Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book, as this book has already been published, I will not share my review on Netgalley at this time.

I enjoyed the read, but kinda wanted a full novel instead of few short stories. Katsu and Ashe's relationship that often feels like push and pull is really lovely to follow. The chemistry between the characters is something you see and feel through reading. Very enjoyable!

I did really enjoy this book. I loved the characters, I really like how the depth that both Katsu and Ashe had, and how they interacted as different species with different talents. I do think that the four short stories format didn't make as much sense as it would've if it was just written as a novel because each story just followed the same timeline throughout the plot.

3.5 stars. The short stories in this collection linked together so nicely the author could have just published it as a short novel and I wouldn't have noticed the difference! Strong main characters, intentionally awkward romance (that was kind of cute!), likeable side characters (though there could have been more) and lots of questions that still need answering. I have hopes the still unnamed dragon may turn out to be an asset instead of a massive detriment, but that remains to be seen!

From the very start, I liked these characters and their relationship (or rather, their lack of relationship and Ashe’s pining and attempts to get a rise out of Katsu). It was cute and fun from that first interaction, and that vibe carried through the whole book and their whole relationship. Poor Ashe had to work so hard to get Katsu to trust him and open up to him at all and to admit he cared, and even then he barely got anything. As the reader, it was obvious Katsu cared about him a whole lot, but Ashe did not find it quite so obvious and was left having to interpret Katsu’s obscure displays of affection, cloaked in grumpiness and annoyance and stoicism. They were sort of a grumpy/sunshine pair, and it was adorable.

And speaking of poor Ashe, seriously this poor man! In almost every story, he had some horrible injury or illness! It always turned out ok, but my gosh.

There was also sex, and *whew* It never lost the fun though. You could tell these two were just having a good time together, sometimes laughing or messing with each other, and that just made it sexier. Anyway, Ashe was always horny, and luckily Katsu didn’t seem to mind. It was also kind of the only time Katsu seemed to relax and really be vulnerable with Ashe.

The fantasy world was fun. There were elves and magic and dragons. I loved how each character had their own beliefs about magic and how it worked, and as the reader, I don’t actually know which is correct. I just know what they believed and what I witnessed of it in action.

And the dragon! At first I thought, “Aww, cute baby dragon!” But then she turned out not so cute. But still kinda cute, even though she was a problem? At one point, the dragon’s emotional state was described as disgruntled, and I think that’s just a good word to describe this dragon overall. She was constantly disgruntled. The emotional and magical connection between Ashe and the dragon was a cool part of the story too.

This is a collection of short stories, but they’re all connected and strung together like a book. There are also some extra scenes at the end, things that didn’t make it into the stories for this or that reason, with some author commentary.

Overall, I really liked this. I felt for the characters when they were suffering and had a great time with them when they were happy. Their romance was cute, their adventures were interesting, and I’m looking forward to the next book!

I enjoyed this. I did not realize it was a collection of short stories when I requested the book, but they happen so quickly together in the story that it mostly reads like a book. I look forward to the second volume and to read about more of Katsu and Ashe's adventures!

This is an M/M fantasy adventure with high steam
It is a compilation of four short stories that chronicle Ashe and Katsu's journey

We have Ashe, a member of a band of mercenaries, an elf, and a touch...
Well touched - LOL
He is a bit klutzy at times and doesn't always think things through
Brain-to-mouth filter glitches
He is quick to react which often gets him in more trouble - But his heart is in the right place

Katsu, the human, is the gang's healer and maybe more? (not telling)
Very withdrawn, standoffish, grumpy - so many adjectives for him
From the beginning, he has always been just a bit gruffer with Ashe
Who seems to rub his every last nerve raw

In Dragon Hunted the band is hired to capture two dragons. Not as easy as they are led to believe. When Ashe and Katsu get separated during the battle secrets get revealed and desires become tangent.
As the stories progress, we follow them as they journey into uncharted territories, battle new foes, and explore the chemistry between them

This starts out fast-paced and keeps the momentum throughout the stories
Exciting storylines with plenty of action and Smexy moments
Solid secondary characters who bring something to the story

This is a MM Fantasy Romance, with light angst, lots of fun, plenty of action, and some hot-as-hades chemistry between our two MCs

3.5*

I wasn’t sure quite what to expect but I loved the cover and the blurb was intriguing. So I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did. Although I wasn’t completely sold after the first book I soon became hooked.
Don’t be put off by my rating. A book has to be exceptional to get 4*.
Anyway this is an enjoyable series and I’ll be reading the rest of them.

Dragon Hunted - 3*

Okay so this one is different. Ashe isn’t the brightest bulb in the box and Katsu is a bit of a mystery.

Dragon Traders - 3.5*

I enjoyed this one more. I’ve warmed to Ashe and his ability to get into trouble constantly. And Katsu is intriguing.

Dragon Hatching - 3.5*

I’ve settled in now and find I’m enjoying this series, in this one Ashe brings a dragon to life with possible life threatening consequences.

Dragon Whisperer - 3.5*

Ashe is fading as the dragon draws from him. Things get so bad Ashe and Katsu have to leave the group. They head to the only person they think could help. The Dragon Whisperer.

True Love - 3.5*

This is a cute short featuring Robert and Jasper. Although Ashe and Katsu have cameos of course.

Jasper wants to find his one true love and uses an unusual method to speed up the process.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

This was a fun collection of short stories. The two leads had great chemistry, and I enjoyed seeing their adventures. I would love to see them have a full-length epic adventure.book. I could easily see myself sticking with these guys for the long haul. Looking forward to more in the future. Thanks NetGally for the ARC.