Review: Dragon Bound

Thea Harrison
Paranormal Romance
312 pages
Edler Races #1
Chapter 1&2
Berkley


Synopsis:
Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful - and passionate - of the Elder races.

As the most feared and respected of the Wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they've ignited in each other.

Pia knows she must repay Dragos for her trespass, but refuses to become his slave - although she cannot deny wanting him, body and soul ...

Review
There is no doubt that Dragon Bound is the "it" book of the summer, and I understand it's pull.  Harrison has created a story that is both charming and adventurous with characters you want/need more of.  It's pure entertainment bliss. 


The world in which the story takes place may not be the most impressive, but the love story definitely is.  Pia and Dragos are both magnetic characters, both with their sexual appeal, and by the mysteries that surround them. Pia especially is an easy character to relate to, and I liked her straight away.  She may not be snarky or overly funny, but her reactions are real, and her sentiment is easy to relate to. She acts like you'd think you're best girlfriend would act. This is the statement where I knew Pia and I were going to get along juuust fine. 
"I am an excellent fuck," she hissed. "I am the best thing that ever happened to your sorry, deluded, preejaculating ass. You just didn't have the good taste to recognize it. And you know what? Now I don't even know why I put up with you. I had a better a sex life with five minutes and my hand in the hot shower."   I died.  Who hasn't wanted to tell a sleazy ex-boyfriend off like that.  Pia is a keeper.  


And Dragos. Oh, Dragos.  If anyone is watching Games of Thrones at the moment, in my head Dragos is the actor who plays Khal in the series.  6'4" of pure, unadulterated, primitive male on a stick.  He was created when the universe was, so yeah maybe he's a little out of touch with human emotions. But god, 5 minutes with him and you wouldn't care.  If you think I'm going a touch overboard here, it's only because you haven't read the book yet.  Dragos is arrogant, and bold, and exactly what summer readers need. 


The story is well plotted, if not a little simple at times. But the pacing is perfect and you'll find it hard to stop reading. I know I did! The story is told through an omnipotent POV, giving the reader an almost seamless experience of the events taking place.  There's no guessing how any one character may or may not be feeling here.  Pia has a few surprises that you don't see coming, but mostly we're delighted with full disclosure.  And with a love story, I prefer it. 


Bottom Line: An entertaining first glimpse into a world with dragons, shifters, witches and more, with strong lead characters that offer up a few surprises. But above all, a love story for the ages. 


4 stars