Showing posts with label dragon shifters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dragon shifters. Show all posts

Monday, July 22, 2024

New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: MAGE OF THE DRAGON PRINCE by Ariella Zoelle writing as Zarina Aston (Bonded Hearts #1)

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Mage of the Dragon Prince
By Ariella Zoelle Writing as Zarina Aston

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Bonded Hearts, Book 1

A twist of fate brings a human mage to the past to fall in love with a dragon shifter prince. But will it also tear them apart before they can bond as fated mates?  

Auslin accidentally steps back in time, where he crosses paths with Kitaro, a charming dragon shifter prince. Forced to rely on the alluring stranger, Auslin places his trust in the hands of Prince Kitaro.

When they embark on a perilous journey to return Auslin to his rightful era, the fated mates discover a love that transcends time. But dangers lurking in the shadows conspire to keep them apart, threatening to unravel their fragile bond before it fully forms.

As they navigate treacherous challenges and powerful adversaries, Auslin and Kitaro must confront the ultimate question: can their love withstand the twists of fate that brought them together, or will it ultimately be the force that tears them apart? 

Mage of the Dragon Prince is the first book of the Bonded Hearts series and part of the Talwyn Saga universe. Full of dramatic twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. The story continues in future books, which will lead to a happily ever after.

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Excerpt

Chapter 3: Auslin

Sleep was slow to leave Auslin in the morning. He lingered in an unaware state, enjoying the warmth embracing him. It was a comfort he was loath to let go of in favor of wakefulness. He snuggled deeper into the comfort with a contented sigh, loving when he was held tighter.

It had been so long since Kio had held him like that—and that’s when Auslin remembered it couldn’t be Kio behind him. His eyes flew open, and he saw a pale arm around him with silver shifter markings. Auslin scrambled back with an alarmed noise as he turned to see a naked man.

Brushing his long, silver-white hair from his face and opening his eyes, the shifter blinked sleepily as he looked at Auslin questioningly with startlingly familiar ice-blue eyes. Auslin’s heart raced when their gazes met. The shifter in front of him looked like a much younger Kitsuki. But unlike the ruler, the person in front of him had both arms, different colored hair, and a brighter aura.

Although the dragon monarch looked to be in his thirties in human years, Auslin knew he was over a thousand years old. The shifter in front of him appeared to be equivalent to a twenty-something-year-old human male in age, but he was probably still several hundred years old.

He was a stunningly beautiful creature in seductive repose, which made Auslin’s heart pound for a different reason altogether. The shifter had shimmering silver markings that sensuously caressed his entire body. They were proof that he was an immensely powerful shifter.

Auslin knew Kitsuki had similar lines on the back of his hand, the sides of his neck, and chest, but they were much darker and didn’t swirl with energy like he had seen with other shifters before. He had always assumed Kitsuki had markings on the rest of his body, like a shifter of his rank was supposed to. But Auslin had no way of knowing how extensive they were since he had never seen him undressed before. And for some reason, thinking of the dragon monarch naked brought heat to his cheeks.

But none of that changed the fact that Auslin was looking at an impossible person. He couldn’t make sense of it at all.

When he continued silently staring, the shifter propped himself up on his elbow. He asked in a rumbling voice deepened by sleep, “Is it a human custom to awaken with such fear?”

It was not the reaction Auslin had been expecting. “It is when you wake up in bed naked with a stranger!”

“You fear me as a man but not as a dragon? What sense does that make? Humans are such curious creatures.”

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Enter the Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of Mage of the Dragon Prince, Zarina is giving away copies of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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Check out the Prequel:
Enchanter of Dragons

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Bonded Hearts, Prequel

A unicorn shifter is the last of his kind. Can a royal dragon shifter save him from being hunted?

Captured by a cruel king, Fersen is close to succumbing to the shadows of despair. But hope flickers to life when General Jaega is his unexpected savior.

After Jaega’s mate was murdered during the Necromancer War, the dragon prince had given up on love. The last thing he expects to discover is his new fated mate is the last living unicorn shifter.

Fersen is finally free, but the danger isn’t over yet. The sudden arrival of his heat makes a bad situation even worse.

Jaega knows he should keep his distance like a gentleman, but how can he resist his instincts demanding they consummate their mating bond?

Enchanter of Dragons is the prequel to the Bonded Hearts series and part of the Talwyn Saga universe. It is a complete story that can be read as a standalone.

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About the Author

With a pen as her wand and a heart full of mischief, Zarina Aston conjures up fantasy worlds where queer love knows no bounds. Her stories are like a kaleidoscope of emotions, filled with passionate encounters and heart-stopping adventures with shifters. From the first page to the last, Zarina's books are a whirlwind of dramatic twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, turning pages long into the night.

But sometimes Zarina’s in the mood for something with a little less angst and drama. If you’re craving light-hearted fluffy works of heart, then check out her Ariella Zoelle books as well.

For real time updates on Zarina’s writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter or Instagram. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to bonus chapters, previews of upcoming books, and more.

Newsletter - Website - Amazon - BookBub - Facebook Group - Facebook Page - Goodreads - Instagram - Twitter/X


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Saturday, June 22, 2024

New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: ENCHANTER OF DRAGONS by Ariella Zoelle writing as Zarina Aston (Bonded Hearts prequel)

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Enchanter of Dragons
By Ariella Zoelle Writing as Zarina Aston

Enchanter 2820

Bonded Hearts, Prequel

A unicorn shifter is the last of his kind. Can a royal dragon shifter save him from being hunted?

Captured by a cruel king, Fersen is close to succumbing to the shadows of despair. But hope flickers to life when General Jaega is his unexpected savior.

After Jaega’s mate was murdered during the Necromancer War, the dragon prince had given up on love. The last thing he expects to discover is his new fated mate is the last living unicorn shifter.

Fersen is finally free, but the danger isn’t over yet. The sudden arrival of his heat makes a bad situation even worse.

Jaega knows he should keep his distance like a gentleman, but how can he resist his instincts demanding they consummate their mating bond?

Enchanter of Dragons is the prequel to the Bonded Hearts series and part of the Talwyn Saga universe. It is a complete story that can be read as a standalone.

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Excerpt

Chapter 1: Jaega Ariake

The naked man standing in front of Jaega was fearful but defiant. “You may as well kill me. I’d rather be dead than be your whore.”

He was dirty and shackled, with both his hands and feet bound with heavy chains. His long white hair was badly matted. There was the faintest trace of shifter markings on his pale skin, but they were a dull silver and not vibrant like they should be. Even under the filth, he appeared to be very handsome. What was strange was that Jaega could smell the taint of neglect on him, but there was no hint of the man’s scent. It was an oddity, considering dragon shifters were renowned for their powerful sense of smell.

“I did not save you from one beast to inflict myself upon you in such a dishonorable way.” Jaega sheathed his sword to put the man at ease. “I am Jaega Ariake, the head general of Valzerna’s army, under the command of my oldest brother, King Tatsuki Ariake. You have nothing to fear from me.”

The man watched him warily. “So you say. Everyone knows military men rape and pillage as they please.”

“Not in my army. I would sooner strike one of my men down than allow that.” Jaega held his hands out in surrender. “Will you let me help free you? Now that King Decius of Shadron has been dethroned, you can return home.”

The man’s brow wrinkled with distrust. “You’re not going to keep me for yourself as a war trophy?”

Jaega shook his head. “I have never claimed any person as a war trophy, and I am certainly not about to start doing that now.” He sensed the man wavering in his resolve to stay distrustful. “What is your name?”

The man hesitated for a moment. “Fersen Rohesia.”

“Please allow me to undo the grievous wrong that has been done to you by a cruel king.”

“You can’t.” The despair in his voice tugged at Jaega’s heart. “These are enchanted to electrocute me if anyone tries to use magic on them.”

“Then I will not use magic.” Jaega took a step closer to Fersen, who stood his ground.

The chains between the wrist shackles were also connected to the ankle ones. Jaega made quick work of breaking off the adjoined chains and the ones that bound Fersen to the wall. However, the cuffs themselves were impossible to pull apart, even with Jaega’s considerable brute strength. He frowned with frustration as he came up with a different plan.

“Since I cannot remove these, I would suggest you come back to camp with me so that one of our lock pickers can free you from these.”

“So you are taking me as a war trophy,” Fersen said in a flat voice.

“No, I am merely suggesting that you accompany me as a guest to my quarters. You will be fed, clothed, and you can bathe. After a good night of rest, you will be better prepared to start your journey home tomorrow.” When Fersen still didn’t seem convinced, Jaega spoke more directly. “On the honor of my royal family, I will not lay a hand on you, nor will I allow anyone else to. You will be treated the same as any honored guest of the royal clan of Ariake.”

“Why would you do that for me, though? You don’t know me or owe me anything.”

Jaega took off his jacket and draped it over Fersen’s thin shoulders. It dwarfed his smaller body, but it at least covered his dignity. “Because it is the right thing to do. No one deserves to be kept like a caged animal, especially not you.”

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Enchanter of Dragons, Zarina is giving away copies of the release!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

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About the Author

With a pen as her wand and a heart full of mischief, Zarina Aston conjures up fantasy worlds where queer love knows no bounds. Her stories are like a kaleidoscope of emotions, filled with passionate encounters and heart-stopping adventures with shifters. From the first page to the last, Zarina's books are a whirlwind of dramatic twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, turning pages long into the night.

But sometimes Zarina’s in the mood for something with a little less angst and drama. If you’re craving light-hearted fluffy works of heart, then check out her Ariella Zoelle books as well.

For real time updates on Zarina’s writing progress, please join her Facebook group for exclusive teasers or follow her on Twitter or Instagram. You can also sign up for her newsletter to gain access to bonus chapters, previews of upcoming books, and more.

Newsletter - Website - Amazon - BookBub - Facebook Group - Facebook Page - Goodreads - Instagram - Twitter/X



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Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Book Release-Review & Excerpt: IN THE DRAGON'S LAIR by Joy Lynn Fielding (Wings over Albion #2) - Includes Giveaway!

In the Dragon’s Lair

(Wings Over Albion #2)

Author and Publisher: Joy Lynn Fielding

Cover Artist: Miblart

Release Date: June 10, 2024

Genre: Paranormal M/M Romance

Tropes: Shifters; enemy of my enemy; mutual pining; class gap.

Heat Rating:  4 flames

Length:  75 000 words

It is a standalone book, though it’s part of a series.

It does not end on a cliffhanger.

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Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

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Blurb

Nate Mortimer is hot, funny, and kissing him is like falling into the sun.

He’s also the last man I should ever be with.

He’s smooth, wealthy, and practically dragon royalty. But me? I’m just a dragon from the Cornish countryside. Or so I like people to think.

I’m investigating the Fortescues, one of the richest, most powerful dragon families in Britain. Problem is, I’m not the only one who’s undercover. Every time I turn around, Nate’s in my way.

Can I trust him? He has his own issues with the Fortescues. Those dragons are dangerous, and his plotting could draw me into a lethal power struggle. His emotional baggage and troublesome ex? Also problematic.

And none of that helps me keep my mind—or hands—off him.

If I’m not careful, falling for the wrong dragon-shifter could cost me so much more than just my heart…

Excerpt

“Is there a reason you’re interested in an empty old theatre?” I asked Nate while Ella was busy taking off her coat.

“I’m researching for a book I intend to write.”

“One about making millions off the backs of others in a banking empire, I’m guessing,” I said, promptly wanting to kick myself as his eyebrows raised. I was supposed to be getting close to him, not letting him know what I thought about his lifestyle. “I mean, what’s it about?”

“Nate’s going to write a best-seller about Jane Austen’s torrid love affair with the actor Robert Elliston,” Ella said, sliding her arm through Nate’s to press her cheek against his shoulder.

“I didn’t know Jane Austen had an affair,” I said.

“She didn’t,” Nate said, then paused. “Well, she probably didn’t. Though I suppose it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility if she was extraordinarily discreet about it. For my purposes, all that matters is that she’s known to have relished Elliston’s performances. She was so impressed by him that she worried he might leave Bath when he inherited some money. Anyway, Ella—you know this place. Lead on.”

We spent the next hour or so wandering around, exploring thoroughly.

“Do you think Jane Austen was a theatre groupie?” I asked as we walked into one of the dressing rooms.

Nate’s face lit with humour. Ella’s, however, was full of scorn. “Don’t you know anything about her?”

I didn’t care what she thought of me. Nate was still grinning, and it was a good look on him.

“I’m going to have to put that in the book,” he said. “I should call it Greasepaint and Blowjobs: The Secret Life of Jane Austen.”

“Honestly.” Ella rolled her eyes and stomped off.

That gave me a chance to finally talk to Nate. “Sorry about last night,” I lied through my teeth. “It seemed the best thing to do in the heat of the moment.”

He smiled at me, a different sort of smile from his amused grin, and it sent all kinds of messages to my c*ck. “Are you really sorry?” he asked, and for the first time, I understood what people meant when they said someone purred when speaking. “I’m not.”

“Maybe we should try out something for your book,” I suggested. “Get some of the groupie logistics nailed down.”

“I hope it’s more than logistics that are going to be nailed,” he murmured, moving forward, an almost hypnotic sway to his stride.

“Nate!” Ella’s shout echoed down the corridor outside. “You need to look at this.”

The moment was well and truly broken, though my c*ck still hadn’t got the memo.

“Coming,” he yelled back, and then winced. “Or not,” he added, with a rueful sideways glance at me before heading out of the room.

I followed, enjoying the sight of his arse once again. I didn’t know what to make of Nate Mortimer. My d*ck knew what it wanted to make of him, and that was a sweating, panting, ruined mess. But I hadn’t spent enough time with him yet to work out who he was. When Charlie had cornered him at the bar, he’d been…vulnerable? Something other than a smooth entitled banker, anyway. I’d warmed to him when we’d joked about Jane Austen giving blowjobs. He would be easy to like. And just now, he’d definitely been open to getting laid.

But he was a banker, so I had no interest in puzzling him out. I simply needed to get him talking so I could find out why one of the Mortimer family had been poking about in James Fortescue’s study.


Carra's Review

Here in the second book of the Wings over Albion series we get Nate’s story—he’s the brother of Rufus from book one.  Nate is a great character; while he is part of the Mortimer family and a banker, he is not as haughty as most of his family, and definitely not as arrogant as the Fortescue family, another dragon family in the series who are main players in this story.


Alex is our Everyman, not one to chase riches like a “typical” dragon in this series would.  He makes for a great complement to Nate, and I really like that things between them develop slowly throughout the book.  There’s no insta-love here, so we get to come along as Nate and Alex get to know each other as they develop their connection.


I love that this story is set in Bath, England—it is one of my favorite places to visit when I’m in the UK.  I also got a kick out of Nate’s cover story for why he is there.  Jane Austen’s reputation will never be the same!


There is some interaction with Nate and his ex Charlie that crops up and continues to pop up along the way that complicates things between Nate and Alex, contributing to a bit of angst for them both.  Even so, Charlie is still an interesting supporting character that I wouldn’t mind seeing as a main character in a future story in this series.


While the first book in the series felt more on the fantasy end of the spectrum (albeit modern day fantasy) since it contained more world building, this story read more towards the contemporary end of things than the paranormal/fantasy end regarding the mystery that is afoot…or at least that’s how it felt to me as I was reading.  Of course there are still enough dragon features to keep you very aware of the fantasy aspect, so there is no mistaking this for a true contemporary romance.


I really enjoyed In the Dragon’s Lair, and am giving it 4.5 stars.  I highly recommend this series, and while you could read this without reading the first book beforehand, you will get the most enjoyment out of it by reading them in order.  Once you do, you’ll likely be eagerly awaiting more from this author!  This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.


About the Author 

Joy Lynn Fielding lives in a small English market town, where she indulges her passions for vintage aircraft, horse riding and gardening (though not all at the same time).

She tends to talk a lot about the fascinating facts she discovers during her research for books. Thankfully, she has a very patient Labrador who has a gift for looking interested in what she’s saying while he waits for the food to arrive.

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Thursday, March 7, 2024

New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: DARUSS by April Kelley #Dragon Skull MC Daddies #1)

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Daruss
By April Kelley

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Dragon Skull MC Daddies, Book 1

One is his enemy. The other is his fated mate. Daruss has never had so much to fight for.

Dragon shifter Daruss Oyen has everything to lose. After a rival club starts a war over territory, Daruss is there to fight for the family he’s found. But everything changes after he falls in love with a snarky human named Jude, who happens to be the rival club’s spy.

While he’s determined to keep Dragon Skull MC together and somehow get his boy back, he meets his fated mate along the way. Daruss wonders if a sweet and innocent college graduate could ever go for bad boy biker like him.

But when Jude and Raylee are threatened, Daruss and the Dragon Skulls will have to win the fight if they're going to make it out alive.

Daruss is the first novel in the Dragon Skulls MC Daddies. This steamy Paranormal Romance features a dragon shifter Daddy who’s even more dangerous with his biker family by his side, a sassy human who’s lived a hard life and will do anything to protect a sweet guy like his Daddy’s fated mate, and an innocent college grad who know nothing about bad boys and Daddies. If you like a lot of sexy time between a Daddy and his boys with a happily ever after and danger thrown in, then you’ll love this spicy romance.

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Excerpt

The club was always packed on the weekends. More than just members were allowed to party. Non-members paid for their drinks as well as for other things if someone wanted to take part.

They were getting enough outsiders for Daruss to consider charging for entry. He’d have to bring it up with the guys to see what they thought. They had enough income streams and made a good enough living that every member got a piece of the pie. Charging for entry would put even more money in their pockets.

Skippy was on bouncer duty. There was always one asshole who put his hands on one of the boys. Everyone knew the Dragon Skulls didn’t allow unwanted touches, looks, or anything else for that matter. But a newbie would come along and mess up. Skippy was spoiling for a fight on a normal day. Whenever it was his turn to watch over everyone the cops were called. It had gotten so bad the sheriff called Daruss once a month to get the schedule.

For the time being everyone was having a good time though.

Casper, their resident bartender, had one of the other members help on the weekend. They split the tips and the cash Daruss gave them after the night was over.

Most of the time, whoever helped did so because they needed the money. But Jonik was the one behind the bar with Casper. Daruss knew money didn’t factor in for him.

Jonik had met his mate not long ago. The bonding was fresh. The little guy had a lot of trauma to work through. Part of the process was reacclimating back into society. But the Dragon Skulls clubhouse wasn’t a normal place to be. Still, Jonik’s mate, Wren, sat on a stool behind the bar and watched every move Jonik made as if he thought he would disappear if Wren didn’t keep an eye on him.

Jonik set him up at the music thing they had in the corner. It wasn’t DJ equipment so much as someone’s cellphone hooked up to Bluetooth playing music through the speakers. It worked well enough. Wren did a fantastic job of picking the right tunes for the vibe of the room.

Even Daruss’s boy was dancing. Jude didn’t always. He preferred to drive Daruss crazy with lust by sitting on his lap and grinding against him. Of course, Jude’s idea of dancing was to shimmy and shake as he bent at the waist. Daruss had a front row seat to bare ass cheeks jiggling like they meant business.

Daruss was five seconds away from kicking out whoever was in the club bedroom and having his way with him—that was Jude’s goal.

When Jude danced his way to a standing position again and turned, Daruss crooked his finger and patted his thigh, inviting Jude to come sit on his lap.

Jude grinned and started to close the distance between them. He hadn’t quite made it off the dance floor when an outsider grabbed his arm. Jude’s smile stayed in place for about a second and then he scowled. He said something, pointing to Daruss.

When Jude tried to pull his arm out of the guy’s grasp Daruss was up and out of his seat. Daruss had the man by the throat before he knew what was happening.

People moved out of the way when Daruss lifted him off his feet and carried him to the door. Several of the outsiders’ eyes were wide. There were a lot of humans in the crowd. More than on a normal night. They didn’t know about dragon shifters, so they hadn’t expected that level of strength from Daruss. Especially not with such a big person.

As soon as Daruss was outside, he dropped the guy and then crouched in front of him, letting his eyes and hands shift. “No means no inside the club.”

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To celebrate the release of Daruss, April is giving away a $25 Amazon Voucher!

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About the Author:

April Kelley writes LGBTQ+ Romance. Her works include The Journey of Jimini Renn, a Rainbow Awards finalist, Whispers of Home, the Saint Lakes series, and over thirty more. Since writing her first story at ten, the characters in her head still won’t stop telling their stories. If April isn’t reading or writing, you can find her playing with her cats. She also loves hiking. Her cats are leash trained so they go with her wherever she goes.

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Monday, January 22, 2024

New Release-Review & Excerpt: THE RED DRAGON OF OXFORD by Joy Lynn Fielding - Includes Giveaway!

The Red Dragon of Oxford

Author and Publisher: Joy Lynn Fielding

Cover Artist: Miblart

Release Date: January 15, 2024

Genre: M/M Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Fish out of water, mutual pining, shifters

Themes: Self-acceptance, empowerment

Length: 66,000 words

Heat Rating:  4 flames

It is a standalone story (the first in a new series) and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links - Available in Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Dragons aren’t real. Or so I used to think.

Blurb

Oxford isn’t exactly what I’d imagined. Sure, the colleges are romantic, and everyone is brilliant enough to trigger my impostor syndrome. I expected that

The dragon, however, was a big surprise. 

I saw him on my first day. The beautiful beast spoke to me, then disappeared. I’ve been looking for him ever since. 

But when I’m not on a wild dragon chase, I spend my time in the library. I’d like to think I’m only there to study, but who am I kidding? 

I’m there for him

Rufus Mortimer is the world’s hottest librarian. He’s strict, enigmatic, and sexy. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.  

But he has a secret. One that could destroy everything

So now, all I have to do is find a dragon, earn my doctorate, and try to not to let my new romance burn my life to the ground. Easy, right? 

I wish…

The Red Dragon of Oxford, book 1 in the Wings Over Albion series, is a sweet and spicy paranormal m/m romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. 

Excerpt

“You can’t take those.” The voice was deep, male, and came from very close behind me.

I spun around, heart hammering. The guy standing there was big—broad-shouldered, and muscular as if he worked out. His blue shirt pulled slightly over his chest, reinforcing his build. Rich brown hair fell past his shoulders, and his eyes were velvety brown in a face that left me breathless. His jaw was defined, his nose straight with slightly flared nostrils, and the firm line of disapproval his lips were pressed into failed to hide their sensuality. He belonged in Hollywood, not an Oxford library.

He was so close to me that it was intimidating. Moving back a few steps gave me the opportunity to take in allof him, and he was well worth it. The softest-looking faded jeans I’d ever seen outlined thick muscled thighs that had come straight out of my dreams. Callum was cute. This guy, though. This guy had me wanting to go to my knees for him. I was practically drooling.

Unfortunately, he was glaring at me and showed no sign of bending me over the nearest table and having his way with me.

I wrenched my mind back to the fact he’d said something to me. “Sorry, what?”

“You can’t take those books.”

“I’m a research student.” I tore my eyes away from his face long enough to thrust my library card at him. “I was told I could take up to twenty books out at once.”

“Well, you can’t.”

“It says so in the library rules. I live in college, so I wouldn’t have far to come if I got an alert saying someone else wanted them.”

“I don’t care. That’s too many books to take out of here.”

“Okay.” The intensity in him was something else, and I backed down. “How many am I allowed to take?”

He glanced over them. “Four,” he said, and it sounded reluctant.

My face must have shown my incredulity because he pointed out, “You can only read one at a time.”

Anger stirred in me. These weren’t novels, to be read one after another. They needed to be compared and cross-referenced as they were read. It was why I’d applied to Mortimer in the first place—the college’s collection of scarcely remembered German theologians was unrivalled and precisely what I needed for my dissertation.

“Sorry, who are you?” It finally occurred to me to ask. If he was just another research student throwing his weight around with the newbies, I’d tell him where to go. Surely he couldn’t be a tutor because he was only about thirty.

“The librarian.”

Holy crap, and I’d tried to argue the rules with him. “Good to meet you,” I said weakly and tried to smile at him. “I’m Mark Stevens.”

He nodded and folded his arms. His shirt’s valiant attempt to cope with his movement resulted in acres of silky material clinging to his muscles. I was staring again.

“Sorry, I don’t know your name,” I said when it was clear he wasn’t going to speak. He was still watching me as if to check I only took four books.

“Rufus Mortimer.”

“Like the college!” It was a stupid thing to say, but it was better than telling him I wanted to lick him.

He looked unimpressed. “Choose your four books. I’ll replace the others.”

The guy was kind of a prick, though I wasn’t sure what he could have said to my comment.

Once I'd found the four texts I most wanted, he gathered the remaining books into his arms. “Don’t forget to scan them,” he said as he moved away. “And don’t keep them long. They belong here.”

Until he said that, it hadn’t dawned on me that there was a way to keep access to all twenty books. And so many more. “I could have them all out on my desk if I stayed in here?”

“Of course.”

The way he said that nagged at me. It reminded me of something, but I didn’t know what. “In that case, please don’t shelve them,” I said. “I’m going to get my stuff from my room and work here.”

“Okay,” he said, but he didn’t put them down. He watched me leave, holding the books close, cradling them like they were his babies.


Carra's Review

This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and I thought it was a great start to a new series.  I really enjoyed the overall concept, setting, and characters.  Dragons, libraries, and Oxford?  Yes, please!


Mark may have been too surprised by seeing a dragon to question it in that moment, but I thought his ready acceptance and his sense of wonder later on once he discovers who the dragon is is wonderful.  


Rufus is perfect in his librarian role, I love how he saw all the books in the library as part of his own collection…or rather an extension of his collection.  He and Mark fit well together, and I thought Rufus’s need to include Mark in his protection of his collection was a great touch.


This story has the romance, the intrigue of dragons that humans don’t know exist, plus a bit of excitement centered on the dragon lore of this specific world—so there is plenty to keep readers engrossed in the story.  I liked the idea of red dragons being “different”, with even Mark’s dragon not realizing exactly what is unique about himself.  Sorry if that seems vague, but I don’t want to give it away ;-). Suffice to say though, it is always enjoyable to see the status quo turned on its head.


There are some great secondary characters, even those who we don’t see much in the story.  Mark has a good group of friends who are supportive of each other.  Rufus has his family, with his brother Nate being the standout among them (can’t wait to read his story once it is out!).  And there are also some dragons who come along that no one was expecting, causing the excitement and acting as a catalyst for the turnaround I mentioned.


Overall The Red Dragon of Oxford was a 4.5-star read for me, and I would recommend it to any M/M paranormal romance fan.  Like dragons?  Read it.  Like stories set amongst books and libraries?  Read it.  Just like a well-written book with great characters?  Yep, read it…it has all these bases covered.  Looking forward to more in this series, there is definitely plenty of potential here!

About the Author 

Joy Lynn Fielding lives in a small English market town, where she indulges her passions for vintage aircraft, horse riding and gardening (though not all at the same time).

Joy tends to wax lyrical about the fascinating facts she discovers during her research for books. Thankfully, she has a very patient Labrador who has a gift for looking interested in what she’s saying while he waits for the food to arrive.

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