A Lair So Primal

This one is really good. While this is a standalone, I do suggest reading *at least* book 1 of this series, A Lair So Sinful, since there is so much setting up of the world in that book. One reason I found this book fast-paced and gripping was that the author did not spend an unnecessary amount of time reminding the reader of elements of the world that were already discussed in book 1. There's an extension of world-building, new discovery in each installment and the series is best read in order. (Though I haven't read book 2 yet, and didn't feel like I missed out on anything). A Lair So Primal is a fast-paced, steamy, epic romance with dragons. For those new to this series this is not dragon shifter, but there are Alphas bonded to dragons and in each book the Alphas discover the Omegas they are destined to be mated too. The author has created a compelling dynamic between the Omegas and Alphas since the Alphas are considered almost deity-like (a creation of the seven goddesses), while the Omegas, merely humans, are considered lesser mortals. Yet each Omega comes into her power as they meet their mate in this series. I like the power exchange, that's inherent within the culture of this world. For those who love dark Omegaverse, you won't blink an eye at the darker themes in this book. If you prefer 'sweetverse' you may very well enjoy this series and book, just be warned that the Alphas start out brutal in the beginning, but very quickly learn they must cave to their Omega and end up cherishing them. Unlike the darkest of Omegaverse stories Zoey Ellis' Alphas are always protective and possessive. Can't wait for the next book <3 4.5 stars.

Another amazing installment by Zoey Ellis -- her worldbuilding is second to none and the depth of her characters is truly amazing, especially since it's in the 3rd person (which I prefer). I did have a deeper emotional connection with Book 2, A Lair So Loyal, and I felt the heroine Oshali in that novel was more nuanced. I didn't really connect with Elora until midway through the novel as her sunny demeanor seemed at times to be too good to be true. She needed more inner conflict as I was reading, and man did she get it! As for Zendyor, yes, he was arrogant and over the top, and early in the novel when he was so suspicious of Elora but then suddenly so enamored of her, it was a bit too quick for me. It wasn't instalove or instalove but seemed more like insta-hate for reasons that didn't seem to warrant his level of rage. I worried a. bit about whether or not I'd like the hero (and believe me, I love a gruff growly rough Alpha), but his evolution also seemed a bit less in-depth and somewhat sudden. I would have to say the 3rd act of the novel really made up for these initial concerns which is why it gets 5 stars for me. The sex scenes, as usual, are graphic as is expected with Omegaverse but incredibly steamy and you felt the sheer emotion behind them. Zoey Ellis' sex scenes are never gratuitous and always add to the development of the dynamics between hero and heroine. This book was also a pageturner -- I did not put it down once after I started it, and in that respect, it wins out for me over Book 2. :) Oh and I loved the portrayal of Zendyor's dragon in this one -- I felt this novel portrayed dragons as they truly are, mystical but ferocious, whereas in the previous novels, the essence of what made them dragons was somewhat lost in favor of the relationship between them and the dragorai. I thought of Game of Thrones' Dracarys more than once while reading this. :) I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.

This has been my favourite out of the series so far. It has a slightly darker flavour than the previous books Zendyor and his dragon Yorgynel seemed a whole lot more primal than their counterparts. We originally learned of Elora way back in the first book she was the girl who had trespassed on another Dragorai’s territory whilst making her way to her assigned meeting point to become a part of Nyro’s lair. Here she is handed over to Zendyar who is still livid with her actions and also suspicious of her motives. From the moment Elora arrives in her new lair she knows it is going to be different. Rather than the warm sense of community and belonging she is used to Zendyor’s home is serious and all about rules and obeying and as she has broken them rather than this being her new home she is actually initially treated with suspicion and animosity because of her previous actions. She has no clear role assigned and she still has a debt to pay off. Her new master is far from welcoming and with his legendary temper and actions towards her on arrival Elora naturally feels fearful and alone. Zendyor can’t help but be drawn to the new omega in his lair but as much as he is becoming addicted to her scent and body he doesn’t believe she’s as innocent as she claims and he vows to unearth all of her secrets no matter how long it takes. Elora despite her initial fear is equally as drawn back to him and her new role as his unofficial bedmate. Underneath Zendyor’s intense manner is an alpha Dragorai who is all for his omega and despite his initial unwelcoming persona and actions, Zendyor is all for his new mate even before he realised just quite what Elora is to him. This had plenty of chemistry and the sex is incredibly hot it’s all animal instinct and ferocity and some delicious dubious consent. It is well written and can be read as a stand-alone though reading in order will obviously enhance the experience. This was a great addition to the series moving the story further along and I’m excited to discover where this will go next. I definitely recommend this series. I voluntary reviewed a copy of A Lair So Primal.