Stroke The Flame (Her Elemental Dragons Book 1) Kindle Edition

I'm a sucker for reverse harems and dragon-themed stories, and Stroke the Flame ticked both boxes! I really liked how Kira was strong-willed and able to stand up for herself. That is sometimes rare in this genre, unfortunately. While I like the guys protecting her, she was not afraid to take up a bow herself and kick some butt. I also appreciated that she was eventually able to accept this wacky role she was thrown into without too much of a fit. It helped us see some good development between her and the guys earlier on ;)Auric and Jasin are both completely adorable and I love that they were pretty much fine with being connected to Kira for the rest of their lives from the moment they met her. I also found myself loving Reven (darn bad boys, drawing my in again) but it will take a little more time for me to really get to know Slade, as I don't tend to be drawn to the more protective, quiet types. But I have a strong feeling by the end of the next few books he'll be on my love list too.Overall, I really liked the story and the characters kept me entertained until the end. I love that we had a couple chapters from each of the guy's perspectives, as I always want to know what they're thinking about everything as well. I can't wait to see where the future books take Kira and her men!Rating: 4/5 stars

I loved the idea behind this book. Reverse harem? Four sexy studs who get to share this woman? Magic? Dragons? Yes please! However, the execution left me a bit disappointed, and I'm sad to say I won't be coming back for more. Here's why.The author's level of diction was lacking for me. I enjoy a good metaphor or simile, some clever wording, or even a poised level of thought from the characters. However, there was little to none of this to be found. The average page contained wording that, for me, was more reminiscent of two friends texting each other rather than the prose of thoughtful work or the careful cooking of complex character development.This brings me to my next gripe: everyone's character voice was the same for me. While the book switches between the first person perspectives of all four men and our heroine, all of their written voices were nearly identical. Furthermore, I found their dialogue to feel a bit forced. Everything was just so convenient.Okay, so now we get to the steamy spoilers below:Yes, this is a reverse harem book. And the author does spend a lot of time trying to build that heat between the heroine and her four fellows. Although, some of that heat feels forced and, frankly, blue-balled. They kiss a lot, they embrace, they want to do each other, but then without warning or reason, two perfectly horny adults just stop kissing and decide to move on with the mission. This was a missed opportunity to create a slow, delicious burn for the reader, but instead of inventing a believable reason why the heroine shouldn't go all the way with these guys, the author seemed to shrug and go "nah, it doesn't fit the story if they do it, so they'll just stop." Just my impression.On the love aspect: It also feels forced. Usually I like to see why a man is in love with a woman, and vice versa. What is it about her that forges a connection with him? What hole is she filling in his dented soul? But, though these things are hinted at, I'm not seeing these connections or character developments happening on the page, and so the "love" in the end feels hollow to me.And, bigger spoiler here:There is only one sex scene in the whole book, and it's only with one man (for those curious). While I was hunkering down to explore the complex world of reverse harem, what I actually got was a whole book teasing me at the concept, which felt an awful lot like the author's attempt to get me to buy more books. Maybe if I'd been fanning myself the whole book, I'd overlook all my other gripes and buy more. But for now, I think I'll move on.Author has potential, the concept was great and effort was definitely there, but I suppose I've gotten picky in my old age.

I loved this series, and how real the characters were.Kira, the lead, is a strong, independent woman who can take care of herself, but who finds herself thrown into a situation she didn't expect. She handles it well and grows along the way.I love the way that the relationships with each of her partners unfolds, and how well the different personalities of each element show through.I especially loved that this was a great story, that just happened to include some steamy (really steamy) stuff, rather than it being a bunch of sex scenes with a bit of story.I also loved how gradually things unfolded, which made it very believable and also incredibly enjoyable. No rushing to get to the sex, just a tantalising unfolding in a very natural way.I could spend hours more immersed in this world, and I sincerely hope that one day I get to read Sora's story as well.

This writer has excellent insight into human emotions. I have read several reverse harem novels and in each all of the men appeared perfectly fine with sharing one woman. In this book, the author doesn't just have all of the men getting along fine. They do express a full range of human emotions. I can't wait for the next book.

A reverse harem story set in a fantasy-style world with dragons.I like how the men are genuinely drawn to Kira, but once they're drawn to her it's clearly their decision to stay or leave. I also liked how the author didn't just present us with a magic solution to erase jealousy or possessiveness -- the men are anxious about how this way of life will work and whether or not they can tolerate it (with the exception of a character who comes from a part of the kingdom where such arrangements are more common). The author also does a good job of creating a distinct personality and voice for each "dragon" right off the bat. Another reviewer pointed out that the men are kind of cliches and (at least in this first book), they are. But you're never getting them confused, which is an issue sometimes in RH books where several men show up all at once.This is just part of the story, but since it looks like each part will deal with a different man coming into his full powers, the division feels natural.There are some minor editing issues.

I had never read anything by Elizabeth Briggs so I had no real expectations with this book. It came to my attention on a Kindle deal where you could get ‘Stroke the Flame‘ for free. I enjoy the occasional fantasy book, the reviews looked good and I wanted a lighter read so I grabbed it.Our main character is Kira. Kira has had a rough life and has no living family, she has been living with her best friend and her abusive father but on her 20th birthday she meets a strange woman in the woods and is struck by lightning. She then starts having dreams with four impossibly beautiful men who each show up looking for her thirty days later. We learn that Kira is destined to be the new Black Dragon AKA ruler of the realm and Kira and her men have a long journey ahead of them. They all need to connect, share powers and overthrow the current rulers. Kira needs to “bond” with each one of the men in order to release their full potential and for her to gain their powers. Each of her guys represents an element of their birth; Earth, Air, Fire & Water and thus take on that power gifted to them by the Gods.I thought this book was OK, it was typical of this type of story and nothing special for me. The characters are ok and the storyline is good but I just felt that it has all been done before. I liked the different dynamics between the guys and also that not all of them wanted to be part of this, they didn’t all love Kira immediately. The pace of the book was good and I imagine that in each of the next few books each guy will become their full dragon one by one. The romance is a slow burn and I expect that if you enjoyed this, you’ll enjoy the rest of the series but it just wasn’t different enough from what I have read previously for me to really enjoy it.It’s a nice quick read (I read it in a day) and I’ll read more of the series if they come up for free again but I probably won’t bother otherwise.

Wow I couldn't stop reading this book until I'd finished it.So very different and I can't wait to read the follow up stories of the other dragons. I always love to read about dragons they are my favourite of all shiver stories. And what amazing chemistry between the whole group, so very intense and hot as hell.

I really like this book the character's are so vibrant that you feel that they could step off the page and interact with you. This book is for people that haven't lost there belief in magic and there are a lot of thrills as well.

This book is amazing!!! I finished reading nd nearly cried when I saw the second book wasn’t available to me immediately! I’ve been completely drawn in by the writing and the universe so cleverly created. Thank you so much Elizabeth Briggs for making such an amazing book!

I admit I'm a sucker for a good dragon themed RH story, and this one definitely fits the bill. I loved the world that has been created - the current dragon rulers and the need for the new ones. As bits and pieces are revealed throughout the book, there is definitely more to the choosing of the new dragons, and who Kira really is, than initially thought. I especially loved that all of the guys didn't just fall in love with her - that there was resistance to the magic and the bond they felt. It's hard to say too much without giving some of the reveals away, so let me just say it was a fantastic read and you won't regret it. I have already one-click preordered the next book and can't wait for it to come out.