This book was so charming I rarely even stopped smiling.
I think revealing the dragon nature in the title is a lost opportunity but oh well.
I am a bit surprised this is not marked as a Cozy Mystery because that is clearly what it is but I think it could've benefitted from ditching the mystery part which is entirely secondary anyway.
It's also by far the weakest part of the book. The final revelation that leads to the solution of the mystery was literally my first idea when first thinking about the motive but it is portrayed as this sharp insight.
What I found even more disappointing was that the only reason the perpetrator got caught was because he kidnapped the girlfriend of the dragon shifter sheriff right from his house and not because anything anyone contributed to the effort to solve the case or any kind of clue. That made all the effort meaningless and left me unsatisfied.
Beyond that, the mystery plot was just unoriginal across the board.
A more unique plot away from cozy mystery could've made that part of the book much more interesting.
I never even cared about anything beyond the interpersonal dealings of the protagonists. Not the mystery and not the rift either.
The world was interesting but I found it a bit hard to believe that the general public still had no idea in the information age.

What I loved about this book were the character interactions. They were funny and cute and never felt out of place except for the final big L word exchange. While I expected some kind love confession the forever after came somewhat out of the blue and felt rushed. I think there should've been an extra 50 pages to get there. The romance developed very naturally and without being overly cheesy. The sex scenes felt a bit rushed in the literal sense. They could've very well been just two minutes long. And while it was passionate and all, they might as well just have eaten cake together for how much emotional impact the intimacy had.
I was totally blinded by the charm of the interactions between these great characters. Only when I started to think about that stuff in retrospect did I realize how shallow the plot was. Something about this book immersed me in a way that allowed me to not notice all the small and even big flaws. This is rare for me. I don't even really know how it happened. Right after I finished I initially wanted to rate this high 4 stars just by gut feeling.

If you just want a cute romance on the side this one is for you but I guess that should be obvious judging by the title and cover. ( )

Introduction:
Greetings from the icy world of HowlStrom! I'm Kiba Snowpaw, an alpha lone male Ice Wolf with a touch of ice magic. I've spent over 36 years of my life immersed in RPGs, action games, and FPS games, and I know a thing or two about an exciting adventure. My cubhood was a challenge, filled with bullets, but I've emerged as a proud wolf with stories to tell. Today, I'm here to share my thoughts on a book that whisked me away from the freezing plains of HowlStrom to the mystical bayous of Louisiana – "How to Date Your Dragon" by Molly Harper.

Basic Plot Summary:
Anthropologist Jillian Ramsay's life takes a frosty turn as she's assigned to investigate the hidden community of supernatural creatures in Mystic Bayou, Louisiana. The League for Interspecies Cooperation, fearing that technology could expose these mythical beings, sends Jillian on this fact-finding mission. In this small town hidden in the swamp, where humans and supernatural residents have lived in harmony for generations, Jillian faces the challenge of earning the trust of the wary locals.

As she delves into her assignment, Jillian finds herself at odds with the gruff and mysterious town sheriff, Bael Boone. Even though Bael might not be entirely human, sparks fly between them, heating up faster than a dragon's breath. Soon, their flirtation becomes something more profound, and they find themselves entangled in a murder mystery that could jeopardize the town's secret existence.

Characters:
Jillian Ramsay, our intrepid anthropologist, is a smart, kind, and spirited woman who's more than ready for an adventure. Bael Boone, the enigmatic dragon sheriff, might be gruff on the surface, but he's got a heart of gold beneath those scales. Together, they form a captivating pair that takes center stage in this fantastical story.

Structure:
Molly Harper weaves a story that keeps you hooked from the start. With humor, mystery, and a dash of whimsy, she crafts a world where various supernatural beings live together in harmony. The plot is filled with twists and turns, ensuring there's never a dull moment in Mystic Bayou. The dual narration by Amanda Ronconi and Jonathan Davis adds a layer of depth and immersion to the audiobook.

Impact:
As an avid gamer, I appreciate a well-constructed world, and Molly Harper's Mystic Bayou delivers just that. Her vivid descriptions of the bayou, its inhabitants, and the mystery that unfolds had me transported to a place where magic and reality intermingle seamlessly.

Hook and Thesis:
The book's hook lies in its unique premise – a hidden town in the bayou where supernatural creatures coexist with humans. The thesis is explored through Jillian's journey of discovery and the burgeoning romance between her and Bael. It's a tale of secrets, love, and the magic that binds them all.

Praise and Critique:
Molly Harper knows how to balance humor and romance, creating a light-hearted yet engaging story. The banter between Jillian and Bael is witty and fun, but the romance does escalate rather quickly, which might leave some readers wanting more development in that aspect. The supporting characters, especially the mayor, add depth and charm to the narrative.

Evaluation:
"How to Date Your Dragon" is a delightful read that combines paranormal elements, humor, and romance in a seamless manner. Molly Harper's world-building is top-notch, and her characters are endearing. While the romance could have been given more time to develop, the overall experience is thoroughly enjoyable.

Comparison:
In the realm of paranormal romance, "How to Date Your Dragon" stands out for its quirky charm and unique setting. It's reminiscent of Sandra R. Neeley's "Whispers from the Bayou" series, which also explores the lives of supernatural beings hidden in the bayou.

Conclusion:
In the freezing winds of HowlStrom, "How to Date Your Dragon" warmed my heart with its enchanting tale of love and mystery. Molly Harper's storytelling prowess shines through, making this book a worthwhile addition to any reader's library. So, bundle up and prepare to be whisked away to the mystical bayou – adventure awaits! ( )

This was just okay. This paranormal romance turned into a serial killer mystery but unfortunately, I guessed the big twist early on. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the heroine. I thought she was kind of annoying. However, I did like Baek and think he deserved better. I don’t really have much else to say about this one. ( )

This was just okay. This paranormal romance turned into a serial killer mystery but unfortunately, I guessed the big twist early on. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the heroine. I thought she was kind of annoying. However, I did like Baek and think he deserved better. I don’t really have much else to say about this one. ( )

How to Date Your Dragon
4.5 Stars

Jillian Ramsay, an anthropologist for the League for Interspecies Cooperation, is sent to the small town of Mystic Bayou, Louisiana to study the residents as they are the only town comprised of diverse species from humans to witches to shifters of various kinds. Upon arrival, Jillian is immediately off-kilter as the sexy local sheriff, Bael Boone, makes no bones about his objection to the study. The situation is exacerbated when locals who have spoken to Jillian turn up dead.

This is a delightful romp with relatable characters (despite their otherworldly abilities), a charming romance, and an exciting suspense plot.

The basic premise of a town in the middle of nowhere in which supernaturals and humans live together in harmony is very intriguing. The history of the town and many of its residents are fleshed out very well for such a short read. One of the highlights is Harper's incorporation of classic mythological elements within her characterization, such as the dragon's hoard.

The romance between Bael and Jillian gets off to a rocky start, but they are both likeable and their interactions are entertaining. One minor issue is the sudden transition from adversaries to lovers - one minute they are having a conversation and the next they are having sex on a pile of gold.

The mystery surrounding the murder of several residents is well done although it is pretty easy to guess both the culprit and the motive once the connection between the victims becomes clear. That said the climax and resolution are exciting and satisfying.

All in all, a fun beginning to the series and I look forward to reading more about the quirky residents of Mystic Bayou. One a final note, Amanda Ronconi's narration is wonderful but the male narrator, Jonathan Davis, takes some getting used to. ( )