Dustin is a dragon who falls immediately in love with his college professor. A pining unrequited love that goes on for 2 years. Rob is aware of Dustin’s crush but is not prepared to cross the student/professor boundary.

After connecting at a function, Dustin and Rob set some boundaries - well Rob sets them, Dustin dislikes them - for their relationship. So begins a beautiful journey as they truly get to know each other and fall in love. It’s wonderful watching as Dustin grows into the responsible dragon he’s also wanted to be and realising his worth.

The road to their HEA includes meddling family members, Dustin being adorable, flirty, and a smidge dramatic and not to forget the hilarious and lengthy text messages the dragons send to Rob whilst he’s at work.

This is a well crafted, fun and engaging low angst read with a great cast of main and secondary characters, some steamy moments and some tender moments all wrapped up in a feel good HEA. I love the story telling ability of this author and cannot wait for more in the Here Be Dragons series.

Full of passion and hope and worth much more than 5 stars.

Every once in a while a book will come across my path that is so superbly written that I feel I’m living the story.
This is such a book. I’m watching the sunrise and sunset over the bay as they waves scrape along the sand. I’m dancing the tango in all it’s passionate glory. I’m sitting at my first found family lunch filled with nerves and excitement.

Kane is complicated, insecure, strong, humble and has so many layers that no one really knows who he his. Until Abe literally dances into his life and accepts and likes Kane for who he is not what he was.
So begins the beautiful journey of Kane going from a lonely barely there existence to a life filled with meaning, friendships, happiness and passion. Passion takes many forms and they are all explored in Kane and Abe’s story. From Abe and his passion for dance to Kane and his passion for animals and, when the time is right, their everlasting passion for each other, their friends and family.

With this instalment in the Painted Bay series Jay Hogan was able to pull so many emotions from me. My heart was wrung out at times then stitched back together to only have me crying again until my face hurt from smiling so much at Kane and Abe’s beautiful HEA. Their story resonated with my soul and will stay with me forever.

3.5 stars.
Enjoyable and easy to read short fated mates series.
Good palate cleansers between heavier books.