Dragon Craved

Dragon Shifter Island #1

by Scarlett West

Loving a dragon means breaking all the rules...

Amelia

When my sister gets in trouble at a dragon shifter bar, she's at the mercy of their courts. As a lawyer, I negotiate a trade, now I'm taking her place in their prison. Knox is the dragon sheriff overseeing my unit. He is moody, sinfully hot, and a man whose attention I don't want. But no one told me about a dragon's sizzling touch...

Knox

My job at the dragon prison has always been tough, and it gets worse when Amelia is assigned to my unit. When my alpha commands me to produce a child with the last female on earth I have any business wanting in order to replenish our population, I have no choice but to agree. Except I despise lawyers. I planned to keep it professional, but my dragon burns for her like no other. There is no doubt I want her. I crave to protect her, and I need to make her mine–even if it means risking everything.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Dragons, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Erotica

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2023

About the author

Scarlett West writes paranormal romance with heat and heart. A lifelong reader and a lover of the paranormal, she crafts steamy adventures featuring sexy, alpha males and sassy heroines. Her books feature Fae, shifters, vampires, and other hot, supernatural beings. She creates real stories where her characters go through emotional ups and downs before they get their happy ever after.

She's a genre rule breaker, a mac n' cheese addict, and gym/nature bunny. Always ready for a great adventure, she loves to hop trains with her son.

She hopes you’ll enjoy her books—paranormal romance with all the feels.

Reviews

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Craved is Scarlett West new dragon series and it starts off with a enemies to lovers and grumpy/sunshine troupe with dragon shifter sheriff and warden Knox Fireheart who is handsome, moody and very intense and doesn't think much of humans as it is.And when the sister of ADA Amelia Bloomer the lawyer who helped put his innocence brother in a human prison gets in trouble Amelia takes her sister Ivy's place and ends up on Dragon shifters Island. Knox has never forgotten the woman who wronged his brother and while his dragon wants to mate her and make her his. Knox is fighting his ever growing attraction to her and is keeping his distance but when Amelia is targeted by a couple of dragon females and her life is at stake his alpha demands him to take her to his home to keep her safe because he believes she is a Draca a human that can mate with a dragon and have offspring. Once Knox and Amelia are together alone the sparks fly and the forbidden temptation starts warring with Knox's intentions of making Amelia pay for her part in his brothers imprisonment. Their is a lot of steamy action and great chemistry between the two main characters or should I say between the three! Because Knox's inner dragon is his primal side and is very vocal about what he wants to do their mate!! Theirs some great side characters along for the ride too. If you love hot beasty dragon shifters check this one out. Scarlett West is a awesome writer and I really enjoyed this tale. Until next time Luv's ❤💋

[Tabitha · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 47%

I cannot fathom how books like this get published seemingly without any proofreading whatsoever. There are so many typos and formatting errors. The plot is half-assed and disjointed; questionable and unbelievable choices are made by all characters in order to make the main “hook” of this book happen, and it just doesn’t work at all.

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to DNF this book, which I rarely do, but honestly the inconsistencies in the grammar just threw me off. It made me feel like I was reading an essay that was submitted at 11:59 without being reviewed. I feel like this storyline would have more potential in the hands of a better writer.

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t see Dragon Craved by Scarlett West listed as erotica, but the sizzling hot sex put it in that category for me. I do love my dragons fiery hot and Knox fits that category to a T. Amelia knows she is in trouble whenever she gets near him, because she feels the heat too.

Amelia’s sister, Ivy, has broken dragon law. Amelia brokers a deal, offering herself in her sister’s place, wanting to give her sister another chance in getting her life together. So, it’s off to Dragon Shifter Island for her to serve her sentence.

Knox runs the prison and having a human there creates chaos, but he has a personal issue with her. She is the first human to set foot on the island and Knox has to babysit her. He fights his attraction to her. No way can she be his mate, though his dragon says otherwise.

I love all the internal mind talking between Knox the human and his dragon. It had me cracking up. His dragon is like a child and only knows that he wants Amelia. She belongs with him.

You must protect our Mili. Keep her safe. We will not be the same if something happens to her.

Mili? My dragon had given Amelia a nickname.

It doesn’t take long for Amelia to figure out that all the shifters around her can feel her emotions and thoughts. I found myself smiling and I think I even blushed a few times as her and Knox’s thoughts kept turning to smokin’ hot sex. I loved their verbal foreplay. She takes no guff from anyone, even though she is so much weaker than the dragons that surround her.

Humans and dragons can’t mix, but there is a draca legend that says certain humans have been imbued with the ability to mate with dragons. Lucia, a female ancestor, had seen how dragons would be on the verge of extinction and sent out her essence. It would remain dormant until dragon numbers were low enough to make her dragon magic come to life.

Dragon Craved is a different kind of dragon story and I loved it. I find it’s hard to create something refreshing and original, but Scarlett West has managed to do that with the Dragon Shifter Island series. The best part of all, Knox is a water dragon. As they fly through the water I thought, how cool is that. And she can breathe, like a mermaid.

I could go on and on, and I kinda did….

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Dragon Craved by Scarlett West.

[Ren · Rating 1 out of 5]

the grammar sucks, the plot is nonexistent, the dialogue is so awkward and forced and the sex isnt even that good

[The Lusty Literarians]

DNF at 20%. The FMC says "Cheese and Rice", repeatedly, which is extremely annoying. Also, she is supposed to be a very successful attorney, but anytime she is in proximity to a dragon male she turns into a hormone filled 15 year old. The final straw was the inconsistent references to a location MCC that was also called MMC. Couldn't finish the book and had to stop reading it. Loved the premise, but the execution wasn't there for me.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts off with a middle of the night phone call to the Assistant District Attorney of San Diego County. Amelia Bloomer is woken up to the Alpha of the Silver Talon Clan telling her to come down to the Dragon owned bar, Frequent Flyers. Ivy, her sister is in trouble.She was drunk, vandalized the bathroom and stole money. She finds Ivy giggling and handcuffed. All dragons seem to be impossibly handsome and built. There is a man/dragon that captures her attention. He is introduced to her as Knox. Because the crimes happened on Dragon property, dragon laws and justice prevail. the alpha Stryker sentences Ivy to ten years in prison. Knox is the prison warden on Dragon Shifter Island.
Amelia wants to give her sister one more chance and offers herself in exchange.
Amelia is taken into custody and processed as prisoner # 80873. She is transport to the Dragon Island Prison.
Knox does not like ADA Bloomer. She was the prosecutor in his brother Zavier's legal trouble. His brother was daisy accused and is now in human prison. Knox's Dragon has other ideas. He likes Amelia and calls her his Mili! They protect her from other prisoners and this starts an unlikely bond.
This book was fast paced and a page turner. This was a good book that captures you from the first page.
I want to know more about the Clans and Shifter Island.

[Heather Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read, okay story of a human lawyer and a dragon shifter, fated mates of course. Wish we got more world building and magic/skills breakdown. MMC was a water dragon but felt like a lot of the background was missing. He was supposed to be super possessive and protective and just felt short.. Something felt weird how the humans and dragon worlds came together idk. Spicy scenes were just OK.

“Cheese and rice” was said far too many times by the FMC it really bothered me. I know it was just bc she’s quirky but ugh I was not a fan. Even during some of the sex scenes— it just ruined a lot of moments for me personally.

Jan 1, 2024 free kindle purchase

[Sue MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She took her sister's place in a dragons prison, and in there, she finds her future.
Even if he's trying to fight both his dragon and his heart as she's the lawyer that put his brother in a human prison.
But together, maybe they can right what's wrong and bring about a new future for them and the dragons.

[Tara Heilman]

A great new dragon series brings two enemies together. Knox is one moody dragon, but with reason. Mili is not quite sure what his problem is, but she can't fight her attraction towards him. When they open the lines of communication, and put their heads together, they make a great team. They also make amazing mated pair. This is going to be a great series! I received an early copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! This is an original tale that has all sorts of drama, intrigue, and some wonderful steam. I enjoyed this fantastic and well written tale. Dragon fan here, so this was a great read for me! I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!

[Natalie Noblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dragon Craved is the first in Scarlett West's new Dragon Shifter romance series. Each book is about different fated dragon/ human mates and this is Knox and Amelia's story.
Hard working lawyer, Amelia, takes the place of her sister in a Dragon prison when she gets into trouble one too many times. There Amelia is under the protection of Knox, a Dragon shifter prison warden. Knox doesn't like Amelia and likes the pull he feels towards her even less as she helped put his brother in a human prison for a crime he didn't commit. Amelia feels drawn to Knox but doesn't understand his grumpiness!
I liked the duel POV as we get to know straight off why Knox is Mr Grumpy with Amelia but at the same time his dragon just wants to claim her. Knox the man eventually catches up and things heat up between them. The steamy scenes between these two are hot!
I loved Knox and Amelia's relationship, which to start with was suppose to remain a professional arrangement, but they are so sweet together.
Once Amelia knows about Knox's brother, they start the task of trying to free him but get blocked at every point. Towards the end the story becomes fast paced and full of tension.
What a ride - in more ways than one!!
I look forward to Falcon and Emma's story next.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. I liked the nick name Knox gave her, Mili. It sounds like a tropical breeze. At least it does in my head. The story is very HOT! Hot! hot! I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute idea

Cute idea. We could use a few more details. I felt like the book jumped around. Did they actually kill the other shifters in the clan? Is Elktra still alive? Can I get more details on them? The cheese and rice comment was slightly annoying. Why did it take Zavier 9 months to heal and finally be around family but he is still secluded?

[Megan Burns · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, TF did I just read?!

I don't believe I've ever read a book as riddled with typos as this one; this was damn near unreadable! Which makes me wonder if the author has a grasp of the English language (as in, at all!) or if she just tried to use A.I. to help her write this story. Regardless, she either needs to shell out the dough to hire a proofreader or save her money and fire the one she's got!

Even disregarding all the typographical errors, the story itself was very flimsy. The main characters lacked any real chemistry, the lore made no sense whatsoever (Dragon sperm are super-fast?! Puh-lease! 🙄), and half the book was spent trying to exonerate Knox's brother Zavier and even then, the MCs kept getting sidetracked to have subpar nookie that went on for far too long. Also, if I have to read the phrase 'cheese and rice' one more time, I'm going to scream!

The story also suffered heavily from Telling-and-Not-Showing Syndrome, including having side characters constantly sing the praises of our Mary Sue heroine, despite not having spent very much time with her. The book was even so kind as to reiterate an entire conversation from just the chapter previous, or to tell us stuff that didn't happen at all, such as Amelia supposedly being nearly unable to contain herself upon first meeting Knox (at best, she was dazzled by his appearance).

And don't even get me started on all the damn inconsistencies! There were so many throughout the story that it just became nonsensical at times. For instance, after Knox's brother Zavier is attacked in prison, Knox is quick to blame Amelia for putting him there, and yet as soon as he has her in front of him, he instantly forgets all about the attack on his brother and is eager to mate-claim Amelia. Also, Amelia is kidnapped and blindfolded at one point, and yet she somehow knows one of her kidnappers is staring at her while she's trying to telepathically communicate with Knox.

Admittedly, I saw the story's potential, even gave it multiple chances to get better, but by the time I figured out it wasn't going to improve even one iota, I had gone too far to DNF. Now, I just want back the time I wasted reading this book, as well as the I.Q. points I lost in the process.

Overall Verdict: 1 dragon shifter prison guard out of 10

P.S. can someone please explain to me why, if there are female dragons still in existence, male dragons have to look to humans to replenish their populations?! I know that Knox had mentioned that male dragons look upon females of their clan more like family (i.e. sisters), but that doesn't make any sense! And even if that was the case, there are females of other clans they can try to mate with!

[Kreela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty standard junk food romance. The first chapter was just the excuse to get Amelia in prison, and her position as an assistant D. A. Should have given her better negotiation powers. Amelia offered herself in trade rather than negotiating a reduced sentence and time out for good behavior? 10 years for petty theft and vandalism? As she said, “cheese and rice!” (It took a moment to realize that rhymes with…Jesus Christ). And this phrase started to rub me wrong the more it was used. Overall, Amelia seemed like an older teen who was overreaching on her skills. I think Scarlett West should have gotten her inner Law and Order on and asked someone in the field how they would approach it.

And if I wrote this, her sister would land in jail within the week anyways. That girl seemed to be making excuses to cover for her chaotic approach to life. Now that would add a plot twist.

Plus, as a law-abiding citizen, the jailors should have treated her with more respect than the average prisoner. After all, she was just subbing in. As a jailor, I might have assigned her immediately to counseling or legal advice for inmates near the end of their terms.

The romance:
===============
This is why we are reading the book, so here are some quotes:

“You aren’t the hottest thing I’ve seen on the shelf, so don’t give yourself a five-star prize just yet.“

"Beneath that stormy demeanor, he had a bone of concern. Maybe a pinky bone, but it mattered."

But you will see such drudgery as “His authoritative air called to my womanly instincts to have him dominate me in the bedroom“

Knox, the warden, made some extremely stupid decisions. He took Amelia along to a fight scene because he decided it would be safer. NO. Safer is far, far away from a knife or claw fight. His attraction to her battled with his common sense. His dragon was depicted as a completely separate spirit possessing his body, so Knox spent a lot of time in internal battles.

My point is that the two both spent more time mooning over each other than engaging with each other. I would like some of the internal angst removed to make a tighter plot.


The Writing:
==============
I actually think the writing itself was decent and had its moments. There were no typos, and I found some worthy phrases. 2 stars for that.

[Victoria Rebecca Hawkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia
When my sister gets in trouble at a dragon shifter bar, she's at the mercy of their courts. As a lawyer, I negotiate a trade, now I'm taking her place in their prison. Knox is the dragon sheriff overseeing my unit. He is moody, sinfully hot, and a man whose attention I don't want. But no one told me about a dragon's sizzling touch...

Knox
My job at the dragon prison has always been tough, and it gets worse when Amelia is assigned to my unit. When my alpha commands me to produce a child with the last female on earth I have any business wanting in order to replenish our population, I have no choice but to agree. Except I despise lawyers. I planned to keep it professional, but my dragon burns for her like no other. There is no doubt I want her. I crave to protect her, and I need to make her mine–even if it means risking everything.

This dragon shifter romance was a phenomenal read from beginning to end. I loved how the author shows how the book develops from both sides and that you can see Knox actually talking to his dragon. He is attracted to her first but he is conflicted as he also resents her as well. She is also attracted to him and is strong willed. I loved the storyline of this book and how well the book flowed. This is the first book I've read by Scarlett West and wow what an amazing book this was to read and it was that good I ended up reading the story in a matter on hours.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author brings us the start of another epic journey…with dragons! Amelia is an Assistant District Attorney who is great at her job. She is awoken early in the morning from a dragon shifter with a phone call with no explanations but to come quickly. Upon arrival, she spies her sister, mother, and father. Her sister, Ivy, is once again in trouble. After hearing everything, Amelia makes the decision to take her sister’s place in the prison where dragon’s live and they police their crimes. Knox, a dragon enforcer is at the bar and helps run the prison for women. He has a peculiar reaction to Amelia but also hates her for sentencing his younger brother for a crime he did not commit. Stryker, the alpha, demands that Knox takes Amelia to his home, on home arrest and makes a baby with her that will help eliminate all criminal records of her. There are many things at work she is not aware of and will be told; it also puts her in danger with the other prisoners and rival clans. Knox and several guards will have to protect her round the clock. Just as things will begin to work out all kinds of trouble come their way and they will literally have to wage a battle against other dragons and humans to resolve the issues. What are the secrets? Why do they want her so badly? Why are they determined to end Knox and his brother?

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Such A Page Turning Read!

Knox had a problem with Amelia but his Dragon wanted to claim her as his mate! Amelia agreed to go to Dragon Prison instead of her sister to give her a chance. Knox was the Sheriff who overlooked and ran the prison.

Although Knox had a problem with Amelia he still had to protect her and when his Alpha commands him to breed her to make a baby, his Dragon nearly leaps out of his skin in excitement. His problem is, he’s wanted her two years ago, he was angry with her and never expected to see her again but it was getting harder and harder to resist her!

What a fantastic storyline, full of action, suspense, a dangerous situation that needed to be righted, secrets, fantastic characters, sizzling hot steamy moments and a love that will last throughout their extended lifetime.

This is my first time reading this author and I loved this storyline and her style of writing. I cannot wait to read the next in the series.

A highly recommended Dragon Shifter read. Simply loved it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Sue L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love 💗 Dragons, Stryker Silver Talon Clan strong alpha, Knox warden of dragon jail, Amelia Bloomer ADA human. Amelia is called to a dragon tavern where she finds her distressed parents and very drunk baby sister. To save her sister from dragon jail Amelia asks to serve the 10 years sentence instead of her sister and Stryker agrees. Knox angrily objects because Amelia sent his innocent brother Zavier to prison. Amelia and Knox drive each other crazy, beginning of love, fated mates, jail riots, Amelia attacked twice . There is car bomb, dragon Falcon is badly wounded, Zavier is kidnapped from jail. Amelia is kidnapped and rescued by Knox, you never know what will happen next. Great read I enjoyed every second of this story

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia gets a call that changes her life in a blink of an eye. Her sister is in trouble and will be going to jail. However, Amelia offers herself in exchange for her sister and ends up going to a dragon prison. Knox is a dragon shifter and he doesn't want to like Amelia because she helped put his brother in a human jail. Yet he can't stop trying to keep her safe. Will they be able to put everything aside and be together? Is she going to be at the mercy of the dragons now that they have her?

This is a great story that will hook you in the first chapter. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a mess. The plot was disjointed, things were brought up to be forgotten, and things would be introduced out of nowhere. The world building is choppy at best. The dialogues are super cheesy and stiff. People don’t talk like that. And the whole “I’ll go to jail so my sister doesn’t” made no sense for the person Amelia is. She’s an ADA, she doesn’t believe in getting her sister’s record erased, but she’s willing to take her place so she doesn’t go to jail for STEALING? A woman who sent the MC’s brother to jail for driving a stolen vehicle he didn’t know was stolen. Please!
Not to mention the fact he’s a dragon doesn't have an impact on the plot. He shifts twice, and his dragon is never described fully.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Amelia’s sister breaks dragon shifter law so Amelia steps up to taker her place and ends up being sent to Dragon shifter island for her sentence. Knox is an alpha dragon and Amelia/ Mili gets assigned to his unit which he is not happy about at all. They are such great characters, Mili is strong, fierce and loyal to a fault whereas Knox is strong and a little grumpy but will protect Mili at any cost especially when it turns out they are fated. Action packed, unexpected surprises, some dragon mythology and twists and turns as well as some sizzling hot chemistry and you have a story you just cannot put down.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of mystery, danger, and action. Amelia (human,lawyer) sacrificed herself taking her sister place in prison. That led to a series of events that had her mated to a dragon shifter, pregnant, and chasing clues of a conspiracy against her new dragon clan. Knox, a dragon shifter, a warden being of dragon island prison, fierce, strong , protective, and intelligent. Amelia is his fated mate. His brother is in human prison suffering. He's working against time to save his brother while dealing a new mate.
Wonderful characters, danger, action, adventure, family, romantic, steamy, fated mate, sexy dragon shifters, and a happily-ever-mated. Good book to read.

[Lillith Aradia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was really hard for me to finish this boom. I had to skip a lot of pages in order to get to the end. I try not to DNF books, but this was close.

The story isn't bad, in fact I really wanted to love this book BECAUSE of the story, but the writing style is something I just can't get behind.

The FMC says "cheese and rice" FAR to often in a way that seems like she's trying to be cute and quirky without swearing.

The dialog seems stale, stiff, and unnatural at times, and it is hard to read.

The spice is there, I'd say it's 🌶🌶🌶/5 at some points, but some scenes also seem both rushed and forced.

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the start to what will be a very good series.
I liked Amelia (Mili to her friends and dragon) She is smart and loyal to her family. Sacrificing herself to go to prison for her sister's crime.
Knox is an alpha dragon. I loved the conversations he had with the dragon.
The chemistry between the two was great. Even though Knox was fighting it. Again I love his dragon. He seemed to know best.
Steam to the eventual romance. Lots of action, twists were unexpected. I love the HEA. A great book that I would recommend.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia is always for her friends and family. Her sister breaks a dragon law and gets in trouble but Amelia makes a deal to take her place. She gets sent to Dragon Shifter Island to serve her time. Knox is in charge of the Island and isn’t happy that she’s there. No human has been on the island so he has to watch over her. Unfortunately he’s attracted to her as in she’s his mate! But he’s fighting it as she’s a human. Will they figure it out! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Foodiegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlett West has written a book I loved the beginning to the end and what I hope will be a very long series. Amelia sacrifices herself to go to prison for her sister's crime in a shifters bar.
Knox is the dragon prison warden an a true alpha dragon. His chemistry between the Dragon and Amelia was great. Even though Knox was fighting it his dragonhad other ideas.
Steamy romance with lots of action, twists that were unexpected. It has a wonderful HEA. A book that I would certainly recommend to anyone.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. West has taken a fresh way to tell a Dragon story and this is a great start to a new series. The H/h of the story Knox & Amelia have great chemistry and the push/pull of their relationship is so good! The conversations between Knox and his dragon are hilarious and the HEA is satisfying. I can't wait for more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzanne McNeill Taviner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, I loved Amelia, she was such a strong, no nonsense type of person, she stood up for what she believed in and wasn't too proud to admit to her mistakes.
And Knox-he was just as strong but it took him a bit longer to admit to mistakes! They were so good together and really whet my appetite for more books from Dragon Shifter Island.
Let's hope Z gets his spark back and finds a mate.