Kiss of Fate by Deborah Cooke

Haunted by dreams of a lover who takes the form of a mythical dragon, Eileen Grosvenor searches for the truth. She never expects to find a real dragon shape shifter, let alone one who who awakens her passion and ignites memories of her own forgotten past.

Erik Sorensson is focused on leading the Pyr to triumph against the Slayers at all costs, even the sacrifice of his own life. When an ancient relic that can turn the tide of the battle reveals itself again, Erik knows he has to retrieve it from Eileen's possession. But he’s shocked by an incredible firestorm when he tries to claim the relic — a firestorm that forces him to confront the truth about Eileen’s identity. Her presence touches him in unexpected ways, reminding him of mistakes he's determined to not make again, and Erik is forced to make a choice…duty or love.

Only by unlocking the secrets of the past can Erik and Eileen fulfill the final prophecy of the Pyr - but can they face their deepest fears and claim their destined love in time to defeat the Slayers?


First of all, I usually don't put the covers up books up on my blog, but I have to make an exception for Ms. Cooke's books. Her covers, at least for this series, are stunning. Yum!

I really wasn't too sure what to expect with this book. I didn't really care for Erik at all in book 1 or 2, but when I found out he was getting his own, I had to buy his book. And I'm glad I did.

I think the thing that helps this book is that Ms. Cooke really delves into their history. I'm not giving anything away (since it basically says so in the back text) that there's a bit more going on with Eileen than the standard fire storm. There's a bunch of shared history, remembered and not. So, it makes this story a bit more bittersweet than the others.

Knowing more about Erik's past, I'm able to understand now why he was the way he was in Books 1 & 2. His life has not been easy and it's especially difficult for him, because he's the leader of the Pyr. He has so many responsibilities, that when his fire storm rears its ugly head, it's almost more than he can handle.

One thing I liked about this book is that Eileen doesn't come across as TSTL, one of my least favorite clichés in romance novels. There are a couple of times when she gets this close, but she never fully steps over that line. She's also intelligent, spunky and doesn't back down when Erik tries to pull his nonsense. She stands up for herself and watching the sparks fly between them is a blast.

Of course, the rest of the Pyr and most of the Slayers make an appearance. What I really enjoyed about Kiss of Fate is how she has added even more history and ups the stakes. Things turn out in a way that is very surprising, especially for someone like me who has been with this crazy adventure since Book 1. I do think this is a series that should be read sequentially, because the history of the Pyr and the way they change their destiny is something that should be read from the beginning.

As always the sex is hot, the firestorm is intense and the drama is quite fun to read. I'm amazed to say this but I think this one is my favorite so far. So many things happened and changed in this book. Things will never be the same for these characters and I can't wait to read what happens next.


My Rating: B+