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cas_the_second's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
fritz42's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
From the first book in the series, I’ve wanted to see what caused Steffen to be the big paranoid conspiracy theorist he is. In the previous books, I didn’t get a sense that anyone really tried to dig into the whole reason why. They just accepted that he was one. In this book, we find out those reasons and why no one really tried to dig into Steffen’s history. And oh boy, it explains a lot.
There were so many surprises for me in this book, the first one being how long Wil and Steffen have been in a relationship. It made sense why no one knew with Steffen’s paranoia. I loved how Wil knew Steffen so well that he would read when the paranoia was coming to the forefront for Steffen and what to do when it did. Another surprise occurs more towards the end of the book. The “mystery” in this book was back forwards the intensity level of the Hidden Species series for me.
With that said, I think one of my favorite things was how beneficial Steffen’s paranoia was for him and for the safety of the community at large in this book. There were a number of times that Steffen’s need to plan and protect saved them. It was nice to see some vindication for him. I was also glad to see Steffen get a handle on the control his paranoid had over him, learning how to accept and acknowledge it. Wil’s understanding and acceptance of where Steffen was made me love his character even more. He helps Steffen grow so much with his mental health in this book.
The book has a great ending, where it leaves these two along with the rest of the dragon family.
There were so many surprises for me in this book, the first one being how long Wil and Steffen have been in a relationship. It made sense why no one knew with Steffen’s paranoia. I loved how Wil knew Steffen so well that he would read when the paranoia was coming to the forefront for Steffen and what to do when it did. Another surprise occurs more towards the end of the book. The “mystery” in this book was back forwards the intensity level of the Hidden Species series for me.
With that said, I think one of my favorite things was how beneficial Steffen’s paranoia was for him and for the safety of the community at large in this book. There were a number of times that Steffen’s need to plan and protect saved them. It was nice to see some vindication for him. I was also glad to see Steffen get a handle on the control his paranoid had over him, learning how to accept and acknowledge it. Wil’s understanding and acceptance of where Steffen was made me love his character even more. He helps Steffen grow so much with his mental health in this book.
The book has a great ending, where it leaves these two along with the rest of the dragon family.
tnance92's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
elfduchess's review against another edition
5.0
Scroll down to read my original review where I actually talk about the book more than this word vomit that follows.
ReRead September 2024
(Like a month and a half after the first time I read it...)
Honestly, I never expected for this book to turn into such a comfort read (listen, actually) so quickly. But on the 14th I had to take my sick cat to the emergency vet and he wound up having to be euthanized.
When I finally made it back home, about nine hours after I left, I couldn't focus on reading, couldn't stand the thought of it being quite when I wen to bed and also couldn't focus to listen to the audiobook I was working on. I decided to re-listen to this book because it's one I didn't have to pay attention to - and in truth I probably re-listened to a lot of this book because for pretty much every night for a week I fell asleep during it.
So, the narrator is awesome and the book is a huge comfort read for me.
Original Review
The first thing I want to mention is that this is actually the book that made me read the series. It came up on my Goodreads dashboard (I think a friend liked a review, honestly, and if that was you, thank you! you drew me to an amazing book). I saw the cover and title and knew immediately it was a mlm urban fantasy. I read a bit about it, all that really stood out though was dragons and one of the love interests is paranoid and only trusts his best friend/love interest.
Needless to say, even if I didn't grab the series quite right away, it never left my mind and here we are, less than two months later and I have read the whole series. Also needless to say, I had extremely high expectations for this book. Expectations that were 150% realized because it was that much better than I was even hoping for.
This book is a pretty major departure from the rest in the series - though it has the most in common with the third one. The humor is much more reserved and toned down. The characters backstory (especially Steffen's) is explored. The plot is solid and takes up more space than any romance does!
Also, this book features something I'm usually not a fan of in more romance focused stories; it features an established couple. But I completely do not mind in this instance because Steffen and Wil are so incredibly, unbelievably good for each other. They are healthy, they are solid, they so obviously love each other.
I liked Steffen before this story - and was more than curious and excited to get his story - and Wil was kind of a dark horse and quite a favorite of mine because he always seemed like such a stable dragon. (When such a big deal is usually made about how dramatic and over the top dragons are, Wil being so normal was a stand out for me.)
Beyond thinking that Steffen and Wil are likely the best couple I've read in years, there's also a lot of focus on found family and just people caring about others and community and finding your place.
(I also should mention that this story hits very, very differently than others in the series and that there is mentions of torture, gaslighting/brainwashing, child abuse and PTSD/trauma responses. This is not a light book, but it's more about healing than what happened in the past - which does stay firmly in the past.)
Final note: Steffen is a sweetheart. I love finding out what each dragon hoards and when I got to find out what Steffen hoards and why, I knew then I was a goner for this character.
ReRead September 2024
(Like a month and a half after the first time I read it...)
Honestly, I never expected for this book to turn into such a comfort read (listen, actually) so quickly. But on the 14th I had to take my sick cat to the emergency vet and he wound up having to be euthanized.
When I finally made it back home, about nine hours after I left, I couldn't focus on reading, couldn't stand the thought of it being quite when I wen to bed and also couldn't focus to listen to the audiobook I was working on. I decided to re-listen to this book because it's one I didn't have to pay attention to - and in truth I probably re-listened to a lot of this book because for pretty much every night for a week I fell asleep during it.
So, the narrator is awesome and the book is a huge comfort read for me.
Original Review
The first thing I want to mention is that this is actually the book that made me read the series. It came up on my Goodreads dashboard (I think a friend liked a review, honestly, and if that was you, thank you! you drew me to an amazing book). I saw the cover and title and knew immediately it was a mlm urban fantasy. I read a bit about it, all that really stood out though was dragons and one of the love interests is paranoid and only trusts his best friend/love interest.
Needless to say, even if I didn't grab the series quite right away, it never left my mind and here we are, less than two months later and I have read the whole series. Also needless to say, I had extremely high expectations for this book. Expectations that were 150% realized because it was that much better than I was even hoping for.
This book is a pretty major departure from the rest in the series - though it has the most in common with the third one. The humor is much more reserved and toned down. The characters backstory (especially Steffen's) is explored. The plot is solid and takes up more space than any romance does!
Also, this book features something I'm usually not a fan of in more romance focused stories; it features an established couple. But I completely do not mind in this instance because Steffen and Wil are so incredibly, unbelievably good for each other. They are healthy, they are solid, they so obviously love each other.
I liked Steffen before this story - and was more than curious and excited to get his story - and Wil was kind of a dark horse and quite a favorite of mine because he always seemed like such a stable dragon. (When such a big deal is usually made about how dramatic and over the top dragons are, Wil being so normal was a stand out for me.)
Beyond thinking that Steffen and Wil are likely the best couple I've read in years, there's also a lot of focus on found family and just people caring about others and community and finding your place.
(I also should mention that this story hits very, very differently than others in the series and that there is mentions of torture, gaslighting/brainwashing, child abuse and PTSD/trauma responses. This is not a light book, but it's more about healing than what happened in the past - which does stay firmly in the past.)
Final note: Steffen is a sweetheart. I love finding out what each dragon hoards and when I got to find out what Steffen hoards and why, I knew then I was a goner for this character.
moolissap's review against another edition
5.0
Magical
All the swoons and love for Stef and Wil. I had no idea when I began this book how hard nor how deeply I would fall in love with Steffen. He made me feel everything and I really, really wish I was a dragon so I could hug him, and then Wil for loving him.
“‘You’re so perfect,’ I whisper.
‘We’re perfect,’ he corrects, his breath feathering against my skin. ‘Together, we’re perfect.’”
Oh my dragon scales, they are so perfect. I loved the cameos, laughed at the humor—thanks Noah—and puzzled over the mystery that had me gasping, but it is Steffen’s story, his actions, his love for Wil, and Wil’s fierce defense and love for him that thoroughly enchanted me. Together, they are a shining star, and without a doubt, my favorite dragons. Sorry Brandt, but Steffen is truly something special, and I know you know. So bring out the glitter and tea, and celebrate a fantastic series with all the love you have, and don’t worry Steffen, I’ll keep an eye on everyone for you.
All the swoons and love for Stef and Wil. I had no idea when I began this book how hard nor how deeply I would fall in love with Steffen. He made me feel everything and I really, really wish I was a dragon so I could hug him, and then Wil for loving him.
“‘You’re so perfect,’ I whisper.
‘We’re perfect,’ he corrects, his breath feathering against my skin. ‘Together, we’re perfect.’”
Oh my dragon scales, they are so perfect. I loved the cameos, laughed at the humor—thanks Noah—and puzzled over the mystery that had me gasping, but it is Steffen’s story, his actions, his love for Wil, and Wil’s fierce defense and love for him that thoroughly enchanted me. Together, they are a shining star, and without a doubt, my favorite dragons. Sorry Brandt, but Steffen is truly something special, and I know you know. So bring out the glitter and tea, and celebrate a fantastic series with all the love you have, and don’t worry Steffen, I’ll keep an eye on everyone for you.
cmlh's review against another edition
5.0
Stefan has been fascinating since the first time he appeared on page. I always wondered if the paranoia was really from the movies and things but I never imagined what you will discover. Wil is such the perfect partner for Stef as he understands why he is the way he is and never tries to change him. Be prepared for some shocks and twists.
_readingtherainbow_'s review against another edition
5.0
I can't believe that this series has come to an end, but what an amazing end it was! I fell in love with these amazing dragons and the men they love, especially Brandt & Percy. Then, Steffen comes along and breaks my heart. His backstory is so sad; he is a cinnamon roll and he needs protecting at all costs. I'm just glad that Wil & Brandt are there for him.
I knew Steffen would break my heart, and he of course did. What he went through on his younger years was heartbreaking, and I now wish the bad guys from the first series suffered more! Wil is so amazing with Steffen, he just knows what he needs and is always been there for him. I was amazed that
This book focused on Steffen & Wil's relationship, but also about selected which humans will learn magic. I loved that Steffen's conspiracy theories help him be so amazing at his job. He shows people again and again, that his theories sometimes have merit. He is very smart and head of security for a reason.
We see some of Steffen's past, appear in his present. It finally reveals all of Steffen's past, and what he is still worried about. It just broke my heart and explains why he thinks like he does; it's basically a coping mechanism.
Steffen & Wil are just made to be together, and they strengthen each other. They have a beautiful relationship and you can see their love shine through! The sexy times are both sexy and heartwarming. I loved their dynamic both in, and out of bed. Steffen has come a long way, and it's thanks to Wil that he has.
I loved the epilogue and it was sad to see it end. I'm glad that we get a spin-off, and I hope we get to see Brandt & Percy's daughter at some point too. I've loved every book in this series and wish it could go on forever!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I knew Steffen would break my heart, and he of course did. What he went through on his younger years was heartbreaking, and I now wish the bad guys from the first series suffered more! Wil is so amazing with Steffen, he just knows what he needs and is always been there for him. I was amazed that
Spoiler
Steffen & Wil have been in a relationship for 4,000 years!This book focused on Steffen & Wil's relationship, but also about selected which humans will learn magic. I loved that Steffen's conspiracy theories help him be so amazing at his job. He shows people again and again, that his theories sometimes have merit. He is very smart and head of security for a reason.
We see some of Steffen's past, appear in his present. It finally reveals all of Steffen's past, and what he is still worried about. It just broke my heart and explains why he thinks like he does; it's basically a coping mechanism.
Steffen & Wil are just made to be together, and they strengthen each other. They have a beautiful relationship and you can see their love shine through! The sexy times are both sexy and heartwarming. I loved their dynamic both in, and out of bed. Steffen has come a long way, and it's thanks to Wil that he has.
I loved the epilogue and it was sad to see it end. I'm glad that we get a spin-off, and I hope we get to see Brandt & Percy's daughter at some point too. I've loved every book in this series and wish it could go on forever!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
mpyff's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lo_jennifer's review against another edition
5.0
4,5 stars. I really enjoy this world and so far I've enjoyed this book the most. My heart aches for Stefan and of all the characters in this series and Hidden species I think he's the one I've felt the most connected to because of his mental illness. I wouldn't have minded if this had been explored more but I guess it's a fine line to walk as an author because there's a lot of humor in the book as well. I really enjoy how many of the same characters appear in all the books and that we get to follow them even after their book is finished.
This was a great ending to the Here be dragons series.
This was a great ending to the Here be dragons series.