Here Be Dragons

Dragons #1

by T.A. Chase

Herpetologist Kael Hammerson is hiding in Ireland working at a research lab. While Ireland may seem a strange place for someone in his field, it was the furthest away he could get from his abusive ex-partner. Now, a year later, his heart is ready to heal. Kael's boss, Hugh Price, is very interested in Kael, but is afraid to cross the line from employer to lover. When a strange sea creature is brought into the lab, Hugh and Kael are swept into a fight for their lives and the lives of mankind. Dragons have returned and the men must decide if their own love can survive the interference of a goddess.

Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable (homoerotic sex, ménage, some violence).

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Dragons, Romance, Contemporary, Gay

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2006

About the author

There is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates me and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how I share those insights. I live in the Midwest with a wonderful partner of thirteen years. When not writing, I’m watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.

Reviews

[Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong. I had interest in the creatures showing up in this realm.
And the first sex scene, I was all on board.
Then more sex. Okay, I like sex.
Then more sex. Can we get a little more story between sex please?
Then more sex. Grrr
4 way sex scene. OMG! There are Dragons and Sea Creatures invading your earth...put your dick back in your pants and figure it out already.
More sex.
More sex.
I don't even care any more.

[Bubbles Hunty Honest & Direct Opinions · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not like the relationships between the characters and was struggling to keep enough interest in the story to keep reading. When they all hooked up for the 4-way in the spring I just completely lost interest and only finished because it was for a GB-challenge. It was a tough read for me because I didn’t like the characters and they were not interesting

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kael has moved far from his home to get away from an abusive relationship. Now working as a herpetologist he is attracted to Hugh but can't imagine actually having any sort of relationship with his oh so sexy boss. Hugh for his part is drawn to Kael but unsure how to proceed. When a series of sightings of strange 'serpent/dragon'-like creatures start they are called in to investigate. Thrown together on the job and soon fighting creatures neither ever thought could exists they find a growing mutual passion that can't be denied. With the help of two very unexpected men Kael and Hugh do all in their power to save the day and secure a safe future for themselves and mankind. Will they be able to secure a loving and happy future for themselves is something they'll have to work on as well.

This first book in the Dragons series was a really interesting read. I enjoyed the storyline which not only featured mythical creatures and a bit of magic but also the theme of overcoming and surviving abuse. I felt the characters had plenty of chemistry and was interested in their evolving relationship as they go from employer/employee to friends and lovers. Exciting adventure and sexy men, solid writing and an interesting plot all combined to make this an entertaining story. While it could have used a closer eye during editing overall it was a very enjoyable book. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

[Optimist ♰King's Wench♰]

Dragons?

Done.

[Carvedwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

There would seem to be no redeeming qualities in this story, if I focused on the details. For instance, I hate elves with a rather bloody-minded passion, and not only is one of the nasty creatures featured prominently in this book, but there are more in the background. I like consistency in characters, and the main character, Kael, wavered between full-blown panic attacks to jumping on a horse and charging a dragon armed with nothing but a stick. To make matters worse, the love-interest, Hugh, went from cold, aloof boss-type figure to caring, concerned lover with almost no reason for doing so. The attitudes of the scientists in the book were wholly alien considering any scientist’s attitude that I have any real-life experience with, especially in combination with the military, and that was annoying. The point of view shifted constantly between the characters, I personally don’t like foursomes, and I hated the cat almost as much as I hated the elf. Absolutely everything was ridiculously unbelievable.

Nevertheless, I responded very well to Chase’s “voice” as an author, which allowed me to kick back, suspend my disbelief to the point of throwing it out the window, and throw myself whole-heartedly into the sheer improbability of it all. Inadequate explanation for the one-eighty in Hugh’s attitude to Kael? Not a problem. Kael’s own inconsistencies? That’s ok, I like needy-but-brave bottoms. Dragonslayers on motorcycles? I loved them. Elves? … alright, I still had a problem with the elf.

The point is, the story was sound in theory, was clumsily handled, and yet somehow managed to be absolutely fun for me to read.

[Shirley Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very hesitant about this book, since I usually stick close to my comfort zone and this one seemed to be way out there. And man, was I right! On the one hand, the whole back story of Kael's abuse and healing through his relationship with Hugh was great. I liked how they connected, how Kael opened up to Hugh and Hugh in turn was gentle and understanding with Kael. I liked George and the elf as secondary characters. They were very helpful in bringing the mythological aspect of the story together. The writing was good enough, some grammatical errors, but not enough to be a concern for me. The pace was great and kept me on my toes wanting to see what came next.

However, the central part of the story - the Dragons and sea serpents - it just threw me off. They just appeared out of the blue, and they weren't even dragon shifters! That part was just too much for me. I could deal with shifters and vampires because they tend to have some human traits in them, but dragons not so much. I never did like Godzilla, so there you go!

In all honesty, the writing was good, the back story and main characters were great and if you like mystical creatures in your books, you will enjoy this one. I'll read the next books in the series, because I need to know how it all ended and I did enjoy Hugh and Kael story.

[FloJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I am not much of a fan for fantasy normally but this has a believable premise (if you believe in a real basis for fairy tales anyway) that works well. I I found I was interested in what was going to happen to the protagonists from the start and nothing jarred in the development of their characters.

I have a complaint about the blurb for this though, "....the men must decide if their own love can survive the interference of a goddess.". What a lot of rot, she doesn't do anything to interfere with their love. St George and Mordred have more going for them in that department and we really are in no doubt from the beginning that nothing is going to interfere with it!

The slaying of dragons is also an allegory for the slaying of ones personal dragons, in Kael's the feelings of worthlessness generated by an abusive partner.

I am presuming this is going to be a series as so far they have only dealt to the dragons and there were at least 3 other magical creatures mentioned who need to be sent back to the Realm of Dreams as well as human characters who were given fairly detailed back stories that are crying out for a follow up.

I find myself very curious to meet Kael's parents Mr Chase.

[Mercedes · Rating 2 out of 5]

While reading this book I had to constantly remind myself that this was a fantasy book about DRAGONS, so a lot could happen! Despite that and some outlandish things that happen in the book I still didn't like it very much.

First, the premise of the book is about these two guys who have been working together for more than a year and are attracted o each other are thrown in a situation that's supposed to make them realize their feelings for each other. The problem is that it's a pity we don't get to see any of that UST because it doesn't take very long in the book to go from boss-employee with the hots for each other to kissing each other in public and calling each other baby or love. It was like going from 0 to 60 in the first 15% of the book.

But then to complicate things a bit, this goes from being a conventional romance between two guys to a possible foursome with another couple. It was weird.

[Logan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited about the dragons, but they didn't make many appearances unfortunately. The love story was okay, and I liked that Kael found some healing from his past abusive relationship. I didn't care for his random abilities or the way characters kept reminding each other to remind him to eat (why was this so important?). My qualms were small, but they added up and led to me not enjoying this as much as I wanted.

[Feliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kael Hammerson is a herpetologist in a country without snakes. Working for Hugh Price, a retired MI6 agent who now owns a biochemical lab, Kael is the one who's called when a sea serpent starts to haunt the Irish sea. Soon there are more sightings of giant lizards, and Kael realizes he's the one the world depends on for safety.
But those strange creatures aren't the only adversaries Kael has to fight. Having barely survived an abusive relationship, he's also fighting demons from his past, a fight which gets particularly hard when Kael falls in love with his boss - and his feelings are requited.
Luckily, there's help for Kael. With magical creatures returning into the world of humans, why should Kael be surprised his best friends are an elf, a saintified knight, and a talking cat?

This was a wonderfully imaginative book. Great writing, too. The issues Kael has to deal with in relation to his abusive past relationship are particularly well done; very insightfully and gently handled. Kael is a character who experiences a great development from a fearful suppressed man who thinks himself unworthy to the self-confident, proud warrior he's always been deep inside. It's wonderful to watch how Hugh's love and the support of Kael's friends help Kael to discover who he really is.
Hugh is a strong supportive character; his only flaw is he's too good for this world. While Kael is drawn out very lovingly, Hugh stays a bit pale compared to him. The supportive cast is made up by wonderful characters, too; Mordred and George are great friends and a beautiful pair, and M.A. is priceless.
I had one issue with this book, though, and thus only four stars: although the sex scenes were skillfully done, there were simply too much of them. The story would have fared even better with a little fade to black at the bedroom door now and again.
A great read for those who can still dream,
highly recommended.

[Merrik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh. Where do I start?

-> instatrust ( I was absolutely sure, that the venom from dragon affected them or I somehow cut off 100 pages of the book, but not such luck)
-> plot would be absolutely better if the author decided to cut off fantasy element and focus on dealing with trauma/bonding
->characters... Well. Hugh is the Knight (and so is George) and they are both handsome, good, caring, good, ready to make sacrifices, good, blah blah blah. Even if they are jealous, they are good. (short ver: BORING, with no flaw)
-> Kael is hurt, strong, mostly hurt, compassionate, strong, hurt, also good, did I mention good? (better than knights, but still)
And we end with Mordred (because the rest...well, rest characters have names. And some adjectives to describe them.)
Mordred is okay. Not-well-rounded, but at least rounded a bit. Yay for Mordred.
(although vampire-elves /elfopires?/are a bit too much).

[Luta Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally loved this story. Most of the negative reviews I’ve read are more because they are reading a book that isn’t their type. So if your not interested in dragons, elves, magical domains, and suspending belief don’t read this book. However if you enjoy well written books that are dynamic with an unusual plot then you will enjoy this book. There was a lot of detail including character detail. The chemistry between the characters was steamy and done so well I never felt it was rushed. There were some characters in there that I’m hoping are meant to be in other books otherwise I didn't really understand them being in this one. All together though, I would recommend this book to those that like some magic to their reads.

[Smokinhotbooks K.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kris (krisngoodbooks) was right...this is my favorite T.A. Chase book thus far. And here I thought I couldn't read a sci-fi(y) man love book ::snorts::. If I could have reached around and spanked my own butt, I wouldn't have. Chase does such an amazing job with the tortured, abused hero that I can't help but fall in love. Every. Damn. Time. For those of you who liked Angel's Evolution, Here Be Dragons is just as good.

[Lioness7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great TA Chase book. I love all the characters and the storyline. It is so nice to read a dragon story and have them not be nice. These dragons are the mean eat people types.

I think my favorite thing about the whole book though is the interactions that are had with George and Mordred. I found both of these characters to be likable and at times very funny.
Really can’t wait to read the next book.

[Cotilla · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't finish this one (I left it in page 115 or so). The characters said nothing to me, I disliked the instalove, then the elf and George end up in the mix... the stupidest of all: working without gloves in the laboratory. There are non-latex gloves, and it's one of the basic safety measures to avoid grave injuries.

[Agata · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book at to its almost-end, since if you read Here Be Dragons, you will notice that there is, in fact, no ending. The plot was very interesting, Kael's trauma was greatly presented with all of it's consequences. I really liked the supporting Hugh, though, as someone mentioned in their review, at some point in the book he became less and less visible and important.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came into this one not really knowing what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. It's a contemporary high fantasy m/m romance that hit almost every note I enjoy in a story. The dynamics between the characters are great, the writing is engaging, and the story flows quite well. I'm definitely planning to pick up the other books in the series when I get a chance.

[Jessie Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here Be Dragons is one of the #ThrowbackThursday pick of the week! Add a little #TBT to your #TBR pile!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...

[jules0623]

I took a chance on a book that is out of my comfort zone. It was nicely written but I just couldn't summon up enough interest in the genre itself.

(Note for self: No rating - under 50% read.)

[Shaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was between a three and a four, but it's probably more my mood than anything else...

[Pamela aka Scottieluvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another re-read that I enjoyed immensely

[Diane Dannenfeldt]

Ebook is in such bad shape, it’s unreadable.

[emily curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable story that is well written with likeable characters and good world building.

[Saritza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that the first reason for my choosing this book to read and review was the cover and the premise behind this paranormal story. The fact that I had yet to read a book that featured a main character named Hugh was also another reason.

Summary: Herpetologist, Kael Hammerson is hiding in Ireland working at a research lab. While Ireland may seem a strange place for someone in his field, it was the furthest away he could get from his abusive ex-partner. Now, a year later, his heart is ready to heal.

Kael's boss, Hugh Price, is very interested in Kael, but is afraid to cross the line from employer to lover. When a strange sea creature is brought into the lab, Hugh and Kael are swept into a fight for their lives and the lives of mankind.

Dragons have returned and the men must decide if their own love can survive the interference of a goddess.

Note: there is a sequel -- Dreaming of Dragons

What I liked about this book: The story is fascinating and the premise behind the idea of creatures crossing over the realm between legend and reality is well detailed and engrossing. The chemistry between the two main characters is palpable and I like that while the attraction is mutual from the onset, the relationship builds as the plot develops for the reader. One minute you're salivating over the sexual tension between Kael and Hugh, the next you're sitting at the edge of your seat wondering how they're going to escape the sea serpent! I have to say that my favorite characters in this book were actually the secondary characters, Mordred and George. Yes, THAT Mordred and St. George. :D

There are lovely scenes with the four of them feasting on each other that had me licking my lips and going back to re-read because the passion between the four was so palpable, it was entrancing.

The only thing that gave me pause with this book, several times in fact, was the constant grammar stumbling blocks I had to hurdle over. The constant replacement of "then" for "than" and "breath" for "breathe" had me going back and re-reading which took me away from the action of the story. Authors, PLEASE have an editor thoroughly read your book before publication! It takes away from your story when your readers have to go back and re-read something because of a typo or misspelling.

Excerpt: Kael would have to remember to thank the knight. He scratched his stomach. Damn, he was sticky. A sudden thought hit him. Hugh had come inside him. Shit. They hadn’t gotten the test results back. So much for being cautious.

Mordred appeared next to him. The elf tugged on one of his nipple rings. “Silly little one. George told you that unless there’s special magic involved, what happens in the Realm of Dreams stays there. Besides, the dragon’s blood you drank would have destroyed any disease you might have had.”

“Dragon’s blood?” Kael frowned. He didn’t remember any dragon’s blood.

“Oops. Shit. Sorry. You’re obviously not meant to remember that. Just forget I said anything.” Mordred grimaced.

Hugh grunted. Kael turned to watch his lover wake up. Mordred put his arm around Kael’s waist and allowed him to take the weight off his injured foot. Hugh’s hazel eyes blinked at them. Kael watched as the sleep slipped from those eyes. Hugh sat up and leaned against the headboard.

“I guess last night wasn’t a dream after all. Don’t you have your own boyfriend, elf?” Hugh smiled at them.

Kael pulled away from Mordred and joined Hugh in bed. Their good morning kiss was tender.

“I do have my own, but I was nice enough to let him sleep in while I checked on our little warrior here,” Mordred interrupted. “As for the sex, it was as real as anything can be in the Realm. I told Kael not to worry about anything.”

“Hmm.” Hugh shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. I’m more freaked out by the fact that I’m talking to a fucking elf than I am about having unprotected sex with Kael.”

Laughing, Kael snuggled close to Hugh. “It’s overwhelming at first, but you get used to the fact that you’re talking to a real live legend.”

“Why, that’s nice of you to say, Kael.” Mordred grinned.

“I was talking about George, Mordred. You’re just a pain in the ass.”
Hugh chuckled and Kael squeaked as Mordred leapt on the bed. The elf started tickling Kael while Hugh tried to protect him, but ended up touching Kael more than stopping the elf. Laughter filled the room as the three of them rolled around Kael’s bed, trying to get the upper hand. It was more fun than Kael had had in a long time. He’d never had any friends to wrestle with. He found himself caught between Hugh and Mordred. Hugh’s hard-on rubbed against his own while Mordred’s erection slid along his crease. In that moment all the joy fled and he was shot back into the past.

[Ulaumes · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - Not bad offensive content, just couldn't get into the book.

[Vivian ♪(┌・。・)┌ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It reminds me of a YA novel where the main character finds out that they're actually really special and then they suddenly go off to save the world.

Oh except for the bits of smut stuck in between. And the random foursome. I really didn't get that. I mean, yeah I didn't really care but it was so irrelevant. I mean what was the point of making all four of them 'lifemates' (what the fuck is that anyway). So you can have several life mates but one soulmate? Why didn't the other two just stick to the normal role as the mentors.

And one thing that niggles me is the inclusion of an abusive past. It felt as if the author was trying to shove it in our face in the first few pages of the book. I kind of wish it was handled at bit better, to be honest.

And oh my god. Hugh was so useless. I feel as though the author tried to put empower Kael and emphasise his strength and power as he continued to break away from his past but didn't know how, so she ended up making the other main character, Hugh, bloody useless. All he did was play the role of the kind, protective, loving, rich, smart, ravishing, useless boyfriend. Who also apparently has a history of ass kicking. That failed to show.

So this book didn't really do it for me. It wasn't painful to read, just tedious. I honestly wanted the book to finish (though it really did have a pathetic concluding note to it).

If you really think you'll enjoy this book then go ahead, by all means. As I said, it wasn't exactly a painful read.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book more, the plot was right up my alley. I LOVE the idea that all the stories we've grown up have the potential to be based on some truth and have actually argued with friends about this idea. After all how did the stories come about in the first place??

What stopped me from loving this book were the characters. I just couldn't get a good feel for them or bring myself to really care to much about them. Part of that may have stemmed from Kael's constant attitude shifts. One minute he's a damsel in the distress and almost curled up in a ball and then the next he's fighting dragons. He didn't click for me, as a hero he was decidedly lacking. Now I understand that most heroes don't go looking for glory it usually finds them but there is at least something, a part of them that makes them a hero that felt missing from Kael.Not sure what, but I'm intrigued enough with the story to give the next book a shot at least.

[Fi Brit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the plot and secondary characters George and Mordred, so I plan on reading the next book. The writing though, is underdeveloped and needs some serious editing. The author is pedantic to an irritating degree, explains things multiple times over or drowning us in useless information. for example, when introducing the trainee dragon fighters, did we really need to know how long each had served.
The book also featured my pet peeve. When the word is in crisis, you don't tend to stop for plenty of sleep, showers and long loving shags on a regular basis.

[Clerah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book well enough. But a couple things that prevented it from getting a higher rating was, one - all the crying going on by Kael Hammerson, dude, man up! And secondly part of how the book was written would totally take me of the story. I got confused as to who was talking sometimes. Anyhow I will probably read the rest of the series, because I like the stuff that T.A. Chase puts out, but it just won't be right away.

[Sarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was better than I thought it would be; the blending between 'modern day' and the fantasy elements went together fairly well and I liked the characters overall. I'm not sure how I feel about the odd relationship between the two MCs and the guys that are helping them from the 'other side', but I'll deal with it for now. The book also left off in a decent place with a good set up for the next book, which I will read, just not right now. 3.5*