Dark Embers (Dragon's Heat #1)

Apr 26, 2011 Mel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book, dragons, pnr

It's not often that I start a book with little to no expectations and end up so engrossed in it that I'm up until 1:30 AM just because I wanna finish it. Once I started Dark Embers, I did not want to put it down. My brain is half fried and I'm sure I'm gonna be pretty useless at work today but oh well. I finished the book and I'm glad I stayed up.

Dark Embers is the first book in Tessa Adams' Dragon's Heat series. Dylan MacLeod, a shape-shifting dragon and King to his clan is worried and scared b...more It's not often that I start a book with little to no expectations and end up so engrossed in it that I'm up until 1:30 AM just because I wanna finish it. Once I started Dark Embers, I did not want to put it down. My brain is half fried and I'm sure I'm gonna be pretty useless at work today but oh well. I finished the book and I'm glad I stayed up.

Dark Embers is the first book in Tessa Adams' Dragon's Heat series. Dylan MacLeod, a shape-shifting dragon and King to his clan is worried and scared because many of the dragons in his clan are dying off. They have contacted a mysterious disease and he doesn't know what to do about it. His healers have researched the disease and still don't know what's causing it or how to stop it. His last resort? Going into the human world and locating a specialist who might be able to help him and his clan. What he doesn't expect is how both he and his dragon feel when he locates the doctor.

Phoebe Quillum is a bio-chemist who has spent her life desperately researching a cure for Lupus; the disease that killed both her mother and sister. She is so engrossed in her work that she has no time for anything else only to find that after years of research the university she works for is pulling her funding. Just when she thinks her chances of keeping her lab open are nonexistent Dylan walks into her lab seeking her help. Soon she finds herself thrust into a world she doesn't understand with an intense desire to comfort and help a man she barely knows. She knows that Dylan isn't being completely honest with her. She knows that his clan is different; their blood isn't exactly human. What does she have to do to get Dylan to trust her enough to share his secret with her?

Dark Embers was an amazing read from beginning to end. I really liked the characters, the world that was created was very intriguing, the big reveal of Dylan shifting into dragon was beautifully written and the sex was smokin' hot. Guess it's to be expected with a 6'6, drop dead gorgeous, alpha male dragon-shifter. I can't wait to get started on book two.(less)

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Sep 13, 2010 Rebecca rated it 5 of 5 stars

Occasionally i use this phrase 'perfect book' when I'm reviewing something I've read. This book gets that qualification. It has everything. A hot hero, a spunky, supersmart heroine, dragons, blood feuds, biological warfare...wait, did I just say biological warfare? Yes, I did. Trust me, you won't be sorry to have read this. I love the world Tessa Adams created. Read this.

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Aug 02, 2011 Sarah rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

AWFUL

If you want a good story, with kick ass characters, then read Blood Bonds by Adreinne Wilder or Stormwalker by Allyson James.

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Dec 14, 2012 Liza Lara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Read Tessa Adams's posts on the Penguin Blog.

A new erotic paranormal series, starring dragon shapeshifters, kicks off with a very sexy debut...

Prince Dylan MacLeod is one of the last pure-blood dragon shape- shifters-and ruler of a dying race, the Dragonstar clan. It falls to him to protect his people and their ancient magic. But he has one important duty: to provide an heir...

Like all dragons, Dylan, who has a dark, rampant sexual appetite, can only procreate with his destined mate-f

...more

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Jul 14, 2012 Kylie Griffin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-romance, paranormal-romance, dragon-shifters, magic

I've had DARK EMBERS sitting on my TBR pile for a while now - the cover initially attracted me - the background setting, colours and hunky guy were a nice combination - and the fact it had dragon shapeshifters sold me on the story. It was something different from the popular vampires, werewolves and cat-shifters.

One of the stand out parts of this story for me was the plot - the idea of a genetically engineered disease as awful and devastating as Ebola and the mystery surrounding it on how it was...more I've had DARK EMBERS sitting on my TBR pile for a while now - the cover initially attracted me - the background setting, colours and hunky guy were a nice combination - and the fact it had dragon shapeshifters sold me on the story. It was something different from the popular vampires, werewolves and cat-shifters.

One of the stand out parts of this story for me was the plot - the idea of a genetically engineered disease as awful and devastating as Ebola and the mystery surrounding it on how it was only affecting the Dragonstar Clan kept me reading on.

The death scene of Dylan's niece in the first quarter of the book grabbed me even though I had no real connection with any of the secondary characters (as they were just being introduced).

I really liked how Ms.Adams didn't shield the reader or gloss over the devastating effects of the disease, it really added to the tension and suspense in the plot and it also added depth to Dylan's anguish, emotional turmoil of dealing with what he sees as another failure on his part and wondering how his Clan will ever find a cure and survive.

Another stand out was the world-building. While the time is contemporary, the way the dragon clans are constructed and exist within our world and the centuries of history they possess really interested me. What I read of their history and gleaned fro the characters made me want to know more about the clans, their magic, their history/wars and so on.

If I had one critical comment to make, it would be concerning the past rivalry between the Dragonstar and Wyvermoon. It was explained and it helped drive the plot forward but other than the couple of scenes where Wyvermoon dragons infiltrated Dragonstar territory (and I loved the first fight scene between them) the rivalry seemed a little too distant. I would have liked to seen more of them within the plot, to give it that edginess and tension, the "oh crap, I'm really worried about the characters and the upcoming conflict.

The scene where Dylan rescues Phoebe from the leader of the Wyvermoon Clan seemed a little too "2D villain" and left me feeling a little disappointed. I suspect it was because of this distancing effect.

I really liked Phoebe and Dylan as characters - both were strong, intelligent and flawed. I was engaged by their personalities and the choices they made.

If you like erotic romance then there were plenty of scenes hot enough to scorch. The romance developed logically and believably, although I was a little surprised at how overwhelmed Phoebe was every time she made love with Dylan and I wasn't too sure that I liked what transpired in one of the last sex scenes. I understood what the author was trying to achieve but I don't quite feel the resolution was dealt with the best it could have been. It felt under dealt with and I think the characters and readers were cheated somewhat because of that.

The final stand out for me were the secondary characters and their loyalty towards their Clan and to Dylan. There was an evident bond as soldiers to their leader and close friendships between people. I enjoyed getting to know Dylan's sentries and look forward to reading their stories in the series.

Overall impression - a good read with a few little niggly issues but nothing to make me not want to read the next book or two in the series. I look forward to seeing how Ms.Adams continues to world-build her dragon clans and the conflict between them.

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Aug 11, 2011 Vashti rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: erotic romance paranormal fans

When I found out that this is the pen name of Tracey Wolf,was so excited to read this book.Well I was not disappointed.The book moves at a fast and sexy pace which I happen to enjoy.Dylan is a Dragon who is king of his clan.Members of his clan are dying of an automuine diseae of unknown origins,inc his sister and niece are affected.There seems to be no cure or cause in site.Enter the h,Phoebe,who is a biochemist and doing research into autoimmune diseases ,in particular Lupus which took the live...more

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Jul 21, 2011 Sandy M rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, paranormal, shapeshifters, dragons

Well, I’ll get it out in the open first thing. I’ve wanted to read this book because the cover caught my eye. I mean, come on. What healthy female wouldn’t like this cover, for heaven’s sake? I didn’t even bother checking to see what the book was about beforehand. I had the chance to pick it up, so I did, no questions asked. Then I found out it’s dragons.

And then as I got into the story, no doubt about it, this is my kind of book. Total alpha hero, intelligent (throughout the story too!) heroine...more Well, I’ll get it out in the open first thing. I’ve wanted to read this book because the cover caught my eye. I mean, come on. What healthy female wouldn’t like this cover, for heaven’s sake? I didn’t even bother checking to see what the book was about beforehand. I had the chance to pick it up, so I did, no questions asked. Then I found out it’s dragons.

And then as I got into the story, no doubt about it, this is my kind of book. Total alpha hero, intelligent (throughout the story too!) heroine who stands up to him, different and unique storyline, great secondary characters — and DRAGONS! — I love every word.

Having the King of the Dragonstars thrust upon him after the deaths of his parents and brother, Dylan had done his best to lead his people and keep them safe. But he’s failed. At least in his mind. His sister has also just died of a mysterious illness that has struck his clan, taking so many loved ones away, and he’s determined to find a cure but so far all research as been for naught.

He’s learned of a human scientist who’s been working on a cure for lupus. She’s dedicated and she’s focused, doesn’t stop until she has her answers. So overriding his clan’s concerns about involving humans, Dylan heads for Harvard, where he won’t leave without the woman in tow. He needs her more than his ancient alma mater does.

Phoebe and her research have just gotten the axe at Harvard. No more grants to fund her studies. Now it’s up to her to find another university or corporation who will help, but it’s too late in the year, all moneys have already been earmarked. Then in walks a stranger who at first scares her silly but who then piques her curiosity and her libido.

Dylan makes Phoebe an offer she can’t refuse, and she finds herself in New Mexico, given free rein in a spectacularly equipped lab. But she knows something’s not quite right after running tests on Dylan’s people. She just can’t put her finger on what it is, and Dylan so far has evaded her questions.

Needless to say, Dylan is hesitant to tell Phoebe about him and his inner beast. He’s been hunting for eons for his mate to secure the royal bloodline of his clan, but all female shifters he’s loved and left have not been his destiny. His attraction to Phoebe is immediate and fierce, especially to his dragon, who claws and tears at Dylan to escape to get his hands on the woman.

Phoebe at first is, of course, very doubtful of Dylan’s claims, but when he shifts before her into a beautiful, strong, and lethal predator, she wonders what else otherworldly could be out there. Riding on Dylan’s back through the New Mexico night is an experience she’ll never forget once she returns home.

Geez,I could go on and on because so much happens in this book, and I haven’t even mentioned the love scenes yet. It’s hot. And then some. Very powerful and very explosive between these two. One touch and both of them are lost for the moment until sated. Ms. Adams does a great job of describing Dylan’s dragon as it tries to get to Phoebe. That dragon is the only one who figures out Phoebe is Dylan’s mate. Smart beast.

Of course, there is an enemy clan and once they’re introduced, all hell breaks loose. There’s emotion galore throughout this book, all culminating at the end when things really go wrong and Dylan finally takes matters into his owns hands for him, not his clan.

I’m very anxiously awaiting the next book in this series. All characters I’ve met so far will make fantastic heroes. If you like dragon shifters, go get this book. Now!

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com (less)

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May 05, 2011 Mouse rated it 2 of 5 stars

Rating: 2.5

I bought this book because I thought the cover was hot. Then I went to Goodreads to check out the reviews. One person said she disliked it because there was an overabundance of sex. Well, that was pretty much an endorsement for me! I ponied up the $9.99 (way to much for a romance ebook!) and bought it.

Dark Embers had a lot of structural problems. The most annoying was that there were a lot of inconsistencies when people stood, sat, were dressed, etc. Someone would be standing, then th...more Rating: 2.5

I bought this book because I thought the cover was hot. Then I went to Goodreads to check out the reviews. One person said she disliked it because there was an overabundance of sex. Well, that was pretty much an endorsement for me! I ponied up the $9.99 (way to much for a romance ebook!) and bought it.

Dark Embers had a lot of structural problems. The most annoying was that there were a lot of inconsistencies when people stood, sat, were dressed, etc. Someone would be standing, then they'd be sitting... then two sentences later they'd take a step forward! It was almost as confusing as clothes melting into the ether. Don't know about you, but I've never had clothes disappear during sex just because I was horny. :P

Speaking about disappearing clothes, it really irritated me that there was no explanation about how the shift to dragon happened. What happens with the clothes? Sometimes they reappeared. Other times they didn't! Crazy. I'd hate to be a dragonshifter and not know when I changed to human if I'd be dressed or not.

The plotting was a mess. There's no two ways about it. While, essentially, the book was about a virus being introduced by another clan, the plot made no sense! It was all over the place, not sequential and had no suspense.

The worst part was the relationship between the main characters. There was absolutely no building of the love between them. What made it worse, though, is the STUPID reaction he has to her near the end. I won't get into that because it's a spoiler, but let's just say I was screaming, "HE'S A DOUCHE, DUMP HIS SORRY ASS!" Sadly, she didn't listen to me. She was in lurve.

The sex got kind of squicky. I mean, there's a line you don't cross. I'm thinking turning your male MC into smoke and then having him essentially turning his entire smoke-essence into a penis and screwing her with it is pretty much on the other side of the line. I guess I kept picturing his head and shoulders inside her vagina -- which is essentially was what happened -- and that wasn't a pretty image for me.

And then there's the price. For $9.99 I expect a LOT. I at least expect there to be a plot, synced movement and good sex. Or at least -- God, at the very least -- make me laugh. This book did none of that.

The most frustrating part is that this could have been a really good book. Adams is not a bad writer and the idea is actually pretty solid. It was the execution that killed it.(less)

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Sep 12, 2010 Mspink rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This is a wildly sexy and fast paced book. Lots of layers and fantastic secondary characters. A great start to what will, no doubt, be an awesome series. I like this author's style. This amazing world of dragon shifters and their special abilities just sucks you in. It was also incredibly emotional, especially early on when they are struggling with the "virus" attacking their people. The author did not hold back on the pain and grief these characters had to endure.

***This is a very spoilery comm...more

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Sep 08, 2010 Sobia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Dark Embers is one of those books that sounds like it'll be a really really good new para series...and then when it doesn't deliver, we feel twice as let down (I blame G.A Aiken and Cynthia Eden and their awesome para folk who make us readers so desperate for new and exciting PNR stories that we forget not everyone is as amazing as they are so we start new series/authors with expectations far higher than they should be.)

The writing was well done, it's the story that made this impossible to like...more

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Aug 04, 2010 Tina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: alpha-male, erotica, dragons, magic, paranomal-rom, shifters

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 01, 2010 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dark Embers by Tessa Adams
Paranormal Romance -July 6th, 2010
4 stars

Dark Embers is quick, light read with tons of sexy scenes. In this fascinating paranormal series readers are introduced to the long-lived Dragon shifters with extraordinary powers.

Dragonkind are an ancient and powerful race of shifters who transform into dragons. Dylan MacLeod is the ruler of the Dragonstar clan. Dylan has always felt in control and command, but now he feels helpless because his clan is dying. A strange and m...more Dark Embers by Tessa Adams
Paranormal Romance -July 6th, 2010
4 stars

Dark Embers is quick, light read with tons of sexy scenes. In this fascinating paranormal series readers are introduced to the long-lived Dragon shifters with extraordinary powers.

Dragonkind are an ancient and powerful race of shifters who transform into dragons. Dylan MacLeod is the ruler of the Dragonstar clan. Dylan has always felt in control and command, but now he feels helpless because his clan is dying. A strange and mysterious illness has fallen over his clan. And the latest casualty has been the most painful; his beloved sister has just contracted the disease. Dylan knows her disease will follow a tortuous death. One that will paralyze her body and cause internal bleeding until she finally dies. For ten long years Dragonstar healers have been unable to find a cure, and Dylan knows he must do something radical and break with tradition. Dylan has decided to go outside of his clan and into the weak human world to find a healer. There he finds the strangely attractive bio-chemist Dr. Phoebe Quillum. In Phoebe Dylan finds hope that a cure can be found before his clan wastes away.

Phoebe is disheartened and desperate. She has just discovered that the funding for her research has been pulled. Now she knows she will never find the cure for the disease that killed her mother and her sister. But a strange and hugely attractive man suddenly crashes into her lab and demands she work for him. Phoebe thinks he is crazy, but Dylan promises her millions if she can find an antidote. Tempted by his money, Phoebe is cautious. Who is this enigmatic man? And why is he pressuring her to conceal his need for help? But Phoebe knows Dylan’s money is her only hope to finish her own research. She finally agrees to accompany him to his beautiful desert stronghold in New Mexico. There she finds mystery and wonder that will both challenge her and free her, if she is willing to take a chance.

This was the perfect summer read. It was a fast and fun book that quickly caught my attention. The suffering as the disease’s impact devastates the clan made for intense reading. But the revelation behind the disease’s origin was a little predictable. The sexual tension between Dylan and Phoebe is scorching. Most of the scenes are actually between the two main characters. I was so impressed by this new world I actually wished the author had spent more time on the other intriguing characters and the details of Phoebe research for the cure. This book packs a couple of surprises, and I can’t wait for the author to fill in more gaps about the dragon society and the other clans in upcoming books?! I would really like to know more about the dragons, how they live and how they shift. I would also enjoy knowing more about Dylan's history as the last royal of his line.

Dark Embers is a romance that will capture your imagination. The hero is smokin' HOT! And this book is a sure fire hit!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

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May 13, 2013 Melissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. as far as erotica go, this one was pretty good. i thoroughly enjoyed the concept of transformation and shape-shifting, as well as the setting and the complex personality of dylan.

however, i feel as if the author payed little attention to detail with describing physical features and appearances, i.e. people. i also feel as if little attention was payed to dylan's house, as well as various other buildings, particularly the laboratory, and the actual town or whatever the clan lived within. i also f...more as far as erotica go, this one was pretty good. i thoroughly enjoyed the concept of transformation and shape-shifting, as well as the setting and the complex personality of dylan.

however, i feel as if the author payed little attention to detail with describing physical features and appearances, i.e. people. i also feel as if little attention was payed to dylan's house, as well as various other buildings, particularly the laboratory, and the actual town or whatever the clan lived within. i also felt the author's detail in the actual story-telling of the plot was weak, and the kidnapping of phoebe near the end lacked total description and i felt as if it was highly cheesy. prince charming rescues her, she magically shape-shifts and saves him, all before escaping save-and-sound. seriously? that was highly anti-climatic.

not only this, but the concept of having a cave as well as an actual home was confusing, and i found it pointless. initially, i imagined the whole clan living in a system of caves, when i realized they actually lived in a city. how utterly confusing is that?

further, aware of the fact this was indeed a romantic erotica, i felt there was too much sex. yes, people can have a ravenous sexual appetite, and yes, the mythical dragon may have one, too, however is it really necessary to give your character an erection every chapter and have sex with his partner just as often? i was also deeply disturbed by how easily phoebe had forgotten about dylan's little outrage near the end, resulting in him practically abusing her. i believed phoebe reacted promptly, but if i were her i wouldn't have forgotten - nor forgiven - so easily after that. even when i had finally thought she would stand up to him and show him the pain he had caused her, i was disappointed. i was actually pretty surprised to see such a strong, female character.

the above reasons are the only variables that kept me from choosing four stars for this book. sorry, tessa, you need to work on your characters a bit more.(less)

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Jan 09, 2011 Steph rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, series-ongoing, 2011-favorites, featured-favorites, author-웃, series-i-love, dragons-r-us, series-book1

Dark Embers was a great intro into a hot, new dragon-shifter series. I loved it! Part of it was a bit predictable, so that kept it from being a full 5★s for me, but otherwise it was a deliciously sexy read.

We are introduced to bio-chemist Phoebe Quillum who is working hard to find a cure for lupus, the disease that took her mother and sister. But, Harvard has just notified her that they are having to cut back, her grant is ending. In New Mexico, Prince Dylan MacLeod, the last pure-blood dragon-...more

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May 18, 2013 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

When an unfathomable disease attacks certain members of the Dragonstar dragon shifters, King Dylan heads to a premier medical researcher and offers her millions to come to his clans New Mexico residence. Upon her arrival it is learned that Dylan's niece has contracted the deadly disease and lives Dylan and all others who knew her in a state of devastation. Having arrived in time to oversee the final moments of such and outgoing, lovely teen, Dr. Phoebe Quillum rolls up her sleeves and gets down...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Joy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Joy by: Vikisha

Shelves: paranormal-romance, ebooks, erotic-fiction, shapeshifters, dragons

This was recommended to me and I was anticipating something more fun and exciting. I didn't mind the medical-related thing but I found it a little short of the mark.

I thought it was a simple story about a son who failed his family, and is now facing a dilemma of finding a mate to continue his line, but he has more pressing matters to worry about such as the mysterious disease killing his clan members one by one, especially his closest relatives.

He sought out Phoebe and of course there's the inst...more

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Jan 17, 2012 Samantha rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: here-there-be-dragons, genre-paranormal-romance, disturbing-relationship, trope-captive-heroine, full-consent-is-important-damn-it, abusive-love, hero-is-an-overbearing-asshat, heroes-i-want-to-punch, heroine-is-a-doormat, no-does-not-mean-yes, shifter, snore-fest, somethings-squicky, wtf-am-i-reading

Dylan MacLeod is the leader of a clan of dragon shifters. Lately, members of his clan have been dropping like flies due to a mysterious disease. Desperate to save his people, Dylan decides to seek out human aid. His quest leads him to Dr. Phoebe Quillum, who is one of the top researchers looking for a cure to Lupus.

After receiving news that her grant money has been pulled, Phoebe is on a tight time constraint to finish up her research before money runs out. While in the middle of searching for...more Dylan MacLeod is the leader of a clan of dragon shifters. Lately, members of his clan have been dropping like flies due to a mysterious disease. Desperate to save his people, Dylan decides to seek out human aid. His quest leads him to Dr. Phoebe Quillum, who is one of the top researchers looking for a cure to Lupus.

After receiving news that her grant money has been pulled, Phoebe is on a tight time constraint to finish up her research before money runs out. While in the middle of searching for funding, Phoebe is approached by Dylan. He's willing to pay her 3 million dollars to search for a cure to the disease killing off his people. At first, Phoebe is hesitant, but the combination of the thrill of researching a new disease and having enough money afterwards to continue her own research is too much temptation for her to resist. With reluctance, she agrees to Dylan's terms.

This was a really difficult book for me to get into. While the base story was interesting, the relationship between Dylan and Phoebe was kind of boring. Those two just didn't have very much personality and their background stories were hinted at but never really fleshed out within the book. This made Dylan's reluctance at wanting to keep Phoebe frustrating. Especially, when there was nothing given to show why he was so hesitant. For her part, Phoebe was a fairly interesting character. She was smart with her actions and didn’t let people push her around. However, I didn't appreciate her being punished for using a cool head in various situations. In fact, the climax of the story that was supposed to be her "big betrayal" just pissed me off. She acted smartly, and Dylan goes into a rage over it.

This brings me to my biggest problem with the book. The last sex scene is basically a rape scene. Read the spoiler for an explanation of the scene. (view spoiler)[Dylan is pissed at Phoebe for not telling him that she had speculations that another clan was the one killing off his dragons. She didn't say anything because she wanted proof before claiming something that may begin a war and put a ton of lives at risk. Smart, right? Instead of seeing this, Dylan blows up. He forcibly drags her to another room hurting her in the process. Then later that night comes back and finds Phoebe basically asleep. He’s still angry and decides to have sex with her. At first she’s with him, but then she changes her mind because his mood is too violent for her. That’s when this happens,

“For the first time, pain pierced the haze of pleasure that surrounded her, and again Phoebe struggled to get away. But he held her to him, careful not to hurt her despite his violent emotions and the heavy thrusts that brought him fully inside her…. The need to orgasm rose again, sharp, and insistent, and she tried to fight it. She didn’t want it—not like this. Not when Dylan was so angry with her…. But he didn’t give her a choice, and eventually her body betrayed her…. When it was over, he pulled out almost instantly and rolled away from her with a groan. He was asleep within moments, but she spent the rest of the night staring at the ceiling, tears leaking slowly down her face for all that they had found and lost” (271)

Then, to really drive it home,

“When she finally climbed out of bed the next morning, Phoebe was stiff, uncoordinated. Her body felt used, and not in a good way. She turned on the shower and then stared at herself in the mirror—at the marks Dylan had made on her last night, with his passion and his rage. There was a large bruise on her right shoulder from where he’d bitten her, a scratch on her right hip… Bruises ringed her wrists from where he’d kept her hands pinned against the bed…. She closed her eyes, barely able to look at the destruction- of her body and their relationship.” (272)

And one more disturbing quote about Phoebe’s emotions afterwards,

“…last night hadn’t been about desire or need or love or even hate. It had been about rage, about a fury so deep the only way he could express it was physically.” (272) (hide spoiler)]

This scene completely killed the book for me. The number one thing that I cannot stand in books is rape scenes written under the guise of angry sex. What really pisses me off is that after this, the scene is never brought back up. It happens, the story moves on. What was the point? Dylan was just decimated as a likeable person. I don’t give a flying crap if he later saves her ass. I don’t care if he later saves the entire freakin’ world. If I hadn’t almost been done with this book, I would’ve put it down after that scene. But since there were about 50 pages left, I chugged on and just ended the book extremely pissed off.

A lot of people have enjoyed this book. I can see why, Adams has a smooth writing style. And her plot is fairly well fleshed out, which I haven’t really seen in a lot of the other paranormal erotics I’ve read. But that last 25 percent of the book… just cannot do it.

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Apr 26, 2012 ThatOldCat rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: shapeshifter, unlikable-hero, erotica

I've had a good streak of books lately, Guild Hunter series, Dragon Kin series, and even a good ol Heros series which had next to none of sex, but a decent world and interesting characters that kept me devouring page after page.

Then I read this.

Compared to all the other books I've read in my latest feeding frenzy, this book was astonishingly...bland. I didn't care about a single character. My curiosity about Phoebe was done before she even left Harvard for New Mexico. I suppose it's my fault fo...more

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Jul 15, 2010 Tori smexys_sidekick rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, review-for-smexybooks

3.5 stars

Favorite Quote: "He wanted to dominate her, hadn't been able to stand the thought of her saying no."

Had Prince Dylan MacLeod listened to his father he would have his mate and locked into his powers. But he didn't. So now he uses his time and dark sexual appetites to search for his destined mate. His search is put on hold as a deadly disease sweeps through his people killing them off. He finds he has to venture into the human realm to find a cure. There he meets Phoebe Quillum-a biochemi...more

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Nov 30, 2011 E. rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotica, paranormal

Dragon's Heat Novel #1, Phoebe Quillum is a scientist who is attacking the problem of lupus from a biochemical aspect, after having her own family destroyed by the insidious disease. Dylan MacLeod is the king of the Dragonstar clan of dragon shape-shifters which is being decimated by a mysterious disease that overrides the traditional immunity that dragons are gifted with. Dylan convinces the stubborn biochemist to accompany him to his home in New Mexico but is reluctant to admit that he, one of...more

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May 24, 2011 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It was a rather quick paranormal erotica. It was hot and steamy and had a plot to go along with it. Dylan needs help, he is the king of his dragon clan and they have a huge problem. Members of his clan are becoming sick with an illness and never before in all these years of existence have they been vulnerable to illness. Dylan goes to Phoebe for help with the disease as she is a biochemist working at Harvard on a cure for lupus. Phoebe agrees to go back to New Mexico with him...more

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Jul 20, 2010 Among The Muses rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-paranormal-romance, dragons, yummy-alpha

I think that it always says something about a book when you purchase it one evening and finish it the next! I had been anxiously anticipating the arrival of this novel, which caused me to put it on a higher pedestal than any book aught to be. But, much to my joy--and relief--, this book was able to meet the mental bars I had put in place. Dark Embers is a fantastic debut to a new erotic paranormal series, that will take you an a scorching hot adventure, and leave you wanting more.

First and forem...more I think that it always says something about a book when you purchase it one evening and finish it the next! I had been anxiously anticipating the arrival of this novel, which caused me to put it on a higher pedestal than any book aught to be. But, much to my joy--and relief--, this book was able to meet the mental bars I had put in place. Dark Embers is a fantastic debut to a new erotic paranormal series, that will take you an a scorching hot adventure, and leave you wanting more.

First and foremost, I must comment on my number one appreciation for this book: an erotic tale with a plot! Not sex surrounded by plot, but an actual plot sprinkled with some delicious smexiness! And, it wasn't half-assed either. This factor alone gains major points with me!

Phoebe's a beautiful and super intelligent biochemist who's just had her research grant yanked out from underneath her. (Can we say, 'YAY', for making the heroine geeky smart with looks!) She's desperate for money to continue her research in finding a cure for Lupus-- a painful and deadly disease that has wrecked havoc on her family. She's a little suspicious of the one person who can secure her funding for a couple of years with his generous pay-out. But, like I said, she's desperate, and with all big 'gifts', there's something that's required in return.

Dylan is the king of a concealed, ancient, and dying clan of dragon-shifters, who's plagued with both personal and obligatory failures. He's without a mate, leaving him without an heir, he's in a position of power that he's not eager to be in, and now his clan is under attack by an unforeseen force: a deadly virus that his own scientist can't figure out how to cure. When the disease starts claiming members of his family, Dylan is left in a dangerous position to carefully seek outside help-- Phoebe.

They immediately feel 'something' between them, but they don't know what, nor why, and both have issues with trusting one another. But, the connection only deepens when Phoebe accepts his proposition and joins him and his 'people' in finding a cure for what's killing them off. Which brings me to my next appreciation of this book: the characters.

Tessa Adams has done an amazing job at developing both the heroine and hero, as well as the secondary characters! Right from the beginning I started to get a true sense of who the characters really were. She also spends time conveying the character attributes through non-verbal communication within their interactions. My feelings of connection with the characters was only amplified when I was introduced to other Dragonstar members. There was even a moment I felt myself get teary-eyed-- in an erotica people!! I already have my eyes on a couple of smexy Dragonstar men I want follow up books to!

There was only one major issue that I had while reading this and that was the final 'outcome' (I'm treading lightly here as to not give away spoilers) of Phoebe, and Phoebe's and Dylan's resolution. I will only say that I wish there was more information on her family due to some events, and leave it at that.

Adams' writing style is very easy to follow. She provides detail and imagery in a beautifully written way that you can just let the movie play out in your head without getting caught up in words. The unique scenery of the setting enhanced the fantasy of the story, but still made me feel like I could step in to this location and believe it was real.

And last, but not least, the fervent passion between Dylan and Phoebe. I've read a lot of erotica books where the sex scenes get over-the-top graphic, but this is not the case in Dark Embers. Adams wrote very hot, yet tastefully sexy scenes. I honestly can't decide if it was the way in which the sex scenes were written, or the deep connection that she has created between the characters that made them even hotter. Maybe it's a combination of both! I guess you'll have to be the judge on that one.

~*~Final Thoughts~*~

This is an adult category book for primarily the reasons of sex and language. I highly recommend this book to all erotica and paranormal romance fans who have a great appreciation for hot passion, men with a smexy combination of dominance, loyalty, affection, eye-candy bodies, and hot growling noises, and one adventures ride! Oh, and you must love dragons, not be afraid of heights, and have an appreciation for the mile-high club! :P(less)

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Jul 16, 2010 VampFanGirl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic-paranormal-romance

My Review:

Dylan MacLeod, dragon and King of the Dragonstar Clan, is unwillingly leading his people straight towards Death's door. During his four and a half century existence, Dylan's fought and won many a blood-soaked battle but the microscopic entity that's currently destroying his dragons is one battle he can't conquer. As if he wasn't under enough pressure, Dylan still has yet to find his mate and provide the clan a much needed heir. As the last pure-blood dragon, it's his duty to continue t...more My Review:

Dylan MacLeod, dragon and King of the Dragonstar Clan, is unwillingly leading his people straight towards Death's door. During his four and a half century existence, Dylan's fought and won many a blood-soaked battle but the microscopic entity that's currently destroying his dragons is one battle he can't conquer. As if he wasn't under enough pressure, Dylan still has yet to find his mate and provide the clan a much needed heir. As the last pure-blood dragon, it's his duty to continue the line but despite the copious amount of sex he's engaged in throughout his four hundred plus years, his rampant efforts have yet to yield a mate. Now, after the recent loss of his sister to the disease that's succeeded in striking down his family one by one, Dylan concludes that it's time to take his fight outside the clan and solicit the help of humans.

Phoebe Quillum is no stranger to tragedy herself after loosing her family to first abandonment then violence and finally to disease. Now, after dedicating the last six years to the study of incurable diseases, more specifically lupus with a verging breakthrough, Phoebe is suddenly met with a financial roadblock that could potentially derail her studies forever. Unable to find new funding for her research, Phoebe is desperate and in the prime position to be plucked from reality. When Dylan approaches her about a strange disease that's killing his people, Phoebe is more than wary. While a lot of Dylan's story doesn't make much sense, when the gorgeous man offers her three million dollars to help him attempt to cure this unknown disease, Phoebe would be stupid to say no. It also helps that a burning hunger has ignited for Dylan on such a scorchingly hot primal level, that Phoebe's hormones won't let her say no.

Not since adolescence has Dylan been unable to control his dragon half but Phoebe's close proximity, lush figure and astounding intellect has the dragon within clawing to break free. Now is obviously not the time to be distracted from his mission to find a cure for his people but Dylan's fighting a losing battle as he's consumed with a burning need that will not be ignored. Knowing it'd be foolish to get involved with a human when he owes it to Dragonstar to find a dragon mate, Dylan tries hard to resist but his need and his dragon will not abide.

Never has a man affected Phoebe the way Dylan can. He's aggressive and domineering which would generally cause her to bristle with contempt. Instead Dylan invokes an uncontrollable lust that leaves Phoebe terrified but craving more. Trying desperately to resist falling in love with someone after learning that to love means to loose, Phoebe buries herself in the lab with the hope uncovering a cure to the mysterious disease that's killing people in the most heinous of ways. As gaps begin to widen with missing information, information that Dylan has purposefully withheld, Phoebe forces the truth from him and discovers a whole new realm of possibilities. While the news of Dylan being a dragon should rationally terrify her, Phoebe's scientific brain that relishes new discoveries, is overcome with curiosity and delight. But that interest also is emotional and endearing as Dylan reveals himself to her and Phoebe can't help but fall more and more in love with the infuriating man.

Unfortunately, when the sinister origins of the disease eating voractiously through the Dragonstar clan is unveiled, Dylan's and Phoebe's romance is put on hold. While Dylan was first to withhold information about his dragon heritage, its Phoebe's resistance that may prove to be deadly.

My Thoughts:

DARK EMBERS is a steaming hot and wonderfully entertaining erotic romance with the perfect balance of sex and plot. Too many times I've read an erotic novel and the worst has happened: I've become bored with the overabundant and redundant sex! It's true and I'm sure others have had a similar experience at one time or another. Certainly its a tenuous line between too much and too little sex and finding that balance must be more than difficult but when an author hits that perfect stride and sensual flow, she receives the result of a happily satisfied reader. With DARK EMBERS, the paranormal elements, animalistic dragon natures and understandable scientific aspects all make the perfect background for a high intensity ride of sex and romance. Lovin' it!

Another aspect that I'm lovin' about DARK EMBERS is its villains. They're not vampires, fanatical humans or any other mythical creature. They're dragons! Surprisingly, with dragons as the Dragonstar enemy, it humanizes the book and gives this paranormal read a realistic touch. It also allowed Ms. Adams to focus entirely on her dragons and really build their history and world rather than spending time creating another mythical enemy.

Sadly, there was one draw back to this book and that was the Happily Ever After. And before anyone gets scared, no, it wasn't that DARK EMBERS was lacking an HEA but rather that it just felt too easy. After both Dylan and Phoebe grapple endlessly with the reasons why they can't be together, the resulting outcome left little sacrifice on either of their parts. Of course while my inner reader is satisfied that they're happy, I wanted more of a dramatic finish. I'm also hoping that book two, HIDDEN EMBERS, doesn't have the same result. *fingers crossed*

For erotic romance fans that love and want an engaging paranormal plot, uber alpha males, and explosive sex, DARK EMBERS is a must read.(less)

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Jan 01, 2013 Renee Rearden rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic, fantasy, paperback-text, paranormal, romance, pnr-characters-a-z-challenge

Dark Embers (A Dragon’s Heat novel)
by Tessa Adams
Personally Purchased Print Copy

Rating: 4 Stars

We all know dragons breathe fire, and this book scorched the page! I love stories about dragons. The hotter, sexier alphas the better…and shape shifting ones just do it for me.

There have been several reviews discussing the amount of sex in this book—and there’s a lot of it—but Dark Embers is billed as the first book in an erotic paranormal series. So, if I’m reading an erotic novel, I’m expecting a lot...more

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Sep 19, 2012 Dr. Bronwyn Ph.D of Smutology rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: doctor-nurse, dragon, bron-s-kindle-smut-challenge

I enjoyed it and am really looking forward to the remainder of the series but once again I'm disappointed with too much sex, not enough storyline.

It's like the author forgot that the whole purpose for Phoebe to be with the clan was to find a cure for this debilitating disease. Yet, it wasn't until the 50% mark that she finally stepped into the lab to begin dealing with what was the premise of the book.

Don't get me wrong, the sex scenes were hot but their frequency took away from what could have...more

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May 13, 2011 Meaghan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh.My.God. How did I not know about this series before? One thing that most people know about me is that I have a serious weakness for dragons. It is bad enough that if you tell me a book has some dragon action in it, I am likely to pick it up right away and read it. My friend Monica, from The Bibliophilic Book Blog, definitely knows this about me. That is why one day she sent me a message on twitter that said “I have a new series for you, and your going to read it because it has dragons.” She d...more Oh.My.God. How did I not know about this series before? One thing that most people know about me is that I have a serious weakness for dragons. It is bad enough that if you tell me a book has some dragon action in it, I am likely to pick it up right away and read it. My friend Monica, from The Bibliophilic Book Blog, definitely knows this about me. That is why one day she sent me a message on twitter that said “I have a new series for you, and your going to read it because it has dragons.” She did not have to say anything else, I was sold. Not only because of the dragons, but because she has never steered me wrong in the past and I knew she would not this time. I immediately got my hands on a copy and began to read.

Dark Embers reminded me of how much I do love dragons. They fascinate me and it helps that in this book their human forms are not hard on the eyes either. ;) Anyway, in this book we are introduced to Dylan, serious alpha male and king of his dragon clan that is currently in crises. There is a disease spreading rapidly through his clan and no cure in sight. The disease is painful and does not seem to have any pattern to it. So, he is forced to look to the outside world for help and what he finds is Phoebe.

I was afraid in the beginning that Phoebe was going to fall into that category of women that fawn at the feet of their alpha males, but she did anything but that. She had backbone and stood up to him numerous times and I was so proud of her. It is awesome to have the female lead be just as strong as the male and not take any of his alpha male nonsense all the time. I found her past stuggles interesting, plus the revelation about her at the end, whoa! I had my suspicions about her, but the ending still caught me off guard. I am not going to write it here and ruin it, but try to pick up on clues as you read and see if you can decipher what I am alluding too.

I also enjoyed getting to know the other members of Dylan’s clan. Sometimes the secondary characters can be put on the back burner and you do not get to know them as well, but I felt the opposite in this book. I am glad we are going to get to see more of them in future installments of this series. Sadly, we lose some of them along the way, but there are always causalities in war and that is exactly what the Dragonstars are in the middle of right now. A war against a disease they cannot seem to beat, though not from lack of trying.

Overall, fantastic read! I loved this world and especially the dragons flying around in it. I beyond excited that I found this series and now that I have, I am ready for the next book. Good thing it is already out so I can read it now. (less)

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Apr 30, 2012 Octavia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pleasantly-surprised, kick-ass-heroines

While Dark Embers was a solid 3.75 stars for me I did find myself completely engrossed with each page. Of course there were parts I loved parts I hated and parts that made me squirm, but it was still a solid 3.75 stars for me. Phoebe was refreshing. She was pretty, brilliant and she took shit from no me. Not even a dragon king. Even when her scientific mind was forced to believe things that "couldn't be possible" she never ran from it or acted like a coward like some fluffy half ass heroine. No...more

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Oct 24, 2011 Shannon C. rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: erotic romance fans

Shelves: shapeshifters, magic-special-powers

2.5 stars
When I read reviews and ordered this, I got the impression this was mainstream PNR and didn't realize it's erotic PNR. The publisher is NAL so that didn't clue me in like it would have if it was Ellorahs Cave, etc. The sex scenes were too much for me, i.e., fluids, back door stuff, etc. What initially turned me off is that the H/h jumped into bed almost immediately w/no relationship development beforehand--a pet peeve of mine.

But the last half of the book got better as the characters/r...more

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Oct 27, 2011 Michelle (MsRomanticReads) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, dragons, october-2011, romance, paranormal, shapeshifters, suspense, a-keeper, heroes-you-want-for-yourself, worth-re-reading, erotica, favorites, inked, mptp

After the murder of his parents and brother at the hands of the Wyvernmoon clan, Dylan is the last pure-blood dragon and King of the Dragonstar clan which is slowly dying out. For five centuries he has searched for his fated mate in the hopes of providing an heir. That goal takes a back seat when a vicious disease sweeps through his clan, claiming lives too quickly and no sign of a cure. Quinn, the clan's healer and lead scientist can't find the answers needed to save them, so Dylan decides to b...more
After the murder of his parents and brother at the hands of the Wyvernmoon clan, Dylan is the last pure-blood dragon and King of the Dragonstar clan which is slowly dying out. For five centuries he has searched for his fated mate in the hopes of providing an heir. That goal takes a back seat when a vicious disease sweeps through his clan, claiming lives too quickly and no sign of a cure. Quinn, the clan's healer and lead scientist can't find the answers needed to save them, so Dylan decides to bring in a human biochemist. He seeks Phoebe out and offers her three million dollars in exchange for her help. Naturally she's wary of the dark stranger who burts through her doors and made her such a tempting offer. Not just the money, but the challenge of a disease that seems to defy all logic, as well as science. There is just one snag. It turns out that Phoebe is Dylan's fated mate and their sexual chemistry explodes barely 24 hours after their first meeting. What follows is race against time to unravel the mystery behind the virus raveging the Dragonstars and Phoebe coming to terms with the life she's been thrust into (pun intended).

For the first book in a series I thought there was a little more porn than plot (they were scorching hot by the way), but I'm going to chalk that up to the whole mate/mating thing and the carnal instincts of the dragons. Aside from the scenes that steamed up my screen, I enjoyed the bit of plot that was there. The author didn't hold back when describing the horrific effects of the virus raveging the dragons.

My only peev with this story has to do with Phoebe's background. Her nightmares about her stepfather and what he did to her didn't answer the raging question I had at the end: (view spoiler)

When Dylan takes her for a ride (of the flying kind) as a dragon for the first time was a bit cliche but cute. Dylan being able to turn into smoke was definitely a new twist. That love scene was hot! There's a new idea for FF.

The battle towards the end was a bit rushed and the ending predicatble, but satisying.

Since I've already read the second book, I can say that Hidden Embers definitely has more plot and more substance.(less)

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May 31, 2012 Erica rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was pleasantly surprised when I finished this book.

What an excellent story very well written and extremely well rounded, and I enjoyed the little twist in the end, although I dont think the twist was explored as thoroughly as it could have been.
Characters are interesting, plot is followable although a little predictable but still worth it.

I felt the authour portrayed emotions and feelings in this novel beautifully, I felt the characters pain and shed a few tears myself.

I did feel there was mor...more

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Dark Embers (Dragon's Heat #1)

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