Kiss of Smoke

The Dragon Lairds #1

by Amy Pennza

What was supposed to be a dream vacation just turned into a nightmare. It’s not every day you board a private jet for an all-expenses-paid trip to Scotland with your two gorgeous bosses. And it’s not every day you spot your fiancé kissing another woman across the terminal. The man I was ready to marry has been cheating on me for a year. Dumped and humiliated, the best I can do is get on the plane and lick my wounds. Fortunately, my bosses are more than willing to help…and in more ways than I ever imagined. But Lachlan and Alec can’t possibly be interested in me. They’re in love with each other…right? Scotland is cold this time of year, but these Scots are bringing the heat in ways I’m not sure I can handle. And as they continue fanning the flames, it’s clear they’ve been hiding more than their attraction to me. Where there’s smoke there’s fire. Now I have to hope I don’t get burned.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M M F, Dragons, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Why Choose

210 pages, Paperback

First published December 29, 2021

About the author

Amy Pennza is a USA Today Bestselling Author of steamy fantasy romance. After becoming a lawyer because everyone insisted writing wasn’t a “real job,” she stubbornly wrote anyway—and is delighted to have proved them wrong. She’s grateful to spend her days crafting dirty, swoony books about magic, swords, and unforgettable characters. She lives in the Great Lakes region with her husband and five children.

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Reviews

[Abbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is so cheesy and has so many plot holes…

For example, aren’t they supposed to be on a work trip? There was no work done on this trip! They go to a castle and that’s where most of the book takes place. And in the end they all just decide to stay in Scotland?! What about their business in New York? Did they just abandon it???
Next, these men are basically breeders and that’s the whole 3rd act conflict. She overhears them talk about “bonding” with her and she gets upset because she thinks they only want to be with her to get her pregnant because there are no female dragons and honestly I felt the same way. But by the next chapter there’s no discussion about that. She just forgives them and is back with them??

The rest of the books in the “series” are standalones and tbh I’m kinda bummed we don’t continue following these characters because there’s a lot of frayed threads in this story that I want answers for and I have a feeling that if I read the other books I’m not going to get my answers: like home girl has powers and that’s BARELY explored.

If I get bored or need a palate cleaner I might pick up the other books in the series for a quick read (bc this novella was less than 200 pages) and I did get a good laugh out it but I don’t feel compelled to immediately read more of this world.

[Sammy Storey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Your run of the mill fast burn shifter romance with cringy accents and cringe dialogue lol

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a steamy short story that jumps right into the action. There are dragons, drama, and lots of bedroom scenes. I liked that the relationship started with Lachlan and Alec as a couple who then took Chloe as their third. This is definitely a ménage and it was nice seeing the men have a loving relationship with each other.

Some of the drama was a bit ridiculous and just there to fill in the plot. I did like the dragons and mate parts, and the author did a great job with the passion. I wish this were longer so it could have developed the characters more, maybe given us some glimpses of the men's pasts.

[Mercedes]

dnf @ 20% …. Do I have standards now? WHO AM I

My Sodden folds
My sodden lips
My sodden sex

STEEL PIPE COVERED IN SILK 😖

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was ready to love this. It had so much potential! It was nothing but smut. I'm fairly sure the majority of every single chapter was spice. If you took out the spice, the book would probably be about 25 pages long. lol. So, if you want a book that's just flat out po*rn, this is the book for you. If you want some story with that, this is not.

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5)
Trope: fated mates
Angst: 😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Cute dragon shifter/fated mates story with a ton of steam! Chloe thinks that Alec and Lachlan, her two super hot bosses are only into each other, but they’ve been waiting for her to be free from her cheating ex before they make a move for their human mate. Almost more MM in the book than there is MMF, but I still enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be reading the next one in the series.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ⭐️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a new author for me, and the story sounded like something I would enjoy, and I’m so glad I did. I found the storyline quite simple, but the sexual side was, quite simply, HOT! The author nailed the passion, and the descriptions left me breathless. WOW. And, put simply, who wouldn’t like to be sandwiched between two hot, gorgeous Scotsmen, listening to them talk dirty to you with their Scottish brogue 🥵🥰

[kevork_1989 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25⭐️

I wanted to like this a lot more. It was super quick and easy read. It flowed quite well overall. I just didn’t find the characters all that likable. It was kind of cringey and felt like there was potential for good storyline but it was just all spice. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a lot of smut. But when it’s just all smut with actual good story potential, it’s a shame when it doesn’t deliver.

This wasn’t bad but didn’t really captivate me enough to be anything more than the rating I’ve given. Also for an MMF story the F felt really absent. It felt like it was mainly MM spice and development and the FMC was always watching. I prefer the MMF to be equal between the characters and the relationship. I don’t think I’ll bother continuing the series. As this was such a quick read it was easy to finish in one go. But if it were longer I would’ve DNF.

[Goddess’ Smut Library 🩷 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️This book was an attempt at being a fantasy romance. It was basically a poly romance between two dragons and a human, literally. They just threw in this information about the dragons and vampires, but most of the book was smut.

[✨️Rush✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this MMF, Dragon shifters book and the 🔥 so intense. I'm off to start book 2.

[Danyelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good start to a series and realistic conflict

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed a bit but overall ok

I ended up skipping some because it seemed every other chapter was just sex, it seemed to eat up the story.

Alec and Lachlan are Dragon shifter mixed with other stuff. Chloe sees her fiance kissing another women in the airport. Confronts him to find out he's been cheating for a year.

She goes to Scotland with the men and falls in love.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Either this was a good story or I'm just a complete perv. Lol!!!

Normally when I read reverse Harem books; I opt for MFM and not MMF. Never thought I would enjoy a book with swordplay involved. Who would have thought?

Chole Drexel was the Executive Assistant to Lachlan MacKay and Alec Murray who owned the largest Hedge Fund Company in the world. Chloe was given a chance to travel with her bosses to their Homeland of Scotland in what she imagined would be a dream vacation. Unbeknownst to her it would be the worst day of her life. After catching her cheating Fiancé in the airport with his girlfriend of 1 year Chloe was devastated.

Also unbeknownst to Chloe was the fact that her bosses both wanted her from the most she began working for them 3 months prior. Chloe has always been attracted to her bisexual bosses but they were simply a fantasy to her. This story was a tale of Fated Mates. Alec Murray was the Charming, Funny, Sociable one compared to Lachlan MacKay who was more Serious, Broody, Closed Off and Reserved.

While in Scotland Chloe was in for a treat. Lustful thoughts, non-stop flirting and playful banter led her where she never imagined being; in her bosses bed. Alec was onboard with claiming Chloe was their Fated Mate but Lachlan wasn't convinced that fate chose a human mate for them. Chloe was an absolute sweetheart and she made both men feel like they hung the moon. Until she learned the TRUTH!!!

I commend Chloe because it's not everyday a young woman learns that she is the Fated Mate to two powerful Dragons. Not just any dragons. Due to female dragons dying out centuries ago, Dragons of the past found mates amongst themselves but even during that pairing something was missing. As a result; the Paired/Mated Dragons of the past began to claim females of a different species. This resulted in Alec being Dragon/Fae and Lachlan being Dragon/Werewolf. This is what made them such powerful beings.

Alec & Lachlan knew that by having Chloe as a Mate put a target on her back but little did the Triad know they were in for a surprise of their own when it was later revealed that Chloe was not ordinary human. I was hoping for a little more action and maybe more character interaction with the triad and other individuals but nonetheless this was an enjoyable, quick read.

If you can get past the MM sex scenes and focus on the Friendship, Love and Adoration between the 3 lovers then you will be in for a treat. Chloe's mental monologue alone is enough to keep you smiling.

Loyalty, Honesty, Trust, Devotion, Protectiveness, Possessiveness and Love is what lead this Triad to a HEA.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Coastie Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only the 2nd book I have read from this author and I have to say that I truly enjoyed this story. This is the story of Chloe, Lachlan and Alec. Chloe is the assistant to Lachlan and Alec who are 2 of the hottest men! She has always been drawn to them, but they are her bosses and she believes they are lovers, so it’s nice to have something to fantasize about! Lachlan and Alec are not your normal, hot Scottish men, they are actually Dragon shifters who are searching for their mate. Only Lachlan doesn’t seem to be too keen on it being a human (Chloe). Lachlan has his reasons, but he is drawn to Chloe just as much as Alec is. Can Chloe change his mind and will Chloe be able to handle the secrets when they come out?

The relationship between Lachlan and Alec is one of the strongest I have read. The respect and admiration they show each other is what every couple dreams about. Throw Chloe into the mix and she is treated like a Queen. Both Lachlan and Alec are Alpha’s, but in the bedroom, Lachlan is the more dominant Alpha. The scenes were steamy and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems ARC’s and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kate V · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars!

Kiss of Smoke suffered from what is always off putting to me in MMF romances. I knew going into this, I might feel this way but I was hoping the story would surprise me. Alas, it did not.

Lachlan and Alec have this beautiful relationship they’ve spent years and years building and suddenly Chloe is thrown into the mix.

There was significantly more MM in here than MMF and virtually what felt like no MF. I was able to see the erotic relationship that Lachlan and Alec shared and Chloe felt mostly like a voyeur. I really don’t understand how Chloe even developed a true relationship with the two of them.

And the angst in here? I didn’t feel like there was enough groveling. Chloe was too forgiving and didn’t ask for enough out of their coupling. I thought she deserved more.

So was this good? Yeah it was if you’re into MMF with a heavy emphasis on MM. But I’m more interested in a polyamorous relationship that feels equal. Or just a MFM. O well.

[Readingwiththeroberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the only reason I am giving this a higher rating of a 3 is because it was such a quick and easy book to read. You didn't really have to put all that much thought into the book to enjoy it. I felt like the plot could have been so much better than it was.

[Renée Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scorching Hot, Like Dragon's Fire

This book instantly pulled me in and kept me glued to the page. I have never read a dragon shifter book before (although I have read bears and wolves) so it was really interesting to see how the author built her paranormal world.

When Chloe finds out that her fiancé has been cheating on her, her two incredibly hot bosses swoop in and carry her off to Scotland - in a plane, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Once ensconced in a beautiful old castle in the Highlands, Chloe soon discovers that there is more to her bosses than meets the eye. Not only are these two men in love with each other, but they also want Chloe. And - oh yeah, they just so happen to have other supernatural secrets. Is she ready to step into their magical world, or is she better off running away, alone?

The chemistry between these characters is so hot, I had to put down my kindle a couple times and fan myself - and I loved that. The steamier the better I say. And if you are dealing with fiery creatures such as dragons, you had better make it hot. Ms. Pennza delivered on all counts - there is also a really good love story in between all the steam, not only with Chloe and her two sexy Scottish bosses, but also between Alec and Lachlan, who have been together for years but are still searching for their elusive female mate. There was drama and a bit of danger and love scenes that I won't forget anytime soon. And the element of fate played a large role, which is another thing I love. I really loved this book and can't wait to read more from Ms. Pennza, and from this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mama's Reading List · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's fine as far as shifter reads go. It's kind of your run of the mill. My problem lies I guess with how it's marketed or what you think you're getting vs. what you actually end up reading. For starters there is no TW or Content warnings page, or even a mention of 'hey there might be something in this book some readers might not like check out the authors website for more info' or anything.

So I'm gonna do that here
TW: kidnapping, FMC being held against her will by MMCs and pregnancy loss resulting in need for medical care on page

The blurb makes it seem like she wants to go on this Scottish getaway with her bosses...sure she leaves willingly but she spends a lot of time asking to leave...which they refuse to let her...at one point literally locking her in a tower...if that's your kind of book fine but I would have liked to know going into it.

[Rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I quickly loved the characters and got pulled into this magical world. Though it was a quick read, the relationship between all the characters felt believable. The writing and pacing was very good, the sex scenes were great and i loved the communication between Lachlan, Alec and Chloe.

My only complaint would be the rushed ending, it left me wanting more.

I totally recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Florence . · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC but I really enjoyed this one! I have been really MMF books lately so a MMF book with dragons was such an easy sell for me, that sounds like everything I have ever wanted in a book. This was very hot and dramatic, which made fuck a very fun combo to read. Sadly, this one got a little too dramatic for me at time, but I really enjoyed reading it still.

I received an ARC of this book; and this is my honest opinion

[My_Strange_Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun series. I only made it 3 books in because they all followed the same formula, but I can see myself going back in later because it’s a fun concept.

Kiss of Smoke: ⭐️⭐️⭐️wasn’t the biggest fan of the dubious consent at the beginning but it got better

Dark Fire Kiss ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ might be my favorite

Kiss of a Dragon King ⭐️⭐️⭐️ this was a fun one that connected all the characters so far.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Smut over plot. The moment the story could have got interesting, it rushed past to get to more smut. Meh smut... The "Scottish" got exceptionally irritating too

[Beth Vay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridiculous and fun

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in a new paranormal shifter read. Chloe is off to Scotland with her two sex bosses after breaking up with her fiancé, who was cheating on her. Sparks are flying between the three but what will happen when she learns their secret? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and intense chemistry. I loved this sizzling MMF read.

[Elaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trigger warning would have been appreciated...

*SPOILERS AHEAD AND A TRIGGER DISCLOSURE*

Normally I would not have finished this book. But I kept reading because it had twists that didn't make sense and I was waiting for it to make sense.

There is a part where they mention that Lachlan has a big time issue with the English as an old Scotsman would have but then they go to London?! When they were supposed to be showing Chloe the highlands?

Then while in London Chloe has an emergency (a *trigger warning here for miscarriage*) And I'm assuming this is only to facilitate dragon tears? Or to give them a reason to get closer which is only alluded to not actually written out. It just felt really unnecessary bringing in a miscarriage to the story.

Don't even get me started on the whole fiance relationship blowing up and then barely even revisiting and the mom giving an ultimatum about come home or else.... yo she has to go home her two bosses/mates have a whole firm in NY! But she makes it out like "I'm never going back"?

I feel like Alec and Lachlan kinda had Chloe as an afterthought. There was a lot about the guy's relationship and spice there but barely any really with all three or with Chloe in general. Chloe showed flashes of being a strong female character but then would be so easily subdued without really a lot of discussion.

It's only at the end (kinda) that the two dragons even only focus on her.. I'm all for MM scenes but for a MFM story I kinda expected more MFM and MF.

There were also points in the story that needed a very obvious plot break because it went from a conversation to someone suddenly in a different place and without a warning. Like some books have a squiggle or a picture to show the reader we are changing scenes in the chapter - you know? and this book needed it in a few places and didn't have it.

Just felt like there were the bones of a great story with spice and it just ended up being all over the map! I did like the part with the Vampires to add some colour to the supernatural beings involved. The pieces of the plot just didn't all seem to fit well together the way it was presented.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not so good, wanted a palate cleanser but this was too rushed and had a lot of plot holes.

[Phyllis Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Love

Amy Pennza’s first book in her ‘The Dragon Laird’ series certainly has the readers and the ratings smoking hot. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I was impressed. It left me with a multitude of feelings from laughter to anger. Chloe, the main female character, is an executive assistant to two hot hunky Scottish bosses, Alec and Lachlan. It seems all Chloe can fantasize about is her bosses in compromising situations even though she’s engaged to be married in five weeks. The bosses are on their way to Scotland for a working vacation and need Chloe to accompany them. While at the airport, Chloe sees Josh, her fiancé, really lip locking one of his co-workers. Chloe’s world crumbles and tries to attack him but her bosses come to her rescue to keep her from getting into trouble. This story is an exciting adventurous romantic book that was so riveting that it was hard to put down until the very last page. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!

[Amanda Grim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very meh. The pacing...Jesus. Main character LITERALLY talks about how shee fantasized about her bosses (who she thinks are gay), finds out her fiance is cheating on her (he's somehow in the same waiting area as the terminals to PICK UP someone??? And he kisses her in public KNOWING his fiance is there?????), then making out with and FUCKING her bosses on the plane (that has a full on bed on it somehow) all within...*drumroll*...

20. Pages.

Look. I know not every book needs to be a slow burn...but come on. I know they're "fated mates" but they've waited centuries, they can keep their dicks in their pants for a tasteful amount of time.

[Marianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This author is fatphobic and doesn’t understand how most people think. I kinda think their name is a pseudonym for a cis man. Maybe it’s just that I’m a millennial but having sex with a dragon shifter is NOT the first thing on my mind when they tell me. My first “ride” is to ask if I can fly with them and/or pet them in that form. This is a really bad porn and the first round of sex is rape. No one is emotionally stable enough after that happened to the protagonist to be ok with sex at that point. On top of that, as a polyamorous cis women with two masc presenting people for partners…POLYAM OS NOT ALL ABOUT SEX!

Generally, the author needs to work on who they are.

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading bitten and bound, this was a huge disappointment. Isn’t this supposed to be a work trip? Are they just never going back to NYC? Is our FMC just never getting her stuff out of the NYC apartment? If you need a smutty novella plot cleanser then you may enjoy this one.