Half-human and half-Wyr,
Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the Wyrkind and
avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae
enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard
of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful—and
passionate—of the Elder Races.
As the most feared and respected of the Wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they've ignited in each other. Pia knows she must repay Dragos for her trespass, but refuses to become his slave—although she cannot deny wanting him, body and soul. |
“I’ve got to give myself one thing. Mom never did tell me not to steal from a dragon. No doubt she thought it was too flaming obvious to mention.”
I'm not a huge Paranormal Romance fan, but this one had such a popular rep I couldn't resist - plus, dragons. Pia Giovanni, a half-breed (Half-human and Half-Wyr) has to deal with the consequences after being caught stealing from a powerful pure-bred Elder Dragon. Hilarity, romance, and fun times ensue.
First, Pia. She's a fun heroine with spice and spunk but also compassionate. She was a fun person to stay in the head of, although the author did sometimes switch to the domineering and even spicier Drago's POV. Both points of view rocked since both worked. I like when authors build up a relationship with humor instead of insta-love lightning strikes. Hello, Ilona Andrews? Prime example of making it work and making readers care while the characters are developing their feels.
So, both are strong as individual characters and I could be glued to any scene where they act on their own, but their relationship absolutely sizzled. Funny when it was needed, hot when it was needed, they never grew stale. In fact sometimes PNR or romance stays at its best in the beginning, exciting stages when they are just flirting with taking the plunge...happy to say in this case their relationship just kept keeping better. Yes, it was hot, but yes it also felt deep and true and sweet. Romantic bliss.
Throwing in the dragon lore of Dragos being addicted to his treasure until he finds something even more valuable kept the nods of dragon up. I loved what Pia ended up being - was trying to guess, but it was a surprise. And the little "white dragon" - be still my heart. Throw in fun side characters of his team and the a creative enough villain and you have a full casted book of great characterization who keep the plot flying by. I have to say that while I dug Trick's relationship with Pia, I'm not a big fan of hers compared to the others and couldn't get into the second book with her story though.
The writing style isn't shabby either -
“You took a 1962 penny,” Dragos said. His teeth were gritted. “You left a 1975 penny. It’s no replacement.”
She stared at him. “Oh my God, it’s scary you noticed that.”
Yes we have the typical stuff like domineering and stalkerish males (which are still fun, I don't care), and the wealthy and powerful elite (hey, it just WORKS still with a lot of romance, okay?), and we have little element of surprise because as romance readers we know that if the author doesn't give us a happy ending a pitchfork or two may come out and they wouldn't dare, but the point was the journey worked so well with everything, stereotypical or not, that it was a great ride and one of the best PNR out there.
