Veiled Powers

A Destiny of Dragons #2

by Mara Leigh

Zogar sweeps me through the veil and into the dreaded Darkness. There, I discover he's not just a dragon king—he's a massive man who's been trapped in dragon form for four hundred years.

Now I've freed him, he seeks vengeance against the descendants of those who trapped and enslaved his people, including Tynan—and me.

Worse, Zogar intends to hold me to my promise of marriage—a vow I made only to save the men I'm falling for.

Tynan and I just discovered we don't hate each other, and I’m not ready to give up our fiery passion. And while I can’t forgive Dragon Master Saxon for what he did, I can’t stop thinking about the mysterious older man who awakened desires and pleasures I’d never imagined.

While Tynan and Saxon desperately search for me, time moves differently in the Darkness. A day for me becomes a month for them. When we’re finally reunited, more secrets are revealed and our passions explode.

But with war brewing, and distrust threatening to tear my men apart, I may have to choose between my heart’s desires and the fate of the Seven Kingdoms.

Book 2 in a romantasy trilogy where a princess discovers her power in a world of dark secrets, dragons, and otherworldly forbidden love.

Genres: Dragons, Fantasy, Romantasy

489 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2025

About the author

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Mara Leigh, a corporate world escapee, loves to hang out in coffee shops and let her imagination run wild.
After hopping between various cities including Edinburgh, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, Mara and her exorbitant shoe collection have settled in Toronto where she writes steamy and emotional reverse harem paranormal, and m/f contemporary romances.

Reviews

[Stefanie Verhelst · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start reading this book with an open mind, prepare for spicy episodes, sharing is caring, jealousy, dragon magic and magical world building!

In this book we learn more about Zogar and his history.

The plot was unexpected and left me with a couple of questions.

More will become clear in the next chapter of the series.

Highly recommended if you like spicy dragon fantasy! 🔥🔥.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ReverseHaremMuse · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1.5 stars) Veiled Powers (A Destiny of Dragons, #2) by Mara Leigh

I revisited this series to see whether my initial reaction had changed, and unfortunately, it hasn’t. If nothing else, the experience was consistent.

While the level of spice has clearly increased, I didn’t feel the story itself progressed in any meaningful way. By the second book, I expected to have a clearer understanding of the world or overarching conflict, but I still felt disconnected from both. The plot remains vague, the antagonists undefined, and the narrative seems to circle the same character dynamics without adding depth.

Certain word choices continued to pull me out of the story. Although some terms appeared less frequently, they still felt awkward and distracting when used. (Paps - you evil, evil word.) A few descriptive phrases simply didn’t work for me and broke immersion rather than enhancing it.

For me, the FMC lacked agency and development. Her choices - particularly regarding forgiveness and relationships didn’t feel earned or believable based on prior events, which made it hard to connect with her journey. The FMC essentially reads like a glorified sex doll, and I don’t say that lightly...

The series thus far is just painful, rivaled only by the baffling dragon-riding mechanics. “Sphincter grip”? That’s seriously how riders stay on? And somehow the "Kingdom of Light" decided Men were the best candidates over women, despite women being anatomically better suited for the dragon pommel? The idea that men were chosen over women as riders, despite clear anatomical advantages, only adds to the frustration. Frankly none of it holds up. But it did make me laugh.

The MMCs also didn’t resonate with me. Their reactions and priorities often felt one-note, and emotional moments were frequently overshadowed by physical ones. This made it difficult to invest in them as fully realized characters. Additionally, the worldbuilding and lore - especially regarding certain character identities and abilities felt inconsistent, which added confusion rather than intrigue.

The male leads in this series are just unbearable, acting almost entirely on impulse and sexual desire. A few examples:

Zogar – He shows little interest in the female lead beyond using her to gain power and satisfy his own desires. Honestly, who is this character? And don’t get me started on the consummation scene with the dragon-human mage shifter… the author seems unsure of what Zogar actually is, calling him a million different things. Mage? Dragon? Mage Dragon-shifter? All we know is he has an enormous ego (and other things). There’s zero depth here, and by book two, you’d expect at least some development.

Tynan – What an overgrown man-child. No growth or change at all. This is the guy who believes the woman he supposedly loves is dead for months, and the moment he sees her again, his first thought is… sex, on the training yard, no concern for her well-being. His entire character is reduced to eating, sleeping, and, well… you get the idea.

Saxon – Where’s the character growth? Where’s the action of remorse or even a hint of depth? This book is just him pursuing the female lead sexually. And when the author can’t justify him otherwise, she randomly gives him magic and a stag-shifter identity thing - because why not?

Overall, this series simply doesn’t align with my tastes. While it may appeal to readers looking primarily for high-heat fantasy romance, it didn’t provide the character depth or narrative progression I was hoping for. Yes, there’s plenty of “spice,” but there’s no substance, context, or meaningful character development in this book or the series so far. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this author’s works moving forward.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things become more complicated for Rosomon in book 2. Saxon is unable to avoid how he feels for Rosomon—he finds hisself groveling, Tynan still needs to work on his temper but his heart remains wide open for Rosomon, and Zogar, despite his claims of only needing her for restoring his magic, seems to be falling under her spell, too.

I enjoyed ‘Veiled Powers’ more than ‘Veiled Flames’—The storyline has been solid throughout, ‘Veiled Powers’ feels more polished as it read smoothly start to finish. This series has been a pretty exciting read. Lots of action, drama, sexy times, and Rosomon is finally blossoming out of her complete innocence/ignorance to the world shell.

Now, I didn’t say anything about the method of securing riders to their dragons in my last review. Let me just say the pommel is very interesting, as well as how quickly some of the riders can secure themselves for flight. BUT, it makes Rosomon’s fight to be a Dragon Rider make seem so much more logical …

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Saxon
✨Tynan
✨Zogar
FMC:
✨Rosomon
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨to be continued, cliffhanger
Series:
✨Book 2 of A Destiny of Dragons
Tropes:
👉fantasy romance
👉why choose
👉enemies to lovers
👉size gap
👉marriage of convenience
👉dragon king/princess/stag/prince
👉MFM+M
👉Multi - POV
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
💥violence
💥betrayal
💥jealousy
💥immuring
Burn Speed:
✨fast
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF
✨MFM.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katiebug · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the first book had some steamy love scenes, but buckle up for this one!!

The story picks up right where we left off in "Veiled Flames". We open with Rosomon's dragon, Zogar's point of view and get a larger glimpse into who he is and what his motives are. He needs a queen to regain his full power, and Rosomon is perfect. She decides that in order to protect the two men who love her most, she must go with Zogar to his world and become his queen.

It is in his world that she discovers that magic really does exist. After some spicy time spent together there, Zogar returns to Rosomon's world to free more of his dragons. Things go a bit sideways and they flee back to Lymbo (Zogar's world) with two other dragons....AND their riders! Things are about to get complicated!

Zogar and the other dragons journey to find answers on why they have been captive for 400 years, and Rosomon is left alone....with the two men that have managed to snag her affections. They all decide that sharing is caring!

The end is definitely a cliffhanger. Zogar comes home, catches them in the act, and ultimately flies away with Rosomon on his back. What will happen next?? Looking forward to the next installment for sure!

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mara Leigh is easily one of my favourite, and most underrated, RH authors.

Her writing is consistently strong, her stories are engaging, and she delivers some of the most varied, daring, and spiciest scenes out there.

{Veiled Powers by Mara Leigh}

This instalment picks up just before the end of Veiled Flames, but from an alternate POV, and then continues beyond the end of the previous book. We finally get a Dragon Shifter MMC - hooray!

One of my main critiques of the first book was the overly flowery language, but that’s been toned down here. The writing still carries that historical/fantasy vibe, but it feels more balanced and flows much better.

Another issue I had was the intensity of the insta-love dynamic in some relationships. This time, we get deeper character development and a stronger foundation for the connections. The newest relationship is definitely not as instantaneous, and watching Rosamon and Zolgar navigate their differences was a highlight. Rosamon’s determination and clarity of purpose clash beautifully with Zolgar’s domineering nature - he’s used to ruling and never being told no. He can be brutal and hard to like at times, but Rosamon complements him perfectly.

Now for the exciting bits: The spice level? Off the charts. It’s explicit and abundant, which is exactly what I expected. If that’s not your thing, this book might not be for you.

Everything is consensual, though there are moments of dubious consent, including a scene where two MMCs are forced to watch dragon shifters mate as a lesson in humility.

This book features:

• Dragon Shifters (and maybe more…) • Marriage of convenience • Magic/Alternate dimensions • MMC with a traumatic past • Strong FMC • Captivity • Size difference (in every sense 🍆) • Plenty of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I’ve probably missed some bits, but overall I rate this highly and it has elevated the first book for me as

This is due to be a trilogy, with the third book due for release in April.

[Persephone Roze · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two and another great read for me. I love the dragons so much and I really enjoyed that they are full blown characters now that we get to see and interact with. While we don't get a ton of backstory or development on them yet, it was nice that they were finally a part of things.

I love that this book is a mix of old style traditions with a bit of modern, especially when the spice comes into play. It feels naughty because of how it is written and what we know about the characters and that is kind of thrilling to me. There is a good chunk of spice in this one and I love how different it is depending on the characters, keeps it interesting and a bit more real.

I had some struggles with the main characters, but that carried over from book one. While I don't dislike them, I'd like to see a bit more growth and development from them. Saxon improved from book one but now he's kind of like a kicked puppy throughout. Tynan just seems like an eternally petulant child and that did not get any better throughout this one. He doesn't seem to have a middle ground, horny or angry are his modes. I don't feel like we know enough about Zogar yet, but he's a huge flip flopper in his manipulative ways and that kind of bugged me. I'm hoping they all grow. Ros being naive and always starved for sexy time began to be grating in this book. I'm hoping she does some growing most of all.

Otherwise, though, it was a good read with a little cliffhanger. It will be fun to find out how it all plays out in book three!

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choices and Discoveries . . .

Zogar the Behemoth is the largest and most fearsome of the dragons. When Princess Rosomon's father arranged for her to be married to a cruel elderly King, she disguised herself as a boy and signed on to be a dragon rider where no one would think to look for her. In the current book, Zogar brings Rosomon through the veil where she learns more about him and the fact that he requires a queen to regain his full power. He refers to her as his mate and his intention is to marry her whether she wants that or not -- but can she find a way out of that situation? She had only agreed to do whatever he wanted in order to save the lives of Tynan and Saxon whom he threatened to kill. Now with Prince Tynan and Dragon Master Saxon actively searching to find and rescue Rosomon, both men being important to her, will they be able to find her? Could they get her away from Zogar who has sworn that he will kill them and has the immense power to do that? There is so much going on with the dragons and riders and you won't want to miss a single page! We are once again brought to the brink of a cliffhanger, so take a deep breath and dive in to the next book to get it all sorted out!

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some sequels simply continue a story — this one deepens it in all the best ways.

I had the pleasure of diving into an advance copy of Veiled Powers (A Destiny of Dragons #2) by Mara Leigh, and it was such a joy to step back into this enchanting world. This installment raises the stakes, amplifies the magic, and gives the characters even more emotional depth to explore.

The chemistry is still wonderfully present — that irresistible blend of tenderness, tension, and fated pull — but book two brings a richer sense of purpose and power. The world-building expands beautifully, revealing new layers of dragons, destiny, and danger that kept me fully hooked.

While I wished for just a touch more detail in a few key moments, the story overall delivered everything I hoped for: heart, heat, and high fantasy wrapped in a warm, captivating glow.

For fans of magical romance, evolving character arcs, and dragon-filled adventures, this is a sequel that absolutely delivers. I’m already eager for the next chapter in this world. 💖🐉✨

[Melo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just No! 25% DNF

When tackling subjects such as slavery, one needs to be very careful how they go about it. This is unacceptable.

Direct quote;

"He already explained why he doesn’t want the dragon masters to know he’s a shape shifter, and I suppose I understand his reasoning. Yet I can’t help but feel he’s asking me to be a traitor to my own kind. People he clearly holds responsible for his own people’s suffering."

They have been enslaved for 400 years. Yet her small minded, sex addled brain still obviously thinks nothing should change. My days!!

I already wasn't expecting much from this series but the heroine just gets more and more air heady. The end of book 1 had me thinking okay let's see where this goes albeit, girl put your clothes on and cross those legs.

Before the whole slavery thing I was already skipping bits trying to move the plot along. I haven't come across a heroine this vacuous in a very long time. That's including the usual TSTL.

I absolutely do not recommend this series.

[Shu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted Tynan to grovel in this book but I felt like he was always mad then easily happy without a resolution besides Rosomond trying to calm him down. It didn’t feel like he had an emotional growth since book 1 when he knew he was in love and somewhat protective. At least Saxon had a slight emotional growth in this one (did not like him in book 1 though) and readers find out his background. Hopefully we get more of Zogar’s buildup because so far, it’s just spice scenes and him needing Rosomond to have his magic (and explaining it/how it works) besides being a little territorial. I want more interaction between him and Rosomond so we can see them falling in love. The storyline itself is great and I love the information/buildup of the world (Light, Darkness, and Lymbo). Readers get to see what is on the Darkness side and some new characters. Rosomond does get separated again as a cliffhanger…

[Rocky Mountain Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Grief!! You're back for more? You didn't listen last time - I told you you weren't ready, but did you listen? Well, I guess you asked for it.....Second books in series can sometimes feel like plot filler, or not nearly as exciting as the books on either end, but DANG! No such case, here! Bigger, badder, hotter, better, all the way around! Since we established the universe in the last volume, this one is all action and OH, HONEY!!! IT'S ALL ACTION! Phew! Call in for tomorrow, 'cuz you're gonna need the recovery time!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the auth8r: 'Book 2 in a why choose romantasy trilogy where a princess discovers her power in a world of dark secrets, dragons, and otherworldly forbidden love. Readers can start here, or begin with VEILED FLAMES.'

The plot evolves and hooks the reader. World building continues to excel and impress. The characters continue to grow and develop and fascinate. A wonderful addition to the trilogy. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love miscommunication, redemption, sexy times on a throne, and dragon shifters this is a great second book in the series. It was hard to put the book down with all the plot twists between the hidden magic, other dragon shifters, mates, and secrets. Of course, there was another nail biting cliff hanger with Rosomon, Tynan, and Saxon being separated again. I look forward to reading the last book to find out all the missing pieces we learn in this book.

[Ladnamal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and it picks up right after the previous cliffhanger. We learn more about Zogar but there are so many more unanswered questions. There is more spice in this one and I like spice the stories I read but some of the scenes and the choices don't feel aligned with the plot. I still enjoyed the read though and I'm looking forward to the next book after that cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pretty consumed with book 2! I think the series is only getting better!
We dig deeper into the plot and learn new things.
There was drama, lots of feels, steam, action, and danger.
Rosomon grows more in this book. There was also some relationship growth as well.
This was a great continuation. Sadly, there was a cliffhanger. I cant wait for book 3!

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read. I could not put this book down once I started. The pace is excellent for the way the story moves, making for an easy and enjoyable read. The characters are really well written and it feels like you know them personally and you want to be there for them. This book has to be on your TBR list, there is no doubt about it.

[Sheila Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've so been looking forward to this second installment and boy did it not disappoint! As rosamons relationships develop between her and her men and as she and Zogars relationship takes on a new meaning, Saxon finds out more about himself and we see a glimpse behind the darkness Shield. I cant wait to see what happens in the next book

[LeeAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC:

While it has taken me a bit to get used to the strange vocabulary used in the book for something’s, I really enjoy this series so far. I like how it’s starting to tie into the other series by Mara and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. This is another strong contender in the reverse harem genre and I recommend everyone read it if you want to see a strong, but young, FMC.

[Eljesa Ahm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up right where the first book left off and quickly raises the stakes. Told partly from Zogar’s point of view, the story dives deeper into magic, power, and complicated relationships. The romance is intense, the plot takes unexpected turns, and the ending leaves you desperate for the next book. A gripping continuation for fans of steamy fantasy romance.

[Rachel Neary · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Why choose
-Marriage of convenience

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Definitely enjoyed book 2 more than book 1! Liked digging back into the story right where we ended & the relationship development. Excited for book 3!

[Alli Escobar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good sequel to Veiled Flames! The flow of the book is better than the first and the magical worlds continues to keep me wanting to see what else there is to know. Rosomon I just love and im excited to see what happens in book 3

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving all the characters, especially our FMC. This book had less action and world building, and more relationship development. Very enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brandy Stansbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this series so far! These characters & their developing relationships are so much fun. The spice is seriously some of the hottest that I've read this year. Overall a great read & I can't wait to see what happens next

[Mei · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars of 5

The book is another great addition to the series; the cringeworthy wording persists but is less prevalent. However, I have added another phrase to my lexicon: "wings of flesh," which definitely isn't about a dragon. 😅

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written, great dragon read, loved the book
Veiled Powers, A Destiny of Dragons Book 2
Book 2 of A Destiny of Dragons.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this awesome read. Full of action packed scenes, lots of plot twists, and amazing characters. Just the right amount of drama and suspense. Storyline was interesting and moved at a good pace. Caught my interest in the first chapter and never lost it. A must read book.

[Corrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow just wow

The hits keep coming, I love this twist on secret girl and dragon riders. Its action and spice packed that leave me wanting more.

[Jacquie Stolz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon shifters RH - book 2

Marriage of convenience, starts where book 1 dropped off. I expected more growth and groveling but didnt see it happen. Overall an interesting story.