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Dragon Protectors #1
Inception
Their mating will redefine the future...if they don't kill each other first
When immortal warrior Aaron's twin is killed, he's on the verge of destroying himself, only to be saved by the sight of a feisty dragon-shifter who is his fated mate.
Hope's dragon recognizes Aaron as her mate. Yet, she must deny him; for dragon shifters can only mate with their own kind. If she were to accept the mating bond with Aaron, she risks killing him.
Thrown together in a fight to save their two races from the deadly Elysian, a powerful warrior race stronger than any shifter or immortal, Aaron and Hope must defeat this new threat.
But can they also find the way to each other's soul?
When immortal warrior Aaron's twin is killed, he's on the verge of destroying himself, only to be saved by the sight of a feisty dragon-shifter who is his fated mate.
Hope's dragon recognizes Aaron as her mate. Yet, she must deny him; for dragon shifters can only mate with their own kind. If she were to accept the mating bond with Aaron, she risks killing him.
Thrown together in a fight to save their two races from the deadly Elysian, a powerful warrior race stronger than any shifter or immortal, Aaron and Hope must defeat this new threat.
But can they also find the way to each other's soul?
This is Hope and Aaron's story, book 1 in the Dragon Protectors Series
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2018
About the author
Laxmi Hariharan
48 books1,365 followersLaxmi is a New York Times bestselling author of paranormal and contemporary romance.
Her books have been featured in USA Today Happily Ever After and the Guardian, among others.
PS: She insists that you call her Lax!
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Order of reading her books: https://readerlinks.com/mybooks/950
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Her books have been featured in USA Today Happily Ever After and the Guardian, among others.
PS: She insists that you call her Lax!
Claim your FREE books : BookHip.com/WFVDWA
Order of reading her books: https://readerlinks.com/mybooks/950
Stalk her:
Instagram: instagram.com/authorlaxmi
FB: http://laxmihariharan.com/LaxFBPage
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laxmi-Harihara...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laxmi...
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Blurb:
Their mating will redefine the future...if they don't kill each other first
When immortal warrior Aaron's twin is killed, he's on the verge of destroying himself, only to be saved by the sight of a feisty dragon-shifter who is his fated mate.
Hope's dragon recognizes Aaron as her mate. Yet, she must deny him; for dragon shifters can only mate with their own kind. If she were to accept the mating bond with Aaron, she risks killing him.
Thrown together in a fight to save their two races from the deadly Elysian, a powerful warrior race stronger than any shifter or immortal, Aaron and Hope must defeat this new threat.
But can they also find the way to each other's soul?
This is Hope and Aaron's story, book 1 in the Dragon Protectors Series
Blurb:
Their mating will redefine the future...if they don't kill each other first
When immortal warrior Aaron's twin is killed, he's on the verge of destroying himself, only to be saved by the sight of a feisty dragon-shifter who is his fated mate.
Hope's dragon recognizes Aaron as her mate. Yet, she must deny him; for dragon shifters can only mate with their own kind. If she were to accept the mating bond with Aaron, she risks killing him.
Thrown together in a fight to save their two races from the deadly Elysian, a powerful warrior race stronger than any shifter or immortal, Aaron and Hope must defeat this new threat.
But can they also find the way to each other's soul?
This is Hope and Aaron's story, book 1 in the Dragon Protectors Series
October 25, 2018
"Hope?"
Little sparks of awareness skittered over her skin.
He chuckled.
The sound tugged at her lower belly, reaching parts of her they had no business reaching.
"I've been looking for hope." --Aaron & Hope meet for the first time
4.5 stars!
I find a lot of random little gems while perusing Amazon, and this amazing and angsty novel is one of them. The story centers around Aaron--who is an Ascendant, an immortal warrior who is part of the Guardians of the City--and Hope--a dragon shifter who is fighting against her fate for freedom. Aaron is still reeling from the death (murder, really) of his twin brother Zayn and his feelings of guilt when he meets Hope at a bar. There is an instant connection between them, but Hope tries to fight their mutual attraction and sexual lust as she believes that she will kill anyone she mates with who is not a dragon shifter. This proves even more and more difficult as she and Aaron are continually thrust together in order save both of their races from an invading and destructive force--one that proves to be more powerful than both of them separately. They must ultimately combine their powers and learn to trust each other in order to overcome their fears and defeat the Elysians.
He'd seen Hope get engaged, had seen her agree to give herself to another man, and yet he was still alive. How was it possible he was still here breathing when his heart was being slowly twisted and trampled underfoot?
The angst in this novel was so delicious and satisfying and full of pent-up sexual want that I was left sighing and loving every single minute of it. Aaron and Hope know that they are each other's mate, but both of them have reasons for denying this and ultimately hurting the other in their attempt to save themselves. Hope fears for Aaron's life as she doesn't want to be the cause of his death, while Aaron is not fully recovered from the death of his twin and not ready to relinquish his battered and bloody heart to Hope. But through all of the back-and-forth and half-hearted denials, there is a deep love and need and desire for more between Aaron and Hope that won't be ignored.
He wanted her. He'd die for her rather than live a life without her. Couldn't she see that?
Overall, I really enjoyed this emotional, sexy, and fast-paced novel. There was truly never a dull or slow moment, and you can't help but bask in their passionate journey. Definitely recommend! :)
My Aaron Garcia, gorgeous and sensitive immortal warrior and Guardian of the City..
November 28, 2019
Inception: Paranormal Romance - Dragon Shifters, Immortals and Wolf Shifters (Dragon Protectors Book One) is a new series set in the same Many Lives Universe Ascendants Series Post Tsunami World. This is Ascendant Aaron a Immortal Warrior & Hope a Dragon Shifter tale. Aaron, still mourning the loss of his twin Zayne who was killed, on the verge of destroying himself, only to be saved by the site of the feisty Dragon Shifter who is his fated mate. Hope's Dragon recognizes Aaron as her mate. Yet, she must deny him; for Dragon Shifters can only mate with their own kind. A well crafted tale with character's that are complex, keen, tenacious, passionate & flawed. The writing style of this talented author is unrivaled & pulls you into their world with realistic details. A intriguing page turner novel that will keep you at the edge of your seat till the very end. I highly recommend reading this novel & Many Lives Series as they are the bomb! So looking forward to reading the next novel in this paranormal romance series.
January 13, 2021
Ever since Aaron lost his twin brother, he's been in a kind of living limbo. Not really living, just mourning and not caring or feeling much of anything. He spends a lot of time at a bar, getting drunk to try and numb the pain he's in. He's a powerful immortal Guardian but nothing seems to matter to him until Hope walks into the bar.
Hope is a dragon shifter and even though she knows that other shifters exist, many of them don't know that dragon shifters still exist. So when a telekinetic Elysian makes a psychic attack on the bar Hope is at, she fights him to the amazement of Aaron. Even more amazing is when he watches her go outside to stop the Elysian because she shifts into a beautiful dragon to do it.
Aaron knows right away that she is his mate but he allows her to fly away when she's done stopping the attack on the bar. But after talking to her in the bar, he's pretty sure he knows where to find her so he goes looking for her and finds her. But a dragon shifter has been taken and by the Elysians and now Aaron is going to help Hope get her back.
The Elysians are losing the abilty to have emotions because they are losing their empaths so the leader of the Elysians comes to ask the council for volunteers to be their empaths or he'll come back and take a few by force. But one of the Elysians goes rogue and decides to take another dragon shifter hostage. It turns out that it's the Elysian leaders half brother and he's been experimenting on shifters. Again, Hope and Aaron go to rescue the hostage but this time things are different because Hope has agreed to mate with another dragon shifter even though she has feelings for Aaron but believes that only another dragon shifter can live through mating with a dragon shifter because of the psychic bond they would create. She cares about Aaron but doesn't want to risk him dying by mating her. Hope's dragon on the other hand seems to think that Aaron is their mate and little by little breaks through the barriers that Hope put into place to keep the mating bond from clicking into place.
What happens next was so beautiful that I don't want to say more but that it brought a tear to my eye. These two belong together for sure and they are both strong people. I loved that Hope was a strong warrior that could fight right along side Aaron and Aaron loved that about her. He never seemed irritated that she was as strong or stronger than he was in certain situations. No, he was proud of her and it sometimes surprised her.
I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more of this series now.
Hope is a dragon shifter and even though she knows that other shifters exist, many of them don't know that dragon shifters still exist. So when a telekinetic Elysian makes a psychic attack on the bar Hope is at, she fights him to the amazement of Aaron. Even more amazing is when he watches her go outside to stop the Elysian because she shifts into a beautiful dragon to do it.
Aaron knows right away that she is his mate but he allows her to fly away when she's done stopping the attack on the bar. But after talking to her in the bar, he's pretty sure he knows where to find her so he goes looking for her and finds her. But a dragon shifter has been taken and by the Elysians and now Aaron is going to help Hope get her back.
The Elysians are losing the abilty to have emotions because they are losing their empaths so the leader of the Elysians comes to ask the council for volunteers to be their empaths or he'll come back and take a few by force. But one of the Elysians goes rogue and decides to take another dragon shifter hostage. It turns out that it's the Elysian leaders half brother and he's been experimenting on shifters. Again, Hope and Aaron go to rescue the hostage but this time things are different because Hope has agreed to mate with another dragon shifter even though she has feelings for Aaron but believes that only another dragon shifter can live through mating with a dragon shifter because of the psychic bond they would create. She cares about Aaron but doesn't want to risk him dying by mating her. Hope's dragon on the other hand seems to think that Aaron is their mate and little by little breaks through the barriers that Hope put into place to keep the mating bond from clicking into place.
What happens next was so beautiful that I don't want to say more but that it brought a tear to my eye. These two belong together for sure and they are both strong people. I loved that Hope was a strong warrior that could fight right along side Aaron and Aaron loved that about her. He never seemed irritated that she was as strong or stronger than he was in certain situations. No, he was proud of her and it sometimes surprised her.
I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading more of this series now.
September 10, 2018
I thought this was going to be an easy light paranormal shifter read with very little storyline and 2d characters, I was wrong, it has a good storyline, plenty of action and emotion and the characters are anything but 2d.
Hope is a strong dragon shifter who is set up to mate with another dragon shifter to continue their race, but she's so fiery and independent that she struggles with the simple rules her alpha sets her. I love the quarrelling both Hope and her dragon have internally, it's like a mini monologue and its well written by the author that you can her her inner voice as well as you can your own as a reader.
Aaron is an immortal warrior who is lost, a bit broken and trying to find his way back, he was a twin warrior and lost his twin in a battle so now he's living with the guilt of still being alive, of still being able to enjoy life. He's strong, powerful but also lost and suffering immense grief that he doesn't quite know how to deal with, until a chance encounter with Hope gives him a new meaning for life.
Aaron and Hope are so similar in personalities that the clashes were bound to happen, the author wrote these in perfect without drawing it out too much, they battled independence power and well stubbornness too, but in the end these two seemed so well suited to one another that you were turning the pages waiting for it to be realised.
Overall a good story that covered shifters, grief, love and jealousy with a lot of action mixed in there.
Hope is a strong dragon shifter who is set up to mate with another dragon shifter to continue their race, but she's so fiery and independent that she struggles with the simple rules her alpha sets her. I love the quarrelling both Hope and her dragon have internally, it's like a mini monologue and its well written by the author that you can her her inner voice as well as you can your own as a reader.
Aaron is an immortal warrior who is lost, a bit broken and trying to find his way back, he was a twin warrior and lost his twin in a battle so now he's living with the guilt of still being alive, of still being able to enjoy life. He's strong, powerful but also lost and suffering immense grief that he doesn't quite know how to deal with, until a chance encounter with Hope gives him a new meaning for life.
Aaron and Hope are so similar in personalities that the clashes were bound to happen, the author wrote these in perfect without drawing it out too much, they battled independence power and well stubbornness too, but in the end these two seemed so well suited to one another that you were turning the pages waiting for it to be realised.
Overall a good story that covered shifters, grief, love and jealousy with a lot of action mixed in there.
June 15, 2020
Hope and Aaron
She’s a Dragon Shifter, he’s an Immortal Guardian.
There’s a spark between them the minute they meet and Aaron is going to follow and find out if there can be more between them. Hope is not immune to the spark but she won’t follow it it up because if she can only mate another Dragon why take a chance with her heart.
They keep having to team up together and rescue people even though Hope keeps trying to keep distance between she and Aaron.
This read like a fairytale rather than a Romance. Ok plot but Hope’s fears about mating Aaron got very monotonous. I won’t be reading further.
She’s a Dragon Shifter, he’s an Immortal Guardian.
There’s a spark between them the minute they meet and Aaron is going to follow and find out if there can be more between them. Hope is not immune to the spark but she won’t follow it it up because if she can only mate another Dragon why take a chance with her heart.
They keep having to team up together and rescue people even though Hope keeps trying to keep distance between she and Aaron.
This read like a fairytale rather than a Romance. Ok plot but Hope’s fears about mating Aaron got very monotonous. I won’t be reading further.
February 6, 2019
Finding your own path
I love this book! Between the pages are shifters, dragon shifters, immortals, humans and ascendents, even a good guy, disguised as a bad guy, who is trying to prevent the rebels from hurting others. Our hero and his lady struggle through two missions, misconceptions and past hurt to find their HEA. But once they just let nature take it’s course, they fit together with ease. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I love this book! Between the pages are shifters, dragon shifters, immortals, humans and ascendents, even a good guy, disguised as a bad guy, who is trying to prevent the rebels from hurting others. Our hero and his lady struggle through two missions, misconceptions and past hurt to find their HEA. But once they just let nature take it’s course, they fit together with ease. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
May 1, 2019
I really liked this book. The intensity of Hope and Aaron was off the charts. This was a well written story. I am a big shifter fan and this book has them and more supernatural characters.
July 31, 2018
I love a good dragon book and this one was a hit.
Hope walks into a bar in Bombay and meets Aaron by accident. It's not a "Hi, how are ya?" type of meeting. He's drunk and stumbles into her. Being a dragon shifter, she knows from the instant that they touch that he's more than just a drunk in a bar.
Aaron lost his twin brother, Zayne, and is mourning. He can't seem to get a grip on life without him. He spends most of his time at the bar, drinking himself numb. But he is a Guardian of the City. He's a powerful being, but not as powerful as the Elysians.
The Elysians are some bad dudes. They get their emotions from empaths. Well, they're losing their empaths and therefore are losing their ability to feel. Zach, their leader, approaches the Council of Bombay and wants some volunteers to provide empath services (is that even a thing?). But a member of his own council has gone rogue and has kidnapped a dragon shifter in an effort to make her an empath. But the empath has to give willingly and that isn't happening.
Aaron and Hope combine their efforts to rescue the dragon shifter. It was pretty cool how it was determined if Aaron was going to be able to handle the job. It was quite a test *No Spoilers*
Meanwhile, Aaron and Hope are falling in love but they can't mate. If she mates with someone not of the dragon species, her mate will die. The psychic connection from a dragon is too much for a mate who isn't a dragon. Aaron isn't of the dragon species. He's an Ascendant. Besides Hope is already betrothed to Jason, a childhood friend.
I really liked this book. It was a well-written fantasy with characters that were well-defined, interesting, and easy to care about. Vance made me laugh. The plot was tight and it had plenty of action to keep me reading (I had it read in just a few hours). I loved how the author built up sexual tension between Hope and Aaron, but didn't make it smutty. It was done with class and finesse.
I have to say that Aaron tugged on my heartstrings with the way he was dealing with the loss of his brother and then not being able to make a life with Hope. Man, he had it rough! He really deserves a happily ever after.
This is the first book in a series, but has no cliffhangers and can be read as a standalone novel. But after reading this, I want to read the next one.
Hope walks into a bar in Bombay and meets Aaron by accident. It's not a "Hi, how are ya?" type of meeting. He's drunk and stumbles into her. Being a dragon shifter, she knows from the instant that they touch that he's more than just a drunk in a bar.
Aaron lost his twin brother, Zayne, and is mourning. He can't seem to get a grip on life without him. He spends most of his time at the bar, drinking himself numb. But he is a Guardian of the City. He's a powerful being, but not as powerful as the Elysians.
The Elysians are some bad dudes. They get their emotions from empaths. Well, they're losing their empaths and therefore are losing their ability to feel. Zach, their leader, approaches the Council of Bombay and wants some volunteers to provide empath services (is that even a thing?). But a member of his own council has gone rogue and has kidnapped a dragon shifter in an effort to make her an empath. But the empath has to give willingly and that isn't happening.
Aaron and Hope combine their efforts to rescue the dragon shifter. It was pretty cool how it was determined if Aaron was going to be able to handle the job. It was quite a test *No Spoilers*
Meanwhile, Aaron and Hope are falling in love but they can't mate. If she mates with someone not of the dragon species, her mate will die. The psychic connection from a dragon is too much for a mate who isn't a dragon. Aaron isn't of the dragon species. He's an Ascendant. Besides Hope is already betrothed to Jason, a childhood friend.
I really liked this book. It was a well-written fantasy with characters that were well-defined, interesting, and easy to care about. Vance made me laugh. The plot was tight and it had plenty of action to keep me reading (I had it read in just a few hours). I loved how the author built up sexual tension between Hope and Aaron, but didn't make it smutty. It was done with class and finesse.
I have to say that Aaron tugged on my heartstrings with the way he was dealing with the loss of his brother and then not being able to make a life with Hope. Man, he had it rough! He really deserves a happily ever after.
This is the first book in a series, but has no cliffhangers and can be read as a standalone novel. But after reading this, I want to read the next one.
July 28, 2018
Inspiration, Elicit, Revelation, Distinction, Conclusion. This is the reaction "Inception" creates.
I have read a number of Laxmi Hariharan book's, I am still surprised at how beautifully she is able to incorporate the emotional feeling's and personal thought's, idea's and belief's into such easy narration to read.
This is often one of the biggest hurdles many Author's have when trying to relate how character's respond to each other and letting us know exactly how this affects them.
This book has the most wonderful descriptive style letting us step right into both the mind and emotion's of our two distinctive hero's. Your pulled into their world and feel the depth of sensation and questions that are the core reason for this push and pull reaction these determined, strong couple are continually going through.
Even though this is a Paranormal Romance a lot of the question's Hope deal's with are exactly what strong young women deal with today, trying to keep their independence while having a full time relationship. Not wanting to be boxed in or changed is something many of us have experienced some time in our lives, so in a very cleaver and tactical move Ms Hariharan has brought in 20th century thinking into a world of Fantasy and made it fit.
Not wanting to give away any spoilers, your imagination is going to drink the superb description and dialogue used throughout, you cannot help but both laugh and cry with the actions that are seriously incorporated into this intriguing storyline, everyone compliments each other helping where needed and giving everything they can to carry some of the weight. You feel everything they all experience, so please if you love a book full of suspense,love, intrigue and powerful reaction by everyone involved plus a few hot heated scenes, then you should definitely grab this book, you will certainly enjoy every minute of it.
I have read a number of Laxmi Hariharan book's, I am still surprised at how beautifully she is able to incorporate the emotional feeling's and personal thought's, idea's and belief's into such easy narration to read.
This is often one of the biggest hurdles many Author's have when trying to relate how character's respond to each other and letting us know exactly how this affects them.
This book has the most wonderful descriptive style letting us step right into both the mind and emotion's of our two distinctive hero's. Your pulled into their world and feel the depth of sensation and questions that are the core reason for this push and pull reaction these determined, strong couple are continually going through.
Even though this is a Paranormal Romance a lot of the question's Hope deal's with are exactly what strong young women deal with today, trying to keep their independence while having a full time relationship. Not wanting to be boxed in or changed is something many of us have experienced some time in our lives, so in a very cleaver and tactical move Ms Hariharan has brought in 20th century thinking into a world of Fantasy and made it fit.
Not wanting to give away any spoilers, your imagination is going to drink the superb description and dialogue used throughout, you cannot help but both laugh and cry with the actions that are seriously incorporated into this intriguing storyline, everyone compliments each other helping where needed and giving everything they can to carry some of the weight. You feel everything they all experience, so please if you love a book full of suspense,love, intrigue and powerful reaction by everyone involved plus a few hot heated scenes, then you should definitely grab this book, you will certainly enjoy every minute of it.
August 6, 2018
Thus far, I would have to say this is Laxmi Hariharan’s best book yet. I have long enjoyed her use of color to convey emotions, but the narrative of this book takes that skill to a new level. This one verges on poetry, with its lilting cadence and tangible metaphors. The visual images drew me in, binding me to these characters and painting a clear and beautiful (because there's really no other word to describe it) picture in my head. The bond between Hope and Aaron was described in meticulous detail that never became weighed down in repetition or verbosity.
One of my complaints in previous books from Laxmi Hariharan was her dependence on particular phrases that appeared with too much frequency to overlook. With this book, she has perfected her prose by adding variety while still retaining her unique style -- a style that uses brilliant physical imagery to convey intense logic-defying emotions.
I think one of the things I enjoyed most about this story was the slow build between Hope and Aaron. The focus was always on the connection between them and the inescapable strengthening of that bond, even as they attempted to fight it. Though the connection was described in physical terms, the actual physical connection between them was a long time in the making. They had bonded on the soul level long before they bonded physically. When they finally did, at the end of the book, there was something ethereal and spiritual about it that might not have existed without the stronger bonds having been forged first.
Overall, I would have to recommend this book because, as I mentioned earlier, I think it is Laxmi Hariharan’s best to date and I'm looking forward to the next as I expect her skill to increase yet more.
One of my complaints in previous books from Laxmi Hariharan was her dependence on particular phrases that appeared with too much frequency to overlook. With this book, she has perfected her prose by adding variety while still retaining her unique style -- a style that uses brilliant physical imagery to convey intense logic-defying emotions.
I think one of the things I enjoyed most about this story was the slow build between Hope and Aaron. The focus was always on the connection between them and the inescapable strengthening of that bond, even as they attempted to fight it. Though the connection was described in physical terms, the actual physical connection between them was a long time in the making. They had bonded on the soul level long before they bonded physically. When they finally did, at the end of the book, there was something ethereal and spiritual about it that might not have existed without the stronger bonds having been forged first.
Overall, I would have to recommend this book because, as I mentioned earlier, I think it is Laxmi Hariharan’s best to date and I'm looking forward to the next as I expect her skill to increase yet more.
September 18, 2018
Inception by Laxmi Hariharan is a paranormal fantasy romance and the first installment in the Dragon Protectors series. Hope is a dragon shifter, one of the small handful left of a dying breed, she is on the verge of a reluctant but necessary match and mating with another dragon shifter. By chance, she crosses paths with Aaron, an immortal warrior and Guardian of the City, who is grieving the loss of his twin brother. The chemistry between the two is instantaneous...but impossible. A dragon shifter cannot mate with any other being as the intensity is too much for another to survive. When another dragon shifter is abducted by an Elysian – warriors who are even more powerful than both dragon shifters and Ascendants – Hope and Aaron work together on the rescue mission...all the while fighting their own feelings for one another.
Inception is a well crafted piece of fiction with all the right romantic components and a wonderfully unique story line to keep the pages flying. This is a quick read that packs a huge wallop, and the sexual tension between Hope and Aaron are on par with the pace of Laxmi Hariharan's fully-fleshed out action sequences. Haiharan writes in competent, clean, and brilliantly descriptive prose, with verses that stand out in succinct and punchy paragraphs.
“He wanted to run his fingers through it so those thick auburn strands would flow unrestrained around her shoulders again. He wanted to bury his face in those fragrant waves, to slide his arm around her waist and pull her close.”
I'd recommend this series to those who adore the fantasy elements of a paranormal thriller with a love story that carries it through to the end.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
Inception is a well crafted piece of fiction with all the right romantic components and a wonderfully unique story line to keep the pages flying. This is a quick read that packs a huge wallop, and the sexual tension between Hope and Aaron are on par with the pace of Laxmi Hariharan's fully-fleshed out action sequences. Haiharan writes in competent, clean, and brilliantly descriptive prose, with verses that stand out in succinct and punchy paragraphs.
“He wanted to run his fingers through it so those thick auburn strands would flow unrestrained around her shoulders again. He wanted to bury his face in those fragrant waves, to slide his arm around her waist and pull her close.”
I'd recommend this series to those who adore the fantasy elements of a paranormal thriller with a love story that carries it through to the end.
Review written for Readers' Favorite.
June 1, 2022
i didn't really like this book, it started of ok but as it went on i think i just grew to tolerate it less and less. i didn't like the MC's safety spoilers. >:(
November 28, 2018
Wild and crazy
Aaron and Hope met in Alxe's bar trying to get away from life and it's worries for a while. But wouldn't you know, that wasn't about to happen that day. They were drawn to each other right away, and Cain new it. However, an Elysian teleporter male tried to get through everyone's psychic shields and even though Aaron was a strong immortal guardian, he couldn't fight him alone. Hope decided she had to step up and that meant showing everyone her dragon. Now she had to tell Eve were she was a and what went on.
However, Hope couldn't let her feelings for Aaron go. But she was always taught that dragons could not mate with anyone but another dragon because the dragon's psychic shield was so powerful that it would kill anyone but another dragon. And Arron was still wrapped up in morning the death of his twin. Nevertheless they were drawn together to rescue a dragon that was kidnapped by the Elysian, Zachary Quant who needed shifters for the Sian web to replace the emotions of his species.
So when the dragon's started to get kidnapped Arron and Hope were sent to go bring them back. And so the dance between Arron and Hope begins. The dragon's and the council of Bombay unite to get rid of the threat of the Elysians, and everyone knows there is a connection between Aaron and Hope except them because she can't believe that she has found someone strong enough to handle her psychic bond.
It's a great story about love, belonging and strength. With a lot of action that keeps you riveted to the very end. Great story Laxmi.
Aaron and Hope met in Alxe's bar trying to get away from life and it's worries for a while. But wouldn't you know, that wasn't about to happen that day. They were drawn to each other right away, and Cain new it. However, an Elysian teleporter male tried to get through everyone's psychic shields and even though Aaron was a strong immortal guardian, he couldn't fight him alone. Hope decided she had to step up and that meant showing everyone her dragon. Now she had to tell Eve were she was a and what went on.
However, Hope couldn't let her feelings for Aaron go. But she was always taught that dragons could not mate with anyone but another dragon because the dragon's psychic shield was so powerful that it would kill anyone but another dragon. And Arron was still wrapped up in morning the death of his twin. Nevertheless they were drawn together to rescue a dragon that was kidnapped by the Elysian, Zachary Quant who needed shifters for the Sian web to replace the emotions of his species.
So when the dragon's started to get kidnapped Arron and Hope were sent to go bring them back. And so the dance between Arron and Hope begins. The dragon's and the council of Bombay unite to get rid of the threat of the Elysians, and everyone knows there is a connection between Aaron and Hope except them because she can't believe that she has found someone strong enough to handle her psychic bond.
It's a great story about love, belonging and strength. With a lot of action that keeps you riveted to the very end. Great story Laxmi.
February 13, 2018
A new series set up in already familiar world could not get a better opening story.
When Hope walked into the bar, she certainly did not expect to meet the one man who could get under her skin so easily. For Aaron, drunk and beyond himself from grief and loss of his twin, the unexpected contact with the alluring dragon awakened feelings long buried and forgotten. Forming a fragile alliance, the fated mates fight for the safety of their people against the new threat in the form of Elysian, but also fight each other, not willing to submit to their own hearts. Although each of them has different reasons, the mating bond is demanding and hard to resist.
Tense, dramatic, and very hot paranormal romance with endearing couple in the forefront. Both Aaron and Hope are very easy to connect with, emotional, temperament, and so very human. I enjoyed every last bit of their interactions, and also enjoyed the amazing new race emerging in the new world full of magic. Setting up the base for future development, the fast pacing plot and interesting side characters are very promising and already make me impatient for the next installment.
When Hope walked into the bar, she certainly did not expect to meet the one man who could get under her skin so easily. For Aaron, drunk and beyond himself from grief and loss of his twin, the unexpected contact with the alluring dragon awakened feelings long buried and forgotten. Forming a fragile alliance, the fated mates fight for the safety of their people against the new threat in the form of Elysian, but also fight each other, not willing to submit to their own hearts. Although each of them has different reasons, the mating bond is demanding and hard to resist.
Tense, dramatic, and very hot paranormal romance with endearing couple in the forefront. Both Aaron and Hope are very easy to connect with, emotional, temperament, and so very human. I enjoyed every last bit of their interactions, and also enjoyed the amazing new race emerging in the new world full of magic. Setting up the base for future development, the fast pacing plot and interesting side characters are very promising and already make me impatient for the next installment.
April 1, 2018
I received an ARC copy of this book. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
Inception and the Dragon Protectors series are set in a world we are already familiar with, with Laxmi Hariharan's book so I was very excited for this book. What made me even more excited was that this one involved dragon shifters which I'm a huge fan on. So bring on the epicness!
Hope doesn't like to follow the rules of her kind, and that's how she ends up in a shifter bar in Bombay. After the devastation of losing his twin, Aaron just wants to forget. When a new kind of enemy decides to show its face, the pair can't help but form a fragile alliance.
I adored Hope, she was strong and feisty even if she spent some of her time fighting what her dragon wanted. In fact she even ended up scoring between the woman and the dragon. Aaron was so broken, it just made you want to take care of him. Over the course of the story so many things occur to show Hope and Aaron that they are destined for each other, but Hope is determined to fight it at ever step.
I enjoyed the whole story and am really excited for book 2 to come out!
Inception and the Dragon Protectors series are set in a world we are already familiar with, with Laxmi Hariharan's book so I was very excited for this book. What made me even more excited was that this one involved dragon shifters which I'm a huge fan on. So bring on the epicness!
Hope doesn't like to follow the rules of her kind, and that's how she ends up in a shifter bar in Bombay. After the devastation of losing his twin, Aaron just wants to forget. When a new kind of enemy decides to show its face, the pair can't help but form a fragile alliance.
I adored Hope, she was strong and feisty even if she spent some of her time fighting what her dragon wanted. In fact she even ended up scoring between the woman and the dragon. Aaron was so broken, it just made you want to take care of him. Over the course of the story so many things occur to show Hope and Aaron that they are destined for each other, but Hope is determined to fight it at ever step.
I enjoyed the whole story and am really excited for book 2 to come out!
February 12, 2018
In a post tsunami world that destroyed and changed so much of the earth as we know it, we find the romance of a dragon-shifter Hope and immortal Aaron. the then society culture had to expand and include all manners of new living entities. Humans had to adapt. I found the story to be a real page turner and kept reading way too late in the night just to finish it. It is medium paced, the story and plot are excellent. Hope finds herself in a situation where she was to align herself with another dragon in perpetuating the species. However, she was attracted to Aaron immediately and he to her. Not only do they have to accustom themselves to a new world but to a new love as Aaron was grieving the loss of his twin brother. Due to an psychic attacks Hope and Aaron work towards getting rid of the menacing harmful enemy. The characters are well written and developed. An awesome read if you like the paranormal action and adventure. They have their HEA. I highly recommend this book.
July 26, 2018
Laxmi Hariharan’s Inception (Dragon Protectors, Book 1) is the start of what I can already tell is going to be a fabulous paranormal romance series. Dragon shifters, immortal Ascendants, deadly Elysians - good vs evil, action, suspense, intrigue, this book has it all. I loved the romance between Hope (the dragon shifter)and Aaron (the soul-damaged immortal Ascendant), and how they take on all the challenges they face. Added to wonderful world-building in the author’s alternative vision of Earth, and supported by a really well crafted cast of characters, the is a great yarn. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books in this series.
January 19, 2021
I hadn't read a dragon shifter novel in a while so when I saw this one offered for free, I decided to get it. I'm glad I did because it was actually quite a good story! Imagine a world where shifters, vampires, humans, immortals, etc, live in peace with each other. All is well until a new species, called the Elysians, try to take over!!!
Hope is a dragon shifter and Aaron is an immortal. When they first meet, sparks fly and Hope's dragon knows he's their mate but Hope herself will do anything to prevent it since it's a known fact that dragon shifters cannot mate with anyone who isn't a dragon shifter, otherwise that mate will die. All she wants is to protect Aaron but when they are forced to partner up to try to stop the Elysians from their evil deeds, emotions and hearts take over.
Well written with lots of excitement and with characters you can't help but like. I would definitely recommend this book.
Hope is a dragon shifter and Aaron is an immortal. When they first meet, sparks fly and Hope's dragon knows he's their mate but Hope herself will do anything to prevent it since it's a known fact that dragon shifters cannot mate with anyone who isn't a dragon shifter, otherwise that mate will die. All she wants is to protect Aaron but when they are forced to partner up to try to stop the Elysians from their evil deeds, emotions and hearts take over.
Well written with lots of excitement and with characters you can't help but like. I would definitely recommend this book.
February 5, 2019
A rogue psychic power!
Aaron is an immortal, an ascendant, who protects mortals and shifters alike in a Bombay of the future. Hope is one of the last of the dragon shifters who live on Mauritania, not far from Bombay. She is faced with mating with another dragon shifter in order to keep the line pure.
Unfortunately, Fate has other plans. Hope’s dragon recognises her mate and is determined to have him.
Hope doesn’t think that a human can survive a dragon mating. Both her dragon and Aaron are determined to prove her wrong. Before that, however, they have to all come together to fight the Elysians, a faction of whom are determined to rule both the shifter world and the human. A lot has to be resolved before Hope can explain to Aaron that she cannot mate with him and Aaron isn’t listening anyway.
A very pleasant read. Suitable for 18+.
Aaron is an immortal, an ascendant, who protects mortals and shifters alike in a Bombay of the future. Hope is one of the last of the dragon shifters who live on Mauritania, not far from Bombay. She is faced with mating with another dragon shifter in order to keep the line pure.
Unfortunately, Fate has other plans. Hope’s dragon recognises her mate and is determined to have him.
Hope doesn’t think that a human can survive a dragon mating. Both her dragon and Aaron are determined to prove her wrong. Before that, however, they have to all come together to fight the Elysians, a faction of whom are determined to rule both the shifter world and the human. A lot has to be resolved before Hope can explain to Aaron that she cannot mate with him and Aaron isn’t listening anyway.
A very pleasant read. Suitable for 18+.
December 30, 2019
Holy Hannah, this was bad!
Seriously, this was so incredibly juvenile, I can't adequately describe it. Unfortunately, neither can the author. Though I didn't notice as many typos and incorrdct word uses as are often in these types of books, there were some. But what was worse was the immaturity of it all; a constant "tell, don't show" type of narration. Completely superficial, one dimensional characters and absolutely no world building. Even after finishing the whole thing, I have no idea what the year is supposed to be in this book. There are *many* references to a 2014 tsunami, but some refer to it as a distant point in the past (when Hope is around 5) while others seem like it is the 5 years past which would be current day. I am so glad i received this free, I would be furious to have paid for this teenage style writing.
Seriously, this was so incredibly juvenile, I can't adequately describe it. Unfortunately, neither can the author. Though I didn't notice as many typos and incorrdct word uses as are often in these types of books, there were some. But what was worse was the immaturity of it all; a constant "tell, don't show" type of narration. Completely superficial, one dimensional characters and absolutely no world building. Even after finishing the whole thing, I have no idea what the year is supposed to be in this book. There are *many* references to a 2014 tsunami, but some refer to it as a distant point in the past (when Hope is around 5) while others seem like it is the 5 years past which would be current day. I am so glad i received this free, I would be furious to have paid for this teenage style writing.
February 15, 2018
I loved this book so very much. Once again the efforts put into this book are quite obvious. The characters are strong and flawed, but protective and fierce. Aaron, an immortal Guardian, is in a really dark place after the loss of his twin. When he meets Hope, he knows he's found something to live for besides his duty. Her dragon wants him and he wants all of her, but she is running scared. I love Aaron so much, he is thoughtful, playful, extremely handsome. She has expectations on how Aaron is going to react to things and he doesn't. Which keeps Hope off-kilter. I loved that everyone could see their bond but her. I was so excited when I finished I will have a hard time waiting for the next book.
April 1, 2018
Let me tell you, I loved this story; it was just magnificent. I think it's the best of the series. I absolutely loved the main characters and how the author brought forth all of their feelings. Just TERRIFIC and BEAUTIFULLY written. I want to keep gushing, but I think you get the picture. The hero is devastated after a terrible family loss, he doesn't know how he can continue until he meets "the one". Although she feels the strong attraction, she refuses to accept him as she feels their differences will bring him harm. He won't give up trying, as they work together to stop a new enemy. I try not to do spoilers, but I tell you there is so much more happening between the lines I've written here. Do not pass up this book, I'm telling you your going to love it from beginning to end.
July 29, 2018
Another intense adventure of love!
The beautiful Hope and the ruggedly handsome Aaron are torn apart by their intense physical attraction to one a another and their loyalty to their family and political affiliations. They are thrown together against a common enemy, the Elysians. They have to overcome the Elysians or the world as they know it, will end. Eve, the alpha of the dragon shifters will eventually agree to a joint venture between the Council and the dragon shifters. The adventures of Hope and Aaron as they fight their feelings for one another and for the safety of the species is an adventure that is filled with high emotion. Another must read in the saga of the Asendants and the Council of Bombay.
The beautiful Hope and the ruggedly handsome Aaron are torn apart by their intense physical attraction to one a another and their loyalty to their family and political affiliations. They are thrown together against a common enemy, the Elysians. They have to overcome the Elysians or the world as they know it, will end. Eve, the alpha of the dragon shifters will eventually agree to a joint venture between the Council and the dragon shifters. The adventures of Hope and Aaron as they fight their feelings for one another and for the safety of the species is an adventure that is filled with high emotion. Another must read in the saga of the Asendants and the Council of Bombay.
April 20, 2019
Ok well this started off a bit different, I had no clue what was going on but after reading a few more chapters I had to know what was going to happen. Aaron is an immortal ascendant, a warrior, who is grieving the loss of his twin brother, a chance meeting with Hope, has his mind reeling. Hope wants to be free of her obligations, as a dragon shifter she’s obligated to mate with another dragon but her heart isn’t in it. What will happen when her dragon decides her mate is an ascendant with glorious blue eyes?
I enjoyed the story, plot and characters. The idea of all the races living in harmony is good, but you always have one that thinks he has to rule over them all. Lots of angst, good and bad. Some cute moments and a very nice intimate scene, next in the series Eve & Cain.
I enjoyed the story, plot and characters. The idea of all the races living in harmony is good, but you always have one that thinks he has to rule over them all. Lots of angst, good and bad. Some cute moments and a very nice intimate scene, next in the series Eve & Cain.
October 3, 2020
I enjoy the dystopian world that this story takes place in. Memories of the past, still learning about the present and no one is certain about the future.
Hope a feisty young lady who just so happens to be a dragon shifter she is a restless woman and yearns for a freedom she rarely gets to experience. The world she lives in it is rare for dragon shifters to find their fated mates.
Aaron an immortal warrior called an Ascendant there are only eight of them left in Bombay. He is lost since the death of his twin until the day he runs into a mysterious outsider in a local bar. Who is this woman and where does she fit into his life?
Read Bonded to the Dragon you will not regret it. Worth every star and I will be recommending it to friends and family.
Hope a feisty young lady who just so happens to be a dragon shifter she is a restless woman and yearns for a freedom she rarely gets to experience. The world she lives in it is rare for dragon shifters to find their fated mates.
Aaron an immortal warrior called an Ascendant there are only eight of them left in Bombay. He is lost since the death of his twin until the day he runs into a mysterious outsider in a local bar. Who is this woman and where does she fit into his life?
Read Bonded to the Dragon you will not regret it. Worth every star and I will be recommending it to friends and family.
November 28, 2018
I am not that well versed in sci-fi writings but this book was enthralling. The story line was phenomenal with many twists and turns, ups and downs, ensconced in magic and fantasy, with a dose of romance thrown in for good measure. The characterizations were realistic within the realm that they were written for. The main male and female characters were very strong in character and strength, held strong community beliefs and were heroic in their actions. Ms. Hariharan certainly has one very creative mindset to lay out such a fantasy world and then weave a romantic tale amidst all the action and adventure.
Recommended read. :)
Recommended read. :)
October 23, 2018
Fantastic story about a dragon shifter and an immortal
The Immortal is grieving for his twin brother who was killed. It leads greenfeed let himself go, until a bar he meets a female dragon shifter. An enemy to both the shifters and the Immortals attacks the bar.
The Immortal soon realize that the dragon shifter is his mate, but she refuses him because on the psychic plain she fears her psychic powers will kill him. Read the story to find out what happened.
I love the characters who are stubborn, sexy, and totally relatable. The plot is intriguing and has many twists and turns for the couple.
Highly recommended.
bookwormsuzy
The Immortal is grieving for his twin brother who was killed. It leads greenfeed let himself go, until a bar he meets a female dragon shifter. An enemy to both the shifters and the Immortals attacks the bar.
The Immortal soon realize that the dragon shifter is his mate, but she refuses him because on the psychic plain she fears her psychic powers will kill him. Read the story to find out what happened.
I love the characters who are stubborn, sexy, and totally relatable. The plot is intriguing and has many twists and turns for the couple.
Highly recommended.
bookwormsuzy
June 14, 2019
This book really suprised me. I kept seeing excerpts and reviews that caught my attention but when I read the summary I didn't think it was for me after enough times of seeing it come up I caved and read it and I'm glad I did. The whole world and various shifter races made this an interesting read and as much as I thought it would be to much it was great. I was worried some things I read about this that it would be cheesy. But it was really well written and the whole world was very immersive and cool. I might revisit this series again and read some more of the stories within the world! Very pleased with this! Defiently not what I had expected.
February 5, 2021
Good read
Liked the interesting back story that is interspersed through the story. Instead of a boring intro where you get so much info that most of it is forgotten. It helps to make for a sour foundation. I loved Aaron. Poor Aaron who mourns his twin is lost and can’t seem to numb the pain anymore until he meets hope. A fierce dragon shifter. But she keeps her self held back for she knows anyone not of dragon lineage won’t survive the psychic link of a mating. But her dragon has recognized him as her mate. The whole story is a push and pull of them trying to get the other to back off. Even though they know that the other is their mate. Good story.
Liked the interesting back story that is interspersed through the story. Instead of a boring intro where you get so much info that most of it is forgotten. It helps to make for a sour foundation. I loved Aaron. Poor Aaron who mourns his twin is lost and can’t seem to numb the pain anymore until he meets hope. A fierce dragon shifter. But she keeps her self held back for she knows anyone not of dragon lineage won’t survive the psychic link of a mating. But her dragon has recognized him as her mate. The whole story is a push and pull of them trying to get the other to back off. Even though they know that the other is their mate. Good story.
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