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Dragon Brides #2
Black Heart: A Dragon Shifter Fantasy Romance
The story of a beauty and a beast reimagined.
Mara never dreamed of escape. Not really. How can a bird caged all her life ever think to fly? When a chance opportunity presents itself for the princess of Dunhill to flee her upcoming marriage and the cruel family that arranged it, she spreads her wings. But fate has other plans.
After narrowly surviving an encounter with the fabled Beast of the Blackwood—a dragon that stalks the forest that separates Dunhill from neighboring kingdoms—she finds herself in the unwilling company of Baron Gannon Black. He is mercurial at best, downright rude at worst.
The Black estate is teeming with secrets and the brusque baron is none too keen for Mara to unravel the mystery of the Black line. But hiding himself from the princess becomes impossible as he learns she is much more than the timid, bland daughter of the king. Can he keep her cloaked from the family that seeks to drag her back to her prison of etiquette and expectation or will her presence bring the long kept secrets of the Black family to light?
Adult scenes and mentions of abuse.
Mara never dreamed of escape. Not really. How can a bird caged all her life ever think to fly? When a chance opportunity presents itself for the princess of Dunhill to flee her upcoming marriage and the cruel family that arranged it, she spreads her wings. But fate has other plans.
After narrowly surviving an encounter with the fabled Beast of the Blackwood—a dragon that stalks the forest that separates Dunhill from neighboring kingdoms—she finds herself in the unwilling company of Baron Gannon Black. He is mercurial at best, downright rude at worst.
The Black estate is teeming with secrets and the brusque baron is none too keen for Mara to unravel the mystery of the Black line. But hiding himself from the princess becomes impossible as he learns she is much more than the timid, bland daughter of the king. Can he keep her cloaked from the family that seeks to drag her back to her prison of etiquette and expectation or will her presence bring the long kept secrets of the Black family to light?
Adult scenes and mentions of abuse.
223 pages, Paperback
Published June 8, 2022
333 people are currently reading
2365 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 17, 2022
Probably some spoilers below.
I loved this book! I hadn’t read fantasy in probably decades, and this book brought me right back to the joy of immersing myself in a fantastical realm where all manner of magic is possible. Part of it was that the author doesn’t make us wait to get to the excitement, as we’re thrown into Princess Mara’s captivity right from the start as she plods steadily forward toward a marriage she needs yet dreads.
Many of us wouldn’t take the chance that Mara takes as she flees into the forest and I’m so grateful that we didn’t have to suffer through chapter after chapter of her agonizing indecision. What is more terrifying than freedom? Apparently Mara's life as she's known it, because she finds the strength within herself to take an opportunity to escape.
All of the characters were credible and satisfying to watch as they moved through their individual journeys.
I loved Mara's internal disciplinarian, always reminding her that she could be punished, she was at fault, she should stand up straighter. We're witness to her evolution form abused daughter into the strong individual she was born to be.
I loved the understanding that passes between the baron, Gannon Black, and his dragon; the dragon knew what was right long before the man figured it out. Gannon's behavior rings so true--people often fixate on the idea of someone, a love lost, rather than acknowledging that we've made an error in judgement and need to accept it and move on.
The author handled Mara's family well. We learn that her father, the king, leads with ego and a blind eye to cruelty, but like so many sociopaths does so covertly so that most are fooled. The truth is that he not only tolerates but endorses the abuse of his child at the hands of his second wife--a pattern that is so confusing and damaging for a child. We learn that the stepmother is allowed to reign over not only Mara's behavior but her person, exercising her sadism whenever she feels Mara deserves punishment.
Even though Mara throws herself on the proverbial sword in order to save her love (a choice I normally loathe in stories because of all the self-flagellation that comes along with it), the author handles it beautifully. Mara returns to the arms of her captors but the story moves along quickly and we're not dragged through page after page of ineffectual yearning. The plot continues to be engaging.
The build of connection between Princess Mara and Gannon was satisfying and enjoyable. However I actually found Mara's admission of love to be a little premature, and I think it's because I felt there were jumps in the storyline that didn't always get explained in a way that I understood. Also I feel like Mara doesn't/couldn't know what love is yet, and I found myself wishing the author had given Gannon more doubt about the credibility of her love simply because she couldn't understand what she was saying. He had suffered at the hands of love through his own mistakes and I felt like he'd have more cynicism about her innocence instead of just lack of trust because he'd been betrayed before. The jumps in plot or scene took me out of the story just a little, but in general I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I loved this book! I hadn’t read fantasy in probably decades, and this book brought me right back to the joy of immersing myself in a fantastical realm where all manner of magic is possible. Part of it was that the author doesn’t make us wait to get to the excitement, as we’re thrown into Princess Mara’s captivity right from the start as she plods steadily forward toward a marriage she needs yet dreads.
Many of us wouldn’t take the chance that Mara takes as she flees into the forest and I’m so grateful that we didn’t have to suffer through chapter after chapter of her agonizing indecision. What is more terrifying than freedom? Apparently Mara's life as she's known it, because she finds the strength within herself to take an opportunity to escape.
All of the characters were credible and satisfying to watch as they moved through their individual journeys.
I loved Mara's internal disciplinarian, always reminding her that she could be punished, she was at fault, she should stand up straighter. We're witness to her evolution form abused daughter into the strong individual she was born to be.
I loved the understanding that passes between the baron, Gannon Black, and his dragon; the dragon knew what was right long before the man figured it out. Gannon's behavior rings so true--people often fixate on the idea of someone, a love lost, rather than acknowledging that we've made an error in judgement and need to accept it and move on.
The author handled Mara's family well. We learn that her father, the king, leads with ego and a blind eye to cruelty, but like so many sociopaths does so covertly so that most are fooled. The truth is that he not only tolerates but endorses the abuse of his child at the hands of his second wife--a pattern that is so confusing and damaging for a child. We learn that the stepmother is allowed to reign over not only Mara's behavior but her person, exercising her sadism whenever she feels Mara deserves punishment.
Even though Mara throws herself on the proverbial sword in order to save her love (a choice I normally loathe in stories because of all the self-flagellation that comes along with it), the author handles it beautifully. Mara returns to the arms of her captors but the story moves along quickly and we're not dragged through page after page of ineffectual yearning. The plot continues to be engaging.
The build of connection between Princess Mara and Gannon was satisfying and enjoyable. However I actually found Mara's admission of love to be a little premature, and I think it's because I felt there were jumps in the storyline that didn't always get explained in a way that I understood. Also I feel like Mara doesn't/couldn't know what love is yet, and I found myself wishing the author had given Gannon more doubt about the credibility of her love simply because she couldn't understand what she was saying. He had suffered at the hands of love through his own mistakes and I felt like he'd have more cynicism about her innocence instead of just lack of trust because he'd been betrayed before. The jumps in plot or scene took me out of the story just a little, but in general I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
June 11, 2024
This series is so much fun. I really enjoy the author’s writing style and the tropes in this one really hit the spot. Expect a beauty and the beast retelling, but the beast is her savior instead of her kidnapper. I’ll definitely read more of Kane’s work.
September 10, 2023
Ehhh this was fine? It was a pretty slow start and then once we meet Gannon I was hopeful for some good angst but that wasn’t the case here. I wanted more time with Gannon and Mara and instead had to deal with a war plot that I didn’t care for, and side characters that I at first didn’t mind but then I was over it.
November 23, 2024
Mara is abused but I still judge her for making stupid decisions. Gannon is kicking himself 10 years later for making other stupid decisions. They're both good at making more stupid decisions together.
August 31, 2023
Needed more dragon
April 1, 2025
It's short and easy to read, and it's just about interesting enough. Book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
The relationship between Gannon and Mara wasn't very substantial, but it was kinda cute. There was a bit of pining from his side, which was fun. From Mara, it was a bit weird? I didn't think she showed much romantic interest in him, and them one random day she says she loves him.
Then, they finally commit to each other, and she goes and makes one of the most stupid mistakes in the face of the earth. Infuriating, but since the book is so short, it got resolved really quickly, so it didn't hurt to go through it.
The brothers were kinda fun to read about. Their banter was cute but again, it's a really short book so you only get a lil glimpse of their dynamics. Surely there's more of them in the rest of the books though.
As a final thought, that weapon at the end was acquired and put into place conveniently fast. Impossibly fast, even.
Anyways, might read some more of this series at some point, cause sometimes you just need a solid popcorn book.
The relationship between Gannon and Mara wasn't very substantial, but it was kinda cute. There was a bit of pining from his side, which was fun. From Mara, it was a bit weird? I didn't think she showed much romantic interest in him, and them one random day she says she loves him.
Then, they finally commit to each other, and she goes and makes one of the most stupid mistakes in the face of the earth. Infuriating, but since the book is so short, it got resolved really quickly, so it didn't hurt to go through it.
The brothers were kinda fun to read about. Their banter was cute but again, it's a really short book so you only get a lil glimpse of their dynamics. Surely there's more of them in the rest of the books though.
As a final thought, that weapon at the end was acquired and put into place conveniently fast. Impossibly fast, even.
Anyways, might read some more of this series at some point, cause sometimes you just need a solid popcorn book.
December 28, 2024
Sucker for runaway brides and Rude barons who clearly are dumb struck by her.
Love the sacrificial theme, although idiotic a bit at this stage.
Love the sacrificial theme, although idiotic a bit at this stage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2024
i loved it just as much as the first one
July 16, 2023
Absolutely loved this! It's small so perfect if you don't want to commit but still packed with exciting goodies. Was in a reading slump until I saw this advertised on IG (I think) and finished in one sitting! Read while free on KU but might go back and buy it as it's one I can see myself re-reading. Apparently this is the second in a series however I haven't read the first and was able to enjoy this all the same.
Includes shifters (dragons), mates and a touch of royalty so pretty perfect. 😍 It does have duel POV which some don't like but I think it was done really well. Overall a well written, thoroughly enjoyable story with a touch of spice.
Includes shifters (dragons), mates and a touch of royalty so pretty perfect. 😍 It does have duel POV which some don't like but I think it was done really well. Overall a well written, thoroughly enjoyable story with a touch of spice.
July 9, 2023
Overall great
I learned of this book because of TikTok. I liked the story a great deal, my only issue was the spice felt...lacking. The writing was strong in so many places that when it finally came to the spicy part I was left disappointed. Over all definitely worth a read.
I learned of this book because of TikTok. I liked the story a great deal, my only issue was the spice felt...lacking. The writing was strong in so many places that when it finally came to the spicy part I was left disappointed. Over all definitely worth a read.
March 13, 2021
4.5 stars
Suprise, suprise, I managed to read the second book in the series, before the first, BUT, I actually found this book really easy to get into anyway. The POI swaps between the two protagonists, and I really enjoyed how I got to see and feel both of their perspectives. While the world-building and chronology was mostly great, a few times I found myself wondering how things looked and why the story had suddenly jumped a little in time, without any cues, ergo, 4.5 stars rather than 5.
So FYI, Black Heart does contain some mention of abusive situations and resultant scarring (mentally and physically), however, for me this actually made me connect more with the characters, especially Mara.
While I could wax lyrical about the story content, you could just read the blurb, or heck, even the book, and find out for yourself what happens. What I will say is, I really enjoyed this book, and I loved how the author made me feel so much emotion!
For me, I know I've found a great book when I laugh out loud, groan in anticipation, feel my stomach drop with dread, or cry for the characters, who somehow seem to have become like great friends. This was one of those books. Now, onto the first book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, which in no way sways my honest opinion or review
Suprise, suprise, I managed to read the second book in the series, before the first, BUT, I actually found this book really easy to get into anyway. The POI swaps between the two protagonists, and I really enjoyed how I got to see and feel both of their perspectives. While the world-building and chronology was mostly great, a few times I found myself wondering how things looked and why the story had suddenly jumped a little in time, without any cues, ergo, 4.5 stars rather than 5.
So FYI, Black Heart does contain some mention of abusive situations and resultant scarring (mentally and physically), however, for me this actually made me connect more with the characters, especially Mara.
While I could wax lyrical about the story content, you could just read the blurb, or heck, even the book, and find out for yourself what happens. What I will say is, I really enjoyed this book, and I loved how the author made me feel so much emotion!
For me, I know I've found a great book when I laugh out loud, groan in anticipation, feel my stomach drop with dread, or cry for the characters, who somehow seem to have become like great friends. This was one of those books. Now, onto the first book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, which in no way sways my honest opinion or review
December 6, 2024
Unlike the first entry in this series, I really quite liked this book. I think the tropes it had were enough to carry me through the fact that there was pretty much no plot. The romance was cute, so that also really hit the spot for me. The worst bit was the conflict at the end, mostly because bad things keep happening to the protagonists, and no one's capable of making a plan to figure out how to get out of the mess, but somehow things miraculously sort themselves out. It's just kind of disapointing as a resolution. I want to see the main characters have to work for the happy ending, not just suffer for the few obligatory suffering chapters and then being spat out the other side.
However, as much as I'm complaining, I did think the FL was very sweet and really liked her, and her chemistry with the ML was great too. So that, plus her learning to grow out of her shell, was enough for me to still very much enjoy this read, just with a few pet peeves here and there.
However, as much as I'm complaining, I did think the FL was very sweet and really liked her, and her chemistry with the ML was great too. So that, plus her learning to grow out of her shell, was enough for me to still very much enjoy this read, just with a few pet peeves here and there.
August 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Read it all in one sitting. I laughed, felt the nervousness and those painful heartstring pangs.
I would recommend this if you are:
- just getting into or getting back into romance fantasy
- want a standalone book with loose ends tied up
- looking for something simple but with great side characters
- protective but NOT controlling/dominating
- growth of characters
You might not get a whole sense of the world building but bear in mind that it is a standalone technically although if you read all three books in the Dragon Bride series you'll get a better feel for it.
I would recommend this if you are:
- just getting into or getting back into romance fantasy
- want a standalone book with loose ends tied up
- looking for something simple but with great side characters
- protective but NOT controlling/dominating
- growth of characters
You might not get a whole sense of the world building but bear in mind that it is a standalone technically although if you read all three books in the Dragon Bride series you'll get a better feel for it.
January 24, 2024
Enjoyable!
I loved the premise, as well as the relationship between the two main characters. The world-building was believable and rich, without going into more detail than necessary.
I had two qualms with the story:
1) The FL was a supreme idiot on multiple occasions, and didn't seem to learn from her rash behavior. This was very annoying, and was (in my opinion) a cheap way of adding drama to the plot.
2) The help given by the rulers of Calos was unbelievable and unrealistic. WHY would they assume she was "the one" for the Beast? WHY would they assume she needed/wanted help? The explanation given in the book was pretty flimsy
I loved the premise, as well as the relationship between the two main characters. The world-building was believable and rich, without going into more detail than necessary.
I had two qualms with the story:
1) The FL was a supreme idiot on multiple occasions, and didn't seem to learn from her rash behavior. This was very annoying, and was (in my opinion) a cheap way of adding drama to the plot.
2) The help given by the rulers of Calos was unbelievable and unrealistic. WHY would they assume she was "the one" for the Beast? WHY would they assume she needed/wanted help? The explanation given in the book was pretty flimsy
September 21, 2024
This isn't really that spicy, so don't go into this book expecting high heat. I read this one without reading the first book in series and was able to understand it, so it is a standalone.
The writing was overall good and I felt that it was an easy read, short and not too complicated. But it is a slow burn and at one point we skip like weeks of the angsty part of their relationship. I had high hopes for when the characters got together because some of the internal dialog of the MMC was fairly graphic, but that wasn't the case. It focuses a lot of side characters and that was fine at parts but got annoying quickly.
The writing was overall good and I felt that it was an easy read, short and not too complicated. But it is a slow burn and at one point we skip like weeks of the angsty part of their relationship. I had high hopes for when the characters got together because some of the internal dialog of the MMC was fairly graphic, but that wasn't the case. It focuses a lot of side characters and that was fine at parts but got annoying quickly.
August 1, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ I truly loved this book. I has made me laugh out loud repeatedly, and give me wet eyes a couple of times too.
It has such a classic and prim writing style, i’m eager to read more books by this author. I haven’t read the first book of the dragon bride (nor any of the authors books before) and i could follow this one perfectly.
And the ending!! It was so well written, i enjoyed it.
It’s not a 5 star because its missing the adventure that makes books a 5 star for me. And when i talk about adventure, im talking about books like “SJM” and “Crowns of Nyaxia.” But i rate this a 4.5
It has such a classic and prim writing style, i’m eager to read more books by this author. I haven’t read the first book of the dragon bride (nor any of the authors books before) and i could follow this one perfectly.
And the ending!! It was so well written, i enjoyed it.
It’s not a 5 star because its missing the adventure that makes books a 5 star for me. And when i talk about adventure, im talking about books like “SJM” and “Crowns of Nyaxia.” But i rate this a 4.5
August 18, 2023
KindleUnlimited. Skimmed a whole bunch. I wish more attention went into the characters instead of a semi violent formulatic plot
Pretty sure its the 3rd one that was originally recommended to me, but reading them in order has really taken the wind from my sails. If it's the same, I'm gonna skim probably A LOT so it won't take long, but do I reallllllllllllly want to waste reading time on basic/one dimensional characters and mild mild chemistry?
Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Pretty sure its the 3rd one that was originally recommended to me, but reading them in order has really taken the wind from my sails. If it's the same, I'm gonna skim probably A LOT so it won't take long, but do I reallllllllllllly want to waste reading time on basic/one dimensional characters and mild mild chemistry?
Ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
April 9, 2025
I liked the idea of the book a lot (a perfect: no thoughts, head empty, fantasy romance) but the relationship just left me cold. And since above all else this is a romance novel with some fantasy sprinkled in, it didn't really have something else to save it. There was almost no world building to speak off and the setting was just vaguely old timey. As soon as I finished this book I forgot like half the things that happened. Not a bad, but a an extremely immemorable read.
May 18, 2025
Honestly? I see the vision but the execution was not it.
I was hoping to see more development in Mara but all she developed was her decisions getting stupider each chapter, she ran away at every inconvenience without a plan. And the MMC always felt that she'll betray him at each turn, felt guilty for doubting her and then did it all over again.
Also, half the book was about how dark the scenery is.
I enjoyed it a bit nonetheless, would I pick it again? No.
I was hoping to see more development in Mara but all she developed was her decisions getting stupider each chapter, she ran away at every inconvenience without a plan. And the MMC always felt that she'll betray him at each turn, felt guilty for doubting her and then did it all over again.
Also, half the book was about how dark the scenery is.
I enjoyed it a bit nonetheless, would I pick it again? No.
June 24, 2025
Perfectly Magical
This story is undoubtedly has the slow-burn trope going for it, along with found family, fated love, and healing. Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, the MMC’s definitely needs a more prominent library (it’s fine, I’ll get over it). All joking aside, I really loved this story. I’m excited to read about his brother’s journey and continue living in this magical world.
This story is undoubtedly has the slow-burn trope going for it, along with found family, fated love, and healing. Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, the MMC’s definitely needs a more prominent library (it’s fine, I’ll get over it). All joking aside, I really loved this story. I’m excited to read about his brother’s journey and continue living in this magical world.
October 23, 2024
So far I've read blood Feud and black heart And I like And I like them
So far I've only read 2 of her books I really like them except for the whiny woman part Can maybe some author go in a different direction and not make the women so stupid I understand drama but that's just ridiculous
So far I've only read 2 of her books I really like them except for the whiny woman part Can maybe some author go in a different direction and not make the women so stupid I understand drama but that's just ridiculous
December 12, 2025
I still can't get over the mis-spelling of "would" to "WoOnlyuld." Wish this was better proofread. Also felt like a copy/paste of the basic plotline of the first book. Girl snatched by dragon. Girl lives with him for a bit and falls in love. Girl gets taken away/drawn back to life locked up. Rescue scene. Happily ever after. I'll be disappointed if the next book proves to be the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and ate it up in one rainy day sitting.
What's not to love, An adult fairy tale with dragons, princess, danger, a bride on the run....
loved it, can't wait for the next book.
What's not to love, An adult fairy tale with dragons, princess, danger, a bride on the run....
loved it, can't wait for the next book.
July 18, 2023
Very sweet
Story is very similar to book 1. But I don't care because I read them both in just a couple of hours!! I love the drama, the relationship, and sweet way they treat each other when they finally realize what the other means to them! Cute book
Story is very similar to book 1. But I don't care because I read them both in just a couple of hours!! I love the drama, the relationship, and sweet way they treat each other when they finally realize what the other means to them! Cute book
July 27, 2023
This book was rather simple, but good enough to pass the time on a rainy day. At first I thought there was a ton of potential, but the story wrapped up very quickly with literally nothing unexpected making it very predictable.
August 19, 2023
There was a really good book in here waiting because the characters and their relationships were adorable and it was a really interesting take on dragon shifters. Unfortunately the whole thing just felt a bit lacking on detail and a bit rushed. I wanted more time spent, more scenes, more descriptions... More! I'm still glad I read it but it just fell short of what I was hoping for.
August 21, 2023
Even Better
Ah! I loved this even more than the first! The Black family was so interesting it could be a series all its own. Such a comfy and sweet story. This author gets better with each book.
Ah! I loved this even more than the first! The Black family was so interesting it could be a series all its own. Such a comfy and sweet story. This author gets better with each book.
February 29, 2024
Rating: 2.8
I didn’t like this book that much. But I did love the epilogue. It reminded me of movies where at the end they have small clips without audio and at the bottom of the screen there’s paragraphs of updates. They always make my heart ache but in a good way.
I didn’t like this book that much. But I did love the epilogue. It reminded me of movies where at the end they have small clips without audio and at the bottom of the screen there’s paragraphs of updates. They always make my heart ache but in a good way.
April 23, 2024
did I start the second book of the series approximately 10 seconds after finishing the first one? that's none of business, thank you very much; the perfect romantasy brainrot to read instead of sleeping and/or studying
May 8, 2024
Loving these mini stories. They aren’t very deep which is perfect for me right now. I just want to be entertained with fun fairytales with predictable plots, love and happy endings and all the dragon bride books are fitting the bill.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews