Scorched by Paula Quinn
Rulers of the Sky, #1
Paranormal Romance
Released:December 27, 2017
Self Published
Reviewed by Sheena
Samantha Montgomery isn’t about to go to bed with a man who believes he used to be a reptile, especially one whose smoldering smiles make her think of being consumed alive by fire, and loving it. A romance writer and product of the New York State foster care system, Sam just wants some normalcy in her life- and she’ll never get it with Marcus. He is everything she doesn’t want in a man. Fear of commitment is one thing, not loving anyone or anything for ten centuries is another. But he won’t leave her castle. He’s arrogant, proud, and a bit delusional as to his abilities, but despite all his infuriating ways, he works his way into her life… Being human is worse than anything Marcus could have imagined. When he discovers the treasure that prompted his transformation, he must make a choice. Give up his human heart and save the Drakkon race, or surrender his heart to love and remain a man forever.
Favorite Quote: They thought my greatest treasure was the pride in my Drakkon blood, but they were wrong. My greatest treasure is you.
When Paula Quinn writes, I read. Which made me one happy (ecstatic) camper to discover that one of my favorite historical fiction authors (seriously, top three people and she isn’t number three either!) has forayed into one of my utter indulgences – paranormal romance. She had me from Drakkon hero finds a mate. *sigh*
Marcus is pissed and rightfully so. Horny, his hoard stolen and magically transferred from Drakkon to human man (without his express consent) he really isn’t having such a hot day. Samantha has clawed her way from being a foster kid with a bleak future. She is a successful romance novelist and has followed her heart right to England, where she’s purchased a crumbling, mini-castle that is more run-down than royal, however, it’s hers and she’s found her happy place. Little does she know that before she can tackle rebuilding her castle walls, she will have to contend with the dragon-man whose found himself incapacitated and abandoned in her barn of all places!
I so enjoyed Samantha and Marcus! Their banter and adversarial relationship was full of tension that was profusely playful and romantic. Samantha was brave, pure of heart and a survivor. overall, she was a kind, sweet heroine that I was excited to root for. Marcus was so literal and dramatic! Being inside his head was hilarious. Besides despising his new human form, Marcus just didn’t understand much of anything about human nature and feelings that now pricked at his psyche. What he did grasp onto pretty quickly was the concepts of sex, pride and revenge, a dangerous trifecta of which he mastered quickly.
“You do not have emotions for him, do you? Look how he trails after you like a lowly worm. ”
“If you’re asking me if I like him; yes, I do. And he’s not a worm. He’s a pediatrician.”
“And pediatricians are better than Drakkons?” His smug chuckle chimed in her head, setting her heart pumping and her teeth grinding.
I think not, Samantha.
She almost laughed at his gigantic ego, then caught herself and brought her hand to her head.
“My God, I’m as insane as he is.” Why wasn’t she screaming and pulling her hair out of her head by the roots?… Why wasn’t she galloping off to the closest asylum?
It was so easy to get lost in the love affair that the back story of Marcus’ quest for revenge upon those who dared to hunt, transform and rob him blind, provided a solid substance to their romance. It also provided the framework for Marcus’ journey to self acceptance and realizing true love. In all of his centuries of living, he’s never loved – and that is a huge deal for him. Especially when the woman who intrigues him to madness has a dicey history with an ex-fiance who never properly appreciated or respected her in kind. The stone wall of Sam’s castle serves as the perfect metaphor for the obstacle that ultimately stands in the way of their happiness. He-who-has-never-loved has to prove to she-who-has-had-her-heart-broken that he will be there for her- that he wants to be there for her. Not such an easy feat when he has to first decide if he loves her more than he misses the majesty of his former form and sole chance to save his Drakkon race. This conflict of interest is what compelled me the most- above the sexy heat- was Marcus truly ready to risk it all and sacrifice for Samantha. Sure he is biologically drawn to her innocence like a moth to a flame, but watching him avoid snuffing out the fire was the good stuff!
He felt her fear and heard her inner thoughts. She was afraid that if she gave herself to him she would never be the same again. She was drab and unexciting, happy in her little world of broken walls and poorly kept gardens.
“Stop thinking.”
He smiled down at her, then covered her mouth again to aid his request. He fought to control the passion in his kiss, the desire to release her and then himself from the confines of their jeans and guide his throbbing erection deep into her. He wanted to tell her, while she straddled his taut body and rode him hard and fast, that she wasn’t unexciting, that she fired his blood like no other female before her. But she would not be satisfied with lust alone. She wanted romance, and he wanted to give it to her.
Scorched is a comical paranormal fantasy romance and I am locked in and eagerly awaiting book 2 of the Rulers of the Sky series. If I had to get nit picky- I’d mention that the world building was a little weak and the first few pages left me a bit bewildered, but once Marcus became a prominent voice it was hook, line and sinker. I was shipping MarSam super hard and before I knew it, I was in HEA heaven.
Grade: B+
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I’ve never read Paula Quinn but this one looks adorbs!