readingwithhippos's review
3.0
I could not relate to Jillian at all. If a man I was dating showed me his giant horde of treasure, I would berate him for keeping it all to himself and not establishing a foundation or charity. Those doubloons aren't doing anybody any good moldering in a cave. And then, having learned what kind of man he was, I would find someone else with whom I would see more eye to eye on issues of social justice. This has been "How to Shame Your Dragon," by Taryn.
a_ab's review against another edition
medium-paced
1.0
The premise for the series is interesting, and I liked a couple of the side characters, but the 2 main characters had gimmicks instead of personally traits and their relationship had no foundation, nor chemistry for that matter. Very few of their interactions made any sense and the few that did were confrontational.
Usually first person dual POVs are helpful in showcasing the characters' inner reasonings and thoughts, but even this narrative device failed to produce any reason for the two main characters to even tolerate each other. I was completely surprised when they both willingly jumped into physical intimacy with each other, and even more surprised when they started declaring deep feelings and making long-term plans.
I was even more surprised that the author chose to have a supposedly smart and scientifically inclined heroine with a history of a past emotionally abusive and controlling relationship, which she appears to have recognized and processed, willingly consider starting a relationship with someone who expresses extremely possessive and controlling behavior full of red flags for abusive tendencies — and to have it all be excused by 'oh, he is a dragon, he can't help himself' problematic BS... In 2018... Really? So disappointing.
Usually first person dual POVs are helpful in showcasing the characters' inner reasonings and thoughts, but even this narrative device failed to produce any reason for the two main characters to even tolerate each other. I was completely surprised when they both willingly jumped into physical intimacy with each other, and even more surprised when they started declaring deep feelings and making long-term plans.
I was even more surprised that the author chose to have a supposedly smart and scientifically inclined heroine with a history of a past emotionally abusive and controlling relationship, which she appears to have recognized and processed, willingly consider starting a relationship with someone who expresses extremely possessive and controlling behavior full of red flags for abusive tendencies — and to have it all be excused by 'oh, he is a dragon, he can't help himself' problematic BS... In 2018... Really? So disappointing.
indigo_ewenicorn's review
4.0
Enjoyable listen. Cute romance. Not a lot of spice, but story around it is enjoyable so it wasn't missed.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
5.0
How to Date Your Dragon
4.5 Stars
Jillian Ramsay, an anthropologist for the League for Interspecies Cooperation, is sent to the small town of Mystic Bayou, Louisiana to study the residents as they are the only town comprised of diverse species from humans to witches to shifters of various kinds. Upon arrival, Jillian is immediately off-kilter as the sexy local sheriff, Bael Boone, makes no bones about his objection to the study. The situation is exacerbated when locals who have spoken to Jillian turn up dead.
This is a delightful romp with relatable characters (despite their otherworldly abilities), a charming romance, and an exciting suspense plot.
The basic premise of a town in the middle of nowhere in which supernaturals and humans live together in harmony is very intriguing. The history of the town and many of its residents are fleshed out very well for such a short read. One of the highlights is Harper's incorporation of classic mythological elements within her characterization, such as the dragon's hoard.
The romance between Bael and Jillian gets off to a rocky start, but they are both likeable and their interactions are entertaining. One minor issue is the sudden transition from adversaries to lovers -.
The mystery surrounding the murder of several residents is well done although it is pretty easy to guess both the culprit and the motive once the connection between the victims becomes clear. That said the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying.
All in all, a fun beginning to the series and I look forward to reading more about the quirky residents of Mystic Bayou. One a final note, Amanda Ronconi's narration is wonderful but the male narrator, Jonathan Davis, takes some getting used to.
4.5 Stars
Jillian Ramsay, an anthropologist for the League for Interspecies Cooperation, is sent to the small town of Mystic Bayou, Louisiana to study the residents as they are the only town comprised of diverse species from humans to witches to shifters of various kinds. Upon arrival, Jillian is immediately off-kilter as the sexy local sheriff, Bael Boone, makes no bones about his objection to the study. The situation is exacerbated when locals who have spoken to Jillian turn up dead.
This is a delightful romp with relatable characters (despite their otherworldly abilities), a charming romance, and an exciting suspense plot.
The basic premise of a town in the middle of nowhere in which supernaturals and humans live together in harmony is very intriguing. The history of the town and many of its residents are fleshed out very well for such a short read. One of the highlights is Harper's incorporation of classic mythological elements within her characterization, such as the dragon's hoard.
The romance between Bael and Jillian gets off to a rocky start, but they are both likeable and their interactions are entertaining. One minor issue is the sudden transition from adversaries to lovers -
Spoiler
one minute they are having a conversation and the next they are having sex on a pile of goldThe mystery surrounding the murder of several residents is well done although it is pretty easy to guess both the culprit and the motive once the connection between the victims becomes clear. That said the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying.
All in all, a fun beginning to the series and I look forward to reading more about the quirky residents of Mystic Bayou. One a final note, Amanda Ronconi's narration is wonderful but the male narrator, Jonathan Davis, takes some getting used to.
st3fwithanf's review
3.0
Ok so I enjoyed this book, BUT it felt like it was missing chapters, a few other people mentioned it as well. I thought I missed something and went back, came on here and saw others had done the same. I honestly enjoyed it, I just needed more. Also for being made specifically for audible, the narrators were pretty flat to the point where it took away from some of the funny parts. I love Molly Harper and her other series, so I’m going to check out the next book.
angie_stl's review
4.0
A Rift For Sure
I loved the story, especially the friendship between Bael and Zed. In fact, Zed gets along with every person in the book. Bael only has disagreements with his cousin Balfour (really Balfour doesn't get along with anyone) and Jillian at the beginning of the book. But when they go to see the rift in the bayou, it was like a switch was flipped! They went from barely civil to way more than friends with benefits!! There were also a few spots that details didn't get full described, leaving me confused. I'd go back to check if I'd just missed something, a sentence or two, but nope, the details were missing. I own all available Molly Harper books but one, and I've read all the paranormal romance except the next in this series, and I think if I've seen issues like this, it was in her Bluegrass series. Obviously it wasn't a huge problem for me, but enough to pull you out of the flow of the story. I'm excited to see which character gets the next book, I'm hoping for Zed!!
I loved the story, especially the friendship between Bael and Zed. In fact, Zed gets along with every person in the book. Bael only has disagreements with his cousin Balfour (really Balfour doesn't get along with anyone) and Jillian at the beginning of the book. But when they go to see the rift in the bayou, it was like a switch was flipped! They went from barely civil to way more than friends with benefits!! There were also a few spots that details didn't get full described, leaving me confused. I'd go back to check if I'd just missed something, a sentence or two, but nope, the details were missing. I own all available Molly Harper books but one, and I've read all the paranormal romance except the next in this series, and I think if I've seen issues like this, it was in her Bluegrass series. Obviously it wasn't a huge problem for me, but enough to pull you out of the flow of the story. I'm excited to see which character gets the next book, I'm hoping for Zed!!
ramakn22's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Death
pena12488's review
5.0
I went in starting this book with an open mind and I’m glad I did. This is my first “Shape Shifter” book and I absolutely loved it. I listened to it on audible and I am glad I went that route. What I like about this book is that you get two perspectives of point of views. I will definitely try the whole series out. It was funny, serious at times, and kept you guessing. There are parts of the book I really did not expect and I am glad I got to experience those little surprises.