ARC Review: How to Drive a Dragon Crazy by G.A. Aiken

How to Drive a Dragon Crazy

by G.A. Aiken

(Dragon Kin # 6)

Finally!!!  The much anticipated story of Eibhear and Izzy, that I have been desperately waiting for since the second book in this series.  You know what the problem is when you are so desperately waiting for a couple to get their HEA?  That sometimes you are expecting too much.

In events leading up to this book a lot happened.  Eibhear went completely crazy when he found out Celyn took Izzy's virginity (with her agreement) and basically called her a whore.  Then Annwyl sent Izzy off to battle ogres and Eibhear went to war.  Now, ten years later, Eibhear the Blue is no longer the sweet dragon who loves to read.  He is now Eibhear the Contemptible, leader of a Mi-runach group of ruthless, barbarian even, killers.

So why did I say highly anticipated books sometimes can be tricky?

Issue number one.  When Eibhear first sees Izzy, after ten years of not speaking, his apologizing was pretty much non-existent in my opinion.  And yes, Eibhear doesn't think rationally sometimes, especially about simple things like an apology.  But I was so very upset with him about that that I was expecting at least some minor groveling.

Issue number two was the first time they had sex.  Really?  One minute they are talking and half arguing, next second he's inside her, then they're done?  Ohh the pain!  This should've been a memorable moment with some hot, wild, hanging off the chandeliers sex!  Granted that right after the quickie they went on an all nighter, but still.

And last... issue number three. This book has so much happening in way of the story of the whole series and we get to see so much of so many characters, what they're doing and what's going on with them that's affecting or will affect the rest of the series.  Although I really enjoyed the story in this book, maybe even more than in any previous books, I was disappointed that it overpowered the romance between Izzy and Eibhear.

See?  High expectations.  However all those issues only managed to bring this book down from a 5 star read to a 4 star read for me.  The story arc is amazing and the plot is thickening considerably for the next books.  The kids are all grown up and they're all dangerous!  Talwyn, Talan and Rhi, the next generation of badasses.

The whole clan is always a lot of fun to read about.  You can expect fighting, lying, yelling, insults and more.  I was literally laughing out loud and getting weird looks from people.

Izzy and Eibhear though?  Whatever we got from them I ate it up.  They are perfect for each other.  Amazing together.  I loved that Eibhear could only fight his attraction up until he was with her the first time.  After that, he knew she was his female and it was just a matter of time for him to get her to understand that and keep her at his side and in his bed.  I also loved that he never tried to change who and what she is.  He was just there, was supportive, protected her without getting in the way.  And was just so damn adorable when he was jealous or when she introduced him as her uncle.  Even through that tough exterior, Eibhear the Contemptible is still a huggable (among some more grown up things now) blue dragon.

Disclaimer: this book does not work well as a standalone, so I'd recommend that you start the series from the beginning.

Some of my favorite quotes (they are too many to list them all here):

Eibhear faced Izzy.  "Why do you keep throwing things at my head?"

"It's such a large target --"

"I'm Mi-runach.  I don't stop until I fulfill my duty."

"Which means what exactly?"

"That until you're ready to go, I'm here with you.  By your side.  Attached to you until I can deliver you to Garbhan Isle."

"Attached to me?"

"Aye."

"Like a parasite?"

"I watched you kick the shit out of my uncles and father.  That's what I'd like to learn."

"That was just brotherly--"

"Abuse?"

"Some might say.  But I prefer good-natured--"

"Brawling?  Battery?  Assault?  Destruction?"

"Depends on who you talk to."

"What does that mean?"

The Fire Breather frowned. "What do you think it means?"

"You know exactly what I think it means.  And I think you know that what I think it means is exactly what you're meaning."

"That made absolutely no sense."

"Shut up."

"But--"

"Just shut up."

Heru put his claws to his head.  "Suns above.  Are you two like this all the time?"

The couple gazed at him and asked together, "What do you mean?"

"You don't understand Eibhear.  You shouldn't be here."

Eibhear shifted to human and walked all the way into the chamber.  Izzy glanced at him, then quickly looked away.  "Put on some leggings."

"Does my manliness overwhelm your delicate lady sensibilities?"

"You do know I'm still armed?"

*ARC provided by publisher

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