Ella J. Phoenix

*I received a copy of this book as part of the Members Giveaway program in exchange for an unbiased review. Brief plot spoilers may follow.*

I thought this was a great book. I liked that all of the main characters were so different from one another; it helped to bring home the fact that they were all individuals with their own stories. There was just enough description about each character to set them apart, but just enough mystery to make us wonder more about them. I loved how descriptive show more the author was in the book; everything, from appearances to surroundings, was described so vividly it was like I was there. In fantasy or supernatural books I think this is an important detail and the author nailed it for me. I liked that there was detail even in the action scenes, another element that is sometimes overlooked and underdescribed. I got a good feel for all of the fight scenes, I could understand and see everything as it played out, and I didn’t catch anything that sounded far-fetched or unrealistic. I thought the story itself was intriguing and I enjoyed getting to see the events through both Tardieh and Zoricah’s eyes. I liked the bits where popular perspectives on supernatural lore were addressed and the author put her own spin on them in the world she’d created. I also appreciated that there wasn’t the typical sense of invincibility among the characters; they all had an Achilles heel. She did an excellent job of creating her own world and redoing things to give them a sense of authenticity to me. Typically, I see vampires and werewolves having the forbidden romance, or one of the two with a human. I don’t often see vampires and dragons mixing it up and I loved that this book gave me something different.

Even though this was Tardieh and Zoricah’s story, I still felt like I didn’t learn much about where either of them came from. There were still a lot of gray areas in both of their back stories, and I think that would have been fun to explore. I don’t think we saw the full potential of either of these characters’ abilities, which I consider to be both a good and bad thing. For a vampire king, I thought Tardieh would have had a bit more finesse or at least sensuality in the bedroom LOL, but I’m thinking that the feel the author was going for was one of raw passion, so I got over it. Lol I was hoping we’d get to see them navigate the waters they were about to endure by choosing to be together, but the book ended rather abruptly, so we don’t get to see how they do it. I’m sure they’ll be in future installments in the series, but it’ll be as background characters, so there won’t be quite as much attention paid to them. I noticed a few typos throughout the book and they were distracting, but I could still decipher what the word was supposed to be.

Overall, though, I really liked Dragon Heat. This is a smaller, probably stranger note, but I also liked that it was on All Romance, because I frequent the site often and think it’s probably one of the best sites to check out if supernatural romances are your thing. If you like your heroines tough and your heroes tougher, love fantasy and the supernatural, and can’t resist star-crossed situations, then check out Dragon Heat. show less

I received this book in exchange for a review. The blurb sounded like a good bet--dragon shifters and vampires and romance. Fun! However, I found myself lost with all the special terminology and the complete lack of world building. Also, the romance was ridiculously short, bordering on insta-love, or at least lust rather than love. The book starts out in the past, with a prince being tortured, and the hero and heroine meet. Once the action moved to the present I had a hard time keeping the show more various males and females apart. I also didn't like the torture scenes in past or present. The sacrifice made in the name of love wasn't believable to me given the short duration of the relationship; although it did do a neat job of solving a difficult problem. There were a few misspellings (my favorite was the use of "crouch" instead of "crotch"), but only about 3 or 4 and they were easy to interpret. In general, the book read like it was 5 books into a series rather than the first book. show less

Now that the supernatural world have heard of Zoe, they all want her. Some to protect her. Others to exploit or kill her. The Phoenix has been raised again to get Zoe and kill the others so that her master can exploit Zoe. Tardieh and Zoricah must determine the best way to handle the Phoenix who comes in the quise of their friend Naiah.

The book more than any of the others brings out the question of can one choose right over manipulation. Naiah is under the power of others who use black magic show more to get what they want. When Dyam finds her she is powerless to control her own actions. Her thoughts have also been invaded by those who wish her to do evil. But a small voice also invades her mind that calms her when the evil takes control. Dyam is also there to help her though she does not remember him. The answer comes in the final confrontation of the book. What edge of the seat action!

I cried at the end. I knew this would happen but I was so hoping it would not. I was right about Zoricah's lineage. This ending also sets up the next book and I figured out in book 4 what would happen and it looks like I'm right. Although I still have to read it to find out for sure. I just cannot believe I have to wait almost a year before that happens!

I like these characters and the story line. It must be read in order or the overarcing story of the series will be ruined. I shall try to occupy myself in other ways until the next installment of the series comes out. show less

Book 3 of the Dragon Heat series brings more light to the wolf character introduced in Vampire Thirst. Rafe has it bad for Yara but because he seemingly works for the other side he cannot claim Yara for his own. He has to defeat the bad guys and get Yara to forgive him and trust him.
I liked these characters. I like how the different communities of the supernaturals are shown coming together but you never know who the enemy is nor who is your friend. There is a lot of action and adventure as show more the fight continues over the bullets and who will lead and who will follow. I like how the different communities start working together but I still have some questions as to why the original war started and how was it started. The ending of this book looks like the next book may give me those answers but maybe not. Time will tell.

The story was good. I liked the addition of Naiah. She has some pointed things to say. She also had to teach some of the others to see differently and to open their minds. I like how Zoricah's group and the vampires have each others' backs but there is still opportunity for others to join with them--not without problems but they do find a way to work it out.

I am looking forward to seeing what comes next and if I'm right about it show less