Devlin

Solitary Dragons #3

by Minerva Howe

Dragon shifter Devlin thinks he has it all. A nice cabin in Ruidoso in the mountains of New Mexico. A good golf game. And Symon, the sweet dragon who comes to stay more and more often, and who he's pretty sure is his mate.
Symon adores Devlin, but he doesn't want to move to town full time and leave his family home in the high reached above Cloudcroft. And when he turns up pregnant after a solstice stay with Devlin, he knows he has to make a run for it and go home to get ready for the heavy winter snow and the baby that will come. He tells himself he can be happy with whathe has and let Devlin stay in the life he loves.
Devlin has other ideas, though, and he has to convince Symon he can give up all the conveniences of town in order to not be a solitary dragon anymore...

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

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 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

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I like Minerva and I can appreciate all of her stories, this one didn't grab me as much as they usually do. It starts with Symon already pregnant. Which means that by the time the story starts, we're already past the meeting, falling in love, beginning of the conflict and entering the "from frying pan into the fire" stage of the conflict. It felt as if I'd opened the book a third of the way in, which was disconcerting. And it made it harder to connect with the characters, as I felt as if I was playing catch up.
Nice, but in an "it's ok" kind of way. Not a "I really liked it" kind of way.

[Bethany (Bee_TheBibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet novella - it’s everything I’ve come to expect from Minerva Howe…sweet mates, cravings, babies and adorable slice of life moments.

Devlin and Symon have been seeing each other for years, spending time at Devlin’s house when they’re together and living their own lives when they’re apart. After Symon figures out that they accidentally got pregnant, he disappears and Devlin is forced to track down his mate. Once they’re reunited, things ramp up quickly preparing for the arrival of their babies. They’re super sweet together and realize they’re better together than they are apart, even before the babies make their way into their lives.

Sweet as always and looking forward to more from Minerva Howe soon!

[Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story about family and change

I really enjoyed Devlin and Symon’s story. It was a bit different because Devlin and Symon were already together (at least in a general way) at the beginning of the story. So the story focussed on the way relationships can be tricky to build, the miscommunications and mistakes that can be made, but also how once you both try to listen and communicate you can build something amazing. I also loved that it showed that change can be so intimidating that until you move forward and see that change can be good you assume it’s bad and scary and something you don’t want. As usual we got lots of sweet moments and a very sweet, if a bit stinky, familiar. Stormy is the sweetest, I love that guy so much and I hope he will get to find his mate too. He does so much for others but also seems like he lives quite a lonely existence with no one to call his own. I can’t wait for more of these little interludes to the primary dragon veil universe books!

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devlin is the third book in the Dragon Veil universe and I could quite happily read more of these. It's a low angst, dragon mates, mpreg romance that is well written and just so good when you need a little bit of light reading.
Devlin and Symon have been together for a while but always in town, at Devlin's home but circumstances change after the solstice and Symon needs to head back into the hills. He assumes Devlin would rather his life with the easy luxuries of the human world but he may be more attached than Symon thought. I love the time taken to build a home together and showing Devlin's softer side.
The one link between these novellas is Stormy, the dragon midwife, of sorts, and I would love to hear more from them, maybe even their own story one day.
Fans of Minerva will enjoy this short, mated dragons romance with their lovely HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Deb Swietek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragons, a red- headed midwife, a bear familiar and goats...

I simply love this series! Stormy is back, along with a bear familiar. You will fall in love with Devlin and Symon as I did. The descriptions are vivid, making the scenes come alive. It's easy to visualize everything. And I love when Devlin realizes the difference between a house and a home. I guarantee you will love this book as much as I did.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. Devlin is a city dragon. He likes his amenities. He likes his life the way it is. Symon lives high in the mountains in his family home. He visits with Devlin because he loves him, but he knows he can't stay. Devlin, loves Symon. He doesn't realize how much until Symon leaves and leaves a note behind setting him free. Devlin knows Symon is his mate, does he want to be free? A story of discovery, choices and growing up. Nice story. This story seems a bit detached from all the others and not as emotional. I really liked Symon, he's a sweetie. Fun story, funny new characters introduced. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Declan and Symon met at an antiques show and hit it off. They are both dragons, but Devlin is content to live amongst humans for the easy convenience of restaurants, shopping and playing golf. Symon has been trying to get Devlin to come to his family home but with no success. When he realizes that he is pregnant, he leaves a note and goes home. After three months alone, Devlin meets a red headed leprechaun who tells him his mate needs him. The story starts from there with Devlin going to Cloudcroft and realizing that he doesn’t want to be anywhere else. Great world building with great chemistry and heat. I love this world and hope there is more,

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devlin is an alpha dragon shifter who loves living among the humans. His brothers have all found their mates and Devlin thinks that he may have too. He has been dating Symon, an omega dragon shifter. He expects Symon to move in with him so they can have a fun winter. He doesn't even agree to go with Symon to visit his family's home. What he doesn't know is that Symon has a big secret and Devlin's refusal listen to him has Symon feeling unimportant. Devlin is shocked to return from golfing to find that Symon has left him. Devlin now realizes that he has lost everything important in his life and will do whatever it takes to get Symon back even if it means leaving his comfortable life.

Symon loves Devlin but he feels like Devlin doesn't feel the same way about him. When he learns that they messed up abstaining during the solstice and that he is now pregnant , He tries to convince Devlin to go to his isolated family house with him. Dragon babies can shift as babies so they must be raised apart from clueless humans. Symon knows that he has to return home to raise his baby. He also feels that Devlin would be very uncomfortable living isolated so he feels like breaking things up would the best thing for Devlin. He never expected Devlin to come looking for him and discover the pregnancy.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon shifter Devlin loves his life in Ruidoso, NM. He has everything he wants – restaurants, golfing, and his sweet dragon, Symon. He is pretty sure Symon is his mate. When Symon finds himself pregnant, he does not want to ruin Devlin’s enjoyment. He leaves and returns to his family home in Cloudcroft. Devlin is devastated and with some prodding, tracks Symon down. Now Devlin has a task – convincing Symon he wants to stay and leave all his amenities behind.

You often do not know what you have until you no longer have it. Devlin realizes that Symon is who is wants forever, but now he must convince him. With small gestures and moving his special belongings, Devlin is slowly convincing Symon that he is there to stay. It is not easy as he finds a simple trip to the grocery store results several sidetracks with action needed. The end result is love shining from the pages and a smile on everyone’s face. These stories are incredible and stay with you long after the last word has been consumed.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devlin by Minerva Howe is a Dragon Veil Universe Novella and the third book in the Solitary Dragons series. I have not read the series in order, and I was not lost reading this story at all.
I love the emotion that Ms. Howe bring out of her characters. It always makes me really drawn to her characters. Devlin is pretty much thinking his life is perfect right now. He has a home, a lover, food, what more he can want.
Symon adores Devlin. But he can’t leave his family all alone. He also feels like if he made Devlin choose between being near people and being isolated with him that he would not choose him. I personally think he just needed to have a little more faith in Devlin’s character and his love for him.
I liked the growth of both the characters as this story progressed. I loved this story and if you like paranormal and love this is a must to pick up.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having Symon and Devlin already having a somewhat established relationship from the start was a bit of a surprised...not unwanted and I kind of like it. I'm use to backstories and then the first meet up after a chapter or two. This was refreshing...but with it came a slight miscommunication issue between them that ultimately led to Devlin making up for being obtuse to his Symon needs and wants. He does a lovely job taking care of his mate and his future family. The entire book was mainly of him proving his worth and it was lovely. Of course our lil red head Stormy made an appearance to give our MCs a helping hand plus a lovely familiar name Oona. This was sweet romance and a great addition to the Solitary Dragon series. I'm loving this series and I can't wait to read more of these beautiful dragons.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devlin and Symon are both dragon shifters. After they miscalculate the time of solstice, Symon is pregnant, so leaves for his home in the mountains. Devlin doesn’t know why Simon left, but with the help of a magical midwife dragon and a grizzly bear named Oona, Devlin joins his mate as they await the birth. A short, sweet, low angst tale of a modern devoted alpha dragon adapting to a more traditional dragon lifestyle as he moves in with his omega mate. Loved the mind visuals I added of a very pregnant dragon, somewhere on the lines of the animated one in Disney’s Pete’s dragon, only a bit less cartoony. Entertaining, fanciful read.
I received a copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing!

I loved this book! The story of Devlin and Symon is filled with love, laughter, a bit of sadness and starting over. Devlin loves his home in the human world and while Symon tries to fit into it, an unplanned pregnancy changes everything. He will head back to his home and Devlin will be lost without him. It will take the interference of one red headed menace, in Devlin’s opinion, to make him see just what he stands to lose. Add in a grizzly bear called by the babies and you get a story that is an absolute must read!

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

[Nina Diab · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute read. Devlin and Symon make a good match, but while one lived among humans, the other lived in an ancestral home in the mountains. Devlin seemed very uninterested in leaving his modern conveniences or seeing Symon's more remote home. Symon, pregnant, snuck away while Dev was out- thinking it better to leave without telling him about the baby, so Devlin wouldn't lose the life he enjoyed living. Missing him and thinking Symon needed him, Devlin tracked him down and learned the truth. Can they find a way to make things work? I liked both of them, but they needed better communication, better listening, and less stubbornness. 3 stars.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devlin and Symon story had a bittersweet beginning as their confidence and communication was faulty and their priorities not well defined.
They had a bumpy ride until they learn to trust and communicate as well as adjusting to all the changes and the additions, the midwife and the familiar that helped them greatly.
I liked their bonding, care and love they developed as well as the holidays atmosphere and magic.
I liked the birthing scene and little bundles of joy that joined them.
It was an interesting read and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick and sweet little addition to the Dragon Veil Universe. I ad,it I would love to know how these solitary dragons fit into the whole picture but they are lovely reads. Symon runs from Devlin because he is afriad to interrupt the other dragon’s life. So Devlin has some groveling to do and has to work to prove to Symon that he is all in. Very good book. Worth a read. Minerva has a good way with words, making me fall in love with her characters fast and furiously. It is easy to get invested!

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pretty bummed out when the story ended at 79% on my kindle. I do love this author’s dragon veil series, but this series is the only that is okay. I still think that it’s because these dragons are solitary, and I miss the family dynamics. I also missed them in their dragon forms. Neither shifted. I would have liked them spending time flying together. I would have also liked the babies to have gotten a little bit bigger as we don’t see the couples & their young from book to book.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest opinion.

[Julie Bedwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devlin and Symon are sweet together. I like the dynamic that they have, and I like that Stormy is there to help. I have loved each of the books in this world (over several series), but this one isn't my favorite. I know it's a shorter length story, but I feel there are some holes that could have been fixed with a longer story. I would still recommend this book (especially if you love quick, light reads) as well as the others in this world. I also would love to see all these books tie together somehow!

[rosdoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been waiting for the next book in this series, and Devlin did not disappoint me. I thought Symon was adorable. And with Devlin, it was nice to see the stubborn, strong, “I should make all the decisions” alpha realize that love requires some give and take.

Stormy tickles me and I was happy to see his reappearance in this book. I’ve enjoyed all the characters in this series, and especially in this book.

It is a great book and provided the perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon. The characters are charming, and Devlin and Symon get spicy!

[Janniemac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic Dragon story from Minerva Howe. I absolutely adore the interwoven universes she creates. It was relatively short and I passed a lovely, lazy, wet, early autumn afternoon devouring it. Devlin was a bit of a plank to start with but soon manned up and became the mate that Symon deserved. I hope someday we can catch up with them and the triplets. A definite must for Dragon fans.

[Lydia Devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Minerva Howe and I am very happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This story starts with Devlin and Symon as an already established couple and I was okay with that.I liked the conflict over babies, which leads into the story.
Symon and Devlin are two likable characters in this low angst and very sweet novella.
I received an arc copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devlin is the third book in the Dragon Veil universe. It's a low angst, dragon mates, mpreg romance that is well written and just so good when you need a little bit of light reading.
Devlin and Symon are dragons and lovers, but haven't connected as mates. An accidental pregnancy speeds things up. The companionship, love and compromise shows how good the relationship will be.
You do not have to have read the previous books in the series.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute romance between two dragons already in a relationship. Devlin and Symon knew they were mates, and there was very little angst here. I liked the storyline, the characters, and the love wrapped all over this story. I haven't read any of the author's other dragon romances, but this one made me want to. I definitely need to learn more about Stormy, the magical midwife. I really enjoyed this book!

[Marruby Callaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Choosing what matters

This is another basically standalone book from the Dragon Veil universe featuring a pair of dragon shifters, an oops pregnancy of triplets, a bear familiar, and Stormy the midwife. It’s more fluffy sweetness than anything else after Simon flees and Devlin chases after him, but still an enjoyable quick read. I do wish there were more tie-ins to the greater universe, though I suppose that would negate the solitary angle.

3 1/2 stars

[Leonie Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devlin is rather selfish of his life in human society. He wants Symon, there is no doubt about that, but it is on his terms. That is until Symon has no choice to make himself the priority. Devlin soon discovers there was more than convenience to the relationship so there is much grovelling and a Leprechaun Dragon to give him what he truly wants. This is a super good story and I loved it so much. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Not the best of the series by a long shot! The story of Devlin and Symon is fluff at best, meant to be a feel-good, VERY low-angst visit with two shifters already in love who just need to learn how to be bonded partners and parents. With a side of an ursine familiar and an otherworldly midwife-cum-housemate, and of course the lovemaking. I'm sorry to say this but it was just... underwhelming to me.

[Casey H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved an advanced copy of this book as part of an arc program. I enjoyed this angst free, insta love book. It was light reading and perfect for finishing in an evening. Both MC's were enjoyable and their story was very sweet. I absolutely need Stormy to get his own book. I won't give out spoilers but he is just the best.

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devlin and Symon are dragons and lovers, but haven't connected as mates. An accidental pregnancy speeds things up and Symon runs home and Devlin must follow. With help from a dragon midwife who pops in and out, and a grizzly bear, these two are working towards strengthening their mate bond and building a family. One of my favorite dragon stories from this author.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story to add to the Dragon Veil Series. A confident Omega who is not afraid to do what he knows that he needs to and a soft hearted Alpha who will do anything for his mate. The companionship, love and compromise shows how good the relationship will be. Also, can't forget to mention Stormy the midwife who always seems to be at the right place at the right time!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick fun read- little to no angst. Not a whole lot of character development and I was left wondering about their past and family history but it didn’t detract from the story. The characters were engaging and entertaining. If you enjoy mpreg shifter romance then this is for you. You do not have to have read the previous books in the series.