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Magical Romantic Comedies #17
Dragon Her Heels
Crystal Culling never should have moved to Lake Hancock. Her real estate agent had warned the property on the end of Fox Hunt Drive was cursed, and if the Dragon of Crystal Lakes ever roused from his slumber, she’d be the first to be sacrificed to his appetite.
Her new neighbors, upon discovering she’d bought the lakefront planation manor, brought pies along with their condolences and sympathy. According to the nasty old lady down the way, no sensible dragon would want a woman with toxic green eyes, more than one piercing in her ears, and jet black hair the envy of any goth.
The day a castle emerges from the lake’s depths, Crystal realizes the town’s legends and myths are more than mere stories.
Unfortunately for her, everyone got the stories wrong. Rather than a snack, the dragon needs an executive secretary. As the owner of the plantation, his affairs, including his castle and his lack of a love life, become her problem.
But what Crystal doesn’t know dumps her into one hell of a where the Dragon of Crystal Lakes goes, trouble surely follows. If she doesn’t find a way to rein him in, he might just end up taking over the world—and she’ll be his first conquest.
Her new neighbors, upon discovering she’d bought the lakefront planation manor, brought pies along with their condolences and sympathy. According to the nasty old lady down the way, no sensible dragon would want a woman with toxic green eyes, more than one piercing in her ears, and jet black hair the envy of any goth.
The day a castle emerges from the lake’s depths, Crystal realizes the town’s legends and myths are more than mere stories.
Unfortunately for her, everyone got the stories wrong. Rather than a snack, the dragon needs an executive secretary. As the owner of the plantation, his affairs, including his castle and his lack of a love life, become her problem.
But what Crystal doesn’t know dumps her into one hell of a where the Dragon of Crystal Lakes goes, trouble surely follows. If she doesn’t find a way to rein him in, he might just end up taking over the world—and she’ll be his first conquest.
550 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2025
117 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Blain
81 books1,322 followersRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 27, 2025
December 2025
Kindle edition
The majority was horses. This was a book for horse lovers. I did like the plot, the role the FMC played and the vulnerability shown in Lucy. It was nice to see that they needed her more than she needed them. The dragon was obvious, but I liked that they kept showing up.
Kindle edition
The majority was horses. This was a book for horse lovers. I did like the plot, the role the FMC played and the vulnerability shown in Lucy. It was nice to see that they needed her more than she needed them. The dragon was obvious, but I liked that they kept showing up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2025
So many threads...
RJ Blain has mastered the talent of weaving magic into her words and not only creating characters who will enthrall you, but an entire universe.
So many threads from previous MagRomCom stories have found their way into this one, allowing beloved characters to revisit with us in new ways. Unsurprisingly, Lucifer and Darlene lead the way, along with Kanika and Malcolm. This is no surprise as we first met The Destroyer of Georgia in Kanika's book, Whatever For Hire. He returns here, along with his old friend Hagnar, determined to conquer Crystal and make her part of his hoard.
Knowing that the series is heading into its final stages doesn't detract from the storyline; in fact, it's wonderful to see just how many of the previous books are interlinked, despite not having given that impression until now.
While I will miss the prospect of additional books once the series comes to its end, I am thoroughly enjoying the journey.
RJ Blain has mastered the talent of weaving magic into her words and not only creating characters who will enthrall you, but an entire universe.
So many threads from previous MagRomCom stories have found their way into this one, allowing beloved characters to revisit with us in new ways. Unsurprisingly, Lucifer and Darlene lead the way, along with Kanika and Malcolm. This is no surprise as we first met The Destroyer of Georgia in Kanika's book, Whatever For Hire. He returns here, along with his old friend Hagnar, determined to conquer Crystal and make her part of his hoard.
Knowing that the series is heading into its final stages doesn't detract from the storyline; in fact, it's wonderful to see just how many of the previous books are interlinked, despite not having given that impression until now.
While I will miss the prospect of additional books once the series comes to its end, I am thoroughly enjoying the journey.
December 25, 2025
I like all her book but love this one!
While still at times irreverent, this book has a lot of depth to it. I love that the author always injects humor into the stories but the focus on acceptance( in all forms) really made this book great.
While still at times irreverent, this book has a lot of depth to it. I love that the author always injects humor into the stories but the focus on acceptance( in all forms) really made this book great.
January 18, 2026
A fun, crazy mess! I skimmed through quite a bit of the horse racing craziness, but I enjoyed the chickens and gators!
December 30, 2025
way too much horses
December 28, 2025
Let me start by saying that I absolutely LOVE this series, I’m pretty sure they’ve all gotten 4-5* up until now. And, I’ve been watching for this to come out for like 2 years or more. But, I only really liked the last 20%. Sure, Lucy and fam are funny, but the first 80% was just a bunch of blah blah blah, horse racing, adopt ALL the animals, plot? What’s a plot? I mean, there sorta was one, vaguely introduced and nothing really happened, then poof, dealt with in about ten seconds at the very end, and even that was all hazy and undefined. And the romance? That was so weird. It took forever anyway, and then Blain was trying to be all clever with it. But, it didn’t really work, it just kinda flopped imo. 3* is generous. I’m pretty sure if I’d read this as a stand alone, and wasn’t already attached to the crossover characters it would’ve been 1*. Pretty disappointed tbh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
Absolutely fantastic.
This book was definitely worth the wait.
The Devils meddling is always worth the wait.
Crystal is a Hedgewitch and so much more.
She FINALLY leaves her or job, and buys a home, that everyone tells her it's cursed.
That she'll be the one to perish when the castle rises from the lake!
No, she'll just become the dragons executive secretary.
But her love of horses, and well, most animals, takes her to the races and giving alligators belly rubs. 😁😁😁
I LOVE the violence in these books 😂😂😂😂
Can't wait for book 24 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
This book was definitely worth the wait.
The Devils meddling is always worth the wait.
Crystal is a Hedgewitch and so much more.
She FINALLY leaves her or job, and buys a home, that everyone tells her it's cursed.
That she'll be the one to perish when the castle rises from the lake!
No, she'll just become the dragons executive secretary.
But her love of horses, and well, most animals, takes her to the races and giving alligators belly rubs. 😁😁😁
I LOVE the violence in these books 😂😂😂😂
Can't wait for book 24 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
December 30, 2025
another wonderful story from R J Blain
I do so enjoy all of Ms. Blain’s books. Her books are quirky and will take you by surprise. She makes you laugh out loud so that people stare at you in public!
I enjoyed Crystal and Yuless as the main characters. I learned a great deal about horse racing that I did not know.
If you have cast in stone beliefs about God and Satan, this book and series are not for you. If you like quirky and laugh out loud books, definitely get this series!
I do so enjoy all of Ms. Blain’s books. Her books are quirky and will take you by surprise. She makes you laugh out loud so that people stare at you in public!
I enjoyed Crystal and Yuless as the main characters. I learned a great deal about horse racing that I did not know.
If you have cast in stone beliefs about God and Satan, this book and series are not for you. If you like quirky and laugh out loud books, definitely get this series!
January 4, 2026
A new Fate
Excellent story and answers some questions from earlier in the series.
Crystal is every strong woman who has had to play the game with the rules made to break her. They definitely didn't break her, she bent just enough to succeed without losing her ethics.
The next part of her life involves a castle in a lake, so many alligators, lots of horses and of course, Dragons.
One Dragon in particular has to be dealt with daily and that she punts his small form like a football into the lake when he annoys her is hilarious.
Excellent story and answers some questions from earlier in the series.
Crystal is every strong woman who has had to play the game with the rules made to break her. They definitely didn't break her, she bent just enough to succeed without losing her ethics.
The next part of her life involves a castle in a lake, so many alligators, lots of horses and of course, Dragons.
One Dragon in particular has to be dealt with daily and that she punts his small form like a football into the lake when he annoys her is hilarious.
January 5, 2026
Very Satisfying
I loved the feel of this story from start to finish. I have read the entire series and I think this might be my favourite. If you haven't read any of the series yet, I highly recommend this book. You don't need to read the others but if have, there are some call back's to older stories but I am not going to give away anymore than that.
I always love when Lucifer and Darlene make appearances and they didn't disappoint in this story. I really hope to see more of Crystal and Yuless in future stories.
I loved the feel of this story from start to finish. I have read the entire series and I think this might be my favourite. If you haven't read any of the series yet, I highly recommend this book. You don't need to read the others but if have, there are some call back's to older stories but I am not going to give away anymore than that.
I always love when Lucifer and Darlene make appearances and they didn't disappoint in this story. I really hope to see more of Crystal and Yuless in future stories.
December 24, 2025
Amazing as usual
R.J. Blain proves again how amazing her stories can be. The world building is some of the best I have come across as an avid reader and librarian. This can be read even if you have not picked up any of the other books in this series, but be prepared to need to read them all after getting introduced to all the delightful characters.
Crystal is such an interesting person and you will enjoy her journey as she grows into her new life of magic and dragons.
R.J. Blain proves again how amazing her stories can be. The world building is some of the best I have come across as an avid reader and librarian. This can be read even if you have not picked up any of the other books in this series, but be prepared to need to read them all after getting introduced to all the delightful characters.
Crystal is such an interesting person and you will enjoy her journey as she grows into her new life of magic and dragons.
December 27, 2025
Totally the Best!
Dragons! Need I say more? Oh, and horses too! FMC finally gets to retire from her most excellent, well paid, but boring job and buy the house of her dreams and go rampaging thru the racing circuit with her horses, attract a bunch of dragons, solve the problems of the devil, replace the Fates and rescue many needy babies while she’s at it! A fun read all the way thru.💕💕
Dragons! Need I say more? Oh, and horses too! FMC finally gets to retire from her most excellent, well paid, but boring job and buy the house of her dreams and go rampaging thru the racing circuit with her horses, attract a bunch of dragons, solve the problems of the devil, replace the Fates and rescue many needy babies while she’s at it! A fun read all the way thru.💕💕
December 27, 2025
Well worth the wait.
This book had more blasts from the past then any book in the series which is a good thing. I will have reread the series again just to verify that I caught them all.
Please keep adding to the all the series you have. I have not found a book written by you under any name that has not been worth the read.
Thank you and I hope there is enough good reviews to encourage you to continue this series.
This book had more blasts from the past then any book in the series which is a good thing. I will have reread the series again just to verify that I caught them all.
Please keep adding to the all the series you have. I have not found a book written by you under any name that has not been worth the read.
Thank you and I hope there is enough good reviews to encourage you to continue this series.
January 1, 2026
Normally, I devour this author's work immediately. This one took me some time work through, both because it is a larger volume than her usual works and also because I wanted to savour what the author has done in making the interactions between religion, fate and death unique yet understandable. A wonderfully fantastically gritty yet optimistic read - and don't we all need some optimism nowadays?
December 24, 2025
Excellent, just excellent addition to my favorite series.
R.J. Blain's latest book in this series deftly weaves the previous characters and story arcs with delightful new characters and an entirely new story arc! And what's more? I could see a new to this author's books being captivated enough to jump back in with reading the previous books!
R.J. Blain's latest book in this series deftly weaves the previous characters and story arcs with delightful new characters and an entirely new story arc! And what's more? I could see a new to this author's books being captivated enough to jump back in with reading the previous books!
December 26, 2025
This tale deserves far more than five stars!
Ms. Blain, I honestly believe this is one of your finest stories, easily equal to your cindercorn tales. Anything that involves Lucy becomes priceless, and Crystal proves she is a staunch defender of the innocent. I would like to see more of Crystal and her gang.
Ms. Blain, I honestly believe this is one of your finest stories, easily equal to your cindercorn tales. Anything that involves Lucy becomes priceless, and Crystal proves she is a staunch defender of the innocent. I would like to see more of Crystal and her gang.
December 27, 2025
It felt long
Aside from that it was well written and cohesive. Crystal loves horses, alligators, chickens, and helping people. Dragons love her space. One dragon really loves her. Shenanigans ensue. Lots of Devine intervention. Some brawls over pizza. A run at the Triple Crown. Couple of assassination attempts. Then a beautiful HEA. It wasn't Owl Be Yours but it was good.
Aside from that it was well written and cohesive. Crystal loves horses, alligators, chickens, and helping people. Dragons love her space. One dragon really loves her. Shenanigans ensue. Lots of Devine intervention. Some brawls over pizza. A run at the Triple Crown. Couple of assassination attempts. Then a beautiful HEA. It wasn't Owl Be Yours but it was good.
December 31, 2025
Rather twisty, with many horses
There was a lot about horse racing which I hadn’t expected, but it was less tedious than I thought it might be. The devil is relegated to bullied slave but at least his wife is feisty. I did enjoy the book but I didn’t immediately want to set it aside to re-read at a later date.
There was a lot about horse racing which I hadn’t expected, but it was less tedious than I thought it might be. The devil is relegated to bullied slave but at least his wife is feisty. I did enjoy the book but I didn’t immediately want to set it aside to re-read at a later date.
January 2, 2026
Dragon her heels
I love this series! Ms Blain's humor is awesome. Her characters are brought to live and its wonderful. Every book of hers that I've read are written in the same style and with the same humor. Sometimes you laugh. Sometimes you may cry. But, the story is absolutely worth reading!!!!! Thank RJ. Blain!
I love this series! Ms Blain's humor is awesome. Her characters are brought to live and its wonderful. Every book of hers that I've read are written in the same style and with the same humor. Sometimes you laugh. Sometimes you may cry. But, the story is absolutely worth reading!!!!! Thank RJ. Blain!
January 4, 2026
Another Hit.
Another great book. Was excited to read this and was not disappointed. And so happy to see other characters from the other books of this series in this one. Nice touch and brings the books all together nicely. Can't wait for her next book in there series. Also she does really good dark fantasy books too. Her vampire one is nice.
Another great book. Was excited to read this and was not disappointed. And so happy to see other characters from the other books of this series in this one. Nice touch and brings the books all together nicely. Can't wait for her next book in there series. Also she does really good dark fantasy books too. Her vampire one is nice.
January 20, 2026
I think this is my top fave of this series!
The author has outdone herself with this one! I love the self empowerment of the main character, and the crazy, humorous and chaotic fun and shenanigans surrounding her. Excellent characters, visits from many of our faves, including Lucy, and the need to learn about what happens next! 😁 PS, dragon punting ftw!
The author has outdone herself with this one! I love the self empowerment of the main character, and the crazy, humorous and chaotic fun and shenanigans surrounding her. Excellent characters, visits from many of our faves, including Lucy, and the need to learn about what happens next! 😁 PS, dragon punting ftw!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love the author and this wrapped some things up but wasn't my favourite. I don't see it being on a reread list right now. The writing is always good but the plot gets out of control, gets a bit religiously, and I just didn't connect as well. oh well
December 25, 2025
A woman who knows what she wants
A woman buys a property...and finds out it comes with a dragon. Telling anything else would ruin the surprises. There are plenty, with lots of humor and sass. Enjoy!
A woman buys a property...and finds out it comes with a dragon. Telling anything else would ruin the surprises. There are plenty, with lots of humor and sass. Enjoy!
December 25, 2025
Another 5 star experience.
I best love the rollercoaster rides, then then craziness with Lucy and his family, the surprises and the endearing characters with all their quirks! Already looking forward to the next one. I'll be watching and waiting!
I best love the rollercoaster rides, then then craziness with Lucy and his family, the surprises and the endearing characters with all their quirks! Already looking forward to the next one. I'll be watching and waiting!
December 30, 2025
Anither Brilliant Book in the Series
I love this series so much and every book is a treasure I wish to hoard. Once it's published in paperback it will definitely be added to my hoard, for I am a book dragon.
I love this series so much and every book is a treasure I wish to hoard. Once it's published in paperback it will definitely be added to my hoard, for I am a book dragon.
December 30, 2025
oh how glorious this novel is
The wait was worth it this story is a wonderful meeting of new and old characters. I am so glad this story crossed several previous storylines and visited many familiar characters. Recommend to all who love these stories and humor.
The wait was worth it this story is a wonderful meeting of new and old characters. I am so glad this story crossed several previous storylines and visited many familiar characters. Recommend to all who love these stories and humor.
December 31, 2025
2025 bk 178. This was an excellent wrap up book - a new character, essential to the timeline already created, but fresh and fun. Loved the glimpses of those we've met before, and I especially loved the references to the Kentucky Derby and horse racing. Excellent end of the year read!
January 1, 2026
Worth the wai
Sublime. RJ Blain always spins a fantastic tale but this one will make you laugh and smile and shed a tear or two. The main character is clever and flawed in all the best ways
Sublime. RJ Blain always spins a fantastic tale but this one will make you laugh and smile and shed a tear or two. The main character is clever and flawed in all the best ways
January 1, 2026
perfectly imperfect
This has been a truly great read. Thank for starting the New Year.
The Characters are so important to each other. Thank you for sharing your love of writing with me.
This has been a truly great read. Thank for starting the New Year.
The Characters are so important to each other. Thank you for sharing your love of writing with me.
January 3, 2026
One of her longer books with cameos from and references to characters in other books in the series. It does feel like this is heading toward a wrap of the series given the tone and storyline. Overall an enjoyable even if there are fewer laugh.out loud moments than in some of the other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews