This story has good bones, but definitely felt like a debut that is in desperate need of a developmental editor. It's a diamond in the rough that needs a LOT of polishing. I looked to see if this was a debut author and was surprised to see she has several books out.

I enjoyed this book. Well written and full of adventure. The characters are enthralling and very easily suck you into the story. I definitely recommend checking it out!

Princess Marina Hersher is on her way to marry the prince of Brenalin when her caravan is attacked. Dressed as her servant, she decides to keep her identity a secret from the attackers. She is knocked unconscious and is rescued by the dragon, Narud. He is a creature not seen on Feldsvelt for thousands of years. During the days that follow, Marina learns more about the dragon, and finds companionship. Duran Abass is the high prince of Brenalin and can go no farther than the dragon's lair. Dragon and man hold a silent battle for control of their shared body in the cave where Narud intends to keep the princess. The princess knows nothing of this struggle or the dragon's intent, but learns to love them both. Together, Marina and Duran and even the dragon, Narud, join forces to battle against the sorceress for their lives and love.
This was a pretty good book. The story was well paced. The main character was really exciting to follow on her adventure. I hadn’t read this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was not disappointed!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

ARC from NetGalley

1.5 stars

This was bad. There were gaping plot holes that had me re-reading trying to discover what I had missed. The parts that should have shone, didn't. Big reveals were big mehs. It was just disappointing all around.

Meh.

I loved the idea of this book. Dragons! Sign me up! Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me.


I really struggled with the passage of time in this book. The book would refer to a month that had passed, but it felt more like one or two days. Which in turn really confused me and made the romance seem a bit rushed.


He walks in Dreams was also a bit too explicit for my taste. Personally, I don't enjoy reading sex scenes, I just find it really awkward.


I do have to say that I found the world really interesting. The Guardians are amazing! Darcy clearly put a lot of thought and hard work into developing every bit of the world.


And finally, it is such a stupid thing but it developed into a full-blown pet peeve for me. The author mentioned multiple times that the main character smelled like roses. No one smells like roses after they have been attacked and stayed in a cave. This probably won't bother anyone else but I found myself sighing each time I read those words.


I have to admit that I can see how this book would be exactly what someone loves but it just wasn't my piece of cake. I think people who enjoy romance novels more than fantasy novels will really love this book.

A princess and a cursed prince. By day he is a dragon and by night he is human again. A quick and entertaining romantic adventure.

He Walks in Dreams by Darcy Carson, a good first book in the series. A cursed prince and a lost princess with an amoral sorceress seeking the death of both, what could go wrong...

This is the first book I've read by the author. I enjoyed the plot - princess goes undercover as her servant for the trip to her betrothed (whom she has never met), everyone but her is killed. She is rescued by a dragon. The dragon is a man who has been cursed. I also really enjoyed the characters and the world building. It is a combination of fantasy and romance. It was a little heavy in the sex for me.

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought the premise of this book was right up my alley, and I was very excited to read it. However, I felt very disconnected from all of the characters for the entire book, which left the reading experience feeling flat and boring. The point of view switched between three characters which, while necessary for the plot, was a bit hard to follow. I also was super turned off whenever the dragon was in play, because things turned somewhat sexual with Marina, who is a human at the time. It bordered on gross, because after all, he is still an animal. I can understand that she loved him (in her own way) and he loved her (in a very animal-like way), but sexual innuendo was too much for me as a reader. I felt like it went too far.

All in all, it just wasn't the right book for me. I think a love triangle between a man, woman, and dragon is a fascinating plot, but perhaps just not something I should read. Lots of positive reviews for this book, so I think it's just me.