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Southern Shifter Royals #1
The Curse of the Dragon
Dragons and witches weren't meant to mix...
I've never fit in. All my life I've lived in the shadow of my perfect parents, with their perfect magical gifts.
A fact solidified when they use me to bargain for peace and I'm offered to a mad prince of a dragon in matrimony.
Ever the dutiful daughter, I pack my bags and go to meet my fate.
However, he takes one look at me and rejects me as well. In fact, his exact words being "Not now and not ever."
Now I'm fed up, angry and would do just about anything to strike back at him.
Including his twin...
But one touch from the Dragon spare and my world is thrown into chaos.
Get ready. This ugly duckling story is a high heat wild ride that includes mating heat, knotting, wayward barbs, and a curse that REALLY cannot be broken.
I've never fit in. All my life I've lived in the shadow of my perfect parents, with their perfect magical gifts.
A fact solidified when they use me to bargain for peace and I'm offered to a mad prince of a dragon in matrimony.
Ever the dutiful daughter, I pack my bags and go to meet my fate.
However, he takes one look at me and rejects me as well. In fact, his exact words being "Not now and not ever."
Now I'm fed up, angry and would do just about anything to strike back at him.
Including his twin...
But one touch from the Dragon spare and my world is thrown into chaos.
Get ready. This ugly duckling story is a high heat wild ride that includes mating heat, knotting, wayward barbs, and a curse that REALLY cannot be broken.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2022
1465 people are currently reading
2858 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Gayle
133 books1,337 followersGRAB the first book in my USA Today bestselling Southern Shifters series in Kindle Unlimited. Click
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Eliza Gayle writes dragon romance and fantasy romance with unforgettable characters, fiery passion, and magical twists. A New York Times bestselling author, she’s created series like Dragon Lords and Southern Shifters that keep readers hooked from page one. (She also writes dark contemporary romance under E.M. Gayle) She currently lives on a small island in the Pacific Northwest (but was born and raised in Florida and then spent 10+ years in NC) and spends her days writing romance, wandering the beach, kayaking or defending her keyboard from her cat Salem.
Before her writing career began, she served in the Marine Corps and lived a crazy life of adventure. Then she read her first spicy romance novel and everything changed. So after years of thinking about writing she finally grabbed her laptop and wrote.
Latest Release: THE HEART OF THE DRAGON
Coming next: THE FATE OF THE DRAGON
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
May 27, 2022
I got this book as an ARC and wish I hadn't. The plot is all over the place, particularly in the last half, and leaves so much unexplained by the end. The characters felt flat and carboard, the world building was almost non-existent, and the prose not what I'd expect from an author who had written over twenty books. One of the few things I did like was how gentle and patient Ian is with Cordelia, even though after a while it seems like she's trying to be dense about the whole situation. I always love to see representation of larger body types as well but Cordelia quickly got on my nerves. All in all I wanted to like this book and was so excited to read it only to be extremely disappointed.
**Update 5/17**
This is a direct quote from an email sent to Gayle's ARC readers: "Also, if your review is less than a 4 or 5 star, will you consider holding off on posting your review until after May 23rd? This is by no means a requirement, but would be appreciated."
Asking readers not to post negative reviews is disingenuous. Trying to sway potential readers in to reading a poorly written book because it has a good rating is a shady practice. Four and five star reviews should be earned, not begged for.
**Update 5/17**
This is a direct quote from an email sent to Gayle's ARC readers: "Also, if your review is less than a 4 or 5 star, will you consider holding off on posting your review until after May 23rd? This is by no means a requirement, but would be appreciated."
Asking readers not to post negative reviews is disingenuous. Trying to sway potential readers in to reading a poorly written book because it has a good rating is a shady practice. Four and five star reviews should be earned, not begged for.
May 26, 2022
Pretty decent dragon shifter romance!
Had a couple issues: the pacing, so very fast & insta-lovey, and the ending made no sense to me lol
Had a couple issues: the pacing, so very fast & insta-lovey, and the ending made no sense to me lol
July 11, 2022
To solidify a peace alliance between the witches and the dragons Cordelia is promised in marriage to the mad dragon prince but when he cruelly rejects her she finds an unexpected solace in his twin brother Ian. Discovering there are in fact mates Cordelia being the omega to Ian’s alpha the two instead connect but with treachery afoot there path to happiness is not a simple one.
This actually started out quite promising and I was initially intrigued but unfortunately, it was soon apparent there was a basic lack of any world-building which was a shame and I also found the pacing to be off. The romance is very instalove I did like how sweet Ian was and I also liked that Cordelia wasn’t a conventional heroine but Unfortunately though the chemistry just felt off and then the second half of this story just felt very rushed and didn’t make complete sense either. I also felt things were glossed over and there were no wider explanations on a larger scale also the characters themselves felt one-dimensional as well.
I didn’t understand why there was a massive separation the reasons for it were sketchy at best and then their reconnection was completely glossed over and very unsatisfying so I didn’t feel this provided any real closure. I’m not even sure of exactly what occurred other than a few minor details it’s basically guesswork. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t really my bag there was also something missing and I began heavily skimming as I was bored. These sorts of stories definitely need a firm foundation when it comes to building a believable world and this, unfortunately, didn’t have that.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
May 13, 2022
What an amazing read! Let me just say if you love shifter romance, arranged marriages, and overprotective men, then you'll love this one. Fall in love with the main characters, Ian the dragon shifter, who is head over heels in love as soon as he sees her, and Cordelia the women from the witch’s covenant who isn't as enthusiastic as him. The drama, the characters, and the plot are all just amazingly written into the story that you get lost in it and don't want to put the book down.
I received an advanced reviewer copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced reviewer copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2022
What I did like:
-Ian. So super gentle and protective.
What I didn't care for:
-Cordelia was pretty meh.
-The plot...actually, what plot? It was basically a mating heat with an unexplained 'twist' in the end. Super rushed.
-Ian. So super gentle and protective.
What I didn't care for:
-Cordelia was pretty meh.
-The plot...actually, what plot? It was basically a mating heat with an unexplained 'twist' in the end. Super rushed.
July 8, 2022
This book is poorly written and was in dire need of an editor.
The first almost 80% of the book takes place over the span of about 4 days. The plot was flimsy and didn’t make a whole lot of sense if I’m being honest.
**Spoilers**
So Cordelia goes to marry one prince but finds his twin brother is her mate. They mate and then get married, but her parents are terrible people and curse the dragons to never step foot on North American soil again. And so all the dragons disappear. Well she later finds out she is pregnant. And boom 10 years later we flash forward. The dragons are still gone but it’s taken 10 years for them to go look at the dragons “homeland” Scotland. Boom she is reunited with Ian.
But like…. Why did it take so long for her to go looking? And why didn’t he send a message to her telling her where he was at? Giant plot holes.
And this little part really annoyed the crap out of me. In the begging she had green eyes with gold flecks. And Ian had green eyes also. Then at the end she had chocolate brown eyes and he has blue.
Word of advice to the author. Pay for an editor.
The first almost 80% of the book takes place over the span of about 4 days. The plot was flimsy and didn’t make a whole lot of sense if I’m being honest.
**Spoilers**
So Cordelia goes to marry one prince but finds his twin brother is her mate. They mate and then get married, but her parents are terrible people and curse the dragons to never step foot on North American soil again. And so all the dragons disappear. Well she later finds out she is pregnant. And boom 10 years later we flash forward. The dragons are still gone but it’s taken 10 years for them to go look at the dragons “homeland” Scotland. Boom she is reunited with Ian.
But like…. Why did it take so long for her to go looking? And why didn’t he send a message to her telling her where he was at? Giant plot holes.
And this little part really annoyed the crap out of me. In the begging she had green eyes with gold flecks. And Ian had green eyes also. Then at the end she had chocolate brown eyes and he has blue.
Word of advice to the author. Pay for an editor.
May 30, 2022
I’m DNFing this because I read reviews and spoilers and honestly can’t force myself to read anymore.
This book sucks. The characters suck. The world building sucks. Everything about it is garbage. I must stop reading books based on one sentence on tiktok because damn it leads me astray.
Also we need trigger warning for threatens SA because that happened and we just ,,, moved right past it like it was nothing. All the characters were just okay with it ??
also I hate a weak ass main character. She was literally powerless it’s so embarrassing. And she just lets people walk right over her. Girl stand up and have some self respect.
This book sucks. The characters suck. The world building sucks. Everything about it is garbage. I must stop reading books based on one sentence on tiktok because damn it leads me astray.
Also we need trigger warning for threatens SA because that happened and we just ,,, moved right past it like it was nothing. All the characters were just okay with it ??
also I hate a weak ass main character. She was literally powerless it’s so embarrassing. And she just lets people walk right over her. Girl stand up and have some self respect.
August 28, 2022
Well. This kinda picks up in the world of the Southern Shifters series...maybe before it starts I think. World building isn't really taking place here. I think I was in a better situation than most readers because I'd read the Southern Shifters, and I remember a little bit about the dragons and the witches.
This story has Cordelia, a low-level witch being sold in marriage by her parents to a mad dragon prince for the sake of a peace treaty. Cordelia does as her parents tell her, but when she arrives, Isaac, the prince she's supposed to marry, rejects her. Then, she discovers she is the true mate of Ian, the mad prince's twin brother. No denying that mate bond, so they go ahead and have sex and turn everybody's plans on their ear. Ian, being the great guy that he is, wants to give Cordelia time to adjust and to fall in like with him at least before making her his mate. But his twin brother Isaac has changed his mind and challenges Ian for mating rights and they have to battle all that out. Lot of conflict in the family and angst between Cordelia and Ian as they figure things out. See...all of this is taking up about 80% of the book and you're thinking, okay, this is good. I can get with this story. Yeah, they're finally going to have their HEA.
But then suddenly, the witches' ulterior designs come into play and this book goes tits up. Don't get me wrong, things get very exciting, very angsty and very confusing. See, the witches cursed the dragons and all of a sudden, they disappeared. And Cordelia has to figure out where they went. Except, things aren't explained clear enough to figure out what the hell happened in the first place. And suddenly we're jumping through a timeline every chapter - 3 months later, 8 months later, 10 YEARS later...and all this time, Cordelia and Ian have been separated. So that's where the angst is. Like, geez. A 10 year separation? Ouch. Especially after having known each other for less than a week. But at the 10 year mark, Cordelia finally learns enough that she gets the idea to go to Scotland to look for Ian. And while she's there, she sits down in a pub and...in walks Ian! Like, holy shit. He's been in Scotland for 10 years. It took her 10 years to think to head for his homeland, where they own land and all that. And HE spent 10 years doing what? He apparently knew that he was in Scotland. I mean, in even 5 years could he not have found someone he trusted enough to head for America and maybe track down his wife? "Hey, just wanted to let you know, your hubby is in Scotland and you should come back with me." I thought he'd be in some other realm or something. But he's just in Scotland.
So the first 80%, solid good shifter romance. The last 20%, complete clusterf**k. And I really resent that it took 10 years for them to get back together. I appreciate that it's angsty, but I still hate long separations. They'd been apart longer than the time they'd actually spent together.
This story has Cordelia, a low-level witch being sold in marriage by her parents to a mad dragon prince for the sake of a peace treaty. Cordelia does as her parents tell her, but when she arrives, Isaac, the prince she's supposed to marry, rejects her. Then, she discovers she is the true mate of Ian, the mad prince's twin brother. No denying that mate bond, so they go ahead and have sex and turn everybody's plans on their ear. Ian, being the great guy that he is, wants to give Cordelia time to adjust and to fall in like with him at least before making her his mate. But his twin brother Isaac has changed his mind and challenges Ian for mating rights and they have to battle all that out. Lot of conflict in the family and angst between Cordelia and Ian as they figure things out. See...all of this is taking up about 80% of the book and you're thinking, okay, this is good. I can get with this story. Yeah, they're finally going to have their HEA.
But then suddenly, the witches' ulterior designs come into play and this book goes tits up. Don't get me wrong, things get very exciting, very angsty and very confusing. See, the witches cursed the dragons and all of a sudden, they disappeared. And Cordelia has to figure out where they went. Except, things aren't explained clear enough to figure out what the hell happened in the first place. And suddenly we're jumping through a timeline every chapter - 3 months later, 8 months later, 10 YEARS later...and all this time, Cordelia and Ian have been separated. So that's where the angst is. Like, geez. A 10 year separation? Ouch. Especially after having known each other for less than a week. But at the 10 year mark, Cordelia finally learns enough that she gets the idea to go to Scotland to look for Ian. And while she's there, she sits down in a pub and...in walks Ian! Like, holy shit. He's been in Scotland for 10 years. It took her 10 years to think to head for his homeland, where they own land and all that. And HE spent 10 years doing what? He apparently knew that he was in Scotland. I mean, in even 5 years could he not have found someone he trusted enough to head for America and maybe track down his wife? "Hey, just wanted to let you know, your hubby is in Scotland and you should come back with me." I thought he'd be in some other realm or something. But he's just in Scotland.
So the first 80%, solid good shifter romance. The last 20%, complete clusterf**k. And I really resent that it took 10 years for them to get back together. I appreciate that it's angsty, but I still hate long separations. They'd been apart longer than the time they'd actually spent together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2022
Omg this is soo good! You really feel for the female lead as she is suddenly thrust into a world she never wanted to be a part of. All the characters are so beautifully written to the point they piss you off and want to smack them or want to hug them to comfort them. Tho I truly wish the dragons would go on the threat and eat some people (you will know when you read), I promise you will agree. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this book! It is a quick read for me but soooooo good!
May 19, 2022
I received this as an ARC from the author and if I hadn't, I would have DNF'd it.
Edited as of May 16- I received an email from the author asking for links to my review, while also asking that anything below 4-5 stars to consider posting a review after May 23rd. It did say it wasn't a requirement, but would be appreciated. So she's trying to skew her reviews, very sketchy.
This checked all my boxes for things I look for in a book, sadly it fell flat for me. Most of the characters were one dimensional and boring, the world building left a lot to be desired, and the plot was non-existent. There was build up, tension, and betrayal, then all is well. I had to actually go back and re-read the last half of the book to make sure I didn't skip over some chapters. There's no answers or closure, just a HEA with no clue of how you got there. All in all, I want those hours back of my life and sadly wouldn't recommend this
Edited as of May 16- I received an email from the author asking for links to my review, while also asking that anything below 4-5 stars to consider posting a review after May 23rd. It did say it wasn't a requirement, but would be appreciated. So she's trying to skew her reviews, very sketchy.
This checked all my boxes for things I look for in a book, sadly it fell flat for me. Most of the characters were one dimensional and boring, the world building left a lot to be desired, and the plot was non-existent. There was build up, tension, and betrayal, then all is well. I had to actually go back and re-read the last half of the book to make sure I didn't skip over some chapters. There's no answers or closure, just a HEA with no clue of how you got there. All in all, I want those hours back of my life and sadly wouldn't recommend this
May 23, 2022
Found this book thanks to BookToc and was intrigued by the premise but it totally fell flat. It had all the makings of a great romance; dragons, witches, arranged marriage between two groups who hate each other, spice. It feels like this was a rushed first draft that needed another 100+ pages of world building, character development, and some follow through on plot lines. It felt very rushed without any real relationship building and a random curse that’s never really explained.
Even during the spicer scenes I found myself literally cringing and having to just pause for a moment. At one point the words “plump petals” were used. Almost DNF’d at 25% but decided to stick it out in case it got better because of the multiple 4-5 star reviews. Upon reading more reviews after finishing, it looks like emails were sent to some people asking them to wait on publishing less than 4-5 star reviews which also really bothered me
Even during the spicer scenes I found myself literally cringing and having to just pause for a moment. At one point the words “plump petals” were used. Almost DNF’d at 25% but decided to stick it out in case it got better because of the multiple 4-5 star reviews. Upon reading more reviews after finishing, it looks like emails were sent to some people asking them to wait on publishing less than 4-5 star reviews which also really bothered me
August 20, 2022
Great book!
May 17, 2022
ARC reviewer!
I read this book in one day! I couldn't put it down.
We are placed in a world of shifters, fated mates, Alphas and Omegas, and witches. Omegas and fated mates being of rarity. While shifters and witches are abundant and known for loathing each other. Especially Dragon Shifters versus witches.
Ian is having to chase down his twin brother Isaac, after their father announces that Isaac will be married. An arranged marriage to a witch. In order to bring peace to the Dragon Shifters and the Witches. To help keep a war from breaking out. Only Isaac's not having it and his temper is getting the better of him. Like usual.
Cordelia isn't keen on the idea of being married to the known mad prince. She wants nothing more but to remain in her home amongst her coven. But upon wishing to be of value to them goes to her new home. Reluctantly.
Not only does her fiancee make a big, rude entrance. But he openly insults her telling her she looks like a horse. Cordelia has struggled with her appearance her whole life. Knowing she doesn't fit into the beautiful category her parents and coven have dictated. But to be insulted openly and harshly by her future husband? Is the peace treaty really worth it?
Ian is mortified by his brother and after having touched Cordelia, his sleeping dragon rises. The dragon instantly declaring Cordelia as his. Mine. No one else's. But he's just the spare heir. How can he lay claim to her? Even if his dragon is threatening to destroy everything just to get his mate.
This is a smooth ish romance book. There is a happy ending, though I wanted a couple more answers on things. Personal interpretations. And maybe the author mentions it in some of her other writings. Need to read the next book that was mentioned at the end of this one.
There is some angst and heartbreak but the author keeps is lighthearted. I really enjoyed this book and the flow it had. The romance was sweet and the main characters truly respected one another. Cordelia may have been pushed around but you can see the fire in her. Of course Ian helps to fan her flames so they roar.
Oh did I mention Cordelia gets to ride on the back of a dragon? Enjoy the read and give the author some stars!
I read this book in one day! I couldn't put it down.
We are placed in a world of shifters, fated mates, Alphas and Omegas, and witches. Omegas and fated mates being of rarity. While shifters and witches are abundant and known for loathing each other. Especially Dragon Shifters versus witches.
Ian is having to chase down his twin brother Isaac, after their father announces that Isaac will be married. An arranged marriage to a witch. In order to bring peace to the Dragon Shifters and the Witches. To help keep a war from breaking out. Only Isaac's not having it and his temper is getting the better of him. Like usual.
Cordelia isn't keen on the idea of being married to the known mad prince. She wants nothing more but to remain in her home amongst her coven. But upon wishing to be of value to them goes to her new home. Reluctantly.
Not only does her fiancee make a big, rude entrance. But he openly insults her telling her she looks like a horse. Cordelia has struggled with her appearance her whole life. Knowing she doesn't fit into the beautiful category her parents and coven have dictated. But to be insulted openly and harshly by her future husband? Is the peace treaty really worth it?
Ian is mortified by his brother and after having touched Cordelia, his sleeping dragon rises. The dragon instantly declaring Cordelia as his. Mine. No one else's. But he's just the spare heir. How can he lay claim to her? Even if his dragon is threatening to destroy everything just to get his mate.
This is a smooth ish romance book. There is a happy ending, though I wanted a couple more answers on things. Personal interpretations. And maybe the author mentions it in some of her other writings. Need to read the next book that was mentioned at the end of this one.
There is some angst and heartbreak but the author keeps is lighthearted. I really enjoyed this book and the flow it had. The romance was sweet and the main characters truly respected one another. Cordelia may have been pushed around but you can see the fire in her. Of course Ian helps to fan her flames so they roar.
Oh did I mention Cordelia gets to ride on the back of a dragon? Enjoy the read and give the author some stars!
May 28, 2022
2.5
Well this isn't terrible but I guess from the blurb I was expecting something different.
Mostly I was thinking the premise where the h, who was rejected by her intended, ended up going for his twin brother instead--was going to be a situation where the h had more intentional agency in the story.
But
Also the ending...what?
Maybe my reading comprehension is poor (or more likely bc I was speed skimming to get the the end) I just didn't understand that rushed conclusion.
Well this isn't terrible but I guess from the blurb I was expecting something different.
Mostly I was thinking the premise where the h, who was rejected by her intended, ended up going for his twin brother instead--was going to be a situation where the h had more intentional agency in the story.
But
Also the ending...what?
Maybe my reading comprehension is poor (or more likely bc I was speed skimming to get the the end) I just didn't understand that rushed conclusion.
May 18, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. Cordelia is a very strong woman away from her family and Coven. She is promised to the Dragon Prince as a peace offering to stop a war from happening. Things don't go as planned but that's probably a good thing. Instead she finds her true mate in the Dragon Prince's twin brother Ian. She doesn't like not having any control over her life but Ian is extremely patient with her and tries to go at her pace. Things happen to push it forward but she doesn't care. Her family on the other hand do something really bad and things happen that arr completely out of her control. By the end of the book things kind of work themselves out. I hope to see more of these two story in other books.
May 14, 2022
I received an advanced copy as an Arc reader and writing a review willingly.
This book was so amazing, it had such amazing descriptions of scenery, the characters and the juicy parts. I didn't want to put it down, it just draws you in and makes you wish to be in the world she describes. Cordelia is such a relatable heroine, it was so refreshing to not have main character having the "perfect" body type. I'm definitely going to purchase more of her books since I enjoyed this one soo much.
This book was so amazing, it had such amazing descriptions of scenery, the characters and the juicy parts. I didn't want to put it down, it just draws you in and makes you wish to be in the world she describes. Cordelia is such a relatable heroine, it was so refreshing to not have main character having the "perfect" body type. I'm definitely going to purchase more of her books since I enjoyed this one soo much.
April 26, 2024
The ending was really anticlimactic, didn't like it. But the rough story line was decent. Not sure if I'll read the whole trilogy though...
June 2, 2022
Easily one of the worst books I’ve ever read. The FMC was all over the place and not likable at all. The plot was full of holes and bad. And the references were beyond ridiculous. Ex: how would she even know what a heated blanket was? Terrible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 21, 2022All I can say is WOW!!!!! I totally loved Cordelia's and Ian's story. It was fast
paced and full of passion. They were separated for 10 years, but never gave up on each other!!!! AWESOME😀❤❤❤❤
paced and full of passion. They were separated for 10 years, but never gave up on each other!!!! AWESOME😀❤❤❤❤
May 21, 2022
I loved this book. It pulls at all the heart strings. I felt like I could relate to Cordelia with how she views herself. Ian falls head over heels for her the second he sees Cordelia. She is thrust into a new world but takes it in stride. I can’t wait to tell others about this so they can enjoy it to.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and leave this review voluntarily. I do not get paid for this review
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and leave this review voluntarily. I do not get paid for this review
May 18, 2022
I received this book as an ARC participant. I loved the story. The chemistry between Ian & Cordelia was magnetic. Enjoyed how the heroine was not a tiny waif but had curves. The suspense built up so much in some areas that I had to stop myself from reading ahead to make sure it would go as I wanted it to! This did not end in a cliff hanger but I look forward to reading more of this storyline.
May 18, 2022
Fantastic dragon shifter romance.. Exciting, steamy, and intense..
June 16, 2022
Wow! Hooked from page one and kept going until the very end! Loved the characters and interaction. Loved the action, dragon fights, HOT sexy scenes, romance, banter, drama, and angst.
June 14, 2022
Holey moley what a awesome read
I was hooked & couldn't put the book down.
This would be my first book I've read written by Eliza & won't be the last.
I was hooked & couldn't put the book down.
This would be my first book I've read written by Eliza & won't be the last.
did-not-finish
May 21, 2022DNF at 13%. I do not have time for a poorly written book. This is obviously an author who has not researched anything! Just writing off the top of her head. Because, there are so many weird semi medieval references. But then you have very modern ideas, like her being bigger is bad. She is part of a coven but somehow her dad is the one that directs this? I just feel like the world building feels shallow and annoying.
October 3, 2022
Read through KINDLE UNLIMITED
May 24, 2022
Oh my god! This book is so bloody brilliant! You start reading and think the story will go in one direction, obviously not going happen lol and it’s goes in the opposite very hot and spicy direction, well away from the Prince. Only for the unthinkable to then happen. This book makes you feel practically every emotion possible and breaks your heart along the way. It’s brilliantly written and you quickly get drawn in and fully immersed in this supernatural world. Though I wanted to see Cordelia’s coven dealt with. Hopefully that will come in other books.
5 stars you absolutely have to read this book. The love between them is epic.
5 stars you absolutely have to read this book. The love between them is epic.
May 20, 2022
This had all sorts of goodness in it! This was so steamy and hot, but it also had a mystical feel to it (aptly captured by the cover). Enemies being brought to peace by a marriage between their lines seems simple enough, but, the groom isn’t impressed, and the bride feels more like a sacrifice. Things go awry from the start and the trouble keeps coming up at every turn. Just when it seems everything is finally settled, the worst happens. Bonds are tested, love is stretched, and forever isn’t always a guarantee, unless you are willing to fight for it and never give up!
September 21, 2022
My rating system:
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.
Oof. I love dragons so I was excited when I saw this on Kindle unlimited. I don't regret reading a lot of books, but this is one of them. There really is no plot or storyline and I got frustrated at the holes and inconsistencies.
Cordelia is betrothed to one prince who rejects her, then his twin brother forms a mating bond with her. They instantly "get it on" because of the mating heat that got triggered and then most of the rest of the book is them consummating the bond over the course of a couple of days. The first brother shows up at one point but the second brother fights him off and keeps the girl. On the 3rd day they know each other, the parents rush them into a wedding where the witches coven enacts a curse that banishes all the dragons from North America. We're about 75% of the way through the book at this point so you can see there has been very little plot and action so far. Unfortunately the rest of the book doesn't have much either. Cordelia finds out she's pregnant and her and her mother-in-law try to track down where in the world the dragons went. (I wondered why the dragons didn't send a message but at the end we're told that they tried and apparently the curse kept the messages from getting through.) Suddenly we're 10 years in the future and they have spent all that time searching for clues and answers when they decide to go to Scotland.
"I was finally on the right path. Scotland had to hold more answers....My intent with this trip was to locate the birthplace of shifters and see what secrets I could unearth."
So she doesn't know that Ian is in Scotland, she's still just searching. She's getting a drink at a pub because a storm swept in, and wouldn't you know it, Ian walks in as well avoiding the same storm! 🙄 I guess that was a little too coincidentally cringey for me. I wish she had solved the mystery and had found Ian, not bumped into him. Maybe that's my preference and the author wanted Fate to do all the work in the story.
Inconsistencies and annoyances:
Eye colors:
On page 24 her eyes are described as green gold, on page 42 it says dark brown, on page 48 they are a muddy green, and on page 319 they are the color of chocolate.
His eyes are described as green on page 28, but are a cool blue on page 319.
Description:
"Her skin was the color of warmth and smoothly unblemished..."
Can someone please tell me what color "warmth" is?
Forming the mating bond:
Page 94: "The ache to bite her was almost more than I could bear. I needed to mark her...instead I sucked on the sensitive skin hard enough to leave a different kind of mark."
Page 147: "In theory, if you don't receive the claiming bite while my barb is locked inside you, then our fate is not sealed together."
Page 169: "Asking me not to bite her was going to be the hardest thing I’d done in my lifetime..."
Page 247: "She threw her head back as I eyed the sweet curve of her neck. Dragons weren't biters like wolves and cougars when it came to claiming their mates, but there was something about her that made me want to nip at the skin and mark her in the most visible way I could think of."
So there are 3 references where he wants/needs to bite and mark her...then suddenly dragons aren't biters? 🙄
After the brothers fight for her:
Ian crashes into the ground due to a wing injury after fighting off his brother. It doesn't say that he shifts so I was confused when his dad and Cordelia started treating his wounds 2 sentences later and apparently he's human again and trying to talk. Cordelia uses her magic to get him mostly healed and the dad leaves so Ian can have the prize he just fought for. I assumed Ian was already naked this whole time because he was just in dragon form but suddenly she is unbuttoning his trousers! When did he get dressed?!
Maybe I would have liked this book a LITTLE 🤏 better if I wasn't so frustrated by these errors but probably not because there still wasn't a plot.
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.
Oof. I love dragons so I was excited when I saw this on Kindle unlimited. I don't regret reading a lot of books, but this is one of them. There really is no plot or storyline and I got frustrated at the holes and inconsistencies.
Cordelia is betrothed to one prince who rejects her, then his twin brother forms a mating bond with her. They instantly "get it on" because of the mating heat that got triggered and then most of the rest of the book is them consummating the bond over the course of a couple of days. The first brother shows up at one point but the second brother fights him off and keeps the girl. On the 3rd day they know each other, the parents rush them into a wedding where the witches coven enacts a curse that banishes all the dragons from North America. We're about 75% of the way through the book at this point so you can see there has been very little plot and action so far. Unfortunately the rest of the book doesn't have much either. Cordelia finds out she's pregnant and her and her mother-in-law try to track down where in the world the dragons went. (I wondered why the dragons didn't send a message but at the end we're told that they tried and apparently the curse kept the messages from getting through.) Suddenly we're 10 years in the future and they have spent all that time searching for clues and answers when they decide to go to Scotland.
"I was finally on the right path. Scotland had to hold more answers....My intent with this trip was to locate the birthplace of shifters and see what secrets I could unearth."
So she doesn't know that Ian is in Scotland, she's still just searching. She's getting a drink at a pub because a storm swept in, and wouldn't you know it, Ian walks in as well avoiding the same storm! 🙄 I guess that was a little too coincidentally cringey for me. I wish she had solved the mystery and had found Ian, not bumped into him. Maybe that's my preference and the author wanted Fate to do all the work in the story.
Inconsistencies and annoyances:
Eye colors:
On page 24 her eyes are described as green gold, on page 42 it says dark brown, on page 48 they are a muddy green, and on page 319 they are the color of chocolate.
His eyes are described as green on page 28, but are a cool blue on page 319.
Description:
"Her skin was the color of warmth and smoothly unblemished..."
Can someone please tell me what color "warmth" is?
Forming the mating bond:
Page 94: "The ache to bite her was almost more than I could bear. I needed to mark her...instead I sucked on the sensitive skin hard enough to leave a different kind of mark."
Page 147: "In theory, if you don't receive the claiming bite while my barb is locked inside you, then our fate is not sealed together."
Page 169: "Asking me not to bite her was going to be the hardest thing I’d done in my lifetime..."
Page 247: "She threw her head back as I eyed the sweet curve of her neck. Dragons weren't biters like wolves and cougars when it came to claiming their mates, but there was something about her that made me want to nip at the skin and mark her in the most visible way I could think of."
So there are 3 references where he wants/needs to bite and mark her...then suddenly dragons aren't biters? 🙄
After the brothers fight for her:
Ian crashes into the ground due to a wing injury after fighting off his brother. It doesn't say that he shifts so I was confused when his dad and Cordelia started treating his wounds 2 sentences later and apparently he's human again and trying to talk. Cordelia uses her magic to get him mostly healed and the dad leaves so Ian can have the prize he just fought for. I assumed Ian was already naked this whole time because he was just in dragon form but suddenly she is unbuttoning his trousers! When did he get dressed?!
Maybe I would have liked this book a LITTLE 🤏 better if I wasn't so frustrated by these errors but probably not because there still wasn't a plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author, and while it wasn't the best book I have read- it definitely wasn't the best. I feel that Gayle relied a bit too much on book trope cliches to try to carry this book through.
The characters felt very one-dimensional for me, though through the pacing of the book we don't really get any character development. The majority of the book spans probably less than a week followed by a 10 year time skip, then a couple months, then a couple months, then the end of the book. Honestly I feel that Gayle should have split this into two books and given us a little bit more character development.
Immediately off the bat we have a low-powered daughter of two high witches being forcibly married off to the blood rivals of her species; the dragons. Cordelia is being forcibly married off to the elder twin, isaac, despite everyone knowing that he is an insane narcissistic brat. It is made known that Cordelia has absolutely no love from anyone in her cousin not even the escort that is being forced to go with her to the dragons fortress.
On the other hand, we have Ian who is the younger twin dragon Prince. Ian is always having to fix the mistakes of his elder brother when Isaac throws a temper tantrum. For instance, one of the first interactions we get with Ian is him on a fire breathing rampage because he is being told to marry a witch who he feels is below him. You would think that the dragons would pass the throne on to the level-headed son who diligently does his duty to his people and his crown. However, it seems like the king and queen are willfully ignorant of isaac, and willing to forgive him despite seeing all of his shortcomings.
The first time Isaac meets cordelia, he immediately rejects her. He says he's ugly, he says she's fat, and he absolutely refuses to marry her. Cue Ian who thinks she is the most beautiful woman on the planet because she is his faded Omega mate. One touch skin to skin is all it takes to set off the Omega mating heat in cordelia. We get a couple pages of them attempting to fight the mating heat, which of course fails and Ian ends up claiming her for the first time in a hallway. However, because he did not do the mating bite Cordelia could still be taken from him by his brother. Who only wants her now because Ian has started claiming her.
I also really didn't like towards the end of the book when Ian asked Cordelia "you really didn't know?" In reference to an island. Cordelia would have had zero reason to know about this island that had apparently been in his family for generations. At no point in time was this island mentioned during the week or so they spent screwing like, well, dragons.
If I go too much further it's going to spoil a lot of the book. Now that I've said somewhat of the negative, there is some positive of the book: THE SMUT.
The sex scenes are beautifully raunchy and descriptive. If you enjoy your shifters having a not, you are going to absolutely adore the sex scenes.
This book was not exactly my cup of tea, however I will look at other books that the author has written in hopes to find something I can really sink my teeth into.
The characters felt very one-dimensional for me, though through the pacing of the book we don't really get any character development. The majority of the book spans probably less than a week followed by a 10 year time skip, then a couple months, then a couple months, then the end of the book. Honestly I feel that Gayle should have split this into two books and given us a little bit more character development.
Immediately off the bat we have a low-powered daughter of two high witches being forcibly married off to the blood rivals of her species; the dragons. Cordelia is being forcibly married off to the elder twin, isaac, despite everyone knowing that he is an insane narcissistic brat. It is made known that Cordelia has absolutely no love from anyone in her cousin not even the escort that is being forced to go with her to the dragons fortress.
On the other hand, we have Ian who is the younger twin dragon Prince. Ian is always having to fix the mistakes of his elder brother when Isaac throws a temper tantrum. For instance, one of the first interactions we get with Ian is him on a fire breathing rampage because he is being told to marry a witch who he feels is below him. You would think that the dragons would pass the throne on to the level-headed son who diligently does his duty to his people and his crown. However, it seems like the king and queen are willfully ignorant of isaac, and willing to forgive him despite seeing all of his shortcomings.
The first time Isaac meets cordelia, he immediately rejects her. He says he's ugly, he says she's fat, and he absolutely refuses to marry her. Cue Ian who thinks she is the most beautiful woman on the planet because she is his faded Omega mate. One touch skin to skin is all it takes to set off the Omega mating heat in cordelia. We get a couple pages of them attempting to fight the mating heat, which of course fails and Ian ends up claiming her for the first time in a hallway. However, because he did not do the mating bite Cordelia could still be taken from him by his brother. Who only wants her now because Ian has started claiming her.
I also really didn't like towards the end of the book when Ian asked Cordelia "you really didn't know?" In reference to an island. Cordelia would have had zero reason to know about this island that had apparently been in his family for generations. At no point in time was this island mentioned during the week or so they spent screwing like, well, dragons.
If I go too much further it's going to spoil a lot of the book. Now that I've said somewhat of the negative, there is some positive of the book: THE SMUT.
The sex scenes are beautifully raunchy and descriptive. If you enjoy your shifters having a not, you are going to absolutely adore the sex scenes.
This book was not exactly my cup of tea, however I will look at other books that the author has written in hopes to find something I can really sink my teeth into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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