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Dragon's Heat #1
Dark Embers
King Dylan MacLeod is one of the last pure-bred dragon shapeshifters in existence—and ruler of a dying race, the Dragonstar clan. It falls to him to protect his people—and their ancient magic. He has one more duty: to provide an heir.
Like all dragons, Dylan can only procreate with his destined mate—for whom he’s searched for five hundred years. His dark, rampant sexual appetite has earned him quite the reputation, all in the pursuit of his one true match.
But his search is delayed when a deadly disease sweeps through the Dragonstars, and Dylan must venture to the human world to find a cure. He tracks down renowned biochemist Phoebe Quillum, never imagining the beautiful scientist will be the mate he’s been seeking for centuries. But no sooner do they meet then Phoebe and Dylan are besieged by an obsessive, overpowering sexual desire.
Their passion turns to something truer—and they know in their souls and bodies that they’re in too deep to get out. And when Phoebe is kidnapped by Dylan’s oldest enemy, he must risk everything to reclaim the only woman he’s ever loved, or his clan will be wiped out forever.
Like all dragons, Dylan can only procreate with his destined mate—for whom he’s searched for five hundred years. His dark, rampant sexual appetite has earned him quite the reputation, all in the pursuit of his one true match.
But his search is delayed when a deadly disease sweeps through the Dragonstars, and Dylan must venture to the human world to find a cure. He tracks down renowned biochemist Phoebe Quillum, never imagining the beautiful scientist will be the mate he’s been seeking for centuries. But no sooner do they meet then Phoebe and Dylan are besieged by an obsessive, overpowering sexual desire.
Their passion turns to something truer—and they know in their souls and bodies that they’re in too deep to get out. And when Phoebe is kidnapped by Dylan’s oldest enemy, he must risk everything to reclaim the only woman he’s ever loved, or his clan will be wiped out forever.
301 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2010
35 people are currently reading
3853 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Adams
11 books263 followersPseudonym for Tracy Wolff
Tessa Adams lives in Texas and teaches writing at her local community college. She is married and the mother of three young sons.
Tessa Adams lives in Texas and teaches writing at her local community college. She is married and the mother of three young sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
May 5, 2011
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.
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.
March 14, 2017
Dylan MacLeod is the leader of a clan of dragon shifters. Due to a mysterious disease, members of his clan have been dropping like flies. Desperate to save his people, Dylan decides to seek out human aid. His quest leads him to Dr. Phoebe Quillum, who is a researcher 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. 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 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 tempting to resist. So with reluctance, she agrees to Dylan's terms.
This was a really difficult book for me to get into. While the main story was interesting, the relationship between Dylan and Phoebe was boring. Those two just didn't have much personality and their background stories were hinted at but never fleshed out. This made Dylan's reluctance at wanting to keep Phoebe around 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 getting punished for having a cool head in dangerous situations. In fact, the climax of the story just pissed me off. Phoebe rationally handles a difficult situation and the characters (Dylan in particular) take it as huge betrayal for no real reason. Phoebe acted smartly and Dylan punishes her for it by throwing a huge man-child tantrum.
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.
This scene completely killed the book for me. The number one thing that I cannot stand in books is sexual abuse written under the guise of angry sex. What really infuriates me is that after this, the scene is never brought back up. It happens, the story moves on. What was the point? Dylan's character was just decimated as a likeable person. I don’t give a flying fig if he later saves Phoebe. I don’t care if he saves the entire world now. It doesn't make up for his abhorrent actions or magically redeem his character. Honestly, 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 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. But that last 25 percent of the book just killed it for me.
After receiving news that her grant money has been pulled, Phoebe is on a tight time constraint to finish up her research. 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 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 tempting to resist. So with reluctance, she agrees to Dylan's terms.
This was a really difficult book for me to get into. While the main story was interesting, the relationship between Dylan and Phoebe was boring. Those two just didn't have much personality and their background stories were hinted at but never fleshed out. This made Dylan's reluctance at wanting to keep Phoebe around 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 getting punished for having a cool head in dangerous situations. In fact, the climax of the story just pissed me off. Phoebe rationally handles a difficult situation and the characters (Dylan in particular) take it as huge betrayal for no real reason. Phoebe acted smartly and Dylan punishes her for it by throwing a huge man-child tantrum.
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.
This scene completely killed the book for me. The number one thing that I cannot stand in books is sexual abuse written under the guise of angry sex. What really infuriates me is that after this, the scene is never brought back up. It happens, the story moves on. What was the point? Dylan's character was just decimated as a likeable person. I don’t give a flying fig if he later saves Phoebe. I don’t care if he saves the entire world now. It doesn't make up for his abhorrent actions or magically redeem his character. Honestly, 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 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. But that last 25 percent of the book just killed it for me.
December 17, 2018
So, I read this book because I ended up buying the second book at the used bookstore for $1. Sometimes starting a book by a new author with no friend recommendations can be daunting. Duds do abound. However, this book was actually pretty decent. Although I felt there was some holes in the story, overall, I still enjoyed this book.
Dylan is the king of the Dragonstar clan and an insidious disease is making its way through his clan, killing off many members of his clan, including his own family. Dylan finds, Phoebe, an intelligent research scientist in diseases to help him figure out the disease that is decimating his people.
From the first there are sparks between these two. So much so, they get it on at like 29% of the book. LOL The love scenes were smexy and there quite a few of them. Sometimes, it seemed like overkill.
I only had a few issues with the book. At one point Phoebe believes that Dylan betrayed her but we never really had enough backstory to see how she came to that conclusion. The ending also felt a little rushed. However, despite all that I enjoyed the story.
Phoebe does discover what is causing the illness but hasn't figured out a cure. In the second book of the series, which I am reading now, they are working on a way to stop the illness.
Quotes & Faves:
♥ She belonged to him, and he would kill anyone or anything that tried to take her from him. She was his, and he would protect her with the last breath in his body.
Dylan is the king of the Dragonstar clan and an insidious disease is making its way through his clan, killing off many members of his clan, including his own family. Dylan finds, Phoebe, an intelligent research scientist in diseases to help him figure out the disease that is decimating his people.
From the first there are sparks between these two. So much so, they get it on at like 29% of the book. LOL The love scenes were smexy and there quite a few of them. Sometimes, it seemed like overkill.
I only had a few issues with the book. At one point Phoebe believes that Dylan betrayed her but we never really had enough backstory to see how she came to that conclusion. The ending also felt a little rushed. However, despite all that I enjoyed the story.
Phoebe does discover what is causing the illness but hasn't figured out a cure. In the second book of the series, which I am reading now, they are working on a way to stop the illness.
Quotes & Faves:
♥ She belonged to him, and he would kill anyone or anything that tried to take her from him. She was his, and he would protect her with the last breath in his body.
April 26, 2011
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.
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.
April 20, 2014
Um wow. I feel like I hit the jackpot with Dark Embers. This is the third book I've read this month, sad right?! I was in a horrible book funk and finally found one to snap me out. Then another. And now This one. While the first two were really good, I think this one has me feeling like:
So here I am reading about a crazy cool dragon shifter on a mission to find the cure to a disease that is killing members of his clan. This guy is one of the most smooth talking, hard ass bodied, dangerous piece of hunky dragon meat EVER! I totally fell in love! ❤ Even though he has a mean temper and has his moments where he needed a little junk punching, Dylan was a great hero and I quite enjoyed reading about him. Five words: Holy Hot Shower Sex Batman! ;)
Phoebe was the perfect match for Dylan. She was incredibly smart and witty, she knew when to push back and when to let things slide. What I liked most was when she stood her ground, even up against her tall, dark and brooding dragon man! she was pretty funny too.
Um, can I be her please!!!
There was a lot going on here. A disease to figure out, impending trouble with a rival clan, lots, I mean lots of hot sex, a possible traitor, death of loved ones :( funny times, a twist that snuck up on me even though I did have some suspicions, kidnapping, lightning bolts and fire balls, death of bad guys... I could go on. Needless to say, I was captivated and couldn't put it down! Literally. I read this in one sitting. I loved it and will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
Disclaimer time: As an avid cliffhanger hater, I feel it is my duty to warn others of such travesties ;) While this book does have a happy ending for our couple, there are some things left unfinished. From reading the blurbs of the other books, I can see that those story lines will continue on in them.
You can also see my review on Confessions of 2 Book Lovers
So here I am reading about a crazy cool dragon shifter on a mission to find the cure to a disease that is killing members of his clan. This guy is one of the most smooth talking, hard ass bodied, dangerous piece of hunky dragon meat EVER! I totally fell in love! ❤ Even though he has a mean temper and has his moments where he needed a little junk punching, Dylan was a great hero and I quite enjoyed reading about him. Five words: Holy Hot Shower Sex Batman! ;)
Phoebe was the perfect match for Dylan. She was incredibly smart and witty, she knew when to push back and when to let things slide. What I liked most was when she stood her ground, even up against her tall, dark and brooding dragon man! she was pretty funny too.
"Yesterday she had woken up in her apartment in Cambridge, eaten her usual breakfast of Fruit Loops and a banana and headed into work. Now, less than forty-eight hours later, she was standing in the middle of the desert, surrounded by six of the sexiest men she had ever seen. It didn't seem real."
Um, can I be her please!!!
There was a lot going on here. A disease to figure out, impending trouble with a rival clan, lots, I mean lots of hot sex, a possible traitor, death of loved ones :( funny times, a twist that snuck up on me even though I did have some suspicions, kidnapping, lightning bolts and fire balls, death of bad guys... I could go on. Needless to say, I was captivated and couldn't put it down! Literally. I read this in one sitting. I loved it and will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
Disclaimer time: As an avid cliffhanger hater, I feel it is my duty to warn others of such travesties ;) While this book does have a happy ending for our couple, there are some things left unfinished. From reading the blurbs of the other books, I can see that those story lines will continue on in them.
You can also see my review on Confessions of 2 Book Lovers
December 23, 2021
Loved this book. Dylan was a total alpha male. Only thing missing was thumping his chest! The world of the shifting dragons was really great. I mean yeah we kinda at this point have heard and read it all but still I loved it. Some sad moments of loss and some serious sex all over the place with these two characters. Plenty of action as well. I liked that it wasn't love at first sight. Yeah Dylan felt a weird pull but didn't think anything of of through most of the book. I cant wait to get to the next book and see what happens. Who the spy is??!
August 11, 2011
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 lives of her Mom and sister.When the H and h meet,lets just say that the sparks ignite and off we go.This book had moments of angst,saddness and terror, not your usual paranormal,with an equal mix of shall we say,blistering sex scenes[again,which I like very much]. Looking foreword to the next books in this series which I shall be ordering soon.Highly rec for paranormal fans who love the Dragon heros and independant heroines as Pheobe in not a doormat.Lookout for the twist towards the end as I did not see it comming.I think of this book as a darker version of DRAGON BOUND by Thea Harrison which I abso loved.Check out her rom/susp as Tracey Wolf, very good...
August 30, 2016
I read some of the reviews and I agree with some of them and others make me wonder if the reviewer skim-read the book. One reviewer says that it's never explained why Dylan is so reluctant at wanting to make Phoebe his mate, if you read the whole book it is explained several times.
Another reviewer says that the back story for Phoebe is never fleshed out, again I'm puzzled because we find out several things: why she became the scientist, why she doesn't trust men, and what was done to her by persons in her past that makes her a distrusting hard head.
I wasn't really into the sex scenes, they were hot but confusing, I don't like being confused when reading anything but especially sex scenes. There was one scene where one sentence he was focusing on her clitoris and the next sentence in the very same paragraph he was licking her back, at this point she hadn't discovered that he was a dragon so it wasn't a "dragon tongue" thing, it was just confusing writing/editing/something.
I enjoyed the rest of the story, however. The rest of the story made the book worth reading, for me.
Another reviewer says that the back story for Phoebe is never fleshed out, again I'm puzzled because we find out several things: why she became the scientist, why she doesn't trust men, and what was done to her by persons in her past that makes her a distrusting hard head.
I wasn't really into the sex scenes, they were hot but confusing, I don't like being confused when reading anything but especially sex scenes. There was one scene where one sentence he was focusing on her clitoris and the next sentence in the very same paragraph he was licking her back, at this point she hadn't discovered that he was a dragon so it wasn't a "dragon tongue" thing, it was just confusing writing/editing/something.
I enjoyed the rest of the story, however. The rest of the story made the book worth reading, for me.
September 13, 2010
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.
July 16, 2010
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.
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.
June 27, 2022
Heroine came off sterile, unlikable, stubborn the first part of the book. There was a lot of name dropping clan members but not enough interaction for me to form an interest in them. Erotic sex scenes but not enough emotional chemistry to build off of. The twist at the end came out of nowhere. No resolution to be found in this book. No epilogue. HFN
July 21, 2011
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
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
April 14, 2015
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-shifters, and ruler of a dying race, the Dragonstar clan, is on the prowl for his mate. He's bedded just about every dragon female to no avail. He is beginning to see this as just one more way he will fail his people.
His clan has been dying off, more recently than ever, for the past 10 years from some kind of virus they cannot stop. They become ill, then paralyzed and finally bleed out. When his sister falls ill and dies, he's determined to think out of the box.
He tracks down Phoebe at Harvard and offers her $3 million to come back to NM with him to stop this disease that's killing his people. She can immediately tell that there's more to the story. But, not having anything keeping her at Harvard, she agrees to go with him. The scientist in her cannot resist the challenge he's offered her.
I loved this story. The H/h were such that you could immediately relate to them and their struggle to stop the deaths of the dragon-shifters was something you easily find yourself cheering for throughout. The deaths of Dylan's people is such an awful way to die, you feel for him and those closest to them whenever one of them dies. The relationship between Dylan and Phoebe was hot, hot, hot. They grate on each other, challenge each other, and help each other in ways that make them a perfect match.
The side characters are all interesting as well. I look forward to reading book #2, Hidden Embers, which comes out in Apr 2011 and tells Quinn's story.
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-shifters, and ruler of a dying race, the Dragonstar clan, is on the prowl for his mate. He's bedded just about every dragon female to no avail. He is beginning to see this as just one more way he will fail his people.
His clan has been dying off, more recently than ever, for the past 10 years from some kind of virus they cannot stop. They become ill, then paralyzed and finally bleed out. When his sister falls ill and dies, he's determined to think out of the box.
He tracks down Phoebe at Harvard and offers her $3 million to come back to NM with him to stop this disease that's killing his people. She can immediately tell that there's more to the story. But, not having anything keeping her at Harvard, she agrees to go with him. The scientist in her cannot resist the challenge he's offered her.
I loved this story. The H/h were such that you could immediately relate to them and their struggle to stop the deaths of the dragon-shifters was something you easily find yourself cheering for throughout. The deaths of Dylan's people is such an awful way to die, you feel for him and those closest to them whenever one of them dies. The relationship between Dylan and Phoebe was hot, hot, hot. They grate on each other, challenge each other, and help each other in ways that make them a perfect match.
The side characters are all interesting as well. I look forward to reading book #2, Hidden Embers, which comes out in Apr 2011 and tells Quinn's story.
September 13, 2010
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 comment.*** But it affected me enough that I need to mention it. I have to say one thing that bothered me. We learn from the very first chapter, Dylan's inner musings tell us that there are very specific and obvious signs when someone meets their 'mate'. I struggled through the entire book with this. Because Dylan and Phoebe were so powerfully drawn to each other and Dylan did not ONCE notice the mating signs. He was KING. He, more than anyone, should have been in tune with his dragon and the other indicators. Personally, as a reader I love it when Mates meet in these types of stories because its just something they immediately know. They sense it and they feel it. At least the shifter does. The fact that Dylan was oblivious to all this through out almost the entire story was an issue that somewhat blocked me from fully enjoying this story the way I truly wanted to. He also treated her unfairly at one point and that was tough. He should have been a little more apologetic for that.
Anyway, beyond that, the story in itself was amazing. Loved it. Hope there will be more.
***This is a very spoilery comment.*** But it affected me enough that I need to mention it. I have to say one thing that bothered me. We learn from the very first chapter, Dylan's inner musings tell us that there are very specific and obvious signs when someone meets their 'mate'. I struggled through the entire book with this. Because Dylan and Phoebe were so powerfully drawn to each other and Dylan did not ONCE notice the mating signs. He was KING. He, more than anyone, should have been in tune with his dragon and the other indicators. Personally, as a reader I love it when Mates meet in these types of stories because its just something they immediately know. They sense it and they feel it. At least the shifter does. The fact that Dylan was oblivious to all this through out almost the entire story was an issue that somewhat blocked me from fully enjoying this story the way I truly wanted to. He also treated her unfairly at one point and that was tough. He should have been a little more apologetic for that.
Anyway, beyond that, the story in itself was amazing. Loved it. Hope there will be more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2010
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 biochemist who may be his people's salvation. He never imagined that he would find his mate also.
Dylan, now King of the Dragonstars, a strong race of dragon shifters, needs to find his mate soon. But when his clan is attacked and being systematically wiped out by an mysterious disease; Dylan has to go to the humans for help. There he finds Phoebe Quillium-renowned biochemist. She has just been informed that her grant money has fallen through and her lab will fold with out it.
When Dylan comes to her with an offer of $3 million dollars for her to come with him and his people she thinks it's a dream come true. But she's also wary of this dark and intimidating stranger. As Phoebe debates over the offer, she finds herself strangely compelled to help him. She agrees to accompany Dylan back to his stronghold and try to help him and his clan. What Phoebe finds is a beautiful and mysterious world that has the power to control and free her.
Read the rest of my review at Smexy Books
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 biochemist who may be his people's salvation. He never imagined that he would find his mate also.
Dylan, now King of the Dragonstars, a strong race of dragon shifters, needs to find his mate soon. But when his clan is attacked and being systematically wiped out by an mysterious disease; Dylan has to go to the humans for help. There he finds Phoebe Quillium-renowned biochemist. She has just been informed that her grant money has fallen through and her lab will fold with out it.
When Dylan comes to her with an offer of $3 million dollars for her to come with him and his people she thinks it's a dream come true. But she's also wary of this dark and intimidating stranger. As Phoebe debates over the offer, she finds herself strangely compelled to help him. She agrees to accompany Dylan back to his stronghold and try to help him and his clan. What Phoebe finds is a beautiful and mysterious world that has the power to control and free her.
Read the rest of my review at Smexy Books
November 11, 2014
There was so much sex in this book it was actually off-putting and pretty much destroyed the story line for me. Some of the sex scenes kinda creeped me out as well, specially the whole mist thing. I didn't like being at like 80% in the book and not have a solid grip on what's causing this illness the dragons are suffering from. That was really bugging me, it seemed like once I started reading that was the main plot point- finding the cure for what was causing dragons to die, but it took a backseat quickly.
I really liked the idea of this book, smart scientist meets hunky dragon and such, but it just didn't work for me. I'm sure tons of people love all the sex, but it was just too overdone for my tastes. I had to start skimming pages because I didnt wanna read that anymore. If the story would have cut back on the sex and focused more on the enemy clans and the search for the disease it would have definitely been a kick @ss book.
I really liked the idea of this book, smart scientist meets hunky dragon and such, but it just didn't work for me. I'm sure tons of people love all the sex, but it was just too overdone for my tastes. I had to start skimming pages because I didnt wanna read that anymore. If the story would have cut back on the sex and focused more on the enemy clans and the search for the disease it would have definitely been a kick @ss book.
October 31, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the concept of dragon shifters. It was interesting to read about a species of shifters that was wolf or cat.
I enjoyed the heat and passion between Dylan and Phoebe. Their romance was very steamy and smoking hot! Phoebe was very smart and I love that she wasn't a pushover. Even though Dylan was king, he was imposing. He was very relatable.
I also like Quinn and Logan. I'm anxious to read about them in the next two books. I felt really sad for Gabe. It was really horrible for him to lose he wife and daughter within a few days off each other. I hope he pulls through.
Now that the enmity between the Wyvernmoon clan and Dragonstar clan has been established I'm very interested in reading about how it all plays out.
I enjoyed the heat and passion between Dylan and Phoebe. Their romance was very steamy and smoking hot! Phoebe was very smart and I love that she wasn't a pushover. Even though Dylan was king, he was imposing. He was very relatable.
I also like Quinn and Logan. I'm anxious to read about them in the next two books. I felt really sad for Gabe. It was really horrible for him to lose he wife and daughter within a few days off each other. I hope he pulls through.
Now that the enmity between the Wyvernmoon clan and Dragonstar clan has been established I'm very interested in reading about how it all plays out.
February 10, 2014
3.5 stars + .5 for the hot cover.
A promising start to a paranormal series. Hot scenes and with enough action to satisfy. Although there is probably a bit more tragedy than I like since practically everyone's relatives seem to get killed in this first book!! I know that's part of the whole story and background building but still....
Looking forward to seeing how the world evolves in the coming books.
A promising start to a paranormal series. Hot scenes and with enough action to satisfy. Although there is probably a bit more tragedy than I like since practically everyone's relatives seem to get killed in this first book!! I know that's part of the whole story and background building but still....
Looking forward to seeing how the world evolves in the coming books.
July 11, 2010
Okay, so I didn't know what I was going to get with dragon shapeshifters but let me tell you, Tessa did a great job. I fell for Dylan, king of Dragonstar and Phoebe our human was just as awesome. This was a quick moving, sexy and hot read. Recommend this read and look forward to the next book in the series.
January 7, 2014
Well, I really liked the story line, but there was just way to many sex scenes for me. I like sex in my romance books, but every other chapter is way too much. I did enjoy the story line, and will read more of these, but I really have to skip alot of the sex.
August 2, 2011
AWFUL
If you want a good story, with kick ass characters, then read Blood Bonds by Adreinne Wilder or Stormwalker by Allyson James.
If you want a good story, with kick ass characters, then read Blood Bonds by Adreinne Wilder or Stormwalker by Allyson James.
October 1, 2018
This book is so steamy, so exciting, if it doesn't make your undies smolder ..nothing will. Good Lord find me that dragon..
December 19, 2016
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 3/5
November 29, 2023
I have never DNFed a book at the very beginning of the book. Like, we're talking a few pages into the first chapter. And normally, I wouldn't rate it or even have it on my bookshelf if that were to happen because I wouldn't be able to evaluate it effectively with that little knowledge of the book.
So, why am I rating this one?
This author made one of the worst author sins one can make, in my opinion: making up s#!t about medical stuff. I'm not talking about when things get complicated in the ER. That happens. I give author's grace if the don't know everything. No, I'm talking about something this author could have easily looked up (it was published in 2010). Actually, the editor could have easily looked up (it's traditionally published by Berkely). Instead, it's so grossly wrong that it's a detriment to those who have the disease because it makes them look like they have some terrible, transmissible Ebola-like viral disease when they indeed do not. But anyone reading this not familiar with it may come away from the book now thinking differently. And when someone mentions that they have it, said person may flip out.
So, let me say this to all of you: LUPUS IS NOT CONTAGIOUS. LUPUS IS NOT A VIRUS. LUPUS IS NOT BACTERIAL.
I begin reading about the female MC and how she's a scientist looking for a cure for something. Oh, okay. Cool. What's she looking for a cure for? Lupus...but because her mother had a "radical strain" of it. Say WHAT? A radical strain of lupus?!?!? What the ever-loving f#*k??? Lupus is an autoimmune disease--not a virus. It's one of many autoimmune diseases where a person's own immune system attacks itself. There are no "strains." Why would there be strains??? It also doesn't kill people quickly--not usually, unless someone dies from pneumonia from a weakened immune system caused by the immunosuppressant drugs given for it. Otherwise, it's a very slow-go for it attacking the body.
Oh, and her sister apparently "caught" it from her mother and immediately died right after. Don't get me wrong: there can be a genetic component, but it doesn't work the way the author described it--and definitely not in rapid succession.
So, if you learn that someone has lupus. It's okay. They aren't going to transmit it to you. Give them a hug. They are in pain and probably need it. And please, call any author out who puts nonsense like this in a book. It makes life difficult for people like me with autoimmune diseases. We already have enough issues as it is.
So, why am I rating this one?
This author made one of the worst author sins one can make, in my opinion: making up s#!t about medical stuff. I'm not talking about when things get complicated in the ER. That happens. I give author's grace if the don't know everything. No, I'm talking about something this author could have easily looked up (it was published in 2010). Actually, the editor could have easily looked up (it's traditionally published by Berkely). Instead, it's so grossly wrong that it's a detriment to those who have the disease because it makes them look like they have some terrible, transmissible Ebola-like viral disease when they indeed do not. But anyone reading this not familiar with it may come away from the book now thinking differently. And when someone mentions that they have it, said person may flip out.
So, let me say this to all of you: LUPUS IS NOT CONTAGIOUS. LUPUS IS NOT A VIRUS. LUPUS IS NOT BACTERIAL.
I begin reading about the female MC and how she's a scientist looking for a cure for something. Oh, okay. Cool. What's she looking for a cure for? Lupus...but because her mother had a "radical strain" of it. Say WHAT? A radical strain of lupus?!?!? What the ever-loving f#*k??? Lupus is an autoimmune disease--not a virus. It's one of many autoimmune diseases where a person's own immune system attacks itself. There are no "strains." Why would there be strains??? It also doesn't kill people quickly--not usually, unless someone dies from pneumonia from a weakened immune system caused by the immunosuppressant drugs given for it. Otherwise, it's a very slow-go for it attacking the body.
Oh, and her sister apparently "caught" it from her mother and immediately died right after. Don't get me wrong: there can be a genetic component, but it doesn't work the way the author described it--and definitely not in rapid succession.
So, if you learn that someone has lupus. It's okay. They aren't going to transmit it to you. Give them a hug. They are in pain and probably need it. And please, call any author out who puts nonsense like this in a book. It makes life difficult for people like me with autoimmune diseases. We already have enough issues as it is.
May 29, 2022
Eh…this book was sub-par in my opinion.
The plot was decent (if not entirely predictable) but there were several things that I found seriously off putting about the book and writing style in general:
- Inconsistencies. For example, confusion as to what sexual position they’re in or how exactly they got there. When a dragon shifts, they lose their clothing, but no mention of the awkwardness that must ensue when the female lead sees other males (Quinn) shift for the first time?
- Poor grammar
- A heroine with false bravado loudly shouting she’ll never let the male lead do XYZ to her only to let said male do exactly XYZ to her 3 sentences later. The constant “I won’t do this but I can’t help myself” was the author’s poor attempt at creating friction/suspense where there was none
- Predictability
- Too frequent, unrealistic, and repeatable/unoriginal sex scenes. I read in another review that this was a turn off and I actually though, “YES! right up my alley!” But I agree that it took away from the story line
I will not be continuing the series…
The plot was decent (if not entirely predictable) but there were several things that I found seriously off putting about the book and writing style in general:
- Inconsistencies. For example, confusion as to what sexual position they’re in or how exactly they got there. When a dragon shifts, they lose their clothing, but no mention of the awkwardness that must ensue when the female lead sees other males (Quinn) shift for the first time?
- Poor grammar
- A heroine with false bravado loudly shouting she’ll never let the male lead do XYZ to her only to let said male do exactly XYZ to her 3 sentences later. The constant “I won’t do this but I can’t help myself” was the author’s poor attempt at creating friction/suspense where there was none
- Predictability
- Too frequent, unrealistic, and repeatable/unoriginal sex scenes. I read in another review that this was a turn off and I actually though, “YES! right up my alley!” But I agree that it took away from the story line
I will not be continuing the series…
January 31, 2018
This book did start out well, but I agree with the other reviewer in that the sex scenes got quite repetitive... to the point where I was actually skimming most of them to get back to the story. I think that the story itself was interesting, and I would have liked to have seen more about the dragons and their world.
The author completely drops the ball at the end too. The hero actually thinks to himself, "Well, we haven't yet found a cure for the disease, and we've just started a war with another clan, but I'm not going to think about any of that right now. I'm just going to focus on you." I would think that the king of the dragons should be more worried about those two things than about "getting himself a little"...
There's a sequel coming out for this one, but I hope the author will give us a little more story next time. It could be good if she'd focus more on the actual dragons.
2 1/2 stars
The author completely drops the ball at the end too. The hero actually thinks to himself, "Well, we haven't yet found a cure for the disease, and we've just started a war with another clan, but I'm not going to think about any of that right now. I'm just going to focus on you." I would think that the king of the dragons should be more worried about those two things than about "getting himself a little"...
There's a sequel coming out for this one, but I hope the author will give us a little more story next time. It could be good if she'd focus more on the actual dragons.
2 1/2 stars
October 11, 2020
Dylan, the king of a clan of dragons hidden in the deserts of New Mexico is desperate to find the cure to a deadly disease that is devastating his people, so he enlists the help of Phoebe, dedicated medical researcher who has been studying Lupus and other related autoimmune and nervous system disorders for years.
This storyline has a lot of potential, but it’s almost all very explicit sex scenes and very little real action. I thought the book was going to end before the crisis got going let alone finish. Then I cried, which saved the whole book
For someone who is supposed to be desperate to save his people, Dylan sure is having a lot trouble keeping his mind where it belongs. It’s very unrealistic and it’s obvious that the story thread is just background for the sex. And I don’t like the way he treats her either.
Fave scenes: Dylan putting his niece to bed, Phoebe getting Quinn to drink the coffee and Phoebe’s deep thinking.
This storyline has a lot of potential, but it’s almost all very explicit sex scenes and very little real action. I thought the book was going to end before the crisis got going let alone finish. Then I cried, which saved the whole book
For someone who is supposed to be desperate to save his people, Dylan sure is having a lot trouble keeping his mind where it belongs. It’s very unrealistic and it’s obvious that the story thread is just background for the sex. And I don’t like the way he treats her either.
Fave scenes: Dylan putting his niece to bed, Phoebe getting Quinn to drink the coffee and Phoebe’s deep thinking.
March 2, 2019
I've been doing some light and fun and romantic (and/or sexy) reading lately. Thought this would be another addition to my recent long line of late-night, low-effort reads. Buuut, I was so annoyed with the characters and plot. No character growth. Major issues never addressed (I hate reading of a female character who takes shit behavior from the male character and conveniently "forgets about it" by the next scene). Barely a plot. It had its moments and it had the potential for being smart and fun, but fell pretty flat for me. Now I'm left feeling like I need a break from this sorta book.
June 8, 2021
This book was ok, it didn’t change my life but it was enjoyable.
And let’s be honest when you read a smutty book you don’t expect much for it just some sexy scenes and throw some plot in there but I gotta say the sex scenes were ALL over the place, I mean every 10 pages boom sex scene and they were a little bit repetitive but well I enjoyed it.
Overall it was alright, might read the second one. Who knows?
And let’s be honest when you read a smutty book you don’t expect much for it just some sexy scenes and throw some plot in there but I gotta say the sex scenes were ALL over the place, I mean every 10 pages boom sex scene and they were a little bit repetitive but well I enjoyed it.
Overall it was alright, might read the second one. Who knows?
August 6, 2019
This book had such potential but it was a bit of a let down. The sex scenes overwhelm the story. The dragon world the author creates is incomplete and sometimes a bit random. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I don’t think I will be continuing on with this series but I’m not completely opposed to trying this author again.
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