Title: When Dealing With DragonsAuthor: Dana Swift
Pages: 336
Publication Date: June 30, 2026
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
Synopsis:
Bonding with dragons gave humans magic to craft metal―now, two school rivals have to work together to protect a priceless secret, all while fighting their growing attraction to each other, from Dana Swift, author of Cast in Firelight.
Copper-crafter Farren Walsh is set on following in her father's footsteps to become a dragon veterinarian. The only thing more powerful than her love for these magnificent creatures is her hate for those who exploit them for their precious metal. That includes her classmate, an arrogant dragon racer named James Murphy, whose silver-crafting family represents the worst of human greed and dragon abuse―plus, he's the biggest competition for the college scholarship she desperately needs.
When James strongarms his way into interning at her family's dragon sanctuary for the summer, it puts everything at risk. Farren isn't just the plain copper-crafter she seems. She's hiding a secret that could not only change her life, but their society as a whole. And James, trying to find refuge from his controlling father, harbors his own secret, years-long crush on Farren. Hating James might be harder than she thought, but Farren can't risk getting too close: the fate of an endangered species is at stake.
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Every once in a while, a book comes along that completely steals my heart, and this was one of those books. From the first chapter, I was hooked by the world, the characters, and, of course, the dragons and the romance. Frankly, I think it was even before I picked up the book. As soon as I saw that stunning cover, I knew I was in for a treat!
The setting is vivid and immersive, and I loved the unique magic system built around dragons and metal crafting. It was very easy to fall into this world and become invested, not only in the human characters, but in the animals they care for, too.
Farren is a fabulous FMC who immediately won me over with her determination, compassion, and fierce devotion to protecting dragons. She carries a lot on her shoulders throughout the story, and I loved seeing her navigate impossible choices while still holding onto what mattered most to her. James ended up being an even bigger surprise, and I absolutely adored him! Beneath his reputation as an arrogant dragon racer is someone thoughtful, kind, and desperate to carve out a life that belongs to him instead of living under his father’s expectations. Both characters are layered and compelling, with goals, fears, and struggles that sometimes conflict and sometimes complement each other.
I also adored the romance. James being completely gone for Farren while she spent half the book convinced he couldn’t stand her was so entertaining. They have some great banter and chemistry, and their relationship develops gradually as they get to know the real people behind their assumptions. I loved every minute of it. They challenged each other, supported each other, and brought out the best in one another.
And the dragons! Oh my word, I loved them. They each had their own personalities, quirks, and relationships, and the sanctuary scenes were some of my favorites in the story. I loved how much care and attention were given to the dragons themselves and how the story explored the rights of these majestic creatures. It definitely made the stakes feel even more intense whenever their well-being was threatened.
The Walsh family quickly became one of my favorite parts of the book, especially as they opened their home to those who desperately needed support, acceptance, and protection. I also like that the story includes thought-provoking messages and explores topics like class divisions, animal exploitation, family expectations, and belonging. The dragons are at the center of all those conflicts, and I loved how much heart the story brought to their care and protection.
Between the dragons, the immersive writing, the worldbuilding, and the lovely romance, this was a book I couldn’t stop thinking about whenever I had to put it down. I’m not surprised, though. I felt the same way when I read Swift’s last duology. She has such a great writing style that always pulls me in.
- rivals to lovers
- forced proximity
- dragon sanctuary!!
- he falls first
- forbidden love
Dana Swift started making up fantasy worlds when she was eleven years old and hasn’t stopped since. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned degrees in English and Advertising. While in college, Dana competed as a saber fencer and learned a thing or two about fighting, parrying and how it feels to fall in love with your sparring partner. She currently lives with said husband in Miami, Florida.
I have been so intrigued by this one since I first saw that gorgeous cover! Glad to hear it’s as amazing as it promises, and definitely adding to my TBR (maybe even shelf trophy wishlist!) 🙂