While Amber's longer more developed books are ones I really enjoy, these shorter snacks have their place. This one was not one of her best short stories - left a lot to be desired. 2.5/5 ( )

Just wish it were longer. ( )

On the contrary of her other series about werewolves (the Moon Pack), that is funny but quite “classical”, using many of the common elements of the paranormal romance, the Dragonmen series is more original, introducing concepts, pairs, and dynamics that are very much a trademark of Amber Kell and her series.

What probably is the most original element of this novella is that Torrance, the duke that was handforced by his king to participate in a contest to be the future consort of the Dragon kin king Naron, even if he is not actually glad of having this chance, and probably since he is still mourning the loss of his lover, is nevertheless able to see things in perspective, and considering that he could do way worst than the handsome King Naron. BTW Torrance is also quite self-confident, and even if there are other 4 contendants, I had the feeling that Torrance was quite sure he would be the winner.

On the other side Naron recognizes in Torrance is fated mate, but he enjoys the contest has a way to courtship/barter with Torrance. This is another trademark of Amber Kell, her romances are quite light and comedy-like, there is no much angst, if not at all, and reading one of her novella you can be sure to be in for a pleasant break.

By the way, even if light in tone, and only a novella, Mate Test had a “deeper” feeling: there was a lot happening in the background, and the characters, in particular Torrance, had a past that was good share of the story: Torrance has a former lover and is still in pain due to his loss, Torrance has three children from a surrogate mother, Torrance was dragon struck when he was only 5 years old and now he is bonded (but not in a sexual way) with a space dragon talking in his mind.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DTLE9Y/?tag=elimyrevandra-20

“Mate Test” was much better than I hoped, considering the first in this series was a good story, but not great. In book one, the main character Jory is written more as a female character rather than a convincing gay male. However, Tor does not have that problem. He appeared at the end of book one; he’s Jory’s cousin by marriage. Moreover, this story had a great and unique take on dragons.

Duke Torrance has been sent to the southern province of the dragon homeworld to negotiate mineral rights. Unbeknownst to Tor, the province King has initiated a mate test to find a mate and Tor’s uncle has entered him into the contest! When they meet, their attraction is instantaneous but the King must go forth with the test and Tor must wrestle with whether he is willing to remain on the planet.

What made this tale so interesting was the author’s creation, Torrance. He’s “blind,” but for a very unusual reason, and also bonded to a space dragon! The concept was so original, I’m disappointed the author hasn’t considered expanding this story into a full novel. She has a rich landscape, interesting characters and with a galactic empire, surely a conspiracy plot..? Overall, this story was excellent and I will continue should Kell release another Dragomen tale. But, preferably, I would love to read more about Tor and his dragon. ( )