This is the third book I've read in this series.
While it's been a while since I've read Burning Ash and Fury Unleashed, but I think I remember them being longer. Or was it just that they were so action-packed that I read slower?
Lucius and Raine are not the typical pairing we'v seen before. Raine is an interesting mix of insecurity and still used to sorting things out for herself, Lucius seems to be less the neanderthal alpha type we normally see, and so perfectly balances out Raine.
I was surprised by the ending and wondered if I has missed out on a chance of the book as the ending came up rather abruptly.
However it was still a joy to read.

Lucius and Raine's story is part of the Forgotten Brotherhood series, we finally get to the character I loved to meet, a Drakon, I got a big weakness for Dragons so I really wanted to read this one. Lucius didn't disappoint, I truly enjoyed the plotline, Raine was perfect for him, I didn't want it to finish as now I want to know more it kind of left me hanging a bit. I recommend this series to anyone that likes PNR romances.

I really liked this addition to the Forgotten Brotherhood series. Its been a while since we had a release in the series so I was happy to go back. I LOVED the Blood of Drakon series also and always wanted more of the guys from the last book, so maybe this will boost some potential for those?? *wink wink*

So here we have our ancient drakon Lucius and our mythology historian Raine. Things start off quickly and with a literal bang. There was some initial push pull and fun banter and then we get our love. The balance of power in the relationship was good. I did get confused with the trips back and forth and all over investigating. We get a tiny crossover with a drakon brother, but it was so small, I wanted MORE!

And I need a Sven book asap. That is all.

Another solid addition to the Forgotten Brotherhood series featuring the bogie men of the paranormal world. These tough, hulks take down the truly nasty creatures who inhabit our world but in this series sometimes even those who appear angelic can be anything but !
Lucius has slept for hundreds of years tired of humanity and all their greed and mistrust. He hadn’t wanted to wake up but when a mortal woman is trapped in his cave there’s something about her that he really cannot ignore. Raine knows she talks too much but thinking out loud is just her way so when a large statue of a dragon answers her things are definitely getting scarier by the minute ! Lucius knows that someone has manipulated Raine but who and why ? Raine has always wanted to believe in the myths and legends but right now faced with a fire breathing dragon ( technically he’s a drakon ) it’s all a bit much but hold on to your hat because Lucius needs help from powerful allies who may or may not be trustworthy. Yes the big bad Forgotten Brotherhood might not be on speed dial but they just might have the answers that the couple need !
First can we take a moment to mention the simply gorgeous covers that this series has. That being said these books are a joy to read if you enjoy paranormal romance with strong characters that capture the imagination. The romance is quick but with the attraction between this couple feels right although no super quick declarations which actually works very well for this story. Sadly no huge reveal but it does set up quite nicely for the next book and I am enjoying the suspense of everything that’s happening in the background and very much look forward to the next book in this series.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Overall enjoyed the book . This was the first book I read from this author and even though it is a series had no problem reading as a standalone. Very well done with main characters and storyline development. The love story is truly fantastic. The strength Raine showed going up against some of the super natural beings complimented the main character Lucias (who is a Drakon - half dragon, half human) very much. The beginning was a bit slow but hang in there as once the action begins its a page turner! Great read for those who enjoy paranormal romance

For quite a while, I’ve said–and believed–that I was not a big paranormal/paranormal romance fan, except for the Twilight series. My kindle book collection would determine that is a lie. What I am when it comes to paranormal is very picky. But I’m working on expanding my book palate, so at the recommendation of a trusted book world friend, I decided to give Burning Ash (book 3 in the series) a try, and I was hooked. Needless to say, I’m working on reading the books I’ve missed in the series but wanted to move on with this new release. If you didn’t read between the lines there, I highly recommend the entire series.

So let’s talk main characters for a moment. I freaking LOVED Raine’s character. She’s the perfect combination of sassy, stubborn, strong without realizing it, yet insightful enough to read others well. She tackles life bravely. To me, the definition of brave isn’t doing something without fear but doing it despite it. And that is Raine in a nutshell. I could have hated Lucius’ character and still loved the story because I adored Raine so much. That was not the case, though. While just as stubborn as Raine, Lucius didn’t shy away from her even when he knew exactly what she was to him.

The book is a part of The Forgotten Brotherhood series, but all of the books are standalone titles. This book picks up after the (mostly) resolved conflict in the first 4 books, but we find that there’s still something foul afoot regarding the creatures of the Forgotten Brotherhood. The action definitely kept me turning the pages, and the whodunnit is a bit of a cliffhanger, so if you hate them, beware. However, If you like paranormal romances with tortured heroes, sassy badass heroines, fast-paced action, and well-written suspense, you will love this book and this series. NJ Walters has cemented herself on my list of favorite authors to read, and as far as paranormal suspense goes, that’s quite a feat!

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The fifth book in the Forgotten Brotherhood, Ancient Desires, is a fascinating read. Half dragon, half human Lucius and College professor Raine Carson are powerful characters and along with the engaging, dynamic storyline made this a great read for me.

I really enjoyed Raine and Lucius’s story. They’re meeting was unexpected and original. Lucius, being your typical alpha male and Raine being a strong but quirky woman. I can’t wait for more from this author and this series! 5 stars!!

It was an okay book. Funny. A lot of action and lots of heat but can't say I'll read more from this author. This book just didn't grab my attention and keep it. Kind of slow moving

Drakons and Damsels - Oh My
(I couldn't resist lol)

This is another fun and smexy addition to the forgotten Brotherhood series - Each book is standalone that interconnects within the series

Raine was such fun.
She can talk herself into or out of just about any situation.
Lucius was her polar opposite. He was the old man who yelled at you for walking on his lawn.
Where he lacked patience - Raine brought the need for it in abundance
She had me rolling at her antics and when you added in Lucius' inner dialogue
Ab workout

A fun read - Instalove - Action - light suspense- Smoking hot smexy

Ancient Dragon Shifter Romance

Lucius is an Ancient Drakon who has been asleep for three hundred years.  He is half human and half dragon who was a part of the Forgotten Brotherhood, a group of paranormal assassins.  Unsatisfied with his life, he went into a deep sleep until he was awakened by a professor of myths and legends.

Raine gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she is contacted about an ancient statue that was found in a cave.  She gets to go and study it in person and couldn't be more thrilled.  However, a surprising twist leaves her trapped in the cave with no apparent way out and she's not as alone as she originally thought.  She may have just awakened an ancient Drakon assassin.

Lucius and Raine are confronted with myth turned to reality, mysteries, twists, turns, action, danger, betrayals and a continuous thrill ride of adventure.  Together, they come to rely on one another and form a strong bond with intense chemistry and attraction.

Overall, this book had great world building, an exciting plot, likable characters and was well written. I would recommend this book and look forward to going back to read the entire series.

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

This was an entertaining, well-written. book. It was fun, steamy, fast-paced and held my interest. This book is a standalone story, though it is book 5 in the Forgotten Brotherhood series. I enjoyed this book and will look for other books in this series.

Let me start off by saying this is book 5 in the Forgotten Brotherhood series and while it could be read as a standalone, I would absolutely read the previous books before this one! But, I would also read the Blood of the Drakon series before this one as well. Just because it is about a Drakon as well! Lucius was never supposed to be awoken from his Deep Sleep, he honestly didn't think anything could. And then a human woman touches him and awakens him. And now that he is awake, he is more powerful than he ever has been before. Raine is a college professor who is enthralled by myths and legends. She was told about a statue, but was not expecting the statue to wake up. Lucius is different than anything she has ever read about. And regardless of him being part dragon, she is drawn to him in ways she never expected. But someone is hunting them. And Lucius isn't sure if it's his former brethren or someone else. But he does know that he will protect Raine at all costs. Even if that means unleashing everything he is.

I was beyond excited to not only see another book in the Forgotten Brotherhood series but that it was Drakon book as well!! I love both of these series and could keep reading stories in them for as long as this author wants to write them! With that being said, I loved this installment!! Lucius is alpha, protective, but also ruthless to those he considers an enemy! I loved everything about him! Not only from the way he treats Raine but how he shows her a side of himself that he usually withholds from everyone. Raine was completely lovable! She reminded me slightly of the absent minded professor type. Just because she tends to get hooked onto something and want to keep following it until there is a resolution or an answer. I loved how while she was afraid of what was happening, she didn't let it stop her from helping when she knew he needed it. Their chemistry was super hot but they also had a genuine connection that I loved. I was hooked right from the start, and definitely couldn't put it down! But of course now I am impatient for the next installment!! I need to know more about a certain son!

ANCIENT DESIRE by N.J. Walters is book 5 in the Forgotten Brotherhood. This is the story of Drakon Lucias and Raine Carson. Raine has been giving a great opportunity to explore a mythology property. This leads her to a cave where Lucias is in a deep 300 year sleep and wakes when he hears Raine. Lucias was a part of the Forgotten Brotherhood who are paranormal assassins but he just got tired of it and went into a deep sleep for a few years until now. This starts their story.

Waters does a great job creating a world of supernatural creatures that overlaps and at times interweaves with humans. I've enjoyed this series and Ancient Desires was another fun, exciting, intense read. Lucius and Raine were amazing together. It's not easy initially. Lucius was happily removed from the world hidden in his cave for centuries. Raine knows about as much as any human can about legends and lore but knows almost nothing real about Lucius and his ilk. Or that there are real supernatural creatures out there. But she's the perfect woman to wake his slumbering drakon and jump into his life.

The opening scene is great at setting up the book. Lucius is still frozen, appearing stone-like but aware of Raine and can hear and opine on her ramblings. Those ramblings really let us get to know the tough but soft, Raine. She's not dying without trying everything she can and pushes herself beyond exhaustion. She's funny, determined and a bit defeated at times. Once Lucius embraces waking again, things take very little time to heat up between the two. Fated lovers and all.

I always enjoy a good suspense and there's plenty here to keep the reader turning pages. Who's after the pair? Who of the two of them is being hunted. Why was Raine sent to the cave? How did her presence wake the drakon? Can Lucius even have a mate? Are the other Forgotten Brotherhood members to be trusted? Is Maccus really going to help? What is the fallen angel's role? Is Heaven involved? The race to answer these questions and stay alive was well written.

Thanks to Entangled, NetGalley and the author for the ARC..

Raine gets a grant from the Angel Foundation to study a dragon statue that was found in a cave. It's in perfect condition and she just can't believe her luck. Raine is a college professor who is intrigued by myths and legends like dragons so she's so excited to see the dragon statue. But her guide to the cave betrays her, setting off an explosion that seals off the entrance of the cave, trapping her inside with the dragon statue. What she doesn't know is once she touches the statue, the dragon awakens but doesn't let her know for a while.

Lucius is a Drakon. His father was a dragon and his mother was a human. He can transform into both dragon and human forms. But he was so fed up with humans, Dragons and Drakons that he decided to go to sleep, not expecting to wake up again. So when this little human wakes him up from his deep sleep, he's not sure he's going to help her once she is trapped inside the cave with him. But the longer she is there, the more determination he sees from her, the more he feels drawn to help her.

Raine tries to get out of the cave on her own and she talks to herself a lot, which drove Lucius crazy at first. He watches her, listens to the conversations she has with herself and finally let's her know he's real. What a shock that was.

Once they're out of the cave they have to figure out why they wanted her dead or in the cave with him and how do they even know what he is. They get in touch with Maccus who is his friend and leader of The Brotherhood. The meeting doesn't go well though and Lucius and Raine find themselves in danger a few times. But the pull they feel for one another is undeniable so it was so much fun to watch them fall head over heels for each other.

I loved seeing some of the other characters from previous books make an appearance as well as meet new ones. Finally finding out what was going on and why was fun and all I can say is, this was another great installment in the series. This has quickly become one of my all time favorite series to read. Each book can be read a standalone but the characters backstories and how they all fit together will make more sense if you read this in order.

Disclosure: I was given an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ancient Desire is the fifth book in the Forgotten Brotherhood series by N.J. Walters and is an action-packed, sexy paranormal romance filled with danger. Walters continues to impress with her latest installment to the series. This up-and-down, emotional, and satisfying read kept me glued to the pages. Ancient Desire is a paranormal romance with intrigue, humor, warmth, passion and a satisfying ending.

Another great addition to this series!
I honestly didn't think we would get another book in the Forgotten Brotherhood series. I always hope for more and I'm glad I was able to receive this from the publisher.

College professor Raine Carson is obsessed with myths and legends. Something that's lead her to acccept a grant from "the Angel Foundation" and trailing behind a guide hired by the very same foundation. Now she finds herself trapped in a cave with a beautiful stone statue of a dragon.

Lucious, half-human and half-dragon,has been in a Deep Sleep state. Nothing is supposed to be able to wake him from this state but one touch from Raine changes all that and it can only mean one thing.

Once a part of The Forgotten Brotherhood, he needs to figure out how to reach them, unsure if they are allies or enemies. He wants to know who sent Raine to wake him and why. He'll do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means unleashing his dragon.

Thank you so much to the author, Entangled and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

I know that these are standalone romances but I typically really don’t like jumping into the middle of a series. However, the author did a brilliant job of making this book accessible even if you hadn’t read the previous books without having it feel like you were reading a summary of the books thus far.

This book was an interesting and fun take on dragon shifters and one of my favorite troupes (fate/mate).

The book started a little slow with a bit of repetition but once it got going into the actual storyline it was hard to put down.

There's something about the Forgotten Brotherhood series that really gets me going!

Raine is a dreamer, obsessed with myths and legends, without believing them to be true. So when she's trapped in a cave with a stone dragon, she talks to it—never expecting it to respond.

Lucius entered the Deep Sleep of his kind over 300 years ago, done with humankind and their never-ending hunt to decimate his people. He never imagined that a mere human female would be the only person to wake him up, much less be his mate.

"I have seen the seven wonders of the ancient world... You are the eighth. No, you are the wonder of wonders."

I loved just about everything about this book. From Raine's chattiness, Lucius's initial wariness and inevitable humility, the guest appearances from past characters, the action scenes, the attempts by too many people trying to tear the Brotherhood apart, and even the unresolved suspense angle that I hope continues in the next book, it was all incredibly entertaining.

I loved seeing more of Maccus. He was my first beloved hero from this author and he will always be my favorite. And with Sven making a huge appearance with a giant tease for a plot to come, I'm hoping his story is next.