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Blackhaven Manor #8
Pain in the Ice
Thade Maddock would literally rather die than spend four weeks aboard a cruise ship with nine hundred strangers in the middle of the Pacific. When it happens to be his best friend’s dying request, however, he can’t exactly refuse the invitation. On the bright side, the ship’s pool does offer some stunning views. Like the human male with fiery red hair and a smile to rival the sun.
Although he wouldn’t consider himself naïve, Micah Francis has led a rather insulated life. Having had limited contact with Otherlings and little knowledge about the paranormal world in general, meeting a dragon shifter his first day on the ship is nothing less than magical. Tall and brooding with a body made for sin, Thade is everything he had imagined a dragon would be. He didn’t, however, expect to feel so obsessively drawn to the guy after just one conversation.
But falling in love is the easy part. When Thade’s friend begins to deteriorate quicker than anticipated, the demon’s illness places the entire ship in danger. As pandemonium ensues and a multitude of dark emotions infects the passengers, happily-ever-after feels a long way off.
Because unless they can find a way to bring order to the madness, no one is making it out alive.
Although he wouldn’t consider himself naïve, Micah Francis has led a rather insulated life. Having had limited contact with Otherlings and little knowledge about the paranormal world in general, meeting a dragon shifter his first day on the ship is nothing less than magical. Tall and brooding with a body made for sin, Thade is everything he had imagined a dragon would be. He didn’t, however, expect to feel so obsessively drawn to the guy after just one conversation.
But falling in love is the easy part. When Thade’s friend begins to deteriorate quicker than anticipated, the demon’s illness places the entire ship in danger. As pandemonium ensues and a multitude of dark emotions infects the passengers, happily-ever-after feels a long way off.
Because unless they can find a way to bring order to the madness, no one is making it out alive.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 10, 2023
my favorite of the series so far hehe
July 6, 2023
Not my favorite
I've read and loved all the books in this series but this one fell flat. Spoilers: I feel like Akira and Thade were selfish and people died because of it. The love story was just blah...
I've read and loved all the books in this series but this one fell flat. Spoilers: I feel like Akira and Thade were selfish and people died because of it. The love story was just blah...
April 23, 2023
Rating: 4 stars
Despite being a bit depressing, I really liked this book. It took me a while to warm up to Thade. I hadn't really liked him when he appeared in the previous book but Micah didn't put up with his grumpiness which I liked. All in all, A god addition to the series.
Despite being a bit depressing, I really liked this book. It took me a while to warm up to Thade. I hadn't really liked him when he appeared in the previous book but Micah didn't put up with his grumpiness which I liked. All in all, A god addition to the series.
October 11, 2022
4.25 stars
January 11, 2024
Pain in the Ice
Thane’s story finally! His story didn’t disappoint either. It was kind of bittersweet with everything that happened and it really touched the heart.
Tropes:
-grumpy/sunshine
-dragon/human
-fated mates
-forced proximity
-friend and fun!
Thane’s story finally! His story didn’t disappoint either. It was kind of bittersweet with everything that happened and it really touched the heart.
Tropes:
-grumpy/sunshine
-dragon/human
-fated mates
-forced proximity
-friend and fun!
December 22, 2023
excellent storytelling, one of my favorites
Rating: 4.75🌈
This book is why I love this series so. Steele has written a strong story about the importance of the depths of friendships, loyalty, compassion for each other under the most extreme conditions, as well as how finding your own soulmate gives you comfort and support when you need it most.
Thade Maddock is leaving Blackhaven Manor for a cruise to Hawaii. However, it’s not a joyful occasion but rather to escort his oldest friend, a demon fury , to the place where he has decided to die.
Steele gets us into this amazing friendship in its last stages, when one is slowly losing his mind, then his life energies. And as they share these precious memories and time together, we can understand why Thade makes the sacrifices he does for his friend, Akira. Akira is multilayered, a tragically beautiful character.
Into this situation, there’s the humans Micah and his best friend, Lettie, on the cruise to celebrate her impending wedding and their friendship. Two different sets of close friends, two completely different occasions, one emotionally devastating and one so deeply happy. Steele writes about the dynamics of each set of friendships and lets the reader understand that they are real friends and family to each other.
Then they come together, when Micah and Thade turn out to be soulmates.
Pain In the Ice explores so many different emotions and layers of love. For some readers, the emotional sensitivity of having a character approaching death and die within a novel might be something that is triggering. Pls take note.
This is a genuine element of the story and part of Akira and Thade’s thousand years long journey.
I love the story and the way every part is developed. I cried and rejoiced, eventually. I hope Steele will consider a novel or more about that castle and how Thade and Micah are going to repurpose it in Akira’s name.
Pain In The Ice (Blackhaven Manor #8) by Arden Steele is got great characters, emotional elements folded into a well developed story, and love in all its forms. I’m highly recommending it.
And the series.
Check out the full list below.
Blackhaven Manor:
- [x] Purrfect Harmony #1
- [x] Night and Fae #2
- [x] Dragon It Out #3
- [x] Grin and Bear It #4
- [x] Pixie Little Liar #5
- [x] Dead Over Heals #6
- [x] Silent Knight #7
- [x] Pain in the Ice #8
- [x] Walking a Tight Rope #9
- [x] Royally Flocked #10
Sequel/adjacent series:
Hunter’s Hollow:
- [x] Angels and Anarchy #1
- [x] Beauty and Bad Blood #2
Rating: 4.75🌈
This book is why I love this series so. Steele has written a strong story about the importance of the depths of friendships, loyalty, compassion for each other under the most extreme conditions, as well as how finding your own soulmate gives you comfort and support when you need it most.
Thade Maddock is leaving Blackhaven Manor for a cruise to Hawaii. However, it’s not a joyful occasion but rather to escort his oldest friend, a demon fury , to the place where he has decided to die.
Steele gets us into this amazing friendship in its last stages, when one is slowly losing his mind, then his life energies. And as they share these precious memories and time together, we can understand why Thade makes the sacrifices he does for his friend, Akira. Akira is multilayered, a tragically beautiful character.
Into this situation, there’s the humans Micah and his best friend, Lettie, on the cruise to celebrate her impending wedding and their friendship. Two different sets of close friends, two completely different occasions, one emotionally devastating and one so deeply happy. Steele writes about the dynamics of each set of friendships and lets the reader understand that they are real friends and family to each other.
Then they come together, when Micah and Thade turn out to be soulmates.
Pain In the Ice explores so many different emotions and layers of love. For some readers, the emotional sensitivity of having a character approaching death and die within a novel might be something that is triggering. Pls take note.
This is a genuine element of the story and part of Akira and Thade’s thousand years long journey.
I love the story and the way every part is developed. I cried and rejoiced, eventually. I hope Steele will consider a novel or more about that castle and how Thade and Micah are going to repurpose it in Akira’s name.
Pain In The Ice (Blackhaven Manor #8) by Arden Steele is got great characters, emotional elements folded into a well developed story, and love in all its forms. I’m highly recommending it.
And the series.
Check out the full list below.
Blackhaven Manor:
- [x] Purrfect Harmony #1
- [x] Night and Fae #2
- [x] Dragon It Out #3
- [x] Grin and Bear It #4
- [x] Pixie Little Liar #5
- [x] Dead Over Heals #6
- [x] Silent Knight #7
- [x] Pain in the Ice #8
- [x] Walking a Tight Rope #9
- [x] Royally Flocked #10
Sequel/adjacent series:
Hunter’s Hollow:
- [x] Angels and Anarchy #1
- [x] Beauty and Bad Blood #2
June 21, 2025
********** Contains Spoilers**********
This is the first book that I’ve read by Arden Steele, as well as from the Blackhaven Manor Series. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the Blackhaven Manor Series but I would’ve enjoyed it even more if I’d read the previous books first, so I could have a full understanding of how this magical world that Arden has created works, as well as meeting a lot of the characters from the previous books that were featured during this book. This is a paranormal fated mates story between human Micah and ice dragon Thane, their relationship moves at warp speed which is expected.
Thane’s best friend, Fury demon Akita dying and as a last request he wants Thane to come on a four week cruise with nine hundred strangers. It’s Thane’s idea of hell but he can’t refuse Akira’s dying wish. Micah and his best friend Lettie are on the same cruise to celebrate her engagement. Micah and Thane meet on the first day when Micah falls in the pool, he can’t swim so Thane ends up saving him. In between Micah and Thane getting to know each other Akira seems to be deteriorating quicker than anticipating which is affecting the other passengers. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this series, as well as more books by Arden Steele in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to others.
This is the first book that I’ve read by Arden Steele, as well as from the Blackhaven Manor Series. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was a good addition to the Blackhaven Manor Series but I would’ve enjoyed it even more if I’d read the previous books first, so I could have a full understanding of how this magical world that Arden has created works, as well as meeting a lot of the characters from the previous books that were featured during this book. This is a paranormal fated mates story between human Micah and ice dragon Thane, their relationship moves at warp speed which is expected.
Thane’s best friend, Fury demon Akita dying and as a last request he wants Thane to come on a four week cruise with nine hundred strangers. It’s Thane’s idea of hell but he can’t refuse Akira’s dying wish. Micah and his best friend Lettie are on the same cruise to celebrate her engagement. Micah and Thane meet on the first day when Micah falls in the pool, he can’t swim so Thane ends up saving him. In between Micah and Thane getting to know each other Akira seems to be deteriorating quicker than anticipating which is affecting the other passengers. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this series, as well as more books by Arden Steele in the future. I’d recommend this book and author to others.
February 27, 2023
Thad and Micah
They meet on a cruise ship. Both there with friends. Micah, human, has no idea other life forms exist. He's there with his best friend before she gets married. Thade, A dragon shifter, is there with his best friend, who is dying. Micah and That's meet and are instantly attracted to each other. They spend the cruise getting to know each other. But the Thades friend, A fury, dies unexpectedly, sending the people on.the ship into a crisis. They have to work together to help those affected by the Furys death. Cute story, well written. Paranormal, humor, sex and a HEA.
They meet on a cruise ship. Both there with friends. Micah, human, has no idea other life forms exist. He's there with his best friend before she gets married. Thade, A dragon shifter, is there with his best friend, who is dying. Micah and That's meet and are instantly attracted to each other. They spend the cruise getting to know each other. But the Thades friend, A fury, dies unexpectedly, sending the people on.the ship into a crisis. They have to work together to help those affected by the Furys death. Cute story, well written. Paranormal, humor, sex and a HEA.
January 7, 2024
Interesting to read a Blackhaven Manor book that takes place mostly nowhere near the manor, but that was part of the charm, I think. I like that this book didn't shy away from showing that Otherlings don't only have benefits. I mean, all you hear about are the perks, right? Akira brought--dare I say--a level of humanity to them with his troubles. I *did* feel like things with Micah regarding Otherlings was a little whiplashy. He had little knowledge of them (definitely in comparison to other humans in previous books) but was weirdly knowledgeable about mates and accepting of a lot of things. It's a minor complaint, though.
September 16, 2023
This one is confusing. For a change Arden developed her main characters but then set them in a plot line that just did not work. The idea is a good one, but the setting? A cruise ship? Reality is they could have left at any time via dragon or plane from any port. It would have worked so much better if the setting were the hotel. Then there was the topic. A lot of dark emotion that Arden does not deal with well.
October 7, 2022
This turned out to be an exciting read!
I love a series with continuing characters but a lot of variety. Every book in this one had set up entirely new circumstances with fun characters. Stuff happens, some good things some bad. It was a bit of a vacation semi-horror/romance. Fun though.
I love a series with continuing characters but a lot of variety. Every book in this one had set up entirely new circumstances with fun characters. Stuff happens, some good things some bad. It was a bit of a vacation semi-horror/romance. Fun though.
July 11, 2024
Solid 4 stars
This story is wonderful. It not only has some great action sequences, but it also gives you a small glimpse into what it might be like for people who have dementia or other similar mental illnesses. It pulls on the heartstrings and makes you feel for the characters.
This story is wonderful. It not only has some great action sequences, but it also gives you a small glimpse into what it might be like for people who have dementia or other similar mental illnesses. It pulls on the heartstrings and makes you feel for the characters.
November 16, 2025
So, Akira was feeling worse and affecting everyone around. Why didn't they leave the ship? Why did Thade, a dragon, not take his friend somewhere so he won't be a danger to others? If he was any other species: mage, vampire, werewolf - ok, no questions, they are kinda trapped on a ship. But for a dragon this plot just doesn't work. I would like this book more if it was about someone else
November 3, 2022
Been enjoying this series for a while.
A good heartfelt story with laughter and tears. This is book 8 in a very enjoyable series full of Dragons, love and a certain amount of snark.
A good heartfelt story with laughter and tears. This is book 8 in a very enjoyable series full of Dragons, love and a certain amount of snark.
September 6, 2023
Wow, all the feels
This by far is my favorite book in this series. All of the emotions wrapped in a beautiful package. It is a quick and easy read which is what makes the beautiful full emotional punch all the more impressive.
This by far is my favorite book in this series. All of the emotions wrapped in a beautiful package. It is a quick and easy read which is what makes the beautiful full emotional punch all the more impressive.
October 2, 2023
Awesome read
Another great. Booking a great series!!! As the others you'll get pulled into the story - Thade is great but it was all tears when he lost his friend Akira - giggles when he & Mikah fight about loading the dishwasher!!
Thank you Lori
Another great. Booking a great series!!! As the others you'll get pulled into the story - Thade is great but it was all tears when he lost his friend Akira - giggles when he & Mikah fight about loading the dishwasher!!
Thank you Lori
January 24, 2024
Best Yet
Oh wow, that was a roller-coaster of emotions. Stuck on a cruise ship with a new mate and a dying fury - what could possibly go wrong? I laughed and I cried. Best yet in the series in my opinion
Oh wow, that was a roller-coaster of emotions. Stuck on a cruise ship with a new mate and a dying fury - what could possibly go wrong? I laughed and I cried. Best yet in the series in my opinion
February 18, 2024
Blackhaven Manor book8
Trade is the last dragon sibling to get his mate! Micah is a human who knows nothing about the dragon siblings and he meets Thade on a cruise. Of course, things are never easy!! Loved this book! Highly recommended
Trade is the last dragon sibling to get his mate! Micah is a human who knows nothing about the dragon siblings and he meets Thade on a cruise. Of course, things are never easy!! Loved this book! Highly recommended
September 17, 2022
Super sweet, as per the whole series 🥰
January 30, 2024
I am really enjoying this series.
July 5, 2025
Cute
For this series, it was quite the rollercoaster of emotions! I enjoyed Micah’s spunk and cheer, and getting to know Thade.
For this series, it was quite the rollercoaster of emotions! I enjoyed Micah’s spunk and cheer, and getting to know Thade.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews