This was a great story. Predictable, sure. Questions answered, nope. Spicy romance? Yep. Laughs and awww shucks moments? Yes and yes. Will definitely read more by this author.

Four stars instead of five simply for predictability and a little slowness/repetition here and there.

Raine is on an expedition to find the stone dragon but finds she’s been set up & is left to die in a cave after her guide causes the entrance to collapse. Lucius is in the deep sleep of 300 years & has no plan to wake ever until Raine is trapped in his cave causing him to wake.
I absolutely love Raine as she is just so sassy, doesn’t hold back & talks to herself.
This is a continuation of the Forgotten Brotherhood series but even better than that it touches into the Drakon series too.
I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this wonderful book which I am already rereading my best bits!

When a chatty author gets trapped in a cave with a stone dragon, she seeks a way out! Raine has a habit of talking when she gets nervous. When Lucious is awakened from his slumber by a woman’s voice, his first thought is who the heck is she talking to? Together the seek answers to who trapped her on that cave and way? This is a book you can’t put down until the end!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Another highly entertaining and well plotted story in this series. I loved Lucius, had fan, and kept turning pages as wanted to know what was going to happen.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I love this series! I have read most of what this author has written. I love a good dragon shifter book ( or should i say Drakon!). This one took a bit Lucius back in touch with the Brotherhood. But the action, the banter and the chemistry between him and Raine made the journey worth the wait.

I loved the world building and mythology. So great to see familiar faces from the author's Drakon series. Great mix of suspense, paranormal and romance, Perfect read!

I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book, but once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Even though this is the fifth book in a series, it can be read without reading the others first.

The story centers around Raine, a college professor of myths and legends; and Lucious, a Drakon (half dragon/half human). Lucious is a member of the Forgotten Brotherhood. Lucious no longer wanted to be of this world so he went into a self-imposed deep sleep, which, he believed, would be forever. Raine, always looking for proof of myths, is led to his cave and trapped inside. While trying to find a way out of the cave, she somehow awakens Lucious. They get out of the cave and are determined to find out who led her there and why. Their story is filled with twists and turns as they try to figure out why and how this has happened. As their journey progresses, they face many challenges. The story was fast paced, and filled with action, suspense, and of course, romance. A great read!

I never heard of NJ Walters before this, but I do now, and, I will be reading the rest of this series, as well as other books by her.
I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way.

Even though I have not read the previous books in this series, I felt like this book could be read as a standalone. This is the story about Raine Carson, a college professor who has always been fascinated with myths and folklore, who had just literally woke a sleeping dragon (or Drakon in this case). Lucius is the 4,000-year-old half-dragon, half-human who had purposely decided to go into the deep sleep after witnessing so much death and destruction and the fear of becoming a monster. But with the appearance of Raine, he was compelled to wake up after 300 years. He tried to ignore her constant talking, primarily to herself, but with her in danger, he could not let anything happen to her.

I really enjoyed reading Raine and Lucius’ story. I smiled quite a bit with Raine’s constant chattering and watching Lucius navigate through all the changes in the world. The mystery of how and why Raine was the one to be able to wake Lucius definitely kept me invested in their story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the complimentary copy of Ancient Desires. All opinions are my own.

RATING 4.5 STARS

Ancient Desire is book five in the Forgotten Brotherhood series by N.J. Walters. I adore this series and even more, I adore the covers of the books! This book was just a little bit different than the others in that it seemed a little more light hearted. The banter between our two main characters made me smile. But there is also plenty of steam and suspense as the brotherhood tries to again defend a brother from an enemy.

“Something or someone was waking. Trouble was coming.”

Lucius, is a drakon, half dragon, half human. He is four thousand years old. He was part of the Forgotten Brotherhood, a band of paranormal assassins that only kill the worst of the worst in the paranormal world. But three hundred years ago, he had given up and went into a deep sleep which he shouldn’t have been able to be woken up from. But then “she” came into the cave.

Raine Carson was a university teacher of myths and legends. When she is contacted about receiving a grant and told about a beautiful dragon statue deep in a cave, she can’t wait to document it. But things didn’t go as planned and she finds herself trapped in the cave with a dragon that isn’t a statue at all!

Raine had no idea that the subjects she taught her students about were real. That the myths she read about in her books walked among them! She was both terrified and intrigued with this beautiful dragon she found herself trapped with. And Lucius doesn’t know what to make of this woman who should be cowering in the corner but instead is confronting him. Who brought these two together? And why? Now it is his job to keep her safe.

Both Lucius and Raine feel the pull to each other and it doesn’t take them long to give in to it. But they also need to figure out who is after them. They don’t know who to trust including Lucius’s friends in the Brotherhood. Do they still stand behind him or are they against him?

“He’d lay waste to the world to keep her safe.”

Keeping Raine safe is a full time job since time and time again she literally throws herself into the middle of things when Lucius tells her to stay back. And every time, he falls deeper for her. And Raine can’t imagine what this sexy man/drakon sees in her, an accident prone teacher.

This really was fun. Raine was so brave and definitely kept Lucius on his toes, or claws, whichever form he was in! And poor Lucius definitely can’t seem to control his protectiveness over Raine, even when confronting the angry archangel Gabriel. Raine and Lucius seem to have plenty of enemies but as they fight to stay alive, their bond strengthens.

We didn’t get to see as many of the other characters in this book except Maccus and Morrigan. Also Sven from the previous book makes an appearance and a new character, Rivka. Could this be a hint at what might be to come in the future? If so, I’m all in! I also want to mention that if you enjoy meeting Lucius, Ms. Walters has another entire series in the drakon world that I loved, Blood of the Drakon.

“I have seen the seven wonders of the ancient world. You are the eighth. No, you are the wonder of wonders.”

*Received a copy for review.*
I am really loving this series. This installment finds a human professor of mythology accidentally awakening a Drakon, a dragon shifter.
This book moves fast. Lots of action including being hunted by a group who wants to kill one or both of them.

Initially I was interested in this book because the synopsis promised a unique story. I wasn’t disappointed! This is my first paranormal romance involving a drakon.

The author did a great job of incorporating the paranormal character’s history with Raine’s daily life. The author explained Lucius’ history and the mythology behind drakon’s without being overly descriptive. It was simple and easy to understand. That being said, I believe this book would be a good read for readers new to paranormal romance as well as seasoned readers!

Additionally, I thought Raine and Lucius had a really cute dynamic that kept me interested until the end! Their connection was immediate and steamy!

Raine Carson has been given a huge opportunity. She now has the money and contacs to research mythology properly. A hidden dragon carving is too important to miss. Our brave heroine is soon to discover there is much more for her to learn about the dangerous world she lives in.
Drakon Lucias went into the Deep Sleep because he tired of all the death and destruction he caused. He's really trying to ignore the non stop chatter from the annoying female who has invaded his cave. Our hero is the monster who was sent to destroy other monsters. Whoever has caused this disturbance will find they should have let a sleeping Drakon lie.
An action packed, sexy paranormal romance filled with danger for our wonderful characters. The excitement will keep you enjoying every page.
This is part of a series but each book can be read alone. You might meet with characters from previous or even future books. That will whet your appetite for more.
I loved it.

The twists have twists. It starts with getting your heart beating quickly and then it goes through a head rush and then that cliff....all I can say!!!

I haven't read all of the Forgotten Brotherhood stories, but this book was a stand alone in the series. The other characters made appearances. Lucius and Raine were good characters and I enjoyed the story.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I believe that this is part of a series, but it reads well as a stand alone. Raine is an interesting person who is amazingly good at adapting to new things. Lucius is also able to adjust-since he slept for a very long time. I enjoyed this book, but felt it ended sort of oddly-no true closure. It was fun to read and the chemistry between the main characters was fun. Truly enjoyable read. 4 stars

Another enjoyable read in N.J. Walters’s Forgotten Brotherhood series! Half dragon, half human, Lucius never expected to wake from the eternal slumber he put himself in when he became disenchanted with the human world. But when college professor Raine becomes trapped in a cave with him, she inadvertently wakes Lucius in dragon form and changes both of their lives forever.

Raine and Lucius are great characters, and I enjoyed their story. Raine is so fun and chatty, and she talks to herself as a form of encouragement. Her endless chatter is something Lucius isn’t used to. He’s more reserved and intense than Raine, but she softens him a bit. Both characters learn life-altering news. Raine leanrs that there is a whole supernatural world she didn’t know about, and Lucius must become reacclimated with a world he hasn’t been in for 300 years. It’s interesting to see how they both react to and deal with everything. And their chemistry is great! They have great banter and communication! Plus, their romance has reverse Sleeping Beauty vibes and the fated mates trope, which I really enjoyed.

I also liked the mystery behind why Raine is sent into Lucius’s cave. Did someone know that she and only she could wake him up? And how was her guide involved? Raine and Lucius work together to get to the bottom of the mystery, and they even get help from another in the Forgotten Brotherhood. If you read the first books in the series, you’ll be happy to see a few familiar faces!

This is the fifth standalone book in the series, and it is a fun read for readers who enjoy sexy paranormal romance. Thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

This book ended up being different than expected. Good different. I didn't expect evil angels... Raine is thrust into the world of things that go bump in the night leaving her with a Drakon! Fast paced, hot and twisted it's a very good read.

Dragons !!! Gotta love them.

I enjoyed this book, a very light read. As per the records, it's book 5 of a series, but can be read as a standalone. This is the first book I am reading and it went with the flow. Some previous characters were introduced but didn't cause any friction in the story. This reminded me of Black Dagger Brotherhood, in a good way.

Cons
For me the plot was a little anticlimactic, I enjoyed the story, but not the ending, I guess I need complete closure, on the problem at hand. Plot 2/5
It was steamy, but ultimately, the story needed to back up, and support the attraction, so it kind of fell flat.
**I received a copy of this book from Entangled Publishing and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review. My opinions are my own and not solicited in any way. **

Quick Summary: Awkward and unbelievable

My Review: Ancient Desire by N.J. Walters was my first exposure to the Forgotten Brotherhood series. Unfortunately, I didn't love book five. (To each his own, right?)

What I Liked:
- Presenting a pseudo, reverse "Sleeping Beauty" concept was genius. Having a drakon awaken from a Deep Sleep because of a kiss had amazing appeal.
- The mysterious air surrounding why R was able to arouse L from his prolonged slumber was intriguing.
- I really liked the idea that R was an academian who was on a quest of sorts.
- L being half and half was a huge draw. (And that body art was a winner!)

What I Did Not Like or Had Trouble With:
- I thought this couple lacked true chemistry. They came across as awkward. At certain points, their connections were amateurish.
- After hearing R speak, it was incredibly hard to take her seriously as a professor. From the beginning, she seemed unbelievable. Her language was, at times, immature.
- Even with his advanced capacity to learn and to adapt to his environment, L's almost immediate comprehension and mastery over the language of the times (inclusive of slang and popularized colloquial speech), in comparison to when he went into the cave to sleep, was not convincing. The same applies to his driving and his use of tech.

My Final Say: This was a challenging read for me. I found myself picking the book up and putting it down often. I had to rally to keep pushing through it, if I'm to be honest. What should have been right up my alley was so not.

Rating: 2/5
Recommend: +/- -
Audience: A
Series: Yes

Appreciation is extended to Entangled Publishing and to NetGalley, who provided access to this work in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and have not been influenced by the aforementioned in any way.

Ancient Desire by N.J. Walters is book five in her Forgotten Brotherhood series.

Lucius was tired of trying to live up to, or down to, the drakon legends, so he went to sleep…for three hundred years. College professor, Raine Carson, is used to teaching history not becoming part of it. She kissed him; he woke up. And the rest, as they say, is history.

N.J. Walters continues to impress with her latest installment to the series. These main characters were just as well-conceived and well-developed as others in the series, but I was less enthralled by them, initially, though the storyline is still engaging. The build up was slower in this novel than in previous ones, but the ending was still satisfying. The world-building continues to impress. There is some explicit content, but it’s storyline appropriate. I finally “got” the connection I was looking for and found Ancient Desire to be a 3.5 rounded to 4 out of 5 star read. I recommend it to all readers of paranormal romance.

My thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled Amara, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

Another brotherhood book about Lucius a 4000 years old dragon shifter who has been asleep for more than 300 years . A professor , Raine. who studies myths and legends manage to wake him up because she is his true mate. They are both wildly attracted to each other. Lots of romance, action and suspense. Another terrific book!

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.