Whisper Kiss by Deborah Cooke

One man's mission ignites one woman's fire...

Niall Talbot has volunteered to hunt down and destroy all the remaining shadow dragons - who were weakened by the destruction of the Dragon's Blood Elixir - before they can wreak more havoc. Among them is his dead twin brother, making Niall's mission not only dangerous but personal.

Tattoo artist Rox believes the world is a canvas to be made more beautiful. An unconventional spirit who isn't afraid of anything, she doesn't even flinch when a shape-shifting dragon warrior suddenly appears on her doorstep. And as a woman who follows her heart in matters of passion, she makes the perfect mate for a firestorm with Niall...

WHISPER KISS

Dragonfire #5

coming August 3, 2010

from NAL Eclipse

ISBN # 978-0-451-23092-8

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I really love this series. It has my favorite mythical creature, hot alpha males, strong female leads and plenty of action. Throughout the Dragonfire novels there is a great message about saving the environment.

The Pyr, are dragonshifters who were created to look after all of Earths treasure's. Humans included. Then there are Slayers, who used to be Pyr. They believe humans don't need guarding, that we're destroying the Earth and they want the Earth for themselves. 

Pyr find their females through a Firestorm. It signals their mates arrival. When Niall realizes Rox is his destined mate he is not happy. He has undertaken the task of destroying the last of the Slayers upon himself, and the arrival of Rox isn't helpful.

Niall is almost a workaholic, with his mission to destroy Slayers and an eco-tourism company. 

He seems straitlaced and maybe a bit boring. He's a complete opposite of Rox who is a punk dressing tattoo artist, who believes everyone should get a second chance. She also has a thing for dragons. Which means she was awed when Niall changed in front of her. 

Even though he can feel the firestorm, he goes so far as to ignore Rox, and judges her solely on her appearance. Rox is a fire cracker. She speaks her mind, doesn't care what anyone else thinks, dresses how she wants, and isn't afraid to to admit she wants Niall. They both have baggage, and use it as shields against each other. They need to overcome their obstacles, and push each other to the limit. Rox is more for this than Niall. He doesn't want the distraction of a firestorm, but can't deny he feels something for Rox. I love how she pushes Niall's button's and believes a connection as strong as theirs shouldn't be ignored. Like I said before Niall comes across as boring and staid. It was great seeing him become flummoxed with Rox. 

Niall's character emerges slowly, but along the way you find yourself realizing why he is how he is, but the progression works, and I really liked him in the end. They work well together, but can they realize they need each other, or will they push the other away?

Thorolf (who we met in Winter Kiss) was Rox's roommate, but he moved in with Niall to become a better Pyr. He is definitely the comic relief. I really like reading about T (as he calls himself), because he is just so much out of his element. Even though he is one of the older Pyr, he has no idea what it means to be Pyr. Niall and the others are teaching him, but he's a bit stubborn. Thorolf actually helps Niall and Rox become closer. In this book he starts to realize he needs to grow up, and take responsibility for himself. He is a great character and I enjoyed getting to him a bit more. I can't wait for his firestorm!

There are new enemies, someone else who has taken over the shadowdragons, and plenty of old ones we know. Whisper Kiss has plenty of action, intrigue and romance to keep nearly everyone happy. Deborah Cooke has delivered another great book in this series. 

Now, I'm off to hunt this Australian Pyr she mentioned in her interview......

I give it 4 out of 5 roses.