Her Fake Dragon Husband

Laurel Gap Dragons #2

by Daphne Moore, Lainie Anderson

She needs a husband.
He needs a reason to break his own rules.
One marriage of convenience…and a spark that refuses to die.


I’ve always been the girl with too many colors and not enough calm. An artist with ADHD, a trust-fund wild card, the Ashbourne daughter everyone underestimates. But when my best friend needed saving, I drained every cent I had to help her escape a nightmare marriage. Now the only way to access the rest of my inheritance is to find a husband.
Enter Sheriff Xavier Meyer. He's quiet, controlled, impossible to read, and the last man on earth I expected to say yes.
We’re supposed to be married for one year. Strictly business, but he keeps looking at me like I’m already his.


I’ve spent my whole life keeping order. On patrol, in my family, in the parts of myself that shift into scales when emotions run too hot. Chaos? Not my thing. Until Gerty Ashbourne crashes into my life with her bright laugh, her messy heart, and a marriage contract she offers like it's nothing.
I shouldn’t want her. She’s sunshine, motion, magic in motion. Everything my dragon aches for and everything I’ve sworn I’m too dangerous to claim. But the moment she puts her hand in mine, something ancient settles in my bones.
Mine. When threats circle Laurel Gap, both human and supernatural, I’ll burn the world down before I let anything touch her.

A cozy-spicy marriage-of-convenience dragon romance about unexpected love, gentle devotion, and the way two opposites fit perfectly when fate has claws.
______________________________________
Tropes
✔️ Marriage of convenience
✔️ Opposites attract
✔️ Cozy small town with magic
✔️ ADHD sunshine artist heroine
✔️ Stoic dragon-shifter hero
✔️ Protective hero / “only soft for her”
✔️ Found family
✔️ Warm + spicy + heart-tugging

Each book in the Laurel Gap Dragons series is a complete standalone. They can be read in any order.

Genres: Fantasy

598 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2026

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I loved how you get to know Gerty and her unique ways more. You find out what a kind hearted person she is and get the sense she really will do anything for the ones she cares about.
Xavier is a great character you get to see through his broodiness and see how he starts to fall for Gerty is lovely.

You find out more about the hunters and Tash makes a few appearances as well so it’s definitely worth reading her book first.

But overall a great book to read and would really recommend it.

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than a marriage of convenience
I just loved Getty and Xavier’s story (and not just because his dragon and my son share a name).
This is cute and whimsical but also exciting, dramatic, heartwarming, relatable and entertaining.
I thoroughly enjoyed the imagery the author uses expertly to create this magical world. I also enjoyed the return of many of the characters from book one.
This has everything going on from betrayal and kidnapping, to found family and deep emotion. It’s got drama, action, danger, humour, banter, romance and steam.
I can’t wait for more from Laurel Gap.

[TaylorDee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this had the potential to be really good. I really enjoyed Getty and Xavier as people but I didn’t feel any chemistry between them. Their relationship confused me.
They started this relationship super quickly. They became easy friends and I wish they’d stayed friends longer.
They quickly started having sex and it felt strange, like there was no real buildup, they just like, ended up in bed together.
They still questioned their feelings for each other even though they were sleeping with each other.
It was an interesting plot but it feel lacking everywhere else

[Sara Speck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but drug out and loose ends.

Its got a good story. FMC with traumatic past and raised by her grandmother who shelters her from the family business. Secret Dragon shifter MMC whose family was murdered but dragon hunters and he was raised with cousins. She escapes a creepy tinder date and catches a ride home with a cop after a small disaster. They hit it off but both are weary of the other.
Also, about halfway through I was wondering if the book would end soon because it seemed to be dragging out.



below

So at one point she is so broke that she must marry to receive her trust fund from a dead relative. She asks him to marry her (for the trust fund to activate) and of course he says yes. He is not broke but never says anythingShe is focused on money for the majority of the book, then she gets kidnapped and when the book ends the money (the main point of this book) has not been mentioned since the marriage / reception which is pretty early or about half way through the book. Did she ever get the money? Is Bennett okay? Did the truce get signed? I'm left with many loose ends.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This much anticipated second book in the series exceeded my expectations.
Many of the characters from the first book make an appearance, but this in no way affects the storyline of the book. However it would be my preference to read the series in order so as to get the full backstory of the history of Laurel Gap, the characters and the events leading up to Gerty and Xavier's story.

After her generosity leaves her in a bind, Gerty needs to access her inheritance but to do so she must be married. On a date going wrong Xavier comes to her rescue and so begins their journey from a marriage of convenience to a HEA. Xander (Xavier's dragon) has a lot to say when it comes to Gerty and the back and forth between man and dragon is very entertaining.

Besides the growing attraction and sizzling chemistry between Gerty and Xavier and the ever present threat of the hunters, there is a hint of mystery surrounding Gerty and her past. Danger is lurking and when it comes striking from an unexpected source the revelations are startling. Gerty and Xavier have to dig deep for strength, trust and understanding before they get their HEA.

This is not the end! Something mysterious is still lurking around Laurel Gap, a truce between the Hunters and the Shifters is being brokered with conditions that must be met and people who must be present. I'll be waiting impatiently to find out more in Evan and Kira's story up next!


I gratefully received an Arc of this story and this is my honest review.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Xavier and Gerty! *SQUEEEE* Just slightly happy about that 😉 Enjoyed every dang page. Gerty SO deserved her HEA, and Xavier is the perfect man for her—steady, strong, fearless, good to her, and sexy-SEXY! Almost all the old gang from book 1 make an appearance here—and they all make mentions throughout. It’s pretty amazing how fantastic Daphne Moore is with descriptions. When Gerty was painting, or charcoal drawing, I could ‘see’ her artwork as clearly as if I were standing in the same room—the whole of the book was this way. I felt like a visitor in Laurel Gap. An invisible, silent invader walking through their most private moments. Thoroughly enjoyed Her Fake Dragon Husband. ***Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Xavier
FMC:
✨Gerty
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 2: Laurel Gap Dragons
Tropes:
👉cozy paranormal romance
👉magical small town romance
👉fated mates
👉opposites attract
👉marriage of convenience
👉ADHD sunshine artist fmc
👉stoic dragon-shifter mmc
👉found family
👉protective mmc
👉only soft for ‘her’
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
💥violence, kidnapping, immuring
💥death
💥betrayal, prejudices
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. For the most past it was a sweet, cozy little book about a book bout a woman and a dragon shifter figuring they're falling in love in each with each other each other. I'm not going to lie though, Xander favorite is my favorite, with Sue as a close second. I'm allowed to have cats and dragons as favorites, shut up

So, this is a mostly cozy kinda book, a little angsty, but, overall, it leaves warm fuzzies behind. There are references to events from the previous book, but it's still more a interconnected standalone than a you-NEED-to-read-them-all-in-order kinda book. I'm already looking forward to Evan and Kira's story because sass

I will say, I knew there was more to Shehan's story/connection from the beginning, and I hope the next book (or maybe the one after) reveals just how much he suffered (continues to suffer?) for his actions. Please?

Oh, also, Grace? She's great. Hopefully, her overflowing confidence will help Gerty with her own.

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

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series which is just as great as the first. I highly suggest reading the first book as well to help with your enjoyment of this author's writing skills. I have enjoyed this author's book from the first book I picked up. I enjoy this author's use of details that make the story realistic, as if I was right there with the characters. I also enjoy this author's creative writing skills that make their characters pop. This is a story about opposites attracting and an unexpected love. A marriage of convience that has a spark that has no reason to go out. I enjoyed all the characters in this story. They are strong, engaging and well written. I also enjoyed watching the growth of the plot and characters that made the story easy to read and entertaining as well. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤗🩷A fantastic second volume!

Gerty absolutely had to get married to access the money she'd been bequeathed.

Tonight's date with the stranger might be the one, at least she fervently hoped so, because her bank account was desperately empty...

****

A truly captivating story from the "Laurel Creeks Dragon" series, recounting Xavier and Gerty's first encounter.

The characters are very well-developed, with Gerty being quite complex and Xavier mysterious.

I really enjoyed the authors' writing style and the novel's captivating plot.

A thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read!
I can't wait to read volume 3!

Highly recommended!

[Cat1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Fake Dragon Husband is a fantastic book. Gerty needs a husband to get her inheritance, but finds so much more. It's a delightful story with wonderful characters. Xavier's dragon, Xander, is magical and wants Gerty for his mate. The story is heartwarming with some exciting, tense moments that will keep you up reading all hours of the night, like myself. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Her Fake Dragon Husband makes a great book to relax and read over the weekend.

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

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
This is the second story in the Laurel Gap Dragons and I enjoyed it immensely.
This book features Gerty and Xavier and follows their fake marriage so that Gerty can gain access to her inheritance.
It was a story with lots of emotions, love, spice and danger where two very opposite people find themselves falling in love and finding each other.
The authors do a wonderful job of painting a vivid image in your mind, it was very descriptive.
Thank you Daphne Moore, Lainie Anderson and DM PR for the opportunity to read this book.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed all of the world building and background to this story. A world where human and mythical beings exist amidst a clash for “control” if protection from the other allows for anything to happen. With Gerty and Xavier introduced in the previous novel, it was nice to see their story unfold. Sometimes rational minds need to accept differences in order to see truth and move forward. I loved how this pair was able to eventually find their own way.

I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with the books. Getty and Xavier were so wonderful in this. They’re just too cute. I love the writing, it’s done so well, so much depth and description. I truly love a book that has the ability to allow you to see it play out in your mind. And that’s what this book did.
This is the type of book that sit and take your time reading. No devouring this one. Curl up, get comfy, and enjoy a few days to read this. I absolutely love this author, and I’m looking forward to reading more.

[Zara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better! Great characters, romance, and wit. Not to mention the dragons/witches/magic involved - this is not a typical "fake relationship" trope kind of story, and I was hooked from the first page.
If you're looking for something romantic and steamy, with some fated paranormal-ness at play, look no further!
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerty, an artist, needs a husband to get the rest of her inheritance, and dragon shifter Xavier, who is the local Sheriff, wants her for his mate. This is a fun, paranormal, shifter romance about how a marriage of convenience turned into real love. The writing is good, the characters are fun, and the ending is great. Her Fake Dragon Husband is book two, and a great addition to the Laurel Gap Dragons series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Fake Dragon Husband Book 2 of Laurel Gap Dragons by Lainie Anderson but can be read as a standalone. Xavier and Gerty make a crazy, wonderful romantic, smexy couple! I love the straitlaced by the book Xavier and the flighty wild child, artsy Gerty fake marriage turned fated mates. Great story!

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

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gerty and Xavier get their story in this book and I really enjoyed it. They are very, very different but when a short term marriage of convenience becomes more you know emotions are going to be going full blast and the HEA is just waiting to happen.

[Georgen Charnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Laurel Gap Dragons series. Both books have interesting world-building and characters. I like that when a human woman is the mate of a dragon, his bite turns her into a dragon! Yea!

The plot was unique and more complex than the usually drive toward HEA with repetitive emotional angst descriptions.

[Doreen Tuell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

I really liked this story. While it is a stand alone book, it's kind of like a part 2. Without reading the first book, parts of this one would be confusing.

[Marley Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, so much so i read on one sitting.
Xavier and Gerty's story kept me enthralled the entire book. The Author definitely knows how to keep the readers interest .