Editorial Review: Must read 🏆
A beautifully touching and passionate romance between the two main characters in the exhilirating backdrop of a dragon-shifter kingdom.
The Dragon Knight and the Coveted is a heartfelt story about an honorable knight and a courageous woman filled with kindness and extraordinary power. The two characters go through internal and external battles in order for their relationship to bloom and for healing to take place. At first, Keyon the dragon-shifter knight sees Elpis as part of his duty, to free captured slaves and help them reintegrate into local society. Due to his dragon's phobia, there is a hurdle and barrier that needs to be gently addressed between Keyon and Elpis. Elpis has been used as a pleasure slave for a long period and when Keyon helps her gain freedom she needs more time to lean into self-actualization and to accept and move on from her past. Along the journey, Keyon and Elpis discover something deeper between them and learn to love both themselves and each other for who they are.
The backbone of the story centers around Keyon and Elpis going on multiple quest-like experiences. For example, they need to go to a coven of witches to be able to discern the markings on Elpis' neck. Then they also need to find out what's happening with the royalty as there is some political unrest related to the king and the prince of the kingdom. All the while Keyon and Elpis struggle with the growing attraction between them, how they relate to their inner creatures and how that eventually leads to a scorching and passionate union. There are also side stories with Keyon's friend Leofwine and how Leofwine's fated mate comes into the picture.
I couldn't put this book down and kept going back to be able to finish reading and I am glad I get to share more about the story. I deeply enjoyed the second installment of the Healing Fate series. I love the fact that despite the first and second books focusing on different mythical creatures the connecting theme is healing from past traumatic experiences and the power that comes with allowing ourselves to heal. Though this is a series, they can be read as standalone books since they each have a unique story.
Elpis and Keyon are a testament to people being stronger than they think they are in terms of dealing with past issues and how those emotions still affect the present. I love the food word puns related to Keyon's dragon and I love the openness around the topic of sex throughout the book, with many spicy scenes and burning intensity between Keyon and Elpis as their relationship progresses through the story. I love that they have weaknesses and flaws but that does not hold them back from fully experiencing the joy of love. One of my favorite scenes was when one of the main characters had to shift forms in quick succession. It was a little comedic yet I marveled at the strength and bravery of their actions as they fought with all their might.
All in all, I would recommend The Dragon Knight and the Coveted to fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Rebecca Yarros as well as anyone who would love an intimate fantasy romance with characters who fall for and care for each other in every way.