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Shadowvale #5
Her First Taste of Fire
Most people think Nasha Black lives in Shadowvale because that’s where her father, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, lives. But Nasha has another reason for staying in Shadowvale and it’s not just the bakery she owns and operates. She has a devastating curse of her own. One she’s never told a soul about.
Shadowvale has given chocolatier and dragon-shifter Charlie Ashborne a refuge from the reality of his cursed life. Until now. He’s been summoned to the dragon census, where all unmated dragons will be paired off. If he doesn’t show, the dragon council will come to him. His desire to protect Shadowvale means not only will he end up with a wife he doesn’t want, but the curse he’s kept hidden for so long will be exposed.
Facing certain humiliation, Charlie is about to leave for the census when an attractive woman shows up at his house, desperate for more of the chocolates Charlie sells in his shop. Nasha needs to know what magic he puts in his chocolate. She’s never tasted anything like it, literally, and it’s changed her life. Discovering he’s headed out of town pushes her to make a crazy offer. She’ll pretend to be his wife in exchange for his recipe. Seems fair enough.
Making a pact with a chocolate addict might not be the right move, but Charlie will do anything to avoid the dragon census mating games, so he jumps at the chance to claim Nasha as his wife for a week.
It seems like the perfect plan, until they find out the rules have changed, leaving them no choice but to compete in the games. Unexpectedly, they begin to fall for each other, amazed by what a good team they make. But as competitors try to tear them apart Charlie and Nasha wonder if they will ever taste sweet victory, or just the bitter dregs of defeat?
Shadowvale has given chocolatier and dragon-shifter Charlie Ashborne a refuge from the reality of his cursed life. Until now. He’s been summoned to the dragon census, where all unmated dragons will be paired off. If he doesn’t show, the dragon council will come to him. His desire to protect Shadowvale means not only will he end up with a wife he doesn’t want, but the curse he’s kept hidden for so long will be exposed.
Facing certain humiliation, Charlie is about to leave for the census when an attractive woman shows up at his house, desperate for more of the chocolates Charlie sells in his shop. Nasha needs to know what magic he puts in his chocolate. She’s never tasted anything like it, literally, and it’s changed her life. Discovering he’s headed out of town pushes her to make a crazy offer. She’ll pretend to be his wife in exchange for his recipe. Seems fair enough.
Making a pact with a chocolate addict might not be the right move, but Charlie will do anything to avoid the dragon census mating games, so he jumps at the chance to claim Nasha as his wife for a week.
It seems like the perfect plan, until they find out the rules have changed, leaving them no choice but to compete in the games. Unexpectedly, they begin to fall for each other, amazed by what a good team they make. But as competitors try to tear them apart Charlie and Nasha wonder if they will ever taste sweet victory, or just the bitter dregs of defeat?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2021
93 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
136books3,342followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: .
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December 19, 2021
Her First Taste of Fire by Kristen Painter
Shadowvale series, book 5. Paranormal romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Nasha Black is cursed. She can’t taste anything. Everyone living in Shadowvale is or was cursed in some way. The magical town welcomes those that need the haven or solitude or peace. Charlie has lived in Shadowvale for 5 years, mostly staying in his shop and making chocolate with his dragon fire. Nasha discovers that something in his chocolate allows her to actual taste for the first time. She wants the recipe and if that means she’d poses as his fiancée for a short time, she’ll do that.
Captivating romance with a woman realizing her own power with confidence and finesse. I enjoyed the deep friendships that Nasha and Charlie cultivated and the strength they all gave each other. The flying colorful dragons just made it more fun: “Charlie in his human form was a very handsome man. In his dragon form, he was epic. �
My favorite of the series to date.
Excerpt:
“She closed his stammering mouth with a soft kiss that lit sparks all through him. His head went funny. Like he’d suddenly lost altitude.�
Excerpt From Her First Taste Of Fire: Shadowvale, Book Five by Kristen Painter
Shadowvale series, book 5. Paranormal romance. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Nasha Black is cursed. She can’t taste anything. Everyone living in Shadowvale is or was cursed in some way. The magical town welcomes those that need the haven or solitude or peace. Charlie has lived in Shadowvale for 5 years, mostly staying in his shop and making chocolate with his dragon fire. Nasha discovers that something in his chocolate allows her to actual taste for the first time. She wants the recipe and if that means she’d poses as his fiancée for a short time, she’ll do that.
Captivating romance with a woman realizing her own power with confidence and finesse. I enjoyed the deep friendships that Nasha and Charlie cultivated and the strength they all gave each other. The flying colorful dragons just made it more fun: “Charlie in his human form was a very handsome man. In his dragon form, he was epic. �
My favorite of the series to date.
Excerpt:
“She closed his stammering mouth with a soft kiss that lit sparks all through him. His head went funny. Like he’d suddenly lost altitude.�
Excerpt From Her First Taste Of Fire: Shadowvale, Book Five by Kristen Painter
January 29, 2024
Fifth in the Shadowvale paranormal romance series and revolving around its cursed townsfolk. The couple focus is on Nasha Black and Charlie Ashmore.
My Take
Oh, no, the curse that Nasha is under is hideous!! I'd absolutely hate it. Of course my diet(s), ahem, would work better!
I certainly can't blame Nasha for her sudden fascination with chocolate. What I wouldn't give for a raid on a chocolate shop, lol.
It's a tale of standing up for what's right, and while fun and cozy with a combination of action and characters, Her First Taste of Fire is too easy with Painter's depiction of mean girls and bullying.
That whole rules bit? How could any intelligent person think this is okay? Although, it did have an interesting result at the end.
Sure, it's an interesting town, that Shadowvale. Peopled with cursed characters, a wide range of curses and supernaturals. And an excellent example of how mixed races can live in harmony!
It also gives Painter the opportunity to provide her characters with a wide range of family backgrounds from the supportive to the truly jerkish. Nasha's dad seems like a really nice guy, despite his profession, and Nasha does spend time reflecting on how he handles his job and how taking over from him could be . . . interesting. Charlie's dad? He's too concerned with appearances and his mother seems to be a doormat.
On a side note, it was a real treat to read an author who understands the difference between “�.
Painter uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Nasha's and Charlie's perspectives, so we know what they're thinking, feeling, and experiencing. There is something to be said for tradition.
Thank goodness for friends!
The Story
In a desperate move, Charlie Ashborne finds himself bartering his chocolate recipe for a faux fiancée . . . until he discovers it won't work.
It's a new council of dragons, and they're worrying about their decreasing population. They'll do anything, anything, to ensure their survival.
The Characters
Nasha Black, the daughter of Famine, loves to bake and gives it away for free. It's an attempt to balance the scales. Harold "Hal" Black is her father, one of the four Horsemen. Domino is his horse. Falstaff is her father's groom.
The Black Horse Bakery is . . .
. . . Nasha's business, and she employs Claraphina "Clara" who was an Amazonian warrior, Brighton is a pixie born with malformed wings, and Emeranth Greer who is the new barista ( The Trouble With Witches , 1).
The Chocolate Dragon is . . .
. . . a chocolate shop run by Charlie Ashborne, a dragon whose family cast him away. But he's still heir to the Crimson Treaty Hoard. Charlie's father is a history professor, his mother is a sculptor, and his two sisters are Mia and Suzanna.
Shadowvale is . . .
. . . a town for the cursed, where the sun never shines, and you must pass the gates' judgment before you can enter. Deacon Evermore, a raven shifter, married Emeranth in The Trouble With Witches . Shepherd Evermore is one of Nasha's ex-boyfriends. Robin Gallow is the King of the Goblins who's married to Theo Middlebright ( Moody and the Beast , 4). Deja Brew is the other coffee shop in town. The scary Enchanted Forest is part of Shadowvale and supposedly hides a book that can set you free. Cherry Webb is a widow who volunteers.
The Valley of Fire appears . . .
. . . when needed for a census of dragons. Geographical location? Always somewhere else. Lazarus Stratton owns his own construction company and has his own curse. Henry Grimstone is from Wyoming and had once been on the council. Marissa Steelsong, a third-grade teacher in Indiana, is half-dragon and half-basilisk. Lexi is Marissa's cat. Marissa's aunt Martha Carrington had also been on the council. Verochka Lukin, a.k.a. Russian Barbie, is a Russian legacy who is famous for being famous. Katya is Verochka's friend.
Lakshmi Stoneheart is the new president of the council. Martin Harwell, Reynaldo Rossi, Xavier Redwing, and Kreston Whitlock are also on the council.
Ignis Academy is a special school for problem dragon children. Sarah Jane Broadmore was a Latin teacher.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background which causes the other colors to pop. It starts with an info blurb at the top in red and the author's name in white below that. The series info starts immediately below it in an electric green that gradates to a brighter green at the bottom of the scrolled gate. In front of the gate is a Ruby Egg, Faberge-style, with a ribbon holding it closed around its center and haloed in a fiery yellow. The title starts by overlapping the left bottom of the egg in a white outlined in a flaming red.
The title refers to Nasha and Her First Taste of Fire. Only there is all sorts of "fire"!
My Take
Oh, no, the curse that Nasha is under is hideous!! I'd absolutely hate it. Of course my diet(s), ahem, would work better!
I certainly can't blame Nasha for her sudden fascination with chocolate. What I wouldn't give for a raid on a chocolate shop, lol.
It's a tale of standing up for what's right, and while fun and cozy with a combination of action and characters, Her First Taste of Fire is too easy with Painter's depiction of mean girls and bullying.
That whole rules bit? How could any intelligent person think this is okay? Although, it did have an interesting result at the end.
Sure, it's an interesting town, that Shadowvale. Peopled with cursed characters, a wide range of curses and supernaturals. And an excellent example of how mixed races can live in harmony!
It also gives Painter the opportunity to provide her characters with a wide range of family backgrounds from the supportive to the truly jerkish. Nasha's dad seems like a really nice guy, despite his profession, and Nasha does spend time reflecting on how he handles his job and how taking over from him could be . . . interesting. Charlie's dad? He's too concerned with appearances and his mother seems to be a doormat.
On a side note, it was a real treat to read an author who understands the difference between “�.
Painter uses third person dual protagonist point-of-view from Nasha's and Charlie's perspectives, so we know what they're thinking, feeling, and experiencing. There is something to be said for tradition.
Thank goodness for friends!
The Story
In a desperate move, Charlie Ashborne finds himself bartering his chocolate recipe for a faux fiancée . . . until he discovers it won't work.
It's a new council of dragons, and they're worrying about their decreasing population. They'll do anything, anything, to ensure their survival.
The Characters
Nasha Black, the daughter of Famine, loves to bake and gives it away for free. It's an attempt to balance the scales. Harold "Hal" Black is her father, one of the four Horsemen. Domino is his horse. Falstaff is her father's groom.
The Black Horse Bakery is . . .
. . . Nasha's business, and she employs Claraphina "Clara" who was an Amazonian warrior, Brighton is a pixie born with malformed wings, and Emeranth Greer who is the new barista ( The Trouble With Witches , 1).
The Chocolate Dragon is . . .
. . . a chocolate shop run by Charlie Ashborne, a dragon whose family cast him away. But he's still heir to the Crimson Treaty Hoard. Charlie's father is a history professor, his mother is a sculptor, and his two sisters are Mia and Suzanna.
Shadowvale is . . .
. . . a town for the cursed, where the sun never shines, and you must pass the gates' judgment before you can enter. Deacon Evermore, a raven shifter, married Emeranth in The Trouble With Witches . Shepherd Evermore is one of Nasha's ex-boyfriends. Robin Gallow is the King of the Goblins who's married to Theo Middlebright ( Moody and the Beast , 4). Deja Brew is the other coffee shop in town. The scary Enchanted Forest is part of Shadowvale and supposedly hides a book that can set you free. Cherry Webb is a widow who volunteers.
The Valley of Fire appears . . .
. . . when needed for a census of dragons. Geographical location? Always somewhere else. Lazarus Stratton owns his own construction company and has his own curse. Henry Grimstone is from Wyoming and had once been on the council. Marissa Steelsong, a third-grade teacher in Indiana, is half-dragon and half-basilisk. Lexi is Marissa's cat. Marissa's aunt Martha Carrington had also been on the council. Verochka Lukin, a.k.a. Russian Barbie, is a Russian legacy who is famous for being famous. Katya is Verochka's friend.
Lakshmi Stoneheart is the new president of the council. Martin Harwell, Reynaldo Rossi, Xavier Redwing, and Kreston Whitlock are also on the council.
Ignis Academy is a special school for problem dragon children. Sarah Jane Broadmore was a Latin teacher.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a black background which causes the other colors to pop. It starts with an info blurb at the top in red and the author's name in white below that. The series info starts immediately below it in an electric green that gradates to a brighter green at the bottom of the scrolled gate. In front of the gate is a Ruby Egg, Faberge-style, with a ribbon holding it closed around its center and haloed in a fiery yellow. The title starts by overlapping the left bottom of the egg in a white outlined in a flaming red.
The title refers to Nasha and Her First Taste of Fire. Only there is all sorts of "fire"!
December 15, 2021
Love this series. But this one is my favorite. It can be read as a stand alone. That’s what I like about the series. There’s interaction with the characters some but nothing that would give away other stories. They are all stand alone.
Nasha owns a bakery and reading about her creations made me want to eat cake. Ironically, she can’t taste anything. That’s her curse and why she lives in Shadowvale. She is also the daughter of one of the four horseman. I loved her character and felt so bad for her. Her friend and worker gave her a chocolate egg from a local chocolate store. She was polite and took it but wasn’t too keen on eating it. But when accidents happen, some times things wind up on your hands then in your mouth. She realizes she can taste this chocolate! She becomes obsessed. After finding the maker, she arrives in perfect time to join him for a dragon census he has to attend to be married off. Oh yeah, the maker is Charlie and he is a dragon. If he takes a wife, he won’t have to worry about being forced into an unwanted marriage. So the pretend engagement is on. And what does Nasha have to lose? With this bargain she gets a lifetime of chocolate. But it isn’t going to be as easy as they think. Some other dragons have other ideas for Charlie. Along the way, they meet some new friends that help in their journey. It was a nonstop fun book that I couldn’t put down. There wasn’t a dull moment.
Nasha owns a bakery and reading about her creations made me want to eat cake. Ironically, she can’t taste anything. That’s her curse and why she lives in Shadowvale. She is also the daughter of one of the four horseman. I loved her character and felt so bad for her. Her friend and worker gave her a chocolate egg from a local chocolate store. She was polite and took it but wasn’t too keen on eating it. But when accidents happen, some times things wind up on your hands then in your mouth. She realizes she can taste this chocolate! She becomes obsessed. After finding the maker, she arrives in perfect time to join him for a dragon census he has to attend to be married off. Oh yeah, the maker is Charlie and he is a dragon. If he takes a wife, he won’t have to worry about being forced into an unwanted marriage. So the pretend engagement is on. And what does Nasha have to lose? With this bargain she gets a lifetime of chocolate. But it isn’t going to be as easy as they think. Some other dragons have other ideas for Charlie. Along the way, they meet some new friends that help in their journey. It was a nonstop fun book that I couldn’t put down. There wasn’t a dull moment.
December 21, 2021
This is a captivating story that I couldn’t put down. Charlie and Nasha are intriguing characters that drew me into the story and had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. Of the Shadowvale books, this is probably my favorite. This book can be read as a stand-alone and not spoil other books in the series. I’m looking forward to reading what happens next.
December 22, 2021
Dragons and chocolate what could be better? How about a one of a kind heroine with a unique curse of her own. Add in a bunch of unreasonable expectations from the governing body and you’ve got yourself one epic book.
February 11, 2025
Might be the best one yet. I’m a sucker for dragons. :D
January 31, 2022
The title is a bit cringey but the romance is sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The cover really pulled me in, not that I wasn't going to read it anyways because it was the latest installment in the "Shadowvale" series. Dragons and chocolate, a perfect combo in my book. This is one of my favorites of the series. I was loving the competition aspect of this book, as well as all the lovely characters we met along the way. Of course there were some less than pleasant additions to the cast as well, but the outcome in the end was perfect. This book made me crave all the chocolate that I could get my hands on. Definitely a win in my book!
January 30, 2022
These are always cheerful,fun books - just the right thing to read when you need that!
January 19, 2022
Setting: Shadowvale, North Carolina and a magical valley where the Dragon Census takes pace. Contemporary (2021)
Genre: Paranormal romance
Nasha Black, the only child of one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (specifically Famine) owns Black Horse Bakery where she gives away the bread, cakes, and pies she bakes every day. She does this because she feels like her abundance balances out the devastation of her father’s (and her’s at some point) job. That job is why she stays in Shadowvale. Well that, and her horrible, terrible, secret curse. I just want to say here that neither her written-in-stone future job nor her “curse� require her to sequester herself in an enchanted town. She could go out in the world and live a normal life until her dad retires. As for the curse, people all over the world live with the handicap (about 2% are born with it, while about a quarter of the population will contract some form of it over the course of their lifetime) but they manage near normal lives. I found Nasha’s backstory a bit…over dramatic.
Charlie Ashborne has been living in Shadowvale for about 5 years. He is a dragon shifter whose curse really is horrible and terrible, and needs to be kept secret for his own safety. And it technically isn’t a curse, but a birth defect that leaves him vulnerable to attack, so living among his people would be dangerous. He is estranged from his family (especially his father) because they blame him for not finding a cure. Charlie is a chocolatier who makes the most wonderful chocolate candy in his shop. His premier creation is the dragon egg, which is a beautifully decorated chocolate shell filled with a variety of other chocolates.
Charlie has received a summons from the Dragon Council to attend the semi-regular census. It has, in the past, presented dragons an opportunity to step outside of their largely solitary or family-centered lives to politick, socialize, and perhaps find love. But the council has come to be dominated by younger dragons who, alarmed at falling birth rates among their people, has decided that all unmated dragons will compete in a series of games, with the top 10 in males and females allowed to select their mate. All others will have one chosen for them. Charlie doesn’t want to go because dragon-specific contests will reveal his curse. This will embarrass him, but worse, it will bring shame to his family. But the explicit threat from the council is that if he doesn’t show, they will come for him.
Meanwhile, after receiving a gift of one of Charlie’s premier chocolate eggs, Nasha has developed a serious addiction. So serious that she shows up at his door to beg for his recipe - for personal use, not for the bakery. He tells her no, she begs some more, and finally they come to a deal. He is about to leave for the Dragon Census, and he needs to be in a committed relationship to avoid having a mate forced on him, and she volunteers carry out a charade.
So the rest of the story is about the census games, which Charlie and Nasha end up having to compete in because their “committed relationship� isn’t marriage. They make a couple of enemies, but also alliances who become friends. And they work toward a hopeful ending for all of them, even if it means burning some bridges along the way.
So if you think my synopsis was a little slow, it’s got nothing on the beginning of this book. The first four chapters or so are a slow build, with lots of dread and lamenting, to a plateau. There are a few minor changes in the terrain, but overall it’s just, yeah just�
The technical aspects of the writing - grammar and usage - are pretty good. The dialogue is good when the book gets to the action. Character development is slow, but there may be some exposition for the two protagonists in previous books in the series, but I haven’t read 2-4.
The narration and production are great. B. J. Harrison performs all the characters well, and does a good job of differentiating between them. I especially like that he gave Charlie one voice in his human form and a different, deeper one for his dragon form.
Overall, this is a middle average book. Something you can listen to while you do chores or gaze into the distance from your plague safe space.
Genre: Paranormal romance
Nasha Black, the only child of one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (specifically Famine) owns Black Horse Bakery where she gives away the bread, cakes, and pies she bakes every day. She does this because she feels like her abundance balances out the devastation of her father’s (and her’s at some point) job. That job is why she stays in Shadowvale. Well that, and her horrible, terrible, secret curse. I just want to say here that neither her written-in-stone future job nor her “curse� require her to sequester herself in an enchanted town. She could go out in the world and live a normal life until her dad retires. As for the curse, people all over the world live with the handicap (about 2% are born with it, while about a quarter of the population will contract some form of it over the course of their lifetime) but they manage near normal lives. I found Nasha’s backstory a bit…over dramatic.
Charlie Ashborne has been living in Shadowvale for about 5 years. He is a dragon shifter whose curse really is horrible and terrible, and needs to be kept secret for his own safety. And it technically isn’t a curse, but a birth defect that leaves him vulnerable to attack, so living among his people would be dangerous. He is estranged from his family (especially his father) because they blame him for not finding a cure. Charlie is a chocolatier who makes the most wonderful chocolate candy in his shop. His premier creation is the dragon egg, which is a beautifully decorated chocolate shell filled with a variety of other chocolates.
Charlie has received a summons from the Dragon Council to attend the semi-regular census. It has, in the past, presented dragons an opportunity to step outside of their largely solitary or family-centered lives to politick, socialize, and perhaps find love. But the council has come to be dominated by younger dragons who, alarmed at falling birth rates among their people, has decided that all unmated dragons will compete in a series of games, with the top 10 in males and females allowed to select their mate. All others will have one chosen for them. Charlie doesn’t want to go because dragon-specific contests will reveal his curse. This will embarrass him, but worse, it will bring shame to his family. But the explicit threat from the council is that if he doesn’t show, they will come for him.
Meanwhile, after receiving a gift of one of Charlie’s premier chocolate eggs, Nasha has developed a serious addiction. So serious that she shows up at his door to beg for his recipe - for personal use, not for the bakery. He tells her no, she begs some more, and finally they come to a deal. He is about to leave for the Dragon Census, and he needs to be in a committed relationship to avoid having a mate forced on him, and she volunteers carry out a charade.
So the rest of the story is about the census games, which Charlie and Nasha end up having to compete in because their “committed relationship� isn’t marriage. They make a couple of enemies, but also alliances who become friends. And they work toward a hopeful ending for all of them, even if it means burning some bridges along the way.
So if you think my synopsis was a little slow, it’s got nothing on the beginning of this book. The first four chapters or so are a slow build, with lots of dread and lamenting, to a plateau. There are a few minor changes in the terrain, but overall it’s just, yeah just�
The technical aspects of the writing - grammar and usage - are pretty good. The dialogue is good when the book gets to the action. Character development is slow, but there may be some exposition for the two protagonists in previous books in the series, but I haven’t read 2-4.
The narration and production are great. B. J. Harrison performs all the characters well, and does a good job of differentiating between them. I especially like that he gave Charlie one voice in his human form and a different, deeper one for his dragon form.
Overall, this is a middle average book. Something you can listen to while you do chores or gaze into the distance from your plague safe space.
January 22, 2023
Series: Shadowvale#5
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!
Nasha Black has never told anyone in Shadowvale about her curse. Everyone assumes she is only there because her father is one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She finds one cure for her curse though, the chocolate that dragon-shifter Charlie Ashborne makes. She just has to pretend to be his fiancé before the dragon council to get the recipe for it.
Fake relationships are one of my favorite tropes to read, especially in a paranormal romance. This book was just a wonderful, and perfectly timed, read that I couldn’t put down. Nasha has been a character that has appeared throughout this series and I have always been interested in learning more about, especially with who her father is. She was a surprisingly resourceful, strong, and determined woman. We have only seen her baker side before this but she is a powerful woman.
Charlie is a dragon shifter who is being forced into marriage, hence the fake engagement to get out of it. I really loved learning more about him and his curse. He struggles with letting people in because of how his family acted towards him about it. I just loved watching him fall in love with Nasha during the dragon trials, especially when he frequently commented on how he loved how strong and powerful she was. He was never afraid of her or her powers. He just accepts everything about her and it was wonderful.
Another great thing about this book was the friendships that they gained during the dragon trials. I loved all the friends they made and how they all stood up for Charlie and Nasha. I do hope we see more of them in future books because I want to know more, especially about Laz.
Overall, this was a great addition to the series! I can’t wait to read the next one.
You can also find my reviews at
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!
Nasha Black has never told anyone in Shadowvale about her curse. Everyone assumes she is only there because her father is one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She finds one cure for her curse though, the chocolate that dragon-shifter Charlie Ashborne makes. She just has to pretend to be his fiancé before the dragon council to get the recipe for it.
Fake relationships are one of my favorite tropes to read, especially in a paranormal romance. This book was just a wonderful, and perfectly timed, read that I couldn’t put down. Nasha has been a character that has appeared throughout this series and I have always been interested in learning more about, especially with who her father is. She was a surprisingly resourceful, strong, and determined woman. We have only seen her baker side before this but she is a powerful woman.
Charlie is a dragon shifter who is being forced into marriage, hence the fake engagement to get out of it. I really loved learning more about him and his curse. He struggles with letting people in because of how his family acted towards him about it. I just loved watching him fall in love with Nasha during the dragon trials, especially when he frequently commented on how he loved how strong and powerful she was. He was never afraid of her or her powers. He just accepts everything about her and it was wonderful.
Another great thing about this book was the friendships that they gained during the dragon trials. I loved all the friends they made and how they all stood up for Charlie and Nasha. I do hope we see more of them in future books because I want to know more, especially about Laz.
Overall, this was a great addition to the series! I can’t wait to read the next one.
You can also find my reviews at
April 13, 2025
Kristen Painter has done it again, knocking it out of the park with this sweet, fun to read paranormal romance.
January 3, 2022
Great book
Great read. Follows the series but can stand alone if you don't get the chance to read the preceding books. Loved the story
Great read. Follows the series but can stand alone if you don't get the chance to read the preceding books. Loved the story
December 29, 2024
Her First Taste of Fire: Shadowvale 5
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐� (4.4/5 Stars)
Kristen Painter's fifth instalment in the Shadowvale series easily earns a spot in my top three for this collection. While each book can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading them in sequence reveals how background characters are seamlessly woven into centre-stage roles—just like in this story.
This time, Nasha Black—Shadowvale’s resident baker extraordinaire—is in the spotlight. Living under a curse, as do all the town’s residents, it turns out her challenge isn’t just that her father happens to be one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Painter takes readers on a heartfelt journey as Nasha navigates her curse even when money cannot buy the cure, balancing her extraordinary baking talents (free cakes, but you must buy coffee!) with the emotional baggage of her heritage.
Enter Charlie Ashborne, a dragon shifter and master chocolatier. The chemistry between Nasha and Charlie fuels this charming romance. Painter breathes fresh life into the classic "pretend relationship that blossoms into love" trope, crafting a familiar and engaging narrative.
What makes this story stand out is its depth. Painter retains her signature world-building magic while expanding beyond Shadowvale’s borders, adding richness to the setting and a more mature tone to the plot. The protagonists� introspection—particularly Nasha’s reflections—adds emotional weight. As Socrates put it, "The unexamined life is not worth living," and Painter echoes this sentiment beautifully through her characters.
While the book maintains its warmth and humour, a few elements feel slightly off. The portrayal of a catty female stereotype was a bit irksome, and Charlie occasionally left too much heavy lifting to Nasha. Despite this, the story’s focus on kindness, tender father-daughter relationships, and personal growth left a lasting impression.
This book was a special one in the series, blending heart, humour, and magic. I wish there had been more exploration of certain threads—perhaps we’ll get that in future instalments. With its satisfying character arcs and rich emotional themes, Her First Taste of Fire is a highlight in the Shadowvale series. Now, I’m off to dive into book six!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐� (4.4/5 Stars)
Kristen Painter's fifth instalment in the Shadowvale series easily earns a spot in my top three for this collection. While each book can be enjoyed as a standalone, reading them in sequence reveals how background characters are seamlessly woven into centre-stage roles—just like in this story.
This time, Nasha Black—Shadowvale’s resident baker extraordinaire—is in the spotlight. Living under a curse, as do all the town’s residents, it turns out her challenge isn’t just that her father happens to be one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Painter takes readers on a heartfelt journey as Nasha navigates her curse even when money cannot buy the cure, balancing her extraordinary baking talents (free cakes, but you must buy coffee!) with the emotional baggage of her heritage.
Enter Charlie Ashborne, a dragon shifter and master chocolatier. The chemistry between Nasha and Charlie fuels this charming romance. Painter breathes fresh life into the classic "pretend relationship that blossoms into love" trope, crafting a familiar and engaging narrative.
What makes this story stand out is its depth. Painter retains her signature world-building magic while expanding beyond Shadowvale’s borders, adding richness to the setting and a more mature tone to the plot. The protagonists� introspection—particularly Nasha’s reflections—adds emotional weight. As Socrates put it, "The unexamined life is not worth living," and Painter echoes this sentiment beautifully through her characters.
While the book maintains its warmth and humour, a few elements feel slightly off. The portrayal of a catty female stereotype was a bit irksome, and Charlie occasionally left too much heavy lifting to Nasha. Despite this, the story’s focus on kindness, tender father-daughter relationships, and personal growth left a lasting impression.
This book was a special one in the series, blending heart, humour, and magic. I wish there had been more exploration of certain threads—perhaps we’ll get that in future instalments. With its satisfying character arcs and rich emotional themes, Her First Taste of Fire is a highlight in the Shadowvale series. Now, I’m off to dive into book six!
February 4, 2022
Love this series, and this book in particular!
I'm a nut for a good paranormal romance with a quirky cast of characters. You don't get quirkier than the residents of Shadowvale, each of whom has some kind of curse. But the perpetually cloud-covered town (built by a powerful witch as a safe place for her vampire lover) has become a safe haven for almost any paranormal being--provided the gates let them in.
This particular book stars Charlie, the owner/operator of the Chocolate Dragon and Nasha, the daughter of one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse! She is the owner/operator of the Blackhorse Bakery--a much loved shop because all the baked goods are free!
Charlie is a chocolatier famous for his elaborate chocolate eggs. His curse would be extremely embarrassing among his own kind, but in Shadowvale he's just one of many misfits. Then he is summoned to the dragon census, and there's no getting out of it.
If I begin giving you details now, I'll spoil it, so I'll just say that this is a love story all about acceptance of oneself and others--warts and all. The romance was sweet, friendships were made, and new characters may be added to this wonderful town! I hope to see more of them in future books, but that's entirely up to the author. I hope she makes gobs of money on this one and her publisher offers her many future Shadowvale contracts!
I'm a nut for a good paranormal romance with a quirky cast of characters. You don't get quirkier than the residents of Shadowvale, each of whom has some kind of curse. But the perpetually cloud-covered town (built by a powerful witch as a safe place for her vampire lover) has become a safe haven for almost any paranormal being--provided the gates let them in.
This particular book stars Charlie, the owner/operator of the Chocolate Dragon and Nasha, the daughter of one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse! She is the owner/operator of the Blackhorse Bakery--a much loved shop because all the baked goods are free!
Charlie is a chocolatier famous for his elaborate chocolate eggs. His curse would be extremely embarrassing among his own kind, but in Shadowvale he's just one of many misfits. Then he is summoned to the dragon census, and there's no getting out of it.
If I begin giving you details now, I'll spoil it, so I'll just say that this is a love story all about acceptance of oneself and others--warts and all. The romance was sweet, friendships were made, and new characters may be added to this wonderful town! I hope to see more of them in future books, but that's entirely up to the author. I hope she makes gobs of money on this one and her publisher offers her many future Shadowvale contracts!
May 17, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this story!! I think this is my favourite of the Shadowvale series by far!
I've read numerous books by Kristen Painter and I very much enjoy both her world-building and her way with characters.
The Shadowvale series is a very unique and engaging premise that naturally lends itself to continuing stories that follow a theme but are also each unique, and the creativity of the author who clearly has lots of interesting plots in her makes each new book its own fully realized story for its own characters.
This particular plot I found to be so multi-faceted with much more going on than just a paranormal romance. Really all the books in this series have been more than romance - although that IS in these stories, certainly. But the story is much more than just a convenient vehicle to get the main characters to their HEA. These characters have backstories, and they are interesting and dramatic and well told.
I really do love this author's work. I've read all the Jayne Frost series books as well and loved all of those too. I look forward to reading more books by Kristen Painter and hope she has more in the Shadovale series planned because I love this world and would happily read more about the people who live there!
I've read numerous books by Kristen Painter and I very much enjoy both her world-building and her way with characters.
The Shadowvale series is a very unique and engaging premise that naturally lends itself to continuing stories that follow a theme but are also each unique, and the creativity of the author who clearly has lots of interesting plots in her makes each new book its own fully realized story for its own characters.
This particular plot I found to be so multi-faceted with much more going on than just a paranormal romance. Really all the books in this series have been more than romance - although that IS in these stories, certainly. But the story is much more than just a convenient vehicle to get the main characters to their HEA. These characters have backstories, and they are interesting and dramatic and well told.
I really do love this author's work. I've read all the Jayne Frost series books as well and loved all of those too. I look forward to reading more books by Kristen Painter and hope she has more in the Shadovale series planned because I love this world and would happily read more about the people who live there!
June 6, 2024
I've begun training myself to feel okay continuing a book series when I skip a book. While this is set in the same town, the books are individual. I enjoy the ideas and the writing, but I just couldn't connect with Robin's story. But reminded myself Robin's story doesn't effect this book, so here I am.
It was a pretty entertaining read. It isn't actually set in Shadowvale much since the plot is about the dragon consensus. The trials were interesting, though I did expect a fighting trial to show strength. The politics of the dragons was a bit weird to me, not the control but how people both followed these stupid new rules at the start, and then the ease of them ignoring them at the end. I just felt like you either need to lean further into power-hungry and make the ending a bit harder, or relax the beginning a bit to match the ending.
I liked the romance, the build up was just right and written well. I feel like the fake relationship wasn't very prominent even though it was the premise, but maybe that's because it didn't fall into the common tropes. The curses were interesting, although a little weird that they both chose jobs that are actively harder because of their curses.
Would I recommend it? Sure, it was a solid read.
It was a pretty entertaining read. It isn't actually set in Shadowvale much since the plot is about the dragon consensus. The trials were interesting, though I did expect a fighting trial to show strength. The politics of the dragons was a bit weird to me, not the control but how people both followed these stupid new rules at the start, and then the ease of them ignoring them at the end. I just felt like you either need to lean further into power-hungry and make the ending a bit harder, or relax the beginning a bit to match the ending.
I liked the romance, the build up was just right and written well. I feel like the fake relationship wasn't very prominent even though it was the premise, but maybe that's because it didn't fall into the common tropes. The curses were interesting, although a little weird that they both chose jobs that are actively harder because of their curses.
Would I recommend it? Sure, it was a solid read.
April 19, 2022
Nasha was tired of her curse.
Most people think Nasha Black lives in Shadowvale because that’s where her father, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, lives. But Nasha has another reason for staying in Shadowvale and it’s not just the bakery she owns and operates, Black Horse Bakery. She was just as cursed. She would love to taste, anything! But, she got nothing. At work, her employee, Em, gifted her with some chocolate from, Chocolate Dragon. She brought it home, not wanting others to watch her. She was looking at the beautiful design when she went to put it on the counter, she missed and the edge cracked the egg. Sending chunks onto the floor. As Nasha looked in disappointment, she decided to try it. Why not, she knew it wouldn't result in anything. She picked a piece up and placed it in her mouth. Her tongue lit up with a few explosion of tastes! How could that be! By the end of the night, all chocolate was eaten. She fell asleep happy and full. She needed more of that, to Chocolate Dragon!
Most people think Nasha Black lives in Shadowvale because that’s where her father, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, lives. But Nasha has another reason for staying in Shadowvale and it’s not just the bakery she owns and operates, Black Horse Bakery. She was just as cursed. She would love to taste, anything! But, she got nothing. At work, her employee, Em, gifted her with some chocolate from, Chocolate Dragon. She brought it home, not wanting others to watch her. She was looking at the beautiful design when she went to put it on the counter, she missed and the edge cracked the egg. Sending chunks onto the floor. As Nasha looked in disappointment, she decided to try it. Why not, she knew it wouldn't result in anything. She picked a piece up and placed it in her mouth. Her tongue lit up with a few explosion of tastes! How could that be! By the end of the night, all chocolate was eaten. She fell asleep happy and full. She needed more of that, to Chocolate Dragon!
December 28, 2022
Finding out what the curse of the daughter of the Horsemen’s curse was very interesting. Her inability to taste because her father is the horseman of famine is double a punny because she is a Baker.
The fact that Mr. Ashbourne has trouble shifting back in his dragon form, well, he’s always had this problem means that he uses his dragon fire to make chocolate. These two are an unlikely pair, and what becomes a ridiculous contest to become each other’s spouses under the dragon law. Since he is the heir to a large dragon horde, many females want him. It’s interesting that they Innoway overthrow a ridiculous, governmental like structure that’s trying to change the culture of the dragons. I found it very interesting in our current political climate, that this was one of the underlying themes of the book.
The fact that Mr. Ashbourne has trouble shifting back in his dragon form, well, he’s always had this problem means that he uses his dragon fire to make chocolate. These two are an unlikely pair, and what becomes a ridiculous contest to become each other’s spouses under the dragon law. Since he is the heir to a large dragon horde, many females want him. It’s interesting that they Innoway overthrow a ridiculous, governmental like structure that’s trying to change the culture of the dragons. I found it very interesting in our current political climate, that this was one of the underlying themes of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
Why is it that every book that we get to go back to Shadowvale is better than the one before? I feel like every time I write these reviews I say "This one is my favorite!" and I am going to say it again! This is the story of Nasha and Charlie, she is the daughter of one of the 4 horseman and he is a dragon shifter. Nasha becomes addicted to Charlie's chocolate, and because of her curse she has never tasted anything finer! Charlie has to close his chocolate shop to go to the Dragon census and Nasha is desperate. They make a pact that might change their lives forever! I couldn't put this book down and I loved visiting with all the dragons! I can't wait for the next book in this series!
If you love this series then you should check out her Nocturne Falls series!! Super fun!
If you love this series then you should check out her Nocturne Falls series!! Super fun!
December 21, 2021
This is the fifth book in the Shadowvale series written by Kristen Painter. This book can be read as a stand alone but you will want to go back and read them all. This is a great series with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. If you want a quick read with a great story then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
March 23, 2022
So excited to have found another Kristen Painter series that I could continue on with more of her books. This series is about Shadowvale a town you will never be able to find unless you have been invited there. It is a town where the sun never shines to protect the vampires and and there is magic everywhere. The town is filled with all sorts of people and shifters, werewolves, witches and whatever else you can think of. These people move here because they are protected. The series is about all the different people who live in Shodowvale. Each book about a different person and their life and romance in the town.
November 25, 2021
First of all, I love this whole series. That being said, this book could be read as a standalone even without the others.
Shadowvale is a community of supernaturals where their "curse" doesn't matter and they accept each other. Nasha owns a bakery, but struggles with her curse. Charlie owns a chocolatier, and likewise is dodging to prevent his curse from being known. Yet an unexpected surprise to Nasha opens the door to them helping each other out. A very creative and innovative story unfolds as a result.
Love this book!
Shadowvale is a community of supernaturals where their "curse" doesn't matter and they accept each other. Nasha owns a bakery, but struggles with her curse. Charlie owns a chocolatier, and likewise is dodging to prevent his curse from being known. Yet an unexpected surprise to Nasha opens the door to them helping each other out. A very creative and innovative story unfolds as a result.
Love this book!
December 20, 2021
As the daughter of one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Nasha uses her bakery to give back to people even though her curse makes it difficult. Charlie is a dragon with his own curse to deal with and now he’s required to attend a dragon census and come home with a bride. What starts as a fake engagement to get him out of an arranged marriage becomes real as the two get to know each other. Now if only the dragon counsel will stop throwing up roadblocks. This was another great entry in the Shadowvale series.
December 20, 2021
I love this book! The main characters were great, and I loved the ones that were introduced along the way! It was wonderful to see Charlie and Nasha come into their own and feel comfortable in their skins. I had my doubts, but they ended up complimenting each other beautifully.
Probably my favorite quote from the entire book it towards the end. To paraphrase: “So what if you loose a scale or two. I have to get up and pee twice in the night. We all have our issues.�
Now to go back and reread this again!
Probably my favorite quote from the entire book it towards the end. To paraphrase: “So what if you loose a scale or two. I have to get up and pee twice in the night. We all have our issues.�
Now to go back and reread this again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2022
I've enjoyed each book in the Shadowvale series (which can be read in any order) but this one is my favorite. Maybe it's the dragons? Maybe it's the pace the book has, the perfect "I NEED to know how this situation works out before I can return to the real world" kind of pacing.
The daughter of one of the Horseman of the Apocalypse who runs a bakery and a dragon who runs a chocolate shop make for a deliciously adventurous time in this installment. When they realize they could help each other things get interesting in the best way.
The daughter of one of the Horseman of the Apocalypse who runs a bakery and a dragon who runs a chocolate shop make for a deliciously adventurous time in this installment. When they realize they could help each other things get interesting in the best way.
December 28, 2021
Super sweet pun intended
Kristen Painter never fails to make a good story. I was telling my boyfriend any book she writes I will read no questions asked and I love the towns she dreamed up with Nocturne Falls and Shadowvale and would love to live in Nocturne Falls and go to Salvatore’s and Delaney’s and maybe visit Shadowvale and get free baked good at the Black Horse Bakery. It was fun reading Nasha’s story and I can’t wait to see who’s next on the list.
Kristen Painter never fails to make a good story. I was telling my boyfriend any book she writes I will read no questions asked and I love the towns she dreamed up with Nocturne Falls and Shadowvale and would love to live in Nocturne Falls and go to Salvatore’s and Delaney’s and maybe visit Shadowvale and get free baked good at the Black Horse Bakery. It was fun reading Nasha’s story and I can’t wait to see who’s next on the list.
January 11, 2022
Dragons and curses
What is better than a new Shadowvale book? A new Shadowvale book with dragons! Nasha Black daughter of Famine, bakery owner has a terrible secret she hides from everyone. Charlie dragon, chocolatier and one of the cursed. They seem an odd matching but together they are wonderful. I love the fact that we got both a taste of the Shadowvale life and some of life outside the town. And all the dragon shenanigans fabulous! Loved this book!!
What is better than a new Shadowvale book? A new Shadowvale book with dragons! Nasha Black daughter of Famine, bakery owner has a terrible secret she hides from everyone. Charlie dragon, chocolatier and one of the cursed. They seem an odd matching but together they are wonderful. I love the fact that we got both a taste of the Shadowvale life and some of life outside the town. And all the dragon shenanigans fabulous! Loved this book!!
February 5, 2022
These get more spectacular with each addition to the series
I loved the characters and the description about how their curses influenced how they saw themselves. I loved how this book progressed and we saw the relationship of the two main characters progress from strangers. This story was heartfelt and relevant in the ways of racism except for supernatural groups and even classism with the legacys. Loving this series and cannot wait for the next book.
I loved the characters and the description about how their curses influenced how they saw themselves. I loved how this book progressed and we saw the relationship of the two main characters progress from strangers. This story was heartfelt and relevant in the ways of racism except for supernatural groups and even classism with the legacys. Loving this series and cannot wait for the next book.
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October 5, 2022Shadowvale is a great escape!
I can't begin to say how much I enjoy this book. The characters are created so well. There is such a great dynamic between Nasha and Charlie and it's a fabulous change from the typical vampire novel. Don't get me wrong, I love those too. Shadowvale is a great place to escape when needed. All the books are phenomenal, but I think I like this one the best out of them all.
I can't begin to say how much I enjoy this book. The characters are created so well. There is such a great dynamic between Nasha and Charlie and it's a fabulous change from the typical vampire novel. Don't get me wrong, I love those too. Shadowvale is a great place to escape when needed. All the books are phenomenal, but I think I like this one the best out of them all.
December 21, 2021
The best story yet!!
This is the story of Nasha, the daughter of one of the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Charlie, a dragon shifter and chocolate maker extraordinaire. The tale of their growing relationship and the Dragon Census was full of suspense and growing excitement. I loved it!
This is the story of Nasha, the daughter of one of the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse and Charlie, a dragon shifter and chocolate maker extraordinaire. The tale of their growing relationship and the Dragon Census was full of suspense and growing excitement. I loved it!
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