I found this book okay but I didn't particularly like either of the main characters which somewhat restricted my enjoyment. The premise of the story was okay, it just lacked something in the character development and the world building but I would read another in the series to see if that is something that is improved upon

I requested to read this book off NetGalley yesterday and I was so engrossed in reading it that I found myself quite taken by the fantasy world created by Mary Auclair.
Great pace, action, romance and most of all a good story line.
A good recommendation for those interested in fantasy and romance because you'll enjoy reading about Aldric's protective nature and Endora's relentless ability to push the boundaries he tries to set up for her. Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial and if this is the first book in the series, sign me up for the second one.

My heart was broken from the first chapter, it was all good up until chapter 16 where I had to take a break. I like the dragon bond and how close they are with them, I didn't like how judgmental Endora was and how she just makes trouble for herself. or how obvious the bad guys were. I would read the next one though.

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

This book is about a new reality on earth. 300 or so years after humans drive earth to the brink of destruction a new race has taken over and stewards the land. These Draekors are lords bonded with Dragons born at the same time and linked for their entire lifespan. However they do not reproduce well and have very few matches, even less true matches.

Endora has an ill child and was once matched to a Lord Aldric, she barters this for money for her daughter. While she is drawn to Aldric she doesn't trust him as a man or a mate, leading to many lies and issues at their beginning. However she will do whatever she needs to in order to save her daughter. What is shocking is that Aldric's dragon claims her as his draekerra, and the rules change.

Old enemies and bigotry rears its head as the couple try to settle into their new life. Will her secrets tear them apart or will the evil spreading across the land destroy them first?


Warning I'm going to spoiler this so don't click if you don't want to know.

Why do authors through in cheating in a marriage to distract the story? It added nothing for me and honestly Endora and Aldric had enough going on. I wasn't sure if divorce wasn't available in this world or if Marriage was not recognized as superseding a mating...either way Endora should have been honest since it didn't seem to do much for the plot.
Wilmer wasn't in their lives at all until magically he appears to try and get her back, after 11 years of nothing. It was talked about briefly but never outlined as to what it meant for Aldric and Endora and then he brushed it aside after the big reveal. I really enjoyed this story except for this issue, but it disturbs me; I abhor cheating and the author made it seem as if the world didn't recognize it as such. I agree that after 11 years the marriage should have been dissolved and count for nothing but that wasn't really discussed.
I liked the characters and the world building, and the heat between Aldric and Endora was intense. The secondary characters were also engaging and the whole concept really drew me in. I will continue to watch for more from this author, but hope for no more odd marriage entanglements

This was so good - I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down. The story and the world building drew me in and kept me. I enjoyed the growth of Aldric from overbearing to partner for Dora. If there was one thing I had to criticize, it would be that the book is too short and there was no real explanation as to how Rhyl actually saved Dora. Is it because he chose her and the other women who died from toxicity weren't really the proper mates?. I really want a dragon :) Can't wait for the next one.

4,5 stars. This was sooo good. I was captivated from the first page.

Okay, I must admit that I wasn't sure whether I should read this book or not because - aliens. But - dragons. You see? I was a bit torn but then the dragon part won and I started reading. And read. And read. Aaaaand...read.
I really enjoyed reading this book! A unique story, well-spun and captivating with wonderful characters.

Lord Aldric Darragon was a bit too bossy but hey, he is important right, so it's probably okay, that he behaves that way especially as he is a bit tense due to all this falling in lust (or even love?) and such stuff. Endora, on the other hand, knows exactly what he wants - protect her young (and dying) daughter no matter what.
Both of them dance to their own tune and fail to trust the other one which might just be their downfall. Or will they start to trust each other soon enough to prevent the catastrophe?

Very lovable characters and an interesting story, I can definitely recommend this book!

What an interesting concept! Dragons having a soul because of the connection to a human. I loved it! Really good story, I enjoyed the whole story, but the one thing I disliked is how much of a fibber our main female lead is. It aggravated me with the ex. Other than that it was a good book and I would look forward to reading more by this author.

Touch of Ice,  Mary Auclair




Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Romance, Sci-fi and Fantasy

I'd never read anything by this author but liked the sound of this. I really wanted to like it but...TBH it was a little too simplistic for me.
Endora, I get why she lied about not having children, what parent wouldn't when their child's life is at stake but I didn't understand why she lied about Wilfrid. Or why that event didn't actually seem to matter.
I though she was far too many times just TSTL. She's ready to blame Aldric for everything – even while melting in lust against him...gah! I hate that. Personal gripe though, its common in paranormal reads so clearly others don't find it an issue. She sees Wilfrid after ten years of being abandoned, no support, no help even when their child was dying and yet ignores the fact that she and the children are huge targets for bloodthirsty killers, skips out against all Aldric's instructions to keep them safe, even when last time she did that the guard almost lost his life – and that time she just wanted some fresh air. This time she thinks Tallie ought to be able to see her dad! WTH?

It's an OK story, better if you can get past Dora's stupidity and judgmental tendencies. The dragon and child thing was a good touch, and I liked Aldric and his family, and the whole dragon structure. I can see how this is going to build into a decent series if you like a kind of simple paranormal romance theme. For me I need a bit more depth, but the best sellers are dominated by books like this so obviously many readers love them, even if I want a bit more substance ;-) Horses for courses, reading taste is subjective. Just because this wasn't right for me doesn't mean others won't love it.

Stars: Three, OK but a bit light and Dora was a real Fail for me.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

Aldric could be a very thoughtful man at times, " ...when he broke the kiss, he touched his forehead to hers. “I am sorry, my little Dora.” He braced himself on her chair. “I want to take you right here, right now, but I have to clean up first.” I loved this book, this is going to be a series I have to one-click, well at least I hope it's going to be a series the cover does say book one.