REVIEW: Here Be Dragons

Here Be Dragons by T.A. Chase


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have to say that the first reason for my choosing this book to read and review was the cover and the premise behind this paranormal story. The fact that I had yet to read a book that featured a main character named Hugh was also another reason.

Summary: Herpetologist, Kael Hammerson is hiding in Ireland working at a research lab. While Ireland may seem a strange place for someone in his field, it was the furthest away he could get from his abusive ex-partner. Now, a year later, his heart is ready to heal.

Kael's boss, Hugh Price, is very interested in Kael, but is afraid to cross the line from employer to lover. When a strange sea creature is brought into the lab, Hugh and Kael are swept into a fight for their lives and the lives of mankind.

Dragons have returned and the men must decide if their own love can survive the interference of a goddess.

Note: there is a sequel -- Dreaming of Dragons

What I liked about this book: The story is fascinating and the premise behind the idea of creatures crossing over the realm between legend and reality is well detailed and engrossing. The chemistry between the two main characters is palpable and I like that while the attraction is mutual from the onset, the relationship builds as the plot develops for the reader. One minute you're salivating over the sexual tension between Kael and Hugh, the next you're sitting at the edge of your seat wondering how they're going to escape the sea serpent! I have to say that my favorite characters in this book were actually the secondary characters, Mordred and George. Yes, THAT Mordred and St. George. :D

There are lovely scenes with the four of them feasting on each other that had me licking my lips and going back to re-read because the passion between the four was so palpable, it was entrancing.

The only thing that gave me pause with this book, several times in fact, was the constant grammar stumbling blocks I had to hurdle over. The constant replacement of "then" for "than" and "breath" for "breathe" had me going back and re-reading which took me away from the action of the story. Authors, PLEASE have an editor thoroughly read your book before publication! It takes away from your story when your readers have to go back and re-read something because of a typo or misspelling.

Excerpt: Kael would have to remember to thank the knight. He scratched his stomach. Damn, he was sticky. A sudden thought hit him. Hugh had come inside him. Shit. They hadn’t gotten the test results back. So much for being cautious.

Mordred appeared next to him. The elf tugged on one of his nipple rings. “Silly little one. George told you that unless there’s special magic involved, what happens in the Realm of Dreams stays there. Besides, the dragon’s blood you drank would have destroyed any disease you might have had.”

“Dragon’s blood?” Kael frowned. He didn’t remember any dragon’s blood.

“Oops. Shit. Sorry. You’re obviously not meant to remember that. Just forget I said anything.” Mordred grimaced.

Hugh grunted. Kael turned to watch his lover wake up. Mordred put his arm around Kael’s waist and allowed him to take the weight off his injured foot. Hugh’s hazel eyes blinked at them. Kael watched as the sleep slipped from those eyes. Hugh sat up and leaned against the headboard.

“I guess last night wasn’t a dream after all. Don’t you have your own boyfriend, elf?” Hugh smiled at them.

Kael pulled away from Mordred and joined Hugh in bed. Their good morning kiss was tender.

“I do have my own, but I was nice enough to let him sleep in while I checked on our little warrior here,” Mordred interrupted. “As for the sex, it was as real as anything can be in the Realm. I told Kael not to worry about anything.”

“Hmm.” Hugh shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. I’m more freaked out by the fact that I’m talking to a fucking elf than I am about having unprotected sex with Kael.”

Laughing, Kael snuggled close to Hugh. “It’s overwhelming at first, but you get used to the fact that you’re talking to a real live legend.”

“Why, that’s nice of you to say, Kael.” Mordred grinned.

“I was talking about George, Mordred. You’re just a pain in the ass.”
Hugh chuckled and Kael squeaked as Mordred leapt on the bed. The elf started tickling Kael while Hugh tried to protect him, but ended up touching Kael more than stopping the elf. Laughter filled the room as the three of them rolled around Kael’s bed, trying to get the upper hand. It was more fun than Kael had had in a long time. He’d never had any friends to wrestle with. He found himself caught between Hugh and Mordred. Hugh’s hard-on rubbed against his own while Mordred’s erection slid along his crease. In that moment all the joy fled and he was shot back into the past.

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