Family of Fire (Dragon's Mate #1) by Hope Bennett

Family of Fire (Dragon's Mate #1) Reviews

• 
  Megan

  MM Romance
  Fated Mates-dragon shifters
  2.5 Stars ⭐️
  
  This was just free so I grabbed it and it was a bit annoying tbh. I love the idea of fated mates especially how they just know from the first time they talk, touch etc that they are mates but these two were so damn idiotic and oblivious that I wanted to bash my head against the wall. Morgan was extremely innocent so I understood why he was maybe confused but for Lew to not understand what his dragon was telling him just made me stabby. So there was all this really annoying inner dialogue in both their POVs wondering why they felt things like jealousy, possessiveness, vulnerability etc to the point I almost DNF’d this thing but it’s so hard to DNF books I own even if I got them for free.
  
  Lew and Morgan are both dragon shifters from different clans. Lew is a part of the Hoskins clan and a curaidh dragon and Morgan is from the Somerville clan and a uasal dragon. Curaidh’s are warriors and train others to protect their own castles so when Morgan is sent by his clan to learn to fight, he is paired up with Lew. They have this instant attraction to each other but Morgan is from a clan of dragons that are very formal and standoffish which has ruined Morgan’s self confidence and Lew is just a moron who flirts with everyone but can’t see what’s right in front of his face. Curaidh and uasal dragons are also not very fond of each other and it’s considered forbidden for them to mate.
  
  I liked this enough that I want to read the next one because the couple it’s about really interest me but this book’s couple were kind of boring. The sex scenes were pretty hot but there was a lot of drama and not just because their union would be forbidden but other external factors that just had no reason to be there. All the extra crap made this book dragggg and when I saw on goodreads it was over 400 pages I wanted to die. Strangely enough though the kindle book is only 330 pages so I guess it’s a typo on here?
  
  My biggest complaint about this book wasn’t the couple or the OTT drama but the fact I felt like I was missing something. The way this was written made me feel like I was supposed to know wtf uasals and curaidhs were before I was told. Even after it was explained a bit, I still felt like I was missing important information yet this is the first book in the series and I didn’t see a prequel anywhere. I absolutely hate starting a new series and feeling out of the loop. I’m not sure if it’s just this author’s writing style or what but it didn’t work for me.
  
  The other issue was the spelling and grammar. This book has a disclaimer about using British English but there were lots of the wrong words being used like I’m pretty sure “waking” is not the same thing as “walking”. Same with “who” vs “wo” among other words and it took me completely out of the story because sentences made no sense. Here’s an example:
  ”I set off for the cliff path quickly.  No way did I want to get stuck behind Lew waking up there, with his arse right in front of my face.”
  
  The other thing is my problem and not the book but Morgan is the name of my sister in law so having it as one of the main characters was a tad off putting at times but like I said that’s on me and I didn’t hold it against the book.
  
  The reason the couple of the next book intrigued me though was because it’s going to be enemies to lovers second chance and Dane is so possessive over his mate already that I just know it’s going to be explosive. There is more than meets the eye with them and I’m just really excited to read it. I can only hope the editing is better and it doesn’t bore me to tears. 😂
  
  Thankfully there is no mpreg in this book and I’m pretty sure for the entire series. Every time I read the word “uasal” I kept seeing “nasal” and it made me laugh. 😂
• 
  Saimi Vasquez

  Morgan siempre ha hecho lo que ha querido su padre Lord Barrigton, asi que cuando le dice que tiene que pasar 6 meses entrenando en el castillo de los curadih, empaca y se va con ellos para alla. Lo que no espera es comenzar a sentir que todo lo que le ha dicho su familia sobre estos dragones es mentira, la vida en el castillo es tranquila, casi todos son amables con el y el empieza a perder un poco su rigidez en su forma de comportarse, sobre todo con Lew, su entrenador y al parecer tambien su guardaespaldas. Pero eso no lo hace mas facil, porque la atraccion que siente por Lew es tan grande que esta impidiendole enfocarse en otras cosas que se supone que debe estar haciendo, como entrenar.
  Lew es amigo de todos dentro de su familia, despues de pasar 100 anos en la Armada Fife, sabe que es uno de los mejores luchadores de la familia y por eso es uno de los principales entrenadores. Ahora su Nana le asigno entrenar al hijo de Lord Barrigton, el jefe de los uasal, por los proximos 6 meses, asi que el y Dane seran los encargados de lograr que el joven aprenda a luchar. Lo que no espera es sentir enseguida una atraccion tan grande por el joven, sobre todo con la actitud que tiene. Pero poco a poco comienza a conocerlo mejor, y la atraccion entre ellos crece mas y mas, y aunque el nunca seria capaz de actuar a favor de esos impulsos, se pregunta si Morgan tambien sentia lo mismo.
  Asi que cuando Morgan y Lew descubren que son "pareja" solo el temor de Morgan por lo que su padre le pueda hacer a los Hasting, es lo que le detiene de aceptar por completo a su "pareja". Pero pronto se daran cuenta que cuanto mas pronto se enlacen mejor, porque quizas pueda ser la unica oportunidad para Morgan de ser feliz.
  
  La historia al principio me parecio interesante, el universo, lleno de dragones, magia, clanes, parejas-destinadas, es de las cosas que mas me gustan de este tipo de libro. Sin embargo, por lo menos la mitad del libro, fue demasiado densa, los protas eran demasiado planos, no hubo nada de ellos que me atrapara, ni siquiera el temor de Morgan por su padre o el amor por su hermano. Igual me paso con Lew, era un personaje que deberia de ser simpatico, un poco despistado, pero con fuerza, y fue tan plano que casi aburria.
  En cuanto a los secundarios, casi todos son cliches, La Nana que es amorosa, pero fuerte, el que esta enamorado del prota y este ni se da cuenta, el mejor amigo que tiene problemas y todos se alejan, el hermano que tiende a ser tonto.
  Me hubiera gustado ver mas del entrenamiento, o de algunas de las reuniones Morgan-Nadia, o un poco mas de la relacion Lew-primos, o Lew-Dane. Pero hubieron tantos y tantos pensamientos y mal interpretaciones, y cuando por fin hablaron, todo se arreglo como zas, resulto aburrido.
  No es una mala lectura, solo tienes que aceptar que el predecible, con un comienzo demasiado aburrido, unos personajes que no son gran cosa y un "final-feliz" que se siente demasiado incompleto. Asi que no creo que vaya a leer el resto de la serie por ahora, quizas mas adelante cuando quiera volver a leer sobre dragones y romance.
• 
  MariF

  I'm not rating since I was not able to finish this book. Picked it from KU but the writing style did not work for me.
  I got as far as 40% after which I threw the towel in. This book had all the elements that should have pulled me in but somehow I was bored and could not keep my attention or care for either MC.
  The juvenile "he likes me, he likes me not" and the misunderstanding with the resulting jealousy/cool behavior without attempting to discuss matters like adults is a pet peeve of mine.
  But the biggest issue for me was the writing stile that did not engage any of my emotions.
  
• 
  Dan

  I didn't know what to expect from this series, other than dragons and romance. This exceeded my expectations. The world building is clear yet leaves more to be learned. And Morgan and Lew make for a lovely couple. I'm actually pretty excited to get to the next books! So glad I have the box set!
• 
  Jewel

  It was ok.
• 
  Holly Hippers

  Thoroughly enjoyable with enough steam to make you blush.
  
  I normally don’t go for dates mates/insta love stories but this one really made my week. Seeing Lew and Morgan fall for each other and just be lovable buffoons as they have misunderstandings galore was a treat. Even though it played on the miscommunication trope it didn’t feel forced or too annoying like some stories and I think the resolution that led to them confessing was done so well!
  
  I did think some of the plot points were a little bit obvious and the jealous lover scorned could have been explored in more depth. I also think he could have had more of an underhanded and explored villain arc as (especially with the climactic events at the end) it felt a little rushed and I would have wanted to see the frustration build, like in the earlier chapters, so that the overall redemption/climax/happy ending has more of an impact!
  
  One think this book had in spades was great characters. Not only did we get to see the layers of our two main heroes but also the other members of the Hoskins clan. Morgan is my favourite character type, a closed off sweetheart just waiting to be able to bloom into their best self and him having Lewis being a fierce bamboozled protector just made me melt. Nadia, Nana and Gramps also deserve a special mention - they felt so good and I want to be part of their family too! Not seeing them in all the chapters really speaks volumes of the authors talents as I felt as though I could understand them almost as much as the main heroes.
  
  I cannot wait to read about Dane and Soren in the next book - I think this is a series I am not going to be able to put down.
  
  5* from me.
  
  I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Sadie Loves Reading

  Let me start the review by saying that I enjoyed the first book to the next two books in the series. And the review is about the whole series as I read it in a sequence.
  The outline of the story and the world-building is very good. The characters are somewhat well-established.
  What is dragging the book down? Well, it is the dialogue and the subplots. Furthermore, the timing of the event happening in the book makes no sense.
  I strongly believe that this book had potential but unfortunately the narrative was a drag.
  
  ***𝙵𝚊𝚖𝚒𝚕𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚎***
  
  I liked the first book, Lew and Morgan are my favorite couple in this series. Morgan gives all cold vibes but he is a sweetheart whose life has been controlled and ruled by his father. Lew is an honest and brave warrior. He is protective and cares a lot for Morgan.
  
  ***𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝙵𝚒𝚛𝚎***
  
  Dane and Seren were introduced in the first book, Dane was rejected by Seren and heartbroken for years. Even though his heart was in pain he always was there for Seren to protect him. Seren had a reason for his rejection but now he yearns to take control of his life. It's a second-chance romance and hence I can't say much.
  
  ***𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙿𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎***
  
  The third book is about Prince and Darren. Prince is the cousin of many cousins introduced in this series. Darren is a security consultant who is also a gargoyle. He is a headstrong, career-oriented workaholic whereas Prince is young, sweet, and a bit messy.
  
  Overall it was average for me, low on angst. You good give it a chance if you love dragon shifter and fated mate kinda story. It did have a few amazing moments.
• 
  Mai

  This book is really good and a very promising opening to the series. I found the author’s writing to be extremely compelling and quite fun and found myself laughing out loud several times, despite the dark and deep themes of the book.
  
  The romance in it is great as well and I loved both MCs. It has the perfect amount of angst and miscommunication, balanced at the perfect point with them being open and getting together and then dealing with obstacles together.
  
  Morgan is a sweet dragon who has been emotionally abused by his father who is basically a tyrant. He has been forced to fold into himself, constantly hiding how he feels behind a blank mask for his own protection.
  When he is sent to the Hoskins castle to learn how to fight, he founds himself absolutely amazed by how different life is over there. They aren’t forced to wear formal wear to dinner, they can have fun and play games, they are informal with each other and even with their Elder who is respected and obeyed but not feared. They are a family. And, to add to all of that, Lew is part of that family and Morgan’s trainer.
  
  Lew is the best fighter in the Hoskins clan, which is a clan of fighter dragons. When Morgan arrives to be trained by him, he can’t get his eyes off him.
  
  Turns out, these two dragons are fated mates.
  
  Beautiful story, I really recommend it.
• 
  Lexee Toste

  I really enjoyed this story! It pulled me in from beginning to end. I loved watching Morgan and Lew get together and start figuring things out. They definitely have some obstacles that they have to overcome in order for them to be together with people thinking that they shouldn't be together with royal and common. The plot was good and it developed very well and kept my attention the entire time. There were some twists and turns within the story and some action. I enjoyed the way that things built up as it fit the characters and really built the foundation for the story and made it believable. I will definitely be continuing this series and am excited to see the next books.
  I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
• 
  M Will

  Morgan and Lew's story was very sweet, if somewhat slower than I anticipated. A true slow burn romance, both characters are adorably naïve where relationships are concerned. The story provides some great world building and introduces us to the author's world of paranormal, with what I see as implied castes in the dragon world, recently broken and leading to some creative chaos when the two dragon clans interact.
  I loved both characters. Once the story picks up it has some good pacing, definitely some angst and inner turmoil and action. Oh and some nice MM spice.
  
  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  MaitanaB

  This is the first book by this author I’ve read.
  I really enjoyed Morgan and Lew’s story, because who doesn’t like hurt/comfort mixed with dragons?
  
  Morgan’s story was so interesting and sad, his family sucks and he doesn’t know how typical families should interact.
  
  Lew’s background was equally interesting, coming from such a large family, I really enjoyed reading his interactions with each family member.
  
  I also enjoyed the world building, how the descriptions of the different species of dragons were explained and how they don’t get along.
  
  Overall this story was intriguing, and I really enjoyed it!
  
  3.5/5 ✨
• 
  Maddy

  I think Hope Bennett will become one of my must-have authors. I like the writing style and how sweet the stories are. While I had read some of the shorter books by the author, I hadn't tried this series yet. I quite liked it and can't wait to read about Dane and Seren. That tension! It was a bit too long and drawn out, but considering it is the first in a series and some world building had to be made, nothing could be done about that. I still enjoyed the story and its sweetness. I am always up for fated mates, dragons and magic, so this was right up my alley :)
• 
  Joanne Mccorkell

  Lew and Morgan are adorable. While both had heard of the legends of curaidh and uasal pairings, as it hadnt happened in many years, people believed it to be a myth.
  Morgans people are very private, thry hide things from other clans and eachother, leaning that Morgans magic was a surprise to everyone. While the big bad warrior of the Hoskins clan, is actually a big marshmallow, who would do anything to avoid hurtimg his family and mate.
• 
  Kathreadall

  Family of Fire was such a fun ride!
  
  Morgan is a sweet, sheltered dragon who matches so well with outgoing Lew! Lew feeling all protective of his Morgan is adorable, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow over the course of the book. Lew showing Morgan what a kind and supportive family looks like was really heartwarming, and that ending was so sweet. And of course the smut was fire!
  
  Excited for the next book in this series!
• 
  Jennifer

  3.5 ⭐️ at times this seemed very much like high school drama. The conversations juvenile and behavior immature which I wasn’t expecting. That aside the second half was much better and ended on a much better note. There was action and heat in the second half and the story absolutely became more interesting. I’d be willing to give book 2 a chance. The MC for book 2 we’re introduced here and I’m intrigued..
• 
  C.Gard

  3.5 Stars
  
  This was actually a very sweet story. The couple was quite lovely with each other. I wanted to see more relationship development. I also wanted a bit more intrigue, which we didn't really get. I was also a bit more interested in Dane's story, which I will be reading next! Overall, this book was a decent read, but it didn't have that special something that fully snatched my attention and made me really fall in love, unfortunately.
• 
  ...

  This one was a lot of fun. As another reviewer commented, some of the writing felt... immature? But I really don't care 🤣 I was 100% down with the deliciously possessive/shy feelings between Lew and Morgan, and the fact that - as with the other series I read with this author - I smiled and literally LOL'd at times as I read it.
• 
  Saskia Veldhuis

  3.5 stars. Worldbuilding for a series takes some time to do in the first book. However, this took some time but still didn't really given me a good feel for the world. The story picked up later on in the book and became much more interesting. Lew's family is great. Looking forward to the next story.