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Dragon's Windfall

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Bestselling author Candace Ayers brings you SHORT "lunchtime quickie" reads—condensed romances intended to be read in under two hours!

Dragon scales and bridal veils—billionaire shifters find their fiery mates!

I’m dubbed the king of couture—a title well-earned.
So when an upstart designer slings mud at my fashion house, I hit back.
Hard.

But when I catch sight of my bride-to-be sashaying down the aisle,
My angel in white with turns out to be the she-devil herself.

With “I do’s” exchanged through gritted teeth,
The honeymoon is sure to be a hot one…
Scalding passion or flaming disaster—not sure which.
Can scorching attraction overcome simmering rivalry?

This is a SHORT, feel-good, instalove-inspired, fated mates dragon shifter romance.
The main tropes in this story Enemies to lovers, fated mates, and arranged marriage.


This series is a spin-off of the Wolves series.

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 26, 2024

337 people are currently reading
37 people want to read

About the author

Candace Ayers

288 books536 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl.
2,105 reviews62 followers
August 29, 2024
Starts out with a bang

Lothar has a fashion company and is dick and tired of a women bad mouthing him. Bella is angry that her design was stolen.

Then comes the wedding and of all the people that Lothar could get as a wife it just has to be the one who is trying to destroy him. I really liked this book with how it all goes done.
Profile Image for Coline.
1,383 reviews16 followers
July 8, 2025
3.5✨

Sympa. Lothar et Bella sont mims.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews360 followers
March 27, 2024
Lothar Richthofen and Bella DiCorte’s Dilemma . . .

When a small-time clothing designer accuses Lothar’s House of Richthofen of fraud, intellectual property rights infringements, and theft, he knows he needs to do something this time to stop Bella DiCorte’s frivolous attacks. This is not “healthy competition”. He remembers her from the Spring Showcase the year before. He has his legal department begin to gather evidence for a defamation lawsuit. Then he heads to the chapel to join his betrothed and complete this arranged marriage as part of the Brides for Beasts program. The pews, however, are empty. Only Lothar and the officiant are there. Councilman Greyson, administrator of the arranged marriage program, had assured him that his spouse-matching algorithm was foolproof. Being late is a poor start. Tardiness is unacceptable. However, he requires an heir so this is important. The previous 3 dragons have been successfully matched and claimed their human mate, a draconian claiming mark permanently bonding their souls for eternity. And now it is his turn. Finally the chapel doors open and his betrothed is smiling, until she suddenly gets a dreadful outraged look on her face and yells, “YOU!”.

His first thought is how this cheap wannabe with no talent can be his perfect match? But they have signed the agreement and it is legally binding. They both hurl insults back and forth until she storms out, Councilman Greyson trying vainly to calm her down. She had only signed up for this as a stalling tactic so she could get her designer clothing line launched before her parents finished arranging a marriage to Rocco Rossi, a controlling, sexist man who expected her to stay at home, cook, clean, and provide babies. That was not the life she wanted. But Greyson repeated that neither could back out now. The enormous financial penalties would drain her bank account. So she agreed to marry that arrogant dragon. Could this possibly work out? Will finally discovering the truth about the design theft change his mind about her? And does she realize there is no escape once she has been marked by the dragon?
Profile Image for Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading).
797 reviews17 followers
March 24, 2024
Dragon's Windfall is a standalone paranormal, shape shifter romance by Candace Ayers. This is the fourth book in the Brides for Beasts: Dragons series, and just one book within an expanded universe of Brides for Beasts. The concept is simple: shape shifters need to find their mates and the Brides for Beasts program is an arranged marriage match making service run by the shifter council.

In this book, Lothar is a billionaire and a titan of the fashion industry. He also happens to be a dragon shifter and he's ready for a mate. His friends have all had success through the Brides for Beasts program and he figures he will have success as well. When Lothar arrives at his wedding it is to discover that the struggling fashion designer, Bella, who believes Lothar is her archenemy.

Bella absolutely loathes Lothar and his fashion empire. She has her beliefs, well founded or otherwise, and all is revealed in time. However, she has family expectations and an arranged marriage seems like the ideal solution to get her out of it. Imagine her extreme unhappiness when she realises that her groom is her sworn enemy.

This was an enjoyable story that shows an enemies to lovers type of romance. This was a quick and relatively easy read, but Lothar and Bella do go on a roller coaster as they get to know each other and untangle their relationship so that get to know the real person they are with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
March 25, 2024
This was an enemies to lovers paranormal romance.

I adore this series! The characters were complex and well developed. The story was funny, steamy and heartwarming. Highly recommend!

Bella DiCorte is a clothing designer. She comes from a very traditional old school Italian family.

Lothar Richthofen is a billionaire dragon shifter. He owns the House of Richthofen fashion empire.

Bella applied to the Brides for Beasts website in order to get out of a marriage arranged by her family. She wants to fulfill her dream of being a successful fashion designer. Her father gave her an ultimatum to have her design house operating in the black by her 27th birthday, which is only a few weeks away, otherwise she will marry Rocco Rossi his choice of husband for her.
After she walks down the aisle and sees Lothar, they get into an argument and she storms out. Councilman Grayson managed to convince Bella and Lothar to marry. Afterwards she insists they go to her apartment instead of his penthouse. In her studio Lothar finds out his signature piece was actually one of her designs stolen by an employee. They decide to collaborate on a line and go to Milan fashion week. In Italy they stay in his castle, admit their feelings, deal with her family drama, he tells her about his dragon and they get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura Moylan.
1,519 reviews
March 27, 2024
Lothar Richthofen owns a fashion empire, but he is also a dragon shifter and he is the next to last dragon in his group who has an arranged marriage through Council member Greyson. Bella DiCorte is a fashion designer that accused the House of Richthofen of fraud, theft, etc. But at the wedding they find out that they are to be the bride and groom. However, Bella’s family has an arranged marriage set up for her and she has only until her 27 birthday (soon), to get her fashion business into the black or she has to go thru with her family’s arranged marriage- they are extremely (centuries) old fashioned. Ugh, I was livid it what they believed for this day and age. I’m glad she was smart enough to get out of it. However, it takes a bit before Lothar and Bella get along. A lot of misunderstandings to get through- I was impressed.

I’m not that into fashion, I’m more into comfy, loose clothes. But, I usually find things that look good on me, and I don’t have many things where I need to dress up, so I’m all good. But, it was fun to see some of the behind the scenes stuff, especially since my niece, since she was very little we called her a fashionista. Lol. I really enjoyed the storyline and how the author got Bella and Lothar to fall for each other. I can’t wait for Sebastian’s book. Then I hope it will be the wolves turn with the dragon councilor. Lol.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
883 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2024
Dragon love story
They started off hating the other due to a misunderstanding but were forced to go ahead with the wedding. After all, the algorithm says they are a perfect match and the paperwork for this arranged marriage has all been completed. Lothar Richthofen is the uppity owner and designer for the House of Richthofen Fashion in LA. He thinks his new bride is beautiful but why is she disparaging his Fashion House? As a Dragon (not for public knowledge) he wants his true mate and Lothar’s assured that Bella DiCorte is “her”.
Bella has two major issues going on. 1st: Her selfish old-school Italian family has set up an arranged marriage between Bella and Rocco, a “nice Italian boy”, who she doesn’t even like. They want her to marry, clean house, and pop out babies. They feel Bella’s Urban Muse Designs is a joke. 2nd: Bella thinks that Lothar’s fashion house stole her designs and proceeded to make millions off their popularity.
Everything gets straightened out as the story progresses and the algorithm is right, they are perfect together. I loved this short story. I loved spunky Bella and Lothar; they are perfect for each other. This was a sweet, loving, mostly happy story. I received a free advanced copy of this story from Booksprout and this is my opinion. Linda
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,609 reviews62 followers
April 4, 2024
Dragon's Windfall is Book 4 of the Brides for Beasts: Dragons series. It's a short and steamy, OTT, enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, paranormal, curvy girl gets her dragon shifter romance. Bella is a young, sassy, and curvy fashion designer. Lothar is a hunky fashion designer, billionaire, and dragon shifter. The two are enemies as Bella has accused Lothar of stealing her designs. So imagine his surprise when he is matched with her to be his perfect mate. Bella's family is trying to force her to marry a man she detests and give up her fashion dreams. She decided to apply to the B2B (Brides for Beasts) matchmaking agency and choose her own blind arranged marriage. When she sees Lothar, she promptly walks out, but the matchmaker reminds her of the signed contract. They go through with the marriage, and Bella makes him miserable initially. But soon, they realize all is not as it seems, and love starts to bloom. Will it last? What happens when her family finds out? Will she freak out when she realizes Lothar is a dragon? I just love this series, and this book was no exception. The characters had amazing chemistry, and we got a great HEA after a bit of drama. Lothar and Bella were perfect together. I loved it!!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
968 reviews9 followers
March 25, 2024
Excellent!

Lothar Richthofen, fashion guru extraordinaire, is doing his duty to save Dragons and getting married in an arranged marriage. There is only one word I can think of to describe Lothar at the beginning of the book – arrogant! When his bride has the audacity to be 5 minutes late for the wedding, he is totally put out! But when his bride does finally walk down the aisle, she takes one look at him at runs! What! Who wouldn’t want to marry him!

Bella DiCorte is being pressured by her family into an arranged marriage to a guy she hates. All she wants to do is run her fashion design business and make a name for herself. So, in an effort to outwit her parents, she enters into an arranged marriage with Brides for Beasts. Hmm, an arranged marriage to avoid an arranged marriage? But, when she sees Lothar is supposed to be her groom she is horrified. The unscrupulous man who stole and made a fortune off one of her designs. But she has signed all the paperwork and is legally required to marry him. So fine – but she is going to be the one in control!

These two are a riot! Talk about starting out on the wrong foot. Is there anything that can save this relationship? Great book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,300 reviews16 followers
April 7, 2024
Lothar and Belle. Shes human and hes dragon. They are both designers. Hes top of their profession and shes up and coming. They hate each other and have been paired by the mating algorithm. He is one of the dragons that are to be paired to a human to mate to save the dying dragon race. She on the other hand signed up for an arranged marriage to avoid an arranged marriage...... Then at the alter she, she, she just no it cant be and storms off. She's reminded her reason for applying to the mating service and the financial burden not going through with the wedding will bring and of course her parents arrangement. So they are married. And so begin their turbulent romance. Its quite the good read with LOL moments that make you feel good and root for them. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carole.
2,051 reviews16 followers
March 24, 2024
A billionaire dragon shifter meets his match in more ways than one in this fourth book of the series, Dragon’s Windfall.
Bella DiCorte signed up with BfB match making to avoid an arranged marriage her Italian parents had in the works for her, and to buy some time to get her designer business going.
What a shock when the groom turns out to be her nemesis, owner of House of Richthofen himself Lothar Richthofen.
This was another humorous, insta love, Paranormal Romance that rockets right out of the gate, and into spicy well written territory as these two learn that all may not be as it seems in their opinions of each other especially when love and passion begins to nudge its way in. Good Read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,188 reviews28 followers
March 26, 2024
I loved Dragon's Windfall: An enemies to lovers arranged marriage romance Book 4 of Brides for Beasts: Dragons. Imagine Lothar’s surprise when his wife to be is the same person trying to slander him. There has to be a mistake. Bella wants ti walk away but she signed a marriage contract that’s very iron clad. They will just have to make it work u til they can get an annulment. In the meanwhile, Bella gets her family off her back. Imagine their surprise when they actually get along well and have an amazing chemistry. There are still obstacles to overcome. I loved the storyline and the characters. This is such a great series and I can’t wait for the final book. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,712 reviews7 followers
March 27, 2024
Lothar was being accused by Bella of stealing one of her designs. Lothar was told that he was going to get married but when his bride got there it was Bella, who to be talked to at least a three month marriage or getting sued. Bella’s family told her that by 27 she had marry the person they picked out for her if her business wasn’t making it. She made him go to her apartment but then Lothar complimented her on a design, then she showed him the design he was making was hers. He went digging one of the people that had worked for her had sold it, decided to work together on a line. They really made it work! Good book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
332 reviews
March 27, 2024
Captivating read! Lothar is having trouble with a small time designer, saying he is stealing designs. Bella is trying to make it in the world of design so she doesn't have to marry a man her family has pick. She signs up for the BfB program. Only thing is the man she is about to marry is the same man who has stole her designs. Holy moly that was an outstanding read! Candace Ayers is an awe-inspiring author that writes truly amazing stories. Have to admit the Dragon BfB series is by far my favorite so far. Highly recommend!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
5,468 reviews23 followers
April 1, 2024
Dragon's Windfall: An enemies to lovers arranged marriage romance story of lothar and Bella.;He is a dragon shifter and owned the House of Richthofen a fashion empire and he also a designer.;She is a feisty;gorgeous small time clothing designer and the one who smear campaigns against the power house the fashion royalty for being a theft.;and to their surprise their going to get married soon,she's the bride and he is her groom..A quick,exciting,intriguing,steamy with family drama,romance and HEa..This is Book 4 of Brides for Beasts: Dragons and i can't wait to the next one! well done!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Reader_for_LifeTLG.
2,763 reviews17 followers
April 6, 2025
Designing their HEA - This one is my favorite of the dragon tales. Lothar and Bella get off on the wrong foot before he even knows she is his intended. She's telling everyone who will listen that he stole one of her designs. Preposterous! His fashion house is well-respected, his reputation unbesmirched. She was this close to getting sued. Good thing he has a cool head atop that hot dragon body, believing the evidence she produced. A charleton fooled them both. Kissing and making up is fun and so satisfying. When her family darkens their doorstep, he makes his devotion to the woman who holds his heart crystal clear. A good PNR but the AI narrator was eh.
Profile Image for Kate.
353 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2024
Sometimes a novella is perfect when a reader wants a break for an hour or two and a good story. This novella is a standalone in an entertaining fantasy, billionaire-dragon series. It’s well-written with some original touches, such as both the main characters being fashion designers. There are unexpected Issues with their arranged marriage that eventually get resolved. This novella delivers a good HEA, plus a bonus epilogue. Entertaining short read, and I'm hooked on the other stories in the series! I received a free copy of this novella and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Goliash.
283 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2024
Eh... Could have been better

I didn't care for this one cause I didn't like Bella. There is a difference between being strong & independent & being a bitch. She fell in the bitch category. I just didn't like her & the boom really didn't do anything to turn that around. What her family did & how they treated her didn't negate that was unlikable to me. So I couldn't enjoy the book cause I just didn't like her enough to think she deserved any of the stuff that being married to him brought her.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,699 reviews4 followers
March 27, 2024
This is a short novella you can read in about an hour. I love this series, Brides for Beasts. Lothar has received his bride match, Bella. They have preconceived ideas about each other, so they immediately start out angry at each other. They begin to work together when they finally realize that someone else is the source of their problem. Lothar and Bella still have some drama, but they get their HEA. I loved this book. It is another steamy, romantic dragon-shifter story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Grinning Cat.
3,755 reviews122 followers
March 29, 2024
I found this book difficult to like. Mainly because of the main characters. They felt like stereotypes rather than actual characters. He was the Refined Yet Pompous Rich Businessman, she is the Fiery Italian Scrapper. (In case you didn’t know she was Italian, she cusses in that language just enough to show she’s both Italian and Fiery. ) I couldn’t connect with the characters, so I didn’t really care what happened to them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,422 reviews11 followers
March 24, 2024
This Series Keeps Getting Better

Ooh, fireworks from the start when these two meet! Lothar can’t believe the thorn in his side is to become his bride and Bella can’t believe who her groom is! Will she agree to marry him?

Lots of sparks and passion in this next edition to the series which is full of witty moment, lots of misunderstandings and a swoon-worthy HEA!

Loved It!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,237 reviews70 followers
March 27, 2024
This was such a fun read! Two rival fashion designers end up in an arranged marriage that neither can get out of ;P Well, imagine their surprise when they find they're a lot more suited to each other than they could have ever expected. This heartwarming and humourous read will certainly grab you, along with the entertainment and spice...and have you madly flipping pages to see just how everything will unfold ;D
680 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2024
You would think the fiery one in this partnership would be the dragon but he is a pussy cat compared to his human mate !! A shortish story that is part of a series but very easy to read as a stand alone ( each is very very different ) Full of fun and explosions and heat You wont want to come to the end of this story ..hoping for a few more in the series they are so good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
24 reviews
March 29, 2024
Windfall is a disappointment

I've read the previous 3 books in the series and enjoyed them. However, this one was short and flat. The author seemed to have buried through just to get this one to publication. Author needed to be so much added to this. The bride's family seems to hate her, there's no build up in the plot. I feel like the author should write chapters to fill in all the missing parts.
Profile Image for Manda .
872 reviews11 followers
April 3, 2024
Another brilliant addition to the series sees Lothar meet his match in Bella. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their journey from initially loathing each other to not being able to keep their hands off each other. Add in her reprehensible family and design theft and you have a recipe for success. Can't wait to read the last in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
161 reviews4 followers
March 24, 2024
I!ve read the previous book in this Brides for Beasts series so I understand the basis of the storyline. This was yet another fun insta-attraction love story between a dragon shifter and a human female…and as usual, a very happily ever after. It’s a quick read as well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,663 reviews9 followers
April 9, 2024
This book 4 in The Brides for Beasts: Dragons Book Series has strong characters, well-constructed world and entertaining story. These characters are exciting, have chemistry, and are well-crafted with unique personalities, detailed histories and believable interactions. There is drama, enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, and romance.
Profile Image for kayla.
266 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2024
While the marriage starts out as anything but happy these two soon find themselves forming a bond. And with one kiss the entire relationship changes. They soon find themselves in a place they never thought possible happy and in love with each other!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karli R.
583 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2024
Dragon's Windfall

What happens when the bride hates the groom? Sleepless nights on a bumpy couch and lots of arguments. That is until the truth comes out. Hate becomes love. Love turns to trust. Trust reveals a secret that is straight out of a fairy tale. I loved this book. It was fun to see that enemies can become soulmates.
Profile Image for Patricia Baxes.
3,050 reviews30 followers
June 1, 2025
Definitely a keeper…🌺🌺

Get this book…in fact, get the whole darn series! I wasn’t much on dragon shifters before I discovered this series from Candace Ayers. The storyline s are awesome; the characters really well developed; the plots are a little on the light side but still very interesting; and the HEAs are simply beyond incredible. Grab these bad boys today! ❤️❤️🌺🌺❤️❤️
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