When determined tiger shifter Sabine Katz’s dreams of mysterious love become too vivid to ignore, her quiet life in enchanted Mystic Hollow is turned upside down. Sabine has spent years tending to her quirky shop and practicing subtle magic, all while haunted by nightly visions of a stranger whose presence fills her with both longing and trepidation. Now, her untamed tiger spirit is urging her to fall for a tall, grumpy, and powerful dragon who makes her feel like she’s known him her whole life.

Ren Athran is a 1000-year-old dragon shifter with a cold, regal exterior and a tragic past. Once the beloved mate of a fierce witch, Ren retreated into solitude after her death, vowing never to love again. But when a single wish at the Mystic Hollow fountain creates a bond with a tigress, Ren finds himself inexplicably drawn to the vibrant, powerful Sabine Katz—whose presence stirs emotions he believed had long faded from his heart.

As their magic intertwines and sparks fly, a sinister presence emerges. An old enemy with a dangerous vendetta lurks in the shadows, threatening to shatter their new connection and plunge their lives into darkness. Can Sabine and Ren defy fate, harness their powerful bond, and write a future filled with love and hope?

Titles in the Mystic Hollow series include:  Enchanting the Alpha ~ A Roar for Magic ~ Hex and Scales ~ Bearly Bewitched ~ A Hex and A Howl ~

This is an adult 18+ story that contains language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Title:  Hex and Scales
Series:  Mystic Hollow #3
Author:  Milly Taiden
Published:  March 2, 2025
My Rating:  4.5 stars

 

Hex and Scales is the third title in the Mystic Hollow series, bringing us Sabine and Ren’s timeless romance.  I had read this one a few months ago (out of order for some reason), and it was no hardship to re-read it again.  It’s always been my belief that (if possible) any series is best read in order… and I was right!  The context of the earlier books helped make this one so much better.  But enough on reading order, time to get on with the review.

While I obviously haven’t finished this series yet, Ren and Sabine’s story is so heartfelt, achingly poignant that at this point it’s my favorite of this series (so far).  There is also a definite twist in this story that I feel I need to be extra careful and let you discover that for yourself.  Sabine has been dreaming about a faceless man for years with such longing that she often awakens with tears on her face and empty arms. This day, she’ll make an impulsive wish at the Mystic Hollow Fountain, a place known for granting wishes, although not always in the ways expected.  Watching her friends find their mates, discovering life-long connections, has only strengthened her belief that her mate is out there… she just has to find him.

At the moment that Sabine made her wish, Ren’s dragon sat up with intensity, stating, “Mate”.  That’s not possible, for Ren lost his mate centuries ago and has held her memory close to his heart since.  But his dragon is insistent.  With something testing the protective wards surrounding Mystic Hollow, Ren will meet Sabine, and his dragon, once again, will declare “Mate”.  He’s drawn to Sabine, and she’s obviously a focus of the tainted magic around town, but it will take facing an ancient enemy before Ren will begin to believe in second chances.

I was completely captivated by Ren and Sabine’s story.  It’s full of questioning fate, bits of humor, lots of steamy moments, along with tender ones as well.  I loved their story so much.  If you love a well-written, emotional tale with characters you’ll need to find their happy ending, then Hex and Scales by Milly Taiden is perfect for you.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)