Rage, Sex, and Teddy Bears: Review/Excerpt/Giveaway – Dragons Don’t Cry (Fire Chronicles #1) by D’Elen McClain

Published March 31st 2014 by Bad Luck Publishing

One pint sized human female who’s had too much to drink, not enough sleep, and absolutely no patience meets one stubborn dragon shifter with an attitude.

Bastian claims Acasia, his unwilling bride, after she spends the night carousing with friends. She’s not happy, he’s pissed off, and with a curse from a goddess thrown in, you’ll see Bastian breathe fire.

Add secrets, treasure, and unimaginable heartbreak for an emotionally humorous read and discover why Dragons Don’t Cry.

Yes, I am definitely on the dragon bandwagon, although I have been a lizard lover for eons, so I don't know if that qualifies for the bandwagon. Let's call it a dragon die-hard. So, don't be surprised when you see a surfeit of dragon related posts on the blog. Dragons Don't Cry turned out to be a jewel worthy of a dragon's hoard. While I make no secret of the fact that books written in first person tend to not make my favorites list, the exception is when it's from the male perspective. For some reason I love this. Let's just say that Bastian has lots and lots of view points.

Another thing I really liked about Dragons Don't Cry is the way that realms and dimensions are crossed. Modern day Earth features prominently in the story and I loved the way Acasia reacts to our lifestyles. D'Elen McClain has combined realism and fantasy into a compelling world of magic, myth, love and adventure. At first I was appalled by the dragons and their claiming of their brides, but it was also heartbreaking. I don't believe I have ever experienced love's loss portrayed so poignantly. Yes, there are definitely tearjerker elements, but there is also humor and joy. And don't forget "there be dragons here" so it definitely has the scorching sex.

The interactions of the cursed dragons was one of my biggest joys from this story. Not exactly friends because of their innate desire to steal and hoard, they also must be on constant guard because of bride theft. That's right, they will snatch a woman in a heartbeat. Still the dragons have a close bond and kinship that brings a smile despite their deceptive tendencies. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading any and all future works about these poor cursed, but oh, so sexy dragon lords.

She wasn’t like Bethanne. She didn’t cringe from me or cry. My new bride was fearless, or maybe crazy. I’d actually laughed when she threatened to puke on me again. She didn’t know it was a laugh, which I was grateful for. But nonetheless, I threw back my head, bellowing like a fool. I believe it’s been hundreds of years since a bride entertained me so much on the first day I’d claimed her.

This one was different, and if I didn’t guard my heart, it would break again. I couldn’t live through that pain. But, gods, I was lonely.

Acasia. I said the name in my mind. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Her hair was so blonde it was almost silver. Her tiny body reminded me of a pixie. Her face, delicate with small features, made her blue eyes seem larger and almost disproportioned. But it worked, making her even more desirable. I’d felt her as I flew nearer to the claiming field. The pull toward this one human woman. My mind zeroed in on hers. It was always like that. One stood out… one chosen for me. I couldn’t stop it any more than I could stop my heart from beating. Though I tried. I swore I wouldn’t show at that field, wouldn’t claim my bride.

But loneliness drew me there, to her. Gods, she wasn’t my true mate, and I would mourn her someday like I mourned the others who came before her. The thought was a crushing weight. I flew through my kingdom high above the trees, mountains, and lakes. I spotted a herd of bison. Their hide was tough, but tongue, heart, and liver succulent. A gurgle of fire exploded with my laugh. I didn’t know what the female would do when I brought one of these hulking beasts into my eating tower, but I wanted to find out.

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I love a good book, strong cup of coffee, and my laptop. I want a book to take me away, the coffee to keep me awake during my travels, and my laptop to make sense of all the ramblings in my brain. My thoughts may be jumbled but when I write them out they make sense, I hope.

I live in a small Arizona town with my husband of 34 years and two spoiled dogs. I have a hardback, autographed book collection that would make any bibliophile drool. Love is where my heart is so I write romance with happy endings but I don't mind killing off a good character or two to keep things interesting.

You can find me www.fangchronicles.com and Facebook.