Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken is a paranormal romance that follows the story of Annwyl the Bloody, a fierce warrior princess fighting against her evil brother. Saved by a dragon named Fearghus, Annwyl forms a unique bond with him as he trains her to face her enemies. The book features humor, strong character relationships, and steamy scenes, with a focus on the unconventional romance between a human and a dragon shifter.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include graphic violence and explicit sexual content.
Has Romance?
The romance in the book is prominent, featuring a central romantic storyline between the main characters.
From The Publisher:
It's not always easy being a female warrior with a nickname like Annwyl the Bloody. Men tend to either cower in fear-a lot-or else salute. It's true that Annwyl has a knack for decapitating legions of her ruthless brother's soldiers without pausing for breath. But just once it would be nice to be able to really talk to a man, the way she can talk to Fearghus the Destroyer.
Too bad that Fearghus is a dragon, of the large, scaly, and deadly type. With him, Annwyl feels safe-a far cry from the feelings aroused by the hard-bodied, arrogant knight Fearghus has arranged to help train her for battle. With her days spent fighting a man who fills her with fierce, heady desire, and her nights spent in the company of a magical creature who could smite a village just by exhaling, Annwyl is sure life couldn't get any stranger.
She's wrong . . .
And just wait until you meet the rest of the family.
Ratings (33)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (16) | |
Liked It (7) | |
It Was OK (5) | |
Did Not Like (3) |
Reader Stats (60):
Read It (32) | |
Want To Read (14) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (12) |
2 comment(s)
Dragon Actually - ***3.5***
Chains and Flames - ***2***
I really had fun with Dragon Actually, and since that novel was the main part of this book, the overall rating above is for that book. I thought it was fun, and absolutely hilarious. A great light read that left me smiling.
Chains and Flames, the short story that was included as an addition at the end of the book, just wasn't my thing. Firstly, to just be above-board about it, BDSM isn't something that appeals to me. Not that I don't recognize that some people love it... I am just saying it doesn't light my fire, so to speak. So given that, this short seemed to be about breaking Rhiannon. I don't like the "no no no... yes yes
yes!" thing at all. But, to each their own.
Regardless, I'm happy to read onward in the series, as I'd like to see what happens with the rest of the dragon siblings.
Dragon Actually
The first book in the Dragon Kin series, Dragon Actually introduces Annwyl the Bloody and Fearghus the Destroyer. Annwyl the Bloody has earnt her name cutting through the legions of men her half brother, the Butcher of Garbhán Isle and King of the Dark Plains, has sent after her. Neither sibling can gain ground until Annwyl finds herself with a deadly wound.
Fearghus the Destroyer just wants peace and quiet when he stumbles across a battle being fought outside his lair. Proceeding to flambé the men, Fearghus is left stunned by the severely injured woman who stands her ground and refuses to fear him - even if that means meeting her death.
I adored this. Annwyl the Bloody is bloody fantastic. She's everything you want in your heroine. She's fierce and funny and ruthless. She's snarky and utterly unapologetic. Fearghus the Destroyer is her perfect match. The romance between them is hot and sweet and totally swoonworthy but as in all the best romances, it begins with friendship. Annwyl falls in love with the dragon she thinks he is and is in nothing more than lust with the knight. And it's just perfection.
The plot of Lorcan and Annwyl's quest to rid the world of her brother is interesting and I love the addition of Fearghus' family. Morfyd is kind and funny and undoubtedly Annwyl's best girl friend. I loved the friendship between Annwyl and Morfyd. Plus Morfyd is so supportive of Fearghus and his desire to pursue a relationship with Annwyl. Gwenvael is amusing and so hard to deter. I mean how often does Annwyl have to hurt him for him to get the hint? And omg, Queen Rhiannon. Fearghus' mum is hysterical. She and Annwyl totally meet their match in each other - both of them are totally ruthless and harsh in their remarks. I loved it. She clearly loves her family and wants the best for them but I love that she's also actually impressed by Annwyl's reign.
I was giggling my way through this entire book. It was just so funny. I adored it. I loved it. It's an absolute favourite. 5 stars.
CHAINS AND FLAMES (in Dragon Actually)
Addiena has always hated her daughter Rhiannon. As a white dragon and full of magic, Rhiannon is a threat to her rule and Addiena will do anything to get rid of her. And so, sapping her magic and forcing her into her human form, Addiena gives her over to Bercelak, the commander of her armies and the most likeliest dragon to break her. But unfortunately for her - Bercelak has been in love with Rhiannon since he first saw her - and he'll do anything to keep her.
I really enjoyed this. Rhiannon is mean - but that's just how Bercelak likes her. For all this was a novella, there was a lot of depth. Part of that was the world building, the Dragon Kin world is full of life - with a tonne of characters and backstory and humour. Part of it was that Bercelak and Rhiannon really did seem to be well matched. Honestly, having a mum like Addiena - it's a surprise Rhiannon is even half as well adjusted as she is. I liked that she got to experience what being part of a family felt like and having the love of a partner who'll have your back. Fun, flirty read. 3.5 stars.
Family Tree: Ailean and Shalin are the parents of fifteen children including including Hew, Adain, Cai, Rhys, Baudwin (named after Shalin's father), Ghleanna (#0.4: Dragon on Top), Maelona, Caerwyn, Addolgar (#0.2: A Tale of Two Dragons) and Bercelak (Chains and Flames found at the back of #1: Dragon Actually).
Bercelak falls in love with Rhiannon - a white dragon who is the daughter of Addiena. Rhiannon and Bercelek have Fearghus (#1: Dragon Actually), Morfyd, Keita (#4: Last Dragon Standing), Eibhear (#6: How to Drive a Dragon Crazy), Briec (#2: About a Dragon) and Gwenvael (#3: What a Dragon Should Know).
What can you read after
Dragon Actually?
About the Author:
G.A. Aiken is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Dragon Kin Series and the Scarred Earth Saga. When she's not writing about sexy dragons and feminist blacksmiths, she's writing about hot wolf, lion, tiger, and other fang-filled predators as Shelly Laurenston, the acclaimed and bestselling author of the Pride series, the Call of Crows, and the Honey Badger Chronicles. Originally from Long Island, she now lives on the West Coast and spends most of her time writing and making sure her rescued Pitbull doesn't love everyone into a coma. Please visit her online at www.GAAiken.com.
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