"Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon" is a great continuation in the Embraced series. The Embraced are individuals born when the two moons eclipse (or "embrace") on one of two days of the year, and they essentially have some kind of "gift" or special ability. We follow in each book one of the five (adopted) sisters who grew up on the Isle of Moon together. They were all sent to the Isle of Moon as babies to protect them from the Mainland, where the Embraced are frequently considered outcasts or killed. None of them knew their families and so they became their own family as they grew up with the nuns on the island.

This book features Gwennore (Gwen), who is of elf descent and can tell what ails a person by touching them. Although she can diagnose, she is still learning how to treat what she diagnoses. Because of her appearance, she is scorned and mocked by the courtiers in her sisters' kingdoms (the two featured in the first two books) where she now resides. She loves her sisters, and so she is content to stay with them, but sometimes it is hard to withstand the mockery of their people. One day, as she runs from the courtiers' cruelty, she heads to the fields with Eviana (one of Luciana's twins) to pick flowers. A dragon comes to kidnap the girl for the queen of Norveshka, the land of the dragons.

Fearing for Eviana, Gwen grabs onto the dragon to travel with the 3-year-old princess. Strangely, another dragon arrives and begins to argue with the first dragon- and Gwen realizes she can hear them speaking through thoughts. The second dragon saves her from plummeting to her death and brings her with him to stay alongside Eviana. He promises to help bring Eviana home. Although he won't tell her his name, she names him Puff and feels very close to him (from the near-death situation). There is also a General- Silas- who helps to rescue her when the queen, who has been losing her grip on sanity, wants to throw Gwen in the dungeon and keep the young princess as her own.

Gwen soon learns that there is a curse on the royal family that makes them slowly go mad and die. However, her gift tells her that it is not a curse, but something sinister. She agrees to stay to help when Eviana is returned. At the same time, she finds that she has feelings for Puff and Silas that she never expected.

This book was so much better than the previous, in large part because Gwen is smart/clever and you don't feel that she is so naive as the other sisters. Silas is also a great character, and he is very easy to like. The mission that she has been given adds some layers of mystery to this book, and the plot moves very smoothly and at a perfect pace. The romance is once again almost non-existent. Although there is a lot of crushing and attraction, we only get a few kisses until about 90% of the way through the book. I appreciated that there is not as much focus on her lack of experience during this scene, and instead, Gwen is portrayed as the smart and kind person that she is throughout (I didn't feel this way with the earlier books).

I think this series becomes better with each installment, and I absolutely loved the way this one developed (the same characters appear throughout, including the same villain, the Chameleon). It's a great way to connect all the stories, so even though they can be read as stand-alones, there's enough to keep you going in the series for the connections between them. For people looking for a heavy romance, this is not your book. However, if you want a slow-building relationship with a centuries-old mystery to solve, this is the perfect read for you. I really enjoyed it and think this was even better than the previous books in the series.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

This book was an absolute delight!

It seems like lately I’ve been reading books where the guy is a jerk to the heroine, she is feisty but eventually gives in no matter how crappy the guy previously treated her. There’s usually some type of mating bond, since it’s a fantasy or PNR, and it explains away his jerky alpha male behavior. If you want to read a book like that, this one is not for you. Silas knows what he wants, he goes after it, and he’s not a jerk to Gwen. He’s actually nice to her and doesn’t care that she’s an elf, an enemy of his people. He’s funny and teases her, and gives her an actual reason to like him.

I loved Gwen. She’s not strong in the sense of swords and steel, but when someone she loves is in dangers, she literally jumps on a dragon for them. Her power is healing, and I love a great healer story. Also, Gwen has a lot of angst potential. She was given away, raised by nuns, the society around her is distrustful of her kind and rude to her at best. Instead of focusing on the negative, she is grateful for her sisters and keeps the friends she has very close. She has no hopes for children or a family of her own, but instead of being sad, she focuses on being a great aunt to her sister’s children.

When her beloved niece is kidnapped by a dragon, she jumps on and catches a ride so her niece won’t be alone. She is taken to another kingdom, with a mad queen who is kidnapping children and claiming them as her own. Gwen is convinced by Silas to stay and use her healing powers to figure out what is going on. So there’s an actual plot, not just the main couple meeting. And it made me laugh. Any book that makes me laugh is a win!

The world building was great. It’s set in another world, with different kingdoms and gifts. This is the third book in the series. I had not read the other two books but it didn’t stop me from understanding this one. I plan on reading the other two books.

I’d recommend this if you like fantasy romance, shifter stories, or want a good laugh.


Thanks Netgalley and the publisher St Martin’s Press for an arc of this book.

Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon was my favorite of the Sparks' Embraced series so far because ... Dragons!! I like these light fantasy romances - even though I now skip over the info dump explanation of the magically talented Embraced and their world which leads off each book- where each of five sisters for the Heart raised as orphans discover love and their own history. This time around the elvish Gwenore finds her match in Silas, General to the northern people who live in the land of the dragons, after she ends up hitching a dragon ride when her young 'niece' is kidnapped by another dragon. Silas is captured by her bravery and her beauty and Gwenore is won over by his attention and good opinion of her.

The romance between them is fun, but I did have issues with the wrap up of the background plot and the quick cut to the HEA - the fallout from the 'curse' on the royal family and the obstacle of Gwen's elvish heritage are swept under the rug when both things would have lasting repercussions for Gwen in her new homeland. But then again this is light romance so the lack of follow through is not that unexpected.

I look forward to the next sister's story.

ARC via Net galley, I received no other compensation for my review.

3.5

Requested and received an ARC from NetGalley.

First off, dropping into the series on book 3 was probably not the best idea. I was able to fully enjoy the romantic aspects of it but I found the world sort of confusing and there is a sub-plot I was almost completely lost on which I have to guess started in book 1 with the original villains. Honestly I couldn't even keep all the "sisters" straight but I'm not sure that wasn't an issue on my part. I did love Silas though....he was a great "Puff" dragon. I wish we'd get the stories of his two cousins (because DRAGONS) but I'm guessing we won't based on what I could gather of the world. Despite hating Gwennore's name I actually liked her a lot too even though I would have liked her to have found her backbone with people other than Silas a lot sooner. The one other issue I had was with Gwennore's "gift" and that the author doing a poor job of explaining why they thought the herbal remedies would work against "the plague" or its lingering effects. I think she should have done more research or at least talked to an herbalist to make it more believable. Luckily the action and the chemistry between Silas and Gwennore carried me through the rougher parts and I still ended up really enjoying the story. For those of you are not fans of the sexy times, you will be happy to know there is really only one long sex scene which was pretty tame considering he's a dragon. Enjoyable but also easily skimmable if it's not your thing.

This book was seriously sweet and balanced fantastical elements well against a developing romance with two unique individuals. While the story itself was quite predictable, it was still fun seeing the plot unfold and seeing Gwennore grow into her character. Romance readers who are fond of character growth and intriguing fantasy elements should pick this one up!

+ Gwennore is an elf that feels out of place. She is reviled for being an elf (elves in this series follow the generic elf descriptions: tall, willowy, pale, sharp ears) and wants to find adventure.
+ This adventure comes when she and her sister’s child is captured by a dragon.
+ Subsequently, she gets saved by another dragon that she names “Puff.”
+ From there on, she’s led to the land of dragons and tries to help the citizens save their kingdom and the “curse” that has plagued the nobles.
+ The romance is with General Silas Dravenko, who basically fell for her at first sight.
+ While she has misgivings about their developing relationship (featuring a forbidden love), Silas isn’t afraid of wooing her.
+ Loved Silas; he’s not afraid to go after what he wants but also maintains respect. There was this one scene where he really wanted to kiss Gwennore but waits until she gives him consent.
+ I also enjoyed seeing Gwennore grow into her healing powers and realize how strong she is.
+ Their romance was smoking with chemistry, although a lot of it is push-and-pull throughout the book.
+ One thing that I irked me a bit was the traditional gender roles that takes place in the fantasy world. Sure, the ladies are all strong, but the clear divide between the men and women's roles was clearly evident.

Content Warning: violence, sexual content

Final Rating: 3.5 stars!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the review copy!

I really enjoyed this book! I had a really hard time putting down. It was an interesting combination of historical (culture) and modern (speech) since it was set in a different world. I quickly became invested in Gwen and Silas, and would love to read more!

I really enjoyed this book it is the third in the series I missed the second one and am definitely going to go back and read it cant wait for the other books that follow.

I loved this book! Dragon Shifters, intrigue, curses, true love, what more could I ask for :)

Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon is a humorous and sweet paranormal romance. Gwen is babysitting her niece when a dragon sweeps out of the sky to steal the child away. Our brave heroine holds on tight to be carried away too. When she about plummets to her death, another dragon swoops in to save the day whom she affectionately names "Puff". A sick queen demanded a child she believes is hers but when Gwen uses her gift on the queen she discovers the madness curse is in fact poisoning. Manipulated by the handsome General Silas, Gwen agrees to stay if the child is returned. Funny and flirty, Gwen and Silas relationship cracked me up and kept me reading way passed by bedtime. The action is enough to keep the plot flowing smoothly and the secrets they uncover satisfy the reader and further enchant. This book ended way too soon in a sweet HEA that gave me a hankering for the next in series. Totally satisfying and pleasing for a great read I recommend for paranormal romance lovers.

Eight Simple Rules for Dating A Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks is the third book in the author's series, Novel of the Embraced. The events in this story take place in Aerthlon, the world Ms. Sparks has created. This world is a fantasy fan's dream world. There's magic, shifters, pirates, dragons and royalty. I love this world and the stories Kerrelyn Sparks tells about it and all those who populate it.

The stories are based around five girls who are of the Embraced and are raised in a convent on an island which is a safe haven. On the main continent the Embraced have been feared and killed when found. In this book we get to read the story of Gwennore who was raised on the Isle on Moon and General Silas Dravenko of Norveshka, the land of the dragons. They have many adventures and find some answers for some mysteries from long ago as they get to know each other and fall in love. I loved this book and the entire series so far! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received an ARC provided by NetGally for an honest review.

Loved this book love the characters and the storyline. Silas and Gwen are great together. A 500 year old curse dragons Elfes and so much more..

After reading the first book I was a bit hesitant to pick up this one. Even when I liked that one, I remember it was rather light on the fantasy and a bit simple in the execution of the story. But I was curious how Gwennore would fare with a dragon, so here we are.

The story is indeed simple and straight forward. There are no big surprises here. Gwennore and Silas have a fast romance while having to save the country. I liked them as a couple, but the story is rather formulaic. I can already predict the ending of the next book and I don't mean the HEA.

Overall 3 big stars because I did enjoy it a lot.

This is a really great series, love the books and am looking forward to more in the series.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The 3rd installment of the Embraced series is fantastic! It was finally Gwennore's chance to discover her fate of the telling stones. Silas is a Norveshki Prince and General. When Princess Eviana is kidnapped by the Dragons, along with Gwennore, it is a dragon named "Puff" that helps rescue them. Its not hard to understand how Gwennore can fall in love with a dragon, who wouldn't? Can Gwennore use her own Embraced Gift to help the people of Norveshki, even though she is considered their enemy because she is a Woodwyn Elf?

I will never understand how Kerrelyn Sparks continues to write some of the best books I have ever read. From the Love At Stakes series, now with the Embraced series, each book just gets better and better. She is so talented at developing characters you not only fall in love with, you stir up an empathy for them and their quest to use their gifts to help others. I have never met a Kerrelyn Sparks book I didn't like, and this is no different! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great love story, with plenty of action and secrets. I must warn you, once you start reading...it will be very difficult to put down, so my suggestion would be to cozy up with this book, a nice cup of tea, and a long weekend without any other plans!

That was so sweet!!!!! This is the first book I read by this author it definitely won't be the last one.
I love the relationship between Captain Gorgeous and Gwen; they are the sweetest.

Now I'm going to read this first two books of this series

A big thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is part of a series, but I haven't read them all. This book reads well as a stand alone. You know there is history you don't know but it isn't distracting. There are a lot of odd names which could be confusing, trying to keep everyone straight. The plot is fairly convoluted which I liked. I rate this a 4. Loved the Redwoods. I think a lot of romance readers will enjoy this book.

Four and a half
This series about 'embraced' women who have grown up together is just so imaginative and fun. In this book it's Gwenmores turn to step into the limelight and boy does she have a huge problem. When the young princess is snatched by a dragon ( told you it was huge ), Gwenmore tries to follow but then she's dropped only to be saved by another dragon ! What makes everything worse is discovering that as an elf Gwenmore is considered to be an enemy but she's not backing down . Luckily general Silas intervenes saving Gwenmore from the dungeon but strange things are happening in the land of dragons. An insane Queen , an ancient curse and an enemy of old.
This was fun to read although perhaps a tiny bit predictable. It's a completely different take on the usual shifter stories and never fails to entertain the reader. Humour abounds from the title which reminds me of a much loved show to the name that Gwenmore calls her dragon rescuer . Such a well written story and hurrah no instant love but a relationship based on respect as much as attraction. Yes it's a romance although Silas does sound remarkably modern for a fantasy character but I still enjoyed it. I actually wanted a slightly different ending but alas my lips are sealed. I'm guessing Sorcha might get her man next and I for one can't wait to read it.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

This was a well-written, very entertaining book. Gwennore is an Elf, greeted with suspicion by everyone around her. She suddenly finds herself in the realm of the dragons, with General Silas Dravenko asking her to use her healing skills to help the royal family he serves. They should be enemies, but they find themselves becoming allies and trying to fight their attraction to each other. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is #3 in The Embraced series. This amazing author has written another great book and I am eager to read other books in this series!

Why does this series just keep getting better and better? I'm intrigued now about who Maeve and Sorcha are going to end up with. I loved Silas as the hero in this book. I love sexy dragon shifters so much. I knew though from the beginning who Puff the dragon was. It was so obvious. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I need it so badly.

Oh my goodness, this book really surprised me! After having read another dragon book that intrigued me, this book caught my eye and I just had to read it. I must admit that I had never heard of Kerellyn Sparks before so I had no idea what to expect. Let's just say that when I finished reading this amazing book, I went straight to a retailer's page and checked out her other books, adding the one or the other to my wishlist and... so on.
Yes, it was that good.
I loved the characters, both strong and capable, working together, believing in each other and, well, falling in love with each other. The storyline was unique and intriguing, keeping me glued to my reader, laughing out loud, giggling and gasping and feeling with our hero and our heroine.

When a dragon kidnaps a little girl, it's Gwen who follows her and stays with her even if that means to hitch a ride with a dragon. Her talent to find out what ails those around her might come in handy because their kidnapper's country is plagued by a mysterious illness ..... or might it really be a curse?
Working together with the very handsome and captivating General Silas Dravenko, Gwen realizes that her life and her heart are on the line and a race against time and other odds begins...

I loved this book and I am so looking forward to exploring her other books as well!