The first book in Molly Harper’s uproariously funny, sinfully sexy new Mystic Bayou series! Anthropologist Jillian Ramsay’s career has taken a turn south. Concerned that technology is about to chase mythological creatures out into the open (how long can Sasquatch stay hidden from Google maps?), the League for Interspecies Cooperation is sending Jillian to Louisiana on a fact-finding mission. … a fact-finding mission. While the League hopes to hold on to secrecy for a little bit longer, they’re preparing for the worst in terms of human reactions. They need a plan, so they look to Mystic Bayou, a tiny town hidden in the swamp where humans and supernatural residents have been living in harmony for generations. Mermaids and gator shifters swim in the bayou. Spirit bottles light the front porches after twilight. Dragons light the fires under crayfish pots.
Jillian’s first assignment for the League could be her last. Mystic Bayou is wary of outsiders, and she has difficulty getting locals to talk to her. And she can’t get the gruff town sheriff, Bael Boone, off of her back or out of her mind. Bael is the finest male specimen she’s seen in a long time, even though he might not be human. Soon their flirtation is hotter than a dragon’s breath, which Bael just might turn out to be…
This book is based on the Audible Original audiobook.
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This is my favorite series of Molly Harper’s. I love the interaction of the small southern town and the characters are awesome. I’ve read it twice now.
Molly Harper is back with another page turner. The characters may be different but they still have the same down home charm as all her other books from the Half Moon Hollow series. You will laugh and fall in love with what I hope is the first a whole new series. A must read for sure.
Mystic Bayou was such an interesting town filled with all kinds of supernaturals. I really loved the whole concept of this supernatural world that is trying to figure out how to tell humans about them, without panic.
Jillian was smart, kinda, and sassy. I just loved her. Bael was a grumpy dragon who didn’t know what to do with Jillian and his feelings. They were adorable together. I really can’t wait to read the next book and see what other shenanigans happens in the bayou.
Audiobook: Narrators – Amanda Ronconi and Jonathan Davis
Holy fireballs! This narration was not just a book being read to me, this was a performance! BOTH of these narrators brought this book to LIFE! I’m talking, perfect accents, different voices for every…single…character, and their own interpretation of how the words should be spoken. Their performance is reason alone to listen to this one. I need every freaking audiobook both of them have recorded! Even while the story was a bit lacking in areas and had some issues I would’ve grumbled about if reading, this narration made everything perfect. You want to talk about magic? THIS is magic!
I had so much fun listening to this audio! Yes, definitely the narrators made it everything, but there were so many witty comments and interactions between the characters here. And, forgive me for blabbering about the narration again, but some of the funniest moments were due to the narrators. It was the WAY they said it. Some of the words alone wouldn’t have been funny. Now, that’s not to say this book isn’t witty, it definitely is. I just can’t separate the book from the audio though. I’ve never had that problem before. So, that said, I’m just going to leave this one be, because simply put: this book should be LISTENED to!
P.S. I also listened to segments of this one over and over again because I loved it so much. I probably listened to the whole book a total of 3 times in all. And I’ve never done that before either!
This is about Jillian going to Louisiana on a fact-finding mission for the League. Jillian was to go to Mystic Bayou to learn what is happening there and report back to the League so they will know. Jillian got there and find herself looking at a big tall of a man when she got to the mayor’s office the guy was named Bael Boone the sheriff. The town is not what it seams likes because of the swamp and the lights. The town has all kinds of creatures in it. But now it is time to buy the book to find out what happens to the people. It is worth having and reading. I will be buying more from this author.
Funny and sweet with mostly likeable characters. I just find the characters are less intense than I’d like and the plot/setting more lighthearted than my usual favorites.
If you like lighthearted, sweet paranormal romances with a bit of sexy to them, you’ll like this.
I did like our dragon hero. Just wasn’t all fired up about the heroine.
Starting this series I had no idea what to expect. There is a sweet romance for each book, however, there is a much bigger storyline happening in little Mystic Bayou. The mystic world continues to build from book to book and I am completely caught up with the series. If you haven’t started this just do it because it’s not your average shifter series. Molly Harper what a fantastic series!
This is my first Molly Harper read snd it was so much fun I immediately downloaded the second book in this series. I love the concept of a town full of all kids of supernatural creatures living in (mostly) harmony and of an organization that monitors them. Add on the quirky female scientist and the sharp-tongued shifter sheriff snd I was hooked from the first chapter. Great world building and characters and witty fun dialogue with a few sexy time scenes sprinkled in that are as hot as dragon fire. Highly recommend!
I’m kinda particular when it comes to picking up a paranormal romance book. I don’t like horror, so I don’t want my paranormal romance to be terribly graphic. I tend to seek out those romances that are unique and more humorous. I like when the world that is created is different when the characters aren’t just your normal vampires or werewolves and that there is a lot of humor involved. I got all of this and more with the debut novel of the Mystic Bayou series, How to Date Your Dragon by Molly Harper.
Mystic Bayou is this magic part of Louisiana where paranormal creatures and humans live in harmony. I admit, this just piqued my interest. So often in PNR, the humans are the bad guys… so call me curious. Jillian is sent by this League for Interspecies Cooperation to research how this actually works and she almost immediately meets Bael, the local sheriff. Sparks fly.
Jillian is a pretty strong female lead. She wants to be independent and do a good job and use all the study and training she’s done to honestly help others. She’s super curious and outgoing. But she’s not particularly looking for a relationship. On the other hand, you have Bael. He’s your typical alpha PNR hero. He’s stubborn, bossy, secretive.
The two of them together were like oil and water. Constantly seemed to be bickering and bringing out the worst in each other. Then all of a sudden it was like they were in a relationship. I’m not sure if I spaced out and missed a chapter or something, but while I knew it would eventually happen (hello, listening to a romance), it felt abrupt. Kinda the same thing with the ending. All of a sudden it was ending. I think I could have used just a little… more.
I got even more interested when all the different characters started being introduced. Gator shifters, bear shifters, an arachnid shifter, those with other magical abilities. I could just see all the possibilities for where this series could go. The world-building and character introductions were spot on for me and make me want to come back to this world in future books.
There was a bit of a mystery in the story, but it was pretty light and not terribly complicated. It was more of a way to bring the two characters together.
The narration was awesome. I’m really finding myself enjoying the dual narration format of audiobooks. And it works quite well in books like this one where each chapter is solely from one of the character’s point of view. Amanda Ronconi and Jonathan Davis played with accents, creating different voices for the characters. The pacing was great and the narration filled with emotion and feeling. I don’t think I’d hesitate to listen to more books by these two.
I got sucked into the story. I didn’t want it to end and I’m glad that I have the next book in my hands ready for a listen. I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for a more unusual paranormal romance.
My review originally posted at Novels Alive
great read
I loved this story. Very engaging and fun.
Enjoyed this book and would read more by this author.
Loved this book!
This series is off to a great start with Jillian and Bael. Can’t wait for Zed’s story. This small town and all its secrets pulls you in. You want all the “weird” individuals to all find their happy ever after!!
Molly Harper never fails to deliver. This is the first in a Mystic Bayou series and it is entertaining and funny. I know this is going to be a fantastic series because it involves two of my favorite things…supernatural beings and PIE. A lighthearted romp in the hot, steamy, mosquito and gator infested bayou.
I loved this book! What a fun world the author has created, then peopled with intriguing characters. When you need a break from tragedy, deep psychological twisters and too many cozies, ‘How to Date Your Dragon’ must be your next pick!
I really enjoyed the story and couldn’t put it down
Interesting plot, well crafted book. If Molly Harper would have added the little details that made some of her books so enjoyable and made me care about the characters this would have been an excellent book. It almost felt like the book was rushed.
This book held so much enjoyable promise, with a fun and interesting storyline, great banter and eccentric, loveable characters. But, although there were plenty of chemistry between the main couple, their relationship developed too abrupt, which dropped it to an enjoyable 4 stars.
Loved this Paranormal Romance/Mystery