Courting the Dragon Prince is the first in the Royal Arrangement series, this is Onyx and Luther's story. They're arranged to marry each other and it's hate at first sight for both of them. A spoiled dragon prince who dreams of war. A reserved and grieving warden who will do anything for peace. Can these former enemies make an arranged marriage work?
From the blurb:
Forced to marry for peace. Can two wounded warriors find love with their enemy?
Onyx despises the dragons. They invaded his people’s lands, started the war, and killed his sister. Now, to secure peace, the heir to the Grey Mountains must marry a dragon prince. But of all the princes, why does it have to be him—Prince Luther, a man Onyx hated at first sight? Luther may be handsome, but he is everything Onyx is not: a reckless flirt, a shameless drunk, and utterly irresponsible. Still, Onyx will do his duty and marry a man he despises—for his kingdom and for peace.
But Prince Luther hides a different kind of battle beneath his carefree façade. Haunted by the horrors of war, he tries to drown his pain. And whilst most accept the illusion Luther crafts, Onyx’s sneering gaze seems to penetrate the lies and see the broken mess Luther has become. Luther can’t stand the arrogant, haughty earth elemental. But Luther’s father has commanded he will marry Onyx.
Two warriors, forced together by duty and sacrifice, both carrying the scars of war. Can they overcome hatred and mistrust to find love with each other? Or will their marriage unravel, bringing a return to war and bloodshed?
Rogue's review:
- fantasy
- series
- enemies to lovers
- arranged marriage
This is the first in a series, although there is a prequel story (that's also pretty good). The series is set in a world that's been torn apart by war, with the dragons seeking peace with all the other nations through arranged marriages, and this one is Onyx and Luther's story. Both have seen the horrors of war and both have been affected by it differently, Onyx through loss and Luther through decisions he made during battle haunting him.
When they meet, they definitely don't like each other at all, but agree to go through with the marriage for the sake of peace. It doesn't stop them antagonising each other though, Luther in particular is great at needling Onyx, resulting in sexy times as the heat between the two is intense (not a pun because Luther is a dragon 😉 ). I liked the interplay between the two, Luther is such a brat at times and Onyx is his perfect foil. I loved seeing them come round to each other too, it's such a nice development of their relationship, even with the big reveal at the end.
The story is good too, I liked the twist at the end and Onyx and Luther working together to get out of the situation they ended up in. I couldn't put this book down, and read it in two sittings as I was so engrossed. So looking forward to the rest of the series now.
SNik's review:
First in series (A Royal Arrangement). Paranormal. Arranged marriage. Enemies to lovers. Hurt/comfort. Dual POV.
How can Onyx be expected to make a dragon his consort? An arranged marriage to the enemy that killed his sister during the war and someone that doesn’t take his duty or fidelity seriously doesn’t give Onyx much hope for a happy marriage. But there is more to Prince Luther than Onyx realizes, and eventually they get to a place where feelings other than hate can grow.
This story really did have enemies coming together for a treaty and misunderstanding and failure to communicate is par for the course. I really struggled with the first half of this book, the imbalance of Onyx always judging and not giving Luther a chance was frustrating, understanding that both men have traumatic backgrounds and pasts that haunt them. However, the latter half of the book felt less angsty for me and I enjoyed that both Luther and Onyx let down their walls to enjoy each other and fall in love. A really good start to a new series with enemies and intrigue, I’m looking forward to reading more of the arranged marriages.
Lori C's review:
What a story!! These two mc’s are total opposites in some ways. Both are grieving acts of war, both suffer from their memories and losses. Their actions are their differences. Onyx has a firm foundation for his loyalty to the Grey Mountains as an earth elemental. He is solid, steady, and arrogant one might say. Luther has the facade of spoiled child, arrogant, uncaring, untroubled. His grief has him not sleeping, drinking and partying to excess. Their dynamic once the marriage is arranged is harsh. The author puts these two similar yet opposite characters together and then gives us a story full of twists and turns. There is spice, caring, and betrayal before we end the book. The story is built around the war and the peace process. We see members and memories of the dragon family mainly as certain members will be marrying for peace. In this book, the spotlight was on the Grey Mountain heir and family as well. The way Luther was able to talk to Onyx’s mother when he couldn’t gave us this glimpse into the true Luther. The strengthening bond between Luther and Onyx showed us their true personalities. I really enjoyed the back and forth between them. There is so much more to tell, but I don’t want to ruin for you. I wasn’t ready for the story to end.
Lori C's review:
What a story!! These two mc’s are total opposites in some ways. Both are grieving acts of war, both suffer from their memories and losses. Their actions are their differences. Onyx has a firm foundation for his loyalty to the Grey Mountains as an earth elemental. He is solid, steady, and arrogant one might say. Luther has the facade of spoiled child, arrogant, uncaring, untroubled. His grief has him not sleeping, drinking and partying to excess. Their dynamic once the marriage is arranged is harsh. The author puts these two similar yet opposite characters together and then gives us a story full of twists and turns. There is spice, caring, and betrayal before we end the book. The story is built around the war and the peace process. We see members and memories of the dragon family mainly as certain members will be marrying for peace. In this book, the spotlight was on the Grey Mountain heir and family as well. The way Luther was able to talk to Onyx’s mother when he couldn’t gave us this glimpse into the true Luther. The strengthening bond between Luther and Onyx showed us their true personalities. I really enjoyed the back and forth between them. There is so much more to tell, but I don’t want to ruin for you. I wasn’t ready for the story to end.
Angel's review:
I really enjoy seeing authors branch out and try something new, and that is exactly what Gigi has done with this series. Usually her stories are on the shorter side and aren't as angsty, but in this book we get so much angst and a longer story, which I really enjoyed.
I personally love when books are longer because then there is more time to fully develop the characters and build up that connection between the two MC's. And that was exactly what was achieved here with Onyx and Luther. These two needed the longer length of the story because there is no way there relationship would've worked if the story was shorter. Their relationship worked because while they hated each other at first, they were able to give each other space, and then slowly started to give one another a chance. I loved how their relationship was handled.
The angst was SO good! It really added an extra layer to the plotline itself, and when their anger with each other morphed into love it was just so rewarding seeing them get their own hard won happy ever after. The mystery element that runs through this story was really interesting, it definitely kept me guessing on what was going on, and who was behind it. I am so curious to find out who the other 'bad guy' is, I need to know who else is conspiring against the peace treaty! Having said that, I am really looking forward to the next book in this series. And if you haven't read the free prequel to this series yet, I highly recommend doing so!
Courting the Dragon Prince is currently available as an e-book and can be read as part of your Kindle Unlimited Subscription
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