Title: Can’t Get Enough
Author: G.A. Aiken
Series: Dragon Kin #0.1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2008

Shalin and Ailean are honestly a hilarious couple, and I really enjoyed their romance. They definitely break the mold of the dragons in their world, plus, I love that, having read Dragon Actually, they are the ancestors of one of the characters. It just drives home the beautiful layers that have been constructed in this world. And drives home that I need to read some more of these books at the moment, rather than leaving them in the TBR pile…

To start with, it felt a little like Shalin the Innocent was a somewhat suited title, but I love how quickly Aiken is able to completely dissolve that notion. I love how gently Aiken is able to lead the reader to the realisation that this is a very misleading title. And then, you realise just how vindictive and violent Shalin actually is at times. It takes the story from the whole virgin to the rake feel, right into a tale of two well-matched dragons falling in love and finding their own, unique version of happily ever after.

As with many romances, as the story unfolds, you realise that not only is Shalin’s reputation unearned, but so is Ailean’s. His might have been sightly closer to reality, but it is still kind of harsh in moments. I like that his reputation is a big part of just what his character development needs, and the not-so-quiet voice that makes him strive to be better. And also destroys his self confidence at times. The clash between Shalin and Ailean’s perceived realities and the way in which they fuel some of the conflict was brilliant, something I absolutely adored and felt like drove the story beautifully.

Everything about Ailean’s clan and family is absolutely insane, which, if I’m being honest is what I pick up the books by Aiken (Laurenston) for. I mean, ultimately, when they decide that Shalin is one of them, they just… effortlessly band together to kill the competition. With no hesitation, no judgement, just unrestrained glee. It was somewhat manic, but I loved it anyway.

Image source: Kobo

Title: About a Dragon
Author: G.A. Aiken
Series: Dragon Kin #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2006

Like most of the couples written by G.A. Aiken (Shelly Laurenston), Talaith and Breic are an absolutely hilarious couple. I mean, I love that literally all they do from the very first moment is argue and bicker. Even when they finally admit their feelings for one another, they still bicker and argue. Their dynamic is so different to the first Dragon Kin couple, and I love how their personalities shine through.

Although it was obvious from the beginning that Talaith had secrets and was being threatened, I was really surprised when the existence of her daughter came to light. Just like her mother, she’s a handful, and I can’t wait to see how her bright light burns later in the series (I assume that she’ll get her own story at some point). Where Talaith and Breic’s relationship was entertaining, their relationship with her daughter was even more humorous. I can’t imagine suddenly meeting my daughter at sixteen, filled with moxie and attitude. Definitely an entertaining character who I am already in love with.

As with Dragon Actually, the epilogue of About a Dragon introduces the next couple in the series. I’m honestly in love with each of the siblings, so I couldn’t wait to see which one would be featured. I honestly can’t wait for Gwenvael’s story – he’s an absolute fool and kind of dense. Which, of course, is why I am a little bit obsessed with him. Plus, there are plans afoot from the gods which everyone is going to play a part in – again, something I can’t wait to dive further into.

Honestly, this book had me giggling and smiling throughout. I mean, it’s a romance filled with mayhem, murder and lots of sassy, arguing fun. It’s hilarious and was a great diversion from real life. Plus, there’s a great plot line of evil and selfish gods and goddesses. Yet another wonderful story in a fantastic series, leaving me happy and content when I turn the final page.

Image source: G.A. Aiken

Title: Dragon Actually
Author: G.A. Aiken
Series: Dragon Kin #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2004

It took me a little while to actually realise that G.A. Aiken and Shelly Laurenston are one and the same. But, when I did, I dived right into the one Aiken book that I have on my shelves. And boy, I was not disappointed. This was of a totally different flavour to the shapeshifter romances that I’ve read so far, but it was just as good. A little darker, a little less sassy. Just as much fun.

Fearghus and Annwyl are absolutely wonderful characters. You feel connected to both of them from the very beginning. And, honestly, I just loved their names. There was something about the names that gave you hints as to who the characters are, without being painfully obvious. Then you add in their titles which they’ve earnt, and it all just… rolls off the tongue.

I love that as Annwyl is falling in love with Fearghus, she’s falling in love with both aspects of his being. She falls in love with the brain and the wit of her dragon companion, but lust with his human seeming. In fact, it’s that intellectual connection that ends up being the strongest of the relationship and makes you fall in love with this partnership again and again as you turn the pages. Annwyl is also the perfect companion, a fiery, feisty woman in her own right. One who isn’t afraid to go up against a dragon. The blood, gore and fury throughout this story is freaking brilliant. I love how violent the whole tale is, even if it’s primarily a romance. There is just so much fighting. Not only in Annwyl’s fight to claim the crown, but also just in the little squabbles and difficulties along the way. Annwyl’s ability to terrify men and face up to death made me fall seriously in love with her. And then there’s the whole idea of the claiming, it was definitely a painful sounding process, but I love how it worked. And I look forward to seeing how Fearghus’ other siblings go about this process…

Image source: Melrose Public Library

Title: Chains and Flames
Author: G.A. Aiken
Series: Dragon Kin #0.4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2004

Although, chronologically, this novella takes place before Dragon Actually, it is most definitely best read after reading the first novel in this series. It gives a lot more context to the Claiming and also the obsession with chains throughout. Honestly, it just makes the whole storyline that much funnier when you realise how the children of this couple turn out.

I enjoyed Rihannon in Dragon Actually, she was definitely a nutty and off-kilter dragon queen. And her consort, whilst kind of an aggressive idiot, was also a fun character. Reading about their “courtship” just had me falling even more in love with them both. And just this whole series in general.

This whole series so far has been filled with kick ass, strong, fantastic women. And Rihannon is no different. It’s a nice reminder that even those of us who are somewhat volatile and passionate, can find someone who actually admires that strength. I tend to be volatile, this makes me feel a whole lot better about finding someone to put up with my little moments of… let us call them passion.

Although I loved this whole novella, the bit that stuck out the most to me and had me laughing quite a bit towards the end was when it came to what Fearghus and his siblings did to their brothers tail. You hear the story in Dragon Actually, it is SO MUCH funnier in Chains and Flames.

Image source: World Cat