A few years ago, there was a saying “You need to check yourself before you wreck yourself.” Usually said between frenemies, it was a not so subtle way to warn someone that they needed to be very careful what they said next. I’m not talking about that kind of checking however.
It’s been a year since the Pandemic shut the world down. In those first few months, country after country slammed their borders closed and instituted almost draconian measures to try to stop the spread of the virus. People all over the world shuddered at the incredible numbers of cases and deaths that were attributed to the virus.
The medical and scientific communities leaped into action and by working far beyond overtime, managed to create vaccines that are quite effective against the virus. As cases numbers declined, some countries, including the US, started to relax the restrictions. People were getting fatigued with the efforts being asked of them. They just wanted to get back to normal.
India, and Brazil are currently experiencing Coronavirus spikes. India’s numbers have reached staggering numbers and the effects are spreading to neighboring countries. The same can be said of Brazil. In the case of India, at least, the spikes are due to relaxed restrictions and new variants.
All of this brings me back to my original question, is it time to check yourself? Are you still doing all the protective and preventative measures that were first put into place a year ago? When you go shopping, do you still wear a mask? Do you make an honest attempt to maintain some distance between yourself and the person in line in front of you? Do you take the time to wipe off the hard surfaces of items you are bringing into your home?
More importantly, if you are eligible in your area, have you been vaccinated? I don’t mean just getting one shot if the brand requires 2 shots. Have you gotten both of them? While yes, just one dose of either Pfizer or Moderna is 80% effective against the virus, it also allows for more breakout cases to occur. Getting that second shot is important.
So take a minute to do a quick check. Are you still doing everything you can to keep YOUR family from being infected??
Time to Reconsider…
It’s been a few months since I first posted this and I find myself asking the same question. Is it time to check yourself? At this point in time, the Delta variant is running rampant around the world. What are you doing to keep from getting the virus?
By now, everyone over the age of 12 in the US is eligible for the vaccination. The Pfizer vaccine has full approval. Still the numbers keep rising. Just a few months ago in Florida, the positivity rate was below 5%. Now it’s back up to just under 25%. That’s unbelievable.
Saddest of all are the reports from the hospitals telling us that over 90% of new cases are in people who didn’t get vaccinated. A recent story on the internet told the tale of a young couple who put off getting their vaccinations.
They planned to get them, but just hadn’t made the time yet. They both contracted the virus. The wife was sick enough to be hospitalized, the husband had a mild case and stayed home to recover. When the wife was released from the hospital, she made her way home.
Imagine her feelings when she discovered her husband dead in the bedroom, their dogs showing signs of not having had food or water for a few days. What’s worse, her husband had already started to decompose.
I’m not trying to scare you, I’m trying to make you aware of the risks you take everyday that you put off getting vaccinated. Yes, there are a certain percentage of vaccinated people who are still getting sick, but their illness is much less severe. You aren’t just risking your own life, you are putting your family, friends and neighbors in jeopard!
1508 Sebastian Drake, stoic protector of the Drake family, always gets what he wants—and there is nothing he wants more than the half-starved Pedigree omega named Peregrine he comes across on his travels. It doesn’t matter that Peregrine is a Disgrace. Sebastian will do whatever it takes to keep him… and somehow, as impossible as it might be, find a way to be his mate.
Present Day For hundreds of years, Peregrine has enjoyed life as Sebastian’s mate. Sure, as one of the only bonded omegas in recent history he’s been kidnapped more times than he can count, but with Sebastian there to save him it’s little more than an inconvenience. And attacks from hostile clans? That’s just a typical Tuesday.
But there is one thing Peregrine fears, yet desperately wants.
One thing that has hurt him time and time again.
One thing Sebastian can’t save him from.
And now it’s happening again.
He’s pregnant.
The Reviews!
Amy M
5.0 out of 5 stars Perry is my favorite
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2021
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“To anyone who thinks their story is over. Darling, don’t give up. It’s only just begun.”
I was extremely excited waiting for this story. Perry has been one of my favorite characters since Clutch and Nate and Alistair. When I saw this dedication, I knew it would be worth it. If you are a fan of this series, you know there had to be hidden depths to Sebastian; he is more than just a big brute of a dragon. Perry is delicate, lovely, an almost perfect example of a dragonet, but he and Seb have been through a lot. Now we get to find out exactly what is in the past and how it all ties together. I had my suspicions from interactions among the omegas and comments made about the past and here we have it.
“We hoard the things we consider treasure, Perry. Be they art or gold or the ones we love. This is the way of the dragon.”
Kill me dead. I am slain. These authors have done me in. I think this one is my favorite so far. We knew Seb wasn’t just a big muscle bound bouncer type (I mean, duh, Perry) but he is definitely all soft squishy marshmallow when it comes to his mate. He is also smart enough to put puzzle pieces together that only Misha seems to have been able to solve. One of the Drake brothers has A LOT to answer for and I am very curious to see how this is all tied up in the last book. Perry and Seb carry so much secret pain and I love how it is all brought to light and made whole again in this book. As Harrison states in the epilogue, Perry really is the glue that holds all of the Drakes together and it is wonderful to see the love and family all at work. Absolutely loved this book. I got sucked in and read it in one sitting. Couldn’t help it!
Peej
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfection
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2021
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When an author writes the origin story of a side character you've come to love through previous books, there's always a bit of fear that it won't live up to expectations you've created in your own mind. I shouldn't have worried.
Authors Scott and Kelly have penned a story more beautiful than I ever imagined. Perry's story is told in heartbreaking as well as heartwarming flashbacks interwoven with present day danger and intrigue. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions. I'm still overwhelmed and a bit teary with it all, but there's nothing I would change. From beginning to end Peregrine was perfection. And Sebastian...my God, Sebastian. If ever a more swoon worthy hero was written, I couldn't name him.
Next up is Raven. I am simultaneously wishing for and dreading this book. With it, all my questions will be answered, but when the last page is read, my adventures with the Drake family will be over, and that will be a very sad day indeed
Daniel Bowen
3.0 out of 5 stars Perry and Seb's Story - Full of Heartache and Loss Along with Hope
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2021
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I fell in love with this series and characters so when I saw 'Peregrine' out, I was beyond thrilled. Perry has featured early on with his large clutch of eight eggs. Those hatchlings are now eight years old, full of fun, noise, and keeping their parents busy.
We learn how Sebastian and Peregrine met, a completely odd chance, where Seb trusts his dragon half and instinctively knows that this poorly clothed half starved omega is his. Who cares about disgraced status, what his brother thinks, or this so called planned trip. This omega is his. No questions. That's his stand from the start and in the centuries they've been together, he's never wavered.
The story travels back 500 years and forward and back and forth and for me I was tired of the time jumps. I'm not sure if having two sections to the story instead of these chapter jumps would work better. Maybe I'll eventually go back and read those chapters, but for what I wanted out of the story, I was firmly in the present.
Perry has had two successful clutches and centuries of many that never made it. Losing one in miscarriage or stillborn is bad enough, but one hundred? I can't imagine. And now another pregnancy and it's tears instead of happiness. Dread. Knowing the odds are against them yet Seb and Perry hang onto each other, supportive, protective, loving, and hoping. Thank goodness for advanced medical care and Harrison (along with Steve) knowing what to do, even if it's tentative. As for nit picks I wanted to know if Everard had enough magic to assist Perry, because nothing is said about it. Or if Everard is okay. Why wasn't there a talk between Seb and Everard about the Raven/Bertram incident? There's too much left unsaid which had a huge impact on this story. And that includes Bertram's disrespectful creepiness when alone with Perry. Three stars for the reasons I stated. - Dan's Wife
Cadiva
5.0 out of 5 stars Gahhh just absolutely brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 8, 2021
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And now we know why Everard has no pet names for Perry!
I absolutely adored every single word of this book, there wasn't a thing I would have chosen to be different and not a jot of the feels I would have given up.
Throughout this series Peregrine has been there, the glue at the centre of the Drake brothers' expanded family, the mate who has been there for half a millennia.
And his is such a wonderful story, from the moment Sebastian sets eyes on him trying to roll a barrel of herring to the whispered words of love at the end, theirs is a romance for the ages.
They support each other without fail, they love each other without conditions and they're honest and open in their feelings.
As this is a story about a bunch of dragons, you can bet there's the usual mayhem and chaos when whelps, dragonets and other offspring gather.
But there's also a thread of deep pain, of loss so powerful it changes your very soul, and we find out that what we feared might be the case for Perry's melancholy is true.
The authors weave this into a story which twists between the present day and the 16th Century and which travels the Medieval world and the modern one alike.
We find out secrets which go a long way to explaining some of what's been going on in the other books, but not all.
That will come in January (arghhhhh!) when we finally get Raven's story and the final Drake brother Bertram is going to have a lot of explaining to do!
Successful landscape designer Tania Solares prides herself on living by her own terms, relying on no man to provide for her. But her carefully controlled life takes a turn for the extraordinary when her inquiry into the disappearance of her best friend thrusts her between two warring factions of dragon shifters. Suddenly Tania’s survival depends on Mac, a newly initiated dragon warrior who will break every rule to keep her safe.
Now that Tania knows the truth about Dragonkind, returning to her old life is too grave a risk. Ivar, leader of the Razorbacks, plots to decimate the human race, and Tania is just the tool he needs. Despite the danger, Mac cannot deny her a choice: Trade the independence she’s fought so hard to achieve for safety in a magical world, or turn her back on the man she’s grown to love in order to reclaim a freedom that might not last? It is an impossible choice. And yet a sacrifice must be made
The Reviews!
Dotti Elrick
4.0 out of 5 stars A Bit Busy, But I Loved It.
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2013
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Fury of Seduction is the third book in the Dragonfury series. I have fallen in love with these dragons and the world they live in.
The Nightfury, a pack of dragonkind, very alpha males. Protectors of humankind. They need human females to feed them. And carry their sons. Females are tuned into the Meridian. A pure power source that the dragonkind need to heal and stay healthy. Each female connects to the Meridian in their own way. Some are very low power, but the most sought after ones, are the high power females.
There are a lot of things going on in this book. Almost too much to keep track of.
Mac, a former SPD detective, and newly transitioned water dragon, and the woman he can't get off of his mind, Tania. Tania is Myst's (From Fury of Fire) best friend. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time, put her right in the forefront of Mac's radar. Without either of them knowing it. Tania was the first female Mac fed from during his transition. Her mind was scrubbed so she wouldn't remember the event. And Mac's transition into dragonkind was so traumatic, he doesn't remember what happened between the two of them. All they know is they are drawn to each other. And when her life is put in danger by the Razorback pack, rogues who hate all things human. That puts Mac on the fast track to finding her and keeping her safe. At any cost.
Ivar, the leader of the Razorbacks. He's still mourning the loss of his second in command at the hand of the Nightfuries. Afraid to tell the XO's sire for fear of loosing his funding. Funding for a special breeding program. Ivar has been collecting high energy females to use as breeders for his experiments. He wants to breed the first females of their kind. Doing away with the need to feed from human females. But his funding comes from the highest and most powerful source. Rodin, the head of the Archguard high council.
Rodin has been secretly funding Ivar's lab and his experiments for years. Something that would set the dragonkind world on its ear if it was known. .Rodin is a cruel man. Strung out on his powerful position, and very full of himself. Not afraid to partake in all sorts of illegal activities as entertainment for his closest allies. But unbeknownst to Rodin, There is soon to be a fly in his ointment. A junior member of the council, Nian wants his job.
Nian is the newest member of the dragonkind high council. He is very aware of the kind of man Rodin is. And he wants to be the one to relieve him of his title. But to do that he needs friends. And the ones he's chosen are not going to be easy to win over. The Nightfury pack. Nian's sire is responsible for the death of the Nightfury leader, Bastian's sires death. But now he's hoping to make him a useful ally, by becoming the spy Bastian and his men need to take down Ivar.
We also meet for the first time the last two Nighfury males. Gage and Haider. The two "Metallics". liquid metal breathers. They have been dispatched to Prague as representatives of the Nightfury pack for the Archguard festival.
And then there is the introduction of yet another dragon. Mac has been told being a water dragon, he is one of a kind. Until Ivar recruits the only other known water dragon to come to the states and work on his side, to get rid of Mac. Water is somewhere most dragons do not want to be. So having one that can use water to hide in or as a weapon, is not something Ivar wants.
Tania is also worried about her younger sister, J.J. J.J. is serving fifteen years in prison for manslaughter. She killed her abusive boyfriend. And the boyfriend just happened to be the brother of a cop. So she was convicted and sent away. But after five years, she is now up for parole. If only she can keep her nose clean and stay out of trouble.
Like I said, lots going on in this book. So much that the romance between Mac and Tania is kind of put off to the side. And rushed a bit more than it was in the other stories.
But over all I still love this series. A very unique take on the dragon universe. I love that each dragon is different. Not only in the way they look but in their abilities. Some are fire breathers, some breath acid, gas, a napalm like substance, Rikar is the last known frost dragon, and Bastian is more of a dragon taser. Very cool.
Lynn Worton
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Paranormal Erotic Romance!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 21, 2013
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This is the third book in the Dragonfury Series. I loved it!
Mac McCord is the newest member of the Dragonfury pack. An ex-cop, his transformation began in Fury of Ice, after tangling with the magical blast of a Razorback. I liked this tough character. He is almost like an unsteady pup (albeit a dangerous one!) as he adjusts to his new life. He is a rare water dragon, but being new, his magic is raw and untrained, which chafes at this warrior's pride.
Tania Solares is a landscape designer, and best friend to Myst Munroe. I liked her "take no prisoners" attitude with trying to find out about the disappearance of her friend, but her feisty nature puts her on the Razorbacks' radar.
I don't know what magic these sexy dragons have over me, but these books seem to be getting better and better! The story is completely page turning! I must admit that I had to get this in audio too, because I just HAD to know how things were unfolding, especially when I had to do chores and couldn't read my Kindle whilst doing them! Mind you, it could be the narrators voice that got me too! Benjamin L. Darcie's dulcet tones brought the characters to life! It was nice to meet all the characters again, and to be introduced to new ones like Tania's sister, JJ. Although, there is one character that I could have done without - Ivar. The leader of the Razorback's is a cruel psycho, with a mad scientist vibe that made shivers run up my back!
We are also introduced to Nian, a dragon in the Archguard's High Council. He is new to his position, but disgusted with the current leader of the Council, and is looking to replace him. His story could be rather intriguing!
This story is full of action, danger and romance that has captured my imagination, and made me wish that these dragon warriors were really alive! The battle scenes were described extremely vividly and I could "see" them with ease! I cannot wait to read Fury of Desire and to get to know Wick and JJ better!
Coreene Callahan has written another fantastic paranormal romance. She is fast becoming one of my favourite authors to read. Her books are fast paced and flowed beautifully!
Due to the use of bad language and the explicit sexual scenes, I do not recommend this book for younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book if you love erotic paranormal romances or books with sexy dragon shifters! - Lynn Worton
Shauni
5.0 out of 5 stars Fury of Seduction, A Review for The Blog Tea and Book
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2012
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Finally!! I have been able to sit down and enjoy this book. Let me tell you it has been an extremely difficult week. I had this book on my kindle and needed to finish other things.. as this is not in my reading nature, seeing this book sitting there and teasing me was not fun.. but oh was it worth it!
Coreene Callahan strikes hard and fast in the third installment of her DragonFury Series.. The world is opening up and there is just so much going on, total reader stimulation. This was one of those books where the story arc carries the book rather than the lead couple. While I tend to get irked about this in this case Ms Callahan did a brilliant job. Maybe because she did it earlier in the series or maybe because she used characters that we had not completely bonded with yet.. who knows? Yes Mac and Tania's story was intermixed with some serious plot twists and turns, Coreene still managed to make them steam...
Mac, tall, built and serious attitude! As a cop, as a man he was determined to serve, years as a Navy Seal led him to years on the Seattle Police Force but as good as he was at serving justice he didn't quite get the whole people and relationships thing. Until Angela, he was never able to stay with a partner. He was too tough, too rough, too everything.. As for women, he loves em, all of them. Where some have a women in every port.. Our Mac, well he had a flavor of the moment.. When Angela went missing, his sister of the heart, his partner and yes the only woman he took seriously, he was almost destroyed. But an instant in time, a moment shared space with a Dragon and his Dragon DNA was unleashed and Mac starts to find out just a bit more about himself than he was even remotely aware of. This we discover in Fury of Fire and Fury of Ice, the first two books of the Dragonfury series.. What we discover about Mac in Fury of Seduction.. well let's just say Mac Smolders.. Total and complete swoon room material.
Tania Solares is a complicated woman. Years of male abandonment and misuse, she doesn't trust men. She is smart, sexy, loyal and determined.. what a package.. Oh yeah and she is a High Energy (H-E) Female. So that puts her in line for some serious trouble. Since the disappearance of Myst, her best friend, she has been actively searching. Determined to find her, refusing to believe she is dead. Tania had relied on the SPD.. only problem is, the Detectives on the case were Mac and Angela and they too have disappeared.. Leaving Tania desperate.. Add to this the fact that her sister (the sister Tania all but raised) is in prison for manslaughter, Tania is at wits end.
When Mac and Tania meet, let's just say fireworks ensued! These two are combustible (pretty nifty for a Water Dragon). Ms Callahan does a wonderful job at sharing bits and pieces of their relationship with us. Sure she could have made this the focal part of the book, but in a way letting it slip to a secondary aspect made it steamier. Tania is a driven woman who controls everything and Mac well let's just say he demands control sexually. *grins* Watching these two commitment phobes slide into love was fabulous.
Remember when I mentioned the Archguard in my review of Fury of Ice? Remember when I said they were up to something sneaky? That there was way more to them than we thought.. Let's just say.. I was right and leave it at that! Anything else would be huge spoilers. We do spend a moment with those who are at the "Archguard Games". We get to meet Gage and Haider, the missing Dragonfury pack members and they most definitely belong. There is a scene I am already envisioning when Gage returns and meets Tania.. *grins* that should be fun.
One of the best things about Ms Callahan's writing is the fact that even though Ivar is evil and I believe totally nonredeemable.. we feel for him. We see him grieve and there were times when I just wanted to comfort him. I don't like Ivar, we aren't supposed to be we see a man/dragon that wants what he thinks is best for his people. This is a true talent!
We also learn a bit and I mean a teeny tiny bit about waterdragons.. I have some questions, some things I want to discuss about Mac and his lineage but for now I will refrain as they include spoilers but I am intrigued. This book left me with so many questions.. So many threads dangling, teasing me, leaving me almost salivating for the next book, Fury of Desire, which I believe comes out in the Spring and will be Wick's book. Now that is gonna be interesting.
When a book grabs me as much as this one did, I tend to loose my ability to review.. I get lost in the superlatives and sometimes forget why I am reviewing. I am sorry if this happened but this book was fabulous.. absolutely and totally fabulous! A must read.. but don't read it as book one.. it is definitely a transition type of book.. connecting us with old favorites and yet introducing some exciting new characters.. Watching all of Ms Callahan's plot lines begin to intersect is a total and complete delight
Reynard Drake, solitary cybersecurity expert and curator of the Drake family fortune, would rather be chucked in the midden than forced to bed an omega, but as the selected Amethyst candidate for the mating experiment, he has no other choice. Resigned to his unhappy fate, he takes solace in the fact that one thing will never change—his virtual rival, Magpie, will always be there to keep him on his toes, even if he has been strangely absent from the internet lately…
The Reviews!
H. Spanarella
5.0 out of 5 stars #BondGoals
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2020
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Gah! I absolutely adored Misha and Reynard’s story! Misha was so sassy, and such a spitfire I loved it! He was confident in what he wanted, how he was going to get it and just went after it full steam ahead! He knew he wanted Reynard to be his dragon, his mate - his forever. Reynard was totally content with giving Misha whatever he wanted and I loved that so hard. He was just as determined to see Misha as his mate and they were literal #BondGoals. I was so there for Misha’s dominating presence in the bedroom. There was so much excitement in their story it kept me wondering how it was as going to all unfold! What I didn’t expect was reaching for a tissue as we got to see the softer side of Everard in the birthing of Misha’s whelps. Everard now holds a special place within the Forbidden Desires series for me. This was an amazing addition to the series, I hope it never ends!
Leslie Zak
5.0 out of 5 stars M/M dragon paranormal romance
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2021
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Another great addition to the series. Magpie is the alias of an omega that breaks into dragon hoards and steals income for himself. He has been playing a game of wits with dragon named Reynaud and has come to admire him. When a new program is Instituted to match up omega and dragons along an experiment to improve fertility, he manipulates it so he is sent in place of the omega originally meant for Reynaud. Mischa is sassy, take charge and demanding which works out since Reynaud is a closet submissive. There is a lot of family drama from both sides, danger from terrorists, health concerns, an egg abduction with rescue and a deep and wonderful love between our couple and their eleven new baby dragons. The only concern i have is the introduction of Misha's father making threats and then it just goes away. With only that comment, I loved the book and am looking for more about this family, especially Bertram.
Van Hardison
5.0 out of 5 stars Another wonderful tale!
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2020
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I fell in love with the Forbidden Desires dragons in the first book and every subsequent book has added to the world-building and gave life to the characters.
Misha and Reynard are perfectly suited for each other. My only quibble is a bit more backstory would have helped to explain some of Misha’s motivation.
I think we also got the setup for Bertram to get his own book. Let’s hope so! All the previous books have been wonderful in audio, as well as print, and I’ll be watching for Magpie in audio.
Highly recommended.
JTorleif
4.0 out of 5 stars Great characters, but huge plot holes
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2020
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I didn’t understand where the Diamond’s interest in, and concern for Mischa was coming from. Mischa clearly didn’t have a good relationship with his father, so why did they care if he was matched to a Gold, or an Amethyst? Why, after he was solidly mated, and delivered a clutch, did his father care about his ‘value’ being lessened? And how could a clutch of 11 be anything to be ashamed of? And finally, why did we hear nothing more from them, as if that whole plot line was simply abandoned?
I certainly hope that Bertram’s book is next, because there were a whole load of unanswered questions with him and his serendipitous rescue.
Having said all that I wasn’t happy with, I think that I loved Mischa and Raymond the best. I liked that they didn’t balk at seeking for what they needed, and not just conforming to what their stereotypical roles should be.
Homicide detective Angela Keen thrives on the city’s rough streets. But when she becomes the prize of all prizes in the dragon-shifter world due to her “high-energy” status, she gets more than she bargained for. Kidnapped by Lothair of the Razorback clan, Angela barely survives captivity before managing to escape. Hurt and alone with nowhere to hide, she faces certain death when Lothair uses the trace energy she leaves in her wake to hunt her down. But before he can reach her, a mystery dragon shifter intervenes and saves Angela’s life.
Now a guest of the Nightfury clan, Angela regains her strength as her rescuer, Rikar, the last living frost dragon, gradually breaks down her mistrust. Surrendering to her desire for Rikar, but still uncertain of her feelings, Angela goes against his wishes and agrees to be used as bait to lure Lothair into the open. As the battle commences, the true struggle comes from within: Will Angela return home to the life she loves, or forsake it all to be with Rikar?
The Reviews!
Dotti Elrick
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Series
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2013
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Fury of Ice is book number two in the Dragonfury series. I was hooked on this series after reading the first book, Fury of Fire. After finishing that book I went out and bought the other three books in the series. So far I've not been disappointed.
This book takes up exactly where book one left off. It's almost like they are really long chapters in one book. Each individual book has it's own conclusion, but the big questions are not answered yet. I wouldn't recommend starting with this book. You need to read them in order. Otherwise you are missing a lot of the back story.
Dragonkind. Dragon shifters, who are born to a human female. Their sire is half human, half dragonkind. Due to an ancient curse, only males are conceived. And unfortunately, their human mothers all die in childbirth. Something Bastian, and his Nightfury brothers are trying to remedy. With the prisoner they are holding they just might have their answers.
All dragonkind are dependant on human females. They feed off of their energy, tapping into The Meridian, a pure power source, that lives in females. Some are much stronger than others.
Book one ends with Bastian, the leader of the Nightfury, searching for his pregnant mate. Myst, has been taken, along with the homicide detective, Angela Keen. Angela and her partner Mac have been searching for Myst in connection with a homicide they are working. The rogue dragons, The Razorbacks have broken into the police station and taken both females.
Bastian's second in command Rikar, was tasked to find the detective, wipe her mind of all knowledge of their kind and send her on her way. In doing that, Rikar fed off of Angela. And he knew right then and there she was his. He would have to find a way to make her want him as much as he wanted her.
Myst and Angela were taken by Lothair, the second to the leader of the Razorbacks, Ivar. Ivar has been collecting females with a high power signature, planning to experiment on them. He's trying to breed females. So his kind would not be dependant on human females for their feedings.
Angela escapes the Razorbacks. But Lothair has damaged her. Both physically and emotionally. She is in bad shape when Rikar finds her. But he has her. Now all he has to do is prove to her he is a male of worth. And not one that is going to hurt her further.
There is also a small sub plot involving Angela's partner, Mac. After the attack where Myst and Angela were taken, Mac is not doing well. He was hit by something nasty that the dragon spit at him. Now he's in for a really wild ride. His life is not going to ever be the same.
I like this series. I know from reading other reviews, that some don't like them because they are similar to the Black Dagger Brotherhood books. I've read those books as well. And yes there are similarities. But they are different. This series is very well written, I was fully immersed into this world immediately. The characters are real and the more I read, the deeper I sank into their world. I look forward to reading the next one.
Monique Millieux
5.0 out of 5 stars Love the series! BOOK AND SERIES SPOILERS!!
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2013
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This is a fantastically written series, with only two exceptions. Not enough editing resulting in some timeline and detail mistakes. Minor. The only thing for the whole series, as a criticism, is the increasing overuse (which doesn't do justice to this issue) of the word "s***kickers" when referring to the combat boots the guys all wear.
The author uses it so much, it is really annoying, as the term gets used more and more often as the series progresses. Wick's book (#4) is the worst on the s***kicker front, but is rock solid on the cliffhanger front.
This book, #2, specifically, was written much better than Bastian's tale, more realism, too, as far as the falling in love instantly thing, separating Rikar's human self from his dragon. My one major criticism? No one, and I mean no human being, man or woman, would make as much emotional progress as Angela did in so short a time, after being tortured; physically, medically and psychologically, then repeatedly raped. Even though she was only held for twelve hours, she would not accomplish so much healing on the emotional and mental front.
That failing is mostly covered up by the realism of Angela's emotions and psychological pain, as well as it being mirrored in Rikar. Rikar's transition from a bad ass warrior with historically emotionless feedings and sexual one hour stands to becoming a one woman dragon before they even make it off the LZ at Black Diamond is actually a lot more believable than Angela's emotional jump from being damaged forever (so she thinks) to in love and more, absolute emotional trust in Rikar, so quickly.
The only thing I really dislike? That the author is working other projects and publishing other books in between Nightfury books, elongating the already typically long wait in between releases in any series....stick with the dragons!!! She also gave no hint who would be next among the Nightfuries to fall in love or what females might be included.
There is no one left (that I can think of) to be the next Nightfury "My Lady." HE females stick together and now that Angela, Myst, Tania and J.J. have their dragons, there isn't any other HE females who are connected to any of the four. That only cranks the suspense and anticipation for book 5, though. I can only pray it is already at the publisher's, instead of not even written, yet.
You absolutely need to read the series in order, if you want to make sense of all the Dragonkind stuff. Speaking of which, Forge's transition to Nightfury is a very poignant part of this book, as is Mac's reunion with Angela.
Hugh Drake, the most whimsical member of the Drake family, wants a clutch badly… and despite his sanctioned period to reproduce nearing its end, he just might get his wish. New information has emerged that suggests Disgraces are dragons and able to bear eggs. All that’s left to do is find one Hugh can tolerate, and who better to help him find his perfect match than his steadfast and faithful secretary, Finch?
If only Finch were a Disgrace, but alas. Some things simply aren’t meant to be.
Sensible and straightforward Finch has served as Hugh Drake’s secretary for over a decade, and secretly loved him for just as long. Hugh is the light of his life, but he’s also entirely too gullible, which is why Finch refuses to believe his claim that Disgraces are dragons. They’re not. Finch would know, since he is one. But that little fact will have to stay a secret, because Finch would rather his love go unnoticed than be the one who breaks his dragon’s heart when he fails to produce a clutch.
The Reviews!
S Wilgus
5.0 out of 5 stars You know that sweet, crazy uncle who never gets anything right?
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2020
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Well, that's Hugh Drake, a big loveable guy who can go a little bit off the rails. In his own inimitable fashion, he has fallen hard for his secretary, Finch, but doesn't believe they can be together, so he concocts a very Hugh-like way to keep Finch. This story is alternately sweet, hilarious, angsty and wonderful. As with all the books in this series, it is well written and the side characters are just as interesting as the main characters. You don't have to read the other books to love this one, but it is so much better when you are acquainted with the characters from other books making cameos in this one. It is well worth your time!
Achoo01
5.0 out of 5 stars Still laughing 8 hours later - these books are the BEST
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2020
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I LOVE this series so much - they're so sweet & so funny at the same time. It's just the perfect combination. ...I was so excited for this one that I preordered it and woke up at 1 am to read it - and BOY does it not disappoint. Hugh & Finch are hilariously dopey & yet absolutely teeth-rottingly adorable together. Their crazy antics (and those of the rest of the Drake family, in all of their absolutely insane glory - I swear every time Harry & Steve show up I just start laughing as a reflex at this point, and DEAR CHRISTMAS Alistair & Iggy in this book are just absurd, and it's beautiful) are just amazing - I laughed so hard that my poor cat was seriously concerned about my well-being. Please please please write more of these books - heck, you could write 1000 books about these crazies & I'd read every one of them. Seriously, these books are amazing - if they seem even vaguely interesting, they're 100% worth a try, because they are seriously some of the best of the genre.
Biotchy
5.0 out of 5 stars It’s sad that it ends here, but...
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2021
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I just always get melancholy when a series is finished😢. I love all books in the series so I can’t really pick a favorite.
I finished the whole series (a total of 6 books each), and what a fun read! I’m glad that amongst the 6 books, this has the least amount of angst😉.
A different Drake, with a different mate in each book, with their children.
Our main MCs, Hugh Drake and Finch (who has a secret), no spoilers here. They are both a great couple, but mostly Hugh!
I just have a wish that hopefully that there’s another spin off coming in the name of: BERTRAM! Please authors, write a story about him, please😉...
Leslie Zak
5.0 out of 5 stars M/M dragon romance
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2021
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This is a great addition to the series. In this story we have Finch, dutiful, ultra competent secretary to Hugh Drake, lovable, clueless and desperate to be a father. In his search to find an omega mate to give him his own clutch of dragon eggs, he engages Finch's help to organize a great ball inviting all eligible omegas. Through a fortunate mistake, he discovers that Finch is that perfect mate and through Finch's heat he believes he will have those precious eggs. However when Finch learns he is not carrying eggs, he runs away rather than disappoint Hugh. We have high drama, an extended family, lots of love and a most satisfying HEA.
A clandestine race of half-dragon, half-humans known as dragon shifters lives among us. Bastian, leader of the Nightfury dragon clan, is sworn to protect humankind at all costs. For him, honor and duty always come first. When the clan dictates he take a human mate to sire a son, he falters, aware that for a human to birth a dragon shifter she must die. Myst, the woman given into his care, is the most extraordinary he’s ever met, and though he can’t bear the thought of harming her he is bound by duty.
Myst loves her life in the human world, but Bastian has captured her heart in an instant of electric connection. But Bastian and his warriors are in the middle of a deadly battle with the Razorback dragon shifters, intent on killing every Nightfury clan member—and the humans they protect—the fate of their world and ours hangs in the balance.
The Reviews!
~Mindy Lou~ 4.0 out of 5 stars Great start to the series! Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2021 Verified Purchase First, I love dragon shifters and second, I love true mate stories. This first book doesn't dive too much into the true mate part. They are unaware of such a thing since the knowledge has been buried for years. They are drawn to woman with energy and that energy feeds the dragons.
I'm not quite sure how that all works but based off this first couple, the heroine had extremely high energy that made the hero feel full for the first time. I admit that I listened to the audiobook version and while I loved the audiobook. I'm not sure if I missed some information about the energy feeding or if we just get a small dose of knowledge in this first book.
I found this first book to be really good and I like the concept of the energy feeding being how they match to their mates. I do believe you will need to read this series in order. This did end as if more to come from all characters even though the next book will be focused on a new couple. Either way, I'm in.
Dotti Elrick 4.0 out of 5 stars Loved These Dragons Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2013 Verified Purchase This is a new series and a new to me author. It was recommended to me online. And like with all recommendations, some are great and some, not so much. This one was great. I was happily surprised.
The Nightfurys are dragon shifters. An all male race that feeds off the energy of human females. Each human draws pure power from the "Meridian" Something the Dragonkind needed to survive. They also need to breed with human females. The males are only able to sire a child twice a year, when the Meridian realigns. Unfortunately, their females die during childbirth. With their numbers dwindling, their leader, Bastian, needs to set an example. Be the first to choose a female, and sire a son. Just the thought of what he has to do sickens him. To end an innocent life to ensure the survival of his race.
Myst Munroe is a registered nurse. She needs to check on one last patient before heading home. She fears for this young woman, Caroline. She knows she's involved with a very scary and possibly abusive man. Caroline has missed her last few doctors appointments and something strange has shown up in her last blood test. So Myst heads out to check on her patient. Only to find her bleeding out and almost dead when she arrives. Myst makes the decision to save the baby.
That's when Bastian and his men show up. Hoping to save the child. A child they know was sired by one of the Dragonkind. Not one of Bastian's men, but one of their enemy, the Razorback clan. The rogue dragons who hate humans and have been at war with the Nightfurys for decades.
Bastian and Myst have an instant connection. She possessed the most powerful energy he had ever seen. And he new there and then, she was his. He would do everything in his power to protect her. And it saddened him knowing she would die giving him a son.
I read plenty of reviews for this book before I finally bought it. And the majority of them didn't like the book because they thought it was too much like the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I too, have read BDB. And yes there are similarities. But this book is not a copy of BDB. The author has created a very believable world for her dragons to live in. It is very well written. The world building and character development draw the reader in. And while you might see something similar, you are so wrapped up in this world, with these characters, you don't really notice the similarities. I really liked the book, and I'm off to buy the second one.
Sage Wolfsong/Thrice Read Books 4.0 out of 5 stars A hot shape-shifter romance Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2018 Verified Purchase Dragons, damsels and divisive clan wars, oh my! Coreene Callahan kicked this series off with a bang in Fury of Fire, Book 1 in the Dragonfury series.
This is one of those binge-buying Kindle books I picked up (embarrassingly, almost 3 years ago!), and dove into for a bit of a break from ARCs. I was most assuredly NOT disappointed.
In this shape-shifter-slash-urban-fantasy-romance, Bastian knows he needs to find a human female to impregnate. He's not keen on the idea; it rubs his moral compass the wrong way, as the birth will inevitably result in his partner's death.
Myst stumbles into the middle of a wild, action packed battle between Bastian's clan and their bitter rivals, and in the end, she's literally swept off to Bastian's stronghold in the mountains above Seattle because she refuses to relinquish the baby she delivered just before the battle.
The plot is engaging, the characters well developed and the world-building is mostly believable. This book should be on your to-be-read list if you are a fan of shape-shifter romance.
Shauni 5.0 out of 5 stars Fury of Fire, A Review Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2012 Verified Purchase Coreene Callahan tells a wonderful story of Dragonkind. Of good vs evil of nature vs science of lust for power and lust for life. Fury of Fire, sets up this world with a powerful punch. An impact that calls to the believer in me.
Bastian, leader of the Nightfuries is six and a half feet of scrumptious delight. Determined to help his kind, to see that they multiple he convinces himself that he needs to breed at the next meridian. Only trouble is, no human female survives the birth and no Dragon female has ever been born. So, if he does impregnate a woman with powerful energy he dooms her to die, if he doesn't he dooms his clan/tribe/team.. Knowing it must be done he accepts his destiny and moves forward.
Myst Monrue, doesn't know anything about Dragons, the Meridian, Energy. All she knows is there is a pregnant woman out there who has refused medical help and needs her. When Myst arrives she finds her patient bleeding out and the only hope for the baby is to perform emergency C-section. And hope the EMT's get there in time to save the baby. Only, when the EMT's get there they aren't quite what they seem. Bastian and his crew were there to save them..
And so the battle begins.. The Nightfuries were there to save the baby, to protect the woman and to escape the Razorbacks without notice. Only trouble is the Razorbacks were there and suddenly they were all under attack. Myst believes Bastian is one of the good guys, well until she sees him shift into a dragon. Then well, she's not so sure..
Ms Callahan does a wonderful job of world building in Fury.. While Myst and Bastian are strong lead characters and hold our attention throughout the story, we are introduced to the good, the bad and the ambivalent. We find out how the leader of the Razorbacks is using science to try and solve Dragonkind's problems. Only he needs a few women with exceptional energy to use as guinea pigs, lab rats and oh yeah breeding stock. His theories and concepts are brilliant but his end goal, to save Dragonkind by destroying mankind kinda sucks.
Bastion and Ivar are at cross purposes, both want to save Dragonkind but Bastian wants to cohabitate peacefully with the humans while Ivar things of them something like cockroaches.. too many and useless.. and all the other less than complimentary terms. There is a governing council but one gets the impression that they are waiting to see who wins the war before they take sides. Evil probably sits happily in their midst.. we are just waiting to see as they are mentioned but we don't meet them.
Both Bastion and Ivar have wonderful supporting casts. While most of the Razorbacks are dumb muscle the top tier are delightfully wicked. The perfect foil for the Nightfuries. The Nightfuries on the other hand, well they are dark and deadly, sexy as all get out and their combined powers would knock anyone for a loop. The testosterone running around that particular lair would make just about any girl fall into a swoon. Of course if she has a brain in her head she is gonna question what the heck..
There are even some decent humans, while Mac and Angela are somewhat unique and superior in their attitudes they are good cops and too often we see law enforcement reduced to idiothood in order to make the lead characters seem all that is good and decent. Ms Callahan doesn't treat the law like this, her police are intelligent and I am sure will soon become integral parts of the story.
Yes, this story is pure fantasy.. sadly there are no dragons running around *sigh* so there will be those who won't like this book or won't get it.. but me.. yeah I am in full swoon!!
At least once a day, I find myself getting out on the Bike trail that runs close to my home. I’m always amazed at the variety of wildlife that I see. Here’s a collection of those photos, both old and new.
Female Mallard duck and Babies Cooper’s HawkCloser shot of Cooper’s HawkNight HeronPheasant
Grimbold Drake, influential patriarch of the Drake family, revels in his solitary life of order—a life which is thrown into chaos when his son pays him an unexpected visit, bringing with him a broken but gorgeous young man more than a millennium Grimbold’s junior. A man Grimbold instantly finds himself yearning to fix, to protect, and to claim.
Meek, subservient, and eager to please, Wally Brand doesn’t doubt the tales he’s been told of the cruel and deceitful Amethyst clan, so when he’s forcibly taken from his home and entrusted to Grimbold Drake—the most powerful Amethyst dragon of all—he knows he won’t be long for this world. Only there’s a gleam in Grimbold’s eyes when he looks Wally’s way and a tenderness to his touch that Wally can’t understand.
All he knows is one thing: whether Grimbold means him harm or not, if he can be good to his dragon captor, maybe, just maybe, he’ll get out of this mess alive.
The Reviews!
Kate B
VINE VOICE
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Read but it just wasn’t long enough
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2019
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****Warning review contains spoilers****
I really enjoyed this book. You don’t need to read the Forbidden Desires series to understand this book but you should as it will give you a back story of what’s happened in the universe and who all the characters are. It was cool to see the more human side of the
Amethyst dragon as in the previous stories about his son’s finding theirs he seemed rather harsh and unforgiving. He’s also got a chance to love and to do right by the omega he wants unlike his sons mother he can even remember her name (he’s over 1000 years old) and was basically with her to only have a cluch, he then took the eggs from her as soon as they hatched because she’d end up going nuts if bonding with the eggs and then endangering herself and the eggs. Walter “Swallow” Brand a Topaz omega disgrace from the pedigree who had be physically and mentally abused for years hid when the cloister was shut down and the omega’s removed as he was terrified of dragons even though he’d basically been trained how to properly service a dragon and that the dragon is everything but he’s nothing, he tried to take some food from a nearby farm then got taken arrested then one of Ian’s (Topez dragon family leader) ex-attendants kept his aminals at the farm that Walter tried to steal food from you he told Ian about the situation so him and his mates went and got him released from police custody, they had no idea where to put him due to all the trauma he’d been subjected too so they took him home with them but he was completely freaked out because Ian and Geoffrey (Amethyst dragon & one of Grim’s sons) traumatised him, in turn Walter’s constant terror mostly of Ian was making their Whelps (kids) anxious so since Geoffrey had no idea what to do sort council with his father Grim to see if he had any suggestion of what to do with Walter. As soon as Grim sees Walter his dragon takes notice of him. Then when Walter starts talking about living with Giles & the Scooby gang, Grim takes notice of this and asks him if he could like with anyone who would he live with of course he says with Giles because hequestions Geoffrey saying that he told him that Walter had no family, in which Geoffrey replies that they’re not real people and that they’re from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Grim then asks Walter some questions about what’s Giles like etc he answers saying that he knows that Giles isn’t real but he’s caring, strict and but loving and never uses punishments. Grim the decides that he’s going to take care of Walter. This books is more series than the Forbidden Desires books with a omega whose been beaten down until he’s nearly broken but Grim finds a way through the terror to his heart. I loved how when Walter’s sire (Mandrake Brand) who arrives at Grim’s house and demands his property back Grim is talking to his sons in the other room he then hears the knock on the door and his dragon senses that Walter’s in trouble so he storms out to see who it is, he basically tells the Topez that he’s trespassing on Amethyst territory it’s against the Council’s rules so he should leave now without Walter, while he still can and never bother his again Grim turns his back on the Topaz to look at Walter all he sees is Walter’s face lose the little colour it already has then he feels dragons claws gouge into his back deeply he then crumbles to the ground then he hears Walter scream out then he’s leaping at his Sire telling him to die already as he shoves Grim’s claw into his neck a couple of times. I just wished this story had been a bit longer and fingers crossed this isn’t the last story in this universe as Grim still has a couple of sons who haven’t mated as yet and he also has a lot of grown up grand sons and young ones as well as an omega daughter. I’ve read books from Piper Scott before and have loved them all but I’ve never read any books by Virginia Kelly but if this book/series is any indication on her writing style I won’t be disappointed so I’ll definitely read more from her in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and both authors to anyone.
L.D.
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars Wally's New Start
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2020
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Swallow is the fourth book in the Forbidden Desires series, a paranormal series with dragon shifters and A/B/O dynamics. Although this book states it is the first book in the Forbidden Desires Spin-Off series, I fully suggest reading the previous three books of the Forbidden Desires series.
Swallow is a short novella that features Grimbold Drake and Wally, the shy omega who’s been abused as he grew up. Grimbold and Wally’s relationship was sweet and delightful and I really enjoyed this book. The story was well crafted with sweet moments and some great sexy scenes.
The audiobook was narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo who narrated the previous books in the series. Michael did a great job with this narration and performed the book well. I really enjoyed listening to this book and was engaged with the story the entire time.
Kelly G.
5.0 out of 5 stars This series is so good.
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2019
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Arc provided courtesy of LesCourt
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
You're definitely going to want to read the original series to understand what's going on here. But the good news is the entire series is absolutely amazing, including this novella.
Grim has finally seen the error of his ways, when he's introduced to severely abused Walter of the Topez Clan. Grim has to reign in his claiming instincts and put Wally's needs first. He finds himself very much wanting to earn Walter's trust and affection.
A lot of the most endearing characters return (crumpet). I enjoy the humor and inside jokes the authors have built across this universe. I can't wait for more. 5/5
K. Hay
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend this series
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2020
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I am so loving this world these two authors have created.
This is Grimbold & Walter's story and I'm so happy we get more of Grappy Grimmie. A few easter eggs along the way especially about one of my favorites, Perry.
Walter is a disgrace from the Topaz clan and is brought to Grimbold by Geoffrey. It seems Walter is having a hard time adjusting. Grimbold is full of shame for the way his kind has treated their offspring. But under the same roof and talking to some new friends makes Walter realize that the Amethyst clan are not the evil creatures he was taught. Plus how kind and caring Grimbold has been to him. Grimbold is fighting his feelings, he wants Walter of his own free will not what nature dictates. Some things occur that change and the outcome is beautiful.
Highly recommend this series.
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree 