DRAGON MATE - Jory Strong
Supernatural Bonds, Book 5
Ellora’s Cave - www.ellorascave.com
ISBN: 978-1-41992-129-2
March 2009
Erotic Paranormal Romance 

The realm of dragons and Florida - Present day

Kirill is continually amazed at the foolishness of younger dragons who let their mates dictate where they’ll live and what they’ll do. Having seen his future mate centuries before in a magic mirror, Kirill is about to set out for the human realm and claim her for his own. They’ll then immediately return to the realm of dragons where he’ll guard and love her forever. That’s his plan, right up until he meets Jazzlyn, his human mate, in the flesh.

Jazzlyn McCabe is certain her cousin Carolyn is in deep trouble. Despite Caro’s consistently bad choices in men and careless disregard for her family, Jazzlyn is determined to rescue her with or without her family’s help. Thanks goodness for Aislinn, a friend of a friend who’s rumored to have an uncanny ability to find lost people. Just stepping into her shop, Inner Magick, makes her feel all kinds of magical things are possible, and that’s before she even meets Kirill.

Fate has finally brought these destined lovers together, but will the dark taint of evil separate them before they can embrace a future together?

While Jazzlyn never dreamed of being a DRAGON MATE (not surprising since she has no idea they’re real) she has always fantasized about being claimed by a dominant male who will treasure her forever. Incredibly shy for most of her life, Jazzlyn doesn’t have the same innate confidence that many women with her age and beauty display, however, the heated look in Kirill’s eyes does much to alleviate her concerns of desirability, as do his statements of possession. A mistake in Kirill’s youth cost him greatly and he only recently gained his freedom from the curse bestowed on him by an angry sorcerer. However, the vulnerability he sometimes shows only adds to his appeal in Jazzlyn’s eyes. Make no mistake though, Kirill is every bit a fierce dragon who will protect his mate at all costs, even as he finds himself in the previously unenviable position of allowing her some say in their future. Their chemistry is highly combustible and you’ll be left in no doubt as to the appeal of a dragon mate. ;-)

Though this enchanting tale focuses mostly on Kirill and Jazzlyn, readers of the Supernatural Bonds series will certainly recognize Aislinn, the half elf who proves invaluable in finding Carolyn. Also extremely important to Kirill and Jazzlyn’s future is Marika, the Drui (healers of astounding ability) mate of Xanthus (Kirill’s soon-to-be-named heir) and Tallis (a Sjen - guardian spirit). Hakon, a dragon prince, doesn’t feature largely in this tale but his aid is important in achieving a happy ending for Jazzlyn and Kirill. Given his reaction to Kirill’s mating (he’s inspired to sing a bit of  “another one bites the dust”) I’m eager to see how he’ll react when he finds his own mate. Despite being a high priority to Jazzlyn, Carolyn doesn’t actually appear in much of this story, though her boyfriend, Mark, certainly leaves quite an impression. Hopefully Caro’s future will be as bright as Jazzlyn’s. Jory Strong has a talent for creating characters you wonder about, even some of whom you don’t actually get to meet, like Alexandria, Jazzlyn’s best friend. She’s as eager for a man (the right man) in her life as Jazzlyn once was.

If you love dragons (and honestly, how could you not?!) you’ll thoroughly enjoy this passionate story whose main characters will capture your heart and leave you feeling satisfied and sad to see them go at the same time. Luckily, there are nearly endless possibilities for future stories in the Supernatural Bonds series, so readers are sure to see Jazzlyn and Kirill again. Stop by www.jorystrong.com for a complete listing of the books already in existence and news of future tales. And in the meantime, what are you waiting for? Stop by Ellora’s Cave today and grab a copy of DRAGON MATE! It’s got my full approval and I’m sure it’ll earn yours. :-)

Lori Ann