The Witch’s Grumpy Dragon

Brinnswick: Tales from Gauhala, Book 1

By: Michele Notaro

Narrated by: Michael Lesley

I have never in my life met anyone as infuriating as that dragon. So then why do I keep wanting to spend time with him?

Step One: Find a gorgeous guy. Check.

Step Two: Talk to said gorgeous guy. Check.

Step Three: Try not to strangle him. Uh… do I really have to check this one? Because I really want to wrap my fingers around his—ugh.

Garrick Von Stein is the most frustrating person I’ve ever met, and yet, as soon as he calls me for help, I jump right in. Every single time. Why? I have no idea. I mean, I really do like to look at the dragon shifter king, but that doesn’t explain this strange pull, this need, I feel to be near him.

He doesn’t even like me—believe me, I’d know—but for some reason he trusts me. And the weirdest thing of all? I trust him too.

Now if only we could find a way to work together to keep him and everyone else safe.

The Witch’s Grumpy Dragon is Book 1 of the new MM urban fantasy series, Brinnswick: Tales from Gauhala. It follows a new couple in each book with a guaranteed HEA. It takes place in the Brinnswick world in the far away country of Gauhala and brings a whole new cast of characters. But don't worry, there will be some cameos along the way.

©2024 Michele Notaro (P)2024 Michele Notaro

Fun story

Garrick and Tan our grumpy/sunshine couple, are sweet a good continuation to the Elwood universe. Narration was great also.

loved it

I really enjoyed this book. the narrator was amazing. The story itself was fun to listen to. I love a good grumpy/Sunshine book. fated mates not being called fated mates was unique and I didn't like it. Book has it all action, love, a little bit of spice, and found family. I can't wait for the next one.

Second Time Around

After reading the book, getting a chance to listen to the audiobook was a treat. I loved the book. Tan and Garrick journey to forever after was lovely. You really don't notice too much of this being a slow burn romance which makes this such a great read/listen. I loved this paranormal world and the side characters made this entertaining. The narrator did an good job with the voices and also kept it entertaining. I highly recommend listening to this romance definitely if you read the book first. NICE!

Underneath the Grumpiness!

This was very fun on audible. Michael Lesley gave every character their own voice and really brought out the quirky personalities. Garrick was actually a soft-hearted dragon who was hiding away from opening up to trusting others again. With Tan being there to help protect him they end up spending a lot of time together. We could see how smitten Garrick truly was with his protector witch! Loved all the cameos and side characters too.

The greatness continues!

This continuation in the some world but a different series is phenomenal! Garrick and Tan make me laugh and their story is captivating.

So good

I love this author’s characters so much. Seb and Ailin are two of my faves and to see their kids meeting their virsmores makes my heart happy! I loved this story! Tan and his grumpy dragon king 🥰🥰 Michael Lesley did a great job bringing them to life.

Great!!!

"The Witch’s Grumpy Dragon" by Michele Notaro is a great addition to the wider Brinnswick/Ellwood world created by the author. Tan and Garrick are great for each other and make for a fun and interesting romance, that requires understanding and healing.

The world this book is set in is a favorite of mine to revisit and I love that more of the world is being explored. This is the first in a new series and can stand on its own, but I recommend reading the previous books set in the world, especially "The Wolf's (Un)Lucky Fae" as it's a prequel and helps set up this book. There are also some characters from other books that make appearances and knowing who they are adds to the fun.

I have now read the eBook and listened to the audiobook narrated by Michael Lesley. Wow! Just Wow! I love how audiobooks can add so much to books but this was a big difference. I highly enjoyed my eBook read of this book but this audio had me in tears at parts. The added emotion the added tensions and just everything, was amazing. This audiobook solidifies why Michael Lesley is a favorite narrator and will probably always be one.

I received a copy of this book and audiobook and this is my honest opinion.

The Witch's Grumpy Dragon

I enjoyed meeting Garrick and Tan and getting to see how their relationship grows. The two work together well and it was nice to see their interactions. They had made me chuckle as well as feel the emotions between the two. As the two find their way they must also deal with the reason Garrick hired Tan. The pain of the past is rearing its ugly had and evil is returning. It was nice to see the two fight for what is right and see their found family right beside them. As a fan of the Ellwood Chronicles series, I was happy to see Seb and Ailin make an appearance in this story. Narrator Michael Lesley does a nice job of bringing out the emotions and I was quickly immersed in this story.

New Notaro Series

Although this is a new series, there is so much connectivity to her other series. You don't need to have read the other series or book 0, but they will provide a lot of background to this world. (And not to mention they are so good.) Book 0, although part of another series, will especially help. All that being said, this story is very typical of Michele Notaro. Good world building, good storyline, and a cute matching of the two main characters. Michael Lesley is all about the voices and accompanying sounds. He creates a great distinction between Garrett and Tan. Love his growls, throat clearing, etc. Looking forward to the next story.

Slow Burn for Fated Mates

Garrick and Tan are a formidable force once they come together but getting together proved difficult for these fated mates. Garrick is a dragon king seemingly out of touch with his kingdom. Tan works/co-owns a security firm with his best friend, Remy and Garrick has contracted them for protection. Upon their first meeting, there is a smoky connection between the two but it seems to have vastly different meanings for dragon and witch. Tan feels Garrick is entitled, arrogant, unyielding, and most other adjectives when describing a spoiled king. However, after a direct attack on Garrick, he requests the services of Tan alongside his confidant and best friend Roman. As Tan begins to learn more and more about Garrick, he realizes his prior notions are not only wrong but Garrick has consistently been deceived throughout his long life and much of what was known was due to a curse from many years ago. Tan and Garrick become closer and closer and finally take their relationship physically after an intimate introduction to dragon lore. Garrick is still terrified to reveal the true nature of their connection but soon the powers aiming to tear Garrick down get too close to his beloved and truly all hell breaks loose. Can these two find their HEA? With the blasts that come with the past be too much to overcome or does love truly never fail and conquer all?

I enjoyed this story and the action but at times it dragged along and I felt that some of the animosity was so weird. It should be noted I have not read other stories within the other towns but it still feels odd even with the explanation as to why it may be that way. I also felt like while the romance was high, the intimacy was lacking at times, it would be a glimpse of hotness then back to high school rules.

I enjoyed the narrator and their take on all of the various voices. I never felt lost about who was speaking or their intention. I listened on 1.40 and the tempo felt perfect for me, I typically listen on 1.25 and that felt wildly slow.