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Folk Haven #3.6
Devoted to a Dragon
All Lee longs for is to return home, find his mate, and not disrupt her life. He does not long for a front-row seat to her happily ever after with someone else.
Lee fell in love with Esme when they were both teenagers, but he was unceremoniously ripped from her life and dropped in the middle of an Antarctic dragon colony. Now, years later, he has found his way back to the small magical town of Folk Haven and the harpy he never stopped loving. But he’s a different man than he used to be, inside and out. Will Esme recognize him? Will she still want him?
Or will his sudden reappearance ruin her life?
Devoted to a Dragon is a story in the Folk Haven series that takes place between book 3 and book 4. This story is a standalone romance with an HEA and NO cliffhanger.
Lee fell in love with Esme when they were both teenagers, but he was unceremoniously ripped from her life and dropped in the middle of an Antarctic dragon colony. Now, years later, he has found his way back to the small magical town of Folk Haven and the harpy he never stopped loving. But he’s a different man than he used to be, inside and out. Will Esme recognize him? Will she still want him?
Or will his sudden reappearance ruin her life?
Devoted to a Dragon is a story in the Folk Haven series that takes place between book 3 and book 4. This story is a standalone romance with an HEA and NO cliffhanger.
85 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2023
50 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Connolly
43 books1,198 followersLauren Connolly is an award-winning author of contemporary and magical romance stories. She’s lived among mountains, next to lakes, and in imaginary worlds. Lauren can never seem to stay in one place for too long, but trust that wherever she’s residing there is a dog who thinks he’s a troll, twin cats hiding in the couch, and bookshelves bursting with stories written by the authors she loves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 24, 2023
“Lee” (H) and Esme’s (h) story was heartbreaking but also a testament to their devotion to each other. The book takes place in the present day, where Lee has clearly survived something hellish but has made his way back to Esme, although he’s hiding his true identity at first. Then there are flashbacks to two decades earlier when a young Lee and Esme are in love but his parents work against them, as well as how he fought to get back to her.
Despite the long separation, neither moved on and both were willing to fight for each other. I loved their love, even if I wanted to shake Lee for his hesitations over revealing himself. Written in first person, single POV of H (which is unusual but also a great storytelling choice here I thought). No ow/om drama and they were only with each other.
The ending is HEA even if the epilogue isn’t a large jump ahead, it’s just plain that nothing will separate them again. Esme’s also a side character in the fifth book so there’s an update on her there. There’s also a small lead-in to the next book (which is my favorite of the series).
Despite the long separation, neither moved on and both were willing to fight for each other. I loved their love, even if I wanted to shake Lee for his hesitations over revealing himself. Written in first person, single POV of H (which is unusual but also a great storytelling choice here I thought). No ow/om drama and they were only with each other.
The ending is HEA even if the epilogue isn’t a large jump ahead, it’s just plain that nothing will separate them again. Esme’s also a side character in the fifth book so there’s an update on her there. There’s also a small lead-in to the next book (which is my favorite of the series).
February 17, 2023
Lovely short story about two people forcibly separated who meet 20 years later and have been waiting for the other.
August 22, 2024
They both are so dedicated to each other, like on a whole other level.
September 29, 2025
4.5. Quick and cute second chance childhood friends to lovers shifter small town romance. 🤧 I think this book could have been a full length novel, but it was great story nonetheless. 💗
February 6, 2023
Lauren Connolly is an insta read author for me, and this book did not disappoint. Lee and Esme were childhood sweethearts but his parents did not approve. When they were 18 his parents kidnapped him and brought him to Antarctica where he was forced into his dragon form to stop him from being with her because she is a harpy not a dragon. A decade later he is back in Folk Haven hoping his mate hasn’t forgotten him.
This is really cute and makes me so mad at his parents. Esme has her own business and an obsession with Bed, Bath and Bargains. Loads of my favourite characters and places make an appearance again. This is set just before Shelter for a Shifter and I might just have to reread that one next.
This is really cute and makes me so mad at his parents. Esme has her own business and an obsession with Bed, Bath and Bargains. Loads of my favourite characters and places make an appearance again. This is set just before Shelter for a Shifter and I might just have to reread that one next.
February 5, 2023
Received ARC on 2/3/2023 and read in an afternoon on 2/4/2023.
5⭐️ 2🌶️
TROPES: second chance, forbidden love, mates
FAV QUOTE: I want to devour her. And then I want to worship her.
THE GOOD: This novella takes place between books 3 and 4. I love meeting more Folk Haven residents and this time it's a Dragon and a Harpy. The story is a little sad/emotional but also lighthearted and humours. A good mix and solid characters. I swear, all these books are so cute & cozy they make me want to squeeze something adorable really hard. A great addition to this series.
THE NEUTRAL: There's 1 POV and some flashback chapters. It was well done and added to the story, just not my preference.
THE MEH: Nothing to report here :)
Author provided CW: violence, emotional abuse, physical abuse, a near-death experience, and prejudice
5⭐️ 2🌶️
TROPES: second chance, forbidden love, mates
FAV QUOTE: I want to devour her. And then I want to worship her.
THE GOOD: This novella takes place between books 3 and 4. I love meeting more Folk Haven residents and this time it's a Dragon and a Harpy. The story is a little sad/emotional but also lighthearted and humours. A good mix and solid characters. I swear, all these books are so cute & cozy they make me want to squeeze something adorable really hard. A great addition to this series.
THE NEUTRAL: There's 1 POV and some flashback chapters. It was well done and added to the story, just not my preference.
THE MEH: Nothing to report here :)
Author provided CW: violence, emotional abuse, physical abuse, a near-death experience, and prejudice
March 20, 2023
Perfect short read. It's cute and lovey with some angst.
May 8, 2023
This was so sweet and romantic! Lauren Connolly writes the best heroes.
May 9, 2023
Short and sweet
February 17, 2023
I love the world that Lauren Connolly has created in Folk Haven, Georgia and I’m always happy for another chance to visit. And this novella also has one of my favorite tropes, a second chance romance! While this is being released after book 4, it was previously included in an anthology and actually takes place between books 3 and 4.
Lee’s known Esme was his mate since they were teenagers, but his parents, obsessed with their dragon bloodline, are repulsed by the idea of their son with a harpy. It’s because of them that he and Esme have been separated for years and while can’t imagine that she hasn’t moved on, he just wants to see for himself that she’s happy and healthy. Lee’s glad to see she that she owns her own business and can’t help staying just a little longer. After all, the years – and the scars from pit fighting dragons – have made him unrecognizable from the boy he once was. And there’s no way that Esme would be better off with present-day him, right?
Told solely from Lee’s POV, there were some scenes that made me very angry at his parents but most of it felt like injecting pining and sweetness directly into my veins. Getting back to Esme has been Lee’s only goal in life for so long. It makes his pining over her even more portent. He finds a way back into her life – at least temporarily – bonding over buying throw pillows and using home store coupons. But he refuses to let her know who he is, certain that she’ll hate him for disappearing so abruptly, not that he deserves her anyway.
I think it’s obvious where this story is going, right? So while things do end up at their inevitable conclusion, I absolutely adored Esme’s response. It was unexpected and entirely perfect for the two of them.
Overall, I loved every page of this novella! Highly recommended if you like second chance romances with a twist, even if you haven’t read any of the previous Folk Haven books!
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Content notes:
Lee’s known Esme was his mate since they were teenagers, but his parents, obsessed with their dragon bloodline, are repulsed by the idea of their son with a harpy. It’s because of them that he and Esme have been separated for years and while can’t imagine that she hasn’t moved on, he just wants to see for himself that she’s happy and healthy. Lee’s glad to see she that she owns her own business and can’t help staying just a little longer. After all, the years – and the scars from pit fighting dragons – have made him unrecognizable from the boy he once was. And there’s no way that Esme would be better off with present-day him, right?
Told solely from Lee’s POV, there were some scenes that made me very angry at his parents but most of it felt like injecting pining and sweetness directly into my veins. Getting back to Esme has been Lee’s only goal in life for so long. It makes his pining over her even more portent. He finds a way back into her life – at least temporarily – bonding over buying throw pillows and using home store coupons. But he refuses to let her know who he is, certain that she’ll hate him for disappearing so abruptly, not that he deserves her anyway.
I think it’s obvious where this story is going, right? So while things do end up at their inevitable conclusion, I absolutely adored Esme’s response. It was unexpected and entirely perfect for the two of them.
Overall, I loved every page of this novella! Highly recommended if you like second chance romances with a twist, even if you haven’t read any of the previous Folk Haven books!
I received an advance review copy of this book from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Content notes:
February 5, 2023
This story again centers around the folks in Folk Haven. Sulien (Lee) Blaythorn, a dragon, has found his true love, Esmerelda (Esme) Sharpwing, a harpy. They have declared themselves mated and at the early age of 18. However, Sulien's parents take violent exception to this and whisk him away to the dragon colony in Antarctica. His father said that even mating with a human would have been preferable to mating with a harpy, whom he considers a monster. Dragons are one of the few mystics that can't just shift back and forth and once shifted to a dragon, they're locked into that shape for 40 years. Sulien's parents also join him in their dragon form in Antarctica but more to keep an eye on him and make sure he finally shifts to his dragon form, which he has to in order to survive. The colony has lots of built-in safeguards and barriers to make sure the inhabitants stay there. It's a very harsh and violent place and only the strong can survive. Sulien finally escapes (not sharing how) and returns to Folk Haven just to find out how Esme is doing. He's not expecting her to still hold onto their youthful declarations of love. He just wants to make sure she's safe and happy (or so he says to himself). So he comes back in what he thinks is a pretty good disguise but time and emotions will tell. For a shorter read, there's lots packed into this story. I wish Sulien's parents had gotten some retribution for their actions but they may in a future book. So this is another example of mythics trying to keep their heritage "pure". That kind of thinking still prevails even outside of Folk Haven and I'm pleased to see this story address it.
**ARC provided for an honest review**
**ARC provided for an honest review**
April 8, 2023
Lauren Connolly never misses good god. This book is so good. I would read a full length novel about Lee and Esme fr. Like I loved them so much.
I fucking HATED his parents tho, like spent the entire opening going "please let his dad be the person he murks tf". I can't believe he would literally rather his kid die or be trapped in agony than be happy. Like JESUS. I was so so hoping Lee'd manage to get through it without shifting. Like I know he doesn't go the entire forty years, thanks to Hotaru but FUCK. I spent this entire book wanting to fight everyone for him and wrap him in a hug and tell him it would be okay. Literally got his throat slit just to please his dad's prejudice. Poor, poor baby. At least he found good people in the Watanabe family in the long run, I fucking loved them.
Lee and Esme were so sweet and good and just AH. The love and connection they had was 🥺🥺 and I'm so excited to hopefully see more of them as background characters in future books. Everything about them was so fucking good.
Also, I know Owen was into Esme but Owen book when 👀👀 he's the only McNamara sibling we're missing now. I also really really want an Xavier book. He's so interesting.
I fucking HATED his parents tho, like spent the entire opening going "please let his dad be the person he murks tf". I can't believe he would literally rather his kid die or be trapped in agony than be happy. Like JESUS. I was so so hoping Lee'd manage to get through it without shifting. Like I know he doesn't go the entire forty years, thanks to Hotaru but FUCK. I spent this entire book wanting to fight everyone for him and wrap him in a hug and tell him it would be okay. Literally got his throat slit just to please his dad's prejudice. Poor, poor baby. At least he found good people in the Watanabe family in the long run, I fucking loved them.
Lee and Esme were so sweet and good and just AH. The love and connection they had was 🥺🥺 and I'm so excited to hopefully see more of them as background characters in future books. Everything about them was so fucking good.
Also, I know Owen was into Esme but Owen book when 👀👀 he's the only McNamara sibling we're missing now. I also really really want an Xavier book. He's so interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2023
I always love visiting Folk Haven and seeing another couple get their HEA. In this sweet novella, Esme and Lee were young and in love but his parents didn't approve because Lee was a dragon shifter while Esme was a harpy. The parents arranged for Lee to be taken away to a brutal dragon colony and locked in his dragon form, but 20 yrs later, he's finally back and just want to bask in Esme's light. If she's moved on, he wants her to be happy, but he also wants to see if there's any chance that he can reclaim her love. Lee was wonderfully devoted and truly wanted nothing but Esme's happiness. Esme was friendly but fierce. She built a full life without him, but always there was something missing. This was another great Folk Haven story and stands alone if you haven't read any of the other books.
February 16, 2023
If Ms. Connolly wrote it, I will read it. The latest romance is between high school sweethearts torn apart. There is the right amount of angst to push this compact story to a 4 star for me. I loved the characters. Lee and Esme flat out do it for me. Why? Because they both have determination and they cared not what others thought. They set a goal for themselves and singularly focused on it to make it a reality. This kind of drive will always appeal to me.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website on or after February 16, 2023.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website on or after February 16, 2023.
* I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 10, 2023
Great dragon romance
Oh wow.. this book made my heart flutter. Lee has been stuck living with the dragons in the colony for 20 years after his parents kidnapped him and forced him to change– typically its 40 years in dragon form once done, but he was able to figure out a way to get back to his human self early with some help from another dragon. He is finally able to return to Folk Haven to find out if the woman he loves is still there and if she still loves him, he hides who he is… especially since he doesn’t look much different age-wise from when he left. He knew that Esme was his mate when they were teenagers, but since she wasn’t the same species, it was majorly frowned upon. Now, things are a little different, and he realizes that she still has been pining for him, too.
Loved this book!
I received an ARC for my honest review!
Oh wow.. this book made my heart flutter. Lee has been stuck living with the dragons in the colony for 20 years after his parents kidnapped him and forced him to change– typically its 40 years in dragon form once done, but he was able to figure out a way to get back to his human self early with some help from another dragon. He is finally able to return to Folk Haven to find out if the woman he loves is still there and if she still loves him, he hides who he is… especially since he doesn’t look much different age-wise from when he left. He knew that Esme was his mate when they were teenagers, but since she wasn’t the same species, it was majorly frowned upon. Now, things are a little different, and he realizes that she still has been pining for him, too.
Loved this book!
I received an ARC for my honest review!
October 26, 2024
Bummer. I was really looking forward to this because it would be the first book I've read entirely from the MMC's povand I thought that would be fun. And it was for the most part, but it also totally lacked any development or substance. Lots of good ideas, no executions. We see the two mains interact two or three times and there's a 2 month fast forward. Then out of LITERALLY NOWHERE the FMC confesses her feelings???? She didn't even know it was him? It made zero sense, it was so out of left field. I get this is a quick novella but wtf? Terrible writing/ pacing.
This was a good idea, had good bones but unfortunately nothing came together. I did think it was sweet and honestly super sad that he was starting to hoard throw pillows. Poor guy.
2.5/5 rounding up because I'm feeling nice
This was a good idea, had good bones but unfortunately nothing came together. I did think it was sweet and honestly super sad that he was starting to hoard throw pillows. Poor guy.
2.5/5 rounding up because I'm feeling nice
February 6, 2023
Lee and Esme
This as a short story does not disappoint, I absolutely loved it.
Another great Folk Haven story.
Lee (dragon) and Esme (harpy) are not meant to fall in love, let alone become mates as they are not the same species.
Lee’s parents kidnap him and place him in a brutal dragon colony in Antartica to stop the mating. After many years Lee escapes and heads back to Folk Haven to rebuild his tattered life.
This is an emotional story of love lost and eventually found plus one man’s sheer power, determination and strength of will to overcome abhorrent obstacles in his life.
I read this story in an anthology, Dragon & Drakes.
This as a short story does not disappoint, I absolutely loved it.
Another great Folk Haven story.
Lee (dragon) and Esme (harpy) are not meant to fall in love, let alone become mates as they are not the same species.
Lee’s parents kidnap him and place him in a brutal dragon colony in Antartica to stop the mating. After many years Lee escapes and heads back to Folk Haven to rebuild his tattered life.
This is an emotional story of love lost and eventually found plus one man’s sheer power, determination and strength of will to overcome abhorrent obstacles in his life.
I read this story in an anthology, Dragon & Drakes.
February 9, 2023
I love the Folk Haven series and this is no exception. Sulien or Lee, a dragon has been in love with Esme, a harpy since they were teens. Once a dragon shifts they have to stay in that form for 40 years. When Sulien told his parents he loved Esme they took him away and forced him to turn into his dragon. Years later he has finally escaped and come back to Folk Haven to check on Esme. He still loves her but it has been years, will she still love him or has she moved on. This is a well written steamy love story with great characters and I just loved it. Excellent read.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.
February 15, 2023
Folk Haven? Yes please!
I first read this story in the Dragons and Drakes anthology, and I loved rereading it. In fact, reading any Folk Haven story always ins[ires me to reread the whole series. It was great to see a bit more of the world outside Folk Haven in this story, and to see more fantastic world building. We also got to catch up with some known characters, and see them from another characters point of view, which is always fun. This story once again showcases the beautiful loyalty and devotion that Lauren’s beta males show to their heroines. As always, I am hanging out for the next Folk Haven story.
I first read this story in the Dragons and Drakes anthology, and I loved rereading it. In fact, reading any Folk Haven story always ins[ires me to reread the whole series. It was great to see a bit more of the world outside Folk Haven in this story, and to see more fantastic world building. We also got to catch up with some known characters, and see them from another characters point of view, which is always fun. This story once again showcases the beautiful loyalty and devotion that Lauren’s beta males show to their heroines. As always, I am hanging out for the next Folk Haven story.
February 15, 2023
I’ve only read the Folk Haven series by Lauren Connolly, but I’ve loved them all. I’d never really read paranormal romance before this series, but after reading them, I started diving more into the genre.
This is a quick novella (~60 pages of actual story), and I really enjoyed it. Eden has been a secondary or background character in other books, so it was really nice to see her story and her reunion with her mate. I loved Lee’s devotion to Esmeralda and all he did to get back to her after shifting. For a really short novella, it’s got everything you’d want - a little spice, a little plot, and a whole lot of warm, fuzzy feelings!
This is a quick novella (~60 pages of actual story), and I really enjoyed it. Eden has been a secondary or background character in other books, so it was really nice to see her story and her reunion with her mate. I loved Lee’s devotion to Esmeralda and all he did to get back to her after shifting. For a really short novella, it’s got everything you’d want - a little spice, a little plot, and a whole lot of warm, fuzzy feelings!
February 14, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
This was so cute and adorable. The characters are just so loveable and sweet; he is a total simp that would do anything for her. The way they were childhood sweethearts separated by his awful parents only for him to find his way back from hell to be with her again - perfection. 😍
🩵 Harpy and Dragon shifter
🩵 Quick read
🩵 Incredibly cute
🩵 Little dash of spice
🩵 Fated mates
* You do not need to read the other books in the series to read this. I recommend them all because I've enjoyed each one, but even I haven't read them in order.
This was so cute and adorable. The characters are just so loveable and sweet; he is a total simp that would do anything for her. The way they were childhood sweethearts separated by his awful parents only for him to find his way back from hell to be with her again - perfection. 😍
🩵 Harpy and Dragon shifter
🩵 Quick read
🩵 Incredibly cute
🩵 Little dash of spice
🩵 Fated mates
* You do not need to read the other books in the series to read this. I recommend them all because I've enjoyed each one, but even I haven't read them in order.
August 13, 2025
This second chance romance was so unique, with a couple forcibly separated as teens and fighting to get back to each other for twenty years. It just happens that one is a dragon and the other is a harpy.
I love this series, and getting some disability rep from Lee (his throat was damaged when he was a dragon and he has a large scar and an impacted voice) was great. Coming back home in disguise and getting close to Esme to see if he still has as place in her life makes a great forced proximity arrangement, and I loved it all.
I love this series, and getting some disability rep from Lee (his throat was damaged when he was a dragon and he has a large scar and an impacted voice) was great. Coming back home in disguise and getting close to Esme to see if he still has as place in her life makes a great forced proximity arrangement, and I loved it all.
February 15, 2023
I enjoyed this short and sweet stand-alone Folk Haven novella. Lee is an adorably doting dragon shifter that would do anything to get back to his harpy mate after he's torn away from her by his own parents. The characters are both strong, likeable people who immediately make you root for them. I can't wait to see what's next in the Folk Haven series and really hope Morgana gets her HEA soon! I received an advanced copy for my honest review.
February 4, 2023
The Folk Haven series never disappoints and Devoted to a Dragon is evidence of that. The backstory was heartbreaking and really puts the couple's story into perspective. Such a sweet couple who makes you feel all the feels. A perfect story when you're in need of a pick-me-up!
Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
Special thanks to the author for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.
February 4, 2023
Come back to Folk Haven, where the mythical live in peace. Or so we hope. Lee is a teenage dragon in love with a Harpy but his parents don't agree with it. They step in to tear this couple apart. But will love prevail?
This is another great love story, a standalone HEA in the Folk Haven stories. If you have read all of the others or none of them, you will enjoy this one.
This is another great love story, a standalone HEA in the Folk Haven stories. If you have read all of the others or none of them, you will enjoy this one.
February 17, 2023
This was a story of a dragon and a harpy that fall in love and are mates but his family isn’t going to let it happen. They kidnapped him and sent him far away and held him there for years. But he escaped after several years and returned to rebuild his life. Can he find his mate and rebuild it with her? Will he forgive his family? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 21, 2023
This is a great short story/novella in the Folk Haven series. Lee goes through quite a lot to escape from the dragon colony and return to Esme but he has changed so much she doesn’t recognize him. It’s complete with a nice HEA.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
March 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this! It was a great, short read, and I think it was so refreshing to read a book from the MMC POV. In other books, you can get dual POV, but to have the whole thing be from his POV was great. I think I got this on a Stuff Your Kindle Day and wasn't totally sold on the series, but I think this did it for me. I'm ready to go grab the rest of them and read more about Folk Haven!
February 12, 2023
This is a great short story about about a young couple finding True Love and families tearing them apart. I takes many years but they do fin each other again, and that makes me just love this story! Great Story and True Love Wins!!! No Spoilers!
February 14, 2023
This wonderful novella is part of the Folk Haven series. The love Lee and Esme have for each other knows no bounds. Lee went through so much to get back to her. The story was powerful, heart wrenching and full of love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews