Dragon Traders by JB McDonald
Dragon Hunted, sequel
Torquere Press
Fantasy M/M
ISBN: 978-1-61040-288-0
Reviewed by Lisa

Three members of the band are sent ahead into town to negotiate and trade the pilfered dragon eggs for gold. Lately the human medic Katsu has been sharing his tent with Ashe, an elf. Katsu’s reticence intrigues the chatty elf though Ashe figures he’s most likely being used for sex and bed heat as opposed to anything more meaningful.

The other teammate is a female named Eddie who reminds them that the buyer in town isn’t to be trusted according to their leader. Katsu is supposed to be brokering the deal but since he’s attracting too much unwanted attention with his distinct looks it’s decided that Ashe will trade the eggs. It occurs to them, too late, that an elf might also be a temptation for a merchant of illegal goods. All things being equal, maybe they should have sent Eddie.

Being naughty doesn’t give someone much wiggle room when someone else takes things one step further is the lesson learned the hard way by Ashe and Katsu in Dragon Traders. Drama, suspense, and a hot moment or two makes Dragon Traders a frantic paced, character driven treat to read. Time spent on Ashe’s emotional state adds depth to this tale as well. Dragon Traders offers more than expected with Ashe at the helm and a taciturn Katsu in pursuit, or so we hope.