He’s a dangerous jewel thief… she’s the gem expert standing in his way… chance at redemption. The jewels have been found five centuries later. The only problem is they’ve been turned over to gemologist, Piper Linwood. She’s sexy, smart, ripe for seduction—but if centuries of exile taught him one thing, it’s never trust a beautiful woman.
Piper Linwood can’t wait to get her hands on her latest project. But hot damn she never expected how badly she’d want to get her hands on the dark, brooding man she sees at the museum. Of course she didn’t know he was a jewel thief. Or a dragon shifter. But all that becomes abundantly clear when he takes the jewels and her, then flies (yes, flies) to his ancestral castle. While all the alpha-male stuff is what fairy tales are made of—and frankly sexy-as-hell—the fact Piper disappeared with Mikhail has her labeled as his partner in crime. Now she must choose.
Will she betray him to save her career? Or will she stay and become the dragon’s greatest treasure?
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Mikhail by Lauren Smith is book Two in the “Brothers of Ash and Fire” series. This is the story of Mikhail Barinov and Piper Linwood. Mikhail is a dragon who once took his family jewels and was tricked into giving them to the Queen who he knew was his mate. But she tricked him and kept him hostage until her death Once freed Mikhail become a distant and vowed to get the jewels back. Now all those years later he has found them but they are to be auctioned off. Piper is in charge of the jewels along with her best friend. When she meets Mikhail she finds him very attractive and hard to resist. Mikhail too finds Piper hard to resist and believes she might be his second chance at a Mate…but hes been betrayed once before by a women. Mikhail tricks Piper into helping him take the jewels and he takes her too…but can she trust him? Will Mikhail let his heart love another?
I am so in love with this series! I can’t wait for the next Barinov brother’s story!
In Grigori, there were several mentions of Mikhail and his exile and lost treasure and I wasn’t sure how it was going to become a terrific story. I shouldn’t have worried, because Smith has told a compelling and romantic story of love and betrayal and obligations and revenge that answered all the questions I had about Mikhail after reading Grigori’s book.
Lots to love in this story. I liked that Piper was ambitious, that she was tops in her field. I liked that Mikhail had initially failed – weird, I know – because it showed his fallibility and gave him a chance to make it right. I liked several things about the peak of the story and the resolution, but won’t state them to avoid spoilers.
London society, some English history, rediscovered treasure, a little magic, and a sexy dragon shifter with a classy accent – it all adds up to a magical and romantic story. Pairs well with steaming hot Earl Grey tea, fuzzy slippers, and a roaring fire.
This book is great and I never saw the ending coming. Truly a page turner.
Although I don’t read much paranormal or shifter romance I have read both books so far in this series and look forward to reading book #3, Rurik.
After reading book #1, I thought Lauren’s imagination could not possibly extend to making this a three book series. Well so far, so good.
We don’t get as much description of Mikhail as we did Grigori, but we do find his tattoo an ingenious addition. I became so absorbed with this book that I found it difficult to put down.
Although I feel each book could be read as a standalone, I think you should read them all in order to get full enjoyment of this wonderfully imaginative series.
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a high sensual rating of 4.5 of 5 flames. We’re not talking graphic sex, but some of the love scenes are really heated in nature, so be prepared to swoon.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the author and her publisher to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
There’s just something about dragons that sets them apart from other shifters, and Mikhail fits right in. He’s charming, sexy, mysterious, and romantic. I have to say that I wasn’t sure about Piper at first, but she did grow on me as the story progressed and I liked this pair together. The story starts by giving us Mikhail’s back story, taking place some 500 years ago, then jumps to present day. Mikhail’s lost treasure is unearthed and naturally, he can’t resist going after it. He meets Piper and their story moves quickly from there. The book has romance, some sexy fun, a bit of intrigue, and some heart pounding action. I haven’t read the first in this series, but had no trouble following this one as a standalone. Mikhail’s story did pique my interest enough that I’ll be checking out the first book.
I really enjoyed Mikhail’s story, especially after the little peek we got into his life in Gregori’s book. This is the second book in the Brothers of Ash and Fire series and it can be read as a standalone, but I would suggest reading Gregori’s book first because it was really good.
I am a big fan of Lauren Smith’s stories, whether I am reading one of her historical’s or her new paranormal romances I know that they will pull me into their world and have me feeling as if I am a fly on the wall watching everything happen right in front of me.
In this book we find out exactly what happened to Mikhail and why he hasn’t seen his brothers in two hundred years, we also find out what had happened to him when he was exiled from his home. Let’s just say that the guy can’t seem to catch a break.
Piper was a great character, I loved the quirkiness of her and the realness I felt from her interactions with others. The chemistry between Piper and Mikhail was wonderful, it didn’t feel fake or rushed they each felt the attraction and whether or not Mikhail had ulterior motives is a moot point because his feeling for her are genuine.
The other great thing about this story is how Lauren weaved some of England’s real history into the story with the Cheapside Hoard. Fascinating really, after reading the book I googled it and read all about the discovery that took place in June 1912 because I hadn’t heard of it before.
I am sooooo looking forward to Rurik’s story which is up next, he is the youngest of the three brothers and most definitely the wildest of the bunch.
Usually I only read historical romance, but I stepped out because this was written by Lauren Smith who is a wonderful historical romance writer. It definitely held my attention and getting to know about dragon shifters was intriguing. Set in present day, Mikhail Barinov, was suppose to protect the hoard of jewels owned by his family of dragons. But eons ago he was deceived and lost them, to of all people Queen Elizabeth. Now as the jewels resurface centuries later in London, he is determined to regain the treasure and be redeemed so he can return home. Piper Linwood, a professional gemologist is assigned to evaluate the jewels that have been unearthed. As you might image therein lies the conflict as Mikhail and she come head to head. This is an intense story that will bring the quest for the gems an endgame of the quest for each other. A great paranormal romance you will not need to miss!
Mikhail Barinov had one job to protect one of the family hoard of jewels. He was distracted by Queen Elizabeth, who he thought was to be his mate however she deceived him & he lost everything. Five centuries of exile later, news that a construction crew has unearthed a massive trove of gold and jewels sends him racing to London, determined to steal back his family’s treasure and his honour enabling him to return home. Professional gemologist Piper Linwood can’t wait to bury herself in her newest project, evaluating a hoard of Elizabethan-era treasure. Then she meets Mikhail & is mesmerised into helping him steal the jewels. However another dragon shifter wants the jewels too.
I love the author’s books & shape shifters aren’t my favourite trope but I loved this book. The pace was fast & the characters were so very well portrayed. Mikhail & Piper were meant for each other, their attraction simmered from their first meeting & rapidly came to a boil. I also hope Randolph found his mate in Jodie. I’m now impatiently waiting for Rukik’s story. If you love shape shifter novels you’ll love this & if you love the author’s other books then this second instalment of the Barinov brothers won’t disappoint
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My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read