A review by naiapard
Dark Fire by Ruby Dixon

5.0

I have to start this review by saying that I have read only two books out of this installment: the first one and this one. I didn`t do it on purpose. I guess I was at the right time and place when the first book in the series was published. And fate made it that I would get back into this world with book 10.

This is a book for those that are a fan of a love interest who dabbles with the evil. Those that like the main love interest to be a bit tainted, a bit drawn in shades of gray.

We have the main character that is a saint. She is a doctor that does pro-bono work in a world that has been decimated by dragons and their uncontrolled madness. She has just brought to health one male specimen with long white hair and a stark aura around him. After he is healed he declares her his mate and states that the town they are living in will be his. She scoffs at him

Truth to his word, he immediately conquers the town/city without much effort (because he can control dragons).

The only one left to yield is she. And she does not give in easily. She makes him work for it.

Overall, the book is cute. There is a bit of dubious interaction between characters, in the way this mate thing is played out. At some times it may seem as if he really harms her by pushing it too much (but that should play into his image as a compromised character, as someone with unveiled intentions who can strike at any moment and who is commanding and mysterious):“A wave of nostalgia and depression hits me and I end up eating three pastries before closing the box again. I don't know what to do. I can say I'm not Azar's consort until I'm blue in the face, but if Azar says I am, what choice do I have?I'm a woman—I know men are always the ones that hold all the power.” I did not like the last part one bit. It grated on my scalp. I did not want the reminder of the real-life misogyny to be splayed in my face.

I am downplaying his performance as a bad guy because even the narrator`s voice intends for him to be strong and aloof on the surface, whilst in his depths, he should appear kind and welcoming. I mean, just look at this bit in which he worries himself over what she is preoccupied with it: “Her mouth purses, and then she nods at the door at the back of the clinic. "Let's talk in my office, please." I'd much rather she come home with me, so I can bathe her and rub her feet. I don't like how frazzled she looks today. How utterly defeated she seems. Melina is strong and capable. I don't like seeing her with a miserable expression on her face. It worries me. It makes me wonder how I can help. How I can make it better. ”

And this is just one example out of many. He arrives to be so sweet, at some point that he drowns you in his sugar coated words.

It was a fun and quick read. I will give it five stars because it made me relax. Even though I was not impressed by the world-building and neither am I a fan of the final part. Some things should not be undone.

Instagram\\my Blog\\