Feathers and Scales

by Jessica Krueger

Feathers are her salvation.

Scales are his burden.

Together, they must balance each other or spiral into the monsters they fear becoming.

Fallen angel Izzy traded her wings for lab coats, using science to discover a path back to heaven. But when an Archfiend attacks, intent on stealing her spirit energy, Izzy is left bleeding out—until a mysterious stranger intervenes.

Daxton is a dragon shifter on the edge. If he can’t tame the beast within, he’ll become a danger to everyone around him. But something about Izzy calms the fire. Her presence soothes the dragon, and her intellect stirs something deeper. Their bond is instant, inexplicable...and possibly fatal.

Her emotional distance may not be a match for his fiery passion and unwavering support. He’s determined to win her hardened heart, but can he tame his beast to do so? When the Archfiend returns with vengeance in mind, Izzy must guard her heart, or unleash it.


Spice, violence, blood, mental illness, eating disorders, and body hatred.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

Jessica Krueger has lived all across the United States, traveling with her military husband and her fur-covered editor—a bark-at-nothing specialist—but she still calls Illinois home. A chemist by training, she’s always been fascinated by what makes things tick—whether molecules or hearts. When she couldn’t find the stories she craved—romantic, mythic, a little weird—she started writing them herself.

When she’s not writing or reading, Jessica can be found solving puzzles, playing board games and video games, or soaking up the sun on long walks with her dog. She believes in the magic of storytelling, the comfort of a good trope, and the thrill of a well-placed plot twist.

Reviews

[Amanda Luevano · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Rating: 3.75/5 ⭐️

**NON SPOILER REVIEW**

The beginning was rough for me. The first few chapters didn’t really grab me and some of the writing felt a little young. Not terrible, just not super polished. I did keep going though because the ideas themselves felt like they could turn into something interesting.

Once I got further in, it started to pick up. Still felt a bit high school feeling at times, but I was getting more intrigued. The story definitely has a cool concept, and even when I wasn’t fully obsessed, I was not bored either.

Daxton, the MMC, is definitely attractive in my brain, so that helped a lot. Book boyfriend material 👀 I did not dislike any of the main characters either, actually I quite liked a few of the side characters. Silas and Seraphina have a story I’d be interested in learning more about. Also, loved Simon. Who doesn’t love the geeky best friend sidekicks?

By the end, I felt like it was an enjoyable read. Not a new favorite, but I do not regret reading it. I would love to read the second book because I’d like to see where things go next.

**SPOILERS BELOW**

Now, for some criticism as to why it didn’t quite hit the four ⭐️ mark for me.

I got a little irritated with how much Izzy refuses to feel anything emotionally, and how often we circle around it without really delving into deeper reasons. I just wanted more of a deeper explanation rather than the short and fast one we get.

What bugged me the most was with Daxton being “lost”. The book built up that dragons being lost was a big deal, a serious thing, then it just gets resolved within two short chapters. This made it feel rushed and kind of weak compared to how important it was supposed to be.




OVERALL, even with the bumps, the concept is still there. I definitely think it’s worth reading, just wish it had been a little more polished

[Sanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much. But I am more fan of first person POV.

That distracted me trough the whole book. However I loved the story. It's something else then I am used too.

Its really well thought off

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Misty Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addictive characters, rich tension, and a world that pulls you in

Feathers and Scales by Jessica Krueger completely drew me in with its emotional intensity, vivid worldbuilding, and two unforgettable leads. Izzy and Daxton absolutely carried this story for me — their chemistry, vulnerability, and strength made every chapter feel charged and meaningful.

Izzy is fierce yet relatable, balancing resilience with heart in a way that makes you root for her instantly. Daxton? Swoon-worthy in the best way — protective, layered, and complex without feeling cliché. Together, their dynamic is magnetic. Every interaction feels authentic, full of tension, tenderness, and just enough angst to keep the pages turning. Their relationship growth felt earned, not rushed, which made the emotional payoff even stronger.

The atmosphere of the book is immersive, with a compelling blend of danger, intrigue, and romance. Krueger does a great job building stakes and keeping the momentum going, making it hard to put down. I found myself thinking about the characters even when I wasn’t reading.

My only real drawback was the point of view structure. At times, the POV shifts felt a bit distracting and pulled me out of the flow of the story. A smoother or more consistent perspective would have made the experience even stronger. That said, it didn’t take away from how invested I was in Izzy and Daxton’s journey.

Overall, this was an emotional, character-driven read with heart, tension, and memorable leads. If you love strong romance, layered characters, and stories that keep you hooked late into the night, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book as part of the ARC team!

To say I was obsessed with Feathers and Scales is an understatement! If I had to list everything I enjoyed, I'd be here forever, but the main thing that really stood out was how everything felt balanced and genuine.

For starters - you have familiar concepts like fallen angels and dragons, but they're combined in a way that feels fresh and original rather than recycled. The pacing was spot on. You're thrown straight into the action from the very first chapter and it never loses momentum. And then you have the characters. They didn't read like words on a page, but like actual people with believable reactions, flaws, and emotions. Their motivations and goals made sense, and every choice they made felt grounded in who they were rather than convenience.

Izzy was a fantastic female lead, again striking that balance between strength and awkwardness that made her relatable. Daxton was everything you want in a possessive dragon shifter, intense and protective, yet layered enough to feel like more than just a trope. The side characters were just as memorable. Every person had a purpose, and nothing felt like filler or padding.

And the romance. Izzy and Daxton’s chemistry was immediate and completely believable. I loved how clearly it showed what they saw in each other and what they each brought to the relationship.

I love a good plot, but I always stay for the romance, and this book definitely delivered on both! I can't wait to read more from this author and hope to see more books in this world.

[Jenny Hoards Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this story absolutely grabbed me and refused to let go. From the very start you're pulled in to this world where the lore is both familiar and new. You have fallen angels, dragon shifters, and demons all in a modern world that is oblivious to them. There is A LOT of world building and backstory but I love the way it was handled. You are learning about the history of these races as they are learning about each other, and I really appreciated the amount of thought and effort was put in to the descriptions. There is fantasy mixed with theology and the concept was absolutely addicting.

Izzy had me very curious as well. Our FMC is very Sherlock Holmes inspired, brilliant and deductive but has the social skills of reclusive book nerd. Paired with Daxton, our possessive fiery shifter, who is waging an internal war with a dominant dragon. These two have immediate chemistry and I loved every minute of it. They balance each other in such an incredible way and their banter has me kicking me feet. Add in dear sweet loveable Simon and these characters really did just win me over.

I really enjoyed this book and I am glad to see that there is another coming! While this one didn't end on a cliffhanger ( thank you) there is much more plot to plot and a mystery to solve. I can't wait to continue and see more of all of these amazing characters!

[Gabo · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you for the opportunity to read this book as part of the ARC team!

This ARC completely won me over with its confident writing and characters that feel thoughtfully built rather than sketched. What really stood out to me is how human the character interactions feel—conversations unfold like real people talking, emotional honesty that make the relationships feel lived-in.

The heart of the book is the push-and-pull between its central pair, a cautious, task-driven fallen angel and a dragon shifter who is equal parts protective, loving, curious and witty. Their accidental bond creates a delicious tension without ever losing its sweetness. The shifter’s promise to help the angel find answers sets them on a shared journey where trust grows slowly and naturally. Watching them learn each other, challenge each other, and ultimately fall in love is deeply satisfying. This is a story that understands that romance shines brightest when character comes first—and it absolutely delivers.

[Curated In Ink · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved every part of this world and it was such an interesting concept. Let’s be honest, at this point dragons are overdone. Don’t get me wrong, I love a dragon shifter book, but they are all quite similar. This one however, is not because you have the added element of fallen angels. Both species have been fighting a war against the same enemy but didn’t know about each other’s existence.

It’s definitely a slow burn romance and he falls first. Izzy the FMC is a fallen angel who hunts demons in order to regain her feathers, she’s a little more reserved and it’s almost like she’s a little neuro spicy, which I can totally relate to. She is highly intelligent and has trouble with social niceties, whereas Daxton our MMC, a dragon chief, shows her how to embrace her human side and emotions to enjoy life to the fullest.

All in all, a great read and I’m so grateful for the opportunity have received an ARC of this book. I’m also excited for the next book in the series as I’m not ready for this world to be over.

[Jaz Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I’m such a sucker for shifter books and this one really tops it off. Not only do you have dragon shifters but fallen angels and archfeinds which are when fallen angels turn evil. I’m not usually an angel trope kinda girl but this one has some unique aspects that really keep your attention. The plot and storyline are seriously amazing and so interesting that you never get bored and you are always dying to keep reading and know more! Add onto the dragon shifter hottie who is a patient man that makes the slow burn so worth it and add some emotions and craziness and a seriously happy ending and you’ll absolutely love this book! Lots of action and fighting and old unsuspecting enemies and newfound friends and hey there’s even demon hunting involved! This book really has it all and I can’t wait for the rest of the series !

[Marjorie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feathers and Scales is a strong and compelling first installment in Jessica Krueger’s fallen-angel series. Krueger crafts a world where exiled angels have spent centuries trying—and failing—to claw their way back to Heaven, their mortality both a curse and a constant reminder of what they’ve lost. The story wastes no time drawing the reader in: early on, Izzy narrowly escapes death at the hands of an Archfiend, surviving only by forging an unexpected bond with a human who is far more powerful than he first appears. This moment sets the tone for a fast-paced, emotionally charged narrative filled with tension, mystery, and a growing sense that nothing in this universe is as simple as it seems. A gripping start that promises even more intrigue in the volumes to come.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Fallen angels and dragon shifters? Sign me up immediately.

This book checked so many boxes for me, starting with the fallen angel trope—which I’ve loved since I was younger and am more than ready to see make a comeback. Pleasssseeeee

As the first book in a series, there’s a lot of world building, but it never felt overwhelming. Which to be honest can sometimes really make it hard for me to enjoy the book.

I LOVE ME A SLOW BURN ROMANCE OKAY?! But with that being said I know some people don't so I always like to mention it.

By the time I reached the end, I was ready for the next book. Please. Drop it in my hand. Thank you.

This was a strong start to what promises to be a compelling series, and I’m very excited to continue both this story and explore more books from this author.

Thank you to booksirens and the author for this eARC! 🪽✨

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG! I loved this story and I want more. Honestly from the title I thought I figured what the book would be about but nope. It took me for a ride. It was wonderful. While I was reading I could actively imagine the places, characters and the emotions they were experiencing. It was as if I was there.

I can’t wait until I can own my own copy of this book! I absolutely enjoyed how I would read a chapter and be like I need more information and in the next chapter I got it. I stopped for a second and was like damn this author knew what I wanted.

As for only 4 stars out of 5 well; it is because even though I enjoyed the book it didn’t sweep me off my feet. I honestly very rarely give 5 stars on books to reserve how special they are. I enjoyed this book so much and I look forward to reading more books from this author.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a love for me. I fell in love with Izzy and Daxton based on their personalities. I loved how she was a fallen angel and kind of a nerdy girl. And Daxton is a dragon shifter fighting an internal war with a dominant dragon. The way this was written rest catches your attention and holds onto it. Every character was very well written, and relatable. I loved that you weren’t just reading a story, you were standing with the characters going through their emotions and struggled with them. I loved the world building. It was so beautifully descriptive. The twists and turns were great. I loved the intense moments and everything in between. The romance was perfect. Nothing overtly done, which made it nice. It helped the story flow nicely.
I can’t wait to see what comes next with this author.

[Crystal Grimshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love dragon shifters so the blurb of this book immediately captured my attention. This was such a different take on dragon shifters and how it was tied into the fallen angels was really intriguing. This is told in third person which usually has me struggling just a little to fully immerse myself into the story but honestly I forgot it wasn’t in first person. Izzy and Daxton kind of accidentally “bond” when she is injured and finds herself in his spirit cavity with his dragon. I loved how they both were afraid of whatever link they formed but still cautiously worked together. Although they are a slow burn, their chemistry is fire. I can’t wait to read more of the dragons and angels. I am so interested in this world! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Great world building.

[JaimiRidgeway · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader/Spoiler free- I loved this book. Once I started reading, I did not want to stop. The tension and yearning between the FMC/MMC is all I wanted in a book, their story is perfectly paced. Not rushed but also not overly delayed, the plot was laid out very nicely and enjoyable. The main “side” character, it’s a real treat as well, I love his addition to the story. As for spice, it isn’t closed door but also not very explicit, I think it would be great for someone just getting into spicy reads. If you’re looking for something darker and 5/5 peppers spicy, this is not the book for you-though you should still give it a shot as it is a very very good read. 4/5 read for me, I read it as an ARC reading on KU but I will be buying a physical copy as well!

[Auttie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m going to start this off by saying this, this book is very clearly the first book in a series. Lots and lots of world and story building. The characters are well written and I really liked the “opposites attract” vibe to it. I love when a MMC is a bit of a chaser. I also really enjoyed the supporting characters. I think that the other books in the series will be better because this one had so much build up. That being said, not a bad read. I wanted to give 3.5 stars.

Extremely slow burn, if that’s not your vibe don’t pick it up. I also found that the characters relied pretty heavily on their “link” the romance didn’t feel genuine until closer to the end, another reason I think the next books will be better. Overall I’m excited to read the second one!

[Desiree Glauner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. I need part two. I was not expecting to love this as much as I did!
The plot? Fallen angels, dragons, demons, and a secondary evil? Yes please.
The romance, the confusion, the undeniable bond between Daxton and Izzy? Uhhhh yes.
Izzy is a fallen angel who has lived centuries trying to collect feathers to go home to heaven. She didn’t care much about the human world. Just needed her feathers..
Then here came Daxton out of no where. Her knight who saved her life.
Where do they go from there? What does a dragon have to offer a fallen angel who doesn’t necessarily care about the tribulations of the “humans”?
Read the book to find out

[Makenna Moffat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The put of this book had me intrigued. I'm not a huge fan of the angel trope, but pairing it with a dragon shifter romance definitely made it more enjoyable. I liked how Izzy and Daxtons personalities played off of eachother. I personally thought the first chapter was confusing, it was hard to tell what was even happening and I found myself having to reread it a solid 3 times before understanding what was going on. In the end I wasn't devouring the book like i had hoped, but it was still a nice read. The plot just wasn't sucking me in like i wanted it to and i found that it was talking me longer than usual to get through a book this size.

[2DMAE · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️s
I was lucky enough to received this as an ARC. If you are into fantasy with human aspects, shifting, high risk, & a roller coaster of emotions, then Feathers and Scales is for you. The emotional turmoil the FMC & MMC go through separately AND together come together perfectly. The yearninggggg was *chefs kiss*. The way it read was as if there was a narrator, which I wasn't expecting. By the end, I don't think it would have been as good in first person. I had to really pay attention at the beginning to not be totally confused going forward. I am super excited for the next book. Daxton has become one of my newest book boyfriends.

[Raefield Schulz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the characters and the whole premise of the book! the first couple chapters I felt a little confused trying to wrap my head around what was going on initially. And the story did at times felt like it wasn't flowing smoothly. But I overall did enjoy the read. It was definitely something new having Fallen angels and dragon shifters in one book! The chemistry between the MMC and MFC was good and their development is throughly enjoyed. I will be reading book two!

[Cat1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feathers And Scales is an interesting and imaginative story. Dalton is a dragon shifter. Izzy is a fallen angel. An Archfiend attacks Izzy, but Daxton is able to save Izzy. They have a bond that happens instantly, when Daxton lifts Izzy and takes her to safety. Izzy is a research scientist who wants to figure out what the bond means and why it happened. Daxton wants to get to know Izzy and protect her from the Archfiend. As they spend time together they find love and each other. It's an enjoyable journey with excitement and sensuality.

[Jay Meika · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most notable thing I can mention would probably be the POV. The book is written in a third person POV that tells you everything from a narrator's voice, but all it made me feel, personally, was disconnected. I gave it two stars because I was really forcing myself to finish this one. I couldn't really connect with any of the characters and the plot didn't do much for me either. Not to say there isn't someone that might like this book, it just wasn't for me.

I will add that I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[DawnTidwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very slow romance with ongoing fight against evil.

This is a very slow romance with an intimate scene about 30 pages from the end. Izzy is a Fallen looking to earn her wing feathers back. In order to gain her feathers back though, she fights and vanquishes the underworld. When she is severely injured, Daxton, a warrior dragon shifter finds her. Izzy uses his strength to rest and heal. His dragon bonds immediately to her. In the process of them teaming up together, they start to build their relationship.

[Amber Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started this book, I was very unsure about it. It took me the first few chapters to get engaged with it. After that though it was a whole new ballgame. I felt like I couldn’t put it down! I was constantly annoying my husband about it while he played video games. The characters were amazing and I loved their internal struggles. I also appreciated that the book was left open without an emotion pulling cliffhanger. There could be more but I felt like the couple was in a great place which I appreciated. Feathers and Scales was definitely a fun and exciting way to start my 2026 reading journey.

[Kathryn Paluszak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the plot. This was a whole new world I’d never seen before with dragons and fallen, the concept was amazing! I loved the relationship between Dacron and Izzy, how they help each other grow and become what they need to be. Simon was funny and so smart, he really was the best coherent. I will say I wish there was more detail. The book jumped around and didn’t flow super well. It could totally be fleshed out more. Overall I really enjoyed reading it and can’t wait for book two!

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy and Daxton story had danger, adrenaline, suspense, betrayal, insecurities, and a happiness that was hard earned.
A clever enemy that proved to be someone hold dear, challenges that chipped at her heart, a couple of mysteries that needed to be solved, and some discoveries that tipped the balance.
Their relationship is slow developing but the end result is ever lasting and brings them completion.
Amid their happiness a new mystery forms that will need to be solved.

[Sam Yaworski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It has such a unique premise with Izzy being a fallen angel and Daxton being a dragon. I love when MMC's immediately want to protect the FMC even though they had just met. The chemistry between them makes Daxton a perfect book boyfriend. Thea was also an interesting character and I can not wait to see where their story goes when Flames and Ashes releases in the spring of 2026. Thank you for the opportunity to read as an ARC.

[Chante Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great! I have never seen or read fantasy like this and really enjoyed the new ideas explored. The lore behind the characters beings was well developed, and I enjoyed how everything wasn't just outright explained from the start. It had a great slow burn, leaving you wanting more.

I really enjoyed being apart of this ARC reading group. Thank you for the opportunity and I cannot wait for the next book!

[Erica L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a slow burn that I didn’t know I needed with a story that had me genuinely interested.

Izzy, the hard shelled but internally soft FMC had only one purpose to fulfill - get her feathers and get to heaven. Little did she know just how drastically different her life would turn out after a chance encounter in a cave. Daxton was what most girls dream of. Kind, hardworking and helpful to all those around him all while having a raging dragon inside that he was afraid to uncage. Together these two find out that what they’ve needed all along was each other for a purpose far greater than themselves.

Definitely looking forward to the next book!

[audiobookaddictnohely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Izzy is determined to reclaim her feathers and a ticket to heaven... even if the quest seems impossible.
Fate detours her into Daxton’s path and the dragon he fears to unleash, sparking secrets neither can ignore. Suddenly wings aren’t the only thing worth chasing. Feathers and Scales delivers exiled angels, deadly Archfiends, and a bond that flips everything upside down.

[The Book Haven · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read—I’d definitely recommend it. The pace is smooth, the plot is gripping, and the romance is honestly my favorite part. It all comes together in a way that feels real and keeps you hooked from start to finish.

✨️ I received an ARC copy, and I'm giving my honest opinion in this review. ✨️