Archer

Solitary Dragons #1

by Minerva Howe

Archer knows he doesn’t belong in the human world. So he sticks to his cabin in the mountains outside of Flagstaff for the most part and lives the life of a solitary dragon. Except there’s this gorgeous man named Holt who pulls him down to town more often than he’d like…

Holt has no idea what Archer has done to him, but he’s going to hunt the guy down on his mountain and find out. He’s gaining weight even as he feels sick as a dog, and he wants to make sure this isn’t contagious.

Archer can’t believe he didn’t know Holt had dragon blood in him, but it’s pretty obvious now that Holt is carrying his baby. Can he convince Holt that he doesn’t want to be solitary anymore?

This title was previously a Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend novella.

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

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2023

About the author

Minerva Howe is the kinky alter ego of author Julia Talbot. Julia lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia has been published by Samhain as well as other publishing houses. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved.

Reviews

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story about a dragon and his mate. A light quick read.

[Hugo #freepalestine · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pretty cute novella about dragon and his mate and how they found each other. I just wished we didn't start too soon into their love life already. I'm surprised we already in the middle of it when I first started.

[Megan [At The Cottage]]

MM Mpreg Romance
Dragon Shifters
No rating

This is one of those YBBB’s novellas and while I got the majority of them, I thought I left any out that mentioned mpreg. Oh the horror when I realized one of the dragon shifters was pregnant. Thankfully this was only 70ish pages but I knew without reading Mpreg that this trope would NOT be my jam. I can’t even stand pregnancy or secret babies in my MF reads so in my MM ones? No fucking thank you.

But since I’ve never technically read one, I decided not to DNF it because it’s good to have concrete proof of not liking something instead of just assuming. My assumptions were correct in this case but I’ve been wrong before and now I try not to write something off until I give it a chance. For example: I assumed that because I hated the smell of curry in apartment hallways & on my co-workers clothes that I hated curry in general. I refused to eat it for years until I met my husband 12 years ago and he was like WTF how do you not like it? And then he was appalled I had never actually tried it and what do you know? I tried it and I actually fucking love it 🤦🏻‍♀️ I could have been eating it all these years! but I digress.

Anyway it’s safe to say Mpreg is not for me. Also, this story was weird because I felt like I was thrown into the middle of the book in chapter one and was supposed to know more than I did. I always wondered how Mpreg worked as well. Where does baby come out? I was thinking the butt? Oh, there’s a baby midsection mark? That makes way more sense!!! 😂😂😂 Kind of like a male C-Section. Did I mention Mpreg is NOT for me? 😂😂😂😂

I’m not rating this because it really is me not the book.

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Howe has quickly become one of my very favorite authors!

IMHO this author just keeps turning out book after book full of fun, sexiness, humor and atom of feels. Her books are always pure escapism fun!

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

This is a cute, fated mates, dragon shifter novella featuring two clueless dragons who randomly connect in the most unexpected way. There’s only a brief time of shock for Holt, who adapts quickly to his latent dragon presentation, and grows into his scales and impending fatherhood by the day. There’s another scare when a rogue dragon turns up, but there’s only a brief period of angst before the joy takes over.

Archer is fun and breezy and I could have enjoyed a bit more steam, but it’s a cool read for a lazy afternoon. This one is recommend for people who love lighthearted shifter stories without too much drama.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's definitely an interesting way to start the series. I like the idea of dragons without a big family making their own. All of the other ones we've seen in this universe have held on in groups. It gives a lot of focus on the couple and I like that.
Also love Stormy as a character. He's really neat.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was typical of the Dragon Vale world. Enjoyable, sweet, a little threat in the background, mpreg, and revealing the supernatural. I liked the characters but I feel like I would have been a bit lost if I hadn’t have read the Dragon Horde series first.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I don’t often read shifter or other beings type stories, but, sometimes I want to read a dragon story and this one was pretty good. I liked Archer and Holt. The chemistry and the heat were good and the writing was clear. I thought that their dialogue sounded like the way men would talk.
* Rereading and adding a star. It’s nice to read mates who cooperate, love, and respect each other. Then screw each other like mad. Holt and Archer are well written and the plot line makes sense.

[Stephanie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archer is a dragon who essentially lived a solitary life. Only leaving the mountain for essentials or the occasional hook up. Having a mate never entered his mind. Only strange things began to happen.
Holt could not get over the sickness he'd been dealing with for weeks. The only person he could link it to was, Archer.
Determined to confront the man who changed his life, he traveled up the mountain to find him. Only he discovered more than he bargained for.

Neither understood what was happening. Archer had no one to talk to since he didn't know any other dragons and his mothers crossed the veil many years before. Holt was adopted and his adoptive parents were also deceased.
With only one another to lean on, Archer had to break the news to Holt about what he really was and that he was pregnant. Not just over eating.

Sensing they needed help, Stormy, or as he is referred to "stalkery ginger freak" - was in the nick of time to guide them through the birth. I really enjoyed his character and hope to see him in future books.
Maybe Archer, Holt and their new baby, will come to know the other dragons we've been introduced to in previous series.

[Janice Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archer is an alpha dragon shifter living alone, but he travels to town to visit his favorite human, Holt. When Holt does not show up for their regular, albeit infrequent hook-up, he starts to worry. When Holt shows up in distress at his remote cabin, he is stunned, but very happy to see him. It turns out that Holt is in a delicate condition, and he is actually a dragon too.

This was a short, but very steamy read. I started off in the middle of a story, but it began to make sense very soon. It did fell kind of rushed and the characters were not full developed, but all in all, the story was good, and the ending was satisfying. It was interesting that in this shifter universe, the author makes use of Omega Lines. I’ve read about that in another series, so I was familiar. The chemistry between the MC’s was unbelievable hot and their connection genuine and some would say fated. I recommend this book to anyone who likes mpreg and sweet dragon mates.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archer lives alone in a mountain cabin. He knows he cannot live among humans, but there is one man named Holt who keeps drawing him off his mountain. Holt has not been feeling well since there last time together and tracks him down to find out what Archer did to him and he wants to make sure he is not contagious. Archer takes one look at Holt and realizes he has dragon blood. He is also sure that Holt is pregnant. Now to explain it all to him.

Archer enjoyed being alone as a solitary dragon but Holt calls to him. He is surprised and delighted to find that Holt has dragon blood, but now he has to convince him. Holt had no problem tracking down Archer and now that he has seen him, he knows he wants something more from Archer. These two were great together. There is a bit of a mystery as there appears to be a stalker in the area. The story was beautifully done with surprises, love and a happy ending. Short, sweet and quite complete – what more could you want!!

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short and sweet read that was part of a giveaway and now published.
This series is different to others from Minerva Howe, it being about solitary dragons whereas we're normally reading about ever expanding families and found families.
This one starts a little in the middle of their story as Archer and Holt were together six months ago and now are facing the consequences. I like how everything played out for the couple and where Archer lives, up on a mountain. His home sounds amazing, built into the mountain. I wasn't too sure on how long Archer was waiting to discuss things with Holt but it all works out for the best, even the shadow they occasionally spot overhead.
The mates aspect is well written and it's an enjoyable story that takes no time to get into. I'm looking forward to the next solitary dragon.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[rosdoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice, quick read. Archer is so adorably clueless, as is Holt, but he had an excuse. With a short story, it can be difficult to allow for much individual character development, but the author did a good job of incorporating enough about the individuals to give them a presence beyond being just one half of a couple. It is hard to pack a lot into one short story, but I like the way the author introduced a unique presence. However, I wish there had been a bit more time to show Archer and Holt’s progression from petrified to completely carefree.

I’ve enjoyed every Minerva Howe dragon story that I’ve read, and Archer was no exception. It was nice to see Archer go from a solitary dragon to a family of dragons.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my stars this is sweet and funny! Archer is a dragon who livs alone and isolated on the mountain, outside Flagstaff. He met Holt and can't get enough of him. He also feels strangely drawn to Holt. Holt is out of sorts. He's nautious, bloated and itches. He figures Archer gave him some disease. He decides to seek Archer out surprising him to find out what is going on. He made a few moves out of instinct. Once confronted, Archer guesses Holt's secret. Now the biggest dilemma is how to tell Holt about the surprises that are about to change his life. Delightful! Holt and Archer, fit like folded entertwined hands. Will Holt take the news well? Can Archer explain well? Great story. Nice start to series. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! Archer and Holt meet up in town but things will change when Archer can’t reach him. Holt will find Archer and their journey to their happily ever after will begin. There will be some bumps along the way with an unknown presence following them, Holt’s recent “illness”, and the news that Archer will give him that will change everything. In the end, they will find out who the unknown presence is and why he is there and Holt will accept the truth about himself and it will free them to live their lives together as a family.

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love dragons...this being a new series full of dragons, I know it's gonna be great. Archer and Holt beginning was kind of sketchy...a little confusing at start but once Holt found Archer, things began to move along how I would think an instalove romance would but with some added magical elements. Loved Stormy and his quirkiness and added entertainment to this romance. I just know he's gonna be a delightful addition to the series. So hopefully we will see Holt and Archer in upcoming books, if not I was happy with their romance and lovely HEA.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

an okayish story.
A short novella which the story starts after theyd already meet missing their first time met. Reading this book as a standalone. the background on Holt’s story is told the further I read.
Archer and Holt had meet 6 months ago despite Archer living in the mountains by himself.
Holt was human and didnt know he was pregnant given the pregnancy symptoms he didn’t figure it out myself.
A fast novella for a mpreg romance with a human and dragon.
I generally don’t read mpreg but i love reading this author’s books unfortunately this one didn’t do it for me mainly because the story is too fast.

[Nina Diab · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of the story drew me to this book, and I liked the characters. I would have rather seen a little of their relationship from before where the book started, but considering they'd only spent two nights together and it was summed up in a sentence, I suppose I didn't miss much. But I wish there was some character/relationship development because I didn't really feel the connection or attraction between these two. They were cute together, but it felt lacking. There was a little mystery, and Archer needing to break the news to Holt that he has some dragon blood and wasn't sick but pregnant with his baby. 3 stars.

[Annemarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the storyline, but there was a lot that I didn't like as well. Archer has been a lone dragon and because he was left at a young age doesn't get right away that Holt is his mate. The telepathy usually happens once a mate is claimed and marked, and Archer never did this to Holt. It was mentioned that Archer would be able to hear the baby, but it was Holt that said it was a boy. And where did the name Jackson come from? What kind of dragon is Holt? And Jackson? Too many questions and loose ends.

[Marruby Callaway · Rating 3 out of 5]

Facing the consequences

This was a mostly cute novella set in the Dragon Veil universe with a generally oblivious dragon and his clueless mate. The story jumps right in to the unexpected aftermath of Archer and Holt’s regular hooking up. I found myself missing the meeting and build up of their relationship where a lot of character and plot elements are set. I wish the story had been expanded before being released beyond last year’s freebie, but what is there is worth a quick read.

[Tonya Kloiber · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a quick, cute read. Somewhat insta-love, but Archer is a bit clueless, as he was left at a young age (but somehow with a ton of money?). Typical formulaic story; dragon meets mate, human discovers dragons, "What do you mean, I'm pregnant?", baby, everything is right in the world. It's a fun, easy read. However, there are still questions that don't get answered, at least to my liking. The underlying threat isn't really a threat. So, not the best read, not the worst. Honestly, it's quite typical of the books from this author that I've read. Without the interfering family in other series.

[wordsandblankspaces · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little story but not a lot of meat to the story. What was originally perceived as a threat turns out to be help instead thus negating the conflict in the story. My biggest issue was the way it was written. It's dual POV but in the third person and since both characters are male, the use of male pronouns made it very confusing. Could be better and I don't know if I'll read from this author again.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad there is more in this world.

I enjoy the Dragon Veil Universe so much and I love all the books from it. Overall I liked Archer and Holt’s story. I did feel like it was a little bit rushed and felt there were a few things missing especially the lack of a familiar. That is what threw me the most. Now Stormy interested me. I think he might be the one who can get all the dragons connected to each other. I can’t wait for more.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He may be a dragon but he knows he does not belong in the human world. He stays hidden until he is pulled to town more often because of them. It seems they have dragon blood as well. They are now putting weight on and feeling sick. They are going to go to him and demands to know what is going on. Could they be having morning sickness? How will it affect them both? Life is about to become interesting

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Arizona setting for this one and look forward to more set in this location and in this universe with dragons in it. This was also a great way to introduce the series, especially for readers new to the mpreg world as Archer has to explain things to Holt after they have been together in town and Holt starts experiencing strange physical changes. These two are wonderful together as is their HEA and the set up of future characters to get their own stories.

[Xavier Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
This was a decent short read that is available for free in the "Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend" giveaway in prolific works. There were a couple of typos but it's fine since this is a freebie.
I wanted Archer to tell Holt the truth far sooner than he did. I don't know if it's because I haven't read anything from this series yet but I didn't see the twist coming. Overall it was good.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

At the start I kinda felt like I was missing out on part of the story and had come in halfway through.
Archer was sweet but he could have worked harder to tell Holt what was happening. Though Holt being completely oblivious was strange. A guy knots you and you don't ask about it?
I loved Stormy

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all the dragon stories. Archer is a solitary dragon who travels to town for the occasional hook up. Holt, realizes something is off and tracks Archer down, not realizing he is a dragon. Together they discover the joys of dragon parenthood while falling in love. Looking forward to another dragon series by this author.

[Elzbieta Mazur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, so the thing is... I wanted to know the story I've been curious. I finished it and the story is good, but the writing not as much. The dialogs are chaotic sometimes they don't make sense for the reader. The book is missing some introduction, I feel like I've been thrown in the middle of something. I liked the characters and the steam between them.

[Julie Bedwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've mentioned that I love dragons, and I really enjoy this author's dragons. Holt and Archer are sweet together. I like that Archer seems to have a modern job and doesn't seem to be stuck in an age long passed. I could wish for the story to be longer, but I very much enjoyed it for the quick, light read it is.