As long as people realize this a fantasy novel much different from her previous series you will enjoy this book and the other two before it. I really like that it stands alone even though it is part of a series. Liked he story the world and the characters - looking forward to more!

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

When I started this book I didn’t realize it was the third book in the series, but once I got into the story it worked well as a stand-alone.

There are five Kingdoms, four on the mainland and a pair of islands. Twice a year the two moons on the planet eclipse and any child born will be gifted with a magical power. The kings on the mainland wanted these children killed, although some infants were secretly sent to the Ilse of Moon to be saved. This is the story of five girls were raised as sisters. Two of the sisters have married kings, the other three are single.

Gwennore is the only sister who is an elf and is treated as an outcast by most people on the mainland. The elves have a reputation of being vicious killers, constantly at war, so some people are wary of her. Gwen’s talent is the ability to find illness simply by touching a person and she trained with a healer to be able to heal people.

Silas is the younger brother of a king, and is a dragon shifter. When his brother the king, in dragon form, kidnaps the daughter of one of Gwen’s adopted sisters, Gwen grabs onto the dragon and tries to free the child, but is shaken loose. As Gwen is falling, another dragon catches her. When she discovers she can communicate with the dragon who saves her, he won’t tell her his name so she names him Puff.

Gwen was a strong character, smart, insightful, with a strong desire to use her gift to help people, but also despairing of ever finding her true love. When she spends time with Silas, the king’s brother, she is attracted to him but knows his people would never accept her, as his country was at war with the elves. It takes a while before she realizes Silas is Puff.

Silas/Puff was so funny, he had a great sense of humor and was constantly teasing Gwen. They had great chemistry and it was fun watching them verbally spar.

The only thing I didn’t like was the epilogue, where some problems just seemed to be solved without knowing how they were solved. Maybe the next book will provide more details.

This was not a favorite. It is too much a fairy tale with steam. If the author removed the steam this could be a good young persons story. I just could not get involved.

This book is pure magic! Queens, kings, princesses, trolls, dragons and shifters are represented with delight. Gwennore has encountered prejudice for being and Elf, although she was raised in a convent and has never met another Elf. Silas saves Gwen and their friendship grows and grows. She, as a healer, is willing to work to help rid his family of a curse that had led to infertility and madness. He is willing to risk the wrath of his brother, the King, for trusting and falling in love with an Elf. This lovely story has me believing in Happily Ever Afters. I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review. After reading this book, I quickly found other books by the author, which I look forward to reading.

This book was funny and had great world and character development I fell right into the story in the middle of the series but it explains enough that I didn't feel lost in the storyline of the series. I'm definitely going to go back and read the prior books and can't wait to read the next one because it is a great series if this book is anything to go by.

I received a copy if this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first book in this series and I really enjoyed it. I liked the different culture and the medieval feel to the world. It made the world feel more rounded out and intrigued me. I also liked that there was a history to the different countries and that you could see layers in the story.

The characters themselves were interesting and pulled you into the plot. I loved that Gwen was part of family that is in fact interwoven into the other stories. Watching her battle Silas emotionally and with her wits was captivating. I only wished she had settled more quickly into her feelings instead of going back and forth and worrying about what others would think of her and Silas.

Silas himself was amazing. I loved seeing him and "Puff" compete for Gwennore's affections. He was truly meant to be a good leader and while he loved his king/brother deeply he knew what was going on was not healthy or acceptable for his country.

I will be on the lookout for more books by Ms. Sparks! If you want a book with a in-depth world an plot this is for you!

Gwennore is an elf with the abilities to tell what is wrong with someone by touch and how to heal them. When her niece is kidnapped by a dragon, she tries to save her but ends up falling into the wings of another dragon. She can communicate with them through her mind, when only other dragons are able to.
Silas is the general and next in line to be King of his country. The King and Queen, his brother and sister in law, are both ill. The whole country is infertile and he hopes Gwennore can help.cure that and the plague that hits every summer.. The towns people don’t trust her because she’s an elf, the king and queen are cracking up, and Silas is trying to seduce Gwennore and save his country..
I truly enjoyed this story. I’m not a big historical romance fan but this has humor, romance, shifters, and evil people. Surprises and a little suspense.

*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.*

Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon is a dual POV from Gwennore (aka Gwen) and Silas. Gwen has a talent, just like all of her adopted sisters. With one touch she can tack down the cause of an illness and heal it. Oh, and she also found out that she can hear dragons and trees AND speak back to them.

Any book with shape shifting dragon hotties can count me in to read it. Before I dive into this review, I didn't even know that this book was in a series. Nor did I know that it was the third book. That being said, I think you could totally read this as a standalone and not be confused at all. Plus, this book definitely makes me want to dive into the first two.

I loved Gwen's character because she just seemed so relatable, likable, sassy, and smart. I didn't like how everyone looked down on her or talked crap about her. I get it, she's an elf but she didn't do anything to these people. Hot damn! I just wanted to reach into this book and slap people.

I also really liked Silas/Puff. It threw me for a loop about the whole Puff thing because I didn't know if that was him or not but then I finally figure it out WAY before Gwen did. I just loved him as a guy and how he wanted to protect her so quickly and effortlessly because she was in danger. I loved their chemistry, their banters, and everything else about them. Heck, I was shipping them since day one.

Besides the romance, there's a pretty good mystery going on. You want to know who is poisoning everyone in this country. Why is the Queen mad? Why is the King mad? Then there's a good villain who has yet to be caught. Secrets are found out that make friendships and relationships stronger. Then there's a happy ending - I mean, who doesn't love those?

Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon was a super quick read for me. I think I read it in like an hour? It was late at night and my migraine wasn't letting me sleep so I just pulled out my phone and read it on my kindle app. I loved every second of it. Heck, I devoured this book.

I can't wait for the next book because I'm so excited to see where Gwen comes from!

I thought Gwen and Silas made an unlikely pair, but in the end it was their hilarious banter and family loyalty that won me over! I think the plot was decent and found most of the characters to be very engaging. Overall, this fantasy read was lighthearted, comedic, and very entertaining!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rule number 1: When a Dragon takes you for a ride, hold on tight and never let go.

Alright, to start off, this is book three in a series. I didn't know this when I got my hands on the book. Figured it out very quickly, however. As a positive note, it worked just fine as a standalone, but I will be going back and reading the first two so the little blanks are all filled in. I'll try not to spoil too much of the book, just give an overview.

When I got the book, I figured I was picking up the typical 'forbidden because we're enemies' romance novel (which I love, let me say); as it turns out, I got that AND comedy. I was blown away by the humor that was presented in this book. I absolutely love it! The big, bad ass dragon isn't some dark and broody lout (though he tries REAL hard sometimes to be), but someone full of humor and good nature. A choice I didn't expect, certainly, but that I found I loved.

To set the stage a bit... There are 5 gifted girls all raised together in a convent away from most of the world. The first two books were for one of the sisters each to find the loves of their lives and become queens. This third is about Gwennore, the only elf of the five girls who's gift is being able to know someone's ailment (ALL of that someone's ailments, actually) simply from touching them.

She winds up 'accidentally' kidnapped by dragons who take her to their queen who just so happens to be both mad and dying. General Silas is Gwen's counterpart in all of this, and starts off as her only support in this strange world she finds herself in. Quickly, however, Gwen gathers to her many friends and allies and grows into her own shoes while she helps look for a cure for both the madness plaguing this country's sovereigns and the infertility of the entire population.

We meet several dragons, some lovely trolls, talking trees, and a few crazy people along the way, and the story is a fun ride from start to finish (see rule #1). Though it can be read alone, it's obvious this is part of a series and there is an overarching story plot. Characters from the first books play an active roll in this third installment, and not just as flashbacks.

I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

This plot is fairly well done. I wasn't sure on some of the mystery elements until revealed which was nice but other parts were glaring obvious for most the novel and that was annoying. Speaking of, the romance was annoying. The heroine kept denying feelings that everyone and their mother knew she had because of somewhat valid reasons but then the two leads would share a passionate kiss and get interrupted and then she would deny and that cycle got old fast. There are definite logic jumps that in a better novel might have been red herrings but there are no red herrings in this book at all, very what you see is what you get. If it would have been a little bit more bonkers or tongue in cheek I would have loved it but it just left me meh. (additionally it did the thing that drives me crazy, fantasy setting with modern but outdated vernacular, cringed every time a characters said "jump his bones" like please no)

This story was an entertaining, quick, and delightful read. I would regard this as a light fantasy complete with a couple, a journey, a villain, and an entourage.
That said, I can't help feeling like this story has all of the cliche romance tropes. A misunderstood, virginal, heroine, Gwennore is judged by the royal court as unworthy of the Hero. She is an Elf and the Norveshka kingdom is currently at war with the Elf land Woodwyn. The Hero, Silas, saves the heroine multiple times and hides a "Big" secret.
The story begins with a kidnapping of one of Gwen's "sister's" daughter. The princess's return is contingent upon Gwen's help with a major problem in Silas' home Norveshka. Silas falls for her almost immediately. Inexperienced at love, Gwen wants to be honorable and tries to deny her feelings and his affection because she believes his people would never accept her.
I also felt that because the story takes place on a different planet, the author should have made up names for some of the plants, metals, and the ingredients for the medicines. It felt like the author was making a not too subtle statement.
What I really liked was the rapport between Gwen and Silas and Gwen and her new found friends. There were some great comedic comebacks.
Gwen is smart and is quick to analyze situations and draw timely conclusions. Her ability to read a person's body medically is her gift. She is strong and works tirelessly.
Silas is truly honorable, witty, and always steps up when needed. I liked his pursuit of Gwen. Their courtship is basically nonexistent. Both are caught in this race to help the people of Norveshka.
I did like the side characters and I hope to see them in future novels. It would be nice to see them more fleshed out. They are pretty much one dimensional at this point.
The villain was obvious from the beginning, especially because he has appeared previously.
This novel is the third in Spark's Embraced series about gifted young women born under the dual moons therefore called "The Embraced".
If you are looking for a sweet, simple series then try these. These are a relaxing read. I would rate these 3.5-4.0*s.
I received this ARC from Netgalley for an honest review. These opinions are mine alone.

There was something about the title of this book that made me think I wouldn't really like it, but I decided to give it a try anyway, and I'm certainly glad I did!
I was surprised that I not only liked it, but found myself engrossed in it almost immediately. The story, characters, and world that is created are all intricate and detailed. The dialogue is often not just realistic/believable/natural, but also at time delightfully funny. The two main characters play off each other wonderfully, with Gwenn being absolutely charming and endearing. Silas is a great character as well, though a bit too single-minded at times. (And what part of, 'I lived in a convent and don't really have experience with sexual relationships, so please understand why I'm hesitant" does he not understand? :D )
The book places emphasis on strong relationships/friendships in the face of prejudice and danger. The loyalty and friendship that so many characters develop is heartwarming. Brody in particular won me over, but maybe that's because I'm a dog lover!

Once again Kerrelyn Sparks does not disappoint. Continuing the the embraced series with "Eight simple rules for dating a dragon". This time it is about the sister Gwennore. I have to tell you I really loved this character, she was more real and bad-ass in the simple understated ways that did not make her an OP character. I cant wait to read more from this author.

Gwennore has a talent. An Elf able to track down the cause of an illness and heal it, she’s a valuable asset to her people. But when the kidnapping of a young girl thrusts Gwennore into the very heart of the realm of the dragons, she discovers not only a place of power and magic, but also a haunted land, plagued by an ancient curse that all but ensures extinction to the royal family. But when she meets the smoldering General Silas Dravenko, they strike a bargain—save the country from its cursed illness, and he will return the kidnapped girl. She’s been raised never to trust a dragon, but never did making a deal with the devil feel so good…

Silas has no way of curing the family he’s loyally served for years. But when a beautiful elf, long considered the enemy of the dragons, comes bursting into his world, Silas is awakened to passion and desire in a way he’s never felt before. But can he trust a sworn enemy to save the very existence he holds dear? And can their love survive those that threaten to tear them apart?

Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon, A Novel of the Embraced by Kerrelyn Sparks was a great read. I highly enjoyed it. I picked it up because I was amused by the title of the book and the hot guy on the cover. I read it because of the description. It seems to be the third book in a five books series but you don’t have to read the first ones to enjoy this one. The series is about five women, who as children, were sent to the Iles of Moon and Mist because the girls have been embraced, that is born with magical powers when the twin moons are aligned and they are killed if found. The five women grow up as sisters and know nothing of their past or family. They are destined to save the five kingdoms.
The first and second books were about Luciana and Brigitta and this book is about Gwennore, who is an elf who’s power is to detect illness in anyone, whose been trained to be a healer by the nuns of the convent in which she grew up.
Alas her favorite niece, Eviana was captured by a dragon on her third birthday, so she went after her on the second dragon who she named Puff because she somehow could speak to dragons. Puff whose real name is Silas is not amused, but keeps silent because he finds her attractive. In the kingdom of Norveshka Gwenne finds her place, but it’s a hard road.
Why do the people think there is a curse upon the land and the royalty is suffering from it? Why has the curse spread to the people so that they cannot have any children? Why can Gwennore talk to dragons? Will Gwennore find a rational answer to what plagues the land and save the day with her old friend Brody and her new friends, Margosha and Annika? Could it be the work of a shapeshift that goes the by name of Chlambon? I couldn’t help laughing out loud at some points in the book because of the dialogue between Gwennore and Silas and Silas friends, Dimitri and Karlan. The kingdom had an interesting way to determine the days of the week: jewels.
Overall it was a great read and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. The romance was a slow build despite them in the end being married in three weeks and being intimate before marriage. It was a give and take relationship between the handsome Silas and pretty Gweenore and at one point Gwennore wonders how someone could fall in love in a couple of days or just one week! The romance wasn’t just about their looks, but their personalities and how they complimented each other. Silas was first attracted to Gwennore’s bravery and her loyalty to her young niece Eviana. It really stirred him and she liked his kindness and thoughtfulness even before she met Silas in person. It was a lovely read and the descriptions of the kingdoms and people made me want to go visit after all the adventures ended.

Another hit in the series of the five enchanted princesses! Loved this one, and found it very hard to put down. When little 3 year old Evianna is captured by a dragon the elf Gwennore tries to rescue her. When the dragon throws her off she is saved from falling to her death by another dragon who she names Puff. She discovers she can talk to him with her mind, and so the fun begins. When they are taken to the neighboring land as captives it gets a little scary, but luckily General Gorgeous Silas is there to help. Fast paced and fun to read about the elf and the dragon. It is helpful to read the other stories first, but not necessary to enjoy this one. Highly recommend this story, series and author. You cannot go wrong if you like action, fun dialog and paranormal romances.

Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon by Kerrelyn Sparks

3rd Novel n The Embraced Series

This book was given to me in exchange for a honest review by NetGalley & author's newsletter. This is Gwennore, the 3rd sister's story. Gwennie is half elf with lavender eyes and is the healer in the group of 5 sisters. This is a tale of dragons who turn into men, shape-shifters, trolls, giant trees who can talk to Gwennie, poison, prejudice, murder, intrigue, curses, women soldiers, love, loss and a villain from previous books. The story incorporates modern day colloquialisms and problems in times gone-bye in setting which can lead to some laugh out loud situations. Ms. Sparks' stories never fail to pull me in to whatever tale she tells, she has the ability to make you laugh not at a character, but with them. Her stories always have heart, romance, family, yes and sexual situations, but always draws you into a wondrous world of grownup fairytales that you love to visit again and again.

The book can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to when you could start at the beginning of the series. Two more sisters need their stories told, and many more interesting characters need stories too. Can't wait till the next book in this series or any of Ms. Sparks's others. Thanks for the lands and inhabitants she brings to us. Review shared on Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon & Barnes and Noble.

This is the first book by Kerrelyn Sparks, and I really enjoyed it. Within the first couple of chapters I decided I would have to read the other books in the series. This story follows Gwennere and Silas, and there journey to finding out what is wrong with Silas' people and trying to disprove the existence of a centuries old curse. Eight Rules to Dating a Dragon contains all of the things that suck you into a book, and make sure you read it to the very end. Also making sure you want to read the other books already out, and future ones to come.

What a wonderful addition to the series! I loved the characters, the plot, the bit of mystery/suspense (or I suppose it would be more the drama lol), and the romance! Yes there was instant lust/love, but they didn't truly act on it til 1/2-2/3 way through the story. Kerrelyn built the anticipation, and I just loved the wait!

Gwennie is strong, brave, caring, protective, witty, sweet, loyal, and smart. I liked how she would hold her own but not be rude about it.

Silas is loyal, smart, brave, sexy, charming, protective, and absolutely swoon worthy! I could see why the courtiers would swoon whenever he was near! I liked that he defended Gwen, the "enemy", when things would go wrong and stand up to his "superiors" to make sure she wouldn't come to harm.

I was so happy and thankful to receive this ARC from NetGalley. I just wished I hadn't devoured it in one sitting. Now I have to wait until book 4 is released! LOL

I was really excited to read this. Unfortunately I just couldn’t get into it. I couldn’t connect with the characters at all.
I read and reviewed an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own.