Kiss of Fire: A Dragonfire Novel    by Deborah Cooke Order:  USA  Can Signet, 2008 (2008) Paperback     Reviewed by Martina Bexte Cooke (aka Claire Delacroix) joins the growing list of established authors who've crossed over into the paranormal realm. In Kiss of Fire, she dishes up the first entry in an appealing new series featuring immortal shape-shifting dragons known as the Pyr. For millennia, the elite warriors have been guardians of earth's four elements - earth, wind, air and fire - as well as protectors against the evil schemes of their much darker counterparts, the Slayers, whose ultimate agenda is the destruction of the Pyr and the annihilation of the human race. Centuries have passed since Quinn Tyrrell has had any contact with his fellow Pyr and he's happy to keep it that way. The Pyr and all that they represent have caused the fire warrior nothing but pain and loss. And while he understands that his destiny will never be his own, he's determined to remain alienated, content to ply his trade as an artist whose pieces are shaped in metal and forged with dragon fire. But when his destined mate is threatened by the Slayers, no power on Earth can stop Quinn from protecting her. Sara Keegan is happy running the New Age bookstore bequeathed to her by her quirky relative. Aunt Magda's assortment of old tomes collecting dust in a back room make for entertaining reading - not that Sara really believes in magic and fate much any more. But when a tall, dark and very handsome stranger saves her from a violent mugger - and turns into an honest to God fire breathing dragon while protecting her - all her childhood fantasies come rushing back. Sara's feelings toward the stranger turn much more potent once she accepts her destiny, her connection to Quinn and the role both will play in forging the future. Paranormal fans with a soft spot for shape-shifting dragons will definitely enjoy Kiss of Fire, a story brimming with sexy heroes, evil villains threatening mayhem, death and world domination, ancient prophesies, and an engaging love story (despite Cooke using the destined mate premise, which has become an overused cliché in far too many paranormals lately). An intriguing mythology and various unanswered plot threads set the stage for plenty more adventure to come in future Dragonfire stories. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews