It’s hard to resist a flirtatious general gorgeous who tries so hard to win the hand of the maiden

Likewise, it’s hard to find a book about strong, intelligent women with men unafraid to let the women do anything interesting.

I was given this book to try in exchange for an honest review.

Gwennore is foraging for flowers with her niece when they are abducted by dragons, landing them in a kingdom where the monarchs are mad and the land is plagued with infertility and periodic illnesses. As an intelligent healer Gwennore is enlisted to help cure the people in return for her niece’s safe return home.

Silas has a dragon-sized secret and can’t help falling for Gwennore, knowing he can’t keep her. Despite his best attempts, Gwennore learns his biggest secret and steals his heart.

A lot happens in the short time span the story occurs over from nomadic troll encounters, monarchs being poisoned, plagues being remedied, mind-reading dragons and the main couple meeting and falling madly in love. It’s a bit breathless.

This book is a great blend of sensual, smart, suspenseful and sassy. It was a very nice, quick read on a night in.

As it is the third book in the series, I had to search up the others. Number one is How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days and is now on my to-read list. I hope there’s a fourth coming.

I was unable to finish this book. I had no fault with the writing of the book. For myself, I had decided to give the Fantasy/Paranormal romance genre a try and found it was not for me.

2 stars for Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon

What did I like about this book?

-The book opened with a quick recap of the other books, which I appreciated since I haven’t read them. I understood quickly the world and characters of this series. The first chapters were exciting and drew me in to the story. Sadly, this momentum didn’t continue, as you’ll see in my comments below.
-I really liked Silas. He was sexy and charming, but not arrogant. He was loyal to his family, friends and country, and would do anything for the people he loved.
 

What didn’t I like about this book?

-The story was slow and I was losing interest. The point of view alternated between Gwen and Silas, which I do enjoy, but they focused on giving insight to the same scene. It would have been more interesting if Silas had discovered more clues of the mystery, instead of repeatedly hearing about his feelings for Gwen. Or better yet the point of view of the villain would have added intrigue to the story.
-Parts of the story seemed silly to me. For example, Gwen naming the dragon Puff and Silas calling her Snookums, it felt childish and interrupted the flow of the story.
-Gwen was irritating. She has lived with being discriminated against because she’s an Elf, but she never stood up for herself. I prefer strong heroines or heroines that eventually find the strength to overcome adversity, so Gwen failed with this.
-Since I disliked the main character I thought the romance was boring. Silas wanted Gwen the moment they met and made clear his feelings for her. But because of her distrust and lack of experience Gwen rejected his advances, even slammed the door on his face. But Silas wouldn’t get discouraged. Normally a chase adds excitement to the story, but this kept on for most of the book, so I got bored with this couple.
 

Would I recommend this book?

I haven’t read the other books in the series, but for those who have I recommend reading this book. There is information for the overall plot that came to light, so it might excite fans of the previous books. I was disappointed with this book and will not continue reading this series.

An enjoyable read by Kerrelyn Sparks. It's definitely interesting, written well and is pretty well paced.

The book starts off very slow and is hard to get into. The language (maybe the use of third person?) feels a little heavy handed in the descriptions. 
The topic matter kept me reading and the story was interesting enough. I do not think I would seek out more works in a series or by this author.

This was the third book in The Embraced series. It was a great addition. I enjoyed reading about Gwen as well as seeing characters from the previous books. I would recommend this book as well as the others in the series  I look forward to reading the stories for the last 2 sisters.

Read for Review/Listened for Fun (NetGalley/Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.50
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.75

Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)

This series landed on my favorite audiobook series for June 2018 Love Audiobooks month. All the stories have been stellar but it is the characters that really shined.  I just adored it!

Love this series!! Love the premise, and the romance is so sweet! This series is about a group of "sisters" by choice, and their quests to find their place in the world and in love. They each have an ability; magical or otherwise, that sets them apart from others. Each sister was sent away when they were babies, so they don't know their roots. I love how each "sister" has an unique story, but they all tie in with each other. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are scenes with the previous characters, so you may want to start with the first book in the series. Gwen is an elf, and because of it, she is looked down upon, so she tends to keep to herself. When she's out picking flowers with one of her "sisters" children, a dragon kidnaps the little girl, and Gwen hops aboard the dragon to save her. Gwen is saved by Silas, but Silas needs her help. It turns out that the royals; especially the Queen, aren't acting right. Their health; both physical and mental, is dwindling. I loved the mystery of what is happening to the royals, and the suspense the scenario added. The dragon shifter angle was awesome! Love the name Puff!! Too Cute! The romance is really sweet, but I wish Gwen would've opened up sooner. Silas is great! Silas and Gwen have great chemistry! Excited to read the next book!

Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon, book 3, The Embraced series by Kerrelyn  Sparks. This was my first book for this series But Not my first book for author Kerrelyn Sparks.  I am excited to read books 1 and 2. Also, I agree that reading this series in order should be the way. I started with this book and WILL catch up and be ready for the next installment.  Kerrelyn Sparks takes readers on a fun adventure.  Entertaining readers from the beginning.  Keeping them hooked with this creative storyline.  And returning for each/any additional installment.  Masterful world building.  Wonderful characters . Looking forward to many more 'visits' to and with...the world of the Embraced and its characters.  And any new characters not yet met.  I received this book as an ARC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley.  I am voluntarily posting this review. Remember book 1, How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days and book 2, So I Married a Sorcerer, the beginning of this series...The Embraced.

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. 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?

* * * * *

It's been a while since I read a book that was pure fun.  One with hunky men that just happen to turn into dragons, beautiful elves and trolls who are more than they appear to be.  One that takes you away to another world that demands that you suspend disbelief and enjoy the tale.  This book is the definition of brain candy.

I very much enjoyed this world and getting to know the characters.  While the book did center around Gwenmore, Silas and Puff, Ms. Sparks didn't stint when it came to the secondary characters (and I am hoping that they all get their own books).  The pacing was smooth, the dialogue flowing and it was well editing.  Once I entered Gwenmore's world, there was nothing to jar me back to reality except the ending of the book.

I do recommend this book to my readers who enjoy paranormal romance.  This is actually the third book in the series and can be read as a stand alone book though I am going to have to go pick up the other two because I want to know the story behind some happenings that are mentioned in passing.  

***I received  this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.  All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher or author.

Dragons and elves, oh my!
I have truly enjoyed the Love at Stake series and was so excited to get my hands on this new series The Embraced. Unlike the Love at Stake series, this book is reminiscent of the Renaissance era where proper etiquette and behavior is expected. I admit, it took me a while to warm up to the characters but once we got going I was hooked. Great story and cast of characters magically woven into Kerrelyn’s cherished humor and heated moments. As always, you can count on the HEA endings for these two characters with enough lead way to launch into another within the series. I look forward to meeting many more of these characters as they are united together within this series.
Thanks to NetGallery who provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ooh, I love me some dragons so I had to read this newest book by Ms. Sparks. I knew to expect a wonderful romance and I was not disappointed. What I didn’t expect was to giggle so much about a dragon named Puff.

Once I met General Gorgeous, I was completely hooked. I had a riot of a time watching the interaction between Silas, Gwennore, Dimitri and Aleksi. I was happy to see Brody is in this novel as well. He plays a strong role for a secondary character and he is almost like plot glue. His services and skills were integral in the past two books in the series and he once again helps out in  Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon. This time it’s Silas and Gwennore who have to figure out how the Chameleon is causing mayhem and stop him. Brody’s nose is very welcomed.

Speaking of the Chameleon, Ms. Sparks has created more mystery and questions because there’s a new revelation in this story. The villain isn’t alone and the external conflict has hints of being more diabolical than anyone knew. Fascinating stuff!

On top of that trouble, Gwennore figured out something scary about the curse that has plagued the kingdom for centuries and it’s not a simple thing. Her bravery is commendable because she still is willing to help even after what she was put through in the first couple of chapters.

As with the two previous books in the series, the heroine eventually finds out a bit of where she came from and who her parents might have been. I figured out one possibility but the second not only blew me away but stunned many of her new circle of close friends in Norveshka.

My favorite parts were when Gwennore didn’t realize Silas could hear her thoughts. Those were the funniest scenes in the novel. Another thing I enjoyed was the ribbing and jesting between Silas, Dimitri and Aleksi. The author made it clear that they were best friends and very loyal to each other. I loved seeing that level of heart, emotion and trust.

Of course all of the trials, tribulations, adventures and suspense wouldn’t be worth it if the romance wasn’t equally as wonderful and satisfying. Indeed, watching Silas and Gwennore fall in love was everything I hoped it would be; fun, sensual and spicy, and of course, romantic. I am glad that the epilogue tied up the happy ever after just the way I like it. Of course, there leaves the question as to which sister is next in finding her other half. I came to the end of the novel with the distinct opinion of who it might be. I can’t wait to find out!

 Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon has a great title but the book is even better. I am pretty sure that this novel is best read after the other two although if a new reader doesn’t mind a varied and busy cast they might do okay. But seriously, understanding how evil the Chameleon can be and why Brody is integral to the safety of the sisters of the Isle of Moon can only be appreciated by seeing what came before. Read them all. It’s a great experience and not to be missed. Ms. Sparks is amazing!

"Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon" is pretty delightful. It's the third book in "The Embraced" series, and while I started in the middle, this one had me intrigued enough to go back and read the first two books in the series.

Mediocre. Not great but not terrible. Average plot and characters following sort of predictable plot

I usually like Kerrelyn Sparks a lot. Her fun worlds, steamy romances, and interesting characters make her stories a fun read. This book fell short for me.

The tale starts off with a kidnapping, an interesting mystery and intriguing characters. But it quickly devolves into a slow moving silly story that I had a hard time finishing. The character's choices were odd and they quickly became annoying. Once I lost the connection to the characters and their motivations and thought processes, I really didn't care what happened to them.

 I was disappointed in this book and sadly would not recommend it.

I was so excited to read Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon because I absolutely love dragon shifter stories and I couldn’t wait to see how Ms. Sparks would write hers. She definitely did not let me down and it’s safe to say that this is my favorite in the series so far and while that might change with the next book, Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon will without a doubt be one of my top favorites in The Embraced series. It was positively amazing and I wholeheartedly loved it! 

I didn’t love Gwennore as much as her sisters before her, but I really did love her. She’s not easy on herself or on Silas and I wasn’t happy with those little doubts she had because Gwennore is a wonderful person worthy of so much. It takes her awhile and it might frustrate you a little, but please stick with her because she is worth it. Gwennore is kind and brave and she has a pure heart. 

It wasn’t at all hard to love Silas. He’s sweet and can be so soft and romantic at times. He’s utterly devoted to Gwennore and he never gives up on her. He’s determined and funny and fun. Silas is just silly and playful and was impossible not to fall in love. Silas completely stole my heart and I know he will win you over too. 

There are eight simple rules you need to know for when you read this book.
Rule number one: you will get frustrated, so remember to have patience and it’s perfectly alright if you have to mentally punch someone (Gwennore haters) in the face. 
Rule number two: this book will make you laugh and smile a lot, so don’t drink or eat while reading and be sure to let out those laughs because holding them in will send them straight to your hips (I read that on a meme once). 
Rule number three: the road to this happily-ever-after is a bumpy ride, so be prepared for turbulence and hold on tight. 
Rule number four: Silas and Gwennore’s tale is full of thrills and danger and banter, so expect your heart to pound and race. 
Rule number five: when it comes time to read this book, try to do it at time when you’re least likely to have distractions demanding your time because once you start this, you aren’t going to want to stop. 
Rule number six: if you love curses, dragons, and mystery, then you will no doubt love this book. 
Rule number seven: this tale is bursting with so much love and sweet moments that will make you sigh and cause your heart to melt like butter but not literally. 
And finally for rule number eight, keep an open mind and heart because the journey with its heartache, doubts, humor, and light is all worth it to arrive at the destination at the end. 

Well, it wasn’t easy coming up with those eight simple rules for reading Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon, but it had to be done. And now all you need to know is that you can read it as a standalone, it’s told from Silas and Gwennore’s POV, and they do get their happily-ever-after.

~A Hopeless Romantic’s Booklandia, 5 Stars

Starting the third book in a series seems wrong to me and that might be why I couldn’t get into this story. I didn’t have enough information on the other characters to know the back story since the characters of the first books are in this one too.  The plot was slow moving, didn’t feel like Silas and Gwen had a real connection.

Loved the story and characters. It's well written. It's a fun and funny read. I loved it and recommend it.

This enemies turns lovers book is quite interesting.  As this is the third book in a series, I'm afraid that I have missed some of the world building and some of the intricacies of the world.  However, you don't necessarily have to have read the previous books.  Sparks gives you glimpses of the other characters through out.  

Gwen was a good character; although her inability to figure out that the dragon and Silas are one and the same was a bit annoying.  I know she is naive since she grew up on an island but still, it was pretty easy to figure that out.  I enjoyed the mystery of what was happening to the royal family and the ways in which Gwen works with Silas to figure them out.  The villain of the piece was harder to understand, but that comes from not reading the previous books as he was apparently a major character in those.  Learning about Gwen's past was also very interesting and I look forward to the next book where that will be explored more (I think).

All in all, an enjoyable read.  I think I'll pick up the first two books to catch up on everything.

I've read a number of Kerrelyn's books and thoroughly enjoy her writing.  This is my first in this series.  I really enjoyed this book and a going to read books 1 & 2.  I found the story line and the characters interesting which kept me turning pages until the end.