Arc c/o Kensington Books 
 4.5 Stars 
 I love how G.A. Aiken's Dragon Kin series never take itself too seriously. This is a fun, humorous romantic story with an interesting pairing, warrior dragoness Ghleanna with Bram the Merciful - a peace broking politician who loves his books and scrolls. 
 With such a rich mythological setting Aiken's stories are never dull - the pair takes an unexpected visit to the underwater sea dragons while Bram is trying to broker peace with the sand dragons and Ghleanna accompanies him as his bodyguard - or as she initially calls it, his babysitter. Throughout this adventure the romance and inter-relationships are always the forefront focus and the story never gets bogged down in complicated details. 
 Great authors and storytellers all create these little nuances and moments where the characters come alive and G.A. Aiken does this well with Bram. I love he squirms from those hugs from his queen. I love how the queen calls Helen "the squid". Make no mistake Bram is no wimp who cowers behind his warrior female. G.A. manages to write a male character who isn't about swords and brawn but who still commands readers' respect and admiration. He is sexy in his own way and when these two finally figure themselves out - wow. Hot. 
 (Incidentally, I have noticed that in almost all of her stories I love her male characters more. Not to say I didn't like Ghleanna here but Bram was more complex.) 
 Readers not familiar with her work may want to note the battle scenes can be a little graphical. The stories are not all rainbows and unicorn. It doesn't bother me but it may not be for everyone. 
 All in all a wondeful read. Aiken's writing shows you can build romantic love and strong characters in a nouvella if done right.