Lauren Smith’s first book in her new series Brothers of Ash and Fire introducing us to the Barinov brothers. Grigori Barinov is the eldest in an ancient line of dragon shifters and the guardian of his family’s lands and fortune. Grigori has discovered a mortal woman has in her hands an ancient manuscript that exposes his family and their dragon lineage that she’s gotten from the Russian library. He has sworn to protect his family and lands at all costs.
Madelyn Haynes has had a fascination with Dragon’s her whole life. Now she’s in Russia working on her PhD in mythology trying to prove her theory that dragons aren't simply a myth, but real and she’s about to be proven right when she unexpectedly crosses paths with the sexy and dominating Grigori. She is completely captivated by Grigori and she starts to change little by little. For Grigori meeting Madelyn is exciting filled with sexual tension he’s found the only woman in for him, but the Barinov family has enemies and once they discover he’s found his mate they know he’ll be distracted and looking to take advantage him as Madelyn falls under his sensual spell. What a great start to a new dragon shifter series with an epic love story for all time!!! I can’t wait to read about the other Barinov brothers!!!
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

Anyone who knows me knows that Dragon PNR is my jam. I absolutely loved Lauren Smith's Grigori. It was romantic, sexy and set the scene with detailed world building for a new and exciting series. Grigori was so strong and powerful yet sweet and passionate about Madelyn. I could not get enough of them both!

When Madelyn Haynes discovers an old and mysterious manuscript about the existence of dragons and their history she hopes it will prove her theory that dragons existed in the past. But Grigori Barinov, Dragon Shifter and Barinov family patriarch is now on the prowl to eliminate this journal as he fears the secrets about the existence of dragons will now be revealed. But this puts him on a collision course with Madelyn as he needs to find out how much she knows about Dragons and his family. But after one sniff of her scent, he needed to have her and make her his own. What follows is an adventure full.of sass, adventure, steam and heartfelt emotion!

All in all I really annoyed this title. It was smart, sexy and filled with alpha growly goodness. I would like to thank Netgalley and SMP for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula

Love love this paranormal story by Lauren Smith . I love her Historical and her contemporary. When I heard she was doing a dragon one , I had to get my hands it.
Hero is Grigori (a royal Dragon ) . Heroine is Madelyn . . Madelyn goes to Russia to investigate a tale about Dragons. She has to do a paper to save her career.
Once in Russia she goes to the library but the security guard notifies Grigori that this woman is reading a book 📚 about his family.
Once Grigori sees her and smells her he knows he has to have her . Madelyn is afraid of rain ☔️ but she doesn't know why . She has flashbacks of when she was young but storms but doesn't know why .
Something happens to reveal what Madelyn is and why her smell Attracts Grigori. Lots of surprises!!!! Grab it and find out what

So this was a different take on Dragons then I have read in the past and I enjoyed it. I liked that this book was based in Russia. I haven't read a lot of books based in that Country. I really can imagine Dragons living in Russia and it made the book more fun to read. Some of this book was hard to digest because it wasn't possible in the real world that it would happen but I guess that is why this is a fantasy book. I like all the characters in this book, though I liked Madelyn more towards the end when she finally came into her own. I really look forward to reading Mikhail's book next.

An uber sexy dragon alpha male? Smart and curious minx? Russian history like you have never experienced? Check times three. Madelyn and Grigori are two characters who will capture your attention, keep you enthralled in their story and let you go only on the last page - reluctantly let you go. Here is hoping we see them again, maybe in the second book of the Brothers of Ash and Fire Series

This is a brand new author to me. I wasn't sure whether I would like it but it sounded really good, so I thought ok why not. I am so glad that I read this book! It kept my attention from start to finish! This is the first book in a new series about dragons, and I do love some dragon books! This one is about Madelyn Haynes and Grigori Barinov. Madelyn has been having dreams about being hunted by a dragon since she was a child. She made her career all about mythology but in order to keep her position with the university she works for she needs to actually find proof that dragons (or a form of them) may have been real. That modern legends are based off fact and not fiction. To that end, she goes to Moscow to do research. And while at a library she comes across a book that talks about the Barinov brothers and that they are dragons. She thinks this is just a fanciful old diary.

And then enters Grigori. He is called to say a woman checked out the book about him and his brothers. He goes to library to get the book and pick up her scent. And he is infatuated with her scent. And once he see's her, he decides to seduce her instead of killing her to keep their secrets. Not realizing exactly what she is or what she will become to him. Even after he kidnaps her, they manage to fall in love. Never knowing that there is someone in the background just waiting for that moment to strike.

I really liked this book. I liked the relationship between not only Grigori and Madelyn but with his brother as well. I loved how they all interacted together, how there was more to Madelyn than what she even knew, and how they manage to overcome the obstacles in their path. It was an excellent read and I really can't wait to read about the other brothers!!

Dragons in Moscow, who knew? Grigori, A Royal Dragon Romance by Lauren Smith begins a new series with just that. Grigori breathed new life into a overly done paranormal creature. Ms. Smith gives this sexy man/dragon many of the well know characteristics while makes him irresistible at the same time. There is something that draws you to a character whose priority is to safeguard family. Living a life feeling out of place, Madelyn Haynes is the little girl all grown up who still believes her childhood dreams. I think there is a little bit of her in all of us so it is easy to identify with her.

The plot is well paced with complex characters within an exotic location. What starts out as a protection strategy turns into a hot romance. I do not remember reading anything by Lauren Smith before but plan to follow this series to see what happens next to this intriguing group of dragons.

I just cant seem to get through this book!

i have had it for a while now and I believe I am only half way through and I'm not sure that I will be finishing it. It started off really well and was building beautifully but I think the romance part of this is what threw me. It seemed like it was going to be a romance that would grow but instead it turned into instalove all of a sudden. I know that when you find your "mate" that things usually go fast from there but this was ridiculous to me. The story itself seems good but once I get past the sexy scenes (what it is building up to) I think I can get back into this.

Grigori by Lauren Smith
Brothers of Ash and Fire #1

Madelyn has dreamed of dragons her entire life and has always been interested in proving they are or were real. In Moscow she finds a book that indicates they may be BUT finds herself in jeopardy as a result of reading the book and photographing what was in it.

Grigori Barinov and his two brothers are the last of their dragon line and need to create progeny or they will all die out. Little does he know that taking Madelyn home with him might prove to be the best thing that ever happened – for both of them.

There are fights and enemies and a mating and a revelation related to Madelyn and a few other fun events before the book ends with a lead into the next book which will be the story of Grigori’s brother Mikhail. My guess is that Rurik will be the third story in the series.

This was an easy read about a dragon and the mate he ends up with. There was nothing new in this paranormal romance but it was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press – Swerve – this is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a good supernatural book and I loved every second of this one!

This is the second book I’ve read about Dragon shifters and I have to say it feels like something out of a fairy tale.

The way in which the author describes these majestic creatures made me want to be there just to touch their multicolored skin. And thinking they are actually people made them even more fascinating, since I could picture their different personality traits showing in their animal form.

Madelyn was a sweet girl that seemed lost, she didn’t know exactly what fascinated her about Grigori’s picture but she couldn’t stop herself from wanting a second look. Little did she know, she will get much more than that when she gets caught up in a Shifter war.

Their connection was instant and I loved the animalistic aspect of it. Grigori’s reaction to her smell was something else; there was no way he was going to let her go after having a taste.

The love at first sight kind of thing didn’t bother me at all, because the author made us believe that there was so much more than just physical attraction and good sex; their souls knew each other on a deep level and it was destiny that brought her into his arms.

A true timeless love story! I can’t wait for the next book.

Madelyn Haynes travels to Russia in a last ditch effort to find proof that dragons did once exist. Its that or she’ll have to kiss her teaching job goodbye. Ever since she was a child, Madelyn has been fascinated by the myths and legends that speak of dragons and she’s determined to follow any lead that can prove her right.

But when she browses a particular book, Madelyn rouses the curiosity of the Grigori Barinov and soon finds herself captive to a living breathing dragon of her own.

Grigori is the oldest Barinov and one of the last three Barinov dragons. He takes his responsibility to his family very seriously and finding Madelyn taking a special interest in the only book in existence that can reveal the secrets of their linage is too dangerous to risk. The more time he spends with Madelyn, the more drawn to her.

When a threat from another dragon family puts them in danger, Madelyn and Grigori find it easy to unite against a common enemy but also open their hearts to the possibility of true mates.

What I liked:
I loved the history of dragons that the author creates. The facts and magic elements that are woven into the story but also within the characters themselves will make this series stand out. I liked Grigori and Madelyn as the MCs and Mikail and Rurik are interesting secondary characters. The surprise truth behind the dreams and visions that Madelyn experiences was a bit easy to guess at the reason why but it was still a revelation how she would handle the truth of her own history.

I liked that this story was low on angst and didn’t create unnecessary drama between the MCs. It was surprisingly free of even the most minor case of push/pull. The chemistry was hot and the dragon action was pretty awesome!

Favorite Lines:
“Evil men are never haunted by their dark deeds. It is those who tried to help ho life with the ghosts.”

“I choose not to be a creature destined to destroy or be destroyed.”

“It doesn’t matter what you are. You are mine and I am yours. The fates brought us together for purpose, Madelyn, and I will not forsake you. You are the greatest gift in my life.”

“The Universe designed you among the starts and let you fall into my arms.”


Memorable Moments:
When Grigori makes it snow for Madelyn. That was sweet but also whimsical and romantic.

And for such a serious man, Grigori is a poet at heart. I loved how lyrical he was when it came to Madelyn and what she came to mean to him.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

Dragon shifters are one of my favorites to read. There's not a whole lot about them out there and when I accepted the review request from the publisher I was ready to dive right in.

Grigori is the oldest brother of three. He runs the family empire along with one of his brothers. We learn the third brother has to complete a task first before he can come back home. Grigori is alerted there's an American woman snooping around the dragon books in the library in his Russian city. When he arrives at the library she's not there. Her sent still lingers however, and it's the most intoxicating scent he's ever smelled.

Finding Madelyn proves to be easy, much to her dismay. She wasn't prepared to be kidnapped by a handsome man claiming to be a dragon. Is this real life? HA! Too bad Grigori's brother made a mistake and ended an agreement between their family and a rival dragon family.

They leave to visit their home - not in the city - so Grigori and his brother can prepare for battle. Well...nothing happens as it should, of course. Lots of surprises on the horizon.

My main disappointment with this story is it was too short for me. I'd love to keep reading about Grigori and Madelyn. There's lots of "stuff" to be worked out between them and their future. Or at least that's how I see it and would love to read more about them!

The Barinov brothers know that keeping your family secret is no easy task. But when Grigori learns of a woman who's stepped into their world unknowingly...he's surprised more than once by who she is...

The Barinovs have been a family of dragons shifters for years and now they are down to three brothers, one who is in exile. As Grigori worries that he must face-off against his family's enemies he encounters the one thing he never dreamed to find: his mate. But oh how fate is fickle and she sticks him with a woman who is not quite who she seems. And somehow their pasts run deeper than either of them could've imagined.

I'm not new to dragons shifters and I loved the premise of Russian dragons (a new country for once!) and their history. This was a short read but one I think could've dealt with a bit more convincing.  I liked the twist that Smith put in between Grigori and Madelyn but I found her character lacking. Her history is interesting and how it is tied to the rest of the story. But I found that she fell for our hero so quickly that I couldn't believe her intentions and it felt like I was more judgemental of the book than I wanted to be. I loved the plot and the potential these dragon shifters have but...I must admit that I have a strong opinion in the need for strong female leads that are consistent.

Oh man, I love a Dragon shifter story! And Grigori fits the bill perfectly! Steeped in mythology, Lauren Smith sets up a magical world where beliefs are challenged and reality is questioned.

Madelyn Haynes is out to prove once and for all that dragons are real. That they really exist and are not just mythological beings. Caught up in an epic battle to keep the dragon species hidden from discovery, Madelyn is in serious danger when she uncovers an ancient manuscript that details the dragons and their history. But when Grigori Barinov swoops in to eliminate the threat of exposure, he cannot deny the lure of Madelyn’s scent and he will do anything to keep the manuscript from landing in the wrong hands. Even if it means taking one for the team and seducing the beautiful, enticing Madelyn.

Wow. Talk about an amazing set up to a new series. I loved how strong Madelyn was in trying to prove her theories were true. Loved her sass and her smarts. And Grigori. Jeez, tall, dark, handsome, smart, and growly. Just how I like ‘em! Their interactions were smart, fun, sexy AF. And I loved how they both found a home with each other—that they truly belonged somewhere and to someone.

I can’t wait for more in this series!

First off, my favorite shifter is dragon. I mean they are super cool. They're awesome, so I always get excited when I get a chance to read a dragon shifter book. Seriously. Anyway, Lauren Smith brings to us her version on dragon shifters in Grigori. In this story, she unveils dragons set in Russia. Granted she mentions others, but the focus is on these brothers in Russia.

Basically, Grigori starts off with Madelyn Haynes trying to find information on dragons, and if they were real at one time. However, she stumbles upon a book that lands her in the arms of Grigori. Grigori is trying to keep his family secret or at least the dragon side. When he goes after Madelyn he feels this pull that he can't explain.

Anyway, Lauren does a pretty good job with introducing us to her ideas of dragons in the world. I liked Grigori and Madelyn. There are perils that are unknown when they get together. Things are reveal about Madelyn that she didn't even know. Overall, I liked how we are introduce to Barvino family. I also like Lauren was able use parts of history to fill the story. I thought it was a pretty good read. However, something happen in the story, and I wonder if Grigori actually dealt with it, or it's going to left alone and no longer part of the story, or will it come back to haunt them. Anyway, I can't wait to see what happens in the next story when we get to meet the exile brother.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

As the oldest in the Barinov family line, Gregori carries a heavier burden than his brothers Rurik and Makhail. After Rurik kills Ruslan, Gregori, as the oldest, must agree to a challenge by Dimitri, Ruslan’s father. Dimitri gives him two weeks to prepare for the fight. While this may seem generous, Dimitri has ulterior motives.

This was paced well and kept me intrigued. I was engaged right from the beginning with Madelyn. The lengths she was going to to try and prove that dragons used to exist. Her years of dreaming about them, her background with her parents deaths and how she was naturally paranoid about her surroundings. This had me trying to figure out if they played a part into the overall story.

I liked how true mates were identified in this story and the twist the author threw in there about our main couple. It was unique and I look forward to more in the series. ARC provided by NetGalley.

Here there be dragons…

This is the first book in the Brothers of Ash and Fire series that can be read a stand-alone.

As the oldest of three brothers, Grigori Barinov is responsible for the preservation of everything that pertains to his family, a task not taken lightly and requires much discretion for he’s a dragon shifter, an immortal creature living hidden among humans. He’s been alive for close to two thousand years yet he hasn’t met his true mate, after centuries of searching he’s given up on the possibility and then there she is, a human female and a danger not only to his family but to his race of beings with the information she seeks and wishes to publish to a world filled with people who don’t understand things that scare them.

Alone in Russia following an academic trail to ancient books in an old library, Madelyn Haynes is working on proving the thesis for her PhD based on mythology, that dragons once existed in the animal kingdom. She believes that underlying the various legends there’s some semblance of truth, her belief was born of the vivid dreams of a terrifying silver dragon she’s had since childhood. Adopted after her parent’s death when she was two years old Madelyn’s always felt outside of life, that she did not fit in and she’s never known why just that she’s haunted by dreams that drive her to prove a theory rejected by colleagues. A forbidden ancient book tells all but it can’t be real or can it? Is she ready for the truth of what she seeks?

This was an interesting start to a new paranormal suspense series, a world where the creatures of mythology abound among humans unknown yet watched by hunters we learn of but don’t meet here. The attraction between the protagonists was instantaneous, the romance a seductive slow burn, she’s human which was unexpected. Dragons mate for life and die with their mate’s death. Will Grigori need to give up immortality to be with his true mate? Perhaps not. An atrocious act in the past set in motion the meeting of these destined mates and the hand of fate is wickedly twisted, rectifying an injustice by entwining sworn enemies. She who was lost and alone, apart from the world until she met her mate will awaken to the true being that she is, a worthy mate to a dragon.

The story was a bit slow in pace at the onset due to the level of world building necessary but it’s a fascinating complex historical tapestry that builds in momentum to a decidedly explosive ending. The reader is given dual points of view, intriguing characters with a palpable passionate connection between the main ones and dialogue that was often amusing as they navigated their budding relationship, there was also much intrigue surrounding the dragon clans to keep things exciting.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

You had me at dragon shifters!

Madelyn Haynes has been haunted by dreams of a silver dragon. Of course, she would be drawn to the topic if you’ve had visions of them ever since you were a child. Now working on her Ph.D. in mythology, Madelyn goes to a Russian library that supposedly holds a diary of a man who met dragons. When she requests access to the book all kinds of protocols are set in motion putting her on Grigori’s radar.

Grigori is an ancient in a line of dragon shifters. He swoops in thinking to eliminate a threat to their secret only to find a fiery maiden who will do anything to prove her visions are real…but at what cost?

Heated from their first encounter, Grigori is slow building but then the fiercest passions burn long and hard. A great start to a new series, Grigori was a great start to what I’m sure will be a strong series from Smith.

I received this ARC copy of Grigori from St. Martin's Press. This is my honest and voluntary review. Grigori is set for publication October 3, 2017.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Lauren Smith
Series: Brothers of Ash and Fire
Sequence in Series: 1
Print Length: 199 pages
Publisher: Swerve
Publication Date: October 3, 2017
ISBN-10: 1250142547
ISBN-13: 978-1250142542
Genre: Paranormal Romance | Shifters

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Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

7 likes

This was an action packed delve into the paranormal and Dragon shifters, though I normally read Lauren's historical novels, I quite enjoyed this start in a new series for her and look forward to reading more.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and voluntarily leave my opinion

"Grigori" is my first Lauren Smith book and it definitely won't be my last. I have to admit that where paranormal romance is concerned, I usually prefer vampires and werewolves, but after reading this book, shapeshifters will definitely be on the top of my list. Especially those of the dragon variety. The Barinovs are not only dragon shapeshifters, but they are imperial dragons. Add to that the fact that they have been around for thousands of years and literally witnessed history in the making, they are awe worthy.

Grigori Barinov is the eldest of the three Barinov brothers. A Russian family of dragon shape shifters. Thanks to his father he not only has the ability to breath fire, but he is also an ice dragon which gives him the capability to control ice and even make it snow! He hasn't yet been able to find his mate, but knows that it is up to him to mate an immortal, thus enabling him to produce dragon offspring. He has almost lost hope and believes that he may never be able to find his destined mate. But that all changes when he gets a call from the Russian State Library. It seems that there is a woman who has shown interested in the book that chronicles his family, his two brothers - Mikhail and Rurik- and him. The Barinovs have many enemies and he fears that this woman may have been sent by one of them. Upon arriving to the library he senses that this woman is no ordinary woman. Even her scent drives him crazy. Upon kidnapping her and taking her to his penthouse he discovers that she is an American scholar who is just interested in dragons. However, Madelyn Haynes is not an ordinary woman, and they are all about to find out just how unique she really is.

Madelyn Haynes has been haunted by nightmares. Nightmares of big black dragons and storms. She has no idea what these dreams signify, yet she is mesmerised by the mythical creatures. She is in Moscow investigating dragon myths and legends when her studies lead her to a journal written many years ago by an English scholar. A journal describing his days with the Barinovs. A noble family who seems to hold a dark secret. She is enchanted by the picture of the eldest Barinov. And although she knows that none of what's written can be true, she is still shaken by its implications. She soon finds out that everything that she believed to be legend and myth is true and she is right in the middle of it. What's more there is just something indescribable about Grigori. Try as she might she is drawn to him like no other. She not only learns that dragons exist but she also learns something about herself that sheds light on her whole life. A revelation that will not only change her life and future, but also that of the dragon race...

A captivating story full of history and mystery not to mention an emotional bond that will draw you in. The Barinovs are truly enchanting and I can't wait to read about Mikhail and Rurik!!!