Dragons in Fire

I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes at the ‘trusting healer stumbles into a hidden world’ trope—until *Dragons in Fire* made me care. Street’s protagonist isn’t a wide-eyed ingenue; she’s a woman whose kindness was weaponized, and her rage simmers under every healing spell she fumbles. The dragon love interest, Veyan, is a masterclass in ‘emotionally stunted but weirdly tender’—think *A Court of Thorns and Roses*’ Rhysand, but with less smoldering and more ‘I will burn cities for you but also forget to ask if you’re okay.’ Eldridge’s narration sells the emotional whiplash. Her delivery during the training scenes—where the protagonist’s magic lashes out like a wounded animal—is *visceral*. I did, however, wish the pacing in the middle act had more urgency; the political intrigue about dragon clans feels tacked on compared to the razor-sharp character work. And while the chemistry between leads is electric, some dialogues veer into *too* much banter, undercutting the stakes. Still, the final act’s payoff—a healing ritual that’s equal parts brutal and beautiful—made me forgive the lulls. This is for listeners who want their paranormal romance with teeth, not just kisses.