Stop Dragon My Heart Around is one of twelve books in the ‘Magic Emporium’ collection. It stars Gus, a bar owner, and Bear Hickes, a mage. This is written in third person through Gus and Bear’s povs.



The blurb describes the plot well, so I won’t go into detail about that. I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read the other books in the ‘Asheville Arcana’ series and am glad the authors wrote another book in that Universe. This story contains characters from that series, but isn’t the same since the other series is centered around demons. But this book easily fits with the other ones and can be read as a stand-alone, although I think that more enjoyment can be gained if a person reads the Asheville series also.

I’m going to start the review by mentioning the cover. I really like it. The model on the cover fits the character Bear well.

Gus and Bear were each distinctive personalities, and the authors kept them consistent throughout the story. The characters from the ‘Asheville’ series returned and they also remained consistent with how they behaved in previous books. I liked how both Bear and Gus slowly learned to trust each other. I felt sorry for Gus, who had reasons for keeping secrets from Bear about what he was. The way Gus transformed was brilliant. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story about a shifter that transformed that way. I also really hope that Gus finds more of his kind because if he’s the last, it’s very sad. Gus and Bear grew throughout the story and I could believe in them as a couple.

The story was a romance but also a mystery. As soon as the villain showed up the tension spiked and there was this increasing tension hanging over Gus and the story. The one thing I didn’t understand, and I’m guessing it’s because I don’t understand the science behind it, is what happened to the villain. I don’t know if he’s dead or just entombed.

I enjoyed Stop Dragon My Heart Around. The characters were consistent from previous books and Gus and Bear worked as a couple. The plot was exciting and I can’t wait for another book centered around Asheville. I definitely recommend this book to others. I give this story, 5 Stars.



I received this book from the authors for an honest and unbiased review. ( )