EIGHT SIMPLE RULES FOR DATING A DRAGON “Deeply satisfying, delightfully swoon-inducing.”–Publishers Weekly on Kerrelyn Sparks’s Love at Stake series TRUTH–OR DARE? Gwennore is an Elf able to track down the cause of a certain illness and heal it–a valuable asset to her people. But when she is thrust into the realm of the dragons, she discovers a haunted place of power, passion, and … discovers a haunted place of power, passion, and magic–one that is plagued by an ancient curse. When she meets the smoldering General Silas Dravenko, Gwen knows she’s entered a whole new world of trouble. She’s been raised never to trust a dragon. So why does making a deal with the devil feel so good?
Silas has no way of saving the royal family he’s served for years. But when a beautiful, innocent elf comes bursting into his world, Silas is awakened to desire in a way he’s never felt before. But how can he trust a sworn enemy. . .and how can he live without her, in Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by New York Times bestselling author Kerrelyn Sparks.
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This is a third story in this cute series about fantasy paranormal world of dragons and magic. Despite having read just the first one, I did not have hard time following the story so it is definitely a great stand-alone book. An elf, dragon and search for the cure that has plagued a kindgom makes a good plotline. I couldn’t put the book down for first half. The story slows down a little bit towards the latter half of the book. It is not a high heat romance, but has sweet interaction between the two characters. Since some of the plotline doesn’t feel quite resolved, the story is a very minor cliffhanger, but it has a happy ending. Just wish there was a little more chemistry between the two characters, as in, make me believe in their romance more. The romance between them felt a little shallow or sudden and not quite complete.
This is book three of the “The Embraced” series. I really enjoyed this story by author Kerrelyn Sparks. The heroine had me smiling on many occasions, I’m sure from a distance people were thinking I was crazy woman. I loved Gwennore’s inner monolog and the secret name she had for our hero, Silas, “General Gorgeous”, or so she thought it was a secret. But you will just have to read it to see what I mean. I have read other series from this author; I’ve found her work to be well written and enjoy the playful personalities she gives her characters. This story did not disappoint, I felt this story has well-developed characters with dialog is so witty and playful you can’t help but not fall in love with them all. I look forward to the continuing stories from this series, if you haven’t read the previous books from this series you might want to. This story has great action, a heroine that can take care of herself, and a hero that has the right amount of alpha to make you swoon. I give this story 4.5 stars.
***I voluntarily reviewed this ARC for an honest review via NetGalley, this is my honest opinion and has not been influenced by the author, Publishers or NetGalley in anyway.*** Thank you!
What a great way to be transported into a new world filled with magic and dragons. It affected me so much I actually couldn’t sleep until I finished the book. And its a big book – what a treat!
Once again I have started a series at the end instead of the beginning. I was fortunate to be granted an ARC of this book by the publisher, I am reviewing of my own volition. I confess I am now totally hooked on the series.
When the little Eberoni Princess Eviana is snatched up by a dragon, Gwennore grabs ahold and doesn’t let go. The bad news the dragon manages to shake her loose, the good news the dragon chasing after the first one is able to catch her, saving her from certain death.
The exchanges between Gwennore and the dragon are hysterical given the circumstances, and I found myself laughing out loud when she ‘named’ the dragon Puff.
Since “Puff’s” brother is responsible for the kidnapping, and well Puff’s dragon, a relationship is sort of difficult. Once they arrive at the Castle it becomes apparent that the queen is ill and looking to replace her deceased children. The King has to be convinced to return the child, and the General want’s Gwennore’s help in finding the answer to the queen’s illness.
An awesome world that has me wanting to read the series from the beginning. The difficulties Gwennore faces as she attempts to solve the mystery of ‘the curse’ will keep you spellbound. As for her relationships with General Silas and the dragon ‘Puff’, well I found myself laughing out loud many times, and holding my breath in at others.
Definitely one to add to your to be read piles!
Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks is book Three in The Embraced series. This is the story of Gwennore and Silas. I have read the previous books (and Loved Them!) but feel this is easily a standalone book.
Gwennore is and elf who find illness and help to cure it..make her skills very valuable.
Silas is a dragon whose lands are plagued with illness and a curse.
When a young girl goes missing Gwennore tries to locate her. Silas will bargains for the missing girl asking in exchange that Gwennore works to help heal his cursed land. But Dragon and Elf’s aren’t usually allies but with the growing attraction between the two there just might be something more.
I just love this series and this book just added to that love.
This is the first book I’ve read in The Embraced series but Ms. Sparks gives enough information about all the characters that I didn’t feel lost while reading this book (although I do plan to go back and read the other two books).
Gwennore is an Elf who is living with her adopted sisters . She’s dealt with prejudice all her life since the other people in the kingdoms do not care for Elves. She knows she needs to stand up for herself but she’s always been a little afraid to do so. And then her niece is kidnapped by a dragon while another grabs her as well, to keep her from falling to her death. She doesn’t know what’s going on, she just knows she has to protect her niece. When the dragons drop both females onto the castle grounds in the kingdom of Norveshki, Gwennore has no idea just what kind of an adventure she is about to begin.
Silas is a general in the Norveshki military and part of The Cursed Clans. There’s something seriously wrong happening in his kingdom and he feels helpless to do anything about it. When he meets Gwennore, and learns she has healing skills, he feels hope for the first time that maybe they can finally bring peace to Norveshki. And maybe, just maybe, he can convince Gwen she belongs with him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. As a matter of fact, once I started reading, I didn’t stop until I was done. Ms. Sparks has created an interesting and entertaining world full of wonderful characters, a little danger and suspense, lots of romance, and some smexy-times. I recommend this book (and, once I go back and read the first two books, I’m sure I’ll recommend the whole series).
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way influenced my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is another great addition to The Embraced series!
As an elf, Gwennore is constantly beging rejected and ridiculed. She longs for a husband and children but is very much aware that her hopes will never be fulfilled. Instead of a family of her own, she lives with Luciana, her adopted sister, and cares for her children. While she loves them all, Eviana is the most precious to her. So when a dragon swoops down and snatches the three year old, Gwen attaches herself to its leg and refuses to let go.
Silas’ country is slowly dying from the inside. Filled with secrets and curses and an illness that has swept over Norveshka, he isolates himself with his army at the border to fight a war against the elves. When he realizes that Gwen might be able to help identify and possible rid his country of the curse his kind has lived with for hundreds of years, he will do anything to keep her. The fact that he is extremely attracted to her doesn’t play any part in his decision. None at all.
This book has quite a bit of mystique to it as it twists and turns while these characters race to find a solution before things go from bad to worse. Gwen’s gift wasn’t as much a part of the story as I had expected but the knowledge she has gained throughout her life is a huge focus of the story.
The humor here is the kind that has you smiling from the banter sprinkled liberally throughout the story. I’ve got a soft spot for dragons so I especially enjoyed Gwen’s conversations with and regarding Puff. Silas’ jealousy of the dragon was quite entertaining as well.
While this is third in the series, there isn’t a demanding need to read the previous books to understand what’s going on here. The author gives enough background information to make this a standalone even with the continuing villainy that has traveled through each of these books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m a huge fan of fantasy romance, and there doesn’t seem to be many traditionally published adult fantasy romances being published these days. So I’m always very excited when a new book comes out in this genre. This third book takes place about 3 years after the previous book, So I Married a Sorcerer.
To recap for the series: In the fantastical realm of Aerthlan, the Embraced are born on the night of the two moons eclipse. This special birth gives them special powers which, in the past, was seen as dangerous by the kings of the land. The Embraced were executed if found, so they must live in secret, and are sometimes sent to the Isle of Moon as infants to be raised in hiding. This is where we met our five heroines, girls who were raised in a convent on the Isle of Moon – Luciana, Brigitta, Gwennore, Sorcha, and Maeve. Having grown up together, these girls share a special bond and consider themselves sisters who will be together forever. Luciana and Brigitta met their fate, married and are each queens in their own right. As a result, things have been changing across Aerthlan and the Embraced are coming out of hiding.
The heroine of this third installment is Gwennore, our elfin embraced healer. Gwennore is very distinctly an elf with her white blonde hair, pointed ears, and lavender eyes. Unfortunately, elves do not have a good reputation (not that she has ever met another elf), and Gwennore experiences a lot of prejudice and scorn. I really felt bad for Gwennie. I hated how she was treated, and I got wrapped up in her emotions and longing. Once Gwen gets to Norveshka, we really start to see her come into her own. Her spirited side comes out when dealing with our hero, and for the first time Gwen is feeling needed and important. Given that Norveshka is still at war with the elves of Woodwyn, she still faces prejudice and wariness from those around her, but she is also making new friends and helping people.
Interestingly our hero is not another elf, but a dragon shifter! We met General Silas Dravenko in So I Married a Sorcerer, and I’m glad we got him as a hero in his own book. Due to plague and curses that abound in Norveshka, there are very few children and Silas is heir to the throne. When his queen begins deteriorating more rapidly, and the king is willing to do anything to appease her, Silas knows that he needs help to solve the kingdom’s problems. I loved his personality and interaction with Gwen. While the issues they faced were serious, Silas still managed to be flirty and fun and honest when it came to his feelings for Gwen.
While the plague and curse were the main plot conflict for this story, we are still following the overarching series conflict dealing with the Chameleon. The plot conflict and series arc are fairly intertwined as we see the Chameleon take advantage of strife in each kingdom in his bid for power. I like that with each marriage and ensuing coronation, our sisters from the Isle of Moon are helping to unite the kingdoms of Aerthlan.
Sometimes this story felt superficial when I would have liked deeper character development or more emotional meat to the dialogue. But I still enjoyed the story and read it in one sitting. For a relatively long book, it was a quick read. The pacing was done well and the characters were engaging and kept me focused on the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, St. Martin’s Press.
Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks
The Embraced #3
As I began to read the introduction and backstory to this book I began to smile remembering the two books that preceded this one. Yes, I smiled 🙂 Why? Because books like these remind me of the fairy tales I read as a child BUT these are all grown up. There are princesses and dragons, trolls and elves, magic and mysteries, romance and oh so much more…they are fun tales filled with adventure and action and friendship and quests with evil thwarted and a hook for the next book in the series. When I finished I thought, “Hooray! There are at least two more books to read before this series ends!”
So, what is the story about? It is about five young women who are “embraced” due to what was happening in the sky when they were born. Each one has a talent that some consider a curse. They were all sent away and raised together away from the general population and became closer than blood sisters. Two of the sisters have had their stories told and two remain but in book three, this one, Gwennore meets her mate. Gwennie is an elf and her love is a dragon shifter…and what a story theirs is!
Who wouldn’t want to meet and be saved by a dragon? Who wouldn’t want to feel needed and loved and cherished? Who wouldn’t want to be able to do something good for a people that were in need of her skills? And, who wouldn’t want to find their own true love? Silas and Gwennore are a match made in the heavens and their story made me smile when I read the last page, too 🙂
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
My Thoughts – 5 out of 5 Unicorns – I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I’m getting the paperback because sometimes it is more cost effective to get paperback!!!
The cover is steamy! I love it!
This is the 3rd book in this series, and it is for adults only due to violence and steamy content. I highly recommend reading each book in order because it is so much better when you know all the characters and how close they are.
I devoured this book, and I couldn’t put it down! I really love this series! It has it all magic, special powers, shifters, fae, twin moons, and so much more! I love the sisters, and this is Gwennore’s story. So much going on in this book and Gwennore and her gifts are out to help. My heart goes out to Gwen and how cruel people can be based on her race. All your favorite people are in the story especially Brody because he is always there when you need him. Now I have a couple others to add Dmitri and Aleski because they rock too! Silas though is the best because he is always there to rescue Gwen whether it is from attack or cruel words. I loved this exciting read! So much going on that you are pulled into the story, and I loved every second! I haven’t read a book by Kerrelyn Sparks that I haven’t loved! Her books are full of life, mystery, twists and turns, and most importantly love! This world is amazing, and I can’t wait to be immersed in it again!
I highly recommend to any paranormal fans who love complex worlds filled with paranormal beings and magic! I can’t wait to read more of this world!
ARC – I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
Gwen has an unique talent.
She can find the cause of a illness and cure it.
Gwen is assigned to find a kidnapped gird.
She did not expect where her journey would lead her. ( or who )
Silas is almost losing hope of finding a cure to save his people.
When he meets Gwen, it seems that his prayers have been answered.
Will Gwen find a cure in time?
I loved the storytelling + the characters
The storytelling + the character’s build were awesome!
Eight Simple Rules for Dating a dragon starts three years after the last installment. You won’t be lost if you haven’t read the others, but you will get more enjoyment if you read in order.
I had a lot of fun with this novel. The series is amazing and one that keeps surprising me. I’ve been looking forward to Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon for a year. We finally get to visit the realm of the dragons and the people who live in this hidden kingdom.
The Chameleon is back and causing trouble. We get to meet new and interesting characters who teach us to not judge, to listen and to learn from those who have been around. The story is well written and loaded with lots of drama, passion, angst, action, adventure, and dragons.
Silas and Gwennora where great together. Their romance is adorable and I loved their sweet slow burning connection. I enjoyed how the author weaved the eight rules for dating a dragon into the story. It fit, so well how it was done. The author also throughs in a side romance between Silas cousin, Dimitri, and Annika.
We also learn more about Gwen’s true heritage and we see why she feels at home in the land of dragons.
Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon is breathtaking, captivating, and thrilling.
Rated: 4.5 Stars
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.
Elves, dragons, cute as button kiddos and sisters who may not be blood related but are most definitely family!
Gwen always feels on the back foot with her sisters new lives now. They are now both married and queens no less. But their kingdoms have a bit of a history with Woodwyn, the kingdom of Elves she comes from. Her sisters couldn’t care less about her genetics but their courtiers have been rather mouthy in their disapproval of her.
But when a big ass dragon swoops down out of the sky and snatches up her niece, Gwennie goes along for the ride to keep the tot safe. When she literally falls into the claws of “Puff” she nearly freaks out but he soon makes it known that he is a differently tempered dragon!
Silas can’t believe what his “dragon” is up to. Talking telepathically with an Elf! One who is related to the young kidnapped princess no less! His queen may be in dire straits but kidnapping children is a step too far. But he knows that Gwennie is his mate, even though he won’t admit it to himself. So he enjoys tormenting her with the rules to dating a dragon – I’m pretty sure he makes them up as he goes LOL.
Gwennie and Silas are a great match. I loved who as the story unfolds Gwennie is left looking at herself through Silas eyes and not seeing herself as lacking or in any way inferior to her sisters. She is brave, caring and willing to use her gift to help someone who wants to string her up as a witch and an Elf. Silas and his fellow soldiers are a breath of fresh air and really great camaraderie together. He can be possessive and overbearing at times but also playful and sweet, especially with the young princess.
The Chameleon is back causing havoc with his trickster ways and a kingdom may just fall! Lots of great secondary characters, especially Brodie. I’m hoping he will get his own HEA eventually!
Great mix of humour, sexy encounters and well written storyline.
Eight Simple Rules is really very funny! It takes the times of old with dragons, elves, trolls and shifters and made them endearing. When a princess child in her care is kidnapped Gwenmore grabs on to the dragon that took her but he shakes her off and is saved by another dragon she named Puff. When she get to the castle in a far away land she is saved by the dungeon by Silas the general who claims he has known her for a while, but saying that just made everyone think they were lovers. The queen of the land has mistaken the princess child as her own and is very sick and Gwen thinks someone is poisoning the queen as does Silas but no one believes them because she is Elven and he is next in line for the throne. It’s up to Silas and Gwen and the few friends they have made to try and save the kingdom from war and certain destruction. I enjoyed Silas and Gwen and the situations they got themselves into, I am looking forward to reading more about this land.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
Eight Simple Rules For Dating a Dragon is a brilliant story that takes readers into another world where they can find out exactly what is needed to fall in love with a sexy dragon.
Gwenmore and Silas are strong, charismatic characters that are easily draw readers in and hold them hostage as they dazzle readers with excellent dialogue and magic and an exciting romance that has readers wanting what the couple have. The romance is full of sizzling chemistry and steamy love scenes but the relationship is not an easy one with lots of obstacles and emotional issues to overcome.
The plot is fast paced and full of anticipation building suspense and thrilling danger in a fascinating world where betrayal is around every corner and surprising twists keeps everyone on their toes. The well written world brings it all to vivid life, making it easy for readers to picture each and every scene and to really understand and know each character.
Kerrelyn Sparks has created a fantasy world that is exciting, captivating and full of wonderful characters and fascinating plots that easily draw readers in and keeps them completely enthralled from beginning to end. I have read all three books in the series which can be read as standalone and easily understood as each couple gets their own book but I think to get the best enjoyment and understanding of the entire plot they should be read in sequence. All three stories kept me glued to the pages and while I could not possibly tell you which book is my favorite, I really enjoyed spending time with Gwenmore and Griffin and I can’t wait to visit their world again.
Warning: This is a really long review.
Have you’ve ever read a book that has gotten you so consumed you don’t want to do anything but finish reading the story? I’m cooking dinner but all I want to do is get back to my story. I’m wondering what’s going to happen. And I feel like the story is continuing without me which is highly unlikely of course but I can’t help feeling that way. All I want to do is read. Ok. That is how I felt while reading this story and having to stop to do things for my family.
Now about this story. I love that this is not a true historical. It may seem like it but it’s not. It takes place in another time and place. May seem like a historical but their manner of speak is more modern and hilarious. There’s no technological advances so it may appear like a historical but the reader just needs to remember that this is a made up world and just go with it. I loved that there’s some paranormal elements like magic and special powers and gifts that certain individuals have. There’s also dragons and elves and shape shifters. This series really has it all and I’ve been having so much fun reading this series. But I especially loved Silas and Gwennore in this story. He was definitely gorgeous and sweet and I loved his sense of humor in the midst of such turmoil in his country. And Gwennore was so honest and pure of heart and so brave. Definitely a sigh worthy story even with only one major sex scene. But the chemistry between them was there from the beginning and it was just so much fun reading their interactions. I seriously can’t say enough good things about Eight Rules for Dating a Dragon. I highly recommend this story and this whole series. You really don’t need to read them in order but it’ll make the experience so much more if you do.
I enjoyed Sparks’ Love at Stake series though I haven’t read the last 4 or 5, so I was looking forward to reading this new series. I had no problem starting with book 3 despite characters and situations introduced in the two preceding books pop up.
I was surprised that this was had a fantasy setting and historical feel to it. I reread the blurb to see if I missed anything, nope. I’ve read plenty of contemporary dragon stories. The story loses it’s fantasy aspect at times. Gwennore starts off using “ye” and drops it (thankfully). Certain contemporary elements pop in and out like the concept of dating and certain verbiage.
I found the romance element weak. Gwennore and Silas didn’t interact enough to develop their relationship and the lack of heat (in more ways than one) didn’t make “instalove” work either.
There wasn’t anything new or exciting to this romance, the story line or world building.
The only plus for me was the curse and what was happening to the royal family. I appreciated how Silas and Gwennore together and separately were searching for answers.
I was left with such a blah feeling after finishing 8 Rules, I have no interest in getting caught up with the first two books.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
One of my favorite reads this year!
Once again Kerrelyn Sparks has succeeded in producing an outstanding tale full of adventure, bravery, courage, deceit, love, and loyalty. All dished out with a whimsical sense of humor, in a world that comes to life full of intriguing characters you can’t help but want to know.
A page-turner from beginning to end. I love this series, and I’m happy that each book keeps getting better.
Gwennore, one of five sisters (by choice, not blood) is an Elf, indicated by her pointy ears. She’s never actually met another elf and has no idea who her parents might be. She does, however, meet a dragon, up close and personal. What a ride!
General Silas Dravenko is divided between his attraction to the courageous elf who has landed in his care and his need to protect his country. Can she save them, or will she destroy them? And can he keep her alive long enough to find out?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal adventure romance, or any combination thereof. Fantasy lovers will enjoy this book as well.
NOTE: I received an ARC via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
Gwennore is really sad about all the prejudice she has faced since she left the convent island that she and her sisters grew up on. Everywhere she goes she hears them talking about her because she is an Elf, and they are known to be vicious killers. Looking after the children will save her from hearing the talk.
General Dravenko is trying to stop the war with the kingdom of the Elves and now someone has done something that could start a new war with two of the other kingdoms. His country will never survive more problems. They have so many now. The curse most believe in has taken a huge toll.
Our heroine is a healer with a special gift, and exceptional hearing. Our hero is much more than he seems, and keeps many secrets for the safety of everyone in his kingdom.
We have lots of great characters that give us laughs as well as magical adventures. There is danger all around.
This is part of a series that is best read in order. I have read them all so far and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Each has it’s own story, relationship, and ending but link together to follow each other. I can’t wait for the next one.
Eight Simple Rules for Dating A Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks is the third book in the author’s series, Novel of the Embraced. The events in this story take place in Aerthlon, the world Ms. Sparks has created. This world is a fantasy fan’s dream world. There’s magic, shifters, pirates, dragons and royalty. I love this world and the stories Kerrelyn Sparks tells about it and all those who populate it.
The stories are based around five girls who are of the Embraced and are raised in a convent on an island which is a safe haven. On the main continent the Embraced have been feared and killed when found. In this book we get to read the story of Gwennore who was raised on the Isle on Moon and General Silas Dravenko of Norveshka, the land of the dragons. They have many adventures and find some answers for some mysteries from long ago as they get to know each other and fall in love. I loved this book and the entire series so far! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.