Dark Fire Kiss

The Dragon Lairds #2

by Amy Pennza

Half human, half vampire, I’ve spent my life on the fringes of my father’s court. Born with all the vampire weaknesses and none of their gifts, I have little to offer my family—until my father, the prince, is poisoned. Only dragon tears will heal him, and the dragons are desperate for female mates.

So I’m offered as a sacrifice. Dumped in dragon territory in the Scottish Highlands, I’m quickly captured by Bram McGregor and Fergus Devlin. It’s my body in exchange for the tears, and it doesn’t matter how I feel about the trade.

But as time passes, I feel a lot more than I expected. Bram and Fergus claim fate sent me to them, and they’re eager to prove the three of us could build a beautiful life together. And the longer I stay, the more I realize sharing their bed isn’t the sacrifice I once believed.

With two powerful, sexy dragons by my side, I’m beginning to feel I’ve finally found my place in the world. But my past isn't finished with me yet. Just when I think happiness is within reach, my family comes hurtling back into my life. And this time their betrayal may cost me everything—and everyone—I love.

Author's note: This is a MMF romance with sword crossing aplenty.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, M M F, Paranormal, Dragons, Vampires, Shapeshifters

210 pages, ebook

Published March 30, 2022

About the author

Amy Pennza is a USA Today Bestselling Author of steamy fantasy romance. After becoming a lawyer because everyone insisted writing wasn’t a “real job,” she stubbornly wrote anyway—and is delighted to have proved them wrong. She’s grateful to spend her days crafting dirty, swoony books about magic, swords, and unforgettable characters. She lives in the Great Lakes region with her husband and five children.

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Reviews

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somehow, my review for this book disappeared. Now, several days and several books later, I have to try and remember what my concerns were for this book. Here goes nothing, just keep in mind that I may not be as detailed as I normally am with my reviews.

Editing-wise, I just don't remember. Moving on.

As I recall, my biggest issue with this book is all sex, all the time. I get that the men are a couple for a long time before Halina comes along, but it felt like the author just tacked her on at the end, as well. Most of the focus was on the guys together then Halina just jumps in there.

There is just not enough depth in these books. Not with the story, not with the characters, nowhere. I am continually left wanting more. It's disappointing. I end up left with this super light, fluffy book where all issues are easily and quickly resolved.

I know I had more issues, but I just don't remember them. I'm moving on to review the next book now, since I just finished reading that one.

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so very much obsessed with this series at this point. I 100% need to listen to every single book in this series. On to book three.

[Chloë [at the cottage] · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella has so much in place for some hot & steamy action:
-Dragon shifter male leads
-Virgin female dhampir
-Highland setting
-MMF ménage action
-fated mates

But it was also so darn cute! The relationship between the dragon shifters, Bram & Fergus, is so loving and evident right from the get-go, but the addition of Halina didn’t detract. Their bedroom scenes were really well done and incredibly erotic, heavily leaning on the M/M action.

This was very much a character-driven erotic story, in detriment to the plot, which there wasn’t very much of. I felt like I was reading two different stories. The middle was great as it focused on the relationship the three build together, but the beginning & end could use some fine-tuning, as it really quickly tried to shoehorn in some action and conflict.

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Characters: 💖💖💖💖
Editing: ✅✅✅

3.5* overall.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Geez, the heat coming from this book... I think the temp in my room just went up a few degrees.
If you're a fan of paranormal and/or MMF erotica, this is for you. It was a quick and easy read. The story is good, just wish there was more to it. Especially at the end, it felt a bit rushed. Other than that, it was a captivating read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

***I would like to thank BookSirens and Amy Pennza (the author) for graciously providing a copy of the novel for me to read & review.***

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this hot, steamy, captivating book with exceptional characters in an erotic world that is so realistic it felt like I was on the journey with them. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author that knows how to captivate the attention of their readers.

[Jessica Jesinghaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A broken and abused Damphir finds her purpose & a true home

This second installment of the Dragon Lairds series delivers more of what I’d been missing in the first book. Here we are introduced to another of the Firstborn Races: the Vampires. Theirs is a brutal culture where strength and power matter more than anything. But Halina has neither. She’s half human, a Damphir with nothing to offer her father, their Blood-chosen prince & ruler. Yet when her father is poisoned in an assassination attempt, her scheming uncle sees some value in her after all. They’ll trade her to the dragons in exchange for a healing Dragon Tear.

I absolutely adored Bram & Fergus. Their easy banter and their scorching chemistry drew me in almost instantly. But it takes Halina a while to warm up to them. Watching each man work to earn her trust was delicious. Fergus is mischievous and flippant, with a heart of gold, and a perfect juxtaposition to Bram’s domineering and stoic personality (really just a shield for his soft & deeply wounded heart).

There is some serious spice within these pages, despite the fact that Halina manages to deny her feelings for her dragon mates for nearly half the book. Never fear: Fergus & Bram give us plenty in their own right.

While Book 1 of this series felt like a complete standalone, I get the feeling that unresolved diplomatic events from the end of this installment will flow into the next storyline. It gives the sense of continuation but without a cliffhanger feel.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very hot erotic book with dragons and vampires and all sorts of creatures including humans. The heroine Halina happens to be half vampire and half human, a Dhampir. In this world dragons mate in a triad M/M/F. Halina is sacrificed to the dragons for dragon tears which will cure her father from a poison he was given. Fergus first sees Halina and one look and sniff and he knows she is their fated mate. This is an interesting world with great characters with all the drama, infighting, love and betrayal you could ask for and such fun to read. Absolutely loved Bram, Fergus and Halina as a triad, their chemistry is off the charts. Loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[My_Strange_Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun series. I only made it 3 books in because they all followed the same formula, but I can see myself going back in later because it’s a fun concept.

Kiss of Smoke: ⭐️⭐️⭐️wasn’t the biggest fan of the dubious consent at the beginning but it got better

Dark Fire Kiss ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ might be my favorite

Kiss of a Dragon King ⭐️⭐️⭐️ this was a fun one that connected all the characters so far.

[Andira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sizzling hot from the first page to the last, this book kept me up way past my bedtime. Courtship, love and seduction with chivalrous alpha males and a heroine that grows into her own strength, what's not to love? The plot twist at the very end lifted the story to a whole new level. I am usually not big on MM intimate scenes, but found these ones very well written and highly intriguing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a spicy, fun quick read. Why aren't people talking about these? I liked this one a bit less than the first, but I'm certainly hoping we'll revisit these characters somehow throughout the series because the ending left lots of room for possibilities.

[Jezabel Nightingale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and spicy! As our female main character says, who doesn’t love a bit of swordplay!

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was different but exciting, sexy, and oh so good. The characters and the story sucked me in and I loved this new world.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read story... quite similar to the first book in the series. Same amount of smut if not more. Overall quite enjoyable to read.

[Katrine Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series rich in polyamory, bisexuality, and paranormal romance is turning out to be delightful. Well played Ms. Pennza. Next!

[Asher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4/5

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this story. I like the fact that the half brother gets his just desserts, and so does the evil uncle

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was such a sizzling hot romance! I really felt for poor Halina as she is so underappreciated with her own kind. When she meets Fergus and Bram, their attraction is explosive. The romance between them is super sweet, but so super steamy with plenty of MM, MF and MMF action. This series so far does not disappoint and I can't wait to read the next story. Though this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone as each story seem to focus on a new set of characters.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Meagan Grauel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fantasy romance has vampires, dragons, a centuries old rivalry between magical beings, MM sex scenes, instalove (on his part), fated mates, and spicy MMF scenes. If excessive spicy scenes aren't for you, then I would suggest not reading this. But if it is, definitely read this! The plot was pretty good, if not a little predictable. But overall, a good read! This book was set in modern times, but it does have more of a medieval air to it. Likely because the FMC is raised apart from humans and they don't utilize all the technology that humankind has to offer. I think what I wasn't an overly large fan of in this book was the FMC. I just wasn't a big fan of hers, so that really detracted from how I felt about the rest of the book. I loved both the MMC's though, so it kind of made up for it. Though, the darker/tortured MMC eludes to having something in his past that makes things difficult for him now, the author only mentions a small thing in passing and doesn't give a lot of details or reason for why he would still be affected. So I feel like his tortured soul persona is a little confusing.

I think in this series, we're going to see a lot of the same structure of plot. Male dragons have met and been mated for some time, but are still searching for their female mate. One of the males is easygoing and almost golden retriever like and the other is more brooding and skeptical. These two dragons will find their mate and the female will be resistant or hesitant to accept the mating bond, or be human and not know anything about dragons or other magical races and the dragons will have to go slow to ease her into things. The dragon males will go about things slowly in hopes that she'll accept their mate bond (this part seems to drag on in the books) but eventually they wear her down and loads of gratuitous sex will happen. Then, if all is well, they'll bond as mates (could be possible that this happens after the drama). There is some emergency level drama that happens right at the end and involves other magical creatures or beings. It resolves fairly quickly and the reader will get one more sex scene or bonding scene with sex.
Now ... I've only read 2 of the books in this series and while it seems that I'm correct in this assumption right now, I could totally be wrong. But I am not one to complain about the consistency of these books and will likely keep reading them. The author knows how to write her way around a spicy scene.

This book was pretty good, the series is one I'm enjoying overall. You don't have to read the previous ones to understand what's going on, the author does a lot of explaining about the different beings back stories and current affairs. So, if you wanted to, you could read these as standalones, but I do think it would make more sense overall if you read them in order. Definitely worth a read if you're looking for a series with loads of spice and fantasy!

[Kelsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

good except one common trope that threw me

Overall, I liked it but and it’s a large BUT… a common trope, theme, strategy used here is conflict resolution with no true resolving of the conflict. Lots of fantasy books do this. A male main character or worse, a love interest, says something terrible, calling the one they love weak, or threaten their freedom. This is showing his true feelings towards women. The FMC is upset, rightly has no idea if she seen as an equal and doesn’t knows how to approach the relationship moving forward…then BAM main conflict, she’s kidnapped then rescued. No conversation was had, no apology, no resolution. We are left hanging with a contempt for women and it’s not resolved. Light spoiler: one of the men does this and it’s never touched again. I now have a bad taste in my mouth. How can the FMC be totally smitten with this man who disrespected her only 3 weeks prior? Does he actually love her? Did he ever? Did he see how he was wrong? This seems like a huge interpersonal plot hole that’s left wide open, I can drive a truck through it. It makes the story feel unfinished and dare I say, unbelievable (as much suspended reality a fantasy book already has). But the actual relationship dynamic is where it feels unreal and that is truly unsatisfying. The FMC even reasons that she doesn’t feel equal and wonders if the MMC lied to her and was not a good partner. This is a huge deal in a romance novel! And we’re going to sweep it under the rug? Make her forget about it and never bring it up again? Have a sexually charged and heart warming epilogue? It felt gross and I kinda scoffed. I’m a bit riled up but this is last in about 9 books I’ve read this year alone that employs this. It’s lazy and saddening.

[Amos24601 · Rating 3 out of 5]

New mate needed

So really, here’s the deal. I loved Bram and Fergus. I’d read a full length book about them all day long. I just didn’t like Halina. Though I sympathized greatly with her, I didn’t think she was a good match for a Bram and Fergus.

Halina was the outcast in her own society, a halfing, vampire and human. So no one thought she was worth anything. She’s sacrificed to the Scottish dragons. Unbeknownst to her, she’s their third mate. They were okay together, I suppose, but the full connection just didn’t come together for me.

While Halina is hiding in her room and ignoring her mates, they are burning up the sheets together and I was here for it. Bram was incredibly sexy and Fergus has just the right amount of silly and sexy going on. I loved them together so much.

In the end, things turn out just fine for Halina and Bram and Fergus stand by her side and help take her place. I had to deduct a full star just because I didn’t like Halina. All three of my stars are for Bram and Fergus. I hope there is another book in this series because I love the concept of poly dragon shifters so much. This trio just didn’t work the best for me.

[MN Book Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t want hot dragon men who also love you unconditionally?

Halina is a dhampir and has found she doesn’t have any powers. So when her father is poisoned, she’s sent to the highland dragons for a tear to save him by her brother and uncle.

Only to find out she’s the fated mate for Bram and Fergus. But with her upbringing, she’s a bit skittish to trust them. And when she does, words end up being said out of anger that gets her kidnapped.

Halina, Bram, and Fergus get their happy ending in this stand-alone book in a series.

Having read the first book in this series, it was great to get a bit of backstory here as to why the dragons are without females. And to see what other supernatural beings think of the dragons and vice versa. It is really interesting to see how many different species can intermingle and see which genes come out as the dominant ones.

I received an advanced review copy for free from Book Sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so love the dynamic between Bram and Fergus, but I didn't love the ending and what it did for Halina. She didn't love the world she came from, and has been kind of weak/powerless all her life; if the Blood was going to choose her, she should have had some indication of that before she was chosen, just like the other family members did. I also wasn't a huge fan of how her feelings were dismissed when one of her men basically told her she wasn't allowed to do anything they didn't approve of--and it was never rectified. I understand they had bigger issues to deal with, but I think we needed to see how that relationship is repaired because that was enough to shake even the sturdiest of foundations--which this relationship didn't have.

[Mary Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Fergus and Bram, they are awesome with Halina!!! If you love hot, dragon shifters, you will love this book.

[Lissa J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot and steamy erotica, dragon shifters, mm, mmf, fated mates, virgin half vampire

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this shape shifter, dragon harem romance! I was in the mood for fanatsy since I read a bunch of romance before and this one exceeded my expectations.
If you‘re looking for strong, handsome, mystery males that would do everything to protect their loved ones stop right here and get this book.


Bram and Fergus where such a 🌶 and fun duo. Whereas Bram is the dark, quiet, brooding and mystery one Fergus is the absolute opposite. With his charming light side, he always has a joke on hand and knows how to navigate through a situation with ease. They both long to find their mate to complete their relationship.


Halina is a sweet and young woman from the firstborn race of the vampires. But her mother was a human so she only is a half vampire (dhampir). Her family only sees her flaws and what she can‘t do compared to her brother so she is the weakness of the family.
Through Fergus and Bram she learns what her strengths are and how valuable she is besides not having the same skills as her family.
I also really adore how they both handle Halina in the beginning when she doesn‘t want any contact to them. They give her space and don‘t do anything that she doesn‘t want. It’s written perfectly for me since I read many other books where there was dubious consent which never sits well with me. This was fun to read and now I need to actually read the first book in the series because this one was so good!
The bond they grow together is just so sweet and I would highly recommend this book! ✨
They only reason for me to give this book 4 stars instead of 5 is - (and for me thats never a spoiler but stop right here if you think you would want to get into this without any „spoiler“ regarding the spicy scenes)













- they don‘t use protection! Halina is painted as the naive virgin whereas Bram & Fergus have far more experience. They should‘ve talked about it beforehand & be more responsible about it even though as fated mates they would want babys but since they never talked about it I don‘t really like how its handled.
If it were in the later spicy scenes and they had talked about it I would have no problem at all but it isn‘t like that soooo 4 ⭐️ it is!



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ!!

I'm in awe of Amy Pennza's ability to make stories delving into the supernatural so guttural and impressive. I loved this book, I'm a little sad I didn't read the series in order(totally not needed) but I still loved this book and plan on reading the first one immediately.

Halina was a favorite character, even if she's a little rough around the edges and a little physically and emotionally scarred. She sat in my eyes as impressive and beautiful. The minute she's brought into the story, and we see the world through her eyes absolutely breathtaking. I found her story a little heartbreaking but it truly evolved and stretched into one that brought tears to my eyes with how touching and wholesome it wound up being.

Ten out of ten love Bram and Fergus. All of the little moments where the two of them are by themselves and fighting their urges to bring Halina into the fold. Every scene behind closed doors, all of the little moments while the fight their own instincts and beliefs. I was swept away with the amount of love they had for not only each other but Halina after only a short amount of time of knowing her.

I have truly loved every book I've read by Pennza and this one was no different. Voraciously completed this book in one sitting could barely put it down, did so to get some work done but it kept dragging me back to it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Renée Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Pennza brings us the heat with the second instalment in her Dragon Lairds' series. This book is steamy and sizzling right from the start - It's DIRTY and SEXY and I couldn't get enough. I love MMF romance, and this was a great one, but the scorching love and lust between Fergus and Bram themselves was such a turn on as well. She warns of plenty of sword crossing in these books and I am there for it.

The idea of fated mates really does it for me - not only is it romantic as all get out, but there's no messing around when it comes to Fate - if you believe. Sometimes it does take a bit of convincing, but once you are there, you're there and it's so great.

I am also addicted to Ms. Pennza's world building in this series. The drama of the Firstborn Races is fascinating, and I really hope we get more. I liked the quick run down at the beginning, but she also does a great job of explaining things so that the reader is not confused. I fell into this world when I opened the pages of her book and it was easy to become immersed and feel like I belonged there. The magical setting of the Scottish Highlands was a major plus as well. Ms. Pennza knows what she is doing.

I can't wait for more in this series and to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was literally perfect. Scottish dragons in a MMF romance with a young Dhampir discovering her own power and self-worth? Sign me the fuck up.

The two hunky Scottish dragons, Fergus and Bram, were sublime. Their chemistry was electric and their banter was absolutely hilarious. Their personalities complimented one another beautifully; Fergus the cheeky, eternally sunshine-y Golden Retriever and Bram the sarcastic, brooding and fiercely loyal cinnamon roll. I already miss them so so much. Halina the Dhampir was also such a well written character, with sass for miles and a really inspiring inner strength. I became so emotionally invested in this relationship due to its incredible rawness and vulnerability, and hearing from all three of our main characters, their thoughts and introspections, really elevated my love for them.

The writing was superb with really immersive descriptions of the medieval/modern hybrid setting and the most natural, tangible dialogue I've read in a long while. This story made me cackle, gave me goosebumps and also made me cry and its now my favourite MMF romance to date. I highly recommend this book for lovers of MMF romance, light fantasy/paranormal and sexy Scots.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. It had dragons, vampires and damphirs, kings and a struggle for power. Halina is damphir, half human and half vampire, without any special powers. She’s treated terribly by her family and sacrificed in exchange for dragon tears. I don’t want to give anymore away, but Halina ends up in a better situation with the dragons than she ever could have hoped for.

There is a LOT of MM sexy times in this book, which I don’t normally mind. However, I felt like the book focused primarily on the sex and less on the plot. Hence taking away a star. But I didn’t give it any lower, because the author was creative and the scenes varied enough to not be monotonous. Plus it amped up the anticipation of Helena finally joining Bram and Fergus.

The ending was a surprise. Her being taken was obvious before it happened, but I was surprised about what happened once she returned home. There are also unanswered questions related to the demons, that I’m sure will be answered in following books in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tears for Their Mate . . .

Half human, half vampire, Dhampir Halina is sent as a sacrifice to the dragons to get dragon tears to cure her father, the prince, who was poisoned by an assassin sent by Prince Sergey in retaliation for messing around with his wife. Her family has always treated her poorly, so they were eager to send her away to the dragons. But this time, they accidentally did her a favor when they sent her to Bram McGregor and Fergus Devlin, who turned out to be her fated mates. With the dragons desperate for female mates, they were happy to have her among them.

Being together, they all were comfortable in their relationship. Halina knew she had found the place she belonged, was happy for the first time in a long time -- but it might not last. Her “family” came back into her life to continue doing harm, ready to betray her yet again. Will she lose her life this time? Will they try to harm her mates? Will she find out the truth about her father’s death and what her brother and uncle had done? And who exactly had the Blood chosen as the next ruler when her father died?