomas to accurately use the orbs? Can the Flight accept Thomas? Good story. The Flight gets better and better. I look forward to more stories. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fire Flight need to help the watch which brings Rainor and Thomas together.
The dragon's of the Old Shore Port Fire Flight knew that they needed to help the Watch with their firefighting ability and Rainor is sent to teach them and show them how to use the glass balls of Dragon Ice. Watch Captain Thomas Everheart has a secret and that is that he is an omega who has live his life as an alpha using a scent mask to hide the omega scent. When Rainor arrives to help train them he starts with Thomas and to throw the glass orbs he gets him throwing tomatoes at target then uses the crushed ones to make a meal tastier oatmeal like stuff they have been eating. This working closeness brings changes to both.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Xyvah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't generally my genre of choice. And it really wasn't what I expected... To be honest, it's the first M/M, Mpreg story I've ever read.

I clicked on it by accident, and would have returned it but for Altair's daughter running across the page. And then I fell in love with the dynamic between Raynor and the Captain.

I liked the simplicity, and I did cover my eyes and peek through my fingers while reading some of the more graphic scenes. And even when I tried to put the book down, and although I knew what would happen at the end of the story, I couldn't help reading on to find out how.

It was a quick and easy read, and I feel like the story ended too soon. I'd like to see more of those two.

All in all, I'm glad I met these characters.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book I have read from this author. I could not be happier. The writing style seems effortless and the story flows along smoothly. I find the new story line of the two main characters to be engaging and romantic. I give kudos to authors that add characters from the previous stories or appearance to help with the transition of the story line. It helps with world-building and story development.

I also found the chemistry between Rainor and Thomas off the charters. The fact the one station in life is define by ones genre. I thought was dealt with amazingly and make the story so much more.