How to Date Your Dragon

By: Molly Harper

Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi, Jonathan Davis

Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

The first book in Molly Harper's uproariously funny, sinfully sexy new Mystic Bayou series!

Anthropologist Jillian Ramsay's career has taken a turn south.

Concerned that technology is about to chase mythological creatures out into the open (how long can Sasquatch stay hidden from Google maps?), the League for Interspecies Cooperation is sending Jillian to Louisiana on a fact-finding mission. While the League hopes to hold on to secrecy for a little bit longer, they're preparing for the worst in terms of human reactions. They need a plan, so they look to Mystic Bayou, a tiny town hidden in the swamp where humans and supernatural residents have been living in harmony for generations. Mermaids and gator shifters swim in the bayou. Spirit bottles light the front porches after twilight. Dragons light the fires under crayfish pots.

Jillian's first assignment for the League could be her last. Mystic Bayou is wary of outsiders, and she has difficulty getting locals to talk to her. And she can't get the gruff town sheriff, Bael Boone, off of her back or out of her mind. Bael is the finest male specimen she's seen in a long time, even though he might not be human. Soon their flirtation is hotter than a dragon's breath, which Bael just might turn out to be....

©2017 Molly White (P)2017 Audible Originals, LLC.

Did I expect anything else? (This is a positive statement)

True to form Molly Harper, I fell in love with the characters. I am always entertained, enough to listen to the other series multiple times. Really enjoyed this new series and ready for book two! A super fan of Amanda Ronconi due to her ability to take on any character and her fluidly to move between characters in her storytelling, the new addition of Jonathan and his baritone is appreciated.

Molly Harper’s stories amuses me!

This tale of a Jillian a Ph.d anthropologist who has come to Mystic Bayou from the League to document how different species of paranormals and humans get along. In exchange the League will help other communities with Jillian’s research. She meets the many in the community but is totally taken with Bael Boone the sheriff and a dragon she already has fantasies about. In other reviews it is mentioned that 2 narrators were confusing but I liked it and think both performers were excellent.

M.H.--You've done it again 5/5

I've just listened to the Audible version---'How to Date Your Dragon" is a hit with me.

Amanda Ronconi and Jonathan Davis did amazing jobs.

It is so funny--The snark and comedy was at it's best in this cozy mystery based in the paranormal world. A Great Cozy Murder Mystery from beginning to end +++plus so much more--- and this is only the beginning of this new series. I CAN'T WAIT FOR MORE!!!!!!

Dragons, and bears, and gators--OH MY!!!!

Yowza!

Molly Harper’s first book with a dual narration!? Freaking loved it! I love how all of her books take place in a world that could be out own. And Amanda Ronconi always does amazing with her accents! So many fun characters. Mediterranean spider? Check! Cajun gator shifter? Yes please! Can’t wait to hear the next book in this Bayou series!

Another awesome Harper/Ronconi story.

What did you love best about How to Date Your Dragon?

I am a huge fan of Molly Harper and Amanda Ronconi. This is their best book yet because in this book Harper lets you get to know the male character and the addition of Jonathan Davis for dual voices adds interest. In previous books, the male character tends to be a bit flat because you are not allowed into their mind. In this book, that is totally different. Harper does a great job with this new experiment. I hope she continues this through the whole series. I also really enjoyed the variety of dual narrators.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main characters are interesting and likeable (especially Jillian), but my favorite character is Zed. His mother is a close second. As with all Harper books, the secondary characters are fun and interesting with a well developed character. Zed, as a friendly, happy, motorcyle riding bear shifter, is no different. You cannot help but like him.

What about Amanda Ronconi and Jonathan Davis ’s performance did you like?

I am really glad I did not allow the negative reviews regarding the sound quality and confusion caused by dual narrators discourage me from buying this book. The sound quality is great and I don't know what those reviewers are talking about. Secondly, the dual narrators adds quite a bit of interest to the story. They are both excellent narrators. I am a long time fan of Amanda Ronconi. This is my first experience of Jonathan Davis' narration, but I will look for him in future purchases.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Again, like all Harper books, this story is hilarious. It has her unique wit which is performed beautifully by Ronconi. This story has a great ending. The perp was unexpected although foreshadowed well. In short, this is a great book.

Any additional comments?

Steamy sex scenes. Not appropriate for children or young adults.

A Fun and Steamy Listen

I am a big fan of Molly Harper's snarky humor and excellent writing. I adored the Half-Moon Hallow books that featured Jane, but didn't care for the Werewolf books. I like my smutty romance books to feature interesting and intelligent characters and generally consensual sexual relationships. Although Harper's novels don't always deliver perfectly in the second regard, they're usually close enough that I can enjoy them.

This book wasn't perfect in the consent department, but the reverse power-dynamic in the couple's post-coital romance was unique enough to make the story enjoyable. Simply put, it was a pleasant change to have the male narrator pining for requited love while the female narrator worried mostly about completing her scientific work. The over-protective and possessive male trope present in most dragon novels was tempered in this one by a few good snarky jabs from the heroine, which really took away the eye-rolling silliness that is present in many smoky dragon romances.

Molly Harper's trademark snark is present throughout the story, and Amanda Ranconi delivers it in her clever way. Harper gives the dragon genre several tiny and unique twists that make the book a novel listen, from describing the hero as smelling of wood-smoke (yum) to having the heroine comment upon her kinkiness boundaries when she wakes up with her lover in full dragon form (hillarious).

The beginning of the story did seem to drag a bit before it really got into full swing. I didn't really find myself enjoying it until around chapter 10. But in the end I found myself enjoying it immensely and laughing aloud at the goofy humor that Harper delivers in most of her novels.

Molly Harper's books are always a great time!!

Another great new series by Molly Harper! ALWAYS enjoy narrator Amanda Ronconi this time with an added male voice of Jonathan Davis!!! What a fun ride, can't wait for the next book!!! Harper and Ronconi never disappoint!

OMG This book was amazing! Prepare for feelings

This book honestly made me laugh so hard that my co-worker who sits behind me thought I was crying when I was really trying to hold in a serious laughing fit! I was shaking so hard laughing! This book was an absolute GEM to read! I have not enjoyed a book like this in ages. It has it all: Humans, supernatural/magic, love, hate, laughter, it was freaking cool. I love the setting, the story-line, the characters, and how it all came together. 100% read this book!!!

Great story...split narration just okay.

I loved the story. My only complaint is the dual reading. While both narrators were good, I think I would have enjoyed it more with just Amanda Ronconi reading it.

Great start to a hopefully long Series

Light hearted, but not insipid. Great start to mythos building and a colorful and endearing cast of characters. I wish it had been longer just to get to spend more time with the characters and town, which is always a good sign. The romance was a little rushed, I felt the author was working with a limit on story length and wish it could have played out a bit. The mystery was well done for this genre, not dwelling on dark detail or too gritty, but adding tension. Great narration. Johnathan Davis dis a great job of a subtle coona....Cajun accent, given the character wasn't supposed to have a fullon accent. I highly recommend for a fun listen and cannot wait for the series to continue.